Messages of God's Love: 1930

WE wish all of our dear readers of "Messages of the Love of God" a truly "Happy New Year." Some of you will understand, I am sure, that by this we mean more than the pleasures of your home, or school, or daily work, or companions in the world, and which perhaps in themselves are not wrong, but are enjoyed apart from the Lord, We need something else to give us really "A Happy New Year."

Yes, the only real way of having a happy New Year, after all, is to receive God's best and greatest of all gifts—the salvation which He sent to us in giving His own dear Son to make us happy now, and happy for ever.

Have you ever thought of that which God told His people Israel once, when He was about to bring them out of Egypt, where they had known so many sorrows, and worked so hard for the cruel King of Egypt?

"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months, the first month of the year to you."

However could that be? Just in this way. God meant that up to that time they were in hard bondage to the cruel Pharaoh; they were living sad because sinful lives; and now God was going to change it for them, and make them happy by setting them free, and afterwards taking them to a home He had chosen for them. But how were they to enjoy all this? Just as we ourselves may take a gift which is given us by someone who says, "This is for you." We receive it, and say "Thank you" for it, and the dearer the friend is who gives it, the more we will value their gift.

God told His people, then, to take a lamb, and then to take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in its blood, after it had been and put it over and on the sides of their doors; and then when the night of judgment came upon the wicked land of Egypt, none of these would be killed with the others. They, then, did as He had told them, and that was the way they had "A Happy New Year."

We now need the same in another way. The Lord Jesus is coming soon—we cannot tell if our young friends may even read this before He does—and soon after that will be the judgment of the world.

But those who trust, and love, and seek to please Him are safe from all that, because, if He is their Saviour, He will not judge them for their sins by and by; but, having borne the judgment for them, He will teach them to hate sin more and more. And the closer they live to Him, the happier will they be, until He takes them up to Himself in heaven, and then they shall have "A Happy New Year" for ever.

Messages of God’s Love 1/5/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapter 35

It was a searching question that Elihu asked of Job: "Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?" Not in just those words had Job spoken, but in chapter 10, verses 7, 8, in chapter 16, verse 17, and in chapter 23, verses 11 to 13, he had said what really meant that; it was his partly formed thought.

Elihu was showing Job his faults, which his friends had not been able to do. If Job asked what profit it was, what he gained more than if he had sinned, Elihu would point him to the heavens, the skies stretching far beyond the reach of puny man.

Sinning or righteous as Job might be, his ways or his doings could neither injure nor give to God, though his wickedness, as his righteousness might affect another man (verse 8).

As for men, on account of those who oppress them, they cry out, but none of them say,

"Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night; who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowl of the heavens?"

Is it not so with men today? God is not in their thoughts except as One to be avoided till the last. He would be their Friend, their Deliverer from the wrath to come, but they say "No God" (Psalm 14), and do not like to retain God in their knowledge (Romans 1:28). He alone has power to "give songs in the night,"—not only to Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi (Acts 16:23-25),—but to all who love Him, He it is, as every Christian knows, who teaches us more than the beasts, and makes us wiser than the birds.

If pride keeps men away from God (verses 12, 13), what about Job? (verses 15, 16).

He was, without realizing it, feeling and speaking very much like the wicked who forget God, but God was dealing with him, and using Elihu just now to bring him to see the error of his way.

Messages of God’s Love 1/5/1930

The Happy Girl

WE have a girl in our Sunday School ten years old, who is a bright Christian. She always seems happy—I never saw her face clouded with a frown.

She is the daughter of a school master, and became a real follower of Christ when she was six years old. There is not a doubt of Annie's conversion.

She has two sisters and a brother, all younger, and to them she is as a mother, and is her father's little housekeeper. She has a smile for all the school children, and is a true pattern of what the grace of God can do for and in a child of ten years.

If you would have the same joy and a life of brightness and usefulness, you may have it where she got hers—that is, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ with your heart, and confessing Him with your mouth. (Rom. 10:9).

Then day by day enjoying His love, and walking in the paths of His holy Word, you will know what it is to be kept in perfeet peace, and always rejoicing, There are boys and girls of all ages who have this joy, and it may be yours today.

"Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:8.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:4.

Messages of God’s Love 1/5/1930

Moses

MOSES' father and mother were Hebrews and lived in Egypt, and the king of Egypt, Pharaoh, had said that all the baby boys that belonged to the Hebrews were to be cast into the river.

God's eye was upon this baby, Moses, for He was going to make him a great man when he was grown up, so God was caring for him.

The parents of Moses had faith that God would protect him, so they hid their baby boy for three months, then his mother did a very strange thing.

She took an ark or basket of bulrushes and covered it with pitch so no water could get in, and she put the child in it and laid it among the flags by the side of the river.

One day the king's daughter came along and found the baby and wanted it for her own.

He grew up to be a man in Pharaoh's court, and could have been the greatest man in the country next to the king, but he knew he was one of God's people, and had faith in God, and refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

He had his eyes fixed on eternal realities, and he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.

"YEA, AND ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION." 2 Tim, 3:12.

Messages of God’s Love 1/5/1930

Jesus is Coming

Jesus is coming! sing the glad word,

Coming for those He redeemed by His blood,

Coming for us as the glorified Lord!

Jesus is coming again!

Jesus is coming! the dead shall arise,

Loved ones shall meet in a joyful surprise,

Caught up together to Him in the skies;

Jesus is coming again!

Jesus is coming! His saints to release;

Later to give the warring earth peace!

Sinning, and sighing, and sorrow shall cease

Jesus is coming again!

Jesus is coming! the promise is true;

Who are the chosen, the faithful, the few,

Waiting and watching, prepared for review?

Jesus is coming again!

Messages of God’s Love 1/5/1930

Why?

FAMOUS Alpine climber, Mr. Spender, tells of an unexpected climax to one of his feats.

With two companions he had scaled one of the most difficult peaks, and descending, found refuge from the storm and night, in the cottage of a goats-herd. The three men, half-frozen, and exhausted with the long and terrible strain, but glowing with triumph, crouched before the fire.

The goatsherd's wife, a dull, old woman, stood looking at them in silence for a while, and then pronounced a single word:

"Pourquoi?" ("Why?")

Spender declares that he and his companions looked at each other with an expression of surprise on each. face. They had risked health and strength and life itself. "Why?" What had they gained?

There was no answer, The one word struck, as if upon a blank wall, awakening their consciousness of useless struggle and suffering and danger.

The snow fell outside, and the mist shut out the hills. They did not talk to each other. Each was asking himself the question, "Why?"

Most of us have tried some of this Alpine-climbing in our day, till some honest, discerning soul, like the goats-herd's wife, stood in our path with the searching and solemn query—"Why?"

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? harken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live." Isa. 55:2, 3.

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near." Isa. 55:6.

"THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF: BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOREVER." 1 John 2:17.

Messages of God’s Love 1/12/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapters 36 and 37

In chapter 36, Elihu speaks of God's ways with those who fear Him.

You will remember that in chapter 33, we were shown God's frequent way of bringing sinners to Himself—the gospel in the book of Job,—and in chapter 34, His dealings with mankind,—those who forget God, and would have nothing to do with Him.

What was Job thinking, as he listened to this, younger man whose name means "God Himself," and who was really speaking with God-given wisdom and truth? (verse 4).

Elihu always speaks first of God; he justifies Him in all that He does. God is mighty, but He despises not any; He saves not the wicked alive, but He does justice to the afflicted; He withdraws not His eyes from the righteous—does not turn away from them, though He may send them severe trials.

If He does this, it is that they may see their own ways, have their ears opened, and receive His command to return from iniquity. Then (verses 11-15) we are given the comparison of the godly and the ungodly: the one hearkens, the other hearkens not, Job would have been delivered out of the jaws of distress into a broad place, only that he was full of the judgments of the wicked; Elihu bids him beware lest God's wrath take him away through chastisement.

In verse 21 word is very direct;
"Turn not to iniquity, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."

Job must have been confounded by Elihu's pointed words, of truth; we do not hear a single sentence from him.

But are there not many Jobs in our own day,—self-satisfied believers, and if brought into deep trial, holding to their own supposed uprightness and integrity, instead of seeking to be emptied, that God may fill them?

Is there not a reason for telling so little of Job's history before his trials, and so much of what took place in those trials? Surely there is, that we may ourselves learn the lesson Job had to learn.

Commencing at verse 22, and continuing through to the close of chapter 37, Elihu returns to the consideration of God; he exalts Him, and speaks of His power and wisdom, He would have Job to see and understand the wondrous works of God, and he closes his discourse in verses 23 and 24, attributing to Him power, judgment and justice. But it is not Elihu, but God Himself that brings Job to a right state, as the following chapters show.

Messages of God’s Love 1/12/1930

The Shepherd's Sermon

Some years ago a shepherd was driving a flock of Iambs through a village. Just as he was passing t h e first cottage, a young woman crossed the street to fetch water from the spring near by. As she stood at the well, she laughingly called to the shepherd:

"Will you not make me a present of one of these beautiful creatures? You have plenty of them." The shepherd, who was a true Christian, replied:

"These lambs don't belong to me; therefore, I cannot give you one. But there is a Lamb—the I,amb of God—and you can have Him free. John says: 'Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.' " He spoke and passed on.

Thank God, the words uttered were pressed right into the heart of the young woman, to perform a work for God and the salvation of her never dying soul.

"There is a Saviour, and you can have Him free." What a word! Has it found its way into your heart, my reader?

About a year after, our shepherd came with another flock of lambs on the same road. He had quite forgotten the short conversation with the young woman. When he reached the cottage, the young woman looked at him, immediately recognized him and stepped to the door.

"Here, man!" she cried, "that was a splendid word you gave me."

"What word?" asked the shepherd.

"Do you not remember passing by about a year ago?" she asked.

"Surely, but I don't remember speaking to you."

"But I remember, and I thank God for it. I asked you if you would not give me one of these beautiful lambs. You said the lambs did not belong to you, but there was a Lamb—the Lamb of God—that I could have free. At that time knew nothing about the Lamb of God; but now I know Him, and know that He has taken all my sins away."

The shepherd now remembered the words he had spoken. His words proved themselves as "Words spoken in season," and the Scripture says, "How good they are

With a joyful, thankful heart, he went his way astonished at the wonderful ways of God's grace. How insignificant are often the means that God uses. All must work out to the praise of His glory.

My reader, is God's Lamb not enough for you? Could you wish more? God has provided Himself a Lamb, and that Lamb has been slain in your stead. The

offering has been presented and accepted. Yes, thank God, the empty cross, the empty grave, and the throne occupied above—all witness in earnest, solemn manner that God, through the work of Christ on the Cross, has been glorified; that now every sinner can find peace and forgiveness through simple belief on Jesus Christ,—the Lamb of God. If you ask:

"What must I do?" my answer is

"Nothing! Jesus has done everything. Believe on Him and thank God for 'His unspeakable gift.' "

Then go and let your life adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things! (Titus 2:10.)

Messages of God’s Love 1/12/1930

The Two Cousins

GOD loves you, but not your naughtiness," I said one day to a dear little girl during a conversation with her about the Lord.

A year passed away, and I was again visiting at her father's house, and saw my little friend,

"Does God love you?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied, with quiet confidence, and then added, gravely, "but He does not love my naughtiness."

"And who is the little girl with you, dear?" said I, as I saw a bright-eyed child of about five years of age standing by my little friend.

"This is cousin Carrie," she said, and we sat and talked of God, and of heaven.

"Well, little Carrie and what do you know of the Lord Jesus?" I inquired.

"O, I know all about those things," she said quickly; "I go to the Sunday school, you know."

"Then, Carrie, you must tell me all that you know about the Lord Jesus, for that is what I love to hear."

"I do not know that I can tell you just now," she said, after a moment's pause, "but I know all about it, and I know I love Him."

"Now, Carrie, I will ask you a little question: Do you love the Lord Jesus so much that you would like to go to Him just now, or would you rather wait a long time, till you are grown up?"

The little child put her head on one side, and was very thoughtful. Presently she said,

"I should like to go to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven; hut I don't know ....." She stopped for a moment, and then said,

"I should not like to go yet, because I don't know Whether I could leave mamma and little Georgie."

"Carrie, my dear," said I, "your little answer only shows that you are like a good many grown-up persons—something is in your heart before your love to the Lord Jesus. But if you only knew how He loves you, you would not answer thus; if you only knew what pleasure He has in a little child like you, how the blessed Lord Jesus loves you, little Carrie, it would make all the difference."

Carrie became still more thoughtful. Then she suddenly exclaimed,

"But I don't know that—nobody told me that."

So I began to

"Tell the story simply, As to a little child,"

to this one of the Lord's little ones, of how He came from heaven and died to save sinners, of how He lives in heaven to bless His people, and of how He is coming again to take all who are His to dwell with Him for ever; and our little conversation came to an end for that day.

But the thought of the Lord so loving little Carrie, filled the dear child's heart, and as she went home through the pleasant lanes and fields she talked all the way of what a wonderful thing it was that the Lord Jesus should love her, and of how she had never heard it before.

A few days afterwards the little cousins were heard praying together under a hedge, for they wanted, they said, to speak to the Lord Jesus.

Little Carrie never forgot that day when she first believed how the Lord loved her; and now that years have rolled by it is our joy to see her walking before her friends as a bright christian girl.

"We love Him because He first loved us." Remember these words of the beloved apostle John, dear children.

Messages of God’s Love 1/12/1930

Jesus Saves

See the tender, loving Saviour,
Hanging on the cruel tree,
Dying there in awful anguish,
That from sin we might be free.

When I came to Him heart broken,
Guilty, helpless and undone,
He forgave me my transgressions,
For His love refuseth none.

Now my heart is filled with gladness,
I have peace and joy within,
Praise the Lord for His salvation,
He has cleansed me from all sin.

Messages of God’s Love 1/12/1930

Protection

THESE, dear little pups are having a grand time playing with the slipper. They have no thought of fear, for their mother is right there with them. She has sharp eyes and sharp ears, and if anything comes along to harm her little ones she will fight for them and protect them from all danger.

When you were quite young, your mother watched over you and guarded you just as carefully as these little pets are being guarded. But now you are older and go outdoors to play, arid your mother is not with you all the time, Do you think you are in more danger with her away?

God's Word tells us,

"THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, BEHOLDING THE EVIL AND THE GOOD." Proverbs 15:3.

So, no matter where you are, the Lord sees you and sees everything about you.

If anything comes along that might hurt you, He sees that, too.

Do you think He can protect you from dangers? Yes, He is quite able to do that. Another beautiful verse is this one,

"God is our 'refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psa. 46:1.

God not only sees and knows all the dangers that surround you, but He also knows just how to help you in any kind of trouble. So trust in Him at all times, and be happy.

"Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid." Isa. 12:2.

"Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." Prov. 16:20.

Messages of God’s Love 1/19/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapter 38, Verses 1-38

He who has been listening a long time, though unseen, now enters and answers His servant's questions, and presently leads poor Job to say (chapter 40, verse 4) "Behold I am vile, what shall I answer Thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth;" and (chapter 42:1-6) his final confession:

"Now mine eye seeth Thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Job had the best of the argument in all his talks with his three friends, but Elihu told him he was wrong, and pointed him to the One he was misjudging, and the poor afflicted man could not answer him. It is then that God speaks to Job; there is no voice like His, to set poor Job or any other saint right. It will be seen that it is here "the LORD," but the name "God" is used all through the book of Job after chapter 2, except in verse 9 of chapter 12. "The LORD," or properly "Jehovah," tells of God in relation to man on the earth.

There are several names by which God makes Himself known in His Word, but "El," commonly translated "God,"—the Mighty, or Strong One, and. Jehovah," generally translated "the LORD," meaning "to exist" or The Eternal One, He who was and is and is to come, are the most frequently used.

Magnificent language is found in the chapters which follow; it is the voice of divine majesty that speaks here before His poor, self-occupied servant. Was it not "darkening counsel by words without knowledge," that Job had been doing?

What did he know of God, really? Where was Job when God founded the earth? Who set the measures of it, if he knew, or who stretched a line upon it? Whereupon were the foundations of it sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job knew more than many men of science who lived after him, in regard to the world when he said:

"He stretched out the north over empty space; He hangeth the earth upon nothing," (chapter 26, verse 7), but he knew not how to answer the Lord's questions.

The earth's "foundations" and "cornerstone" speak of its steadiness, its stability and regularity in its course from day to day and year to year, and the morning stars are here shown to have been formed before the world, as were also the "sons of God,"—the angels.

"Singing," here said of the stars, is thought by many to be a poetical expression, but it may be as some have thought, that the starry light is really musical, though we of the earth cannot hear it.

Then God turns to the restless, resistless sea; He had shut it up with doors, made its boundaries and said, "Hitherto shalt thou come and no farther."

Next, Job is asked of the morning, the dawn of day, when the wicked (most evil, most of the crimes are committed in the night) are "shaken out" of the earth; their "light" (verse 15), is the darkness. The sea is again considered, only to turn (verse 17) to something more powerful—death, or rather the place of the departed spirits, Sheol, or Hades.

The earth's great surface,—did Job's understanding take it all in? And where does light dwell, and the place of darkness, where?

So Job is carried on to consider in turn the wonders of God's creation, including the things without life. We shall stop today at verse 38.

Verses 31-33 refer to the stars.

Verse 31 should be read, "the bands of Pleiades," rather than "sweet influences."

"Mazzaroth" (verse 32), is not exactly understood today; it is thought to mean the constellations.

"Arcturus" is apparently the Great Bear or Dipper.

Messages of God’s Love 1/19/1930

The End of the World

MANY dates have been set in recent years, on which the world would come to an end, and while we who read God's Word do not know when it will be, yet God can and has used these rumors with blessing to souls.

Only the other day a boy came into the store, and asked if I knew that Friday of that week had been set for "the end of the world"? I told him,

"No," but since I was a believer in the Lord Jesus, I knew according to 1 Thess. 4, and other scriptures, that I would be in heaven long before such an event could take place, and I pointed him to this same blessed Saviour.

I then recalled a lady telling me, how, when she was a little girl, a day was set for "the end of the world," and it troubled her greatly, for she knew she was not prepared to meet God, but the Spirit of God graciously used this exercise of heart and conscience to bring her to the Lord Jesus with her load of sin, where she found peace through believing in Him.

"Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe," (1 Cor. 1:20, 21.)

A day of judgment is coming on this world when "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10) , and God shall make "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." At that time all those who have not believed in. Jesus will have been cast into tile lake of fire; and all those who have believed in Him, will be with the Lord. (Math. 25:46).

May each one of our clear young readers be found, in that day, safely at home with the Lord, and no judgment can touch them there.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/19/1930

What Has Jesus Done for Me?

IT was on a Sunday afternoon. The Sunday school was being held, and a hymn well known and well liked by the scholars was being sung. It was the one beginning—

"O! what has Jesus done for me?
He pitied me, my Saviour;
My sins were great—His love was free.
He died for me, my Saviour."

The chorus is:

"Jesus, Lord Jesus,
Thy name is sweet, my Saviour;
Soon shall I see Thee face to face,
My wondrous, blessed Saviour."

The superintendent of the school then asked the children to write clown what the Lord Jesus had done for them, so that the hymn's question, "O! what has Jesus done for me?" might be answered.

The next week the replies were received and read, all names of writers being with-' held, of course. And a very happy time was spent in going over the different answers that were handed in.

That superintendent is a friend of mine, and he has kindly let me see what his young friends wrote. Of course, they vary a great deal, for some of the scholars are much older than others, and were more used to putting down their thoughts. One who replied named some thirty or more things which the Lord had done for her.

A paper that I liked very much was very simple. I will let you see part of it. Here it is—

"WHAT HAS JESUS DONE FOR ME?"
"Jesus shed His precious blood for me."
"He suffered on Calvary's cross."
"Jesus came down to save me because
He loved me so."
"He died for me that I might he saved from death."
"Jesus has waited a long time for me, so that He might save me."
"Jesus has carried all our heavy loads, and borne our sorrows."

How much this means. Christ came and suffered and died. He bore the burden that we might go free. And then He waited for her to come to Him.

Now, I wonder if you can say this of the Saviour, Do you know Him, and believe on Him for yourself? Perhaps "father" or "mother" is one who loves and serves Him, and happy, indeed, it is to belong to a Christian home. But that is not enough. Each one of us needs to take Christ for his own.

Think, then, what you can say in answer to the question,

"What has Jesus done for me?" The answer that springs to my lips as I look at the words is,

"The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."

He is my Saviour, and His love to me is my joy and delight, Is it so with you? 'Do not rest until it is. He will give you that which is far better than all that the world can supply, and you will be enabled to bring gladness to others.

Messages of God’s Love 1/19/1930

Alonzo

GENTLEMAN visited a poor cripple named Alonzo, and asked him how it was with his soul,

"I have a great work to do

before I can hope to get to heaven," replied Alonzo. The gentleman read Isaiah 53 to him, when the cripple cried,

"Does it say that my iniquity was laid upon Him?"

"Indeed it does; that was what the Lord Jesus came to do."

"0, sir, I see it, I see it," cried Alonzo. "Jesus did all the hard work instead of me. How good of Him to do all that for me. To think of Him loving such a poor, good-for-nothing cripple as me."

Eagerly he heard of and believed in God's great love, and never wearied of speaking about the Man who did all the hard work for him.

"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 1/19/1930

The Volcanoes of Hawaii

On the Island of Hawaii is the greatest volcano in the world, the Mauna Loa.

Another great crater, Kilauea, is on the same island.

The two occupy the larger southern half of the island. When in eruption, the glare is so great, that for fifty miles the sky is illuminated so as to turn night into day. The hot lava flows on for miles, destroying everything on its path. The roar and boom, as large boulders are belched forth, is terrific and indescribable. It is a grand expression of the power of God, that may well cause man to fear.

There are many superstitions in regard to the volcanoes. In the olden times, whenever an eruption took place, it was the custom to pick the ohelo berries, which grow in great quantities near the volcanoes, and throw them into the crater as an offering to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. Hogs and other property were often thrown into the streams of lava.

How thankful we can be that God has given us His Word, the Bible, in which we read that He is the One who has made everything,—ourselves, the animals, and all creation, and He is the One to be worshiped.

Satan wants people to worship anything or person instead of God, and he even wanted the Lord Jesus Christ to worship him, but the Lord answered him, "THOU SHALT WORSHIP T H E LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE." Luke 4:8.

"The hour cometh, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth." John 4:23.

Messages of God’s Love 1/26/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapter 39

We begin at verse 39 of chapter 38, where this chapter should properly begin, taking up the ° subject of things that have life, as in chapter 38, God spoke of things without life that He had made,—a part of His creation.

Had Job anything to do with hunting the lioness's food, or satisfying the hunger of the young lions? Or was he looking after the ravens? Did he know the lives of those timid creatures, the mountain goats, or the wild ass?

The "unicorn," verses 9 and 10 is properly the buffalo or wild ox, and this is so wherever the word is used in Scripture.

In verse 13 read, "The wing of the ostrich beats (or waves) joyously. But is it the stork's pinion and plumage?" Tile point here (verses 13 to 18) is that the ostrich leaves her eggs, cares little or nothing for her young ones, while the stork is just the opposite, as God has made these creatures. The stork is one of the most affectionate of the creatures we know.

Another of God's creatures, well known to us all, is the horse, and horses trained for use in war are spoken of in verses 19 to 25. Had Job given strength to the horse, or clothed his neck with the quivering mane?

In these days of automobiles, we see few horses, but older ones will remember the horses of the fire departments of our cities, how they ran from their stalls at the sound of the fire-alarm, and seemed to enter into the purpose of the brave firemen as they dashed down the streets to a blazing house; the war horses of other days must have been like these as they galloped into battle.

Then Job is told to consider the hawk and the eagle, both very different from the horse, for they have not been tamed, so they avoid man.

How wonderful and bow various is God's handiwork! Each of these creatures we have read of forms a part of the creation which God has formed by His word.

Genesis 1:20-25 tells of these creatures being made, and here their habits are spoken of by Him who made them, and gave to each kind of His creatures its own ways, all of them fitted for the life they were to live.

Men who reject the Bible, do not believe that God made everything, and many of those who owe their life and breath and all things to Him, deny that there is any God; they try to make themselves, and those who listen to them believe that everything happened without anyone, without a God to create the universe, and to design the birds, beasts and fishes, and above all, man.

The Christian sees the folly of such thoughts, knowing from God's Word that He was the Author of what we see in nature (not the author of sin, however).

God fitted each creature to the life it was to live, designed its body, and provided for its food and shelter, too.

Messages of God’s Love 1/26/1930

The Soldier's Story

WHEN he was a young man,— an apprentice in a big city, war broke out; and, thinking it would lead to a life of adventure, he joined the army.

As his regiment was leaving for the front, some Christian people gave each soldier a Bible, asking them to keep it always near them, and read it often. He put it in His breast pocket, and there it stayed, for he never troubled to read it, and in fact forgot all about it.

After a while his company was ordered to Storm a fort, and for a short time they were exposed to the thickest of the enemy's fire. While many fell under the hail of bullets, he came through unhurt, and after a hard fight the fort was taken. Later in the day, while resting, he found his coat was torn, and, to his astonishment, discovered that a bullet had buried itself in his Bible! But for the Bible he would certainly have been killed, for it was right over his heart.

As you may imagine he was much affected, and thanked God he was still alive. This made him think deeply, for he knew quite well he was not fit to meet God.

On examining the Bible carefully, he found the bullet had made its way so far into the book as to rest directly on the first unbroken leaf where these words are found,

"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." Eccl. 11:9,

The word went like an arrow to his heart, for he felt God was speaking to him; and from that time on, his life was changed. He earnestly sought the Lord, and before long became a true believer in the Lord Jesus, who had gone into death that he might live.

Notice these solemn words,

"But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." Perhaps you, too, are rejoicing in your youth, and forgetting God, But the only way to be truly happy is first to turn to God, and to put your trust in Jesus; then you will be able to rejoice, and your joy nothing can take from you, no, not even death itself.

He lived to be an old man, and was never tired of showing his Bible, and telling his hearers how it had been the means of the salvation both of his body and his soul.

Messages of God’s Love 1/26/1930

Minnie's Temptation

MINNIE G. was the only daughter of godly parents. She had early known the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and she loved Him. Almost from infancy she would say to others,

"Do you love Jesus?" All knew her as a happy little Christian.

Like many others, Minnie, one day, left the loving shelter of her home, to go forth into the world—a child of God bearing bright testimony to His name.

One day, while living with a lady who employed her as cook, she was very unhappy. Her mistress, a seemingly religious lady, although void of the true love of Christ in her heart, practiced little deeptions. She seemed greatly annoyed to find her maid above such un-Christ-like actions, and did her best, we are sorry to say, to personally annoy her.

It had been so on the day of which we speak. Minnie was cooking the dinner, and the tempter whispered,

"Burn up the dinner, and get even with her. Your mistress will treat you better for it. You will show her you can take your own part."

Minnie was angry and miserable, and was almost on the point of yielding to Satan's advice, when a voice within said,

"Do all to the glory of God."

Her eyes filled with tears, for these were her mother's last words on her leaving the old home. She thanked God she had not yielded to temptation, and said to herself,

"I'll cook the dinner for the Lord Jesus; if He is my guest, I shall be sure to do it well."

"Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he bath done; and there is no respect of persons." Col. 3:23-25.

Messages of God’s Love 1/26/1930

Plenty of Time for a Boy like Me

I'VE something to tell you," said Wilfred W___ one day as his aunt, who had just come to see her nephew, entered the room. Wilfred had just returned from school, where he was succeeding in his lessons very well, being a clever boy, and fond of his studies.

His aunt had heard lately how Wilfred had not only been taking an interest in his studies, but also in the study of the Word of God, and of this she was deeply thankful. So she replied,

"Well, what is it, Wilfred?" wishing to test him. "A new toy?"

"O no," said Wilfred, "something so much better than that; the best thing of all!"

Wilfred knew that his aunt would guess by this that he had made some discovery she was only too anxious he should make. So in reply to her astonished look of joy and satisfaction and question how it came about, Wilfred continued:

"Well, you know it all came about like this. My Sunday-school teacher said she wanted all her boys to come over to the Lord's side, and take the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and serve Him, and I said I did not want to, because I wanted to do as I liked, and I knew that if I became a Christian, I should not be able to do that. Besides there is plenty of time for a boy like me," I said.

" 'Well,' said the teacher, 'I am not so sure of that, Wilfred, but suppose you look me out a text that says that there is plenty of time, so that you and I can be quite sure that you need not come yet.' "

"So I took my Bible, auntie, and began to read it. One of the first texts I happened to come across was,

`It is time to seek the Lord' (Hos. 9:10); and then I read about little Samuel, and I noticed that he was listening to the Lord, so that when he was called he heard Him speak, and came to Him at once.

Later on, another text I read was in the New Testament:

`The Master is come and calleth' for thee.'

So I just thought I ought to come, and mother prayed with me; and the next Sunday I told my teacher, and she said `Thank God.' O, Auntie, I am so happy now. I wish I had come before; but now when Jesus comes for all of His own, we shall all be ready."

How good it is to hear and come at once when God calls us. I came when young myself, and I know it is good to trust and serve the Lord.

Messages of God’s Love 1/26/1930

Bible Questions for February

Bible Questions for February
"The Children's Class"

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

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Except ye be converted."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Bid me come unto thee."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "No man, save Jesus only."

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

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

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Upon this rock."

Write in full the two verses in which the Lord Jesus tells what will happen to those who confess Him, and to those who deny Him, before men.

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

Rev, 21:8, 27.

Rev. 19:11.

Rev. 21:1-8.

Rev. 20:5.

Rev. 14:11.

Dragon, Devil, Serpent, Accuser. Rev. 12:9, 10.

Rev. 21:23; 22:5.

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

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

Upon what confession is the Church built?

From whom are spiritual things hidden?

What is the first step in settling a personal trespass?

Of what is leaven always a type?

To whom was the mission of the twelve limited?

What defiles a man?

What was the unpardonable sin?

Messages of God’s Love 2/2/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapters 40 and 41

Two more of God's creatures He will mention, but first Job's conscience must be reached: He had contended with the Almighty, even reproved God—could he, should he, instruct Him? He answers, "I am vile, what shall I answer Thee?" Job has been convinced, or at least put to silence, but God has more to say to him, for the work in his soul must be deep and thorough. Would Job also make God's judgments of no effect? Would he condemn God that he, Job, might be righteous? Did he think to compare himself with God, whose power is so great?

Let him adorn himself with everything he could of glory and excellency; of majesty and splendor, and cast abroad the ragings of his anger: Could he now look on every one that is proud, and bring him down; could he tread down the wicked, hide them in the dust and bind their faces in secret? If Job could do that, God would praise him, because his right hand saved him.

This dealing with man is God's work only; He only who formed man can humble him. And He will!

Now He turns to the behemoth (perhaps and indeed quite likely, the rhinoceros, that creature of immense strength and fury, "the chief of God's ways"), shall this animal be taken in front? Can it be caught and tamed? Certainly not a full grown one; in fact they are never tamed.

Leviathan (the crocodile, we understand to be meant) is the second creature to be spoken of in these closing words of God to Job (Chapter 41). Could this reptile be subdued, made useful to man? Will Job play with one as a bird, and bind it for his maidens? Its hide is so thick that darts and spears will not pierce it, and even the modern rifle has no power to go through it. It might well terrify the men of Job's early day.

Well, these two unconquerable and dangerous creatures are spoken of in God's discourse to Job, to show him how puny his strength really was against the things of nature which God had made, and to which He gave life.

How small man is, and how little his power, how great, too his ignorance, how little his wisdom, when God is brought into the scene.

All that God had spoken to Job about were earthly things, or things in which the earth had a part. What of the deeper things unseen and eternal so often scorned by man?

How dependent we are, and everyone is, upon God for His favor! And what of the priceless gift of a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ? None but God could have planned so great a Gift to poor helpless man.

Messages of God’s Love 2/2/1930

Wonderful Love

One wintry afternoon I set out to call on a little girl who had been absent from her usual place in Sunday school.

While I was on the way a bad storm came up, and I was nearly blinded by the heavy snow-fall.

My first thought was to go back. Then, remembering how hard it was for me to get away from home, I decided I must not lose this opportunity. So I went on through the storm. On reaching the house I knocked at the door, and who do you think came to open it? The very little girl I had come to see.

When she saw me her little face brightened as she exclaimed,

"You must like me, or you would never have come to see me on a clay like this!"

Such was my reward for the effort I had made, She felt that only love would lead me to come through such a storm, and she was happy to have that proof that I loved her.

And because she appreciated my love for her, I too, was happy—so happy that it seemed much easier coming borne, than it did going, although it was still storming,

And I was glad and thankful that the Lord had led me to show this dear little girl that I had an interest in her never-dying soul.

Dear children, this little incident illustrates in a feeble way, the love of the Lord Jesus.

He left His happy home in heaven to bring us the glad news of salvation. And His journey through the world to do this, was a very hard one. He met with sorrow and trouble on every hand.

"He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Isaiah 53:3.

Yet He never turned back. He kept right on in the path which led to that terrible cross. And on that cross, He bore the storm of God's wrath. He suffered in our stead the punishment we deserve,—all to prove His WONDERFUL LOVE for you and for me.

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." Isaiah 53:5.

Does it not make your heart rejoice to think of such love? He died that YOU might live. 'Does not this awaken love in your heart?

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

Dear children, if you have learned God's love for you, if you have loved Him in return, and are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, God wants you to show that love in your daily walk. He wants your face to brighten at the thought of Him, at the sound of His Name. And He wants you' to do only the things that will please Him.

When the Lord Jesus was here on earth, speaking of His Father He said, "I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29.

Messages of God’s Love 2/2/1930

Lovest Thou Me?

John 21:15.

We should all feel as if our Lord were asking us the same question that He asked Peter, "Lovest thou Me more than these?"—these earthly friends, these earthly blessings? We should often ask ourselves, "Do I love my Saviour?"

Dear children, if He were now asking each of you, "Lovest thou Me?" what would be your answer?

In our picture this week, we have a brother and sister, who, I am sure, love each other very dearly. Where love reigns in a home, how happy it is, and it pleases the Lord, too.

This dear little boy, not only loves in word, but in actions. He is dividing his orange with his little sister. He does not wish to eat it alone, but desires his sister to share it with him. All this is beautiful!

But there is One above all others, One who has done more for us than father, mother, brother, or sister ever could do.

They never died for us, they never gave themselves to suffer and die for the sake of our souls being saved. Even if they were willing to do this, it could do us no good.

Only Jesus, the Son of God, can save sinners, and no love was ever so patient, so unwearied as His, and He loves us "to the end."

Yes, the love of your own dear father, of your own kind mother, your brother or sister, is not as great, as tender, as patient, as the love of your dear Saviour. O! will you not love Him in return?

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

Happy are they who can say, with Peter,

"LORD, THOU KNOWEST ALL THINGS; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE." John 21:17.

One there is above all other—

how He loves!

His is love beyond a brother's -

how He loves!

Earthly friends may fail or leave us,

One day soothe, the next day grieve us,

But this Friend will never deceive us-

how He loves!

Messages of God’s Love 2/2/1930

I Know I am Saved

While many say, "I hope I'm saved,"

By grace I say "I know."

"How do you know?" you ask. "

Because The Bible tells me so."

I read in John, Epistle one,

Last chapter, verse thirteen,

The precious words, O! mark them well

And think on what they mean,

To all who on Christ's name believe

(These words are plain and true),

"These things" (these holy, heavenly things)

I've written unto you.

That ye may know (blessed be His name,

Not hope but know) ye have

Eternal Life, through Christ our Lord,

Who died our souls to save."

Messages of God’s Love 2/2/1930

Your Picture

A LADY said to me the other day, "I never can have a photograph of myself that I like, Either I look cross or old or something like that."

She did not want to see herself as she was, but wanted to appear better.

We are all like this lady; but, wishing to look or be better, does not make us so.

God tells us the truth about ourselves (and we do not like it either), that we may know what we are in His sight.

"THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?" Jer. 17:9.

He also says, "There is no difference for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." He wants us to know just how bad we are, that we may realize we cannot hope to win salvation by our own efforts, and that we may turn to the Lord to receive, through Him the forgiveness of our sins.

Messages of God’s Love 2/9/1930

Bible Lessons

Job, Chapter 42

How changed Job was after God had spoken to him! Nearly all that Job had said in twenty chapters, he now confessed was obscuring counsel without knowledge, tittering what he did not understand. And how few words—less than a hundred—are needed to tell that the old self-confidence was now gone.

The speaking Job had now become the listening Job, and now his eyes (his spiritual eyes, or understanding, no doubt) saw the One he had so misjudged, and he detested, or loathed himself, and repented in dust and ashes.

We may say that, Job had long before heard about God, but now, prepared by Elihu's godly counsel; he had heard God, —God had spoken to him, and shown him how very wrong he was in resting in his own righteousness, and blaming God for his troubles.

It is the same today with everyone who prayerfully reads the Bible, receiving it as it is in truth, the Word of God; for God no longer speaks to men in dreams and visions, but through the written Word, whether it be received through the eye-gate, as reading; or the ear-gate, as hearing it from the lips of one of God's servants.

God would not and did not, leave Job until he had learned the lesson he had needed to be taught. This book shows us God's faithfulness, and His knowledge of His own people; shows us Satan at work, carrying out, quite unintentionally however, God's purposes; it shows us, too, that even the best of men, as we may judge Job's three friends to have been, may sadly err, and add to the sufferings of those who are passing through trial by misjudging them, and not understanding God's ways with them. The book shows further that the child of God needs training, because there is easily much of "self" about one, to be distrusted and rejected.

The wrong with Job was that he was quite a little contented with what he saw of the work of God in himself; when in his thoughts, humbled and chastened, he saw God, and blessing followed when once the depths of his own heart were revealed to him.

And Job's three friends must hear from God, too. Eliphaz and the two others had not spoken rightly of God; if Job had erred, they had done so, grievously, and to Job they must go with a burnt offering to God for themselves, and he, Job, would pray for them. After Job had prayed for those who had spoken so wrongfully about him and to him, his trials ceased. (Is this not a lesson in humility, too)?

He had twice as much of property as before, and the same number of children as he had lost.

But Job's wife,—was she only an onlooker, or did she learn the lesson of trusting God and looking away from self at its best, that her husband had learned? We cannot say, but as we close this most interesting book, may we ask ourselves if we have learned aught from it.

Messages of God’s Love 2/9/1930

The Boy's Escape

A BOY stood in his father's store when the doorway was darkened by the form of a policeman, who, seeing the bow in the store, at once produced a paper and handed it to him. It was a summons. The boy knew right well the matter it was about. He had done wrong, it had been found out, and now he must face it.

The following Thursday he had to appear before the judge, and was speedily asked whether he was guilty or not guilty. It was little use saying he was not guilty, for he was, and could easily be proved so, so he stammered out, "Guilty."

The matter was gone into, and the judgment come to was told the boy,

"You will have to pay a fine, or else go to prison for seven days."

The boy heard the sentence with dismay. He had no money of his own; his father had refused to assist him. What could he do? He was stepping down to get away when a policeman said,

"Hold on."

Ah! he could not get off thus easily. He must pay or go to prison. He could not escape punishment for his misdeed. The penalty must be met.

Just then the uncle of the boy entered the court and went up to the table, and having learned what the amount required was, paid it down in cash upon the table.

To use the boy's own words,

"It was like the music of heaven to me as the silver was paid down."

When all was settled, the boy looked up at the big policeman and said,

"You can't touch me now."

He was free; he was justified; another in love had met the matter, and he could go to his home without a fear of that charge ever coming up again.

Boys, do you plead "Guilty" or "Not guilty"? You are guilty—"guilty before God."- You have not sinned as the boy had of whom I have written. You may never have had to appear in court to answer a summons for had conduct, but for all that you are a sinner, and you will have to appear before God.

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.

What can you plead then?, Only "Guilty," for God knows all, and there is no deceiving Him.

Thank God, before the judgment-day comes, the day of salvation has been reached. God has given His own beloved Son to die. He has suffered for sinners just like us; He has paid the fine; He has died for us, to set us free, to put away our sins, and to make us happy before God rimy and eternally,

"By Him (Christ) all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:39.

The believer can say to judgment, what the boy said to the policeman,

"You can't touch me now."

"Death and judgment are behind me,

Grace and glory are before;

All the billows rolled o'er Jesus,

There they spent their utmost power."

Are you free yet?

Messages of God’s Love 2/9/1930

The Open Door

A LADY had been away from home in the afternoon, and upon her return, discovered that she had lost the key to her door.

She thought to herself, How unfortunate! and time is pressing. She applied to three neighbors and borrowed as many keys, in the hope that one would be effective. But not one of them would do. A locksmith was suggested, which seemed to be the only recourse.

Finally a bystander asked if she had tried the latch. She replied in a spiritless voice, "No, but I will." She did, and found that the door had been unlocked all the time, and walked in.

What an apt illustration this is of the anxious soul, in his desire to approach God. He stands without, with his mind full of doubts and fears as to his reception. He believes there are many difficulties to be overcome before he may gain entrance, when in reality the door is not only unlocked but stands wide open with a cordial invitation to enter.

The Lord Jesus became a mediator, and made peace by the blood of His cross. His love led Him to take the sinner's place, and suffer the penalty of his sins, as the Prophet declares,

"The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

It is thus that God has settled the question of sin. It is in this way that the door has been opened, making it possible for the guilty sinner to freely come to God in the full assurance of forgiveness and acceptance.

"God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Il imsel f, not imputing their trespasses unto them." 2 Cor. 5:1t.

Now that every hindrance has been removed, one has only to believe what God says and simply enter the door of salvation.

"Whosoever will may come." Christ is at this moment beseeching you to come to Him and be saved.

Messages of God’s Love 2/9/1930

The Pleasure of Doing Good

Dear, dear," sighed old Mr. Brown, "I am so tired of sitting here day after day; nothing to do but to think of my pain. I can't even read now, my eyes are so dim; and Sunday is the hardest day of all, it is so quiet."

Just then the door bell rang, and Mary came in and said, "Would you like to hear singing? Some young folks at the door want to know?"

"Yes, yes; tell them to come in," was the delighted reply; and in came half a dozen bright young faces smiling upon the lonely man.

One said, "We thought as you cannot go out, perhaps you would like to have us sing to you."

"Yes, yes, I can never go to meeting again. I have no children to sing to me now; Fannie is in the far west, and dear Henry has gone to be with the Lord."

They were well known hymns that the young people sang and how sweetly they sounded. Tears ran down the face of the old man as he listened. He had been ill for a long time, irritable, unreasonable, unhappy. Now melted like a child, at the feet of Jesus he sat and wept.

"Shall we pray?" said a timid voice. He nodded assent, and an earnest youthful prayer was uttered and a good bye was said, and the happy little singers quietly withdrew leaving a blessing in the house, and a light to cheer the invalid for many days.

On they went to the house of one too ill to receive them into her room; but the sweet music which arose t0 her open window, seemed to her like the song of angels soothed and comforted her.

Then they called upon a child who for a long time had been unable to go out to play with other children, and her little heart was made brimful of delight, not only because the singing was "sweetest she ever heard," but "to think they cared so much for little me." The thought of that visit was a happy memory.

It took only an hour for these calls, and I am sure those young people who made them were fully repaid for their efforts. This was one of many hours spent in a similar way. Are there not other young people who could in like manner scatter happiness?

"Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Heb. 13:15, 16..

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. 6:10.

Messages of God’s Love 2/9/1930

Whiter Than Snow

There's a beautiful word I often have heard,

Its meaning I wish much to know

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

About being "whiter than snow."

It puzzles me much to think there is such,

For whiteness there's nothing I know

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

Then what can be "whiter than snow?"

The snow-drop looks brown with its head drooping down

On white winter border below,

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

The claim to be "whiter than snow."

But a child cannot find the depths of God's mind;

To a wiser than I, I will go,

Arid ask Him to tell, for I'd like to know well,

Of this wonderful "whiter than snow."

But can God behold, as I have been told,

A child who's so little and low?

And can it be true, if I am made new,

That I shall be "whiter than snow?"

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

Since washed in the blood that did flow

So freely to cleanse away the dark stains,

And make me far "whiter than snow."

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

And in love and wisdom to grow;

From sin undefiled, O Lord, keep Thy child,

Who is washed, and made "whiter than snow."

"WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW." Psa. 51:7.

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/16/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 1.

The one-hundred and fifty Psalms were written at various times, and by a number of men; like all of the Bible, they were given by the inspiration of God, the Holy Spirit moving the persons who wrote them to write what, in general, expressed their own feelings at the time, feelings made theirs by the same Divine Person.

Some of the Psalms, in their expressions, go quite beyond the experience of the writers; Psalm 22 is an example of this,—it tells of the sufferings of Christ on the cross.

The Psalms have been exactly arranged according to an order clearly seen, so that they foretell the position and the feelings of the Jews in that fast approaching time when they will turn to God in their own land of Palestine.

The Psalms are really five sections or books, and in the Hebrew they are shown that way.

Book 1 includes the first 41 Psalms. Book 2 includes Psalms 42 to 72. Book 3 takes in Psalms 73 to 89. Book 4 comprises Psalms 90 to 106. Book 5, Psalms 107 to 150.

Book 1 is occupied with the state of the God-fearing Jews, among the ungodly ones in Judea.

Book 2 tells that they have left Jerusalem, which is given over to wickedness.

Book 3 shows Israel (the nation) restored to their land, but not yet fully blessed.

Book 4, the Lord appears as their Messiah.

Book 5 is more general; it is a sort of summing up, ending with the fullest praise to God for His goodness and mercy.

Psalm 1 with the second, forms an introduction to all the Psalms.

Psalms 3 to 8 are also introductory.

The first Psalm speaks of the godly Jew, but it is certain that the only person of whom it gives a true description, the only one of whom it ever was really true, is He upon whom the heavens were opened, (Mark 1:9, 11); as man the Son of God took His, place among the godly few of Israel (Matthew 3:15); He was the truly separate one, apart from all the "counsel" of the wicked, and the "way" of sinners, and the company of scorners.

The Word of God was His delight, and He, as a tree planted by brooks of water, gave His fruit in its season, whether it was to meet Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4:1, 13); or Nicodemus the Jewish ruler with uneasy heart seeking Him by night ( John 3); or the lawyer of Luke 10:25; or the chief priests, scribes and elders in Mark 11:27. In Him all was perfection.

The last two verses speak of judgment sure to come, when the wicked shall not "stand," and their "way" shall perish.

Is there anything the world thinks less of than the judgment of God? Ample warning of it is given in the Bible; it is certain (Hebrews 9:27); the time is fixed (Acts 17:30, 31), and its fearful, unsparing character is told (1 Peter 4:17, 18; Revelation 20: 11, 15).

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.

Messages of God’s Love 2/16/1930

The Important Question

QUESTIONS are not always asked to gain information. Frequently the object is to draw others out, and to test their knowledge on any subject.

Such was the object in view, when a thoughtful Christian woman asked her nephew,

"When does one cease to be a lost sinner?"

Now we wonder what answer the reader would give to this question? Perhaps he would think one would cease to be a lost sinner when he reformed and left off sinning.

His answer to his aunt's question was, "When one gets to be a saved sinner." And let us ask how this is brought about. The answer is very simple,

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

All the work that was necessary for our salvation was done by Him, and we have only to believe and accept Him as our own Saviour.

Such a one can be called saved when the sins of which he had been guilty, have been washed away by the blood of Jesus, or covered, as another verse of Scripture says,

"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Rom. 1:7,8.

What a wonderful condition to be in, to have one's sins entirely blotted out, and not to be brought up against him forever. And this is true now of every one whose faith and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The aged apostle Paul could say, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This was to say that he took no credit to himself for his salvation, but• he owed all his blessings, both present and future, to the Lord Jesus, and what He had done for him by dying on the cross.

So it is with us, our own efforts will avail nothing to put our sins away, but the blood of Jesus can remove them as far as the east is from the west, making the soul pure and beautiful in His sight.

So we see that it is by faith in Christ and His atoning death that one ceases to be a lost sinner (A condition in which all are born). The same act of faith makes him a child of God, and it is his privilege to have the assurance of salvation, for the Word of God speaks with no uncertain sound,

"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.

Saved through the blood of Jesus,

Saved from the curse of sin,

Saved now to share Christ's glory,

Are all who trust in Him.

Joy is among the angels,

And in the heart of God,

As each unworthy sinner

Trusts in the precious blood.

Messages of God’s Love 2/16/1930

The Little Girl Who Was Bought

I AM going to tell you, dear little ones, about a child of seven years old, who was bought, and O what a price was paid for her. It was not money, but something of far greater value. It was blood—the blood of the only One who could buy or redeem a soul, the Son of God Himself,

Two ladies were sitting on the beach one day in a pleasant seaside place, when they noticed a little girl playing about among the boats which were drawn up on the shore. She was quite alone, but seemed very happy, and looked particularly neat and clean, though a simple cottage child. One of the ladies felt inclined to speak to her, and soon they made friends. The child said her name was Flossie, and she was seven years old. When asked if she went to Sunday-school, she said,

"Yes."

"And what does Flossie hear about there?"

"The Son of God," was the prompt answer,

"And can Flossie tell me what the Son of God did for her when He was here in this world?"

"He paid a price for me," was the sweet answer the little one made. After this she went back to her play among the boats, and began to sing a happy little hymn about heaven, and going to be with the Lord Jesus.

The ladies used to look out for little Flossie, but never saw her again. But there is a day coming when they will meet in the presence of the Lord Jesus, "where all is light, and joy, and love."

'Dear boys or girls who read this story, will you be there too? Jesus is ready to receive you, as He did Flossie. His heart is as full of love for the little ones as it was when on earth He rebuked those who were sending the children away. His precious blood will wash away your sins too, and make you lit to live in His presence for ever.

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,.. .. but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot." 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

Messages of God’s Love 2/16/1930

I Don't Want It

Some time ago I was out walking with two of my children, and we had with us a packet of booklets which we were giving away to the children in the streets of a very busy town. It was market day, and there were great crowds everywhere.

My little girl, who is only six years old, saw two other girls coming along, and offered the elder of the two a small book.

The child did not take it, but asked the question,

"What is it about?" My little girl replied,

"It is about God."

