Messages of God's Love: 1928

2. "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.

3. Forty and two months. Rev. 11:2.

4. They cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of the One on the throne. Rev. 6:16.

5. Moses and Elijah. Exodus 7:19; 1 Kings 17:1.

6. (a) A little strength; (b) keeping His Word; (c) not denying His Name. Rev. 3:8.

7. (a) The things which thou hast seen; (b) the things which are; (c) the things which shall be hereafter. Rev. 1:19.

Bible Questions for January
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 1-9

1. How did the Lord Jesus meet the Devil's three temptations in the wilderness?

2. In what way did Jesus take our infirmities and bear our sicknesses?

3. What is the meaning of the name Emmanuel?

4. How do we know the Lord Jesus did not have a home here?

5. What does our Lord tell us to seek first ?

6. What are we to do to those who are our enemies, curse, hate and persecute us?

7. Where should we lay up our treasures?

Messages of God’s Love 1/1/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 14

Of Amaziah, son of Joash, we read but little that commends him in the sight of God. We need not doubt that the mention of his mother's name is for a reason, and that seems to be connected with his character and conduct which are referred to immediately afterward. Jehoaddan is one of twelve mothers named in succession in this part of 2 Kings. We judge that she had done what she could for her boy, in training him for the duties and responsibilities of the king of Judah, pointing him to his great ancestor king David, who except for one flagrant sin which cost him dearly, was a man who feared God and walked before Him.

But Amaziah had a poor example in his own father there was a measure of godliness about him, but his record was not better than his father's. 2 Chronicles 25:2 adds the key to Amaziah's history: he served God after a fashion, but not with a full heart.

He righteously punished the murderers of his father, and profiting by the defeat that his father had suffered from the Syrians, he strengthened his army. But this led to Amaziah's worshiping the false gods of the Edomites whom he attacked and subdued. This part of his history is left untold in 2 Kings, because the moral history, the motives of the heart, are rather the subject of the Chronicles than of the Kings.

In our chapter we learn of Amaziah's being lifted up with pride, and what befell him because of it, but Chronicles shows there was a deeper cause—idolatry— which invited his humiliation at the hand of the king of Israel. He came to a violent death, too,—not very unusual for the kings of Israel, yet not so often the case with those of Judah. But Judah was fast following in the footsteps of the larger kingdom.

Azariah, better known by the name of Uzziah given in 2 Chronicles 26; Hosea 1:1, and Amos 1:1 followed Amaziah to the throne of Judah. We learn of his reign in the following chapter, but here we are introduced again to the affairs of Israel, over whom a second Jeroboam was now reigning. This Jeroboam was like so many of his predecessors of whom language similar to verse 24 is used, "He did evil in the sight of the Lord," etc.

Verse 25 fixes the date of the prophet Jonah, and we are reminded in the appearance of the three prophets, Hosea, Amos and Jonah at this time, that God's care for His poor wayward people had not ceased.

Would they return to the God of their fathers? Alas, no.

Messages of God’s Love 1/1/1928

Robbie

A GENTLEMAN was sitting one afternoon with his little girl, reading to her from a book of Bible stories. After speaking of God's holiness and how no sin can remain in His presence, her father said, "Now, tell me, dear, are you fit to enter heaven?" There was silence, and while the little child was thinking, a little voice answered from the far end of the room,

"I know that I am fit, for I am washed in the Saviour's precious blood."

Little Robbie had been listening too, and gave the right answer. He used often to say,

"I know I am a sinner, but I trust Jesus. who died."

Though only a little boy, he believed he was sheltered by the precious blood of Christ.

A little while after this he was talking one evening to his mother and said,

"Suppose to-night, mamma, I should go to sleep and not wake up to-morrow morning ?"

"Well," she answered, "that would be a very solemn thing. Where do you think you would go, Robbie?"

"To heaven," he replied with a smile.

"But you are a sinner." "I know, but my sins are forgiven."

"How do you know that ?"

"Why, Jesus died," he answered.

True enough, Jesus died, and our blessed Jesus died for little boys and girls who trust Him. He bore the wrath, He bore the punishment, and He rose from the grave, having put sin away. May you rest on that blessed truth that Jesus died.

Do you, dear reader, know your own sinfulness, and that you often do wrong, and so deserve punishment from God? If so, there is only one way for you to find peace and rest. God, against whom you have sinned, has found and provided a way of escape for you—it is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, His beloved Son. The blood can cleanse you, and Jesus invites you to come to Him, the One who shed it, and get everlasting life. Do not delay! Come to Jesus now!

Messages of God’s Love 1/1/1928

Dog In A Manger

WHAT an interesting picture this is! Do you little readers know what it means ?

A manger is a kind of box in a barn or stable, in which a man puts hay and grain for his horse or his cow. Just as we have tables and dishes from which to eat our meals, so horses and cattle have mangers for theirs.

In today's picture we see the beautiful face of a cow, and her food is there in the manger all ready for her.

But she is not eating. I wonder why? See the dog showing his teeth!

Probably when this good, peaceable cow starts to take a bite, he growls at her and frightens her.

He doesn't like hay himself, and isn't going to eat any; and yet he won't let the cow eat it.

I hope none of my readers have that kind of a disposition. But sometimes we do try to keep others from enjoying themselves, even though we do not gain anything by doing so.

Does this picture remind any of you of Proverbs 3:27 ?

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."

The hay was put in the manger for the cow and she has a right to eat it, but the dog won't let her. The Lord wants us to give to others the things that belong to them. It also pleases Him to have us share with others the things that belong to us by right.

Let us then, not be selfish, nor jealous if we see someone else enjoying something that we care nothing about. But

"LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL." Gal. 6:10.

Messages of God’s Love 1/1/1928

Some One Knocking

During midnight's silent hour,

At your heart's shut door,

Stands a Stranger knocking, waiting,—

He has knocked before.

Have you heard that sound of knocking,

Felt the weight of sin ?

Ah, it is your Saviour calling—

"Open, let Me in!"

Death's cold hand may soon arrest you,

Claim you as its prey,

And with terror you must enter

An untrodden way.

There with anguish you'll remember

All His love and pain

Who has stood, and knocked, and waited,

Waited, but in vain.

Ah! no tears, no prayers can save you,

It is now too late;

And in vain you stand there knocking,

Knocking at the gate.

Calling at the gate of heaven—

"Open, let me in!"

Proving now how death, and torment,

Wages are of sin.

Yes, you call; but what an answer

Strikes upon your ear—

"Sinful soul, I never knew you,

You've no portion here."

Come then, now, poor trembling sinner,

Open now your heart,

Jesus Christ in grace will enter

Never to depart.

————

Yes; though high in heavenly glory,

Still the Saviour calls to thee:

Faith can hear His gracious accents—

"Come, dear children, come to Me."

Messages of God’s Love 1/1/1928

The Rabbit

No doubt most of my young readers have been much interested in little rabbits and have watched their funny antics and taken great delight in feeding them.

Here in our picture we see a trap laid for the little creature, and he is just about to go into it.

May we remember that Satan has traps for our feet to catch us and lead us into sin, but he does that because he is an enemy of God, and wants to spoil all of God's creation. So what he does is to destroy.

If that little rabbit only knew that it was a trap he was about to enter, he would not go in, but he does not know it, and he is enticed by the food that is put in sight.

And that is the way Satan tries to do; he puts something attractive before people to lead them on and on, till he gets them into that which will bear bad results.

The way to avoid Satan's snares or traps is, to fear to displease the Lord, as the Scriptures give us,

"THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH." Prov. 14:27.

Messages of God’s Love 1/8/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 15

Another mother comes before us here in connection with the new king of Judah, Azariah or Uzziah. There was that to commend about him, and it is mentioned in the brief review of verses 3 and 4. He reigned many years, and 2 Chronicles 26 lets us know that this king sought God in the days of a certain Zechariah. Uzziah had understanding in the visions of God, and just as long as he had God before him, he prospered. He warred, he built, he provided wells and towers, adding to the peace and prosperity of the country; his name spread abroad, for he was marvelously helped till he was strong; but his heart, like that of his father, was lifted up, and he brought on himself the judgment of God.

What no other than a priest had done, he did,—daring to enter the holy place to burn incense there, and he came out a leper. Again, for the inner history of the man, the moral history, we turn to 2 Chronicles, and 2 Kings giving an outline only of his life. Jotham, his son, acted as king during the king's leprosy, and succeeded to the throne upon Uzziah's death.

It was at this period that the great prophet Isaiah was raised up. Indeed, to learn the true state of the nation we must read the prophecies of Isaiah and his contemporaries, Hosea and Amos.

Zachariah, son of the second Jeroboam reigned over Israel only six months; few and evil were his days, ending with his murder, not secretly, but before the people, by Shallum the son of Jabesh who seized the kingdom. Thus ended the reign of the house of Jehu (verse 12), but Shallum was king only a month when Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah and killed him, making himself king.

Menahem began his reign with cruelty, and held the throne ten years, but the king of Assyria came against him, and exacted a heavy tribute. Dying, he was succeeded by his son Pekahiah who reign_ed two years. His life was like that of those who had gone before him. Pekah the son of Remaliah, one of Pekahiah's captains, conspired against the new king and with others, killed him. This murderer held the throne of Israel twenty years.

Evil as his predecessors, was Pekah; God was forgotten,—disowned. In his reign came another Assyrian king, and entering the northern and eastern portions of the land, carried away many of the people of Israel to be captives.

Hoshea, son of Elah killed Pekah and made himself king, adding another name to the list of murderers occupying in turn the throne of Israel. The chapter closes with a glance back at Judah. Jotham was king sixteen years at Jerusalem; his was a better reign than some of his predecessors; but nationally the people were sinking deeper and deeper in sin, and God sent both the king of Syria and the king of Israel against Judah for punishment.

Messages of God’s Love 1/8/1928

Emily's Dream

HOW good it is to know that God is a God of love and that He has many ways of speaking to us, if only we have ears to hear. I am going to tell you a story about Emily and how God spoke to her.

She had been sent away from home to a boarding-school in the country, and it was while staying there that she had a remarkable dream which she has never forgotten to this day, for it was through the dream that she was led to seek and find a Saviour.

As her parents were Christian people there is no doubt that she had often heard them speak of the Lord Jesus coming again to this earth, as we read in Scripture, to take away all those who love Him; and that was what she dreamed— that the Lord had come and taken her father and mother away, while she was left behind.

Although she was asleep, the thought was terrible that if her parents had been taken and she left, she knew that all hope of salvation for her was over forever.

Awaking out of her sleep in deep distress, she pushed violently at the bell, which instantly brought the matron into her room to know what was the matter. She told her trouble to the matron, who being a Christian woman could easily understand her sorrow, and she was able to assure her that the Lord Jesus had not yet come.

Somehow this did not comfort her very much, and she thought if only she were at home with her father and mother, she would be quite sure that she was all right.

But the fact is, God was speaking to her about her soul, though it was only a dream, and by that dream she was led to seek Christ as her Saviour, and we know there is no other One who can fit us for the presence of a Holy God but the Lord Jesus, who has loved us and given Himself for us.

I believe that God has often spoken to boys and girls by means of a dream, but we don't always heed the voice or the warning as the case may be. As we read in Scripture, God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

Now that we have a complete Bible, there is no need for God to speak by an audible voice straight from heaven, as He did to Samuel in Old Testament times or to Saul on the road to Damascus. No, there is everything in His precious book that we need to know, and though God may sometimes speak by means of dreams, yet His usual way now is to bring some text of Scripture to our notice that contains the message He has for us.

For instance, suppose we are in the Sunday-school, and someone gives an address on the text,

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

Many of the boys and girls may think nothing of it, yet there may be one or two that are arrested by it. The text strikes their attention, they think about it, they go home; but the text still seems to sound in their ears.

Why is this ? Very likely it is because God is speaking to them through that text, and they begin to think: If all have sinned, it must include me. Then they begin to look around, and in their hearts they say,

"What must I do to be saved ?"

When they reach that point, it is generally not long before they get the answer to the question,

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

Reader, have you believed on that blessed One ?

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Matt. 24:44.

Messages of God’s Love 1/8/1928

Little Pillows

A LITTLE girl we will call Ethel, was away from home on a week's visit. The first night when she was tucked up in bed, and just ready for a good-night kiss, I said, "Now, shall I give you a little pillow ?"

Ethel lifted her head to see what was under it, and said, "I have one, Auntie!"

"It was another sort of a pillow that I meant to give you; I wonder if you will like it ?"

So then Ethel saw it was not a question of feathers and pillowcase; still she did not understand, and so she laughed and said, "Do tell me at once, Auntie, what you mean; don't keep me waiting to guess!"

Then I told her that, just as we wanted a nice soft pillow to lay our heads down upon at night, our hearts wanted a pillow too, something to rest upon, some true sweet word that we might go to sleep upon happily and peacefully. And that it was a good plan always to take a little text for our pillow every night. So she had one that night, and the next night.

The third night I was prevented from coming up till long after Ethel ought to have been asleep. But there were the bright eyes peeping out robin-red-breast fashion, and a reproachful little voice said,

"Auntie, you have not given me any little pillow tonight!"

"Then, do you really care about having the little pillows given you, Ethel ?"

"O, of course I do!" was the answer. She did not seem to think there could possibly be any doubt about it. Certainly, the way in which she said that "of course!" showed that she had no doubt about it.

So it seems that perhaps other little ones would like to have "little pillows" put ready for every night. For even little hearts are sometimes very weary, and want something to rest upon; and a happy little heart, happy in the love of Jesus, will always be glad to have one of His own sweet words to go to sleep upon. When you lie down and shut your eyes, let your heart rest on some of His precious words, the "little pillow" till "He giveth His beloved sleep."

Here are a few little pillows for you, and you may think of many others:-

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psa. 23:1.

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3.

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5.

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee." Isa. 43:1.

"Underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut. 33:27.

"He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isa. 40:11.

Messages of God’s Love 1/8/1928

Trust Him With Thy Soul.

The Saviour came our sins to bear,

And make the sinner whole,

Then come to Jesus without fear,

And trust Him with thy soul.

Come now, and do not longer stay,

Soon judgment-storms will roll;

O! come, for Jesus says you may,

And trust Him with thy soul.

The glorious Saviour sits on high,

And offers free to all,

Salvation, peace and life and joy,

Then trust Him with thy soul.

The Saviour seeks the lost to bless,

List to His tender call,

Come then, His blessed name confess,

And trust Him with thy soul.

He soon will come to yonder skies,

With shout and trumpet-call,

Then all in Christ to Him shall rise,

O! trust Him with thy soul.

Messages of God’s Love 1/8/1928

Confidence

LET us call the dog in our picture, Rover, and imagine him lying on his master's porch. See how Rover looks up at us, so friendly and as though he has the greatest of confidence in us!

How happy it makes us feel to have our friends, dear ones, yes, and even the animals about us show confidence in us. How pleasing then it must be to the Lord Jesus for us to put our entire confidence in Him, and look to Him in full trust as our Saviour and Friend.

So let us put our confidence in the Lord, and ask Him to enable us to avoid evil, and to overcome wrong things that make our lives unfruitful to Him.

"ENTER NOT INTO THE PATH OF THE WICKED, AND GO NOT IN THE WAY OF EVIL MEN. AVOID IT, PASS NOT BY IT, TURN FROM IT, AND PASS AWAY." Prov. 4:14,15.

Messages of God’s Love 1/15/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 16

We now reach the history of Ahaz who seems to have despised the record of his father and grandfather and other kings more godly, in the royal line springing from David, for he adopted the abominations of the heathen, walking in the ways of the kings of Israel, and it may be, outdoing them in evil.

Against him came the kings of Syria and Israel, and though they could not overcome Ahaz, they carried away many captives, besides killing many of his fighting men. The captives were restored to Judah, but Ahaz was attacked by one enemy after another, and at last he appealed to the mighty king of Assyria to come to his aid.

Assyria was a new power, gaining strength as Israel went down. It was soon to crush Israel, and threaten Judah, because of their forsaking God.

The reign of Ahaz, given in much detail in both our chapter and in 2 Chronicles 28, was the worst of any thus far of the kings of Judah. Turning away from the true God, he did much to hasten the storm of divine judgment now long gathering upon the land. Linked with the rising Gentile power, this son of David, forgot all the precepts of God's Word; brought in the style of a heathen altar, and ming_led the worship of God with that of demons.

What shall we say to all this? Was it with Ahaz, the lack of a proper environment, as some say; or of an honorable parentage,—a creditable family history? None of these. The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and led of Satan, will pass all bounds. The marvelous thing is, the grace of God, His forbearance, in the face of a rising tide of evil. How will this history of Israel end? The Word of God shows; and it shows too, the end of the history of man (see Revelation 20).

Today salvation is offered; tomorrow— that great tomorrow whose other name is ETERNITY—where will you be, Christless soul ?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door"—won't you open the door of your heart, sinner, to Jesus the Saviour ?

Messages of God’s Love 1/15/1928

The Pet Lamb

IN the mountains of France lived a little boy named John. His father, Michael, by working for the people in the village, earned enough to support his family. John's mother, Theresa, in her spare moments did knitting which she sold to the farmers in the mountains. Michael and Theresa were earnest Christians, and John, in his prayers, always asked God's blessing upon them. He also prayed for obedience, and for pardon from his sins.

Each spring a shepherd came from the plains with his flock of sheep, to let them pasture in the mountains near John's home. In the evening they were driven into Michael's barn and lane, where they had shelter for the night. When shearing time came Theresa bought wool for her knitting.

John enjoyed helping the shepherd take care of his flock, and was always glad when spring brought them back to the mountains. The shepherd, too, liked his ever cheerful and obedient little helper. One time he chose a lamb from his flock and gave it to John. This made the little boy feel very rich, and so happy he could hardly express his great joy. So he tried to make himself more and more useful to the shepherd.

When winter came the shepherd returned with his flock to the plains and John was sent to school. But he never forgot to care for his little lamb, morning and evening, for he loved it much.

One day the butcher in the village said to him,— "John, will you sell me your little lamb ? I will give you a piece of gold for it." "Sell my little lamb to be killed ?" he cried. "Never, I would rather die myself."

The following winter was a severe one. Michael was taken sick, and Theresa, busy caring for him, had no time for knitting. How was she to get the necessities for the little family and the remedies for her sick husband? Seeing his mother in tears, John put his arms around her neck and, though tears were in his own eyes, consoled her by saying,

"Mamma, our Saviour will not forsake us." Then, kneeling down, he prayed,

"O God, Thou canst do all things. I pray Thee cure Papa, and show me how I can help to take care of him."

Soon after this he remembered the offer the butcher had made, but the thought of parting with his little lamb was very painful. As he hurried past the butcher shop on his way to school next day, he felt frightened. But soon he stopped and thought to himself,

"Which do I like best, my father or my lamb?" Then, gathering up all his courage, he turned back to the butcher's to accept his offer.

"Well, have you changed your mind?" said the man, and John breaking into tears could only reply,

"My poor father!"

The butcher in spite of his trade, was tender-hearted and spoke kindly to the little boy. He gave him two pieces of gold instead of one, and said,

"Bring the lamb to me tomorrow." When Theresa saw the gold, she did not know what to think, but John told her all about it. Taking him in her arms she said,

"God bless you, my child. He will give you strength to do as you have decided."

That night John slept very close to his little lamb, and rose early in the morning to go on his errand. Weeping he kissed his lamb once more, then gave it to the butcher. He turned and ran away, comforted by the thought of his mother's words.

The people of the village heard John's story from the butcher, and kind friends came to help the little family.

Michael got well, and was able to work again. When he heard of the sacrifice his little son had made for him, he was greatly touched and said,

"My child, you know now what a sacrifice is. If you had not loved me you could not have made this great sacrifice. Remember, it was God's love that led Him to give His well-beloved Son to be offered as a sacrifice to save sinners. Remember, too, that Jesus gave Himself to save us from our sins and eternal punishment.

`He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.' Is. 53:7.

How wonderful the love of God and the love of Christ for us. Remember too, John, when you think of your little lamb, that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Lamb whose blood was shed for the sin of the world."

Messages of God’s Love 1/15/1928

I Wrote That Note

WHEN a boy at school we had a writing teacher for whom we did not care very much. It was no unusual thing for boys to play truant during his hour. Of course that meant that unless a note was brought, written by parent or guardian, explaining the cause of absence, we were in for it. "It" meant a good sound leathering with the hated master's strap.

On one occasion, I am ashamed to say, I played truant. I dared not return without a note or I would "catch it." As I did not want to "catch it," and as I could not ask friends at home to write one for me, I wrote it myself, and signed my mother's name. Then I, unblushingly presented it on my return next day.

Whether the teacher thought my mother was a very bad writer or not, I did not know; but on reading the note he dismissed me to my seat, and there was an end of it. No, the end had not come yet. I had lied to him in that note, and forged my mother's name.

As the days passed by, that lie burdened my heart. I was miserable. When he came round the benches and looked over my shoulder at my copy book, I felt terribly depressed. My unconfessed sin oppressed me. The weight became intolerable.

At last, one day as he stood behind me watching my writing, I could bear it no longer, and blurted out,

"O, sir, I wrote that note, I wrote that note."

Whether he knew what I spoke about or not, I do not know, but this I do know, the instant the words were out of my lips I felt happier, my burden had gone, my conscience was eased, I could have danced for joy.

Some years after leaving school I had another and a heavier burden. It was the burden of unconfessed and therefore unforgiven sin against a holy and loving God—home-sins and school-sins, eye-sins, ear-sins, tongue-sins, a n d hand-sins; heart-sins and mind-sins; Sunday-sins and week-day sins. How they all pressed upon me and crushed me. What an awful sense of sin and fear of wrath oppressed me. For a time "I kept silence." Then I cried out in confession. I made a clean breast of everything. What then? Well then, God led me to Calvary, and showed me that Jesus, my sin-bearer, had put them all away there, making a full and adequate atonement for them. Then God the Father said,

"For My Son's sake I forgive you all your sins."

O, it was sweet. It was like heavenly music in my poor crushed soul. In a moment my burden had gone, and with Bunyan's pilgrim I could sing,

My burden gone, my soul set free,

My grateful heart now urges me

To give the glory all to Thee,

O, Lamb of God, to Thee.

Messages of God’s Love 1/15/1928

The Blessed Saviour, As He Trod

The blessed Saviour, as He trod

His lowly path on earth,

Was always pleasing unto God,

Obedient from His birth.

No selfish will, His heart inclined,

Himself he ne'er preferred;

With heart and soul and strength and mind

He kept His Father's word.

And when His precious blood

He gave Poor sinners to redeem,

He knew His Father loved to save,

And this was joy to Him.

As Jesus did the Father's will,

Whatever were the cost,

Then know it is His pleasure still

To seek and save the lost.

Messages of God’s Love 1/15/1928

The Sheep Fold

IN the early morning, the faithful shepherdess remembers her sheep. They have been shut in all night, kept from all harm, and examined carefully as they went in, to see if they needed any attention. Some may have been torn with the thorns, and needed a little oil put on to heal: or a thorn pulled out of the foot, and so on; and not one of them was afraid of her, for they knew her voice and her tender care.

How good, you say, it was for those sheep to have such a shepherdess as that. Yes, and would you like to be looked at as a sheep with a faithful shepherd; or, in other words, would you like to be a sheep, belonging to the Lord Jesus ? If you would, He says,

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish." John 10:27, 28.

Have you heard His voice ? Perhaps you say, I don't know what that means. Well, think of this, He says,

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

You know now what He has said, but have you obeyed and come to Jesus with your load of sin? If you have, that is hearing His voice, and it marks you as one of His sheep, and then He tells you, He knows you and gives you eternal life and you shall never perish. Is not that a wonderful thing for Him to do for His sheep? Indeed, far more than the shepherdess, as pictured before us, could do for her sheep.

How great is that Shepherd's love for His sheep. May you be enabled to say,

"The Lord is my Shepherd, He has given His life for me, He knows me and He has given me eternal life, and now I follow Him."

"I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP." John 10:11.

Messages of God’s Love 1/22/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 17

Hoshea’s reign of nine years marks the end of Israel's history. He had obtained the kingship by killing Pekah, the son of Remaliah (chapter 15 verse 30), and the only difference the Spirit of God indicates between Hoshea and those who had ruled in Samaria and Jezreel before him, is that the evil he practiced was not as remarkable as theirs.

The rising power of Assyria, allowed now by God because of the complete failure and ruin of the nation He had brought out of Egypt, compelled Hoshea to take a subject place, but he secretly appealed to the _king of Egypt, and so brought about the end of Israel as a nation. There yet remained the remnant under the son of David at Jerusalem, the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

But of the history of the ten tribes which broke away under Jeroboam the son of Nebat following Solomon's death (1 Kings 12), we are to hear no more till the millennial day when they shall be brought back and united to the two tribes, be one nation again, and serve the living and true God alone. (Ezekiel 37, Revelation 7, etc.).

The Israelites were taken by the Assyrian king to his own country, and have since disappeared from the knowledge of men. Individuals returned to their land. but as a nation there was no return, and there will be none until that time prophesied of by Ezekiel (chapter 20:34-38).

The sins of Israel had not escaped the all-seeing eye of God, nor His all-hearing ear (Psalm 94:9), and the judgment of the nation is fully told out in this chapter. Prophets and seers (those whom God enabled to foresee the judgments coming) were rejected together with His word — statutes, covenant, and testimonies. Idolatry resulted with its associated evils. To Israel rather, than to Judah, were the early prophets sent, but at length, after many warnings and much pleading through these servants of God, the nation was cut off so completely, that none but God knows where its people are.

Strangers were brought into the land to occupy it in the place of Israel's hosts (verse 25), and God asserted His title to the country which indeed He has never given up. One of Jeroboam's priests was then sent to the Samaritans to teach them the fear of the Lord, but every nation represented there made gods of their own.

"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four footed beasts and creeping things." Rom. 1:22, 23.

And has the world progressed toward God since ? Progress there has been, in_deed, in knowledge, in making life attractive, and in many other ways, but the human heart is still opposed to God. Is not the day of Revelation 13 plainly approaching?

Messages of God’s Love 1/22/1928

It Is All True

A LITTLE girl was one day sitting on the grass in front of her father's cottage. It was a fine summer day, and the birds were singing in the trees, and the bees humming over the flowers. Little Elsie's father was poor and the dress the child wore was old and worn, but she loved Jesus, and believed He had given Himself for her; and as she sat there in the sunshine she kept saying to herself, "I'm so happy."

By-and-by she began to sing, and, as she sang the name of Jesus, tears filled her eyes. Just then she heard a footstep. A gentleman was coming along the road. It was a young man who had been so foolish as to be persuaded that the Bible was not true; and he had given up reading it. And though he lived in a splendid house, and had plenty of money, he was restless and miserable. As he approached, he heard the singing of the little maiden, but when he saw her tearful face, he said,

"Why are you crying? Are you ill?"

"Not at all, sir!" she replied, "but I am so happy, because I love the Lord Jesus."

"But what do you love Him for ? He has been dead a long time, and cannot do you any good now."

"He is not dead, sir," said the little one, "He is in heaven."

"But if He is, what good is that to you? If He cared for you, and could come and help you, He would give you better clothes."

The little girl was rather frightened to hear such bold, bad words, and she said,

"I do not care about fine clothes, but I know that the Lord Jesus will come some day and take me to heaven."

"That's all nonsense," said the man; "your foolish grandmother has been teaching you all these falsehoods."

"O! sir," said the dear child, "they are not falsehoods. Indeed, sir, it is all true, and that is why I am so happy."

The young man passed on, but the words of the little girl kept coming back to his mind,

"It is all true, and that is why I am so happy."

For many days he tried to forget them, but could not. Then the thought came, That child believes in God, and is happy. I do not believe in Him, and I am wretched. At length he began to read his Bible again, and before he had read it through, he sought and found the Saviour.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/22/1928

The Spider And The Fly

THE following story was told by a teacher.

"Children, I will tell you about something I have done this morning. and I want you to tell me if I did right or wrong."

"As I was coming to school this morning, I saw a poor fly, which had caught in a spider's web. The spider was just catching it, when I took the fly from the web and let it go free.

Now, I wish you to tell me if it was kind in me to do this ?" Many of the children answered,

"O, yes, it was a kind act." But one little boy, not more than six, named George C., said,

"I don't know that it was so very kind." On hearing this, most of the children seemed both surprised and displeased and loudly said

"It was very kind of our teacher to save the poor fly from the spider."

The teacher called silence, and said to the little boy,

"If you have anything to say, stand up and tell your school-fellows;" upon which he stood up and asked,

"Who made the spider?"

"God," replied the children.

"Who taught him to make his web?"

"God."

"What did He teach him to make his web for?"

"To catch flies for his food."

Hereupon several of the children said,

"Teacher, you took away the spider's dinner;" and a kind little girl, named Martha, added, "and perhaps the spider was hungry." The teacher then said, "Well, it seems I have done wrong after all."

"No," some said, "you have not, for you meant to be kind." After a few moments silence, one of them said, "It was kind to the fly, but unkind to the spider; but you did it out of a kind feeling to the poor fly."

But now I want you to think of something else, which this story reminds me of. Can you tell me of any who are like flies caught in a spider's web, only that their state is very much worse? Sinners are caught in the foils of one who is far stronger than the spider, and what is very strange, they do not struggle to get away! If they did, it would be of no use, for Satan, the great enemy of souls, seeks to ensnare and hold them as his own, and lead them on to everlasting destruction; but there is One who is stronger than he, and who pitied, nay, even loved sinners, and came down from heaven on purpose to save them. He loved them so much that He gave His own life to do it. Do you know who this is ? It is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sin is the web that Satan weaves to catch poor sinners in; but "The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth from all sin," therefore sinners may be saved from this terrible web, if they will but look to Jesus.

They need not stay in the power of the great enemy unless they like, because Christ has "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." He suffered "the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

How kind, how loving and how gracious! The web is broken, sinners may escape, Jesus stands ready to save.

Are you a sinner ? Yes, all are sinners. Have you fled to Him?

He says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." Make haste; fly to Him at once.

"Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," are His own loving words of tender entreaty. Sweet rest; rest of conscience about your sins, rest from all your struggles, rest from the great enemy, rest of heart in rejoicing in a perfect object, everlasting rest.

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/22/1928

Trusting

Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While He leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way be clear;

Praying if the path be drear:

If in danger, for Him call;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by,

Trusting Him, whate'er befall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth is past,

Till within the jasper wall—

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Messages of God’s Love 1/22/1928

Pool of Bethesda

No doubt you have all read of the pool of Bethesda where a great many impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waited for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain sea_son into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever went in first after the troubling of the water got cured of whatever disease he had.

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

Do you know of anything of more importance than to have our bodies healed?

We are sinners and cannot go to heaven unless our sins are forgiven. The same

One who healed the body of the sick man at the pool, is the only one who can save our souls.

And let me ask you, Have you felt your load of sins, and your need of a Saviour ? If you have, Jesus says to you,

"Wilt thou be made whole?"

If you are willing, Jesus is willing and ready to save you. He says,

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." He is a Saviour for those who cannot save themselves. He saves the lost.

"WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME, CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." Rom. 5:6.

May you praise and thank Him for having come to be your Saviour, and having earned salvation for you at such a cost as the giving up of His life in your place.

Messages of God’s Love 1/29/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 18

Scarcely 140 years before the kingdom of Judah came to an end, the godly Hezekiah began to reign. How remarkable for son to succeed a wicked father. Hezekiah's mother, we conclude, from the mention of her just before the character of her son's reign, must have been a godly woman.

If we turn to 2 Chronicles 29 we find that in the very first month that Hezekiah was king, he began to restore what had been undone in his father's day. Our chapter tells us (verse 5) that he trusted in the Lord God of Israel as none after him, nor any before him. This is most remarkable. It shows that even in days of felt weakness, and amid universal declension, an outstanding measure of faithfulness is possible, and it is recounted for our encouragement in the divine records.

The brazen serpent of Moses (Numbers 21) had become an idol, and Hezekiah broke it in pieces. This was vigorous action, indeed, but directed of God.

The God-fearing king of Judah rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not, though Israel was about to be carried away captive. About ten years later, another king of Assyria was permitted by God to attack Judah, and to conquer nearly the whole of the little country. The reason is to. be found in verse 19 of the preceding chapter. Hezekiah was at this time not walking by faith, but by sight. We presently find him restored, spiritually, but we can enter into his circumstances, and judge whether we ourselves might not have done worse.

The ten tribes had been carried away about eight years before, and Judah's inheritance was now overrun by the powerful enemy whom none seemed able to resist. To the fortified city of Lachish, now besieged and captured, or soon to be captured, by Sennacherib, Hezekiah sent his promise of subjection and the Assyrian king gave him a heavy tribute to raise. To pay it, Hezekiah had to despoil the temple and his own house, but Sennacherib was not content, and sent a great army to Jerusalem to overthrow the one remaining stronghold, and complete the conquest of the land.

The three names in verse 17 are titles rather than proper names, signifying general (Tartan), chief eunuch (Rabsaris), and chief cup-bearer (Rabshakeh). The latter is thought to have been a proselyte or an apostate Jew, from his knowledge of the Jew's language. They were bold words that lie spoke, and he had a most powerful king to speak for, but God,— He Who has ever answered the cry of the needy, the helpless, when they turn to Him,—God was about to intervene. The flower of the Assyrian army was shortly to perish in a night.

Messages of God’s Love 1/29/1928

Lost on The Prairie

A COMPANY of young men had gone to the northwest to take up land, and while they were there, some Christians began to hold gospel services in the farm houses around.

One young man called N. attended now and then, and was a severe critic of the preachers and preaching. One evening, in a spirit of bravado he asserted that there was "no Hell". The preacher showed from Scripture, God's declaration regarding the doom and destiny of the wicked, giving chapters and verses for their statements.

One day N— left for the post office, which was twelve miles distant. On returning home-ward the sun set, and he had some miles to traverse without a road, track, trail, or land-mark of any kind. The night was dark, and after traveling for a considerable time, he concluded he had lost his reckoning.

It is one thing for a person to express his unbelief in eternal verities when surrounded by a circle of admirers; but it is a very different matter when one is alone, conscious that the searching eye of a holy and sin-hating God is looking into the deepest recesses of his soul.

As N— began to realize the fact that he was lost on the prairie, without a soul to comfort or help him in his extremity, he became dejected and depressed. Opportunities unimproved, warnings despised, mercies slighted, resolutions formed and broken, crowded in upon his soul.

All the infidel books that had ever been written, and all assertions, argument and sophistry of sceptics, agnostics, or scoffers had not a particle of influence with him then. The thought that overpowered him was the conviction that he was in the conscious presence of Almighty God, against whom he had so persistently and so grievously, sinned.

After traveling until he was thoroughly exhausted, he lay down on the prairie and tried to sleep. But sleep forsook his eyelids. The recollection of his past life afforded him no comfort, nor did the future shed any light upon his troubled spirit. More and more clearly did he perceive that he was not only lost on the prairie, but that he was a lost, guilty, helpless sinner on the way to Hell.

"Is salvation possible to me?" "Will God save me ?" "What must I do to be saved" were the questions that filled his mind. That night, when conscious of God's presence, Scriptures that he had learned when a child came before him, and among them John 3:16:

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

As he meditated on the glorious declaration, he perceived that in spite of his innumerable sins, God loved him, so loved him as to give the Lord Jesus to die as an atoning sacrifice that he might not perish. The joy of the Lord filled his soul, and the peace of God took possession of his heart (Rom. 5:1).

When the morning dawned, to his surprise and delight, he discovered that he was close to the settlement. With a heart full of love and gratitude to God for his twofold deliverance, he called at the house of a friend, and on his appearing, said to him:

"Mr. B. I was lost on the prairie last night, and discovered I was a lost sinner, but, thank God, I am now saved."

Have you taken the lost sinner's place, and claimed the lost sinner's Saviour ?

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

If you are among the lost ones whom Christ is seeking to save, remember He died on Calvary that you might not perish but have everlasting life.

"Behold now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2. Tomorrow may be too late. Accept the Lord Jesus now, and be saved.

Messages of God’s Love 1/29/1928

A Child's Question

If the Lord Jesus loves you, why don't you love Him?" so asked little Maryanne, one day, of her uncle, who often came to visit her grandmother, where she stayed, she being an orphan.

The uncle was not happy; and this probably was the reason why the little one did not like him, and sought to avoid him whenever possible.

One day, Mr. P. her uncle, took Maryanne by the hand and said;

"How it is you don't like me ? I am your uncle, and the friend of your parents, and your grandmother. Why do you avoid me ?" Maryanne blushed and hesitated, not knowing just what to say, but finally answered,

"Uncle P. you never pray. Surely you do not love the Lord Jesus."

It was no easy thing for her to say that, and a tear stood in her blue eyes, but seeing her uncle remained silent, she continued:

"Why don't you love the Lord Jesus, dear uncle ? When my dear father died, he said to me: 'Nothing in this whole world can make us so happy as the Lord Jesus;' and dear grandmother teaches me to pray to Him too, because He loves me, and died for me, and for all the people." Then Maryanne asked the question quoted at the head of this narrative,

"If the Lord Jesus loves you, why don't you love Him ?"

Mr. P. became quite thoughtful and said,

"O, I understand you now; but we will speak about this some other time. But, my child, I am not such a wicked man as you may possibly think."

This ended the conversation, but Mr. P. could not forget Maryanne's words, and finally he took up his long neglected Bible, and began reading it carefully, and what do you think happened?

One evening Mr. P. after having again read a long time in God's Word, knelt down and confessed to the Lord his sins, and his many failures in the past. And the Lord, who has said, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out," received him With opened arms, and granted that repentant man, forgiveness and peace. Yes, from this time on, Mr. P. was a true disciple of Christ, and he afterwards often said that the few simple words of his faithful little niece had been the means of awakening his heart.

But the question of Maryanne, is also important for all of my young readers, especially for those whose hearts are still cold and indifferent towards the Lord Jesus. Tell me, what is your answer to this, her question,

"If the Lord Jesus loves you, why don't you love Him?"

All who truly love Him who first loved us, find in Him peace with God, and eternal life.

Messages of God’s Love 1/29/1928

There Is A City Bright

There is a city bright,

Closed are its gates to sin;

Naught that defileth,

Can ever enter in.

There Jesus calls to me,

Though I am far away;

I may believe Him,

In this bright gospel day.

His precious blood was shed

To wash away my sin;

Cleansed and forgiven,

Thus I can enter in.

There in the snowy dress

Of Thy redeemed I'll stand;

Faultless and stainless,

Safe in that happy land.

Messages of God’s Love 1/29/1928

Bible Questions for February

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

1. "And he saith," etc. Rev. 22:10.

2. "And I saw an angel," etc. " 19:17.

3. "Standing afar off," etc. " 18:10.

4. "And all that dwell," etc. " 13:8.

5. "And I looked," etc. " 14:1.

6. "And I heard," etc. " 12:10.

7. "These are they," etc. " 14:4.

Bible Questions for February
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 10-18

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Go rather to the lost sheep."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They need not depart."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The Son of the living God."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Behold my servant."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "It is given unto you to know."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Become as little children."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Revealed them unto babes."

Answers to Bible Questions for December
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. Armageddon. Rev. 16:16.

2. 666. Rev. 13:18.

3. Ten kings. Rev. 17:12.

4. Forever. Rev. 14:11.

5. Cast alive into the Lake of Fire. Rev. 19:20.

6. Great dragon; old serpent; the Devil; Satan. Rev. 12:9.

7. "And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

Bible Questions for February
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 10-18

1. What is it that defiles a man?

2. What is the unpardonable sin?

3. What is the rock of confession on which the Lord promised to build His Church?

4. What does our Lord say about the one who loves father and mother more than Him?

5. What verse in the 18th chapter gives us the simplest form of the Church?

6. Where is the first mention of the "Church" in the Bible?

7. List the seven parables in the 13th chapter.

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 19

It is a chastened Hezekiah whom we find in verse 1. He gives expression to his deep distress, and goes into the house of the Lord It is in God's presence that the tried and harassed saint finds peace and strength. For a time he had gone on in his own strength, and the folly of it had become evident; now he turns to the mighty God whom he knew, and desired His help.

The king's message to Isaiah shows that the chastening (not for the present joyous but grievous) had exercised him. Hezekiah's appeal—now is to God, and on the ground of the reproach to His name. The narrow limits of Judah are forgotten; it is the living God that is the object of the enemy; His people are before Him seeking succor of the Mighty One.

The answer is prompt: Isaiah was able to tell the messengers of the king, "Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard.. .." But the trial was not fully removed at once; Rabshakeh went away, but sent messengers with another frightening word to Hezekiah. Who had escaped the kings of Assyria? he asked; what use to resist ?

The new message produced a yet deeper work in Hezekiah, we judge. He now goes direct to God, rather than through Isaiah, and pours out his heart. It was true, he confessed, that the Assyrian power had been irresistible, but the nations they had destroyed knew not the Lord God of Israel who dwelt between the cherubim, the only true God, the living God. Their gods were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone, and therefore those nations perished. Then came the majestic answer, through Isaiah, marvelous in its response to the cry of the burdened Hezekiah. God will not see iniquity in His people when the enemy reproaches them; in His grace He speaks of the remnant who trusted in Him as "the virgin the daughter of Zion," and He will show the proud Assyrian that he has no power against Himself. Times and seasons are naught to God; He will act as sovereignly in the day of small things, as when all is well, outwardly. The trial was at an end; the remnant would he blessed. Without using man in anyway whatever—not even after the fashion of Gideon and his little band of trumpeters—light bearers—( Judges 7), God lays low the Assyrian host; 185,000 men are found dead in their camp. And in due course, Sennacherib fell, by the sword in his own land, as had been promised in verse 7; his own sons killed him while in the act of worshiping his idol. God's Word will be fulfilled; heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word shall be fully and gloriously vindicated.

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

Do You Know Your Name?

A LITTLE boy, 9 years old, went one night with his father to a meeting. As they walked along the country lane, the father said,

"Now, Johnnie, I want you to pay great attention while I am speaking, because in the address I mean to mention your name."

"My name, father, what shall you say about me?"

"O, you must wait, my boy, till you hear the address."

So Johnnie fixed his eyes upon his father, and listened very quietly until the service was over, when, as they were walking home together, he said,

"Father, you forgot to mention my name."

"No, Johnnie, I said it more than once. Walk quietly along. Now try to understand what I mean."

After walking in silence for some distance, the little boy said softly,

"I think I know what you mean, father. Was it when you said sinner?"

"Yes, my dear boy, for that is indeed your name."

I think Johnnie will never forget that walk, and the nice talk he had with his father.

Do you, dear reader, know your name ? Perhaps you are not aware that both your name and address are put down in the Bible; but such is the fact, for your name is sinner, and your address is the world, and both are mentioned in 1 Tim. 1:15,

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

But there are so many children who do not know their names. If they realized that they are sinners, and could not go to heaven as they are, they would, like the poor publican, pray,

"God be merciful to me, a sinner," Luke 18:13, and would be most ready and glad to accept the One who came into this world to save sinners.

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

Four Little Girls and What They Did

ONE afternoon, a lady was walking in the quiet country lanes, when she thought she heard the voices of little children. Quickening her steps, she came upon four little girls sitting under a hedge, and what do you think they were doing ?

"Playing school," I fancy I hear someone say.

"No!"

"Playing store," answers another.

"Wrong again."

"Doing nothing," says a third.

"No. They were reading their Bibles."

So the lady went up to them, and kindly said,

"What are you doing, my dears?"

"Having a reading-meeting, ma'am," replied one of them.

These four little girls loved their Bibles so much that they were not content with just carrying them to school on Sunday afternoons, but they wanted them in the week, when they might have been at play, to hold what they called a reading-meeting. I doubt not they loved the Lord Jesus, and knew Him as their Saviour, else they would not have cared to read about Him.

O, I hope you will all be like these four little girls, lovers of your Bibles. But you must come to the Lord Jesus first, for you need to have your sins washed away in His precious blood, and then you will be able to say, like Jeremiah of old, "Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jeremiah 15:16.

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

Skating

MANY young people enjoy the ice as the people in our picture are doing. Skating is fine exercise when the ice is firm and glassy. The children who have been skating and sliding come in with their faces all aglow with a healthy color. But sometimes people are careless and venture where the ice is not safe.

How many have started out full of life and happiness, put on their skates, and are not willing to stay where the ice is safe, but keep going farther and without a moment's warning, break through into the water. Pleasure is ended and their souls enter eternity—some, to enter the presence of their blessed Lord—others, who have rejected or neglected the Saviour, to find they are lost forever.

Are you ready? You may say or think you are safe—that no such sudden call will come to you. O precious soul, be not deceived. God alone knows whether or not you will be the next. Mercy's gate is open. Enter while you may.

"BOAST NOT THYSELF OF TOMORROW, FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH." Prov. 27:1.

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

We Are Not Saved By Trying

Not saved are we 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!

'Twas vain for Israel bitten

By serpents, on their way,

To look to their own doing,

That awful plague to stay;

The only means for healing,

When humbled in the dust,

Was of the Lord's revealing—

It was not try, but trust!

No deeds of ours are needed

To make Christ's merit more;

No frames of mind or feelings,

Can add to His great store;

'Tis simply to receive Him,

The holy One and just; '

Tis only to believe Him—

It is not try, but trust!

Messages of God’s Love 2/5/1928

Snow

THE snow had fallen thick and fast; day after day the crystal flakes had filled the air; and then the fierce and bitter wind had roared, forming, far and wide, amid the snow, mimic mounts and vales, so often seen by those who dwell in the country. Now all was clear and still, and the moon, at her full, was shining brightly upon the cold, sparkling winter mantle.

It speaks of Him whose hand had formed it all for His own glory.

We thought of those who, washed from their sins in the precious blood of Him who made that snow, and who died for sinners on that cross of shame, are even whiter than the purest snow, the whitest thing in the universe of God.

"IF I WASH MYSELF WITH SNOW WATER, AND MAKE MY HANDS NEVER SO CLEAN: YET SHALT THOU PLUNGE ME IN THE DITCH." Job 9:30, 31.

"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psa. 51:7.

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 20

Hezekiah was near death from sickness, and in deep distress prayed for his life. The Old Testament saints did not know the eternal security of the believer; the work of Christ upon the cross was unaccomplished, and they did not enjoy settled peace when they thought of death. All their life time, through fear of death, they were subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:15).

Grace though known, was not enjoyed: the Holy Spirit was not yet indwelling the believers, nor could be until the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The Christian should be able to say with the apostle Paul (Philippians 1:21-23), "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better," if death should intervene, before the Lord's coming (1 Thessalonians 1:14-18).

God heard and granted Hezekiah's wish,-15 years would be added to his life, and the king of Assyria should not be allowed to conquer Jerusalem. But man cannot stand exaltation; the sign which God had wrought, was observed by the princes of Babylon (2 Chronicles 32:31) who sent ambassadors to Hezekiah, and Hezekiah hearkened to them; showed them all his precious things.

His heart, was lifted up in pride (2 Chronicles 32:25), and he now learns to his sorrow that the things he had boastfully shown would be carried (not into Assyria, but) into Babylon; nothing should be left, and his children would be slaves in the palace of the king there. Hezekiah however receives the rebuke becomingly: "Good is the word of the Lord." He died and his young son Manasseh became king.

We are apt to judge their lives by the failures and weaknesses, the sins of the children of God, and too easily forgetful of our own history. If God has shown us His servant Hezekiah in weakness as well as in strength, in dishonor and in honor, is it not for us who are saved by His grace to seek to walk humbly before Him, profiting by the failure of others in the same heavenward road, and thanking Him for all His mercy ?

Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928

The SnowBall

WITH one jerk, Theo. Gestmann threw the covers back as he awakened one cold morning and noticed that there was deep snow in front of his window.

"Gerhard", he called, "get up quickly, it has snowed!"

The words, "It has snowed," worked like magic. In a twinkling they were both out of bed. With wonder they gazed out of the window at the beautiful snow-covered landscape. How everything had changed in one night! It rained in torrents just the day before, but during the night the wind changed; the air was still, and the white flakes softly floating down, were weaving closer and closer the white mantle wherewith the ground was being decked.

At this moment their mother stepped into the room and reminded the boys to dress. On this day there was school in the morning only, and great plans were therefore being made while dressing, as to how best to spend the free afternoon.

At half past eight, Theo. and Gerhard left home prepared for school. Their shoes sank deeply in the snow. Soon they met a couple of school mates, and then began a regular snow-ball battle. After a while the opposing parties united and together they looked for a target. There were now five of them.

Just then the attention of the boys was attracted to a gentleman who was coming clown the street with an open umbrella. The snowflakes were falling thickly, and the top of his umbrella looked like a white roof.

"Come on, boys," called Gerhard, and immediately all the boys hid. This mark was too enticing. From behind cover they wanted to begin the attack.

Theo. and Gerhard well remembered that their father, just a few moments before, had explicitly forbidden them to throw at little children, old people, and in general, any passers-by, as for the rest they could tumble around in the snow to their heart's content.

The gentleman with the umbrella came nearer. He bent forward a little as he walked, which prevented him from seeing any one. The hearts of the boys beat somewhat uneasily, but this looked so tempting, and the balls which had been prepared before, were already flying through the air.

Angrily the man turned round.

The rascals!" he cried. Just then there came another ball headed directly for the open umbrella, and as it struck, it rent a large hole. They had not intended to do this. At once the attack was stopped, and quickly they ran away. At the same moment there appeared at the street corner an officer of the law.

In a moment the policeman had sized up the situation. The gentleman there with the torn umbrella, and the youngsters scattering in every direction. Here he must act, and immediately he pursued the fleeing boys. If he could only catch one of them! He could run fast, but the boys could run faster.

Ha, there was one stumbling. It was Gerhard Gestmann. To add to his misfortune, he fell on a piece of glass which lay buried under the snow. A deep cut in his hand was the result. As Theo. turned around, and saw what had happened he thought no more about the officer, but turned back to share the fate of his brother. In the meantime the others had escaped.

The policeman now stood by the two brothers, and looked pitiless (as it seemed to them) at poor Gerhard, around whose hand Theo. had tied his handkerchief.

"Forward, boys, to the station!" said he harshly. "Just wait, you rascals! Young man, hold up your bleeding hand."

The policeman seemed severe and hard-hearted, but he really was a good natured man. Certainly, when the boys were unruly he was not always so gentle. Carefully he still held up Gerhard's bleeding hand. Theo. walked on the other side of him with his eyes down. Being taken to the station by a policeman was something that had not happened to them before.

When they arrived there, Gerhard's hand received proper treatment first. It was happily only a deep cut in the flesh which still bled badly, but did not seem serious.

While Theo. watched how they bound up Gerhard's hand, he was considering within himself how to answer.

He knew that it was his ball that tore a hole in the umbrella. But had the other boys noticed that it was his? Perhaps not, since they had all thrown together. So he could simply say that they all had thrown, and he did not know which one did the damage; of course, this did not quiet his conscience.

What if only one had seen it; and further, if the captain could tell by the expression on his face that he was not telling the truth ? What grief it would cause his parents, should they hear that their oldest son had told a lie! But on the other hand, it might all pass off smoothly. Probably none of his comrades had noticed it. But there was the wound in Gerhard's hand! The whole matter would be gone into at home. His father would ask all manner of uncomfortable questions; and ultimately—One had positively seen it. He Whose throne is in heaven, knew exactly that it was he who did it.

