Messages of God's Love: 1932

Psalm 129 speaks of the enemies which had afflicted Israel; many a time during the long period from the captivity and cruel bond slave of Egypt in the early history of the people to the last enemy, the king of the north, or the Assyrian, the children of Israel has or will yet have suffered at the hands of those who hated them. God has protected them from destruction as a people; what other nation has endured such persecution and scattering, and continued to this day? Surely none. True, the ten tribes carried away by the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 17:6) have disappeared, so that for many centuries they have been searched for in vain, but they will be soon brought back to join the two tribes of the Jews. (Ezekiel 37: 21).

The enemies, those who hate Zion, the center of Israel's future glory, will be brought to naught as the grass upon the house tops. This psalm affords a fresh illustration of what has been remarked before, that all the psalms are for and of Israel, though Christians find much in them of comfort in trial, and, above all, they picture in most touching language the suffering One, the crucified One who is God's King and David's Lord.

In Psalm 130 Israel's deep dye of sin, brought under consideration in a number of the psalms which have been before us, is again the theme. Here mercy is counted upon (verse 3 and 4); there is forgiveness with Jehovah, and the soul in confidence will wait for Him as for no other hoped for object. Have you ever spent the night in anxiety, and longed for the morning's first rays to chase the gloom away? (Verse 6).

This beautiful psalm links together in our Saviour God forgiveness, loving kindness (or mercy), plenteous redemption (ransom), and an unchangeable purpose to bless His people.

In the short 131St psalm the suited state of the believer, if he would be blessed, is set forth. It is again Israel, of course, and now subject, as once and for long insubordinate, willful, disobedient.

We may observe that the latter part of verse 1 is without exact counterpart in the Epistles of the New Testament which are written for the members of Christ's heavenly body. There the edifying and upbuilding of the saints is prominent as in Ephesians 4:11-16; Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:14-17.

Children of God, let us not neglect the reading of His Word!

Messages of God’s Love 1/3/1932

The Faithful Little Girl

MANY, if not most of the little readers of this magazine, can go to Sunday School without fear of displeasing their parents. Probably very few fear that they will be punished for going.

But there are some children who do not have the wonderful privilege that is yours. Their parents do not love Jesus and they do not want their children to hear anything about Him. Let me tell you about one of these.

She was a little girl nine years old, and lived in a country called Southern Rhodesia, which is far away in the Southern part of Africa.

Some missionaries had gone down there from America and started a school for the native children.

The little girl in our story went to this school to learn to read and write and spell. But she was taught about Jesus, too, and she learned to love Him and believe on Him.

This made her mother angry and she took the child out of school. Still she slipped away to school whenever she could. Her mother did all in her power to destroy the child's faith in Jesus, but all her efforts failed.

Finally she took her out in the woods and tied her to a tree and left her there all night.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:10.

Next morning a school boy came past, and seeing her tied, asked if she had been there all night.

"Yes", she said.

"Were you not afraid of the wild beasts?" he asked.

"No", she said, "I saw their eyes in the darkness, but I remembered how God saved Daniel from the lions, and so I was not afraid."

And when the boy looked he found tracks, where a lion had gone round and round her, but could not touch her.

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:9.

We should thank God very often for giving His beloved Son to die for us, and we should thank Him also that we are allowed to read and learn more about Jesus, both at home and in the Sunday School.

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/3/1932

God is Love

A LITTLE girl named Charlotte began going to Sunday School at a very early age. She went with the older children of the family, so her mother knew that she would be taken care of.

As she was such a tiny girl, she was given a little verse to learn, or rather a part of a verse. It was "God is love".

She had no trouble in remembering it, and went home repeating it to her mother. Her childish heart seemed to take delight in it, and she would say it over several times just before she went to sleep.

How many passages of Scripture tell the same story—that God is love, and how dearly He has proved it in sending His Son to be our Saviour.

And we all need a Saviour, even the little ones. His atoning death must avail for them as well as those who have come to years, else they could not dwell with Him in His home of light and purity.

So we can get a little glimpse of what we owe to the Lord Jesus in becoming our sin-bearer. Indeed this will be the theme of the song of the redeemed forever.

How many little ones will be in that vast throng that will give praise to the slain Lamb.

We trust that the hearts of the children will be touched by the love of God that spared not His own Son, and that each one will accept the Saviour as his own. That is the way to profit by the death of

Christ—by simple faith in Him. His words are:

"He that believeth on Me, bath everlasting life". John 6: 47.

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Rev. 5:9, 10.

Messages of God’s Love 1/3/1932

Creation

WHAT a wonderful work of God creation is!

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen. 1:1

"GOD SAW EVERYTHING THAT HE HAD MADE, AND BEHOLD, IT WAS VERY GOOD." Gen. 1:31.

Yes, God made every beast of the field, and fowl, and creeping thing, and brought them to Adam to see what he would name them, and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Now in the creation of man, there is a great difference. God formed man of the dust of the ground, but He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. God said,

"Let Us make man in Our image." Gen. 1:26. This was not said of the animals.

When the animal dies, that is the end of it.

With us it is quite different. We have a never dying soul. We are responsible beings, and must give an account to God.

This is why, dear children, we persuade you all to accept God's way of salvation.

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

If He is your Saviour, you will spend eternity with Him in glory.

Messages of God’s Love 1/3/1932

Unchangeable Love

True human love is passing sweet,

As found in friend or brother;

Or where its choicest virtues meet,

The bosom of a mother.

But love that's known through Jesus' Name,

Naught from its power can sever;

It always flows, no ebb it knows—

God loves, and loves forever.

Messages of God’s Love 1/3/1932

The Dog and the Rabbits

THAT a strange thing to find a dog, and especially one who has been trained to hunt rabbits, stay beside two tame rabbits and watch them, so that they would not run away. Such was the case with a dog whose master had succeeded in making him understand that he must not touch these rabbits, so he quietly watched them, and would not allow them to run out of the lawn.

The reason we see one animal seeking to destroy another, is because of sin being in the world. Satan was the one who brought it in, so when his power shall be taken from him, then the animals shall be at rest. (Isa. 11:6-9).

The marks of a true Christian, are, lowliness, meekness, gentleness and peace.

They are to be seen in all their perfection in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who represents all believers before God in all His perfection, so the Scripture says,

"Such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." Heb. 7:26.

"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 1/10/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalms 132-134

We reach in these three psalms the close of the "songs of degrees"—songs of the upward, homeward (Zionward) journey of the redeemed of Israel.

Psalm 132 speaks of David, but it is not difficult to see that David's great Son, Jehovah's Anointed One was in the mind of the Holy Spirit in writing this psalm.

David had wished to see the ark of God put in a worthy place. (See 2 Samuel 6:2-5 and 12-17; 7:1, 2; 1 Chronicles 13: 1-8; 15:1-16; 16:1, and chapter 22.

Ephratah, verse 6, is Bethlehem (Ruth 4:11; Micah 5:2) where both David, and his Son, Jesus, the Son of God, as to His earthly life, and His humanity, were born. "The fields of the wood" may be a reference to Kirjath-jearim (meaning city of forests), where the ark long remained after the Philistines had carried it away in battle (1 Samuel 7:1, 2). What then do these places signify in the psalm? Is it not to set forth the lowly birth of the Messiah of Israel, and the place which Israel gave Him when He was here in grace? "They received Him not" (John 1:11).

Verses 8, 9 and 10 is the language of Solomon at the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 6:41, 42. Solomon's magnificent temple long ago disappeared, but a greater dwelling place for God will yet adorn the hill of Zion.

Verse 11 is the divine answer to verse 10. Verses 13, 14 remind us of God's election, all of His own grace. He has chosen Zion, there will He dwell. So has He chosen poor sinners and provided most wonderfully for them.

Verses 15, 16: He will abundantly bless and cause Zion's saints to shout for joy in the scene where sin and death have reigned.

The closing verses of Psalm 132 refer to the Lord Jesus; He is the horn or strength of David, as well as the Anointed One, and the crowned One.

Blessed Lord! How our rapturous hearts and tongues will sound forth Thy praise in that day!

Psalm 133 speaks of the unity of Israel, at length brought about after so many centuries of division. The fullest earthly blessing will then have been granted.

Psalm 134 closes the chain of songs with the blessing of Jehovah by His servants, and His blessing them out of Zion—the mighty God, maker of the heavens and earth making His dwelling place among the favored sons of Israel.

Looking back over the 15 psalms called songs of degrees which we have just finished studying, can we not see in them the believer's journey (although in detail and circumstance the language is Jewish) from sin's dark valley, and a world of enmity, toward God, to our heavenly portion with Christ.

May God put more into our hearts the spirit and desire of the little verse,

"O, how we thirst the chains to burst,
That weight our spirits downward;
And there to flow, in love's full glow,
With hearts like Christ's surrounded."

Messages of God’s Love 1/10/1932

An Unheeded Warning

JULIUS CAESAR was handed a letter as he was about to step into his chariot with the word "Urgent" on its cover. It was from a friend warning of a plot to kill him.

Too busy to open it at the time, he thrust it into his pocket. As he alighted a short time after, he fell by an assassin's dagger. The unopened note was still upon him.

Here is a neglected warning that cost him his life. Had it been heeded, he might have been saved, for his friend's message reached him in time.

This reminds one of the folly of neglecting the gospel message that comes to us from God. He has seen our need and danger and in His Word has sent us a message whereby we may be saved, if we take heed to it. The message is most simple too, so that all may understand it and avail themselves of its benefits. A passage that expresses God's offer very briefly and clearly is as follows,

"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.

This verse teaches us that it was at a great cost that this message of love and mercy was sent forth. God gave His greatest treasure—His Son; and the Lord Jesus gave Himself in death, that a free offer of salvation might be proclaimed. The work is all done, the price paid by Another, and this glad and wondrous offer is made to whosoever will believe and accept it as a free gift.

As God has sent the good news of salvation to the whole world, so that all might receive it without price, how great would be the folly of neglecting to make it our own.

No doubt Caesar intended to examine the letter very soon, but he put it off just a little too long. Who can tell what hour it may be too late to accept God's offer? If the reader is not saved, do not allow anything to claim your attention until this matter is settled forever. It is a matter of eternal life or eternal death.

Accept Christ as your personal Saviour now and live. Live for Him while you are in this world, and with Him in His bright home hereafter.

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/10/1932

May's Little Letter

BUT I am so unhappy, aunty," said a little girl.

I want to tell you, dear children, the cause of little May's unhappiness, and how her trouble was removed. She and her little brother had gone with their grandfather and two aunts to the seaside for a short time, while their mother was away from home. On Sunday evening, May's aunts thought they would take their niece and nephew with them to hear a sermon, and the children were delighted to go.

It was a solemn subject that the speaker chose that evening. You will find the verses upon which he spoke in the beginning of 2 Cor. 5, and I will tell you the question which he asked all his hearers: it was this—

"Should you be afraid to die this night, if the Lord Jesus Christ were to call you to do so?"

Just then Aunt J. looked at her little niece, and saw her eyes full of tears.

"What is the matter, May?" she asked softly, but May would not tell her then, only her sweet face was turned yet more earnestly to the preacher, and I doubt if in all his audience he had a more eager listener than that little girl. Well the preaching came to an end, but not so May's unhappiness, and when she reached home she confided to Aunt the cause of her grief.

What do you think it was, dear young friends?—some childish disappointment or grief? 0, no! Something far deeper was troubling May, and fain would we see you unhappy on the same subject. Looking up into Aunt F.'s face, she said, while her tears burst forth in real earnest,

"0, aunty, shall I go to heaven when I die?"

Aunt F. talked to her lovingly and earnestly, and told her that if she came to Jesus and trusted Him as her Saviour, she would be happy, and would certainly go to be with Him by-and-by; and then Aunt J. knelt down with May, and when her sobs were quieter, she told the Lord all about her trouble, and how May longed to come to Him and be happy—wanted to be with Him forever in His bright home if she died; and then they rose from their knees, aunty kissed her sweet little niece, and May went to bed.

About half-an-hour afterwards, her aunts peeped in at the door of May's room, to see if all was quiet. May's little brother was fast asleep, but she was wide awake, though it was getting quite late. Do you think she was unhappy still? 0, no; the traces of tears were yet on her cheeks, but her face was bright now, and when she was asked what had made her happy, she just looked up and said sweetly,

"You know."

A little time after this May wrote Aunt J. a little letter. I will tell you what it said.

"My dear Aunty,—I am not afraid to die now, for the Lord has saved me, and am now quite sure I shall go to heaven when I die, because the Lord has saved me.

From MAY."

Perhaps some of you can write a better letter, but little May's aunts thought it the very nicest one that could have been written, and it filled their hearts with joy and praise, so that they thanked the Lord for having brought little May to Himself.

And now, dear young friends, I would ask you affectionately and earnestly, Is little May's Saviour your Saviour? O believe on Him, and you will find He will make you happy, as He has done the child about whom I have written.

"Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Psa. 2:12.

Messages of God’s Love 1/10/1932

Jesus Had Not Where to Lay His Head

Birds have their quiet nest,

Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed;

All creatures have their rest:

But Jesus had not where to lay His head.

The wild deer hath his lair,

The homeward flocks the shelter of their shed;

All have their rest from care:

But Jesus had not where to lay His head.

And yet He came to give

The weary and the heavy laden rest,

To bid the sinner live,

And soothe our griefs to slumber on His breast.

What then am I, my God,

Permitted thus the path of peace to tread—

Peace, purchased by the blood

Of Him who had not where to lay His head?

I—who once made Him grieve,

I—who once bid His gentle spirit mourn,

Whose hand essayed to weave

For His meek brow the cruel crown of thorn!

O, why should I have peace?

Why? but for that unchanged, undying love

Which would not, could not cease

Until it made me heir of joys above.

Yes; but for pardoning grace

I feel I never should in glory see

The brightness of that face

That once was pale, and agonized for me.

Let the birds seek their rest,

Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed.

Now, Saviour, on Thy breast

It is my joy to place my wearied head.

Rest Thou hast given me;

The cost—a cruel death. What boundless love!

Rest, through all eternity,

Thou wilt enjoy when with Thine own above.

Messages of God’s Love 1/10/1932

Hagar and Ishmael

I SUPPOSE most of my readers have read of Hagar and Ishmael (Gen. 21:12-21), or at least have heard about them in the Sunday school. There are different lessons for us in this case, but there is only one I want to bring before you, and that is in connection with how God watched over them, supplied their needs, and purposed that a nation would come from Ishmael, which were called Ishmaelites.

It is good for us ever to remember that God is in everything and He is and will work out His wise purposes, and the end is ever with blessing. You may find many difficulties arise in your circumstances, even when you are quite young, but may you remember how God undertook for these two. There is a verse of Scripture in the New Testament that I want you to learn by heart,

"WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD." Rom. 8:28.

Why should I ever careful be,

Since such a God is mine?

He watches o'er me night and day,

And tells me, "Thou art Mine."

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalms 135, 136

THESE two psalms are connected in thought with the "songs of degrees," psalms 120 to 134. The journey upward to the place of God's earthly sanctuary as portrayed in those psalms is ended, and praise now flows out without hindrance. "Praise ye the Lord" is the language at the beginning and the end of Psalm 135.

"Worthy of homage and of praise;

Worthy by all to be adored:

Exhaustless theme of heavenly lays,

Thou, Thou art worthy, Jesus, Lord,"

is the song of the Christian pilgrim as he journeys toward the heavenly Jerusalem.

In verse 4 we are reminded of the sovereign, free choice of God; He hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, Israel for His peculiar treasure. God is great, above all gods (verse 5), and this has been observed in His ordering of the heavens and the earth (verses 6, 7), and in what He did to Egypt (verses 8, 9), and to the nations in and near the land which He designed for an inheritance for Israel (verses 10- 12 ) .

Verse 13 is from Exodus 3: 15, where God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush and directed him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt.

Verse 14 is from Deuteronomy 32:36, a part of Moses' prophetic song about Israel, in which he told them what should be their history. When ruined and undone, God would assuredly come to their help, and would set them back in His favor. And this, presently He will do.

Israel plunged into idolatry in Old Testament days, and more deeply will they do it in the future, but when delivered by God's sovereign mercy, they will think of the idols according to verses 15-17. They that make idols and confide in them are like them. Can we add that they who trust in the only true God and His beloved Son, grow in likeness to the Lord? It should be so.

Psalm 136 sings the great refrain, "His mercy (or loving kindness) endureth for ever." This expression is in each of the twenty-six verses. Each verse exalts Jehovah: "He is good" (verse 1); “He is the God of gods," and "Lord of lords" (verses 2, 3).

Verses 4 to 9 tell His creation glory, and verses 10 to 22 His acts on behalf of. Israel and against their enemies, while verses 23, 24 refer to the later history of the people.

Every verse is significant, but these last verses are very precious. He hath remembered us in our low estate, delivered us, gives food to all for His loving kindness endureth forever,—setting forth the amazing love, grace and mercy of our Saviour God who has freed the confessed sinner from the slavery of Satan, and made the fullest, richest provision for his case for all eternity. Here again, then, Israel and the Church can join in a song of redemption.

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

Whosoever' Means Me

TWO gentlemen were walking in a public park. They were speaking together upon the subject of conversion. One of them was longing for peace, but seemed unable to grasp the gospel in its greatness and simplicity.

The glorious word "whosoever" was brought before his attention, but in vain. He did not think it could mean him. The word of God, telling of the finished work of the Saviour and of the forgiveness and salvation of every one who believes upon Him, did not seem enough.

"Surely I need something beside that," he thought.

As they continued on their way they came to a spot where a notice-board was put up. It had upon it the words:

CAUTION
Whosoever is found
trespassing on these
beds will be prosecuted.

You may go and trample on those beds and do what you like."

"O! no, I may not," replied the anxious one. "Do you not see the notice?"

"O! yes, I see the notice; but you said just now that you did not see that 'whosoever' meant you. I cannot go, but you—you can go.

"Ah! I see it all now," was the reply; "'whosoever' does mean me. 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.' It does mean me, and is a free, open invitation for everyone to come to Christ."

Thus the truth dawned upon him at last, and he passed into peace.

"Whosoever" opens the door of blessing wide, and anyone may enter in.

Open your Bible, now, to some of the liberating words,

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16.

"To Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) give all the prophets witness, and through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins" Acts 10:43.

"Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:11, 13).

These messages are for needy, longing souls. They come from a God who cannot lie. Receive them in faith and say—

"It was for me, it was for me

The Saviour died on Calvary,

Salvation full for me to win:

God's whosoever takes me in."

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

Prayer and Work

OUR young Christian readers will find it no easy thing to set apart several minutes for prayer to God daily. And, even if they should do so, their hearts would be often wandering to other things.

"Need we always kneel down when we pray?" inquired a Christian boy, and we gladly told him that anywhere, at any time, God willingly heard prayer.

"Then we may pray when walking, or when at school," said he.

"Just so."

And most delightful it is to go to God at all times, to tell Him everything,—all about your lessons, your pleasures, your friends, yourself. His ear is ever open to your cry.

The more you pray to God at all times about all little things, the easier you will find it to pray to Him for long periods, as did His great servants.

"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." John 16: 23.

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

The Shoeblack

PEARCE knelt in true shoe-black fashion near the passenger entrance to a railway station, waiting for customers from the morning "Express."

Bright as Pearce usually was his heart overflowed that morning, and he sang in the joy of his soul,

"I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn and sad,

I found in Him a resting-place,

And He has made me glad."

The stream of passengers pushed past the humble shoeblack, and it seemed as if his services were not to be required that morning, but this did not discourage Pearce, nor cause his song of praise to cease.

At last a gentleman, carrying a handbag, came up, and asked Pearce to "shine" his shoes, remarking as he placed his foot on Pearce's box,

"You seem happy this morning, boy, I think I heard you singing."

"Yes, sir," was the prompt reply, "I was singing my favorite hymn, the one I like best of all."

The traveller's curiosity was aroused. Here was a humble shoeblack, with few of this world's comforts, yet happy, while he was possessed of wealth but carried on his mind a constant load of care.

"Can you let me hear a line or two of it," asked the traveller, and Pearce struck up, in a sweet low tone,—his brushes keeping time to the melody,

"I heard the voice of Jesus say—

`Behold I freely give

The living water, thirsty one,

Stoop down, and drink and live.'

I came to Jesus and I drank

Of that life-giving stream,

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him."

Dropping some money into the boy's hand, the stranger hurried along, but the words he had heard from Pearce's lips, had entered his soul, there to speak for many days to come.

Here I may say—as you will already have guessed—Pearce was a converted boy. Christ was his Saviour; to Him he had come as a sinner, and found rest, and in his own humble sphere he longed to tell others of that glorious resting-place for the weary sinner.

At the close of a crowded service in a large hall, where a gifted evangelist had been preaching Christ, a middle aged man, walked up to the speaker, and in a voice choked by emotion said,

"Thank God I have come to Him, and He has given me rest. It has been a long struggle, for I was unwilling to give up all my own efforts, but He has stripped me at last, and brought me to Himself."

The speaker was the traveller who heard Pearce sing, and although he had journeyed far since that day, he had never forgotten the boy's words. Now he had found his soul's rest in Christ, and his first work the following morning was to go to the railway station and greet the faithful shoeblack, whose simple testimony was used of God to first arouse him to think of God and Eternity. It was a great joy to Pearce.

How grand it is to know the Lord Jesus, and to tell of His worth to others? Do you know anything of it, reader? Can you sing as Pearce, the shoeblack, that Christ has made you glad?

"Jesus Christ, whom not having seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice joy unspeakable and full of glory.' Peter 1:7, 8.

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

They Shall See His Face

There is a narrow path

Which leads to joys untold,

And children who are walking there

Shall Jesus' face behold.

The way of peace it is,

And happiness, to those

Who know the Saviour Jesus Christ,

And in His love repose.

His presence by the way

Makes their poor hearts rejoice;

And much they long for that bright morn

When they shall hear His voice.

With patient hope they wait

His blessed face to see,

When they will sing, in sweetest song,

His praise who set them free.

This joy may all be yours, I

f you by faith now look

Upon the bleeding Lamb of God,

Who our transressions took.

Messages of God’s Love 1/17/1932

Training Fido

WHAT a good time this boy is having with his dog; he has trained him to do so many different things. Perhaps you have a dog; have you taught him to sit up and say Please, or Thank you, by barking? Animals may be taught to do many cute things, but it takes patience to train them, for they must do the same thing over and over again before they are able to do that thing well.

This is true of children, too, is it not? Their parents and teachers have them repeat their tasks many times before they can do them perfectly. What patience and love is needed by these older ones; their care must be constant over the little ones to lead them to do right.

If you are a saved child, you are in God's school as well as in your day school. You must listen to His Word in order to learn the lessons He wants to teach you; then if you are willing to do what He asks of you, you will be very happy. As long as the Lord leaves you down here, you will continue to be in His school, and how thankful you will be when you see His face, if you have learned the lessons He has sought to teach you.

Sometimes a child is permitted to do something very bad, to show him how naughty and sinful he is by nature. As we see how dreadfully sinful we are, we realize more the holiness of God, and how He only is able to keep us from sinning.

"Kept by the power of God." 1 Peter 1:5.

"Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5.

"BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES; FEAR THE LORD, AND DEPART FROM EVIL." Prov. 3:7.

Messages of God’s Love 1/24/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalms 137, 138

We have completed our examination of the history-telling psalms. What remain are a supplementary series, and the final outburst of praise with which this most interesting book closes. Psalm 137 tells how, long ago in far-away Babylon (2 Chron. 36:20, and Esther, Ezekiel, Daniel) the faithful Israelites thought upon Zion. How could they sing a song of Jehovah's upon a foreign soil? They could not be contented there, but longed for Jerusalem's walls, and nowhere else could be at home.

In a certain way, the same spirit rightly characterizes the Christian; if the Word of God is really dwelling in and governing us, we cannot be contented here, where our blessed Saviour and Lord is absent. The Lord is a stranger to this present world, and we desire to share His rejection and be strangers too, and pilgrims, looking on to His rest, but we are to be happy on the way, and sing the songs of our heavenly land. (See Ephesians 5: 18-21, and Colossians 3: 16-17).

It is difficult, sometimes, to understand the demands for vengeance upon enemies which are found in the Psalms, as in verses 7 to 9 of this one, but the difficulty arises from not seeing that our own dispensation, and really from the birth of Christ, to His coming to take away His heavenly people (1 Thess. 4) is one of grace, when the righteous judgment of a sin-hating God is withheld. Presently, when the Church has been translated, like Enoch in Genesis 5:24, the stored-up judgment will begin, for God is righteous. (Romans 2:2-16; Jude 5-15).

Psalm 138 briefly gives the ground of faith—the Word of God. Great as His name is, what He has written, the Bible, He has magnified above all His name (verse 2). Upon that unchangeable Word, faith rests. We received and believe what He has said. In the day when we, individually, called upon Him, He answered us: He encouraged us with strength in our souls (verse 3). Presently, when His word reaches the ears of the kings of the earth, they will own Him and sing of His ways (verse 5).

He looks upon the lowly (verse 6); were it not so, how would salvation have ever been ours who trust in Jesus? And in verse 8 is the reminder that He will finish what He has begun (Philippians 1:6) .