To our surprise the child who was not more than ten years old, replied quickly and sharply,

"I don't want it," and hurried off with her smaller companion.

We were all very sorry she had refused to take the book, for it looked as if she did not want to know about God, and if this was really the case, it was a very sad thing.

Are there indeed any people who do not want God, He who is Light and who is Love? Can they say that they do not want the God who sent His only beloved Son to die on the cross that all our sins might be forgiven, and that we might know Him and love Him forever?

Not to know God is to live in darkness, and to perish in darkness forever. To know Him is to love Him.

May all who read this get to know Him while they are young. God wants the children, even the little girl who said so sharply,

"I don't want it."

"Because I have called and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded." Prov. 1:24.

"I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." Prov. 1:26.

"Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me." Prov. 1:28.

"But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." Prov, 1:33.

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/16/1930

Johnny's Black Hands

O! JOHNNY! look at your hands, black! black! black! You have been playing with the pots and kettles. Now you must get soap and water

and wash those little black hands.

How fortunate for our little boy, and for us too, that we have something to remove the dirt and stain§ we get on our hands and faces But do you know there is stain that nothing on earth can remove? That is the stain of sin.

Long, long ago, there was a man named Job who realized he needed to be cleansed

from the stain of sin, and he knew he could not cleanse himself for he said,

"If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt Thou (God) plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me." Job. 9:31, 32.

And we read also,

"For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much sope, yet thine iniquity is marked before Me, saith the Lord God." Jer. 2:22. And did you ever read this wonderful verse?

"Though ye have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." Psa. 68:13. Now if we look at another verse,

"THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN." 1 John 1: 7.

We see what can cleanse away the stain of sin for all who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His precious blood shed on Calvary's cross.

So you see all our efforts to remove the stain of sin are useless and vain.

"Without the shedding of blood is no remission." Heb.:22.

Did you ever hear the "snow prayer"? King David said,

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7.

Have you been washed in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Messages of God’s Love 2/23/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 2.

If Psalm 1 shows the godly few among the Jews in the last days, and their blessing, as distinct as can be from the ungodly, it holds out the promise of judgment upon the wicked.

The second Psalm lets us know that all the plots and plans of the wicked will be brought to nothing by God's Anointed One, His King, His Son.

We may turn to Revelation 13 for the New Testament prophecy corresponding to what is told in verses 1 to 3. It is a solemn thing to consider, that God's Word shows beyond any doubt in many passages, that the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God will be rejected by mankind, who will turn away entirely from God and Christ, and believe Satan's lies.

The Revelation, chapters 19, 20; Jude; 2 Thessalonians chapters 1, 2; and many other scriptures declare that the present course of this world will end in the appearing of the Lord Jesus to judge the wicked, and set up His kingdom, as is intimated in Psalm 2,

The "people" in verse 1 are the races of mankind, kings and princes, perhaps already, and certainly soon will, want to have nothing to do with God and his Son.

We know from 2 Thessalonians 2 That there is a restraint on the world (verse 7) which will be removed, and then the lawless one shall be revealed.

When the Church of God is taken away at the coming of the Lord, and this event may occur at any moment, that of which Psalm 2 speaks, will shortly follow.

Notice, there is no thought of mercy in this Psalm; the wicked have had their opportunity to be saved, and have neglected it to their eternal loss.

Pharaoh (Exodus Chapters 5, 12) was shown signs and wonders six times, and each time he hardened his heart against God. After that, God hardened Pharoah's heart, his day of mercy was over. (See Hebrews 3:7 to 4:13).

"Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee" (Hebrews 1:7), refers to the Lord's birth as Mary's son in Bethlehem (See Matthew 1:20, 23 and 2:15; Luke 1:32 and 35; 2:49; Romans 1:3, 4; Hebrews 1). The Son born in time, is the Son from eternity, as these same Scrip tures show,—Him of whom John 3:11, 18, 35, 36 and 5:17, 47 tell.

Compare.. verse 8 of our Psalm with Verse 12 of Isaiah 53; Joel 3; Psalm 110. The Lord has not yet asked for the inheritance. In John 17 He asked not for that (see verse 9), but about those whom the Father had given Him, when He was about to leave the world.

But when the time for reigning has come, Jerusalem will be the world's center, and Christ its king. Then will be irresistable power (verse 9), pUtting down all that resist Him.

In this Psalm, though the nations are spoken of, the rebellious Jews are included in the judgment that is foretold, for they will be joined with the Gentile enemies.

"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him," a good word for any one at any time; but it is fearfully solemn to think of what eternal loss awaits those who will not put their trust in Him!

Messages of God’s Love 2/23/1930

Ruth's Persecution

PERSECUTION. That is a big word. Do you know, what it means? Ruth was finding out.

Ruth had been a happy little Christian for three whole months. She had been saved on her tenth birthday. So although she was a ten year old girl she was only a three months old babe in the family of God.

Ruth's home was with her grandmother. Grandmother had given her some very precious Scripture texts and mottoes to hang up in her own little room. One of them was her "Rules For Today."

"Do nothing that you would not like to be doing when Jesus comes."

"Go to no place where you would not like to be found when Jesus comes."

"Say nothing that you would not like to be saying when Jesus comes."

Ruth earnestly tried to remember those things. It was easy at home with grandmother to help her, but at school it was quite difficult. Her playmates did not understand. Even her teacher did not seem to understand. And her dearest friend Emily was the worst of all.

Emily and Ruth had always been chums. Ruth so longed to have her friend with her in seeking to live for Christ. But Emily would have none of it. It seemed she even tried to make Ruth stumble and fall.

One day the trials had been harder than usual. Ruth ran home from school, and shut herself in her room. Then what do you think she did?

She snatched down her lovely mottoes, and turned them every one face to the wall. Then she threw herself on the bed, and cried and cried. She did not even hear her grandmother's soft tap on the door.

After a while Ruth got up and wiped her eyes. Now she felt a little ashamed of herself, Then she looked at the wall,— and then she truly was ashamed.

"O, O!" Ruth gasped, "how could I do such a thing!"

She went quickly and turned the mottoes back as they should be. Then she cried again, but in an entirely different way. The tears just rolled down her cheeks as she knelt by her bed, and told her Lord all about it. Pretty soon she went to find her grandmother.

Grandmother sat in her low rocker by the window, She smiled lovingly at her granddaughter, Ruth brought a stool, and sat down close to grandmother's knee.

"And how is my little girl?" asked grandmother.

"She is a very naughty girl, grandmother," answered Ruth with a little tremble in her voice.

"Well, we are all naughty children sometimes," said grandmother. "How much patience the dear Lord has with us!"

"O, not you, grandmother," cried Ruth quickly. "You never had a naughty thought, did you?"

"Yes, dearie, many of them, I am sorry to say. You know, when we are born into God's family, and the lovely new nature is given to us, our old naughty nature still remains with us, and it gets us into trouble whenever it can."

"I—I guess that explains what I did," said Ruth after a minutes thought. And she told how she had turned her mottoes to the wall.

"Do you think the Lord will forgive me?" asked Ruth.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins," quoted grandmother,

"I did confess, grandma. I told Him all about it," said Ruth.

"Then He has forgiven you. His Word says so, and that settles the question."

"But grandmother, I don't want Emily and the others to hate me. What can I do?"

"They hated our Lord. They crucified Him, Are we better than He? We may expect them to hate us," said grandmother reverently.

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you." John 15:18.

"We can pray for them, dearie. Have you asked the Lord to make Emily His child?"

"I am afraid I haven't, much," confessed Ruth. "But I am going to now every day. Won't it be lovely when Emily is saved too!"

That evening when Ruth went to her room, she found a new text hanging near her dresser. It was this:

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:12.

Messages of God’s Love 2/23/1930

Disobedient Nellie

NELLIE left her home on a December morning for school, happy and gay, giving her mother her usual kiss.

"Do not go on the ice, Nellie clear, it is not safe," were her mother's words, as she ran down the avenue after her child, warning her of a danger she feared might tempt her by the way.

Nellie waved her hand and nodded her head, then started off again over the crisp, snow.

By the side of the road there was a small lake, and as Nellie came up alongside of it, she saw several school-girls sliding on the ice.

"Come on, Nell," shouted one, but Nellie remembering her mother's words, shook her head.

"Ha, you're afraid the ice will break," shouted the other, "poor little coward: if it bears us, it will bear you."

This was the tempter's voice, and if Nellie had been wise, she would have taken no notice: but foolish girl, she leaped over the fence and jumped on the ice, to show them she was no coward, and thought herself very brave, no doubt.

But her triumph was only for a mornent or two; disobedience does not go unpunished, and while Nellie was showing her bravery by sliding along in front of her schoolmates, she did not observe a crack in the ice until she plunged into the water. Her shrill cry brought three men from an adjoining field, who with difficulty got her out, dripping wet, shivering with cold.

She was wrapped in a great coat and carried home, much ashamed.

Nellie never forgot that morning's disobedience; she learned how unsafe it is to listen to the tempter's voice; and now saved by believing on Christ as her Saviour, she is often warned by the remembrance of that incident of her school days, not to take one step out of the narrow way, into forbidden paths, which, however pleasant, always end in sorrow.

By fair promises, Satan seeks to lead the sinner clown to death and hell. Beware reader, lest He lead you there.

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20.

Messages of God’s Love 2/23/1930

Praise the Saviour

Children, join to praise the Saviour,

Praise Him, who from love came down:

Let your hearts as well as voices,

Sing aloud of His renown.

O, what hymns they sing in glory!

"Worthy is the Lamb once slain;"

How they praise in ceaseless measure

Him, who suffered grief and pain!

It will be our happy portion,

With the countless throng above,

Day and night to sing unwearied,

Hymns of praise to Him we love.

Messages of God’s Love 2/23/1930

Bible Questions for March

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

"But when he saw," etc. Matt. 3:7.

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

"And, behold," etc. " 8:2.

"But he answered," etc. " 4:4.

"Behold, a virgin," etc. " 1:23.

"But lay up," etc. " 6:20.

7a. "Enter ye in," etc. " 7:13.
b. "Because strait," etc. " 7:14.

Bible Questions for March
"The Children's Class"

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

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

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Not to be ministered unto."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "I know that ye seek Jesus."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Forbid them not."

What verse tells of children in the temple praising the Lord Jesus?

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Gathered thy children together."

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

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

Matt. 4:24.

"Saviour." Matt. 1:21.

Few. Matt. 7:14:'

By quoting'1he Word of God. Matt. <'4:4, 7, 10.

We must not mix law and grace-Judaism and Christianity. Matt. 9:17.

No. Matt. 7:22.

Under the bushel (business). Matt. 5:15.

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

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

What is the secret of being exalted in the kingdom of God?

What reward does a believer get fnr forsaking family and comforts for Christ?

When the kingdom of God was taken from the Jews, to whom was it given?

When does the love of many wax cold?

What is the secret of being great in the kingdom of God?

Why did the bidden guests not come to the marriage dinner?

List seven indignities which our Lord suffered at the hands of man.

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 3 and 4.

The third Psalm, expressing David's feelings when he fled from before his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel, chapters 15. 17, has been made by the Holy Spirit the first of a second series of introductory Psalms (verses 3 to 8).

Psalms 3 to 7 tell the feelings of the small number of the Jews who will look to God for salvation when His heavenly people (the believers in Christ in this present age) have been taken away from the earth (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4), and Palm 8 gives God's answer to the prayers included in the five preceding Psalms.

The expressions used in Psalms 3 and 4 were surely somewhat the Lord's own feelings as He took His place with the godly Jews in His path from Nazareth to Calvary. None knew rejection as He did. Although the crass is not particularly in view in Psalm 3,, we may compare verses 2 and 3 with Matthew 27:39, 44.

These Psalms also express the sufferings of the godly in Israel in a future time.

The word: "Selab" (verse 2) found often in the Psalms and also in Habakkuk 3, has not been entirely explained, but it seems to mark a place to pause and consider what has been said.

The close of the third Psalm (verses 7 and 8) expresses the confidence of faith that the enemies will surely be destroyed, and that God's people will be blessed, because salvation is of the Lord.

Confidence in God is the theme of the third Psalm; and dependence on Him, and godliness and righteousness the theme of the fourth.

"Neginoth” in the heading of the fourth Psalm, and in six others„ is understood to mean "on stringed instruments."

The "sons of men," (verse 2), are the great ones of the earth; they are reminded that God has set apart the godly for Himself. He will hear when the one who speaks (it is Christ as man, first), calls to Him.

In verses 4 and 5 the Spirit of Christ is speaking to the believing Jews, the remnant, as they are called; they are told how they should live.

"Sacrifices of righteousness" (verse 5) may be compared with Psalm 51, verses 16, 17 and 19.

In verse 6, notice "us",—this is surely Christ joining with the remnant, in spirit.

Verse 7 is remarkable; it is a time of great trial, yet the writer declares that he has now happiness more than in the day when all was outwardly well. How can this be? It is because of the knowledge of the truth expressed in verse 3.

In these two Psalms, and in the three directly following, the general state of the godly remnant is set out, without telling their circumstances. We shall come to their real circumstances farther on, D. V.

It must be remembered that those for whom, and of whom, the Psalms were written, will not know the forgiveness of sins and acceptance with God, as the Christian does, Their hopes are of the rejected Messiah's coming back to the earth to set up His kingdom, and put down all enemies, This He will do, we know from many Scriptures, but the Christian's hope is centered upon the coming of the Lord to call away the living saints, and raise the dead, as so expressively told in 1 Thessalonians 4.

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

No Room

We were traveling one day in a bus, when a lady on the street hailed it. The conductor looked inside, and seeing there were no vacant seats, called out,—"No Room."

We shall not soon forget the look of disappointment on the lady's face as she heard the unwelcome tidings.

But then, it was not a very great matter after all, for there would be another to follow, which would probably be able to give her a seat, though it necessitated waiting for some time.

"When the Lord Jesus comes and takes away all those who have trusted Him as their own Saviour, He will then shut the door on all who reject Him. Many will then call to Him,

"Lord. Lord, open to us," but he will say to them,

"I know you not."

There will never be another chance for them to be saved. It will be too late then.

To them He will come "in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1:8.

O, dear children, come to Him now, while there is room.

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

The Wages of Sin is Death

THE Chinese do not have nice cemeteries like we have, with nice graves, nicely kept, and a nice stone monument, and perhaps flowers.

When a person dies in China they bury them almost anywhere out on the hillside.

One dear little boy whom I loved very much, died. He was about ten years old, and they just threw his little body into a gravel pit, and scraped a little gravel over it. But God watches over that little body, and someday it will rise again.

"The wages of sin is death." We all have sinned, you have sinned, and I have, and our wages, your wages, is death. And after death, what then? 0, then comes the judgment, and then the second death, the lake of fire.

But you say, "I don't like to hear about that. I don't want to die, and I don't want to go into the lake of fire."

No, and God does not want you to either, but you have earned your wages, and they must be paid.

Death is called in the Bible "The King of Terrors." We all naturally hate death, and love life. How can we get life? We have already earned: death. Can we earn life?

If you are very, very good, and never, never naughty again, will that earn life? Will life be your wages? No. You have earned death. Death is your wages, and you never, never, can earn life, but the free gift of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is eternal life.

You can't get eternal life by working for it.

You can't get eternal life by being good.

You can't get eternal life as wages. But you can have it as a gift, a free gift. You may have it today.

God loves you, and He does not want you to be lost. He is offering Eternal Life to you. He says,

"My own dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, took your wages, Death, and now He gives you Life." Will you have it?

LIFE, DEATH. ETERNAL LIFE, ETERNAL DEATH!

Stop and think, what those words mean, remember it is your very own self, your own soul, which is worth more than all the world, we are talking about, and remember, your soul lives forever.

"The Free Gift of God is Eternal Life." Will you take it?

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

Watchful Waiting

ONE Sunday morning, my friend, Mr. Lewis, entered a church and sat down to wait for the service to begin. He had left, as usual, his big dog Medor, at the door. All at once Mr. Lewis realized that he did not have his umbrella with him; he must have left it near the door, but, not wishing to disturb anyone, he decided to wait and inquire before leaving.

At the close of the service, he went toward a bench not far from the door, to his great satisfaction, he saw the umbrella leaning against it, and in front of it was Medor, who, evidently had stayed there the whole time without moving. He was resting his head on the seat and was perfectly still. He must have recognized his master's umbrella, and felt that he should guard it.

Are you, little saved boy or girl, as faithful to your Lord and Master as Medor was to his?

"BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS WHOM THE LORD, WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING." Luke 12:37.

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

The Saviour for Me

Christ is the Saviour of sinners,

Christ is the Saviour for me;

Long I was chained in sin's darkness

Now by His grace I am free.

Now I can say I am pardoned,

Happy and justified, free,

Saved by my blessed Redeemer;

This is the Saviour for me.

Just as I was He, received me,

Seeking from judgment to flee,

Now there is no condemnation;

This is the Saviour for me.

Loved with a love that's unchanging,

Blessed with all blessings so free,

How shall I tell out His praises?

This is the Saviour for me.

Soon shall the glory be dawning,

Then when His face I shall see,

Sing, O my soul, in thy gladness,

This is the Saviour for me.

Messages of God’s Love 3/2/1930

The Conversion of a Japanese Thief

OME years ago, the chaplain of the prison of Kushiro, Japan, noticed that one of the prisoners, with a singularly somber face, had a New Testament, and although he could not read, he carried it always with him. This surprised Mr. Hara., the chaplain, who asked the prisoner how he came by his book. The man replied simply,

"I care a great deal about it."

Wondering still, Mr. Hara tried to find out more.

"Well," said the prisoner, "I am a sinner! But the book will keep me from sinning." He then told his story.

He had spent the greater part of his life in sin. He was a burglar. One day, he arranged with another thief to operate in a missionary school at Yokohama. They were to enter the girls' dormitories, and lay hands on all the clothes and money they could find.

They selected a dark night. They entered by a kitchen window, and went upstairs. As they went, Maki, this was his name, heard the sound of voices.

"What is that?" he asked his companion, thinking they were discovered. The other answered, laughing,

"It is somebody praying. They are afraid, and are asking God to protect them."

As they entered the dormitory, they saw one of the girls on her knees praying. They caught her clothing. The young girl looked up, and said quietly,

"Please leave me this garment, my mother made it, and sent it to me." As the object had no great value, they gave it back to her.

"Please take this instead, and read it," she added as she offered them a small book. But they threw it aside, thinking they could not make use of it.

Maki hid for three days, then risked going to see his accomplice. The latter had been arrested, and in his home, Maki found a policeman who arrested him. The next day he was brought before the chief of police in the presence of his victims.

"Do you recognize this?" he was asked and was shown the book. "It is the book they gave you in the dormitory. These ladies have heard of your arrest, and they have brought the book to offer it to you again. You are guilty, but this book will lead you to repentance; and the Christians treat their enemies with kindness."

Maki was impressed, but he knew nothing of Jesus. He did not know that He teaches us to do good to all. As he thought much about that, he resolved he would lead a new life.

Mr. Hara spoke to him of the Saviour, prayed with him, and resolved to teach him to read. As Maki was eager to learn, he progressed rapidly, and soon was able to read the Word of God for himself.

These blessed truths penetrated into his heat t and conscience. He accepted Christ as his Saviour, and he rejoiced in Him. He became "a new man" in Christ.

His New Testament was more precious to him now than ever.

"I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVA. TION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH." Rom. 1:16.

Messages of God’s Love 3/9/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 5.

“NEHILOTH," in the heading of the fifth Psalm, is thought by some to refer to a wind instrument of music, but its meaning is not certain.

Psalm 5 shows the very earnest wish of the godly remnant of the Jews in the coming day, to have their ways according to God, pleasing to Him.

The true knowledge of God always leads the believer to correct his ways. There are many examples of this in the Word of God, and many precepts such as are found in 1. Peter 1:13, 25.

"In the morning," verse 3, these poor tried saints will not wait until the day is over to present their prayers to God. The habit of praying (and reading the Word of God) before the day's cares and duties begin is a very good one for the children of God of all ages, and at all seasons. And the fervent (or operative) supplication of the righteous man, has much power ( James 5:16, New Translation).

God will hear the prayers of those who ask to be led in His righteousness (verse 8), and He will bless the righteous, and surround them with favor as with a shield (verse 12),

He is not a God who has pleasure in wickedness (verse 4). Insolent fools shall not stand before His eyes (verse 5), and He will destroy them that speak lies (verse 6).

It is God's loving kindness that has made it possible for poor sinners to enter His house (verse 7), as John 3:16, and other passages tell so plainly; not on the principle of works which have been done in righteousness which we had done, but according to His own mercy has God saved those that believe (Titus 3:4, 8 New Translation).

The ninth verse gives the truth about the enemies of God and of His people; it seems strange to a Christian, however, to read such words as are in verse 10, but these are not Christians for whom these words are written.

The Christian is never taught to pray that the wicked shall be punished. The blessed Lord gave us an example that we who belong to Him should follow in His words when He was crucified,

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. And the first martyr Stephen, followed Him when he cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:60.

But when the day has come, for which the Psalms were written, the judgments, long withheld, will be about to fall. Then will the Lord in righteousness, judge and make war (Revelation 19:11).

Verses 11 and 12 are, blessed be God, forever true of those who trust in the living and true God.

"And all that trust in Thee shall rejoice: forever shall they shout joyously, and Thou wilt protect them; and they that love Thy name shall exult in Thee. For Thou, Jehovah, wilt bless the righteous man; with favor wilt _Thou surround him as with a shield." (New Translation).

Messages of God’s Love 3/9/1930

Stewart and Willie

STEWART and Willie were schoolboys. They walked to and from school together, and often spent the evenings with one another.

I met the two boys one night at the close of a Children's meeting. Stewart was sitting close to the .wall, looking so serious that I was certain something was troubling him. Sitting down by his side, I asked,

"Well, Stewart, is your soul saved yet? Can you look forward to being with Jesus in that bright and happy home where they see His face?"

He raised his head, and with such an earnest look—his big blue eyes peering into mine—he slowly replied,

"I cannot say that, sir; but I would like to be saved, and I have been trying all I can since last Friday night."

"And what have you been doing, Stewart?" I asked.

"When I went home from the meeting last Friday, I told my parents I would like to be saved, and they told me if I was good, and did what I was bidden, and keep God's commandments, I would be saved, and get to heaven; and they said that was in the Bible; and so Willie and I have made up our minds to do it, and we will try and live as well as we can for the time to come," answered the boy.

The decided manner in which the little fellow spoke left no doubt on my mind that he was really in earnest about his salvation; but it was sad to think he had been put upon the wrong track to find it, by those who ought to have been able to guide him. For you know they were entirely mistaken, and had told little Stewart what was not true.

There is no part of the Bible that says, Boys and Girls will get to heaven if they be "good" and "keep the commandments," but I'll tell you what it does say. It says there is "none good," but that everyone has broken the commandments, and that all are therefore under the curse. Just read Romans 3:9, 19, and Galatians 3:10, and you will see.

When I told the dear boy this, his blue eyes filled with tears, and he sobbed bitterly—for, after all his reformation, he saw that he was unfit for heaven, and could not go there.

"And what shall we do then, sir?" he asked seriously.

"You can do nothing, Stewart, because you are ruined sinners; but if you both come close I will let you read in my Bible what Jesus has done for you."

The boys drew near, and we turned and read in Isaiah 53. This is a chapter that tells about the sufferings of Jesus, when He died on the cross for sinners.

"Now all this was for lost sinners," I said, "and He suffered and died that they might go free. I am saved by His work, and not by mine. Do you believe that Jesus died for you?"

"Yes, I do, for I am a sinner," said Stewart.

"You are quite sure you believe?" "Quite sure, sir."

"Well, now, let us see what Jesus says of those that believe." We turned to John 6:47. There Jesus says,

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life."

"What does He say you have, Stewart?!

"Everlasting life, sir, everlasting life," said the boy, and the cloud passed from his face as he said it.

'thought it best to leave the Word of God with the two boys, and not to press them' to Say, they believed; and soon after we parted.

Next evening, a good while before meeting time, my" two 'little friends were there. I asked Stewart how it stood with him now.

"Saved, sir, saved, and Willie here, too. He saw it first, and we are both happy now."

"What did your parents say about it?" "Not much, sir; but they said they saw a change in us."

The two little soldiers go on rejoicing, and they have already suffered for their Master's sake.

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

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

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Rom. 5:9.

Messages of God’s Love 3/9/1930

How Jim the Stable Boy Was Converted

A CHRISTIAN groom, whose sleeping apartment was shared by a country boy, who worked in the stables, read a chapter of God's Word, sang a hymn, and prayed before going to bed every night.

Some of the servants who had no fear of God, or love for His Word, threw stones at him, rapped at the door, and made other disturbances to annoy the Christian; but he went on reading, singing and praying, and they, possibly ashamed, and any rate defeated, ceased to trouble him.

Jim, the stable boy, who at first was among the scoffers, and remained outside until the praying was over, began to come in early, and willingly listened to the groom reading the Bible. By and by, he knelt while he prayed, and before long was converted. Then two voices were heard singing, and the servants whispered,

"Jim is converted."

He did not hide it, but boldly confessed Christ as his Saviour.

The groom helped Jim, leading him on in the ways of the Lord, and before long they began a weekly meeting for the preaching of the Gospel in a laborer's house on the estate, and God used their efforts in the salvation of several members of that family.

Jim became a gifted and able preacher, and on a farm, where he has lived for many years, his light still shines, and his lips tell forth the story of redeeming love.

If you have not been converted, turn now to the Lord, receive Him as your Saviour. Then go forth testifying of Him.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:9.

Messages of God’s Love 3/9/1930

Watering Time

NOTHING seems to appeal more to lovers of nature than cattle; their soft eye, and gentle ways, and the peculiar grace of their own. The finger of God may easily be seen wherever one looks in nature,

There is another thing one loves to see,. and that is,—the faithful care the farmer takes of his stock. In some instances it is done from natural liking for them; others, from a. financial stand point, but the Christian should care for his animals through the desire to serve the Lord as that which He has given him to do; remembering that scripture,

"Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men." Col, 3:23,

The Christian, therefore, who does all his duties in this way, is the happy person,

You may be a child at school, or working for some one, whichever it may be, the Lord wants you to do all as for Him and His glory. So the child at school should think, the Lord would have me do my work perfectly, and every lesson should be learned perfectly.

The farmer, you will notice, is always on the spot when it is feeding time. He knows his cattle must have food and water.

May all who know the Lord seek to

be faithful in their duties, and do them as to the Lord who is their Master, and thus bear a proper testimony before the world.

The first thing our young friends are told in Scripture to do is,

"CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PAR. ENTS IN ALL THINGS: FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD," Col, 3:20.

Messages of God’s Love 3/16/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 6.

“NEGINOTH" in the heading of this. Psalm means "on stringed instruments;" the meaning of "Sheminith" is perhaps "upon the octave" or "with eight strings." Under the stress of sore trial, the Jewish saints of the coming day will plead with God for relief.

Well may God be angry with the Jews, for they rejected and killed their Messiah, and took the guilt of it in their awful words, "His blood be on us, and on our children." Matthew 27:25.

For a description of the day that is soon to dawn for this world, and particularly for the Jews, see the prophecy of Zephaniah.

"0 Lord, how long?" ask the believing Jews, How long shall it be before their Messiah comes again, and to reign? They do not deny that what shall then have come upon them of affliction from God, is because of the sins of the people. But they are in heart separated from the ungodly, as verses 7, 8 and 10, particularly show, and so they look for mercy.

In the spirit of Matthew 21:9, 13, they wait, not for the resurrection moment (1 Corinthians 15:51, 58) as Christians do, Dr should, but for the promised "end" to which they look.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13) from wrath, and brought into blessing in the kingdom which the Lord will set up on earth. So they pray that they might live and not die. This is a proper Jewish hope, at such a time, but very different from the Christian hope, as given in Philippians 1:21, 23,

Verse 5 is not a revelation by God, but the expression of man's ignorance. In the gospel of Luke, 16:19, 31, the Lord Jesus told about the place where the dead are, and we see there that there is memory after death.

"The grave," (verse 5) is from a Hebrew word, "Sheol," which means the place where the dead are, that is spoken of in Luke 16. This word is translated "the grave" nine times, and "hell" seven times, in the Psalms. This word occurs 65 times in the Old Testament, and the translators 31 Times made it "the grave," and 31 Times they translated it as "hell," 3 times they called it "the pit."

Hell, the place of the lost for eternity, is not often named in God's Word. It is hardly mentioned in the Old Testament, but the Lord Jesus named it 10 times in the goSpels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and it is given the awful name of "the lake of fire" in the Revelation (chapters 19, 20 and 21).

Those who are the Lord's and die, are "absent from the body, present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). For them to die is "gain," and to be "with Christ" (Philippians 1:21, 23). Also Luke 23:43; they "sleep in Jesus" their bodies, (not their souls or spirits sleeping), and they will receive the resurrection body at the coming of the Lord in the same moment with those who are living when the Lord comes (1 Corinthians 15;51, 53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18).

As regards those who die unsaved, we have, beside the account given by the Lord in Luke 16, Samuel's word to Saul in 1 Samuel 28:19; 1 Peter 3:19; and Revelation 20:12.

No one is, we believe, yet in hell (the lake of fire), though those who have died unsaved evidently, (from Luke 16) know that they are under the judgment of God, as truly as those who have known Christ as their Saviour, know and enjoy the presence of the Lord, where they are now. They are entirely separate, the one from the other.

The thought of a "purgatory" is not found in Scripture; nor any opportunity for the unconverted dead to be saved.

The close of our Psalm declares that God has heard the cry of His suffering saints; He will give them their desire, as later Psalms go on to show.

Messages of God’s Love 3/16/1930

A Brave Little Maori Girl

A REMARKABLE people, both for physical strength and a certain mental alertness, are the Maoris, the aboriginal inhabitants of New Zealand,

The Maoris of today are not the warlike race they were in years gone by. In parts of the North Island there are goodly numbers of them to be found living quietly in their "pahs," or villages tilling their land.

They are easily reached with the Gospel, and as a rule are willing to listen to it. They are very hospitable, but, they in common with every other sinner, need the "Gospel of Christ."

Under the preaching of missionaries, many of the Maoris have been brought to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

A native chief, whose name was Pana, became a Christian, and, putting away his gun and spear, with which he had delighted in making war, he took for his companion the Bible, which he called his "new weapon of war." But with his fellowmen lie now desired to be at peace.

Before his conversion, he had a great enemy in another chief named Tawai. One day this man suddenly appeared, to the alarm of Pana, and of his friend the missionary. They thought, of course, that Tawai had come to fight. But it was not so. No, God's Holy Spirit had been at work in his heart also, and he had come to tell them that he was now a Christian, and that they must no longer call him Tawai, but "Moses," his new Christian name. Then he told them how this wonderful change had been brought about.

He had at home a slave-girl who had been taken from one of the mission stations, He had tried to make her forget all her Christian teaching, and had threatened to shoot her if she did not give up praying to God.

But the brave girl still prayed on, and repeated to herself the lessons she had been taught. Her master was so surprised at her courage, that at last he asked her to teach him the truths she loved so much. This she did; and God so blessed the girl's teaching and example that her master was converted, and was baptized as a Christian.

Then he went, as we have seen, to visit his former enemy, and found to his surprise and joy that Pana too was a Christian. That day was very happy for them, and also for their friend the missionary, who rejoiced to see them the next day standing together in the same class at school.

Is not the story of this little slave-girl something like that of the little captive maid who was such a blessing to her master, Naaman the Syrian?

If she could be true and fearless, what about little free girls like some of you who read these lines? Some one may laugh at you, but no one will threaten to shoot you, so you are better off than the little Maori maid. Perhaps you live in the house with someone who does not love the Lord Jesus.

First of all, be sure that you yourself have trusted Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, then start and let your light shine day by day.

After all, it is not often other people who hinder you as yourself. If your own heart were really bright and glowing, the winds of difficulty would only make it burn the more.

He wants your loving service day by day, so that you may bring honor and glory to Him; and, weak as you are, it is worth while to give yourself to the service of the One who has done so much for you,

"Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven." Matt, 10:32.

Messages of God’s Love 3/16/1930

Jimmy's in the Canal!

A LITTLE boy of four years. named Jimmy was playing-with some of his young friends, and getting tired of being at their own homes,

they wandered off and found their way to the towing path of the canal. All at once little Jimmy fell in! His playmates were too small to pull him out, and in their fright, ran back home calling out,

"Jimmy's in the canal!"

It so happened that a gentleman was passing along on business, who knew the district very well. So when he heard the children crying out, he ran straight to that part of the canal where poor little Jimmy was struggling for life. There to his surprise he saw that the child had not sunk under the water, but was paddling with is hands and feet and floating upright just like an empty bottle. His efforts kept his head and mouth out of the water, so that he was not drowning. But the more he paddled the farther he was drifting out of reach into the deep part of the canal.

How it reminds us of the poor sinner struggling to save himself from sins, and getting worse and further from God every day. He dreads the day when our Lord will return, for he feels that he will be left behind. So he goes on sadder and sadder each day. Like Jimmy, he needs a Saviour.

The gentleman did not linger on the canal bank, but stepped right into the water, which was not deep enough to cover him, and reached out his big, strong hand to Jimmy. The child grasped it with his own hands, and his paddling and struggling ceased in a moment.

There was no need for his own efforts, for a saviour, stronger than he was, had come just 'Where he was in the water, in order to lift him out, and put him safely on the bank.

In the, same way our Lord came just where the poor sinners were. He became a Man, and went to the cross to die for them. How happy, when the sinner by faith sees the Saviour close by, with His hand outstretched to save; he takes the strong hand, and is lifted from death to life, from darkness to light, from sorrow to joy.

The gentleman willingly went into the water to rescue the child, but our Lord went far deeper and had to suffer more, much more, for He had to die for us on the cross.

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

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins should live unto righteous-. ness: by Whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of God’s Love 3/16/1930

God is Always Near Me

God is always near me,

Hearing what I say;

Knowing all my thoughts and deeds,

All my work and play.

God is always near me:

In the darkest night

He can see me just the same

As by mid-day light.

God is always near me,

Though so young and small;

Not a look or word or thought,

But God knows it all.

Messages of God’s Love 3/16/1930

Pigeons

THE pigeon is a well known bird, and perhaps our little readers have often watched them as they gently and quietly picked up the grain thrown down to them; so we will not take the time to speak of their interesting habits.

Perhaps you would like to know why this bird is so frequently mentioned in the Bible. It was, along with the turtle dove which is of the pigeon tribe, often used by the poor in various sacrifices. Pigeons. are very common in Palestine, and if any persons were too poor to buy a pair for an offering, the young could easily be caught in the rocks. Thus God graciously ordered it that the poorest could obtain what they needed.

In connection with the trespass offering; if a person was too poor to bring a iamb, he was permitted to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons.

Now here we may learn a very important lesson: we, as sinners, in order to approach God, must bring a suitable sacrifice, and that Sacrifice is Christ who has offered Himself on the cross.

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many." Heb. 9;28.

Surely none can say they are too poor for that Sacrifice! It was the poor, the Lord said, who had the gospel preached unto them (Matt. 11:5). So that all are without excuse now who have not salvation, just as an Israelite would have been without excuse in his day, if he did not bring his sacrifice.

A pair of these birds were offered when the Lord was presented in the -temple when He was a babe (Luke 2:21-24). And when the Lord Jesus was a man, and was baptized of John in the river Jordan, when He came up out of the water, the IHoly Spirit descended like a dove and lighted upon Him.

The dove is a harmless, and a peaceful bird, and no doubt, in this way, God is calling our attention to His blessed Son.

"Holy, harmless, undefiled; separate from sinners," and because He was such, He was able to give Himself a sacrifice for sin.

In Isa. 9:6, we read of the Lord Jesus as "The Prince of peace" before He came into the world, and when He came as a Babe, the angels praised God and said,

"On earth PEACE, good will toward men."

But men did not want, peace, nor did they want God's Christ, and later He was crucified on the cross. But now through that same Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, all who believe in Him have the forgiveness of sins and peace with God.

Have you, dear reader, put your trust in Christ and His work on the cross? Do you have peace with God? You may have it,

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/23/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 7.

“SHIGGAION," in the heading of the Psalm is not understood. Like other Hebrew words in the Psalm titles, it may refer to the musical instruments used when the Psalms were sung, Cush the Benjamite was evidently one of David's enemies, like Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5-8), Written by David on account: of his wicked son Absalom's seeking his life.

Psalm 7 has been set in its place in this Book by the Holy Spirit as telling the feelings of the believing Jews in the latter days.

Upon reading this Psalm we are reminded of James 5:10,

"The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much," because it is a prayer of one who both trusts in God (verse 1), and is upright in heart (verse 10).

Yet the words of this Psalm could only have their fullest expression in the Lord Jesus when He went about in this world, hated without a cause, except that He exposed their wicked hearts. He was the one altogether dependent Man (see Philippians 2:8, and the whole record of His life as a man here below; Matthew 3:15; Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49, and John 18:11 are examples).

In His hands there was no iniquity (verse 3); He had freed him that without cause oppressed Him (verse 4)—this was seen in His whole life of service, and most of all in His atoning death (Isaiah 53:5 speaking of the latter as verses 3 and 4 do of His life).

Here then we may see Jesus taking His place with the godly among the Jews, perfect in all His way, and leaving an example that the godly should follow His steps, who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:21, 22).

Verses 6 to 16, as we have observed in connection with other Psalms, speak of the certain judgment of God; it will come, but such language, proper enough from God's earthly people in the coming day, is never given to the Christian, because this is the day of God's grace.

"The people," in verses 7 and 8, does not refer to the Jews, but to the Gentile nations who are going to meet God in judgment.

It will be seen that in this Psalm there is no confession of guilt, or looking for mercy; the words are those of one whose ways are pleasing- to God. Such can expect an answer to their prayers; God hears their cry (see, among many passages, Philippians 4:9).

This is the last prayer-Psalm of the series (Psalms 3 to 8), for the next one gives God's answer to the cry of His people.

Messages of God’s Love 3/23/1930

Your Fist Has Gone Through

If I put my fist through a pane of glass once, that pane of glass is broken. If I putt my fist through that same spot nine times more, I may knock out some of the jagged pieces of glass which clung to the sash-frame, and I may knock some jagged pieces into my knuckles too, but the pane of glass was broken when my fist first went through.

Your pane of glass is broken, and you can never make it whole again.

You remember that first lie, that first theft, that first sin. That broke your pane. Your first has gone through many times since, but you were a sinner from the time it went through first.

It matters little which part of the pane your fist has penetrated—the pane is broken. You may say I have not done this, or I have not done that. It is what you have done for which you must give account to God.

Whichever part of God's law you have broken you are guilty before God of having broken His law.

Whatever you do in the future cannot undo the past—you will still be a sinner—the pane of glass will still be broken. You will still be exposed to the judgment of God,

You may think your sins are smaller than the sins of others, but the fact still remains you are a sinner, and no sin can enter heaven.

Little sinners, as well as great sinners, need a Saviour.

"There is none that doeth good, no, not one." Rom. 3:12.

"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:22.

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/23/1930

Faith

PERHAPS some of our young readers have never heard the little story of the old woman's simple: faith in Him of whom the Apostle Paul says:

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

For the sake of those who may not know the story, and may like to hear it, we give it here;

A poor lone widow lived on a hillside, a long distance from any other dwelling. She had for many years learned to rest, in every difficulty and in all her need, upon Him who has said,

"Let their widows trust in Me."

It was the depth of winter, and the poor woman's stock, never very abundant, was reduced to its lowest by the difficulty of finding any employment at that season of the year.

Unlike the woman in the Hebrew story, she actually found her barrel of meal to fail, and when she had finished the last handful, she went to bed with the hope, no doubt, that she might be more fortunate in earning a few cents on the morrow.

But when the morrow came a terrible snowstorm swept over the land, and the lane leading to her little cottage was almost blocked with snow, It was quite beyond her slender powers to battle with the raging storm, and make her way to some neighbor's house, where at least she would be welcome to a dish of porridge.

There was one friend only to whom she could apply, and in Him she had the most perfect confidence.

Accordingly she filled her pan with water, put it on the fire, and put the salt in the water.

"Now!" she said to herself, "I'll just go in and ask the Lord for the meal,"

So she retired into her bedroom, and made her wants known to the Lord.

She had riot been long on her knees when there came a loud knock at the door.

"Now, now, Lord!" she said, "Thou canst not have sent the answer so soon!"

But the knocking- continued, and on her opening the door, the daughter of a farmer who lived some distance off flung down a sack of meal on the floor exclaiming:

"Father sent you that; and I think you may be very grateful to me for bringing it here through all this terrible storm. Whatever possessed my father I don't know, but all the morning he has been bothering- me about that sack of meal, but it's a pretty hard job getting through the storm, I can tell you!"

So she was rattling on, when a glance at the old woman fairly awed and silenced her.

There she stood with uplifted hand, and eyes bedimmed—with tears of grateful praise, as she exclaimed:

"He's always the same, Jeannie! He's always the same! Many a long year have I trusted Him, and I never found Him to fail; and He's not failed me now! Look at that pot on the fire, Jeannie! I put on the water, and I put in the salt, and not a grain of meal had I in the house! I was just asking the Lord to send me the meal, when I heard you knock at the door! And now, here comes the meal just while I was asking for it!"

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22.

"Our times are in Thy hand,

Father, we wish them there;

Our life, our souls, our all, we leave

Entirely to Thy care!

Our times are in. Thy hand,

Whatever they may be,

Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand,

Why should we doubt or fear?

A Father's hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

Our times are in Thy hand,

We'd always trust in Thee,

Till we have left this weary land

And all Thy glory see."

Messages of God’s Love 3/23/1930

Wilt Thou Come

Wilt thou come, or wilt thou linger?

'Tis the Saviour calls;

Death and darkness are about thee,

Sin enthralls.

Wilt thou come? for still is Mercy

Pleading for thy soul;

Heavenly voices leading onward

To the goal.

Thou may'st come! the vilest sinner

May in Christ confide;

Thou art welcome, for to save thee,

Jesus died.

Night of wrath did shroud the Saviour,

But 'tis light for thee;

Sacred spot for sin-stained sinners,

Calvary!

See the blood, and hear Him speaking

Of Redemption done;

And on glory's heights behold Him,

God's own Son.

Hear Him speak the word of pardon;

Trust in Him who died:

And thy heart shall lose its burden

By His side.

Messages of God’s Love 3/23/1930

Spring Time

SPRING has come, and in many parts of this country the trees and bushes are looking beautiful. All rejoice to see the trees come out in full leaf, and the pastures in beautiful green.

There is another thing we might think of, and that is the restfulness and apparent contentment of the people who live in this beautiful place, as we see them sitting and dining under their vine.

God does not give any of us everything, for if He did, we would be too ready to be satisfied down here, and forget that He is the "Giver of every good and perfect gift."

But while God does not give us all we might wish of this world's goods, He does give us all we need.

Contentment is not by having everything that the heart could wish in this world. These people did not have the many comforts of life that people have today, but very likely were more content, and if they knew the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and God as their Father, and walked in His ways, they surely would be happy and content.

Whether He gives us little or whether He gives us much, we should be very grateful to Him for what we have.

The glittering gems of earth arc oft denied,

That with our Lord we may be satisfied.

And yet He showers about us gifts untold,

For God knows when to give, and when withhold.

"BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YE HAVE" Heb. 13:5.

Messages of God’s Love 3/30/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 8.

“GITTITH" in the title of this Psalm, is not understood; it may, very likely refer to the instruments of music used in Solomon's reign. This Psalm, the last of the group of six giving a general introduction to what follows, expresses the delight of the believing Jews, over the answer to their prayers (Psalms 3 to 7), when their once rejected and crucified, but now looked for Messiah, the Lord Jesus, shall have descended from heaven to take the authority long appointed for Him.

This Psalm is referred to, or quoted from, in John 15, Luke 9:26; Ephesians 1:20, 21; 1. Corinthians 15:27, and Hebrews 2:11-8

Here the Lord Jesus is shown to be over everything as Man. It is in considerable degree the answer to Psalm 2 That is-here, but God will not only set His Son upon Zion, the hill of His holiness, but give Him the heathen for His inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession; Ile has put all things under His feet.

When the Lord was rejected by the Jews, He told His disciples that they should not any longer tell any that He was the Christ or Messiah (Matthew 16:20; Mark 9:30, 31; Luke 9:21, 22). If He was refused as the Christ, the greater glory was His, as Son of man, and this is what is brought out here, the Lord Jesus is both LORD ( Jehovah) (verse 1), and Son of Man (verses 4-6).

And the believing Jews, are "babes and sucklings," (see Matthew 11:25); they are weak, and little thought of by the world, but out of such He has ordained, or established, praise.

To consider the mighty works of His hand (verse 3), and then think of puny man (verse 4), makes one think how insignificant we really are; but the Holy Spirit then brings in Jesus as the Son of Man, made a little lower than the angels (for the suffering of death as we learn from Hebrews 2:9), and crowned with glory and splendor.

How excellent His name will be then, in all the earth! He is worthy of all that shall be His,—

"Worthy of homage and of praise; Worthy by all to be adored," and the Christian exalts Him now in the time of His rejection.

May He be the one desire of every heart, as now He will so quickly come for His own.

Messages of God’s Love 3/30/1930

A Message for You

“I HAVE a message from God unto thee." Judges 3:20.

I have a message from God unto thee, dear children. It is a message of merry, of salvation, of eternal blessing. Everyone who believes the message, receives everlasting life as a free gift.

What a contrast! Death is what we deserve. Life is what God is giving in His grace.

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

Have you not heard the message? You have, Well then, have you received it in the love of it? If not, bow low before God in confession of your guilt today. For be assured, judgment is about to fall upon this world, and only Christ can deliver you from the wrath to come.

Messages of God’s Love 3/30/1930

Fluffy's Trouble

WHAT a pretty, peaceful little home! I should like to live there!"

But it was not a peaceful little home at all, that pretty cottage standing on the edge of the wood.

Miss Constance always thought it was just the kind of cottage she would like to live in some clay; but her home was inside the big gate up the lane.

It was Fluffy who lived in Apple Tree Cottage. Miss Constance had given her the name of Fluffy because of the fair, fluffy curls, all over her little head; she was about six years old.

Fluffy's poor mother had died when brother Harry was very tiny, and since then the two children had been looked after by their father's housekeeper. Sad to say, she was not a very kind woman; she did not love them as their mother used to, and although they called her "mother," she did not deserve the name.

Miss Constance often met Fluffy in the lane, and sometimes she called at the cottage to leave a book for her and Harry about

"The Friend for little children,
Above the bright, blue sky."

One evening just as the stars were peeping out one by one, Miss Constance walked through the big gate into the lane towards the village.

She had not gone very far before she heard footsteps behind her, and someone sobbing, for the lane ran through the open country, and every sound could be heard upon the still air. Turning round she saw a little figure approaching. She stood still and waited to see who it was, for it was too dark to see distinctly far along the lane.

On came the little figure and louder grew the sobs.

"Who can it be?" wondered Miss Constance. "Why it's Fluffy!" said she, as the little child came up to her.

"What is the matter, little woman?" asked Miss Constance, distressed to hear the child sobbing so.

"Mother .. .. says ....she's .. . going.. . to .... be ....be....beat .....me when.. I get .... home!" sobbed the little girl.

"Poor little Fluffy! why is she going to beat you?; asked Miss Constance, as they walked on side by side.

Then, between her sobs, Fluffy told the story of her trouble——how she had displeased her mother, who had threatened to beat her; but the beating had been put off until Fluffy's return from the errand upon which she had been hurriedly sent.

"This is a sad trouble!" said Miss Constance when she had heard the story.

"But do not be afraid, dear child!" Then, pointing to the sky, she said,

"Look at all those beautiful stars! Do you see them, Fluffy?"

"Yes!" said the child, her sobs growing quieter as she looked up at the shining stars.

"You see how brightly they shine, and how beautiful they are," said Miss Constance, "and God it was who made them all, and everything around us. He is so great, and He can do anything for us; and He loves you, Fluffy, a little girl like you! and He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world to die for you,—for us all,—that we may, if we believe in Him, be always happy and not fear. Surely then, Fluffy, He can take care of you in your trouble tonight, if we ask Him!"

The sobs had ceased by this time, and Fluffy trotted along, listening with interest to what Miss Constance said.

"If we tell God about your trouble, dear child," she continued, "He will hear, and He will help you. Tell Him all about it, and ask Him not to let your mother beat you when you get home. He can do anything for us, Fluffy."

They came to the corner of a street in the village, where Miss Constance had to take leave of the child.

"Don't forget what I have told you," said she, as she turned away.

A few days later Miss Constance was again walking down the lane. This time the stars were all hidden by the bright sunshine.

Presently she came upon a group of little children playing merrily together outside a cottage. As she passed by, one little girl suddenly darted out from among the rest, and rushed up to her, saying in a happy voice,

"Please, miss, mother didn't beat me!" It was Fluffy,

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names." Psa. 147:3, 4.

Having proved the truth of these beautiful words herself, Miss Constance was able to tell Fluffy who could help her in her sad trouble.

Miss Constance had once been in great trouble herself about what might seem a very little thing, the loss of a key.

But so much depended upon her finding it, that she was almost in despair when, after hunting high and low all over the house inside the big gate,—it was nowhere to be seen.

What should she do! Where could it be? Something must be done, because the key was wanted, and wanted at once.

Then she decided to do the very wisest thing possible; and that was to carry her burden to God.

Running upstairs into an empty bedroom, she closed the door and knelt down beside the bed. Then she prayed earnestly to her loving Father to enable her to find the lost key.

She rose from her knees, and as she walked to the door, she stepped upon the key as it lay half hidden beneath the bed,

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen, 18:14.

"There is nothing too hard for Thee," Jer. 32:17.

Thus both Fluffy and her friend Miss Constance learned that the best Friend to turn to in time of trouble is God. He can always help us, not always by taking our trouble away; but sometimes by helping us to bear it bravely.

For although God can answer all our prayers, He does not always do so. 0, no! He loves us far too much. Sometimes it is His great love and wonderful wisdom which prevent His doing what we ask Him. So when we are in trouble let us tell Him all about it and ask Him to help us, and then "leave the choice to Him."