"What is your name ?" he was asked suddenly.

"Theo. Gestmann!" came the dejected answer.

"Where do you live ?"

"No. 8 Burg St."

"He is your little brother, is he not? His name is—?"

"Gerhard Gestmann!"

The policeman wrote everything down.

"You have thrown snowballs, and used the umbrella of a passer-by as a target, and it has been greatly damaged. Did you, Theo. Gestmann, throw the ball ?"

Now came the test. Theo. only had to answer, "No." What could they do ? Nobody could prove to the contrary. Suddenly something came to his memory. It was just one verse of Scripture which he had shortly before memorized, and recited to his father, because he thought it worthy to be remembered. Warningly, it now sounded within him:

"There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."

"Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets, shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." Luke 12:2, 3.

To Be Continued

Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928

How To Be Happy

“SIR," said a doctor to his patient, "I want to know what this trusting in Jesus is; you say faith in Jesus brings pardon of sin, and peace; what is this believing, and getting happiness ?"

`Doctor," replied the patient, "I am very ill, and I felt that I could do nothing, and have therefore put my case in your hands; I am trusting to you to cure me and make me well. Just this that I am doing to you, you must do to the Lord Jesus; this is how every poor sinner receives salvation; simply trusting in that glorious Saviour, who shed His blood to put our sins away."

"Is that it?" exclaimed the doctor, "simply trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ; I see it as I never saw it before, and the meaning of the words,

`Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.' He took my place and died in my stead—loved me and gave Himself for me. So simple!"

From that sick bed the doctor went away a changed and happy man.

Faith in Christ will save me;

Trust in Him, the risen One,

Trust the work that He has done;

To His arms I now may run;

Faith in Christ will save me.

Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928

Jesus Is The Children's Friend

Jesus is the children's Friend,

Loving, faithful to the end;

Richest gifts from Him descend,

Joy and peace.

Once from heaven to earth He came,

Suffered death, contempt, and blame;

Died upon a cross of shame,

Crowned with thorns. '

Twas our sinful souls to save,

Thus His precious blood He gave;

Ransomed now from sin's dark grave,

We may sing.

O, what boundless grace and love,

Passing all our thoughts above!

Fear and unbelief remove;

Praise His Name.

Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928

Sliding

IN our picture we see a good many enjoying themselves. They are glad to get their sleds out once more and slide swiftly down the hills and over the smooth slippery walks.

I am sure many of my little readers, like the boy in the front, take pleasure in drawing their younger brothers or sisters to school on sleds.

Several years ago, on a holiday, some boys were enjoying their first sport with their sleds. They lived in a small town on the Mississippi River. The weather had turned cold enough to freeze the river a little.

The boys took their sleds out for a slide on the ice, but soon went out where it was not strong enough to bear their weight. One sled broke through, and before the boy could be rescued he was drowned. In a moment he was in eternity.

Dear reader, if you should be called away suddenly, like the boy we just mentioned, where would you go?

Do you know the blessed Saviour who is up in heaven, and who has a home ready for those who love Him ? He wants us all to go there. He died on the cross and suffered the punishment for our sins, so that we might not have to die and be forever shut out of God's presence. If you feel your need of such a blessed Saviour, and confess your sins to God, He will forgive them.

"IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS." 1 John 1:9.

Then if death should come to von, you will go to be with the One who died that you might live. But if you harden your heart and refuse to listen to the Saviour's loving call, you can never enter His happy home "where all is peace and joy and love."

I hope all of you who have not already done so, will turn to Jesus, and not rest until you know your sins are washed away in His precious blood.

Messages of God’s Love 2/19/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 21

Manasseh was only twelve years of age when his godly father died; how soon he began on the evil course which characterized his reign, does not appear, but we may at least take note of this, that the fear of God is not born in the human heart at the natural birth. Each of us must for himself be reconciled to God.

If Manasseh's mother's name — the translation of it is "My delight is in her," —was at all true of her life as God saw it, Manasseh's case is the more sad. Many a boy, growing up to manhood, has brought grief and dishonor upon his Christian parents, heedless of their warnings and their example, only to reap the fruit of his evil doings.

God was recording the ways of Manasseh (verses 2, 6, 10-15); nothing escapes that All seeing Eye. The idolatry of the heathen; altars for Baal; worshiping the host of heaven in the place for the worship of God—Solomon's temple; dealing with demons, in what in our day, has been labeled by its followers "spiritualism"—these and other things showed a heart openly in league with the enemy of God. Would God allow it to go on always? No doubt there were hearts in Judah that mourned over the king's course, and saw how his "liberal views" were influencing the people. But the end of Judah as a nation was fast approaching; not much longer was the land to be occupied by the sons of Jacob.

From 2 Chronicles 33:10-19 we learn that Manasseh was at length humbled, and it was then, as a prisoner of the king of Assyria at Babylon, that he learned something of God. His history as a whole was very bad, but if toward its close he was brought to seek God as a poor lost sinner, how thankful we may be.

This is not the experience of all, yet many a praying father and mother may take courage in regard to a wayward son or daughter, from the case of Manasseh. Christian parents take your sorrows to God; doubtless, Hezekiah, and we may hope Hephzibah too, prayed much about their boy, and the day came to answer their prayer.

Amon, Manasseh's son, was just entering manhood when he became king on his father's death. He followed his father's long established course of sin, and was cut short soon in death, his servants killing him in two years. The people of the land dealt with the murderers, and afterward— evidently a few years later, for Amon's son was eight years of age at the time he was crowned, made Josiah, son of Amon, king.

Messages of God’s Love 2/19/1928

Left Behind

WELL do I remember how terrified I used to be at the mention of the Lord's coming, for I knew I was unsaved, and that, if Christ came, I should be left behind.

One night, after having gone to bed as usual, I awoke, and saw a bright light shining in. I started up in terror, for I thought it was the glory of heaven shining down, and that the Lord Jesus had come and taken all His loved ones home.

I ran to my window, and, to my relief, saw that it was the moon that was lighting up my room.

As soon as morning came, I had forgotten all about it. I went to school, and never thought of Jesus the whole day. But how I dreaded the coming of the darkness. Night after night I covered my head so that I might not see the moonlight if I should awake, thinking thus to keep away the fear of the coming of the Lord. But God in grace would not let me alone.

One night I was awakened by the sound of a horn, and started up to see my room full of light again.

Those words of 1 Thess. 4:16, rang in my ear, "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God."

I felt so sure, this time, that Christ had come, that I did not even look to see if the light was caused by the moon, for I had heard the "trump of God," as I thought.

Presently, determining to make sure, I crept to my father's door, and listened. Not a sound!

Never shall I forget the agony and despair of that moment. Slowly I went back to my room, the perspiration pouring down my body; and I began to think what I should do, and where I should go, and to wonder whom, of those I knew well, I should find gone.

But after all, I might be mistaken, perhaps my father and mother were not gone, so again I crept down and listened outside their door. Still not a sound! Turning the handle, I peeped in, and I saw they were still there. 0, what a relief to my mind! There was yet another chance.

I did not forget it this time when day dawned; and could not rest again until I told God I was a sinner, unable to help myself, and had believed on the Lord Jesus, to the saving of my soul.

When Christ comes, I shall not now be left behind, but be forever with Him, and like Him.

Would you be left behind?

Messages of God’s Love 2/19/1928

The SnowBall

(Continued from Messages of God’s Love 2/12/1928)

Theo.'s face turned alternately red and pale, and the officer, who was a sharp observer, noticed plainly that a conflict was raging within the boy. He surmised that the truth and a lie were striving for the mastery, and purposely waited a few minutes before he repeated his question.

Now the boy looked up to him with a frank and open look. The conflict had been hard, but, through the grace of God, he had been the overcomer.

"Theo. Gestmann," came the question once more, "did you damage the umbrella ?"

"Yes, captain," came the short, but decided answer.

It seemed to Theo. as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart. He now thought no longer of the consequences of his answer. As the officer looked at him kindly, Theo. murmured softly to himself;

"I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast helped me, and kept me from telling a lie!"

"My boy," said the captain, "you will have to be punished, because it is a great nuisance to ruin other people's property. You know well enough that we do not object when boys snow-ball each other, but the passers-by you must leave alone. I judge, however, that you did not do it intentionally. Seeing that this is the first time that you have had to do with the authorities, I will limit your punishment to that of paying, out of your own savings, for the damage that was done."

More kindly he added, "I am glad that you told the truth, Theo. I noticed that for a moment you were undecided, but finally gained the victory. Continue in this way, my boy! Speak the truth at all times, even if it seems hard. Go home now, because it is too late for school. Tell your parents, Theo. what has happened, and also how your little brother's hand was hurt. You will be informed later as to the cost."

A few minutes after, the boys were on their way home. Their mother was greatly surprised to see them at such an unusual hour; and more so when she saw Gerhard's hand bandaged with a large white handkerchief.

Soon everything was told. The mother became very sad as she learned that her children had transgressed the command of their parents, and that they had been arrested. The matter would have to be gone into again when their father returned from work.

When he came home, the boys noticed by the expression on his face that he knew about it, for someone had already told him.

The boys were further disciplined by being kept in doors the rest of the day, because they disobeyed their parents.

In the evening a letter was received from the captain in which they learned that the repairs to the silk umbrella was $8.00. The amount took almost the whole of Theo.'s savings. But there was more in the letter which their father did not read aloud. As the children after supper said, "goodnight", to their parents, they asked forgiveness with tears for their bad behavior. "

Yes, Theo", said his father, "I forgive you heartily, because I know that you regret what has happened, and though it grieved me, yet I was happy to learn that you spoke the truth. I have been informed of the inward conflict which you had. Let us now bow our knees and thank the Lord for His grace, and commit ourselves further to Him, the One Who loves us so. How wonderful it is that we can tell our God everything! Not only can we go to Him with our sins and receive complete forgiveness, through the blood of Jesus; but too, in all temptations and circumstances we may draw near to Him. Do not forget that, my boy!"

A quarter of an hour later, Theo. and Gerhard were snuggly tucked under, and slept the sound sleep of health and a good conscience.

Messages of God’s Love 2/19/1928

In His Name Believe

Jesus now in glory,

Once was here on earth,

Angels told the story

Of His wondrous birth.

Shepherds, having seen Him,

Spread the news abroad—

God has sent a Saviour,

Who is Christ the Lord.

Yes! He came to save us,

Tell us God is love,

Open up a pathway

To His home above.

But He must needs suffer,

Ere we could be free;

Pass through death to ransom

Sinners such as we.

Now we know He's risen

From among the dead,

Seated high in glory,

Over all as Head.

All who trust in Jesus,

God will now receive:

Hasten, then, dear children,

In His name believe.

Soon His own He'll gather

To Himself for aye,

Where they'll sing His praises

Through a cloudless day.

Messages of God’s Love 2/19/1928

The Storm

MY little boy of three and a half years came and sat on my knee and, gazing out of the window, put the following questions to me in a very impressive manner;

"Does God make the light, mamma?"

I replied, "Yes, dear, God makes the light to shine into our hearts, and He sits in the heavens, and rules all things."

Taking up the last clause of my answer, he again asked with great seriousness,

"Does God sit in the heavens ?"—then a pause—"and rule?"

"Yes, dear," was my answer. Again he inquired,

"Does God rule the seaside water ?" "

Yes, 'He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.' " Psa. 107:29.

Surely, if God rules the troubled waves of the mighty ocean, He is able also to fiercely the tempest may rage. That blessed One who once walked upon the stormy waters, is He not able also to steer us safely over life's tempestuous sea ? He only can still its foaming billows, so that we may pass on fearlessly, but He is with us, and we are safe under His protection.

"WHAT TIME I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN THEE." Psa. 56:3.

"Led by faith we brave the ocean,

Led by faith the storm defy,

Calm, amidst tumultuous motion,

Knowing that the Lord is nigh;

Waves obey Him,

And the storms before Him fly."

Messages of God’s Love 2/26/2028

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 22

Josiah was one of God's miracles of grace, raised up at almost the very end of the sad history of His people in the land of promise. He was the fifteenth son of David to reign over Judah, and his 31 years' rule ended less than 25 years before the two tribes were carried away to Babylon.

That which stands out prominently in considering Josiah's life, is his regard for the Word of God, long neglected and forgotten. 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 lets us know that he began to seek after the God of David his father, "while he was yet young"—when he was 15 or 16 years of age, and that four years later he began to destroy the features of idol worship in the land and outside Judah's narrow borders, too. In another six years Josiah undertook the repairing of the temple, and it was then that the book of the law—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy—was discovered. It is with this last period that verses 3 and following, deal.

We may well consider the effect of reading God's Word upon the godly young king, and wish so real and so lasting results were seen in our day. In our times, it has become common for men and women to reject God's Word altogether, despising (to their eternal loss) its warnings, and rejecting Him who is the only Saviour and Lord. Some, also, profess to be Christians, but are as far from the true knowledge of Christ as the benighted heathen.

To both these classes, Josiah stands in most marked contrast. It is enough for him that God has spoken; let it be so with all who confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in their heart that God path raised Him from the dead.

In Revelation 3:8 and 10 Christ's word, the "word of His patience," is what a feeble band is commended for keeping,—for having it before them in living practice. Can anything less satisfy the heart which truly seeks to please the Lord?

Josiah's godliness could not avert the coming judgment, but he would not be left to see it (verse 20). The people themselves were not as their king (see Jeremiah 3:10), though there were godly ones among them. Hastening on to national ruin, they gave little heed to God and His Word. And you, reader,—what of yourself ? "

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.

Messages of God’s Love 2/26/2028

The Story of a Wreck

MOST of my readers have seen the sea; and many of them have spent pleasant summer holidays, sailing dainty little boats and building castles of sand, and perhaps finding in a few minutes their work all demolished by the rippling waves, and the sand become all smooth again. But the waves are not always gentle — sometimes nothing can withstand their power—and it is of such waves I want to tell you.

Many years ago, I was at a watering place, and while there, a terrible gale occurred, and a large emigrant ship was wrecked in a bay not far off. The coast is most dangerous and if a vessel gets into the bay in a storm, its destruction is almost certain. You will ask,

Why did not the captain avoid such a place ? O! that is the sad part of it. He mistook the light that warned of the danger, and the consequence was, the vessel and everything in it became a total wreck. I have never seen before nor since such a scene as that beach presented for about two miles, strewn with every imaginable article, as well as pieces of the ship.

Now, you will say, What became of the people ? All were saved but two by the rocket apparatus, and it is of those two I want to speak to you. May you learn a lesson from their sad end.

The vessel was driven by the force of the waves close to that shelving beach, and an officer—I suppose, not understanding its dangerous nature— thought it would be easy, when the waves receded, to jump on shore. This he did, and immediately a huge wave washed him back underneath the vessel, and he was drowned.

The other was a poor woman. She had not courage to avail herself of the "basket" which was the means of saving the others, and utterly refused to trust it, though earnestly entreated to do so by the crew and her fellow passengers. She remained in the wreck and perished.

I have never forgotten the impression made on my mind by it. I learn, first of all, and wish my young friends to learn the importance of not mistaking the light. These are days of darkness; and Satan has set up many false lights in the world to blind the eyes of those who believe not, "lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them." The Lord Jesus Christ says,

"I am the light of the world: and he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12. Apart from Christ there is nothing in the world but darkness and death.

We have the case of that poor officer who is a sample of many a one who feels he needs salvation, but seeks to be saved in his own way, by his own doing, and he does his best, but he will prove, as the officer did, that his efforts are of no avail, and his end will be utter destruction.

"Till to Jesus' work you cling,

By a simple faith,

Doing is a deadly thing,

Doing ends in death."

The poor woman's case was sad indeed. Salvation was brought so nigh—close to where she was, she had nothing to do but accept it. Others had proved it worthy to be trusted, and had been brought safe to land, but she was afraid to trust it. She had her opportunity and lost it.

Are there any like her today? Indeed, I fear there are many. They know they are sinners, and exposed to judgment. They know also that Christ is the only Saviour, but they are afraid to trust Him, to "venture on Him, venture wholly."

God's salvation is freely offered today. "Whosoever will" may come and be saved. Alas! for those who despise His offered grace. God's Word speaks solemnly to them:

"Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish." Acts 13:41.

God is long suffering, "not willing that any should perish," and He "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 2 Pet 3:9: John 3:16.

Messages of God’s Love 2/26/2028

Little Nell

One Lord's day afternoon, when our Sunday-school class was assembling for the Bible reading, or "weekly talk about Jesus," as one of the girls called it, a new scholar was brought in:—a fair child, with rosy cheeks, and a happy smile. She soon made friends with all, and was known only as "Little Nell."

After seeing her for some weeks, her teacher kept her behind the other children one day, and found that the child she had learned to love, was unsaved.

"How can a little girl understand enough, teacher ? There's plenty of time yet. I can't trust Jesus Christ until I get older." And the bright look always vanished when spoken to earnestly about her danger.

Four months later "little Nell's" mother lay dying, and with her last breath begged her child to open her heart's door, and let the Saviour in, but "little Nell" still held out, and would not heed His voice.

Two years slipped away. "Little Nell," was growing to be a tall girl. One day her teacher had a letter from her, in which she said,

"I am not well, and always feel so very tired, and besides that, I am unhappy. I do want to belong to Christ. If only my name was in the Bible, I should be quite sure Jesus loved me, and died for me, but I can't believe I may come. Do pray for `Little Nell.' "

One morning a short note came from Nell, asking her teacher to call on her at once.

'Down by a canal, with chilly, damp air filling a tiny room, sat "little Nell," little no longer. Though her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes bright, the bloom was not that of health; no, one glance was enough to show that her days on earth were numbered.

"Teacher, doctor says I'm very ill, and that I must go to the hospital, but I am not a bit afraid to go there, for I have opened my heart to Jesus, and let Him in."

"Did you find your name in the Bible then, after all?"

"Yes, teacher," said Nell, and a happy light shone in her eyes, "It is there. I knew my sins were great, and I so longed to be at rest and peace, and then one night that text came to me with new meaning.

`Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' I believed it; and say it over and over when Satan tells me I am a sinner."

"Just read about the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and ask Jesus Christ to look after me very carefully; and then I want to go to sleep. Isn't He kind to let me know so well that He loves me ?"

Children, do not wait till you are better, or older, or wiser, but let Christ, who so willingly offered Himself a sacrifice for sinners, have your love, your life, your all, while you are young.

Messages of God’s Love 2/26/2028

O, Be Earnest

Time is earnest, passing by;

Death is earnest, drawing nigh:

Time and death appeal to thee,

Wilt thou never serious be ?

God is earnest; may'st thou now

Down before Him lowly bow,

Ere He set His judgment-throne,

Ere the day of grace be gone ?

Christ is earnest: bids thee come;

Paid redemption's priceless sum;

Wilt thou spurn the Saviour's love,

Pleading with thee from above ?

O, be earnest, do not stay!

Thou may'st perish, e'en today,

Rise, thou lost one, rise and flee:

Lo! thy Saviour waits for thee.

Messages of God’s Love 2/26/2028

Bible Questions for March

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

1. "And, behold, there came," etc. Matt. 8:2

2. "And lo a voice," etc. " 3:17.

3. "And she shall," etc. " 1:21.

4. "Then saith Jesus," etc. " 4:10.

5. "But go ye," etc. " 9:13.

6. "And his disciples," etc. " 8:25.

7. "No man can serve," etc. " 6:24.

Bible Questions for March
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 19-28

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "What think ye of Christ ?"

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Truly this was the Son of, God."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "All power is given unto me."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Suffer little children."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Out of the mouth of babes."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They that were ready."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Be ye also ready."

Answers to Bible Questions for January
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. By quoting God's Word. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

2. When He healed the sick during His earthly ministry. Matt. 8:16, 17.

3. "God with us." Matt. 1:23.

4. "The Son of Man hath not where to lay His head." Matt. 8:20.

5. The kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matt. 6:33.

6. Love, bless, do good, pray for them. Matt. 5:44.

7. Lay up our treasures in heaven. Matt. 6:20.

Bible Questions for March
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 19-28.

1. What reward does the Lord promise for the one who forsakes all to follow Him?

2. What does the Lord give as the twofold reason why people "err" in their religious ideas ?

3. Give our Lord's three word invitation, and three word condemnation, the one in Matt. 11, and the other in Matt. 25.

4. Give a reference showing that the Lord condemned divorce.

5. What is the secret of becoming truly great?

6. What verses mark the break in the Lord's recognition of the temple as the house of God?

7. Give a verse that teaches the everlasting punishment of the wicked.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 23

The effect of hearing the Word of God was most real with Josiah. He caused all the people to be gathered at the temple to hear that which had moved his own soul so deeply, and there he made a covenant before God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His Word. The people outwardly subscribed to the king's desire; this was natural, for they would wish to please their ruler, particularly when he was a good man. But God looks at the heart; profession without possession is worthless, and will only increase the condemnation by and by.

Josiah, enlightened and aroused by the Word of God, goes anew to the task of ridding the land of what spoke of idolatry. Sad indeed it is to learn that within the walls of that magnificent house planned by David, and built by Solomon, were vessels made for the idol Baal, and for the grove, and for the worship of the host of heaven the sun, moon and stars. Near it were the houses of immoral practices (verse 7) which had brought the judgment of God on Sodom.

At the entering in of the temple were horses and chariots that the kings of Judah had given to the sun. Solomon's departure from God comes into view ( verse 13).

Going beyond Judah's borders, Josiah destroyed Jeroboam's altar and high place at Bethel, and the idolatrous high places in the cities of Samaria, sacrificing even the priests of the idols on their altars. Those who held communication with evil spirits, and wizards and everything that savored of idolatry, Josiah put down; and a passover, the like of which had never been seen since the days of the judges, was celebrated (verses 21,22).

Happy king Josiah, amid the ruin of what had once been the land of the rich blessing of God, to serve Him still, holding fast to the faithful word with heart, with soul and with might, according to all the law of Moses. He did not pick out part of God's Word, and give heed to that, disregarding what he found irksome, as do some.

Egypt was soon to be humbled, and to sink e'er long into that condition which in general marks it still, and Assyria too was weakening, when Pharaoh-nechoh, ambitious to recover lost territory, set out to attack the king of Assyria. It was the last expedition of conquest the Egyptians made into the Assyrian dominions, but at the time, success attended them. King Josiah should not have interfered; perhaps pride lifted him up. It was of God, however, that he should be taken away before the judgment of Judah should occur.

Jehoahaz, son of Josiah reigned only three months, for Pharaoh-nechoh, returning from Assyria, carried him off to Egypt, after having taken him as a prisoner first to the far north in Syria.

Eliakim, another of Josiah's sons was made king of Judah, his name being changed to Jehoiakim by Pharaoh-nechoh. The two names, it may be remarked, appear to have very similar meanings,— "God is setting up", and "Jah" (an abbreviation of Jehovah, usually translated THE LORD) "sets up". If so, it would seem that the king's change of name was more by way of Pharaoh's showing his power than anything else. Both the sons of Josiah were very unlike their father; their ways were evil in the sight of the Lord according-to the ways of their forefathers. Judgment was about to fall unsparingly.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

The Angel's Care

ANNIE was a very timid little girl, and did not like to be left alone in a dark room. Sometimes at night, when the wind blew very hard, she would wake up and be afraid.

One day her mother lifted her into bed, and after giving her a good-night kiss, was just leaving the room, when she heard Annie say, "Mother!"

She went back to the little girl's bed to see what she wanted.

"O mother! I hear such strange noises, and the windows rattle so."

"Why, it is only the wind blowing down the chimney that you can hear," said her mother, "and it blows the windows too. I will try and fasten them more tightly."

Then she put some little wooden wedges in the windows, so that they did not rattle anymore, and sitting down by Annie's side she said,

"You don't feel afraid now, darling, while I am with you, do you ?"

"O, no, mother, I don't feel afraid of anything while you are here."

"Yet, Annie, God can take better care of you than I can, and He is with you all the time. I will teach you a beautiful verse from the Bible, and then you can say it to yourself whenever you feel afraid:

`He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.' " Psa. 91:11.

Annie repeated this verse several times, until she knew it by heart, and then she said,

"Now, mother, you can go downstairs, I don't think I shall be afraid anymore if I know that God is watching over me, and telling His angels to take care of me."

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Psa. 34:7.

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Psa. 56:3.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

Little Helpers

WHEN boys and girls have been brought to the Lord, and really trust in Jesus as their Saviour, it is a very happy thing if they can hell),to bring blessing to their young friends.

It is not always easy to speak of Jesus, especially to those who have known us in our unconverted days, but there are two ways in which all may help. One is by inviting others to go with us to a Sunday school or gospel address.

Soon after I knew I was saved I felt a great interest in a young man I had known for some time.

I called on him and told him how I had received blessing, and asked if he would go with me one evening to hear the gospel preached.

He heard what I had to say, but only laughed. However, I called again and again, till at last one day, out of curiosity, he said, "Yes, I'll come."

That night a great work went on in his soul and he was saved. I did not know it at the time, but he told me about it a few days afterwards. 0, how glad I was that I had not given up asking him to go.

The other way to help, is to pray for those who are still unsaved. God loves to answer prayer, and He loves to see those who are really His sheep and lambs taking an interest in each other, not because they know each other well, but because they each belong to Jesus.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

Tabby's Injured Paw

OUR picture shows us a cat with an injured foot, and we wonder how it came to be so. Evidently there has been some trouble with Tabby and someone else. Perhaps she tried to take a bone away from a dog, and he resented it.

The girls sympathize with their playful companion, and are wanting to care for the foot.

Do you know, little reader, that we often get into trouble by doing wrong things, and whenever we wish to harm another, we deserve to have that harm come to ourselves.

On the other hand, if one tries to harm you, be patient, and do not return evil for evil.

As Christians and little followers of Jesus, we will have to suffer much wrong and unjust treatment for His sake.

"BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD." ROMANS 12:21.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

I Am Jesus' Little Lamb

I am Jesus' little lamb,

Happy all day long I am,

He will keep me safe from harm,

For I'm His lamb.

By His staff I'm led along,

Guarded by His arm so strong;

I'm so happy all day long,

For I'm His lamb.

Then I never will repine,

While around His glories shine;

I am His, and He is mine,

Yes, I'm His lamb.

Messages of God’s Love 3/4/1928

Bertie and His Dog

WHEN I was a boy, I had a pet dog which my uncle gave me as a birthday gift. It used to follow me to school, sit at the play-ground gate till I came out, and then accompany me home, along the country road. Roger, for this was the dog's name, was a faithful guardian to me all through my school years. He would stand between me and any schoolboy who threatened to interfere with me and bark loudly, until someone came to my help; or to drive off intruders along the road that led to and from our school, and I loved him because of his faithful service throughout the years of my schooldays.

But Roger took sick and died. How I missed his company and care, for though he was only a dog, he seemed to know that he had the work of guarding and defending me. Need it be wondered that when he died, I cried until my eyes were sore, for I had lost my companion, and the only one whom I trusted to defend me from danger, and guard me from perils of the way.

I loved Roger because of his love for me, and on, at least, one occasion, he sprang on a schoolboy who had sought to harm me, and might have hit me, had not Roger interfered for my deliverance. But after the faithful dog died, I had no one to look to for care, or to defend me.

My mother told me one day that I would need to "trust in God" for my defence now. I had been brought to the Lord Jesus just about that time, and had trusted Him with my soul for salvation (Acts 16:31).

"You will need to trust Christ, to keep and to guard you in the same way, as you go to and come from school" my mother said. So I did trust myself to Him as the Guide and Guardian of my remaining schooldays. And He never failed to guide, to guard and to help me all the years I walked along that lonely road, but kept me in "perfect peace."

"THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE, BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE." Isa. 26:3.

His word has been a true "peace giver" to me, all these years.

As there may be others, who as schoolboys are in danger of being annoyed by companions and others who assail them by the way, or by temptations from Satan, their adversary, I pass this word of Isaiah 26:3, on to them.

It is a promise, good for all time, and worthy of being proved in daily life, by all who belong to Christ, and are troubled on the heavenward way, by temptations and opposition in their spiritual lives. Nothing meets such wiles of Satan, like a promise of God. Isaiah 26:3 has been a "word in season" to very many, and a "message of peace" to the troubled hearts who claimed and trusted in it.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 24

Now entered the rising power of Babylon into Judah's history. It had been foretold in Isaiah's message to the godly king, Hezekiah ( chapter 20:17), when Assyria was the great power, rivaling Egypt at the time. Jehoiakim's story contains nothing that suggests a change of heart such as we read of in Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:12-19). His son Jehoiachin was as evil as the father had been; and in his days, the conquering hosts of Babylon entered Jerusalem, and carried away the king and all the people, except the poorest sort, and with the captives, all the treasures of the temple, and of the king's house.

Here ends Israel's history as the acknowledged people of God in a peculiar place of responsibility and favor among the nations; the "times of the Gentiles" begin now. The temple and the kingdom remained for a brief season, but stripped of the glory.

The king's uncle, Mattaniah, was made the ruler of the land of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, with his name changed to Zedekiah. This is another change of name without special significance, we judge. It was a mark of the power of the conqueror. Zedekiah's reign was the last, as we shall see in the next chapter.

How is speaks to the heart of the believer, to consider the history of Israel through the years in Egypt; in the wilderness with Moses; the conquest of the land under Joshua; the early decline, beginning almost in Joshua's day; the state of things revealed in the book of Judges and in Samuel's lifetime; the history of David, the man after God's heart (though he sinned, his repentance was deep); of Solomon, and the cleavage in the kingdom; the ten tribes immediately led into idolatry, but followed by their faithful God with such devoted servants as Elijah, Elisha, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. See 2 Chronicles 36:15, 16, pronouncing the doom of the nation, though grace would deal with them again in the bringing back of a remnant to occupy the land,—alas! then to reject their Messiah to death, the crowning sin of Israel, far eclipsing the sin which brought about their captivity under the Assyrians and Nebuchadnezzar.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

Mary's Apple

MARY'S mother selected, what she thought was a very nice apple for her daughter's lunch at school. She polished its surface till it glistened and looked very tempting and beautiful. But when Mary came to eat it at the noon hour, it proved a disappointment. That red and glossy surface covered an unsound heart. The inside was brown and quite unfit to eat.

This reminds us of what the Scripture says of the natural heart, that there is no soundness. It says that we are by nature sinful and estranged from God. It was because of this that the Lord Jesus, when in this world, said,

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

Is everyone then to be forever barred from the kingdom of God—shut out from His presence because of sin?

The answer to this vital question will be found in John 3:16,

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," and also in John 1:12,

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

God loved, and gave His Son. All that we have to do is to believe and receive. This faith is counted as righteousness. Those who had no righteousness of their own (only sin), the righteousness of God is placed upon them. A new life and nature is implanted in their heart, which takes its nature of purity and holiness from God Himself, and delights to do His will.

Reader, do you believe God? Have you received His Son as your own Saviour? Nothing apart from Him, and His work on the cross will save us. No amount of self-improvement will answer.

We are safe only as we receive God's verdict regarding our need, and also as to the remedy. If your faith is in Christ alone for salvation, you are fit to enter His bright home above; you are a child of God now, at this moment, God says so,

"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.

"Whosoever believeth, that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." 1 John 5:1.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

Talking About Jesus

THERE are two little boys that I know, called Arthur and Bertie. Arthur is nine years old, and Bertie six. They are both dear little fellows, and I think they have given themselves to Jesus, and are trying to please Him. They both get up very early in the morning, and go to bed with the birds at night. When the two little boy-birds are in bed, I often go into their room to say "good-night," and kiss the rosy faces. Then the little arms are thrown round my neck, and I am held prisoner.

"Please stay, do now! You're not going yet! I'm not going to let you!" from one little bed.

"Hold her fast, until she promises to stay and talk!" from the other.

"Well, I promise!" Then the arms unclasp willingly, and there comes a sigh of content from both beds.

"Now talk—a nice, dear little talk—, about Jesus!"

"Put out the light; we couldn't talk in the light, could we?"

So I put out the light. "Now come and sit by me!" "No, me!"

I compromise matters by sitting between the two little beds, with two soft hands in mine.

"Now begin—we're all ready!"

And then I tell all about Jesus, and how He came down to live and die here for us, and how He still loves little children, and takes care of them night and day, and about what they can do for Him in the world, and about heaven. and how He is coming again to the earth, and we shall see Him.

"I hope He'll come soon!" Artie says, pressing my hand.

"Might it be to-morrow?" asks Bertie.

"Yes, any day; but He doesn't tell us the time, so that we may be always looking out."

"I wish all the little children would love Jesus, and be looking out for Him," says Arthur. "It would be so nice to be all looking out together, wouldn't it ?"

"And then to have Him come down while we were looking—wouldn't it be grand ?" says wee Bertie.

And so we talk on, until I say that it is high time that all little birds were asleep, and go away, leaving a text with each of them to think over.

"My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches." Psa. 63:5, 6.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

I Wish I Was Saved

“ARE you saved, Willie ?"

So questioned an evangelist a boy who was anxious about his soul. He looked into the speaker's face, and then burst into tears, exclaiming,

"I wish I was."

Yes, with eternity in front of him, and with the shadow of sin resting on his soul, his words were, "I wish I was."

How gladly the evangelist spoke to him of the love of Jesus, and how he could be saved. Both knelt together, and the evangelist prayed, feeling sure Willie would be saved before very long.

A day or two passed; the Christian was greeted with a radiant smile. He knew well what that smile meant. He said,

"You are saved, Willie ?"

"Yes," the boy replied, "I am."

"Tell me all about it."

A Christian had called to see the boy in the meantime, and had found that Willie wanted to feel happy, as though salvation were a question of feelings.

Willie was shown that Jesus had done everything for him, and that all that remained for him was to rest upon the finished work.

"Is that all ?" was the boy's question, "Is that the way?"

At last he could truthfully say,

"I do believe that Jesus died for me."

He was happy, trusting, resting. All the shadows had passed away.

"Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." 1 Peter 2:7.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

A Shepherd Jesus Is

A Shepherd Jesus is, so kind!

And all God's sheep are His;

And by His power He leads them on

To everlasting bliss.

No eye but His could e'er survey

A flock so large, so vast;

No heart but His could seek and find,

And love unto the last.

No arm but His could it defend

From dangers all around,

And lead it to the pastures green

Where living streams abound.

Large as the flock of Jesus is,

His power is greater far,

And every lamb amidst the flock

His power and love doth share.

Messages of God’s Love 3/11/1928

Punishment

THE five older children in our picture today probably all go to school. The little one sitting down looks too young to be a school boy.

One of the number seems to be fond of drawing, and is making a rather funny looking picture. Perhaps he has seen something happen in his own school-room that has led him to draw this picture of a teacher whipping two naughty children.

You all know, dear readers, that the naughty ones at school must be punished by the teacher, and the naughty ones at home must be punished by the father or mother.

Some children behave so well at school that they never have to be punished by the teacher. But this does not mean that these well-behaved children do not have sinful hearts.

There are two things I want to tell you today, although most of you have heard them before,—perhaps many times.

First, "All have sinned." Romans 3:23. And this includes you.

Second, Sin must be punished. "The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.

This means that you have sinned, and that you deserve death. And if it were not for the wonderful love of God, you would have to suffer the eternal punishment that sinners have earned.

But He in His great love gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross and bear the punishment that you and I deserved, that we might go free.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, your sins are forgiven,—borne and put away by that precious One on the cruel cross of Calvary. No other way, dear reader, can you escape the wages of sin.

If you have turned to Him for salvation, you can say not only,

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

"THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH: BUT FHB GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IIIROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD." Rom. 6:23.

To every poor, lost, needy sinner this gift is offered freely, without money and without price. (See Isaiah 55:1.)

Do not delay. Accept this wonderful gift now, today, before it is too late.

Messages of God’s Love 3/18/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Kings 25

In the preceding chapter, the young king Jehoiachin (he was 18 years of age) gave himself up a prisoner to Nebuchadnezzar, king of BabyIon (verse 11), and all but the poor of Jerusalem (verse 12) were carried away with Jehoiachin and his court to Babylon. It was then, no doubt, that the youthful Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Daniel 1, etc.) were taken to Babylon.

Mattaniah, uncle of king Jehoiachin, was made king in his stead, his name being changed by Nebuchadnezzar to Zedekiah. In the ninth year Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonian rule, as his brother Jehoiakim had done shortly before his death, and Nebuchadnezzar came again to Jerusalem, and besieged it for over a year. Famine resulted and the king and his army at last fled by night, but were overtaken; the sons of the king were put to death before his eyes, and the wretched man's eyes were then put out, and he was carried away to Babylon.

Jerusalem was now reduced almost to ruins, the magnificent temple of Solomon being burned with the king's, and all the other great houses in the city, and the city walls were broken down. The remaining people of Jerusalem were carried away captives, and there were left only the poor of the land, to be vinedressers and farmers. The costly pillars of brass, the brass sea, and the other things of whose making 1 Kings 7 tells, were carried away by the Chaldean army to Babylon. And as a final act of vengeance, no doubt allowed of God because of the wickedness of the leaders of Judah, both of priests and people, of which we are briefly told in 2 Chronicles 36:14, the chief priest, the second priest, and various others in the temple, and in the city were carried away to Nebuchadnezzar and slain.

Nebuchadnezzar put Gadaliah over the people that were left, but ten months afterward he and the Jews and Chaldeans that were with him, were killed by Ishmael, a member of the king's family. Afraid now of severe punishment for the act, all the people fled to Egypt. See Jeremiah Chapters 41, 42, 43, 44 for most interesting details of this period.

The Second Book of Kings closes this history, with the mention of a gracious act on the part of Nebuchadnezzar's successor, Evil-Merodach in the year that he began to reign, toward Jehoiachin the long imprisoned king of Judah, now about 55 years of age. "He spoke kindly to him," set his throne above that of the kings with him in Babylon, changed his prison garments and allowed him to eat before him the rest of his life. This event took place in B. C. 561; twenty five years yet remained of the seventy years captivity of Judah( Jeremiah 25:12; Ezra 1).

We have completed our examination of the outward history of Israel and Judah,

down to the removal of the earthly people of God from the land He gave them; the ten tribes known as the kingdom of Israel had been removed by the Assyrians in B. C. 722, soon thereafter to disappear from the world's view, and today unknown, but at the word of God, they will reappear (Ezekiel 37). Much that tells of the true state of the people leading to the captivity of the twelve tribes will be found in the books of Jonah, Joel, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and Obadiah, which cover a period of about 250 years, and we may learn much of the moral history of this people from the two books of Chronicles.

Messages of God’s Love 3/18/1928

God's Nobility

WHAT a splendid thing it is to be commended of God. In Acts 17:11, we see that there was a class of people who were thus favored, and to whom the word "noble" was applied. We know this word denotes honor and distinction. When this, in the Word of God, is used to describe any class of people, it is well to observe carefully as to the cause. The reason given for it is,

"They (the Bereans) received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily."

Though much time has passed since these words were written, we believe God is no less pleased now that there are those who receive His word with readiness, and delight to read and search it; receiving it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.

Nothing is more honoring to God, than this prompt acceptance of His truth, and it cannot but result in one's rich blessing. It is from the written Word that we learn God's wondrous purposes of grace concerning us, all made good to us by faith.

First of all, the Bible tells us that we are in ourselves lost and sinful, and un_able to do anything toward our own salvation, and then from the same source we learn that the Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation. God has in His love provided a Saviour, His Son, Christ Jesus, and the one who in faith receives Him, reaps the benefit of that wondrous work on Calvary's cross—blessings so rich and great that our finite minds can hardly grasp.

We trust that our reader will desire, above all else, to be numbered among God's nobility. This world may bestow honor and distinction upon one, but how vain and fleeting they will prove. How soon all earthly acquirements will have passed away. The one who by faith lays hold of God's salvation, will still be in its enjoyment as the ages of eternity roll, when the things of this paltry world will be no more.

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/18/1928

Whiter Than Snow

WINTER had come, and snow lay round the pretty home of Eva B. She loved dearly to have a run in the snow, or a skate on the lake.

Eva's mother gave her consent to run to a cottage, which was very near, to in_quire about a little friend there who was ill:

"How beautifully white the snow is!" said Eva to herself, as she tripped along. Suddenly she stopped and looked very thoughtful, and half aloud she said,

"Whiter than snow," "Where ever have I heard that ?" Memory soon told her. She remembered when at a Children's Meeting, they had all repeated this beautiful prayer,

"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psa. 51:7), and then came the remembrance of earnest words, inviting all the young people to really "pray that prayer from their hearts."

Simple teaching heard at that meeting about the precious blood of Christ cleansing from all sin, and about those who have ((washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb" (Rev. 7:14), came again to her mind. Yes, the message of that day seemed to be forgotten, but now it all came back to her, and as she walked slowly on to the cottage, there went up the earnest cry,

"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." She knew that she did indeed need to be washed, and that she could not make herself clean.

Eva did not go in at the cottage, but just inquired after her friend at the door. Her whole mind seemed occupied with the words, "Whiter than snow."

She seemed very absent minded while she was supposed to be studying her lessons that day, and at last her teacher said to her,

"I think you are not giving your mind to your work, Eva. Are you thinking of something else ?"

"Yes, Miss M. I am, and 0! will you please help me?"

Her teacher was a dear Christian, and so glad to be able to show her the right way,

"I am thinking of 'Whiter than snow'," and Eva told of her thoughts that morning.

Her teacher told her of God's love in giving His Son to die in her stead (Gal. 2:20), and of His sending a message to her by the beautiful snow, and she encouraged her just simply to come to the loving Saviour, and accept the rest He so freely gives.

It was not long before Eva knew that God had indeed answered her prayers, and that the Saviour had accepted her as His own.

Then she, too, could join the happy people who can say that Jesus is their own Saviour, and sing of "Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood." (Rev. 1:5).

Can you say that, dear ones ?

Messages of God’s Love 3/18/1928

Jesus Is Calling Now

(Matt. 18:2)

Jesus called a little child,

We do not know its name,

But this we know beyond a doubt,

The child to Jesus came.

And Jesus still is calling

The little ones to Him,

To prove the value of His blood

That cleanses from all sin.

He calls to you, my little one,

Say, do you know His voice?

Is He your own dear Saviour—

Has He made your heart rejoice?

Have all your sins been washed away ?

Are you made clean and white—

And through the Saviour's precious blood,

Made fit for glory bright ?

Dear little ones, He's calling now,

But soon He'll "call no more,"

He waits to save, but soon He'll rise

And close the open door.

Then come to Him, dear little ones,

o, come without delay!

Believe His love, and trust His blood,

And you are safe for aye.

Messages of God’s Love 3/18/1928

His Little Lamb

“I DO not think I can be one of Jesus' lambs," a little boy sobbed out, as he lay in his father's arms.

"And why so ?" inquired his father. "Because I do not feel I am," the child replied.

After trying in various ways to comfort the heart of his little boy, and yet being very anxious not to say one word which should lead his child to think lightly of what it is to be a sinner, the father re_peated this text:

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

These words satisfied the child directly. Do you, dear young friend, know their sweetness ?

Little lambs so white and fair,

Are the shepherd's constant care;

How He leads their tender feet

Into pastures green and sweet.

Now they listen and obey,

Following where He leads the way;

O Lord Jesus, may we be

Thus obedient unto Thee.

The Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we like to think of our readers as His lambs, His constant care. He bears them on His shoulders, and folds them in His arms.

"I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD, AND KNOW MY SHEEP, AND AM KNOWN OF MINE." John 10:14.

Messages of God’s Love 3/25/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles, Chapters 1-3

The Books of Chronicles review the history of the earthly people of God, and chiefly that of the royal line of David, from the standpoint of grace. It is as though God were in tender mercy and unchanging love and pity, lingering in memory over His people, sinful and wayward as they had, alas! ever proved.

How different the history of man, from. the life of the Son of God, as He passed through this world from the manger to the cross and the glory! In Him there was nothing to hide, naught to conceal but I lis own personal glory, but in these divinely inspired records of the human race, we notice that which is traceable back to the fall of man sin—though in the Chronicles only that which brings out prominently the grace, and thereby the blessing of God, is seen.

Examining Chapter 1, we first notice the entire absence of the murderer, Cain, and all his descendants (Genesis 4). They set the fashion of things in their day, in going out of the presence of God, in city building, in the lust of the flesh, in music and manufactures, and in other respects, too, no doubt; not all such essentially wrong, but founded upon unconfessed and upon the giving up of God.

After the flood, the peopling of the cleansed earth comes in view, through Noah's three sons, of whom Japheth is mentioned first, and his descendants sufficiently to show what parts of the early world they occupied; their names, shortly applied to the regions they occupied, indicate Europe and a great area of Asia.

Ham is second, of whom came one who began to be mighty upon the earth (verse 10); thus man early began to oppress his fellows. Ham's descendants peopled Africa, and from the Mediterranean Sea eastward.

Third in order of mention appear the sons of Shem, of whom God was to separate a family to Himself, worshipers of the living and true God, when idolatry filled the earth. At verse 24 we are directed to the Peleg line of Shem, of which came Abram; then Abram's offspring according to the flesh, leaving the mention of the family in which divine grace worked to chapter 2.

In the second chapter we have to do with the sons of Jacob, here spoken of in the later name Israel, applied in the grace of God. Of them all, Judah the fourth, is presented first to lead our thoughts to David and the royal family of Israel, objects of the favor of God, in whom was to be displayed the sovereignty of that free, unmerited favor, and as to whom promises were given that could only, because of man's utter failure, be fulfilled in that Son of David who is Son of God, Christ the Lord. Chapters 2 and 3, and chapter 4 down to verse 24, are concerned with the family of Wall.

Er, firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and He slew him (Chapter 2, verse 3); sin meets retribution, not always at man's hand, but certainly at God's. And there was a troubler of Israel among Judah's descendants who transgressed, and met swift judgment (verse 7, and Joshua 7). The free electing grace of God is further shown in David's being the seventh and youngest of his family, the least in his father's house (verse 15).,

Chapter 3 gives the line of David to long after the removal of Judah from the land; Jeconiah (verses 16,17) is a form of the name Jehoiachin, the captive king with whom 2 Kings closes.

It is evident that the Chronicles were written, or at least compiled, after the captivity; it is thought by some that Ezra's was the pen which God employed.

Messages of God’s Love 3/25/1928

The Journey

SOPPOSE that you were taking a journey to another part of the country, and you knew that when you reached your destination, you would be made very welcome, and quite happy, would this knowledge prevent you from enjoying the journey?

"Of course not," you answer at once, "I should enjoy the journey all the more."

Then how is it that some boys and girls hesitate to start on the road that leads to everlasting life and heaven, because they imagine that the journey there through this world will be spoiled?

If you know that your sins are forgiven, and that you are sure to have a good time in the next world, that will not make you enjoy the journey through this life the less, surely!

Of course, you will take care to do nothing that would make you ashamed when you reach the end of the journey, but you would not enjoy the journey the less because you knew that a good time was awaiting you at the end.

You are fond of thinking out things for yourself, perhaps. Then think out what you have just been reading, and do not give it up till you are sure that you are on the road to heaven.

"In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psa. 16:11.

"They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy.... for Thou wast slain, and bast redeemed us to God by Thy blood." Rev. 5:9. "They shall see His face."

"There shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light." Rev. 21:4, 5.

There are two roads: one leads to life eternal, the other to everlasting punishment.

Be careful, dear children, that you do not take the wrong road. The Lord Jesus Christ says,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/25/1928

Believing About Jesus

I WAS walking on a country road, when half a dozen children, who had just come out of school, came dodging about in front of me, playing, evidently with the view of attracting my attention.

They all appeared to be going some little distance my way, and knowing how much children like to be spoken to by one older than themselves, I said,

"Well, you naughty little children, have you been to school to learn to be good?"

I. suppose they caught the ring of kindness in the voice, for the word "naughty" was not harshly used, And in less than a second several voices answered at once, "Yes, sir."

"Well, have you learned to be good, then?"

They looked at one another blushingly, but gave me no answer.

"Well, come now, as you cannot answer that, here's another for you:

Have you learned how many are twice two?"

"Pour," cried several voices at once.

"Are you sure ?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, that you have learned, and you are quite sure about it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, do you know anything about Jesus?"

They all cried out, "Yes."

"What (lo you know about Him ?"

No answer to this question.

"What did He do here?"

"Died on the Cross."

"What did He die there for?"

"To save sinners, sir."

"Yes, that's it, to save sinners. Are you sinners ?"

"Yes, sir."

"You say He (lied for sinners, and that you are sinners, and that consequently He died to save such as you. Now, tell me, Are you saved ?"

No answer could these little dears give.

"Can't you answer that ?" said I. "You say He came to save sinners, and that you are sinners, and yet you don't know whether you are saved. Now come, I'll put it plainer"; and, pointing to the path on which we were walking, I said, "Suppose you were to fall down dead on this spot at this very moment, where would you go ?"

They were all silent.

I said, "You see, my dear little ones, you are sure two and two are four; you say you are sinners, you say Jesus Christ died on the cross to save sinners, but you cannot say you are saved. I am like you, a poor lost sinner by nature, and when I was a boy I knew I was a sinner, and wished to be saved. I knew Jesus came into the world to save sinners by dying on the cross, and God says, He that believeth on Him, and rests in that work, shall be saved. Now, I know what God says about my being a sinner; I believe it; know God means what He says about the work of Jesus; I believe it, and rest on it; so that I know I am saved, for God says so.

`He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life.' So that if I were to fall down dead here, I should go to the Lord. You see, dear children, you hear about the Lord Jesus. You believe about Him, but have not as lost ones come to Him."

I then tried simply to set the way of salvation before them, and we parted. I pray God to bless the conversation to the souls of these little ones.

But are not many, many thousands in this highly favored land just where these little ones were?

Yes, they believe a good deal about Him, but have never come as lost ones to Jesus as a Saviour, nor to that work He did on the cross, as that which met all the claims of a holy God, and for ever settled the question of sin for all who accept the shelter that work gives.

Dear unconverted reader, nothing short of coming as guilty, and believing in, and resting in that work, will save lost ones.

Will you come, and be saved ? Or will you stop at believing a good deal about Him, and in the end be lost?

Messages of God’s Love 3/25/1928

Little Hands, Lips, And Feet

"Little hands can work for Jesus,

Glad to do His holy will;

Helping playmates, serving mother,

They are serving Jesus still.

Let my hands be quick and true,

God shall give them work to do.

"Little lips can move for Jesus,

Speaking gently all the while,

Making other people happy,

With a love-word and a smile.

Let your speech in kindness fall—

Jesus listens to it all.

"Little feet can run for Jesus,

And for Him sweet comfort take

To the hearts bowed low in sorrow,

Blessing all for His dear sake,

Let your footsteps gladness bring,

Causing many hearts to sing.

Messages of God’s Love 3/25/1928

Bible Questions for April

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

1. "But go rather," etc. Matt. 10:6.

2. "But Jesus said," etc. " 14:16.

3. "And Simon Peter," etc. " 16:16.

4. "Behold my servant," etc. " 12:18.

5. "He answered," etc. " 13:11.

6. "And said, Verily," etc. " 18:3.

7. "At that time," etc. " 11:25.

Bible Questions for April
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They will reverence my son."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Truly this man was the Son of God."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Whosoever shall do the will of God."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "If he shall gain the whole world."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "He was received up into heaven."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Coming in the clouds of heaven."

7. Write in full the answer to the question: What is said as to the one who gives a cup of water to drink in Christ's name?