Messages of God’s Love 1/24/1932

My Substitute

WHEN I was a boy at school, I saw a sight I never can forget —a man tied to a cart and dragged, before the people's eyes, through the streets of my native town, his back torn and bleeding from the lash. It was a shameful punishment. Was this for many offences? No; for one offence.

Did any of the townsmen offer to divide the lashes with him? No; he who committed the offence bore the penalty all alone. It was the penalty of a changing human law, for it was the last instance of its infliction.

When I was a student at the university. I saw another sight I never can forget—a man brought out to die. His arms were pinioned, his face was already pale as death—thousands of eager eyes were on him as he came up from the jail in sight.

Did any man ask to die in his room? Did any friend come and loose the rope, and say, "Put it round my neck, I die instead"? No; ha underwent the sentence of the law. For many offences? No; for one offence. He had stolen a money parcel from a stage-coach. He broke the law at one point, and died for it. It was the penalty of a changing human law in this case also: it was the last instance of capital punishment being inflicted for that offence.

I saw another sight—it matters not when—myself a sinner standing on the brink of ruin, deserving naught but hell. For one sin? No; for many, many sins committed against the unchanging laws of God. But again I looked, and saw Jesus, my Substitute, scourged in my stead, and dying on the cross for me. I looked, accepted Him as my Substitute, and was forgiven. And I wish to tell you of that Saviour, and see if you will not also look and live.

And how simple it all becomes when God opens the eyes. A friend told me of a coachman, a very careless old man, who had, during a severe illness, been made to feel that he was a sinner. He dared not die as he was. The preacher whom he sent for, got tired of visiting him, having told him all he himself then knew of the way of salvation.

But one Sunday afternoon the coachman's daughter went for the preacher, saying, "You must come once more, sir; I cannot see my father again without you."

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

The dying man lay, as before, in anguish, thinking of his sins, and whither they must carry him.

"My friend," the preacher said, "I have come to read you the sermon I have just preached. First, I shall tell you the text,

"He was wounded for our transgressions, Isaiah 53:5. Now I shall read,"

"Hold," said the dying man, "I have it! Read no more. He was wounded for my transgressions."

Soon after he died, rejoicing in God's salvation.

Happy coachman, he had found in Jesus Christ eternal salvation for his immortal soul!

Reader, are you saved?

Messages of God’s Love 1/24/1932

How Fannie Came to Christ

ANNIE was the daughter of pious parents and the subject of many strivings of the Holy Spirit, which had followed her almost from infancy; yet Fannie had not accepted Christ as her Saviour.

But one Sunday afternoon the reading of a tract awakened her to her need and then she resolved:

"I will find some promise to believe on for all eternity." Kneeling down, with her open Testament before her, the girl exclaimed, "0, here is just the word I want (in the 6th chapter of the Gospel by John, and the 37th verse,) Jesus says,

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. This will do," said the girl.

So putting her finger upon the passage of Scripture, she quietly, but reverently and earnestly, addressed God in words to this effect:

"O Thou great God, I am a sinner, and want to be saved from my sin. Many times I have offended Thee, that I remember, and my heart is hard, and many times sin has been mine when I even did not know it. 0 God, in the name and for the sake of Thy Son Jesus, I come now to Thee, 0 God. When Thy Son was in the world He said, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' Jesus, here I come to Thee, and will and do believe Thou wilt not cast me out. My heart is cold, and dark and ignorant. I have tried to make my heart warmer and better, but cannot do it. Lord, I trust this soul of mine to Thee,

"I give it to Thee to be saved from the guilt and punishment of my sins, which have been atoned for by Thy death. I give my soul to be washed and cleansed by Thy blood. Thou hast said, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' Lord; I come. I take Thee at Thy Word. Lord, I believe that Thy blood cleanses from all sin, that Thou hast saved even me."

Having trusted her soul to Jesus, and given herself to Him, it seemed to the girl as if she could not leave off praising and blessing and talking to her new found Saviour. Tears coursed down her cheeks unheeded, for they were tears of happiness, and even of rapture, as the girl found herself thanking God for pardon, for peace, and for heaven. Love and joy sprang up in the softened heart, which was dissolved and melted by the wonderful love and compassion of the Redeemer.

"O," thought Fannie, "how I love the dear Lord Jesus. His word is true. He will not, He has not cast me out, and now He is mine, for time and for eternity." Fannie could now enter into the language of the following,

"I love Thee, Lord, but with no love of mine,

For I have naught to give;

I love Thee, Lord, but all the love is Thine;

For by Thy love I live.

I am nothing and rejoice to be,

Emptied and lost and swallowed up in Thee."

In the trials and changes which have fallen to her lot in more than 20 years which have passed, she has found that the peace of God which passeth understanding, and the knowledge of the truth of the promise which came to her first in that little room, have never left her.

Messages of God’s Love 1/24/1932

Are You Ready?

Jesus loves the boys and girls

And loves you just the same;

He also loves the older folks,

Yes, all who love His name.

And some day He will come again;

We soon shall hear His voice.

Dear reader, are your sins forgiven?

Do you in Him rejoice?

Are you prepared to hear the shout

That calls His children home?

And are you longing for the day

When Christ the Lord shall come?

If now you love the Shepherd's voice

And follow His command,

You, too, with all His blood-bought ones

Shall see that "better land."

The days and weeks will quickly pass,

He soon will take us home,

And from that bright and happy place

We ne'er shall want to roam.

When in that blessed home above,

We ne'er shall shed a tear.

Our happiness can know no end,

With Jesus ever near.

And while we wait with longing hearts

To see the Saviour's face,

We'll tell the lost and perishing

The story of His grace.

Messages of God’s Love 1/24/1932

Baby's Lesson

IN our picture today, mother is giving baby a lesson of kindness. She is teaching her tiny girl that we need not be afraid of animals if we always treat them with kindness. She has put a bunch of tender, green grass into baby's hand and is having her hold it out to the pretty pony. See how fearlessly baby offers the food to the horse! She has gone very close to the pony's feet, and yet she is not afraid. The horse seems to know better than to bite the little one's hand, for he takes but a small bit of hay at a time.

Animals are very quick to understand and appreciate kindness. Horses, dogs and even chickens soon learn to know the people who feed and care for them, and will follow them all about. Every one should be kind to all birds and beasts, for God made and cares for each one. In the Bible we read,

"He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry." Psa. 147:9. In another place we read, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." Matt. 10: 29. It is very pleasing to God when we love and care for the dumb creatures He has made.

It is also pleasing to the Lord when boys and girls are kind to each other. When we remember how kind He is to us, it will not be hard to show kindness to others.

"THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." John 15:12.

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 139

Here is the language of an exercised heart. Our Father can never be satisfied without bringing us to know Himself. Wonderful as is the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, and of the gift of eternal life, we are not to stop there. Does not the Word tell us, in the Lord's prayer (John 17) that "this is life eternal, that they (believers) might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent?"

Ours is a faithful God; His purpose is to bless, and He will bless, though His children may need trial not easy to bear, in order to be brought before Him in love.

David, in this psalm, has learned in the school of God; he is in the hands of Him with whom we have to do. From Him nothing is hid, neither habits, nor thoughts, nor the path of the believer, his words, his seasons of rest and of activity; all his ways are known to God.

In verse 3 the expression "Thou compassest my path" is literally "Thou siftest my path, and my lying down," etc.

Verse 5 is God dealing with His child needing correction; he is beset behind and before, and His hand is upon him. This would be terrifying, only that the action is in love to his soul.

"If ye be without chastisement, (chastening, properly) . . . then are ye bastards and not sons," as Hebrews 12 brings before us. Is this a hard saying? Surely it should not be; yet sometimes His children have needed much training before they were prepared to rest quietly in His care. Shall we not rather leave all in his hands, yield ourselves gladly to Him?

Our consciences perhaps would wish at times to be out of His presence, but verses 7 to 13 tell us we can not go where His eyes will not see us.

"Hell" in verse 8 is the Hebrew word Sheol, the present waiting place of the dead (Luke 16:22-26), and not the lake of fire where the devil and the unrepentant will be eternally.

The result in the soul is seen in verses 17, 18 and thereafter to the close of this precious psalm. If He knows my thoughts (verse 2) I may learn (blessed fact!) His thoughts, and they will be precious to me; how great is the sum of them! I lie down to sleep, and become unconscious of everything, but when I awake I am still with Him,—what comfort, what peace, what communion may I not have with Him who loves me so, cares for me so constantly!

And if drawn near to God, whether by trial or not, there is a complete break with the wicked (verses 19-22). The psalm, being for Israel in the latter day, looks on to the out-pouring of judgment on the enemies. It closes in language we may well appropriate for ourselves (verses 23, 24 ) .

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

Saved From The Waters

DID you ever go fishing? If not, you have missed something that gives pleasure to thousands if not millions of people.

But people do not fish for pleasure alone. Many, many people earn their living in this way. They catch fish both to use in their own homes and to sell. For pearly everybody eats fish sometimes, and some people eat it almost every day. So millions of fish have to be caught daily.

In many places fishing is a big industry, and Governments do what they can to encourage it.

. Along the shores of Nova Scotia, "breakwaters" have been built. These are strong walls that extend far out into the water to break the force of the waves, and keep the waters in the harbor more quiet and safe for the fishermen and their boats. But even with this protection the fishermen are exposed to more or less danger, especially during hard storms.

On one occasion, the sea was very rough and the fishermen's boats were in much danger. One of the men, John S____ went out to the end of one of the breakwaters or piers, to fasten his boat more securely. A huge wave came along with such force that the end of the pier was snapped right off and separated from the rest of the structure.

John knew that if he could just hang on till the tide went out and the waters were low, he could get back to shore. So he climbed down over the side into a nook which gave him some shelter from the wind and violent waves.

Here he waited anxiously. His family stood on the shore watching, but could not get out to rescue him. They, too, feared that he would be thrown into the water and drowned. After while, however, the waters became lower and quieter, and John reached the shore in safety.

The sheltered nook in which John waited, pictures in a feeble way the shelter we have found in Christ— shelter from the wrath and judgments of God, which are coming upon all who have not believed in Jesus, and found safety in His precious blood. This shelter is offered to all.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

It matters not how bad you are, nor how bad you have been, if you trust in Jesus, your sins are all forgiven. You are made clean through the blood of that perfect sacrifice.

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

Today the door of salvation is open to all, but some day, we know not how soon, it will be closed.

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

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:15.

Dear reader, do not turn away from this loving offer, nor put it off till some other time, for even tomorrow is uncertain. You are not safe unless you are trusting today in that precious blood that alone can make you fit for God's presence.

"Jesus to you so tenderly calls,

Sinner, He pleads, 0, hear Him today.

Will you not heed His tender appeal?

Why not receive Him, His voice obey?"

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

Cause He Loved Me Best

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

"Do you love Jesus, Daisy?" I asked; and, as she said,

"Yes,"

I inquired, "And why do you love the Lord?"

She seemed unwilling to answer for a moment, but, being bidden by her brother, "Daisy speak up," she said,

"'Cause He loved me best."

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

There were other dear children at the same meeting, who confessed to knowing Jesus as their Saviour, and, in answer to the question why, they answered,

"Because He died for us."

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

My dear young readers, I want each of your hearts for Jesus, so that you may be able to say,

"He loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

Have you never thought of that dreadful cross, where He was bearing the judgment of God against your sins? Well may we say,

"0, what a Saviour is Jesus the Lord!"

May you, dear little reader, know in the days of your youth, the Lord Jesus Christ as your own precious Saviour, and may this be your heartfelt prayer,

"Lord, in my childhood and my youth

Be thou my heart's delight;

O, guide me in Thy precious truth,

And keep me day and night."

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

Fear Not Nor be Faint Hearted

SUNDAY school teacher was telling a friend in a street that he was afraid he would have to discontinue the school, as he had seen no fruit whatsoever of his labors.

At that moment a little boy came up, and asked him if he would come and see his brother, who was very ill. He went with him into one of the lowest streets of the city, and on entering the room was struck with the utter misery of it. The sufferer lay on a mere heap of rags in a corner. The teacher said,

"My dear boy, what can I do for you? Can I get you a doctor?"

"O, no, sir," said the boy.

"Shall I find you a nurse, and have you removed to a nice bed?"

"O, no, sir, not that; but tell me, tell me, did you say that Jesus died for everybody?"

"Yes, I did."

"And that He will receive any one who comes to Him?"

"Yes, indeed I did, dear boy."

"Well, then, . I know that He has received me," he replied, and in a few moments his soul had entered into rest.

"In due season we shall reap if we faint not." Gal. 6:9.

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

The Saviour's Invitation

Sweet the words by Jesus spoken,

While on earth He used to be,

"I have loved the little children,

Suffer them to come to Me."

Now arrayed in Heavenly glory,

On the throne of God above;

Still He calls the little children,

With the same unchanging love.

I believe Thy invitation,

Young and feeble though I be,

And to Thee I come, Lord Jesus,

Thine own little one to be.

Messages of God’s Love 1/31/1932

Bible Questions for February

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

1. "Who shall not," etc. Rev. 15:4.

2. "And there was," etc. " 12:7.

3. "And death," etc. " 20:14.

4. "And I heard," etc. " 14:13.

5. "And the city," etc. " 21:23.

6. "For true and," etc. " 19:2.

7. "Whosoever will." " 22:17.

Bible Questions for February
"The Children's Class"

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

1. Write in full the verse containing the words "Shall gain the whole world."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They were exceeding sorry."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Rejoiceth more of that sheep."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Sheep in the midst of wolves."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Which also beareth fruit."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "A cup of cold water."

7. What sign did the Lord Jesus say should be given to that evil generation?

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

1. Rev. 16:1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12, 17.

2. Christ. Rev. 12, 5.

3. The ten kingdom confederacy. Rev. 17:16, 17.

4. "Blessed are they that wash their robes," etc. Rev. 22:14.

5. (1) death; (2) sorrow; (3) crying; (4) pain. Rev. 21:4.

6. After the thousand years reign. Rev. 20:5, 12.

7. No; Antichrist so accredits himself. Rev. 13:14.

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

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

1. What is the first step in settling a personal trespass?

2. From whom are spiritual things hidden?

3. To whom was the mission of the twelve limited?

4. Of what is leaven always a type?

5. What was the unpardonable sin?

6. What defiles a man?

7. Upon what confession is the Church built?

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

Faith

Faith is a very simple thing,

Though little understood;

It frees the soul from death's dread sting,

By resting on the blood.

It looks not on the things around,

Nor on the things within;

It takes its flight to scenes above,

Beyond the sphere of sin.

It sees upon the throne of God

A victim that was slain;

It rests its all on His shed blood,

And says, "I'm born again."

Faith is not what we see or feel,

It is a simple trust

In what the God of love has said

Of Jesus as the Just.

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalms 140-142

Here is a series of five psalms (140-144) connected in thought. Israel in them is in trouble, not yet fully blessed, though enough has been realized to give the believer confidence that full blessing will be known when trials are over.

Psalm 140 tells of open violence and hidden snares; the way is encumbered with dangers every day. Yet faith has set up her banner: "I have said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God" (verse 6), and "Jehovah the Lord is the strength of my salvation" (verse 7). Further, (verse 12) "I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted One;" the righteous sIia1l, give thanks unto His name, and the upright shall dwell in His presence (verse 13).

Psalm 141 presents urgent need, and counts upon the desired answer. Practical points for all believers, whether in trial or not are seen in verses 2-6.

In verse 2, prayer is to be as according to God's holy character; verse 3 reminds us of our constant need to have a watch before our mouths (James 3:2). Holy separation from evil is in verse-4; verse 5 is the acceptance of chastisement as needed correction, and verse 6 gives the desire that the wicked shall yet be broken down, so as to receive the Word of God.

Psalm 142 gives comfort; "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path." This is consolation indeed. God is our refuge, our portion now. Do we go to Him as often as we should, fellow Christian?

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

India's Millions

INDIA is a land of villages, grass-thatched, and usually on the bank of rivers. India's millions are found there. To these villages the servants of Christ must go with the gospel, for the natives will not come to a hall to hear it, as in this land. They have their idols, and their religions, and with these they are perfectly content. They need to be aroused to a sense of their need of salvation before they care to hear the gospel, just as people in this more favored land.

As the missionaries begin to sing a hymn, the people,—men, women and children—slowly begin to gather round, and by the time the hymn is finished, quite a little crowd has gathered. Then one tells the story of Jesus and His love: a converted Indian follows, telling how he was saved from idolatry to become a follower of Christ. Some ask questions, such as,

"How am I to believe on Jesus Christ?"

"Will He forgive my sins if I believe on Him?" and other questions much the same as sinners ask those who preach Christ in the homeland—for although there is a difference in the color of their skin, and in their religion, sinners are the same in heart everywhere, and need to be saved by grace exactly in the same way.

In one of these villages there lived a young school teacher, who, when a boy, had been converted in the mission school held by a Christian who lives and labors for the Lord there. He was present at a meeting, and was asked at the close, if he was a believer in Christ.

"Yes," he said, "I do believe on Him with all my heart, but I am not shining for Him, for I have not yet confessed His Name before my friends." That was an honest saying.

Do you know anyone else who is "not shining" for Jesus? Some have hid their light beneath a bushel, and no one knows that they belong to Christ. What a shame it is for one who has believed on Jesus, and knows His saving power, to be thus ashamed of Him. There is little joy in such a life. The happy ones are they who believe on the Lord Jesus, confess His Name, and follow Him.

Very different was the testimony of a dear Indian girl, who, immediately she was saved, confessed Christ in her home, and prayed, thanking God for giving His Son, and for saving and keeping her and others who had come to Him. For this testimony she was cast out.

Clive and Hastings are called the "Heroes of India," and they may be, but the greatest work done in India is by the devoted men and women who have carried the glad tidings of salvation to its needy millions, and who are spending their lives in winning souls to the Saviour there.

When the happy day comes, in which the Lord will make up His Jewels, there will be many from "India's coral strand," who have been saved just in the same way, and by the same Jesus as you.

But, it may be, you are not yet converted, not yet the Lord's. Well, you may be, for He wants to save you, and the way of salvation is the same to you as to India's boys and girls, and here it is,

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

Willie's Faith

WILLIE'S father is the captain of a steamer, and is sometimes away from home for weeks at a time. When he sails on the home voyage, he sends a telegram to his wife, and for the next few days, Willie, his only son, is often down at the seashore, looking across the bay for the red funnels of his father's steamer. He believes his father's telegram, and of course expects to see his father's boat. This is faith.

Faith believes God's Word, and expects to see and receive what God has promised.

Sometimes Willie's father promises to bring from the distant port, some gift or plaything for his little son. Then Willie expects to get it when his father comes home. That is faith.

Faith always gets what Jesus promises. When Jesus says,

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28), faith comes and gets that rest. When Jesus says,

"I will come again and receive you unto Myself" (John 14:3), faith looks out for and expects Him. So you see faith is just believing what God says, and expecting what He promises.

Willie, the captain's boy, believes in Jesus, has salvation, and is looking for the promised glory. How happy he is. Are you?

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

The Down Hill Race

THE two little brothers have started out for a race down the hill on their wagon. But as down the pathway they sped, little baby brother became frightened, until he gave vent to his feelings in loud cries and tears.

The elder brother was not so, but rather enjoyed it, not thinking of the danger that might possibly be ahead.

Many are like this older brother who are hastening on down the pathway of life, not thinking of what is ahead of them, with no thought or fear of God before their eyes, forgetting that any moment may be their last upon earth, and they may be ushered into eternity.

God tells us in His Word,

"AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY: AND UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME WITH. OUT SIN UNTO SALVATION." Heb. 9:27-28.

Yes, dear reader, there is terrible judgment ahead for all those who will go on carelessly; but for those who will fear God, and will gladly take Christ as the One who has been offered for their sins on Calvary's cross, there is salvation.

O, do not put this solemn question aside carelessly, for at any moment you may enter eternity, and if in carelessness, it will mean eternal woe for you. Nothing can be of greater importance to settle.

Do you say "What shall I do?" The Lord Jesus answers,

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1932

Leaven

LEAVEN in Scripture is what is generally called "yeast" in this country. When it is put into dough, it works all through it.

God sees fit to use leaven in Scripture as a symbol of evil, so in 1 Cor. 5:7, God tells the Christians there, through the apostle Paul, to

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened."

That is, that sin had been practiced by one among them, and they had to put that person away from among them as being leaven, or they all would be marked with the same sin.

So it is, dear children, if we keep company with those who are evil—those who have bad ways—we become just like them. We may seek to do good to all, and seek to point to those who are going on in sin, the awful result of it, and also to point them to Jesus as the Saviour for poor sinners. But if we keep company with them, we will soon be like them and do as they do, for the Scripture again says,

"Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Cor. 15:33 again,

"ABHOR THAT WHICH IS EVIL, CLEAVE TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD." Rom. 12:9.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thess. 5:22.

May this little lesson in connection with the leaven be of blessing to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Messages of God’s Love 2/14/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 143

WE are still looking at the condition of the believers in Israel shortly before the Lord Jesus as their Messiah will appear to deliver them. The psalmist addresses God upon the ground of His faithfulness, not His mercy. In truth the faithfulness of God is called for—His ancient promise to Abraham shall yet be carried out, when Israel has no right to claim mercy, so dreadful their sins against Him. "He is faithful that promised," as says Hebrews 10:23.

In verse 2, God cannot be met as a judge. How can man be justified in His sight? Never, in his own person, but Acts 13:38, 39 gives the secret now that Christ has died and is risen again, and exalted to the highest heaven. Such knowledge will not be possessed at this time by the quickened children of Israel, however.

All hope, apart from God's coming in, in some way to effect deliverance, is gone (verses 3-6). Earthly enemies will have driven these saints to despair as these verses show, yet God is remembered when of old He acted in power. In His perfect wisdom, and perfect love, He lets His people suffer, that they may find in Him all their resource, their comfort, their joy, their hope, their everlasting portion with His Son.

Confidence that all will be well is most marked in verses 8 and 10; the desire is to learn the way in which the believer should walk, and to learn what pleases Him. This, Hebrews 12:11 lets us know, is the fruit of an exercised heart. The soul that rebels under trial misses the purposed blessing.

The enemies spoken of in verses 3, 9 and 12 are the unbelievers of the coming day who will hate those God-fearing Israelites who profess His name in truth, and wait for redemption. The day of God's long suffering will be over, and the wicked will be quickly punished. In that day the language of verse 12 will be quite suitable (see Rev. 6:10), though quite contrary to the spirit of the Christian taught of God. Romans 12:14; Colossians 4:5, 6; 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and many other passages combine to show how Christians should feel and act toward those who would injure them.

Messages of God’s Love 2/14/1932

What About Tomorrow?

I WOULD like to be a Christian too, mother; same as Kitty, but I'm afraid I might profess without being real."

Binnie had come home from the Sunday evening meeting, which had been an unusually solemn one, and after sitting thoughtfully beside his mother and sister, he broke out in the words quoted above. Kitty had been converted a few weeks before, and was very happy. Their mother had known the Lord, and followed Him for many years, and their father had gone to heaven. Binnie was the only one of the little circle yet unsaved, and he felt his position very keenly. He was an obedient, gentle boy, a real comfort to his dear mother, yet a burden on her heart, because unconverted to God.

Binnie knew quite well that he was a sinner, and needed a Saviour, but he feared, as he said, lest he might profess to be Christ's and then go back to the world.

These fears were strengthened by the fact. that several boys of his own age and acquaintance, who had professed conversion some time before, seemed to be worse than ever. The devil uses such cases to stumble and hinder those who are truly seeking after the way of life. Binnie's mother tried to show him clearly from God's Word that all who trust Christ are "kept" as well as saved.

"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.

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." 1 Peter 1:5.

He seemed to grasp the meaning of that word "Kept." He said,

"That's just what I need. I have been anxious many a time at nights, but when I thought of trusting myself to Jesus, and believing His Word, the thought came to me—what about tomorrow? And when I remembered that I had to go to school, and be there amid so much temptation, I thought it was no use, I could never stand it."

"But you see, Binnie, dear," said the mother, "it is not your strength, but God's and the question is, will His power be sufficient to keep you cleaving to the Lord, and following Him?"

"Yes, I see that now," said Binnie, and the cloud passed from his brow.

That was the night of Binnie's conversion. He trusted himself to Jesus, for today, tomorrow, and all along, and he has proved that Jesus is both able to save and keep. He has often been tempted by wicked boys to leave the "paths of righteousness," and to sin against God, but in these moments of trial, Binnie has trusted the Lord, and sought to obey His Word, which says,

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not," (Prov. 1:10), and has preserved him and kept him.

My dear boys and girls, some of you may be in the same difficulty as Binnie—afraid to face tomorrow. But you need not. Jesus is a daily Saviour and Keeper for all who trust Him. He saves from an eternal hell, once and for ever, the moment you believe on Him; and from daily temptation and every evil thing day by day, on to the gate of heaven.

Messages of God’s Love 2/14/1932

The Boy Who Ventured

RIGHT opposite the office where we are writing there is a steep street, where, during a great storm, it has been the joy of hundreds of young folks to enjoy numerous slides or toboggan rides. As we stood and watched them, what a variety of ways the attempts were made to reach the bottom without a fall; and we learned one lesson—the boy who ventured came off best.