"He does the very best for those Who leave the choice with Him," for those who say, "Thy will he done," for those who trust Him.

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." 'John 4:13.

Messages of God’s Love 3/30/1930

I Love to Hear the Story

I love to hear the story,

Which angels' voices tell,

How once the King of glory

Came down on earth to dwell;

I am both weak and sinful,

But this I surely know,

The Lord came down to save me,

Because He loved me so.

I'm glad my blessed Saviour

Was once a child like Me.

To show how pure and holy,

His little ones should be;

O! may I try to follow

His footsteps here below,

Who never will forget me,

Because He loved me so.

To sing His love and mercy

My sweetest songs I'll raise,

And though I cannot see Him,

I know He hears my praise.

For He has kindly promised

That I shall surely go

To sing in brightest glory,

Because He loved me so.

Messages of God’s Love 3/30/1930

Bible Questions for April

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

1. "And said, Verily," etc. Matt. 18:3.

2. "And Peter answered," etc. " 14:28.

3. "And when they," etc. " 17:8.

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

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

6. "And I say," etc. " 16:18.

7a. "Whosoever, therefore," etc. " 10:32.

b. "But whosoever," etc. " 10:33.

Bible Questions for April
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Mark

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Behold the place where they laid Him."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Have faith in God."

Write in full the verse containing the, words, "Never saw it on this fashion."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Ye know' that summer is near."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Toiling in rowing."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Sown on good ground."

What two verses, in different chapters, tell of the Lord Jesus taking children in His arms?

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

That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16-18.

From the wise and prudent in this world. Matt. 11:25.

Tell the matter to the offending brother alone. Matt. 18:15.

Of evil. Matt. 13:33; 16:12.

To Israel. Matt. 10:6.

Those things which come out of the heart. Matt. 15:19, 20.

Attributing Christ's miracles to the power of the prince of devils. Matt. 12:24-31.

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

The Answers are to be found in Mark

What verse would show that every believer is given something to do for the Lord?

What makes the Word orifruitfoi in our souls?

What did 'the Lord say as to the sacredness of the, marriage tie?

Why could Jesus do, no mighty work in His own country?

Whom did Jesus come to call?

What striking difference is there between the ending of Matthew and the ending of Mark?

What caused the Lord to sigh deeply?

Messages of God’s Love 4/6/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 9 and 10.

“MUTH-LABBEN" in the title of this Psalm, perhaps means "the death of the son," or "of his son."

The eight Psalms we have already looked at, form a sort of introduction to all that follow.

Psalms 9 and 10 stand alone, in a way; they lead to Psalms 11 to 15. These two Psalms tell the state or condition or circumstances of the Jewish believers in the coming day; they are then oppressed by the wicked Jews and the heathen.

The humble ones are seen praising with their whole heart, and recounting all the marvelous works of the Lord.

Victory over the enemies of these poor believers, when it comes, is God's doing.

Verses 5 to 8 of Psalm 9 tell the very important principle for faith at all times, that all the schemes and successes of Satan are only for time; he can destroy as God may let him, but God goes on forever.

He will have His way always, at the end, and faith looks on that day, content to wait for Him.

But God is not only certain to be a Judge (verses 7, 8) He has another character, blessed he His name; He is a refuge (strictly, a high fortress, or high tower) to the oppressed one, and in times of distress. They that know His name will confide in Him, for He has not forsaken them that seek Him (verses 9 and 10); He remembers, the cry of the afflicted ones, He does not forget (verse 12).

Higgaion (verse 16), may mean "to be played on the harp," if not "meditate."

The tenth Psalm is particularly about the character of the wicked. What a description there is! In the latter part of verse 4, the marginal reading is better than the text: "All his thoughts are, there is no God." He says in his heart, "God bath forgotten; He hideth His face; He will never see it," but in this he is very much mistaken, for God will arise in answer to the cry of His oppressed and suffering people of that day.

Verses 16-18 celebrate God's (the Lord's) coming in to deliver His own, and to put down the oppressors.

It is well known from Scripture that there will be in the last days a man who is called the Antichrist, the fierce enemy of the godly Jews; these Psalms tell of the time when he will be ruling in Jerusalem. In verse 5 of Psalm 9 "the wicked" is one person, not many, it is evidently the Antichrist.

Psalm 9 shows the regard God has and will have, for those who are humble and seek Him; while Psalm 10 shows how differently He looks at the wicked.

Messages of God’s Love 4/6/1930

Willie and Bella

DURING the holidays, I was living in the country with a friend who is a lover of the Lord Jesus. He had arranged that during' my visit, we should have Children's Meetings in a large store adjoining his house every night; and the week before, invitations were sent to all the boys and girls in the neighborhood to come.

The night before our meetings began, great snow-flakes fell thick and fast, and covered the ground with a mantle of white. It was a lovely sight to look across the valley, and up to the high hills behind, and see their snowy peaks glistening in the moonlight. We feared that many of the little folks would be unable to come to the meetings, owing to the great snow-drifts that blocked the roads. Some of the farmers had sleighs, and in these the children were brought, singing so merrily, wrapped in their shawls and overcoats.

We had a very happy time, and some of the boys and girls in that country glen will look hack to that week, as the best and happiest of their lives, because they were then converted to God, and saved for eternity.

Two bright young folks, Willie and Bella, children of a farmer, were there every night. They had a long way to come, and several evenings they were quite covered with snow by the time they reached the meeting-place. I was certain that Bella, the younger of the two, was anxious to be saved, by her earnest look, and the attentive way in which she listened to the good news of the Gospel.

One evening the subject spoken of was "The Precious Blood of Christ," and its power to cleanse, and fit the sinner for heaven.

"Can any boy or girl here tell me what is 'white as snow?' " I asked. The boys smiled, and looked over to the girls, and no one seemed to be able to answer. At last Bella stood up, and in a gentle voice said,

"A sinner, cleansed by the blood of Jesus."

"Yes, that's right."

"Will any boy or girl, who can truly say that they have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and made as white as the snow, stand up, and tell us how they know it?" After a pause, Bella again rose and said,

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow," and sat down.

The eyes of all the boys and girls were fixed on the clear girl, and I am sure many of them never heard anyone say such a thing before.

But Bella knew it, for she had trusted the precious blood that cleanses from all sin, and she was happy. Her sins, once like scarlet were now covered, and in the sight of God, she was white as the snow that lay on the mountains round about us.

Her brother Willie, was saved a night or two after, and it was a pleasant sight to see the father and his two children drive off in the sleigh, amid the glittering snow, all saved and on the way to glory,

I do believe, I will believe,

That Jesus died for me;

That on the cross He shed His blood,

That I might happy be.

Dear boys and girls; can you say as Bella could, that your sins are cleansed away by the blood of Jesus, and that you are in the sight of God as "white as snow"? If you cannot, you are unfit to be in heaven. The robes of the glorified ones are white. You are covered with sins as red as scarlet; but if you trust the blood of Jesus, He will change your covering, and make you "white as snow." Then you will be able to sing—

Sins though red as crimson,

Deep as scarlet's glow,

In the blood of Jesus,—

White as winter's snow.

Messages of God’s Love 4/6/1930

The Shepherd's Children

THE little boy and girl who are shepherding the sheep and lamb, in our picture appear to be in deep thought. We trust their little hearts are occupied with the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep, We know, dear children, the Good Shepherd is ever mindful of His sheep and lambs down here, and has provided good food for them.

Are you among the sheep and lambs of His flock? and are you feeding upon His Word? His Word is the food God has so graciously given us, And, dear little ones, are you storing it up in your hearts?

"Thy Word have I hid in mine heart." Psa. 119:11.

Only those who have taken the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and have come under the shelter of the blood, knowing their sins are all washed away, can say,

"I will not forget Thy Word." Psa. 119:16.

Children, can you tell me why Jesus came to bleed and die? He was happy, high above, Dwelling in His Father's love, Yet He left His joy and bliss, For a wicked world like this.

He who for our sins was slain, Lives and dwells above again, Where He's waiting to receive All, who will His love believe; This, dear children, this is why Jesus came to bleed and die,

"THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Messages of God’s Love 4/6/1930

Why Do You Wait?

Why do you wait, dear children?

O! why do you tarry so long? Y

Your Saviour is waiting to give you.

A place in His sanctified throng,

What do you hope, dear children,

To gain by a further delay?

There's no one to save you but Jesus;

There's no other but His way.

Do you not feel, dear children,

His Spirit now striving within?

O! why not accept His salvation,

And throw off the burden of sin?

Why do you wait, dear children?

The harvest is passing away:

Your Saviour is longing to bless you;

There's danger and death in delay.

Messages of God’s Love 4/6/1930

Wolves

WOLVES are fierce creatures, abiding in forests, enemies to cattle,—ravenous, greedy and crafty in times of great famine, when they can get no prey, wolves are said to destroy one another; they run around in a circle, and the first to fall through dizziness is devoured by the rest.

Then they set upon sheep, they make choice of a dark cloudy day, that they may escape the more safely; and they go against the wind, to prevent the dogs from smelling them. They are very cautious and difficult to entrap. They rarely attack man unless rendered fearless by hunger.

Scripture takes notice of this animal, as it does many others, and if you will read carefully the Scriptures that relate to the wolf, you will see that the Word of God takes notice of it, that it is violent, cruel and greedy.

In John 10:12, you may read of the Lord Jesus Himself speaking of the wolf catching the sheep and scattering them.

God, in His Word, likens all of us to sheep,

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." Isa. 53:6.

We too have an enemy, but like the poor sheep, helpless and defenseless against wolves, we are powerless against the great enemy of our souls, Satan, but, as we read in John 10:11,

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

We learn that the Lord Jesus Christ as "The good Shepherd" haS: died, given His life, that He might save all who put their trust in Him, from the poWer of Satan, and from the consequences of their sins, Have you put your trust in the Lord Jesus yet?

"BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED." Acts 16:31.

Messages of God’s Love 4/13/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 11 and 12

In the tenth Psalm we were told of the exceedingly wicked people among whom the God-awakened Jews will be in the day of which the Psalms tell.

Let us remember that the Psalms were written for the children of Israel in view of the time now very near when the Lord Jesus will have called away the Christians (true ones, none of the mere professors) to His heavenly home, and when after that, the Holy Spirit will have reached the consciences and hearts of some of the Jews then in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, so that they will be looking for the Lord to set up His kingdom.

The Psalms do not, in general, express the Spirit-taught feelings of Christians.

Psalms 1.1 to 1.5 give the thoughts and the feelings of these Jews in the difficult and perilous times pictured in Psalms 9 and 10. Their godless neighbors may taunt them with their lack of numbers and of influence and power, but they answer,

"In the Lord put I my trust; how say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain"?

Yet these poor Jewish believers see that they are drawing near to the end of everything;

"If the foundations be destroyed," say they, "what can the righteous do?"

Faith has its answer, however, in verses 4 to 7 of Psalm 11. The Lord is over all; above the sin and the conflict, between the forces of Satan and the people of God, is He whose eyes behold, whose eyelids try the children of men.

Let us particularly note verse 5, though every one of these„ verses calls for study "The Lord trieth the righteous."

This is ever true; He loves His people too well to give them always an easy time as they live their life in the world. He is far more painstaking than we really understand. God is trying, or training them for eternity; they must be in character suited for the home He has for them, and even now should be (see Hebrews 12:10). Because Christians do not understand this, or forget what is shown again and again through the Bible, they sometimes complain and even feel very wrongly that God is against them.

In the twelfth Psalm they are feeling their weakness before the wicked, but they value God's Word which has promised them deliverance. He will put an end to all that now distresses and grieves, very soon.

We see here the parallel and the difference between the position of the Jewish remnant, and the Christians; both feel the growing wickedness in the world, the pressure against them, because it is Satan's world; on the other hand the Jews will expect the Lord to cone to the earth,- and display His power in setting up His kingdom, putting down all enemies.

But Christians look for Him to come before that time, unseen by the world, to take them away to glory.

The 12TH Psalm seems to refer to Jews who had professed to believe in the Lord and gone back,—the godly cease, the faithful fail.

In somewhat similar circumstances are believers today; may it lead us more to prayer and supplication!

Messages of God’s Love 4/13/1930

Messages of Joy

A Magazine for Chinese Children

Dear Children:—

I EXPECT most of you know that many of the stories that you read in "Messages of Love" week by week, are being sent out into some of the darkest places in the world.

I thought perhaps you might be interested to hear, that now, if the Lord will, many of these same stories are being translated into Chinese, and will be sent out once a month through China, in a little magazine called "Fu Poo," or "Messages of Joy."

I hope that these stories may bring the Gospel that you have heard so often, to many dear little Chinese boys and girls (and old men and women too), who perhaps have never heard of the Lord Jesus Christ before.

Will you not pray that the Lord will help His servants in this work, and bless the precious "Messages" brought from heaven itself, in these little papers, no matter whether the words are in English or Spanish or Chinese.

I am sure you would all be glad to know that some little Chinese boy or girl had learned to know the Saviour through the very stories you are reading; but would it not be sad, if when the door of heaven opened for this little yellow child, it closed on some little American, English or Canadian child, who had read the very same story, but who had never come to the Saviour?

Children, we do not know the day nor the hour when the door will be shut, but many of the Lord's people think that this day is very, very near. Do not run the awful risk of being left outside that door, and of being lost forever, but if you have never come before, come to the Saviour today.

Should any of you, dear children, like to receive a copy of the Chinese "Messages of Joy" to give to the Chinese people in your district, it will be sent for a year for 40c to yourself, or direct to the individual Chinese, or to Chinese Missions in many of the large cities. Send orders either to:

The Christian Book Room, Box 1723, Shanghai, China; or to,

Bible Truth Depot, 1112 N. Taylor Ave., St. Louis, Mo.

We desire that these dear people should know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour as many of us know Him, and we can all help in sending the gospel to them.

The Lord will reward us if we do. It will be "a sacrifice, acceptable, well pleasing to God."

Messages of God’s Love 4/13/1930

The Young Fishermen

HOW pretty the country looks this fine morning! A happy company of school-boys with home-made fishing rods, cut from trees, are on the way for a day's fishing in the country, laughing and shouting as they go, planning what they will do with their fish before they catch them, as some older people do with other things of more value than a few small trout fished from the tiny stream.

I happened to be out that way in the evening, and met the row of young fishermen looking tired and feeling down-cast, for, like some fishermen of whom we read in the Bible, they had "taken nothing." It was amusing to hear the various reasons for the want of success.

One had the "wrong kind of bait," another had "too short a line;" a third had pierced his hand with a hook, caught himself instead of the fish; while a fourth most confidently affirmed there was "not a trout in the stream." But two little fellows who had been quietly fishing only a short way up, had a string of fine spotted trout out of the same stream all the same.

The young fishermen, successful and otherwise, have their lessons for us all in greater things, the things of Eternity and of the soul.

Napoleon thought he could conquer Europe, tried it, and was disappointed. He was conquered himself, banished from the land he thought to rule, and died an exile in St. Helena. He failed to catch his fish.

Tom Paine, a noted infidel, who denied the existence of a God, and wrote a book called "The Age of Reason," said in his last hours,

"I would give worlds, if I had them, that it had never been published," and cried out, "If ever the devil had an agent I have been that one."

He expected to catch the world for Satan and infidelity, but the hook caught himself, and ruined him for time and eternity.

These, and thousands more, went forth in the morning of life to make themselves a. name in the world, but were disappointed; they died before the object of their life was attained. They failed like the young fishermen.

The only one who comes back in triumph, bringing with him the fruit of his labor is the Christian, the one who knows Jesus Christ and lives for Him, not serving to be saved, but saved by grace to begin with, he goes forth to serve. None who truly live for Christ and serve Him, are disappointed,

"Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Mark 9:41.

"Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." Heb. 12;28.

Messages of God’s Love 4/13/1930

I Love to Sing of JESUS

1 love to sing of Jesus,

The story all so true;

To me most sweet and precious,

The old, but ever new.

He came from brightest glory,

From radiant courts on high;

How matchless is the story

Of Him who came to die!

The Babe in Bethlehem's manger,

The lowly One on earth;

Rejected and a Stranger,—

Few cared to know His worth.

My soul would now recall Him,

In all His perfect love;

Which only Calvary's Victim,

Its wondrous depths could prove.

'Twas there my Saviour suffered

And tasted death for me;

Yes, there the work He finished,

That sets me ever free.

My sins all laid upon Him,

The wrath and judgment borne;

The power of Satan broken,

In Jesus' death of scorn.

And now the Lord is risen,

His travail ever o'er;

Seated in highest heaven,

Alive to die no more.

And soon He's corning for me,

To take me home above:

Where still I'll sing the story Of Jesus and His love.

Messages of God’s Love 4/13/1930

The Rock of Gibraltar

MANY of the readers of "Messages of Love" may never have seen even a picture of this wonderful rock that stands so high up out of the water at the entrance into the Mediterranean Sea.

Many have advertised their business as being "strong as Gibraltar", hut after all that is not so very strong or secure, for an earthquake could bring it down, and cover it with water. Then, too, there is a time coming when the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

It is indeed good that our salvation is not like even strong Gibraltar, for there would be a time when it would fail and pass away; hut Christ is the rock of our salvation, and He abides forever. No change can come to Him, and He has said,

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know. them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My father, which gave them Me, is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand." John 10:27-29.

Are you rejoicing in that blessed, competent Saviour, and can say,

"He is the One on whom I am resting"?

If you can, then this scripture shall be true of you.

"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Psa. 2:12,

"THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONG HOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; AND HE KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST IN HIM." Nahum 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 4/20/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 13 to 15

We here see the open enemies (Psalms 13 and 14), bringing in the deepest distress of the Jewish believers, with the wicked reaching the height of daring against God.

Has He forgotten the feeble few who have repented and believed His Word? How long will He hide His face from them? Sorrow of heart is continually present in these poor and afflicted ones, but in the last two verses we see that God has encouraged them. They have trusted. in His mercy, and are sure that He will come to their help, and their hearts shall rejoice in His salvation. They will sing unto Him, for He has already dealt bountifully with them, they say, as they think of what they already enjoy of God's favor.

"The fool"—that is God's name for the wicked—"has said in his heart, there is no God. They have corrupted themselves (so the First verse of Psalm 14 should read); they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."

Turning to Romans 3, verses 10 to 18, we find the summing- up of what is said here, and in the later books of the Old Testament, including- other Psalms, about man away from God.

What David was given to see, and to write, more than a thousand years before the Epistle to the Romans was written, is not a pleasing record, but could anything better be written on such a subject today,

nearly three thousand years after David penned the 14th Psalm? No, except where the grace of God has made a change. Man has sought out many inventions, but gone farther from God.

The close of Psalm 14 brought before the reader, Zion, the hill of God's holiness, as it will be, and the end of the captivity of His earthly people. This introduces the question, Who shall sojourn in the Lord's tent; who shall dwell in that hill of Zion where holiness will reign?

Zion is Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 11:4, 5; and the 16th chapter particularly) as God's earthly dwelling place in the corning thousand-year kingdom.

Psalm 15 shows the character of those who will be preserved through the fearful clays of the great tribulation (See Revelation 7:14-17).

We are again at the close of a series of .Psalms. From them we may profit, seeing the confidence under trial of these believers of a future clay. They do not, as the Christian, know God as their Father, but they have His gracious interest; He is concerned about them, and will deliver them.

Messages of God’s Love 4/20/1930

Love

GOD is love." 1 John 4:8. God loves us so much that He gave His only and well-beloved Son to die for us. (John 3:16).

Now He wants us to love one another.

"This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12.

It is easy to love those who love easy to love those who are kind to us and treat us well.

But Jesus said,—"Love your enemies, do good to them which hate yon." Luke 6:27. This is not so easy. Indeed it is very hard.

Sometimes other children take away your playthings. Sometimes they break them, not accidentally, but purposely,- -just to tease you or make you angry.

Perhaps they trip you, making, you fall and hurt yourself—-or call you ugly names.

What does Jesus want you to do when things like this happen?

He says,—"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21.

If you return good for evil, those who harm you will be ashamed.

Both young folks and older folks have a way of telling their friends about the mistakes other people make, and the unkind and bad things they do.

Do you think this pleases the Lord? No. He says,—"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." Prov, 17:9.

If you should do something wrong, and were very sorry for it, how would you like to have one of your playmates tell several others, and each of them, in turn, tell it to their friends and yours?

I'm sure you would not like it.

So when you hear about others doing wrong and getting into trouble, would it not be much better, instead of telling everybody about it, to just tell the Lord, and ask Him to help the one who has done wrong, not to do wrong again?

Dear reader, you need God's grace and help both to bear patiently the wrongs people do to you, and to keep from talking about them to others.

"Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32.

Messages of God’s Love 4/20/1930

Then I Love Him!

OPEN your Bible and read a lovely verse which you have often repeated and know well. You will find the verse I mean in the first Epistle of John, the fourth chapter. I want you to read it over slowly, and to think of it, as am going to tell you about a little child whose ways illustrated the wonderful truth of it.

"We love Him, because He first loved us." Is it not a beautiful verse? And again, in the same chapter, we will read,

"Herein is love, riot that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Is it not wonderful to you that God should so love us, even when we were utterly vile and wicked, and only fit to be banished from Him?

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

It was the deep reality of this love that was the means of bringing to God the little child of whom I am going to write, and of drawing her heart close to the Lord Jesus.

It is one thing to know you are saved and to be happy in the thought, and yet to go on giving way to your naughty temper and will; and another thing, after you are saved, to try and live for and to the Lord Jesus.

Barbara, who was one of the lambs of the Good Shepherd, was a strong, high-spirited little child. She was one day lying on the floor, busily engaged in playing with and arranging her toys, of which she was very fond, when suddenly a thoughtful expression passed over her face, and stopping short in the midst of an animated conversation with her doll, she rushed up to her mother, and said,

"Mamma, tell me, is it really true that God loves me, little me? I mean, does He really love little Barbara?"

"Yes, my child," said her mother. "God really loves you, little Barbara, and loved you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. He loved you, but He did not love your sin, which made you black all over in His sight, and it was because He loved you so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to suffer for you on the cross, that being washed in His blood you might be made perfectly clean and white, and thus fit to dwell with Him in glory. He loved you so much that He wanted to have you with Him, and He knew that nothing less than the precious blood of Jesus could make you clean and white, and so God sent His Christ to bleed and die on the bitter cross, that all who believe in Him might not perish, but have everlasting- life. (Jno. 3:16.) And you know `We love Him, because He first loved us.' "

"Does Jesus love me more, better than you do, mamma?"

"Yes, my child, far better. I have never died for you; the Lord Jesus has." "And does Jesus love me now?"

"Yes, my child. He loves you now, this moment, although He is in His glory."

Hiding her face in her mother's lap, little Barbara burst out in a flood of tears, saying,

"Then I love Him! Then I love Him! Then I do love Him!" and rushing out of the room, she cried as if her little heart would break.

There is no doubt that the little girl loved God; but upon the day this conversation took place the Holy Spirit gave her, in a new way, to rejoice in Christ's love to her.

From that day forward Barbara was a living testimony that she was the Lord's. All around her noticed a marked change in her little ways, and although quite strong and well, she would constantly say, "0, how Barbara longs to go to Jesus now; I want to go to live with Him."

She would also always try and tell others how Jesus loved them,—in her own childish way,—with a beaming smile on her face, and if they did not heed it, or seemed touched with such divine love, she would look up in the most sorrowful way and say in the saddest tone,

"But don't you love Him back again? I do," in so pleading a way that it might have melted many a hardened heart. The love of Christ was such a real thing to her, that she could not understand others being indifferent to it.

It may be that my little reader has been washed in the blood of Jesus, and does love the Good Shepherd, then to you I would say, Let Him fold you closer and closer to Himself; because He will if we yield ourselves to Him. You know, it says in that beautiful tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth verses,

"I give unto them (My sheep) 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."

See how safe the little lamb is folded in the Good Shepherd's bosom. The cruel wolf may, and indeed does come and prowl about and howl for that little lamb, so ready is he to devour it. But do you think the Shepherd will let go His little lamb? Ah! no. His word is "Never." "No man shall pluck them out of My hand." The little lamb is safe for ever.

Messages of God’s Love 4/20/1930

Have You Any Room for Jesus?

Have you any room for Jesus

FIe who bore our load of sin?

As He knocks and seeks admission,

Children, will you let Him in?

Room for pleasure, room for business;

But for Christ the crucified—

Not a place that He can enter,

In the heart for which He died.

Have you any time for Jesus,

As in grace He calls again?

O! "to-day" is "time accepted,"

"To-morrow" you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus:

Soon will pass God's day of grace,

Soon thy heart be cold and silent,

And the Saviour's pleadings cease.

Messages of God’s Love 4/20/1930

The Contented Flock

HAVE you ever seen sheep? Do you know what gentle, quiet creatures they are? You would enjoy a pretty little lamb for a pet if you could have one.

Did you ever read about sheep in God's Word? Here is one verse that tells what the Shepherd says:

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

And here are other verses telling what the sheep says:

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters." Some of you can repeat all of this beautiful twenty-third Psalm.

Are you one of these sheep? Can you say, "The Lord is my Shepherd?"

What are the green pastures in which He makes us to lie down? What are pastures to the sheep in the picture? "Their food," you say.

His pastures are not fields of green grass, such as the sheep in the picture feed upon. No, dear children, the. Word of God is the pasture in which we find our food. And it is very precious food.

The more we feed upon its the more we enjoy it.

Just as the sheep eat some food and then rest and digest it, so our Shepherd wants us to read in His Word, then think about it, digest it. Then when we are ready for another meal, we can read some more. But we must not forget that we need these meals every day.

"GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW: AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM." Psalm 119:165.

Messages of God’s Love 4/27/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 16

Here we begin a very important series of Psalms, showing Christ in connection with the Jewish remnant of the latter days.

In this sixteenth Psalm, He is seen as a Man (pattern for all, but none beside Him), dependent upon God.

"Preserve Me, O God, for in Thee do I put My trust. Thou (My soul) hast said to Jehovah, Thou art the Lord My goodness (extendeth) not to Thee; to the saints that are on the earth and to the excellent (thou hast said), 'In them is all My delight.'

Here we are reminded of Philippians 2:7; Matthew 3:15; and Luke 18:19, New Testament records of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

So fully did He take the servant's form, that His divine glory is veiled, yet could not be entirely hid; having every title to God-head, He takes the place of dependence and trust. And with this, alone and solitary in all human perfection, as He was when He took manhood in Bethlehem's manger, and walked this world till He reached the cross, He took His place with the saints on earth, and will do so again. (See Matthew 25:40).

A yet higher portion than for the saints on earth is reserved for those who trust in Him now, whose portion is heavenly, (see John 17:24), but there is nothing in the Old Testament to correspond with that.

Having His delight in the earthly saints in the clay for which the Psalms were written, He does not fail to notice the rejectors, of God (verse 4); their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another. Jesus was and is entirely separate from the wicked.

Does not the expression, "drink offerings of blood," show that they are murderers in heart? Drink offerings to God were to be of wine (Numbers 15:5, etc.,) never of blood.

Precious it is to the Christian heart to observe the thoughts of Jesus seen on His way to the cross, as the separate, holy Man, the entirely dependent One, as in this Psalm. Yet He speaks as one with the Jewish remnant,—and the example for the godly in Israel.

As one of them He looks away from the scenes of conflict, and sees God (Jehovah, the personal God of the Jews), as the portion of His inheritance and of His cup. The lines (or portions) are fallen unto Him in pleasant places. He blesses Jehovah who gives Him counsel, even in the nights. And who but Jesus could fully say (verse 8), "I have set Jehovah continually before Me; because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved"?

His heart rejoices, his glory (or honor) exults; His flesh moreover shall dwell in hope (or rest in safety), for Jehovah will not leave His soul in Sheol, neither will He allow His holy One (or Gracious One to see corruption.

Resurrection is His hope, as Man, and Jehovah's right hand where are pleasures for evermore.

Nothing here but God was His desire, and death His prospect (verse 10), but He—blessed forever be His name!—goes on,

"Unmoved by Satan's subtle wiles,

Or suffering shame and loss,

Thy path uncheered by earthly smiles,

Led only to the cross.

Thy love, by man so sorely tried,

Proved stronger than the grave;

The very spear that pierced Thy side

Drew forth the blood to save."3

Messages of God’s Love 4/27/1930

A Prisoner's Confession

It was one Sunday morning that a minister was called on to visit a young man, who was in soul trouble. The minister followed the messenger through one street and another till they arrived before the City prison. Both were admitted, and finally the minister found himself in a small cell in the presence of a young man about 20 years of age. The minister was astonished to find so young a man in such a place. But the latter began at once and said: "I have listened this morning to the ringing of the church bells and I am reminded of the time when I was a happy and carefree Sunday-school scholar, which, by the way, seems but a very short time. Had I continued to go, and had taken heed to God's Word, I should have never come to this place. The beginning of my downward way, was a lie I told my mother. A neighbor boy came to me one Sunday morning and asked me to go with him to fish. My mother heard it, and commanded me to go—not with the boy fishing—but to Sunday-school. I deceived my mother and went with the boy to the water. It was the first time I lied to my mother. 0, that it had been the last! From that time on, I seized every opportunity to lie to mother, till I got so hardened and ungodly that I lost all desire and love for Sunday-school, and sad to say, love to my mother, too. Thus I went on from bad to worse, and while intoxicated, I committed the crime for which I am here, a prisoner, behind the bars."

Do you see, my dear young reader, what a lie will lead to? How it hardens the heart, unless it is confessed to God and man, and makes one despise God's Word, and to think of it no more as the Holy Scriptures. A lie led this young man when a boy to disobey his parents and to become a criminal. God who has said, "Lie not one to another," has also said, "Honor thy father and mother," and still further, "Thou shalt not kill!" But to the liar, God's word has ceased to be holy. He is in that wicked one's power. So we also read that the devil is called the "father of lies," It is said that liars shall not enter heaven, but shall be outside with Satan in hell, We read that "Without are . . . murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

"God is in heaven: would He know

If I should tell a lie?"

"Yes; if thou saidst it soft and low,

He'd hear it in the sky."

Messages of God’s Love 4/27/1930

I Want to be Gooder

At the close of a Gospel meeting, as I was about to leave, I noticed a little boy sitting alone on one of the seats. I went to him, and sat down beside him. He was dirty, hair uncombed, and his mouth defiled with tobacco. I put my arm kindly on his shoulder, and said,

"Well, my boy, what are you waiting here for?" ,

The reply was "I dunno."

"What did you come in for?"

"I wanted to see what was going on, and to hear the singing."

"Well, why do you stay, now that nearly everybody has gone?"

"I dunno. Cause I don't feel good." "Do you want to be a Christian?"

"I dunno what that is."

"It is to be saved from your sins, and become God's child. Would you not like to be God's child? That is, to be a Christian."

"I'd like to be gooder. That's what I'd like to be."

"Well, my boy, that is what Jesus will do for you, if you take Him for your Saviour. He will not only make you gooder, but he will forgive all your sins, and make you His own.

"I dunno what you mean by that."

I talked to him about Jesus, but he did not understand how Jesus could be up in heaven, and know anything about him; and he did not know how he could give himself to Christ, But I went on talking about Jesus to him, trusting that the Spirit, through the Word, would teach. him. He said,

"I don't know what you mean by believing on Jesus Christ."

I then abruptly said to him,

"Where do you work?"

He looked up surprised, and said he worked in a certain factory.

"Is it a good job?"

"No, sir; 'tis long hours and poor pay."

I said, "Well, Johnny, suppose Mr. So-and-so," naming the manager of a large mill in another part of the town, "would come to you, and say, 'Johnny, I want a boy to work for me in my mill, and I will tell you what I want him to do. I want him to work four hours a day in the mill with two of my own boys, that I am bringing up to know the business. Then I want him to go to school half days. will give him a dollar a day, and he shall eat at my table, and live in my house with my boys; I will be a kind father to him and take good care of him.' "

The little fellow listened with amused incredulity; and then I asked him,

"Johnny, if such an offer was made to you, would you accept it?"

With a smile that spread all over his face, and quicker than I can record it, he said,

"You bet I would, and mighty quick." "But what would you do with the old job?"

"I'd throw it up, higher'n a kite." "And then what would you do?"

"Why, of course, I'd go to work for the new boss. But say, Mister, you are chaffing me now."

"No, Johnny, I am not chaffing you. You are working for a hard master now, and are having long hours and poor pay. Everyone who is living in sin is serving the devil, and the only pay you will get, by and by, is death. But, my boy,- God loves you, and He has sent Jesus into the world to tell you so, and to offer to make you His child, put you to work for Him, and in a tittle while take you to heaven. Now, Johnny will you accept this new situation, and become God's child? That is what I mean by believing on Jesus

Christ, and accepting Him. Will you take Him for your Saviour and new Master?"

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

Again the smile came back into his face, and with straightforward, honest love in his eyes, he said,

"Is that it? Then I'll take Jesus Christ for my Saviour."

"But, Johnny, what will you do with the old job of sin?"

A bright ray of light came into his face, and with compressed lips, and firm determined voice, he said,

"I'll throw it up."

"That's it, my dear boy. That is what it is to become a Christian. It is to take Jesus for your Saviour—who died for your sins and forgives them—and have Him for your new Master, and God for your Father in heaven, and He will give you willingness, as well as strength, to throw up the old slavish job of sin. And now will you kneel down here with me, and tell Jesus that you have taken Him into your heart to be your Saviour and Master?"

"Yes, Sir."

Down we went on our knees, and after I had prayed, I asked Him to pray, which he did, as follows:

"Lord Jesus, I take You for my Saviour. Help me to be g,00der than I am, and to serve You right." I said the "Amen."

Messages of God’s Love 4/27/1930

Bible Questions for May

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

"Now when the," etc. Matt. 27:54.

"Even as the," etc. " 20:28.

"And the angel," etc. " 28:5.

"But Jesus said," etc. " 19:14.

"And when the," etc. " 21:15.

"O Jerusalem," etc. " 23:37.

"And while they," etc. " 25:10.

Bible Questions for May
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be Found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Not come to destroy men's lives."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "To the poor the gospel is preached.'

Write in full the verse containing the words, "To preach the gospel to the poor."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Your names are written in heaven."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The Son of the Highest.''

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The children of the Highest."

What does the Lord say as to finding His servants watching when He comes?

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

Humbling oneself. Matt. 23:12.

An hundredfold, and life everlasting. Matt. 19:29.

To the Gentiles. Matt. 21:43.

When iniquity abounds. Matt. 24:12.

Taking the place of servant of all. Matt. 20:26, 27.

Because they would not. Matt. 22:3.

7 (1) They spat in His face, Matt. 26:67; (2) buffeted Him, 67; (3) slapped Him, 67; scourged Him, Matt. 27:26; (4) stripped Him, 28; (5) crowned Him with thorns, 29; (6) mocked Him, 29; (7) smote Him on the head, 30.

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

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

How are we to feel about it when we are reproached for Christ's sake?

What scripture shows us that we can not keep any secret from God?

What verse shows that Jesus was conscious of His deity, even when a boy?

Who received forgiveness of sins, salvation, and peace?

How old was the Lord when He began His public ministry?

How does the Lord tell us there will be divisions in homes?

What prophet came in the spirit and power of Elijah?

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

The Beginning of a New Year

A NEW year for our little paper has begun. We can look back over the past year, and thank God for His continued mercies shown to us at all times, the many blessings and comforts He has showered upon us all through the year.

We may wonder what the coming year will bring to us. We do not know what may happen to us from one day to another, hence the necessity of knowing, that no matter what may come upon us, we are safe for eternity.

How terrible it would be for us if we put off from day to day accepting Christ as our Saviour, and have our life taken from us in a moment of time, as many have, as we well know on all sides of us.

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

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

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

Many of our dear young friends do love our Lord Jesus, and delight to read their Bibles and pray, but have they let others know they belong to Him? Then, begin the year by confessing Him as your Lord and Saviour. He loves you. He died for you, and rose again. He lives in the glory, and is still thinking of you.

We wait patiently for Him to come, and take us to be with Himself, and till then we enjoy His love to us.

"Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 10:32, 33.

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 17

This Psalm, like number 16, applies to Christ, but not to Him only; it is more His position in connection with others, as verse 11 shows, where the godly remnant of Israel are evidently included. It is a call to God to judge the right.

There was but one righteous Person, but One perfect in every act, thought, word, yet it is in the Psalm the same spirit working in the Jewish believers of the day that is coming near now, though the first application is to Christ. Without Him, none could take those words to God, "Hear the right!"

"Let My judgment come forth from Thy presence; let Thine eyes regard equity. Thou hast proved My heart; Thou hast visited Me by night; Thou hast tried Me; Thou hast found nothing; My thought goeth not beyond My word. Concerning the works of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept from the paths of the violent (man). When Thou boldest My goings in Thy paths My footsteps slip not." (Verses 2-5).

The blessed Lord is here reviewing the path that He trod from the manger to the grave. What matchless perfection! As the obedient One, He went along on that path of devotion, of singleness of heart; in which He was alone every step of the way.

He called upon God (verse 6) and was heard; we Christians have the same confidence, and can appeal 'to Him as "Thou that savest by Thy right hand them that trust in Thee from those that rise up against them" (verse 7).

As the apple of the eye, and hidden under the shadow of God's wings, He (and we, in our day, we may surely say) would be kept safely from the wicked who oppress. They are prosperous and proud (verse 10), like a lion greedy of its prey, but Jehovah is looked to, to deliver.

The wicked were, after all, only the hand of God (verse 14); their portion is in this life; they may be well supplied here, but what of the next world? For that is what comes into view at the close of the Psalm.

But those who live for this world give no serious thought to the next,—Where will they spend eternity?

"As for Me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness." This is the prospect Christ had before Him. Doubtless, there was more that He looked for—having others to delight in, that should be redeemed by His blood, but that is not spoken of here, nor could we expect it. (See Hebrews 12:2; and for the Christian's portion, 1 John 3:1-3).

In Psalm 16 we saw Jesus as the lowly, dependent One, having His own joy in God.

In Psalm 17 we see Him still as the lowly, dependent One, but here He is with the wicked, and His comfort is beyond this world.

What an example for us who wait for Him in a contrary scene!

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

Clear and Bright

A CHRISTIAN was driving along in the country one day, when he caught up to a boy about twelve years of age. He said to him.

"Have a ride, my boy?"

He got up in the buggy, and he said to him,

"Do you love the Lord Jesus?''

"I do, sir," he answered.

"Why do you love Him?"

"Because He first loved me."

"How do you know He loved you."

"Because He died for me."

"Do you know your sins forgiven?"

"I do, sir."

"How many?"

"They are all forgiven." "When did you learn that?"

"At some Gospel meetings which I attended last winter."

The dear boy had learned, what many Christians have never yet learned.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

The Little Boy's Gift

THERE is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: ... and Jesus took the loaves;
and likewise the fishes." John 6:9, 11.

'Twas only a small boy's basket,

And a small boy's love for Him;

But the gift, with the love,

Moved a power above,

And thousands were fed by Him.

"Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any." Job 36:5.

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

A Mother's Love

OUR picture today appears to be very interesting. It is almost a story in itself. The surroundings seem to be very plain, but they all look to be happy over their baby brother.- Notice how the mother is smiling at her darling baby. It is because she loves him.

I wonder, dear children, if you know the One whose love for you and me is stronger than a mother's? Ah! dear children, it is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners. He is the One who left the glory to die on the cross that those who put their trust in Him might some day live with Him in glory.

Come to Jesus, now, dear children, and accept Him as your Saviour. He wants you to be His little lamb, and when you once are His, you can never be lost, because He says, "they shall never perish." Would you not like to have that promise of never being lost, but saved for eternity? If so, accept the Lord Jesus Christ today.

"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." 1 John 4:9

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

God Hears

Little reader, God is near,

And your prayer He loves to hear.

Lift to Him your gentle voice,—

It will make His heart rejoice.

When you kneel at close of day

Tell Him all about your play;

Tell Him what has made you glad;

Tell Him what has made you sad.

Tell Him all the things you've done;

He will listen to each one.

If at times you've disobeyed,

Tell Him; do not be afraid.

He will help you to obey

If you talk to Him each day,—

If you tell Him that you're weak,

But His strength and help you seek.

Thank Him for your bread and meat

And the many things you eat,—

For your clothes and home and friends.

And the many things God sends.

Let Him often hear your voice,—

Make His heart of love rejoice,

For His listening ear up there

Ever's open to your prayer.

Messages of God’s Love 5/4/1930

A Little Ship Was on the Sea

WHEN the Lord Himself was in the vessel with His disciples, as the lines tell us,

"It sailed along so pleasantly, Andall was calm and bright."

How graphic is the scene depicted, "The sun was sinking in the west."

All appeared so bright and happy, and the disciples were at rest as to reaching home in safety.

But, as is often the case in this world, a change passed over the scene in a few moments, the brightness and peacefulness were gone, the sea was in turmoil, and the winds blew wildly.

But happily they had the Lord in the ship, and the storm served but an occasion to show forth His marvelous power; while on the part of the disciples, it proved how little confidence they had in that blessed One in their midst.

Who could sink in the waters with the

Lord of life and glory there? Yet they had some thought of His love and power,

for in their distress, instinctively they turn to Him and in answer to their cry, almost of despair:

"He rose, rebuked the winds and waves, And stilled them with a word."

So it is ever now with those who look to Him in distress. No winds are too boisterous for Him to still; no wave too great for His power, for all must yield before His mighty word. How sweet the peace that follows the storm. How calm the rest!

And thus it is with those who learn to turn away from all down here, and look to

Jesus. Like one I know who has recently found the Saviour. She had been

driven about like the little ship. Satan had harassed her greatly, but when Jesus said, "Peace, be still," then there was a great calm.

"COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." Matthew 11:28.

Messages of God’s Love 5/11/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 18

This Psalm is almost word for word 2 Samuel 22, and in this way is proof and illustration of an important principle in all the Psalms,—that the Holy Spirit used the circumstance or circumstances of the writer in order to bring out, through him, much more of God's purposes, and the circumstances in which Christ, or the believers among the Jews in that day which is now at hand, should be found.

It is plain that the language of the Psalm goes far beyond the experiences of David up to the time he wrote, or thereafter. It tells of the far larger order of things of which Christ only is the center.

Psalm 18, as the Psalms in general, begins with a few verses which tell its 'subject, or thesis; this we have in verses 1, 2 and 3.

Verse 4 begins the account of Christ's entering into the sorrows of death, particularly as for the children of Israel. In fact it is the whole history of Israel that is remembered in the Psalm, when, or rather looking on to when, the day of their deliverance has come. Christ suffering for sin is not referred to here.

Verses 7 to 16 are believed to speak of the deliverance under Moses of Israel from Egypt, and 17 and 18 of enemies encountered on the way to the promised land.

But there is something else, which we have observed in earlier Psalms, notably the 17th,—the righteousness in which God delights, which was found in perfection only in Jesus, but through grace marks the feeble company of Israelites for whom these Psalms were written. This is the theme of verses 20 to 26. In verse 23, the true sense, it is thought, is,

"I kept myself from the iniquity which lay before Me in this path in which I had to walk."

The expression does not refer to a sinful nature, which Christ never had, though all of us have it, and if we are His own. we have a new, spiritual nature too.

In verses 27 to 45 we are considering power, the power of God, coming in on behalf of the weak believers. At the beginning of the Psalm, Christ had taken the sorrow, then the remnant are seen to be delivered (Himself not separated from them in interest and association), so when the day of power comes, He must take the power in His own person, too.

Verse 43, it will be noted, brings in three classes:

"The people,"—Christ (the Messiah) is delivered from the ungodly Jews;

"The heathen" (or, the nations),—He is made their head; and,

"A people I knew not,"—those who have been strangers hitherto, shall serve Him, become now a people to Him. They will submit at once, acknowledging Him so long despised, whose glory will now be displayed.

This applies even to some not sincere at all, for none will dare to disobey, when He takes His great power and reigns. If they sin openly, they will be punished during His reign.

Verses 46-50 bring us to that with which the Psalm began, its conclusion. Suffering or victorious. Christ is seen as the dependent man, on earth.

It has been remarked by one now with the Lord, that nothing can be more beautiful, more perfect and complete, than the three Psalms, 16, 17 and 18, which combine to give us the joy of Christ in going to His Father. (See John 14).

Messages of God’s Love 5/11/1930

Who Wants

IT was at a children's meeting that the question was asked: "What does 'whosoever' ' mean?"

At once the answer was given by an intelligent little girl,

"Who wants."

In view of the blessed "whosoever" of John 3:16, of which I was speaking, it was a very good reply, indeed.

The gospel story tells of a full and free salvation provided for all, and the one "who wants" may come and receive it "without money and without price."

Who wants the blessing of God? It is for all. At infinite cost it is provided for all who will receive it.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 5/11/1930

He Died For Me

AT the close of a children's meeting, during which the preacher had spoken a great deal of the love of Jesus, and of what He had done out of love for sinners, a little boy was asked, "And can you tell me what Jesus has done?"

With a bright smile, the little fellow looked up into the questioner's face, and said,

"He died for me."

Happy child! In the simplicity of faith, he had believed the glad tidings concerning Jesus the mighty Saviour, and the value of that wonderful work Jesus finished on Calvary's cross, was for him.

Dear boys and girls, can you say the same in truth; can you say, like the beloved apostle Paul,

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me"? Gal. 2:20.

How precious this makes Jesus to us, and how worthy He is of our confiding trust!

Messages of God’s Love 5/11/1930

Jerusalem From the Mount of Olives

OF all the cities of this world, I suppose we may say Jerusalem is the most noted. It is the place where God had seen fit to put His name. It was there the wonderful temple stood that Solomon had built which was God's house then, and the people there were God's people, and they owned Him as their God, although the hearts of many of them were far from Him.

When the Lord Jesus came near to Jerusalem, at the descent of the mount of Olives, and a multitude of His disciples with Him, they rejoiced and praised God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,

"Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." Luke 19:38. Then the Lord had to answer them,

"I tell you that, if, these would hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. And when He came near, He beheld the city, and wept over it."

He knew what would happen to that city, for they would reject Him, they would cry out, "Away with Him, we will

not have this Man to reign over us." They would put Him on the cross between two thieves, and rejoice that they were getting rid of Him. But 0, the sorrow it brought to them.

The city was destroyed, according to the Lord's word, not one stone left upon another, and many of the people were slain, and the rest from all over the country were scattered among the nations of the world.

It has been rebuilt since that, and our picture shows how it is today. Many of the Jews are gathering back into their land and great sorrow is yet to come to them, because they have had God's Word and they have not believed it, and are still rejecting the Lord Jesus.

Now I ask you, dear reader, How is it with you? Are you still rejecting God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? What will your punishment be? For you not only know the wonderful works of God among them, which they knew of, too, but you know the terrible results.

"HE THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED, HARDENETH HIS NECK, SHALL SUDDENLY BE DESTROYED, AND THAT WITHOUT REMEDY." Prov. 29:1.

Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 19

Psalms 19 to 22 show the testimony God has given to man; in 19, the creation, and afterward the law; in 20 and 21, the suffering and exalted Christ; and in 22, Christ suffering at the hand of God. This leads to 23, the Shepherd's care, where Christ as the Man united to Israel, speaks for it to God as its Shepherd,—the Psalm gives the effect of the 22nd, for faith in the believer; and in 24, the smitten One of Psalm 22, comes in glory.

After Psalm 24 to the end of Book 1 (Psalm 41), we are shown the exercises of soul connected with the circumstances of the Jews who will believer after the Church of God is translated to glory, and finally (Psalm 40 and 41), Christ is brought again before the reader.

It is well to bear in mind that the words printed in italics under the psalm numbers in the ordinary Bible, for the purpose of telling the subject of each psalm, are not inspired, and are often very misleading; for example, for Psalm 20, we are told that it expresses "the Church's confidence in God's succor."

This is a mistake, for the Psalms were not written for or about the Church of God, but for the Jews who will hear the Word of God after the Church has been taken away at the Lord's coming.

In Psalm 19, verses 1 to 6, the subject is the creation, particularly that part of it which man has not been able to spoil,—the sky.

The same testimony of God is referred to in Romans 1:18-20. The Gentiles are without excuse, as we are there told.

In verse 3, the correct reading is, "There is no speech, and there are no words, yet their voice is heard." Even the heathen have this testimony of God.

The latter part of the psalm is about the Word of, God, called here the law of the Lord ( Jehovah). Notice the change of the name,—"God" in the first verse, because everyone sees the works of God in creation; but in the seventh, eighth, ninth and fourteenth verses, it is "the Lord," or properly "Jehovah," God's covenant name, His name that speaks of His interest in a people on earth. The Jew had the law (Romans 9:4); did he not know it? (Romans 10:19).

The Christian can enter into the truth of verses 7 to 11; and much more, as he reads and meditates upon the precious Word of God.

It is perfect; it restores the soul; it is sure; it makes wise the simple (verse 7).

Its precepts are right, rejoicing the heart; its commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes (verse 8).

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are truth, they are righteous altogether (verse 9).

More precious than much fine gold, and sweeter than honey and the dropping of the honey comb, is the Word of God (verse 10). By it His servants are enlightened, and in keeping it, there is great reward. (Verse 11).

Every Christian who reads the Bible as God's Word (which it is), and prayerfully seeks to learn from it, finds it by far the most valuable book in the world; it can not be compared with any other book. But do not fill your mind with newspapers and magazines, and then try to enjoy the Word of God.

Put God's Word first, and you will find the great reward.

Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930

Honesty is the Best Policy

ONE of England's dukes came across a beautiful cow in the neighborhood of his castle one day. The cow pleased him so much, that he bought her on the spot. It was agreed that a little shepherd boy who took his sheep near by the castle each day, should the next morning deliver the cow to its new owner.

So it was. The young shepherd however had to learn to his chagrin, that, he could not make the cow go as easily as he did his sheep. In spite of all his efforts, he could scarcely get the animal to move from the spot. The duke, who at this time of the day took his usual morning walk, happened near where the boy was working away with his cow. No sooner did the boy discover the duke, whom he did not know, when he hailed him, and asked him if he would be kind enough to lend him a helping hand. "I cannot get the cow from the spot."