Answers to Bible Questions for February
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. "Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart." Matt. 15:18.

2. "Attributing the works of the Lord to the power of Satan." Matt. 12:24.

3. That He was "The Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt. 16:16.

4. "He is not worthy of Him." Matt. 10:37.

5. Matt. 18:20,

6. Matt. 16:18.

7. (1) Sower; (2) Tares; (3) Mustard Seed; (4) Leaven; (5) Treasure hid in the field; (6) Pearl of great price; (7) The net. Matt. 13:3, 25, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47.

Bible Questions for April
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1. How can you save your life?

2. Is the expression, "the widow's mite" correct?

2. Have you ever done what Jesus told the man in chapter 5:19?

4. What class of people did Jesus call?

5. What three things have a tendency to choke the Word of God in our souls?

6. To whom did the Lord appear first after His resurrection?

7. Where did Jesus definitely state that He was the Christ?

Messages of God’s Love 4/1/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles, Chapters 4, 5

We cannot say that all of the names in the long lists in this section of God's Word were believers, but we are reminded of another record, that unseen book of life, which bears many names (Philippians 4:3) precious to God. What title must one have to be enrolled here ? Sinners saved through Christ.

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

"We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, but after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:3-7.

In Jabez (verse 9, of chapter 4) we see a believer of whom God has taken care to have us know not only that his name is in the book of life, but that he was more honorable than his brethren; grief had attended his birth instead of the usual rejoicing, so that his mother named him Sorrowful, but he called on the God of Israel in a prayer of faith suited to the day in which he lived, and God gave him what he asked.

Does the reader so keep God before him as (lid Jabez, seeking from Himself and not from man, for blessing, for larger ability to serve Him, for His protection and guidance, and to be kept from the evil so abundant in our day?

Simeon's family follows the record of Judah's host (chap. 4:24), and Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh occupy the fifth chapter. These last, unwilling to make their homes in the promised land, but content to stop short of the Jordan, were the first of Israel to be made captives, and carried away when the nation fell deeply into sin.

It is always a dangerous thing for the believer to stop short of the blessing of a walk with God. The world tempts, and the enemy whispers, "Be broadminded, be liberal; you must make your way in this world," and other deceitful suggestions, which the unstable readily listen to. Are there not enough solemn warnings of the danger of living-at a distance from God, in His Word?

Concerning the history of the two and one-half tribes who would not make their dwelling beyond the Jordan, entirely clear of the world around, the reader will find much to profit him in a study of Numbers 82; Joshua. 22; Judges 5:15,16; 2 Kings 10:32, 33; and 15:29 with 1 Chronicles 5:26, remembering that this part of the nation was carried away into captivity 18 years before the remaining tribes of Israel, and 140 years before Judah fell.

Messages of God’s Love 4/1/1928

The End Of The Way

THE little boy who is the subject of our story, was making a long journey alone on the ' train. He had, no doubt, been put in charge of the conductor for safe keeping.

The day was very warm and dusty, and most of the passengers on the train were feeling much worn as a result of the uncomfortable conditions.

A lady noticed the cheerful face of the little fellow, and asked him if he was not tired of the long ride. He looked up brightly and answered,

"Yes, ma'am, a little, but I don't mind it much for I expect to meet my father at the end of it."

It was this prospect that kept up his courage, and lifted his mind above the weariness of the way—the thought of seeing the face of his loved father at its end.

We are all travelers; the reader and the writer alike are journeying on to eternity. It may be that the reader has been on this journey only a few years—perhaps longer, but regardless of the length of time, we do not know how soon we may come to its end.

And, for our own peace of mind, how much depends upon our assurance as to the end of the way. How happy if we can look forward to a glad welcome by a heavenly Father when the journey of life is over. This should, be our chief concern, for there is nothing so important as this.

Did it ever occur to the reader that God is concerned about this very thing? Yes, He is vitally interested in your eternal well-being, and has proved it beyond a doubt.

His great desire for you is that you should go to dwell with Him in His bright home above, when you leave this scene. And the best part of it is that He has, at infinite cost to Himself, made this possible.

We are all sinners and cannot go to heaven with our sins upon us, but Christ died on Calvary's cross, and shed His precious blood, which can wash away our vilest sins and make us fit for His heavenly home.

Dear children, are your sins forgiven are you sure of your salvation? If not, then flee to Jesus! He alone can forgive your sins, great and small; He alone can wash you clean in His own precious blood. Yes, come to Jesus at once!

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

If you know Him as your Saviour, you may have the assurance that a Father's smile and welcome awaits you at the end of life's journey.

This will indeed brighten all of the way to the end, no matter how difficult. Our desire will be, while on the way home, that by our life and words, we may win others to Christ.

"They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign for ever and ever." Rev. 22:4, 5.

Messages of God’s Love 4/1/1928

The Butterfly Chase

THE woods are alive with leaves, birds , butterflies, squirrels, rabbits and foxes; the grass is full of crickets, moles, caterpillars, spiders and all sorts of beautiful bugs; the cows under the trees drink of the refreshing stream; children rejoice when they can get out of the cities and enjoy the beautiful scene.

There are many lessons, dear children, we may learn from this, but there is one I would specially like to bring before us. In Job 12:7-9 we read,

"Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these, that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this ?"

Yes, they can teach us that God has made them, so wonderful are they; yea more, that God feeds them, and they show that God's goodness is over all. But while God's goodness and power, as a creator, may easily be seen in all these things, yet God's wonderful love has to be learned through another source.

Where is it that God's love is to be seen, or is told to us so fully ? No doubt some of you can answer it right away. It was at the cross where God gave His only begotten Son to die in the place of sinners, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Yes, there is where God's wonderful love has been shown to us.

"HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, AND SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS." 1 John 4:10.

Messages of God’s Love 4/1/1928

'Tis A True and Faithful Saying

'Tis a true and faithful saying,

Jesus died for sinful men;

Though we've told the story often,

We must tell it o'er again.

O, glad and glorious gospel!

With joy we now proclaim,

A full and free salvation

Through faith in Jesus' name.

Still upon His hands the nail-prints,

And the scars upon His brow;

Our redeemer, Lord, and Saviour,

In the Glory sitteth now.

But remember, this same Jesus

In the clouds will come again;

And with Him His blood-bought people

Evermore shall live and reign.

Messages of God’s Love 4/1/1928

The Nightingale

TODAY we see in our picture two nice looking birds perched on the branches among the ' sweet flowers. The larger bird has his mouth open, and is perhaps singing his beautiful song; for the nightingale, or "singer of the night," is noted far and wide for the surpassing loveliness of his voice. His plumage is not so bright and beautiful as that of some birds, but his song is surpassingly sweet.

I wonder how many of my dear young readers are like the nightingale—not clothed with that which will make an outward show, but making sweet melody in their heart to the Lord; it may be not in audible tones, but in the heart, in a way that is very precious to Him who loves them. He gives "songs in the night" to His dear ones. May our hearts be found going out to Him in sweet melody, night and day; like the lovely notes of the nightingale which so delights its hearers! "

WHOSO OFFERETH PRAISE GLORIFIETH ME." Psa. 81:23.

Messages of God’s Love 4/8/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles, Chapters 6-9.

The tribe of Levi occupies the sixth chapter, giving first the names of the high priests beginning at Aaron, and ending in verse 15 with Jehozadak whose name (God is Just)seems most fitting, when God was dealing in long deferred judgment with His people. After the high priests, are the families of the Levites, the sons of Gershom, Kohath and Merari, and finally the cities and suburbs given to them.

The seventh chapter gives the descent of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh's half on the west of Jordan, Ephraim and Asher.

Chapter 8 brings Benjamin in again, first to tell of those who lived in Jerusalem, and afterward the connection of the family of Saul.

In chapter 9 we see the use of these genealogies, for the names given (down to verse 34) are of those who had returned from the seventy years captivity. (See Nehemiah 11; and chapter 7, verses 5 and 64, 65).

Each of the Levites had his service to perform, of that little flock of chastened souls who returned with Ezra and with Nehemiah to the glory-departed city of Jerusalem. The "transgression" of the people (verse 1) had brought this ruin and shame upon Israel, and their return was not in independence, but as subjects of the great Cyrus (Ezra 1).

Some of Ephraim and Manasseh were among the returned exiles (verse 3 of our chapter), as well as those of Judah and Benjamin. Had the first named joined the later when Cyrus opened the way; or were they living in Judah's land when the captivity took place? We can only conjecture as to this.

Verse 35 begins the detailed history, giving the genealogy of the king the people had desired, Saul the son of Kish of Gibeon; but not only to Saul and his four sons, but on down the line through Mephibosheth (Merib-baal) to the period in which this book was written. This is grace indeed. Saul had brought judgment on himself and his house, but God remembers mercy. To Him be eternal praise!

Messages of God’s Love 4/8/1928

The Conversion of an Indian

JOSEPH was an Indian, and a very wicked one too; so much so, that his own tribe sought to get rid of him. So he decided to go to another tribe, far away.

It so happened that a number of missionaries just then passed through the place where Joseph was, so he joined them. They appointed him to drive one of their wagons. But the fact of being associated with Christians, did not change Joseph. He hated God and His Word. As soon as a Bible was opened in his presence, he hastened away.

One Lord's day in July, when it was too hot to go hunting (as his custom was, so as not to hear anything about God), he laid down in the shade of one of the wagons; not knowing that this was the very one from which the services were to be conducted that day. The silent prayer of the man of God, as he rose to speak, was,

"Lord Jesus, help me, and bless now Thy word to Joseph!"

In simple words he preached the love of God to all, how, instead of punishing sinners, He gave His own Son to die for their sins; thus proving His love to them; and all who will come to His Son, believing in Him, God will forgive, and make them His loving children.

Joseph's eyes were directed straight up on the speaker, and the message went home to his heart and conscience. A few days later, while walking with another one of the missionaries, he asked him: "Didn't the preacher lie fearfully the other day?"

"Lie, Joseph, I haven't noticed it."

"Well, he said that the Great Spirit loved the wicked Indian; wasn't that a big lie ?"

"No, surely not, Joseph, that's what it says in the Book:

`In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

`Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.' " 1 John 4:9, 10.

Then Joseph answered; "But that was a big lie, that He has prepared a wonderful country for them."

"No," said the missionary, "that also is true. Jesus, the Son of God, told those whom He loved and saved; 'I go to prepare 'a place for you.' " More was said and finally Joseph declared:

"If all that is true, I want to stay with you, and become a Christian, and never again tread the warpath."

When they arrived at their destination, he stayed with them, splitting wood, and doing all kinds of work, and very soon He came to the Lord Jesus, confessing his sins to Him, and found forgiveness and peace; and he rejoiced in his Saviour.

Dear children, do you know this same precious Saviour whom this poor but happy Indian found, who gave him joy and peace in believing on Him ?

Messages of God’s Love 4/8/1928

Little Martha

MANY years ago, in the city of M____ , amongst the children who were pupils in my private school, was a dear little Jewish maiden, named Martha B___ .

When her father came to see me about receiving her into the school, he told me he was a Jew, so I informed him that the classes were opened each morning, with the singing of gospel hymns, reading of the Scriptures, and prayer. At first he seemed to hesitate about sending her, but changed his mind and said,

"O, she won't understand anything that is said; she is only five years of age, just a baby."

On the opening day of school, she came into the class-room, a perfect picture of childish beauty, in her white dress, her dark curls hanging about her shoulders, and her intelligent face lighted up with a sweet smile.

We began that morning with the gospel hymn,

"Jesus loves me, this I know," and after the first verse was sung, Martha joined in the chorus of the second. Her voice was like a bird's, so clear and sweet. I then read in the New Testament, about Jesus taking little children up in His arms, and saying,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not." Mark 10:14.

I looked up from the Bible to see her large dark eyes fixed on my face with such an inquiring look, that I could not help explaining in a very simple way, who Jesus was, what He came into the world for, and if we believe on Him as our Saviour, He will take us to heaven to be with Him forever.

Our exercises closed with prayer, a very simple one suited to those childish minds.

I found Martha very bright, and as the days went by she made rapid progress with her lessons, also her questions about the Scriptures were so intelligent, and showed such an interest in Divine subjects, that I began to fear her father's wrath would be aroused if he knew that his little child was taking such intense delight in listening to the story of Jesus, and singing the hymns of praise to His name.

One morning, owing to a severe headache, I was unable to teach my class, so my mother offered to take my place. She asked what their teacher did first, in opening the class.

"We sing a hymn;" said Martha, "may we sing, 'I am so glad that our Father in heaven' "?

The hymn was sung, then mother asked, "What next ?"

One of the pupils said that a chapter in the Bible was read, so mother read a few verses, then asked,

"Well, what next ?"

"Our teacher prays," said Martha.

As my mother had never prayed aloud, she said, "I think we will not pray this morning."

Little Martha's hand went up,

"I can pray if you will allow me."

Mother said she could not describe her feelings when that little child of Jewish parents, knelt down and prayed in a simple childish way, asking the Lord Jesus to bless them all, and help them to be good and learn their lessons well, ending with, "For Jesus' sake. Amen."

I was told by a neighbor, that one evening Martha was overheard by her father, talking aloud in her bedroom, and on going in to see what she was doing, he found her on her knees by her bedside, praying to the Lord Jesus to bring her father and mother to Himself. Enraged at hearing his child using that hated Name, he went in, and whipped her cruelly, telling her never to speak of Jesus again. I believe she must have prayed, and sang hymns again often, as the neighbor told me that her pitiful cries were heard many nights after that.

At the closing exercises of the school, the children asked if they might sing some of the gospel hymns. Martha led the singing in spite of the fact that her irate father sat listening, his face getting darker, and more angry as each hymn was sung. I think I hear her sweet childish voice even now as she sang, "I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me."

I was told that when her father and mother got home that night, the cries of little Martha could be heard by the neighbors, as her father punished her severely for singing those hated hymns again.

I wonder where little Martha is now. I feel sure that I shall meet her in heaven, and we shall together praise our blessed Lord who shed His blood on the cross to save poor sinners.

Dear children, who read this story of Martha, will you too believe in the Lord Jesus, Who, won the heart of the little Jewish maiden, and who believed in Him as her Saviour, and was enabled to bear all the wrath of her father because she believed that Jesus loved and died for her and saved her by His precious blood?

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Rom. 1:16.

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter:16.

Messages of God’s Love 4/8/1928

JesusDied For Me

If Jesus came to seek and save

The wretched and the lost,

I know He came to rescue me,

By sin and misery tossed.

If Jesus died upon the cross

That sinners might be free,

I am a sinner, and I know

That Jesus died for me.

If Jesus bids the weary "Come,

And I will give you rest,"

I, a poor weary one, will go,

And in His love be blessed.

I know that what He says is true,

He never can deceive;

He says, "Believing, life is thine,"

And I His word believe.

Messages of God’s Love 4/8/1928

Spring

HOW bright and glad the spring time is! When the cold, northern blasts are over, and the soft, balmy breezes take their place all nature seems to rejoice. The sun shines brightly, the little birds sing their sweet songs; then comes the gentle rain, making the grass look fresh and green; and next, the tiny buds begin to swell, telling us that soon the bushes and the trees will put on their beautiful foliage: then comes the bright blossoms, filling the air with fragrance.

Do we not see something more than God's goodness to us in the beautiful spring time? Does it not speak to us of the eternal spring time upon which we shall enter when we go to be with the Lord Jesus ?

All will be bright and beautiful in that happy home to which all who love Jesus are going.

Here the spring time, with its freshness and its loveliness, passes away: the flowers fade and die, the grass withers, the leaves fall, and the wintry blasts return.

But there, the freshness will never fade, the beauties of that scene will never pass away. Its joys will fill our hearts, and these joys will flow on forever.

Now just one little word more. I want to tell you that Jesus, that blessed One, who has suffered for our sins, will make the brightness and the joy of all that happy scene. Think of Him, and of what we shall have when with Him, and our hearts will be as full of happiness as the spring time is full of brightness and cheer.

"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." Rev. 5:9.

Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 10

Chapter 10 tells in the language of the last chapter of 1St Samuel of the ruin of Saul's house. It is in a scene of ruin that God acts in grace. When our first parents sinned, God appeared, both to announce the fruit and penalty of sin, and to speak of a Deliverer (Genesis 3:15-19), and when all the race was in irretrievable ruin,—the guilt of the murder of the Son of God resting upon that people which, almost alone as a nation, had any knowledge of the true God, then it was that God announced justification by His grace, redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:10-26).

The day had been not long past, when Saul was the people's pride. A choice young man and a goodly; there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he; from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people (1 Samuel 9:2), and the people had shouted when he was presented as their king. But now the Philistines, old time enemies within Israel's border, whom Saul should have destroyed, had become strong enough to defeat the men of Israel in battle; Saul was dead and all his sons, and the army he had gathered had fled. The disaster was most serious; the enemies of God and of His people were left in undisputed possession of the battle field, and they made much of their triumph for the honor of their gods and their nation.

We may be tempted to say that God was not in all this; but He was; it was a sorrowful scene, humbling in the extreme from whatever angle we may consider it, but the closing verses tell us that the unseen, but by no means indifferent. God, had brought this defeat and ruin upon Israel, and in particular, upon Israel's king. Saul died for his transgression (verse 13).

As early as 1 Samuel 13:13, 14, when Saul had been king but two years, he was told that his kingdom would not be continued because of his disobedience to God's Word. In the fifteenth chapter again (verse 23) he was told that because lie had rejected the word of the Lord, He had rejected him from being king. Nevertheless Saul was allowed to continue as the ruler over Israel until he had reigned forty years.

Forty is a number in Scripture often connected with testing or trial, whether forty days, or forty years, and Saul's forty years only brought out more and more the wretchedness of the unregenerate heart; from hatred of David and seeking to accomplish his murder, he turned to Satan as his last resource (verse 13, and 1 Samuel 28:7-19). He was removed from the scene in which he had so utterly failed, and David, until now without a possession, a wanderer, while the people's choice occupied the throne, was to take the dominion as the man of God's purpose.

Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1928

I Do Trust Him

SOME time ago we were visiting in a village and called to see Mrs. F . She was out, and the only person in the house at the time was her youngest daughter, Alice, whom we had not met before. We had a very solemn talk with her about her soul, and about eternity. After some time she wept bitterly, for God had opened her eyes to see that her sins were upon. her, and that she was unfit to meet Him. Then we repeated those precious words to her, in John 3:16,

"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life;" but still she wept, and did not speak.

Before leaving, we told her about the jailor at Philippi, who suddenly, at midnight, found out that he was lost, and called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said,

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved ?" and how they said,

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved;" repeating those words again and again,

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

The following week, being in the village Mrs. F' asked us to go and see a woman who was dying. Alice seemed greatly pleased to come and show us the way. Having paid our visit, we were walking back together, when she looked up earnestly, and asked, "

Do you think Mrs. is saved?"

I told her that she said she was trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ; and remarked how solemn it was to leave the question of salvation till the very last hour. Then turning to her, I said,

"But, Alice, what about your own soul?"

She looked straight up in my face, and her whole countenance beamed as she replied,

"I am saved, for I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ."

"How long have you been saved ?" I asked.

She answered, "Since the first day that you and Mr. R spoke to me about my soul, and asked me where I was going to spend eternity. That verse settled it— `Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' And the little book you left helped me too, for there I read over again what you had been telling me. I do trust Him."

If you are unsaved, go alone into some quiet place, and there, in the presence of God, ask yourself this one question,

"Where shall I spend eternity?"

But if you are really anxious about your soul, and want to be saved, then God sends you this message today,

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

God grant that you may let it into your heart as Alice did; and may you decide for Christ now, this very day; and may you too be able to say,

"I do trust Him."

No doubt many of my young readers are children of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And now I should like to turn to you, and ask,

"Have you confessed Christ? Do all in your home and at school know that you are saved?"

If you have not yet confessed the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for you, and bore your sins in His own body on the tree, then go, and do so now, for God links confession with salvation:

"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." Romans 10:9.

Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1928

An Invitation

SOME years ago a young girl was invited by a friend to ' spend a few days with her for a much needed rest. The invitation was accepted, and the restful visit was enjoyed.

Some who are tired and weak in body, never get such invitations, but there is one invitation that is extended to all,—

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:28, 29.

You may have no friend here in this world who is able to invite you away from home and its never-ending work, to a place where you can have a good rest; but there is a Friend in heaven Who can and does invite you to come to Him for rest from the burden of your sins. Unless you have already come to Jesus, you are a sinner and need a Saviour.

Jesus left His glorious home above and came to this world to suffer and die, just so that He could give you this invitation to come to Him, and "find rest unto your soul." And you will find no rest for your soul,—no peace for your conscience, un_less you accept this wonderful invitation.

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

"For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

The Name of Jesus

ONE of the most remarkable results of women's work among the heathen comes from Madura, in the Indian Archipelago. It appears that a Bible-woman gathered a little class of native women together, and used to speak to them about Jesus, reading to them, and explaining His life and love. One day, a woman, who had been a most attentive listener, interrupted her with,

"Are all the things that you read and tell us about Jesus, written in that Book?"

"Yes, and much more than I have yet told you."

"I want a Book like it; will you bring me one tomorrow ?"

"Yes, I will bring one; but of what use will it be to you? You cannot read it."

"But I must have the Book that tells about Jesus."

The next day when the Book was given to her, she clasped it eagerly with both hands, and pressed it lovingly to her lips. Then, opening the Book she said,

"Show me the place where Jesus' name is."

As soon as it had been pointed out to her, she kissed the sacred page reverently. Before the Bible-woman left the house, the happy owner of the Book asked that the place might be marked, so that she could always find the name of Jesus.

Dear reader, you live in a land of Bibles. and you have heard the gospel of God about Jesus being the one and only Saviour for sinners, and that all who come to Him by faith may be saved.

Do you know Him as your own Saviour„ and is the Bible the most precious Book to you, where you may learn of Him, what He has done for His redeemed ones, and will yet do for them?

"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, 14.

Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1928

The Man Who Died On Calvary

Jesus who lived above the sky

Came to this wicked world to die,

That He the little ones might bless,

And clothe them in God's righteousness.

He left the home He had on high,

Far, far above the starry sky,

That He might, through His precious blood

Bring little children home to God.

He died on Calvary's cross to save,

He rose triumphant o'er the grave,

And now upon the throne we see

The Man who died on Calvary.

To little children is His call,

Come unto Me, come one and all,

Believe in Me, and be forgiven,

And spend eternity in heaven.

Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1928

At The Capstan

SOME of you have perhaps never heard of "capstans". They are used for different things, but frequently, as in our picture today. to draw boats in from the water to the beach.

You younger readers can get your parents or some older person to explain to you just how a capstan works.

In today's picture old and young are working hard, some pulling and some pushing, to bring in the boat. Perhaps the fathers and brothers have been out fishing, and all are glad to see them safe home again.

Or perhaps some of their friends have been away on a trip or a journey. We often take journeys, some of which last a day, some a week, and some much longer.

Sometimes people take trips around the world, and are gone for a year or longer.

But there is one journey that we are all taking. This is the journey through life,—a journey that lasts as long as we live, and ends in one of two places.

If we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and know Him as our Saviour, the end of the journey will bring us to the blessed home above. There we shall be forever with the Lord, who loved us and gave Himself for us. (Gal. 2:20).

But if YOU have rejected this wonderful Saviour and His offer of salvation, your journey through life will end in deepest darkness, far from the glorious presence of Him whose love you have spurned. "He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.

Dear reader, where are you going? This life will soon be over. Soon you will come to the journey's end. Will it usher you into an eternity of joy, or one of woe ? Jesus wants you, everyone.

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that bath no money." Isa. 55:1.

Accept His loving invitation now, before it is too late, for we know not how soon the journey will be over. Each day sees many young as well as old, being ushered into eternity.

"SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR." Isaiah 55:6.

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 11

Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be" (Genesis 49:10) is faintly portrayed in verse 1, for here is a foreshadowing of the day when the Lord Jesus will come to reign over the earth, and in particular, over His people Israel (Revelation 19:6, 11-20; Matthew 24; Isaiah 60; Zephaniah 3:14-20 and many other passages). Though for many years Israel had been under the dominion of a usurper, and the true king was rejected, and hid from them, they now saw in him the one appointed of God, the one foretold by His Word (verse 2).

As in the coming day of the Lord Jesus' return to this world, His first work will be to rid the land of enemies, so here David (verses 4 and following) is first the man of war, and his kingdom as described is characterized by power rather than by blessing. The inhabitants of the land oppose the king's taking possession (see Revelation 19:19), but are powerless against him and those that are with him, his people; God was with David.

And now our attention is directed to the companions of David in the time of his rejection. How different the mention now of those who sought his company, shared his rejection,. in 1 Samuel 22:1. 2. True, the six hundred (1 Samuel 27:2) are not all mentioned, hut not a word is said of any of their faults and their grumblings and even worse things that had been in their minds (1 Samuel 30:6) in this recounting of honored names of faithful ones who had seen in David the one of their heart's desire.

Deeds now are brought to light, acts of devotion to David, and courage exhibited on various occasions because of him: nothing of the kind was ever told of the followers of Saul, nor could be. And David's appraisal of personal devotion. too, is shown in verse 19.

All this points onward to a coming day. We may turn to Malachi 3:16; Matthew 25:14-46; 2 Peter 1; 1 Corinthians 3:13. 14; Revelation 22:12, and many other passages for light upon that time now so near when, first, the Lord Jesus, having taken His (present, heavenly) people home to glory, shall review their lives, and their measures of devotedness to Him for rewards then to be given. Afterward He shall descend to earth to take the throne of Israel, and the government of the earth. shall deal in similar ways with those who shall believe when we who have believed in Him ( John 3:16) in the days of His rejection, shall have been transferred to His heavenly home.

How all-important it is to not only be a believer in the Lord Jesus, but to live in the light of the eternal day ushered in for those who now trust in Him by His coming for them (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), and for the tried and hard-pressed, who never having known the gospel now proclaimed, shall trust in Him afterward, by His coming to them with. His heavenly people (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Revelation 19:11-21; Psalm 22:25, and many other passages as well as some of those above mentioned).

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

The Laughing Heart

WE do not know in what country the man lived, but he was a heathen. He had never heard of the true God, and had never heard the gospel that is so familiar to most of our readers. But by some means, probably through the preaching of a missionary, he did hear the good news of salvation through Christ in all its fulness, and best of all he believed it, and was saved.

This brought about a great change in his heart. He realized something of the blessings that were his in receiving Christ; something of the prospect that is before every child of God, and his heart was full.

In trying to tell others of his joy, he did not know very well how to express himself, and pointing to his heart he said,

"It laughs inside."

Had he not good reason for his joy? The knowledge that there was a God above who loved him, and had proved it by giving His Son to die to put his sins away, was enough to gladden the heart.

The belief that all that had stood against him had been met, and that now he stood pure and unblamable in the sight of a holy God, might well give peace to the heart, of which the world knows nothing.

The best part of it is that this happiness has its spring in God, and is the result of faith in Christ, and will last forever.

Fulness of joy will not be known in this world, for there are difficulties to encounter, but we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, know that in a little while we shall be in the presence of the One who loves us and died for us, and our joy will then be full.

This salvation is made sure to us. The love that has undertaken for us, is a love that will not let us go, but will preserve us to the end.

If our security depended on our own efforts, we might well be filled with doubts and fears, but this is not so. Our very life is hidden with Christ in God. One could not think of a more secure position than this. All this is the result of simply believing what God says.

When the poor heathen heard that God loved him, and had provided for him a Saviour, he believed it and was saved forever, and the laughing heart was the result.

Reader, "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 judgment; but is passed, from death unto life." John 5:24.

"Eye bath not seen nor ear heard, neither bath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him; but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Cor. 2:9, 10.

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

Dorothy

IT was four o'clock on a bright Sunday afternoon, the last hymn had been sung, and the children were all eager to be let out of school, when the superintendent said,

"We should be so glad if any boy or girl would stay with us to a short prayer meeting we are going to have this afternoon."

Several children remained, and among them a bright-faced little girl of about twelve.

She knelt very quietly in a corner, with her face buried in her little brown hands, while the short, earnest prayers were being offered up, and then tried to slip away without being noticed, but her teacher laid a hand on her shoulder, and said, kindly,

"Why won't you trust Jesus, Dorothy ?"

The child laughingly shook off the detaining hand, and darted into the street. Then the little face grew very grave, and Dorothy said wearily to herself,

"That's what they all say, 'Why won't you trust Jesus?' and they can't see how all the time I am longing to know Him, but I can't understand it. I don't know the way to be saved. I wish I did—O, I wish I did."

Late that night Dorothy went up to her little room. All the evening she had tried to be her usual cheerful self, but there was such an aching in her heart, poor child—she was seeking the Good Shepherd, and she knew not where to look for Him.

Kneeling down by the window, she laid her head upon the sill, and let the tears flow.

"O, if Jesus was here, if He lived on earth now," she thought, "I would go straight to Him, and tell Him all about it. I would tell Him that I cannot understand how to be saved, and He would help me to find out the way."

Suddenly a bright thought came—

"Wasn't Jesus there all the time with her in her little room? Even though she could not see Him, mightn't she speak with Him just the same? Why hadn't she thought of it before?" And there, in the deepening twilight, Dorothy told Jesus all—how unhappy she was, and how she longed to be saved. Long she knelt there—she had so much to tell the Lord Jesus—and when she at last got up from her knees, the little face was perfectly radiant with happiness. Jesus had taken the trouble all away; she had found the way to Him at last.

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

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

Seven Things

The first thing you must find out is, that you have SINNED.

The second, that you are LOST.

The third, that Christ died for SINNERS.

The fourth, that you may be SAVED.

The fifth, that you must BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ.

The sixth, that you must believe on Him NOW!

The seventh, that he that believeth HATH EVERLASTING LIFE,

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

JesusLoves Me

Jesus loves the little children.
Ever watchful is His care;
So to you He calls in mercy,
Unto Me, dear child, come near,
Since I gave My life to save you,

Loved you e'en though you were bad,
Only trust Me as your Saviour,
Verily I'll make you glad.
Even now your sins I'll pardon,
Save you, evermore to be

My redeemed and blood-bought treasure;
Ever My delight to be.

Messages of God’s Love 4/22/1928

Resurrection

THE trees and bushes are looking beautiful. All rejoice to see the trees come out in full leaf, and the pastures in beautiful green. Death seemed to mark all in the winter months, and now one is reminded of resurrection, and our picture shows this. Some say there is no resurrection, and ask the question, "How are the dead raised up?" God's Word answers, "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die." We see this all around us in creation. God's Word shows us that all are to be raised again.

Some shall be raised again unto the resurrection of life, and some unto the resurrection of damnation. ( John 5:29).

What a solemn thing, that although we die, we must rise again. Every eye shall see the Lord Jesus yet. Some shall see Him as their Judge; and others shall see Him as their Saviour.

How shall it be with you, dear readers ? We need not have the Lord Jesus as our Judge, for He is offered to all as a Saviour, and He has said,

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

"THE HOUR IS COMING, IN THE WHICH ALL THAT ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, AND SHALL COME FORTH." John 5:28,29.

Messages of God’s Love 4/29/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 12

Not only are we given the record of those who early joined themselves to David in the cave of Adullam when he was forced to withdraw from the scene in which Saul ruled, but the grace of God delights in telling of others who later forsook present advantage, and doubtless suffered personal loss for David's sake while he was the rejected, despised, even hated, man, though the victor over Israel's mightiest enemy. (1 Samuel 17).

This chapter then completes the account of those who loved David, and valued association with him above all that the world could give, at a time when there was every reason, perhaps, short of personal devotion to the one chosen of God to rule His people, for them to remain under the protection of, and in attachment to, the present order of things.

The brethren of Saul, those whom we should not have expected at all to see joined to David, since the ties of nature are strong in us all, are included first in this chapter. Not as early as the cave of Adullam, but quite later in David's time of rejection, did they come to him; but that they came at all, must have deeply touched his heart. They became his helpers, among the mighty men that were with him.

Gadites, too, came to David, before Ziklag had become the place of his dwelling, but after Adullam; they also were strong in his service; with David to live for, they put to flight many of his enemies.

Some of the children of Benjamin and Judah came to David about the time of the Gadites, and were given places in his company, and some of Manasseh joined him at the very end,—long in coming, but included nevertheless among the honored ones, privileged to share the path of rejection that was David's, though it were only briefly, and just before his exaltation (verses 19-21). At that time the eyes of many were opened to see that in David was him whom their heart desired; the then prevailing order of things was soon to end. So a great host, " like the host of God," came to David to help him.

This late gathering to David speaks deeply to the Christian heart; it reminds the child of God that the present hour is the closing period of the earthly history of the companions of the rejection of Christ, sets before him the reminder that he, though long in coming to Him, it may be, and certainly long centuries after his Lord was rejected and put to death, was made as welcome, as any poor sinner who received the Saviour and trusted Him, tells him that now is the time for true hearted devotion to Christ.

But this incident of verses 20-22 is also a message to those who have never "joined themselves" to the rejected Saviour.

If this little paper should be read by one, young or old, who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour, let him know now that it is still open to him to come to Him; that "whosoever" ( John 3:16, Revelation 22:17) means you; and that now is the accepted time; now the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

From all the tribes of Israel there came large numbers to David when his day of exaltation was come; willingly now they came, and willingly too, will Israel's sons in a coming day receive their Messiah and kindred of Saul long bound by nature's ties, and by personal service to the enemy king, are among those now to welcome the rightful ruler. All came "with a perfect heart" to David, and there was great rejoicing, great joy in Israel; and well there might be, for a day of blessing was dawning.

Messages of God’s Love 4/29/1928

To Our Dear Readers

It is with deep thankfulness to our God and Father for the grace He has shown in having given us the privilege of spreading the precious Gospel through the pages of "Messages of Love" for the past 29 years. We are thankful that the Lord has permitted us to know of continued blessing to both children and older ones, and we trust there may be much more if He leaves us here for another year.

Our deep gratitude we express to our dear brethren for their hearty fellowship in the greatly increased free circulation of the little papers, which is now over 25,000 weekly.

Also we thank the dear children for the interest they have taken in answering the Bible Questions, and the careful way in which they write their answers.

The names of those who are to receive Rewards will appear in May first issue.

We thank all of our friends for the careful way the names, addresses and ages have been written at the top of the papers. Since adopting this plan, only one paper has been received where these were omitted, and we could not give credit, for there was no way of tracing who was the writer, whereas before, this was of frequent occurrence.

The many little letters the dear children have sent us we have enjoyed very much, and we can tell from these that many of our friends know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. This rejoices His heart more than ours.

What a throng of dear children shall sing His praises throughout eternity. Three of our number of Answerers have gone to be with the Lord during the past year, and each one sent in the Answers to the end of their lives. They all knew they were going to be with their Lord, and were happy in Him.

We ask the prayers of those who are the Lord's, that all in connection with "Messages of Love" may be done in a way pleasing to Him, and that He may continue to give much further blessing through the many papers that are being circulated all over the world.

Any who may feel led of the Lord to send in short, pointed, simple Gospel articles suited to the young, will be most thankfully received. Souls are perishing, and need to know the love of God manifested in the gift of His Beloved Son, and to know of Christ's atoning work on the cross.

We heartily thank all of those who have so faithfully sent in articles, and appreciate their help. The results will be seen in the coming day.

Our time for serving the Lord here will soon be over. May we be diligent in our service for Him till He comes. "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8.

"Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. 6:9.

Messages of God’s Love 4/29/1928

The Foolish Guinea Hen

ONE day, just as dinner hour had come, my brother and I were standing outside a flour mill, when our eyes lit on a well-known visitor, a Guineahen which was in the habit of entering the mill, and eating the scattered grain which lay on the ground.

The first thing we set about doing was to drive it from the mill, but in doing so the foolish bird went the wrong way— "the wrong way," how many go that road —and instead of crossing the flowing river over a bridge, by which it could easily have reached the other side in safety. it tried to fly across, but failing, fell in.

The question now was, how could we get it out ? My brother quickly brought a drag and lifted the drowning bird out of the water. Instead, however, of allowing itself to be pulled to shore it flew into the water again.

My brother, finding this plan fail, left the bird for a few minutes swimming in the river. At the end of that time the hen, having found itself unable to reach the other side, kept perfectly still, and was soon, by means of the drag, drawn out.

While looking on I thought, how similar this bird's behavior was to that of many in this world, who go on, day after day, seeking to save themselves, and refusing to accept God's offer of salvation, by believing on His Son. How have you treated this offer of salvation?

Have you already received it; or are you still rejecting it ? Remember, it is those who have no strength, who are lost in their sins, and give up trying to save themselves, whom God saves.

If you receive this wondrous salvation, you will never regret it; but, on the contrary, will rejoice in that Saviour and Friend you have found, and be able to sing with certainty:

"I want no other argument,

I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died,

And rose again for me."

Messages of God’s Love 4/29/1928

Jamie's New Watch

JAMIE had been promised a watch on his twelfth birthday, and he looked forward with great expectation to the long looked for day. At last it came, and Jamie's father, faithful to his promise, brought the new watch and presented it to Jamie.

Jamie held out his hand and received it from his father, and with a kiss, a hug, and a right hearty "Thank you, father," he was off to show his treasure to his brothers and sisters. Jamie had no thought that the incident of that memorable day would be used in after years to show him how to receive another gift, of far more value than the new silver watch, his birthday gift.

When Jamie was thirteen he became anxious to be saved. Many of the boys and girls in the town had been converted, and Jamie was awakened to see himself a sinner. But he could not understand about receiving eternal life as the gift of God.

One night, sitting beside his father in the parlor, his father said,

"Jamie, do you remember how, on your twelfth birthday, you received your watch ?"

"Yes, father," was Jamie's reply.

"Well, my boy, you must just receive eternal life from God in the same way as you received that gift from me. Take it, and thank Him."

Jamie saw in a moment the way to "receive," and he did receive "eternal life," as a gift from God, and became a happy follower of the Lord Jesus.

Dear young reader, have you received "the gift of God" ? You do not work for a gift. You do not require to seek it. You have only to receive it and thank the giver. This is exactly what all who are possessors of Christ have done. They have received Him as the Gift of God, and thanked God for Him.

"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

Messages of God’s Love 4/29/1928

Bible Questions for May

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

1. "Saying, What think ye," etc. Matt. 22:42.

2. "Now when the," etc. " 27:54.

3. "And Jesus came," etc. " 28:18.

4. "But Jesus said," etc. " 19:14.

5. "And said unto him," etc. " 21:16.

6. "And while they went," etc. " 25:10.

7. "Therefore be ye," etc. " 24:44.

Bible Questions for May
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Luke Chapters 1-12

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Foxes have holes."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "God hath done unto thee."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Hast revealed them unto babes."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Lend, hoping for nothing again."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Seek and ye shall find."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The very hairs of your head."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "By every word of God."

Answers to Bible Questions for March
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. He shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Matt. 19:29.

2. They know not the Scriptures, nor the power of God. Matt. 22:29.

3. "Come unto me." Matt. 11:28. "Depart from me." Matt. 25:41.

4. Matt. 19:8.

5. Becoming the servant of others. Matt. 20:26-28.

6. Matt. 23:38 to chapter 24:2.

7. Matt. 25:46.

Bible Questions for May
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Luke Chapters 1-12

1. What is the penalty for being ashamed of Christ and His Word?

2. Who gave Jesus His name?

3. What was the "good part" that Mary chose?

4. How were Jesus' temporal needs met as recorded in Luke?

5. What is your recompense for confessing Christ before men?

6. Why did the Lord stop His reading in the middle of a verse?

7. What does Jesus expect of those who call Him "Lord, Lord"?

Messages of God’s Love 5/6/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 13

The rejoicing and the blessing which were now the portion of those who came to David, were to be shared; others must be brought in till none were left out. What a change all this was from the great display of man, together with the absence of true happiness while Saul reigned!

From "Shihor of Egypt"-the river Nile, or possibly the "river of Egypt" which was the southwest boundary of Palestine, to the "entering of Hemath" (noted city and district in the north of Syria), at the extreme north of Israel's borders, all are gathered together to bring the ark of God, symbol of His presence, from Kirjath-jearim.

Years had passed since the ark came to Kirjath-jearim. Much longer than forty years before, when Eli was priest, and Samuel the prophet a child, the unfaithfulness of the priesthood led to the taking of the emblem of the presence of God by the Philistines to the house of their god (1 Samuel 5), and though it did not (nor could it) remain there, there was not faith in Israel to give it its due place, until Saul was removed, and David on the throne.

But though there was desire after God's glory, and that He should be honored in the land, there was a lack of obedience to the Word of God on David's part, which brought on divine displeasure.

Observe David's word in chapter 15, verses 11-13 when he had been exercised by the occurrence of chapter 13, verse 10.

Obedience to the Word of God is surely a little thing for the believer, who owes God for everything, to yield to Him, yet how many Christians question, in our day, if they need to follow it fully, and decide that they will perhaps in some, or in most respects, but as to other things concerning which clear direction is given, it does not suit them to follow the written Word. To such, it need hardly be said, there is great loss. The reader would do well to read carefully the twenty second and twenty third verses of 1 Samuel 15 in this connection.

David's failure here cannot bar God from blessing His people, and He still blesses, even when full obedience is not yielded Him. Obed-edom and his family tasted the blessedness of the presence of God which David wished for, but through disobedience had not obtained.

Messages of God’s Love 5/6/1928

Little Mother

HOW peaceful and contented this little girl looks with her treasure in her arms!

It seems to be a rag doll, but that makes no difference. Many a rag doll has been just as fondly and tenderly loved by its little mother as the beautiful dolls so many of you have today,—dolls that have hair, and open and close their eyes, and say "mama". Whether a rag doll, a wax doll, or some other kind, it is a precious treasure.

Now, just as you love and care for your doll baby, and just as your mother loves and cares for you, so the Lord loves and cares for each of His dear children. He watches over you night and day, and protects you from many dangers that you know nothing about.

Do you love this blessed Jesus who is so good to you? He says,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14.

He wants every one of you, and is preparing a wonderful home above, to which He wants you all to come someday.

But He cannot have any one there who is sinful, so He suffered and died on the cross, and bore the punishment for your sins and mine that we might go free and be made fit to live with Him above.

"There's a home for little children,

Above the bright blue sky;

Where Jesus reigns in glory,

A home of peace and joy.

No home on earth is like it,

Or can with it compare;

For ev'ry one is happy,

Nor could be happier there."

"I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. AND IF I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF; THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO." John 14:2, 3.

Messages of God’s Love 5/6/1928

For Me

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

The highest height,

'Mid heaven of light,

My Saviour left for me;

The kingly robe,

In His loved abode,

He laid aside for me.

From the angel's song “

And the blessed throng,

Of heaven He came for me;

From the glory gold,

To a world so cold,

My Saviour came for me.

They knew Him not,

So poor His lot—

So poor He was for me;

No friends, no home,

Despised, alone,

He suffered thus for me.

And armed bands,

With cruel hands,

Dragged Jesus to the tree;

And the crimson flood,

Of a Saviour's blood.

Gushed from His veins for me.

But soon He arose,

From the dread repose,

Of the death He died for me;

And at heaven's bright gate,

Where the ransomed wait,

A welcome He'll give to me.

Messages of God’s Love 5/6/1928

The Mate Who Was Lost For A Trifle

HOW solemn, that boys and girls should lose their lives for a trifle. We have read of the prince who lost his life because he trifled ten minutes: of the railway man who lost his life in endeavoring to catch his cap which had blown off: of the sailor boy who returned to the sinking vessel for his kitten and was lost.

Are you, dear ones, clinging to something of no value, and losing your never dying soul ? What trifle is keeping you from salvation? At this moment your soul is either "lost," or "saved". Which is it ?

On the coast of C— the ship had struck a rock, but the pumps had failed to keep her afloat. The boats had been lowered, and all were safe except the captain and the mate. The call was urgent for the two to leap into the boat. The captain plunged in; the mate was about to follow, when he cried,

"Wait a minute, I have forgotten my purse." Rushing into the cabin to reach his coveted treasure, he tarried one moment, and that moment proved fatal. Had he let all go, and plunged into the boat, he would have been saved.

So with the sinner. When he gives up all hope of salvation by his own merits, doings and strivings, and rests wholly on Christ's finished work, he has everlasting life. The purse was taken from the dead man's hands and found to contain only 30 cents; that was all. The mate had sold his life for 30 cents.

Remember, dear ones your soul was so valued by the Son of God, that, He gave His life for it.

"WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL." Mark 8:36.

Messages of God’s Love 5/13/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 14

David, though he failed, and sinned most grievously (and reaped as he had sowed), habitually turned to God, and it is in this attitude that he is seen in this chapter. It is well for the believer always to take his circumstances from God, as did David in verse 2; and to God, as we see him doing in verses 10 and 14.

Whether it be in receiving blessing in natural things, or in passing through trials and dangers, we may well emulate David as thus exhibited to us. That his life was not perfect we know, and though God may (and He does) cover sin, as in this book, never to mention David's dreadful deeds in connection with Uriah the Hittite and his wife, He lets us see from almost every example in the Bible, that none but the Son of His love lived sinlessly. Already David had three wives,— Ahinoam, Abigail and Michal, but he was now rich and powerful and could afford to do as he pleased, so he adds to the number of his wives. And what of the children born to these later wives ? Scripture is solemnly silent as to all of them but Solomon, though we find in Joseph, husband of Mary the mother of the Lord, the descent of Nathan (Luke 3:31).

Enemies there yet are, and the Philistines went up to seek David when they heard that he was now king in Saul's stead. They came quite near to Jerusalem, to the valley of Rephaim, a few miles southwest of the city, and there twice suffered defeat, the second time being pursued to Gazer or Gezer, about two-thirds of the distance from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea.

It is not surprising that these victories were David's, since it was his habit to look to God at all times as we see from his life as recorded for us in the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, and from the Psalms which he wrote.

David had asked of God at the first appearance of the enemy, and had been directed to victory; but he remains dependent, and at the second coming of the Philistine hosts, he inquired again of Him. We may observe too, that the directions upon this second exhibition of a subject will, are not only fuller, the guidance more plainly given, but "God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines."

Thus does our God answer those whose hearts are directed toward Himself. The believers of this dispensation do not meet the enemies with military preparations, but unseen foes in the wiles of the devil, and the rulers of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Messages of God’s Love 5/13/1928

What Sort Of People Go To Heaven?

ONE evening, I met a little girl about nine years of age. She told me her name, where she lived, and that she was the eldest of eight children.

I said, "Do you go to Sunday-school ?" and she answered,

"Yes!"

Then I said, "Perhaps you can tell me what sort of people go to heaven"; and she gave me the usual answer,

"Good people."

I replied, "We read in Romans 3:10, 23, `There is none righteous, no, not one, `All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' So how can people go to heaven when God says there is none righteous or good, and all are sinners ?"

She shook her head, and did not appear to know, so I told her as simply as I could, that because no one was good enough to go to heaven, Jesus had died, and all who believe on Him are cleansed from their sins by His precious blood, and so are fitted to go there.

If you were asked this simple question,

"Are you fit to go there ?" what could you say?

Do go to Him at once, and tell Him you are not good, that you are a sinner, and not fit to go to heaven as you are. Trust in Him who has died for you, and wants to save you, and cleanse you from your sins, and wash your soul whiter than snow. Do not delay.

"Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43.

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

"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psa. 51:7.

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

"Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come."

Messages of God’s Love 5/13/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

BEGINNING with "A" we would like to find a verse for each letter of the alphabet, and have one each week in "Messages of Love," if the Lord will. In these twenty-six verses of Scripture the Lord will tell you many wonderful and helpful things.

“A”

Our verse today is,—"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

Dear young readers, have you been told that only good people go to heaven? So many children think that.

But if that were true no one would be saved, for this same third chapter of Romans tells us "there is none righteous" (verse 10), "there is none that doeth good" (verse 12), and "there is none that seeketh after God" (verse 11).

We are all born with a sinful nature, and we all sin. God loves us and wants to have us with Him, but He cannot have anything sinful in His presence. Because we have sinned, we have come short of the glory of God. Do you know what it means to come short ?

Suppose you are running a race around the block with one of your playmates, and you come out fifty steps behind. You come short of winning the race. But sup_pose you are only two steps behind. That is such a little bit. It makes a very close race. But still you come short.

Suppose you are going to take a long trip on the train. Your bag is packed, and you are all ready to leave the house,— just waiting till it is time to start. But when you get to the station, the ticket agent says, "Why, your train left an hour ago." Your clock must have been wrong. You missed your train.

But suppose your clock is all right, and you start in plenty of time. Then something along the way delays you for a few minutes. When you reach the station you are half a minute late. The train has gone; you see it as it speeds away, but you can't catch it. Again you have missed your train. Whether a minute late, or an hour late, makes no difference. You have come short of catching your train.

Now, you may be a very naughty child, not caring how often you disobey your parents and your teachers,—not caring how many bad things you do. Or you may be a child who tries very hard to obey parents and teachers,—one who wants very much to do that which is right and good, but that sinful nature will show itself sometimes, even perhaps, when you don't realize it. And so you have come short of perfection just as truly as the very naughty child who doesn't care.

You lose the race whether you are just a few steps behind, or a half a block behind. You miss the train whether you are one minute late, or a whole hour late. And just so you come short of the glory of God, whether you have sinned once or a thousand times.

But God in His great love and grace has provided a way to make you fit for His presence. He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for sinners, "and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

No matter what people tell you, you are a sinner. You need a Saviour. Turn to Him. Trust in Him for your salvation. Washed in His blood, you will be fit to live with Jesus in glory throughout all eternity.

Messages of God’s Love 5/13/1928

The Way To Heaven

Dear children, would you like to know

The way to heaven above ?

And what God tells us in His Word ?

Whose very name is Love.

Well, first we learn that "all have sinned,"

"There's none that doeth good,"

There was "no hope" for guilty man

Before a holy God.

But listen, children, this is where

God's wondrous love is shown,

To save poor ruined, guilty man,

By sin defiled, undone.

And so we read, "For God so loved"

A guilty world, He gave

His Son, His well-beloved Son,

Each ruined soul to save.

And gladly did He come to earth

From heavenly bliss on high,

To seek us in our deepest need,

On Calvary's cross to die.

And doing all His Father's will,

He suffered in our stead;

And now He lives at God's right hand;

He liveth who was dead.

That "whosoever doth believe"

(Could aught more simple be?)

Shall everlasting life receive:

It is for you, for me.

For everybody who will own

His lost and ruined state;

O children, come now, while there's room,

Lest you should be too late.

For let me tell you something else

Before I further go:

A day of judgment's coming soon,

And night of endless woe

For those who spurn a Saviour's love

And heedless, turn aside,

Care not for their immortal soul,

But in their sins abide.

'Twill be too late to turn to Him

When at His throne you stand,

No hope of mercy, judgment sure,

And that from God's own hand.

And then the final doom,

"Depart, Ye sinful, into hell."

O sinner, turn; "why will ye die ?"

There's room and time as well.

God's pardoning love's still going out

To all those who believe;

There's naught to do, all has been done;

Confess, believe, receive.

Dear children, come then, taste His love

While it is called "to:day,"

And you will dwell with Christ above

Throughout eternal day.

Messages of God’s Love 5/13/1928

Caught In A Trap

POOR little mouse has been caught in a trap and now one of the little girls has gone after the cat and brought her to catch and kill the little mouse as soon as they open the door of the trap and let it out.