Did you ever try to slide? Of course you have. What boy or girl has not? How queer you felt at first when you thought of trusting your precious body to that piece of wooden plank! How you kicked and pushed, started and stopped, till at last you ventured on it altogether. and off you went merrily down the glassy slope, and landed safely at the foot. You never enjoyed the ride till you trusted fully.

Did you ever try to skate? Now, what boy hasn't tried at least? And if you did not give in, but "try, try again," you remember the peculiar pleasure of the first moment, when, with the vast expanse of ice all around, and the narrow steel beneath, with every muscle in operation, you felt you could skate, and might have done it much sooner had you trusted instead of doubting. You never half enjoyed the skates till you ventured wholly.

Can you swim? Don't say "yes" if you can't, for many say they can, and if tried at sea or in deep water it would be to the bottom they would go. But you really can! 0! didn't we try and try? With one foot at the bottom, or with toe on sand, we did it. No! No! When we fixed on the big rock a few yards out; when we took the header into the deep; when we ventured out of our depth: then, to our astonishment, we swam.

Just like this some of us remember how we got saved. We tried one foot on self and the other on Christ, one to on our good works (shifting sand) and the other to move heavenward, but it would not do, till, in our despair, we said of CHRIST:

"SINK OR SWIM, I'LL TRUST HIM." And, marvel of marvels, that moment we were "saved."

How strange that boys and girls can trust themselves to a piece of wood, or a bar of steel, or to the briny deep, and cannot trust themselves to Jesus, the eternal Son of God.

Are you saved? That's a Gospel question right enough, but can you give it a right enough answer? Can you say, "Yes?" Or do you say—like those who cannot slide, or skate, or swim—

"I wish I could?"

Would you like to be saved? Then remember, you will never know the joy of going to heaven, or the blessedness of calling God your "rather" until you cease trusting in self, or feelings, or tryings, but VENTURE WHOLLY on Jesus and His finished work. He says,

"I AM THE DOOR" John 10:9. Will you venture right in at once? He says,

"I AM THE WAY" John 14:9. Will you step right on to the road to heaven now? Venture! trust! believe! on Jesus as your own personal Saviour and be saved.

"Venture on Him, venture wholly, Let no other trust intrude."

"He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life; he that believeth not the Son shall not see life." John 3:36. Believe and live. Venture now!

Messages of God’s Love 2/14/1932

Come Unto Me

A voice is calling,

O reader, hear. A voice is pleading

In accents clear,

"Come unto Me."

A love is waiting,—

Has waited long;

A love that's patient

And true and strong

This love led Jesus

To die for me

In pain and sorrow

On Calv'ry's tree.

And now in heaven,

He wants me there,

His wondrous glory

And power to share.

But not me only

He .wants you, too,

To share those mansions

Beyond the blue.

Can you refuse Him,

The Lord of all?

Can you unheeding

Ignore His call?

O do not trifle

With God, dear friend,

This day of patience

Will have its end.

Without a warning

That shout will sound;

Where then, dear reader,

Will you be found?

O hear His pleading

n words so clear,—

His invitation

To all who hear,

"Come unto Me."

Messages of God’s Love 2/14/1932

The Drive

AS you look at this little pony and cart, I expect you can but wish that they belonged to you. What a good time these two must be having in their drive together!

I wonder if this larger boy spent his morning helping mother, and was promised this drive with little brother if he was faithful? It is such a happy thing to help mother and others around us. You know it makes them glad to give boys and girls good times when they are thus helpful.

But even above what our parents and friends think of us, we want God's approval of our doings, do we not? He has told us in His word to bear one another's burdens. So when we have work to do which may sometimes seem hard and distasteful to us, we must remember that even these things can be done in a happy spirit, and as unto the Lord. He says:

"WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT UNTO MEN." Col. 3:23.

What a sad thing, though, for the boy or girl who does not know Jesus. Such have never been to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, and so cannot have the joy in their hearts of knowing that they please Him in their work and play.

How is it with you, reader, are you a stranger to Jesus? If so, remember, it is impossible for you to do anything that is pleasing to Him. What a solemn thought! It makes no difference how many good things in the sight of men you may do, if you are not a saved soul, all your good deeds are but "filthy rags" before God.

You must bow your knee to Jesus, His Son, before you are the least acceptable in His sight. When you do this, God will give His Spirit to dwell in you, to lead you, and enable you to live a life pleasing to Him.

Messages of God’s Love 2/21/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 144

Verses 1 and 2 remind us how admirably and perfectly God meets the needs,—the wants of His people. He is their immoveable Rock, and if warfare be called for, either with flesh and blood as Israel will experience, or with the invisible power of Satan (Ephesians 6:12) which the Christian has to contend with, God teaches the hands and fingers to fight. He is our blessed Preserver, our strength, our hiding place, He in whom we trust.

Verse 3 apparently repeats the inquiry of Psalm 8:4, but the words in the original Hebrew are changed about; there it was Christ as Son of Man, here it is sinful man, frail and powerless, that is meant. So (verse 4) man is like to vanity, or a breath; his days are as a shadow that passes away. Judgment will overtake the wicked; there is no thought here of giving time for repentance, for the day of grace will then be over (verses 5-8, and 11).

The end is praise to God (verse 9) from a people of His here on earth, whose hopes and joys are connected with the earth (verses 12-16).

Note the contrast in Philippians 3:20, (New Translation): "For our commonwealth has its existence in the heavens," and John 14:2, 3.

Many scriptures make plain that the Lord Jesus will have an earthly people, as well as a heavenly people eternally, but all of them redeemed with His blood, the fruit of the travail of His soul.

From here to the close of the Psalms, all is praise. We are reminded of Revelation 5:9-14 and Isaiah 53:10-12. What infinite grace it is that has made it possible that poor unworthy sinners such as ourselves shall have part with Christ eternally.

"Unto Him who loves us and has washed us from our sins in His blood .. ..to Him be the glory and the might to the ages of ages! Amen." Rev. 1:5-6.

Messages of God’s Love 2/21/1932

Where Are You Bound?

A YOUNG woman was greatly taken with a hymn that dwelt upon the bliss of heaven, especially that there would be no trials and disappointments there.

Strange to say, she was not a Christian at all, and it was very apparent that she was taking these promises of a future state of happiness to herself wrongfully. It seemed that it had never occurred to her to doubt the application to herself.

We are sure that our young reader will not fail to see what a grave mistake this would be.

The Bible, which is our only safe guide, points out very plainly that there are two distinct classes of people, the saved and the unsaved. Likewise there are two destinies, a place of happiness and a place of torment, and every person in the world is bound for one or the other of these places. How very important then that we should make sure as to which of these two classes we are in.

We are glad to say that God loves us and that He wants us all to be saved, and He has made this very thing possible. When He gave His holy and spotless Son to die for a world of sinners, He opened the door by which all might enter heaven if they would.

Let us see what the Scripture says about these two classes and what is the secret of entering the way that leads to heaven and happiness.

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

"He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18.

Both of these verses are the words of the Lord Jesus Himself. If one examines them carefully he will see that the only difference in these two classes is that one believes on the Son of God and the other does not.

Dear reader, which of these two classes are you in? Do not take it for granted that you are bound for heaven, like the one in our story, and thus deceive yourself. Be sure that you are prepared in God's way, which is through Christ. By nature we are all in the broad road that leads to destruction, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is all that will ever get us out of it.

With an honest and believing heart accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. If you do this, your sins will be gone, washed away in his blood. You will from that moment be ready to go to heaven, as a companion of Him who, by His death and suffering, has made it all possible.

Messages of God’s Love 2/21/1932

Bessie's Answer

BESSIE had often been to meetings and heard the gospel preached by many of God's servants, but as far as we know, up to the time of which I write, she had never made the Saviour her own by putting her trust in Him.

On one occasion two preachers came to the town to hold some services there, and it so happened that they stayed with Bessie's parents.

Bessie's father and mother were both Christians, and were in full sympathy with these meetings, so Bessie was able to attend them night after night.

Now when special meetings like these are being held, there are generally many prayers offered up by those who love the Lord, that He will bless the message and that many may be brought to the Saviour.

No doubt Bessie's parents prayed as well as others, and as God delights to answer prayer, it is not surprising that Bessie herself became very anxious about her soul, for she knew she had sinned many times, and these sins troubled her.

One of the gentlemen thought she seemed to be unhappy, so before going away he took up a piece of blotting paper which was covered with spots of ink, and wrote across it the following words:—

"Bessie's sins are like these blots:
They cannot be removed
Except by the precious blood of Christ—
When is she going to trust Him?"

Then he left the piece of blotting paper where Bessie would see it. When he returned after a few days' absence, he saw a letter waiting for him from Bessie, and on opening it, he found a little card, on which was written:-

"Dear Mr.

I am going to trust Him now. From your loving friend, Bessie." And Bessie did trust in Jesus, that precious Saviour who died for her on Calvary's cross, and though she has grown a big girl now, she is not ashamed to own that Jesus' precious blood has put away all her sins.

Well, it is very interesting to read about what other boys and girls have said and done, but we all ought to ask ourselves the question,

"What about myself? Have I ever, like Bessie, trusted in Him?" If not, would you like to say as she did,

"I am going to trust Him now"?

Do not wait until tomorrow, for God does not offer us blessing tomorrow. Indeed, He says,

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for ye know not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1. But He also says,

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

Your sins may be but few compared with those who are older; hut whether few or many, they need to be forgiven, or they must shut you out from the presence of God forever, and from the company of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can put them away but the precious blood of Christ. Won't you trust in Him now? and then you will be able to say:—

"Once my sins were red like crimson, Deep in scarlet glow,

Jesus' precious blood has made them White as snow."

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

"Without the shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22. You can be quite sure of that, for God Himself says so.

Messages of God’s Love 2/21/1932

The Little Girl Who Was a Mouse

A STUDENT who was staying in lodgings had a little box sent him one night by the last post, containing a good slice of wedding cake; but, being a wise man, he put it on the mantelpiece, intending to eat some of it in the morning.

However, he forgot all about it for several days (about a week, I believe), and then it came back to his mind, and he took down the box to eat it (not the box, but the cake!). What was his surprise and dismay to find on opening the box, not the cake, but merely a few crumbs left.

So he rang the bell, and his landlady appeared, and he told her what had happened.

"O I am afraid it must be my little Nelly, as she comes here before breakfast to dust your room, sir."

When Nelly, ten years old, came back from school, her mother spoke about the cake, and said,

"I am so sorry, my child, I fear you must have stolen the cake."

"O, no, mother," said the naughty girl, "it must have been a mouse that took it."

On Sunday morning there was a tap at the door, and my friend called out, "Come in." Nelly stood in the doorway looking very much ashamed, and, with tears trick_ ling down her cheeks, said,

"Please, sir, I was the mouse that took the cake!" And then she confessed how she opened the box, and took just a very little bit, but the next morning a bigger piece, and so on, till at last it was nearly all gone. I think Nelly will not forget the talk and prayer that morning.

Perhaps some young reader has got on to the slippery ice of falsehood or theft; if so, beware! for you are in terrible danger of slipping right over the precipice and being lost.

"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6, 7. Turn to Him now and be saved and blest.

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight." Prov. 12:22.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Messages of God’s Love 2/21/1932

Decision For Christ

THE case of Ruth and Naomi gives to us a wonderful picture of one who has decided for Christ.

Ruth heard about Naomi's God and her country and her people, and she was set on going to that country and dwelling there. Her heart had been filled with sadness in her own land, so she wanted a better country.

Have you found this world to be a sad place, dear reader? There is nothing here to satisfy, and I trust if you have so found it, that you may be desiring a better place.

If you do, we will not ask you to go to this poor world to find pleasure, as Naomi wanted Ruth to go back to the land of Moab, where she had found so much sorrow, but we desire to have you go with us to the home above by the only way that God in His grace has provided for us, and that way is Christ. Have you decided for Christ? Can you say:

"THY PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND THY GOD MY GOD." Ruth 1:16.

This is decision in the right way. If you have so decided, listen to these words of the Lord Jesus:

"No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6.

You must come through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only Saviour and He died for us, poor sinners, so that we could come to the Father through Him. Then there is another verse that shows that any one may come to Him, and no one will be refused.

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

Decide now for Christ.

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

Messages of God’s Love 2/28/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 145

THIS is another "alphabet" psalm, omitting the fourteenth, but otherwise including in the original language as the first letter of each verse, in order, the twenty two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It is the last psalm bearing David's name, and we judge that it is the Lord Jesus in spirit who here speaks,—the leader of His people's praise (Psalm 22:22-26).

Think of what a change this will mean for the earth, when Jehovah's praise shall be on every tongue from sea to sea. Today on every hand, we may say, God is not in their thoughts; then, when judgment long withheld has swept the world, the inhabitants will learn righteousness. The believer's heart wells up in a deep Amen! to verse 3,

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3. The lines of a hymn read:

"His love is as great as His power, And knows neither measure nor end."

The reminders of this precious truth are found throughout the psalm.

It is a psalm for meditation rather than for exposition. In it we read of Jehovah's majesty, His unsearchable greatness, His terrible acts, His great goodness and His righteousness. We linger over the thought of His graciousness and mercifulness, His tender mercy. He, and He only, upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all that are bowed down. Who is like unto Him?

The eyes of all wait upon Him and He gives them their food in its season; He opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. Righteous in all his ways, yet He is near unto all that call upon Him in truth. He is also the fulfiller of the desire of them that fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them; He keeps all that love Him; and, solemn prospect! All the wicked will He destroy. This word "destroy" does not mean to annihilate, but to remove their power to do evil; God will exercise His power upon them in judgment.

What a God is ours! Revealed to us in the person of His dear Son, we may well raise our voices in His praise,

Worthy of homage and of praise;

Worthy by all to be adored;

Exhaustless theme of heavenly lays,

Thou, Thou art worthy, Jesus Lord!

Messages of God’s Love 2/28/1932

The Words of The Hymn

A LITTLE boy, who lived in South Africa and who attended a Sunday-school there, was thought by his teacher to be in trouble about something, and he thought very likely it might be anxiety about the salvation of his soul.

His name was Frank, and having a Christian father and mother, he often heard things spoken of relating to the Lord Jesus and His interests in this world. Also at gospel meetings he heard the way of salvation explained, but although he heard so much about these things, he could not say he was a child of God, but he was getting very anxious, and really desired to be converted.

But God had His eye upon Frank and loved him, and in rather a remarkable way brought him to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and that all his sins were gone forever, not only from before his own eyes, but from the eves of a Holy God.

It all came about in this way. One Lord's-day afternoon about this time he took home by mistake a Sunday-school hymn-book. On the way home two or three boys seeing him with the hymn-book accused him of stealing it.

Frank was very distressed at the thought of being called a thief, and the moment he reached home he told all his grief to his mother.

She told him to take the book back to his teacher, as he knew where he lived, and apologize for the mistake he had made.

His teacher, who was much interested in Frank and longed to see him a rejoicing Christian boy, said,

"Never mind, Frank, you keep the hymn-book and learn this hymn, and say it to me before all the boys next Sunday," pointing out a certain hymn in the book, "they will then see that you have made good use of the book while you have had it."

This he did; he went home and went over that hymn till he had learned it perfectly by heart; but a wonderful thing happened, for while learning the words of the hymn by heart, he got the truth and meaning of them into his soul. He said nothing to anyone at the time, but during that week his mother could not help noticing that all the cloud and anxious look on his face had disappeared. So one evening she said to him,

"Frank, what has come in to make such a difference with you? You don't look sad and unhappy now as you did some days ago."

Tears of joy came to his eyes as he looked up at his mother, and without any other comment, he answered her in the words of the hymn he had been learning:—

"Precious, precious blood of Jesus,

Shed on Calvary;

Shed for rebels, shed for sinners,

Shed for me;"

and he shook his head significantly as he repeated the last two lines.

Thus he was truly brought into God's secret as to how a guilty conscience can be set at rest, and a troubled heart find joy and peace. God's testimony to the blood had done it.

Now can you imagine yourself at the school on the following Sunday when Frank had to stand up before the whole school and repeat that hymn? I should like to have been there myself, to hear how he would repeat it. Not gabbled off like a parrot, I feel sure, but with deep and sacred feeling, he would give utterance to the words, and I trust they would go home to many a heart there:

I have often joined in that hymn with others, and would urge the readers to sing or read that hymn through and see if it will not bring them the same blessing that it did to Frank.

Messages of God’s Love 2/28/1932

Little Anna

AS I was walking down the street one day, I met a little girl, whom we will call Anna.

I stopped and asked her if she would like to have a little paper with a nice picture on the front page.

"Yes," said Anna, as I handed her the paper and asked if she went to Sunday school.

"Yes, I do", she said.

"Has your teacher told you about a Man by the name of Jesus?"

"O! they nailed Him to the cross," she replied.

Then I told her how Jesus died on the cross and was taken down and put in a grave. Told her how the third day after God raised Him from the dead, and took Him, a little later, up to heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God.

I told her also that Jesus is coming back again for all who believe in Him and love Him, and that He will take them to live 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.

"O! what kind of a place is it?" asked Anna.

I told her it was God's home and very beautiful, and the home of Jesus, too.

"O, what shall we take?" she asked. "Do you mean what clothes shall we take?" I replied.

"Yes," she said.

Then I told her that Jesus has ready for us, up there, everything we shall need. We shall take nothing away with us when we leave this poor sinful world.

"How old are you, Anna?" I asked. Counting the thumb and fingers on one hand, as she held it up, she replied,

"Just this old." (five years) "I must go home now," and she ran across the street. Then she turned and came back, and pointing to a building nearby said,

"Lady, when Jesus comes, tell Him I live at that hotel. I am afraid He will not find me."

So I explained to little Anna that Jesus knew just where she lived and all about her,—that He saw every thing she did, all day long, and watched over her all through the night.

I told her that if she believed in Jesus, He would surely take her when He came. (Acts 16:31).

Again she said, "I must go home now," and went across the street.

But once more she returned, saying, "O lady, tell Jesus I have a father and mother."

"If your father and mother believe in Jesus, He will take them too, when He comes," I said.

And little Anna ran home to have her mother read to her the little paper that told of Jesus who loved her.

Messages of God’s Love 2/28/1932

Will You be a Gem?

"Little child are your feet treading

Unseen paths of light,

Leading to the "many mansions"

Fair and Bright?

Are you sheltered by the Saviour

'Neath His wing of love?

Is your heart filled with sunlight

From above?

When He comes the jewels to gather

For His diadem,

Will you, in that crown of splendor,

Be a gem?

By your works you cannot enter

The bright realms of God;

This must be your claim to glory—

Jesus' Blood.

You can never find a ransom

Great enough for God;

He has found one—Jesus paid it

With His blood.

Come then to the loving Shepherd,

Nestle in His breast

Sacred place for little lambs to

Find their rest."

Messages of God’s Love 2/28/1932

Bible Questions for March

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

1. "But when he," etc. Matt. 9:36.

2. "Then said Jesus," etc. " 4410.

3. "And Jesus said," etc. " 8:13.

4. "And were baptized," etc. " 3:6.

5. "If ye then," etc. " 7:11.

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

7. "And they said," etc. " 2:5, 6.

Bible Questions for March
"The Children's Class"

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

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "All things are ready."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "With God all things are possible."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "All things whatsoever ye shall ask."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Will make thee ruler over many things."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "When ye shall see all these things."

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

7. At what price had the prophet foretold that the Lord Jesus would be betrayed?

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

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

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

3. By quoting the Word of God. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

4. "Saviour." Matt. 1:21.

5. No. Matt. 7:22.

6. Few at the age of responsibility. Matt. 7:14.

7. Matt. 4:24.

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

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

1. Why was the man cast out from the King's wedding feast?

2. What lie did the Jews invent to explain the resurrection of the Lord Jesus?

3. What classes of people were pressing into the kingdom of God ahead of self righteous, religious people?

4. Why did the Lord rebuke the young man for calling Him "Good Master"?

5. How do you reconcile the fact that Matt. 27:9 is not found in the book of Jeremiah?

6. What is the main point in the parable of the vineyard?

7. What did the Lord mean when He said, "Drink ye all of it."?

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 146

Each of the remaining psalms begins with Hallelujah, and each one ends with the same word, translated in the King James' version, "Praise ye the Lord." His praise should be in our hearts and on our lips every day of our lives (verse 2); it will be the theme of the redeemed,

"While endless ages roll,
And time shall ne'er grow old."

In verse 3 "the son of man" should be "a son of man,"-the meaning being mankind in general. The psalm contrasts man whose life is soon over, with the God of Jacob, maker of the heavens and the earth. Blessed is he who has Him for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God.

And this God, known already to faith, at whose word the whole creation sprang into being, He it is who keepeth truth forever; Who executeth judgment for the oppressed; Who giveth bread to the hungry. The mighty God! Truth is the foundation of His majestic throne, and His gracious hand is stretched out on behalf of the oppressed and the hungry.

"He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." Psalm 103:14.

A second chain of three precious links follows: He looseth the prisoners; He opens the eyes of the blind; He raiseth up them that are bowed down.

In the four gospels we are given vivid illustrations of these acts of power; for example, in Luke 8:27-35 is an account of a prisoner set free from Satan's rule; in Luke 18:35-43 is seen a blind man given his sight, and in Luke 13:11-13 a woman bowed down and helpless to aid herself, is loosed from her infirmity.

But we are sure that the power of God has in our own case set free one who was held fast by Satan in his cruel hands; one who was blind, unable to see his own need of a Saviour, and unable to see any attraction in Him, now sees, and if it be through a glass, dimly, it will soon be "face to face" (1 Cor. 13:12); and one who was bowed down under the heavy load of sins is now loosed forever from it by His grace.

The third chain of three links is, He loves the righteous; He preserves the strangers; He lifts up the fatherless and the widow. How gracious! His heart goes out to His dear people, He keeps them safe, and those who are the very picture of defenselessness He lifts up.

Well may we sing, with triumph sing, The great Redeemer's praise!

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

What is Your Name?

ONE of the first questions a boy or a girl is asked in meeting others for the first time is,

"What is your name?"

Great is the variety of answers. Some are called by well-known names, while others have most uncommon names, hard to pronounce.

Children at play soon shorten the long names, and make simple the difficult ones, or call one another by names of their own make-up.

Let me ask each reader the question, "Do you know the name which God gives you?"

Turn now to 1 Timothy 1:15, and you will see.

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS."

"I have a book in my pocket with your name in it," said a friend of mine to a young girl.

"Indeed," she said, "how is that? We never saw or heard of each other before."

"I am quite sure that it has your name in it," he continued, "because it contains the name of every person in the world."

The little girl seemed to think either that lie had a very large book, or was quite mistaken; but when he showed her that his book was the Bible she could not doubt his word any longer, for in the Bible it is distinctly said that "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23). So that

"SINNER"

is the name of every child.

Have you found this out? Have you found out also that as a sinner you need a Saviour?

Of course there are different kinds of sinners, for people sin in many ways.

But all sinners are alike in this, they need a Saviour.

There is a Saviour for every sinner—therefore for you. Look to Him at once, and He will blot out your sins, save your soul, and make your life glad and useful.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

A Heart-Searching Question

O you love Jesus?" asked a little girl of a gentleman to whom she had been speaking in her simple way of the wonderful love of Jesus in leaving His Father's home on high and coming into this world to save sinners. He was so deeply affected that he burst into tears and was led to acknowledge himself a sinner in the sight of God and to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour.

Does not this show how God can use the testimony of the youngest child who loves Him in blessing to others. Surely there is no story that is so calculated to melt the hardest heart as "the old, old story of Jesus and His love."

My dear young friend, let me affectionately ask you,

"Do you love Jesus?"

If unsaved you cannot truly say you do. But if you own yourself a sinner and accept the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour now, you will be able in reality to say you love Him, and as you go on through life your desire will be to love Him more.

O! is He not worthy of your heart's affections who suffered in your stead on Calvary's cross in order that eternal blessing might be yours?

Then the language of the hearts of those of us who do really love Him may surely well be expressed in the following words written by William Cowper:

Hark, my soul! it is the Lord;

'Tis thy Saviour, hear His word,

Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee,

Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou Me?

I delivered thee when bound,

And, when wounded, healed thy wound;

Sought thee wandering, set thee right,

Turned thy darkness into light.

Lord, it is my chief complaint,

That my love is weak and faint,

Yet I love Thee, and adore,

O! for grace to love Thee more!

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

Impatient Dogs

THESE are fine looking dogs, and I am sure some of our boys would like to own one. Three of them seem to be very hungry, and want to be fed from the pan the girl is holding high out of their reach. She, no doubt, will feed them, but not now. They must learn patience.

We should show sympathy and kindness to all of God's creatures, whether birds or animals. They are all under His care, and He provides for their wants and gives them the wisdom they need.

As great as God's care is in connection with the vast multitude of His creatures, He sets a much greater value upon you, dear children. He provides for you, not only for your material needs that arise from day to day, but He has also made a rich and wonderful provision for your never dying souls in the sacrifice of His dear Son upon the cross.

How great was the love of God to do this; and how great was the love of Jesus to endure the cross in order that you might he saved! May your hearts be touched by this love, and be won to Him.