The duke, who saw that the boy did not know him and took him to be an ordinary man, thought to have a rare piece of fun with the boy, and acted as though he neither heard nor saw anything going on around him. But the boy was determined and continued to appeal to him for help, finally promising him half of what he would receive for delivering the cow at the castle.

This had the desired effect. The duke gave a start as if he had been in deep meditation, and declared his willingness to help the boy. He went to work at once and belabored the back of the stubborn cow with his walking stick in such a way that she now freely moved on.

"How much do you expect to get for your trouble?" asked the duke as he and the boy walked on quietly behind the cow and the herd.

"I don't know," answered the boy; "but I expect quite a good tip, the people in the castle have always been very friendly to the likes of us."

They neared their destination, and since the cow was now quietly going along, the duke left the boy to go to the castle by a short byway. There he called one of his servants, gave him a guinea with the order to hand it to the boy who should deliver the cow.

After awhile the duke went out to look up his young friend.

He soon found him, and asked him, how much he had received.

"One shilling," was the answer, "and here is the half of it for you."

"Did you really not get any more than a shilling?" asked the duke concerned.

"No, sir, you may take my word for it. Don't you think it a generous gift?"

"No, I don't," replied the duke. "There is a mistake somewhere, and since I am well acquainted with the duke, I am in hope to secure a more generous gift for you, if you will return with me to the castle. Your sheep you can quietly leave here, for I intend to send someone to care for them during your absence."

The boy was content and they both went back. When they arrived at the castle, the duke called all his servants together.

"Now," said he to his young companion, "show me the man who gave you the shilling."

"This is the one," said the boy pointing out one of the men.

The thief owned his guilt, since denial was useless, and cast himself at the duke's feet, murmuring some confused excuses. But the duke ordered him to give the boy his guinea, and dismissed the servant on the spot.

The young shepherd who now understood who the man was who helped him drive the cow, stood speechless with wonder and somewhat abashed. But the duke stepped kindly up to him saying he did not need to watch his sheep any longer unless he wanted to. He, the duke himself, would provide for him and give him an education. So he did.

What a lesson we may learn from these two. Honesty in the one case, and love of money in the other.

The Scripture tells us, "The love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Tim. 6:10. It led him to tell a lie, and then he had to reap the results. The Scripture again tells us,

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord; but they that deal truly are His delight." Prov. 12:22.

"They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are His delight." Prov. 11:20.

Honesty will always have its reward, as well as waywardness will have God's displeasure.

Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930

Little Annie's Prayer

LITTLE Annie wept bitterly when she understood that she was a sinner, and therefore not fit to dwell with God in heaven. Her Sunday school teacher tried to comfort her by saying that Jesus could wash away her sins in His blood, making her whiter than snow.

Annie covered her face with her hands, and was heard to utter these words:

"Lord Jesus, I am a poor little sinner; please save me from hell and wash me clean in Thine own blood. Amen."

Soon her tears ceased to fall, and looking up with a bright face, she said,

"Jesus has heard me. He has washed away my sins in His most precious blood. I am made fit for heaven."

So little Annie believed in Jesus the Lord as her Saviour, and became very happy.

Have you, dear child, come to Jesus? If you believe on Him He will make you very glad. He will give you to know the pardon of all your sins and make you quite ready for heaven,

"Jesus calls to little children,

And His words are words of love `Come to Me, receive My blessing, Come to Me, and live above.' "

"It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930

Jesus' Precious Name

'Twas God who gave the precious name

Of "Jesus" to His Son,

Because He knew His gracious work

By Him would well be done.

The name of "Jesus" Saviour means,

And such He is indeed,

To all who feel the weight of sin,

And peace and pardon need.

His name was Jesus when on earth,

His name is Jesus now;

And God declares that to that name

All heaven and earth shall bow.

And truly happy is the child

Who loves that precious name;

We soon shall Him in glory see,

Who once in mercy came.

Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930

God's Gifts

These gentle creatures feeding

Upon a woodland hill,

Are happy and contented

Where all is wild and still.

The God of all creation,

Who marks the sparrow's fall,

Is One who never slumbers,

But watches over all.

He sends the rain and sunshine

To every creature here;

He gives them food and shelter,

And all that life holds dear.

But there's one gift, dear reader,

That man alone can claim,—

The gift of life eternal

Through faith in Jesus' Name.

For man alone possesses

A never-dying soul—

A soul that keeps on living

While endless ages roll.

The soul of man by nature

Is sinful and defiled,—

To save itself, as helpless

As any infant child.

But God Himself has given

His well-beloved Son,

A sacrifice most holy,

To cleanse the guilty one.

Believe in Him, dear reader,

Accept this gift divine,

For on' His blood relying,

Salvation must be thine.

"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 5/25/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 20, 21

The testimonies to the heart and eyes of man which God gave in His creation and in the Word of God, occupy the 19th, and is followed in the 20th Psalm by the testimony of their Messiah seen by the believing Jews in His human sufferings.

Those who did not believe, saw no beauty that they should desire Him; despised and left alone of men, like one from whom men hide their faces, despised—such is the testimony of Isaiah 53.

Puzzling to the Jew as the rejected and suffering Messiah was (as the four evangelists record), His course is explained in Psalms 20 and 21, and this, those whose eyes are opened will read and believe.

In Psalm 20 we are shown the place which He took that they might have part in His sympathies, and to make their deliverance possible, though this last is more expressed in Psalm 22, the complement of Psalms 16 to 18 and 20, 21.

He placed Himself in the path of perfect obedience—and love, too—for the encouragement of the remnant of the Jews who should after believe on Him, who must pass through deep trial, great sorrow, according to the righteous ways of God on account of their waywardness and wickedness.

In the midst of sorrows then, we find Jesus (verse 1), the Messiah, the faithful witness. He is among an ungodly people, but there are those who in heart enter into His distress, and look to God to hear His Anointed. These are Jews, and it is to the God of Jacob they look, and for strength out of Zion, as though He dwelt among them.

Verse 6 shows how sure faith is, and more intelligence is shown too,—the answer to Messiah's call comes not from the forsaken sanctuary in Mount Zion at Jerusalem, but "from the heavens of Jehovah's holiness." Jesus is the king in verse 9, and in Psalm 21 where the suffering One is the crowned One, and will judge His enemies presently.

In Psalm 20, Christ is seen in Jewish sorrows.

In Psalm 21 He is on the other side of death and resurrection, and glorified. His heart's desire has been met with "the blessings of goodness" (verse 3).

In verses 8 to 13 the Messiah, Jesus is the Person addressed. In this Psalm is the Jewish Remnant's joy in the position of Christ with God: they had slighted Him when He was here, but now they understand His resurrection and ascension, and on Him their hopes are fixed.

The reader will note that there is no thought of the Christian hope here; not heaven, but earth is in view.

Messages of God’s Love 5/25/1930

The Wide Open Door

THE summer holidays had just commenced, and Eddie was real glad when the longed-for day arrived, and he was able to bid good-bye, for a while, to the routine of school with its necessary restraints and lessons.

Eddie was an intelligent and lively boy, 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 wbom Eddie was staying,

were Christians, and he, as usual, went with them to hear a gospel address. An aged servant of God, whose delight it was to lead souls to Christ, used as his subject,

"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." Luke 13:24, 25.

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: 13 to end.

That night he took his little New Testament to bed with him, and early the next morning, was heard singing hymns, later on was found sitting up in bed reading his now precious Bible, 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.

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 for ever.

"All things are ready, come, The door is open wide,

0, feast upon the love of God, For Christ, His Son, has died."

Messages of God’s Love 5/25/1930

How Little Willie Got Rid of His Sins

A LITTLE boy, the son of a neighbor, knocked at my door the other morning, and wished to shake hands with me. The little fellow seemed very happy, he was smiling all over. I asked him,

"Are you happy, Willie?"

"Yes, sir, I am very happy," said the little fellow.

"And what makes you so happy, Willie?"

"Just because I'm saved, sir; and Jesus makes me happy."

"But how do you know that you are saved, my boy?" I asked.

"Because Jesus says in His own Word, that if I come to Him, and believe that 3He died upon the cross to save me, I shall not perish, but have everlasting life. And I have come to Jesus, sir, and I do believe on Him, and He says I am saved."

"But have you not sinned against God, Willie, and done many naughty things? How do you expect to get rid of all these?"

The dear boy looked perplexed for a moment; then, looking into my face, he said in a grave, subdued tone,

"Yes, I have sinned against Him, but Jesus has taken my sins all away by His precious blood, and God says they are all forgiven."

Happy boy! He had grasped the blessed fact that Christ had died for him, and that, although he was a sinner, the blood of Christ had taken his sins away.

"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Rom. 4:7, 8.

"It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/25/1930

Do You Love Jesus?

O you love Jesus?" I said to a dear little girl, five years of age.

"O yes!" she replied brightly.

"What makes you love Him?"

"Cos He loved me, and died for me on the cross."

What a sweet, yet simple answer! I wonder how many. of my little readers really love Jesus. Have you come to Him to receive pardon? If not, 0 come to Him now; for He is waiting to receive you; do not put it off any longer, or think that you will be a Christian when you grow older, for the Lord Jesus may come to-day; or if He tarry, you may be called to die.

Think Of it now, dear little reader, before it be too late; take God at His word, and accept Christ as your own Saviour. "We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19.

Messages of God’s Love 5/25/1930

Come to the Saviour

O, come to the Saviour,”

He's calling to-day!

How long wilt thou linger?

His voice now obey.

He's speaking from heaven,

In love to thy soul;

His blood He has given,

Wilt thou be made whole?

The Father is calling;

His language is "Come!"

His rich grace is bringing

The wanderers home.

His heart is delighting

The lost ones to bless;

His love is inviting

The weary to rest.

No need, now, to labor,

The work has been done;

To be in God's favor,

Believe on the Son!

Christ's death has secured

Salvation so free;

The cross He endured

For you and for me.

The Saviour is coming

For all who believe;

The Star of the morning,

"His own" will receive.

O! children, confess Him

The throne-seated Lord;

And thou shalt be with Him,

Where He is adored.

Messages of God’s Love 5/25/1930

Bible Questions for June

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

"And he saith," etc. Mark 16:6.

"And Jesus answering," etc. " 11:22.

"And immediately," etc. " 2:12.

"Now learn," etc. " 13:28.

"And he saw them," etc. " 6:48.

"And these are," etc. " 4:20.

a. "And he took," etc. " 9:36.

b. "And he took," etc. " 10:16.

Bible Questions for June
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be Found in Luke, Chapters 13-24

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Reverence him when they see him."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "He saved others."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Joy shall be in heaven."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Fire and brimstone from heaven."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Repentance and remission of sins."

In what verse does the Lord Jesus speak of a hen gathering her chickens under her wings?

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

Mark 13:34, "To every man his work."

(1) Cares of this world; (2) Riches; (3) Lusts of other things. Mark 4:19.

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Mark 10:9.

Because of their unbelief. Mark 6:4-6.

Sinners. Mark 2:17.

No ascension in Matthew. Matt. 28:19, 20;

Unbelief, seeking from Him a sign. Mark 8:11, 12.

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

The Answers are to be Found in Luke, Chapters 13-24

Who went to heaven without being baptized?

What does God think of that which men esteem highly?

What will be the result if people do not repent?

Where did the Lord prophesy His own resurrection?

What verse shows that all the dead of past ages are still living?

What three things were "opened" in Luke 24?

What did the Lord mean when He. said we are to hate our father and mother?

Messages of God’s Love 6/1/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 22

“AIJELETH-SHAHAR" in the heading of the psalm means "according to the hind of the morning," which may be the name of the tune to which it was sung, though some have thought it has a spiritual meaning connected with the subject of this psalm. "On the cross, alone, forsaken, Where no pitying eye was found," the Holy sufferer hung. Hear His lips pronounce those words of Matthew 27:46 with which the psalm begins:

"My God, My God why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

Why was He forsaken by His God? Isaiah 53 answers:

"He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed."

"All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and Jehovah hathl laid upon Him the iniquity of us all."

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, thus must the Son of Man be lifted up: that every one who believes on Him, may not perish, but have life eternal. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him may not perish, but have life eternal." John 3:14-16.

"Who (Christ) Himself, bore our sins in His body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

He was forsaken by God, that we who believe, might never be punished for our Sins. Here is the work which is the foundation of every blessing, now and eternally, for Jew, Gentile and Church of God.

He bore in His soul all that God is against evil. What it was, in its depths, no human heart can ever measure or know.

Only He could ask "Why," for He was the one righteous Person who had glorified God in all His ways. But He is not answered.

O, those fearful three hours of darkness on the cross! (Mark 15:33, 34). He is yet to see of the fruit of the travail of His soul (Isaiah 53:11).

He speaks as a Jew (the Psalms, we have noted, are Jewish, throughout, written for Jews),

"Our fathers confided in Thee and Thou didst deliver them" (verse 4). Others had suffered, and known small parts of the path which He trod: it was their privilege: but with Him it was willingness, His own grace. They were delivered, but for Him there was no deliverance.

Solitary in its awfulness, through time and eternity, stands that hour when The Righteous One was forsaken of God. By His death, God was perfectly glorified about evil, and that substitutional death was once for all, that all may believe and be saved.

When the work of atonement was completed, He was heard from the horns of the unicorns, or buffaloes (verse 21), that is, from the point of death. At this time, John 19:30 records His words "It is finished," and Luke 23:46 shows in this last utterance, that then all His suffering for our sins was past.

"Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit."

He had secured the glory of God; had glorified Him when He ( Jesus) could not be heard, and now He was heard, for He had emptied the cup of woe. He goes down into the grave, which witnesses that all was closed, but rises again the Victorious One.

"I will declare Thy name unto My brethren" (verse 22). (See John 20:17).

In this 22nd Psalm there is no word of judgment on man; it could not be, where the whole theme is of Him who bore God's judgment. But let none deceive himself; he that believes on the Son has life eternal, and he that is not subject to the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36).

Messages of God’s Love 6/1/1930

Love Rewarded

A LITTLE boy was returning from the Sunday school; such a poor little fellow, so poorly clad, yet his face was beaming with joy, and he was quietly singing as he hurried along.

Presently he turned into his little home. His mother was busy setting a scanty meal, and Johnnie sat down on the fender by the tiny-fire.

His little heart was full, for that afternoon he had heard of Jesus, how He had suffered for Johnnie, so that he might go to be with Him for ever. The sweet story had so touched the poor little boy, that he had gladly accepted Jesus as his Saviour, and had sung the little hymn at the end of the meeting from the very bottom of his heart;

"I will believe, I do believe,

That Jesus died for me,

And on His cross He shed His blood,

From sin to set me free."

As he sat, he, all at once, burst out, "I will believe, I do believe," and sang the verse. His mother turned and called out,

"Hush, Johnnie, you mustn't sing that, father will hear you and thrash you."

Johnnie stopped and sat still and quiet for a little while, but his heart was so full, that all at once out it came again quite loudly,

"I will believe, I do believe."

Just at that moment the door burst open, and the father shouted,

"What did I hear you say? If ever I hear that again, you will leave the house!"

Poor little Johnnie looked very much frightened, and cowered down, sitting very still and quite quiet for some time.

Presently the little voice was heard once more, for Johnnie was so happy; that he quite forgot the warning in his joy, and

"I will believe, I do believe," rang out.

The father thundered out, "Leave at once."

The singing stopped, and quietly Johnnie rose, spread his handkerchief on the floor, and gathered one or two treasures. These he tied together, took his cap, and crossing to his mother, threw his arms round her neck, and bade her good-bye. She held him tightly, then turning from her, he crossed over to his angry father, and throwing his arms round his neck cried, "Good-bye, father," and kissed him.

This was too much for the man; he was completely overcome, and falling down upon his knees cried aloud,

"Johnnie, pray for me."

This, our little friend gladly did, and was rejoiced to hear his father say,

"Jesus died for me."

"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 6/1/1930

Teaching the Children

HOW our picture speaks to us of the loving interest the mother takes in the instruction of her children, and also of the attention shown by two of them.

It reminds us of those verses in 2 Tim. 3:14, 15:

"Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

May you, dear children, be eager to hear what God has to say to you in His Word, for there we get instruction for our whole path, and it shows us the way of salvation.

I expect most of our readers have learned before this how we can be saved, that God has provided the Saviour, and all we are asked to do is to accept Jesus, God's beloved Son, as our own Saviour.

If we have done so, it is for us to learn how we should act, by looking at the Lord Jesus in His path while in this world. He was a little child, a servant and a master, so we can have His life as an example for us.

"MY SON, HEAR THE INSTRUCTION OF THY FATHER, AND FORSAKE NOT THE LAW OF THY OTHER." Prov. 1:8.

Messages of God’s Love 6/1/1930

A Little Girl's Favorite Text

A GENTLEMAN once met a little girl, and asked her if she loved the Bible.

"Yes, sir, I love the Bible," she said.

She was then asked if there was one portion of it, or one passage, that she loved better than the rest.

She said, she loved it all; but if she was permitted to love one portion more than the rest, it was,

"Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. On this she rested.

Ah, that is a beautiful text; for the one who comes may be old or young, rich or poor, ignorant or learned, well-behaved or very bad, if he comes to Jesus, He will in no wise cast out. 0, do come to Him, dear children!

Messages of God’s Love 6/1/1930

The Word of God

THE Word of God is the believer's guide. It ever directs to Christ. He is its subject and object. Our Lord said to the Jews,

"Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39.

When He was risen, He expounded to His disciples in all the Scriptures the things "concerning Himself," saying,

" ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES AND IN THE PROPHETS AND IN THE PSALMS CONCERNING ME." Luke 24:44.

He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.

Shall we not ask Him to do this for us, as of old David prayed,

"Open Thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Psa. 119:18.

"BEHOLD the Book whose leaves display JESUS the Life, the Truth, the Way; Read it with diligence, with prayer; Search it, and thou shalt find HIM there."

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 23.

The first verse tells what the psalm is about,—the Shepherd. Of Him and His kindness and love, it speaks all the way through. The sheep throughout the psalm tells of its circumstances, but in the telling, our thoughts are directed, not to the sheep or its circumstances, but to the faithful Shepherd.

Because "the Lord is my Shepherd," it follows that, "I shall not want," for He has undertaken to do everything for me, "having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end"—and there is no end.

The Lord Jesus is called the Good Shepherd in John 10:11; He showed His wonderful, changeless love to His sheep when He died on the cross for their sins.

He is called the Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13:20.

His suffering time is over, but He is leading on His sheep to the home He went to prepare for them. And who are His sheep? Those who trust in Jesus.

Their Shepherd knows their needs, and provides for them as best may seem to Him. Green pastures He has for them to lie down in, and He leads them beside waters of quietness. These words picture to us food and rest, comfort, safety, peace; all are the proper portion of the believer.

If the heart be troubled, in sorrow, or gone astray from this dear Shepherd, He revives or restores it. For His name's sake He leads the sheep in paths of righteousness; how important this is! The paths of righteousness are the ways of obedience to His Word, ways before men that God can approve of.

In this psalm we are given a complete picture of the life of a child of God, and so we are next led to consider the day of cloud and darkness, of deepest sorrow: the valley of the shadow of death, speaking of experience of one whose beloved mother, father, sister, brother, wife, husband, child it may be, has died. Then the world and all its charms become to the desolate heart, the valley of the shadow of death, where "Thou art with me" is the only comfort and stay, and thereby looking up to Jesus, Satan's snares are avoided ("T will fear no evil"),

We may think of the world, as at all times, the valley of the shadow of death to the believer, because his Lord has been here to die, taking such a place as the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). It has been rightly said, that the shadow of the cross of Christ is on everything here, to the renewed heart.

"Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." The "rod" here is not the rod of chastisement, but of position or title, as a scepter. It speaks of Him upon Whom the believer rests. He who could say,

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give unto them life eternal; and they shall never perish, and no one shall seize them out of My hand." John 10:27, 28. (R. V.)

The "staff" speaks of strength given for the day (Philippians 4:19).

The table prepared before the sheep of Christ in the presence of enemies (verse 5), is refreshment on the journey, and to the Christian it speaks of the Lord's Table, and "This do in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

The head anointed with oil is a mark of high honor. The Pharisee in Luke 7:46 had not done this for his Guest.

The cup running over, is the fulness of blessing. The psalm closes with dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.

This psalm expresses the heart, feelings and path of Jesus as He passed through the world, to the delight of His Father; how perfectly it answers to what the gospels tell of Him as the lowly, dependent One!

It is rightly placed between the 22nd, telling of His cross; and the 24th, telling of His glory.

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Little Jamie's Faith

LITTLE Jamie was lame, and walked on a crutch. He was a delicate little fellow, and the doctor said he would never be strong. He attended Sunday school, and learned how God saves sinners, and he not only heard, but believed the good news, and was saved.

On the way home one stormy evening, he took a chill, and became very ill. When the doctor called, he found Jamie suffering from inflammation of the lungs. For many days his life was despaired of, and Jamie himself thought he was to be taken home.

"It's all right doctor; it will either be health or heaven," said Jamie, as the doctor stood by his bedside one night.

"If I get better, I shall be safe, though still away from my Home. If Jesus calls me away, I shall be at Home with Him in heaven."

The doctor was astonished to hear such words. He had never heard anybody say they were so sure of being in heaven. But Jamie was quite certain he would go there, because, he had God's Word for it,

"In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2, 3.

Jamie recovered, and still lives, following and serving the Lord. The boys and girls often gather around him on the street, asking if he has any "little books" to give them, and he generally carries a supply.

Do you know Jamie's Saviour, reader, as yours? Can you say as he could,

"He has fitted up my mansion,

Which eternally shall stand:

My abode will not be transient

In that holy, happy land."

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Are You Happy?

THERE was a very rich man who, in reply to the question of a friend if his wealth made him happy, said,

"Ah! no. I must leave my money behind me when I die. It won't take away my trouble. It won't buy off sickness. It won't buy off death. No, no; my money does not make me happy."

Just three months after that conversation, the wealthy man's friend had to call and see a poor old woman, whom he knew. She was lame, and earned part of her support by knitting socks, comforters and mittens, which she sold to kind people who were willing to buy them. For the rest of the means to buy needed food and clothing, and pay the rent of the one tiny room in which she dwelt, up a great many stairs in a high building, she was dependent on what might be given to her in the way of alms.

The visitor was led to put to her the same question that he had asked the millionaire; so he said,

"Margaret, are you happy?"

"Yes, very!" she answered; and the sudden brightening of her face made her words sound doubly true; "I am just as full of happiness as ever I can be; I don't believe I could hold another drop."

"But how can that be?" said the gentleman. "You are sick, and alone, and you have nothing to live on. Surely it would make you happier to be rich?"

"No, no," she said, "you forget the sweet promise in yon blessed Book," pointing to her well-used Bible. "I have the blessing of the Lord, and it maketh rich. I have Christ; and Christ is God's.

All things are mine" (Prov. 10:22; 1 Cor 3:21-23) .

"Thou that hast made our heaven secure,

Wilt here all good provide;

While Christ is rich, can we be poor?

Christ who for us has died!"

Dear reader, are you happy?

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." Jer. 17:7.

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Hetty's Robin

FROM the time that she was a child of three, Hetty was fond of birds. She lived in a farm-house in the country, surrounded by woods and green fields, where many pretty songsters flitted among the trees.

One day, when she was a school-girl of eight years old, she was in the garden and saw a young robin not quite able to fly. Going forward, she caught it, and running into the house, and upstairs where an old cage was hidden away among some rubbish, she put her little captive robin into it, hanging it up on the wall.

Hetty was very proud of her robin, but was not so sure whether her mother would be pleased. She began her lessons, watching the little captive robin as it fluttered about in the cage seeking its liberty.

Do you know anyone whom this helpless bird in the cage resembles? I think he is not unlike a sinner in Satan's bondage forever, unless a stronger than he comes to deliver.

Hetty's brother came home from his office in town, a bright Christian boy, and Hetty called him to see her little captive robin.

"Let it go free," said he, but Hetty would not consent.

"Sell it to me, then," said her brother, and this Hetty agreed for a penny.

The redemption-price of a penny was paid, the cage door was opened, and the captive robin flew out at the window, and joined the rest among the trees.

Hetty's lesson the following Lord's day was on "Redemption," and she understood it better than ever she had done, by the teacher giving an illustration of a captive bird being redeemed and set free.

Hetty is now herself a teacher in the Sunday school, saved and set free through the redemption of Christ, and she often tells her little scholars the simple story of the captive robin of her early days, which was redeemed and set free.

Have you, dear boys and girls, been set free from the bondage of sin and Satan, into the liberty of the children of God?

"In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:14.

"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." Romans 4:7.

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Thy Book

O Lord, with wonder and with praise,

On all Thy works I look;

But still Thy wisdom, power and grace,

Shine brightest in Thy Book.

Here may I learn how Christ has died

To save my soul from hell;

Not all the books on earth beside,

These heavenly wonders tell.

Then let me love my Bible more,

And take a fresh delight,

By day to read these wonders o'er,

And think on them by night.

Messages of God’s Love 6/8/1930

Washington and His Mother

We have today a picture of the first president of the United States. Most of you have heard about him and studied about him, and know that his country is very proud of him. You could tell many good things about him, but perhaps you don't know what a kind and thoughtful son he was. He did all he could to make his mother comfortable and happy.

Our picture shows her last home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Washington saying goodbye to her for the last time, when he left to take up his duties as president.

He also followed her wise advice. If he had not done so, he would not have become president of the U. S.

Too often young folks think they know more than their parents, and lose a great deal by going their own way, against the wishes and advice of father and mother.

The Lord wants you, dear children, to respect and honor your parents.

"HONOR T H Y FATHER A N D MOTHER; WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE; THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE, AND THOU MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH." Eph. 6:2, 3.

If you are thoughtful and considerate of your parents' wishes, showing them respect and kindness, you will surely receive the Lord's blessing for so-doing.

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 24.

In Psalm 22 we had the death of Christ, the foundation of all our blessing; in Psalm 23 is the present portion of the sheep of Christ; and in Psalm 24, scenes of glory are reached. It is earthly glory, for as we have before noted, the Psalms are for an earthly people, the Jews primarily.

First, the claim of Jehovah to the earth and its fulness; the world and they that dwell therein, is set forth. He made it, and though Satan has taken sovereignty over it (as far as God has allowed it), He will presently make good His claim, and rule the world in righteousness by that Alan ( Jesus) whom He hath ordained.

And if He will claim the world and take possession again, who shall ascend into the mount of Jehovah? Who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath blameless hands and a pure heart, who lifteth not up his soul unto vanity, nor sweareth deceitfully,—he shall receive blessing from Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek unto Him, that seek thy face, 0 Jacob (or, Thy face in Jacob).

From these words it is clear that saved Gentiles are included. Jacob (Israel) is to have the preeminence, as shown us in Isaiah 2:2, 3, and other passages of Scripture, in the day of the Lord, but many Gentiles will be saved then, also.

But if the Gentiles are to be blessed, as well as the Jews, in that day, He whom Jerusalem rejected and crucified, must enter in power. So we have the four closing verses, telling of the lowly Jesus, once thorn-crowned, now glorified, entering the gates of glory as the victorious Deliverer —proclaimed here as Himself Jehovah of hosts.

What a day will that be when He appears (Matthew 24:30) on earth, to set up His kingdom and put an end to oppression.

Before then He will have come for His heavenly people, and taken them out of the world to their heavenly home (John 14:3; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1 Thess. 4:1518).

And how do you stand, reader, in connection with all this? Are you, like the Christians in Thessalonica, awaiting God's Son from the heavens, whom He raised from among the dead, Jesus, our deliverer from the coming wrath?

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

A Saviour for Children

THERE is a Saviour for children. He has saved many, and is still saving all who come to Hint And any boy or girl may come to Him.

He is not calling for good children, He knows that all children have done wrong; but He calls children just as they are, sinful children, to come to Him. And all who come, receive His blessing. Never yet did He refuse one who came. He has welcomed and blessed all who have turned to Him. And He says,

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

I have known many boys and girls who, having found out that they needed salvation, have looked to the Lord Jesus, and have found peace and happiness in trusting Him.

Some of them have come, fearing that they would be left behind at His coming. And now they know that they will be with Him forever.

Some have come, because they felt their need of a Friend. And now they know that He who is the Friend of sinners is their Friend.

Some have come, that they might be saved from the power of sin. And now they are able to walk so as to please God.

All have found much more than they sought, when they came. And all who have come, are only sorry that they did not come before.

Will you not come to Him? He calls you just as you are.

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

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

God Moves in a Mysterious Way His Wonders to Perform

IN a western Nova Scotia village there lived a family who had been brought up to believe in a religion which taught salvation by works.

But the Lord had His eye upon these clear people, and did not let them remain in darkness as to the wonderful way of salvation.

On hearing of the illness of Annie, the alder daughter, a servant of the Lord went to see her, hoping to set before her the way of life.

When he reached the house, he was at once shown to the sick-room, where he soon learned that the Spirit of God had already been working, for Annie was quite ready to listen to the "Old, old story of Jesus and His Love."

Soon the mother entered the room and seemed pleased to join in the conversation, and quite intelligently, though she said she had been at school only two weeks in her life.

"Well!" said the visitor, "how is it you seem so familiar with the Scriptures?"

Her explanation shows how mysterious are the ways in which God moves, especially when He seeks to bless souls and lead them into the light.

She replied, "You know when our little family was coming along we felt the need of a 'Family Register.' One day John (as she called her husband) happened in at an auction were family Bibles were being sold. Seeing these contained the needed registration form, he bought one and brought it home."

Thus their desire to have a Family Register was fulfilled, though they little knew at the time how much more this new Book was going to mean to them than a "Family Register."

Not long after this, John, whose calling was that of, a fisherman, was stricken blind through exposure to wind and storm.

The children desired to help their father pass the long hours more pleasantly. So after the evening meal, they would get out the family Bible, and selecting a picture, read the story in connection with it. In this way they learned about the love of Jesus and His work on the cross, and passed from darkness into light.

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

No longer did they trust in their own works for salvation, but in that precious One who gave His life a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:28).

Soon both John and his daughter were called away from their bodily sufferings to the presence of the Lord, with its "fulness of joy, and pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11).

Then the older son fell a victim to the dread disease that had taken his father and sister. Realizing the danger, he became alarmed at the thought of death.

But the same Christian friend who had been used to help and comfort the others, now put before the son the simple way of salvation, and he too, found peace in trusting in Jesus as his Saviour.

"He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, bath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.

The disease was working rapidly, and the end was near. But no longer did the thought of death have any terror for this young man. No longer did the future look dark.

To his mother he said, "All is light", for he knew he was going into the presence of his precious Saviour, where he would join the loved ones gone before, in that land where they "need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light." Rev. 22:5.

"There will be no silent voices

In that ever blessed throng,—

There will be no faltering accents

In that halleluiah song.

Like the sound of many waters

Shall the mighty paean be,

When the Lord's redeemed shall praise Him

For the grace that set them free."

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

A Happy Conversation

ARE you a Christian?" said Rose to a little friend of mine, one day.

"I know I am a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and so I am saved through His blood, and I belong to Him now," was the answer.

"That is just what I do not understand," said Rose. "I, too, believe in the Lord Jesus, but I cannot say that I am saved. I thought you knew you were saved before I asked you, or I should not have spoken to you. Tell me how is it that you know you are saved, and I am not?"

"I can say I am saved," said the little girl, "because the Bible says,

`Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.'

If you really want to come to Jesus, then just tell Him so. I shall pray for you, and will ask my teacher to do the same."

Rose did as her friend advised. She told the Lord how she would like to come to Himself, though she did not understand how. And while Rose was thus speaking to the Lord, her friend and the teacher were asking Him to enlighten her.

What Rose said to the Lord was really from her heart. Soon after she could say,

"I told Him I wanted to come, and He said, 'It is you I've been waiting for.' "

Many little children say, "I should like to come to Jesus," but they only say it with their lips; they have not a real desire.

How is it with you, dear young friend? Are you like little Rose?

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

Jesus Loves You

Jesus loves you, children dear,

Loves you each and every one.

Loves you in the early morn,

Loves you when the day is done.

When, tired out, you lay your heads

On the pillows soft and white,

Jesus loves with tender care,

Watching o'er you through the night.

Jesus loves you when you're well.—

When you romp and sing and play,—

When your little hearts are glad

All the live-long happy day.

But if sickness shuts you in,

And the days seem long and drear,

Jesus loves you, oh! so much,

And He's always very near.

Jesus loves you when you try

Very hard to do His will.

But if you should naughty be,

This same Jesus loves you still.

Loves you with a love so great

That He left His home on high,

And to this poor world came down

For your sins to bleed and die.

Yes, He loves you all the time.

Do you love Him in return?

May the spark His love has fired

In your hearts, more brightly burn.

Messages of God’s Love 6/15/1930

Mary's Pet Lamb

I EXPECT all of you know the lines beginning,

"Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow."

It was in our school-books when I was a boy, and I see it is in some of them still.

My story is not about that Mary, but about another little Mary, in whose schoolbook the story of "Mary and her Pet Lamb" was. She was able at a very early age to repeat the whole of it, and one day when her uncle, who was a farmer, came to see them, she jumped up on his knee, and repeated it to him. He was so pleased with this, that kissing the child, he said,

"Would THIS Mary like to have a pet lamb of her own, such as THAT Mary had?"

"Yes, yes, O yes," shouted the child, and before Uncle William had time to say any more about it, off she ran to tell her mother, that she was to have a pet lamb given her by her kind uncle.

Faithful to his promise, Uncle William sent Mary her lamb, a pretty creature with snow-white fleece, and Mary was to see that it was kept white. She was greatly pleased with her little pet, and it seemed to be happy in its new surroundings. But little lambs, like little boys and girls, are very foolish, and not content with their home, they like to rove in dangerous places.

One day when Mary was in the house, a man passing with a lot of sheep picked it up and carried it off, far from its owner and its peaceful home. When Mary missed her pet, her sorrow was very great, and she sobbed herself to sleep. Everybody searched for the lamb, but no lamb could be found. At last a neighbor told her father that he saw a man carrying a lamb into the town, which seemed very much like it.

Mary's father set off to town in search of the lost lamb, but it being market day, there were a great many lambs there, so that it was not so easy to trace where it had gone. After a full hour's searching, he found it, huddled with a lot of others in a dirty enclosure, its white fleece all soiled, looking very miserable in its new surroundings. It had been sold and was about to be hurried away to be killed. Mary's father found the man who had bought it, and offered him a good sum for it, more than he had paid, which was accepted, and the redeemed lamb was soon handed back to its rightful owner.

There was great rejoicing that night, when Mary's pet lamb was brought home; and ever after, if she saw anyone coming along the road, whom she did not know, she would run with her lamb and hide until they had passed.

The story of "Mary's Pet Lamb" illustrates something more interesting still. That silly wandering creature is just a picture of you. The thief who stole it, is like Satan. The enclosure where it was herded with filthy companions, is like the world where Satan keeps his victims, until they are led down to eternal death.

The father who sought, found, redeemed, and brought back Mary's lost lamb, is like Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sought, redeemed by His blood, and now stands ready to deliver the lost one, and lead him back to God and heaven.

Are you one of the lambs of His flock, redeemed, converted, and brought to God: or marked for death and judgment, lost to God?

"REDEEMED WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT." 1 Peter 1:19.

Messages of God’s Love 6/22/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 25

In the Hebrew the alphabet is followed in the first letter of each verse of this psalm. Here begin a series of psalms which give the thoughts and personal feelings of the troubled and anxious saints of the next dispensation, when God is working out His purposes with regard to the children of Israel, and the world oppresses the godly among them as never before. We are now to find the confession of sins for the first time in the psalms, and much pouring out of the heart to God.

These psalms, we may notice, though showing confidence in God, do not exhibit the knowledge of the finished work of Christ which the Christian has; that will not be known, it appears, until they see Him. What earnest pleadings are in Psalm 25. Enemies there are (verse 2), but he who speaks, looks only to God for help. It will be seen that verse 4 goes beyond asking to know the way he should go; he wishes to know God's ways. Such desires could only be found in one born again.

Tender mercy and loving kindness, God is besought to remember, and not the individual's sins of youth, and transgressions. Meekness is the proper mark of the saints of that day, a suited grace at any time, but particularly when oppressors abound. The meek will He guide in judgment, and will teach them His way. Keeping His covenant and His testimonies, brings the certainty of blessing in verse 10; and fearing the Lord, has its reward in verses 12 to 14. Verse 13 shows the Jewish character of the psalms. The Christian has no inheritance in the earth (see Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 Peter 1:4, 5).

The Christian cannot intelligently make as his own, such words as in the latter part of verse 18, for he is privileged to know that his sins are forgiven. He may, and should, confess his sins (1 John 1:9), but he is conscious that as to his standing before God, they are forgiven for His name's sake (1 John 2:12).

At the close of this beautiful psalm, the heart takes in the whole of Israel in distress—"Redeem Israel, 0 God, out of all His troubles." That redemption will not be long delayed.

Messages of God’s Love 6/22/1930

Bertie's Thanksgiving Gift

A GROUP of merry school children at play were startled by a loud cry of distress from a hidden part of the playground, where a number of little boys had been amusing themselves. Running to the place, they were shocked to find that a little fellow of about seven years of age had fallen heavily on the edge of the granite wall, and had received a bad wound on the head. Very tenderly the elder boys picked up that boy, who was a favorite with them all, and carried him into the schoolhouse, which was quite near.

Bertie's eyes were closed, and his golden curls were stained with his blood. One boy ran to tell his, parents, and very shortly the little sufferer was carried to his home, where he was tenderly .cared for. For several days it was impossible to tell the full extent of his injuries, but when he regained consciousness, all were hopeful that he would recover. It took many, many weeks before the dear child was well, and during these weeks he had many talks with his dear mother on eternal things.

Some are disposed to think and say that such subjects ought not to be named to one so young. But this is not the teaching of the Word of God, nor does it fit in with the words or ways of the Lord when He was on earth. They brought "infants" (Luke 18:15) to Him then, and He welcomed and blessed them. And there are many evidences, to those who have eyes to see them, that in the present time of grace and of the Gospel's power, and by far the greater number, are saved while they are young in years.

Bertie's mother knew the Gospel's power, and lovingly she set its truths before her darling boy, as he lay, still weak, but now free from pain, on his bed. It was lovely to watch the gentle operations of the Spirit in opening the dear child's mind to understand the Gospel, and his heart to receive it. One day his mother said,

"I wonder what we shall give, as a thanksgiving gift, to our good and loving God and Father, for raising up our little boy to health?"

For a moment, he lay silently thinking. Then the blue eyes were raised, and in sweet, simple words Bertie said,

"I think, mamma, that God will be best pleased if I give Him myself."

Could anything have been finer than that, or more pleasing to God? Bertie did give himself, not as a- sacrifice to earn salvation, but as a gift to God, from whom he had received life as a free gift in his early years. He followed the Lord, and it has been his joy to win many to the Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 6/22/1930

The Song Begun

AS I was in my front yard I heard the voices of three little boys across the street, raised very prettily in singing the chorus of a hymn. The beauty was not alone in the sweet young voices that rang out upon the air in unison, but the sentiment was one that made a strong appeal to any who knew and loved the Lord Jesus. It was this:

"I love Him, I love Him, Because He first loved me, And purchased my salvation On Mount Calvary."

Who could doubt that this little song was pleasing to God? He to Whom the name of Jesus is ever the sweetest fragrance, delights to hear His praises sung. In this sad world, where His precious name is so slighted, and frequently taken in vain, any expression of affection to Him could not be other than delightful to the Father's ear.

Who would not love one who had died for him? This is what the Lord Jesus has really done for all who believe. He has borne the judgment for them, that they might go free. This is the great price that He paid when "He purchased my salvation, On Mount Calvary."

This little chorus has many notes in common with that great song of praise that will ring through the heavenly sphere after the redeemed family is gathered home,

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy .. .. 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.

Will the reader be one of that vast throng whose voices will unite in the praise of the slain Lamb? You may be one of them, but the first notes of His praise, feeble though they may be, must be learned here in this world. You must from the heart confess Him as the worthy One. You must believe that it was for you that He died.

These first feeble notes of praise are most grateful to God's ear. They are the fruits of His own grace and kindness; a little response to His great love to us.

Precious indeed then must it be, that there are those here and now, even among the children, whose hearts are tuned to sing His praise.

On earth the song begins;

In heaven more sweet and loud,—

"To Him who cleansed our sins

By His atoning blood,

To Him" we sing in joyful strain,

"Be honor, power, and praise, Amen."

Messages of God’s Love 6/22/1930

Jesus Alone Can Save

Christ the Saviour of sinners came

Into the world to save;

Sing His glory, His worth, His fame,

Jesus alone can save. No name else is given,

Search through earth and heaven—

Jesus alone can save.

Tender were His works of grace!

Jesus alone can save!

Wheresoever His steps we trace,

Jesus alone can save!

Death and woe dispelling,

God's great mercy telling—

Jesus alone can save.

"Works of righteousness" all in vain,

Jesus alone can save!

His blood cleanses from every stain,

Jesus alone can save!

Now His work's completed,

Now in glory seated—

Jesus alone can save.

Tears can never forgiveness gain,

Jesus alone can save!

God will ever dead works disdain,

Jesus alone can save!

Hear His blest voice calling,

Blessings rich are falling—

Jesus alone can save.

Messages of God’s Love 6/22/1930

The Rescue

THE big ship is being dashed against the rocks, and is going to sink. One by one the people are being let down by a rope into the life-boat, which will take them safe to shore. The sailors are anxious to rescue as many people as possible, though they may have to make several trips to get them all to land.

Dear reader, all who do not know the Lord, are like the people on this ship, about to perish, and they will perish if someone does not save them.

There is just one way of escape for these people on the sinking ship, and that is in the life-boat. They cannot save themselves. And there is just one way of escape for poor lost sinners. They too, are quite unable to save themselves.

But Jesus can save them, and He wants to save them. If you are still lost in sin He wants to save you.

The Lord "is longsuffering to usward not willing that any should perish." 2 Peter 3:9.

Because He does not want you to perish, He has provided a way of escape.

"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.

Do not be blind to the danger ahead. You will surely be lost if you do not turn to the Saviour, who alone can save you from the wrath that is coming upon this wicked world.

Messages of God’s Love 6/29/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 26 and 27

There is a consciousness of a clean walk in Psalm 26 which carries on the substance of what we have looked at in Psalm 25. God is invited to prove the one who addresses Him; there is nothing- that so gives boldness toward God like the possession of a good conscience. The saint here considers his course in verses 4 and 5, as taken in separation from evil; he can then approach to God with clean hands (verse 6), and give thanks to Him (verse 7).

Verse 8 brings out the positive side of a godly life; there is love for God's dwelling place. The unbeliever cannot understand this, but to him, the happiness and joy of those who trust in God, is quite unknown.

In Psalm 27 there are two parts, comprised in verses 1 to 6, and 7 to 12. The first part shows the confidence of the saints, and the second part brings out his distress; at the close is the conclusion he has reached.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; the strength of my life" (verse 1). Then "of whom shall I be afraid?"

When God is looked to, trusted in, when heart and soul are committed to Him, there is the utmost confidence and rightly so, for He has given His Word. And with this confidence is also the desire to dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold His beauty (or graciousness), and to inquire of Him in His temple. This is Jewish, of course, for it looks on to the presence of the Lord in the temple at Jerusalem, but the Christian, appropriating the language of verse 4, applies it to the thought of being forever with the Lord in that heavenly home which He went to prepare.

From verse 7 is an appeal to God out of distress. God had bade those who trusted in Him to seek His face; would He hide it from them after all? He had been their help, let Him not cast them off or forsake them.

These verses, and those following, let us see the severity of the pressure that will be upon the godly Jews in that day. They can but wait upon God, but their distress is great; He will come to their help at the needed time, and meanwhile they will be the gainers by trusting Him fully.

This is a lesson Christians often have to learn, too.

Messages of God’s Love 6/29/1930

Geoffrey Hevingham's Temptation or The Prize Marrow-Squash

THERE was to be a flower show, and prizes were offered for the best of each of several kinds of flowers and vegetables, including the "vegetable marrow," which is a variety of squash.

Two boys who heard about it, decided to grow a marrow-squash and try for a prize—ten shillings for the first prize, and five shillings for the second.

Their names were Geoffrey Hevingham and Jerry Taylor, and they were about the same age.

Geoffrey lived in a pretty gabled house with a large garden, and was well supplied with the good things of life.

Jerry lived in an ivy-covered cottage near the bottom of Mr. Hevingham's garden, with a hedge between the two gardens.

Jerry's father was Mr. Hevingham's gardener, and too poor to get Jerry all the things he wished for.

Jerry was specially anxious to have some rabbits, and thought if his squash would only win the prize, he could get some.

Both boys planted the squash seeds, though neither one knew the other was doing so.

Sometime later, Geoffrey was looking around the garden for a ball, when he spied Jerry's beautiful yellow squash on the other side of the hedge. With jealous and selfish thoughts, he decided to put a slug-worm on the squash, and thus keep it from winning the prize.

After dark when he thought no one would see him, he slipped down to the hedge, scratched a piece of skin off the underside of the squash, and put a slug on it, forgetting that

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3.

Over in Jerry's home Mrs. Taylor was asking her husband if he couldn't buy them some new socks and stockings. What they had were so badly worn and so much mended.

When Mr. Taylor said he hadn't enough money to buy new ones, Jerry spoke up and said that if he won the prize he would give his mother the money for stockings. How unselfish when he wanted the rabbits so much, and how different from Geoffrey.

The day for the flower show came, and Lord and Lady Clare were the judges. A minister and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, were the only other persons in the room while the judges decided which flowers and vegetables should have the prizes.

When they came to the squashes, Jerry's was the largest, and Geoffrey's next largest. At first they thought Jerry's had first prize, but when they looked them over they found the hole eaten by the worm, and decided to give him the second prize.

When Lord Clare gave out the prizes, he told Jerry that his marrow-squash would have won first prize if he had kept the slugs away from it, and he held it up so all in the room could see the eaten place, and the thumb nail scratch beside it. Mrs. Darcy, too, had noticed this scratch, and was sure that Geoffrey was guilty of this mean trick.

Meantime Geoffrey had a very guilty conscience, and was quite unhappy. That night he resolved that in the morning he would go to Jerry and tell him what a sinful thing he had done, and give him the ten shillings. He did this, and also refused to take the five shillings that would have been his for second prize. So Jerry had 15 shillings to give his mother for new stockings.

The evening before, Mrs. Darcy had gone over to Mrs. Taylor's and told her how sorry she was about Jerry's squash being eaten, and asked if she might go out to the place in the garden where it grew. While out there she found a little note book and a pencil that belonged to Geoffrey, and then she was sure he was guilty, and she asked him to come to see her the next evening. When he went, she sat down beside him and asked him if he knew how the scratch came on Jerry's squash.

He told her the truth about it, and how sorry he was for doing such a thing. He told her also that he had confessed his wrong to Jerry, and had given him the ten shillings, and how glad Jerry was to be able to give his mother 15 shillings for new stockings.

Mrs. Darcy had heard Jerry say that he could get some rabbits if he won the prize, and now she realized that he had sacrificed his own eager desire for some rabbits, in order to help his mother.

Well, Mrs. Darcy had some beautiful baby bunnies, so she said to Geoffrey,

"I'm going to give two of these bunnies to you, and two to Jerry."

Geoffrey said he wanted Jerry to choose the two he preferred, so they all went over to Jerry's.

You can imagine how delighted Jerry was to have these beautiful little rabbits given to him, and with them a little rabbit house.

From this story you can see, dear children, how much happier, and how much better off in the end, is the one who is honest and unselfish.

Geoffrey's selfish, dishonest conduct made him very unhappy, and though he did not think that any one would ever know about the naughty trick, it was found out.

"Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23.

But we are thankful that he repented, and did all he could to atone for the wrong he had done.

If we go to Christ, confessing our sins, we too, will be forgiven.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13.

Messages of God’s Love 6/29/1930

Who is Jesus?

LITTLE girl, on coming from the Sunday school, found a friend of her parents. As soon as Ellen entered the room, looking at the books which she held in her hand, lie said, "Pray were have you been?"

"I have been to the Sunday school," replied little Ellen, brightly; "and it is such a nice one."

"To the Sunday school indeed," said the visitor; "and what do you go there for?"

"Do not you know?" said Ellen. "Why, to hear about Jesus."

"Do you want to hear about Jesus?" again he asked.

"Yes, indeed I do."

"Then tell me, who is Jesus?"

"Well," said the little girl, "I will tell you. He is from everlasting to everlasting."

The visitor did not ask any more questions. He saw that a little child knew and understood things of which he himself was ignorant.

I trust that many of our young friends, like little Ellen, know something in their hearts of who the Lord Jesus is, and that they see beauty in His name. His name is above every name, and to Him every knee shall bow, whether in this world, or when it will be too late to find in Him a Friend.

Little children, come to Jesus now, for the Word of God says,

"Those that seek Me early shall find Me." Prov. 8:17.

Messages of God’s Love 6/29/1930

Ask The Lord's Help

Ask the Lord to help you

When everything goes wrong;

His heart is ever willing,—

His arm is ever strong.

Ask the Lord to help you

If trouble comes your way;

His heart is full of comfort,—

Just go to Him and pray.

Ask the Lord to help you

If you have tried in vain

To overcome temptation,—

He knows your grief and pain.

Ask the Lord to help you

When things look dark and drear:

His heart just beams with sunshine

And everlasting cheer.

Ask the Lord to help you

When everything looks bright;

For still you need His presence

To keep you in the light.

No matter what befalls you

Along life's checkered way,

Just ask the Lord to help you

And be your strength and stay.

Messages of God’s Love 6/29/1930

Bible Questions for July

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

"For the Son of Man," etc. Luke 9:56.

"Then Jesus answering," etc." 7:22.

"The Spirit of," etc. " 4:18.

"Notwithstanding," etc. " 10:20.

"He shall be," etc. " 1:32.

"But love ye," etc. " 6:35.

"Blessed are," etc. " 12:37.

Bible Questions for July
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

Write in full the verse containing the words, "All things that ever I did."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Is condemned already."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "This is the work of God."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Full of grace and truth."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "All men should honour the Son."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Then are ye my disciples indeed."

What happened after the blind man washed in the pool of Siloam?