A trap is a good thing for such a little destructive creature as a mouse, and God who is righteous, allows snares to be brought upon the wicked. They think they can go without Him and do just as they please and forget that all they have, they have received from Him, so God lets them fall into a trap that they might learn what weak and foolish things they are.

The one therefore who puts His trust in the Lord for salvation, and then goes be preserved from getting into traps or snares.

The Scripture says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty., I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge, and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." Psa. 91:1-3.

May you not only put your trust in the Lord for your salvation, but for all your ways, and He will preserve you from fall_ing into many a trap or snare that the wicked one would have for your feet.

"IN GOD HAVE I PUT MY TRUST: I WILL NOT BE AFRAID WHAT MAN CAN DO UNTO ME." Psa. 56:11.

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 15

It is pleasant to see a believer growing in the knowledge of the Word of God, and this we observe in David now (verse 2), having learned from it the divine order he had neglected in chapter 13 verse 4 and following. He had no doubt been reading in Numbers 3 and 4, for there he would find that the Kohathites and their brethren of the tribe of Levi, the Merarites and the Gershomites were chosen of God to carry the ark and to minister to God. The "due order" (verse 13), and the "word of the Lord" (verse 15) are now observed.

The sons of Elizaphan, Hebron and Uzziel (verses 8-10) were all Kohathites. Asaph (verses 17 and 19) has his name attached to twelve psalms, numbers 50 and 73 to 83. "Alamoth" (verse 20), is not understood; the same word is found in the title of Psalm 46; it is thought to refer to soprano voices. "Sheminith" (verse 21) was probably a musical instrument of eight strings, or the lowest notes of the scale as sung by men. The word appears in the headings of Psalms 6 and 12.

What a happy company it must have been, singing on the way from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David, as the children of Levi carried the ark on their shoulders. And "God helped the Levites" —, in what way, we are not told, but they owned His gracious dealing, and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving.

As a united people ("all Israel," verse 28) they brought up the ark of the covenant, token of God's presence among them, but one at least saw little to find delight in, in that which occupied David and the Levites that day; Michal "despised him in her heart." Of little moment to her was it that God was owned and His authority and presence recognized by her husband and the nation; she thought of things seen and natural and temporal, and overlooked the unseen and eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). We shall not find further mention of this daughter of Saul, but we shall either meet her in glory among those whose robes have been made white in the blood of the Lamb; or see her at the great white throne of judgment. Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men (2 Corinthians 5:11).

Let not the reader be like King Agrippa in Acts 26:28: "almost persuaded," and perhaps lost.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

“B”

“BE ye therefore followers of God as dear children." Eph. 5:1.

It is human nature to follow someone. Even the animals like each other's company. Out in the big fields you will see a flock of sheep feeding near together, or a herd of cattle all in the same part of the pasture. They would rather stay near each other than wander far away by themselves.

There are many things in this world that we can follow,— some good, and some bad. Satan wants us to follow pleasures and worldly affairs and ungodly men,—anything to keep our thoughts and our hearts away from God. But God's Word says to follow Him.

Dear children, if we read much in His blessed Word, if we talk much with Him in prayer, we will have a desire to follow in the footsteps of our Saviour, and to do as He would have us do.

We will seek to show the same love and grace and kindness that Jesus showed when He was down here. We will be glad to tell others about our Saviour, just as He taught the multitudes who gathered about Him.

Follow closely every day, for if you don't, you will soon find yourself lagging away behind, and then turning off to one side to follow some one else, or some of the attractions of this world, which can never satisfy you.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

What Is The Remedy?

BELOVED Christian reader, do we not long to see more of Christ in our homes ? Is it not, at times, very sorrowful and very humbling to mark the style of conversation that takes place in the midst of our family circles ? Should we not sometimes blush if we could see our conversations reproduced in print ? What is the remedy?

A heart filled with the peace of Christ, the word of Christ, Christ Himself,— nothing else will do.

We must begin with the heart, and when that is thoroughly preoccupied with heavenly things, we shall make very short work with all attempts at evil speaking, foolish talking and jesting.

"Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psa. 119:11.

"Neither foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Eph. 5:4.

"Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45.

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

Four Little Robins

ARE not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and yet not one of them is forgotten before God?" Luke 12:6.

Whenever I read this verse, my dear children, I think of how God took care of some little robins in our back garden. The father and mother robin built a very nice nest in a low branch of a maple tree. All day long you might see them playing about on the grassy lawn, pulling worms out of the ground and enjoying themselves very much.

We loved the robins and were very glad to have them in our garden, but we had a big yellow cat who was always trying to catch them. He would watch them by the hour, but when he jumped at them, they were always too quick for him. They almost seemed to laugh at him as they flew away.

The mother robin had four pretty eggs in the nest, upon which she sat faithfully for two weeks. Then one morning we heard a very joyful twittering and cheeping, and we knew that the little birds had come out. How busy the old birds were now gathering worms to feed their hungry little family! They never thought of worrying about the future, but I thought to myself that our cat would be sure to catch the little robins while they were learning to fly. He could not climb along the narrow branch to the nest, but he watched the old robins very often, and he would have liked very much to catch them. It made me feel very sad to think he might catch the young birds when they came out of their nest.

Not long after this Pussy went away, Perhaps he wanted to visit some of his friends. He often stayed away for a day or two, so I did not mind. The very day he went away, the little robins came out of their nest. Then father and mother wanted to teach them to fly, so they persuaded them to get out of the nest. First they hopped on to the branch, then from the branch to a seringa bush, and from the bush to the ground. There they played about in the grass, and their mother fed them worms. But they could not fly, and if Pussy had been there, he could have caught them all. But then he was not there.

The mother and father robin had a great time getting the little birds back to their nest that night, but at last they were all safely there under their mother's wings.

Next day they had another lesson in flying, and still Pussy did not come back. So it went on for a whole week. Each day the little robins learned to fly better and better, and still Pussy did not come back. He had never been away so long before, and we began to be quite anxious about him, but we were very glad that the little robins were having such a good chance to learn to fly. By the end of the week they could fly beautifully, as well as their father and mother.

But what had become of Pussy ? At last after a whole week, just as it was getting dark one evening we heard a faint mew. We opened the door, in walked Pussy, his pretty yellow coat all caked with mud, and O, how hungry and thirsty he was! How glad he was to get back. He lay down and rolled and purred, and rubbed himself against us all.

We all felt very happy to think how our Heavenly Father took care of the little robins, by making the cat go away while they were learning to fly, and He also took care of the cat, and made him come back at the end of the week.

But dear children, you have a greater enemy who would like to catch you, than the dear little robins had in Pussy. Satan wants to have you for himself, and to destroy you, but God has shown His great love to you in providing a way of escape from Satan;

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

Jesus has died for you, and shed His blood to put away your sins, and if you accept Him as your own Saviour, you are saved for ever, you are a child of God, and He is your Father, and He takes special care of His children.

"Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they ?" Matt. 6:26.

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

Come To Jesus

Come to Jesus, come away,

In the morning of your day;

Night is coming, death is nigh.

To the Saviour's bosom fly.

Come to Jesus, at His call—

He has sent for one and all:

He invites you, hark, 'tis He!

"Little children, come to Me.

"I became a babe for you,

Suffered shame and sorrow too;

Died for sins on Calvary's tree,

That you all might come to Me.

"My arms and heart can all receive,

My hands have blessings full to give:

My home in heaven the home shall be

Of every child that comes to Me."

Messages of God’s Love 5/20/1928

The Pilgrims

OVER 300 years ago, some Christians suffered persecution in England, so some of them fled to Holland. They were well treated there, but they determined to seek a country where they would be able to worship God as they wished.

Their eyes turned toward America as such a country, so in July 1620 a little company of them sailed from Delft Haven in Holland, to Southampton in England, where the little ship, Mayflower, was waiting to convey them to the New World. They were now called Pilgrims, on account of their wanderings from one place to another.

In the picture, you see in the boat, men, women and children, for they did not leave the little ones behind.

On the shore, we see their friends kneeling to commend them to the care of God. A Bible lying on the stone pier, shows that they had been reading together some words of comfort or exhortation. And God did care for them, and gave them a home such as they desired, and their wanderings ceased.

It is worthy of note that these people, though well treated in Holland, did not wish to become citizens of that country. No, they felt themselves to be pilgrims and strangers there, and sought a country of their own.

In what we may call God's Roll of Honor, (Hebrews 11) in speaking of those whose lives had been marked by some act of faith, it is said: "These all died in faith.. . . and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

And now, dear boys and girls, and older ones, too, who are the Lord's, are we showing by our words and ways, that we, too, are pilgrims and strangers here ?

Do we declare plainly that we seek a country—a better country—that is, an heavenly?

"FOR OUR CONVERSATION (citizenship) IS IN HEAVEN; FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST." Phil. 3:20.

Messages of God’s Love 5/27/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 16

It was not to the tabernacle, now at Gibeon (verse 39) whence it had been removed from Shiloh (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 4:4) and Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-6; 22:18, 19), that the ark of God was now taken. The priesthood of Aaron and his sons had failed, and after the ark's return from the Philistines, it never was restored to the tabernacle (See 1 Samuel 6 and 7; 1 Chronicles 13; and Psalms 78:60-72 and 132:1-8).

All now depended upon the king as the anointed one of God; true, there was failure there, but it is also true that the power has been placed in the house of David according to God's purposes, and all the promises connected therewith will assuredly be fulfilled in Christ, the promised Son of David.

The psalm (verses 7 to 22) given to the Levites, is part of Psalm 105 with some alterations; what follows to verse 33 is part of Psalm 96 with other changes, and the close is that of Psalm 106.

The covenant of verse 16, it will be noticed is not that of Sinai, but that made with Abraham, a promise without condition that has never been reversed and taken away. Verses 23-33 are an adaptation of Psalm 96 suited to the time then present; the Psalm waits for its fulfilment upon the personal reign of Christ, when the nations will be judged righteously.

"His mercy endureth forever," the theme of several of the Psalms, is a reminder that God has not changed, in spite of all the changes Israel has seen, and all the ruin and desolation that favored people have brought upon themselves. All in the psalm of David here given is anticipative of the day when Christ shall have come to reign in Zion, and before His judgments shall have been felt in the world.

Verses 37, 38 show us those whose privilege it was to serve at the ark; and verse 39, to the priests at the tabernacle in Gibeon, while others still were to give thanks to the Lord. Thus was every state of heart provided for,—God condescending to meet the people at the tabernacle, going there it may be, in ignorance where the ark was not. What a God is ours!

Messages of God’s Love 5/27/1928

How Leang Choi Fung Dealt With The Robbers

THE little market town of Hop Shaan in South China has often suffered from robbers because of its situation. It is at the head of a river valley in the midst of a wild hilly country full of caves, deep ravines, woods, lonely villages, and old towers which afford refuges and hiding places for bandits.

In the year 1920 Hop Shaan was in a desperate condition from robbers. They looted every village, and when they had stolen everything of value from the unhappy people, they took to kidnapping men, women and children, and holding them for ransom. The relatives of the captives had to mortgage their lands to pay their ransom, and if the money was not given, the robbers would often kill their victims. The country side finally was almost deserted, except by those who were too poor to lose any more, while the massive towers of the pawn shops in Hop Shaan were full of refugees. The soldiers who were sent against the robbers, were no match for them in the wild hilly country which the robbers knew so well.

Finally when everyone was in despair, a merchant of Yeong Kong, the chief city of the district, suggested a plan to the governor by which he hoped to bring peace to Hop Shaan. The plan was a very simple one. He asked the governor to "call the robbers to peace." This "calling to peace" is a well known expedient in China for dealing with robbers, but it is very difficult to carry out, because it depends on a middleman in whom the governor and the robbers both have implicit confidence.

Leang Choi Fung now offered to act as middleman in connection with the Hop Shaan robbers. He was a native of Hop Shaan where he had many relatives and connections, but for many years he had carried on an iron business in Yeong Kong where his burly figure and round jovial face were well known. He had been a Christian ever since he was a boy, and no shadow of suspicion or dishonor had ever rested on his name. The Governor of Yeong Kong fully trusted him, and gave him authority to deal with the robbers. The question was whether the robbers would trust him sufficiently to accept his terms.

He went up to Hop Shaan, and soon got into communication with the robbers.

Would they meet him, and talk over the offer of being "called to peace" ?

Yes, they decided that they would. So Leang Choi Fung had an interview with the robber chiefs in which he stated his terms. If they would give up their arms and enter the army as soldiers of the Republic, their previous crimes should all be forgiven and forgotten, and instead of being outlaws under sentence of death, they should be reinstated as citizens of China. As guarantee of this, he gave his word, which he had never broken.

The offer seemed more than generous, and Leang Choi Fung knew how to present all the advantages.

How does it strike you? Would you be glad if God, out of His own generosity and grace offered peace and reconciliation to you? Listen to this:

"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation. Now then.. .. we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:19, 20.

After hearing Leang Choi Fung's terms, the robbers went away to discuss them. There was some danger, because formerly unscrupulous governors had sometimes "called robbers to peace", and as soon as they were in their power, had killed them all. But the Hop Shaan band decided that Leang's name and reputation were such that they could trust him and his offer. The wild lawless life had its charms, but what was that weighed against settling down with wife and family in security and peace ? The result of their discussion was that almost unanimously, the whole band decided to accept Leang's offer. On the appointed day they all came forward, gave up their arms, and entered the Chinese army as soldiers of the Republic.

The rejoicing throughout the country can scarcely be imagined. Poor and rich were equally delighted to be delivered from the bondage and terror of the bandits. All joined in praising Leang Choi Fung for the peace which he had brought to the country.

Leang Choi Fung himself was happiest of all. He felt like a father of the wild men whom he had saved, and made the greatest efforts to help them in their new life. He tried to secure a grant of land so that each of his repentant robbers might have a little inheritance.

China is not a country where fair hopes ever have fruition, but even though all did not go smoothly afterwards, the "calling to peace" was a magnificent achievement.

More than that, it gives us an almost perfect picture of God's offer to us. For in heart we are, or were, all rebels against God, not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. But God in His mercy, instead of destroying us, offers us peace. This peace is offered on the word of the one great Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

Just as the robbers accepted the terms of Leang Choi F'ung because they had faith in his word, so may you accept the offer of Christ when He asks you to be reconciled to God.

But the simile breaks down here, for though the robbers were pardoned, the villages they had looted remained unpaid for. But our Mediator, who calls us to peace, has Himself paid the price. By dying on the cross He has atoned for all our sins. He not only forgives us, but He also justifies us, and gives us an inheritance among them that are sanctified.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/27/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

“C”

CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Are you a sinner? If you are not, you do not need a Saviour. When you are sick, father or mother sends for the doctor, but not when you are well. "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." Luke 5:31.

Jesus is the "Great Physician," who gives life to the soul. But it is only sinners who go to Him for salvation. He says,

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32.

Some of your friends may tell you that you are a very good girl or boy. But don't let their words of praise deceive you. You may be a well-behaved child, but your heart is sinful.

Many people, men and women as well as children, have a very good opinion of themselves, and think they will earn their way to heaven by their good deeds. They do not feel the need of a Saviour, and they are not looking for one.

If any of you, dear readers, are trusting to your own goodness for salvation, ask the Lord to show you what you really are, and how much you need Him.

Our "A" verse tells us "all have sinned," so you do need a Saviour, whether you think so or not.

But you must know your own need, before you can confess yourself a guilty, lost sinner and accept Christ's offer of salvation.

Messages of God’s Love 5/27/1928

Trust Him Now

Jesus the Saviour left His home,

Came from Heaven above;

Children, no longer from Him roam;

Come, and learn His love.

Jesus the Saviour, on the tree,

Suffered once for sin;

Shed His atoning blood for thee;

Won't you trust in Him ?

Jesus the Saviour, on the Throne,

Loves you just the same;

Still He invites you all to come;

Won't you trust His name?

Jesus the Lord will come again,

Come to claim His own;

How they will swell the glorious strain,

Worthy the Lamb alone!

Messages of God’s Love 5/27/1928

Bible Questions for June

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

1. "Having yet therefore," etc. Mark 12:6.

2. "And when the centurion," etc. " 15:39.

3. "For whosoever shall do," etc. " 3:35.

4. "For what shall it profit," etc. " 8:36.

5. "So then after the Lord," etc. " 16:19.

6. "And Jesus said," etc. " 14:62.

7. "For whosoever shall give," etc. " 9:41.

Bible Questions for June
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Luke Chapters 13-24

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Come; for all things are now ready."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "I will send my beloved son."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The Passover must be killed."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They have Moses and the prophets."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Ought not Christ to have suffered."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate."

Answers to Bible Questions for April
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. By losing it for Christ. Mark 8:35.

2. No! She cast in both her mites. Mark 12:42.

3. Yes, or No. Mark 5:20.

4. Sinners. Mark 2:17.

5. The cares of this world; the deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of other things. Mark 4:19.

6. To Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9.

7. "I Am." Mark 14:62.

Bible Questions for June
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Luke Chapters 13-24

1. A certain young man was "very sorrowful." Why?

2. What is to be the disciple's attitude toward any rival claims of family ties?

3. What was the occasion of the Lord's weeping?

4. What verses would show that the Lord had a flesh and bone body after his resurrection?

5. What verse contains the word "would" mentioned twice and solemnly contrasted?

6. What verse would show that there must be a special resurrection, rather than a general resurrection?

7. Give the meaning of Luke 16:9 in as few words as possible.

Messages of God’s Love 6/3/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 17

Godly was the desire of David, as he sat in his house, that He who had acted so powerfully, and in such grace on behalf of Israel and their king should have a suitable dwelling place in the city which He had chosen to put His name there. The "house of cedars" and the "curtains" spoke by their very comparison, to the man after God's own heart, but he must learn like Abraham, that the day of fulfilment of promises was not his, though the promises were made to him.

David could die in faith, not having received the promises (i.e., their fulfilment), but having seen them afar off, and been persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that he was a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13).

David's desire toward God brought a rich message that night: God could build him a house, a lasting one, though he could not be permitted to carry out his wish. The house David would have built, his son should provide when wars were over and peace prevailing.

Not yet was the day of conflict at an end, and the Lord of hosts who had gone with His people through their wanderings and remained their preserver and protector in all their days, had not asked for a permanent dwelling place.

He had taken David from the sheepfold (1 Samuel 16:11) that he might be the ruler of Israel; He had been with him whithersoever he had walked, and cut off all his enemies, making him a name like the great men of the earth. Israel should be planted in the place God had ordained for them, to be disturbed no more, and their king should be of David's sons.

The words are in the fullest application only true of the Lord Jesus when He re_turns to this earth to reign, but the immediate reference is, of course, to Solomon. If reference be made to the corresponding passage in 2 Samuel 7 it will be observed that the latter part of verse 14 is omitted here, because divine grace is the theme of the Chronicles, and we are led to look right on to the personal reign of the King of Kings. (Revelation 19:16).

Deeply moved by the message brought to him by Nathan the prophet, David sat no longer "in his house" (verse 1), but "came and sat before the Lord" (verse 16) and poured out his heart in gratitude and in acknowledgment of the sovereign favor of which he had been made the object.

"Who am I, O Lord God? and what is mine house ?" is the language of one who has learned in the school of God. And further,

"What can David speak more to Thee ? . . . . for Thou knowest Thy servant."

Here we are reminded of that other servant of the Lord, Peter, whose heart also lay exposed in the presence of his Master: "Thou knowest all things" (John 21:17). And should not those who bear His Name today, be seeking such intimacy, breathing such language ?

Messages of God’s Love 6/3/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"D"

"DEPART from evil and do good." Psalm 37:27. When you are out playing with other children, you see and hear plenty of things that you know are evil,—things that displease the Lord, and would displease your parents if they knew about them.

If you cannot persuade those with whom you are playing to stop these evil things, the best thing you can do is to go away from them,—"depart from evil."

Then find something good to do. Ask your mother if you can run an errand for her,—if she needs something from the store, or wants to send something to a friend or neighbor.

Perhaps she would like to have you chop some kindling, dust the furniture. or wash some dishes.

If you are not in the habit of offering to help, just try it and see how much happiness it will give both you and your mother.

Perhaps you are accustomed to fussing and trying to beg off when asked to do a little work. If so, you will find all the more pleasure in surprising mother with a free offer of help. It may be something you don't really enjoy doing. But if you do it of your own accord to please someone you love, or for some poor person who needs help, you will surely find true pleasure in it.

For older ones there are other evils to be avoided. If you stay with them you will soon be doing them.

Proverbs 3:14, 15 says, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass away."

But we must be thinking about, and doing something, so let us always be seeking the good things. If we keep busy doing things for the Lord and for those about us, we will not have any time for the things that displease the Lord.

Sooner or later you will be rewarded for all the good you do.

If you plant flower-seeds in your garden, you will have to wait perhaps two or three weeks before you see some tiny green leaves peeping out of the ground. Then you will, have to keep on waiting while they slowly grow larger and larger. But after many weeks the buds will come, and then the beautiful flowers. At last you feel rewarded for all your work.

Sometimes we can't see any results when we try to do good, but the results will come later, just as when you plant seeds in the ground.

"Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Gal 6:9.

Messages of God’s Love 6/3/1928

The Flower Girl

WHAT a sweet, happy face the Flower-girl has with her armful of flowers. She may be selling them, as so many people do these days, or she may be giving them away.

Dear children, do you ever thank the Lord for the beautiful flowers ? You thank Him for the food you eat, and, I trust, for the clothes you wear, and for your comfortable home,—a shelter from the cold and storms.

The flowers, the birds, the trees, the sunshine, and the beautiful sky with its many tinted clouds, are some of the many things God has given us richly to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). All these gifts should call forth prayers of thanksgiving, and songs of praise.

Just as these beautiful things have brought joy and gladness to our hearts, He wants us to bring joy and gladness to the hearts of others.

"AS WE HAVE THEREFORE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL, ESPECIALLY UNTO THEM WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH." Galatians 6:10.

If you have a flower garden, you can give flowers to the sick, and to those who have no garden.

If you have fruit trees, perhaps you can spare some fruit for neighbors and friends who have none.

And many a time you can run an errand, or do some little act of kindness that will bring joy to somebody's heart.

The Lord is pleased when you help others, and try to scatter joy and sunshine.

Messages of God’s Love 6/3/1928

I Am The Way

There's only one way, dear children,

To enter the Home above,

To be with the blessed Jesus,

Mid glory and joy and love.

Some hope to be saved by praying,

By helping the sick and the poor;

But efforts like these, dear children,

Can never for sin be a cure.

Do you think you can earn salvation

By doing your very best ?

Do you think that your human efforts

Will be able to stand God's test ?

O, none of these things, dear reader,

Can cleanse a "deceitful heart,"

Nor fit you to be in glory

And have with the Saviour a part.

"I am the way", says Jesus,

"The way, the truth, and the life.

But by Me to the Father none cometh,—

With Me there is mercy rife."

Then turn to this precious Saviour

If you from your sins would be free,

For He in His great love bore them

When He suffered on Calvary's tree.

Believe in His precious promise,—

Depend on yourself no more

If you long for a Home in heaven

With Jesus forevermore.

Messages of God’s Love 6/3/1928

Not To Be Caught With Chaff

MANY of our little readers, no doubt, have often spent their vacation in the country, and been interested in the horses, and perhaps a few of us have attempted to catch a pony at a time when she is feeling good. After a good meal of oats she usually feels frisky, and one finds it difficult to get very close to her.

In our picture we see a girl seeking to catch her pony. She has something in the measure, but the pony is not to be coaxed or caught with chaff. She would like something more substantial.

God has given intelligence to these dumb creatures, and they often put to shame boys and girls and older ones too. Satan is frequently enticing us in one way and another, holding out to us husks, and worthless matter.

My dear young readers, Satan has many baits for catching you, and if you are not careful, and do not resist him, he will have you in his power before long.

I am sure some of our dear unsaved readers, have, at sometime, been exercised as to their condition before God, and have not as yet yielded to Him. O, I beg of you, do not go on any longer resisting God's wonderful offer of Salvation, but turn to Him at once, accept His precious Gift, the best gift of heaven, the Son of His love, who gave up His life for you saying, "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

Then, as one redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, you will no longer be enticed by the chaff of this world, but you will have a real desire for the Word of God as food for your soul.

"What is the chaff to the Wheat ? saith the Lord." Jer. 23:28.

"But the Word of the Lord endureth forever." it Peter 1:25.

"AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF T H E WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY." 1 Peter 2:2.

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 18

What an example David is, in these chapters. of the godly man!

On the one hand is the free flowing grace of God to His child, evidenced in how many ways; God who was with him wherever he went, had taken him from the pasture and the care of the sheep, and assured him of future blessing further than his mind could reach, so that he could well say, "My cup runneth over" (Psalm 23).

On the other hand, what due regard for the glory of God had been wrought, in connection with circumstances of trial, in His servant. (See chapters 13:1-4 and 14:2, 10, 11, 14-16; and more markedly, showing the fruit of continued exercise of heart in David, chapters 15-17).

We do not wonder then, at the victories David was given over the enemies round about, as recorded in this chapter, following and growing out of his putting God first in his life.

Of course, the enemies the Christian has to fight, are not men and women, not "flesh and blood," but the unseen powers of Satan's dominions. The "armor" of God as unfolded in Ephesians 6:11-18 is truth, righteousness, the glad tidings of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God, all linked together and made powerful by prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Would that the children of God of this day in which we live, were more consistently walking in the footsteps of His servant David, as these chapters reveal him!

We know there was another side of David; there was the natural, evil heart. which brought him the most piercing sorrows. May we however, who love the Lord Jesus, trusting in His finished work on the cross, be preserved from David's sins, and be moved to pattern our ways after His word, as in 1 Peter 4:1, 2.

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that bath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from (done with) sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."

But David's history here, we do not forget, presents an advance illustration of the Lord Jesus in the day of the setting up of His kingdom upon earth, regarding which the Old Testament prophecies have so much to say, and the New Testament not a little. (Among many passages see Isaiah 9:6, 7; Jeremiah 30:9-11; Ezekiel 37:24-28; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 22:30; Revelation 19:11 to 20:6).

Regarding the cities named in our chapter, it may be of interest to observe that Gath (verse 1) was one of the five royal cities of the Philistines, and where the giant Goliath had lived.

Zobah (verse 3) was in the north of Syria, beyond Damascus. Hadarezer was engaged in conquering the country in the upper reaches of the Euphrates, and it was through or near the territory David's armies must have gone in their pursuit of king Hadarezer.

Hamath (verses 3 and 9) was north of Zobah, toward the Euphrates, the region of Hadarezer's conflicts, and where he was overthrown by 'David's fighting men.

Edom and Moab (verse 11) were on the south and east of the Dead Sea. The Ammonite country adjoining the Moabite on the north, east of the Jordan and near the Dead Sea.

Philistines and Amalekites were west and south, so that David's judgments on the nations embraced those on all sides of the land.

The valley of salt (verse 12) is thought to have been south of the Dead Sea.

Read in connection with this chapter Psalm 60, noting its title.

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"E"

“EVERY one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.

Mother is going away for a while, and she says,

"Now children, I want you to be very good while I am gone. Don't quarrel with each other, and don't do any of the things I have told you not to do. When I come back I will have some nice rewards for those who have been good and obedient."

When mother gets back she asks each one how he has behaved during her absence.

Well, Mary got hold of an inkbottle which mother had told her not to touch, and spilt some ink on her dress.

James and Tommie got into a fight, and knocked a good dish off the table, breaking it all to pieces.

You will not be surprised when I tell you that Mary, James, and Tommie went without their rewards.

Someday, dear, children, all of you who know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, will have to give an account of what you have been doing while He was away, just as you have to account to your mother when she has been away.

What kind of an account do you want to give ? If you are obedient, kind, and helpful to those about you, won't you be much happier in giving account of yourself to the Lord Jesus, than if you have been disobedient and quarrelsome ?

Think about this, dear children, and try to live each day in such a way that you can give a good account of yourselves.

And just as mother has a reward for the obedient children when she comes home, so the Lord Jesus will reward you for all you do to please Him.

"Behold I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

The Travelers

A FEW years ago, a happy party traveled in a railway coach to M.—There were a father and mother, a little baby girl, with a nurse, and two dear boys of four and six years old. They were going to see new places, and visit dear relatives, and their young hearts were full of hope and joy.

These dear children had been taught in their early years to know and love the Lord Jesus, so on their journey they were not forgetful of Him, and heavenly things. As they were nearing M.— they repeated some Psalms and texts, and then their father said,

"Now, give us one more Psalm, the 23rd, and say it together." They stood up, and repeated the beautiful Psalm, which had been much before them.

If you, dear children, had heard them, and had been asked to tell which verse was most suited to them at the moment, would you not have thought of the fifth,

"My cup runneth over" ? Ah! but it was another,

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me."

Only a few minutes after the boys had repeated their Psalm, a dreadful accident took place; the coach was driven off the rails, and dashed to pieces, and these who had been so well and happy just before, were left wounded, bleeding and dying. In one moment the spirit of the youngest boy was with the Lord. His brother lived

Their father and mother, too, were badly scalded. Shortly before the second boy passed away, he repeated, the last verse of our Psalm,

"Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me;

And in God's house for evermore

My dwelling place shall be."

Their short lives had been very happy, and now the Good Shepherd was calling His little lambs to dwell with Him above. Even their poor parents felt, through their deep sorrow, that God had answered all their most earnest prayers for them.

My dear little friends, may these few lines be a voice to your hearts, and may this sad incident be a means of awakening you to the reality of eternity. God grant that you may early seek, and know the happiness of being able to say,

"The Lord is my Shepherd." Jesus said,

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

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

A Little Boy's Word

THE still form of a little boy lay in a coffin surrounded by mourning friends. A workman came into the room, and asked to look at the lovely face,

"You wonder that I care so much, but your boy was a messenger of God to me. One day I was coming down a long ladder from a very high roof, and found your little boy close beside me when I reached the ground. He looked up into my face with childish wonder, and asked frankly,

`Weren't you afraid of falling when you were up so high ?' And before I had time to answer, he said, `Ah, I know why you were not afraid,—you had prayed this morning before you began your work.'

I had not prayed: but I have done so from that time to this, because I discovered that I was a poor guilty sinner, and therefore needed a Saviour." These few words from this dear little boy awakened the man to a sense of his need.

"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise." Matt. 21:16.

"A little child shall lead them." Isa. 11:6.

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

A Beautiful Home

The Saviour, Jesus, is gone to prepare

Such a beautiful home in the sky,

And He says He will come,

And lead to that home,

Every sinner that's born from on high.

And happy amid this bright joyous throng

Shall many a little one sing,

May I join them, and raise

My voice to the praise,

Of the Giver of every good thing.

I'd like to go to that Heaven so bright,

For joy beams, in that World, on each face,

But if there I would go,

On earth I must know

As my Saviour the Lord of that place.

Messages of God’s Love 6/10/1928

Learning To Walk

WHAT affectionate interest and tender care these parents are showing in their tottering babe! How they love to see the first attempts to walk.

If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, He has told us in His Word (the Bible) how He would like to have His children walk while we are in this world;

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing." Col. 1:10.

"That ye would walk worthy of God who bath called you unto His kingdom and glory." 1 Thess. 2:12.

"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.

"Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us." Eph. 5:2.

If we feel our weakness and inability to walk in all things pleasing to Him, let us tell Him so, and He will give us the strength to walk before Him.

"PRESERVE ME, 0 GOD: FOR IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST." Psa. 16:1.

"Hold thou me up. and I shall be safe." Psa. 119:117.

Messages of God’s Love 6/17/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 19 and 20

Scripture does not tell upon what occasion or in what way, Nahash, king of the children of Ammon showed kindness to David. In general, the Ammonites were bitter enemies of Israel, though there were exceptions, Zelek (chapter 11:39), an Ammonite, being one of David's valiant men.

At some period in the history of David he had been shown kindness by Nahash, and the king of Israel now proposed to comfort the son about his father's death, but the princes of that people suspected an evil motive, and persuaded Hanun to insult David by mistreating his messengers. There could be no other issue in such a case than war; kindness was intended, but when refused, peaceful relations have to cease, and preparation for retribution begins.

This is the position in which this world stands with God. He has sent an embassage of peace, even His own beloved Son, the Only Begotten, the Eternal Son,— (not merely a servant or servants, as David sent to the children of Ammon), and His Son has been rejected. As John 1 records, after speaking of His eternal being, as God's equal, yes, as God Himself, and the Creator of all things, in whom was life.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own (the people of Israel), and His own received Him not" (verses 10,11). "Him", Acts 2:23,24 declares, "being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God bath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it;" and Jude 14 foretells:

"Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." To this the last book of the Bible. the Revelation, in chapter 20:11-15, adds the most solemn, most awesome prophetic word ever told:

"And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat upon it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God (or, the throne); and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell (here it is hades) gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works ..... . and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

The above is the world's assured prospect, for God has declared it; these are the words of the true God Who cannot lie, and Who could not be so cruel as to deceive His poor creatures. Rather than that, He "now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30); and His servant, the apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy could say,

"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. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." 1 Tim. 1:15, 16.

The Syrians who were hired to help the children of Ammon (verse 6, 7); and the Syrians from "beyond the river" sent for when the first mentioned were defeated, were alike powerless against the power of God which was with David.

It will be noted that the children of Ammon made no peace with David. Enemies they were, and enemies they remained. Opportunity for repentance was given, but there was none, and judgment became therefore unsparing (chapter 20:1-3).

Other great ones fell in the conflicts which David carried on with the enemies of the people of God (verses 4-8).

"Small and great" (Revelation 20:12), and "kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman and every freeman" (Revelation 6:15) think to "escape the judgment of God" but in "the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God," He "will render to every man according to his deeds" (Romans 2:3-16).

Come, guilty sinner, come to the Saviour while He lingers in mercy!

Messages of God’s Love 6/17/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"F"

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

Many years before the Lord Jesus came down to this world, God gave the children of Israel some commandments and laws, which told them what they should do, and what they should not do. When any one sinned and broke these commandments, he had to offer a sacrifice for his sin.

A lamb or some other creature was killed and burned on an altar, as an offering to God for the sin that had been committed. And if a man offered a sacrifice for sin one day, and then sinned again the next day, another sacrifice had to be offered.

These sacrifices could not keep the people from sinning over and over again, neither could they take away the sins that had already been committed.

"For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." Hebrews 10:4.

So God in His love for poor sinners gave His only begotten Son to offer Himself up as a sacrifice for sins. Because Jesus was a perfect sacrifice; He needed to be offered only once.

Because He was just,—the holy, sinless One, —He was able to atone for the sins of the unjust.

Dear reader, He suffered for your sins that you might be cleansed and made fit for the presence of God. He bore the punishment you deserved that you might not have to bear it. Have you accepted Him as your sacrifice ? In no other way can you make atonement. No amount of good works will blot out your sins. Through Christ alone, can you approach God.

"Without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22.

Messages of God’s Love 6/17/1928

Open The Door

IT was already dark, but our little house boat was still being poled laboriously upstream, for these Chinese rivers are too much frequented by robbers to allow ships to anchor, except in the shelter of a market town. At last the experienced old pilot cried,

Here we are at Ma Shaan." Although not a light was visible, the outlines of a tower could be dimly seen against the sky. The tired men dropped the anchor, put up their poles and began to boil their well earned evening meal.

We had come up the river for the purpose of preaching the Gospel and distributing the Scriptures, but it was so dark that we feared everyone would be in bed, and there would be no opportunity for the message.

"Let us try" said the leader, and we all jumped ashore and felt our way in the dark along a narrow path which led to the gate of the market town. It was bolted and barred like a fortress, and we called and knocked in vain.

Suddenly a bright thought came to a Chinese Christian boy who was with us. "Sing a hymn and they will open the door," he said.

We at once began to sing, "Jesus loves me," and had scarcely finished the first chorus:-

"Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so,"

when a man with a lantern came to open the gate.

"Come in, come in," he said, "and sing inside." We sang several hymns and a crowd soon collected, eager to hear the doctrine, and ready to buy Gospels and portions. We hoped that some of those who heard, would open their hearts to receive the loving Saviour.

And you, dear little boy or girl, who read this, have you opened your heart to the Saviour, or are you still keeping Him outside ?

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 6/17/1928

Do You Want Jesus?

FRESH-GATHERED this morning!" said a bright-faced little flower girl, who sat near me on a rustic bench, her basket by her side. The flowers did not look very fresh, but I took a bunch, and then asked some questions, which were readily answered.

She went regularly to Sunday-school, and had heard about Jesus and His love for sinners, shown in coming into the world to die for them.

It is a great privilege that most of us in this Christian land have had, of hearing of Jesus while we were young, and being taught from God's Holy Word. Still, there is a great difference between knowing about Jesus; and knowing our personal need of Him as a Saviour, so I next asked the little girl,

"And are you a sinner ?"

"No!" she replied.

I expressed my sorrow that she was not one of those who wanted Jesus. He "came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

"Have you ever told a lie ?" was my next question. She again answered without a blush, or a sign of hesitation,

"No!"

I told her that God heard what she was saying, and He alone knew whether it was true or not: she might deceive me, but she could not possibly deceive Him. I warned her too, one lie would bring her under judgment, if she remained without the shelter of the blood of Christ. (See Rev. 21:8 and James 2:10).

Let us hope this dear child may be led to see her need of Jesus.

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

"No other way to heaven is found,

But by the Saviour's blood;

'Tis that alone which saves the soul,

And brings it near to God."

Messages of God’s Love 6/17/1928

Childhood Days

WHAT a merry little group in our picture today. How happy they look, singing, and enjoying the lovely blossoms.

How delightful is Spring, when the warmth and sunshine brings life to the apparently dead trees and shrubs. Does it not, dear children, speak to us of the resurrection?

God in His wisdom and love, has provided in every way for the needs of boys and girls. Children need recreation. The days are fast approaching, when many of our boys and girls shall roam the country lanes, wade the brooks, and enjoy the summer sun to their heart's content.

If you turn to Zechariah 8:5, you will find this verse,

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."

So you see, dear ones, God approves of boys and girls playing, but always remember in your play or whatever you are doing, that little verse,

"Thou God seest me."

His eye is upon you, and He loves you dearly, and would have each reader to know Him, and accept the Eternal Life He is offering you.

"THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, WHOM THOU HAST SENT." John 17:3. If you know God as your Father, and Jesus Christ as your own dear Saviour, you will have a new motive in your play. You will realize that you are not your own, you belong to Another, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has bought you with His own precious blood, and through grace you will be able to sing the song of the redeemed, "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood." Rev. 5:9. Dear young friends, if you will only look to Jesus, how happy you will be; happy for time, and for eternity. How sweetly their voices shall praise Him there, For the blessings His hand bath bestowed; They shall shine there bright In their robes of white, For they all have been washed in His blood. And happy amid the bright joyous throng, Shall many a little one sing: How happy for me Among them to be, With the Giver of every good thing.

Messages of God’s Love 6/24/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 21

Satan, ever the enemy o of God's people, is named in Scripture 51 Times as Satan, which means "adversary." He is referred to as "the devil" 35 times; this name is from a word which means "to strike through,"—to stab with accusation, or to accuse. As the accuser of the brethren of the heavenly saints, Satan is referred to in Revelation 12:10, but several other titles are given him in the Word of God, such as the serpent, the dragon, the god of this world, the prince of this world, the prince of the power of the air, and as Beelzebub the chief or prince of the devils (demons, for the word rightly translated "devil" in Scripture is always in the singular, and refers to Satan himself ).

He is evidently the active head of the unseen powers of evil mentioned in Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 2:15, but they that be with us, who trust in the living God, whose Saviour is the Lord Jesus Christ, are more than those with him, and in due time his power, always under God's control and used for the ultimate blessing of God's children, will be destroyed. (See Genesis 3:15; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; 1 Kings 18:17-46; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Heb. 2:14; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-10, and many other Scriptures).

Satan's connection with what took place in this chapter is not mentioned in the earlier account in 2 Samuel 24, for there the public history is told, while we are here introduced into that which only God knew. Satan ever ready to attack the children of God was only the instrument, after all, for "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

David had for the time again got his eyes off God; natural pride, growing out of the expansion and prosperity of his kingdom, and the knowledge he had that the blessing of God rested on him, had possession of this generally godly man. And God Who loves those who are His children, must correct them when they need correction.

"What son is he whom the father chasteneth not ?" Hebrews 12:7.

Of chastening, David could at once decide to take that which was directly God's dealing, rather than famine or foes. A pestilence therefore came upon Israel, and seventy thousand men died. Jerusalem itself is threatened, but mercy exceeds the merited judgment, and the destroying angel is told to stay his hand as he is at the threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite. David's humiliation is real, and confession follows:

"Even I, it is that have sinned and done evil indeed Let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me."

David is then directed to set up an altar unto the Lord in Oman's threshing floor —God giving him in grace the privilege of setting up the altar where the temple was afterward to be constructed, and meeting him with fire upon the altar he provided.

The tabernacle, still at Gibeon, and the whole legal system connected with it, were now definitely set aside, that the worship of Israel might be founded upon grace, connected with a sacrifice acceptable to God where all had failed. The antitype, that which is here illustrated, is the one sacrifice of Christ, of course.

It remains to speak of the differences between the accounts in 2 Samuel 24, and our chapter in certain numbers. The former gives the number of "valiant men that drew the sword" in Israel as 800,000; and the "men of Judah" as 500,000; while the latter states that there were of Israel 1,100,000 "men that drew sword," and of Judah 470,000 "men that drew sword." A moment's consideration of the terms will show that they express different facts, and that there is no contradiction.

Again, 2 Samuel 24:24 gives the purchase price of Araunah's threshing floor and oxen as 50 shekels of silver, but 1 Chronicles 21:25 tells us that David not only gave the "full price" (verse 24), but paid him in shekels of gold, the weight of 600,—far more than the purchase price, he no doubt realizing that the site was God's choice for the temple.

Messages of God’s Love 6/24/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"G"

“GROW in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18.

Summer is here again, and out in the yards, and fields, and woods, you see many things growing. Day by day they are growing larger.

When they first peeped out of the ground, you may not have known which were weeds, and which would, later on, have beautiful flowers.

Some of them are already blooming, and we are enjoying the many bright pretty colors, and the delightful fragrance. But we don't like the weeds, and we try to get rid of them.

Now, dear children, when you are very young, your parents and others don't know just how you are going to act when you grow older.

When young, the tiny plants seem very much alike, but as they grow older it is easy to see which are weeds, and which are flowers,—which bear bad fruit, and which bear good fruit.

And as you grow older, you show more plainly what you are.

Here are two verses that tell us how the Lord Jesus grew out of babyhood,

"And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man " Luke 2:52.

As Jesus grew year by year, His ways were pleasing to God His father, and to His parents and those about Him. He showed kindness and mercy to all.

Have you learned to love Jesus? Have you accepted Him as your Saviour? If you have, He wants you to "grow in grace," as our verse tells us. That means to be kind to others, even though they may not deserve it, and to show mercy, love, and favor to those about you. By doing so, you may win others to Christ.

God wants you to grow also in the "Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ." If you want to be like your precious Saviour, you must know much about Him and what He is like. You couldn't draw a picture of some house you had heard of, if you didn't know what the house looked like. So you can't take the Lord Jesus for a pattern and try to be like Him, if you don't know anything about Him.

I hope you do know Jesus as your Saviour, and that you will try to learn more about Him and grow more like Him each day.

Messages of God’s Love 6/24/1928

How Marasi Was Saved

ONE day as I was walking along the streets of H., I met a little negro boy who seemed to be a stranger in the crowded city.

Wishing to show him that even in this large city there is a loving heart interested in him, I spoke a few kind words to him. But he only shook his head, showing he did not understand me. Even after I spoke English, then French to him, he gave no answer. Then I wrote on a piece of paper my name and address and gave it to him, laying my hand on his shoulder with a kind nod.

Next Sunday morning he came to our house, stayed all day, playing with our children. After that, he came every week. Suddenly his visits stopped,—and I could not find out the reason for this.

Two years after, Marasi appeared again, outwardly well dressed, but morally very low. He had lost his position and had gone into sinful ways, which he now saw the wrong of, and abhorred them.

"Let me be your servant;" he said to me.

Having by this time learned the language, it was possible to instruct him farther, and he showed such deep interest in the message of salvation through Christ Jesus, the Lord opening his young heart to the truth of his lost and sinful condition, that he soon found forgiveness and peace through faith in his Saviour, who gave His life for his poor lost soul; and before long he was saved.

O how happy he was now, showing, if possible, more diligence in faithful service to me. Quietly, modestly and humbly he fulfilled his duties in the house, ready for any task at the least bidding.

One day he said to me: "O how good God is, that five years ago you found me, and spoke kindly to me, and told me all about the Lord Jesus."

He acknowledged he was a sinner, he believed in Christ as his Saviour, and he went on his way rejoicing.

Will you not, dear readers, do the same while the door of mercy still stands open for you? It will soon close for ever.

"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 he as wool." Isa. 1:18.

Messages of God’s Love 6/24/1928

The Name of Jesus

The name of Jesus is so sweet,

I love its music to repeat;

It makes my joy full and complete,

The precious name of Jesus.

I love the name of Him whose heart

Knows all my griefs and bears my part;

Who bids all anxious fears depart:

I love the name of Jesus.

That name I fondly love to hear.

It never fails my heart to cheer:

Its music dries the falling tear;

Exalt the name of Jesus.

No word of man can ever tell

How sweet the name I love so well:

O, let its praises ever swell!

O, praise the name of Jesus.

Messages of God’s Love 6/24/1928

Bible Questions for July

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

1. "And Jesus said unto him," etc. Luke 19:58.

2. "Return to thine house," etc. " 8:39.

3. "In that hour, Jesus," etc. " 10:21.

4. "But love ye your enemies," etc. " 6:35.

5. "And I say unto you," etc. " 11:9.

6. "But even the very hairs," etc. " 12:7.

7. "And Jesus answered him," etc. " 4:4.

Bible Questions for July
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Before Abraham was, I am."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Then they willingly received him."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Power to become the sons of God."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "For the Father seeketh such."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They shall be all taught of God."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They shall never perish."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The wrath of God abideth."

Answers to Bible Questions for May
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. Christ will be ashamed of him in that coming day. Luke 9:26.

2. The angel Gabriel. Luke 1:26-31.

3. She sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. Luke

4. Believing women gave Him of their substance. Luke 8:2, 3.

5. The Lord shall confess you before the angels of God. Luke 12:8.

6. Because "the day of vengeance of our God" had not yet come. (Compare Isa. 61:2). Luke 4:19.

7. That they shall do the things that He says. Luke 6:46.

Bible Questions for July
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10.

1. List at least seven titles of the Lord Jesus in John 1.

2. How do we get everlasting life?

3. What verses in John 4 mark the change in dispensations from Judaism to Christianity?

4. Did the Jews understand Jesus to teach that He was equal with God?

5. Will God the Father ever act as Judge of man?

6. Why did the world hate Christ?

7. How do we get true freedom?

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 22

A new beginning is here evident, in the manner of approach to God, growing out of the suspension of judgment, and the providing of an altar of burnt offering and sacrifice, the acceptance of which by God was marked by fire from heaven. Now must the work begin that would not cease until the temple of God, grandest, most imposing and most costly of all structures ever erected, was perfect and complete.

Do we not have here something that suggests the far greater and more glorious "holy temple in the Lord" founded by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), carried on through the centuries past, by Him (Ephesians 2:20-22), and finally to he displayed eternally (Revelation 21:1-5).

"Wrought stones," hewed, were the first things upon which work was under taken. Peter, in his First Epistle, chapter 2:4-8, speaks of stones. The first is a Living Stone (verse 4), Christ.

The wrought stones of our chapter have no counterpart in Him; they were dead stones. But in verse 5, Peter could say, "Ye also as lively (or living) stones are built up a spiritual house." That could only be after they were "wrought" and hewed, and taken out of the quarry and fitted for the place they were to occupy, by a power entirely outside of themselves. And thinking, these now living stones, true believers of the high honor they have of being part of that eternal dwelling for

God, of which Christ Himself is the Chief Corner Stone, should they not be overjoyed, and a sense of the grace that has been shown them, and the power that has been exercised upon them, should it not change their lives more than it has, as they look for that blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory (as it should read) of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13) ? Iron and brass would be needed in the temple, as well as stones; they suggest another thing about the believer: he has to be put into the furnace to be of much value to God; "but the God of all grace, Who bath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Peter 5:10). Cedar trees, too, are in the list; tall and straight and stately, the ax must be laid to their roots, and they must be brought clown to be useful. Lastly, we read of gold and silver, corruptible things, Peter could call them (chapter 1:18) when writing to the believers about their purchase price, the precious blood of Christ. But looking at gold and silver as they appear to be used typically in Scripture, we see that gold speaks of divine righteousness; gold tried in the fire was the need of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:18). And silver, from its use in the making of the tabernacle (Exodus, chapters 30, 36 and 38) is an illustration of redemption. The plans were all made, and David saw the completed building in his mind, long before it was built. Are Ton a "living stone" ?

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"H"

"HONOR thy father and thy mother." Exodus 20:12. So many children now-a-days do not respect their parents as they should.

So many young folks are more ready to please themselves than to please the kind father and mother who have clone so much for them.

If mother tells you to clean up some scraps of paper you left on the floor, how do you think it sounds to the ear of God to hear you say, "I won't" ?

If father says, "I don't like to have you bringing home such a poor report from school," how does it sound to God when you say, "I don't care" ?

Not only your parents, but God Himself is grieved by your unkindness and disrespect.

It never makes you feel good to treat your parents in this way. Some clay they will be gone, and as you think back over the past years, you will have much more peace and happiness if you have obeyed, respected, and honored them, than if you have not done so.

A verse with which you are very familiar is,

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20.

It is very displeasing to God when children disobey their parents, and talk back to them disrespectfully. But when they obey and honor their parents, and do all they can to please them, the Lord will bless and reward them very richly.

Try hard, dear children, to obey these commands of the Lord. It may not always be easy, but you will feel much happier afterward.

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

At The Spring

Some of you who live in the city may never have seen a spring, but those who get out among the hills and streams will find here and there a spring of clear cold water bubbling up from the ground, or from between the rocks.

We all get thirsty, and when out walking on a warm day, we are pleased to run across one of these refreshing springs.

Many people who live in the country carry from some spring nearby, all the water they use.

But it is our bodies that thirst for this kind of water. When we learn what poor, sinful creatures we are, and how little there is in this world to satisfy us, we find our souls growing thirsty for something.

Dear reader, God tells us how we can satisfy this thirst. Jesus says,

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

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14.

“AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.” Rev. 22:17.

Is your soul thirsty? Then come to Jesus. The invitation is to nil. “If any man thirst.” "Whosoever zvill.”

And the invitation is free. It cost the Lord Jesus all the sufferings and agony of the cross, but it costs you nothing.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money.” Isa. 55:1.

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

Are You Saved, Alice? I Am

LARRY was a bright little fellow, eight years of age. To whom I often spoke about the Lord Jesus. One day Harry said to a little girl,

“Are you saved, Alice? I am. Bill, the porter, is saved, too” (meaning a porter at W____ station).

She asked him how he knew he was saved.

The answer Harry gave her was:

“Jesus died to put my sins away, and He says, ‘Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.’ And I do believe Him, for He cannot lie, and I must be saved.”