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

Have You Come?

THE three Persons of the blessed Trinity invite you to COME for blessing.

God Himself, in Isaiah 1:18, says,

"Come now, and let us reason together, . . . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

God the Son, in that loving call in Matt. 11:28, says,

"COME unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

God the Holy Spirit has come into this scene of sin and misery with the invitation,

"COME; for all things are now ready." Luke 14:17.

Come now! The time is short. It will soon be too late.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1932

Watching

HOW many things we see in this interesting picture! The man has stopped playing his accordion, the woman standing up has stopped making the tea, and the women at the table have stopped talking—all to watch the kitten on the man's shoulder.

Kittens are very playful little creatures, and we all like to watch them.

But is there anyone else interested in kitty? Yes, the mother cat is watching very intently. She is not only interested, but also uneasy for fear her baby may fall and get hurt. So she is watching carefully, all ready to help the kitten, and even to fight for it, if it gets into trouble.

Does this remind you of a verse in God's Word?

"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry." Psalm 34:15.

Just as the mother cat has her eyes fixed on the kitten she loves, and is listening for any cry of fear or distress, so the Lord's eyes are fixed upon us, and His ear is always open to hear our cry, if we call upon Him for help.

"Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust." Psalm 16:1.

"IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN." Psalm 118:8.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalm 147

Praise to God continues to flow from the redeemed of Israel. Jerusalem is being built up; the outcasts of Israel are gathered in. This is the bright hope of the sons and daughters of Jacob, spread out on many pages of the Old Testament prophets. (See Isaiah 65: 18-25; Jeremiah 3:17, and 33:16, etc.; Zechariah 8:3-8). Israel will never be gathered together as a nation until in the land of Canaan, and then Jerusalem shall be as described in Zechariah 14:8-21, God's dwelling place in the midst of His earthly people.

Verse 3. The best that man can suggest for an aching heart is pleasure, or business; God only can (and does) heal the broken hearted. Omnipotent in power, so as to do what man never has been able to do (verse 4), yet He concerns Himself with the meek, the lowly (verse 6).

Thanksgiving will flow from countless hearts of the redeemed in the day for which heaven and earth wait. What a scene it will be, when the whole creation no longer groans.

Look back to Genesis 4:21, and reflect that the music of that day was devised to still the voice of the conscience; to bring in a false happiness where God was not known and where the knowledge of Him was not desired; music was designed by Cain's family to make it easier to forget God. But in the day we are considering, when the outcasts of Israel shall be returned to Jerusalem, the instruments of music will be to celebrate God, to remember Him in all His ways of grace and power.

Verses 8 and 9 praise Him for His wise and beneficient provision for the earth and the lower creation, but (verses 10, 11) His joys are not in nature even at its best, but in those that fear Him, them that hope in His loving kindness. This is what cheers and delights the believer's heart,—that God has pleasure in those who have put their trust in Him.

Jerusalem will be a place of security and blessing, peace and satisfaction (verses 13, 14).

In verses 15-18 God's power in natural things is considered, but this occupation leads to the knowledge and understanding of His Word, and His will possessed by those He has made His own people. Singularly blessed are they (verse 20).

The whole psalm is about Jehovah, and rightly so. He is worthy.

"He is worthy; take it with thee,

Just this thought to ponder o'er,

Till His loveliness and beauty

Fill Thy soul yet more and more."

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1932

An Extensive Traveler — The Sparrow

ABOUT the year 1850 some residents of an Eastern city brought from England one hundred English sparrows, and released them. The sparrows have been gradually working Westward ever since. Lately they have invaded Alaska for the first time. They have spread over nearly the whole of Europe in spite of opposition. It now looks as though the sparrow would make a place for itself all the way round the world.

You may say, "My, what a lot of sparrows there must be in the world!" Yes, there are a lot of them, even though some may consider them a nuisance and try to get rid of them, but in spite of their enemies, the sparrow is with us in ever increasing numbers.

It is interesting to learn how far back in time the history of the sparrow goes. The name "English sparrow" is misleading, since it would indicate that it originated in England, which is not really the case, for its history begins almost with that of man's, and is referred to by many great writers on natural history. When writing was invented, the sparrow was selected for the hieroglyphic (character) symbolizing "enemy," and proofs of its destructive habits have been cited by certain authors showing it has been the enemy of mankind for thousands of years.

In the Word of God the sparrow is mentioned at least six times, and in different connections. In Leviticus, chap. 14, and verse 4 (see margin) it is spoken of in connection with the cleansing of the. leper. This part of the Scriptures was written probably about fifteen hundred years before the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world. And again you will find the sparrow spoken of as "Alone upon the house top" in Psalm 102:7.

In Psalm 84:3, we read "Yea, the sparrow hath found an house." When the Lord Jesus was here on earth He mentioned sparrows as objects of His Father's care and provision; although they were common and plentiful and could be bought "two for a farthing," and on some occasions, "five for two farthings." That must indeed have been a bargain for some people who had use for them, whatever it was. Nevertheless, each one of those little creatures had the individual attention of God. So the Lord Jesus said, "And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." Matt.10:29.

In Luke 12:6, the Lord Jesus said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God." If God never forgets these little feathered creatures, providing them food and shelter, what about you and me, creatures of His of a higher order, and to whom He has given intelligence? Has He not proved His love and goodness to us in sending His only Son to die on Calvary's cross? Does He not expect us to hear His voice speaking to us through His Word?

When we think of God's wonderful creation, do we not feel how small we are in comparison? As the prophet says,

"Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance; all nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, .. .. and vanity." Isa. 10:15,17. And yet,

"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.

Every one that has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, is promised the loving, tender care of God as Father—the same God who cares for and marks the sparrow's fall. To all who are washed in the blood of Christ His word is,

"Ye are of more value than many sparrows."

If God provides food and shelter for the sparrows, what will He not do for all who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, for all who do so are God's children.

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26.

Surely He will do far more for His children than He will for the tiny sparrow. For each one washed in the blood of Christ is promised food, raiment and a home in glory with Christ when He comes. Are you washed in the blood of Christ?

"I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me."

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1932

Jesus Died For Me

IT'S very sweet that Jesus died for me."

Such were the simple words which fell from the lips of one who was clearly nearing the end of a short but weary life.

Though only seventeen, he had hardened himself against the grace of God until he was on the very verge of eternity. Then the goodness of God brought him to repentance.

When I first called to see him, I found that he had been obliged to keep his bed for many months, and was suffering most excruciating pain.

Although the truth had been often put before him, he had no sense of his lost condition, and therefore thought little of the love of a Saviour-God.

I spoke to him about his soul, and he owned that he was, like all others, a sinner, and that the Lord Jesus Christ died for sinners, but the acknowledgment was made in such a way that there seemed no heart-work in it.

The Word of God was then read; such passages being turned to as described what he was before God, to show him that being in his sins he was "lost," "guilty," and "condemned already," because he had not believed on the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

Then the truth as to Christ, how He "Came into the world to save sinners"; "died for all"; and "gave Himself a ransom for all," was presented.

"If you were one of a number of starving people," I asked, "and some kind person provided an abundant meal, which all were told that they were most welcome to partake of, would your hunger be satisfied if you did not eat? So is it as to the salvation of your soul. You must receive Christ for your OWN Saviour." This was pressed upon him, and much more was added during my after visits.

Gradually the light shone in, and one evening he gladdened my heart by saying,

"It's very sweet that Jesus died for me."

Being asked by another Christian later on upon what he was resting his soul for eternity, he replied,

"On the precious blood of Christ."

Presume not, my reader, to think that God's longsuffering may linger thus over you, but flee even now to Christ. Look unto Him, and you will know the blessedness of salvation, and will have the privilege of living on earth for Him, whose precious blood was shed upon the tree for you.

"It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11.

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the Tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1932

Little Drops of Water

Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean,

And the beauteous land

And the little moments,

Humble though they be,

Make the mighty ages

Of eternity.

Little deeds of kindness,

Little words of love,

Make our home an Eden,

Like the heaven above.

So our little errors

Lead the soul away

From the paths of virtue,

Into sin to stray.

Little seeds of mercy

Sown by youthful hands,

Grow to bless the nations

Far in heathen lands.

"Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake bath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1932

Two Roads

THIS man seems to be in trouble, for he has found that his horse has lost its shoe. It I may be that the road ahead of him is very rough and steep, and that he fears the horse may stumble and fall. He wants to travel rapidly, and wants to be sure that his horse has a sure footing over these dangerous roads.

Do you know that you are traveling a roadway, too, day by day? In the Bible God tells us about two roads; one is broad, and the other is narrow. You are traveling one of these two.

In Matthew:13 and 14 we read, "Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat;" and

"Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life; and few there be that find it."

Most people choose the broad road, because they want to do as they please, and not listen to the Lord Jesus; but in order to be happy we must choose the narrow way, where the Lord Jesus will walk with us.

God tells us just where the broad road ends, and where the narrow way ends. The broad road ends in hell, with the devil and his angels.

The narrow way ends in heaven with the Lord Jesus, and with all those who have accepted Him as their own Saviour while they were in this life.

The two roads end very far apart, with a great gulf fixed between, so that none can go from one place to the other, but have to remain' forever in the place where their road ends.

God has told us, Jesus is the way to eternal life. Following Satan and his ways, end in everlasting torment, so now we cannot say we do not know which road we are traveling. God tells us;

"BEHOLD, I SET BEFORE YOU THE WAY OF LIFE, AND THE WAY OF DEATH." Jer. 21:8.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1932

Bible Lessons

Psalms 148-150

PSALM 148 begins with heaven and all that are in it, living and inanimate, made and sustained by God and for His glory. Then it turns to earth and closes with His people. All are to praise the name of Jehovah; His name alone is exalted.

Psalm 149 bids Israel to rejoice, for Jehovah takes pleasure in His people; He beautifies the meek with salvation. The meek are not much thought of in the world today; they are pushed aside very often, or just tolerated, but we have already seen in Psalm 25:9 what God thinks of them and will do for them. It is the meek in Israel that are delivered and blessed. Yet there will be the execution of judgment joined with the high praises of God (verses 5-9).

Psalm 150 is the closing word; this very remarkable book, full of the sorrows and experiences of a people under the chastening hand of God, full, too, of the purposes of God, and telling of the sufferings of all the saints, earthly and heavenly, when the days of our pilgrimage are over. The memory of the trials and difficulties, the heartaches and tears we have known while we are absent from the Lord, will only lead us out in sweeter praise, in louder and deeper Hallelujahs.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1932

Saved by Trusting in Jesus

COME on Mary, else we'll be late. We were told to be in time, or the door would be shut," and the bare thought of being excluded from the

New Year Treat, to which the two girls had been looking forward all that week, and for which they had been learning some verses to repeat, made them scamper along the crisp, frozen road, upon which a slight shower of snow had fallen that afternoon.

The Sunday school to which Mary and her younger sister Annie went, had been the scene of a most wonderful visitation of grace. A great interest in eternal things had been awakened among the young folk of that district, in the Autumn, and for three months, Sunday after Sunday, without a break, there had been conversions; boys and girls, and young men and women led to Christ by means of the Gospel simply and faithfully spoken, personally to some, and to others in classes; but in the greater- number of cases, Christ was received (John 1:12) and confessed (Rom. 10:9) through reading God's Word, or being pointed to the Saviour by companions and friends at home.

The New Year gathering had been looked forward to and much prayed for, that it might be a night of conversion to souls still undecided, but anxious. Among these were Mary and Annie, two bright girls, daughters in a Christian family, whose home was some little distance from the village. They had heard the way of life from their earliest years, but like many who have had the same privileges, they were still unsaved, still without Christ, and the chief cause of their Christless condition was lest they should lose the world with its pleasures, and be laughed at by their companions.

"All who have trusted Christ might stand up, and sing together that grand old hymn beginning-

O happy day that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God.

It seems but as yesterday since I first sang it myself as a young believer, and yet it is more than thirty years since I was born of God, and started on the road to heaven."

At this request from an aged teacher, a fine band of young folk stood up and sang, as only young converts in the freshness of their earliest love can, until the echo rang again—

"Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away."

Tears of joy filled the eyes of many of the older ones, as that glorious song rolled on, and it was not difficult to see, that of those who could not stand to sing it as new-born children of God, some were very uneasy.

Mary and Annie, usually bright and cheery, sat with their heads bowed, while every line of the hymn sung with fervor and manifest enjoyment by those who had, went like a sword to their hearts.

Well it was that the "tone" of that meet3ing was of such a character; for a jargon of frivolity seasoned with a little religion, might have eased them of their soul-trouble and driven them back to indifference.

How careful one needs to be not to stifle conviction, or drive awakened sinners back to carelessness through unworthy behavior. There was real power with the testimony of several boys who told their conversion, and some were "added to the Lord" as the result of that New Year night's meeting.

They were given a tract telling about the conversion of two boys, and they did not go to bed till they had read it all through.

"If they were both saved by trusting in Jesus, so may we," said Mary. And kneeling down side by side, the two girls yielded themselves to Him, and were saved.

"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 3/20/1932

The Statue in the Snow

WE had done it in other places, and knew the delight it gave, so we promised the young folks of the country home in which we were staying that the first heavy fall of snow we would make a snow man full life size, and decorate him to order. For two or three days the lovely snowflakes kept steadily falling till the whole countryside wore a mantle of pure white. Then it ceased, and the sun came out, glistening on ten thousand times ten thousand of the icy crystals lying in profusion around.

With willing hands to help it was not long till the snow was piled high enough to form a man. With spade and stick we sought to carve out the figure of a man. Poking holes for buttons, eyes, and mouth, planting our own hat as his headgear, and sticking in a sprig of holly to crown all, we were almost thinking we had triumphed when the brightest young maiden chirped out, "a teddy bear." Her brother asserted it was the policeman with his buttons, and the eldest of the three was so aghast at the inhuman monster that she collapsed in surprise.

Looking at our clumsy attempt to form a snow man brought to mind the beautiful figure which was once carved in snow by the great sculptor Michael Angelo. A gentleman named Pietro de Medici took a fancy to see what the famous sculptor could do in nature, and commissioned him to carve a man. Michael Angelo set to work during very stormy weather, and produced the massive figure of a man, said to have been a masterpiece of art, and awe-inspiring to look at as it sparkled in the sunlight.

We thought of the contrast between the work of fancy and the work of art, and yet they were very much alike. No sooner did the weather change and the sun steadily shine than they both began to melt, and quickly disappeared. Michael Angelo may have thought of this as he carved the art

statue in snow, for he wrote the following: "The wise man, I affirm, can find no rest In that which perisheth, nor will he lend His heart to aught that cloth on Time depend."

Certainly we thought of it a morning or two after as we saw our white man turned into a mere heap of muddy snow without form or comeliness.

What a picture it was of the time when we tried to form a statue of goodness out of our own righteousness, only to find it crumble and decay as the first flash of the light of the Word of God shone upon it, and made clear that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6).

"In me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing." Rom. 7:18. How different when we learned that "cursed be the man that trusteth in man" (Jer. 17:5), and realised that "blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord" (Jer. 17:7).

Like the "wise man" mentioned by Michael Angelo, we could find no rest in "that which perisheth." Then, and only then, did we follow the example of the "chief of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15), and "commit" (2 Tim. 1:12) our all—spirit, soul, and body—to the Lord Jesus Christ —trusting alone in the blood which "cleanseth from all sin" (1 John 1:7); resting only on the atoning work "finished" (John 19:30) on the cross; accepting the sweet invitation of the Saviour, we found "rest" (Matt. 11:28) for time and rest for eternity.

Build in snow in time if you will, but see to it that you build on "the Rock of Ages" for Eternity. Like our snow men, the things of time perish and decay, and are gone for ever. Like the live men who formed the figures, each of us go on forever, either to "shine as the stars" (Dan. 12:3) in the glory of eternal day; or to be in "the blackness of darkness" (Jude 13) in the gloom of eternal night.

May the fleeting things around only cause us to consider the "things eternal" so rapidly approaching, and may none rest till they find true heart rest in Christ.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1932

Be Not Deceived

Be not deceived: though Satan says,

"You're young, and life is long,"

The young are often snatched away

From youth and mirth and song.

Great numbers who have heard His Word,

Yet spurned His love and grace,

Will stand before that great white throne

Where mercy has no place.

Be not deceived: the years pass on;

Your hair will turn to gray.

Though blest with health and length of life

You are not here to stay.

This checkered scene may bring much joy

And weave you in its spell;

Be not deceived: to all of earth

You soon must say farewell.

Be not deceived: nor think to win

By worthy deeds and right

An entrance to that Home above,

Where holiness shines bright.

No effort of a sinful soul

Can wash away his sin;

No work of flesh, no sacrifice,

A place with Christ can win.

The blood of Christ alone can cleanse

The vile, deceitful heart;

Naught but His death can make you fit

With Him to have a part.

Look on beyond the stretch of time,

Accept the Lamb God sent;

For time will end, but Christ can save.

Be not deceived: repent.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1932

Are You One of Jesus' Lambs?

MOST little children are fond of looking at a flock of sheep. How happy the little lambs appear as they gambol and skip about, and how bright the countenance of the little ones as they watch them running to and fro. And there's the kind shepherd, too, that looks after them all; sometimes bringing their food to them, or turning them into a pasture of rich, green grass. It is a pretty sight, and as one thinks of it, we feel how good it is of the Lord to compare His people so often to sheep and lambs. He said,

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

He could not have us around Him, and make us His flock unless our sins were put away, so this good Shepherd died upon a cross of wood; and His precious blood that was there poured out, washes away the sins of all who come to Him. Having died and been buried, this good Shepherd, Jesus, rose again, and is now seated at God's right hand (1 Cor. 15:3, 4. Heb. 1:3).

Every day He keeps calling young and old to come to Him, and He never turns one away.

Have you come dear child?

Are you one of Jesus' lambs? Would you like to be? Do you say, Yes? O, come then, come to Him now, for His love to little children is the same as when He said,

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

Delay no longer. Come now! Jesus will welcome you, pardon you, save you, feed you, take care of you, both now and forever. The Bible tells us.

"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.

And now, dear little children,

A Shepherd's up on high,

Who came to seek the straying,

Who all deserved to die,

For sin each lamb had ruined,

And far from God had led;

But O! what love unbounded

He suffered in their stead.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 1

THIS book of wisdom shows the safe, the divine path for man in a crooked world. It tells unmistakably the consequences of the ways in which man may choose to go. Solomon (in 2 Chronicles 1:7-12) had asked for wisdom and knowledge, that he might rightly govern his people and God gave him his desire in a way surpassing all others.

The purpose of this book is given in verses 2 to 4. "Subtilty," in verse 4 is "prudence." Verse 7 gives the key to what is true knowledge: the fear of the Lord (Jehovah).

The book divides into two quite distinct portions, the first nine chapters give the general principles of behavior, and the succeeding twenty are comprised of the proverbs or moral sentences which show the path of wisdom. At the close are two chapters of special character.

In a day like this, the instruction contained in verses 8 and 9 is very important; "children obey your parents" is God's word, not in Old Testament only but in the New (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3: 20) .

The two well known forms in which sin, or the will of man is seen, are first spoken of. Corruption, in verse 10: "If sinners entice thee, consent not." Refuse to listen to them.

Violence, in verses 11-14: "Walk not in the way with them; keep back thy foot from their path." Wholesome words these are, and the sure light of God's Word for the Christian's conduct.

The consequences of sin are plainly told in verses 18 and 19. Verse 20 introduces a solemn warning, one of the most solemn words of the Scriptures. Those who make light of the Bible may well take heed to the fearful language of verses 24 to 28 which portrays the end of those who refuse, ignore or reject the true wisdom, who do not choose the fear of the Lord.

In verse 28 "early" has the sense of "earnestly."

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1932

He Is My Saviour Then

MARY had been brought to a sense of her need of salvation, but remained for a time without finding rest for her troubled, wearied soul.

One day she was visited, as she had been many times before, by an earnest Christian who sought once again to point her to Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour. The following conversation, which is given in the preacher's own words, will show that at last his labor was rewarded.

"Now, Mary, let us just read one verse, and see what God's Book says about sin, and the putting away of sin." I then read the words, so well known,

"All we like sheep have gone astray." Looking up, I said, "You know that's true of you, don't you, just as I know it's true of me?"

"Yes, yes," she replied; "the Lord knows I have done nothing else but go astray all my life."

"Then it goes on to say," I remarked,

" 'We have turned every one to his own way.' That is, we have not all sinned in the same way, but we have all disregarded God's way and God's will, and have lived to ourselves, shutting God out of our heart and out of our life."

"That's just been my life. God has been shut out, and now He's shutting me out. I tell you, it's no use for you to talk to me about mercy. Mercy ain't for such as me."

I waited a few moments; then I said, "But we hive only read two parts of the verse; let us read the other part. Two parts we know are true; surely the other part must also be true! Now this is the other:

`And the Lord bath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.' " I read the words slowly, and she was perfectly still for a minute or more, then, with a look of eager interest, she said, "Read that again."

I read the words again. There were some gleams of brightness quite perceptible on her features, and after a little pause she begged me to read the words once more. Then she inquired,

"Does it say 'of us all'?"

"Yes," I replied; "and that must mean you and me." She said, with emphasis and with intense joy,

"O, I see it, I see it! The blessed Saviour has borne it all. He is my Saviour, then! O, what mercy! what mercy!"

She now rejoiced in Christ, her soul rested on the word of Him who "cannot lie," and who "cannot deny Himself." If He had spoken, she had but to believe, although the news seemed to her, as it does to multitudes, "too good to be true."

We have but to take a right position to find that God's grace abounds over all our sin, and that though our iniquity has been great, yet His goodness far exceeds it all.

There are many souls around us in Mary's condition. They know that they are sinners, and feel that they are not ready to die; and while hoping that God may have mercy upon them at the last (for they have a sense that there is goodness in His heart even for such as they are), they have no true rest nor peace. To such the blessed gospel, in its simplicity and fulness, is indeed like "cold waters to a thirsty soul;" when they learn that God Himself is for them, and that He has shown them His love in giving His own Son to die for them while they were yet sinners, and has proved His satisfaction with the work which Christ has wrought, by raising Him from the dead.

Not only is there the work of Christ to provide salvation for us; but God Himself sends by His word in the Scriptures the blessed tidings for our assurance, that by Christ "all that believe are justified from all things."

"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1932

Alec's Boat

THERE was once a little boy named Alec who was often told about the Lord Jesus. r His mother used to read stories to him out of God's book of the wonderful works of Jesus.

Perhaps you could tell some yourself! How once He fed five thousand people, who had followed Him, from a few loaves and two little fishes, and made them enough to feed a great company of people; how sick people were brought in beds in the cool of the evening and Jesus healed them all; how He loved little children and took them in His arms and blessed them and would not let them be sent away.

Alec loved to hear these stories.

He had a beautiful boat given him to sail on a pond near his home and he thought it was the finest thing he had ever had, so one night when he knelt down before getting into bed, he said,

"Lord Jesus, I give You my boat, because I love You so."

I am sure, quite sure, that the Lord Jesus looked into Alec's heart and saw that he really loved Him, and was glad to find it was so, but He wanted something more than his boat.

What does Prov. 23:26 say? "My son, give Me thine heart."

The Lord Jesus wanted the very best and biggest thing that Alec could give—He wanted himself.

There are a great many children who give to God; they give their pennies and many other things, but what He wants first of all is yourself.

I wonder if you have ever given yourself to Him!

A little girl called Ruth wanted to give herself to Jesus, so one night before she got into bed she knelt down and after she had thanked the Lord Jesus for all His goodness to her, she said,

"Lord Jesus, I give myself to You and everything I have."

You know what it says in the fifteenth chapter of Luke—that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Repenting means turning away from yourself and turning to God. It is saying to Jesus,

"I am so sorry that I have done just what I liked and have been troublesome and wanted everything for myself; but I give myself to Thee, Lord Jesus, to seek to please Thee from this evening."

The Lord Jesus makes everything so simple for little children. He does not want them to think it is only the grown-up people He invites to come to Him.

He says, "Come unto Me." Perhaps you will wonder how to come to Jesus, when He is in heaven and you are on earth. He can hear you and see you, and every thought of your heart is known to Him—so that coming to Him means, accepting Him as your Saviour, the one who died to save you, and giving yourself to Him, just as Ruth did.

We can send our thoughts and our desires as messages to Him, just as you would if your parents were away from home. Perhaps you would telephone or write to them, and you would be sure to get messages and letters from them.

God's Word, the Bible, is full of messages from Him to us, and the more you read it the more you will see how full His heart is of love and goodness towards you. Don't go to bed to-night without coming to the Lord Jesus, and accepting Him as your Saviour.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1932

No Other Name is Given

One offer of salvation,

To all the world made known;

The only sure foundation

Is Christ, the Corner-Stone.

One only door of heaven

Stands open wide today;

One sacrifice is given;

'Tis Christ, the Living Way.

My only song and story

Is—Jesus died for me;

My only hope for glory—

The cross of Calvary.

No other name is given,

No other way is known;

'Tis Jesus Christ, the First and Last;

He saves and He alone.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1932

Bible Questions for April

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

1. "For what is," etc. Matt. 16:26.