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

Rejoice and leap for joy. Luke 6:23.

Luke 8:17.

Luke 2:49.,

The woman in Luke 7:48-50.

Luke 3:23.

By the unbelieving ones being set against the Christians. Luke 12:51-53.

John Baptist. Luke 1:17.

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

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

What was the meat that the Lord had to eat of which the disciples knew not?

For what are we to labor?

Is a belief based on miracles trustworthy?

What verse gives us the two resurrections?

What double proof have we of our security in Christ?

What verse shows that the Lord Jesus was God?

What important "must" do you find in these chapters?

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 28 and 29

In Psalm 28 the judgment of God upon the wicked and workers of iniquity-the mass of the Jews, apparently is looked for as not far off, and the godly plead that they may not be drawn away with the wicked. Unto God they call, their Rock,-if He does not answer, they are become like them that go down into the pit (the speaker looks at the result at the end of their course).

The believing Jews are still, at the time of this psalm, at and near Jerusalem; the Man of sin has not proclaimed Himself to be God (see Matthew 24:15, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4) , and God is looked to as in the oracle, or holy of holies, in the temple. Already separate in heart and life from the apostate Jews, they call for judgment on these according to their deserts, for they regard not the mighty works of God.

God hears; the closing verses of this psalm are the voice of Christ in the remnant of believers, and the "anointed one" in verse 8 is Himself as received and acknowledged by them. Christ is the intercessor in the last verse.

Psalm 29 calls upon the mighty to hear the far more powerful voice of the Lord. Will they heed the call? His voice is upon the waters; in all creation He speaks.

Elijah learned something of it when he fled to the mount of God (1 Kings 19:11, 12), but the lesson there taught the prophet had a different object than what we have presented in this psalm. Here it is, following the cry for judgment to come in Psalm 28, an appeal to the godless to seek God,-He has a temple and a people on earth. He rules, and He will give strength unto His people; He will bless them with peace.

But what of the despisers of His long suffering patience? Fearful judgment awaits those who neglect His great salvation, whether it be His present offer of grace, or that offered to those of another day.

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

Are You Ready?

A LITTLE girl returned home, and found the house empty. She called out,

"Where is mother? Where is father?"

As no one answered, she was quite alarmed. She could not help but wonder where her parents were. Have they gone away to be with the Lord? Has she been left behind?

She had been told that the Lord was coming some day to take all who know Him as their Saviour to be with Him forever.

"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.

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

It is no wonder she was alarmed at the thought of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Often questions like these have filled the minds of young people who know the truth of the coming again of the Lod Jesus.

Two little boys woke up one night to find their room full of light. They thought the Lord had come. When they looked for their father they could not find him.

The fact was that he had gone out of the house to a fire near by, which had filled their room with light.

They knew they were not ready if the

Lord returned, but they never rested until they were able to say,

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus" in answer to His Word, "Surely, I come quickly."

Are you ready?

"Be ye also patient: stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8.

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

Summer Flowers

WE have reached the beautiful summer months with all the gorgeous flowers with which , God has decked and adorned this creation. How delicate some of them are, unable to withstand a cold blast which sometimes comes over night. In the morning, we see them wilted and their marvelous beauty all gone.

But there is this difference between us and those beautiful flowers; when they come to their end here, that is the last of them, but not so with us. God lets us know we shall live forever and ever, either with Him, or separated from Him, but He has provided a way so that none need be separated from Him.

Our sins would have caused us to be cut off from Him forever, because He is holy; but God gave His only Son, who alone was able to bear the awful load of sin, to die in our stead—to be forsaken of God. So He took that place on Calvary, and gained the victory for sinners; so that all who believe on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

"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.

May each dear reader, young or old, consider how quickly the beautiful flowers are gone, and think how soon, too, we shall be gone from this life, and if you have not put your trust in Jesus as your Saviour, I beg of you to do so now.

He is ready and willing to save all who will come to Him. Tomorrow you may be gone from this life, and if without Christ as your Saviour, the wrath of God will remain upon you.

"VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE." John 6:47.

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

Follow Me

WHILE speaking to some of the little girls in my class one day, I asked them what two words the Lord Jesus said to Phillip when He found him.

"Follow Me," was the prompt reply.

"Then," said I, "those two words also apply to you. What is your answer?" One said,

"I mean to follow Him some day." Another, "I should like to follow Him."

But one little girl did not make any answer. She was very attentive and thoughtful, and so our little class broke up.

The next Sunday the silent little girl put a small note into my hand, which ran as follows

"I came to Jesus this afternoon, and my answer to that question is this:

`I will arise and follow my own dear Saviour.' "

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

Jesus and His Love

Come, listen to a story, friend,

I want to tell to you;

A story, very, very old,

But still as good as new.

I learned it at the Sunday school,

And now would have you prove

The joy that such a story gives

Of Jesus and His love.

We all had wandered far from God,

And gone like sheep astray,

And though so very young, you see

I, too, had turned away.

But God, who set His love on me,

My little heart did move,

For through His Holy Word

I learned Of Jesus and His love.

He left His home in heaven,

I read, For sinners such as I,

He must "be lifted up," He said,

On Calvary's cross to die.

I never could have gone to heaven

To dwell with God above,

But for the blessed, joyful news

Of Jesus and His love.

I trusted Jesus' precious blood,

Which cleanseth from all sin,

That blood has made me pure and white,

As though no sins had been.

And, while in journeying through the world,

His daily grace I prove,

I love to think, and talk, and sing

Of Jesus and His love.

My story isn't finished yet.

He's coming soon, He says,

To take me home, to dwell with Him,

Through everlasting days.

And, when the sweet, new song I sing

With all His saints above,

'Twill be the dear, old story still

Of Jesus and His love.

Messages of God’s Love 7/6/1930

The Ruined Nest

HERE some boys have been throwing up stones at the dear little birds, and some of them have fallen into the nest and broken the eggs, and broken down one side of the nest.

Little did they think of what it would mean to these birds to have their eggs broken, and their nice little home that they had taken so much pains to build, ruined in a moment of time.

The thoughtlessness of the boys brought about a great deal of trouble, and their idle hands gave an opportunity to show out the mischief in their hearts.

May each reader seek to take a lesson from this in two ways: first, that there is evil in the heart; second, that idle hands give the opportunity to show what it contains, and therefore sorrow and suffering are the result.

I think we all may see what a hateful thing sin is, whether in breaking up birds' nests, or in other wrong ways. And if hateful to us, what must sin be in the sight of a Holy God!

Well may we praise and thank God that He has, in love, provided a Saviour for us, so that we can approach Him through Christ and His finished work, knowing that all our sins are atoned for by Him.

Then the desire is to please Him in all our ways, and to tell others of Jesus, the only One through whom we can come to God.

"TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD, AND LEAD ME IN A PLAIN PATH." Psa. 27:11.

Messages of God’s Love 7/13/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 30 and 31

HIS dedication song of the house (Psalm 30) looks to the gathering in of all the people of God. It is a song of deliverance when the godly Jews

shall have been delivered from all their enemies. God has brought them up from death, has quickened them from among those that go down to the pit. It is a time for rejoicing, singing psalms unto the Lord, and giving thanks in remembrance of His holiness.

Short was God's displeasure with His people,—'Tor a moment is passed in His anger, a life in His favor; at even, weeping cometh for the night; and at morn there is rejoicing" (verse 5, New Translation).

With another hope, in Christ, the Christian adopts this language; as the hymn says,—

This life's wild, wintry blast

Soon will be over, past;

We shall reach Home at last,—

Heaven is our Home.

The great apostle in Romans 8:31-39; and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 makes little of the trials of the present time, in view of the glory to come for those who are Christ's. So the Remnant of the Jews, trusting in God, will rejoice exceedingly, when their brief days of trial are over.

Verses 6, 7, 8 show the worthlessness of worldly prosperity,—if God hide His face, security and peace are gone. By Him the mourning is presently turned into dancing; the sack-cloth of the days of deep trial is loosed, and there is in its place a girding with gladness, singing, instead of silence.

Psalm 31 was used by the Lord at the end of His suffering on the cross (verse 5; Luke 23:46), but we could not say that all of the psalm applied to Him; it could not be true of Him that is said in verses 9 to 12, for example. It is another prayer of the godly Jews in the coming day. To God they look for deliverance in an outpouring of heart that shows great depth of suffering.

In verse 19 the subject is no longer myself and my troubles, but the goodness of God laid up for them that fear Him, and which He has wrought for those that trust in Him.

Verse 20 seems to look on to the time when the godly Jews would have to flee from Jerusalem to be cared for by God, after the pattern of Elijah in 1 Kings 17. (See Matthew 24:16 and following).

The closing verses encourage the faithful to love the Lord; He preserves them; let their heart take courage, for their hope will be brought to pass. The night of weeping will soon be past, and the unclouded morning appear.

Messages of God’s Love 7/13/1930

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." Matt. 25:10. 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 forever.

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; willing to save you. He invites you to come to Himself; hear then His voice of love,

"Hear, and your soul shall live." Isaiah 55:1, 3.

Messages of God’s Love 7/13/1930

The Selfish Helper

SHORT time ago, in a city where there are always thousands and thousands of automobiles parked,—and very close together on the business streets,—there had been a heavy snowfall.

Some of the snow had melted, and then with colder weather, there was a good deal of rough, frozen snow and ice along the parking places.

Automobiles that backed in between two others often had a hard time getting out again,—especially if they did not have chains. The wheels would spin around on the ice instead of moving the car.

A lady whom we will call Miss A, had parked her car on one of these icy streets, and when she returned about half an hour later, she couldn't get the car off the ice.

She saw a young man coming down the walk and asked him if he would give the car a push and so help to get it out.

He said, "If you'll say 'thank you' ", which undoubtedly meant if she would give him some money for helping her.

Miss A replied, "All right, I'll say `thank you.' "

So the man tried to push the car off the ice, but wasn't strong enough.

Then Miss A. spoke to another man passing and asked his help, thinking the two of them could soon get it started.

But the first man stepped back and leaned up against a tree to look on, instead of helping the second man.

Miss A, seeing a policeman nearby, asked his help, and he, with the second man, soon had the car off the ice and out of trouble.

The second man was paid for his help. The policeman was unwilling to accept anything. The first man had quietly disappeared without any "thanks."

Dear readers, I hope none of you will ever be like the first man in our story,—unwilling to lend a helping hand without promise of pay, and then too selfish or proud to let another man help him when he couldn't possibly do the work alone. He was the loser in the end, as he didn't get anything for the efforts he did make.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. 6:10.

The Lord wants us to show kindness to those about us.

Very often an act of kindness is rewarded in this life, though sometimes not till long after the kindness is shown.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1.

And many an act of kindness is not rewarded down here, but if done for the Lord's sake, it will bring its reward hereafter.

"Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.

But when we show kindness, it should not be for the sake of a reward or some return of that kindness. The pleasure of doing it should be abundant reward.

May all of you young readers seek to show the same spirit of kindness and good will that the Lord Jesus showed when He was on this earth.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

"And walk in love, as Christ also bath loved us, and bath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor." Eph. 5:1, 2.

Messages of God’s Love 7/13/1930

Little Jack

WHILE standing by a beautiful lake, I saw two little boys on the water's edge' about a quarter of a mile away.

I watched them get into a boat and row slowly around the lake in my direction.

After a little while they pulled up to shore and got out of the boat not far from where I stood.

I was surprised to see such young children rowing alone. Walking over to them, I spoke to these dear little boys, and found that the name of the older one was Jack, and that he was seven and a half years old. The other one's name was Donald, and he was five and a half.

When asked if they knew who Jesus was, Jack replied that He was a man and the Son of God. This was a good answer.

"Where is Jesus?" I asked.

"In heaven," Jack said.

"Why did Jesus once come down from His home in heaven to this world?"

"To have a good time." Jack replied. This time little Jack's answer was wrong, as many of you know.

God's Word tells us that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Timothy 1:15.

In Isaiah 53:3 Christ is spoken of as a "Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." If you read the whole chapter you will see very plainly that Jesus did not come down to this world to have a good time. His errand to the earth was love, and He knew that He would have much sorrow and suffering when He came down to a wicked world where men would hate and kill Him.

Yet His love was so great that He was willing to endure all this suffering, that He might bring salvation and blessing to poor lost sinners.

So I told little Jack that Jesus came to die on the cross to save sinners.

The next morning I saw Jack again and asked him,

"Can you tell me now why Jesus came down to this world?"

He answered very promptly, "To die on the cross." And we hope that he will soon learn that he is one of the sinners whom Jesus came to save.

Dear readers, the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me is greater than tongue can tell, or thoughts conceive. This shows how very very much He loved us.

Is Jesus your Saviour? Have you realized that you are a sinner, lost and helpless, and that you need a Saviour?

If you have, Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you. Through the shedding of His precious blood, all your sins have been washed away. In God's sight you are cleansed from all sin and made fit for His presence.

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

Has God's wonderful love touched your heart?

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/13/1930

Grandma's Little Darling

I'm grandma's little darling,

She calls me this, you know;

Sometimes she calls me Lambie,

And says I'm white as snow.

She says my hair is golden,

And that my eyes are blue;

Because my grandma says it,

I know that it is true.

I know she loves me dearly,

I am her constant care,

She presses soft, warm kisses

On cheeks and brow and hair;

She folds her arms around me

When sitting on her knee,

And oft when I am naughty,

Tears in her eyes I see.

'Twas grandma dear who taught me

That all are sinners here,

Quite helpless and unable

Their souls from guilt to clear,

She told me of the Saviour,

Whose blood put sin away;

I trusted Him, He saved me,

And took my fears away.

How oft in early morning

She knelt in prayer for me,

Her earnest eyes turned upward,

While plainly I could see

Tears down her pale cheeks rolling,

As for her child she pled;

God heard, for through all trials

I have been safely led.

I know He'll never leave me,

He'll lead me safe to heaven;

The blood of Christ has cleansed me,

My sins are all forgiven.

What joy to meet my grandma,

And all those gone before;

What joy to be with Jesus,

And praise Him evermore!

"O SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG: FOR HE HATH DONE MARVELOUS THINGS." Psa. 92:1.

Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 32

SOMETHING more is needed than relief from distress, the subject of preceding psalms: it is forgiveness of sins.

"Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly," but what of passed sins?

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

"Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity."

The 32nd psalm, like all the others, is first of all for the Jew in the last days, but its range covers Gentile and Jew in our own time, as is witnessed by Romans 4:6-8.

The Jews who in that day are brought to trust in and wait for the Messiah (Christ) whom they as a nation rejected and crucified nineteen hundred years ago, will not have the peace of salvation until He appears. They will realize their guilt, their sins will press upon them; they will know that their Messiah has gone within

the veil on their account, like the high priest in Leviticus 16:17 (See Hebrews 9:7-12; Zechariah 12:10, and John 20:2729) , but they must wait until they see Him to enter into settled peace, being in this, quite distinct from the position of the Christian.

The subject of the psalm is told in the first two verses.

Verses 3 and 4 describe the state of the man until he confessed his sins, and the next three verses are addressed to God.

What a contrast there is between the anguish and unrest of verses 3 and 4, and the song of deliverance in verse 7. Only one who has liken the place of verse 5, can enter into the reality of the seventh verse. What a hiding place His is, a Preserver through trouble, our God!

Verses 8 and 9, 10 and 11, are the Lord's answer; He answers those who confide in Him. He will instruct and teach the confessed sinner the way in which he shall go; will counsel him with His eye upon him.

Then follows admonition to be not like the horse or mule which have to be controlled with bit and bridle. It should be a delight to be guided by God's unfailing word, learning from it from day to day what is pleasing in His sight, and endeavoring to do it.

"Many sorrows hath the wicked, but he that confideth in Jehovah, loving kindness shall compass him" (verse 10, New Translation). The Christian knows the truth of this.

Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930

Fort Marion

N the city of St. Augustine, Florida, there is a stone fort which was built by t h e Spanish people.

It was begun about three hundred years ago and finished in 1756, when Don Fernandez the Sixth was king of Spain.

For many years the Spanish defended themselves in this fort from attacks of the British and Americans. But at last, in July 1821, after holding St. Augustine for 250 years, they surrendered and Americans took possession of the fort.

In one corner of this fort is a room which opens into a dungeon,—a dark room that was used as a prison.

This dungeon opens into another dungeon which was used as a torture room. And beyond this second dungeon, is a fourth room, which has no light nor ventilation whatever. It is 20 feet long, 13 ft. wide, and 7 ft. high. The door into this last dungeon is 3 ft. wide and less than 3 ft. high.

The prisoners who passed through this low door into the darkest of dungeons were left there to die.

We can be thankful that these dungeons are no longer used as places of torture.

The fort now is not occupied by soldiers and prisoners, but is shown to visitors as a place of historical interest. Each year the guides take 100,000 people through the dungeons.

Not long ago I went through them with other visitors. We had to stoop low to go through the door into the last dark room. There was an electric light in the dungeon, and when we were all inside, the guide turned off the light. Our eyes soon became accustomed to the darkness, but still we could see nothing. Not a ray of light entered the room. "We could not even see the forms of those who were standing close to us.

As we stood there, we could not help thinking of the poor prisoners who, many years ago, were put in this terrible place, and left to die,—never again to see the bright warm sunshine, or light of any kind.

Dear children, do you ever thank God for the sunshine? If you were left for a few days in a place so dark you couldn't see anything,—just black, black darkness all around you,—you would know what a very great blessing the sunlight is.

As I stood in the last dungeon, after the light had been put out, I thought of that terrible darkness that awaits those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Saviour.

In the 13th verse of Jude, the Lord, speaking of those who reject Him, says, "to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever;" and in 2 Peter 2:17, "to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever." Again, in Matthew 8:12, and 22:13, "they shall be cast into outer darkness."

But our blessed Saviour also says,

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me, should not abide in darkness." John 12:46.

For each one of us, time will soon be over. Then comes an eternity that never ends. This endless eternity you will spend either in the glorious light of God's presence, where there is "fulness of joy, and pleasures forevermore;" or in the blackness of darkness. Which shall it be?

Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930

Jesus Comforts Robert

A LITTLE boy four years old had a dear Auntie whom he loved very much. This Auntie was taken sick, and was sick about eight years, when she went to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven. This Auntie loved the Lord Jesus.

Little Robert saw his Auntie's body put in the grave. Some days afterward, Robert said to his mother,

"I am going out to the cemetery and dig Auntie up. I am not going to leave her there."

Robert was so sad. His mother thought she must try to get this off his mind. So she said,

"Robert, you know Auntie was so sick, and sick so long, and it was her body that was so sick. Well, one day Jesus said, I will take Robert's Auntie up here with Me, and have her body put in the grave, and someday I will take her body out of the grave and put her back into it, and take her up here to be with Me forever." Little Robert just shouted saying,

"Then I will see Auntie again, for I am going to be with Jesus."

Robert has not been sad over his Auntie's body being in the grave, since he was told this, but talks about seeing her again when he goes to be with Jesus.

Robert has a sister eight years old. She also believes in Jesus, and has taken her place at the Lord's table to remember Him in His death for her. She heard her mother telling Robert about their Auntie and said,

"Mother, I think I have that straightened out now."

"What do you mean, Geraldine?" said mother.

"I mean, when we die, if we are believers in Jesus, our spirit and soul go to be with Jesus, and our body is put in the grave."

What love, and mercy the Lord Jesus shows to children, to give such comfort to those so young—even lasting comfort.

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Cox. 5:8.

The apostle Paul said,

"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." Phil. 1:23.

Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930

Edith's Thanksgiving

LITTLE Edith had been to Sunday school, and upon her return home seemed much more sober and thoughtful than usual. The lesson that day had been the Scripture that relates to the sufferings of Christ. The teacher had tried to explain that He had suffered for the sins of others; that God had laid the sins of those who believe, upon his Son when He was on the cross, and He had been punished for them.

She was only a little girl, but she understood the simple story and believed it. Her heart was opened to receive the Saviour.

That night, when the usual time came to say her prayer, she did not use the form she had before. With her new understanding, a formal prayer would not do. Kneeling, she clasped her hands and said,

"O Jesus, I thank Thee that Thou vast punished instead of me."

That was about all, but what a depth of meaning is found in those few words, "Punished instead of me." How much faith is expressed in that brief utterance. Who among the hosts of heaven could raise a higher note?

One could wish that all who hear the gospel message would accept it with the same simple faith as did Edith. It is this simple acceptance of what God has said concerning His Son that saves the soul.

One might believe that Christ died for mankind in general, but that would be of no profit. The language of faith is,

"He loved me and gave Himself for me."

Can the reader say the same? There is nothing but unbelief to hinder, for God has said in the most positive way that His salvation is unto all, and that every living person is welcome to accept the Saviour at this moment.

The Lord Jesus died for the ungodly and for sinners, so that none need despair, however unworthy he may be. The blood of Jesus Christ is able to wash away every stain of sin, making the soul pure and beautiful in God's sight.

Then take God at His word, accept the Saviour He has provided, and you too may say with assurance and rejoicing that Jesus was "Punished instead of me."

Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930

The Wood Gatherers

IN our picture this week, dear ones, we may learn many lessons from these simple wood gatherers.

These dear wood gatherers appear to be happy in their work, gathering together the fallen twigs and branches from the trees, and carrying them to their little cottage in the distance, so that they may have a nice cozy fire. We trust their hearts are thankful to God, for the provision He has made for them.

Notice, children, the wood gatherers are obliged to take a very low position, in order to get what is required. So you, too, in order to obtain salvation, must take the lowest position,—that of a lost sinner, owning your nothingness.

"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." But, thanks be to God,

"His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

We are "redeemed with the precious blood of Christ." It Peter 1:19a

High and mighty, rich and poor, weak and needy, must come under the shelter of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

Are you prepared, dear reader, to take this low place before God, and shelter

yourself, as a lost soul, under cover of that precious blood, and apply it to your own heart?

If you shelter beneath it, you are safe for eternity, and, through grace, you can thank God,

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." Col. 1:13.

"IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL." Lev. 17:11.

Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 33

This is the result of, the comment of the heart upon, the 32nd psalm. It is a song of deliverance, not yet known in actual experience, but anticipated with assurance given by God. We notice how entirely God is the theme of the psalm. His word is right, and His work is in faithfulness (verse 4).

As the Creator of the heavens above (verse 6), and the waters below (verse 7), all the earth is called upon to fear Him, for when He commanded it was done. But the earth does not yet fear Him (verse 10); the nations take counsel, and He frustrates it; He makes the thoughts of the peoples of none effect, but His counsel, and the thoughts of His heart stand for ever (verse 11).

Blessed then is the nation whose God is Jehovah, the people that He has chosen for His inheritance. Of Israel this speaks, of course, for of no other nation could it be true. But their day has not yet dawned, for the Lord is seen looking from the heavens upon the inhabitants of the earth. When He comes to deliver His earthly people, the "king," the multitude of forces, the mighty man with his great resources, —the power of man—will be of no avail (verses 13-17).

The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, on them that hope in His loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine (verse 18). Precious words!

The Christian who has gone through trial, knows their truth.

Waiting for the Lord, their help and shield, the remnant will not wait in vain, for in Him shall their heart rejoice (verse 21).

How admirably is the language of the psalms fitted for the needs, the experiences, the hopes of the Jews in the approaching of trial of the severest kind.

Reviewing this psalm, we may observe that the believer of whatever period, past, present or future, has only to praise the Author and Divine Source of all, and walk in the light of His revealed Word, for His eye is upon His own to deliver, to preserve; He is their help and shield. May the Lord thus engage the hearts of all who love Him, and wait for Him in this "little while" of His absence.

Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930

A Foolish Risk

THOSE of our readers who have not seen Niagara, know it to be one of the great natural features of the American continent. Impressive and beautiful as is the sight, it is necessary to take. great care, for it has often proved a monster of destruction, and many lives have been lost in its rushing and seething waters.

A young man who visited the falls some years ago was one of the victims. He noticed a flower growing far over by the waters' edge, and it occurred to him that it would be a fine thing to take home to his friends. Without stopping to think of the danger he incurred, he reached over to pluck the flower, and in so doing he lost his balance, and was swallowed up by the raging waters.

What a foolish risk, you say, and perhaps you think that you would not take such a chance for so trivial an object.

It may be that you are taking just as great a risk without knowing it. It may be that you are in danger of losing your soul, and that for something of little consequence.

How many times have you held back from accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, that you might indulge in a little worldly pleasure? Perhaps you delayed coming to Christ for the sake of some pursuit in which you could not acknowledge His name.

Do you not see that you are risking the loss of your soul for something of no more importance than a flower on the brink of Niagara?

The pleasures of this world can be very aptly compared to a fragile flower that yields little real satisfaction, and is so quickly gone. The Bible speaks of the "Pleasures of sin for a season," and this "season" is brief.

What could be compared to the value of your soul, or what could exceed the folly of risking its loss for any earthly consideration?

Dear reader, come to Christ now. Take no further risk in delay. The benefits He will bestow, will be worth infinitely more than all that this poor world can give, and will repay you a thousand fold for any little sacrifice you may make for His sake.

"Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath 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." 1 Cot, 2:9, 10.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930

Forgiven

A YOUNG soldier had been brought before his superior officer many times over to receive sentence for various offences. The punishment inflicted upon him seemed only to make him worse. The officer was at his wit's end. It seemed strange that one so young, should be so hardened.

When brought before him for the fifteenth time, the officer said,

"It seems a pity that a young fellow like you, who ought to be a credit to her Majesty's service, should be disgraced and punished to no purpose. I have resolved today to give you a free pardon."

The young man was overcome with emotion, and from that time forward he was the best behaved man in the regiment. The results that punishment had failed to produce, had been brought about by unmerited kindness. It touched his heart, and made him feel that he wanted to repay it in kindness.

Does not this story remind us of the grace of God that has made it possible to forgive us our sins, so that they will be remembered no more against us? A mighty work was necessary, however, before He could thus come forth as a God of pardon. His great heart of love went out to a world of sinners. He pitied them in their lost condition, and His compassionate love found expression in providing a Saviour.

This Saviour was none other than His only and beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Him He gave to be a sacrifice for sin. Upon His holy Person the penalty of our sins was poured out as He hung upon the cross. He was punished in the sinner's stead. Thus the work of redemption was accomplished whereby God is just in giving a full and free pardon to all who will believe.

"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.

Reader, is there no response in your heart to this wondrous love of God? Surely there is everything in His love to win the heart and confidence. If the young soldier was won by the forgiving kindness shown to him, how much more appealing is the love of God that He has proved at such a cost.

Accept the Saviour that His love has provided, apart from Whom there is no forgiveness or salvation.

Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930

His Own Boat Twice Owned

Girls love dolls and skip ropes,

Boys like boats and trains;

'Twas so from the beginning.

And it still remains.

Listen to a boat song.

True as true can be,

Bringing sweet message

Straight to you and me,

Willie made a sail boat

Of a block of wood.

With a mast and sail cloth

All so very good.

Went down to the ocean

Proud as proud could be,

He saw a strong rough wind

Blow it out to sea.

Turned he home lamenting

Of his dreadful loss;

Could not cease from fretting—

All night long did toss.

Two long weeks passed over,

Willie was in town,

Saw in a shop window

Boat all painted brown.

"I declare," said Willie,

"This is my own boat;

The last time I saw it

'Twas on ocean float."

In walked little Willie:

"Please, sir, that's my boat."

"You can surely have it

For a silver groat."

"But," said little Willie,

"Must I buy my own?

See, these hands did make it,

And these hands alone."

But the man responded:

"That is naught to me;

Sailor sold it here today,

Found it out at sea.

"And so if you want it,

Put down money first;

But until you buy it,

Touch it, if you durst."

Willie paid the money—

Now he has the boat-

-Boat he first did fashion,

Boat he now has bought.

Boat now his twice over—

Made it first of all,

Then by solemn purchase

Out of sale shop stall.

So all boys and girls

First belonged to God,

For did He not make them

All of one pure blood?

But that serpent, Satan

Stole them far away;

From the Great Creator,

Led them far astray.

Jesus came and sought us,

Shed for us His Blood;

Thus, and only thus-wise,

Bringing us to God.

We are God's twice over

Once by right of birth,

Then by right of purchase

By Christ's Blood on earth.

Boys and girls, listen!

Own this double claim,

And you will forever

Bless God's Holy Name.

"Ye know that ye were not redeemed with.... silver and gold,....but With die precious blood of Christ," 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930

Bible Questions for August

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

"Then said the," etc. Luke 20:13.

"And they told," etc. " 18:37.

"And the people," etc. " 23:35.

"I say unto you," etc. " 15:7.

"But the same day," etc. " 17:29.

"And that," etc. " 24:47.

"O Jerusalem," etc. “ 13:34.

Bible Questions for August
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21-

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Will draw all men unto me."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "This is life eternal."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Lovest thou me more than these?"

Write in full the verse containing the words, "My Father will love him."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Without me ye can do nothing."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The town of Mary and her sister Martha."

What day of the week and what time of day did Mary Magdalene come to the sepulchre?

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

The thief in Luke 23:43.

It is an abomination to Hirh. Luke 16:15.

They shall perish. Luke 13:5.

Luke 18:33.

"All live unto Him." Luke 20:38.

Their eyes (Luke 24:31); the Scriptures (vs. 32); their understanding (vs. 45).

That we should never let them come before our heart-loyalty to Christ. Christ first! Luke 14:26.

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

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

What should the Christian expect from the world?

How do we prove that we love the Lord?

What was Thomas' confession of faith?

Who is the "prince of this world"?

Why did not Jesus show Himself to the Greeks?

Which one of the disciples was promised a martyr's death?

What did the Lord mean when He said "clean every whit"?

Messages of God’s Love 8/3/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 34.

Like Psalm 25, the verses of this psalm begin with the Hebrew letters in the order of the alphabet. It was written at the time of 1 Samuel 21:10-15, we learn from the title, for "Abimelech," meaning "Father-king," was a title of the Philistine kings, like "Pharoah" for the Egyptian, and as "Caesar" was afterward for the Roman rulers.

David, fleeing from the wicked king Saul, had gone to Achish the king of Gath, but found no welcome there, and in terror for his life, for his faith was low, pretended to be insane. From thence he escaped to the cave of Adullam, and became the gathering center, the attraction that brought to the cave and to himself the distressed, those in debt, and those of embittered spirit, and David became a captain over them.

David's thoughts, led by the Holy Spirit at this time, thus become a part of the Scriptures. The first two verses tell the subject of the psalm; the force of it is in the words "at all times" (verse 1). David had learned to trust God at all times, and his heart was overflowing in thankfulness and praise. He calls upon the meek, the suffering saints, to magnify the Lord with him. Verse 4 is David's experience, and in verse 5 the same is foretold of those who should heed the word spoken.

Verses 6 to 10 appear to be the language of the Holy Spirit, and then from verse 11, David resumes-yet is it not more than David's word? It is Jesus who speaks from the experience of His own earthly path for the comfort and encouragement of those who should after pass through trial.

The whole psalm presents the saints in trial, but not in anxiety; having needs and in danger, but looking to God and resting in the security He gives. What harm could touch "them that fear Him," with the angel of the Lord encamped round about them? The lion in Scripture is a symbol of strength, yet the young lions are in need and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good. How encouraging to faith are these precious words of God!

Verses 12 to 16 are quoted by Peter in his first Epistle, chapter 3. The whole psalm sets livingly before us, God in His interest in those who trust Him and His needy saints quietly resting in His care, confident that in due time He will work their full deliverance. Faith may be tried (indeed we are sure it will be), and deliverance out of trial seem long in coming, but our trust is in the living God, and none who trust in Him will ever be confounded.

Messages of God’s Love 8/3/1930

Old Letters And The Tales They Told

HOW interesting it is to read old letters, telling of days gone by and of incidents that one has almost forgotten. Sometimes the subject matter is bright and cheerful and sometimes sad, for this life is made up of sunshine and shadows.

A lady in rummaging through her belongings recently came across a number of such old letters, and among those that she took time to read were two letters from friends in a neighboring state. Both of these friends were young women at that time.

In one of the letters an incident was mentioned that seemed somewhat singular. She wrote that that date (Dec. 23) was her birthday, and that she was just four years old.

Now that seemed a strange expression for one who was well out of her childhood. However she did not leave her correspondent in any doubt as to her meaning, but went on to explain that it was just four years that day since she had taken the Lord Jesus to be her Saviour, so that from a spiritual point of view, she was four years old.

The writer of the other letter was also a Christian and it was very apparent that her deepest joy and satisfaction was in knowing Christ as her Saviour, and the assurance that her future was in His hand.

And how happy it was that she made this choice, for she has now gone to be with the Lord, whom she knew and loved in this world. As her friend read the letter it seemed to her like a voice from the shores of eternity, and we are sure that if it were possible for her to speak to us from thence, it would be to persuade all to seek the Lord early in life and thus be prepared to enter that bright home above when they quit this life.

This happy future is secured to us by faith in the Lord Jesus. His death on the cross was the price He paid to make our salvation possible. Through His atoning blood we are cleansed from our sins and brought nigh to God; made fit to be His companions forever in that home of light and joy.

On the other hand, how hopeless is the outlook of him who does not accept the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing but sorrow and despair awaits such in the life to come. O, the folly, the madness, of facing eternity without Christ! Blackness and darkness forever would be their portion. The words of Christ to those who rejected Him in this world were, "Whither I go, ye cannot come." John 8:22.

Reader, while the two sides of this most vital issue is before you, settle the question forever by accepting Christ now. In simple faith receive Him, and this day will be marked as your spiritual birthday, for the Bible says in the plainest words,

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." John 1:12.

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

Receive Him then, dear reader, and you will become a child of God, and from that hour you will begin your heavenward journey.

"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18.

Messages of God’s Love 8/3/1930

The Rattlesnake

THE rattlesnake is provided with a strange appendage to its tail which produces a rattling sound. When on the look-out for its prey, it continuously shakes this rattle, until bird or rabbit, attracted by the sound, approaches it.

Its food chiefly consists of rabbits, birds, etc., though it frequently attacks man, and inflicts a wound with its poison fangs, which may prove fatal in a few minutes.

The serpent, erect and motionless, now fixes its glittering eyes upon the frightened bird or animal, and subjects it to some sort of strange influence. Though half paralyzed with fear, the victim makes not the slightest effort to escape, hovers or plays about nearer and nearer the beautiful destroyer, fascinated by those sparkling eyes. At length the trembling prey approaches, unable to escape, coming close to the serpent.

In the twinkling of an eye the subtle serpent darts forward and fixes its deadly fangs in the victim which he has lured to destruction.

Remember the words of the preacher:

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Prov. 1:10.

Satan has varied snares for the unwary, and subtly deludes with the world's pleasures: but, dear reader, be not deceived, he seeks your soul's destruction. All that this world can offer is for TIME; your soul must live for ETERNITY.

Seek, I beseech you, a refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died to deliver you

from the power of Satan, and He will give you a home in glory with Himself for ever.

Which will you be—lured to destruction; or saved for glory?

"WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Rom. 10:13.

Messages of God’s Love 8/3/1930

O Wondrous Love

There is a story sweet to hear,

I love to tell it too;

It fills my heart with hope and cheer,

'Tis old yet ever new.

It tells me God the Son came down

From glory's throne to die,

That I might live, and wear a crown,

And reign with Him on high.

It says He bore the cross for me,

And suffered in my place,

That I from sin might ransomed be,

And praise Him for His grace.

O wondrous love, so great, so vast,

So boundless and so free!

Lord, at Thy feet myself I cast:

My all I give to Thee!

Messages of God’s Love 8/3/1930

Cattle

HOW much these cattle seem to like the water; they have hunt, ed this marsh to get away from the heat. The trees, too, spreading over the water make it more comfortable for them here. We are glad they can have such a refreshing spot.

Not only cows like to wade in water, but how much little boys and girls enjoy doing so, too. You have been wading at some time, I know; how cool the water seemed to your tired, hot feet, and how you liked to splash about in it. These little lakes and marshes are of so much comfort to us.

Isn't it good of the Lord to give you these things for pleasure, as well as the things which supply your needs? But these things you can enjoy only as long as you live down here on the earth.

Does His love for you stop here? No indeed, He has made a way for you to be saved, so that you may go to heaven if you should die, and have eternal life with Him; How has He made this way possible? It was by the death of His Son, and if you believe in Him as your Saviour you may be sure of happiness, not only in this life, but for eternity.

Do you know that you are a sinner? Have you been to Jesus to ask Him for forgiveness of your sins?

Where will you spend eternity?

"Who is like unto Thee, O Lord?" Exodus 15:11.

"HE THAT IS OUR GOD, IS THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION." Psa. 68:20.

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 35

In this psalm we have the appeal of Israel's Messiah, Jesus, on behalf of the tried and afflicted ones. He makes their cause His own, speaks as identified with them, though He is high in the glory and they in trouble in and around Jerusalem. It will be observed that there is no confession of sin or guilt, nor complaint at the ungodliness of the mass of the Jews, in this psalm. Hated and plotted against by their brethren, they in their Messiah call for judgment upon their enemies.

In verse 8 one man is singled out. Who is he? We must look back to Judas Iscariot who betrayed his Master, and onward to the Antichrist, the leader in the wickedness of the last days. The stronger than he, of verse 10, is the Lord, of course.

Verses 13 to 14 could have their perfect fulfilment in none but Himself, we know, but they show the spirit of the godly Jews of that time that is soon to come. Other verses tell of the varied character of the opposition,—with craft-setting traps for the godly (verse 7); unrighteous witnesses (verse 11) bringing false charges; slander (verse 15); open, undisguised hatred (verse 16); deceit (verse 20); and contempt (verse 21). By these and other means the unbelieving Jews and their Gentile allies will seek to destroy the godly.

Verse 17 sets forth evidently Jesus,—"my only one,"—the name used in Psalm 22:20. Translated in both passages as "my darling," the same Hebrew word is "thy only" (son) in Genesis 22:2 and 12, where Isaac is a type of God's beloved Son. The great congregation in verse 18 —the same expression as in Psalm 22:25, is all Israel, redeemed, when the great tribulation is over.

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

The Nobleman's Discovery

MANY years ago a Japanese nobleman as he was boating in a lake, found a book floating in the water. He succeeded in getting it out, and after taking it home and drying it carefully, found it to be a Bible.

Though it was quite new to him, he took much interest in it, and began to read it. From the pages of the Scriptures he learned of the true God, and His love in giving His Son to be a Saviour. In simple faith he accepted that Saviour as his own.

In so doing he ceased to be an idolater, and became a son and worshiper of the living and true God. A new joy and interest filled his heart, and as long as he lived, he thanked God for the precious Book that had shown him the way of life.

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

What a treasure is the Word of God! This poor dark soul was brought to a saving knowledge of Him by reading it, and we too are equally dependent upon it for light and instruction.

Without the Bible we could not know God in a way that would profit us as sinners. We would not know of a Saviour who died that we might live, and that by believing on Him we might be saved from our sins, and made fit to go to dwell with Him above, when we leave this world.

"The holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15.

Christ's own words, in speaking of the Scriptures are, "They are they which testify of Me." John 5:39.

How greatly privileged we are, then, to have a Book of which God is the author, containing such valuable information as to the way of salvation, and that which testifies of Christ who is the Saviour.

Since the testimony of the Scriptures are so clear in setting forth Christ as a Saviour, have I by faith made Him my own? Do I believe on Jesus to the salvation of my own soul?

Our friend, the Japanese, who read the Scripture for the first time, received its precious promises as if he were the only one to whom it was addressed. That is faith.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

Clara and Susie

OU all like when the season comes for packing up, for a holiday in the country or at the seaside. To have no lessons, no school bell to call you in from play, but for the long summer day to run and romp.

I am going to tell you about two little girls who spent a very happy summer at the sea-side together, and who, I am sure, will ever look back on these happy days, and thank God for them. Do you know why? Because in one of those days they trusted Jesus as their Saviour, and became the lambs of His flock.

Clara and Susie were school-mates and companions. Their parents were well-to-do people, but very worldly. I fear the two little girls seldom heard the name of Jesus mentioned in their homes. I do not think they even went to the Sunday school. But you know that God who loves the souls of boys and girls, so orders events, that His gospel may reach the ears of those who do not hear it at home, and He did so in the case of Clara and Susie.

A Christian gentleman who was down at the coast with his family for a few weeks, was in the habit of gathering all the boys and girls he could get to come together on the beach for a Children's Service. They sat in circles on the sand, and sang many of the sweet gospel hymns that tell of Jesus and His love. Clara and Susie were there, and perhaps for the first time, heard the gospel plainly and simply spoken.

The meetings on the sands were a great attraction to them, and they came day after day: the Holy Spirit using the Word spoken, to awaken their interest, and show them their need. Sometimes at the close, little groups of children remained to speak with the gentleman who held the services, and often to tell him that they had trusted Jesus.

Clara and Susie waited one day among the rest. They had both been thinking much about the matter of their salvation all that week, and only the day before, in walking together on the beach they had arranged to wait behind, and be "spoken to" after the Children's Service.

They had no particular "difficulty" to inquire about, but they lacked decision. They knew it was by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ that they could be saved, but whether they themselves had thus believed on Him or not, they did not quite know. A few words made it all plain to them. Jesus says,

"He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, bath everlasting life." John 5:24.

To hear, to believe, and to have, go together, and all who hear and believe must have the life eternal, so Jesus says, and His words are truth. Clara and Susie accepted them as such in their hearts that day, and became two of the lambs of the Good Shepherd's flock.

Reader, have you, like these two girls, trusted Jesus? Is He your Saviour? Have you ever come to Jesus as a helpless, lost sinner? If not, do not put off any longer. Perhaps you have been thinking,

"If I do trust Jesus now, I shall not keep on trusting."

O, don't let Satan deceive you with this vain excuse, for Jesus will keep you if you will only let Him. 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, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:27.

Now is the accepted time,

The gospel bids you come:

And every promise in His Word

Declares there yet is room.

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

The Sailor Boy

SAILOR boy, whose captain was a terrible swearer, was shocked at his blasphemy and defiance of God. One day he walked up to the captain, and courteously touching his cap remarked,

"Captain, God is the answerer of prayer. If He answers that prayer of yours, where will we all be?"

The captain said the words fastened upon his conscience with irresistible power, and made him tremble before God. He was deeply convicted of sin, and was soon after converted to God. This was James Haldane.

Through his instrumentality, his brother Robert, who was at that time an infidel, was brought to Jesus, and the two brothers, James and Robert, became two of God's most honored servants of their time, and were used in winning many souls for Christ.

The sailor boy who had learned at his mother's knee the story of a Saviour's love, and whose young heart had been early won for Him, was not afraid, amid that scoffing crew of godless sailors, to own Jesus as his Lord, and to speak the faithful word to his ungodly captain, that God was pleased to use to his awakening.

Reader, if you know the Lord yourself; if you are converted to God, do you bear a true and fearless witness for His name; or do you stand and hear that name blasphemed, and His truth dishonored, without saying a single word?

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain." Exo. 20:7.

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

Why Waitest Thou?

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?

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930

Harvest

HERE we have a picture of the harvesters about ready to return home. Have you heard of harvest time? It is when the hay, grain and corn are ready to be reaped and gathered in.

Farmers always like to have a big harvest, for that means money to them—money with which to buy food, clothes, and other comforts.

The Bible tells us of another kind of sowing and reaping,

"Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. 6:7, 8, 9.

What are the seeds we sow when we sow to the flesh? Perhaps some of you will say, "Naughty things we do." Yes, anything naughty we think, say, or do; anything unkind or selfish; anything we do to please ourselves.

When we sow seeds of this kind they will not grow into anything good or beautiful. They are bad seed. And we should not want to sow such seeds any more than the farmer wants to plant seeds that will grow up into thorns and thistles and troublesome weeds in his field. We know he does not want these.

What do you think sowing to the Spirit is? "Sowing good seed," you say. Yes, whenever we do anything for the Lord,— when we seek to help others, and do them good for the Lord's sake,—we are sowing to the Spirit, and we shall reap good, and blessing to our souls.

May everyone who reads "Messages of Love" be happy, like the harvester in the picture, because he is reaping good harvest. If any of you are sowing to the flesh, stop and think of the corruption—the sorrow and trouble you must reap.

How much better to reap "Life everlasting," and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.

"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE." Gal. 5:22, 23.

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 36

In Psalm 36 the course of the wicked is plain to the servant of God: "there is no fear of God before his eyes." He is in fact, as verses 2, 3 and 4 make clear, very far indeed from the true knowledge of God. From such the believer turns to think of, to speak to, the Lord.

"Thy loving kindness is in the heavens, and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds; Thy righteousness is like the high mountains; Thy judgments are a great deep." In all His ways God is above and beyond puny man (verses 5, 6).

God preserves man and beast, though man has rebelled against Him, and though the world invites His judgment, His loving kindness is such that the sons of men take refuge under the shadow of His wings. We are reminded of His yet more amazing grace in sending His Son into the world to die for poor, unworthy, hell deserving sinners.

Verses 8 and 9 present a living hope, and the confidence of faith; those who put their trust in Him, shall never be disappointed. Life and light are His to give (verse 9).

It is good to see the confidence in God, confidence in Him both as to the outcome for the believer (verses 8, 9), and for the worker of iniquity (verse 12).

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

The Servant Who Died For His Master

ONE of the ancient Romans was being pursued, so that he might be put to death. In order to save him, his servant clothed himself in his master's garments, well knowing he would fall into the hands of the pursuers, and be mistaken for the man they were after.

He was captured, and put to death instead of his master, who caused a statue to be erected as a monument of gratitude for the poor servant's fidelity and affection. That man died for his friend, but,

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

Has your heart not been broken by the wonderful love of Jesus in dying on the accursed tree that you should not perish?

"When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. Have you believed on His Name?

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

A Child's Trust

I HAVE a sweet, true story to tell to the dear children. It is about how tenderly the Lord Jesus honored the simple faith of a little boy.

Harry M. is a great friend of mine. He is a little boy of about seven years of age.

Harry has often heard of the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep, and, through grace, Harry's young heart has been won to love the precious Saviour.

At the time of which I write, a dark cloud of trial had gathered over Harry's home. For many weeks his dear father had been too ill to go to his daily work, and his mother found it no easy matter to pay the rent and provide food for the household. There was not any money to spare for new clothes or shoes, and Harry's shoes were worn so very thin and old, that one morning his mother said,

"Does my little boy know that he cannot go to Sunday school any more till I can get him a pair of new' shoes?"

"O, mother, I am so sorry," was Harry's answer.

"Yes, dear, and so am I; but perhaps you may not have to wait long, for the doctor thinks your father is a little stronger, and if it please the Lord to raise him up again, he will buy your shoes."

Harry sat down quietly to consider matters. After a silence of some time, he said,

"Mother, the last time I was at Sunday school the teacher told us that the Lord Jesus has all power; that He can do whatever He pleases; He could send me some shoes if He pleased."

"Yes, dear, I am sure He could, if He saw it was best for you; but perhaps He wants you to learn a lesson of patience. and so may keep you waiting. You will not mind much if it is His will, Harry?"

"No, mother; but do you think it would be wrong to ask Him? I would say, 'Just as you please, Lord Jesus.' "

"No, Harry; I do not think it would."

So taking his old shoes in his hand, Harry went upstairs, and, kneeling down

with clasped hands and reverent face, for he knew that he was speaking to the great and Holy God, with the simple trust of a little child, he told out his need to the Lord in heaven.

Two or three days passed on, and though Harry did not say another word

about the shoes, his mother felt sure that he was still praying, and also watching for the answer to his prayer to come.

Saturday evening came, and while Harry was out on an errand for his mother, a friend called to leave a small amount of money which was sent by a gentleman, who, though he had heard of the illness of Harry's father, yet did not know of the little boy's need, nor of his prayer.

Upon receiving the gift, the mother said,

"The Lord has sent the means, and Harry shall have his shoes," and with glad, grateful heart she went out to purchase them. On her return, string and paper were quickly unfastened; Harry, with one long, loving kiss for his mother, pronounced them "such beauties," then went quietly away. His mother gently followed, and found her little boy thanking the Lord for having answered his prayer.

Dear. children, do you, who know the Lord Jesus as your own precious Saviour, take all your needs to Him in prayer? And do you not sometimes forget to thank Him when He gives you just what you asked Him for, or perhaps something better?

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you." John 16:23.

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

Freddy's Text

BUT how am I to know that when Jesus died, He died for me?"

This question was asked by a little boy named Freddy.

"Supposing God had written a text in the Bible which said that Jesus died for Freddy, would you know then?" was the reply.

"O yes, Miss R—, I should; I wish that He had done so," Freddy answered with a very bright look.

"But there are many other Freddys in the world; how would you know that God was speaking of you?"

The bright look faded, and tears filled his eyes as he answered,

"O, so there are many other. Freddys, how then can I know?"

The earnestness of the manner in which the question was asked, made his governess look up silently to the Lord for special wisdom before answering little Freddy's question.

"Well, Freddy," she said, "God has called us all by one name, and those who are really willing to take that name before Him, He has said that Jesus died for those people."

"What is that name, Miss R—?"

"Sinners, Freddy," was the reply. "You are only a child, yet you have done many things that God calls sins, and therefore you are a sinner, and need to be washed from those sins by Jesus before He can have you in heaven with Him.

The great Apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners, yet he could say that Jesus loved him and gave Himself for him. Shall I tell you a little verse about this? He said,

`The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.' " Gal. 2:20.

"Who was it Paul said loved him, and gave Himself for him? It was Jesus the Son of God, He was God, as well as man, and was perfect and holy, so had no sins to die for of His own. I could not die for you, Freddy, because I am a sinner too, and deserve to be punished for my own sins. But if we go to God and ask Him to save us for Jesus' sake, He will tell you that Jesus has died instead of you."

"Yes, I will," said Freddy, "and I am going to say that text to God tonight,

`Jesus loved me, and gave Himself for me!' I wish you would print that text for me, Miss R____; will you please?"

So while little Freddy was peacefully sleeping, the text was roughly printed on a piece of cardboard and hung beside his bed,

THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.

From that day Freddy constantly spoke of the verse as "his text."

Perhaps some little reader of this incident may have often thought,

"Yes, I know that Jesus died, but I am not sure that He died for me." Will you not put your finger by faith on "Freddy's text" and say,

"I know I am a sinful child, but Jesus the Son of God loved sinners, and gave Himself for them, therefore for me."