Are yours sins put away, my young reader? If you, believing in Him, have been made clean by the precious blood of Jesus, you ought indeed to be happy, for Jesus now lives again, and ever watches over you, loving you ever so much. No one can measure His love; it is like an ocean without a shore.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

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 pleading,

“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.

Messages of God’s Love 7/1/1928

Sparrows

THERE is no bird so common, or of as little value as the sparrow. There are not only a great many of them, but their feathery coat is not beautiful and their song is not sweet, like many other birds. But there is one thing that is good to remember— God’s Word lets us know that He takes the same need ed care of the sparrow as He does of other birds.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father;” (Matt. 10:29), and the Word continues,

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (verse 30).

How many there are who fret and trouble themselves about the affairs of this life, and so occupy their time in putting forth great effort to gain something in this life, that they have little or no time to give to God’s Word, or to pay attention to eternal things.

They forget that God cares for all, and provides food and raiment for all His creatures, and thus He is the preserver of all men. but especially of those who believe.

So, it is wrong for any to worry about how they can get along, but how much worse for those who believe, for God has loved them so much that He did not even spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for them all.

May each one of our readers, young or old, seek first to know and confess the Lord Jesus as the One whom God sent for them, and rejoice, not only that He has saved them, but that they are such objects of His care, that the very hairs of their head are all numbered and that they are of more value than many sparrows.

"MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS." Phil. 4:19.

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 23, 24

In chapter 22 we found Solomon definitely presented as David's successor by God's appointment, now that rest and peace had been obtained by the subduing of all enemies.

In chapter 23 Solomon is seen as sharing the throne with his father, and before the book closes David is gone, and Solomon reigns alone (chapter 29:23).

Herein is an illustration, a foreshadowing, of the millennial reign of Christ, Who must first subdue His enemies, and when this has been accomplished, a reign of unparalleled peace, splendor and prosperity begins. Many scriptures may be cited in support of this; it will be sufficient to point to Jeremiah 30; Matthew 24; Revelation 19:11-20:6; and Zechariah 14:3- 21.

It is plain that as all scripture points to Christ (Luke 24:27), there are many persons and incidents recorded in the Book who (or which) present Christ to the enlightened mind of the child of God; not the least among them are David the suffering and conquering one; and Solomon the man of glory reigning. In the Chronicles there may be seen the blending of the two persons as one,—typical of Christ.

David prepared for the house its building materials (chapter 22), and in chapter 23 and following, all the appointments are made for the day of glory, though the temple was as yet unbuilt. (See Ephesians 1:4-2:22, speaking of God's heavenly people,—those who like the jailer at Philippi (Acts 16:31), have believed on the Lord Jesus in this present limited day of God's grace).

Chapter 23 gives the new service of the Levites (who are in the character of their position and service, typical of the Christian, redeemed, cleansed, consecrated to the Lord's service and without inheritance in the earth) now that the tabernacle in the wilderness was to give place to the dwelling place of glory.

Chapter 24 presents, also as under David's ordering—no longer of Moses’— the highest character of blessing found in the Old Testament, and typical, too, of the highest character of blessing expressed as to heavenly things in the New Testament the priestly position. (See Revelation 5:10, 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Hebrews 10:19-22; Revelation 22:16).

The twenty four courses of priests (verses 7-19) ceased to function when Nebuchadnezzar carried Judah and Benjamin away, but were restored in Ezra's day (Ezra 6:18), and still going on when the Lord partook of flesh and blood (Matthew 1:5, etc.—Abia, verse 7, doubtless being Abijah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:10).

The twenty four elders of Revelation 4 and 5 seem to plainly express the completeness of the heavenly body of priests, there including every believer.

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

Too Great A Sinner To Stay Away Any Longer

A POOR old woman, whose mind seemed capable of taking in but little, even concerning the ordinary things of this life, attended a meeting where the Lord's love and provision for perishing sinners were proclaimed. Long did the gracious sound fall on unheeding ears. At last the Lord opened her heart, so that she attended to the things which were spoken. Her teacher, addressing her one day after a meeting, said,

"Well, Mrs. W., I suppose you are too great a sinner to come to the Saviour ?"

"So I thought once, sir; but now I find I am too great a sinner to stay away any longer."

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS." 1 Tim. 1:15. "Christ died for our sins." 1 Cor. 15:3.

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

Names Written

THERE are not many boys or girls who do not like to write their names on things they possess as their very own, books especially. I have seen some school books with the owner's name on nearly every page. But I am going to write about a most wonderful book, kept in the most wonderful place, far out of arms' reach, vet a book and place where every reader desires to have their names, that is the Book of Life in Heaven.

The blessed Lord Jesus said to His disciples, "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20). And in Philippians 4:3 we read of those "whose names are in the book of life."

How did they get their names put there ? God wrote them.

Why? Because they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls. God claims them as His very own, and writes their names in the book of life in heaven.

Now it is of all-importance to have our names in this book, for in Revelation 20:15 we have,

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire."

Awful! is it not?

But how are we to get our names written there ? I can fancy many boys and girls asking, Let me ask you a question now. How did you get your names put in the school register ? Did the teacher ask you to write your name there? Of course not! All that you did was to present yourself at the school, and after all was settled, the teacher wrote your name in the class book, this giving you a perfect right to go to that school.

Now, if we have to come to God in this way, owning we are sinners, but claiming the Lord Jesus as our Saviour (for He is the Saviour of sinners), God will then write our names in the book of life, giving us all the privileges of the children of God. How simple, is it not, yet blessedly true.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"I"

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

Many years ago, not long after the Lord Jesus was crucified, there was very bitter hatred toward those who believed in Him. So great was this hatred, that Christians were often persecuted, tortured, and killed. If a person confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus, he knew it might cost him his life. Yet many did confess Christ and suffered for it.

In those days a confession of Christ was real. One would not profess to be a Christian when he knew it meant suffering and perhaps death, unless he really loved the Lord.

But today, some people profess Christianity when they have not felt their need of a Saviour. Perhaps they do so to ease their consciences. Perhaps they want to join some church to please a friend,—or to make new friends. But that cannot save any one.

You must believe in your heart, dear reader, that God raised Jesus from the dead. This showed that God was satisfied with the sacrifice of His beloved Son, —with the atonement Jesus had made for your sins and mine. Now, Jesus having borne the punishment that you and I deserved, God can righteously forgive us and grant us eternal life.

In our day, we can be Christians without fear of bodily torture or death. But if we are faithful in confessing Christ to those about us, we will find plenty of people who will not want to have anything to do with us. We may lose some of our friends,—perhaps some we love very much; but the Lord's approval is worth the cost.

If you have felt your need of a Saviour, and love that One who first loved you,— if you believe in your heart that He died for your sins and was raised again for your justification,—be faithful in confessing Him to those about you, and seeking to bring them also, to this precious Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

The Heart at Rest

A BOY was resting beside a bank, while some cows, over which he kept watch, grazed quietly not far off. A stranger passing- heard him softly, singing, and paused to catch the words of his song—

"Jesus! my heart's dear refuge,

Jesus has died for me."

"Is He your refuge?" she inquires.

"Yes," replies the youth, "I have known Him two years."

The stranger heard the quiet words, but the expression of the young man's face had deeper language, for it told of settled peace within, and a heart at rest before God.

"Jesus has died for me; I have known Him two years," was his simple tale: what a world of meaning these few words convey!

How different his case from another's, whose sad, unrestful expression could tell of no peace within, even had her lips not confessed it to one who remarked, speaking of her years of suffering,

"Well, this has been a sad world to you —have you a bright hope of another ?" The weary face looked even more sad as she replied,

"I hope so, ma'am; I am trying hard for it, and have done my best for the last forty years."

In the one case the burden of sins had been removed by the death of the Lord Jesus, and acquaintance with Himself, and His praises were filling the heart; while in the other, the lifetime spent in doing her "best" had failed to give peace or assurance of salvation, and the Divine Person at God's right hand was quite unknown.

There is all the difference possible in resting on Christ; and trying to make oneself fit for Christ. How sorrowful it is that so very many are content with their efforts, and with their religion of "trying hard for it."

Reader, are you trusting in this Blessed One, whose work can give you perfect peace? or are you doing your best to earn forgiveness, and only "hoping" ?

Beware! for "the hypocrite's hope shall perish." ( Job 8:13.)

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 7/8/1928

Oxen Plowing

WHAT an odd sight we have before us! I'm sure none of you children have ever seen real oxen plowing a field; yet this kind of work, which today is done by horses, was really done by oxen years ago.

See how these men are plodding along, guiding and working with their faithful animals. Does this not show us how, even in those days, people were toiling and laboring to get food and earn their living?

Your father may not be a farmer, but I am sure he is working hard each day to supply you with food, clothing and a home. Why is it that people have to labor so day by day to get these things ? We get the answer to this in Genesis 3:17-20. God said to Adam,

"Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground."

We are the children of Adam, and have that same sinful nature. God wants us to think of this, and to remember that this world still has the curse of sin upon it. But Jesus has died to redeem you out of this world; His blood was shed on the cross to put away your sins; do you believe this ?

Come and own Him as your Saviour now. He cares for you, and can make you truly happy even in the hardest tasks you may be called to do.

Then, children, Jesus is coming very soon to call all His redeemed out of this world. Are you ready to meet Him?

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

"THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE: AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT." Matt. 25:10.

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 25, 26

Chapter 25 brings in something wholly new; there was no singing; there were no instruments of music, in the system of things ordained under Moses. The explanation is that law never produced joy in the heart; grace does. Here again we are trans_ported in thought to that day of millennial glory when Christ will be the Reigning One here on earth, the King of Glory (Psalm 24).

Then again in the hands of an earthly people, the musical instruments will have acceptance that were designed by man when in heart far from God, and with the blood of an innocent one (type of Christ) on his hands, seeking to find enjoyment and happiness while holding to the depth of unconfessed sin, and desiring not to know God (See Genesis 4:21; Romans 1:19-21).

The spiritual mind will have carefully observed that instrumental music is not mentioned in connection with believers in Christ, (see Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15), and the significant silence regarding anything of musical instruments in the Acts, and the Epistles to the Corinthians, and to Timothy, where the order and behavior of Christians in their meetings are set out for the believer's guidance.

Asaph, a Levite of the family of Gersham, is named in the titles of twelve psalms, numbers 50 and 73 to 83. Psalm 88 bears the name of Heman, but this is thought by some to refer to another person (1 Chronicles 2:6). Jeduthun is named in the titles of Psalms 39, 62 and 77.

Chapter 26 brings us to the doorkeepers, or porters, and among them are the sons of Korah. (See Psalms 42, 14 to 49, 84, 85, 87, 88 which mention this family in their titles). There seems little room for doubting that they were the decendants of that Korah who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and was cut off became of his sin (Numbers 16). If so, this is another mark of the grace of God working amidst the evil, bringing glory to Himself in a scene of rebellion.

Obed-Edom (verse 4), unless there were two Levites of the same name, is the man of chapter 13, verses 13, 14, whom God blessed. In verse 20 of chapter 26 we come to the last of the host of Israelites connected with the temple yet to be built by David's great son—the Levites appointed over the treasures of the house of God and the dedicated things. Other Levites there were, with duties outside the service of the temple, having general charge over Israel (verses 29-32).

All was planned, and the place for each person was chosen long before, by this king who was so much a type of Christ. This of course falls far short of the truth of Ephesians 1:3-14 and 4:7-16, yet it is in these Chapters (22 to 29) that Christ. David's greater Son (see Matthew 22:41- 46) is pictured in the administration of the kingdom when He. shall return (Luke 19:11-27), and also (in the Ephesians) as to His heavenly people, the believers of this present dispensation.

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

He Careth For You

A MOTHER was on a long journey by land and sea. It was not without some anxiety on the mother's part that she took ship in the evening, as she was not accustomed to traveling.

When they retired to bed, the little one went to sleep immediately but this was not the case with the mother. Though she was a Christian, and was conscious of God's protecting care, she was not able to fully trust Him and throw off all anxiety.

She felt how far she was from home! Her mind dwelt upon the fathomless deep that lay beneath and upon the restless, tossing waves on every side. Every throb of the engine of the great ship bore them farther from loved ones left behind; and farther into the dreary and mysterious waste.

These thoughts occupied her mind, till far on in the night, when the little one awoke, and finding her mother also awake, she said,

"I know my verse, mother."

The mother, glad of any diversion from her own unhappy thoughts, asked the little one to repeat it. It was this,

"He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

Brief as the passage was, it sank deeply into the mother's heart. Indeed it seemed to be a message, especially for her at that particular time,—"He careth for you."

If the One who holds all created things in His hand, and causes them all to obey His will—if such an One was caring for her, what reason had she to be fearful and restless ? Could she not safely trust Him?

With these soothing thoughts in her mind, her weary body relaxed, and she slept as soundly as the child by her side.

The watchful care of a parent that is enjoyed by many of our readers, is but a feeble illustration of that wondrous guardianship that God exercises over His own.

Considering what a wondrous Person He is, One to whom nothing is impossible, how safe we are to trust Him without reserve,

"Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

To our readers who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, we would assure you that you are not left out of the sphere of His love. His tender heart yearns that you too, might come to Him and receive the salvation that He is offering on the ground of His work on Calvary's cross. There He was made a sacrifice for sin, thus making a way that you might be saved, if you will only believe. Believe that it was for your sins that He the Holy one of God hung upon the cross, and all its benefits will be placed to your account.

"He bath made us accepted in the Beloved, in Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according-to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:6, 7.

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

Saved From Death

NO doubt many of our little readers know something of being on the beach on a hot day in summer. How refreshing it is! And then too, boys and girls love to watch the tide come and go. Sometimes- the tide comes in very rapidly, and boys are rather careless, and do not watch, and the tide over-takes them, which places them in much danger.

There were five boys playing on the beach, who entered a cave in the rocks, and foolishly remained there until the tide completely hemmed them in. They screamed with fear, and soon hundreds of people assembled on the cliffs above. Rescue seemed impossible to the boys, and how full of terror and misery they must have been.

How horrible the thought never to see father and mother again, and to be drowned in the cold and cruel waves.

Ropes were procured, and two sailors. were lowered over the steep rocks above the cave's mouth, right through the spray, and allowed themselves to be washed by the waves into the cave far enough to seize the boys, when they were hauled up.

O, what cheers were heard when they were safely drawn through the waves to the cliff above. Surely the boys must have earnestly thanked the sailors for risking their lives to save them from such an awful death.

But there is One who gave His life to save you from death, and from the wrath to come, and yet you have never thanked Him for it.

My dear readers, will you not just now let Jesus save you ? Will you not receive Him as your Saviour, and become His own saved child?

If you refuse and reject Him, think how terrible it will be to spend eternity with the lost.

Father and mother, if saved, will be in heaven, and you shut out. You will weep in despair, but no one will come to save.

"Too late, too late, will be the cry,

Jesus of Nazareth has passed by."

"He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment: but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"J"

"JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8.

Yesterday I heard a little boy across the street say, "Don't you come in to my house." He was standing just inside the door with his little sister. Outside the door stood Buddie.

Buddie lives almost directly across the street from the other little boy, and the day before, all these children had been playing together and having a good time. But something had gone wrong, and the others didn't want to play with Buddie.

Things like this are happening every day,—sometimes with children, sometimes with grown people.

Children generally forget their quarrels, and become good friends again.

Sometimes grown people who have been good friends for years, get angry at each other and quarrel, and never have anything more to do with each other.

Other times good friends just grow forgetful of each other.

Thus it is with people in this world.

As our little hymn says,

"Earthly friends may fail or leave us,
One day soothe, the next day grieve us."

But not so with our loving Saviour.

As our verse tells us, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We may forget Him, we may do wrong and grieve Him, but His love for us is ever the same. If we are sick or in trouble He is just as near, and watching over us just as carefully, as when we are well and happy. Do not think your blessed Saviour ever forgets you. "Trust in Him at all times." Psa. 62:8.

"For He has said, 'I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' Hebrews 13:5.

"We change—He changes not;

Our Christ can never die:

His love, not ours, the resting place,—

We on His love rely."

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

Only A Step To Jesus

Only a step to Jesus!

Then why not take it now ?

Come, and thy sin confessing,

To Him, thy Saviour, bow.

Only a step to Jesus!

Believe, and thou shalt live;

Lovingly now He's waiting,

And ready to forgive.

Only a step to Jesus!

O, why not come and say,—

"I come to Thee, my Saviour,

I cannot stay away!"

Messages of God’s Love 7/15/1928

Build Upon The Rock

THESE children are playing in the sand. How happy and free from care they look. They can mould the sand into any shape, and many pleasant hours are spent here.

How delighted baby is with what brother and sister make for its amusement. The little one is much pleased to break down the little castle made near the flower-pot. How easily broken it is! There is no foundation. Long ago in the days when castles were built, a rock was chosen for a strong fortress, So it is now, a good builder would not build a house on the sand.

The sand may be used for play houses, but a house to live in must have a good foundation.

Now, children, this world is just like shifting sand. Nothing is stable and can be depended upon. Riches can take wings and fly away in a night. So there is no good foundation to be found except on the Rock. That rock is Jesus. He is the shelter in the time of storm. Neither is there salvation in any other.

Dear child, build on that Rock at once, while it is yet the day of grace O, build upon the Rock, The only sure foundation, On, Christ alone, the Cornerstone, The Rock of our salvation. "It fell not; for it was founded upon a rock." Matt. 7:25.

"O COME, LET US SING UNTO THE LORD; LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION." Psalm 95:1.

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 27, 28

There were yet other matters to receive attention; nothing needed for the well being of the kingdom was, it seems, unprovided for in David's wise forethought. Twenty four thousand of the sons of Israel every month were called out to serve for that period in a sort of militia or national guard.

Besides these, an overseer or ruler was appointed for each tribe, including Zadok, the priest over the house of Aaron.

Then there were officers of the king in charge of the store houses; others over the farm laborers; over the vineyards, the olive trees and sycamores; over the stores of oil, the herds, the camels, the asses and the flocks.

Lastly we have 'David's counselors, including Ahithophel who afterwards turned against David to aid the rebellious Absalom. Abiathar, too, who joined an insurrection against Solomon, is mentioned as one of the seven men closest to the king. Do these remind us of Judas Iscariot, and what man is, by nature?

It may be asked, Why has God placed all these names and duties and places of authority, honor and privilege in His Word? Might not all these chapters (23 to 27) have as well been left out? It could not be so. Let us rather admit our own limitations and lack of understand_ing of a Book essentially divine, its Author God, and every Scripture "divinely inspired and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17. N. T.)

The explanation, we believe is that it may be shown how much David was in the secret of communion with God, on the one hand; and on the other, the illustration is given of the power and wisdom found and expressed in one who had been the rejected and hated;—in this Christ is seen as the antitype or fulfilment of what is seen faintly in David.

In chapter 28 representatives of all the people are seen gathered to Jerusalem at David's call, and the aged king addressing them solemnly, speaking not of the law or the priesthood, both of which had utterly failed in their hands and the hands of their forefathers; rather did he speak of the dwelling place for God among them, and of His sovereign grace in the midst of His people. It was not the full, unhindered grace of the gospel, for here it depended on the king's faithfulness (verse 7), and we know that he did not remain steadfast.

How good for us that all depends on One far mightier than Moses or David or Solomon or any of the favored kings of Israel (Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-10; Colossians 1:12-23; Hebrews 10:1-18).

The temple was to be built, not after the pattern of the tabernacle in the wilderness, but wholly new and equally of God (verses 11-19). We readily see in the references to the building, that it was designed as a dwelling, not only for God, but for His people to approach to Him (the porch); and to abide there close to His presence (the "houses", and "chambers") a place of inexhaustible treasure (as it must be to have God's vast provision for His people to draw upon); and withal the place of the blood sprinkled mercy seat.

Again as we read verses 11 to 21 are we led to think of the purpose of God in connection with bringing "many sons to glory"—His heavenly saints all planned and arranged long before the day when there shall be a display of this glory (Revelation 21:9-27) to the millennial world, or apart from the display, in Jude 24 and 1 John 3:1-3.

All is at Solomon's commandment (verse 21)—does it not speak to all of us who are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, of our need of more ready willingness and of greater skill, in His service now?

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

Please, Sir, It Means That He Wants Me

“COME unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. This was the text of the preacher one night.

He was a true and warm-hearted man, and as he drew near the close of his address, his heart was so full of Christ that his lips could not express what he felt, and wanted to say.

All he could say was,

"Come unto Me"—what does it mean ? "Come unto Me"—what does it mean? Again and again at a loss to know what else to say, he repeated it—

"What does it mean ? What does it mean ?"

All at once, a little girl, sitting on a front seat, timidly rose, and childlike, held out her hand.

"Well," said the preacher kindly, "What does it mean, dear child?"

"Please sir, it means that He wants me," was the touching reply.

The preacher sat down, both he and the people felt no more need be said. Hearts became tender, eyes became wet with tears, and afterwards one and another said,

"The wisest and most able among us could not have given a truer and sweeter exposition of the text—"Come unto Me, means that He wants Me."

Beloved reader, that is just what it does mean. No one else may want you, but the Lord Jesus does. O, pause and think of His great love! He has died for you, and He wants you, and He calls you! What precious words from His own lips,

"Come unto Me." Can you then still keep away ? Will you not come to Him? His lips of love invite you. His arms of love extend toward you. His heart of love yearns over you. A Saviour-God wants you.

Will you not say in your heart,

"He wants me, and O, I will come, I do come, I am come."

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"K"

“KNOWING that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ." Gal. 2:16. Dear young reader, if someone should ask you how you can be saved and get to heaven, would you say "by being good" ? That is what many children are told.

But tell me, what do you want to be saved from? Isn't it your sins ? Well then, if you have sins, you haven't been good all the time, have you ? And what good things you do, will not wipe out the bad things. So you will have to find some other way of getting to heaven. You cannot be saved until your sins are all blotted out.

If you write on a blackboard in your schoolroom, then take a cloth and wipe off all the words you have written, you can no longer see them. Neither can your teacher and the other children see them. They are gone.

Now, dear children, there is a way that your sins can be blotted out, so that God will not see them anymore. Do you know what that way is ?

God knew that we all had sinful natures, and that our sins had made us unfit for His presence. But He loved us so us from those sins, so that we could go into His holy presence. He gave His well-beloved Son to die on the cross—to bear the punishment that our sins deserved. And now He says,

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

So, if we have believed in Jesus, our sins are all wiped out,—away from God's sight. And we are justified, not by the good things we have done, but by the atonement Jesus made for our sins when He bore them on the cross.

Have you this faith in Jesus Christ ? Has His precious blood cleansed you from your sins, and justified you before God? If so, you will spend eternity with Him in glory.

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

The Text on the Wall

THAT is not a nice text," said a little friend of mine, pointing to some words on the wall. The text that did not Please him was:

"I am Thine, save me."

"Why is it not nice ?" I asked.

"Because," he answered, "If any one can say, 'I am Thine,' he does not need to say 'save me,' for he is saved already."

Little Justus had perhaps never read Psalm 119:94, or if he had read it, he had not understood its meaning; but what he could understand were the Lord's own words in John 10:27-29:

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand."

My little friend believed these words, and could say, "Lord, I am Thine, Thou hast saved me." He knew that what the Lord said must be true.

Dear young friends, can you say, "Lord. I am Thine"? Or are you still unsaved ? If so, go to the Lord Jesus now, ere it is too late, and ask Him to save you. I know He will, for He has said,

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

One There Is Who Loves Thee

One there is who loves thee,

Waiting still for thee;

Canst thou yet reject Him ?

None so kind as He!

Do not grieve Him longer,

Come and trust Him now!

He has waited all thy days;

Why waitest thou ?

Tenderly He seeks thee;

Do not slight His call;

Though thy sins are many,

He'll forgive them all.

Turn to Him, repenting;

He will cleanse thee now;

He is waiting at thy heart;

Why waitest thou ?

Jesus still is waiting;

Children, why delay ?

To His arms of mercy

Rise and haste away!

Only come believing;

He will save thee now;

He is waiting at the door;

Why waitest thou ?

Messages of God’s Love 7/22/1928

A Happy Family

I THINK I hear some of my readers say, "What a strange family, and how happily they are dwelling together, and there are so many different kinds of animals!"

First, let us tell the names of them all; there is a terrier dog, a monkey, a lopeared rabbit, a guinea pig, a white cat, a weasel, two rats, two wild rabbits, an owl, a jackdaw, a hawk and a jacobin pigeon. No doubt you wonder why the dog does not attack the rats, and the weasel the rabbits, and the cat the pigeon. The reason is, they have been trained to live peaceably together, and I expect the teacher has often to take the cane to them.

Even little children and grown up people, too, have trouble together, and why is it ? It is because of sin in the nature, wrought upon by Satan, who is the "prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2). But let us remember, that that ugly, quarrelsome and disobedient spirit can be kept under by the rod, and we should be thankful when we are corrected, as it leads us into paths of peace and happiness. So the Scripture says:

"BLESSED IS EVERY ONE THAT FEARETH THE LORD: THAT WALKETH IN HIS WAYS." Psa. 128:1.

God in His infinite love gave His Son, and it is only through Him we can have eternal life.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36. It is that life which alone can bear fruit to God, and by which we can please Him.

May you, dear children, be willing to take correction and live in obedience; but remember that you cannot be suitable for God without accepting Jesus as the One whom God has sent to die in your place, and that you might live through Him.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/29/1928

Bible Lessons

1 Chronicles 29

It is a happy scene that the last chapter of 1 Chronicles presents; all the people rejoiced, and they brought offerings willingly to the Lord and praised Him. A variety of building materials and of costly fabrics, and precious stones, gold and silver, had been obtained by David for the temple, and in his affection for the house of his God, he had given largely of his own property.

Some idea of the value of David's gifts of three thousand talents of gold, and seven thousand talents of silver, may be obtained by changing the amounts into American money, the gold representing about eighty five million dollars; and the silver about twelve millions. Many added to David's gifts, the worth of what is mentioned in verse 7 being approximately twice the king's personal offering. All was given without grudging and must have been pleasing to Him of Whom the Scripture records that He loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-15 not sufficiently thought upon by many of God's dear people).

David's closing prayer clearly express_ed his heart; his course was ended, and He Who had undertaken for him as a boy, had brought him through many trials and much discovery of himself, to a position of great honor; he could now say in the language of the twenty-third Psalm,

"Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

All the wealth was God's, and David and his son, and those present, were strangers and sojourners still.

It will be noted that the Christian hope of the coming of the Lord is never found in the Old Testament (see verse 15).

Amid great sacrifices to God, Solomon was a second time made king, now to reign alone. His position was without parallel in any earlier ruler of Israel.

Thus David's career, as the man of war, closes one day; and Solomon, the man of peace, begins his reign upon the next.

Nathan's and Gad's histories are mentioned at the close; we have seen both of these prophets in David's eventful life, coming in to him with messages from God, but their writings have not been preserved. We are assured that if they had been inspired, and part of what is embraced by the Lord's word in Luke 24:27; and the Apostle Paul's word in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, or in Peter's 2nd Epistle 3:16, they would not have been permitted to be destroyed.

Any intelligent reader of the Scriptures can without difficulty see that the purpose of the Divine Author is never to recite history in the fullest sense; what we are given in the Bible is history most truly, but only that is introduced which serves the purpose of that unerring and most wise Penman, the Holy Spirit. Nathan, Gad and others had compiled records, some of which were extant when the unnamed person used of God for writing the Chronicles completed his narrative, and if you wish to know of other matters than have been brought out here, go to the standard histories lacking inspiration, but truthful as records.

Messages of God’s Love 7/29/1928

God's Arm

“TEACHER, who holds the sky up?" asked a little girl of her governess.

"God holds it up, Georgiana," was the answer.

Georgie thought a moment, and then said,

"Why, how His arm must ache!"

Now I wonder if any of our dear children have ever had a similar thought to that of little Georgie. But God is never weary. We know that God does not hold up the sky by His arm, but by His word. Let me try to show you how God holds up His people.

I have no doubt some of you often go for long walks with your parents; and sometimes the road is rough, and the stones hurt your feet, and you grow very tired. Then, will not your father take you up in his arms and carry you ? With your father's strong arm under you, you soon feel rested and happy. Now, that is just what often happens to the dear little ones who love the Lord and try to follow Him. The road of life is long and rough to them, and sometimes they feel tired and unhappy, then they ask God, their heavenly rather, to help them. He holds them up, and, by His Spirit, speaks lovingly to them, and so makes His little ones rested and happy.

I daresay some of you have watched your little baby sister trying to walk. Her steps are very unsteady, and the nurse goes in front of her with her arms held out, and if baby seems near falling, nurse catches her and holds her up. Now, when little children first try to walk in the way of the Lord their steps are very feeble.

Satan also comes and tries to make them naughty children. He tempts them to be disobedient or unkind, or idle, and if they had no one to help them they would fall.

But there is One very near to them, and always watching them. It is Jesus who succors His people when they need help. He puts His strong arms round them and holds them, and keeps them from falling.

My dear little readers, are God's arms round you ? Some of you can tell me what a joyful thing it is, for you know His love and care. Trust Him always, and you will always be happy.

But to those of you who have never felt God's arms round you, who do not know His love and His care, I must say that you can never be happy till you are safe in God's keeping. You are sinners, but God is waiting and willing to forgive you, and to wash away all your sins in Jesus' blood.

Come to Him, then, dear children, and you will understand what is meant by these, His words,

"Underneath are the Everlasting Arms." Deut. 33:27.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/29/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"L"

"LOOK not behind thee." Genesis 19:17.

Only this morning I awoke from a queer but interesting dream. In my dream I was walking along the street, and saw a medium sized dog very neatly wrapped up in white cloth,— his head as well as his body. He was carrying what appeared to be a bundle of clothes, which he laid by a big cement post at the corner of some one's yard.

After sniffing around for a moment, as if to be sure he had the right place, he started back in the direction from which he had come. He had performed this errand for his master or mistress, promptly, and without turning aside to play with other dogs.

I could not help thinking how often when children are sent on errands, they see interesting things about them, and stop first here, and then there,—sometimes to play, sometimes to watch what someone else is doing.

Now, if their eyes were covered like those of the little dog in the dream, they would not see all these things along the way, and the errand would be run in much less time.

The verse today, "Look not behind thee," is what God said to Lot. Some of you know that Lot lived in a very wicked city, and the Lord destroyed it with fire, because of all the wickedness of the people who lived there. But because Lot was a righteous man and feared God, God told him what He was going to do, so that Lot could get away from the city before it was destroyed. God told him to hurry away to a place of safety, and not to look behind him.

You and I are living in a world full of sin and wickedness, and when we turn to Jesus for salvation, we find a place of safety, for this world too, is going to be destroyed for its wickedness, just as truly as Sodom was. We are journeying heavenward, and when God's destruction comes upon this world, we shall be far away from it, safe with our Saviour.

But as we journey, He does not want us to look behind us. He does not want us to turn to this side and that, attracted by the allurements and temptations of Satan. He wants us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. He would like to have us just as blind to the attractions of this world, as if our eyes were covered like those of the faithful dog.

I trust many of you young readers have learned the preciousness of the Lord, and that He is enough to satisfy your hearts. May you be able to say like the Apostle Paul,

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13, 14.

"No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62.

Messages of God’s Love 7/29/1928

Christ Is the Way

Which is the way of peace,

Where sinners' sorrows cease?

Let Jesus say!

Children, the promise free,

Is made to such as ye! "

Peace ye shall have in Me—

I am the way."

Which is the way of rest,

For all the care-opprest?

Let Jesus say!

Faithful He is and true;

He says, and means it too,

"I will give rest to you—

I am the way."

Which is the way to heaven,

Where clouds no more are driven,

Dark'ning the day!

But golden sunlight streams

Its untreated beams,

And life's deep river gleams—

Christ is the way!

Which is the way to God.

All the redeemed have trod?

Let Jesus say!

List to His blessed call,

Ye children young and small,

His words like music fall—

"I am the way."

Messages of God’s Love 7/29/1928

Bible Questions for August

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

1. "And they told him," etc. Luke 18:37.

2. "And sent his servant," etc. " 14:17.

3. "Then said the lord of," etc. " 20:13.

4. "Then came the day," etc. " 22:7.

5. "Abraham saith," etc. " 16:29.

6. "Ought not Christ," etc. " 24:26.

7. "Strive to enter in," etc. " 13:24.

Bible Questions for August
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Behold the man!"

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Blessed are they that have not seen."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Follow thou Me."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "I am the resurrection."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "And this is life eternal."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "He loved them unto the end."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "If a man love Me."

Answers to Bible Questions for June
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. For he was very rich. Luke 13:23.

2. He is to hate them. Luke 14.26.

3. The unbelief of Jerusalem. Luke 19:41, 42.

4.. Luke 24:39-43.

5. Luke 13:34.

6. Luke 20:35.

7. Use your earthly possessions in such a way for the Lord, that you may meet the glad results in heaven. Luke 16:9.

Bible Questions for August
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in John Chapters 11-21.

1. What is the secret of "seeing" the glory of God?

2. What is it that sanctifies the believer?

3. What is the secret of Christian happiness?

4. Who was the spokesman in putting service above worship?

5. What was the charge against Christ for which He was condemned to die?

6. What is the Christian to expect from the world?

7. What was our Lord's last word to Peter?

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 1 and 2

Solomon’s beginning a s king was excellent; he was strengthened in his kingdom, and God was with him and magnified him exceedingly. His first recorded act in this book (not the first in 1 Kings 2 and 3 which tell of judgment upon rebels, while the Chronicles give a record of God's grace) was going to Gibeon where the tabernacle still stood, with the congregation of Israel, and there offering a thousand burnt offerings upon the brazen altar.

We shall not find in Solomon the marks of a David: he was not the rejected one, despised and betrayed, and the object of the malignant hatred of the ruling powers, for Solomon is the reigning one, the man of power and glory. We notice too that Solomon does not at once, at least, gather the people to the ark at Jerusalem, but to the tent of meeting, the tabernacle at Gibeon. He goes where the people are. They are the object of blessing.

Solomon's request (verse 10) the night following his great offering upon the altar at Gibeon, commended himself to God; had he remained in the realization of dependence there indicated, had he continued as one subject to God for everything, and desiring nothing so much as to live in constant nearness to Him, how different his history would have been!

What Solomon did not ask for, God gave him, but he was ensnared by these blessings, not receiving and holding them as a steward of God's gifts,-but we shall talk of this further on. His wealth, and his power and wisdom, and not so much his piety, are told us in these chapters.

Solomon was now a great king; he was the greatest monarch of his day, and in his position he is a type of Christ in the day of His exaltation, (Matthew 26:64; 25:31; Zechariah 14:9, 16 and many other Scriptures). He called upon the king of Tyre (chapter 2) to supply a man skillful to work in metal, in cloth and in wood, and to send cedar, cypress and sandal-wood trees out of Lebanon. For stone cutters, for burden bearers and for overseers in connection with the work now undertaken, Solomon took the 153,600 strangers found in the land. Thus was the great building of David's planning, and Solomon's execution put under way.

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

It's Too Late, Father!

A LITTLE girl had attended several prayer meetings which her teacher led. Her father, who was going in evil ways did not wish to have his girl go there, and so forbade her. This made the little girl very sad, but she obeyed her father's command, until the next prayer meeting was half over, then she could not stay in the house any longer. She quietly slipped out of the room, crawled through an opening in the hedge, and hurried to the prayer meeting, where she joined the rest. The father soon noticed the absence of the girl, and hurried after her. There in the meeting, among the rest she knelt in prayer. Filled with anger, he picked her up roughly to carry her home, but she looked at him with a sweet smile and said:

"Father, you have come too late; I have already accepted Christ as my Saviour."

These words made that hard hearted man tremble. He at once saw his sins rise up before him, and falling upon his knees, he united his prayers with those of God's children; and before long, found peace with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus the faithful testimony of his child became a blessing to him.

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

"When we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"M"

“MOSES made a serpent of brass and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num. 21:9.

When the children of Israel were journeying through the wilderness, they often became discouraged and dissatisfied because they did not have all the good things to eat that they had had in the land of Egypt. Instead of being thankful to the Lord because He had delivered them from their cruel taskmasters and the hard work in Egypt, they were complaining about the difficulties of the journey. Often the Lord had to punish them because they rebelled against Him.

At one time, when they spoke against God and against Moses, "the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people died."

Then the people were sorry for what they had done, and went to Moses and confessed their sin. So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord told him to make a fiery serpent and put it on the top of a pole where all the people could see it. When any one was bitten by a serpent, if he looked at the serpent of brass on the pole, he was healed and did not die,—as our verse today tells us.

Dear children, was not this an easy way to be healed? They did not have to swallow any medicine; they did not have to put any medicine or salve on the bites, or wrap them up with bandages. They did not have to do anything but look,— look at the serpent on the pole.

Now listen to two verses that were written nearly 1500 years later;

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15.

You see, dear reader, that the bite of the serpent was a type of sin, and the serpent on the pole was a type of Christ. The Israelite bitten by the serpent was cured by looking at the serpent on the pole. The sinner is saved by looking to Christ on the cross for forgiveness.

There is nothing you can do to put away your sin. All your trying can never save you. Isaiah 45:22 Says,

"Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God and there is none else."

God has made the way of salvation so simple that none need be lost. Do not neglect His wonderful offer of love and grace. As one of our hymns says,—

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

There is life at this moment for thee,

Then look, sinner, look unto Him and be saved,

Unto Him who was nailed to the tree."

You will find the story of the serpent on the pole in Numbers 21: 4 to 9, and can read it for yourselves.

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

A Feast

HERE is a happy little girl with the baby chicks perched on her shoulder and arm, and climbing over her lap after some food. The birds in the window above, too, are hoping for some of that slice of bread that looks so good.

The animals get hungry just the same as you and I do, and we ought to do all we can to see that they have plenty of food. We feed regularly the animals that belong to us,—dogs, cats, chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep. Let us think about the birds too, and put food where they will find it.

Our fathers and mothers work hard to earn money for our food and clothes. Day after day they labor for it.

When Jesus was here He said, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you." John 6:27.

While in this world we have to have food, and we have to earn money with which to buy it. But we are here for only a few short years, and then what? Bread, meat, milk, vegetables, and fruit are food for our earthly bodies to keep us alive, but we need another kind of food for everlasting life.

Then Jesus explained to His disciples what He meant by the "meat that endureth unto everlasting life." He said,

"I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER; AND HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER THIRST." John 6:35.

Dear reader, have you come to Jesus ? Have you found in Him the Bread of life?

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

By Blood My Peace Was Made

By blood my peace was made,

My sin was put away;

My bondage into freedom burst,

My midnight into day.

Redemption through the blood

My endless song shall swell;

And victory through that blood is mine,

O'er all the powers of hell.

Messages of God’s Love 8/5/1928

The Sea Side

IT was a beautiful, bright day, and many people were spending it by the seaside. The waves sparkled in the sunshine, and, far as the eye could reach, the sandy shore was a scene of pleasure and childish merriment, for it was a holiday, and many a weary mother was resting, and watching her children as they waded in the sea or played in the sand. Not a sad face was to be seen—all around seemed to catch the sunlight and brighten into joy. Even the feeble little hump-backed child sitting in the rickety old wheel-chair, wheeled down for a breath of sea air, had caught a ray, and brightened, forgetting for a moment, the weary days and nights of its short life spent in a close room in one of the narrow streets of the city.

Low down on the beach the children were gathering shells, or building castles in the sand, to be swept away by the rising tide; and others were chasing the receding wave, and being chased back again by the returning one.

Some amused themselves riding on the donkeys, while others, who could not afford that pleasure, shouted and ran behind them. There did not seem to be one anxious face; all was merriment.

But will all these dear children be always happy? They may be happy for ever, if they have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. And when they leave this world they will live with Him in glory. He loved us so much that He came down from His home in heaven to die upon the cross to save us.

Now we desire to please Him, and it is a joy to the Lord to see His children making it their first and last object to know Him, and to live a life of thankfulness, loving and serving Him, because He first loved them.

May you be able to say from the heart,

"THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME." Gal. 2:20.

Messages of God’s Love 8/12/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 3

Not immediately upon his becoming king, but in the fourth year of his reign did Solomon begin to build the glorious temple on Mount Moriah, upon the ground where Ornan the Jebusite had had his threshing floor, and where the destroying angel had halted (1 Chronicles 21:14, 15).

The precise size of a cubit is not known; at the least it was 16 inches, so we may approximate the size of the temple proper as not less than eighty feet in length, twenty-six and one-half feet in width, and forty feet high. In front of it was a porch the width of the building and thirteen feet deep, its height was one hundred and sixty-feet. Around the building, not including these dimensions, and not mentioned here, (except as "the greater house" and "the upper chambers," but described in 1 Kings 6), were side chambers three stories high. The building was evidently not, as buildings are reckoned today, of immense size; its costliness and beauty are the features which are most remarkable. Pure gold within was only to be seen, except the floors, and upon this were overlaid precious stones and engraved cherubim on the walls. Even the nails used were of gold.

The cherubim (verse 10) were symbols of God's power in judgment, made of olive wood; they were overlaid with gold. With their outstretched wings they reached from wall to wall of the holy of holies, and their faces were toward the house,— not "inward" as our ordinary version reads, but rather outward. Exodus 37:7-9 gives us the cherubim in the tabernacle; they looked toward the covenant, the ten commandments, but when God has established His throne in righteousness, He can and He will turn toward the world to bless it according to that righteousness.

A veil was provided, similar to the one that hung in the tabernacle (Exodus 36:35). It was the similar veil of a later temple that was rent in two from the top to the bottom when Jesus died (Matthew 27:51).

This shows the character of God's present dealings: the believer now has the privilege of entering boldly through the veil (Hebrews 10:19, 20), and to find no veil in heaven, and no temple there (Revelation 21:22), for God and the Lamb are the temple of it.

This place of immeasurable privilege was not granted under law, nor will it be under the reign of Christ: Israel and the earth have not immediate and direct access to Him who is hidden in the heavens. What a portion to be granted those who receive Him now as Saviour, and own Him as Lord!

Before the temple there were two pillars, whose combined length is given as 35 cubits—nearly 24 feet each, capped by crowns or capitals nearly 7 feet high. "Jachin" and "Boaz," their names. ("He will establish", and "In Him is strength") speak of the coming millennial kingdom of Christ.

Messages of God’s Love 8/12/1928

The Wide Open Door

THE summer vacation had just commenced, and Eddie was spending a few days with some friends. Right glad was he when the longed for "breaking-up day" arrived, and he was able to bid good-bye, for a while, to the routine of a boarding school with its necessary restraints and lessons.

Eddie was an intelligent and lively boy of eleven, bent upon fun and enjoyment—things quite right in themselves; but like many other boys, and grown-up people too, he was quite indifferent as to the future.

An evening, however, came round, bringing with it a marvelous change, and it is of this I wish to tell you: The friends with whom Eddie was staying were Christians, and he, as usual, went with them to hear a gospel address. An aged servant of God (who is now with his Master), whose delight it was to lead souls to Christ, preached upon the occasion, his subject being:

"Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets. But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity." Luke 13:23-27.

Interesting as was the address to many, it appeared to have no charms for Eddie, who fidgeted about a good deal and watched the clock eagerly, hoping for the close of the meeting. The preacher, in conclusion, made an earnest appeal to his hearers to enter in at the door of mercy at once. It was, he said, wide open, but would not long remain so; and lovingly did he entreat people to enter, warning them how terrible it would be to find themselves on the outside of a shut door, which would never again be opened to them.

Eddie now hid his face in his hands, and as he remained in this position after others had risen, a kind and friendly hand was laid upon him, while a soft inquiry was whispered in his ear. The only response, however, was a sob, and it was quite a long time before he could be induced to rise. When at length he did allow himself to be lifted, his face, although wet with tears, bore a happy expression, and in reply to an inquiry as to the cause of his emotion, simply said, pointing to the preacher,

"He said the door was wide open, so I thought I had better go in." "And did you?" asked his friend.

"Yes," said he. The tears at once vanished, and joy, which he made no attempt to conceal, took their place.

In the course of the preaching, the Lord's return to claim His own had been referred to. Eddie made diligent inquiry as to the details, and talked much about it during the walk home. He was directed to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

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

That night he took his little New Testament to bed with him, and early the next morning was heard singing hymns, later on being found sitting up in bed studying his now precious Book, and marking the scriptures which had been blessed to his soul the night before. It was indeed wonderful to see him growing in divine wisdom and knowledge from day to day as he was being taught of God. A few days later, he remarked that he now had two birthdays, for he had been born again.

Reader, whoever you may be; old or young, rich or poor, wise or ignorant, the door through which Eddie entered is still open, through the mercy of God, wide open. Jesus has not yet come to claim His own, but He is coming, and that soon. Are you ready? Have you entered? If not, you had better, like the dear boy of whom I have told you, go in at once, ere the door be shut against you forever.

"All things are ready, come,

The door is open wide,

O, feast upon the love of God,

For Christ His Son has died."

Messages of God’s Love 8/12/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"N"

“NOT by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

Too many people think they can work their way to heaven. They think they can obtain salvation by their good deeds.

Some of you know this is impossible, because you have heard so many times what God's Word says. But there may be others reading "Messages of Love" today, who are trying to save themselves.

Our verse tells us that God saved us according to His mercy,—not by works of righteousness that we have done.

Dear reader, all your so-called good works cannot blot out your many sins, nor change your sinful nature. You have sinned, and you do sin, and you need a Saviour. God in His love and mercy has provided that Saviour in the person of His only begotten and well-beloved Son. Jesus died on the cross, bearing the punishment we deserved.

Do not cling to your own efforts. They are worthless. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6.

There is no other way. The work of Christ alone can save you,—a work of love, mercy, and grace; for none of us deserved the salvation Christ has wrought for us.

"For 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.

Messages of God’s Love 8/12/1928

Jesus

Who left the throne of God on high ?

Who came into this world to die ?

Who was the One of lowly birth ?

Who trod the weary paths of earth ?

Who was it dried the mourners' tears ?

Who calmed His loved disciples fears ?

Who was it little children blest?

Who was it gave the troubled rest?

Who was it hung upon the tree ?

Who drank that cup of wrath for me ?

Who rose triumphant o'er the grave?

Who lives in glory now to save ?

Who is it soon again will come ?

Who soon will take His people home ?

Who soon will sit on Jacob's throne ?

Who is it every tongue will own ?

JESUS.

Messages of God’s Love 8/12/1928

The Country

AS the summer has come with its bright sunny days, how the children delight to go into the country and get a ride in the hay wagon, and wade through the running stream, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, trees, flowers and the lovely refreshing fruits in all their varieties!

I wonder how many of my young readers, who enjoy these things, think of the One "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" ? I fear many take all these things, and have what they call "A good time", and very seldom, if ever, think of the Creator. May you be enabled to see His all-wise handiwork wherever you may look, and adore Him for it.

You may say, "I see thorns and thistles growing and many other such things that are a nuisance. Did God give us these things ?"

Yes, God's Word lets us know that He sent these things on account of our sin. When Adam disobeyed God, and wanted a higher place than God had given to him, which was sin, then God sent all the pests as punishment, and thus His beautiful and fair creation was all spoiled.

Let us remember, God did not stop there; such things may prevent us from settling down here as if everything was all right, but He has also shown us that sin put us at a distance from Him because He is holy.

There was no hope for us ever to deliver ourselves from such a condition, so God sent His Son, the only One who was able to enter into the full results of sin, and rise triumphant out of it all, to deliver all who would Put their trust in Him. He then gives us to share with Him all that belongs to Him in that bright scene above. It is only those who will accept Him as their Saviour that will get the benefit.

May you, dear children, as you enjoy your summer holidays, think of these things.

"O LORD HOW MANIFOLD ARE THY WORKS! IN WISDOM HAST THOU MADE THEM ALL" Psa. 104:24.

Messages of God’s Love 8/19/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 4 and 5

An altar of brass equal in size to the holiest place, is described, and a molten sea or laver where the priests were to wash hands and feet when they approached for any service; ten smaller lavers for the washing of sacrifices; ten candlesticks, ten tables and a hundred golden bowls; these all were figures of the true (Hebrews 9:24); they spoke of approach to God, and of the removal of defilement by the washing of water (see Ephesians 5:26), of a more perfect sacrifice, and of heavenly light amid earth's darkness, of service for God, too.

Finally the house was completed, with its place for the priests privileged to be in constant nearness, and the "great court" for all who approached, its golden altar for incense, and all its furniture.

Solomon now assembled the elders of Israel and the heads of the tribes at Jerusalem, that the ark might be fittingly brought to its resting place within the temple.

The tabernacle also was brought from Gibeon, with all the furniture thereof. Uncounted sacrifices were made by Solomon and all the assembly of Israel, of sheep and oxen, and the priests brought the ark of the covenant into its place, to the oracle, or holy of holies, under the wings of the cherubim.

The gold covered staves were long, that had been used to carry the ark in its journeys with the people from Sinai and could be seen outside the ark, and there they were left; their rest was (in type, or illustration) begun.

In the ark there remained only the two tables of the law which Moses had put there (Exodus 40:20); the manna was gone (Exodus 16:33), and Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 9:4), for the wilderness days were over.

Now rejoicing began, and as the sound of the trumpeters and singers, and those with cymbals and lutes and harps was heard, the house was filled with the cloud, the token of God's presence, so that the priests could not stand to do their service.

All this glory was soon to depart, because of an unfaithful people. In Ezekiel 9, 10, and 11, the tokens of God's presence are shown as being removed, because of the evil ways of those who professed nearness to Him, and when next we find the cloud, it is linked with the object of God's delight, Jesus, as He walked the earth:

"This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." Matthew 17:5.

Nevertheless the temple which Solomon had built is a figure of the heavenly dwelling place, our Father's house ( John 14:1, 2). And, as to Israel in a coming day, it is when all has been accomplished for them, that they will celebrate with joy; and God's presence, in the Person of His Son the Man of power, will be realized.

Messages of God’s Love 8/19/1928

Branded — A Word To Young Christians

JUST outside my bedroom window is a field of cows. One of them has the letters J. D. B. burned on her back. We say, that this cow is branded. These letters probably are the initials of the former owner of the cow, for I must tell you that this cow came, I believe, all the way from Australia.

Out in Australia and in Canada, as well as in this country, they have great herds of cows and in order to know his own cows, the owner burns his name on each one.

A man once said, "I bear in my body the brands of the Lord Jesus." Gal. 6:17.

This man had suffered much for the Lord Jesus, and perhaps it was some of the scars from the beatings he had received, or marks from the stones thrown at him (2 Cor. 11:24, 25), to which he referred.

This I do not know, but I do know that "even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be true, and whether it be right" (Prov. 20:11). It is known to whom he belongs. He is "branded."

Now I want every boy and girl who really believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, to be "branded for life." No matter where you go, whether at home, at school, at work, or in any other place, may you, like the cow I told you about, carry the Name of your Master upon you. May it be known by your doings, Whose you are, and Whom you serve.

I once heard of a little girl who said joyfully to a friend of mine,

"My brother John is converted!"

"How do you know ? Did he tell you ?"

"No, he didn't tell me, but I know he is,—for he carried in the wood and the water this week without being asked." He was "known by his doings."

The same man who could speak of himself as bearing in his body the brands of the Lord Jesus, once wrote a letter to a young friend of his, and said in it,

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." Titus 3:8.