2. "And they shall," etc. " 17:23.

3. "And if so be," etc. " 18:13.

4. "Behold, I send you," etc. " 10:16.

5. "But he that," etc. " 13:23.

"6. And whosoever," etc. " 10:42.

7. "But he answered," etc., or" 12:39, 40.

"A wicked and," etc. " 16:4.

Bible Questions for April
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Mark

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

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."

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

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "He shall rise the third day."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "He is risen."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Give ye them to eat."

7. What is the saint of God to do when he hears: "Lo, here is Christ" or, "Lo, he is there"?

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

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

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

3. To Israel. Matt. 10:6.

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

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

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

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

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

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1. Compare the superscription over the Cross as recorded in the four gospels and write out what you think was the complete sentence.

2. Where would you turn in Mark's gospel to find a full account of the great tribulation time that is yet to come upon this world?

3. What does our Lord say about our having a forgiving spirit?

4. Where does our Lord speak most strongly of hell?

5. Whence proceed those things that defile men?

6. Would our Lord be concerned about the hunger of a little girl?

7. Write from memory the names of the twelve apostles.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 2

IN the first chapter the sad end of those who reject the true wisdom was seen; in the second the reward of those who receive God's Word and lay it up with them, apply their heart to understanding, is given with equal plainness. Observe that diligence is called for; Christians are too easily content with an occasional reference to God's Word for the pathway here below.

God has laid up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them that walk in integrity, guarding the paths of just judgment and keeping the way of His saints (verses 7, 8). Thus the believer is fully and wonderfully provided for in every way.

When this wisdom enters into the heart, and this knowledge is pleasant to the soul, discretion keeps, understanding preserves, the saint of God. He is delivered from the way of evil, from the corruption and immorality which abound, and are planned especially to ensnare the young.

How thankful we must be to God for setting out in His Word the clear light needed for a clean walk in a defiled and defiling world. Here His children are guarded and warned against the evils, and encouraged to lay hold of the good; according to God's ways in government, whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap; for he that sows to his flesh shall reap corruption from the flesh; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.

"Let us not lose heart in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:7-9.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

Only Sinners Are Saved

YOUNG man who had lived for himself in sinful pleasure was now in deep distress of spirit. The light had dawned for him and he saw himself utterly unfit for God. And that light will dawn for everyone.

In the brightness of God's throne—that great white throne—every mouth will be stopped, and every sinner will see the awfulness of his sin against God.

Yes! every man will be troubled about his sins someday. It may be now while there is still salvation, or it may be when nothing but judgment can be the sinner's doom.

"I cannot be saved," cried the distressed man.

"Why?" asked a Christian who was seeking to help him.

"Because I am a big sinner."

"Well, Christ is a big Saviour."

"But you don't know what a sinner I am."

"And you do not know what a Saviour Christ is."

"I am a sinner."

"He is a Saviour and He saves nobody but sinners. More than that, He has no others but sinners to make saints of."

"Then," cried he, springing to his feet, "He shall make one of me."

As a sinner lost and undone, he came to the sinner's Saviour and found a welcome and a full salvation, and his whole life hears witness to the Saviour's grace and power.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

O What a Friend!

One there is above all others,

Well deserves the name of Friend;

His is love beyond a mother's—

Costly, free, and knows no end!

Those who once His kindness prove,

Find it everlasting love.

Which of all our friends, to save us,

Could or would have shed his blood?

But our Saviour died to have us

Reconciled in Him to God.

This was boundless love indeed,

Jesus is a Friend in need.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

What a Child Did

A GOOD many years ago, a Sunday school superintendent asked each one present to bring a new scholar to the school on the next Sunday.

Little Mary Paxton went home and asked her father to come to the school.

He was nearly forty years old and so ignorant that he could not read. He was rough in appearance and rude in speech. He hated the preaching of the Word of God and despised Sunday schools and everything good. But he loved his little Mary, and when she took him by the hand he did not resist. He was led to Sunday school, and better still, he was led to Christ. Then he learned to read, for Christ's sake, that he might better serve Him, and he finally came to be a Sunday school evangelist. He was useful in his work, for he founded fifteen hundred Sunday schools, into which seventy thousand children were gathered and out of which sprang abundant blessing.

When little Mary was leading her father to Sunday school, she little knew that she was leading a train of thousands up the shining way that leads to God.

Will you seek to bring someone to the Sunday school or gospel preaching? Who can tell what the result may be?

When Peter came to the Lord Jesus, he at once went to his brother Simon, and he brought him to Jesus, and they both followed Jesus.

"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 4/3/1932

Evening Prayer

Our two little friends are thanking God for His care over them during the past day, and He delights to see the dear children praying from the heart to Him.

Fresh air, sunshine, food, clothing, houses to live in and many other things He kindly gives to us. Surely we should thank Him for them all.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." James 1:17.

There is one gift—the best of all—-that God has given for us, and is offering to us all, His blessed Son to be our Saviour. I wonder if you have accepted this wonderful gift, and have thanked Him for the Lord Jesus Christ who went to the cross to bear the 'punishment for our sins?

"THANKS BE UNTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT." 2 Cor. 9:15.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

I Have Got Good News for You

I WAS standing all alone at the street corner, ankle deep in snow, hardly knowing where to go, or how to spend the evening. Just then, about a dozen young men appeared at the opposite corner, formed themselves into a circle, and began to sing. I was always fond of singing, so I walked across to listen. They were singing the hymn, "O, I have got good news for you," and they sang it that night splendidly. The last line of the chorus, "With the happy saints above," went to my heart. I was not "happy:" I knew that I was not a "saint."

I followed the little company to the schoolroom, and there I was told the way of life, and sang with them for the first time "My Great Redeemer's Song."

Reader, have you? Can you call the Lord Jesus your Redeemer?

O, I have got good news for you,

A story wonderful and true;

'Twill make you happy, that I know,

It made me glad, and now I go

To sing my great Redeemer's song,

With the happy saints above.

I once was far away from God,

On ruin's dark and fatal road,

And little dream'd I'd see the day

When I should tread the narrow way,

O'er this wild waste I loved to roam,

My back to God and heaven and home,

When Jesus met me, far astray,

And beckoned me to come away,

He said on Calv'ry's cross He died—

A sacrifice for sin was made—

And all because He loved me so;

Then how could I do else than go,

Now, every one that's standing by,

O, 'twas for you the Christ did die:

This moment, too, He waits for thee:

Then just believe, and you'll be free,

Whene'er the record you believe,

You life eternal shall receive;

And soon, from pain and sorrow free,

You'll join that glorious company.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1932

Watching

IT may be for papa or mamma that the dear children are watching at the window. Their happy faces tell how glad they will be to see their loved one come.

I wonder if each of my little readers have a loved one you are watching for? I can tell you, there is One who loves you,

and He is waiting for the time when He can come to take those who have put their trust in Him, to be with Himself. Can you tell me who that is? I think I hear someone say, It is the Lord Jesus. Yes, He is the One who said,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not."

Some did not want the little children to be brought to the Lord Jesus, but He let them know that He loved them, and He took them up in His arms and blessed them.

But now, another question. Do you love Him? I am sure some of my readers do, and they are watching for the Lord to come. He has said to such,

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour." Matt. 25:13.

We cannot say just when the Lord will come, but He has given us another word. He has said,

"Behold, I come quickly." Rev. 22:7.

O, dear reader, are you ready to go when the Lord comes, or will you be one of those who will be left behind? The only way to be ready is to accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, and then you will be one of His, and when He comes, He will take you. If you are His, are you watching for Him to come?

"WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU, I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH." Mark 13:37.

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 3: 1-10.

THIS chapter is full of safe instructions for the right ways of life. The truly happy life is one of continual (not just occasional) dependence upon God, as every Christian ought to know, and many have proved in their own experience.

Seven rewards for living according to God's Word are named in the first ten verses which also set out seven certain marks of the godly. Let us first weigh well the true marks of the godly which are named in these verses.

The first one is that God's Word is in the mind, not forgotten, and in the heart, kept, stored up. Depend upon it, if the Bible is one's treasured daily companion, the daily life will show it in many ways.

The third verse gives the second and third marks: Mercy (really loving kindness) and truth. These are admirable qualities surely, which should be shown out in every contact with our fellowmen.

Verses 5 and 6 give the fourth mark of a godly person: He confides in God with all his heart; he does not rely upon his own intelligence or discernment. In all his ways he looks to God as over him.

Verse 7 points out the fifth and sixth marks: the godly than is not puffed up about himself; he distrusts himself, indeed. And, fearing the Lord, he departs from evil; he separates himself from every wrong thought, word, way and companionship.

The last of the seven marks of a godly person is in verse 9: he honors God with what he possesses; he gives to Him; in His name he gives to the Lord's servants and for the Lord's work, liberally.

God has chosen these seven marks, by which those who trust in Him are to be known. Shall we not, each of us who love the Lord Jesus, earnestly seek to have all of these marks seen in us, constantly?

Now for the seven rewards, contained in the same ten verses. The first (verse 2) is length of days and years of life added. The Christian does not expect to die but looks for the Lord Jesus to end his earthly stay by His coming to take His heavenly people away to glory; nevertheless and in view of that a long life spent in the fear of God, and lived in the light of His Word, is full of testimony for the Lord, and is a great blessing. (See Isaiah 26: 3; 57: 21, also Philippians 4: 6, 7).

Favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man (verse 4) are the third and fourth in the list.

The fifth is in verse 6. God assures us all who confide in Him, a plain way; they will know the way they should go as they journey through life.

The eighth verse brings us the sixth blessing: health. The tenth verse the seventh, abundance of food and drink.

We can see that all of these seven blessings are earthly, and we know that it often pleases God to not let His children have every earthly blessing, in order that they may have their minds centered on the glorious future, eternity with the Lord Jesus. (But see Mark 10:29-31; Philippians 4:19, and Luke 12:22-31).

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1932

Peace and Joy in Believing

WHILE staving at the seaside, I walked, one lovely morning, across the common, to enjoy for a little the fresh seabreeze that was then blowing, hoping at the same time that the Lord would give me an opportunity of giving away a few tracts.

I took my seat beside two girls, after some few minutes I handed one a little tract, entitled, "I want salvation now." She looked at it, and said,

"Thank you."

"Can you say salvation is yours?" I asked.

"No! I wish I could," she answered.

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

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

I saw she was just trusting to her feelings, and this kept her from being happy in the knowledge of the forgiveness of her sins. I sought to show her how she must first believe on the Lord Jesus, and what God says in His Word about believers,, and that feelings would come afterwards in their proper place, following faith, and not preceding it. After repeating to her that well-known verse,

"He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life," and asking her to read the little book very carefully, I left, looking to the Lord to use it in blessing to her soul.

And now, dear reader, may I ask,

"How is it with you?" Can you say,

"I know my sins are forgiven," or are you like that young girl, trusting to your feelings? Remember, if you are, you will never have peace and joy in the Lord.

Our feelings are like the shifting wind; one clay you may feel very happy, and think your sins are all gone, and the next day you may be miserable. Just take God

at His Word, and salvation will be yours forever.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1932

The Drowning Boy

I AM quite sure that little boys and girls like. to read about animals, such as dogs and horses. Dogs are especial favorites with children, because they are so friendly and so fond of those they know. You never yet saw a dog unkind to his master's child, did you? If anybody wanted to hurt the child, he would fight for him if he were ever so little; so then it is no wonder that children are fond of dogs, for really they deserve it.

Now, I am going to tell you about a dog who did a very kind thing, not to his master's child, but to an entire stranger whom he had never seen before.

A gentleman was lately amusing himself with his retriever, by throwing a stick into the water for the dog to fetch. While he was doing this, a little boy was playing on the steps of the bridge, and somehow managed to slip, and tumble into the river. It was twelve feet deep where the poor boy fell in, and he was unable to swim. Nobody saw him, and no help was near, but just at that moment this gentleman threw his stick into the water again, and the dog plunged after it.

Neither the dog nor his master had seen the poor boy tumble, but as the dog was going after the stick he happened to catch sight of the boy struggling for life in the deep river, and without a moment's hesitation, quite of his own accord, he left the stick and hurried to rescue the drowning child. He struck out with all his might, panting and striving to reach the boy in time before he should sink for the last time. Just as the poor child came up once more, he seized him by the collar of his jacket, and keeping his head above water, swam away with him to the steps, where he dragged, and pulled, and hauled until he got him ashore in safety.

Now, what do you think of that? Was he not a good creature? No one told him to save the boy, nor did the boy ask him to do so; it was all clone of his own good will, just because he loved little children, I suppose, and for no other reason.

The boy was not much hurt, and soon got up and hurried home to change his wet clothes. I do not know whether he thanked the kind, good dog or not; I dare say he never stopped to think of that, but just got home as quickly as he could.

Ah! that reminds me of some little boys and girls who never stop to think about One who did more to save them than this good dog did for the boy—One who came from heaven itself, plunged into untold sorrows and sufferings down here, and then went to the cross, and there died—yes, died, to save both old and young, by bearing on His own blessed head the judgment due to them as sinners!

Of course you know Who I mean, for you cannot have read "Messages of the Love of God" without knowing. Who is it of whom believers say, by faith, "He loved me and gave Himself for me?" Who is it "who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree;" who came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," and then rose again and "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high"? It was God's eternal Son, the blessed Jesus.

Do you know Him? Do you love Him? I hope you do. If you do not love Him, I am sure it is because you do not know Him, for none can know, without loving One so precious. But if you have indeed believed in the Lord Jesus Christ unto everlasting life, then you can say,

"We love Him because He first loved us."

None ever asked Him to come and save us. "The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world," and He "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father."

You see it was all love that did it, and "God is love." We were perishing, but

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1932

Behold, I Come Quickly

"Behold, I come quickly."

Yes, this is the word,

The promise once given

By Jesus our Lord.

"Behold, I come quickly."

E'er sweetly the same;

Then why should I care

For earth's riches and fame.

"Behold, I come quickly."

If sorrow is mine,

With this cheering promise

Why should I repine?

"Behold, I come quickly."

Is joy mine below?

Still greater my joy

When to Jesus I go.

"Behold, I come quickly."

Let come, then, what may,

This comforting promise

My spirit shall stay.

"Behold, I come quickly."

His word must abide.

I'll soon be with Jesus,

Safe, safe at His side.

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1932

The Meadow Lark

DO the birds ever waken you early in the morning with sweet songs? The meadow lark is a specially sweet songster; the one in our picture looks very happy with his mate. Their nest, though we cannot see it, is nearby in this meadow.

We should thank the Lord for giving us the birds and so many things out of door to make us happy. Saved boys and girls have the right to be the very happiest of all of God's creatures, and if their hearts are full of love for Jesus, they will want to open their mouths often in songs of praise to Him.

We read a great deal about our mouths. in Scripture. In Matt. 21:16 we find that even babes and children may say things that will bring praise to the Lord's name. We can tell what people are interested in, too, by what they talk about; so the Lord Jesus says in Matt. 12: 34, that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh."

So, dear children, let us think more about the Lord Jesus each day, and about what He has done for us; then I am sure our mouths will speak for Him, and we will love to praise Him, too.

"BY HIM, THEREFORE, LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD CONTINUALLY, THAT IS, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS, GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME." Heb. 13:15.

Praise the Saviour, ye who know Him!

Who can tell how much we owe Him?

Gladly let Us render to Him

All we have and are.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 3:11-35.

The word "chastening" in verse 11 is perhaps better translated "instruction"; it means also warning, correction or discipline, and "correction" at the end of the verse is rather "reproof." To "despise" the instruction or correction of the Lord, is not to make little of it, as though it were something of no account and contemptible, but the word used here has the sense of loathing, rejecting with abhorrence. The believer is not to refuse the Lord's instruction, nor be weary of His reproof. Obedience is a hard lesson for some of us to learn, and by nature we are disobedient. (See Psalm 32:8, 9).

Whom He loves, He chastens, and of this the Hebrew Christians had to be reminded (Hebrews 12:5-13), and so do we in this day who know Christ as our Saviour. It is the son in whom He delighteth that the father corrects.

We may compare this with the interest of the Father in the fruit bearing branches in John 15: 2, for the Father now judges His children; by and by the Son will judge the world.

Turning back to our key verse, chapter 1, verse 7, we see the meaning of verse 13,

"Happy (or blessed) is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."

It is not the wisdom spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:17, 19, 20, 22, 26; but that of verse 30 in that chapter. The gain of this wisdom and understanding is better than the precious things of this world for which men and women strive so hard all their lives (verses 14, 15).

How alluring the description of this heavenly wisdom is in verses 15 to 18. "All the things thou canst desire are not equal unto her" (wisdom looked at here as a person), and all that makes for happiness and life—even everlasting life (verse 18) is found in her.

Shame on us who have confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and believed in our heart that God bath raised Him from the dead, that we do not value nearly as much as we should this true wisdom. The people of this world are far more in earnest about the things the world has to give them, than the children of God are in seeking the things that concern Him (See 2 Peter 3:18).

God by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the deeps were broken up (see Genesis 7:11), and the skies drop down the dew. This sound wisdom and discretion, garnered from the Bible, God's written Word, is the safeguard of the believer as he passes through a wicked world.

What security, what calmness, in such a troubled scene, is confidently assured to those who trust in Him, in verses 23-26!

Verses 27 to 31 speak of our relationships with men, for the knowledge of a Saviour God teaches us right ways toward our fellowmen as well as toward God.

God has a perfect judgment concerning the wicked; they are an abomination to Him (verse 32). His secret is however with the upright (see Psalm 25:14); they know Him and what pleases Him.

God distinguishes those that fear Him, and He blesses them, and gives grace to the lowly.

Verse 35 tells the end of the course, and here there are two classes still, but they are now described like the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, as "wise" and "foolish,"—wise, because they gave heed to God's Word; or foolish, because they scorned that Word, and met His inevitable judgment.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932

Just to Believe

I WILL tell you of my conversion when I was young. I had attended the Sunday school, and the Spirit of God had shown me that I was a sinner, and that I needed the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then I thought I must give up all pleasures, and become a dull and miserable creature.

Perhaps some of you are as I was, and think you will lose your happiness if really converted. Now I soon found that this thought was a mistaken one, for the joy after finding the Lord Jesus as my Saviour was far, far greater than any joy I had had before.

While concerned about my soul, I put off the real question to some future occasion; till one Sunday evening when, reading a story of Satan tempting people to put off coming to God, until at last it was too late, and life was passed, I there and then determined to yield up myself to God. But I did not find this easy, for I was dreadfully tempted.

At last, haying tried to venture my all on the Lord Jesus Christ, I repeated to myself the verses of this old hymn,

"There is a stream of precious blood

Which flowed from Jesus' veins;

And sinners washed in that blest flood

Lose all their guilty stains.

"The dying thief rejoiced to see

That Saviour in His day;

And by that blood, though vile as he,

My sins are washed away."

God gave me to know that my sins were washed away, and I realized then that I was saved.

I can never forget it, for all seemed so simple, just to believe What God says is true;

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

I have found it to be true since that happy evening years ago that true religion will do for dark and cloudy days as well as for those when the sun shines. Jesus is a Friend whether in affliction or in comfort. He has said,

"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

"Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:7- 8.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932

Those Naughty Fingers

DOROTHY DAY was a dear little girl about five years old, the daughter of a Christian father. One of the delights of the day to father and daughter was the little prayer time at its close, and the confidential chat after, before Dorothy pillowed her curly head and went to sleep.

One evening, after the prayer time, Dorothy held up her little hand and said:

"This finger and this thumb have been very naughty today, father."

"Why, what have they done?" inquired Mr. Day.

"Can you not guess?" said the child, thinking that her wise father knew everything about her day's doings. But though he thought of many of little Dorothy's childish doings, he failed to tell the exact thing to which she alluded.

"They took some raisins out of the cupboard," she confessed and, after a pause, she added, "and put them into my mouth."

Hiding an amused smile at the sincerity and simplicity of his darling, Mr. Day inquired:

"Did anybody tell those naughty fingers to do so?"

"I did not hear anybody tell them," replied the child simply.

"What part of my little girl caused those naughty fingers to take the raisins?" again asked the father, in hopes of teaching his little daughter a profitable lesson. "Was it her curly hair, her head, or her heart?"

"Her heart," quickly replied Dorothy, realizing that it was something within her which caused the fingers to act. Then, in simple language her father set before her the Scripture,

"Out of the heart are the issues of life." (Prov. 4: 23). God who knows "the secrets of the heart" (Psa. 44: 21), has declared,

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Jer. 17: 9.

Like a faithful father, he explained to her that as the source or spring of herself was wicked, therefore she was a sinner, and included in the great "all" when God says,

"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3: 23. Then taking a piece of black cloth, he wound it around the naughty finger and thumb to indicate their black character. Mr. Day put the matter in such an interesting and simple way, that the child nestled closer to him, and looked inquiringly into his face.

"But what made Dorothy know that those fingers were naughty, and what led her to think of confessing to father?"

Dorothy could not answer this question, so her father went on to tell her that it was her conscience that told her that her act was sinful, and that it was her conscience that brought before her, when speaking to God in prayer, that her sin and His holiness could not dwell together.

Thus sweetly, Mr. Day was able to set before his darling child, her need of knowing her sins forgiven, for if conscience led Dorothy to confess to father at the close of day, what about the time when "every one of us shall give account of himself to God?" (Rom. 14: 12).

Surely the desire must be implanted in each heart,—the desire to have "sins forgiven;" and any boy or girl may rejoice in this now, for God's Word says,

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

If you, my reader, have not already done so, why not take Him now as your own Saviour?

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

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932

The Name of Jesus

Precious is the name of Jesus;

Sweetest name on earth;

Who in heaven or earth can utter

All its worth?

God so named Him, when a Saviour

He from glory came;

Fragrant now, and fragrant ever

Is that name.

Jesus! name divine and holy,

To His own, how dear!

For when uttered, it will banish

Every fear.

Blessed name! the name of Jesus!

He for sins has died;

Once to save poor sinners,

He was Crucified.

Now in heaven, He still is Jesus,

To whom all must bow;

O! how glad the heart that to Him

Boweth now.

Praise that precious name of Jesus,

Praise Him evermore!

Heaven and earth shall own Him worthy,

And adore!

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1932

A Saviour for the Perishing

A SEA captain related in B. sometime ago, a thrilling incident in his own experience:

I was sailing by the Island of Cuba, when the cry ran through the ship, "Man overboard."

I instantly seized a rope, and threw it over the side of the ship crying out to the man to grasp it as for his life. The sailor caught the rope, just as the ship was passing him. I immediately took another rope, and making a slip noose with it, attached it to the other, and slid it down to the struggling sailor, directed him to pass it over his shoulders and under his arms. He obeyed, and was rescued, but he had grasped that rope with such firmness,—with such a death grip,—that it took some time, before his hold relaxed; with such eagerness, indeed, he had clutched the object that was to save him, that the strands of the rope became imbedded in the flesh of his hands.

Dear reader, has not God let down from heaven a scarlet line to every sinner on the earth? Is not every strand a needed word from Him, and ought we not to lay hold of it as for our lives? Has He not provided a Saviour for you and me? Yes, dear children, the scarlet line may be used as a picture of Jesus' own precious blood, and God is this moment inviting you to grasp it for yourself.

Poor unsaved soul, you are in the same position as this drowning sailor, but he was obedient to the captain's word, and was saved.

"HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION, BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE." John 5:24.

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

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 4.

THIS deeply interesting and profitable chapter does not include any name of God, but it is speaking for Him in whom is all wisdom and all intelligence, instructing all who own the authority of His Word regarding the safe ways of life in a scene where evil abounds. The first half of the chapter, to verse 13, presses the importance of wisdom and intelligence; the second half shows the application of this wisdom to the dangers that are present in the world. This is admirable; he who is taught of God is prepared for the snares of the devil.

No one ever has found God's Word to fail him; its teachings are infallible, suitable and always good. Of it alone can it he said, "Keep Thy commandments and live."

To have wisdom—a rare thing now-a-days, it seems,—is to have the ability to discern what is true and right; this is to be gained by diligent, humble study of God's Word though it is also a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8).

Intelligence is the capacity to understand. The believer needs both wisdom and intelligence, and how shall he get them? From God, and through His Word, we answer without hesitation.

The learning is worth far more than "all the -wisdom of the Egyptians" (Acts 7:22), valuable though that may be in its proper place, and God here presses the importance of it upon His children.

"Forsake her (wisdom) not, and she shall keep thee; love her, and she shall preserve thee."

"Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honor when thou Bost embrace her. She shall give to thy head a garland of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow upon thee." Of what other reading than the Word of God could this be said? What share of our reading has the newspaper, or other worldly literature, and what the Bible?

The way of wisdom and the paths of righteousness (verse 11, N.T.), are very far from the path of the wicked, and the way of evil men (verse 14). Sometimes we are tempted to think that we can allow a little measure of company with what is wrong; verse 15 meets this with no uncertainty.

The path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come (verse 18 N. T.). How wonderful, that this is God's provision for them that love Him! The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble, because they know not God, and desire not His knowledge.