He knew how wicked man had been, And knew that God must punish sin, So out of pity Jesus said,

"I'll bear the punishment instead."

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

Whosoever

Wondrous love of Jesus! spread the news around—

Pardon freely offered, what a joyful sound!

Jesus, loving Saviour, died to set me free;

O! that blessed "whosoever"—that means me.

Pardon freely offered, all who will believe;

Whosoever cometh, Jesus will receive;

Jesus, loving Saviour, died to set us free;

Hallelujah! "whosoever"—that means me.

"Whosoever" means me, better than my name,

Anyone, everyone, is not that the same?

Believing is salvation, present, full, and free;

"Whosoever" is the message—that means me.

Who will follow Jesus, who will now believe,

Who will love the Saviour, who will life receive?

For my sins He suffered on the cruel tree, "

Whosoever!" Hallelujah! that means me.

Messages of God’s Love 8/17/1930

The Clipped Wing

IN our picture today we have a flock of pigeons. No doubt many of our boys and girls are interested in these birds with their lovely plumage, as it shines forth when in the sun. How graceful too, they are in all their movements. God has formed them thus.

Many of our dear boys and girls have visited parks where there are numbers of these feathered creatures, and have come with their bags of peanuts and corn for the pigeons. It pleases them and how readily they pick up all that is scattered for them, and appear grateful for the nice treat.

God lays it upon the hearts of one and another to care for the birds. It is His provision for them. God has given them wings and instinct. If an enemy appears, how quickly they see it, and fly away, and dear children, is it not cruel for boys to clip the wing of birds?

A little boy came running to his mother, and said,

"Mrs. L— has lost her beautiful pigeon. She was afraid it would fly away, and so had its wing clipped. A dog ran after it, and it could not fly, so it was caught and killed."

How very like these birds children are in this world of sin and sorrow! Satan, their enemy, goes about their path, seeking whom he may devour.

But have you no wings, dear children, with which you may fly away, and be safe?

Yes, you may have if you belong to Jesus, for faith and prayer are to the soul, what wings are to the birds. Beware: that Satan does not clip your wings, and hinder you in prayer and simple faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

How it delights Jesus' heart to hear the voices of His little ones in prayer, spreading out in faith their needs with thanksgiving.

"BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT: BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR." 1 Peter 5:8.

Messages of God’s Love 8/24/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 37

In Psalm 37 the great theme is waiting for God to act, and not being alarmed or fretting because of the wicked. The workers of unrighteousness shall soon be cut down.

A striking object lesson in this is found in Elijah in 1 Kings 19, after his wonderful victory for God at Mount Carmell. He had been very faithful and steadfast for God, but that was when he knew he was wholly dependent on Him (chapters 17, 18). At the beginning of chapter 19, Queen Jezebel frightened Elijah with a few words, and with his mind on Jezebel instead of God, he shamefully and needlessly fled for his life.

The Christian cannot answer to the directions in verses 3 and 4, except by daily reading the Word of God, and meditating upon it; this is "dwelling in the land"—getting acquainted with the believer's portion in Christ, and "delighting thyself in the Lord" is a result of such a course.

The prosperity of the wicked (verse 7) is not an unusual thing in the world, but yet a little while and the wicked is not (verse 10).

The meek (note that word) shall inherit, or more properly, shall possess the land. It is the meek, the humble, that God blesses; seven times they are spoken of in the Psalms: (in 22:26, 25:9 (twice);:17:11; 76:9; 147:6; 149:4). In all these cases they are the blessed, and the only blessed ones.

How striking are verses 12 and 13; the wicked plot, and gnash their teeth; the Lord laughs at them, for He sees that the day' of reckoning is near. "Their sword shall enter their own heart" (verse 15); (see Matthew 26:52).

Every verse of this psalm calls for our attention; written for the believers among the Jews after the heavenly people, the Church, so much occupying the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, is removed from the earth to heavenly glory. The Christian can nevertheless draw deeply from the truths here set out.

Messages of God’s Love 8/24/1930

The Coils of Sin; or, The Arms of Jesus, Which?

HUNDREDS of people had flocked to see the wonderful performances of a celebrated serpent charmer. The house was quite full, and many a time did those people shout and clap as the clever actor showed them how perfectly under his control his serpents were.

But at last came the greatest feat in the performance. This man had managed to charm a huge serpent, called the boa-constrictor, so that it seemed ready to do anything that he pleased.

Well, the man began to play the music, when on to the stage slowly crawled this great snake, then round the man's body it began to coil itself while he continued playing, until the whole of his body was covered and nothing was seen but his head. Now all the people waited almost breathlessly to see what would take place.

The signal was given for the serpent to uncoil itself, when suddenly it was seen to draw itself more tightly than before round the man.

The music stopped, and through the stillness of that theatre, a terrible shriek ran, then all was still again. The serpent slowly uncoiled its folds, and as it did so, the dead body of the poor actor fell upon the stage. Ah, he had played with that deadly serpent once too often, and it had destroyed him.

Dear reader, this is a true picture of sin. You know the Scripture says,

"The wages of sin is death."

I believe every one that reads this, means to go to heaven. You would not like sin to destroy you as this serpent destroyed the poor actor; but take care if you have not yet come to the Saviour. You are in great danger, and the longer you delay, the more your danger will increase.

And tell me, friend, would you not rather be safely folded in the arms of the precious Saviour, than folded in the coils of sin?

Think of His great love. Remember that He died that you might be saved. Jesus shed His precious blood to make you clean from all your sins, and to fit you for heaven, but until you come and trust in Him, you are in dalger of eternal hell.

Flee to Christ, accept Him as your Saviour. His arms are strong, and He will keep you safe from Satan.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 8/24/1930

Happy Service

A SUNDAY school superintendent related the following:

Some years ago while visiting the Sunday school in H—, I was greatly cheered by the clear answers the dear children gave me.

When I asked how many of them really loved the Lord Jesus, I noticed all hands went up, except one little girl. Thinking she might not have heard me, I addressed her individually, and said;

"My dear child, don't you, too, love the Lord Jesus?" Hesitatingly she raised her little hand. After a few more encouraging words to the interested listeners, I told them that the following Thursday we would have another such meeting, to which their parents also were cordially invited.

"Who will promise me to earnestly invite your dear father and mother; and if possible, bring them along?" A few responded, and to my great surprise, that little girl too.

Afterwards I learned that she had come to the Sunday school that Lord's day for the first time.

The appointed day arrived, and as I took my place in the front, I watched the people coming in. There came my little girl with a happy face, and with a well dressed lady.

"I am glad, my dear child, that you have kept your promise so faithfully. I suppose this is your mother?"

"Yes, sir, this is my Mamma." Then the lady told me how the child had not ceased to invite her to the service.

"Although I had strictly forbidden her to go to any Christian Sunday school," the mother added, "yet she pressed me so earnestly last week, that I finally consented. I pushed her away in anger, but when she still persisted, I finally punished her with the rod. But the dear child continued to beg me to come, and I could do nothing but to promise her to come. I can assure you, I do not regret having been here."

"And, now, my dear child," she said, turning to her daughter, and pressing her to her heart, "you may go to the Sunday school as often as you wish." The little girl grasped the hand of her mother and covered it with kisses, filled with joy over the sudden change that had taken place, and turning to me, she whispered in my ear;

"Now, I will love the Lord Jesus dearly too."

Shortly after that, the lady turned to the Lord in true repentance, and was convert-

ed, rejoicing in the forgiveness of her sins through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. She henceforth walked faithfully with God's people, and her daughter is now active in blessed service in this very Sunday school.

So it was, that through the kind invitation, and the persistent begging of the child with a loving heart, two souls were saved.

"Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" John 4:29.

Messages of God’s Love 8/24/1930

Living For Jesus

A LADY who was distributing some tracts not long ago, came to a group of girls and offered them some.

One of these girls, who was about ten years old and seemed to be the leader, asked if they told about God. "Yes", replied the lady.

"Then we don't want any," said the girl.

Dear children, we can thank God that you do not feel the way this girl felt. If you did, you would not be interested in reading these "Messages of Love" papers, for they tell about God. It is only through hearing about God and His Son, who died to save sinners, that you can learn the way of salvation.

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

Let me tell you about another little girl, thirteen years old, who is very different from the first one:

W—, as we will call her, learned while young to trust in Jesus as her Saviour. She is very happy in knowing that her sins are forgiven, and that someday she will be in the Home above, which Jesus has prepared for those that love Him.

"In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2, 3.

But W— is not satisfied to keep to herself the blessed promises she finds in God's Word, but she feels sorry for those who have nothing better than the pleasures of this world. She wants them to find Jesus, who alone can satisfy the hungry heart and the thirsty soul. So she is telling the good news to others, and has had the joy of seeing, at least, two more turn from darkness to light.

Dear reader, if you have not yet trusted in Christ for your salvation, come to Hini before it is too late. The day of grace will soon be over.

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near." Isa. 55:6.

And when you have found Him, do not be afraid to tell others about Him. Pass on your Sunday school papers for others to read. Some may not want to listen. They may not read the papers. But God will bless your efforts.

"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether, they both shall be alike good." Eccl. 11:6.

Messages of God’s Love 8/24/1930

Sheep

WE all love to watch a flock of sheep quietly feeding on the hillside, and the little lambs skipping about, withoUt any thought of where they are to get their food.

Their shepherd takes them from one place to another, and he finds out the best pastures for them.

The Lord Jesus has a flock of sheep and lambs, and He is their Shepherd,

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still water." Psa. 23:1, 2.

Where are these green pastures and still waters to be found for us? They are, dear children, in His blessed Word.

If we read and meditate on God's Word, and act according to it, we shall be following Him.

"MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM AND THEY FOLLOW ME." John 10:27.

Are you one of His sheep, dear reader? If you believe on Him, (this is hearing His voice), you are one of His sheep.

If any of you have not yet come to Jesus, listen now to His loving call, and you will then be one of His lambs, whom He will love and care for until He takes you to be with Himself forever.

Messages of God’s Love 8/31/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 38

The Jews are here under the chastening hand of God because of their sins, and the godly among them have to take their share in it, though thoroughly repentant and assured of His forgiveness (Psalm 32 ).

Enoch—type of the present day believers comprising the Church of God according to the Scriptures—was taken away without dying; but Noah—type of the redeemed of Israel in the day now near at hand—had to pass through the storm of God's judgment, yet was preserved from harm because sheltered by God's provision of the ark (Genesis 5:22-24; and chapters 6 and 7).

Only in a general way is Noah to be looked on as an illustration of God's dealings with the Jews, because the Scriptures commend Noah, and there is no suggestion of punishment of him in his passing through the flood (Genesis 6:8, 9; 7:1), but concerning the Jews there are many references to their sins, the culmination of which was the putting to death of the Holy One, and to God's purpose to deal with them severely on this account (See Matthew 24:9-30; Jeremiah 30:8-9; Daniel 12:1, and in this connection Matthew 27:21-25). No less reason can there be for the Jews being for nineteen centuries without a national home, a temple, an altar, or a priest.

In Psalm 38 there is recognition that God is dealing with them on account of their sins (verses 4-8, and 18). To Him they look when friends fail, and enemies are active and strong. To man they will be silent, dumb. Firm confidence is there in God: He will answer (verse 15), when the hour for their deliverance has arrived.

Messages of God’s Love 8/31/1930

Jesus' Precious Love

There is no love like the love of Jesus—

Never to fade nor fall,

Till into the fold of the peace of God

He has gathered us all.

There is no eye like the eye of Jesus,

Piercing so far away,

Ne'er out of the sight of its tender light

Can the wanderer stray.

There is no voice like the voice of Jesus—

Tender and sweet its chime,

Like musical ring of a flowing spring

In the bright summer time.

There is no heart like the heart of Jesus—

Filled with a tender love;

No throb nor throe that our hearts can know

But He feels it above.

Jesus' love, precious love,

Boundless and pure and free;

O turn to that love, weary, wandering soul

Jesus pleadeth with thee.

Messages of God’s Love 8/31/1930

The Only Saviour

O doubt, dear children, you have all heard and read of the country of India, and perhaps you know also that the people who live there are worshipers of Confucius, Buddha, and other false gods.

The story is told of a certain Indian who became anxious about his soul. Like many other people, he commenced by doing his best—turning over a new leaf, giving alms to the support of the idol temple, etc., but one night he had a remarkable dream, which was used of the Lord for the salvation of his soul.

He dreamed that he was passing through a country lane, and, without the least warning, fell into a deep ditch, so deep that by himself it was impossible to get out. What did he do? He commenced to climb the side of the ditch, but fell back again into the mire. This was repeated again and again, until at last, his strength expended, he gave himself up for lost.

Having come to this conclusion, he had no thought but of death, and "after death the judgment."

But, hark! yes; that surely must be a foot-step coming along the lane. He listened and heard the sound again, and then saw the flashing of a lantern.

"Help!" he cried.

"Who's that?" said a voice.

"A poor, unfortunate being who has managed to fall into this ditch. Help me, sir!"

"Poor fellow," was the answer, "I must tell you to be very careful in passing ditches again."

"Do help me out! Who are you, sir?"

"I am Confucius; but I cannot stop to help you. You must get out as best you can, and be careful not to get in such places again;" and with the same he passed by.

I cannot tell you what, in his dream, the poor fellow passed through before another footstep was heard. Hoping that this one would be his saviour, he called out,

"Who is that?"

"I am Buddha; but who are you, and how did you come in such a place as that?" was the answer.

Seeing this voice was much more kind in its tones, he eagerly replied,

"Help me out; do help me out!"

After a brief consultation, during which the man thought in his dream he told Buddha of his entire helplessness, etc., he had the following answer,

"Well, if you could climb up half way, so as to allow me to reach your hands, I could easily lift you out."

"But," replied the man, "I cannot move. I am helpless. Come down and help me up."

"No. If I come down there I shall be a helpless prisoner like yourself. I am very sorry I am unable to help you," was Buddha's answer, and with that he passed on.

After a short time the man heard another footstep, and a very bright lantern he saw flashing around the mouth of the ditch.

"Help!" he cried, "save me!"

"I will," a voice replied, and down came the stranger into the midst of the mire, lifted the poor man on his back, and carried him on his shoulder to the top of the ditch, and landed him safely.

The poor man then asked who his rescuer was.

"Jesus of Nazareth," was the answer.

At this point the Indian awoke from his dream. For want of space I cannot tell you all the details of his conversion, but this dream was the means used. He saw that he was "guilty before God," and was glad to accept God's own terms, which are,

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

And now, clear children, do you know this loving Saviour?

The first man of whom, in the dream, the Indian sought help is a picture of Satan, who comes and tells man he must turn over a new leaf and live a better life, and by so doing he will get to heaven in the end.

Again in Buddha we find another picture of Satan coming to a boy or girl and telling them that they must do their part, and God will do His.

But in the third one who went down into the ditch and carried the poor man out, we have a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ who came down into this wicked world, where we were all lost sinners, and helpless, unable to save ourselves. He saw us in our degradation and in the ditch of sin, and He loved us and pitied t4S, so He went to the cross, and died for us so that He could save all who are willing to be taken out of their sinful condition.

If the poor man in the ditch had said, "I don't want to be taken out of the ditch, I am happy and contented to stay here," he would soon have died.

How many there are who are willing to remain in the ditch of sin, lost, and cannot save themselves while the Lord Jesus is willing and anxious to save them and carry them all the way to heaven on His shoulders of love and strength.

But if you are not willing for Him to save you, and you resist His loving offer of salvation, you shall certainly die in your sins, and be lost forever, and be sent into everlasting punishment.

He is now saying to you in tender love,

"Come unto Me, .. . . and I will give you rest," Matt. 11:28; or will you hear Him say to you,

"Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matt. 25:41.

Messages of God’s Love 8/31/1930

Come Unto Me

Matt. 18:2-6

How blessed to "read that sweet story of old

When Jesus was here among men,

When He called little children as lambs to His fold"—

How precious to hear His voice then!

The children would flock to His tender embrace,

And blessing was poured on their head;

The sick were made whole, the sorrowers soothed,

And others He raised from the dead.

Wherever He trod He made sorrow to flee,

He healed both the lame and the blind,

And then little children He took in His arms—

None, surely, was ever so kind!

Yes, Jesus shed blessing wherever He trod,

And called all the weary to rest,

And all who came to Him, He never cast out,

But made them so happy and blest.

He had come in compassion the lost ones to seek,

When He saw them all ruined by sin,

For He knew it was only His own precious blood

That could make the poor guilty ones clean.

He came to redeem us, and had He not died,

Our sins could be ne'er washed away;

All finished His work, He rose from the dead,

But not in this world could He stay—

God took Him to glory, and Jesus-we see

Made higher than heavens above,

And there we can tell Him our sins and our cares,

And bring every want to His love.

For Christ is the same as He ever was here,

When He healed both the lame and the blind,

As gracious and tender, though glorious on high,

As loving, as gentle and kind.

0! have you believed in His most precious blood

Which was shed upon Calvary's tree?

When instead of the sinner, Christ suffered for sin—

God sent Him our Saviour to be.

Now Jesus the Saviour is coming again

To call all His loved ones away,

And take them to dwell in His own home above,

That with Him they ever may stay!

But what of the children who keep far away,

And Jesus refuse, and His Word?

How awful to find in that soon coming day,

They are all left behind by the Lord!

For none enter heaven defiled by sin,

And mercy's day then will be past

O, hasten to Jesus, while yet there is room,

Lest you find yourself shut out at last!

Yes—shut out from Jesus, from heaven, and from God,

Hell only your portion to be;

But now Christ is calling in accents of love,

"Let the little ones come unto Me."

O! join then His lambs who are waiting for Him

When He in the air shall descend;

Let us welcome our Saviour, our Lord and our God,

Whose love never, never will end!

Messages of God’s Love 8/31/1930

Bible Questions for September

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

"Come, see," etc. John 4:29.

"He that believeth," etc. " 3:18.

"Jesus answered," etc. " 6:29.

"And the Word," etc. " 1:14.

"That all men," etc. " 5:23.

"Then said Jesus," etc. " 8:31.

"And said," etc. " 9:7.

Bible Questions for September
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Lay not this sin to their charge."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "None other name under heaven."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Prayer was made without ceasing."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "He is a chosen vessel unto me."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Silver and gold have I none."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Shall so come in like manner."

Whom did the Jews use in stirring up persecution against Paul and Barnabas in the thirteenth chapter?

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

The joy of revealing himself to a needy soul. John 4:25-34.

For that meat which endureth unto everlasting life. John 6:27.

No. John 2:23, 24.

John 5:29.

In the hand of the Son, and in the hand of the Father. John 10:28, 29.

John 1:1.

"Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

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

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

Who was the first Christian martyr?

For what were the one hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room waiting?

Who were the first Gentiles admitted into the Church?

When did the Church begin?

What caused the first dissension in the Church?

What verse shows that entering the kingdom of God is accompanied by tribulation?

What was the first recorded sin in the Church?

Messages of God’s Love 9/7/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 39.

Psalm 39 is similar to Psalm 38 in that in both, the godly man is under the chastening hand of God. Here the thoughts of the godly are turned inward to consider his ways. At length he asks to know his end, and the measure of his days, thus to know how frail he is. How short life is, short indeed to man, and how little to God! Man heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them. But the godly are not so (verse 7):

"What wait I for, Lord? My hope is in Thee."

To be delivered from all his transgressions; to be not the reproach of the foolish; this is the prayer of Psalm 39 which is the last of the series of experience psalms for the "remnant" (the Jews to be turned to God at the end of the present dispensation of grace) while still mingling with the ungodly in and near Jerusalem. Psalms 40 and 41, which complete Book 1 of the psalms as arranged in the Hebrew Scriptures, have a special character.

Psalm 42 and following relate to the period when the believing repentant Jews have been forced to leave Jerusalem, and their sufferings grow more intense.

Messages of God’s Love 9/7/1930

Grandma's Reminder

LITTLE boy was just getting into bed one night when his grandmother, who was in the room at the time, reminded him that he had not said his prayers.

"There is nothing that I want tonight, .grandma," was his answer. The little fellow thought that as he needed nothing for his comfort at that moment, that there was no need of prayer.

Doubtless there are those, and many of them more mature than this little boy, who have little understanding of the need of prayer; little realization of their dependence upon God, and His goodness every moment of their lives.

Indeed we could not live at all without the strength from God, as the Scripture says,

"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28.

"He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17:25.

Not only is He giving to us the ability to live and breathe, but we are indebted to Him for many creature mercies, such as food, clothing and shelter, without which we could not live, and which adds so much to our comfort and enjoyment.

God has also told us to let our requests be made known unto Him, and to ask and we shall receive. He wants us to realize from Whom all these blessings come, and He wants the confidence of our hearts, encouraging us to pray for what we need, and to thank Him for what we have already received, which we have, alas, too often taken for granted.

Over and above all these temporal benefits that surround us, are the more wondrous spiritual blessings, which God has made known to us in His word.

In His love and goodness He has made provision for the salvation of our souls—that part of us that will live on forever. He wants us to be happy in that life that follows this brief earthly one. His desire is that we should share that never-ending life in His beautiful home above, where all is light and love.

To this end God gave His Son to put our sins away, so that we might be fit companions for Him and His Son forever. And the best part of it is that whosoever will may avail himself of this marvelous benefit.

We have tried to tell briefly what God has done for us, and what we owe to Him, how dependent we are upon Him, and in the face of all this, we would ask the reader to judge for Himself if there is any need of prayer,

No wonder we are told to "Pray always." It is good to present our needs, and to pray for others, knowing that with God all things are possible, and when we have nothing to ask for, we should desire a little quiet conversation with Him, as with a loved friend to whom we are deeply indebted.

Our understanding of His kindness is but feeble, but in our little measure, we can thank Him for His present mercies, and for His purposes of grace in the ages yet to come.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psa. 103:2.

"Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:17, 18.

Messages of God’s Love 9/7/1930

God Hears Your Prayers

A LITTLE boy had an abscess in the throat, which the doctor, with every available remedy, could not get to break open. Finally he said to the mother of the boy:

"Dear woman, your boy's condition is hopeless; his throat is almost closed. The Almighty God alone can help him, otherwise he will not last another hour."

The boy overheard this. He folded his hands and prayed silently and earnestly to God, because he could not speak while his throat was so swollen. He had asked the Lord to help him, and finally, he burst out in an awful cry of distress, and then he was silent.

His mother and the Doctor rushed to his assistance and found that through this cry the abscess had burst open, and his throat improved after that. The Doctor exclaimed with astonishment:

"This is the Lord's doing, and wonderful in our eyes!"

Another poor boy was very sick in a hospital, and had to undergo an operation.

When all was ready, he asked the Doctor if he had to die, but received no direct answer. Then the boy asked the Doctor to pray for him; but the 'Doctor remained silent. The poor boy looked around at the assembled students and asked again,

"Will no one pray for me?"

No one responded; whereupon the little boy suddenly knelt down and prayed with quivering voice:

"Blessed Saviour, Thou canst do all things; please do Thou help me now. Amen." Then he got up and said,

"Now, I am not afraid." The operation was successful.

The following night the Doctor could not sleep; the little praying boy was ever before him. Although he had long given up praying, God exercised his heart through the little boy's simple faith and prayer; so that he finally knelt down and prayed the boy's prayer. It was his first prayer for a long time; but God heard, and graciously met him in the person of Jesus Christ the Saviour.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/7/1030

Deer

HOW pretty they are, with their heads thrown up, and the big gazelle-like eyes are wide open and luminous.

They live among the woods, and shrubbery, but they are timid creatures, sleek, and ever on the alert.

They dread wild beasts, and still more, dangerous man, and they quickly run away from them.

How well, dear ones, they know their enemy! God has given them their instinct and He also has given them the swiftness to escape danger, and how ready they are to get away from that which will harm them.

Boys and girls should have greater intelligence than the deer of the field, for God has given them a never dying soul, and yet we see them running straight into all sorts of danger, but the deer run away from it.

Satan is the enemy of boys and girls, and he wishes to hold them in his grasp. The word is, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7. Listen, dear ones, "There's a Friend for little children, Above the bright blue sky."

Now, you all know that a friend is one who loves you, and is just the opposite to an enemy. This Friend came down from heaven to suffer, bleed, and die on the cross for all who have sinned. He went to the cross, and there laid down His life, because He loved you. There was no other

way by which you could be saved,—there had to be a sacrificed life.

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

"CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES: HE WAS BURIED, AND HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES." 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

Now, He is sitting at God's right hand in heaven, and from there He is inviting you to come to Him, and know that your sins are washed away in His precious blood.

Messages of God’s Love 9/7/1930

Love

MANY of you, no doubt, like the little girl in the picture, have pet dogs which you love very much. You like to play with them, feed them and caress them.

Here the dog looks perfectly contented and happy, folded so lovingly in the little girl's arms, while the child's bright, kind face tells how fondly she is attached to her affectionate pet.

It is a good thing to have this gentle love for the dear little creatures God has given us, and it pleases Him to have us treat them kindly.

But can you tell me whose love is far greater than any you may have for your pets, or even for your parents and friends?

Many of you can answer very quickly, for you have heard again and again the old, sweet story of God's love. Can you tell who it was that God loved?

"Yes," you say, "He loved sinners." And how much did He love them? So much, dear children, that He gave His only Son to die for them.

But wicked men nailed Him to a cross, and there God laid our sins upon Him. All this, dear reader, that you and I might not have to suffer the punishment we deserved for our many sins. Was not this wonderful love!

Now He wants us to love Him who first loved us. Do not turn away from such love. Believe on this loving Saviour, who wants you to come to Him, and have all your sins forgiven.

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

"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 9/14/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 40

Psalm 39 properly closed the first book of the psalms (1-4) only that it must be shown that Christ has gone through the same kind of sorrows with those of the suffering and tried "remnant" of the Jews, and that He patiently endured all, waiting on God. Psalm 40 then introduces the Lord in association with the Jewish believers whose condition we have been noticing in the preceding psalms. Verses 1, 2, 3, tell the subject of psalm 40. Christ's making atonement for sin is not referred to in this psalm.

He would not take Himself out of the trying circumstances He was in; He would not call upon His Father for angelic aid (Matthew 26:53), nor drink the stupifying myrrh (Mark 15:23), or rebuke Herod and the chief priests and scribes (Luke 23:10, 11); He was the unresisting One, drinking the cup which the Father had given Him ( John 18:8-11). Other evidences of His holy submission abound in the Scriptures.

In verse 3 He says "praise unto our God," linking Himself with the remnant, and the same is seen in verse 5: "Thy thoughts toward us." Learning of the path of their Redeemer, many in the coming day will fear and trust in God.

Verses 6-8 are quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 as the language of Christ. He came to do God's will, the altogether obedient One. He took his place in Israel, the great congregation (verses 9 and 10), and this brought on Him rejection by His people. He asks then in verses 11 and following, in full dependence for preservation, for help and deliverance. All of this He knew in His experience before the cross; He is not here seen as the forsaken One, but as about to assume the burden of our sins, and the sorrow of that position.

"Mine iniquities" (verse 12), shows how completely the sinless One identified Himself with those He loved, for whom He came to die, that He who knew no sin could call their iniquities His own. He asks that those who are found to be His enemies, shall be confused and confounded, and that those that seek God, may be glad and rejoice in Him. All is perfect here, for the alone perfect One is revealed in the hour 'of His deep trial. Matchless Jesus, we bow at Thy feet!

It may be interesting to compare verse 6: "Mine ears hast Thou opened," or properly, "ears hast Thou digged, (or hollowed out, or prepared Me"), with Hebrews 10:5: "A body hast Thou prepared Me," which is the reading of the translation of the Scriptures current when and after the Lord was on earth,—the LXX, or Septuagint. What is meant is that He took the place of a servant, by becoming man, and it is apparent that the Holy Spirit, in using in Hebrews 10:5 the Septuagint interpretation of the words in the Psalm, accepted it as having the same meaning. The expression is not the same as in Exodus 21:6, nor in Isaiah 50:4, 5.

Messages of God’s Love 9/14/1930

True Humility

DOCTOR Morrison, one of the first missionaries of China, was an ardent worker for the Lord. He found so much to do, that he worked almost day and night and yet could not accomplish as much as he desired. He wished someone to help him in the work, and wrote this to his friends, asking for a capable young man able to assist him.

As soon as his letter arrived an inquiry was made for a suitable person.

A young man from the country, who loved the Lord with all his heart, responded to the call. But he was poor, uneducated, and his outward appearance undesirable. He went to the friends of Doctor Morrison, and presented himself, after which they consulted among themselves privately, while he was outside waiting for their answer.

One of the men thought that he would never be the man that Doctor Morrison needed in his work. Another said that he could never become a missionary, because he lacked the necessary education. Finally one of the company said,

"Let us tell him that he is not suitable for a missionary, but if he is willing to go to China as a servant, then they would be satisfied to send him."

It was no easy thing to tell the young man this. Doubtless many would have said;

"No, if I cannot work in China as a missionary, I will not go at all. I will not be a servant."

But this young Christian was not of that sort. He answered quietly,

"Very well, if you think I am not qualified for a missionary, then I will go as a servant. I am ready to do any work, split wood, draw water or anything else that God bids me do, as long as I can serve the Saviour, and be a blessing to the heathen."

This humble young man was sent out as a servant, but very soon proved a capable, godly missionary.

It was Mr. Milne, who could perhaps be called one of the best and greatest missionaries that had ever been sent to China. His success was due to his meekness and humility. God always honors and blesses the truly humble one!

"To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." Isa. 66:2.

Messages of God’s Love 9/14/1930

A Decided, "No"

TWO friends, John and Henry, went together to a meeting, where God's precious gospel was preached. They did not go of their own accord, but being invited they went, and they listened attentively to the preacher. John was deeply moved through the Word of God that was told out.

At the close of the meeting, the preacher said that if any in the audience wished an interview with him, or had any questions to ask, they should remain. Henry pushed his comrade and said;

"Come, John, we'll go now; this has lasted long enough!"

But John remained seated, and said decidedly, "No, Henry, I am going to stay!"

Among the few remaining, was John, and the preacher spoke to them, answering all their questions from God's Word making it more plain to them. He told them what God has said about us as sinners, and also what He has done for us, in giving His blessed Son to be our Saviour when He was on the cross, and that Christ is our peace. God blessed His Word, so that some were saved through simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and His precious sacrifice for them. Among these N, as John. With a happy, thankful heart he went home that night.

The next morning he met Henry, who asked him rather mockingly,

"Well, John, how long did you stay with those pious people?"

With beaming face, John replied,

"I did not stay with them very long last night, but I hope now to stay with them forever; the Lord Jesus has saved me. Now I know that all my many sins are forever put away by His precious blood. I have now become a happy child of God. 0, if only you had remained too, Henry!" But Henry turned angrily away from him saying;

"I see, your mind has been perverted, John; one can't speak a word with you anymore. I have enough of your pious talk already." With these words he turned his back upon John; who had found a better Friend.

Poor Henry is still continuing his own way of folly, which leads to destruction; while John has accepted the proferred grace of God.

But will God's grace ever again draw so near to Henry as on that evening in the meeting?

Perhaps there is one among my young readers who has felt the burden of his sins. Remember, the Lord Jesus is offering Himself to you as Saviour and Redeemer. Do as John did; be in earnest about your sinful condition, and the salvation of your soul.

"Those that seek Me early, shall find Me." Prov. 8:17.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/14/1930

God Laid My Sins on Jesus

I REMEMBER a youth who was 'one day singing the first verse of a well-known hymn beginning with the lines:—

"I lay my sins on Jesus,
The Spotless Lamb of God."

Presently his little sister, who had been listening, broke in with the words,

"That isn't right, Bobbie."

"Well, what is it, then? I always sing it like that."

The little girl replied:-

" 'God laid my sins on Jesus.'
We can't do it, you know."

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

"Who was delivered for our offences. and was raised again for our justification." Rom. 4:25.

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of God’s Love 9/14/1930

Christ Receiveth Sinners

The Gospel story sweetly sounds,

That Christ has died for sinners;

The grace of God to us abounds,

Since Christ has died for sinners.

'Twas God Who gave His only Son,

That He might die for sinners,

And now the mighty work is done,

He sends the news to sinners.

Fear not to trust in Christ today,

For He has died for sinners;

Let nothing lead you to delay

He still receiveth sinners.

Christ has died the lost to save;

For our sakes His life He gave;

Now He's risen from the grave—

He Who died for sinners.

"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 9/14/1930

The Tailor Bird

THIS curious little bird is called Sylvia Sutoria, which means Tailor Warbler, and lives in India.

It is a tiny creature, not much larger than a humming-bird, glittering with blue, purple, green and gold, not over three inches in length, and weighing about three ounces.

You have never seen the "Tailor Bird," not have I, but there is one bird I am going to speak about, and see if you can guess his name. Just when the sun is setting he comes into my garden to sing his evening song,

There is an air of confidence about him; in fact she has become noted everywhere for his confiding ways. He has been known to enter an open window, and pick crumbs from the table where people were sitting. No doubt, every child knows Robin Redbreast!, and not one of all the birds is a greater favorite.

His air of simple trust wins our admiration. Who does not like to be trusted? I am sure you do; nothing pleases you more than when father or mother trusts you to do something which perhaps you have never done before.

And don't you think the Lord Jesus likes to be trusted? Yes, indeed, and has He not asked you to put your trust in Him for the salvation of your precious soul, and then to trust Him for all your needs? Yes, He has, for His word is,

"Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. And does He not say also,

"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.

O, that all would learn this!

Surely the Robin, (and all the birds) with his trustful ways and tuneful evening song, speaks to every little believer in the Lord Jesus of CONFIDENCE in his heavenly Father.

"How good is the God we adore,

Our faithful unchangeable Friend,

Whose love is as great as His power,

And knows neither measure nor end.

'Tis Jesus, the first and the last,

Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home,

We'll praise Him for all that is past,

And trust Him for all that's to come."

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 41

This is the closing psalm of Book 1 of the Psalms. In this First Book, as before noted, the Jews are considered, their thoughts and feelings, as led out by the Holy Spirit, are told, while still they are tolerated among the godless majority of their nation.

Psalm 42, opening the Second Book, deals with the godly Jews outside of Jerusalem, compelled to withdraw because of the danger from their enemies, and the city being now given over to wickedness.

Psalm 41 points to the blessedness of understanding God's ways in the present contrary circumstances. Those who do so are sustained, and will be delivered, shall be made happy ultimately, and are now watched over in their weakness and exposure to their enemies. The realization that sin has brought on the present chastening, is seen again here (verse 4).

Verse 9 puts in our minds that particular sorrow of Jesus, that Judas, one of the twelve, should betray Him (Matthew 26:21).

The Psalm, and the Book, closes with blessing God from eternity to eternity.

Surely adoration flows out from every. Christian heart to Him, as we think of His love and what He has been pleased to do in giving His Son for us by sin undone.

In this First Book of the Psalms we have had many glimpses of Jesus, the Beloved One, as He was while traversing this world of sin and woe: in every scene perfectness shines, whether He be seen alone, as the Sin Bearer; or identifying Himself with the remnant of the Jews for their encouragement and hope. We are also privileged to see and enter into the earlier feelings of the remnant as under the influence of the Holy Spirit, without the greater knowledge and intelligence properly belonging to those who are children of God today. Those look for deliverance, for the setting up of Christ's kingdom, and meanwhile they suffer because of their sins.

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

A Blind Girl

TRAVELING one day, I passed a girl of about twelve years of age standing at a cottage door. I did not take particular notice of her just then, but on returning, I met her tripping merrily along. She knew her way well, and taking hold of her arm I said:

"My dear, your road is a dark one." "Many say so; but I can assure you, sir, it is not dark." She replied. "Why so?" I said.

"Because I have the love of my blessed Saviour in my heart. Though I cannot see here, I know I shall see hereafter, and now I have everlasting happiness," she replied.

It will, soon be true of her, as with the rest of the saved ones,

"Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty." Isa. 33:17.

"We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2.

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

The Boy and His Kite

ONE fine, windy day, a boy went out to fly a kite he had made. Everything being in readiness, he was just about to let it fly, when a neighbor's dog came and stood over the string between him and the kite. This act of the dog in delaying the flying of the kite made the boy much excited, for he was naturally of a very quick, passionate temper. He shouted to the dog to make it get out of the way, and in its haste to do so, the dog unfortunately ran with its dirty paws right over the beautiful kite. Seeing his kite so soiled, the boy flew into a violent rage, seized the kite in his hands, and tore and, smashed it to pieces.

The boy's father was standing by at the time, and saw all that had happened. Calling his son to him, he led the boy to a quiet room in the house, and sat down and talked to him kindly but seriously. He reminded him of the bad effects of anger, and showed him it came from the evil heart within. He reminded him too, how the Lord Jesus was grieved by such displays of wrath, and pointed to the Word of God, which tells us how He dealt in solemn judgment with sin in the death of Christ upon Calvary's cross.

This little talk made the boy feel sorry indeed for his naughty anger; and when his dear father at the close knelt down and prayed to God for him, that he might see the hatefulness of sin, and be kept from giving way to it, by remembering the sufferings of Christ on account of it, an impression so deep and lasting was made on his mind and heart that it retained its good effect during the whole of his after life.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:31, 32.

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

Cherries Are Ripe

IT was a Sunday school in D—, where the following occurred in the Primary Department. All the children were singing—

"Sunbeams, Sunbeams!

Cheery and bright."

One little fellow was singing at the top of his voice loud and clear. The teacher did not think he was singing it quite right, so she listened carefully, and what do you think he was saying? Instead of

"Sunbeams, Sunbeams! Cheery and bright"—

He was singing:

"Sunbeams, Sunbeams!

Cherries are ripe!"

He thought they said, "Cherries are ripe," and that they were singing about fruit. Well, of course, they all had a good laugh, and taught the dear little fellow to sing it right.

But this was not the end of the story, for one day I was telling the story to some other children, and one little nine-year-old girl, who was a Christian said,

"But, Mr. T—, he was almost right, wasn't he? for sunbeams make cherries ripe, and if Christians have the sunbeams of God's light in them, they should bear fruit, too, don't you think so?"

This was fine and I was so glad this little girl thought of it, and she made a good point, you all must agree!

Certainly Christians should bear fruit. The Bible says so. But some of them don't.

There is a place in the Bible where it tells about the fruit the Christian should bear. So let us go to God's wonderful orchard for awhile, and see the different kinds of fruit we can find.

Open your Bible to Galatians 5:22, 23

The fruit of the Spirit

1. Love 5. Gentleness
2. Joy 6. Goodness
3. Peace 7. Faith
4.Longsuffering 8. Meekness
9. Temperance.

Now just look at the fruit each Christian should bear. Of course, "Cherries ought to be ripe." All of these things should be in our life as fruit hangs on a tree. Apple trees should bear apples; peach trees peaches, and cherry trees cherries, and Christians ought to bear all the fruit that is listed above.

The next time you see a Christian, look for this fruit, and if it is not there, there must be something wrong.

"I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My

Father glorified that ye bear much fruit." John 15:5-8.

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

Jesus is Calling

Jesus now is calling,

"Come to Me and live;"

Hear His solemn warning,

"Come to Me and live.''

Jesus now is calling,

Calling, gently calling:

Sweetly now He's calling,

Calling you to come.

Children, He will never

Prove unkind, untrue;

Trust in Him, He'll ever

Guide you safely through.

Why do you still linger?

Jesus bids you come;

Crowns He'll give in glory,

When life's race is run.

We will heed His calling,

And no longer roam:

We will try to serve Him,

Till He calls us home.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/21/1930

Returning Home

WHAT a beautiful scene of peace and happiness. The clay's toil is over and the peaceful, patient oxen do not need to be driven home, hut gladly follow their master, for they know the one who feeds them, and takes care of them, and they know, too. the way to the barn.

The master is happy to have his wife come to meet him with the little baby, so they can walk on to the house together, and then she will soon have supper on the table.

This world would have been a wonderful place if sin had not come into it. All is ruined as the result, and so there are more unhappy homes than happy ones. Many do not know what it is to take everything from God's hand, as the One who is using all the results of sin to teach us many lessons, and to cause us to come to Him and acknowledge Him.

Have you come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you acknowledged Him as the One who is giving you all things, and has even supplied the Saviour who is the Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son?

If we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we then gladly not only praise and thank Him for such a Saviour, but we will gladly thank Him for all the temporal mercies,— such as, food and raiment and all the things we have in this life, for it is through Him He freely gives us all things.

"HE THAT 'SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH H.UVLALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS." Rom. 8:32.

Messages of God’s Love 9/28/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 42

This psalm begins the Second Book which ends with Psalm 72. In this section of the Psalms, the Jewish remnant Romans 9:27; Isaiah 10:20-22; Jeremiah 23:3) of the latter day is seen historically as driven out of Jerusalem according 'to the word set forth in Matthew 24:15-30.

Psalm 45 brings in thee appearing of the Lord Jesus as their long awaited Messiah, and in Psalms 48-50 the glory is re-established in Zion, the city of David. The later psalms express the heart searchings, and the praise of the godly during this time.

For a right understanding of the Psalms it must be remembered that they are written, first of all for the Jews, for Israel, in the day when the believers of the present dispensation (who comprise the Church of God, the body of Christ, the heavenly people, a subject occupying the New Testament Epistles of the apostle Paul) shall have been ,called away to heavenly glory at the coming of the Lord, and when the Holy Spirit will, through the Word of God, begin a new work among the people of Israel.

Psalm 42, the first of this second section of the psalms,-shows, in the unerring forecast of the Holy Spirit, the deep feelings of the Jews recovered to God, when separated from their ungodly brethren and the associated Gentiles: What longing after God is here!

The Christian, rightly instructed out of God's Word, hopes for the coming of the Lord to take all His heavenly people away to the place He has prepared for them ( John 14:1-3).

But the Jewish hope is for His appearing to-Set up His earthly kingdom, a subsequent event. Jerusalem is the place from which His world-wide dominion will extend.

The living God (verse 2) suggests the contrast of the lifeless, vain idols of the apostate Jews, with Him with whom we have to do. Jewish thoughts of Him were and will be connected with the temple at Jerusalem; from it these believers of the last days are shut off; they remember (verse 4) their happiness when they could go there together. Adversaries are taunting them with, "Where is thy God?" -(verses 3 and 10). This reminds us of the language of Judah in Matthew 27:43, 44, 47, 4f, (note Psalms 22, verses 1-8, for the same character of suffering, only far more intense).

Verse 6 seems to suggest where the remnant will be during the great tribulation (see Matthew 24:16 and Revelation 12:6). If so, "the land of the Jordan" would refer to the north; Hermon is the loftiest mountain (9,200 feet) in Palestine-,•situated west and south of Damascus in the far north; Mizar is not now known.

God will be the desire of these suffering saints, as this psalm shows, He occupies their hearts as "the living God" (verse 2), "the God of my life" (verse 8); "God my rock" (verse 9), and "my God" (verses 6 and 11); He will be praised for the health (literally "salvation") of His countenance (verse 5), and He is "the health of my countenance" in the last words of this psalm. These expressions bring Him before the heart in the circumstances of trial here seen.

Surely the Holy Spirit would have us who know God through Jesus Christ our Lord, at least equally occupied with Him for His grace and love.

Messages of God’s Love 9/28/1930

At the Sunday School Treat

IT was a sight never to be forgotten. Eager scholars had looked forward to that night for 51 Lord's days. Busy
teachers had made the hall look bright and cheery. The table was laden with beautiful volumes of noble biography, missionary enterprise, soul-stirring stories, and pure reading for all ages, with a good proportion of the Book which is better than all the other books put together.

During the assembling of the children, the superintendent pointed out one and another of the scholars. Some noted for punctuality, some for memory texts, some for steady, quiet attention, some for good, and, alas, some for bad conduct, though happily not many of the latter are now in evidence.

One elder scholar was distinguished by having attended regularly for 15 years without a break for any cause whatever.

"And when was she converted?" we inquired.

"Only last year," was the reply.

After the hum of voices had been subdued, and "There's a Friend for little children" lustily sung, the service began in right earnest. The repeating of the ever precious "23rd Psalm" made a good start. Portions of Isaiah 53 and John 17 repeated by little folks wormed their way to all hearts. "The Boy Martyr of Rome," "Umbrella Faith," and other well-known pieces were modestly and clearly recited by boys and girls of varying ages.

The speaker, taking for his theme the favorite text from Ephesians 2:8,

"By grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God," illustrated the various points, dwelling specially on the words,

(1) GRACE, as the ground of all our blessing. Not merit, not goodness, but sovereign grace.

(2) SAVED, as the greatest blessing any boy or girl could enjoy, saved from wrath, sure of glory.

(3) FAITH. Putting out the empty hand of faith, taking freely from that pierced hand of Calvary. Joined together by simple faith, they shall never be parted.

(4) Lastly he took up the word GIFT. After pointing out how we had enjoyed gifts at the Birthday, or other special times in our lives, he contrasted the Prizes to be given out to some, with the gift freely offered to all. These lovely books on the table are prizes or awards for attendance, good conduct, repeating texts, and such-like. Only those who have done something will receive them.

But Salvation, or Everlasting Life, is "the GIFT of God." It is freely offered to every boy and every girl absolutely without regard to character, conduct, color, country, or commendation of any kind whatever.

Then drawing from his pocket a peculiar object, he asked the children to guess what it was. Some judged rightly, and some did the opposite. Upon opening it was seen to be a steel measure rule and knife combined. How much did it cost? Nothing. Then he explained that a friend had it, saw his eyes go longingly towards it, inquired "Would it be useful to you?" and being assured it was a most useful thing, held it out saying, "Here it is." The speaker did not beg for it, or work for it, or pray for it, he certainly did not pay for it; he simply took it and it was his possession. Then he urged on all there and then to make this the best Treat that they had ever attended by accepting God's Gift.

As boys and girls came up one by one to get the coveted prize, every one thought of the Prize awarded in a fleeting life here, and of the Gift which assured Eternal Life hereafter.

Several have spoken of that Treat since, and doubtless that meeting will bear fruit "around the Throne of God in Heaven."

Cease from all works and doings. Accept God's "free Gift" and be saved now and evermore. Will you?

Messages of God’s Love 9/28/1930

The Mercies of the Year

A LITTLE girl had heard so much about the goodness of God that she thought she would try to reckon up how many mercies had been given her during the previous year. So she took her paper and pencil, and began to set them down.

"Let me see," she said; "I will begin With my great mercies first. There are dear father and mother spared to me all the year—two marks for this. God's wonderful fresh air and sunshine, two more marks. My health preserved, my food supplied, my clothing given—three more marks. My Sunday school teacher, my week day teacher, to instruct my heart and mind—two more marks. Twelve dear companions, twenty-four new books, and thirty-six special desires gratified—seventy-two more marks. Then every day has been a mercy, that will make 365 more. But surely every hour of every day has been a mercy? That will be, then, in the year, 8760. But I think I should count every moment of every minute in the year, for I have been unworthy of any one of them. 0, what a vast number-31,536,- 000! I cannot find room on my paper for more, yet I keep thinking of more mercies. I must give up reckoning, they are too many.

But this was just what King David himself was obliged to do. He had a very deep and true sense of God's love, and when he tried to reckon all its tokens, he felt the task too hard for him; for he says,

f I should count them, they are more in number than the sand." Psa. 139:18.

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant." Gen. 23:10.

Think of them, dear children, more and more, but take heed that you never forget the Giver, while you receive His gifts!

Messages of God’s Love 9/28/1930

Jesus who Lived Above the Sky

Jesus who lived above the sky,

Came down to be a man and die;

And in the Bible we may see

How very good He used to be.

He went about, He was so kind,

To cure poor people, who were blind;

And many, who were sick and lame,

He pitied them and did the same.

And more than that, He told them, too,

The things that God would have them do

And was so gentle and so mild,

He would have listened to a child.

But such a cruel death He died!

He was hung up and crucified;

And those kind hands that did such good

They nailed them to a cross of wood.

And so He died! and this is why

He came to be a man and die;

The Bible says He came from heaven,

That we might have our sins forgiven.

He knew how wicked men had been,

And knew that God must punish sin;

So out of pity Jesus said,

I'll bear their punishment instead.

Messages of God’s Love 9/28/1930

Bible Questions for October

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

"And I," etc. John 12:32.

"And this is," etc. " 17:3.

"So when they," etc. " 21:15.

"Jesus answered," etc. " 14:23.

"I am the vine." etc. " 15:5.

"Now a certain," etc. " 11:1.

"The first day." 'etc. " 20:1.

Bible Questions for October
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Felix trembled."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "What shall I do, Lord?"

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Shall be saved, even as they."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The first that should rise from the dead."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Dwelleth not in temples made with hands."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Came together to break bread."

When Paul was on his last journey to Rome what caused him to thank God and take courage?

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

Hatred. Jno. 15:19.

By keeping His commandments. Jno. 14:21.

He called Christ, "My Lord and my God." Jno. 20:28.

Satan. Jno. 14:30.

Because only by dying could He benefit them. Jno. 12:24.

Peter. Jno. 21:18, 19.

Completely cleansed by the Spirit's work of regeneration by the Word. Jno. 13:10.

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

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

What verse shows the threefold desperate condition of the Gentile sinner?

What Scripture shows that it is possible to be a believer and yet not have the Holy Spirit?

What big question was settled in the fifteenth chapter of the Acts?

Name two points in which Paul failed in his Christian testimony.

What verses show the final setting aside of the Jewish nation in this dispensation?

Where was the first church in Europe?

For what purpose did the disciples come together on the first day of the week?

Messages of God’s Love 10/5/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 43 and 44

The short 43rd psalm, while containing the theme of the 42nd is marked by a development of confidence in God which rightly follows that out-pouring 'of the soul in distress. In character this is according to Christian experience (see Philippians 4:6, 7).

"Judge me," in verse 1 is in effect, "Do me justice." The ungodly nation is of course the mass of the Jews who by this time are following to their ruin, the man variously called "the beast" (Rev. 13:11); "the man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4); "the wicked king" (Daniel 11:36); "the Antichrist" (1 John 2:22) him who "shall come in his own name" ( John 5:43); the "foolish shepherd" (Zechariah 11:15-17), and in our psalm, "the deceitful and unjust," or unrighteous man.