Not good works in order to get saved, for in the same letter he said,

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us," but do good works, because we are saved.

Are you saved ? Are you branded ?

Messages of God’s Love 8/19/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"O"

"O GIVE thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." I Chron. 16:34.

This is what king David said after the ark of God had been brought to the city of David. Many years before that, the Philistines had fought with the Israelites and won the battle. The Philistines captured the Ark of God and carried it away to Ashdod, one of their cities.

But it was there only seven months because they were afraid of it. Then they sent it back to the Israelites, and after a good many years it finally got back to the city of Zion, where David put it in the tabernacle.

David was so happy to have the Ark back where it belonged that he sang a beautiful psalm of praise. You will find this in the 16th chapter of 1 Chron., beginning with the 8th verse.

These words of David, "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good," ought to be often on our lips. And we should be singing them in our hearts continually.

We have so many things for which to thank the Lord,—little things, and big things.

Do you stop to think that it is God who gives you all the good things you have to eat, all the comfortable clothes you have to wear, and the homes that shelter you from heat, cold, and storms?

Beside these blessings that you have all the time, each day has its happenings that should fill your hearts with thanksgiving.

If you drop a dish and it does not break you should thank the Lord for that. If you slip and fall and are not hurt, it is the Lord's care over you. Thank Him. If you lose something and find it again, give God the praise.

Nothing is too small or unimportant to call forth a thought or word of thankfulness.

All day long as you study, work, and play, you are doing things that you could not do without the Lord's help.

And all day long He is preserving you from little accidents and big accidents and other unpleasant things that would befall you if this loving Father did not prevent.

Thank Him often, dear children, for your prayers of thanks delight His listening ear.

Messages of God’s Love 8/19/1928

Are You Wise?

THERE is a saying in the world that a wise man looks out for a rainy day, and surely true wisdom belongs to the man or woman who looks at the present in the light of the future.

Many are living only for the present, and are shutting their eyes to the future. Dear reader, have you looked ahead and faced the solemn question as to where you are going to spend eternity? "

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." Prov. 22:3.

There is an old fable which serves to illustrate this truth. It tells of a grasshopper who hopped and chirped in the grass all through the summer as happy as he could be, never thinking that the summer would all too quickly come to an end.

A big humble-bee saw him, and said, "Look out, my friend, for the winter, or you'll starve."

Then a hard-working ant asked him to give a helping hand to roll home a large piece of bread it had found.

"Not I," said the grasshopper, "you do not catch me working like a slave with this beautiful sunshine all about us."

"But there is winter coming on," said the ant, "and what will you do when the snow. is on the ground?"

"O, I'll wait until it comes," was his reply. "I never saw a winter, and I do not believe it is as hard as people say."

At last it grew very cold, and the poor grasshopper began to feel the effects of it, and not knowing what to do, he went to a beehive, and begged them to take hip in. They said they were full, and had no room for loafers. Then he went to the ant-hill and tried to get in, but he was told at the door that they had no food to spare for those who did not work, so the poor creature was left to die in the cold.

The moral is not hard to see; you perhaps say, "silly thing;" but what of yourself, dear reader? The bees toil all the summer in view of the winter, and the ants labor to gather food to keep them during the cold weather; and believers with true wisdom have made the Lord Jesus Christ their trust, and know Him as their Deliverer from the wrath to come. Are you one of that company? If not, no folly could be greater than yours, for every moment is hurrying you on to eternity. The next beat of your heart may be the last, then where would you spend it—in heaven or in hell, which?

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

"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

Messages of God’s Love 8/19/1928

The Little Ones

THE little children in our picture today, appear to have come to take the cows home to be milked. Little boys and girls are very fond of a glass of nice rich milk, and baby too. How she cries when she is hungry for her milk. It is food for her; it strengthens and nourishes her, and father and mother are so pleased to see her grow.

And so it is, when boys and girls accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they are "babes in Christ" and will desire the sincere milk of the Word, that they may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2.

How many dear little children attend Sunday School, and hear of that blessed One, Who when on earth, said,

"SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, AND FORBID THEM NOT, TO COME UNTO ME: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN." Matt. 19:14.

How much Jesus loved the little ones! Are you not thankful that Jesus said little children? Had he not said this, you, no doubt, might have thought His love was going out only to the older ones. But to those who are older He said,

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:3.

So, dear ones, we all have to come to Jesus in the same way. The Lord Jesus is no longer upon earth. He came to do that which was pleasing to God, and it was God's will that He should go to the cross, and there suffer, bleed, and die for the little ones, and older ones too.

God has raised Him from among the dead, and taken Him back to heaven, giving Him the highest seat there; seated Him at His own right Hand, showing that God is perfectly satisfied with His dear Son's work, and now from heaven He is again saying to the little children and all, "Come unto Me."

Messages of God’s Love 8/26/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 6

Solomon blessed the whole congregation of Israel, owning that all the favor in which he and his people stood, was from God. Jerusalem was the city of His choice, and David the king He had chosen. Not David however, but David's son should build the house for God's habitation, and had done so; God had performed His word to David.

Solomon kneeled down before the congregation and addressed God, not on the ground of the law or covenant only, but of mercy (verses 14 and 42). The heaven of heavens could not contain Him; will He indeed dwell with man on the earth ? (See Revelation 21:3).

Solomon asked for dealing in righteousness as between the righteous and the wicked (verse 23), but if Israel were to be defeated in war because of sin, and should turn again and confess and pray to God in the temple, he asked that they be forgiven and returned to their land. If they were afflicted with the stoppage of rain because of their sins, and repented, confessing His name, he asked that the rain be restored; likewise as to all other troubles which God should permit because of their sinful ways, if they prayed to Him, that the affliction should be removed. The stranger, too, was not forgotten; if he came out of a far country for God's great name's sake, and prayed toward the temple.

Solomon's thoughts lastly were carried on to that day when Israel was to be taken away captive to a land far off, and he prayed that if they should then seek God, He would forgive them.

There was no public response to Solomon's entreaty. By night God spoke to him (chapter 7), setting the continuation of His blessing upon obedience, and we know that failure and ruin soon followed.

Whatever God has entrusted to man, he has always failed in; the one Man (1 Corinthians 15:21, 22) who gave Him unceasing delight as He traversed this world, His blessed Son, Jesus, is the One who has wrought deliverance for the captives, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14). But how few know it; believe the good news; receive Him! Have you?

Messages of God’s Love 8/26/1928

The Pirates and the Bed

It was a nice little white iron bed, like some of you children sleep in every night, but it had a light iron frame work that went over the ton. from which a mosquito netting hung, for this bed was to be used in South China where the mosquitoes are very thick, and cause not only terrible itching from the bites, but they carry the deadly malaria.

There was a nice mattress, too. It was not an "Ostermoor", however, but was stuffed with bamboo shavings, for it was made in South China, where bamboos are more plentiful than "Ostermoors".

I bought the bed and the mattress at "Sinceres" a fine big department store in Hong Kong, and had it carefully packed in oiled paper and bamboo matting, for it had a long journey before it.

There were no express "companies" or delivery agencies to handle the shipping, nor could I say to "Sinceres", "Send this bed up for me." No,—it was a very much more difficult thing to take my bed the 200 miles home, than to buy it,—but this time I was in luck.

It was on Friday that I bought the bed, and I suddenly discovered that a little sailing junk was leaving for our city on the following Monday. Gladly I paid "sompan" hire, and all the necessary "cumshaws" to get my bed from the store to the junk.

There I had to leave it, for the dear old missionary for whom it was intended was sick, and needed me, and it might be that I could get through some other way more quickly than the sailing junk.

I will not tell you all the story of that journey home, for it is a story by itself, but after about a week's steady traveling I did get there. One of the first questions put to me was, "Where is the new bed ?" I cheerfully told of my good luck in finding the sailing junk, and though we well knew it might be a three week's journey against contrary winds, we all were willing to wait patiently with the hope that soon the poor sick missionary might exchange his present bed consisting of three bare boards stretched over two wood trestles and a little quilt over it, for the luxury of real springs and mattress.

The weeks came and went, but the bed did not come. What was wrong? Had the junk gone to the bottom ? Or (what we secretly knew was most probable) had it and the cargo been seized by pirates ?

Alas, our worst fears were soon realized, after waiting over six weeks one of the merchants came to call, bringing the sad news that everything had been captured;

"What would we pay to redeem our bed ? It cost $35.00; would we pay 60% ?"

"We don't do business with robbers" was all the comfort we gave them. More messengers called,

"Would we pay 30%?"

"No, we don't do business with robbers."

"What would you pay?"

"Not a cash."

It was a sad blow, but we were immovable and all negotiations fell through. Many a joke we had with the old missionary (who had by this time recovered without his bed), as we thought of the pirate chief comfortably stretched on the little white bed and enjoying the deliciousness of a mattress, a thing unheard of to him before.

It was one of the "all things" in China, and like Paul of old, one needs to be ready there to suffer the loss of "all things"— yes "to count them but dung for Christ's sake," so there were no hard thoughts over the loss, though we did present our case to One above.

But truth is ever stranger than fiction. One day a friend rushed in all excited. The bed was coming! Rather the junk was coming! Yes, the soldiers had swooped down and caught the pirates. Perhaps the chief was napping in the new bed: we received no particulars, however, but there was endless excitement.

A few days passed, and then, sure enough, along came the bed. We met the coolies who carried it up to our gate, anxiously looking to see in what shape his lordship the pirate chief, had left it. But it had not even been unwrapped. Maybe he did not know what it was, but he certainly never knew the comfort he had missed!

A Chinese gentleman accompanied the bed, and we asked him for the account of expenses, which we knew well would be heavy, but to our amazement found there was none. Duty paid, freight paid, soldiers' charges paid, delivery coolies paid. He said,

"The junk and all the cargo came back because of your bed. It must have been your God taking care of your bed, or else we would never have seen our things again."

It is truly no vain thing to trust our God, and you, dear children, have each a soul more precious than all the world. Can you say with Paul,

“I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day" ? 2 Tim. 1:12.

"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Psa. 2:12.

Messages of God’s Love 8/26/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"P"

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21.

Many of you young readers go to school and study arithmetic, and some of you have learned when you add two numbers how to prove that the sum is correct. Adding 14 and 22 you have 36. If you subtract either 14 or 22 from 36, you have the other number as a result. This proves that your addition was correct.

Now, dear children, there are many things in this life to prove, test, or try out beside arithmetic. And there are different ways of proving things.

You see by our verse today that God wants us to prove all things. If people tell you things about God and Jesus, about death and Satan, about eternal life or eternal punishment,—you should prove them before you believe them. Do you know how to do this ?

You will find the answer in your Bibles. God's Word is a test for everything. We should not believe any teaching that is contrary to the precious Bible verses we are reading and learning from week to week.

If your friends ask you to do things and go places with them, you can apply this same test. Prove by God's word whether it is right and best for you to do the things you think you would like to do.

When you have found the true and good things that God wants you to believe and do, hold fast to them and turn away from all that is false or displeasing to the Lord.

Messages of God’s Love 8/26/1928

Through the Blood

There is forgiveness, God doth say,

Through the Blood;

Both sin and guilt are put away,

Through the Blood;

And sinners fitted for the sky,

Yes, unto God Himself brought nigh,

Made meet to dwell with Christ on high,

Through the Blood!

'Tis not your work puts sin away,

But the Blood;

Nor is it gold, God's Word doth say,

But the Blood:

Yes, 'tis the Blood, the precious Blood

Of Christ, the chosen Lamb of God,

That clears away sin's heavy load:

Precious Blood!

You may be washed as white as snow

In the Blood;

And then to glory bright will go,

Through the Blood:

So come to Christ; O come to-day!

That you may praise—yes, praise for aye,

The Lamb who washed your sins away

In His Blood.

Thousands of souls in heaven will be

Through the Blood,

Praising the Lamb, who on the tree

Shed His Blood:

All white and pure, all glorious fair,

They praise the Lamb, whose joy they share;

O, happy throng! will you be there

Through the Blood ?

Messages of God’s Love 8/26/1928

Bible Questions for September

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

1. "Jesus said unto them," etc. John 8:58.

2. "Then they willingly," etc. " 6:21.

3. "But as many," etc. " 1:12.

4. "But the hour," etc. " 4:23.

5. "It is written," etc. " 6:45.

6. "And I give," etc. " 10:28.

7. "He that believeth," etc. " 3:36.

"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Left not himself without witness."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "For God was with him."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The head of the corner."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "This Jesus hath God raised up."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "This same Jesus."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "A man after mine own heart."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole."

Answers to Bible Questions for July
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. (1) Word; (2) God; (3) the Light; (4) the Christ; (5) Lamb of God; (6) Son of God; (7) King of Israel. Jno. 1:1, 7, 41, 29, 49.

2. By believing on the Son of God. Jno. 3:36.

3. Verses 21-24.

4. Yes. Jno. 5:18.

5. No. He has given all judgment to the Son. Jno. 5:22.

6. Because He testified of it that its works were evil. Jno. 7:7.

7. By letting the Son of God make us free. Jno. 8:36.

Bible Questions for September
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts. Chapters 1-14.

1. What were the three qualifications of the seven deacons?

2. How did sister Dorcas occupy her "fancy work" time?

3. What was the result of preaching the Lord Jesus by the men of Cyprus and Cyrene?

4. What peculiarity did the priests and Sadducees discern in Peter and John?

5. Are women supposed to be present at prayer meeting?

6. List five things preached in Acts 8.

7. Quote the verse that gives the four things that characterized the Church in the beginning.

Messages of God’s Love 9/2/1928

Stewardship

"Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness: that when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles." Luke 16:9 (R. V.)

WHAT a verse for our hearts in these evil days of covetousness, greed, and selfishness! In this statement our Lord tells us to use what we have in the way of earthly possessions for the good and blessing of others, either to give for their needs, or to minister to them the gospel for their souls. Then when the time comes that earthly possessions can do us no longer any service, but we are about to enter that other world, we shall find that our gracious Lord has treasured up for us in heaven what we gave down here. Thus we will have a rich reception up there.

A dime spent for gospel tracts may lead a soul to Christ. That one so saved will someday be up there to add to the joy of our entrance into heaven.

On the other hand, all that we spend just for self, is lost to us forever.

Messages of God’s Love 9/2/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 7

Turning back to Leviticus 9, when the priesthood w a s established, we find a scene that in a way parallels what is presented here; the glory of God had then appeared to all the people, and fire from God had consumed the offerings upon the brazen altar. But the priesthood had failed, the people had lost everything of title, by sin; and kingly power had set aside that system that had broken down. All now rested upon the "sure mercies of David", as we have seen fully set out in Solomon's prayer. In the millennium, all will rest upon the Messiah-King, the Lord Jesus, when He takes His power and reigns, for He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25), and there will be no failure in Him.

Solomon's reign of glory was soon over, and brightest at its beginning. Dazzled by earthly power and glory he fell into sin. We may notice the burnt offering singled out for express mention in verse 1 of our chapter; it is because the burnt offering illustrates, typifies, the entire devotion of Christ, His obedience even to death, and that the death of the cross. It is that character of His life and death here which gave the fullest delight to His Father, and was a profound motive for His love (John 10:17).

In the presence of God's displayed glory (see however 2 Corinthians 3 which points to a surpassing glory, that of His grace), the children of Israel bowed with their faces to the ground, and worshiped and thanked Him Whose loving kindness endureth forever. Solomon offered in sacrifice 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep in the dedication of the temple, using the middle of the court, before the building, because the brazen altar, large though it was (chapter 4:1), was not able to receive the burnt offerings and oblations and fat to be burned thereon.

The feast of verses 8 and 9 is the feast of tabernacles, ordained of God for Israel in Leviticus 23:34, and in its order given again in Numbers 29:12, and Deuteronomy 16:13-15. It was not kept with booths of branches of trees, however, from Joshua's day until Nehemiah's (see Nehemiah 8:14-17).

The temple completed, and the king's house, God appeared to Solomon to tell him the conditions under which he was placed, and the people with him that the blessings now possessed might be continued; and if lost by reason of unfaithfulness, how they might be repossessed. If the house of Israel should turn away from God, the nation should be uprooted from the land of their inheritance, and the magnificent temple should become an astonishment to the passer by. Such was to occur in substantially four hundred years, because of Israel's provoking God to anger by idolatry.

God requires faithfulness; should not His children by faith in the risen and exalted Saviour today seek to profit by Israel's failure, and in deep confession, with heartfelt desire endeavor to walk in practical separation from a guilty world, whose judgment, as well as that of Christendom, is not far away?

Messages of God’s Love 9/2/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"Q"

“QUICKEN me after Thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Thy mouth." Psalm 119:88. Sometimes when we have been working hard or playing hard, we feel very tired. Often when we come home at night our steps are much slower than when we start out in the morning.

And yet, if there is someone at home that we are anxious to see, we quicken our steps, even though we are tired. If we are interested in something at the end of the journey, we put more life and energy into our steps than if nothing interesting awaited us.

When you are going home from school, you may get to playing with other children, or stop to watch things along the way, and so be slow about getting home; but you go on home sooner or later to the ones you love.

Now, dear children, if you love Jesus, —if you know Him as your Saviour,— you are on your way to the Home above, where you are going to be with this Saviour.

While you are taking this journey through life, the Lord wants you to think about Him every day, and do the things that please Him. There are many things down here, both work and play, that oc_cupy your thoughts. But the Lord does not want you to be so much occupied with these things that you will forget what is ahead of you at the end of the journey.

David, King of Israel many hundred years ago, loved the Lord and wanted to please Him. But he had many things to do and think about, and knew that he needed the Lord's help, so he said,

"Quicken me after Thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Thy mouth." That means he wanted the Lord to give him strength and energy to keep God's Word and do as the Lord wished him to do.

If you read God's Word carefully each day, and talk with Him in prayer, it will help to keep you from becoming too much occupied with things down here. As your heart is filled with love for the Lord at the thought of what He has done for you, —at the thought of seeing Him at the end of the journey, you will quicken your steps. The Apostle Paul said,

Messages of God’s Love 9/2/1928

A Secret

MOST of you who are old enough to read, know what a secret is. Quite young children tell each other secrets, and then say, "Now, don't tell anybody." A secret is something we don't want everybody to know.

One of the girls in our picture is telling the other one a secret. Perhaps this secret is something nice that is going to happen to the dear old lady sitting by the window, but they don't want her to know about it yet.

If you buy a nice birthday present for your mother, you want to keep it a secret from her until her birthday. So you don't tell your younger brothers and sisters, or anyone else who might go and tell mother about it.

Do you know, dear readers, that God has secrets ?

"THE SECRET OF THE LORD IS WITH THEM THAT FEAR HIM." Psalm 25:14.

The good news of salvation is not a secret: God wants us to tell everybody about that,—how Jesus died on the cross to save sinners.

But if we love Him, He has things to tell us that only His own children can understand.

If you talk with the Lord in prayer, if you read much in His blessed Word, and think a great deal about what you read, He will make known to you wonderful secrets concerning Himself, and what He has done for you, and what He is going to do for you,—things that those who do not know Him as Saviour cannot understand at all.

The older you grow, and the more you learn about Jesus, the better you will understand this.

Ask the Lord to show you many of His precious secrets in His Word,—the Bible. He wants you to read what He has to say to you there.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/2/1928

A Grandmother's Question

IT is yours to choose. For whom, dear children, shall your life be spent ? Choose NOW.

Will you spend it for "Self"; living for your own pleasure, and seeking your own glory and honor, doing as you like, going where you please, turning to your own way? If so, yours will be a lost life.

Or will you come to the Lord Jesus, receive Him as your own personal Saviour, and yield your life to Him? He will make it bright and happy and useful in His service.

The dear old grandmother has gone through life, and knows that having the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and walking in His ways, is the only path of happiness and real profit. The Scripture says,

"BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, AND WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS." Jer. 17:7.

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 8

Solomon continued his prosperous and indeed glorious reign, adding a little to David's conquests and settling the children of Israel in new and rebuilt cities. Under him the kingdom was in peace (the meaning of his name, Solomon, is peace); the remnant of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites who were found in the land in the days of Joshua, and were not dispossessed (see Deuteronomy 20:16-18 and Judges 1) were allowed to remain, but as subject peoples. The children of Israel were none of them bondmen, but soldiers and officers of Solomon's army.

Pharaoh's daughter (verse 11) whose connection with Solomon as his bride, told of in 1 Kings 3:1 gives an illustration of what will be true of David's greater Son, when in the establishment of Christ's kingdom, the Gentiles will be brought into blessing with Israel (Micah 4; Zechariah 8:20-23; Isaiah 56:6-8). It is believed that Pinetam II of the 21St dynasty was the Pharaoh whose daughter Solomon married, and who is referred to in 1 Kings 9:16.

All was in order, according to the commandment of Moses (verse 13), and the ordinance of David (verse 14), in these happy days of Solomon's wise and beneficent rule. It was a scene of marvelous blessing, but not characterized by faith; the position of Israel under Solomon was after all far below that of the believer of this present dispensation of grace. Neither does it appear that Solomon's heart, nor the people's, rose to the height of David's, particularly when in his rejection, David reckoned habitually upon God, so that in verse 14 he is called "the man of God". No such term was applied to Solomon, though he loved God, and walked in His statutes.

Is not Solomon, as we see him in God's Word, much like many Christians who do not go on habitually in sin, but do not seek in Christ the deeper knowledge of His will, growing up to Him in all things (Ephesians 4:15).

Solomon went to the seaports at the northern extremity of the Gulf of Akaba (verse 17), and thence ships were sent, which Hiram, king of Tyre, had supplied, to Ophir for gold. It does not appear that this was an act of dependence upon God; he was already very rich, for God had given him as He had promised, but he was now enriching himself, to reap, sorrow in his old age.

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

I Believe The Bible

OF course I believe the Bible: do you think I am a heathen ?"

All right; since you say so, I will read you a few verses, beginning at Rom. 3:23, All have sinned."

How sweeping are these three words from God—how universal. All, without exception. The degrees may differ, but the same fact governs all, and "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). So since you claim to believe the Bible, you won't mind me putting it thus, as you know you have sinned against God:

"Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23. Find you out; yes, do not forget it. Every thought, idle word and deed must be given account of to a just God.

But here are other three words from that blessed Book,

"It is finished." John 19:30. Blessed, precious, soul-emancipating words! Only 3 words, but, O their full meaning no tongue nor word can express; speaking volumes to the sin-sick soul. Do you believe these three words ? "It is finished". What do they mean?

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

What blessed news for sinners like you and me. "It is finished!" The work that saves is a finished work. God gave Him a work to do, the work of saving poor sinners, who were lost and undone, and He never turned aside until on Calvary He could cry triumphantly,

"IT IS FINISHED!"

"It is finished, yes indeed,

Finished every jot, Sinner,

this is all you need;

Tell me, is it not?"

No prayers, tears, or works of any kind can add to the work of Calvary's victim, Christ Jesus, Who now adorns the Throne of God.

"Till to Jesus' work you cling,

By a simple faith,

DOING is a deadly thing,

Doing ends in death."

"He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life." John 6:47.

"Away with doubts, away with fears,

When this by faith I know,

God's Word shall stand forevermore,

My Saviour tells me so."

"Lord, I believe." John 9:38.

Dear reader, can you say this from your heart ? I know with your tongue you may have said, "I believe the Bible," but can you say truthfully, when asked this question by the Lord's own Word, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?"

"Lord, I believe. I believe that on Calvary Thou didst die for me a sinner, Thou hast borne my heavy load of sins; the judgment that was mine by right, fell on Thy sacred Head, and with Thy stripes I am healed. Lord, I believe! I believe!"

"If you can say these last three words from your heart, then 'it is well with thy soul,' and now like the once blind man, will you tell to others around you, One thing I KNOW, whereas I was lost, now I am saved, and this blessed assurance I obtained from where 'it is written' by the finger of God—the Bible, which I believe."

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

Are You Ready?

CHRIST is coming. Three times over He assures us He is coming speedily.

"Behold I come quickly." "Behold I come quickly." "Surely I come quickly" (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20). These are His own words to us.

He looks that we should send Him the invitation, "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus."

Those five words test us all. Would we like the Lord Jesus to come today? Or would we choose rather that He should delay His return?

Some time since I had a letter from some young friends in New Zealand. They told me that their father went away from home on Monday mornings, and came back on Saturday afternoons. As he climbed the mountain at the foot of which they lived, they would wave farewell. Then on Saturday they looked up the mountain again and again, until they saw their father returning. Then, rushing out, they went quickly up the steep path to give him a welcome home.

Their letter brought to my mind the coming of the Lord Jesus the Saviour. He has gone away. But He is coming back. It may be that He will come before another morning dawns. Are we looking for Him?

If our sins are forgiven, and if we are seeking to serve Him, we can gladly look for the Saviour. His coming is not death. It is His own personal return.

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3.

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." it Thessalonians 4:16.

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." Philippians 3:20, 21.

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"R"

"REMEMBER now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." Eccles. 12:1.

Dear children, many people when asked if they believe on the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, say they are in no hurry. They want to have a good time. They want to wait till they get old before they think about the future, and what will become of them after death. Satan whispers in their ears,

"There is plenty of time. Enjoy yourselves while you can."

But that is not God's way. He says,

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."

Here are two reasons for turning to God now

First, You do not know how long you will live. Many people never grow old. There are babies and children of all ages dying every day. Many, both old and young, are taken away suddenly,—some by sickness, and others by accident. You may be the next. If you put off the question of your soul's salvation, thinking you can just as well wait till you are grown and have had many years of this world's pleasures, you may have no chance to turn to the Lord. The only sure way to be saved is to turn to Jesus now, to accept His offer of salvation today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Second, If you believe on the Lord Jesus while you are young, and live to become old or middle-aged, you have many years in which to learn about Jesus. You will know much more about Him than if you turn to Him just a few days or a few months before the end of your life. If the Lord will, we will speak more about this in the article on our "S" verse next week.

In turning to the Saviour while young, you will have all these years not only to learn about Him, but also to tell others about Him, and to serve Him in many ways.

Now, dear reader, is the time to remember your Creator; to think about His goodness and the many blessings He has bestowed upon you; to accept the salvation He offers you through the death of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. The longer you put it off, the greater your loss.

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

God's Gift

O what a gift the Father gave

When He bestowed His son!

To save poor ruined, guilty man,

By sin defiled, undone.

For I was lost and vile indeed!

To sin a willing prey;

Till God in mercy interposed,

And turned my night to day.

Now, I can call the Saviour mine,

Though all unworthy still;

I'm sheltered by His precious blood

Beyond the reach of ill.

Messages of God’s Love 9/9/1928

The Young Tiger

A STORY is told about this young tiger when he was about six months old. They wanted to take his photograph, so they allowed him to kill a duck, and he kept his eye on it long enough to get his picture taken. They soon had to put him in a cage, for he fought with the dogs, and even would pounce upon the legs of the children. His ferocious nature was soon manifested, and all that we can do with such, is to put them where they will be hindered from injuring anyone.

The time is coming when all these wild beasts shall be delivered from the terrible power of Satan for a thousand years, for the Lord is going to chain him in the bottomless pit for that length of time, and then the scripture shall be fulfilled,

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." Isa. 11:6. That will be a blessed time for this earth, and there will be no war then, either.

That peace is what the Lord Jesus will bring to this earth. He manifested it in all His ways down here, and the word to those who know the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour is,

"LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS." Col. 3:15. This is for us now, amidst all the trouble, and quarreling in this world.

Messages of God’s Love 9/16/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 9

This chapter, which corresponds almost word for word with 1 Kings 10, closes the account of Solomon here given. It will be noted that 1 Kings 11, which tells of Solomon's departure from God, and the infliction of God's chastening hand upon him in consequence, has no counterpart in the Chronicles; the explanation it may not be amiss to again say, is that this second account of Israel's and later Judah's kings is to set out the grace of God and of His blessing, only such faults being mentioned as are needed in order that we may understand the instructions of His grace.

In the books of the Kings, the general and public history of God's government is given, following the line of Israel's kings—the ten tribes—after Solomon, to the end of the line, and the disappearance of the people in captivity. The books of the Chronicles also set out that character of things, particularly in David and Solomon, which could be used to foreshadow the Messiah, that now rejected Son of David, Who is David's Lord, Who ere long shall reign over Israel and the new earth in righteousness.

The queen of Sheba, coming from the far south—it is claimed by the Abyssinians that she was from their land—having heard of Solomon's fame came to Jerusalem to prove him with enigmas, but there was not a thing hidden from Solomon; he explained every one. Astonished, bewildered by his wisdom and the glory of his house and his ascent by which he went up to the temple, there was no more spirit in her. She acknowledged that though the report she had heard in her own land had been wonderful; but what her eyes beheld, and her ears took in, exceeded the report. She owned, too, God as the giver of this glory and wisdom, and gave Solomon much gold, spices and precious stones.

The glory and greatness of Solomon's court brought all the kings of the earth to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart, and they brought him presents year by year. He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt. All this puts us in mind of the coming reign of Christ as Israel's King, the Son of Psalm 2 and the King of Psalms 21 and 24.

"The rest of the acts" of Solomon (verse 29) were written elsewhere; not only in the words of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer, but in the Scriptures, in 1 Kings 1-11. And he died; the man whose pen indited the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, passed from the scene of his triumphs to meet God.

His warnings, and the example of his life remain, preserved to us who live in closing days of grace; may they stir our hearts, who know Christ as Saviour, to be truer to Him, to be attracted by nothing this world can afford, away from our blessed Lord, the bright, the Morning Star!

Christ is coming, are you ready ?

He is coming for His own;

He will call them up to meet Him,

And will place them on His throne.

Messages of God’s Love 9/16/1928

Willing, But Not Able

A PLEASURE steamer left S. in the evening about 5 o'clock, crowded with passengers. In fact all sitting and standing space seemed to be occupied. The people were attracted by the many rowing boats and steamers passing them from time to time. Sometimes they were looking at an object of interest on one side of the boat, when suddenly their attention would be called to the other side, and all would press to that side as far as they were able in the crush.

When near to the city pier where they were to be set down, the people were pressing so much on one side, that the steamer leaned over and a few inches of water came in on the lower deck.

This being noticed by the passengers, they seemed at once to get excited, and all rushed to the other side with the result that the vessel toppled right over and some hundreds of people were thrown in the water.

A number of boats were at once sent out from the shore to save as many as possible, but the people seemed to cling to each other and go down before help could reach them.

There was, however, one young lady on the steamer about whom I wish to tell you; she was the daughter of a well-known city merchant, and, accompanied by her brother, was on her way to the city when this accident occurred.

When they were thrown so suddenly into the river, the young man caught hold of his sister, and swam with her to one of the many boats which were engaged in rescuing as many as they could. They had just reached the boat, and only needed to be helped into it, when unfortunately some sinking person caught hold of the young lady, and down they both went beneath the water before the very eyes of the brother, who was so eager to save his sister.

Great was his distress when he found she had gone down, and he was powerless to do anything further for her.

He was heard afterwards to exclaim as he burst into tears,

"O Lily, Lily! God knows I was willing to save you, but I was not able." How sad these words are, "Willing, but not able." There was all the desire to save his sister, but there was not the power.

I have given the title of this article "Willing, but not able," to draw your attention to the fact that if anyone, either boy or girl, needs to be saved from any danger, there must be these two things on the part of the one who attempts to save. There must be willingness and there must be the power.

Now I trust that no reader of this little paper will ever be found in the painful position that Lily was in; but there are other conditions in which we may need help and succor. If I am badly in debt and not able to pay, then I need a friend who is both able and willing to stretch out a helping hand, and do for me what 1 cannot do for myself.

Have you ever discovered that there is one way in which we all need the power of a mighty Friend? We are born sinners into this world, and we sin day by day in various ways,—in thoughts and words and actions, while none of us have any power to put away a single sin.

If we have learned this first great fact, the next point is to know that God must punish the sinner, unless his sins are in some way atoned for or put away.

On the other hand, God knew our helpless and hopeless condition, and that we could do nothing to save ourselves, so He has found One who was both able and willing to bear our punishment and atone for our sins, in a way that is entirely to His eternal satisfaction.

So now the blessed news can be sounded out that

"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.

0! what glad tidings this is for all boys and girls who may read this paper. They have but to rest by faith on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ to receive the forgiveness of all their sins.

Messages of God’s Love 9/16/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"S"

“SEARCH the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39. Suppose you are going to make two visits,—one to see Uncle John and the other to see Uncle James. You have never seen either of them.

You have heard something about Uncle John, and have read a few letters from him.

But you have heard a great deal more about Uncle James. You have had many letters from him, and have written often to him. You feel as though you already knew him because you know so much about him. And what you have heard is so good that you have learned to love him very much, even though you have not yet seen him.

Now, to which of these visits are you looking forward with the most pleasure ? Which uncle are you the most anxious to see ? I'm sure you will say, "Uncle James".

Perhaps you are wondering what this has to do with our verse, so listen,

If you know Jesus as your Saviour you are going to make a never-ending visit to His Home,—perhaps very soon.

If you have read much of His Word, and have read it often; if you have learned much of His wonderful love and all His goodness to you; if you have talked with Him day by day in prayer and have come to feel acquainted with Him, you will look forward with much pleasure to seeing Him, just as you would to visiting Uncle James.

But if your time and thoughts are much taken up with other things, and you have failed to acquaint yourself with the One who has given His life for you, you will not long so much to see Him, just as you would be less interested in the visit to Uncle John.

Now, this loving Saviour wants your affection. He wants you to love Him so much that you will long to see and be with Him. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Col. 3:2.

Our verse today tells us that the Scriptures testify of Jesus. They tell us that Jesus was the One who came to die on the cross to save sinners. They tell us of His love, His grace, His goodness, His mercy, His glory, His power, His holiness. The more we search the Scriptures, the more we will learn of this wonderful Saviour. The more we know of Him, the more we will love Him, and the more we love Him, the more we will long to see Him.

Then turn to Him while you are young. If you do, you will have a much longer time to learn about Him than if you wait till you are old. Furthermore, if you refuse the invitation now, you may grow indifferent and never come to Jesus. Or the coming of Jesus, or sudden death may close for you the door of mercy.

"The entrance of Thy words giveth light." Psalm 119:130.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/16/1928

A View Near Barnard Castle

A WONDER if any of our little readers have ever seen a castle ? It is a very large home, and is usually fortified, (that is, guarded), and protected in every way from danger.

None but wealthy people could meet the expenses of a castle, but dear readers, do you think that wealth and luxury can bring happiness ? No indeed, it cannot! Many who have everything that this world can give, if they have not Christ, are most unhappy.

A few years ago, a Christian worker, laboring near Lake Geneva, overlooking the Castle of Chillon, related the following incident:

In France, close by the Lake, a lady, the wife of the squire, was dying. There lived in the village a girl who was a frequent attender at the Gospel meetings. Her quiet, steady Christian life, won for her the respect and esteem of many.

One evening to the surprise of Jeanne, she was sent for by the squire's wife.

"I wonder," she said, "why a rich lady should send for a poor girl like me."

On reaching the home, Jeanne was taken to the sick room, which was filled with nurses and friends, who were seeking to minister to the sufferer's needs.

Jeanne approached the bed-side, and addressing the lady said, "Madame, all here appear to be doing their utmost for your body. Is no one caring for your soul ?"

"No one, Jeanne", said the dying lady, "and that is why I have sent for you."

Jeanne replied, "Madame, the Bible says, `

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

"I know that is what the Bible says, Jeanne, I do believe, but I am not saved."

"Of course, you believe that Christ came down from heaven and died, but believing that, never saved anybody. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to believe that when He died on the cross, "He died for you." When He suffered the punishment of sin, "He suffered for you." When He paid the mighty debt, "He paid it for you," so that you may stand free before God. The dying lady, exclaimed, as the soul saving truth of the Gospel was brought before her by the Holy Spirit,

"And is that the way, Jeanne ? I do believe and I am saved." This dear soul, rejoiced in Christ as her Saviour and Friend.

We see, dear friends, that God is no respecter of persons. All must come in the same way, and all are invited, rich and poor.

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

If we have Christ, what want we more ? He is our happiness, our joy, and our peace.

"BEING JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE THROUGH THE RE_DEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS." Romans 3:24.

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 10 and 11

Rehoboam, Solomon's son, went to Shechem, approximately thirty-five miles north of Jerusalem, to be crowned; he must have known of dissatisfaction among the people, and looked with some apprehension upon the appearance of Jeroboam, the former servant of Solomon his father, about whom see 1 Kings 11:26-40.

Rehoboam's birth occurred shortly before David's death, and he was now forty-one; unquestionably then he knew of Jeroboam's opposing himself to Solomon, and he may have known of the word of God by Ahijah the prophet regarding a division of the kingdom, because of the allowance of idolatry under Solomon.

It was Rehoboam's choice to follow the unwise advice of the young men who had grown up with him; and the kingdom, except Judah and Benjamin, fell immediately from his grasp.

It will be observed that upon this momentous occasion, Rehoboam did not commit his problem to God—a strong contrast with his grandfather David whose habit was to seek Him in everything. Yet the result was of God; He is not mocked, and the reaping follows the nature and kind of the sowing as His Word solemnly declares, and instance upon instance of this is found in the Scriptures.

Solomon had, long before his death, turned in heart from God, and in part reaped for his sowing; his son continues the reaping,—a solemn warning to Christian parents.

Rehoboam would have plunged the land into civil war to hold the ten tribes from secession, but the word of God through Shemaiah forbade him, and he contented himself with strengthening that portion of the land which owned the authority of the son of David. For three years he and his people, humbled by what had occurred, did well, walking in the ways of David and Solomon.

The ten tribes having openly embraced idolatry under Jeroboam (see 1 Kings 12:26-33; 13:33; 11:7-10) , the priests and the Levites that were in his kingdom resorted to Rehoboam out of all their districts, and the Levites left their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem. After them, those out of all the tribes of Israel, who set their heart to seek the Lord God of Israel, come to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Him as the God of their fathers. In these years Rehoboam dealt wisely, though later followed the evil example of his father in taking a multitude of wives and other ways (chapter 12), but for the moment, he shines, though not as brightly, it is true, as his father or his grandfather had.

The test was soon to come; Was he profiting by the earnest counsel of the Book of Proverbs ? Did chapters 2 and 3, for example, sink into his heart?

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

Where Shall I Be 100 Years Hence?

NOT on earth. The allotted years of human life do not in general reach so far. Not in oblivion, for there is no cessation of existence in the hour of death, only the body, soul and spirit of which the man is composed are parted, to exist in separate states. The body goes to the grave and returns to dust; the spirit returns to God who gave it, and remains unclothed in conscious bliss with Christ (Phil. 1:23) in heaven; or in conscious torment in hell (Luke 16:24-28).

In the coming resurrection, the sundered parts will be united, and the man who lived and was known in mortal flesh on the earth during his earthly life, will again be found, and receive his place and portion for Eternity, according as his earthly choice and life had been.

To all who on earth received the Son of God as Saviour (John 1:12), and confessed him as Lord (Rom. 10:9), there will be given a part in the first resurrection, the resurrection of life, in which all who share are changed into the image of Christ, and go to dwell with Him in eternal glory in heaven (1 Cor. 15:48-54; Rev. 20:6).

For those who "received not" and "believed not" the gospel (2 Thess. 2:11, 12), there is judgment to come. As persons who lived and whose works have been recorded in "the books" which will be opened before the Righteous Judge on His "great white throne" (Rev. 20:11, 12), all such will be judged. And as sinners who have merited retribution, as God had forewarned them (Rom. 2:8, 9; Col. 3:6), and as Christ-rejectors who have despised the remedy ( John 3:36; Heb. 10:29), they will be cast into the lake of fire, not for extinction but for punishment.

Reader, in which of these courses are you treading? To which of these eternal destinies are you hastening, and in which of them will you be a hundred years hence—and forever ? These are vital questions, of immense importance and of eternal interest to you. Do not put them from you, but personally, calmly, face them, and honestly answer them to God now.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

Sealed

FAR out in China there is a curious and useful custom in some parts, in connection with farmers sending their rice to market.

In most parts of China there are no railways or good roads on which trains or wagons may travel, and nearly everything is carried on men's shoulders. Once a missionary and his family had just landed in Hong Kong, where they have beautiful roads. He had a good English baby carriage with him, and there was a small box inside it. Even a child could have wheeled it along the smooth asphalt road, —but the coolie who was handling the baggage, got a bamboo pole and some rope,—tied the baby carriage to one end of the pole and the box to the other, put the pole over his shoulder and trotted off down the road. How that missionary laughed,—but he was only beginning to see queer sights.

But I was going to tell you about the rice. It is nearly always carried in two baskets, one at each end of the pole. They are round and have open tops. It would be very easy to steal from them on the way,—so the owner, before the rice goes, marks the character for his name on the smooth top of each basket, with black Chinese ink. It is sealed. If anyone touches it on the road, it will be seen at once. If you have "trusted in Christ", God tells you in Eph. 1:13 "after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." When I was a child, after I trusted in Christ, very often I was terribly troubled to know whether I was sealed with the Holy Spirit, or not. How nice to have a verse to tell us this so plainly, and all we need to do is to believe it and thank Him. When the rice was sealed, it kept anyone from touching it. So God seals us that we, too, may be kept safe, till we reach His Home above. We may be sure that not one, whom He has sealed with His Holy Spirit, will ever be lost." Have you "trusted in Christ?" Have you believed what God tells you in Eph. 1:13 ?

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"T"

“THE heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it ? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Jer. 17:9, 10.

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

It is not pleasant at all to think that the heart, my heart, is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. But that is God's Word, and it must be true.

Many people like to show kindness to their family, relatives, friends, and neighbors, and they feel quite well satisfied with their own goodness.

But the Lord knows what our hearts really are, and He has told us the truth about them. Often the truth hurts. Until you believe this about your own heart, you do not feel your need of a Saviour, neither do you know the wonderful grace of God,—the grace and love that have provided a remedy for this terrible condition.

The most deceitful and wicked heart can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. When you quit depending on your own useless goodness, and turn to Jesus for salvation, your sins will be forgiven.

But if you go on without God, refusing His remedy for sin, He will reward you according to the doings of your wicked heart. And a terrible reward that will be.

Satan is trying to make you believe you are good enough. Do not listen to him. You are not holy, and without holiness no man shall see the Lord. ( See Hebrews 12:14). Through the blood of Jesus Christ alone can you be made fit for God's presence.

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

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.

Messages of God’s Love 9/23/1928

The Calves

I AM sure all city children love to get out on the farms in the summer time and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and see the calves in the pasture. We are able to see God's work in creation so much better there than we can in the city, where there is so much of man's work.

The calves do not make the grass to grow, but God provides it for them, as well as it is He who gives us our food. He will take care of us if we are dependent on Him.

Sometimes He withholds things from us that we need, to teach us dependence on Himself, then we have to ask Him for what we need. We must remember to thank Him for all He gives us, because all we receive are mercies from His hand. May we have grateful hearts for all His goodness.

"GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS UNTO GOD AND THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST." Eph. 5:20.

O! say, if He should come to-night.

Would you in terror be,

Or would you lift your heads with joy,

The blessed Lord to see ?

O! children, seek the Saviour now,

That Saviour full of love;

And when He comes He'll take you up

To His bright home above.

Messages of God’s Love 9/30/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 12

Jerusalem was the city that God had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put His name there, but Rehoboam with Judah and Benjamin, quickly forgot the lessons which should have been thoroughly learned.

There was one place that God had told them to worship Him (Dent. 12:11), but they had turned their backs on Him, and had put up places of their own choice, and according to their own minds. How displeasing all this was to Him. And this has been done in these days, instead of going according to the plain written Word of God. When his kingdom was established and he had become strong (see verse 17 of the 11TH chapter, and verses 1-4 of this chapter), Rehoboam forsook the law of the Lord.

How many a man, a woman, a boy, a girl, both before and since this first king of Judah, has similarly turned away from God's written Word, refusing His rich provision for the subject heart, and seeking like an early sinner (Genesis 4:16- 24) , or an early saint (Genesis 13:10-13), satisfaction in the world.

Rehoboam's father, Solomon, a poor example he became to his children in his old age, had written down these earnest words,

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

Rehoboam, forsaking the Word of God as the rule of his life, was joined with his people, and his people with him, for Judah, we are told in 1 Kings 14:22-24, "did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked. Him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done."

Judgment therefore came upon the little nation, and it came in the form of an in vision from Powerful Egypt; Shishak, king of Egypt, in Rehoboam's fifth year came up against Jerusalem, and took. the fortified cities, that belonged to Judah.

With an irresistible enemy before the city, and a message from God brought by Shemaiah the prophet who had been God's mouthpiece at the commencement of Rehoboam's reign (chapter 11:2)i the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves, acknowledging that the chastening hand of God was upon them because of their sins. That the princes are mentioned before the king, who should have been the leader in right ways, is significant, and verse 14 adds the brief summary of Rehoboam's life as God saw it, that he did evil, for he applied not his heart to seek the One to whom he owed all, his protector and source of blessing.

Because of the princes and the king humbling themselves, the blow which Shishak was prepared to give the little kingdom was softened; all the treasures of the magnificent Temple, the planning of which had been so much before David, and whose building and equipment had occupied Solomon's mind and heart, and the treasures of the king's house that had taken 13 years to build (1 Kings 7:1)— all these, brought into being but forty years before, were carried ,away by the Egyptians. Much was left, true, but the loss was great. Shields of brass (bronze) make a poor exchange for shields of gold.

There was that to commend, and the pitiful eyes of God saw it: Rehoboam had humbled himself, and in Judah there were good things (verse 12). Whether for himself or for God's sake, the king maintained a state of war with the several ten tribes (verse 15); chapter 18 shows us a change in this attitude of opposition to the idol worshiping kingdom on the north of Judah, and it came about through the neglect of the generally godly Jehoshaphat.

Rehoboam; was 41 years old When he became king at Solomon's death, and after reigning 17 years he died. No word comes to us as to his state 'before God when death came. Is verse J4 the record for the great white throne. (Revelation 20:11) ? Solemn thought 1 Reader, consider!

Messages of God’s Love 9/30/1928

Once I Was Anxious To Be Saved

I BELIEVE, in the lives of many boys, and girls there has been a time when they have been anxious about their soul's salvation, when the Holy Spirit has striven with them and convicted them of their sins, but instead of heeding Him, they say,

"Go Thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for Thee."

If this is your case, dear reader, you may be cut down in your sins and eternally lost.

I read at one time of two brothers who left England together to better their circumstances in Canada.

While crossing the ocean, one of them became concerned about the salvation of his soul, and opened his mind to his brother. Instead of meeting with the sympathy and encouragement he expected, he was laughed at for his fears. This was too much for him; he could not stand his brother's jeers.

Not long after their arrival in the city of Hamilton,—the one who had laughed at his brother, was brought to know the Lord as his Saviour. Filled with the love of Christ, he told his brother of his salvation and of his joy in the Lord, and pleaded with him to accept of God's pardoning mercy. The reply he received was this,

"Arthur, you laughed at me when I was anxious about my soul, and now I have no desire to be saved." How the words cut the young convert to the heart!

Sometime after this conversation, the unconverted brother returned to England, and while engaged at work on a new building, a heavy stone fell on his head, and crushed him to death. When the startling news reached Arthur's ears, he was greatly distressed. Gladly would he have given anything to recall the words spoken to his dear brother on board that ocean steamer, but they could never be recalled.

How many are kept from deciding for Christ, through the laugh, sneer, or jeer of thoughtless companions or relations. The unsaved reader may be laughed into hell, but he cannot be laughed out of it.

"Beware lest He take thee away with His stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee." Job 36:18.

My dear unsaved readers, tarry no longer! now, while the day of grace lasts; while the Holy Spirit strives; while the door of mercy is open wide, enter into life and liberty through faith in the Redeemer's blood. His glorious work has satisfied all God's righteous and holy claims, and now, through His finished work on the cross, you may have eternal life.

Salvation is yours, if you accept it, "Without money and without price." It is a free gift. Believe and be saved.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/30/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"U"

“Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city." Genesis 19:14. Nearly four thousand years ago Lot was journeying about from place to place with Abram, his uncle. They started from Ur of the Chaldees, and finally got down to Egypt. Then they went back to the land of Canaan.

Abram, who was later called Abraham, and Lot had many cattle,—so many that there was not room for them to live together longer in the place where they were. The herdman of Abram's cattle got to quarreling with the herdmen of Lot's cattle. So Abram told Lot that it would be better for them to live in separate places, and he gave Lot his choice of the land. Lot chose the plain of Jordan and went down to Sodom to live.

But Sodom was a very wicked city, and some years after Lot went there, God sent angels to tell Lot that He was going to destroy the city because of its great wickedness. They told him to take his sons and his daughters and all his family away before God's judgment fell upon this wicked place.

It was then that Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, "Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city." Sodom is a type of this wicked world, which God is someday going to destroy.

But just as God warned Lot and his family to leave Sodom, so He has warned us to flee from the wrath to come. He has provided for all, a way of escape. Will you make your escape while there is yet time ? Or are you satisfied with this world and its people who know not God?

Mercy's door is still open. You may flee to the Saviour for refuge if you will. But do not wait till some other time. We know not how soon the day of mercy will be over. And when once the door is shut it will be too late.

"O sinner! ere it be too late,

Flee thou to mercy's open gate

And join Christ's waiting band."

Messages of God’s Love 9/30/1928

God's Testimony

MY dear boys and girls, have you noticed that God speaks in two ways to all in the world? There are many who have never heard of the Lord Jesus, and you may wonder how they know about God. If you turn to the 19th Psalm verse 1, you will read, "

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork," so every time these poor heathen children look up, they see the sun, moon. and stars, and they know there is a Creator who has made all things.

There once lived in the central part of Africa a poor heathen boy, who was brought up in this sad darkness. His people worshiped an idol, but amid all this darkness, this poor boy was growing up with a strange, but surely Spirit-given desire to know the unseen God who made the sun, moon and stars.

He little thought that in far off England, a messenger of "Glad Tidings" was being prepared. It was a young man, who after he was converted had a longing desire to go and tell the poor children of Africa of the Saviour he had found. He went to Africa and lived near the village where this poor boy was, and the boy heard for the first time that God loved him, and had sent His Son to die that he might be saved. What a moment of thanksgiving it must have been when the light of the glorious Gospel shone in this dear heathen boy's heart, and surely there was "joy in heaven."

Well, dear ones, yours is not a message of Creation, but that which speaks of the heart of God's love in giving His dear Son to die for you. Have you, dear friends, believed this message, and taken Christ as your Saviour ? Soon He is coming to take all who have trusted in Him, to be forever with Himself.

Will you be among the number?

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/30/1928

Bible Questions for October

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

1. "Then came Jesus forth," etc. John 19:5.

2. "Jesus saith unto him," etc. " 20:29.

3. "Jesus saith unto him," etc. " 21:22.

4. "Jesus said unto her," etc. " 11:25.

5. "And this is life eternal," etc. " 17:3.

6. "Now before the feast," etc. " 13:1.

7. "Jesus answered and said," etc. " 14:23.

Bible Questions for October
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "A people for his name."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Whose I am, and whom I serve."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Whose heart the Lord opened."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "In him we live."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "He thanked God, and took courage."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "I commend you to God."

Answers to Bible Questions for August
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. Believing. John 11:40.

2. The Word. " 17:17.

3. Doing what the Lord asks us. " 13:17.

4. Judas. " 12:4, 5.

5. "He made Himself the Son of God." " 19:7.