The chapter concludes with weighty words, the ear (verse 20), the eyes, the heart (verse 21), the mouth and lips (verse 24) and the feet (verse 26) being mentioned in turn with God's directions for the use of each member (see Romans 12).

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932

Carrie

CARRIE D., the young friend of whom I am going to tell you, was brought to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour at about the age of thirteen. One day, when walking down a road in the town of W——-, she noticed written on a fence before her these solemn words,

"Sinner! where will you spend eternity?"

She was frightened and troubled by the question—she tried to forget it, but could not—so, on returning home, she took her Bible, and the first words she read were,

"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.

She probably read more, for she found out that she was a sinner, and in need of a Saviour. She was aroused, but, failing to trust Christ at once, she did not then find Him. The good work was begun, however, and, although there was a delay of some weeks, Carrie at last put her trust in Christ, and found peace in believing. She was now filled with joy, and wanted to do something for the Saviour who had done so much for her. Carrie commenced distributing tracts, and, as she found opportunity, used to speak to others of the Saviour. She was in the habit of giving away tracts on her way to school.

One morning she did not take the tracts with her as usual. Seeing an old lady in the road, she longed to give her a tract, and, on looking into her lesson book, she found just one. Carrie offered it to the old lady, who took it, and read the title—another solemn question,

"Where will you be a hundred years hence?"

"Can you tell me where you will be in a hundred years' time?" asked the old lady.

Carrie, who now knew where she was going to spend her eternity, was able to reply,

"Yes, I can. I shall be with my Saviour in heaven. Will you be there?"

The old lady shook her head. Carrie stood and endeavored to point her to Christ, but had at last to leave her, for fear of being late at school. She was cheered by the old lady's parting words:

"Good-bye, my dear. I will go home and read my Bible, and not rest till I have found Christ as my Saviour."

Soon after this, Carrie again met the old lady, who took her by the hand, and said,

"O! my dear, since the day I first saw you, I have known the greatest joy in my heart. I went home and found peace with God that same night."

She also told Carrie that she was going away, but that if they never met again on earth, they would meet in heaven through the precious blood of Jesus.

You are not too young to die; you are not too young to trust Jesus.

O! my dear young friend, think of the time you are wasting! Your young life might be spent in the service of Christ, and every day that you remain away from Him is a day lost. Some, it is true, are saved when they are old, but they have lost something which they can never regain, even in eternity—years, precious years, which might have been spent on earth for Christ.

Sinner! where will you spend your eternity? "Sinner!"—God's word for you if you are still unsaved. (Rom. 3: 23.)

Where? In heaven, with Christ and the redeemed? or .in hell, with the devil and his angels? (Col. 1: 12-14; Matt. 25: 41.)

"Eternity!" My dear young friend, think of this solemn word. When once you have passed from this life, your future happiness or woe is unalterably fixed. Time ends; eternity, in this sense, begins.

Flee, then, to Jesus; He. has died to atone for sin, and all who rest upon His finished work receive forgiveness of sin and everlasting life; trust Him as Carrie did, and as thousands of other children have done, and then seek to bring others to trust in Him, too. Your eternity will then be a blessed one—far more blessed than human tongue can describe.

"Eternity! But Jesus died:

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary.

Behold Him, thorn-crowned, crucified,

The spotless One, made sin for thee.

O! sinner, haste! for refuge flee—

He saves, and for eternity!

Eternity! Eternity!

Where wilt thou spend eternity?"

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932

Was It For "Big" Or "Little" Ones?

CARRIE was a happy little girl, with a pair of black, sparkling eyes and bushy hair. She attended a Sunday school held by a Christian lady, who told the little children the story of Jesus and His love.

One day Carrie came to the school downcast and sad. The kind teacher took the little girl apart from the other children, and said to her,

"My dear Carrie, you look very sad today. What is the matter with you?"

The little girl looked up mournfully in her face and said,

"Because, teacher, I've been thinking about what you said."

"What were you thinking about, Carrie?" said the teacher.

"O I was wondering whether Jesus cares for me or not—do you think He does?" asked the little girl, the tears coming to her eyes.

"Yes, Carrie, Jesus loves you. Did He not come down from His happy home to show His love for sinners? And did He not say, when He was down here, `Suffer little children to come unto Me?' How, then can you doubt whether He loves you? Can you repeat the verse that tells you so, Carrie?"

Carrie repeated the verse slowly, which she had learned,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10: 14.

"Well, Carrie, who do you think that means, you or me? Is it big folks like me, or little ones like you He invites?"

The little girl clapped her hands with delight, and said,

"It's for me, teacher, and not for you; for you are not a child; it's for me, for me! Jesus loves me. I know it now!" From that day Carrie believed that the Lord Jesus loved her, and she loved Him in return.

Now, if this little girl was so anxious to know if the Lord Jesus loved her, why

should not you? Perhaps you have often sung:

"Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so."

Well, then, let me ask you, have you, like Carrie, believed the glad tidings and received His love into your heart? Have you said, "It's for me, for me!" and come to Him trusting His love, and accepting Him as your own and only Saviour? If you have you will love Him in return, and follow Him, saying,

"I love Him, because He first loved me." 1 John 4: 19.

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932

Lost and Found

"I was lost, a little lamb,

Out of Jesus' fold,

Faint with hunger and with fear,

In the dark and cold.

Jesus missed me, though a lamb,

Little, lone, and weak,

And He could not rest for love,

He the lost must seek.

"Now I'm safe, a little lamb,

Safe in Jesus' fold,

Jesus found and brought me in

From the dark and cold.

Is He glad, and am not I

I, who went astray,

Glad that He has brought me back

To the heavenly way?"

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932

Bible Questions for May

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

“Again, he sent forth,” etc. Matt. 22:4.

“But Jesus beheld,” etc. “ 19:26.

“And all things,” etc. “ 21;22.'

“His Lord said,” etc. “ 25:21,23.

“So likewise ye,” etc. “ 24:33.

“And Jesus came,” etc. “ 28:18.

“Then was fulfilled,” etc. “ 27:9.

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, “One thing is needful.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Nothing is secret.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Can the blind lead the blind?”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Who can forgive sins.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Holy One of God.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Served God with fastings and prayers.”

What word would God send to those who lay up much goods for many years and forget Him?

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

Because he tried to secure recognition there without having on a wedding garment (God's righteousness). Matt. 22:12.

They said His disciples came by night and stole the body while the soldier guards slept. Matt. 28:13.

The publicans and the harlots. Matt. 21:31.

Because he owned the Lord as a teacher only, not as God. Matt. 19:16-17.

The Word does not say this was written in Jeremiah, but spoken by Jeremy (Jeremiah) the prophet? Matt. 27:9.

The sovereign right of the Lord to do as He thinks best. Matt. 20:15.

That all (each of them) should cup in remembrance of Him. Matt. 26:27.

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

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

Does loyalty to Christ ever give rise to home difficulties?

In what does a man's life not consist?

To what place did the Lord send a man to "show what great things God hath done unto thee"?

What was it that saved the woman who anointed the Lord's feet?

Where had Jesus been brought up?

List five verses in which the Lord is recorded as praying.

Correct the following wrong statement, "Jesus' parents found the boy Jesus in the temple, standing in the midst of the doctors, both teaching them, and answering their questions."

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 5 and 6.

CORRUPTION is the particular form of sin with which fallen man is most familiar, and it is against this that chapter 5 warns the children of God, as violence was spoken against in chapter 4, verses 14 to 19. In verse 2, read "reflection," or "well considered thoughts," instead of "discretion," which hardly carries the true meaning.

Again the true wisdom is seen in avoiding every form of evil. The "strange woman" is to be avoided, lest dishonor, suffering, poverty and a heavy burden of grief be the portion of the offender to the end of life.

Contrasted with her is the happiness Of married life as God designed it, but man has introduced his own ideas and lowered, as he has everything else entrusted to him, God's ordinance.

An important word is in verse 21: "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings" (or paths).

More of the characteristics of wisdom are set out in chapter 6. For neither friend nor stranger should one be surety (verses 6-11); nor violent (verses 12-15); nor linked with deceit (verses 24-35).

Verses 16 to 19 let us see how well God knows the human heart, for the picture they give is of man away from God. It will be found profitable as well as interesting to compare the two lists in chapter 4, verses 20-27, and here.

The first thing spoken of in the former passage is the ear; the believer is to know his dependence upon God for instruction. And the haughty eyes are first spoken of in the list of chapter 6; this tells of the pride and self-sufficiency of man. Both lists end with the feet,—and how different are the ways of the godly and the ungodly!

Verses 20-24 again press the great importance of God's Word as the believers guard and guide through the world. It is to be thought upon and acted upon continually. Verse 22 gives the result in daily life: When thou walkest, the Word of God shall lead thee; when thou sleepiest it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee. This is very precious. But is it your and my constant experience, beloved reader?

Violence and corruption, the two evils early in the world, even from Noah's day (Genesis 6:11), and much in evidence in our own times, are the subject of warnings again in chapter 6 (12-15 and 24-35). Adultery is a sin far more serious than stealing, for the thief, if found, must restore sevenfold, even to all the substance of his house; but the reproach of the adulterer shall not be wiped away. These are solemn considerations in a day when immoral conduct is by the world looked upon with less severity than formerly.

May God preserve His people from a lower standard of sin and righteousness than He has.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932

Dear Little John

Wee John was only just over four years of age, but his young life showed that he knew the Lord. He had learned by word and example of the Lord Jesus, whom he was taught to love and obey, and the little boy loved the Lord much. He would join heartily in singing, and often would he sing alone of Jesus and His love in dying for us. And on certain occasions he would he heard to exclaim,

“I'll get to heaven and be with Jesus. His parents, and those who knew him, will not soon forget his right face when singing the following verses—

“I will sing of my Redeemer,

And His wondrous love to me:

On the cruel cross He suffered,

From the curse to set me free.

“Sing, O, sing of my Redeemer;

With His blood He purchased me:

On the cross He sealed my pardon—

Paid the debt, and made me free.”

But John fell ill. The doctors did all they could to remove the trouble, still he got worse and worse; and at last, when all was done that could be done, there remained little hope of his getting better.

The day before he passed away, when suffering much, on hearing one repeat this verse—

“Who is He, in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?”

John said, “Yes; it’s Him, it’s Him: He is the King of Glory! Yes, it is Jesus; I love Jesus.”

Dear young reader, how would it be with you, if you were thus taken away? Are you ready? John was young and tender, yet he loved the Lord, who loves all His own. Do you love the Lord ? Yon may say, “I am older than John;” then all the more need for you to trust the Lord, who “came to save that which was lost.” He loves little children, and said, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Trust in Him, for He died to redeem us, and His precious blood was shed to cleanse from all sin.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932

Kitty and The Parrot

OUR little girl is teasing the kittie by holding the parrot far enough away from the reach of her paw so that kittie . will not get the bird. The cat has evidently been taught not to catch the parrot, or she would suddenly spring to get it, which she could easily do, if she chose to. It is good to see animals thus trained.

There is one who seeks to injure us, dear children, and that is Satan. One of his main injuries is to keep us from, coming to the Lord Jesus, and accepting Him as our own Saviour. He tells us, Do not go to Him now, some other time will do. But “today” is the time to be saved. Tomorrow is a day you will never see, for when it comes, it is again “today.”

Do not let Satan get you in his grasp, but flee to the Lord Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Saviour and Lord, and He will give you every spiritual blessing for eternity, and will protect you from Satan, and his injuries.

“TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.” Heb. 3:15.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932

Children, Go and Tell of Jesus

Children, go and tell of Jesus.

How He died our souls to save;

How, from bondage to release us,

He Himself a ransom gave.

Tell around the wondrous story,

How on Calvary’s cross He died;

There the Lord of life and glory

For our sins was crucified.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932

Friends

THE beautiful Angora cat, is the image of quietness and contentment, as she watches her five fluffy kittens, all having such pretty, mischievous faces.

The noble dog looks so gentle, and we know he would not hurt the little kittens as they frolic around him.

Kindness and patience are lessons we all need to learn, and from whom can we see these beautiful characteristics so fully manifested as in our blessed Lord Jesus? When He was in this world, He went about doing good to all, even to His enemies, and while they did not appreciate His kindness, He loved them, and longed for them to come to Him so He could give them Eternal Life, and thus be ready to live with Him in His bright Home above.

We hope not any of our friends will stay away from Him any longer, as He has many wonderful blessings to give you, if you will accept Him as your own Saviour.

Do not compel the Lord to have to say of you, as He did of others,

"YE WILL NOT COME TO ME THAT YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE." John 5:40.

Of all those who do come to Him, He says,

"I give unto them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish." John 10:28.
In which class are you?

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1932

Are You Ready?

How swiftly the months roll on, dear young readers, bringing us nearer and nearer to eternity. Surely heaven is filling fast! Soon all the guests will be there. The loving invitation is sent you,

“Come, for all things are now ready.

How good of the great God to ask such as we to His feast of love. What is the answer of your heart to Him ? Have you come to Jesus? Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious ? It will prove an awful thing to neglect God’s invitation. Are you ready?

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 7.

If we were allowed to suggest a sub-title for the Book of Proverbs, it would be what Galatians 6:7 provides,

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man shall sow, that also shall he reap.” As another has written,

“God deigns to apply His wisdom to the circumstances of our practical life, and to show us, with His own intelligence, the consequences of all the ways in which man may walk. It is a great blessing to be provided for the labyrinth of this world, in which a false step may lead to such bitter consequences, with a book (the Book of Proverbs) that sets forth the path of prudence and of life, and this in connection with a wisdom which comes from God.”

Once again the urgent plea is made that God’s Word shall be given the important place it should have. Its teachings are to be valued as the apple of the eye—to be carefully guarded as most precious. They are to be bound upon the fingers, and so connected with what one does, and what is seen by others; and to be written upon the tablet of the heart, where no eye sees but God’s.

May we not ask ourselves, what is written on the tablet of my heart? What is its chief desire, and with what is it occupied as the hours of day flit by?

Wisdom and intelligence (verse 4) are to be claimed as blood-relations that they may keep us from the “strange woman” who flatters with her words. Corruption has ever threatened the children of God on earth, and, viewing the history of God’s people, how often the devil has succeeded with some form of it, when violence failed to move them away from simple trust in God. We may, then, safely consider the warning voice of God in the Proverbs regarding the strange woman as applicable both to the moral dangers, and to the spiritual dangers which may engulf us at any age.

The children of Cain and the children of Seth walked apart in the early world until moral corruption among the latter came in. (Gen. 6).

The children of Israel were a people alone and separated, positionally, to God until Numbers 25.

Jehoshaphat was a great and godly ruler of Judah (2 Chronicles 17), but the latter part of his life was marred through his association with Ahab and Ahaziah, kings of Israel (chapters 18, 19, 20).

It was the abominations of the nations which, adopted and practiced by the ten tribes of Israel (2 Kings 17:7-18), and the two tribes of Judah (2 Chronicles 36:14-21), brought upon them the solemn judgment of God in their banishment from their homeland.

And the letters to the seven Churches

(Revelation 2, 3) show the disastrous results of an alliance with the world (Revelation 2:4).

Let us make no mistake; the Christian cannot dally with evil in any form. Satan is bent upon attracting us away from the Lord Jesus, and he will, if he can dtaw us from the narrow path of full dependence on God and His Word, with either moral corruption (We are living in a time fraught with much danger from that source); or spiritual corruption.

Satan can rob us of true joy, a good conscience and communion (1 John 1:3-7).

Verses 24 to 27, the final words of the chapter, therefore call for our earnest consideration, both regarding the necessity for a clean, pure life apart from the moral depravity all around us, and the equal importance of true hearted separation from all that does not uphold Christ as the Word of God upholds Him.

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1932

I Love Jesus

THE mother had with loving care led the hearts of her little ones in their evening prayer to put their trust in our Father in heaven, and had bidden them good-night, when she heard the elder child ask her brother,

"Deanie, would you like to go on the road to life or the road to hell?" He replied,

"The road to life, Rachel." Deanie then said,

"Rachel, Who makes the moon come out?"

"Why, Jesus, Deanie. Deanie, what did Jesus first make?"

"Why, the light. We could not have seen if He had not made light! If Jesus liked He could take away your breath, and then you would be dead; and if you lived in a house which had lead windows He could see you. Deanie, there'll be a time —a dreadful time of judgment; it's corning—such a time!—and our eyes will be opened, and we shall see the Lord—not a false Lord. And, Deanie, if our eyes were opened now, what do you think we should see? We should see Jesus in this very room—so bright and beautiful! Deanie, do you love Jesus?" He lisped in answer,

"I love Jesus."

"You know He died for you, and if you go to heaven you will see holes in His hands where those wicked men pierced Him. Would you like to go to heaven? We shall go up ten thousand times higher than the clouds and moon, and be so happy."

"Shall I tell you something?

`I heard the voice of Jesus say,

Come unto Me.'

`I'm a poor sinner, and nothing at all,

But Jesus Christ is my All-in-All."'

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1932

The Song of the Sparrow

I'm only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

My life is of little value,

But there's One who cares for me.

I have neither barn nor store-house

And J neither sow nor reap;

God gives me a sparrow's portion,

But never a seed to keep.

If my meal is sometimes scanty,

Close picking makes is sweet;

I've always enough to feed me,

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows—

All over the world we're found,

But the Father in heaven knoweth,

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we’re never forgotten;

Though weak, we're never afraid;

The Father in heaven keepeth

The life of the creatures He made.

And I fold my wings at twilight,

Wherever I happen to be,

The Father in heaven watcheth,

And no harm can come to me.

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

But I know my Father loves me,—

Dost thou know His love for thee?

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Fear ye not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7.

“CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UP ON HIM; FOR HE CARETH FOR YOU.” 1 Peter 5:7.

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 8.

That God is not indifferent to man’s need is shown at the beginning of this deeply interesting chapter. Wisdom’s call is urgent on the great highway of life. Connect what we have here with 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

Verse 9 states a very blessed fact, for the believer justifies God in all His sayings. And we who have by grace received Christ as our Saviour, know well the truth of the eleventh verse.

Verses 12 to 16 tell important principles of divine wisdom for man. Prudence; knowledge which comes from reflection; fearing God; hating evil, pride, arrogancy, the evil way arid the froward mouth are part of this-wisdom of God, provided for us. In it is counsel, strength; by it kings, princes, nobles, judges, rule and carry on their responsibilities.

Verse 17 introduces another subject which was before us a little in considering chapter 3,—that there are rewards for the diligent seeker after wisdom. This verse carries a pointed message:

“I love those that love me, and they that seek me early (or earnestly) shall find me.”

God knows how to encourage His be loved children to apply themselves diligent ly to what concerns their eternal blessing!

Verses 18 to 21, it will be seen, tell of more than riches and honor; durable wealth and righteousness, fruit better than fine gold, revenue better than choice silver: these are spiritual blessings with which our God has endowed those of His heaven bound children who prize His Word above all things earthly. Precious is the last verse (21) with its positive assurance of blessing from above. May we look more constantly to the great Blesser!

The Holy Spirit has been occupying these chapters with the theme of God’s wisdom for man; Christ is the wisdom of God and the center of all; the object of God’s ceaseless and eternal love. In Him the wisdom of God is revealed. (See Ephesians 1:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30, and 2:6-10). Accordingly Christ is pre sented in our chapter, from verse 22 to verse 36.

Every reference to the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament (though we never find that blessed name of Jesus there) is of the deepest, interest to the believer, and these verses, in Proverbs 8 are very precious. The mystery of the Godhead is here: the Father and the Son, with the Holy Spirit writing the words. The Son was set up (literally, anointed) from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was.

Our limited minds cannot grasp eternity; the subject is too vast, and God uses the words “the beginning” to bring to our thoughts that which we can take in. So in Genesis 1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” tells us of the beginning of creation, untold ages, it may be, ago, for it was before the events of the six days of verses 3-21, which are commonly reckoned as occurring 4000 years before Christ. But John 1 proceeds back into past eternity as far as our minds can grasp, when it says,

"In the beginning Was the Word, and the Word \ v a s with God, and the Word was Cod." And so here in Proverbs 8,

" Jehovah possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old."

Here is the furthest point our finite minds can travel. Avoiding the speculations of the natural mind, we rest in the knowledge of the Father who gave His Son; of the Son who laid down His life on Calvary's cross, and of the Holy Spirit, seal of the purchase of every believer, with the precious blood of Christ. Matthew 11: 27; Luke 10:22, and John 1:1-3, shut off all speculation about the Son.

Before we close our scripture study to-clay, let us notice the Father's delight in the Son, in verse 30, and the Son's delight in man, in verse 31.

"It is in connection with men that Christ is seen, when considered as uniting and developing in Himself every feature of wisdom and the counsels of God. The life that was in Him was the light of men."

Christ's delight in man will have its full expression in the Millennium, not before, and in the meanwhile He calls upon men to hearken unto Him.

"Whoso findeth Me findeth life" (verses 32-36).

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1932

Clara and Susie

YOU 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 walk and play. 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 it was 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 a corner of 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 sand 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. Some—times 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 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, hath 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, 28.

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 5/15/1932

I Don't Want to be a Christian

I DON’T want to be a Christian.”

A boy was the speaker, and he spoke to his sister F.

Some months earlier she had been brought to know the Lord Jesus as her own personal Saviour. Now she was rejoicing in-the knowledge that all her sins were blotted out; that she was a child of God; that heaven was her home; and that Christ who was there was living to keep' her safe and soon coming to take her to be forever with Himself.

She longed that her brother might have this joy also, and so she had spoken to him.

“Why don’t you. want to be a Christian?” she asked.

“O! all Christians die young,” was his reply.

He thought that to be a Christian was to be miserable, and meant that he would not be able to enjoy a good game, and would soon be cut off.

This was thirty years ago. F. has not died yet. She loves the Saviour, is joyful in His love, and seeks to win others for Him still.

True Christianity gives real lasting happiness and makes childhood and youth an manhood or womanhood bright and glad some and useful. Come to Him now.

“Jesus Christ; whom not having seen ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:7, 8.

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1932

Three Things Worth Knowing

I know a loving Saviour,

Who dwells beyond the sky,

Where angels fold in awe their wings,

And all the court of Heaven sings

His Glorious Majesty.

I know a loving Shepherd,

Who daily cares for me,

And leads me by the pleasant stream,

And through green pastures, where I glean

Thoughts of His love to me.

I know a lovely Mansion,

Upraised beyond the stars,

And soon the One who died for me,

And deigns to make a friend of me,

Will call me there to stay.

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1932

Good Tidings

WE have in our picture a little group of Russian Peasants, who have toiled part of the day in search of mushrooms, and now as they are weary, they are taking a rest.

The young girl, whose animated expression, and backward gesture of the hand, makes her the point of interest in the picture, has just returned from a part of the forest unvisited by the others. She bears the good tidings of a spot where there is a, wonderful abundance of tender mushrooms, which she had discovered. How eagerly they listen, drinking in the good news she has brought to them.

O! that their ears and hearts were open to the gospel of God's grace. 0! that Christians were interested in the message which God has sent to them,—"Good tidings of great joy." Listen, dear ones,

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10, 11.

A little girl, in reading this verse, exclaimed,

“O, mamma, what a pretty verse. What sweet words, ‘Good tidings of great joy!’”

“Yes, dear Ellen, and see what comes after—'for all people.’ Does not that mean that it should be glad tidings for us to hear of Jesus, as well as for the shepherds ?”

You see, dear children, the good news of God’s salvation has reached far and wide, and through grace, many are able to say, “Good tidings of great joy.”

Have you felt your need of a Saviour? Have you felt weary and heartsick, longing for peace and joy? If so, look unto Him and be saved. He has made peace for you at the cross. Come unto Him, believe in the crucified One, and your young heart shall be full of joy, knowing your sins are washed away by His precious blood.

“IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL.” Lev. 17:11.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 9.

We have been occupied with the wisdom and intelligence needed—and provided by God—for the earthly path of the believer, and in the latter part of chapter 8 the Divine Author told us of Him who is Wisdom itself, the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. There remains, to complete the story, the place of rest and joy at the end of the path. For there is more for us who trust in Him than an earthly path or pilgrimage; there remaineth a rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9).

“Wisdom hath built her house,” perfect in strength and endurance. Food and drink for a feast have been prepared; the table is ready and wisdom’s maidens have been sent forth. The invitation is being cried upon the summits of the high places,

“Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither .... Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine that I have mingled. Forsake follies and live, and go in the way of intelligence” (verses 4-6 N.T.).

This is not the full story of the gospel. but O, how it tells of a God who delights in giving. His is always the more blessed part of giving, .and it is man’s to receive, if he will. If we view these verses as earthly in their application, we are remind ed of the position of security, peace and joy that is ours now who trust in Jesus. But looking on to the end of our pilgrim age, we think of the rest of glory, the Father’s house. There the returned prodigal was received, though first greeted with the Father’s kisses and clad in the best robe, the ring of eternal love put on his hand, and sandals for the walk put on his feet. (Luke 15:20-24).

This loving entreaty of divine wisdom is met by some with scorn, as we know. The scorners and the wicked will not regard the word brought to them for their instruction or reproof, but the wise will love him who reproves. The wise become wiser, and the righteous increase learning, for they willingly accept teaching (verses 7-9).