"The God of my strength" (verse 2), and "the God of the gladness of .my joy" as the fourth verse should be read (see the margin), are titles which indicate that there will be (as there should be) a growing knowledge of Him, for these expressions go beyond those we noticed in the 42nd psalm. God, there, was the life giver, and the immovable rock of His people's defense; here, He is their strength for life's battles, and He who is the source of their happiness, though they be in the furnace of affliction.

Verse 4 looks for a return to Jerusalem, as the same verse in Psalm 42 looked back to former days there.

Psalm 44 is the remnant looking with the understanding of faith at the nation as it was, and as it then will be, with an appeal to God at the close. They will recall that it was God's power that gave Israel her land; He had by His hand dispossessed the nations that were occupying Palestine, and had planted Israel there; He had afflicted the races of mankind, but caused the children of Israel to spread out (verses 1-3).

Looking to God as their King, as He was of old their King, the godly here await the hour when He will again lead them to battle. Already they have been separated from those who were their adversaries (the godless Jews with their Gentile associates), and are rejoicing in the partial deliverance (verses 4-8).

Verses 9-16 consider the then present state of the people, suffering because of the greatest of all their many sins—the rejection of their Messiah (Matthew 27:21-26; Zechariah 13:6-9).

In verses 17-22 The remnant acknowledge their true place, but having through divine mercy been converted to God, they look to Him in confidence as those who walk in His ways ( James 5:16, last sentence).

Verse 22 as quoted in Romans 8:36, began when Christ was crucified, rose again and ascended; there was severe persecution then, and there will be again in the day for which this psalm was written.

The last four verses contain the appeal of the remnant for God to come to their help. In verse 26, observe, it is "for Thy mercy's, (or loving-kindness) sake," not for any measure of faithfulness in those who plead.

Messages of God’s Love 10/5/1930

Only A Poor Gipsy Chap

PASSING near an encampment of Gipsies, I went in among them. After buying some of the skewers they were making, I learned one of their number was ill, and begged to be allowed to see him. The father asked:

"Did you want to talk about religion to him?"

"No."

"What, then?" "About Christ."

"O, then, you may go; only if you talk religion, I'll set the dog on you!"

In the caravan I found a boy alone, and in bed, evidently at the far end of the last stage of consumption. His eyes were closed, and he looked as one already dead. Very slowly in his ear I repeated the scripture,

"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.

I repeated it five times without any apparent response; he did not seem to hear even with the outward ear. On hearing it the sixth time, he opened his eyes and smiled. To my delight he whispered,

"And I never thanked Him! But nobody ever told me! I 'turn Him many thanks. Only a poor gipsy chap! I see! I see! I thank Him kindly!"

He closed his eyes with an expression of intense satisfaction. As I knelt beside him, I thanked God. The lips moved again. I caught "That's it." There were more words, but I could not hear them.

On going the next day, I found the dear boy had died (or rather, had fallen asleep in Jesus) eleven hours after I left. His father said he had been very "peaceable," and had a "tidy death." There was no Bible or Testament in the encampment. I left one of each. The poor man wished me "good luck," and gave me a little bundle of skewers the "boy Jemmy" had made.

Reader, it was apparently the first time this dear boy had ever heard of God's salvation, and with unquestioning faith he took God at His word, and with his dying lips, thanked Him that He so loved the world as to give His Son for him, "a poor, gipsy chap."

God is satisfied with the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This poor boy was also satisfied, and this mutual satisfaction was instant and everlasting salvation. In eleven short hours he exchanged that forlorn, rickety caravan, for the paradise of God, where he is tasting that God is as good as His word.

If you have not with your heart said "Amen" to God's way of saving lost sinners, you are on the verge of that death which God calls "eternal," and He alone has the keys of hell, and of death.

But the "grace of God that bringeth salvation" is brought down to you—to your very door—today. O, will you walk past it to "the great white throne" lying ahead of you, and thence to the fire that "never can be quenched?" or will you pause and take it, and "'turn Him many thanks?"

My fellow believer, may none within your reach or mine, have occasion to say with regard to these everlasting realities,

"Nobody ever told me."

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/5/1930

He Died For Me

AT the close of a children's meeting, during which the preacher had spoken a great deal of the love of Jesus, and of what He had clone out of love for sinners, a little boy was asked,

“And can you tell me what Jesus has done?''

With a bright smile, the little fellow looked up into the questioner's face, and said,

"He died for me."

Happy child! In the simplicity of faith, he had believed the glad tidings concerning Jesus the mighty Saviour; and the value of that wonderful work Jesus finished on Calvary's cross, was for him.

Dear boys and girls, can you say the same in truth; can you say, like the beloved apostle Paul,

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me?"

How precious this makes Jesus to us. and how worthy He is of our confiding trust!

Messages of God’s Love 10/5/1930

Autumn

The autumn has come, and the beautiful roses

Are gradually falling and fading away:

The leaves and the blossoms, now falling, discloses

That all that is beautiful sinks to decay.

The birds of the woodlands, whose songs have so gladdened

Our hearts, as we wandered through meadow and lane,

Will soon take to flight—but while we are saddened,

We know that in spring they are coming again.

'Mid all that is changing—in gladness and sorrow—

Believers in Him who is now on the throne,

Wait joyfully still for that precious tomorrow,

That moment when Jesus returns for His own.

"YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY." Heb. 10:37.

Messages of God’s Love 10/5/1930

Once Upon A Time

WHAT a lovely scene it is to look into the humble cottage and see dear grandma telling her grand-children of what happened a long time ago, and we know how the children love to hear of things that took place long before they were in the world.

I will tell you a story which happened about fifty years ago about a little boy. He was troubled about his sins, and he had heard about the Lord Jesus coming back to take all His people from the earth to be

with Himself forever, and he had heard that when the last one would be saved, the Lord would come, and the door would be closed.

He thought that meant just his father's family. His brother and oldest sister were saved, and had been for some time, and the other four sisters were all troubled about their sins, and having to meet God, so he thought they would very soon be saved, too, and the Lord would come and take them away, and as he was so little, the Lord would not wait for him.

He was very foolish to so think of the Lord, but the Lord used such thoughts to cause him to be much troubled, for he did not want to be lost forever.

He spoke to his mother about it, and she told him about how the Lord Jesus came into this world to die for sinners. After two days he said he knew he was saved. It was not because he thought he was better, and became very good; but because he saw that Jesus was his Saviour. He had believed that word,

"CHRIS JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Remember, dear children, that God has said, "All have sinned," so no one can save himself. We all need the Saviour, the Lord Jesus. Have you accepted Him?

Messages of God’s Love 10/12/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 45

Here the long awaited Messiah, Jesus, is introduced. The title of the psalm "To the chief musician. Upon Shoshannim. Of the sons of Korah. An instruction; a song of loves (or rather of the Beloved)" attracts our first attention.

"To the chief musician" is part of the title of 19 of the 41 psalms of the First Book; 25 of the 31 Composing the Second Book; 8 of the 17 composing the Third Book, and 3 of the 44 included in the Fifth Book—altogether 55 psalms; these psalms are varied in character, and it is not clear that there is a special significance in this title:

"Shoshannim" means "the lilies;" it is part of the title of three psalms, numbers 45, 60 and 80, and also (Shushan—"lily") psalm 60.

In Psalm 80 it is "Shoshannim—Eduth"—the lilies of testimony. Considering that the lilies are used in the Song of Solomon to describe the Israelite bride of Christ, and the expression in Hosea 14:5 regarding redeemed Israel—"He shall blossom as the lily," it would seem that there may be spiritual significance in this psalm title.

"The Sons of Korah" is part of the title of 11 psalms, Nos. 42, 44 to 49, 84, 85, 87, and 88. Korah died under the judgment of God (Numbers 26:10, 11), but his children were objects of mercy.

"A song of the Beloved" is about Christ, and so the psalm proves to be.

In verse 1, the marginal reading "bubbleth up" or "welling forth" is preferred to "inditing."

Verse 6 shows the Messiah acknowledged to be God (see Hebrews 1:8, 9). "Thy fellow's" (or companions) are His disciple8ittirrbugh grace.

"The queen" (verse 9) is believed to be Jerusalem.

"Within" in verse 13 refers to the royal dwelling, shows the close relationship of the remnant with the Lord as king.

In verse 16 it is the greater glory in the sons' day that is compared or contrasted with the early clays of Israel's long history.

The psalm is all about the Messiah; He is spoken of as man, and God is His God, yet, as we have observed, He is owned as God Himself in verse 6. We know that today Satan is leading many, blinded by unbelief, to deny the eternal Sonship of the Saviour—to claim that He was a created being; or if they perchance do not deny His divinity, they deny that God in the person of the Son became flesh, took up manhood and suffered the agonies of the cross of Calvary for guilty sinners, He is now their only hope and salvation.

Let us hold fast to the faithful word, believing, whether we understand or not.

Messages of God’s Love 10/12/1930

God's Lamb For Me

MANY years ago there was living in my house a little girl named Annie. She had heard the glad tidings of God's salvation, and her heart was won to love the Lord. who had died on the cross to put away her sins.

Her joy in the knowledge that they were all forgiven was-very great, and she gladly confessed her faith in the Saviour to all around, and they rejoiced that another had been added to the family of God.

But after a time her happiness seemed to have left her, and her voice was no more heard singing sweet hymns as she ran about the house.

All noticed the change in her behavior, and, finding her alone in the sitting room one morning, I asked her what was the cause of the unhappy change.

"O," she said, "I am so miserable, I am afraid the Lord Jesus is not my Saviour after all, that I do not really believe in Him, and that my sins are not forgiven."

"But you told us something very different to that not very long ago."

"Yes, I thought it was true then, but now I feel I made a mistake and I am afraid, I am not really a child of God, or a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ."

I saw that the enemy had turned her thoughts in upon herself, and that she was occupied with her poor faith and love instead of the perfect work and the perfect love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So I turned to the Old Testament and read a portion of the first chapter of Leviticus. It speaks of those who would bring an offering unto the Lord and how that such a one should put his hand upon the head of the animal offered.

I stopped there, and looking at Annie said,

"You see this man brought a lamb for his acceptance because, being a sinful Israelite, he could not be acceptable to God in himself, then he put his hand on the head of the lamb. What did he mean by doing this?"

"I think he meant that he wanted God to accept the lamb instead of him," Annie replied.

"Very well," I said, "and have you ever heard of some One who is called the Lamb of God in the Bible?"

"O yes," she said, "The Lord Jesus Christ."

"Now I want to ask you a question, Do you deserve that God should accept you?'"

"No," she replied, "I am only a sinful girl."

I then turned to another part of Scripture and read the text,

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

"You see," I said, "the Lord Jesus is the sin-offering as well as the burnt-offering, and God laid all our sins on Him when He died on the cross. For we read,

`Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.' 1 Pet. 2:24.

"Can you Annie, like the Israelite, put your hand on the head of God's Lamb and say, '0 God, I am a sinful girl, and do not deserve that Thou shouldst accept me, but please accept Thy Lamb, the Lord Jesus, instead of me?' "

"Yes, that is just what I want," she replied.

"And can you do so now?" "Yes, I can and do," she said.

"Now I will read again," I said, 'And it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.'

"For whom was the Lamb accepted?"

"For the man who put his hand on its head," she answered.

"And where is the Lord Jesus now?" I asked. "Is He still on the cross or in the tomb?"

"No," she replied, "He is in heaven at God's right hand."

"Well, did He take your sins there?" "No, He could not do that!"

"Then where are they?" She thought for a moment, and then joy filled her heart as she replied,

"They must be gone!

"And God has accepted Christ?" "Yes, of course He has!" she exclaimed.

Next I turned to Ephesians 1 and read verse 6,

"In whom He hath made us accepted in the Beloved."

"Who is the Beloved?" I asked. "The Lord Jesus Christ," she answered. "And who are the 'us' who are accepted in Him?"

"Those who put their hands on the head of God's Lamb," she said at once.

"That was what you did just now, was it not?"

"Yes!" she replied, and a bright look spread over her face.

"What does God say then about you and me?"

“That we are accepted in the Beloved."

So we knelt together and praised God for His great goodness to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Messages of God’s Love 10/12/1930

A Good Title

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

"Yes, sir, I believe I am," he replied.

"And what is your title to go there?"

The man was silent for a few moments, and so the servant of Christ continued:

"Suppose, now, you found yourself in heaven, and an angel came to you and asked what right you had to be there, or what was your title to be there, what answer would you give?"

After a few minutes' silence, the poor man looked up and replied,

"The atoning value of the blood of Christ."

Blessed answer! Children, what answer could you give? None will gain an entrance there, but those who have trusted in the atoning value of the blood of Christ, while in this life here on earth.

"O, precious blood! on Calv'ry shed

For sinful souls in trespass dead!

And seated on the throne is He

Whose precious blood atoned for me.

O, precious blood! O, living way,

By which the chief of sinners may,

Accepted, stand before his God!

O, precious, reconciling blood!"

Messages of God’s Love 10/12/1930

Jesus Saves

'Tis a faithful word and true,

And the message comes to you,

'Tis the old yet ever new—

Jesus saves.

He the victory has won,

And His work is fully done,

All is centered in the Son.

Jesus saves.

From Golgotha's awful gloom,

And the silence of the tomb,

Came the One Who met my doom,

Jesus saves.

In the glory fair and bright,

In the Father's home of light,

Is the One whom men did slight.

Jesus saves.

Have you heard His loving voice?

Have you made the Lord your choice?

Does your heart in Him rejoice?

Jesus saves.

Come to Him, O, come away,

Come to Him without delay,

Come to Him, His call obey.

Jesus saves.

Once He died upon the tree,

Shed His blood for you and me,

Hallelujah! grace is free,

Jesus saves.

Messages of God’s Love 10/12/1930

Security

WHAT an odd looking cradle it is, in which baby is lying! It looks like a big clothes basket. But the large, soft looking pillow and the fine rug, or cornfort, that is under and about the child, make it a nice resting place, and the little one sleeps peacefully without a thought of care.

Master Doggy, however, who sits by the cradle, has no notion of sleep. See his eyes, how intelligent they look! And his ears are erect as if to catch the slightest sound, should any one offer to approach; and his lips slightly parted and mouth set, seem to speak warningly, should any one offer to molest his little charge.

This picture recalls a story that I could not read without weeping when I was young. A dog had been placed by the cradle of a sleeping child. While at his post a large snake came creeping towards the cradle. The faithful dog sprang upon the ugly creature, and after a fierce conflict succeeded in killing it.

Not long after, he heard his master's footsteps, and with joy he bounded forward to meet him. The poor dog's face being covered with blood, the master was horrified, thinking he had killed his child. In his anger he took a club and gave the clog such a blow upon the head that he killed him.

On reaching the spot where his child lay sweetly sleeping. he saw the great snake lying dead upon the ground. He then knew that the faithful dog had saved the life of his child, instead of taking it, and he was grieved over his hasty act.

We may learn from this that the security which man gives is a very uncertain thing. Happy for you, my clear readers, if you have found the secure refuge and shelter which God alone can give.

"YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, TRUST IN THE LORD: HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD." Psalms 115:11.

Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 46

Last week we were considering psalm titles: it is perhaps necessary in view of what has been inserted for the 46th, to caution some of our readers against the explanatory notes in the King James version at the head of each of the psalms in many instances (as in this one) they are altogether misleading. The thought seems to have been in the minds of the men who added these notes, that in the Psalms where comfort, blessing, deliverance, happiness, glory, are spoken of, the Church of God is in general the subject.

If we have been following these Bible Lessons, it will have been seen that the psalms are not concerned with God's present dealing with the world; or His calling out a people to share heavenly glory with His Son. In various cases they give the experiences of David, of Moses, and of others unnamed, but the Psalms have evidently been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and collected and set in an evident order under His guidance, for the spiritual help and encouragement of the Israel which is to be God's earthly people when the Church has been transferred to heaven. At the same time, as part of the "all scripture" of 2 Timothy 3:15-17, they are "profitable" to the Christian reader, and in circumstances of trial, they have rightly comforted many Christians.

"On Alamoth," in the title of this psalm, is thought to mean that it was to be sung by young women. This word appears also in 1 Chronicles 15:20.

Psalm 46 tells the immediate effect upon the remnant of the coming of Israel's Messiah—an event of supreme importance which is shown in Psalm 45 to have taken place. All fear is gone, though there may (and apparently there will) be after this, an attack upon the Holy Land by a northern enemy who will be destroyed.

"The City of God" (verse 4) is none other than Jerusalem, and the river whose streams are mentioned as gladdening it, is a vivid picture of blessings, wide, deep and ever flowing, as in the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1)..

God is here spoken of as the "Most High," a title relating to His sovereignty over the whole earth (Genesis 14:19 Psalm 83:18).

In verse 7 and again in verse 11, He is the LORD (Jehovah), name of relationship with man, and particularly with Israel, and He is the God of Jacob, a name that speaks of His faithfulness.

Jacob through most of his life was a grasping, self-seeking man, and full of the energy of the natural man, but God never gave him up, and He brought him into blessing after letting him reap what he had sown.'

Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1930

A Lamb as a Sacrifice

IN ancient times when "the blood of beasts" was poured out in sacrifices for sin, there was a continual recurrence of such sacrifices, for

"Not all the blood of beasts

On Jewish altars slain,

Could give the guilty conscience peace

Or wash away one stain.

But the one all-sufficient Sacrifice of Christ, offered once for all, and for ever accepted by God has put away sin, so that when the believing sinner trusts in Christ, there is no need for any further sacrifice for sins, for the one offering of the Lord Jesus is enough to satisfy God, and to purge the believing sinner from all his sins, so that they will be remembered no more. This is what gives lasting peace to the soul, and silences all claims that may be raised against it.

The "One Offering" of Christ—the Perfect Sacrifice—satisfies God, and gives lasting peace to the believing soul. And that which has satisfied the claims of God, may well bring enduring peace to all who are under its value. This is the truth of God's gospel, and the foundation upon which a soul rests with an enduring peace. Well, then, may we sing—

"But Christ, the heavenly Lamb,

Took all our sins away,

A Sacrifice of nobler Name,

And richer blood than they."

It is all-important in these times that our young people should be well instructed in the efficacy of Christ's One Sacrifice for sin; once for all offered when He died on the Cross, and nothing is to be added to it, as a requirement by God, or to pacify the conscience of those who are under its abiding efficacy.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1930

Prize Winners

PASSING a large school, not far from my home, just before the holidays, I saw the children streaming out of the playground, and gathering in threes and fours around the fortunate possessors of the "prizes," to look, of course, at their bright covers and the pretty pictures in the books which had been won by their happy owners.

How bright and sunny were the smiles of some of the boys and girls who had worked hard and gained their rewards, and how serious were the faces of those children who had no prize to show to their school-mates or their father or mother.

This school, and the prizes, and the faces of the children, all made me think of the school in which I am a scholar, and of the Examination Day which will soon be here, and made me think whether I should get a prize or not.

Did you know that all Christians are at school?—this world is our school-house (what a big one it is!), and we are all in "the school of God"—and there are many classes, many lessons, and many prizes too.

If you will turn to Titus 2:11, you will find, "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."

We are told of "the grace of God that bringeth salvation"—that is the first thing —salvation is brought to sinners, and all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are saved.

Then directly they are saved they go to school, and they are "taught" while in this world those lessons of which we read in the 12TH and 13th verses,

"Teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

They look forward for the Lord Jesus, their "Blessed Hope," to come and take them home.

Then the "Examination Day" will come, and those who have learned their lessons well, will get a prize, a crown; and those who have not done their work well, will lose their rewards,

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall

be saved; yet so as by fire," 1 Cor. 3:1115, though they will as believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for lost sinners, spend their eternity with Him in His own bright home.

But how nice it will be for those who have several prizes, several crowns, for they will have more to cast down at the feet of their Saviour, and be more for His glory when He comes to reign.

If you, my little reader, are unsaved, it is no use at all to try to earn "eternal life," or to gain salvation by works—for all a sinner can earn is "the wages of sin, which is death;" and after death there is, for the unsaved, judgment.

Eternal life is the gift of God—and it cannot be bought.

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

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

But if you have taken that which God in His goodness is now offering—"salvation through Christ Jesus," without money and without price—then you can begin to seek to work for the Lord Jesus, and try to earn a bright reward, which He will give at the Examination Day—not eternal life: that every believer has already (John 3:36)—but a crown of life (Rev. 2:10), and other rewards as well.

See how many crowns you can find in your Testaments, and, if you are saved, seek to earn some of them.

Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1930

Lost Nannie

LOST, a little girl with fair hair and blue eyes, any information will be thankfully received by the town crier."

This was the announcement, and the bellman passed from street to street, tolling his bell and crying the same story, with a great crowd of boys and girls after him. How sad, I thought, that a pretty little girl should be lost! How anxious her parents will be about her! I hope she has not gone near the rocks and fallen over! I sat down to rest on the grass, and after a few minutes, I noticed a child coming along all alone, crying bitterly. "I\!anima, mamma, • come to Nannie."

"Fair hair and blue eyes," were the words of the bellman, and the sight of the child brought them fresh to my mind. There she stood, sure enough.

"Come with me, my dear," I said, taking her by the hand, "I will lead you safely home," and little Nannie put her plump little hand in mine without a moment's hesitation, and I led her to her mother, who welcomed her with tears and kisses, and hugged her to her bosom.

Like little Nannie, you are lost, my little reader, lost in sin, wandering away from God and heaven. But He has sent One to seek and salve you, even His own Son, the Lord Jesus. If you will put your trust in Him, as Nannie put her hand in mine, He will save you and lead you to God and heaven.

You do not require to cry, or wait until He comes, for He has come forth already to .seek and save you. Even now His voice is heard in loving tones, speaking to you, and this is what it says,

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

Dear young reader, have you come to Jesus, and has He saved and brought you home to God? If not, will you trust Him now, just this very day?

Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1930

Mother

WHAT is sweeter on earth than a mother's love? How fortunate for every child who ' has a father and a mother, especially so, when the parents know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and seek to teach their children about Him and His word.

Did you ever read in God's word about a young man whose name was Timothy, who had been instructed in the Scriptures from childhood? You may read about him in 1 Timothy 3:14, 15. His mother's name was Eunice, and she was a Jewess, but his father, of whom we read but little, was a Greek.

Timothy was brought to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour through the Apostle Paul, and was a great help and cheer to him as he traveled around preaching the gospel.

Now I want to tell you about a little outcast girl, whose father and mother had died, and left her all alone in the world. She had no home, no one to love her, and no one to care anything for her or to tell her about the Lord Jesus Christ. She had to go about the streets and beg, and was often tired and hungry.

One day she came to a large farmhouse and pleaded for a piece of bread, being so hungry, and to be allowed to sit awhile at the warm kitchen fire. It was bitterly cold, and she was thinly clad—the torn, tattered garments scarcely sufficing to cover the shivering child. The little girl's eyes filled with tears as she spoke to the lady of the house.

"Tell me," said the lady, "where is your mother?"

"O!" said the little, cold, weary, hungry girl, "I have no mother—no mother; I have no kind, father or mother—no one cares for me—no one loves me at all. O! if someone would wily love me, I would be so happy." And again the tears ran down the thin, wan cheeks of the child.

Softly and gently the lady drew the little outcast to her, kissed her, wiped her tears away, and whispered in her ear,

"Dear child, I will be a mother to you.”

What a sweet picture this is of a love that sought, found, and saved little ones just like you. Ah! my dear young readers, the love of Jesus far surpasses a father's or a mother's love; for, to seek, save, and bless you, He came from the glory of His Father. He has died on the cross because He loved you. Now, won't you love Him? He died to put away your sins; but, unlike the poor outcast girl, who sought a home and some one to love her, Jesus is seeking you. He came to save you.

Will my young readers think of who Jesus is, and of what He has clone, and look to Him and be saved?

"Jesus, when He left the sky,

And for sinners came to die,

In His mercy passed not by

Little ones like me."

Are you able to say, like the Apostle Paul,

"THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME." Gal. 2:20.

Messages of God’s Love 10/26/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 47 and 48

HOW appropriate it seems, that Psalms 42 and 44 to 49 should be "of (or for) the sons of Korah" whose father was the leader in the rebellion of Numbers 16, but who themselves were spared (Numbers 26:11), objects of mercy just as the remnant of Judah here.

These two psalms complete the series celebrating the coming of the Lord to reign. In No. 47 He is reigning as King over all the earth, subduing the peoples and nations. This will be the character of His reign at the beginning, as David who subdued all enemies (see 2 Samuel 5:6-10, 17-25, and chapter 8). Holiness marks His rule, and all that offends is removed in power.

If the God of Jacob be rightly celebrated in Psalm 46, here He is the God of Abraham. The faithfulness of God was exhibited in Jacob's case, in bringing him back when a wanderer, suffering because of his own bad ways (Genesis 28:15); but to bring in Abraham's name is to go back to the unconditional promise (Genesis 12:1, 2; 13:14-16). Sinai's broken covenant has no place here. How beautiful is God's Word!

In Psalm 48 the enemies have been dealt with, and the peaceful, righteous reign of the Son of David, who is David's Lord, is described; the character of Solomon's glorious reign, except as it was marred by his sad failure, is seen to be a foreshadowing of the thousand years' reign of Christ after the preliminary judgments of which David's reign was an illustration or "type."

The sorely tried remnant had been asked by the hardened sinners (Psalm 42) "Where is thy God?" Then, they had to endure with patience, but now, they can answer in the language of verses S, 12, 13.

Faith has its sure reward.

Messages of God’s Love 10/26/1930

How to Make a Good Start

A BAD start means a bad finish" is an old proverb which too often comes true. How important, then, to have a good start, whether it be the start of life, the start of the year, month, or week, or the start of all starts accepting Christ as your Saviour and beginning the Christian life, a start which is bound to have a good finish, however numerous and terrible the trials, for is it not written:

"Whom He justified (the start), them He also glorified (the finish)." Rom. 8:30.

Three thousand years ago there lived a boy who made such a good start that his fame reaches down to our day, and forms the subject of artists to adorn the walls of the Royal Academy as well as the theme of the poet's song, and of countless lessons to young people everywhere. As he began, so may you.

Behold him, then, lying slumbering in his little bed in the temple courts at Shiloh (1 Samuel 3:3-10). Suddenly a Voice is heard calling,

"Samuel!" Quickly a response is given,

"Here am I!" Again the Voice is heard:

"Samuel!" Again the quick response is made,

"Here am I!" The third time the Voice calls

"Samuel!" The third time Samuel responds. It is not Eli calling! Who can it be? Once more the call sounds clear, and this time it is a double call:

"Samuel! Samuel!" All, he knows now it is the Lord, and wisely answers,

"Speak, for Thy servant heareth" 1 Samuel 3:10. Thus began the one whose name is so honored today. HE MADE A GOOD START BY OBEYING THE VOICE OP' GOD. God called: Samuel responded.

Trace the history of boys and girls, men and women from that day to this, and you will find that the noble, great, and good have all been in Samuel's line of obedience to the Will and Word of God. Search the register of glory and you will not find one there but did the same.

Follow the course of those whose shame blots the fair pages of history, and whose names are not found written in the Book of Life, and you will find rebellion against the Divine Will and disobedience to the Word of the Lord.

You may be young, you may not know much of the Bible, but you can at least begin just now and respond promptly to the simple truths of the gospel of Christ. Let us see if you will answer to a threefold call from God:

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. If all have sinned, then you have sinned, and at this moment are a sinner in the sight of God.

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

"Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. As a guilty sinner won by such wondrous love, do you respond,

"Here am I, Saviour, I come to Thee"?

If in deed and in truth you so respond, like Samuel, you will seek to please the Lord in every thing you do.

"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and he did let none of His words fall to the ground." 1 Sam. 3:19.

Messages of God’s Love 10/26/1930

Three Prayers. Which One Suits You?

SOME little girls were talking to a friend one clay about the Lord Jesus, and how to come to Him, when one of them, a little one about eight years old, said,

"Every night I pray, 'Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.' "

"O! I don't pray that. I pray, 'God be merciful to me a sinner,' " said Grace, who was two or three years older.

Another little one added softly, "I don't pray either of those prayers."

"And what do you pray, Katie?" asked their friend.

“I pray, 'O, God! I thank Thee that Thou last washed me, and made me whiter than snow.' "

O, dear children, that little prayer made their friend's heart glad, and what was still better, I think it made the Saviour's heart glad, not only to think that a darling child had trusted Jesus and so had her sins washed away in His own precious blood, but because she came to Him and thanked Him for it.

And now, dear child, I want to ask just YOU, your very own self, which prayer you could pray best, right now? Which one suits you? Do you still have all those sins, those naughty lies, and the times you've been cross, and disobeyed mother and father, and all the other naughty things you have done at home and at school (God knows every one), are all those naughty things still written down in God's book against you? Are they still all on you like a big black load taking you down into hell?

O, darling child! if this is so, may the Lord show you what a terrible, terrible place you are in. Come to Him, just as you are, right now, with those first little prayers, "God be merciful to me a sinner," "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow," and I am quite sure God will receive you right now, and be merciful to you and wash you whiter than snow; for He says, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out."

But just a little word to those who have already come to Jesus and have had their sins washed away in His own precious blood. I know that many of my readers can take up dear Katie's prayer and thank God that they are washed and made whiter than snow, but, dear children, do you thank Him? or do you so often forget?

Let us begin at once and say with the Apostle Paul,

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift." His Gift to us is Christ.

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

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever," Psalms 136:1.

Messages of God’s Love 10/26/1930

Able To Save

There is none other but Jesus, the Lord,

Who's able to save, able to save,

Millions have come and believed on His word,

And have proved He is able to save.

There is none other who died for our sins:

He's able to save, able to save,

Once He was buried—but risen again

He is able and willing to save.

There is none other Whose blood can atone.

He's able to save, able to save,

There is but one, it is Jesus alone,

He is able the guilty to save.

There is none other, why do you wait

He's able to save, able to save,

Trust and confess Him before it's too late:

He is able and waiting to save.

Messages of God’s Love 10/26/1930

Bible Questions for November

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

"And he kneeled," etc. Acts 7:60.

"Neither is there," etc. " 4:12.

"Peter therefore," etc. " 12:5.

"But the Lord," etc. " 9:15.

"Then Peter said," etc. " 3:6.

"Which also said," etc. " 1:11.

"But the Jews," etc. " 13:50.

Bible Questions for November
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

Write in full the verse containing the words. "The way of peace have they not known."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "There is no respect of persons."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The wages of sin is death."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Delivered for our offences."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Now justified by his blood."

Write in full the verse containing the words, Separated unto the gospel of God."

For what class of people in Romans 8, is there no condemnation?

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

Stephen. Acts 7:59, 60.

For the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:4, 5.

Cornelius and his household. Acts 10:24-48.

On Pentecost, ten days after Christ went back to heaven. Acts 1:3; 2:1-41.

Partiality shown the Jewish widows in the distribution of funds for the needy. Acts 6:1.

Acts 14:22.

The deception of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:1-11.

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

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

Does God justify the good people or the ungodly?

What verse shows that the law of Moses was not intended for the Gentiles?

How does the believer get the victory over indwelling sin?

What brought death into the world?

Is it ever permissible to do evil that good may come?

Why was Paul not ashamed of the Gospel?

Whom do we have to help us pray?

Messages of God’s Love 11/2/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 49

This psalm is a call to all the inhabitants of the world, in view of the subject matter of the preceding psalms.

In verse 5 "adversity" should be read instead of "evil," and "supplanters" (or "them who would trip me up") instead of "my heels." It is these adversaries that are meant in verse 6.

"They depend upon their wealth, and boast themselves in the abundance of their riches."

"Why should I fear in the days of adversity?" is a challenge which has a New Testament counterpart in the magnificent language of Romans 8:31-3D; there the Christian is assured that God is for him, and that nothing can separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Of what value is wealth in the redemption of the soul?

Verse 7 answers: "None can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, for (verse 8) the redemption of their soul is costly, and must be given up forever" (New Translation). Yet though so costly, salvation is free (Revelation 22:17; Romans 5:17 and 6:23; John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18, ID).

We shall not find the gospel of the grace of God set out plainly in the Old Testament, for its proclamation had to wait until Christ died for the ungodly, but from the beginning, faith laid hold upon the promise of a Deliverer, and knew that "without shedding of blood is no remission" of sin. (See verse 15 of our psalm).

A true picture of the natural man's thoughts is given in verses 11, 13, 18. Not all the centuries of time that have passed since these words were written, have altered man,—nor can, but a new birth ( John 3) is needed; "Ye must be born again." Earthly, worldly hopes do not last; sorrow and death are never far away, and when the careless and godless are gone into judgment, those whose trust is in the living God shall have dominion (verse 14).

The 17th verse, in regard to the rich carrying none of their gains away with them when they die, suggests a reference to 1 Timothy 6:7,

"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

Having Christ is possessing true riches, and He can never be taken from us. These are heavenly and not earthly riches.

Whatever we do that is pleasing to the Lord, is laying up treasure in heaven, to be given to us when we are with Him, and we shall have them throughout eternity.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt. 6:19, 20, 21.

The last verse is a scathing reflection on man with all his gains, who does not know God; he is like the beasts that perish. No wonder many of the world's great men scorn the Bible, — its truth hurts. They are not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

Messages of God’s Love 11/2/1930

True Resting Place

WHEN I was a little girl, my parents took me to the theater. Then we had charades and cantatas at home, at which I played my part in costume. I thought the life of an actress was one of the happiest on earth. Little did I know of the misery that exists behind the scenes, or of the sad lives that are led by many who appear before the public to entertain them. Their supposed happiness is all a dream. I have tasted its bitterness, and can speak from experience.

My father died, and we were left without a home. I then had to find work to support myself, and not having learned any useful employment, I sought an engagement in the theater. What I experienced there I need not tell, further than to say, that I soon found the happiness I had thought to enjoy there, was a deception. O how I longed for some true friend to whom I might confide the burden of my heart. A young girl, alone in the world, without God, without parents, and without a friend or counsellor to guide her aright, is like a feather tossed on the billows.

One Sunday night, sad and weary, I went out for a walk. A crowd of people in the park attracted my notice. I walked across, and found it was a man preaching about Christ the Saviour, and that He saves all who come to Him by faith.

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

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

I stood and listened, and blessed be God, my weary heart was led to Christ, the true resting place. I have found true happiness in Him, and daily do I prove His keeping power.

But O, how I wish I had never had any part in these theatrical performances of my childhood. It was there that I acquired a taste for the theater, and there I set my foot on the slippery path of sin, and was carried down.

The only truly happy life is that of the one who has Christ. You will not want the theater, if you have Christ in your heart, my clear young friends.

"If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be; if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor." John 12:26.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15.

Messages of God’s Love 11/2/1930

Maggie's Three Texts

WELL, Maggie, how does the matter stand between you and God?"

“Well, sir, bless His holy Name, there is no matter between us now; it is all settled."

"All settled! Who has settled the matter, Maggie?"

"Why, sir, God and the Lord Jesus settled it between them."

"Do you really think the matter is settled?"

"I don't think: I am sure it is settled, for He said on the Cross, 'It is finished' ( John 19:30). He died under the judgment of God upon my sins. He took the judgment for me, 'He loved me, and gave Himself for me.' It is plain to me, at least. It was these three blessed texts, `Sins put away;"sins forgiven' (Acts 13:38); and 'remembered no more' (Heb. 10:17), that settled the matter for me.

"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 11/2/1930

Ruth

We have a picture of Ruth gleaning. She went to the land of Canaan where God's people were, and there she was a needy one, and went to a mighty, wealthy man's field to glean ears of grain that the reapers had left behind.

We may draw a lesson from all this which is most needful. That field reminds vs of a field that God had given to us, which is His Word: It is there that we may learn the great and good things that God has for us—the wonderful salvation that He has provided for us through His heloved Son. He looked on us -in our lost and ruined condition, and seeing our utter helplessness to save ourselves, gave His Son to die for us, to bear the awful judgment that We deserved for all our sins.

Let me ask you, Have you gleaned this much from God's Word, and are you enabled to say,

"I praise and thank Him for this wonderful Saviour?"

If you have not yet gleaned thus far in the Word of God, may you do so quickly.

"BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM." Psa. 2:12.

Messages of God’s Love 11/2/1930

The Father Loves Them

GOD has a family on earth

Of daughters and of sons;

His holy Spirit gave them birth,

They are His little ones.

He watches over them for good,

And hears their feeblest cries;

He gives them shelter, clothes and food,

Yea, all their wants supplies.

He knows their weak and tender frame,

Pities their griefs and fears,

And calls them every one by name,

And wipes away their tears.

To what the Lamb of God has done,

They all their blessings owe;

'Tis for the sake of His dear Son

The Father loves them so.

Messages of God’s Love 11/2/1930

Seeking

IN our picture today it is hard to tell just what the children are doing, but they are busy with something that seems quite interesting.

The girl on the left is holding her hands out as though she had just had them in the water, and the little one in front of her is stooping over at the water's edge.

Another is going with her hands full to her older sister, while two others are playing with their treasures on the end of the big log.

Whether they are collecting pebbles, shells, or seaweed, or getting mud for mud-pies, or small animals of some kind, it is hard to say. But it represents the story of life,—your life, and mine. We are all looking for—seeking something.

Most people, when old enough, have to look for work so that they can earn the money they need for food and clothes.

Many are looking for pleasure. Others spend much time searching for knowledge.

But some day our need and desire for all these things will be over, for we cannot carry them with us when we leave this world.

There is something, however, that can give us joy and blessing both in this life and in the life to come. This treasure we should all seek if we have not already found it.

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

The Lord wants you to know and love Him now, and He wants you to be with Him throughout eternity. And if you would like to know how much He wants you, how much He loves you, you will find the answer in John 3:16,

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

Dear young reader, if you do not already know Jesus as your Saviour, believe in Him now.

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

Does not such love, wholly undeserved by you, a poor lost sinner, touch your heart?

Messages of God’s Love 11/9/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 50

Psalm 50 announces the day of God's judgment upon His earthly people.

Verses 1 and 2 give the subject of the psalm, and verses 3 to 6 are the introduction; in verses 7 to 21, 22 and 23, God speaks.

Long has He been silent as to any audible voice from heaven. There has been none since the day that Saul of Tarsus was arrested in his guilty course near Damascus (Acts 9:3-6).

In grace He has been occupied during these nineteen centuries past, in bringing unworthy sinners to know their lost condition, and to trust in the Lord Jesus. Presently He will begin His strange work, His unwonted act (Isaiah 28:21) of judgment. Fire (verse 3) is a symbol of unsparing judgment.

Heaven and earth are called to witness the judgment of Israel, and the Jewish remnant ( verse 5) are gathered to Him,

those who have believed His Word, with whose circumstances and feelings, Books 1 and 2 of the Psalms are chiefly occupied. The remnant will have already seen Christ, owned Him as whom they pierced (Zechariah 12:10), who gave Himself a sacrifice for them on the cross. These are looked upon as having made a covenant with God by (or over) sacrifice.. The covenant is the new one of Jeremiah 31: 31-34.

The heavens will declare His righteousness (verse 6); what can this mean but that the heavenly saints are there? (See 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 19:14 and 20:4).

It is not here, in Psalm 50, a question of sacrifices offered under the Mosaic system, but of a state; God will have righteousness. Wickedness He will no longer tolerate. And withal, how like Him, as His Word reveals Him to faith,

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me" (Verse 15).

What measureless grace to His poor, weak, failing people this is! Striking also is the last verse of the psalm,

"Whoso offereth praise (or thanksgiving) glorifieth Me; and to Him that ordereth his way will I show the salvation of God" (new translation).

What a portion is that of the child of God! May we individually seek to know it better, practically!

Messages of God’s Love 11/9/1930

Mary and the Two Burglars

MANY years ago, a Christian farmer lived, with his family, in a secluded part of the country. Every Sunday morning it was his custom to take his family to Sunday school, leaving only one person at home to take care of the house. The people in that part of, the country had the reputation of being very honest, for no theft had ever been heard of.

One beautiful Sunday the father left his little girl behind to look after the house.

It was the first time that she had been considered old enough to do so, but she was not frightened, and did not feel lonely, for had she not her good old dog Rover to protect her?

She watched them drive off and then she took the large Bible, and for an hour, read the wonderful stories which it contains. After this, she went into the garden taking care to shut the door to hinder Rover from doing any damage. She laid clown on the grass and soon went to sleep.

It was past noon when she woke up. She went into the house, and as she was setting the table, she noticed two men coming towards the door. They were dirty and untidy and did not look like Sunday visitors, but, with the spirit of hospitality which she had learned from her father, she opened the door and invited them to come in. The two men seemed quite surprised and amused by her simplicity, and looked at one another, smiling.

"Then you are alone in the house, little girl!" said the younger of the two, sitting down.

"Yes, sir, Rover and I."

"Who is Rover?"

"He is the big dog; I am surprised that he has not barked at you."

"Dogs don't do us any harm; we don't let them," answered the other man.

"Never mind Rover. I don't think you know the object of our visit, little girl."

"No, sir; but I think you would like to have something to eat. You seem hungry."

"Sure, we are! Hurry up and get us something," said the elder one rudely.

"Don't frighten the young lady," said his comrade, and speaking to the little girl, added, “he is cross, because he is hungry."

Reassured, Mary soon set out a table covered with good things, and sat down with her guests.

The younger began to cut a slice of meat when Mary said gently,

"Won't you thank God first?"

Making a significant sign he answered,

"I forgot how, for it is scarcely one of my habits. You say grace yourself, little Mary seemed surprised, but standing up she said. "Make us truly thankful, O God. for this food which Thou givest us in Thy mercy, for Jesus Christ's sake, Amen."

When they had satisfied their hunger, the two men asked Mary a great many questions—when she expected her father, and if he had been to the market the day before, etc.?

"Aren't von afraid here, all alone?" asked the younger man. "Suppose some wicked men came here—-burglars, for instance?"

"I am not at all afraid," she answered looking him full in the face. "God will take care of me. I expect you know the Psalm which says, God will take care of those who trust in Him."

"I cannot say that I know it. How does it go—that Psalm?"

"Here is one verse," said Mary, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."

"And what are the words of the next verse?" he asked, pretending not to see the increasing impatience of his companion.

"O, fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." Psalm 34:7, 9.

The man began to feel ill at ease. He moved in his chair. Finally, he got up and went over to the window, his companion quickly following him. There, in low tones, they engaged in a conversation which became gradually more excited, until the child heard the younger one say out loud,

"I tell you, Thomas, that 1 will not do it, and if you try to, we shall see which is the stronger."

Mary heard no more, for the two men went out,

Presently the younger came back to ask Mary her name. "I do not want to forget," said he, "to say good-bye to you.

We will not wait for your father's return. Perhaps we shall come again another day."

He shook hands with her and departed.

"I cannot think where Rover has been all this time," said Mary to herself, after the two men had gone. She went out to call him, but as he did not conic, she came back to the house to spend the afternoon reading.

When her parents came back, she told them of the visit of the two men, and, shortly afterwards they found Rover stretched out dead. Then they knew that the two men were thieves, who had probably learned of some money which the farmer had in the house.

The two burglars did not leave off their evil ways. They were seized and deported to Australia. The older of them died during the voyage, but Jim Smith, the younger, disembarked safely, and on account of his good conduct was placed with a farmer who had a sheep ranch. One Sunday he was present at a religious service. The first Psalm that they sang was the one which Mary had repeated.

When the pastor read, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him," Jim's attention was riveted on him, and his thoughts carried him back to the incident described above. After the service he asked the minister for a copy of the Psalm-book. The minister gave him one, took his address, and sent him a Bible and some tracts showing the salvation which God in His infinite love, offers to all freely. God used them for His conversion. He remained with the farmer, who was very kind to him, until the end of his sentence, and by his Christian conduct gained the esteem of all.

Messages of God’s Love 11/9/1930

Does God Go To Sleep?

ERNIE, a dear little five year old boy, was staying in the home of his aunt. He had a small bed made up in her room. The first night after putting him to bed and saying good night, he called,

"Auntie, may I have the gas turned on a little, or will you leave the candle? I'm rather afraid."

"No, dear," she answered, "you know mother never allows a light left in your room. But I will stay with you if you like."

She sat down quietly by his side. Presently he said,

"Auntie, is it true what you told me?" "What was it, dear?"

"Why, you said God never \vent to sleep."

"Well, the Bible says it, so it must be true."

At once the darling boy got up in his bed, and kneeling, buried his head in his pillow and said,

"O God, I do thank You that You never go to sleep, because now I can."

Then laying himself calmly clown again, he said,

"Good night, auntie, you can go now, I am not afraid."

"He that keepeth thee will not slumber." Psa. 121:3.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." Psa. 4:8.

Messages of God’s Love 11/9/1930

The Blessed Man

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." Psalms 1:1, 2.

The happy man, whom David describes in the first Psalm, is one who finds his "delight" in the word of his God, and who keeps himself apart from the selfish and sinful ways of "the men of this world." There are those around him who are "ungodly;" who have not the fear of God before their eyes, and who live out their days as though there were "no God:" but he is not guided by them.

"Looking unto Jesus," is the way to be led aright in this sinful world.

Then, if we are directed by His "counsel" (Psa. 73:24), it is not the "way of sinners" in which we "stand."

We have learned that we are sinners, but that Christ "died for sinners;" and He;`came into the world to save sinners," and that God Himself shows "His own love," in that while we were sinners, "Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

When we are thus saved from our sins, it is no longer the "way of sinners" we delight in, but we say,

"SHOW ME THY WAYS, 0 LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS." Psa. 25:4.

We find His ways are "ways of pleasantness," and all His paths are "peace."

May you, dear children, take delight in reading God's Word, and thus get His wisdom, and be kept from the many sins of this world.

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 51

The title of this psalm tells us that is was composed by David upon his conviction of ' the crowning sin of his life, when Nathan the prophet came to him (2 Samuel 12). By the Holy Spirit's guidance, it was composed with suited accuracy of expression for the confession of the far greater sin of rejection to the death of God's Beloved, which will come from the afflicted souls of the future remnant of the Jews.

Their sin is too deep, too dreadful, for Old Testament sacrifice and sin offering. Mercy alone can meet their case. The confession is complete, and without any reservation; but on the other hand, there is evident a confidence; the convicted sinner's confidence, once confession is from the heart, that the' offended God will pardon.

"Wash me ... . cleanse me," in verse 2, and the language of verses 7 and following, show this and more, that God will bless those who thus seek Him.

How solemnly those fearful words of Matthew 27:25 will come back in the thoughts of the convicted, yet confiding, sons and daughters of Judah! The latter part of verse 4 is quoted in Romans 3:4, where the portion of the Jew is considered in connection with God's dealings; and verse 5 in condemning man after the flesh, is only stating what is more fully declared in the same chapter of the Epistle to the Romans.

Verse 7 may be compared with Isaiah 1:18; "as white as snow" is something rare indeed, if it can be found at all, as everyone knows who has compared the whitest cloth with freshly fallen snow; yet the deep dye of guilt of sins innumberable is removed by taking the salvation God offers.

Whiter than snow surpasses anything on earth; this is the estimation of a saint who has fallen into sin, and in deep contrition looks to God for cleansing from all unrighteousness. The result of true self judgment after failure in a child of God, is a deeper sense of the holiness of God than ever before.

Verse 11 Could not rightly be the language of any Christian, for the Holy Spirit does not leave those in whom He dwells ( John 14:16, 17; Romans 8:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 6:11, 19; 2 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Timothy 1:14; 1 John 4:4; Jude 19; Revelation 22:17).

The Holy Spirit is spoken of many times in the Old Testament; He was in the prophets (1 Peter 1:11), but did not and could not dwell or abide in anyone but the God-Man, until His death and resurrection and ascension, the finished work of the cross to which the Old Testament believers looked in hope ( John 15:26; 16: 13, 14).

Nor is it possible to lose salvation; nowhere does the Word of God admit such a thing as possible. See John 10:27-29 as an example of what is said with equal assurance in other passages. Verse 12 asks for the restoration of the joy of God's salvation, not the restoration of salvation, which the believer never can lose.

The psalm closes with desires to declare the praise of God, and for the rebuilding of Jerusalem according to His purposes of old, when blessing will be worldwide.

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

The Sheep Which Went Astray

I WAS walking- out one Sunday evening, when I heard the bleating of a sheep which seemed to he in trouble, and on looking round to see where the sound came from, I saw a long way up the mountain side, a poor, lost sheep, bleating piteously. It had wandered away from the Hock, which were feeding on the other side of the mountain; there it stood, helpless and alone—Lost!

As I looked at it my thoughts went back to that well-known verse:

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

How true it is that by nature we are like sheep without a shepherd, going our own way, ever wandering farther and farther away. For, like sheep, we know not the dangers that beset our path; temptations surround us on every hand, through which we are easily led astray.

"Leave me not, for I am lonely, And the way I cannot see."

It is characteristic of sheep, that it can never find its way back; it goes on and on, having not the instinct of retracing its steps. So it is with us,

"All we like sheep have gone astray."

The sheep on the mountain side, had strayed and was lost, and would have perished had not the shepherd sought the lost one, and taken it back to the fold.

Thus we are reminded of Him who is the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep, who came into the world to "seek and to save the Lost" (Luke 19:10). For God "laid upon Him the iniquity of us all."

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

But what a contrast! God gave His only Son to be our substitute, who took upon Himself our sins, for while we were yet sinners "Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6). He loved us, notwithstanding all our sins, for it was for sinners Jesus died, for you and for me, hearing our sins in I lis own body on the tree, dying the Just for the unjust to bring us to God, and to rescue us from going down to the Pit. He gave His life a ransom for us, to save those who had wandered and gone astray, and to save all who come to Him in simple faith, and accepting Him as Saviour.

"I do believe, I will believe

That Jesus died for me;

That on the Cross He shed His blood,

From sin to set me free."

If you thus acknowledge Him as your Saviour, you shall be saved. For God in His Word has said:

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. Do von believe on Him? Are you saved?

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

A Group of Tamil Girls

WE want to tell you of 6 dear girls who were all children of heathen parents, and would have grown up to be idol worshipers had not some of the Lord's disciples living in this favored land, been moved by the love of Christ to go out to the land where they live, and tell them of Jesus and His love.