6. Hatred. " 15:19.

7. "Follow thou Me." " 21:22.

Bible Questions for October
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1. How do we join the nobility of Berea?

2. Is it ever permissible for a Christian to eat blood?

3. What Scripture do we have for breaking bread on the first day of the week?

4. What should we do with bad books?

5. What have we left when our spiritual elders fail?

6. Where and by whom was the gospel first preached in Europe?

7. What is the last thing we hear of the Apostle Paul doing?

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 13

A clear example of the different characters and objects of the Chronicles and the Kings is seen in the two accounts of Rehoboam's son Abijah or Abijam. In 1 Kings 15:1-8 we learn nothing good about him, and in 2 Chronicles 13 nothing bad. The reason is clear; the books of the Kings present the history, in brief, of man in responsibility and his failure, while the books of the Chronicles were written after the captivity, to show as we have before noted how God's grace had been at work in the history of the house of David.

In our chapter we find but one incident in Abijah's life, and that an occasion of which we are given no mention in 1 Kings. He maintained the state of war which his father had kept up with Israel, and gathered an army which must have taken every able man in the kingdom; Jeroboam met Abijah with twice as many soldiers.

Whatever the motive or motives behind Abijah's appeal to the ten tribes (verses 5-12), whether he sought first the blessing of the nation as the chosen people of God and His glory, or advantage for himself, he rightly based his address upon God's promises to David (not those to Abraham, nor those conditional promises given through Moses). Abijah here proclaimed the Lord (Jehovah) as the God of Israel-the 12 tribes (verse 5), the kingdom as Jehovah's (verse 8), and He the God of those with Abijah (verses 10, 11), with them to lead them (verse 12).

pted golden calves for their gods, no gods at all, but Abijah could speak of the ordered service of the true God as still going on at Jerusalem. There were the serving priests He had appointed, the sons of Aaron; there the Levites at their work; there every morning and evening burnt-offerings and sweet incense were burned (tokens of the worthiness of Christ as offered to God upon the cross, though Abijah did not know it); there too the twelve loaves, presenting the whole body of Israel as one united people for God, though now because of sin divided; and there amid the darkness, were the seven lamps of the candlestick of gold burning every evening, telling of divine light amid the moral darkness. Further, the priests with their trumpets, as in Joshua's day (Joshua 6), and according to God's word (Numbers 10:1, 2, 9), were with the people in this war. From a man of faith, from one whose trust was in God, the words of Abijah would have much power, and there were those who really trusted in Him there. And this word, whatever its motive (we may not judge), or whether superficial or deeply felt, was really an appeal to God; it was not spoken in vain. The cry of need (verse 14) was answered, and God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. Relying upon Jehovah, the God of their fathers, the children of Judah were strengthened, and the idol-serving kingdom was humbled; its king was smitten of God and died. The prophet Iddo wrote more of Abijah, but what we have read serves the purpose of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to you and me ?

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"V"

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

Perhaps ever one who is reading this paper today, has heard before about God and His Son, the Lord Jesus, and about heaven.

Most of you, perhaps all, want to go to heaven when you leave this world. You don't want to be lost. You want to be with Jesus forever.

But while you have heard over and over the story of the cross and the way of salvation, you may not be sure that you are saved.

Sometimes we hear things that are, as we say, "too good to be true." And that is the way some people feel when they hear about God's love, and His offer of salvation. Many a person has said, "I'm too bad to be saved." Others have said, "I'm doing the best I can, and hope I shall be saved." If these people would only take God at His word, how happy they would be!

Suppose you are at a picnic with a lot of other children. While you are all busy playing together, the teachers arrange the sandwiches and cake and other good things on a long table. After while it is time to eat and a teacher says, "All those that will come up to the table now, and be seated, shall have their lunch."

How many do you think would stay away? How many do you think would say, "Teacher doesn't mean me. I'm too bad" ? Not one, I'm sure. Why can you not accept God's offer of salvation in this same simple way?

John 3:16 says, "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."

"Whosoever" means you, and this offer is to you just as truly as the offer to eat lunch at the picnic. All that God asks is that you believe on His Son,—believe that Jesus has borne on the cross the punishment you deserved.

Our verse says, "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." That doesn't mean that you may get it if you keep on doing your best. Nor does it mean that you may hope to get it someday. It means you have it now, as soon as you believe God's precious promise.

This wonderful offer of salvation is to everyone, no matter how bad,—no matter how undeserving. And if God's love and goodness have caused you to love Him in return, and to go to Him for salvation from your sins, believing that the blood of Christ has washed them all away, salvation is yours, now, and forever. And God wants you to have that assurance now, for He says,

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

A Mother's Love

HOW a mother yearns for her little one, and often carries a sad heart. She enters into all the joys and sorrows of her dear one, and seeks to help and comfort in every possible way.

Such is our picture today; the dear child looks very ill, and the mother's heart is full of compassion and pity.

Dear boys and girls, you cannot conceive what your dear mother has gone through for you, from your babyhood up. Your many joys and sorrows have been hers, she has sacrificed much for you, and yet in all her love and care for you, there is One who has a much deeper love,

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

You, no doubt, dear children, have quoted this scripture many, many times, but may it come home to you today with power, and may you realize the wonderful depth of God's love to you, the gift of His only Son, allowing Him to go to the cross, and there lay down His life for you and me, that we might have a Home with Him in glory.

"THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH: BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD." Romans 6:23.

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

The Bullet In The Bible

IT was customary, in Cromwell's time, for each of his soldiers to carry a Bible in his pocket. Among others, a profligate young man, was ordered to attack a fortress. During the engagement, a bullet had perforated his Bible, and gone so far as to rest opposite these words in Ecclesiastes;

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

These words so appropriate to his case, powerfully affected his mind, and proved, by the blessing of God, the means of his conversion. He used to remark, that the Bible had been the happy means of saving both his soul and his body.

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

Twas Love

What caused the holy Son of God

To stoop so very low ?

What brought Him from His glory bright

To bear this weight of woe ?

'Twas love, 'twas love to ruined man,

Whose sin He deigned to bear;

That sinners, through His death of shame,

Eternal life might share.

For this did God most freely give

His well-beloved Son,

And naught could keep the Saviour back

Until His work was done.

Messages of God’s Love 10/7/1928

The Way of Safety

IN the very interesting picture we have today, there is a ship in the distance, tossing on the stormy sea. On the other side of the picture is a light-house.

A light-house, as many of you know, is a tower with a light in the top of it to give signals to ships and boats. Sometimes it is built on a very rocky place and tells ships that they are in danger and must not come near.

Sometimes it is built at a port and is to guide ships to a safe landing.

The ship in our picture looks as though it was in trouble. Perhaps it has struck a rock and is sinking. So some brave sailors have started out from the lighthouse in a big row-boat.

They are rowing with all their might, hoping to reach the ship before it sinks and to save the people on it. And these people will be anxious' to get into the lifeboat, and be rowed safe back to shore. Can you imagine one of them saying,

"I don't want to go in your boat. I can save myself" ? No, he knows better than to think that he could swim through a stormy sea like that. He would certainly be drowned.

And yet, dear reader, there are many kind of storm, who refuse to accept help. The storm of God's wrath will swallow up, and destroy all sinners who have not taken refuge in Christ. But there are many who think they can save themselves from this storm by their "good works".

God's Word tells us that eternal life is a GIFT, not something we earn.

"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.

To refuse this gift of God is far more serious than to refuse to be taken into the lifeboat, for it means eternal loss and punishment.

Unsaved one, you cannot save yourself. Your good deeds count for nothing with God.

Turn to the Saviour,—your only way of escape from sin and its consequences.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

Messages of God’s Love 10/14/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 14

Abijah’s short reign was followed by the long one of Asa, marked by godliness. He took away the idol altars and high places, and broke the columns or statues, and cut down the "groves" (which were not rows of trees, but most probably were wooden symbols of a goddess in the form of images or pillars, or mere stems of trees inserted in the earth.—part of the system of idolatry). And he commanded his people to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to practice what His word laid upon them.

Asa went further, and removed out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun-images. This was most commendable; but when were all these marks of idol worship brought in?

Though idols may have been secretly worshiped right along since Egypt was left behind, the open introduction of idolatry clearly came in Solomon's day (see 1 Kings 11:33). For this evil, the kingdom was, divided, and Solomon's on Rehoboam had but two of the twelve tribes to reign over Yet neither Rehoboam nor his son Abijah seems to have repented of the evil in any measure. It remained for Solomon's great-grandson to make a beginning at the exclusion of idolatry from the land, from the two tribes who recognized the divinely ordered line of David as their rulers, for the ten tribes never gave up the open practice of the worship of idols.

Judah must be protected from enemies without, beside having the grasp of the enemy (idolatry) within weakened, Asa felt, and he caused fortified cities to be built, though the land had rest, for God had given him freedom from war.

In Asa we see a happy combination of profession and practice and prosperity, and he could rightly say, "We have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side."

Asa had an army, and it was to be tested lest he become careless and indifferent; the enemy of our souls, too, the devil, always quick to seek occasion against those who fear God, would not wish to leave the pious and peaceful king without attack. Accordingly Zerah the Ethiopian, with an enormous army came, and approached to Mareshah, not twenty-five miles from Jerusalem, on the southwest, one of Asa's fortified cities.

To follow the Lord in the quiet walks of life, gives great sanction to call upon Him for help when trouble is near, and Asa now proved the might of His hand upon Whom he called.

"Thou art our God"; he could say, "let not man (the word used for 'man' here is of man as weak, mortal) prevail against Thee."

God smote the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and they fled, crushed before the Lord and before His army. Thus was God honoring them that honor Him.

Happy Asa, happy Judah, while God was their resource!

Messages of God’s Love 10/14/1928

Prayer by Machinery

HAVE you ever seen any one praying by machinery?

I remember a man once sent ' me a printed prayer, and asked me to circulate it, and get all to pray the prayer, and it was expected that there would be then an enormous answer. I felt, however, that this was too much like praying by machinery.

+But I saw a far more striking instance than this some time ago. I had been for a walk of twenty miles to see a sick lady, and was coming back the next day feeling tired and footsore.

When I had come within a mile of a friend's house at Gopalpur, I saw a man sitting under a kind of ash tree. He had in his hand a praying wheel, a piece of round wood revolving round and round a cylinder; inside the round piece of wood was parchment with prayers on it. The man was sitting squat fashion, and turning this praying wheel round and round. His wife, dressed in ochre garments, sat below the square raised place where he sat. There was also another young man.

So I said, "What are you doing?"

"Praying, of course," replied the man, and then we got friendly and I said,

"Well! I should like to pray too."

"All right!" said he and gave me the wheel. I at once began to whirl the wheel. He stopped me with disgust.

"Of course you must pray from right to left," said he, "not left to right." So I tried to pray slowly from right to left.

But it was no use. It would not go with me. The man laughed.

"You want practice," said he. So I gave up praying by machinery and began to bargain for his praying wheel, that had a very quaint appearance indeed.

"No!" said the man, "I cannot give it you. It was given me by my priest in Lahore, that borders on Tibet. Come this way next year and I will give you another as I come this way once a year at this time."

He may have been praying for the young man, who afterwards accosted me and said,

"I am in great pain. Can you relieve me?"

I said that I had no medicines. But if he did believe in prayer, that I would pray for him in the name of Christ. So I made him kneel down, and I knelt down too, while the praying man with his wheel stopped and looked. So I put my hands on his head and prayed aloud to God for Christ's sake to heal this young man What actually happened I do not know! they were travelers and so was I. We met by God's appointment, I think. If God answered my prayer, what a lesson it will be to the poor foolish man praying by machinery!

How thankful you ought to be that you have been taught to pray in the Holy Spirit! How little we thank God for our privileges, dear children.

"Love your enemies," "pray for them." Matt. 5:44.

"When ye stand praying, forgive." Mark 11:25.

"Pray for us." 2 Thess. 3:1.

"For all men." 1 Tim. 2:1.

"In everything give thanks." 1 Thess. 5:18.

"Let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6.

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:17.

Messages of God’s Love 10/14/1928

We Are All TrustingChrist

A TOUCHING incident in connection with a disaster, where some twenty-six men were entombed in a burning mine, is related in the official report. which runs as follows:—

"A search party have just come to the bank, after traversing practically the whole of the south workings, and have found six of the missing men. They were found lying at the door in a peaceful attitude, and on the door was found written in chalk:—

`Lord preserve us, for we are all trusting Christ,' and the names of the six men were signed."

Sad, indeed, as the loss of life and the family bereavement must be in such a case, how cheering those last six words— "for we are all trusting Christ!"

It comes to us as a message from the dead, and it speaks to every reader of this little paper. If these men had written on the door the words, we are trusting "sacraments," or "works" or "good resolutions," or aught else, what ground would there be for believing that they are now "with Christ, which is far better" ? Not any, or all, of these things put together can make atonement for sin, for God tells us that, "without shedding of blood" is no remission. And yet, alas, how many are trusting in them, instead of in Christ alone! But to be trusting Christ—that is everything! His finished work can never fail, and His precious blood can never lose its value before God.

Reader, are you "trusting Christ" ? Not Christ and something else; but Christ alone ?—your whole eternity depends upon the answer you can give to this question. God has said that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as your Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised. Him from the dead, "thou shalt be saved." This is God's way; it is plain, simple, and unmistakable, "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10).

The good works come in after we are saved: not to gain salvation, or to help to gain it. It must be working from salvation, not for salvation: the former brings glory to God, the latter is but a delusion of the enemy.

Messages of God’s Love 10/14/2028

A Scripture Alphabet

"W"

“WATCH and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt. 26:41. Sometimes you see things that you would very much like to have, but you don't take them because you know it is wrong to steal.

Children should try to please their parents and teachers, and we should all try to please the Lord. Many things that you would like to do, you try to keep from doing because these things would displease your parents or teachers.

But sometimes the desire becomes so strong that you do something you were trying not to do. As our verse says, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. God knows how weak we are. He knows how easy it is for us to do things that we know are wrong, and He wants to help us, so He tells us to watch and pray—pray to Him for strength to keep from doing the wrong things that we are tempted to do.

If you run across a railroad track or a street in a busy town or city, without looking to see whether anything is coming, you are much more likely to be run over than if you watch till the way is clear. And if you are watching to keep out of the way of evil and temptation, you will often be kept from wrong-doing.

But you need God's help, so pray to Him every day to give you strength and courage to do that which is right, and not to do that which you know is wrong.

"Seek the Lord and His strength: seek His face evermore." Psalm 105:4.

Messages of God’s Love 10/14/1928

The Shepherd's Care

HAVE you watched the shepherd, how he looks at each sheep as he puts the flock into the barn? He looks to see if any are injured by the thorns, or by any other means. If one is hurt, he will carefully attend to it, and the gentle little sheep will quietly wait, and submit to the treatment, knowing that the shepherd is doing it for her good.

There is a beautiful verse of Scripture that speaks of God's tender care over His people Israel, and I should like to have you learn it. We may take it for ourselves, too, if we are one of His sheep or lambs.

"HE SHALL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD: HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM." Isa. 40:11.

How beautifully this describes the Lord's tender care over His own. He is ever watchful and mindful of us. We may expect this when we know that He loved us so much as to give Himself for us and to die in our stead. He offers salvation to all, and saves all who put their trust in Him.

May you all, my dear readers, put your trust in Him as your Saviour, then you can count on His tender and loving care as your Shepherd all through your life.

You may go to Him about every trial and difficulty, and remember that He cares for you. Nothing is too small or too great to tell Him about.

Messages of God’s Love 10/21/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 15

Again was the king as his fathers, reminded that the continuance of God's blessing on the kingdom was founded upon faithfulness: if the king and his people forsook God, He would forsake them. Privilege brings responsibility. See Romans 11:17-22; 1 Corinthians 10; Galatians 6:7-10; Hebrews 10:26-31; 1 Peter 4:17, 18, and many other passages which bear upon the responsibility of man, and of believers, and do not touch the eternal security of him who trusts in Jesus. There is reward for faithfulness too, as Azariah told Asa (verse 7).

The words of the prophet sank deeply into the king's heart; he took courage and put away the abominations—that which was connected with idolatry—out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord that was before the temple at Jerusalem. He assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh and Simeon who departed from their homes, to Asa when they saw that the Lord his God was with him; this was in the fifteenth year of Asa's reign. Jeroboam, the first head of the northern kingdom of ten tribes, had died in the second year of Asa's reign; his son Nadab reigned less than two years, and was succeeded by Baasha, who killed him, and kept the throne for twenty-four years.

It was a season of rejoicing for the godly in Asa's kingdom, as there gathered the thousands of his people with those from neighboring and more distant tribes of Baasha's kingdom, to sacrifice at Jerusalem, as in brighter days. There they pledged themselves to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul, and that whoever would not seek Him should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. All Judah (verse 15) rejoiced at the oath, for they took it with all their heart, and sought the Lord with their whole desire, and He was found of them, and He gave them rest round about.

If God be the believer's object, he will be blessed, and so these people of old time found; they were only a small part of the great body of His earthly people, who as a mass were worshiping idols and serving Baasha, the murderer, but God is the unfailing resource of those who, in confession of failure and sin and widespread ruin, seek Him with their whole desire; He will be found of them and give them rest.

Asa, yet more emboldened, removed his mother from her position as the queen mother, because she had made an idol for the "grove" or Asherah; he cut down her idol, stamped it and burned it in the valley Kidron, by Jerusalem. He did not remove the last vestiges of idolatry; the high places yet remained; but his heart was toward God all his days, and he added to the treasures and vessels in the temple.

Thus God, Who sees all, and judges with right estimation, records the life of a man who feared Him: without the deeper exercises of David, the man after God's own heart, and without the power of Solomon, the man of peace and power and wisdom.

Asa presents an example the Christian may well take notice of, and find encouragement in, to walk with God, though much of power has been lost; though the enemy of our souls has triumphed, and God's people are misled.

God first! was Asa's motto, and when occasion required, he showed by his action here recorded, that the ties of nature were second to those that held him in obedience to God and His Word.

Messages of God’s Love 10/21/1928

Consider One Another

A NUMBER of boys were amusing themselves in the bright sunny playground. Some were standing in groups talking, some working in their gardens, and others engaged in swinging; while the teacher in charge went from one to another sharing in their interests, and seeing that all was right. Thus time passed swiftly and pleasantly, nor did any one dream of what a sudden gloom was to be thrown over the whole scene.

All at once every one was startled by a loud scream, and looking quickly in the direction of the sound, saw Henry, a little boy of eight years old, lying stunned on the ground, while the blood flowed from a fearful gash in his forehead.

How had it happened ? One moment before all was peace and happiness, and now what a change! All brought about by each seeking his own way and his own pleasure, instead of considering one another and yielding one to another. Henry was one on the swing and an elder boy wished it; but neither would give way, and a struggle followed, and Henry the younger was overpowered and knocked down. His companion, seeing what his own selfishness had brought about, and now no longer caring for his own pleasure, looked on, awe-struck at what had happened.

Thus it always is, dear children. Sin in whatever form, whether in selfishness or anything else, must have its consequences, and sad consequences too.

You may say, "But I never did such an unkind and cruel thing as that!" Just let me ask you, Have you never sought to have your own way at the expense of others ?

Have you not often resisted the wish and desire of your parents for you ? Have you always been affectionate and yielding to your brothers and sisters or companions ? Considering them and not yourself, and being kind to them, as you ought?

If you have not, self has had the first place with you, and it led to no happy results, causing often sorrow, and bringing you under punishment, if not something serious and hurtful to others, as was the case with the boys I have told you about.

Besides, it does not do to excuse yourself, or to think lightly about such things, for God says, "The wages of sin is death," and each one of you must have to do with God about his own sins, either now in a day of grace, or by-and-bye, when He who now offers pardon to all who come to Him, is seated as Judge on the great white throne.

But let us stop and ask, Who is it that is now waiting to save? Dear children, it is Jesus the Son of God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He came down into this world, not to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him. He went about doing good in spite of all the hatred He met with from those He came to bless. At last He laid down His life on the cross, that all who come to Him might have their sins washed away in that precious blood, which alone can cleanse and make fit for the presence of a Holy God. He has borne the judgment that you might be saved.

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

But it will not do to stop here, for "He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again."

Yes, those who are now redeemed must seek to please the Lord Jesus in everything. Whatever they are doing, it should be done for Him and to Him, and God tells us to let our yieldingness be known, and that we are to "consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works."

Were these boys of whom I have told you, thinking of this ? Ah! no, they were thinking of pleasing themselves, and not of yielding to one another.

It was not so with the Lord Jesus, for we read that "even Christ pleased not Himself." Surely when He has done so much for us, it ought to be our joy to follow Him and serve Him.

May you, my dear children, learn first to trust this loving Saviour, and then seek to live to His glory.

"Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21.

O, may I try to follow,

His footsteps here below;

Who never will forget me,

Because He loved me so."

Messages of God’s Love 10/21/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"X"

“EXALT ye the Lord our God." Ps. 99:5.

"Exalt" means to give a high place, and we should give God a high place,—higher than anyone else.

When Herod was king of Judaea he did some very wicked things. He sent John the Baptist to prison, and later had him beheaded there.

Years afterward he killed the Apostle James with the sword, and was planning to kill Peter, but the Lord delivered Peter (See Acts 12).

+One day a little later, he sat on his throne all dressed up in his royal clothes, and made a speech to the people. The people shouted saying, "It is the voice of a god and not of a man." Acts 12:22.

Herod instead of giving God the glory, took it all to himself. Then the angel of God smote him and he died a terrible death.

In Jeremiah 9:23, 24 we read, "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord."

We are naturally proud of the things we have, and of the things we can do. But all the possessions we have, the Lord has given us. And whatever ability or wisdom we may have has been given to us by God.

So if we have anything to be proud of, or do anything that is praiseworthy, we should give God the glory and the praise. For without Him we could do nothing.

We are so inclined to be proud and boastful,—proud of what we are, proud of what we do, proud of what we have. We need God's help continually that we may exalt Him, at all times, and in all things.

Messages of God’s Love 10/21/1928

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 ?

Messages of God’s Love 10/21/1928

Wading

HOW much these little folks seem to be enjoying their play at the seaside! They have found a sheltered place, away from the waves which continually break on the shore beyond the rocks. Here they can wade in and gather the pretty shells and sail their little boats. See, how shallow the water is, too, surely, it is an ideal place for little folks like these in the picture. There was One who said,

"All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me."

Do you know who that was ? It was Jesus, God's well-beloved Son, who said these words, when bearing God's judgment against sin on Calvary's cross. There He suffered the punishment we deserved as sinners. There the "waves and billows" of God's judgment were upon Him. Now, do you think God will punish us, too, if we put our trust in Jesus? Surely not!

Are you aware, little reader, that you are a sinner, and in need of a Saviour?

If not, may God show you your real condition before Him, that you may accept Him as your Saviour—the One who died in your stead. Then you will be truly sheltered from the judgment which God must send upon those who will not have His Son.

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 16

An error seems to have crept in, in stating the year when Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah. The account in 1 Kings does not give the time this occurred, but as Baasha died in Asa's 26th year (1 Kings 16:8), it may be well to mention for "thirty fifth" in the last verse of chapter 15, we should read, "twenty fifth"; and in the first verse of our chapter, "twenty sixth" should be substituted for "thirty sixth."

Had it been important that the year should be exactly stated, we are sure that God would have seen to it that no mistakes were made by the men who copied the scriptures in ancient times from book to book.

Baasha built, or strengthened, Ramah to stop the God-fearing Israelites from going to Jerusalem, and it was right that Asa should seek to prevent this work. Satan is ever ready to interfere with the blessing of God's people, but God is able to thwart his designs, and does from time to time, especially when His people ask Him.

Asa, however, does not now seek God's intervention. The regard for God, which had notably marked his earlier years, was not active, and his thought was to seek help from man, even from the sun worshipers of Syria.

To Ben-hadad—"son of the Sun-god" (apparently the official title of Syrian kings), Asa sent silver and gold, taken from the treasures of the temple and from his own house that Soloman had built, with a plea that the Syrians should attack Israel, and thereby stop Baasha from carrying out his plan at Ramah.

Ben-hadad listened to the appeal, and sent the captains of his forces against the nearest (northermost) cities of Israel, and Baasha, as expected, stopped the building of Ramah. Then Asa took all Judah, and they carried away the stones and timber from Ramah, and built or rebuilt with them Geba and Mizpah, cities of Benjamin.

But God would not leave Asa without rebuke, and sent Hanani the seer to him to tell him that he had failed, in relying on the help of the king of Syria, instead of putting his trust in God, and loss was thereby his portion. This was inevitable. The Ethiopians and Libyans, with their million-strong army, were far more dangerous foes than Baasha, but when Asa relied upon God, He delivered them into his hand,

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." (Verse 9.)

What strength for the faint-hearted! What a resource for the feeble, who trust in Jesus! All that is needed is full trust, to make Him the reliance of the heart, and the Christian has naught to fear as he goes from day to day through a scene of the enemy's activities. An unseen, but faithful God, is his friend, his resource, his protector.

Asa was in no mood to receive the rebuke, and he put the seer in the prison, enraged with him; besides he oppressed some of the people at the same time. How untrustworthy man is, at best!

God spoke yet again to Asa, as he neared the end of his long reign: a disease in his feet assailed him, and it became extremely bad. Would he now recognize God's dealing with him, acknowledge his waywardness, and that the affliction was a messenger from Him to speak to his conscience and heart? No, "in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians."

The physicians were powerless in a case like his; this dealing of God's could not be averted by man's power.

It will be plainly seen that this illness of Asa's was not a case for "faith healing", but the opposite; it shows that illness may be a chastening from God, a means of blessing to those who are exercised thereby. Asa, however, was not exercised, and in the third year of the reign of the wicked Ahab of Israel, he died.

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

And The Door Was Shut

REJECTERS of Christ; cold empty professors; foolish virgins; a few more words and tears for you. Think of these words, "And the door was shut."

What will this world be to you when that door is shut ?

What will be the value of this world's riches then?

What pleasure will you find in sin then ?

What will the applause of men, and the flatteries of Satan be worth then?

Think, O think, dear reader; think seriously on that coming, solemn, hour! Look that day in the face, and tell me, what is there in the wide range of your thoughts and visions worth having, when compared with Christ ? If Satan's world be your choice here, Satan's hell must be your portion hereafter. And 0, remember the time is short; the door will soon be shut, and shut for ever.

Haste, then; delay not; forget not; but at once, and with your whole heart, flee to Jesus. He is waiting to receive you; ready to pardon you; anxious to save you. He invites you to come to Himself; hear then His voice of love —

"Hear, and your soul shall live." Isa. 55:1-3.

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"Y"

“YE are the light of the world." Mat. 5:14.

If you go into a dark room at night, you cannot see what is in it. But if you light a lamp or candle, or turn on the gas or electric light, you will see chairs room.

The world was dark and black with sin, and when Jesus came He brought light into the world. In Him the love and holiness of God shone out like a light in a dark place, and showed the people how wicked they were.

"God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5.

That is why they wanted to kill Jesus. They did not want to hear about the love of God. They wanted to go on with their wickedness. They "loved darkness rather than light." John 3:19.

But there were some who wanted to follow Jesus and walk in the light. For Jesus had said,

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12.

These followers of Jesus wanted to hear about the love of God. And just as He told them about God and shone as a bright light, so He wanted them to shine as lights, and tell others about God's love.

If you know Jesus as your Saviour, He wants you too, to be a bright and shining light, telling those around you about His love and how He died on the cross to save sinners. And none of you are too young.

Many years ago a little girl only three years old, said to a gentleman whom she saw on a train, "

Does oo love God ?"

This man did not know the Lord, but he could not forget that simple question, coming from the lips of a sweet little child. And he did not rest until he found Jesus as his Saviour. Later he went to the home where the child lived, to tell how her question had been used to bring him to God, but the child's sorrowing mother had to tell him that God had taken this dear little bright and shining light to His home in heaven.

If you know the Saviour, and don't tell anyone else about Him, it is like putting a lamp under a basket that shuts out all the light. The lamp doesn't do anyone any good if it is covered up and the light hidden. Jesus does not want you to be useless like that. He wants you to shine brightly so that others can see, and get light and help from you.

And don't think to yourself, "I'm young yet; there's plenty of time." You, like the child in our story, may be called to be with Jesus very soon.

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

Saying "Amen" to God

TWO little girls, scholars in the same class at Sunday School, were walking together in the garden, amusing themselves with their dolls, and learning to repeat their seven daily texts for the week, which happened to be on "Faith."

"What is faith, Ada ?" said the younger girl to her companion, "I do not understand what it means."

Ada, a bright and happy girl, one year older than her companion, and a true believer in the Lord Jesus, replied,

"Why, it's just the same as believing, Mary. Do you not remember that teacher told us only a few weeks ago, that faith was just saying 'Amen' to God's Word?" Mary seemed quite satisfied with her companion's explanation, and went on with her memory texts.

I think that dear child's definition of faith is very true, and very simple. It is just saying "Amen" to God, letting God be true, believing without question what God says.

He tells you that you are a sinner, lost and ruined. Do you say "Amen" to that ?

He says that Jesus died for sinners on the cross, and all who believe on Him "have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Do you say "Amen" to that?

There is no need for waiting. Feelings do not make the Word of God one bit surer. The Word of the Eternal God, who cannot lie, is worthy of being believed, and faith accepts it, saying "Amen" to that, that God has spoken. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but what God has said remains forever.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35.

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

What Can I Bring To God?

A little one I am,

What can I bring to God?

Can I bring lovely fruits and flowers

Up to His high abode?

Not these, my child.

O what, then, can I bring?—

The labors of my hands?

For surely one who bringeth these

Loved and accepted stands;

Not so, my child.

No fruits or flowers avail

To please the Holy God;

Remission is by blood alone—

The Saviour's precious blood; '

Tis this, my child.

No labor of your hands

For sin can e'er atone;

The Bible says salvation is

By faith in Christ alone;

Not works, my child.

Believe what God declares,

Believe in Christ and live,

For all who trust His precious blood

Eternal life receive.

Believe, my child.

Messages of God’s Love 10/28/1928

Bible Questions for November

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

1. "Nevertheless he left," etc. Acts 14:17.

2. "How God anointed," etc. " 10:38.

3. "This is the stone," etc. " 4:11.

4. "This Jesus bath," etc. " 2:32.

5. "Which also said," etc. " 1:11.

6. "And when he had," etc. " 13:22.

7. "And Peter said," etc. " 9:34.

Bible Questions for November
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1 to 8

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "There is none that doeth good."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The wages of sin is death."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Delivered for our offences."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Delivered him up for us all."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Justified by his blood."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Joint heirs with Christ."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Not ashamed of the gospel of Christ."

Answers to Bible Questions for September
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. (1) Of honest report, (2) full of the Holy Ghost, (3) full of wisdom. Acts 6:3.

2. In making needful clothing for the poor. Acts 9:39.

3. A great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Acts 11:21.

4. That they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13.

5. Yes. Acts 1:14.

6. (1) Christ, vs. 5; (2) the kingdom of God, vs. 12; (3) the word of the Lord, vs. 25; (4) the gospel, vs. 25; (5) Jesus, vs. 35. Acts 8.

7. They continued steadfastly in, (1) the apostle's doctrine, and (2) fellowship, and (3) in breaking of bread, and (4) in prayers." Acts 7:42.

Bible Questions for November
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

1. How is a guilty sinner justified?

2. How do we get peace with God?

3. What chapter in Romans gives us a picture of mankind in their sins away from God?

4. How do we get the victory over sin in our lives?

5. What will happen to the heathen who have not the law?

6. What three blessed things did David attribute to the saved man?

7. What chapter gives us no condemnation, no accusation, no separation?

Messages of God’s Love 11/4/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 17

Asa’s son, Jehoshaphat. strengthened himself against Israel, and placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, that Asa his father had taken.

This was an excellent beginning, but it is not enough to begin well; it is even more important to go on well, and to finish well. Jehoshaphat, nevertheless, was blessed of God on account of his early faithfulness, as Asa had been. God is never in the debt of His people; they are always His debtors!

As to Jehoshaphat, we learn that he walked in the first ways of his father 'David, and sought not unto the Baals—the idols from which the land was never free-but he sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. This commendable course resulted in the kingdom's being established in his hand, all Judah gave gifts to him, and he had riches and honor in abundance.

Encouraged, and recognizing the favor of God in what had befallen him, Jehoshaphat went on in the ways of God, and he removed the high places and "groves" (Asherahs) out of Judah-traces of idolatry which Asa had allowed to remain, (see chapter 15, verse 17).

In the third year of his reign, he sent his princes to teach in the cities of Judah, and with them Levites and priests, and they went about through all the cities and taught, having the book of the law of the Lord with them,—the same Word of God that is ours today,—the books of Moses. This meant strength for those who would learn humbly from God's Word, and so it was that the terror of the Lord was upon all the kingdoms of the land that were round about Judah, and they made no war upon the country and its godly king. (Dependence upon God's Word brings strength to all who make it their own). Some of the Philistines and Arabians even brought Jehoshaphat gifts.

The seventeenth chapter presents a happy picture; in it, all is well; peace and prosperity were in evidence; at the same time there was a preparedness for war, for enemies were all around.

Of one of the military leaders, Amasiah, the Holy Spirit Who is the true Author of the Scriptures, has told us that he "willingly offered himself unto the Lord" (verse 16).

O, nothing escapes the All-seeing eyes of the Lord, that is truly done for Him, or will miss His commendation in the day that is fast approaching. Would that more of the Lord's people were exercised about a larger measure of devotedness to Him!

Messages of God’s Love 11/4/1928

A Scripture Alphabet

"Z"

“ZION heard and was glad." Psa. 97:8.

Those of you who are old enough, and have studied your Bibles, know that the children of Israel were God's chosen people. But their wicked hearts were constantly leading them into sin. They murmured and rebelled against the Lord and worshiped other gods. The Lord had to punish them over and over, yet they continued in their wickedness.

Their prophets told them that the Messiah was coming to be their king; but when Jesus, the Messiah did come, the Jews put Him to death. When He hung on the cross, above His head was written,

"This is Jesus the King of the Jews." They had rejected their king.

Now the Jews and Israelites are scattered over the world. They have no country of their own. But Jesus is coming again to reign over them. Again there will be a temple in Jerusalem, and the hearts of the Jews will be turned to the Lord their King.

Their country, Palestine, which has been barren and unfruitful, "will blossom as the rose." Isa. 35:1.

"The Lord will rejoice in Jerusalem, and in His people, and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her." Isa. 65:19.

In that day they will be very happy for they will obey the Lord, and all will be peace and joy and blessing.

Zion is another name for Jerusalem, and it is when the Jews will have returned to Jerusalem, and Jesus reigns over them, that Zion will hear and be glad, as our verse says.

Messages of God’s Love 11/4/1928

Our Foolish Doggie

THE dogs in our picture today have splendid, noble-looking faces. They are wise and intelligent.

Some dogs know a great deal, and do wonderful things. And many a faithful dog has died to save the life of his master, or the life of his master's child.

But there are bad dogs as well as good dogs, and foolish dogs as well as wise dogs.

The following is a true story which a little girl tells about her own dog, which she calls "Our foolish doggie":—-

We had a nice big dog. He was a great pet. I took him with me almost every place I went except to school and to town.

His name was Jeff. He loved so much to play, that I would go out in the evening and play with him until I had to come in to study my lessons. As the days passed, he kept close to me, —always ready for a frolic.

But after while he began to disobey us. We tried by whipping him to break him of this bad habit, but we couldn't do a thing with him. He kept getting worse, and finally ran away. He had a happy home, but didn't care enough for it to behave himself.

He went to stay with a man who lived up the hill from our home. But still he disobeyed.

One day when some sheep were passing he killed and ate one of them. Then he had to be killed. Poor Jeff! His disobedience brought him to a sad end.

By nature, we are all children of disobedience. And if we continue in sin, heedless of the warnings of those who love us, we, too, like poor Jeff, will come to a sad end. For "the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.

Are you among the number who are going on in their own willful way, in spite of God's warning? Or are you one of those who have turned to Christ for forgiveness,—one of those who are seeking to please Him in all their ways ?

This is an important question, dear reader, for if you are without God, death will separate you forever from Christ, and usher you into an eternity of woe.

"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 ABID_ETH ON HIM." John 3:36.

Messages of God’s Love 11/4/1928

The Last Sheaf

WHEN we were boys, it was considered a great honor to be allowed to carry home, on our shoulders, the last wheat sheaf from the harvest field. Load after load of bright yellow grain might be carted from the field to the farmyard without any special notice taken of it. But when the season was drawing near its close, there was much diligent watching for "the last sheaf."

When that last sheaf was lifted up, then the reapers' work was done. We took a last look at the harvest-field, where so many busy happy hours had been spent, and then left it. The harvest was over, and nothing to look for but the bleak winter to follow.

I often think of another harvest field in which the last sheaf will one day be lifted also, that is, the great harvest-field of the world, from which God is now gathering, by the gospel, a saved people for Himself. Boys and girls, as well as men and women, are being saved, and gathered in as sheaves to God.

But this harvest will not last forever. The last sheaf will be gathered; the last sinner saved. Then after that, the winter of judgment will come. We cannot tell how soon that last sheaf will be gathered in. But make sure, dear boys and girls, that you are not: among those who will be left outside to wail—

"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jer. 8:20.

Each passing day brings God's season of grace nearer its close. The golden days of the harvest are passing away, and if you neglect, or reject the Saviour, you must meet the "judgment to come." What a lament the sinner's will be, when he sees, too late, his folly in rejecting Christ.

"I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn." Matt. 13:30.

Messages of God’s Love 11/4/1928

The Great Indian Tortoise

NO doubt most of my readers are interested in the various animals that God has created for this earth. The variety is beyond any ordinary person to remember, and far less be able to learn all their various habits.

Nearly all children look with curiosity on the tortoise, and consider it a peculiar reptile, and, no doubt, the kind in the picture is such that few have seen, as they are natives of the Galapagos.

It is sometimes called the "Gigantic Land Tortoise." A man could sit on the back of one and it could run away with him.

This tortoise is very fond of water, drinking large quantities, and wallowing in the mud. When the tortoise arrives at the spring, quite regardless of any spectator, it buries its head in the water above its eyes, and greedily swallows great mouthfuls, at the rate of about ten in a minute. The inhabitants say each animal stays three or four days in the neighborhood of water, and then returns to the lower country.

They soon find out where to get their thirst quenched, and are evidently able to lay in a supply that can last them for a long time.

There is a lesson that we may learn from this peculiar animal. There is nothing that belongs to this world that can satisfy us, and when the Lord Jesus was here upon earth, He said,

"IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME AND DRINK." John 7:37.

The Lord Jesus not only came to die for us and thus save our souls, but He wants to satisfy those who have put their trust in Him. He can fill and satisfy the heart. This can be accomplished by taking the Word of God as our companion, and reading it often. There we may hear what God has to say to us about His Son.

Messages of God’s Love 11/11/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 18

We reach now the evidence of the change in Jehoshaphat; not that God was no longer before him, but that he had become blinded by the favor of the world. He had "riches and honor in abundance"—we read in the 17th chapter (verse 5), but now the riches and honor had turned his heart away from a simple, childlike trust in God, and he saw but poorly what the character of the world around him was. To the north lay the kingdom of Israel; they spoke the same language, were children of Abraham too: there was a natural tie, and it seemed the part, perhaps, of worldly wisdom to make an alliance with Ahab, son of Omri, of the fifth dynasty of the kings of Israel of whom the Holy Spirit records,

"And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. And it came to pass, 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 worshipped him," etc. etc. 1 Kings 16:30.

The alliance of Jehoshaphat with Ahab did not occur in a moment, we may be sure, but it is evident that it occurred fairly early in his reign,—not more than six years after he ascended the throne, for Jehoshaphat's grandson Ahaziah was born of the marriage of his son with Ahab's daughter in the seventh year, being 22 years of age when he began to reign, about six years after Jehoshaphat's death.

Jehoshaphat's course from this time on is a most solemn warning to the Christian. He had the enjoyment of all that the 17th chapter presents, but the world attracted him, as it had Solomon, to his most serious loss. If he would be friends with the world (strangers to God, enemies of God by wicked works), he must help. fight their battles, be a partner in their affairs.

Lot had proved this, and the folly of such a course is shown in his sad history (Genesis 13:14; and chapter 19), but we are slow to learn, all of us; and the more when our eyes are off the Lord.

Verse 2 brings us to Jehoshaphat's 17th year as King—ten years after the alliance with Ahab was made.

What word for God to hear, Who hears all, sees all, knows what is in the heart! Jehoshaphat said to Ahab,

"I am as thou art, and my people as thy people!" Yet Jehoshaphat's conscience troubled him (and well it might).

"Inquire," said he to Ahab, "I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today."

What did this idol worshiper know of the word of the Lord ? He assembled the prophets—not of God, but of the idols— and asked them to tell him whether to go or not, to battle with the Syrians. Their answer did not satisfy the man who knew God, nor could it.

"Is there not," said he, "here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might inquire of him ?"

Yes, there was one; God had not left Israel wholly without witness for Himself, and he was sent for, to disclose to Ahab his end.

The prison was the reward of Micaiah for his faithfulness. It has often been so with faithful men, but God is the rewarder of such. The two kings then went together to Ramoth-Gilead on the east of the Jordan,—one of Solomon's strongholds which the Syrians had taken,—and there Ahab fell, though Jehoshaphat was spared by God’s intervention.

Messages of God’s Love 11/11/1928

Redeemed at Midnight

A CHINESE friend and I were on a six mile walk together, and as we followed the winding paths through the endless paddy fields, I thought to beguile the time by asking,

"Mr. Taam, did you ever have any adventures with robbers ?"

"I have had to do with robbers on several occasions," said he thoughtfully. "About ten years ago, before I was a Christian, I was far up the valley where the mountains close in near to the river, and the robbers have many places to hide. It had been a particularly bad winter for robbers, and at that time the robber band were holding twenty-nine people of the neighborhood as prisoners in their fastness, which was a cave in the deep defile of the mountains. One of the twenty-nine was a young woman, the newly wedded wife of one of my best friends. You can believe he was very anxious to ransom her. The relatives of the other prisoners had also collected silver to ransom them. Over a hundred dollars for each person amounts to three thousand dollars and more in silver, which was ready to redeem the prisoners. The trouble was that no one dared to carry it to the robbers, because they had such a reputation for cruelty and falsehood, that it was thought they would take the money, and then kill the messenger.

"Well," continued Taam Sin Shaang rather in the tone of making excuses for himself,

"I thought the life of one man was not to be compared with the life of twenty nine, also I thought how very, very unsuitable it was for that young lady to be alone in the robbers' den, so I offered to take the money to the robbers."

"A friend joined me, and we carried the two great baskets of silver up into the mountains, along the narrow defile, right to the den. Here the robbers came out to meet us, and as it happened, we were very opportune. The robber chief happened to be in a complacent mood, so he accepted the money, remarking,

"It was lucky you came when you did, for I had ordered my men to take all the prisoners out and shoot them at dawn. Now let them go free."

So they all came back with us through the mountains, and were soon safe in their homes.

How often that story has come back to me as I thought of how One, who is the Lord from heaven, not only ventured His life, but gave His life to ransom me. For I was a captive, not free, but under the hateful rule of sin; and more than that, I was under sentence of death, for it is written,

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:20.

But Jesus suffered the penalty of my sins upon the cross. He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree. "The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

What a midnight it was for Him! When He was on the cross between the two thieves, with the burden of our sins upon Him, He cried,

"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?"

It is the value of that sacrifice which avails to set us free.

"For ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but by the precious blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

Messages of God’s Love 11/11/1928

A Child's Trust

A LITTLE girl named Leatrice is not yet old enough to go to school, but she goes to Sunday School, and has learned something of the value of the name of Jesus, and His protecting care of those who put their trust in Him.

She had formerly been afraid to go upstairs alone when it was dark, but when she learned that there was One above who he was no longer afraid.

One night when most of the family went upstairs, someone said that it seemed too bad to leave grandma downstairs alone. Leatrice said she knew grandma was not afraid, for Jesus would watch over her.

What is sweeter than the faith of a little child ?

We know that faith is always pleasing to God, and without this it is impossible to please Him. Faith simply takes God at His word, and believes what He says.

This is the way in which God desires that we should receive His word, whether a child or an older one.

One should never out-grow that simplicity that receives without question every utterance of the Holy Scripture, for it is God speaking as truly as in the olden times when, upon rare occasions, He was pleased to speak to different ones face to face.

And what blessing is brought to us in thus receiving in child-like faith what God says. In His word He tells us very plainly how we may be saved. He tells us that Christ was once offered to bear our sins in His own body on the cross, and all the virtue of that wondrous sacrifice is made good to us by faith.

It is the one who believes in His precious name that reaps the benefit of His atoning death.

We trust our reader will appreciate God's wondrous grace in providing a rich, free and present salvation, and that he will by faith embrace it and make it his own. The one who does this is henceforth a special object of the Saviour's unchanging love; a love that he can safely count upon to guide and protect him in every step of life's journey and bring him at last to His heavenly home.

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

"Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." John 13:1.

Messages of God’s Love 11/11/1928

Jesus Loves Me

In the crowded railway train,

Dimpled cheek against the pane,

Sang a baby, soft and low:

"Desus loves me, 'is I know."

Then unconscious, clear and strong,

"Little ones to Him belong,"

Rose the dear voice at our side;

"Desus loves me, He who died."

Hushed the hum of voices near,

Hoary heads bent low to hear,

"Desus loves me, 'is I know,

For de Bible tells me so."

So mid silence, tearful, deep,

Baby sang herself to sleep,

"Desus loves me, He who died,

Heaven's gate to open wide."

But the darling never knew

How the message, sweet and true,

Raised one heart from dull despair

To the "love" that lightens care.

But I think, beside the King,

I shall someday, hear her sing:

"Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.”

Messages of God’s Love 11/11/1928

Out of Place

O DEAR! Isn't this a sight ? One, two, three, four kittens, as busy as they can be, and enjoying it, too! They are having a real good time, and are not thinking of doing anything wrong, but only of eating and enjoying themselves.

But you and I know that it is mischief and all wrong, and I think if they were in our house, we should run and cry, "s-s-s-scat!" pretty quickly, and make them scamper. What do you think ?

And yet it is all right for kittens to drink milk, and coffee too, if they like it; and to eat fish and meat, is it not ? The dear little things, how are they ever to grow fat and keep so, if they do not eat?

Yes, but this table was set for somebody else, and these creatures are out of place. It is not right to take the children's food and give it to the kittens.

And then, is on the table, or under the table the place for them ? That is the question here. You see, that must first be settled before they get anything to eat. If they will take their own place, their kind mistress will give them all they need.

They must receive, as only cats, all they get, and no doubt, it will be a plentiful supply. They must not try to get anything by stealing or by right, but, as the direct result of kindness on the part of those with whom they live; everything they need is given to them.

Now, dear children, Christ has plenty for us,—salvation, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, heaven and glory, and all that He has, and is. But we must not be out of place. Salvation is for the lost; forgiveness for sinners; eternal life for those dead in trespasses and sins; and heaven and glory for those who deserve hell. Will you take your proper place, and own that these things are all true of you? Then He will give you all of these blessings.

That is what this bright picture teaches me, and I want to caution you against thinking of going to heaven just because you are pretty good children, and have not done much wrong, as you might think. No, Christ must needs die, and rise again from the dead, because you are a lost sinner. Take your true place and be saved.

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/18/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 19

Surely somewhat exercised by what he had gone through, Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem, and Jehu the son of that Hanani who had brought the divine rebuke to Asa, went out to meet him with a message from God.

"Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?" was his message, coupled with the assurance that he had incurred God's displeasure, though there were good things found in him, which were not unnoticed. It would seem that Jehoshaphat received the word from God more humbly than his father had done.

He dwelt at Jerusalem, and stayed away from Samaria, where he never should have gone. Then he went out again from end to end of his little kingdom and "brought them back to the Lord Clod of their fathers." This was good work surely.

Jehoshaphat set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, and admonished them to judge righteously, acting not for man, but for God, whose fear must be upon them—the God with whom is no iniquity, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts (verse 7).

In Jerusalem he set of the Levites, the priests and the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the settlement of the more serious difficulties, and warned them as he had the judges in the other cities, to fear God, serve faithfully, and warn those who should come before them, that they trespass not against Him.

It is evident that Jehoshaphat, though again to be tempted and failing therein, was at this time profiting deeply by his failure; though he had brought sorrow and humiliation upon himself through being attracted by what the world had to offer, the lesson had been impressed upon him that God must have the first place, and he not only set himself to seek Him, but endeavored to arouse his people to the same object. If he could not restore the glory of his great ancestors David and Solomon, he would seek to provide the same sort of guardianship over his own reduced kingdom that David had arranged before his death.

May all God's people profit from the blunders they make, as Jehoshaphat did from his, and as Peter, we may say, did from his great fall, when he denied thrice the One with whom he thought he was ready to go to both prison and death.

May Jehoshaphat's "world-bordering" as it has been called, also be used of God to restrain His people from allying themselves with the present world which has added to the sins of the earlier period we are here considering, by rejecting the Son of God come in grace, and awaits, although ignorant of it, the judgment such rejection calls for. A clean cut separation in heart and in life is needed, and will meet the blessing of God, if practiced by His children.

Messages of God’s Love 11/18/1928

Deliverance

IN the little village of L there once lived a fisherman whose father had brought him up very religiously, but he did not know the Lord as his Saviour. He knew that he was a sinner, and he was troubled about his sins, for he did not know the story of the cross, and that Jesus had given His life a sacrifice for sin. He went to church seeking peace, but could find none. He describes his experience as follows,—

I was exposed to the dangers and perils of the sea, and many a night I lay out in the Bay of Funday thinking over my sins and wondering how I could be saved. I found a little comfort in Math. 5:6,

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled."

I had some narrow escapes while fishing, for my boat often got in the path of steamers and other vessels. But the Lord used these things to make me realize the uncertainty of life. He wanted me to feel the need of being prepared for death.

One night I went ashore where there was a servant of the Lord having some meetings. It was then that the Spirit of God spoke to my soul as I heard those words,

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

I became a quickened soul. But like Lazarus when he came forth from the grave, I was bound hand and foot, for I had not peace. I knew so little of God's blessed Word.

But in His own good time, though it was not for quite a number of years, the Lord sent a dear servant to me, just as He had sent Philip down to Gaza to explain the Scriptures to the Ethiopian. This servant of the Lord explained the Word of God, which set me free from my bondage and gave me peace. So I can sing,

Now free from sin I walk at large,

My Saviour's blood my full discharge.—

At His dear feet content to stay,

A sinner saved, and homage pay.

And now I am telling others how He saved a poor sinner like me.

Messages of God’s Love 11/18/1928

The Cultivated Pig

A YOUNG woman who lived alone had a desire for an animal pet, but she hardly knew which kind to choose. Cats, dogs and rabbits were all too ordinary, and she wished to have something different.

At last, she decided upon a pig.

To be sure, a pig had the reputation of being a rude and unpleasant creature, but she was a firm believer in cultivation. She believed that with the correct training, the nature of a pig could be greatly changed and made quite agreeable, and she was prepared to do her best.