The fear (holy regard) of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10), as well as of knowledge (chapter 1:7), and the knowledge of the Holy (or of holy things), is intelligence. The knowledge of God is the very foundation of the believer’s life; upon it, is built all that will endure to eternity of our works.

A final warning is contained in the closing verses, speaking of the foolish woman. In her is no fear of the Lord; she calls to the passers-by on life’s way, inviting them deceitfully in the very words of wisdom (compare verses 4 and 16), but she has no feast to offer. Her offer is of forbid den things, the desire for which Satan first awakened in the garden of Eden when he tempted Eve with the lie that God was withholding what was good, and he has pursued the same tactics with Adam’s children ever since. The only right life is one lived in the fear of God. And God here shows the end of a course of sin: the foolish woman’s guests die in the hopeless state of the lost (see verses 18 and 19 of chapter 2).

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1932

Hath Everlasting Life

WHAT we have we do not hope to have, because we have it. When you desire to have something which is good for you, and you have received it, you are not expecting to receive it: you rejoice that you have it.

At a children's meeting, I was speaking about John 5: 24, in which the word "hath" occurs. Now "hath" and "hope" are quite different words, and they do not mean the same thing. Hath does not mean hope, and hope does not mean hath. While hope refers to something we have not; hath refers to something we have.

Some persons read this twenty-fourth verse of John 5 as though the word "hope" were in it, but it is not. We will quote the verse, and you will then notice, as did the children at a meeting lately, that the word "hope" is not there. Here is the verse:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, 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."

No, the word "hope" is not in the verse; but there is the word "hath" in it, for it says, "hath, everlasting life"!

Well, that is just what we were speaking about at our children's meeting, and, as I knew there were some little ones present who did not know what the Lord Jesus meant when He uttered those words, I asked the question,

"What is the meaning of the word hath? Does it mean hope? for the Lord says, `hath everlasting life.' "

"No, it did not mean hope to get," several answered.

"Then what does it mean?"

For a moment or two there was no reply. There were children present who knew what the word meant, but they did not quite know what to say. However, the silence was soon broken by a boy, who had been very attentive at our meetings; he seemed a very happy little boy, I thought, and he answered,

"Has got it."

The answer gives the meaning in a simple way.

"Yes." I said, "it means present possession, or, as you have expressed it, has got it. This Scripture tells us that he who believes has everlasting life—shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life."

And now, dear little reader, you will remember that it is the word hath that is in that verse—not the word hope.

Many little children believe in their hearts—they trust in the living, loving Lord Jesus, and are saved—saved, not because they have done any good, no. They know they are sinners; but they believe in Him who died to save sinners, and because Jesus died they are saved. They have heard and believed His word.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1932

The Thunderstorm

SOME years ago a severe thunderstorm passed over B. and its neighborhood, and so keen was the lightning that it set a house on fire, causing very much damage.

Two little girls in the district were much alarmed on hearing the report of the great destruction caused by it in various directions, and dreaded much the thought of another such storm.

Just at this time a gentleman called, and, hearing of their alarm, began to talk to them about it. He showed them some verses in the book of Job, where the thunder is called the voice of God, and the thunderstorm the expression of His majesty and greatness.

Shortly before this they had both professed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Their friend reminded them that the Lord Jesus was God's great gift to them, and though the thunder is like God's voice in majesty and warning, yet He speaks now through Jesus Christ with a voice of love.

He showed them that the stormy wind fulfilled God’s Word, and that the most terrible lightning and thunder were both under His control, and that no harm can come to those who know His love and trust in Him.

If God loved us so much as to give His Son for us, Fie was quite able and willing to take care of us at all times. He told them that when quite a boy he was on one occasion walking with his brother across a wide field when a storm of thunder, lightning and heavy rain overtook them.

They were both much frightened, but now he can look back upon it with thankfulness, because it had led him to seek and find a Saviour in the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps some boy or girl who may read these lines is also afraid when the bright flash of the lightning is seen, and the loud crash of the thunder is heard. There is, however, no need for fear on the part of those who love the Saviour, for His arm of protection is round about them; His hand of mercy is over them; the storm is under His control, and,

“Not a single shaft can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.”

On the other hand, the lightning does sometimes strike a man or a beast dead. This is true, and it should be a solemn warning to all who are still in their sins.

If, dear reader, you were called into the presence of God in this or any other sudden way, would it be well with your soul ? If you know and love the Lord Jesus Christ, it would only be a sudden call to be at home with Him forever; but if He is still a stranger to you, alas! it would be like the officer of justice coming to take you to an eternal prison.

The serious question then for us all to consider, whether we be young or old, is Where shall I spend eternity?

Do not let us put the question aside; or be so taken up with the pleasures or duties of this life, as to forget that eternal things are of far more importance than the things of time.

Then when the question is settled as to our eternal security, through faith in Christ Jesus, we can live to love and serve that blessed One, who at so great a cost has secured for us eternal redemption.

We can then say,

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

And no service is so sweet as the service of love, and the Lord delights in the service of those who love Him.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1932

'Twas Love, Pure Love!

O, why did Jesus leave His home

Above the bright blue sky,

And all the joys and transports there

To come on earth to die?

’Twas love, pure love, which brought Him from

Above the bright blue sky;

’Twas love, pure love, which made Him come,

To suffer, bleed, and die.

And now Lie’s gone, and lives again

Above the bright blue sky;

And all who taste His saving grace,

Shall live with Him on high.

’Twas Love, Pure Love!

O, why did Jesus leave His home

Above the bright blue sky,

And all the joys and transports there

To come on earth to die?

’Twas love, pure love, which brought Him from

Above the bright blue sky;

’Twas love, pure love, which made Him come,

To suffer, bleed, and die.

And now Lie’s gone, and lives again

Above the bright blue sky;

And all who taste His saving grace,

Shall live with Him on high.

O, blessed home of endless rest!

Sweet home of peace and joy!

How loud will be the song of praise

Above the bright blue sky!

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1932

Ears and Eyes

THE three boys in our picture today are filled with amusement at something they see, and perhaps are bent on mischief, and they are bright looking boys, too. They have ears to hear, and eyes to see, and souls to save, yet their thoughts appear to be far away from the One who has given them hearing and eyesight.

How very sorry we feel for the careless and indifferent boys,—those who have not had the advantages that many of you boys and girls have had. They have not had Christian parents to point them to the Lord Jesus Christ; have not been brought to Sunday-school to hear of His love.

How we long to get the dear boys, who spend their time on the streets, to the Sunday-school.

Will you not assist, dear ones, in trying to get them to come where God’s Word is read, looking to God to bless it to their souls ?

Soon these ears and eyes may be closed for ever against earthly sounds and sights, but they will open again.

“ALL THAT ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, AND SHALL COME FORTH.” John 5:28, 29.

“Every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him.” Rev. 1:7.

The voice of judgment will penetrate the ear that was deaf to the message of mercy.

Let the ears of the unsaved, now hear His Word,

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

Let the eye of faith look unto the crucified One, and be saved!

“Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 10.

Wisdolm is set forth in the details of life in the six hundred or more proverbs which comprise nearly the whole of the remainder of this wonderful book. The first proverb is:

“A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” How true! The young men of Solomon’s day were evidently not much different from those of today, though customs change, and the world grows old.

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivereth from death” (verse 2). Many have proved the worthlessness of the pursuit of sin, too late to profit much by a changed course.

Everyone of these treasures of wisdom calls for our study, and for the needed application to one’s own life. We may notice prudence, righteousness, integrity, love, wise speech, laying up knowledge, the labor of the righteous, the desire of the righteous, the hope of the righteous and the way of the Lord, among the subjects of these proverbs; as well as their opposites, such as sleeping in harvest time, hatred, forsaking reproof, the want of understanding, the expectation of the wicked.

The proverbs are all practical, suited for the needs of everyday life. They tell of trust in God, of His interest in the righteous, of right and wrong conduct under all circumstances. From them, each of us may gather much wisdom for our so widely different circumstances in life.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

Wisdom

YOUNG people are wise if they profit by the advice of those wiser than themselves.

In the Bible there is much instruction and guidance for the young, and we shall do well if we begin this year by giving heed thereto.

And not only is there precept and instruction, but there are many examples and warnings also.

You remember young Samuel, how it is said,

“The child Samuel ministered before the Lord,” (1 Sam. 3:1.) and when the Lord spoke to him, he, instructed by Eli, said, ‘Speak, for Thy servant heareth.’” Then we read how he grew up to be a man of God and an honorable servant of Jehovah. In the days of the wicked kings of Judah we read of a young boy who was crowned when he was only seven years of age, and although his father and relations had been wicked men, yet it could be said of young king Joash that “he did right in the sight of the Lord.”

Another young king of Judah was named Josiah. At the age of eight he became king over a nation that had departed from God and turned to idols. Yet he was 'not afraid to stem the torrent of idolatry, and when a boy of sixteen years of age lie "began to seek after the God of 'David his father." We might say at that age he was converted.

Have you been converted? If not, won't you begin by taking the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour Now?

Four years afterwards, Josiah, now a young man of twenty, began his great life's work of "purging Judah and Jerusalem," from the worship of images, and reintroducing the worship of the true God. Read for yourselves the beautiful story in 2 Kings 22: 23, how Josiah turned to the Lord, with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might.

Follow his example, my dear young reader. Live for Christ, and then on your voyage over the sea of life, you need fear neither rocks nor storms, for you will have One with you who is all-powerful to keep, and all-wise to guide, to the bright haven above where all His own will safely gather home at last, when the storms of life are past for evermore.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

I Told Him I Wanted to Be Sure

A CHRISTIAN mother recently told her three little children that a boy, twelve years of age, in the family of a friend, had found peace with God, through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. All smiled, and appeared pleased when they heard it, for salvation, peace, etc., were no strange words in that house.

"When shall we be able to say that of you, dear Children?" she added.

I—, the eldest, an intelligent little girl of nine years, replied quickly,

"O, mamma, I've had peace for a long time."

Her mother, somewhat surprised to hear so ready an answer, although of late she had observed that she evidently wanted it to be understood that she was a Christian, continued,

"Can you tell me what you understand by having peace?" Hesitating a little, she answered,

"It is trusting God fully, and knowing what the Lord Jesus has done on the cross. It's just to be converted."

This ended the conversation for the moment. A few days later, just after the preaching of the Gospel on Lord's Day evening, her mother said to her before she went to bed,

"Your little friend, A___ S____ has gone home from the Gospel meeting very much troubled. She wishes to know that her sins are forgiven. Let us pray for her; and you may ask her to-morrow, after school, whether she has not the certainty of it yet."

I_____'s radiant face, when she came home the next day, told at once she brought good news with her. Coming up to her mother, she said,

"A—tells me she is now really converted. Last night she was very unhappy, not being able to understand how she could lay hold of salvation. At last her mother said to her, just before she went to bed,

`Tell all to the Lord Jesus, and He will give you eternal life.'

She did, and went to bed, but couldn't sleep for a long time. But little by little she grew quiet, and felt she was no longer afraid if the Lord Jesus should come the next minute. And she could believe that His blood had washed her sins away, and she was so happy about it. She hadn't understood that we must simply believe, but had thought she must feel forgiven before she could be certain of it. And I asked E___, (her brother), afterwards, whether anything had ever happened to him, but he said, 'No,' but that he thinks he is a believer. Now, do you think that's enough, mamma?"

"It is sometimes the case, my dear," replied her mother, "when children have heard the truth all their lives, that they cannot tell exactly when they believed unto salvation. But tell me, did anything happen to you? I never heard of it."

"Yes, it has, mamma," said I____, "it was some months ago. I was wondering very much, one morning, how I could know I was really saved. And I thought, nobody can tell me anything but what I know already: that the Lord Jesus died to save us. And then I told Him I wonted to be sure about it for myself; and I knew it from that moment that I was saved, and that I had the forgiveness of my sins through His blood.”

Within the next two days A___’s two elder sisters, after a good deal of trouble in their souls, also believed the glad tidings of God’s love, and were happily trusting in the Lord Jesus.

How blessed to see the hand of God in saving the young! How happy when children are led to trust in the precious Saviour, before they become hardened through the sin and deceitfulness of the present evil world. Many of the people of God have been led to Christ while they were young' and tender. And we have His own precious words for all,

“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14.

Have you come, dear young readers?

The Lord Jesus is the same today as ever; and with heart of love, and out stretched arms of mercy, He lingers at God’s right hand, ever ready to welcome, pardon, and save all who come to Him. He Himself has done the whole work. His precious blood, which cleanseth us from all sin, was shed on Calvary. (1 John 1:7.) Nothing is left for you to do, but to come to Him as a poor, little, guilty lost one, confessing your sins, and to believe on Him. Then will you find yourself

“Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast.”

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

Little Jamie

Are you saved, Jamie?” I asked him one night.

“Yes, sir,” answered the little fellow smiling.

“How do you know that, Jamie, my boy?

“Because I have trusted Jesus, and He says so, sir.”

“But you have sinned against God, haven’t you? What about your sins?’

“They were all laid upon Jesus when He died on the cross. He bore the judgment for them, and they are all gone.”

Wasn’t that a good reason why Jamie should be happy? He knew his sins were gone.

Dear reader, do you know what dear Jamie knew? Have you trusted Jesus as your Saviour? He is waiting for you to come to Him, and He will save you as He did Jamie.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

The Bible

No book for our souls like the Bible,

Everything else may deceive;

Reading the true words of Jesus,

What can we do but believe ?

No book for our hearts like the Bible,

Telling the kindness of God;

Proving that sinners are pardoned,

Ransomed and purchased by blood,

No book for our path like the Bible,

Showing where sin leads astray;

Pointing our eyes off to Jesus,

The Light, the Life, and the Way.

O, what can compare with the Bible

Spreading its blessings around,

Pouring out streams of salvation

Just where poor sinners are found ?

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1932

Bible Questions for June

Answers to Bible Questions for April
“The Children’s Class”

1. “And Jesus answering,” etc.Mark 11:22.

2. “And he said,” etc.“ 5:34.

3. “For whosoever,” etc.“ 3:35.

4. “For he taught,” etc.” 9:31.

5. “And he saith,” etc.“ 16:6.

6. “He answered,” etc.“ 6:37.

7. “And then if any,” etc.“ 13:21.

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, “Enter in at the strait gate."

Write in full the verse containing the words, “God knoweth your hearts.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Did not our heart burn within us.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Smote upon his breast.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Lift up your heads.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Sit thou on my right hand.”

Which causes joy in heaven: one sinner that repents, or ninety-nine just persons which need no repentance?

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

“This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. Matt. 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; John 19:19.

Mark 13.

A forgiving spirit should accompany our prayers if we expect the Father’s favor. Mark 11:25-26.

Mark 9:43-48.

Out of the heart of men. Mark 7:21.

Yes, he told them to feed the little daughter of Jairus. Mark 5:43.

Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Barthol omew, Matthew, Thomas James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Mark 3:16-19.

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

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 13-24

What portion of what chapter gives us a solemn picture of the portion of the lost after death?

What is the effect of the possession of riches relative to entering the kingdom of God?

What verse shows that all the Scriptures have in them things relative to Christ?

How do we become great or chief?

What is a suitable prayer for a sinner?

“One shall be taken and the other left.” How "taken”?

How often should we forgive an offending brother?

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 11

In examining these chapters let us bear in mind that what they contain is not merely the wisdom of a great king, but the wisdom of God communicated through Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:7-ll; 9:22,23). Every “proverb” calls for our study as designed of God for His children’s help and blessing, though we can refer to a few of them in these lessons only.

Verse 1, applied literally, tells the tradesman he must give good measure, but it is a word for everyone. God is just; should His people have a lower standard ?

Pride is found in everyone by nature; it was the cause of Satan’s downfall (1 Timothy 3:6). It leads to shame in the day of judgment, if not before. With the lowly, or modest, those who have no confidence in the flesh (to use a New Testament expression, Philippians 3:3), is wisdom obtained from the knowledge of God through His Word.

More than lowliness or modesty is however, necessary for a clean, good life, integrity, uprightness or righteousness is needed in full measure, and of this a number of verses in chapter 11 (and others following) treat. The integrity of the upright guideth them (verse 3); righteousness delivereth from death (verse 4); the righteousness of the perfect maketh plain his way (verse 5); the righteous is delivered out of trouble (verse 8); through knowledge—instruction received from God—are the righteous delivered (verse 9); he that soweth righteousness bath a sure reward now, (verse 18)—as well as in eternity; the righteous shall be requited (or repaid) on the earth (verse 31). Thus has God declared concerning those who love Him.

To lowliness and uprightness of heart and life is added understanding (verse 12); of great value in the believer's life is this gift of God,—to know Him well through His Word, the Bible; divinely given intelligence enables the submissive Christian to trace the path of Christ through the world, and in some measure to walk in it. He will keep apart from both greater and lesser evils in the world, holding his peace on occasion, and again faithfully concealing that which is unprofitable or damaging to tell concerning others (verses 13, 14). What important lessons God's Word teaches!

A great contrast is contained in verse 16, in the gracious woman's retaining honor (freely given her), and the violent person's retaining riches in selfish greed. God is a discerner of hearts (Hebrews 4:12), as these proverbs constantly disclose. He sees within.

Verse 20: They that are of a froward (perverse) heart are abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are His delight.

What contrast is again seen in verse 23, where the two classes of humanity, "the righteous" and "the wicked," are shown in the springs or sources of their actions, which only God fully knows.

Verses 24 and 25 encourage the saint of God to use the means given to him for the help and blessing of others, "scattering" yet increasing in the truest wealth, for the liberal soul (literally, the blessing soul) shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1932

A Little Child's Trouble

WHY is this? Sunny little Ella's face bedewed with tears! Her simple, happy little countenance clouded with sorrow! Why is this? Has Ella done anything very wrong? She has been a very good child all through the day, we know. Yet little Ella is in sore trouble; and this is her grief—she knows she is not truly good in God's sight. She fears she does not really love the Lord Jesus. What is she to do?

One and another of her kind friends speak to Ella. They tell her Jesus loves little children. For He took up the very little ones in His arms, and He blessed them, and said,

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not." But still the child weeps. Her little heart is not at rest.

O, God looks right into little children's hearts. He sees all that is in the heart. When we look into a room through the window we see a great deal that is in the room, but as some things are behind others, we cannot see all. But God sees all that is in our hearts—nothing is hidden from Him; and He sees into Ella's heart, and that sorrow, because she fears she is not really a lamb of Jesus' flock, is there.

"My child," said a kind friend to Ella, after she had told out her trouble, "when you think of what you are, just say to the Lord Jesus in Heaven, 'Jesus died for me!' "

Then a smile lighted up Ella's face, and a rainbow shone upon her tears, as she said to herself, "Jesus died for me."

"Jesus died for me!" What wonderful words are these! He made the sky above and the pretty flowers at our feet, but His hands were nailed to the cross of wood, and on that cross He died to save our souls. Jesus is full of love and kind ness: these are some of His words,

“I will in no wise cast out,” and He will not cast you out, for He has said,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

“Jesus died for me.” O! what wonderful love is this, that Jesus, the Son of God, should die for a little child. May every believing child love Him more and more every day.

“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 6/5/1932

Be Ye Also Ready

At the request of an aged man, I went to see a little girl who lay at the point of death.

Though her suffering was very great, she was perfectly happy, and delighted to look forward to the time when the Lord Jesus would call her to Himself.

“Yes, mother,” she would say, “I shall soon go to Jesus; but you and father must come too; you have only to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and then you will meet me in heaven.”

Shortly before her death the little one raised her hand, and, counting" her thin fingers, said,

“One, two, three, four, five— in about five minutes I think I shall be with Jesus.”

She lay quite still for a few minutes, and then joyfully exclaimed,

“O, mother, Jesus has opened the gates of heaven for me, and His angels are beckoning me to come!” And thus, with out a sign of fear, the little child entered the presence of the Saviour she loved so well.

Reader, how would it be with you if you had only five minutes to live ? Should you, like this little girl, long to be with Jesus, or would you say,

“I am not ready to die?”

Do not, I beseech you, put off your soul’s salvation any longer, but come to the Saviour just as you are, knowing He is waiting to receive you.

“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 6/5/1932

Teasing

CHILDREN like to tease one another. In our picture today our little boy has filled his pitcher, and now it is the little girl's turn, but he stands in her way. He has a mischievous look in his pleasant face.

Water is something we all need. Our bodies cannot live without it. Generally we can have all we want. But in some countries good pure water is very scarce, and people have to pay a big price for it.

Dear children, the soul as well as the body becomes thirsty. Do you know how a thirsty soul can be satisfied?

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

“LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.” Rev. 22:17.

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

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1932

The Cleft Rock

WHEN a school boy, I went, one splendid morning, to bathe. The sea was .within five min, utes' walk from my house, and I selected a place called

The Round of Beef, which is a pretty cove surrounded by rocks. A large round rock stands out at the seaward end, as if to keep watch and defend the bay from

the rolling waves. From this huge sentinel rock the bay derives its name.

As I stood upon this rock, before diving into the water, I thought, "This is just the place for me. I can swim, in about a dozen strokes, to the top of the cove, and then I shall be in shallow water." The sun was shining; the water clear as crystal. I could count the pebbles at the smooth bottom, which did not look more than three feet deep. So in I plunged, and swam up the creek, but felt very very tired before I reached the end of the cove.

I cheered when reaching my goal, but my exultation was very brief, for on trying to get a footing I found that the clear, bright water had deceived me—I was still much out of my depth. I was in the very shallowest part of the cove, and behind me was still deeper water. My head reeled, my heart failed me, and I shouted “Help, help!” But there was no one near.

At length, quite exhausted, I sank. The water closed over my head. Lost, lost, I thought “in a watery grave.” When sinking, I began to think of my dear old aunt, who had often told me of the Lord Jesus, who came into the world and died upon the cross to save sinners.

I had, though but a boy, often felt the power of the truth, but now I felt its value. O! that I had yielded to those fervent prayers and urgent entreaties; for my body was sinking beneath the water, and I felt that my soul would soon be in hell. In an agony of soul, when under the water, I cried,

“Great God, save me. Save me. O God, or I shall sink into hell1”

In the struggle, I had risen again to the surface. The tide had swept me close against the rocks. I saw that the one in front of me had a hole cleft in it. I could just reach it. Thrusting my hand as far as I could into the riven rock, I found I could keep my head above water. The strength of the rock upheld me. Then, looking above me, I saw that the huge rock was covered all over with similar in dentations, and when regaining sufficient strength, I climbed to its summit, I was out of danger.

Then these words came into my mind—

Rock of ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.

Let the water and the blood

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

I lay panting upon the top of the rock. What had saved me from death? The cleft in the rock! The rock, without the cleft in its side would not have availed; as it was, it exactly met my need.

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

Death and judgment are the dark waters that are fast closing over the heads of all who are not believers in Christ. How awful; death first, then the judgment, then the place of torment, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

O, look to the cleft rock, to Christ, “Who was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Heb. 9:28. If your sins are upon you, they will drag you down, and you will inevitably perish; but if you trust your soul to Jesus, you will find pardon, peace and salvation, through faith, in His blood. (1 John 1:7).

“WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE.” 1 Peter 2:24.

Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O, Lamb of God, I come.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1932

Two Important Things

IF you would get on as a Christian, never forget to speak to God, and never forget to listen to what God says to you.

Prayer is speaking to God, and reading the Bible is listening to what God says to you. No Christian can prosper who neglects these two things.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 12

In the first verse “instruction” is really discipline, training under the faithful and gracious hand of our God. He has set Himself to a blessed work which will not be finished until we are taken out of the world altogether. (See Titus 2:14; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 12:5-10; 1 Corinthians 11:32). All of the children of God may thus undergo a preparatory work here, for their own blessing as well as His glory. All the principles of an acceptable life before Him are set out in this book for our help and guidance.

A good man, one who learns and profits by the discipline of which verse 1 speaks, obtains favor of the Lord. Scripture affords us example of this (see Genesis 4:4; 6:8, 9; 13:14-17; 39:2, 21-23; Daniel 1:9, 17; 6:22, 28, and many other passages).

God has laid down a rule from which there is no swerving, in verse 3: A man shall not be established by wickedness, though wickedness abounds in these times, and abounded long before Solomon's day. Look back over the history of mankind, of any nation: What ruler, what government founded upon wickedness has continued very long? And looking forward, what of that approaching day when the King of Kings shall reign, putting down all authority and power that dares dispute His title?

Verse 7 is best translated, "Overthrow, the wicked and they are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand." We may link this with verse 19: "The lip of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment," and with verse 28: "In the way (or path) of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death." Upon this solid foundation of God's truth, the believer takes his stand content to wait God's time, when He will fully and finally vindicate His Word.

Sound instruction, particularly for young men and young women, setting out from the home of their childhood, abounds in the Proverbs. How marked is the distinction between the two classes of persons which they continually set forth. Truly the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel (verse 15).

May God graciously preserve our young people from the evils of today!

The coming of the Lord is most unmistakably near, and Satan is busier than ever, no doubt knowing that the time must be short.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1932

The Blacksmith and the Gate

BLACKSMITH believed that the Lord Jesus Christ had died for him, but he failed to see that God was fully satisfied with that work, and that faith in Christ entirely settled the question with God. Therefore he was not at rest. He thought there must be something left for him to do.