When they first came to our school they were heathen, and knew nothing of the true God—the God of love. They had been taught to worship Siva, and to mark themselves with his stripes.

Patiently the Christian teacher taught them the gospel, told them of Jesus and His precious blood, which alone can cleanse from sin, and the Holy Spirit opened their minds to the truth. What a joy it was to hear one after another of that little group of Tamil school-girls confess Christ as the only Saviour, and to see in their changed lives that they were truly saved. One Lord's day afternoon these dear girls—now considerably older and without their native ornaments—went out themselves to one of the villages and held a Children's meeting, singing their sweet Tamil hymns, and telling the native children in their own language the story of redeeming love.

Can you tell your school-mates of Jesus? Or do you know Him as your own Saviour?

How thankful we were as we stood giving tracts and singing the gospel right over against the idol temple, that the glorious gospel of Christ had won the hearts of those dear Tamil girls from the sins and follies of idol worship. Now they are happy in the Lord, and able to call the true God of heaven and earth—the God of love —their Father.

Can you, who have had many more privileges, and who have never known the awful horrors of idolatry, do the same? There is only one Saviour, alike for you and them, even Jesus. Happy are they who can truly sing,

Jesus is my Saviour, by His precious blood, Freed from condemnation, brought to God; In Himself accepted, all my sins forgiven, I am on the way to heaven.

Jesus is my Saviour, saves me every day,

From the sore temptations of the way;

Keeps me by His power, strengthens by His grace,

Cheers me as I seek His face.

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

Lost Eddie

HE little fellow left home in company with a group of companions to look for a travelling Circus coming along from the next town, and was last seen in the vicinity of a bridge. Night came, and Eddie was not to be found.

We started off to seek him, and after walking for miles, and asking at every house, we heard that a lost boy had been found by the wayside crying, and taken to a farmhouse further along. There Eddie was found, seated by the warm fireside, and quite happy. He could tell his name and where he lived, but was unable to find his way home.

He was very much like the sinner, away from God, lost, and unable to find the way back. But if you are willing to own your name to be "Sinner," then it was for you that Jesus died.

"When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

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

When we took Eddie home there was great joy, as there is in heaven over every sinner saved.

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 5:10.

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

Come, Children, Come

Come, children, come; to Jesus come,

For time is hastening by,

The day of grace is closing in,

The Lord is drawing nigh.

The weakest soul that flees to Him,

He will not turn away,

But from his sins will set him free,

In this bright gospel day.

All who believe in Jesus' blood

Have everlasting life,

A home with God in heaven above,

And robes of purest white.

Messages of God’s Love 11/16/1930

Kindness

I WONDER who owns these animals we see in our picture? It must be some very kind man for they seem to be eagerly waiting in a group for him.

The big dog is holding the whip in his mouth, so his master is surely about ready to start on a drive. How interesting it is to see the dogs so anxious to be with their owner; they would not care to be near him if he were unkind to them. We read in the Scriptures,

"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast." Prov. 12:10.

How can a Christian man or woman, boy or girl, be unkind to any person, or any of God's creatures, when they realize each day how much God is doing for them?

Do we think enough about the Lord's goodness to us? We know Jesus loves us so much, and has shown such grace to us in forgiving us our sins; can we not show a little more of this love and kindness to others! It may be difficult to love one who is contrary and disagreeable to us, but we must remember that Jesus loved us, and died for us when we were "dead in trespasses and sins," and were enemies to Him.

Let us think often of Jesus, and of what He is doing for us right now, as He is at God's right hand in heaven.

"O, THAT MEN WOULD PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS, AND FOR HIS WONDERFU'L WORKS TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN!" Psa. 107:8.

Messages of God’s Love 11/231930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 52-54

In 1 Samuel 21 and 22 are found the circumstances which led to David's writing the 52nd psalm; he wrote about Doeg, the sheep herder of King Saul, but the Holy Spirit who directed David's writing, had in mind the evil man of the coming day, called in various passages of the Scriptures the willful king, the man of sin, the son of perdition, the second beast, the false prophet, the Antichrist. (See Daniel 11:36-39; John 5:43; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 8-10; Revelation 13:11-18, and 19, 20, among many references) .

This man, wicked and daring beyond all others in a religious way, will be the great enemy of the godly Israelites in the Holy land in the time for which the psalms were written. Faith sees the victory through God over this man.

Verse 8. Israel was called a green olive tree, fair, of goodly fruit ( Jeremiah 11:16), and such it will be again (Hosea 14:6). Romans 11:17-24 speaks of the Gentiles as now having the place of favor belonging to Israel, but to lose it when God takes up the sons of Jacob again.

Psalm 53 is, except for verse 5, almost exactly the language of Psalm 14. The Second Book (Psalms 42-72) takes up the feelings and the state of the believing Israelites at a later time than the First Book; they are then shut off from the temple, and no longer in Jerusalem. This explains the change from "the Lord" ( Jehovah) in Psalm 14 to "God" in Psalm 53, because the Remnant is cut off from the place where God had set His name. It tells why the change from "God" is in "the generation of the righteous" (verse 5, Psalm 14) to the language of verse 5, Psalm 53.

Psamn 54. The occasion of this psalm is found in 1 Samuel 26. In verse 1 we should read, "and by Thy strength do me justice." Verse 6 speaks of "the Lord" ( Jehovah) when deliverance comes.

These three psalms form a group by themselves, telling as they do the godly judgment of the time, first, in 52, the wicked head of the apostate Jews; second, in 53, the state of the nation, from which the God-fearing remnant are separated; lastly in 54, the look of faith to God, to Him alone. His name (verse 1) is what He is; this is what is trusted, and this (verse 6) bring forth praise in the day of deliverance.

Messages of God’s Love 11/231930

Harry; or, A Boy of God

WOULD you like to spend the afternoon with me in my Sunday-school class? I think you would; and as it is now quite three o'clock, let us enter the pleasant old village school-house. Mine is the infant class. It is large in number, and small in size. After prayer, and singing a sweet hymn, we go to one of the class-rooms upstairs, where we can be all by ourselves.

There are seventeen of my thirty infants present, I see, and all fidgeting being stilled, and all whispering hushed, they begin to say their lessons. The first thing they say is,

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

Some of the elder ones can say the whole of this, and two or three other psalms, without a mistake; the younger ones say it after me, and the very wee ones, like little Bella, here, who is just learning to speak, say after me only the first sentence,

"The Lord is my Shepherd."

That is enough at a time for such a little mouth—and heart, too.

"But who is that little fellow next to Bella? Is it a new little boy? I don't seem to know him, and yet feel that I ought to. Why it is Harry, Lily's brother and I see now why I couldn't make out who he was. Besides being seated in the dark corner of the room, he is in trousers today, for the first time!"

"Come here, Harry," I say, presently, "and let me see you;" and Harry, very red in the face, walks over to me in the most awkward manner possible. Poor little fellow!

"Why, I didn't know you with these new clothes on! You look so big in them! What a nice suit it is! Who gave it you, Harry?"

"Mother," is the prompt answer.

"It was God that gave it to him," puts in another boy, a little older, anxious to show his superior knowledge.

"Yes, it was God, and it is God who has made him grow so big, too. But what ought you to be growing as well as big, Harry?" I ask, thinking he will be sure to say "Good," and intending to go on to show him and the others how children can become good. But Harry gives neither that nor any other answer. Little Mary, however, between whom and myself Harry is standing, starts up with pretty eagerness from her seat, and in her grave little manner, says,

"He ought to be growing a boy of God."

"Do you hear that, Harry? Mary says you ought to be growing a boy of God. Then you don't think he is one, Mary?"

"O, no," says Mary, "he's often naughty."

"And how is he to become a boy of God, Mary?"

"He must come to Jesus," she says, while another adds: "He must believe," and another, "He must be washed in Jesus' blood."

"Very good answers; and now, Harry, instead of saying 'The Lord is my Shepherd,' today, you will say,

"Lord, look upon a little child,' " and he says after me this verse—

"Lord, look upon a little child,

By nature sinful, rude, and wild;

O, put Thy gracious hands on me,

And make me all I ought to be."

"Very nicely said, Harry; and I hope you will say the line,

`Make me Thy child, a child of God' in your own heart to God. Say it like this:

`Make me Thy boy, a boy of God,' "

and, having said it over two or three times, Harry goes to his seat.

"And now," I say, addressing the class, "can you tell me the names of any of God's boys, of whom we read in the Bible?"

No one answers.

"Do you not remember the name of the boy God spoke to in the night?"

"Samuel! Samuel!" say several, at once, and we go over the old, yet ever fresh story of the boy who "grew before the Lord;" we talk, too, of Joseph, of whom it is said so often, "the Lord was with him;" and Moses, who was "a proper child;" and David, the shepherd boy who killed a lion, and a bear, and a giant; and Obadiah, who "feared the Lord from his youth up;" and Josiah, whose heart was tender; and Timothy, who "from a child had known the Holy Scriptures."

"But there is yet another one, different from any of these, whose name you haven't told me."

They look thoughtful; yet no one thinks of the holy child, Jesus of Nazareth, except little Charlie, who, in his small voice, says,

"Jesus."

It is only by chance that he is right, I fear. He looks very pleased, however, at finding he has given the right answer for once, and listens quite attentively as I tell them of the wonderful Child "who did no sin," who was never naughty—neither when He was four years old, like Harry, nor when He was five, like Charlie; and how, when He was twelve years old, when Mary, His mother, was forgetting that He belonged to God more than to her, He said to her,

"Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"

And how, when He became a man He died for us that we might become the children of God, through faith in Him. "Harry, just say that line once more." "Make me Thy boy, a boy of God." "Dear boy! Now don't forget to say it in your heart to God."

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/231930

The Little Negro Boy

We attended a Sunday school kept by a missionary, and heard the wondrous story of Jesus and His love. His parents were idolaters. and had taught him, when he was a child, to worship idols. But his young and tender heart had been won from the first day that he heard of the love and death of Jesus, and the idols lost their charm.

"I am very happy," said the boy, "I would like to go to heaven soon, where I shall see Jesus, and be close beside Him, always then."

"But what would you do if Jesus were to leave heaven?" asked the missionary, to test the reality of the boy's faith.

"Then I would follow Him," replied the boy.

"But what if Jesus went to hell," asked the missionary, "what would you do then?"

With an intelligent look into the missionary's face, and a happy smile on his cheek, he waved his hands aloft, and said,

"Ah massa, but there is no hell where Jesus is."

Perfectly true, "there is no hell where Jesus is;" but where Jesus is, "there is heaven begun."

This was the secret of the little boy's happiness. He knew Christ, and had believed in Him to the saving of his soul. There, in that mud hut, surrounded by idolaters, his heaven had begun, for Jesus was there, and where He is, there is heaven.

Has heaven begun with you, my young reader? Can you say in truth,

"Jesus is mine?"

"In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have tok you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you untc Myself: that where I am, there ye may b( also." John 14:2, 3.

Messages of God’s Love 11/231930

Chased by Wolves

IN the steepes or vast sterile plains of Northern Russia and Siberia, there is no more fearful sound heard than that of the wolves in winter time.

Varnished, they go in packs looking and smelling everywhere for prey. Woe to the traveler, or any living thing that falls into their power; he is devoured in a short time, and nothing is left of him but the bones. The horses scent them from afar, and do not need to feel the sting of the whip on their backs to make them gallop with all their might away from danger.

Should some of the wolves get close to the sleighs, and the travelers succeed in killing one or more of the pack, the others will immediately fall upon the wounded and devour them. In this way they are arrested for awhile, and perhaps the travelers gain enough time to reach some village or town where the wolves will not dare pursue. We hope it was the case with our two men and their beautiful horses.

If you were in such danger, children, would you stop and play by the way? Would you really not care if any one told you those terrible enemies were near? Would you say,

"I don't believe it, because I don't see them yet"?

No, of course you would not; instead, you would flee fast, fast toward safety, with a prayer to God to save you.

Have you fled to the Saviour for safety from your powerful and mighty enemy, the devil, who, like a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour?

Have you, in your heart, come to the Lord Jesus, and said,

"0 Lord, I am a sinful, lost child, and cannot save myself; I come to Thee, who hast died for sinners, and I believe that Thou wilt save me, for Thou hast said,

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

Then you will be safe from your great enemy, safe in the arms of Jesus, for time and eternity.

"DELIVER ME, O LORD, FROM MINE ENEMIES: I FLEE UNTQ THEE TO HIDE ME." Psalm 143:9.

Messages of God’s Love 11/30/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 55

What a picture we have in this psalm of the sufferings of the remnant of Israel in the time of their great trouble. They will be learning what many of the children of God have learned by experience, that the way to blessing is often through trial.

In verse 3 are apparently two distinct parties,—"the enemy," and "the wicked." Isaiah 28:14 and 18, and Zechariah 14:2, tell of the coming of enemies to Jerusalem after the wickedness of the nation has come to its height. The speaker in the psalm is evidently looking back to the time when he was in Jerusalem, and had to leave it (verses 6-8). He prays for the judgment of the godless within the city (verse 9), and in vivid description tells what they were doing (verses 10, 11). And this is man, freed at last from the restraining power of the Holy Spirit <2 Thess. 2:7) in the believers of the present dispensation.

What is harder to bear than treachery? (verses 12-14), but this the Lord had to endure as none other (Matthew 26:21-23, 47-50; Mark 14:18-20; Luke 22:47, 48; John 13:18, 21-30). Faith's confidence in God's deliverance is expressed in verses 16, 17. The godly do not know when deliverance will come; they present their petitions at "evening, and morning and at noon," assured that He will hear.

Tried saints today may well follow the example here set before them, and in prayer and supplication let their requests be made known unto God. He is not indifferent to the call of His own. (See James 1:2-4; and verse 22 of our psalm).

In "Cast they burden" upon the Lord, (verse 22), the "burden" is the portion assigned to you. Often in the varying circumstances of life, what seems a very heavy burden has to be borne: something too heavy, it may seem to be, for the believer's strength,—affliction, sorrow, the loss of a loved one—there are many "burdens" that our God assigns to His children, and many they bring upon themselves. Sweet then is the gracious invitation:

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."

This Psalm exhibits in a marked way the different character given the believing sons of Israel in the coming day, from the desires proper to the Christian. Never is the latter taught to call for judgment upon his enemies, for this is the day of grace. By and by the day of judgment having come, a call for vengeance will be according to God's mind.

Messages of God’s Love 11/30/1930

The Ramble on the Hill-Side

IT'S unkind of mother!" exclaimed Lina, angrily. "Hush, Lina," said her grown-up friend, "your mother knows what is best."

"But, M., you know I have been looking forward to go with the girls to the 'Fields' for several weeks, and now the day has come I'm disappointed."

"I am very sorry, Lina, that you cannot go, but perhaps we may find another opportunity of going before the summer is over, and then you may be allowed to go with us. Do try, dear, and submit cheerfully to your mother's wishes."

"I can't take disappointments pleasantly," said Lina; "I feel that I am old enough to take care of myself. Why should mother be afraid to trust me out of her sight?"

"No doubt your mother has good reasons for denying you this pleasure, and really, Lina, you seem to forget that your mother loves you. Think of all her patience and care over you up to this time, and then see if you cannot give up something for her who has done so much for you."

But Lina was angry, and would not listen to her friend's words. It was a lovely afternoon, and Lina's companions looked as bright as the sunshine as they started off accompanied by M. for a country ramble.

The happy party had scarcely left the town when quick footsteps were heard behind them. On looking back, Lina was seen hot and nearly breathless from long running.

"How is it that you've come, Lina?"

"I persuaded mother to let me come, and I am so glad."

"I trust you will not have to be sorry for it," said M., as they resumed their walk.

Those young people who live in close and busy streets will understand the delight of these girls as they walked amid the smiling hedgerows. Woodbine and wild roses were eagerly plucked by their busy fingers, and praises of their beauty came from their lips.

But, alas! their pleasure was soon spoiled. They had just seated M. on a fallen tree, and were having a game at "hide and seek," when Lina's voice was heard shouting.

"Look, M., I'm going to jump from this fence," and before the word could be said to prevent her, she had taken the leap, and was lying half-unconscious upon the grass.

"My leg is broken," said Lina, when able to speak; "I wish I had listened to my mother's wishes, then it would not have happened."

All play was now over. Some of the girls ran to get water, others sat round with hearts and voices full of sympathy. But what was to be done? There they were at the foot of a steep hill, far away from any road, and the nearest cottage a long distance the other side of the hill.

"Take me home," murmured Lina.

"We must carry you then," said the girls.

But this was no easy task, for Lina was a tall, strong girl of thirteen. With great difficulty they got her to the top of the hill, and up to the cottage, where they found a kind woman, who bade them enter her little home. She fetched a strong man from a field near, who carried Lina to the nearest doctor, and she was for nine long weeks in a hospital.

I am sure Lina will long remember the suffering she brought upon herself and others, through having her own wish gratified. She wrote many interesting letters to her young friends while in the hospital, and in most of them she spoke of the loving way that God was leading her, of His goodness to her, and expressed great sorrow at her own willfulness. And I think, too, she began to understand that Scripture verse which says,

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20.

Messages of God’s Love 11/30/1930

The Happy Choice

THERE lived near the village of U___, in a pretty cottage, overlooking the green fields, an interesting young girl, who little thought that for many years the blessed God had been looking down on her, and seeking in many ways to bring her to Himself, till at last one night, as she listened to the story of the love of Jesus, the Lord brought her to see His great love to her in dying on the cross, and that there was nothing for her to do, but trust in His finished work. This simple trust in the Saviour brought joy to her young heart.

Ah, my reader, would that I could hear you say you trusted in Him, and then you would know some little of the joy it is to be washed, and made whiter than snow, by the precious blood of Jesus, and made meet for God's very presence, in the bright glory where Jesus is.

The young girl of whom I write knew this, and she was happy, indeed. As she went along, day by day, she used to sing praises to her God. This was one of her favorite hymns—

"O, happy day that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Saviour and my God!

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day! happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away."

And if anyone asked her why she sang thus, she would say,

"Because I am so happy. Yes, I am happy in Jesus."

She was happy in His presence, for His precious blood had washed away her many sins.

Dear reader, are you happy in God's presence? If the question of sin is not settled, it is impossible for you to be happy there; but if you know that Jesus has settled it for you, and has put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, then you can go into God's presence with boldness, and know that He delights to have you there, because that blessed One ( Jesus) has so glorified Him in putting away sin that now,

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/30/1930

Flee From The Coming Wrath

There shall come a night of such wild affright,

As none beside shall know;

When the heavens shall shake, and the wide earth quake

In its last and deepest woe!

What horrors shall roll o'er the godless soul,

Waked from its death-like sleep;

Of all hope bereft, and to judgment left,

For ever to wail and weep!

O children, give ear, while the saints are near!

Soon must the tie be riven,

And men, side by side, God's hand shall divide,

As far as hell's depths from heaven.

The children of day are summoned away:

Left are the children of night—

Sealed is their doom, for there's no more room:

Filled are the mansions of light!

What an awful cry will rend the sky,

"Open to us, 0 Lord!"

O, dear children, yet, ere the door be shut,

Let that cry in faith be heard.

O children! to Jesus come now,

O! come while you may, while still 'tis the day

Of grace, salvation, and love.

Messages of God’s Love 11/30/1930

Bible Questions for December

Answers to Bible Questions for October
"The Children's Class”

"And as he," etc. Acts 24:25.

"And I said," etc. " 22:10.

"But we believe," etc. " 15:11.

"That Christ should," etc. " 26:23.

"God that made;" etc. " 17:24.

"And upon the," etc. " 20:7.

"And from thence," etc. " 28:15.

Bible Questions for December
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

Write in full the verse containing the words, "How unsearchable are his judgments."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "On the vessels of mercy."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "The word is nigh thee."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "None of us liveth to himself."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Be not overcome of evil."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ."

What class of people are Christians told to mark and avoid?

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

Acts 26:18. Blind, in the dark, and under the power of Satan.

Acts 19:2.

That the Gentiles were not to be under obligation to keep the law of Moses. Acts 15:24-29.

First, by putting himself under a Jewish vow; and secondly, by rebuking the high priest. Acts 21:26; 23: 3-5.

Acts 28:25-29.

Philippi. Acts 16:12.

"To break bread." Acts 20:7.

Bible Questions for. December
"The Young People's Bible Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

How do we get saved?

What is said to be sin?

What are we to do with our bodies?

What is the subject of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh chapters of Romans?

What three characteristics of God are named in the fifteenth chapter?

Should a Christian have debts hanging over him?

What Scripture have we for letters of commendation?

Messages of God’s Love 12/7/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalm 56

The circumstances which led to the writing of Psalm 56 are told in 1 Samuel 21:10-12. David, fleeing from the murderous Saul, went to the Philistines for refuge, but dared not stay there. But as with others, the Holy Spirit adapted the psalm to the needS of a yet future day. The power of the enemy, of Satan, acting through and in the rejectors of God's grace, will be great, but they cannot pass the boundaries God will set: His own shall be preserved, though they would if they could "swallow" the godly, that is, they, like wild beasts, thirst for the blood of these. There is a question whether "O Thou most High" in verse 2 is a correct translation; it is a name of God, a title of promise (Gen. 14:19, 22).

Three times in the psalm the word of God is spoken of as the solace of the harassed saint, and three times the expression of trust in God, or confidence in Him as to the outcome of the present trying circumstances, is found in the psalm. Thus the confidence of faith is seen in a day of sorest trial, when fear would, apart from God, take possession of the soul. The Word of God was to be Joshua's meditation ( Joshua 1:7-9); through it, the believer is preserved from the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:17)', and is built up, and given an inheritance among all the sanctified (Acts' 20:32y. The 119th Psalm whose theme is the Word of God, contains that often quoted Verse (105):

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my Path,"—it lights up the believer's way, and cheers him onward through the darkness of this world.

In verses 6 and 8 is a contrast: "They (the wicked) mark my steps," but "Thou (God) tellest—recountest—my wanderings"—eyes from above are watching with deep interest the path of His own that are in the world. Even the tears of the saint are His concern. The close of the psalm is full of confidence in Him, the present distress is forgotten in the onward glance of faith.

May it be more thus with every child of God!

Messages of God’s Love 12/7/1930

Not Trying, But Trusting

I WAS the child of believing parents, and had heard the gospel from my earliest years; but like others so privileged, I did not know my need of its saving power. The world and its follies were more to my liking. I enjoyed its pleasures, although they never satisfied me. In my heart I wished I had what I knew my parents and others enjoyed. God has His own ways of awakening sinners. A companion of mine died suddenly. I followed his body to the grave. As the clods fell on his coffin, a voice said,

"Where would your soul be, if your body lay where his lies?"

I knew it could not be in heaven. I was not ready. That night and many others, I was in soul trouble. With a book in my hand, I went out for a walk along the riverside. I was very ill at ease. The Lord was troubling me about my soul. I knew I was a sinner, and needed to be saved. There was an old tree close by, and I sat down under its shadow. I opened the book I had in my hand, and the first words I read in it were,

"The way of salvation is plain and clear; it is this—Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' " Acts. 16:31.

I saw it was not trying, but trusting, so I trusted and was saved.

Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation?

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/7/1930

The Sparrow

THE sparrow is a very common bird. It is known as the most domestic of all free-flying birds. It was well known in Palestine and the East, and is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The sparrows seem to have been very plentiful, and of little account, but they have their lessons for us. This is seen in Luke 12:6, where Jesus in addressing the multitude which had gathered to hear Him, said,

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and not one of them is forgotten before God."

He used this illustration to show God's care over His people, for if in His heart there is care for the sparrows, how much more must there be for those who are His own.

Surely in God's sight we are "of more value than many sparrows," when He gave His only Son to die for us that we might be saved from an everlasting hell. In the days when God's temple stood in Jerusalem, the sparrow often built her nest in the courts and walls. Sheltered there she was safe and beyond the reach of harm.

Her lot is envied by the writer of the eighty-fourth Psalm, who seems to have been exiled from his country and temple, and unable to attend the sanctuary of the Lord. He tells how his soul longed and fainted for the courts of the Lord, and recalls how even the sparrow finds a shelter and resting-place under its shadow.

"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." Psa. 84:2.

Do we long like this for the beautiful courts of heaven where our blessed Lord is; to be with Him who loved us and gave Himself for us?

He is coming for us very soon. Then our joy will be complete, and so will His, in having us with Himself.

Messages of God’s Love 12/7/1930

Deliverance from the Paw of the Lion

HAVE you ever thought, dear children, that you are living in the last days?

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy; lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." 2 Tim. 3:1-4.

Do we not see all this in the world today? And this element, we are sorry to say, is creeping in among the children of Christian parents.

Beware, dear boys and girls! All these marks of the closing days, are of Satan. In Eph. 2:2, God tells us, he is "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." And in 1 Peter 5:8, we get the same person,

"The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

He is an enemy of boys and girls, leading them on little by little, hindering them from listening to God's Word, and telling them there is plenty of time to think about eternal things, but, my dear friends, resist the devil, turn away from him, do not listen to him. His desire is to have you under his power now, and to have you in hell with him for eternity.

Dear, unsaved children, you, too, are under the power of the lion, the devil. Flee from him; look unto the crucified One, and be saved.

"HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?" Heb. 2:3.

"The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

"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 12/7/1930

A Little Child

Luke 18:15-17.

"A little child" may rest

In God, whose name is love;

Who, in His Son, His love expressed;

The sent One from above.

"A little child" may pray

To God, in Jesus' name;

He loves to hear us "Father" say,

And own His children's claim.

"A. little child" may sing

Of Jesus' worth and ways;

And worship to the Father bring,

With those who sing His praise.

"A little child may learn

To do God's holy will;

And if for this his heart doth yearn

His wish will God fulfill.

"A little child" whose heart

To Jesus has been given;

Shall rise, when all the saints depart,

And dwell with Christ in heaven.

Messages of God’s Love 12/7/1930

Lost

HIS little girl and her big dog have been having a play together and seem very happy. They probably have been running to keep warm, for the snow everywhere shows it is, cold.

But what have they met out on this prairie—someone's pet pussy! The poor thing is Lost: she has wandered away from her home and is in trouble. How foolish she was not to stay where she was loved and cared for; just see how frightened she is at the big dog. The little girl is holding him back, lest he harm the kitty in his rough play. What will become of the poor creature? Maybe the little girl will feel sorry for it, and take it home with her.

Do you know, dear children, that there are many people in the same condition as this foolish kitten—they are Lost, and just as helpless as it is. They are wandering from God, rand being attracted by things in this world, till they forget all about Jesus, and what He wants to do for them.

They might be among those who have a home in heaven which Jesus has prepared for those who love Him. They might he enjoying the real peace and happiness too, that He gives to all who have put their trust in Him: but no, they prefer to stay away from Jesus, and to wander on in their own way not heeding His loving invitations to them.

Do not be among this number. Jesus wants you to love Him and follow Him. Think of all that He did for you while on the cross to save you, and to give you the forgiveness of your sins.

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE." Eph. 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 57 to 59

Psalm 57 is of the same character with Psalm 56, but in the former, confidence is increased, and the onward look is not only to the point of deliverance, but to the full display of the glory of God (verse 11) which will follow. Calamities continue, but in the shadow of His wings the godly Israelite will take refuge (verse 1).

There is no fear in this psalm, though the sense of danger is present (verse 4). Verse 6 looks on to the end, as yet not reached. It is evidently felt to be near, and the last 5 verses look at the trials by the way as all past; the day of glory as already dawned.

Psalms 58 and 59 are a pair; they speak of the enemies of the godly Israelites. The first verse of Psalm 58 is better read, "Is righteousness indeed silent? Do ye speak it? Do ye judge with equity, ye sons of men?"

In verse 2 The sense of "weigh" is to ponder, or deliberate over, the violence these men were engaged in. Verses 3 to 5 declare the Scriptural verdict upon man by nature. (See Romans 3:9-18; 2
Timothy 3:1-8; 4:3, 4). How keen the characteristics of the wicked in verses 4 and 5!

The expressions found in verses 6-10 would be entirely out of place for a Christian, because this is the day of grace; soon will dawn the day of judgment, when grace is no more shown to an unrepentant world; at that time these calls upon God for vengeance upon the wicked, will be quite according to His mind. (See Revelation 6:10, 11-18).

Psalm 59 in point of time takes us back to 1 Samuel 19:11, 12, when king Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, and to kill him in the morning, and his wife let him escape by a window. After the same order the remnant of the latter day will be hunted and persecuted, but their minds are fixed upon a deliverance God will bring to them. The closing verses, 16 and 17, show that there will be a day of joy for those who are persecuted for God's sake, and that, that hope, that prospect will cheer the sorely tried saints of the great tribulation period. (See Luke 6:22, 23). The secret of happiness is not found by believers apart from trial in one form or another, and sharing the rejection of their Messiah these Israelites will enter the joy of their Lord when trials are forever behind them.

0, that:we• whose present, as well as eternal portion, is so much more blessed than theirs, may know more of communion with the Lord in the time of His absence, and reckoned more like the great apostle, that to be present in the body is expressed as, to be absent from the Lord!

Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930

All Aboard

A LITTLE boy, whose parents died a long way out in the country, thought if he could get to a large city, he would be likely to meet with someone who would give him work, and assist him in gaining a living.

How to get there was the difficulty. He wished to reach a city that was many hundreds of miles away. Even if his little legs would carry him, he dared not attempt to walk, as wild beasts might devour him.

The roads were not marked, and there were no sign posts to guide him. Certainly the train would carry him, but then he had no money to pay for a ticket. Notwithstanding all the difficulties in the way, he set out for the nearest railway station.

The train was not long in arriving; when it did come he jumped on to the cars and took his seat. After traveling some distance, the conductor came round and asked for the boy's ticket.

"Please sir," he replied, "I am a poor farm boy, and have neither ticket nor money to buy one."

"Then you must get off the cars at the next station," said the conductor.

When the train stopped, the boy got off, but stepped on again as the engine started.

Astonished on his next round to find the boy still in his seat, the conductor said angrily,

"Didn't I tell you to leave the train when it stopped?"

"Yes, sir, and so I did, but as you did not tell me to stay off, I got on again," piteously answered our little friend.

At the next station the boy got off. He was sad at heart at being left. When all was ready for the train to start the conductor cried as usual "All aboard," and the boy jumped on once more.

"Now, didn't I tell you to get off, and keep off?" said the conductor when he saw him.

"Yes, sir, and so I did, but just as the train was moving, you stretched out your hand towards me and shouted, 'All aboard;' I thought 'all' meant me, so I jumped on again."

"Well, I suppose we must carry you right through now," and he allowed him to remain until they reached the city.

Now while I do not think the orphan boy was right in riding on the train without a ticket; it was his taking advantage of, and at once profiting by the conductor using the little word "all" that struck me, and made me think how often God uses that word in His gracious invitations to sinners.

In the first place He tells us, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), and that means you and me.

Then, speaking of the way He has made provision for us, He says, Christ "died for all" (2 Cor. 5:15), that is, for you and for me.

His salvation is free. The only ticket we require is Christ.

The result of believing what God says, we learn in another Bible invitation,

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. And the righteousness of God, by faith of Jesus Christ is "unto all and upon all them that believe" (Rom. 3:22).

You cannot doubt that God means you, since this wonderful salvation which Jesus worked out for us by His death on the cross is for all who believe.

The poor orphan boy had much to discourage him—you have everything to encourage. Your soul's eternal welfare urges you to accept Jesus as your Saviour at once.

Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930

Doesn't It Look Comfortable

LITTLE Rosie and her brother Ben loved to stay with their aunt in the country. They found lovely swings in the garden, walks in the woods, and romped here and there to their hearts' content. Upon the wall inside the house was a picture of an eastern shepherd carrying a little lamb in his bosom.

After looking very intently at the picture, Rosie said,

"Auntie, I don't wish to grow big."

"Why, my dear?"

"Because Jesus carries the lambs in His bosom, and He doesn't carry the big sheep;" and then, looking again at the picture, she said, "Doesn't it look comfortable?"

Jesus calls the saved children His lambs, and the saved grown people His sheep, and they follow Him.

Dear boys and girls, have you learned the tenderness of the Lord Jesus? What a happy place it is to be folded in His arms, close to His tender heart. To be carried over the rough path of life. To be guarded and shielded from harm and danger.

"How happy are the lambs

In Jesus' tender care,

Upon His arm, secure from harm,

They nestle safely there."

"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isaiah 40:11.

Are you one of His lambs? Have you taken Him as your loving Shepherd?

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930

Today

When you wake in the morning

And open your eyes,

Do you think of the Saviour

Way up in the skies?

Do you kneel by your bedside And ask Him to stay

Close beside you and help you

Throughout the long day?

For today Jesus loves you

And wants you to know

That His love ever follows,

Wherever you go.

'Tis today that He wants you

To think of that love

As He sits at the Father's

Right hand up above.

You're enjoying each day

As the weeks come and go,

All the mercies and comforts

God gives us to know.

Does your heart turn to Him

At the close of the day,

Full of thanks for the goodness

You ne'er can repay?

Have you given your heart

To this Saviour who died?

Do you trust in the work

Of the One crucified?

There's no other can save you

Nor pardon your sin,

And your love, this dear Saviour

Is longing to win.

Do not wait till tomorrow,

But come to Him now;

At the feet of the Saviour

O hasten to bow.

For tomorrow's uncertain,—

There's death in delay.

Come to Jesus, dear children,

Accept Him today.

Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930

Clearing Away The Snow

THESE dear children are clearing away the snow for their mother, and making a pathway for her when she will go out on her errands. The snow has been falling everywhere, carpeting the ground in spotless white, resting on the boughs of leafless trees, and glittering in the moonlight.

Dear children, tell me, What is whiter than snow? You know, if we put a white garment on the newly fallen snow, it will look grey and dingy, and we feel almost ashamed to call it white, by the side of the pure white snow.

What must sin be in the sight of a holy and righteous God? He says,

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

"We are all as an unclean thing, and our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa. 64:6.

So how can we be cleansed, and be made fit for the presence of such a holy God? Listen to what He also says to us,

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

Then turn, dear ones, to the Lord, own your sins, and in simple faith, accept Him who shed His precious blood to wash away all your crimson stains that sin has made upon your soul.

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

"WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW." Psa. 51:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/21/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 60 and 61

The title of the 60th psalm tells us it is connected with what we read in 2 Samuel 8, but its position in the Book of Psalms shows that it is intended by the Holy Spirit for the coming day when God will take up Israel again for blessing. The psalm is the voice of the remnant,—those among the sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who, when the Christians have been caught away to meet the Lord in the air, and to be forever with Him (1 Thessalonians 4), will read the Bible with believing minds, and find in both the old and New Testaments the proof of Israel's waywardness and terrible sins. Owning their guilt, confessing their sins to God, these repentant ones will look for redemption at the appearing of the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. For them, as we have before noted, the Psalms were written.

In verse 5, "Thy beloved," a name of Jesus (Matthew 3:17) is in the plural, and should be read "Thy beloved ones,"—the remnant identified in the grace of God with the lowly Man who once trod the earth and found rejection far more deeply than the remnant will feel it. Verses 6-8 are God's answer to the cry of faith; He will reclaim the land so long given up to the enemy.

Psalm 61 is the cry of the godly; it does not speak of sins. The "rock that is higher than I" is a rock which is higher than the speaker, where he will be safe from the coming storm. Nearness to God in the day of glory is the confident hope of the remnant (verses 4, 5).

"The king" in verses 6 and 7 was David when the psalm was written, but it is plain that in the prophetic sense in which the expression appears in the Book, the Lord Jesus as the Messiah—King of Israel is meant. (See Isaiah 53:10):

"He shall prolong His days;" also Daniel 7:14. The reference in the psalm is to the abiding life into which He entered as man.

Messages of God’s Love 12/21/1930

Christ Saves Us, Not The Cross

A FEW years ago I was visiting one of our large hospitals, and met with the following case. I had gone there to see a poor lady suffering from cancer, but found that she had already at her bedside the number of visitors allowed by the "rules." Were not our steps ordered I thought? Why had I gone that long way for nothing? Ah! what reasoning hearts we have! A friend then told me of a poor girl of about nineteen years nearing her end, and of her wild excited state when told that she could not live.

She had left her home, hoping to better herself, and had come up to L. There her life had been misspent; she had lived in so-called pleasures, and had brought herself to an untimely end.

Her poor old mother, who had been sent for, had taken the long sad journey to see the last of her poor child, as she thought, lost and dying without Christ. I hardly liked to intrude upon the mother's grief, so spoke to some other poor sufferers, but none of them seemed to care to hear of Christ. They were taken up with the flowers which had been sent to them.

While speaking to these people the heartbroken mother came up to me, and asked if I would come and speak to her poor child? Gladly, I said, though my heart failed me. There was such unrest about the poor girl's face. Was there yet time to tell her of One could save her even then?

I bent over the poor girl, and told her of Christ, the Son of God, taking our place, and dying for our sake; told her that His blood could cleanse her sins away, however many or vile they might be. Her eyes were fixed upon me, but there was no response. She tried to speak at last, and this was what she was seeking comfort from.—

"'Tis religion that can give,
Peace and comfort while we live."

Slowly and firmly I said,

"No; peace and comfort only come when we know Christ as our Saviour; religion can do nothing for you now, and never could: it is Christ you need, a living Saviour. Then, I saw a look of agony I can never forget, as if all was going from under her, and she felt lost.

They were awful moments. I wondered what she would say, as over and again I repeated,

"The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin," and assured her that His blood could in a moment make a poor guilty sinner fit for the presence of God. These were her words:

"I see, I see the cross, but there is no one on it."

"O God! show her Christ where He is," was all I could say. I bent down to the poor girl, and said,

"You are looking in the wrong place, Christ was on the cross for you and me, He finished the work there, and then God raised Him from the dead. Look up, and God grant you faith to see the Saviour, Jesus, on God's right hand in glory."

A peaceful change came over the poor troubled face; she took my hand and said, with great effort,

"I see it; pray with me."

The poor mother blessed God, her Saviour, for she had now the joy of trusting that her child was resting on Christ, and believing in His finished work in answer to her fervent prayers.

A child of God, alone can understand the cross of Christ, and thank God it is a living person at God's right hand, who saves and cares for us till He has us with Himself forever.

"'Tis finished," on the cross He said,
In agonies and blood;
"'Tis finished," now He lives to plead
Before the face of God.

Messages of God’s Love 12/21/1930

Are You Ready?

My sisters and I came in from our usual walk, to find my dear mother with a very grave face. My brothers had just returned from a town a mile or two off with a report of an accident, which had happened to a little girl, who was badly hurt. They had seen drops of blood all along upon the pavement; and they heard it was the child of a man we knew in the town.

Though we came in hungry, I remember we all sat silently at the dinner-table; no one seemed to care to eat, and we were glad when we might leave. All that day I could think of little else.

"Was it Mary B.? Was she much hurt? Suppose she was killed! What than—where was she now?" Then the thought came: "Suppose it had been me?"

No further news came till the next day, when my father said to my mother, in a low, grave voice,

"It is so, it is B.'s child, and she is gone!"

Then later we hear more. Little Mary B. was about ten years old; she went to school every day near her home. On this Saturday she was walking home with a little companion; they were merry with the thought of their half-holiday, and were eagerly making some little plans for a birthday the following week. They came to a corner where two roads met. Mary's little friend turned and ran her way, and Mary darted across the busy road, without noticing that a great wagon was coming. In an instant she was under the horses' feet, and before the driver could pull up, one of the heavy wheels had passed over her.

Tenderly the little wounded girl was picked up, and carried to her home close by. She continued breathing for about an hour, but neither opened her eyes nor spoke again. At last the breath ceased, and Mary was dead.

Now, children, do you not want to know, as I did, where her soul was? Her parents loved God, and carefully brought up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and we soon heard that they had reason to hope that their little girl had been washed white in the blood of Jesus; so that though they sorrowed greatly, they did not sorrow as those who have no hope.

Well, dear children, the question kept coming to my mind:

"Are you ready? If you should be run over and killed, would your soul go to Jesus?"

Thus it was that God spoke to my soul, till in my fear I looked to Him to save me, wash me white, and make me fit to go to Him.

Now, I want to ask you, boys or girls, whoever is now reading this, Are you ready? God has many ways of sending for people; lately He has called many very suddenly. If He should call you suddenly, Are you ready?

The Lord Jesus is coming soon, He may come any day, to take away to be with Himself all those who have accepted Him as their Saviour, and how terrible it would be if you were left behind for sure judgment.

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/21/1930

All Things Are Ready

`All things are ready—Come,'

Come to the supper spread;

Come rich and poor, come old and young,

Come and be richly fed.

`All things are ready—Come;'

The invitation's given

Through Him who now in glory sits

At God's right hand in heaven.

`All things are ready—Come,'

The door is open wide;

O, feast upon the love of God,

For Christ, His Son, has died.

`All things are ready—Come,'

All hindrance is removed;

And God, in Christ, His precious love

To fallen man has proved.

`All things are ready—Come,'

Tomorrow may not be;

O children, come, the Saviour waits

This hour to welcome thee.

Messages of God’s Love 12/21/1930

Gathering Sticks

HERE are some little folks who have been very busy. It must have taken them a long time to chop these sticks in just the right lengths, and then to bundle them up so neatly. They seem happy about their work though, and feel they have done their duty well. They are not thinking how soon these sticks will come to an end; they will keep the fire but a short time and will all be burned to ashes. The children will then have the same task to perform again.

How good to show a cheerful spirit in doing our work, as these little children are. Saved boys and girls work cheerfully, so as to please the Lord, as well as to please their parents.

"WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS." Col. 3: 17.

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

Bible Lessons

Psalms 62 and 63

It is sometimes difficult to determine whether certain psalms are the voice of the godly Israelites in the coming day of tribulation; or of Christ speaking as one with them, as He who was the remnant Himself when here on earth enjoying the favor of God, when all around were those who sought His life, and out of His own experience, as the rejected One, speaks for their comfort and support with whom in grace He links Himself. Psalm 61 to 69 are in varying degree of this character.

Psalm 62, true in principle of the godly, evidently has its fullest application in Jesus. Against Him was the full power of Satan massed, when He neared the close of His matchless path from the manger at Bethlehem, to Gethsemane and Calvary's cross.

We may read verse 1 as "Upon God alone Both my soul rest peacefully; from Him is my salvation," and in verse 3 the better translation is: "How long will ye assail a man; will ye seek, all of you, to break him down as a bowing wall, or a tottering fence?"

Enemies may assail, but confidence in God is the theme of the psalm. The spirit of Christ in verse 8 encourages the remnant to confide in God at all times, to pour out their hearts before _Him; "God is our refuge" (Christ joining Himself thus in grace with the remnant of the latter day).

Men of low degree and of high degree are only vanity or a lie (verse 9). The heart of the godly is not to be centered here (verse 10). Strength and mercy (or loving kindness) belong to God. These are weighty words.

Psalm 63 yet more fully applies to Christ as He walked this world, a homeless stranger. None could say as full as He, "My God" (verse 1). (See Psalm 22:1, 10; and John 20:17). The whole of this beautiful psalm expresses His thoughts while passing through this earth —the valley of the shadow of death—finding all His joys in His Father, and in those whom in matchless grace He drew to Himself.

The language is, however, such that the repentant Israelite might utter, when awakened from the sleep of moral death, and longing for the day when the restored temple at Jerusalem would again be God's earthly dwelling place; and the Christian, too, who has been led by faith to know Christ in glory, adopts the language as his own.

This world, to those who have found their all in Christ, is a dry and weary land without water; and there is a longing within, that nothing can ever quite displace, to see Him face to face whose presence will make heaven, heaven to us.

Verse 3 is a remarkable utterance for the Old Testament, but its truth proved to faith, we may judge, in all generation: "Thy loving kindness is better than life."

"Satisfied as with marrow and fatness" —how can this be where it is a "dry and weary land?" The Christian who draws his daily supplies of grace from above, knows the secret. This psalm calls for meditation more than explanation; may we who love Him of whom it tells, find such expressions as it contains, more and more the expressions of our own hearts until we meet Him.

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

Yes, Lord Jesus, Come!

A YOUNG girl had heard the coming of the Lord spoken of, and from that time could not go to bed without thinking:

"Perhaps the Lord will come this night and take papa and mamma and all my friends and acquaintances whose sins are forgiven, and leave me here with all those who do not love God nor care for Him; and when I die I shall have to go to the lake of fire with the devil and his angels."

Her anxiety and trouble increased every night for she knew that Jesus had said, "I come quickly," and instead of being able joyfully to say like true Christians, "Yes, Lord Jesus, come," she often prayed:

"O Lord Jesus, do not come before I am saved."

One night her fear, lest Jesus should come before she- was saved, became insupportable. She arose from her bed, cast herself on her knees, and cried,

"0 Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned much, and that I am very wicked, but the Bible says that whosoever believeth in Thee shall never perish. I believe that Thou hast died for me, and I come to Thee, for Thou hast said that whosoever cometh unto Thee, Thou wilt not cast out."

The Lord responded to her cry and gave her the assurance of His pardon. She returned to her bed, saying "Now, I am safe." And from that moment in thinking of the coming of the Lord she could say with joy:

"Yes, Lord Jesus, come!"

Dear young reader, can you joyfully say these words to the Lord, or are you in fear of His coming because you are not saved?

"When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are." Luke 13:25.

Accept Him now as your Saviour, then you too, will be ready and waiting for Him to come and take all who are His to His happy home.

"Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22:20.

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

A Ransom For All

DID the Christian's Saviour die for a poor Lascar?" said a man, with an anxious look in the missionary's face.

"Certainly He did," said the missionary; "He never turned a poor sinner away yet. The Saviour is not the Englishman's Saviour only: He is 'the Saviour of the world.' He says,

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

"That is good news," said the poor fellow, as he brightened up. "Then He shall save me!"

He had been visited on several occasions by the City Missionary to foreigners, and the light had at length broken through his heathen darkness.

He had found out that he was a poor lost sinner, and had discovered that Christ was the only Saviour.

Now arose the question, "Would He save a miserable Lascar? Would He save one who had avowed himself a Mohammedan all his life? Would Christ save him?"

The Missionary repeated the assurance and called his attention to the name of Jesus.

"He shall be called Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21.

He came to "call sinners to repentance." The man seemed to glean satisfaction from these words,

"I have often heard you," he said, "as month after month you have come to visit us; and "I have thought what good things you have spoken about. I thought I should like to call them mine, but now I must have them!"

He hesitated thoughtfully, and then resumed,

"What must I do, that Jesus may receive me?"

"Nothing but believe Him and trust Him, and He will give you everlasting life," said the Missionary.

"I do believe," he said, "Now teach me to pray and praise Him," and then with faltering breath he repeated the words of prayer as they were slowly uttered in his mother's tongue, and he hung on each word as it was uttered, with as much earnestness as a gold-seeker when he examines the precious dust he has found.

"It is all right now. The Saviour will receivc,a poor Lascar."

By sweet experience he had discovered that the Christian's Saviour had died for poor Lascars.

Dear reader, is the Lascar's Saviour yours?

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

A Full Confession of Faith in Christ

TELL me," I said, "what is it that makes you so happy now? You say you are quite happy."

"Yes." she replied. "I am quite happy"—and evidently with much feeling.

"But do you think you could tell me distinctly what it is that gives you such new joy?"

After a moment's pause the following reply was given: but such a reply for fulness and simplicity!

"I see the love of Jesus to me, a sinner."

"Bless the Lord," I said, "that is something to see; may you never lose sight of it! But in what way, my dear child, do you see His love to yourself now?"

"I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there!"

Amen, my heart replied; surely thou art taught of God!

"And now, once more, tell me, how do you feel towards Jesus Himself, after seeing and believing all this?"

Her reply was natural and beautiful: she said,

"I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him."

I had nothing more to ask the young believer, and turned away with a praising heart, and with these three answers so engraven on my memory, as never to be forgotten.

"I see the love of Jesus to me, a sinner; I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there; I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him."

I have heard many confessions from many lips, but I have never heard one more simple, more concise, more complete, or more satisfactory. May it be a divine help and a divine test to thousands of you, dear readers.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:9.

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

Come Now, Dear Children

Come now, dear children, to the cross,

The Saviour bids you come;

Come trusting in His precious blood;

Wait not—there still is room.

O! why delay your long return?

List to the Spirit's voice,

Yield to the One who died for you,

And make Him now your choice.

He waits to fill your soul with joy,

And all your sins forgive,

His love for you no tongue can tell,

O! trust His grace and live.

Messages of God’s Love 12/28/1930

Messages of God's Love: 1930

Table of Contents

Bible Questions for January

A Happy New Year

Bible Lessons

The Happy Girl

Moses

Jesus is Coming

Why?

Bible Lessons

The Shepherd's Sermon

The Two Cousins

Jesus Saves

Protection

Bible Lessons

The End of the World

What Has Jesus Done for Me?

Alonzo

The Volcanoes of Hawaii

Bible Lessons

The Soldier's Story

Minnie's Temptation

Plenty of Time for a Boy like Me

Bible Questions for February

Bible Lessons

Wonderful Love

Lovest Thou Me?

I Know I am Saved

Your Picture

Bible Lessons

The Boy's Escape

The Open Door

The Pleasure of Doing Good

Whiter Than Snow

Bible Lessons

The Important Question

The Little Girl Who Was Bought

I Don't Want It

Johnny's Black Hands

Bible Lessons

Ruth's Persecution

Disobedient Nellie

Praise the Saviour

Bible Questions for March

Bible Lessons

No Room

The Wages of Sin is Death

Watchful Waiting

The Saviour for Me

The Conversion of a Japanese Thief

Bible Lessons

Stewart and Willie

How Jim the Stable Boy Was Converted

Watering Time

Bible Lessons

A Brave Little Maori Girl

Jimmy's in the Canal!

God is Always Near Me

Pigeons

Bible Lessons

Your Fist Has Gone Through

Faith

Wilt Thou Come

Spring Time

Bible Lessons

A Message for You

Fluffy's Trouble

I Love to Hear the Story

Bible Questions for April

Bible Lessons

Willie and Bella

The Shepherd's Children

Why Do You Wait?

Wolves

Bible Lessons

Messages of Joy

The Young Fishermen

I Love to Sing of JESUS

The Rock of Gibraltar

Bible Lessons