A nice fat little pig was procured, and its training begun with all diligence. The pig was thoroughly scrubbed, and the process frequently repeated, and it slept in a nice clean bed. Added to this she used all care and patience to cultivate that gentleness of manner that she so desired in her pet,— a quality she so well remembered in a little lamb she had possessed in her childhood.

Under these favorable conditions the young porker grew very fast, and as it was so closely guarded, and was never allowed to come in contact with any dirt, its mistress had no reason to doubt that, in the end, her efforts would be crowned with success.

She kept the matter rather quiet from her friends till the time should come when her pet would do full credit to its training.

One afternoon she was serving tea to a few friends. The refreshments were in readiness on the little table in the sitting room, and for a moment she forgot to keep the kitchen door closed, and the pig slipped in when she was out of the room, and began rubbing against the slender table, and soon it was overturned, and when the mistress came in, she beheld the pig devouring the biscuits.

She was terribly taken back by this breach of manners, and while she was putting things to rights, it slipped out the back door and finding a pool of mud, rolled itself in it. She decided that her efforts were useless, and never again tried to improve a pig.

Perhaps there is a lesson for us even in this homely illustration.

The pig, after all the lady's pains and instructions, was nothing but a pig. She could not make the agreeable pet out of it that she had hoped. Its nature was unchanged. It was by nature rude, uncouth and loved the mire, and no amount of cultivation could change it.

Like the pig, whose nature cannot be changed, so is the old nature with which we are born. In the Scripture it is called the flesh. One passage reads,

"That which is born of the flesh, is flesh." John 3:6.

That is to say, it is not capable of being improved. Another passage reads,

"They that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8:8.

This being the case it is very apparent that one must have a new nature to be able to please Him, or to go to dwell with Him in His happy home above when we leave this world. John 1:12 tells us how this new nature may be had, and this is by receiving Christ as our Saviour. "

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

What could be more important than our soul's eternal welfare; and what could be more terrible than to refuse to believe on Him who has died on the cross for us?

If in simple faith we make the Saviour our own, that new life—eternal life, a holy life (that God alone can give) will be given to us, and it is in the power of this new life that we can live to please Him.

Accept Christ by faith, dear reader, and the blessing is yours now and forever.

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/18/2028

A Living Sacrifice

One heart my Saviour to adore;

One tongue to praise Him more and more;

Two eyes to see His glory fair;

Two lips to speak to Him in prayer;

Two ears to hear His holy will;

Two hands His service to fulfil;

Two feet to tread His path to heaven;

And all to Him are freely given.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.

Messages of God’s Love 11/18/1928

Homeless

I AM sure we would all much rather look at a pleasant scene, than a sad one, but we know the world is full of sadness, and it is well that we should see all things just as they are.

We do not need to go far from home to find such conditions, for we have them in all these large cities, and if we consider how the Lord of glory left His home above, and came into this world of woe just to meet us in all our need, then our hearts will go out to others also, both for their temporal needs, as well as the welfare of their immortal souls.

The main thing is their eternal welfare —the salvation of their souls, and then we may do what we can to help in their temporal needs.

Peter could say, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." It may be so with us, we may not be able to lift the poor out of trying circumstances, but if we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we surely can tell others of Him, and warn them, too, to flee from the coming wrath.

"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day." Isa. 58:10.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 11/25/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 20

Satan’s hand is to be seen in another form in this chapter from what we saw in the eighteenth.

There, successfully, t h e devil sought to allure the god-fearing king from his life of faith, and humble dependence, by wealth and honor and what else the world could give.

Here he would frighten him, drive him away from God by force and by fear and destroy him.

These are among Satan's chief methods of weakening the people of God, and the believer's security lies in taking everything to God, and receiving everything from God.

Had Jehoshaphat really had God before him at the time, he would never have joined himself with the wicked Ahab and his more wicked wife, Jezebel, nor encouraged in the least the marriage of his son with the daughter of that couple which brought untold damage to the kingdom of Judah.

In chapter 19, however, we found that Jehoshaphat had profited by the experience, bitter as it was, and set himself to bring back his people to Jehovah the God of their fathers; he was therefore prepared of God to receive a new experience of His mercy and grace.

The children of Moab and of Ammon, hereditary enemies, but in David's and Solomon's days subdued, were allowed to come against Jehoshaphat; it was Satan's work, but God was going to overrule for blessing on his servant.

Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord (happy, peace-giving engagement in prayer and reading the Word of God!), and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. No hurried mobilization of troops; no gathering of fighting materials; no fortifying the cities, or other military preparations do we read of, but what was far more needed,—the people gathered themselves together to ask help of the Lord and to seek Him.

Jehoshaphat in his prayer (verses 6-13) owned God as his one resource; the unseen Ruler, the One of power and might, he asked to intervene in behalf of those who had no might, nor knew what to do, but whose eyes were upon Him.

As they waited before God, the answer came through a Levite, of the sons of Asaph,

"Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's!"

It was their portion to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, as at the overthrow of Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:13, 14). Thanksgiving and praise resulted, for there was faith there to receive and trust in the Word of God.

Early in the morning, when in confidence in God, the people went forth to meet the invaders who had crossed the Dead Sea near its middle, and were marching toward Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat spoke encouragingly to them,

"Believe in Jehovah your God, so ye shall be established: believe His prophets, so ye shall prosper."

The truth of these words has many a time since been felt. To trust in the Lord is fundamental; to give diligent attention to His word, having trusted in Him, is the way to the soul's prosperity (3 John 2).

It was when the song of praise rose on the morning air, that God made the advancing Moabites, Ammonites and associated people of Mount Seir at enmity with each other, so that they made an end of one another till none had escaped. And so the place of battle became the scene of blessing; the hearts of the humble were lifted up in praise to Him Who had wrought for them, and besides, for He deals with a bountiful hand to His people, the terror of God was on all the surrounding kingdoms, and Judah's land was in quiet rest. All was not as it should be, but according to their faith it was done unto them.

Connecting Jehoshaphat's history as shown us in the Chronicles, with the more general history contained in the Kings, we may note that Elijah's work as God's servant, was in Israel and not in Judah; that Jehoshaphat began to reign in Ahab's fourth year, and lived seven years after that wicked king of Israel died on the battle field; and that Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram was regent during the last 7 or 8 years of the former's life, or from about the time of Ahab's death; that before Jehoshaphat's death Elisha the prophet began his ministry in Israel while Elijah was still living; that Elijah's departure occurs after the death of Jehoshaphat.

Messages of God’s Love 11/25/1928

No Claim But The Blood

MY dear mother, on her death-bed, a little before she went to be with the Lord, said:

"I have no claim but ___

But what ? Were the thousands of tracts she distributed from her earliest days her claim for acceptance before God ? Was her long life, spent in Christian work of all kinds, her claim? Were all the faithful words said to old and young, rich and poor, her claim? Were all her intercessions and prayers her claim ? No, thank God; none of these. All such claims, like the apostle, she counted worthless, for she had found a better and the only one which is availing, and so she said,

"I have no claim but the blood of Jesus;" or, to quote the words of her favorite hymn, she could say—

"Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee

O Lamb of God, I come."

God knows the full value of the blood of Jesus, His own Son. It is the only blood Scripture calls precious, and God will never deny its value to cleanse from all sin.

A dear boy was crying about his sins. He said he was a sinner, and owned that, with all his prayers, tears, or promises, he could not wash away one sin. I was so glad to hear him say that, for I knew if only he would stand still he would soon see the Lord's salvation. And so he did; for after I had told him that Christ died for sinners, and pointed out the verse,

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one ,to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him [Christ] the iniquity of us all," he saw it all; he saw the Lord's salvation; he saw that all his sins were borne by Christ, and he was able to go home singing—

"All my sins were laid upon Him,

Jesus bore them on the tree;

God, who knew them, laid them on Him,

And, believing, I am free."

Messages of God’s Love 11/25/1928

Now is the Day of Salvation

ELLIE was a fair-haired girl about nine years of age. One bright summer morning she went with her sisters to bathe in the sea. Almost directly after they were in the water, her elder sister spoke to her, and not receiving any answer, looked around.

Alas! what a sight met her gaze! Ellie had got out of her depth in a cross-current, and was rapidly floating away from land. Every effort was made to save her, but only her lifeless form was brought back to her sorrowing parents.

My dear reader, this true story only shows you the uncertainty of life here. Ellie little thought that Friday morning was the last time she would awake in this world, and we cannot say that God will spare you to see to-morrow's sunrise; but we can tell you on the authority of God's Word that

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

Do not put off your soul's salvation for another day. The Lord Jesus waits to bless—He waits to save—His precious blood can cleanse you, and make you fit for His own presence in glory. Trust Him NOW as your own Saviour; then, come what may, Christ will be your everlasting portion. He bath said,

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." He is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Do not rest till you can say, "I am saved through the blood of Jesus."

Messages of God’s Love 11/25/1928

The Stranger

A weary Stranger walked this earth,

Unnoticed and unknown,

Some said He was of royal birth—

King David's promised Son.

He healed their sick, and raised their dead,

He cleansed the leper vile,

He fed the hungry poor with bread,

He made the weeping smile.

And yet they knew not who He was,

And little cared they too;

This Stranger was the Son of God,

Known only to a few.

A few by faith had pierced the veil—

The manhood that He bore;

They saw His glory was divine,

Though He, despised and poor.

And yet they little understood

His purpose—why He came;

They thought His glory should be seen,

And He, as King, should reign.

'Twas love that laid the glory by,

Took weakness in that hour;

He meant to put our sins away

By dying, not by power.

And so, content to be alone,

Alone, He onward trod,

And ever did His Father's will—

The Well-Beloved of God.

Then came the cross—that dreadful cross—

Weep as you see Him there;

That gracious, holy, spotless Lamb,

God's wrath on sin did bear.

He had no sin—it was our sins

He bore upon the tree;

He loved you well enough to die,

And dying set you free.

Now having met God's holy claim,

He raised Him from the grave;

Exalted Him in heaven on high,

The mighty One to save.

And you would like to dwell with Him

In His bright home above;

O, such a home—the Father's house

Most blest abode of love.

Yes, all is yours by simple faith

That owns the record true;

Dying, He died to save the lost,

It was His love for you.

Messages of God’s Love 11/25/1928

Bible Questions for December

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

1. "Simeon hath declared," etc. Acts 15:14.

2. "For there stood," etc. " 27:23.

3. "And a certain woman," etc. " 16:14.

4. "For in him," etc. " 17:28.

5. "And as he reasoned," etc. " 24:25.

6. "And from thence," etc. " 28:15.

7. "And now, brethren," etc. " 20:32.

Bible Questions for December
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The children of the promise."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Simple concerning evil."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The renewing of your mind."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The day is at hand."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Joy in the Holy Ghost."

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, "How unsearchable are his judgments."

Answers to Bible Questions for October
"The Young People's Bible Class"

1. By searching the Scriptures daily. Acts 17:10, 11.

2. Never. Acts 15:20, 29.

3. Acts 20:7.

4. Burn them. Acts 19:19.

5. God and the Word. Acts 20:30-32.

6. At Philippi by Paul. Acts 16:12, 13.

7. "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31.

Bible Questions for December
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1. What do we need to do in order to be saved?

2. What verse shows that all the Old Testament is meant for our help and profit?

3. Of what does the kingdom of God consist, viewed spiritually?

4. What three chapters of Romans deal with the question of the position of Israel with relation to the gospel?

5. What should be our attitude toward brethren who cause divisions contrary to the truth?

6. What verse in Romans 14, if obeyed, would cleanse a believer from the tobacco habit?

7. What chapter shows that Paul had a high regard for the service of Christian women?

Messages of God’s Love 12/2/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 21

With Jehoshaphat's death, his son Jehoram who had acted as regent for about seven years already (see 2 Kings 1:17; 8:16, and 3:1) while his father lived, became king. Jehoram had the benefit of his father's rich experience in the school of God, for he was now 32 years of age, having been about 7 when Jehoshaphat took the throne; like his father, he must have known of the remarkable ministry of Elijah the prophet, and how God had displayed Himself both in judgment and in blessing in Israel and in Judah.

But these things had little or no effect on this young man; he murdered all his brothers and certain of the princes of Israel, and he walked in the way of the kings of Israel as did the house of Ahab, for Ahab's daughter was his wife. He re-established or strengthened idolatry in Judah, and led the people into immorality such as characterized the house of Ahab.

God's forbearance continued in the face of this terrible record; in grace He linger_ed over the nation.

Is this not comparable with the amazing grace of God at this present moment of the world's history ? What increasing proof we have, from day to day, that men, women, and children too, have turned their backs upon the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent to be a Saviour, and established for themselves other objects supreme in the heart. Judgment approaches. If they have read it, they have ignored that Word of God that speaks both of grace and of judgment, and that solemnly warns the young in particular (Ecclesiastes 11:9) that for all these things God will bring them into judgment.

As we gather from what is told of Jehoram's course, though eternity will bring for him the solemn judgment of the great white throne, brought its share of earthly punishment also, for Edom revolted, and set up a king of their own; and Jehoram could not subdue them. Libnah also, in the south, revolted and apparently was not retaken.

To Jehoram came then a message from Elijah (the only reference in the Chronicles to this prophet who now, as we judge had been given his glorious passage to the presence of God, and had left this message in writing, to be delivered in due time), foretelling a visitation from God upon Judah, and in particular upon himself, because of his sins.

Philistines and Arabians, stirred up against Jehoram by God, came up into Judah and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house; his sons also and his wives, so that there was no son left him except the youngest one, called Jehoahaz and Ahaziah.

Lastly the disease foretold by Elijah's writing came on the godless king, an incurable sickness of the bowels from which he died in cruel sufferings, but apparently unrepentant. He died without being regretted, or desired, another example of God's rule given in Galatians 6:7,

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

Left Behind; or the Little Girl's Dream

WHEN I was a little child, I dreamed one night, that I was sitting in the garden waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus. It seemed to be the day fixed for Him to come for His people, and I wanted to go too. I waited for some time, but could not see Him coming, and, at last, I found out that the Lord had indeed returned and was gone back again, but alas! I was "left behind." 0 how sad I felt at the thought of being "left behind," but someone told me,

"He's coming again tomorrow," and I was comforted, because there was still hope for me.

Now, dear children, this was only a dream, but it is quite true the Lord Jesus will come in the clouds someday. He has not told us what day, but He has promised to come again, to receive those who love and trust Him, unto Himself.

What a happy day it will be for those who are ready when He comes for them— they shall see Him, and be like Him, and be forever with Him. O how delightful! But how very sad for those who are not ready, they will be "left behind." How will it be with you ? Some of you have fathers and mothers, some have brothers and sisters who are Christians. They will be "caught up" to meet Him. Will you be "left behind."

"And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut." Matt. 25:10.

There will be no salvation for any who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour when the Lord comes. They will be left behind for His judgment, "because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:10, 11, 12.

Messages of God’s Love 12/2/1928

Stopping the Clock

WHEN I was a child, it was a rule in our home, that all play was to be over at a given hour and lessons begun. When the hour struck on the old clock on the stairs, that moment games had to cease. More than once I have climbed up and stopped that clock, so that our games might go on unhindered. But stopping the clock did not stop the time. The hours went past all the same, and when our mother returned and found lessons had been neglected, she was displeased.

God's clock cannot be stopped. When the day of grace is ended, there will be no longer salvation for the lost.

The "day of salvation" is fast running its course: how are you treating it ? Are you so occupied with pleasure that you forget your need of a Saviour? Are you trying to persuade yourself that there is plenty of time for these things? God says, "The time is short." "Boast not thyself of tomorrow."

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/2/1928

God Feedeth Them

Look at these five sweet little birds. Some are on the branches, and some down by the water. How contented and happy they all look! They have no thought of care.

Who gives them their food? Who cares for them?

You will no doubt answer, "It is God who cares for the little birds," and that is quite right.

"BEHOLD THE FOWLS OF THE AIR; FOR THEY SOW NOT, NEITHER DO THEY REAP, NOR GATHER INTO BARNS; YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDETH THEM. ARE YE NOT MUCH BETTER THAN THEY?" Matt. 6:26.

Dear boys and girls, you are of more value than the birds, and God cares for you! (Read Matt. 6:25-34).

Are not these verses beautiful? If you will turn to them in your own Testament and read them, I think they will be precious to you. Take time to think a little about them when you read. There's no sowing, no reaping for the birds of the air; no gathering into barns, no storing up of food. No, these things are not needed, for God feedeth them.

Whether you are saved or unsaved, He makes His sun to shine upon you, and sends rain to water the earth, and make it bring forth for you.

But far more, He has given His own dear Son that you might have everlasting life, if only you believe on Him as the One who has suffered for your sins. Then, though your sins have been as scarlet, they shall be made white as snow.

Have you thought of His love and His care? Do you trust Him?

How many of you can say, Jesus is mine?

Messages of God’s Love 12/2/1928

O, What a Saviour!

O, what a Saviour, Jesus the Lord!

Worthy to be forever adored;

Now in His grace He speaks through His Word,

Bidding the weary "Come."

O, what a Saviour, Jesus on high!

Rich is the grace which He Both supply;

Wondrous the love which brought Him to die,

Perishing souls to save.

O, what a Saviour! Jesus, who came

Down to the cross, despising the shame;

Now in the glory still He's the same:

O, how He loves to save!

O, what a Saviour! great was the load

Laid upon Jesus, blest Son of God;

No other plea but Christ's precious blood

E'er could avail for me.

Messages of God’s Love 12/2/1928

Played Out

THESE fine, noble-looking dogs and their playmate have been having a romp. At last, wearied with their running and playing they have all settled down for a rest.

My young readers know all about such play. You enjoy such sport. And yet when you have played so long that you grow tired, and are "played out," the sport loses its attraction for you, and you want rest.

There are many older people who seek enjoyment and happiness in the games and pleasures of this world. But a time comes when they, too, grow weary and long for rest. Do you know where they can find it ? It is not the body that is weary, but the mind and heart. They do not need the kind of rest that our beautiful picture shows us. They want rest for their souls. Where can they get it ?

Jesus says: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Jesus knows that this poor world is full of work and trouble. He knows how much there is in it to weary and discourage us. And now He stands with out-stretched arms waiting to receive us.

Poor sinner, flee to those arms of love and rest. He gave His life for sinners. He died to free you from the bondage of sin and Satan—from all the weariness, pain, and sorrow that sin has brought into this world, if you will put your trust in Him.

Come to Him and find rest.

"IT IS GOOD FOR ME TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD; I HAVE PUT MY TRUST IN THE LORD GOD." Psa. 73:28.

"The Lord knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1.:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 22

The consequences of the good king Jehoshaphat's alliance with the house of Ahab are still evident in the record of Judah's history here given us, and it could not well be otherwise while Jezebel's daughter, Athaliah, was in power. Ahaziah, the youngest and only living son of Jehoram was made king in his father's stead, and his short reign is only spoken of as characterized by the ways of the house of Ahab, king of Israel, his mother being his guide in wickedness apparently from his boyhood on, and Ahab's family were his counsellors after the death of his father. Would these things pass under the eye of God without notice ? Verse 7 tells us otherwise.

Ahaziah's age was 22 when he began to reign; not 42, an error having been made by a copyist and repeated in our translation. He went with the king of Israel, his uncle (his mother's brother) to war with the king of Syria, as Jehoshaphat had done in Ahab's day, and Jehoram was wounded, returning to Jezreel to be healed. Ahaziah later came to see him, for he was sick.

A fuller account of what happened at Jezreel is given in 2 Kings 9. It suffices the Holy Spirit here to show us that when judgment at the hand of Jehu fell upon Ahab's house to the full, it also fell upon the princes of Judah and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah—his cousins—who were with Ahaziah at Jezreel, and upon Ahaziah also. None of the house of Ahaziah was able to hold the kingdom.

The wicked Athaliah, seeing what had happened to her brothers and her children, moved as it would appear by a Satanic resolve to cut off completely the house of David, killed every male of them that was left, except a baby, Ahaziah's son Joash, whom Jehoshabeath, her daughter took and hid in the bedroom at the time of the slaughter. Thus God intervened, though for six years the murderess-idolater was allowed to reign over Judah.

Jehoshabeath, moved by God to pre_serve the infant, was the wife of Jehoiada the priest, and the little one was hid in the temple, its existence unknown to its grandmother who would have killed it. What care must have been taken to hide the child so that its presence might not be known! We are reminded of the infant Moses, hid three months (Exodus 2:1-10), and preserved by God for His service.

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

Her Precious Bible

DURING a terrible flood which swept over many parts of this country, an incident occurred which attracted my attention. The water had traveled along with such rapid force as to undermine many houses, so that the occupants had to be hurried away, and conveyed in small boats to places where they could seek shelter. A party was being taken in one of these boats, when an old lady exclaimed,

"I want my precious Bible!"

Its truths had evidently been the means of comfort and consolation to this dear old saint of God. She had trusted without doubt the precious Saviour in weal and woe, in storm and sunshine, and now, forced as she was to leave her humble dwelling, the only thing that seemed to engage her thoughts was the safety of "her precious Bible." Perhaps it was not a costly volume, or even an old relic or keepsake. But it was precious to her.

Now, dear young friend, is this blessed book precious to you? Have you learned

through its teaching by the Holy Spirit your true state before God ? Have your eyes been opened to behold the Lord Jesus, so that you have become wise unto salvation through faith that is in Him ? In some homes, sad to relate, the Bible is never opened. Other books are eagerly read, even by those young people who profess to know

JESUS AS THEIR SAVIOUR.

We once read the story of two little boys who were traveling a distance of two hundred miles, in quest of an uncle. On their way they put up at an innkeeper's, who noticed a bundle which they carried with them put down in the corner of the roam before they retired for the night. In the morning he was curious to know what the bundle contained; when opened, among other things there was a Bible. The innkeeper was anxious to purchase it. He offered a substantial sum, but the elder of the boys refused, saying, it was a keepsake from their mother, and he had promised that he would read a portion every day.. How needful that there should be a daily reading of the word of God.

"What has it done for you, that you should value it so much?" he asked.

"Well," said the boy, "it has told me that I was the sinner, but Jesus was the Saviour." What an answer! Can you say that ?

"Well, suppose," said the innkeeper, "when you reach your uncle at Liverpool, he will not take you in."

The boy replied, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." What simple faith in God's promise!

But some of my young friends may be wondering if the subject of our story secured her precious Bible. Yes! we are glad to say her desire was gratified. The precious book was restored to her safely.

May those who have "tasted that the Lord is gracious" set more value upon that blessed book which expresses the mind of God to us.

The sweet Psalmist of Israel said, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I should not sin against Thee." What a resource he had in the law of Jehovah!

O, dear young friends, do not despise the blessed Word of God. It will become a lamp unto your feet, a light to your path. You will find there is, in dependence upon the Spirit of God, true substance and treasures untold.

May we be able to say, like David,

"How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psa. 119:103.

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

Nobody's Looking

MRS. Clarke had a hard struggle to bring up her little family; but she did not mind how hard she worked, so that she could get food and clothing for them.

Her eldest boy, Herbert, was a sharp, intelligent little fellow, and his mother had great hopes of him that he would grow up a good boy; for she taught him to be honest and truthful, and as Mrs. Clarke was a Christian, she wanted to see her children Christians too; that is, she wanted them to know Jesus as their Saviour.

When Herbert was old enough, he went away to learn a trade. His master was very fond of him, and as Herbert used to tell him that he loved Jesus, because He had forgiven him all his sins, his master was not afraid to trust him to be in his office, and do many little things that he would not have trusted to an unconverted boy.

But one day Mr. Mills noticed Herbert was very downcast, and fearing Satan may have tempted the boy to do wrong, he called him into his office and asked him what was the matter.

Herbert said there was nothing; but his face showed all was not right.

However, a little time after this poor Herbert came to his master, and with tears in his eyes told him how he had taken a penny out of his till, and afterwards told a lie to hide it.

Mr. Mills could not help crying too, as the sorrowing boy confessed his sin. He asked him what led him to take it. Poor Herbert said,

"Satan seemed to say, 'Nobody's looking, take a penny, you will be able to buy some nice apples at the shop round the corner;' and I looked every way, and saw nobody looking, and took it."

"You forgot to look one way," said Mr. Mills; "for some One was looking at you all the while, and saw you do it."

"Who was that?" asked he.

"Have you forgotten the little text which says, 'Thou God seest me?' "

"O yes! I forgot God was looking," said the sorrow-stricken boy, "or I should not have taken it."

Satan makes many a little boy and girl do wrong, because he says, Nobody's looking; but if they would look up, perhaps they would remember that little word,

"THOU GOD SEEST ME."

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

What About You?

A YOUNG man whose whole desire was worldly prosperity, was aroused at length to see the awful danger he was in.

He was greatly distressed for a time. He deliberately set to work and counted the cost, what would be the loss and what would be the gain.

After due consideration he came to a firm decision, which enabled him to say,

"I will lose my soul for no man—no not for this world," he said in the presence of several.

He made his decision and he acted on it. He believed in His heart and confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus, and on the authority of the Word of God he knew his sins were forgiven, and he was saved and fit for heaven.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:38, 39.

What about you? Only NOW is yours. Satan's clock is always too slow or too fast. It is either

"There is plenty of time," or

"You are too great a sinner to be saved; it is too late."

God's Word says,

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

His Word is to all who are willing to accept His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Do not delay till it is too late.

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

Pure Love

O, why did Jesus leave His home

Above the bright blue sky,

And all the joy and transports there,

To come to earth to die?

'Twas love, pure love, which brought Him from

Above the bright blue sky;

'Twas love, pure love, which made Him come

To suffer, bleed and die.

And now He's gone, and lives again

Above the bright blue sky;

And all who taste His saving grace

Shall live with Him on high.

O, blessed home of endless rest,

The home of peace and joy!

How sweet will be the song of praise

Above the bright blue sky!

Messages of God’s Love 12/9/1928

The City of Venice

CAN you imagine a city built on little islands, and having streets of water? That is the kind of city we have in our picture—the narrow strip of water you see, is called a canal, and there are one hundred and fifty canals like this in the city, and the people have to use boats on these canals to go from one building to another, or one of the many bridges. There are over three hundred bridges there.

This city is called Venice, and is noted for its beauty; it has wonderful buildings, and grand works of art. This city is far from us—away across the ocean on the coast of Italy. Do you ever expect to see it ?

There is a place, however, far, far more wonderful in beauty, than this city of Venice, and, dear children, every one of you may go there some day, if you just will. Do you know where this place is ? There is only one way of getting there. Look in your Bibles at John 14:2. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you," and that place is in heaven.

Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions," but you can never get to those beautiful mansions, unless you find Him as your Saviour now, while you are down here. He said again, in verse six, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." So believing in Jesus now, is the only way to get to that beautiful place, where all children want to go.

But you would be very, very unhappy there, if you had not learned to know the Lord Jesus while on earth, and had not been cleansed from your sins. People only will be there who can say that they were lost, and then were "redeemed with the precious blood of Christ."

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS." Eph. 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/16/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 23

At last the time came when the reign of Jezebel's daughter should be terminated; in the seventh year Jehoida strengthened himself and took five captains into covenant with him. The first step, looking to the placing of the sons of David on the throne of Judah was for the captains to go about in Judah and gather together the Levites out of all the cities, and the chief fathers; they came to Jerusalem and all made a covenant with the boy king in the temple.

Jehoida, whose name is significant— "God knows"—then made known to the congregation, of course all unknown to the queen mother, or grandmother, the plan of action he had devised for the introduction of the boy (only remaining male of the royal line) to the people as their king, and for his protection from Athaliah, and any who might do her bidding. All was to be, nevertheless, according to the prescribed order, according to God. Nothing else would please Him.

King David's spears and shields and targets, Jehoida gave to the 'captains of the hundreds, and attended by armed men, the king's son was brought forth. Upon his head the kingly crown was placed; and in his hands the Word of God; thus was he made king, Jehoiada and his sons anointing him, and saying, "Long live the king!"

Athaliah soon heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, and she came to the temple. There at the entrance on a raised platform stood the young boy, and the princes and the trumpets were by him, and all the people rejoiced and blew with trumpets, and singers were there with the instruments of music, and such as taught to sing praise. This was vastly contrary to the mind of Athaliah!

The hour of her judgment had come, and the murderess, led away from the people, was put to death.

How little Jehoshaphat had anticipated the result of the friendship he had formed with Ahab, the dishonor offered to God, and the injury to His people!

Now, however, Ahab, his wife Jezebel, seventy sons and all that remained to him, Athaliah, her son Ahaziah and all his brethren, 42 in number, and all the males of the royal family of David's lineage, except the boy just made king of Judah, had been removed by death, and in that land, if not in Israel, the true God was again to be worshiped.

Priests of Baal there were in both kingdoms (see 2 Kings 10:18-28), and while that system of religion may have been finally stamped out in Israel at this time, and the worship of Jeroboam's golden calves alone remained there, it was revived again in Judah.

Just now, however, God in His mercy was intervening' through Jehoida the priest. It is Jehoida now, and not the king, who is seen in action; of course the king was yet but a child, nevertheless we shall see that he walked aright only while the high priest lived. Elisha was a prophet in the northern kingdom at this time.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." 2 Cot, 6:14.

Messages of God’s Love 12/16/1928

Saved Through Obedience

WAIT Muriel! Do not come back; stay where you are!" The little girl spoken to was in great danger at the moment, and but for her prompt obedience would very likely have been killed. She, with her sisters and brothers, was walking with a friend through some fields, which were divided from each other by stiles. They had been asked to deliver a message at a farmhouse.

A little way up one field they saw a cow-shed; but as the path leading through the fields was public, they had no thought that there was a vicious bull in it. On hearing the voices of the children it ran out, and lowering its horns appeared to be coming straight to the little girl mentioned above.

She had run on in front of the others, and did not see the bull coming towards her. She got over the next stile, but on seeing her danger then, was about to get back again to the friend who was with her. So, had she not obeyed the command given, she would possibly have been tossed and seriously hurt or killed.

This simple incident is an illustration of the consequences which often result from obedience or disobedience. When we remember the perfect obedience of our Lord Jesus here, when He was a child, He who had made the heavens and the earth, yet would be "subject" unto His parents, does it not show us how

GOD LOVES OBEDIENCE

in children? He has commanded them to obey, and says that

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, or whether it be right."

If He looks for them to obey their earthly parents and teachers, how much more does He expect them to obey Him, and listen to what He says to them in His word! He tells them that they can only be saved from eternal death by trusting in Jesus, and His precious blood shed for them that they might be saved—that there is no other Saviour. But how many go on day by day without thinking anything of Him, and perhaps have never really thanked Him for what He has done for them. No one else can save them, no one else could have died for them. God expects and wants them to obey Him by believing what He says of the Lord Jesus.

By one act of disobedience little Muriel might have lost her life, but by one act of obedience she was saved.

By one act of disobedience Adam lost his happiness in the garden of Eden, and brought sin into the world. O, what an awful consequence came of that one act!

But what happiness was brought to poor, disobedient man by the one deed that Jesus the Son of God accomplished when He suffered on the cross for sinners to save them from the second death— which is God's punishment for sin.

It is now that God is, in love, commanding people to repent, and now that He gives them the opportunity to obey Him.

Will you not then, dear children, come now to the Lord Jesus before it is too late to do so? and then you will, through Him, be saved eternally!

Messages of God’s Love 12/16/1928

Traced Upon The Sand

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Matt. 7:24.

We were spending our holidays at a well-known seaside town. One morning we were hastening down to the lovely stretch of sands, the tide just then being out early; the boys were promised a game of cricket, and the girls, with their buckets and spades, to paddle in the rippling sea. Overhead a cloudless blue sky, one felt happy in the sense of the goodness of God in thus giving us fine weather, and with a conscious sense of His nearness, we could revel in all the wonders of creation.

You might picture us descending the stone step which landed us on the parade. Ethel and I stood looking at a young man who was holding up his cap for money; before I could answer the request, Ethel has thrown her last penny, saying as she did so,

"Mother, dear, how beautifully he has worked the picture on the sand."

But by this time Ethel bounded after her father and cousins, leaving me still gazing on the scene below; down the breakwater I made my way to the young man, a fine, well-built figure, about twenty, wondering why he had chosen this occupation.

"You had to get here very early to trace these emblems on the sand this morning," I said. "What a long time it must have taken you; what patience you have shown in all the details of the work." "Yes, lady," was the reply.

"And yet soon the tide will return, and all that looks so well-executed will in a few minutes be swept away forever; have you thought of it ?" With no reply, I went on, "The cross, the anchor and the heart speak to us. Now Christ tells us unless we are built on the Rock, meaning Himself, we shall be like your work on the sinking, treacherous sand, perish like many a soul in gallant ships yonder. Jesus died for you, are your sins nailed to His cross ? are you washed in the blood of the Lamb ?"

The young man looked down and remained silent; as I moved away, he said:

"I do sometimes think about it."

Turning again, I urged him to decide for Christ.

"The Father's love is full and free,

Jesus in tones addresses thee,

The Spirit whispers inwardly—

Decide for Christ."

Dear readers, will you decide ? Jesus is a loving Saviour.

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found." Isa. 55:6.

You will find Him very precious to your heart. Will you trust Him now ?

Messages of God’s Love 12/16/1928

I Am Coming

I am coming, little children,

I'm coming in the air;

From My Father's home in heaven,

To take My loved ones there.

My trumpeter's preparing,

I will bid him soon to go;

The archangel, he is pluming

His wings to fly below.

Yes, children, I am coming,

Aye! surely, quickly, soon;

I'll not say, 'twill be morning,

I'll not say, 'twill be noon.

But I want you to be ready,

I love you all so well,

You are poor, and weak, and needy,

Then come, and with Me dwell.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 12/16/1928

The End of a Winter's Day

THE day's work is over, and the father and son have gathered up the wood they are able to carry home for another day's fire. The father feels his responsibility to care for his family, and he is doing that to the best of his ability.

No doubt you are not surprised that a father should act like that, for that is the father's duty; but have you thought how God so constantly takes care of us, and constantly watches over us, and is the One who supplies all our needs ? Do you trust Him for all that you need, and thank Him for all that you receive? May you never forget to do so.

I wonder how many of my young readers can tell me what is the greatest gift that God has given to us? I am sure most of you can readily say, "His beloved Son."

He is the One in Whom God delighted throughout eternity, and God loved Him while He was here upon earth, for He pleased His Father in all things. Yet God gave Him to die in our stead, that we, not only might not perish, but have eternal life. How great is God's gift to us!

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 12/23/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 24

The story of Joash the baby, the boy and the man contains a deep lesson for the believer. ' Here was one who was rescued from the unsparing hand of his idol worshiping grandmother, who was set upon the death of every one of her offspring that might have lived to sit upon David's throne. It was God who intervened, that the line of David's sons might be maintained till David's great Son should be born of Mary, the virgin of Nazareth (Luke 1:27).

He had likewise intervened to preserve that other infant of promise, the three months' old Moses (Exodus 2).

In the course of time each boy, for the two cases are parallel, having been sheltered in God's various ways from that power of Satan which ruled where he lived, was introduced to a position of responsibility and opportunity for service for God and His earthly people. And presently the parallel ceases; the courses of the two as men diverge; for Moses, though having to go through deep exercises of soul, later was a most faithful servant of God, chosen to lead His people with all their murmurings and selfwill and unbelief so often manifested, to the banks of the Jordan; but Joash, somewhat like Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 13:10, 11, and later chapters) having lived for a time in the strength of another's faith, later failed most lamentably.

We must not think however, that Joash, while the godly high priest lived, showed none of the energy of faith, for it was the king and not the priest who was minded to repair the sadly neglected and despoiled temple (verses 4, 7), and he reproved Jehoida for his negligence concerning the matter (verse 6).

Observe, also, the happy results of a little energy in the things of God (verses 10 to 14). It was not a day of display, nor of a Solomon in his glory, but of a little testimony amid manifest ruin, and hearts were blessed while God was glorified.

God spared Jehoida, an old man already when Joash was born, to live, as we judge, almost to the close of the king's long reign, and he was buried among the kings because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and toward His house. But after this,—so little is man to be trusted or depended upon,—the princes of Judah had but to come to the king with flattery, or that which appealed to his vanity and pride, and he hearkened to them. And what was their counsel, these leaders of Judah ? To abandon the divine Center, and serve Asherahs and idols; and this they did,—the king and the head men of the land; forgotten was the Blesser; ignored the blessings of His hand!

Wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this, for God does not fail to notice the ways of the inhabitants of the world He made, and particularly they who profess His name, and live in privileged countries.

He sent prophets to them, not here named, but as Elisha was yet living, he may have been one; Jonah was perhaps another (2 Kings 14:25). The prophets were refused, and Zechariah the son of Jehoida was put to death in the court of the temple at the commandment of the king, because he gave the people a message from God about their ways.

The rest of Joash's story is soon told; within a year a small army of the host of Syria came and destroyed the princes of the people, carried away all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold found in the treasures of the temple, and in the king's house (2 Kings 12:17, 18).

While in bad health, his servants killed him on his bed, and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Messages of God’s Love 12/23/1928

Conversion of a Soldier

I HAD a godly Christian mother who told me in my early days about the Lord Jesus and His love. But as a boy I paid little heed to these precious truths.

O that I had listened to my mother's words about my sinful condition, and the loving Saviour who was so ready and willing to save me. How much sorrow I would have saved myself.

When I enlisted in the army, I openly joined in with the godless companions, although my conscience often reminded me of the earnest words of my mother, which had kept me from many evil deeds.

My dear mother had given me a Bible on parting, but I did not read it, fearing its warnings. But God still kept knocking at my heart's door, even though I did not want to open it .to Him.

One Lord's day I happened to pass a Christian meeting place; and without thinking I walked in.

The speaker was telling about the Lord Jesus Christ and His great suffering on the cross, quoting the words:

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." Isaiah 53:5.

That word went home to my heart. For the first time I realized that it was my sins and iniquities that had brought the Lord of glory to Calvary's cross. For such a sinner like me, the Son of God had to suffer! That broke my self-willed heart. I could not but bow to God in true acknowledgement of my sinfulness, which I did, while sitting in the meeting.

Presently the Spirit of God showed me that all my many sins were forgiven in Christ. I now saw that the Lord Jesus Christ had suffered all the judgment that I deserved for my sins, and had borne all my iniquities on the cross, I had peace with God on the ground of His finished work.

Through His death I now possessed eternal life; and through His stripes I was healed. Wondrous peace-giving truth.

As a new creature I returned to my barracks that night. I could not keep the joy to myself; it was too great, too overwhelming! This brought out some cruel mockings, when I began to testify for Christ the Son of God. But the Lord Himself stood by me, and strengthened me so that I might tell what He had done for me. And later on when temptations to do evil came to me, I was enabled in the fear of God to take refuge in the Lord who had saved me. I asked Him to keep me, and He has done so, in spite of my great weakness. To Him be all the praise!

O that all of you, dear children, might listen to God's Word, and hasten to this mighty Saviour. You will then become His forever! "

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/23/1928

The BibleBaked in an Oven

MANY years ago an edict was passed to the effect that all peasants in Bohemia, who possessed copies of the Holy Scriptures should without delay deliver them to the authorities that they might be destroyed. The most zealous people, however, took divers measures to preserve the precious Word of Life.

Madame S. put the family Bible in the middle of a loaf of bread she was going to bake, having first carefully wrapped it in a piece of cloth. The bread was baked, and placed on the shelf. The priests searched the house, ransacked everything and everywhere, but finding no Bibles, they withdrew quite satisfied.

When they were gone, these good people took their Bible out of the loaf, and put it back in its accustomed place, on the peasant's table.

So this Christian woman had found out the way of converting her daily food into a spiritual nutriment to her soul, and they partook of both the needed refreshment.

Ah! does this not teach us a lesson, dear children, who are interested in this true devotion to the Word of God!

But I will tell you another and even a safer way of hiding the Word that is able to save our souls. It is this, and I earnestly recommend it to your attention,

Daily commit to memory a portion of the Bible, and carefully repeat over what you have learned. Thus no one, no, not even Satan, our great enemy, will find the means of robbing you of what is life eternal to know and believe.

"The entrance of Thy Word giveth light." Psa. 119:130.

"The holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15.

Messages of God’s Love 12/23/1928

The Voice of Jesus

Hark! it is the voice of Jesus,

Sounding at the close of day;

Calling little children to Him,

Bidding them make no delay.

Yes, the day of grace is drawing

Drawing quickly to a close;

Happy they who find in Jesus

Everlasting sweet repose.

Years have sped their swift course onward,

Since He died upon the tree,

Myriad souls have gone to Jesus,

Since He died for you and me.

Wide He flung the door of mercy,

Never has it stood ajar;

Still you may press in, in thousands,

Rich and poor from near and far.

Children! Has the voice of Jesus

Any special charm for you,

While it tells of free salvation,

Tells of nothing left to do?

Just the One who cried " 'Tis finished,"

All those many years ago,

Calls you now in tenderest accents,

Would His arms around you throw.

Haste, O! haste the wise decision,

All your heart to Jesus bow;

He is waiting, He is willing,

Only come in earnest now.

Soon that open door of mercy,

Will invite the last one through,

Soon will God swift move to judgment,

And for ever shut it to.

Haste! then haste! while yet a Saviour

Lives for you in heaven above;

Trust Him now and He will give you

All the riches of His love.

Then should death, or His blest coming,

Summon you from earth away;

'Twill be, but to dwell for ever,

With Himself in endless day.

Messages of God’s Love 12/23/1928

The Coming Storm

HOW rough the waves look in our picture. There seems to be a storm coming up. How anxious the sailors will be to reach a place of safety before the storm breaks upon them.

There is a terrible storm coming on this world, and we know it because God had told us in Matt. 24:21. The time He is telling us of in that portion, will be tribulation like as never was before, and there will be nothing like it after that.

At the end of all time there is to be a great white throne, and all the unsaved are to appear before it, and receive the due reward for their deeds. (Rev. 20:11-15).

What do you think we can do to escape that terrible storm ? God has provided a way of escape, and those who refuse it must receive their judgment. God has sent His only begotten Son into this world to die for us, so that we might not perish.

What a God of love He is to provide such a Saviour, who was competent to meet the storm of judgment that we deserved, so that we might go free.

What do you think we deserve if we refuse that blessed Saviour ? Would we not deserve to receive that awful judgment for our sins ? I am sure you must answer, "We would." Now, I ask you, What have you done ? Have you accepted the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your Saviour ?

If you have, it is a happy thing for you; but if not, don't forget, you shall receive the judgment for your sins, and you will deserve it. "HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?" Heb. 2:3.

Messages of God’s Love 12/30/1928

Bible Lessons

2 Chronicles 25

Amaziah was not unlike his father; the light of testimony was burning but dimly now in Judah. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. The murderers of his father he punished, and he gathered Judah together, reestablishing the army after the breakdown in the Syrian invasion. He formed no alliance with the idolatrous kingdom of his brethren of Israel to the north, but he did hire a hundred thousand of their soldiers, and this act brought a man of God to the king to tell him that the army of Israel should not be used, for the Lord was not with the children of Ephraim. If his mind was still, to use these men, God would make him fall before the enemy, for He has over to help and to cast down (verse 8).

Amaziah thought of the $200,000 (reckoned in American and Canadian money) that he had paid for the soldiers' services, but the man of God answered,

"The Lord is able to give thee much more than this." How true! God enriches those who are losers in this world's things for His sake, if not in natural blessings, then in the far more valuable spiritual ones. The soldiers returned home in great anger, and presently attacked the nearer defenseless cities of Judah.

Amaziah led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt in the south, against the children of Seir, and defeated them in battle, and in this he may have been doing the will of God, but (such is man!) he brought the gods of the Edomites and set them up to be his gods, bowing down to them, and burning incense to them.

Thus did this privileged son of Abraham, David and Solomon! The anger of the Lord was kindled against him, but as usual He sent first the warning voice of a servant, a prophet, and that refused, judgment followed.

In pride, Amaziah sought battle with the king of Israel, and though advised by him to stay at home, he persisted, and he and his were routed in battle and fled. The victor brought his army to Jerusalem, and further humiliated Amaziah, whom he had captured, and broke down the wall for 400 cubits. All the gold and silver, and all the vessels found in the temple, and the treasures of the king's house, hostages also, the king of Israel carried away.

Amaziah died like his father, the victim of a conspiracy among his servants. God is not mocked.

Was he a believer ? Eternity will disclose.

Messages of God’s Love 12/30/1928

The Power of The Book

AN American vessel was sailing the Pacific Ocean when she suddenly struck a reef. The shock was so violent that it was evident that the vessel must soon become a total loss, so the captain and crew immediately took to the boats, hoping to reach some island or to sight a ship which would take them aboard. But they scanned the horizon in vain; neither land nor ship appeared for fourteen days, and they were beginning to despair when on the morning of the fifteenth day they saw that they were approaching an unknown coral island, on the shores of which they could see the waves breaking with masses of white foam.

The islanders had already sighted the boats, and were crowding to the beach, but the sailors did not know whether they should rejoice or tremble, exhausted as they were, and almost dead from hunger, for, if the islanders were pagans, a worse fate than to be swallowed by the waves perhaps awaited them, for it often happened in those days that if some unfortunate whites fell into their hands, they were regarded as victims to be offered to their idols and then eaten.

While the shipwrecked men watched with anxiety every movement of the people on shore, they saw one of the natives approaching rapidly through the breakers, holding a book aloft and crying:

"Missionary! Missionary!"

What a reassuring cry.! Missionaries had been in that island, and through them the people had learned to know the Holy Book. There was nothing to fear!

With joyous shouts the sailors answered the natives, and called for help. At once there was a rush to meet them; some guided the boats through the reef, others carried the men to shore, and gave them abundance of food and every possible care with truly Christian affection.

But a still greater surprise awaited the captain. He found out that the humane feelings of all these people were due to the labors among them of his own brother! God had used him to bring to these pagan islanders the precious Book and the knowledge of its teachings. He had granted him not only the honor and joy of imparting the blessings of Christianity to these poor pagans, but also the happiness of saving the lives of his brother and his crew.

And what about the Book which the islander had waved aloft as a token of peace ? It was the Book of books, the Bible; the Book which God has given to men that they may know Him, and it meets the soul's need of every human being in every land who reverently accepts its teachings.

That Book had changed those coarse, ignorant and cruel savages, into Christians full of gentleness and kindness. It had told them of a Saviour who loved them and died for them, and they had believed the good news.

Dear readers, may we ask you if you have this Book, and if so, what has it done for you ? The Lord Jesus said:

"Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39.

Messages of God’s Love 12/30/1928

The Captain's Last Words

CAPTAIN Murdy was in the battle of Trafalgar, in which Admiral Nelson had command of the English fleet, and in which, as you know, he met his death.

Captain Murdy survived that battle, and was in several other engagements, winning for himself many medals. These specified where the engagements had been fought, and the part the captain had had in them, and were a source of no little pleasure to him.

But the hour came when he must part from all earth's honors and glories. What could he speak of in that solemn time ?

His daughter told the last words he uttered were—

"Glory unto Jesus be,

From the curse who set me free;

All my guilt on Him was laid,

He the ransom fully paid."

He had learned, through the mercy and grace of God, that his medals and honors and high position would not take him to heaven. He knew that nothing but the blood of Jesus could admit him there and fit him for the very presence of God. The captain did not mention any of his achievements when he was dying. All earthly glories had to be left behind; they did not occupy his thoughts. The glory of Christ was in his mind.

He had been saved, and could now rejoice in the Saviour of sinners.

Can you join in his song? Can you say—

"Glory unto Jesus be"—the Lord Jesus, who made peace by the blood of His cross.

"Glory unto Jesus be"—He "who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree."

"Glory unto Jesus be"—He who has saved me from judgment and brought me to God.

"Glory unto Jesus be"—He who is my rest and peace, my life, my joy, my all.

"Glory unto Jesus be"—with whom I am going to spend eternity, whom I am going to be with and like forever.

"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. But in righteousness God can freely and fully justify the sinner who believes, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

Messages of God’s Love 12/30/1928

Let Me Take It

LITTLE Mattie was in a temper to-day, so very naughty that I had to send her from the school room to a small room off the landing; she was to stay there the rest of the morning. She went out with a proud step, slamming the door after her. It was sad to see the little heart so full of anger, and looking around on the faces before me I could see someone else as sad as I about little Mattie. It was her sister Sarah, and I could see her gentle face turned towards me with an eager look; soon she came softly up and stood before me.

"Well, Sarah," said I, "your face is asking a favor, put it into words."

"It's about Mattie, Miss A."

"Well, what about her? Do you think me too hard with her? Would you think better of me had I let it pass ?"

"No, Miss A., I think she ought to be punished, but"— `

But what, dear; don't be afraid to speak out."

"I wanted to ask, if you would let me change with Mattie; she has a cough, and the little room is cold; I can bear it better."

"But Sarah, dear child, have you thought about it, every one passing through and seeing you there will think you are in disgrace, so you will get the blame as well as the punishment, and you have always been thought good; how will you like to lose your good name ?"

"But you would know, Miss A., I would not care so much for others; do let me go to her, and send her in," and the tears which she could no longer keep back, told how much she loved her naughty sister. I could not deny her.

"Well, dear child," said I, "let it be as you wish; you may go to Mattie."

Her face brightened, and the gentle girl left the room. A moment after the door opened, and Mattie was gently pushed inside and the door closed again. Half unwillingly, and with a look of shame, the little girl glided to her seat, and I was glad to see the angry little face softened into tears, as she bent her head over her desk.

The morning's work went on, but my thoughts were full of that sister's love, and the story it told to my heart. I thought of the punishment hanging over my head, for I had sinned, and of the love of the One who had changed places with me, and who knowing as no one else could know that I could not bear that punishment, had said "Let Me take it;" and I thought of the One who "suffered for us," and of His great love.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/30/1928

Messages of God's Love: 1928

Table of Contents

Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

Robbie

Dog In A Manger

Some One Knocking

The Rabbit

Bible Lessons

Emily's Dream

Little Pillows

Trust Him With Thy Soul.

Confidence

Bible Lessons

The Pet Lamb

I Wrote That Note

The Blessed Saviour, As He Trod

The Sheep Fold

Bible Lessons

It Is All True

The Spider And The Fly

Trusting

Pool of Bethesda

Bible Lessons

Lost on The Prairie

A Child's Question

There Is A City Bright

Bible Questions for February

Bible Lessons

Do You Know Your Name?

Four Little Girls and What They Did

Skating

We Are Not Saved By Trying

Snow

Bible Lessons

The SnowBall

How To Be Happy

Jesus Is The Children's Friend

Sliding

Bible Lessons

Left Behind

The SnowBall

In His Name Believe

The Storm

Bible Lessons

The Story of a Wreck

Little Nell

O, Be Earnest

Bible Questions for March

Bible Lessons

The Angel's Care

Little Helpers

Tabby's Injured Paw

I Am Jesus' Little Lamb

Bertie and His Dog

Bible Lessons

Mary's Apple

Talking About Jesus

I Wish I Was Saved

A Shepherd Jesus Is

Punishment

Bible Lessons

God's Nobility

Whiter Than Snow

Jesus Is Calling Now

His Little Lamb

Bible Lessons

The Journey

Believing About Jesus

Little Hands, Lips, And Feet

Bible Questions for April

Bible Lessons

The End Of The Way

The Butterfly Chase

'Tis A True and Faithful Saying

The Nightingale

Bible Lessons

The Conversion of an Indian

Little Martha

JesusDied For Me