Just as God can use little boys and girls who believe in Jesus as their Saviour to lead their companions to Him, so He allowed a Christian farmer to help this blacksmith through a business transaction. The farmer gave the smith an order for a new iron gate. When the piece was finished, and the farmer came to haul it away, the blacksmith was busy.

Although the gate was well made and satisfactory in every way, the farmer began to pass an old file over its surface.

"What are you doing there?" cried out the smith.

"O, I am finishing the gate."

"You are spoiling my work, the gate is finished."

The farmer then told him that he was doing with the work of Christ what he would not allow done with his own product. As the farmer continued speaking, the smith was able to see that Christ completed the work of redemption when He cried, "It is finished;" that He had made peace by the blood of His cross; that he could enjoy the result of His work but not add to it; that his efforts were to follow salvation, and not to help gain it.

Have you ceased your own efforts and rested upon Christ?

The illustration falls short. The gate would in time wear out, although made of iron; but salvation endures and can never be removed. Once it is ours, it is ours forever through simple faith in Jesus.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

“Nothing, either great or small—

Nothing, sinner, no;

Jesus did it, did it all,

Long, long ago.

“It is finished 1 yes, indeed,

Finished ev’ry jot;

Sinner, this is all you need,

Tell me, is it not?”

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1932

Thou God Seest Me

LITTLE Bessie had been naughty one day. Her mother seated her on a chair in the kitchen where she was working, and began to talk to her about her disobedience. The verse “Thou God seest me” made her sad when her young mind realized that God could in deed see right through the roof and the ceiling.

Later Bessie was brought to see that God not only knew what was taking place within the house, but could see into her heart. She thought of many instances when she had grieved her parents in spite of her efforts to be good. She knew that she would have to give an account of her life before God.

Do you wonder that she was miserable? She knew about the Lord’s coming for His children. She also feared that she might die before she was saved.

Every chance she had, she would go off to her room with her Bible and some gospel leaflets, speaking to none of her anxiety.

When she thought of telling her father and her mother of her distress, she decided that they couldn’t help her: they didn’t know how bad she really was.

After several days of reading and earnest prayers she saw the Scripture

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

She stopped, for that was God’s message to her. God said she was saved and that was enough. Her burden was all gone, and she no longer feared to meet God.

Dear reader, have you too learned that you have to do with God ? Have you believed that His beloved Son died in your stead so that you need not fear to give an account of your deeds?

“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 6/12/1932

I'd Like to Go to Heaven

How many children say—

“I’d like to go to heaven;”

Yet never think that they

Must have their sins forgiven,

Before they can in glory be,

Or Jesus Christ in glory see.

None can to glory go,

Or dwell with God above.

Save they who Jesus know,

And taste a Saviour’s love;

The holy words of truth declare

No other ground of entrance there.

But now this “living way”

To all is open free;

And ruined sinners may

Go in, and happy be—

May have their sins through Christ forgiven;

The only way to enter heaven.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1932

Little Tommy

IT is such a lovely afternoon that little Tommy has been tempted to do something very naughty. He lives near this stream, and so knows just where he can lie in the sunshine, and watch the tiny fish as they jump about in the clear water. He seems to be having a good time, and he had thought this would be far more fun than going back to school, but now way down in his heart he is very unhappy. He realizes now that he has deceived his parents, and he knows he will be punished both by them and by his school teacher when his disobedience is found out.

You are very glad that you are not Tommy, are you not? What a foolish boy to choose a good time in such a wrong way, and one which can last for such a few hours.

Does this not make us think of the people all around us today, who are so eager for the pleasures of this world, which are but for a moment, that they care to hear nothing about Jesus? They know this life is uncertain, and that their good times may be ended any day; yet they go on and have their own way, surely knowing that punishment will follow. God wants us to listen now to His Word, and to His Son, Jesus. He says,

“THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED; HEAR YE HIM.” Matt. 7:5.

It is a very sad thing to know that you are doing wrong, and then to continue in it. Take Jesus as your Saviour while you are a child, and then seek to live for Him. He loves His own dearly, and will keep them from doing evil, if the only depend upon Him each day for this.

“He will keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Sam. 2:9.

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 13

A wise son heareth his father’s instruction;. but, we may say this is not much seen in our day! True, and the consequences of slighting the parents’ authority and advice are very evident in the world today, too.

Again we have a chapter full of forcible contrasts, pointing out in nearly every verse the way of life and happiness; and the way of sin and death. Note that the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (verse 4). May God stir up His people to redeem the time.

Righteousness keeps (preserves) him that is upright in the way; but wickedness overthrows the sinner (verse 6). Thus a man is consciously or unconsciously building for the future, for good or for evil. As he shall have sown, so shall he also reap, for God declares it.

Verse 7 is rightly read “There is that feigneth himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” In a spiritual sense this is illustrated by the address to Laodicea (Revelation 3:17), and that to Smyrna (Revelation 2:9), but we do not doubt that the immediate application is to the natural life. Pretence and reality are in contrast.

The 13th verse contains an important principle with regard to God’s Word;

“Whoso despiseth the Word shall be destroyed” (more correctly translated, shall be held accountable by it); but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded!” The Bible is God’s Word, and they who make light of it, do so at their peril; contrariwise, they who walk in its light are blessed in the way. So the law for teaching) of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death (verse 14). And poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction, but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored (verse 18).

Does not verse 19 point to the Lord’s statement to Nicodemus in John 3: “Ye must be born again” ? Verse 20 conveys a warning to the young (and the old, too) to avoid the company of sinners, while pointing to the gain from keeping company with the wise, i. e., those who have wisdom from God.

It is a modern thought that a child should be allowed to develop without any attention from his parents. Has the present astonishing growth of youthful crime, the prisons and penitentiaries now filled with those barely into their twenties, nothing to do with the new ideas?

Christian parents may well conclude that what God has said in the Proverbs about the training of children is still the best. “He that spareth his rod, hateth his son; but he that loveth him seeketh him early (or earnestly) with discipline” (verse 24 literally translated).

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

Companionship

CHILDREN are seldom misanthropists, that is, those who shun their fellow creatures, and love to be alone. They are likely to love company too much; and are too often enjoying companionship when they should he otherwise occupied, alone.

The Scriptures contain many bright examples of companionship. David and Jonathan in the Old Testament were knit together by human affection; Paul and Timothy in the New Testament, by divine affection.

Most dear children who read "Messages of Love" know that there is a heavenly family as well as an earthly one. Divine love takes in all the children of God; that is, he who is saved loves all the saved ones, because they are the children of one Father —God.

The word "companion" is used in God's Word. Psalm 119:63 speaks prophetically of the Lord Jesus,

"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts."

Paul mentions Epaphroditus as "my brother, and companion in labor" (Phil. 2:25). And again, John, addressing the seven churches which are in Asia, tells them, "I, John who also am your brOther, and companion in tribulation." These are all sweet instances of companionship.

My little readers perhaps have often heard—

"O 'tis sweet, each other aiding,

In companionship to move,

One desire each heart pervading,

One our faith, our hope, our love."

While this association of Christians is beautiful, and will be perpetuated in heaven, there is another kind of companionship. Listen to what God says.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20. And again He through the wise man tells us in chap. 28:7,

"Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."

Dear children often think it is of no great matter what companions they have. God thinks otherwise: again, He says,

"Evil communications—corrupt good manners." I Cor. 15:33. A child is known by the company he keeps, for, "How can two walk together except they be agreed?" We grow, insensibly, like those with whom we associate.

"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee" was spoken by the Lord Jesus to His Father; and it is so beautiful, is it not?

The disciples, who had been so much with their Master, became so much like Him that the high priest and others before whom they were brought, wondered at them, and "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

This same Peter, sad to say, when he was a companion of those in the judgment hall some time before, became very much like them, and even said that he did not know his Master!

How many a dear child has been ruined by ungodly companions! See to it then, dear reader, that, in the first place, you have Christ as your Saviour; and next, that you have godly companions. And if at any time you are tempted to walk with any who are not so, remember the words of Jehovah,

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Prov. 1:10.

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

The Shepherd and His Sheep

MOST of the readers of "The Message of Love" have doubtless read the 10th chapter of John, that beautiful chapter about the Shepherd and His sheep. All those who trust in the Lord Jesus, He calls them His sheep and lambs. He said,

"I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (ver. 11). We know He did this upon the cross, when He who knew no sin, was made sin for us, and bore its judgment from the hand of God, who in His love had sent Him to bear it for us, that all who believe on Him might have everlasting life. Jesus also said,

“I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine” (ver. 14), which is, as though He said,

“I know my sheep, and they know Me.”

I wonder if the one who is now reading this paper can truly say,

“Jesus knows me, and I know Him.”

Well, God, who searches the heart, can tell if Jesus is precious to you, and, if He can see this, you are one of His sheep; or, if you are a little one that believes in Jesus, we may call you one of His lambs.

An ordinary shepherd would set a great value on his sheep because of the great price he had paid for them in money: but the flock of God was not purchased with silver and gold, but “with the precious blood of Christ;” and who but God Himself can tell the worth of that? Jesus said to some of the Jews who came round about Him,

“Ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep” (ver. 26); so we see that they who do not believe in Him are not of His sheep. One very nice thing He said about His sheep,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (ver. 27).

How do His sheep hear His voice?

Why, they harken to His Word, which is His voice to us. Are you one, dear young reader, who hears His voice? If you are, how sweet to hear Him say,

“I know them and they follow Me.”

Yes, amid all the glories of heaven, where He is, He looks down in love upon everyone who has heard His voice and is following Him. And what is following Him? Is it not walking in His ways, seeking to please Him in all we think, and say, and do ?

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

The Name that Never Grows Old

A CHRISTIAN woman met a party of heathen women. Seeking to do them good, she asked,

“Where are you going?”

They gave her the beautiful answer:

“We are going to hear of the Name that never grows old.”

These poor inquirers had felt the power of the precious truth,

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Heb. 13: 8. Do you know Him thus?

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

God, The Father, Loves His Children

God, the Father, loves His children,

Gives them ample food each day,

Clothes them in the best of garments,

Teaches in a perfect way.

God, the Son, came down from heaven,

Went about this world of sin

Healing all the broken-hearted,

Calling weary ones to Him.

God, the Holy Spirit, guides us

Every moment, every day,

Comfort brings in all our trials,

Keeps us ever in the way.

Thus the Father. Son and Spirit,

Work each day our souls to bless,

Till we reach those realms of glory,

Where we share for ever rest.

Living, loving, joying, singing,

With that happy, heavenly host,

Will you come and join in praising

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1932

The Donkey

BE ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle." Psa. 32:9.

"I will guide thee with Mine eye." Psa. 32:8.

I know a little boy who prayed every night for months,

"If it's Thy will, give me a donkey."

Now I fear the father of this boy scarcely expected it would come, but it did; and not a donkey only, but a saddle and bridle,

all trimmed with red, and mounted with brass. There was a whip, too; and everything that could be needed, even to a little stable.

This boy used to have a grand time galloping around the house, and about the garden. But he was only a little boy, and the donkey was very wise, so when he thought he had carried the boy far enough, he would turn and make a bolt for a big, thick hedge and force his way through it, and the poor little boy would be shoved off, and left sitting on the ground on the other side.

The donkey did this because he liked to go his own way, instead of his little master’s way.

You and I are often very much like that donkey, are we not? As the Scripture says,

“We have turned everyone to his own way,” and even after the Lord hath laid on Him our iniquities, how slow we are to learn to go our Master’s way, and to do His will instead of our own!

But, dear fellow Christian, what a shame that this should be so! Is this the only way our Master can guide us? No, thank God, there is another way,—He says,

“I will guide thee with Mine eye.”

May you and I, dear reader, ever be found with our eyes on Christ, “looking off unto Jesus,” for it is sure, He cannot guide us with His eye, if our eye is away from Himself.

“Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation.” Psa. 25:5.

“TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD, AND LEAD ME IN A PLAIN PATH.” Psa. 27:11.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 14

Verse 1. Wisdom builds; folly plucks down. We are living in an age of folly masquerading as wisdom, an unconscious return of the modern world to the state portrayed in Romans 1:28-32.

True of our own day is verse 2: “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord, but he that is perverted in his ways despiseth Him.”

Verse 6. Scorners are on every hand, seeking wisdom but not finding it. They are not unlike the five foolish virgins of Matthew 25, who went away to buy, but never got what they needed, and are of the same class as the mockers of 2 Peter 3, who, walking according to their own lusts are saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? for all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Verse 12. There is still, in 1932, a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof, God solemnly warns, is the ways of death. Such leave God out of their thoughts, reject the Bible which shows their folly, and continue on the broad road which leads to destruction.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death (verse 27). The Christian is safe, saved, happy; as the hymn says,

“Death and judgment are behind him;

Grace and glory are before.”

The righteous trusteth, even in his death (verse 32); his confidence is in God, and he can now say, since Christ has died and is raised again and at the right hand of God,

“I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38. What heights and depths of grace!

Wisdom rests in the heart of the intelligent (verse 33); the believer (for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) has the true knowledge of God, the assurance of salvation, is at rest about his soul’s eternal destiny. The foolish, on the other hand, have no depth; their trust is in themselves like a ship fast drifting on the rocks with its anchor on board. The fault with those who know Christ as their own Saviour and own Him as their Lord, is that they do not apply themselves to learning and practicing what will please Him. The Bible tells us what is pleasing to Him. Shall we not seek out this true wisdom for ourselves?

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Saved

IT was spring in the Mackenzie River District. The ice was breaking up, and huge pieces were floating rapidly down the dark rough waters of them swollen streams.

The Indians were moving to a new camping ground, as is their custom at this season of the year. A number of squaws and their little ones were packing the utensils and clothing into a large canoe.

Just as they were about to start a tall young man, the school teacher of the district, appeared, asking to be allowed to accompany them. They welcomed him for his help and also for his company, for he had endeared himself to all by his bright cheery ways and his interest in them.

When they had pushed out about ten feet from the shore, one of the little Indian girls in moving restlessly about, fell overboard. All was in confusion. The shrieks of the squaws and little children were heart-rending.

Our young friend, who was six feet and seven inches in height, leaped from the canoe and found he had placed his foot on the child's dress. Stooping down, he lifted her from the water and placed her in the arms of her mother.

As the mother hugged her child to her breast, she and the other squaws heartily thanked the teacher. Quickly they returned to shore, kindled a fire and provided dry clothing for the little one and her rescuer.

To express their gratitude the squaws made their beloved friend a coat of finest deer-skin, beaded in richest colors and designs. He will always treasure this garment as a proof of their love and thankfulness.

Dear children, what does this incident convey to your minds? Can you imagine N\ hat the little Indian girl felt when the icy waters closed over her head, and what joy filled her heart when she was lifted out and restored to her mother's arms? Do you not think she would feel a personal affection and gratitude to her deliverer?

What love should fill your hearts to the Lord Jesus! His work in saving you was not so easy as the act of the teacher. Jesus gave up His life to save your souls from death by Himself dying on the cross. Will you not each one take Him for your Saviour, dear children?

Then believe in His wonderful love, In dying for you on the tree,

In shedding His blood for your sins; That saved evermore you may be.

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

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Wanted-A Christian

PROBABLY some of our readers have had to go out in search of work and have had to answer questions concerning the requirements stated in newspaper advertisements.

Suppose this strange advertisement appeared in your daily paper, as it did in one newspaper,

"Wanted—a Christian."

One of the first questions of a prospective employer of this type would probably be,

"How do you know you are a Christian? can you give a reason for the hope that is in you?"

A school boy of twelve when told about the advertisement, and asked to write an answer, gave the following reply:

"I am a Christian because I love Jesus, and want to be a missionary, and work in His service, to do all I can for Jesus. I love Him because He first loved me, and has done so much for me."

You might be able to deceive your employer, for sometimes people are hired who are found to have set too great a value on their abilities.

Would God be pleased with your answer? Consider the question very quietly, alone with God who reads the secrets of all hearts. How are you treating the Lord Jesus? Can you say you know Him? Can you answer,

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

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Going To See Jesus

A BEAUTIFUL little girl, the light and joy of the household, and the delight of all who knew her, said to her mother one day as she started from the house to play with her little wagon,

“Good-bye, Mamma, I am going to see Jesus.”

Not many days after, the little darling took sick and died, and was carried from the house to a grave prepared for her body. It was not little Anna, it was only the little body of clay that was consigned to the earth.

When God said to Adam, “Out of the ground wast thou taken; for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return,” He referred to the body only. The breath of life which God breathed into man’s nostrils will never be taken away. Dust returns to the earth whence it was taken, but the spirit returns to God who gave it. Paul spoke of being “absent from the body and present with the Lord.” He also spoke of departing and being with Christ.

To the dying thief Christ said, “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” How precious the promise of the blessed Lord, that His sorrowing disciples (and all who are washed in His blood) should be received not only to the heavenly mansions, but to the presence of Himself.

“I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” John 14: 3.

How would it be with you, if called away in death, would you, like little Anna, go to “be with Christ which is far better”? This could not be true of you unless you are washed in the blood of Christ. How very important then it is to be ready, for we never know when we may be called out of this world.

How dreadful to leave this world unsaved, without Christ as your Saviour, to be forever lost. There is no salvation to be had after death. You must be saved now in this life. God’s Word says,

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (not salvation) Heb. 9:27.

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

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Jesus Died Upon the Cross

Jesus died upon the cross,

Jesus died for me:

This poor world is only dross—

I have all in Thee.

Satan often tempts me sore,

Seeks to lead aside

And to turn me, more and more,

From the One who died.

But, Lord, when I look to Thee,

Seated on God’s throne,

Beauty I no longer see

But in Thee alone.

Blessed Lord, Thou art enough

As I gaze on high;

Though the pathway here be rough,

Thou dost satisfy.

Thou hast bought me with Thy blood.

Made me free indeed,

And Thou now art all to me,

What more can I need ?

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1932

Bible Questions for July

Answers to Bible Questions for May
“The Children’s Class”

1. “But one thing,” etc. Luke 10:42.

2. “For nothing is,” etc. “ 8:17.

3. “And he spake,” etc. “ 6:39.

4. “And the scribes,”'etc. “ 5:21.

5. “Saying, Let us alone.” etc.“ 4:34.

6. “And she was,” etc. “ 2:37.

7. “But God said,” etc. “ 2:20.

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, “Sanctified, and sent into the world.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Sent to bear witness of that light.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Seeketh his glory that sent him.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “He whom God hath sent.”

Write in full the verse containing the. words, “Believeth on him that sent me.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “The works of him that sent me.”

What answer did the Lord Jesus give to those who wanted to “work the works of God”?

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

Yes. See Luke 12:52, 53.

In the abundance of the things which he possessed. . Luke 12:15.

To his own home. Luke S:39.

Her faith. Luke 7:50.

Nazareth. Luke 4:16.

Luke 3:21; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:1.

He was sitting, not standing; hearing, not teaching; asking them questions. Luke 2:46.

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

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

Did John Baptist perform any miracle?

What was necessary before the Holy Ghost could be given?

What was Simon Peter’s wonderful confession ?

What is the “work of God”?

What hinders believing in the Lord Jesus?

List seven titles of the Lord Jesus as found in the first chapter.

What is necessary before we can see the kingdom of God?

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 15

How practical, how suited to everyday and to the particular circumstances which may engage us at any time, are the Proverbs!

Verses 1, 2, and 4 give the light of God’s Word on the use of the tongue, so often in trouble. (See also James 3:13-18).

Verse 3 is one of a number of passages about the eyes of the Lord. They are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Sobering thought! No voice is heard, but the eyes of Him with whom we have to do, see everything. They looked upon the world of Noah’s time, before the flood (Genesis 6:8); they rested upon the land He had chosen for Israel’s possession (Deuteronomy 11:12), and upon that nation early and late in its Old Testament history (Exodus 3:7, 9; Jeremiah 52:2); they searched the whole earth when Israel had been carried away to Assyria and Babylon (Zechariah 4: 10), as not long before the captivity of the two tribes when their king Asa heard from the lips of Hanani the seer,

“The eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show Him self strong- in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9. See also Job 34:21; Psalm 34:15; 1 Peter 3:12).

Verse 8. The sacrifice of the wicked is conscienceless, or in hypocrisy or deceit (See chapter 21, verse 27, and Psalm 51:17). But the prayer of the upright is God's delight,—how cheering to the troubled saint! Happiness and wealth are not necessarily companions (verses 16, 17), but godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Verse 20: A godly son honors his parents, but the wicked, without natural affection often despise their mothers (2 Timothy 3:2, 3).

Verse 11 is solemnizing, though the words are ,few. Eternity,_ the dead and the living, and God's all seeing eyes—and a day of final judgment is to come!

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1932

The Eagles and Their Nests

How different the bold strong eagles are from the gentle robins. Their nests are in keeping with their rude appearance and actions. The nest is often placed high on a bare rocky cliff. It is made of sticks and even thorns. But as God has left even with the beasts and animals an instinct to cherish and care for the young ones, the nest is lined with whatever the locality affords that is soft. The little eaglets live in a downy bed until they are old enough to learn to fly.

Suddenly one clay the mother bird throws out of the nest all the soft covering for the rough sticks. The little ones perch on the edge for relief from the pricks of the thorns. With her characteristic rudeness the old bird pushes one of the eaglets off the nest.

There it is high in the air with its muscles undeveloped, and its whole body full of fear. Down it goes, but will it fall and he killed? No, the mother is watching it. This is just her way of getting the growing children started on a very important lesson. Before her child has had more than its strength can endure, she swoops clown under it, catches it on her back and bears it safely to the nest.

Soon the little ones by this method learn to use their wings, and gain confidence. Thus they learn to fly.

Let us see how God uses this custom of the wild eagle to teach His own children His lessons. Have you heard it said of some child of God who has recently been taken out of comfortable circumstances and placed in need, "God has been shaking up the nest again"? Let us turn to Deut. 32:11, 12:

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings; So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with Him."

Whenever He places us in untried and difficult surroundings, He is present to bear us up and deliver as He sees best. It is for us to trust Him.

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut. 33:27.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1932

Little Robert

Little Robert believes in Jesus with his whole heart, and goes about the house singing,

"Jesus loves me."

Robert was told that a neighbor was dead. After thinking for a while, said,

"I will see him in heaven." I asked him to tell me who were going to heaven. He replied,

"Every body in this whole world,"—he paused and I waited, and he added,—"who believes in Jesus." I thanked God right there, for I believed the Lord told him how to finish his sentence. I was anxious to find out where he stood in regard to this matter. Robert's grandfather had died, and he was a believer in the Lord Jesus. Robert loved him dearly. He had said to his father,

"We will put grandfather in a deep hole in the ground, won't we?" His father told him they would. Robert went on, saying,

"But grandfather is up in heaven with Jesus, is he not?" His father answered-, "Yes." He replied,

"I thought so." Later, he asked how grandfather could he in heaven with Jesus, and be in the grave too? He was told,

“Grandfather’s body is in the grave, but grandfather is with Jesus.” He asked how he got out of the body. I told him,

“God took him out of his body, and took him up to be with Himself till He raises his body out of the grave, then He will unite grandfather’s spirit and soul, with his body from the grave, and then grandfather will be with Jesus in body, soul and spirit, for eternity.” He further asked,

“How is God going to take grandfather’s body out of the grave?” I told him,

“God will take him out, just as He took Jesus’ body out of His grave.” He replied,

“O, I see,” and seemed satisfied.

One day Robert was talking of Adam and Eve eating of the forbidden tree. He remarked,

“That must have been ‘The Devil’s Tree?’” I asked him “Why.” He said,

“Because it made Adam and Eve sinners.”

I explained to him that God had told them not to eat of that tree, but they disobeyed God, and did eat of it,—it was this disobedience to God that made them sinners.

I hope all of our dear little friends have the same desire that little Robert has, to learn about Jesus, and seek to understand God’s precious Word, while you are young. May it be said of you,

“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.” 2 Timothy 3:15.

“Search the Scriptures.” John 5:39.

“The entrance of Thy words giveth light.” Psa. 119:130.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1932

God's Wonderful Creation

“He spake, and it was done.” Psa. 33:9

Who binds the water in the clouds;

Who rules the raging sea;

Who holds the overflowing floods,

At whose rebuke they flee?

Who formed the everlasting hills,

Which tower to the sky ?

Who made the sparkling little rills,

That laugh and bubble by ?

Who made the trees, the grass, the flowers,

The little birds so gay;

Who gives the sweet, refreshing showers,

And sends the sun’s bright ray ?

’Tis God alone, who can create,

Who made the earth and sun

The Firmament so vast and great;

Who “Spake, and it was done.”

And He made man, and when he fell,

Devised a plan in love,

To save him from the depths of hell,

And give a home above.

Then let our hearts go forth to God;

All praise to Him be given!

We’ll bless Him, and adore, and laud,

The Lord of earth and heaven.

“BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED, THAT ARE IN HEAVEN, AND THAT ARE IN EARTH.” Col. 1:16.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1932

A Picnic

HOW refreshing it is during the hot summer days, to take your lunch and go to some park or shady nook, near the water for a little outing.

How the dear children look forward to it, and their parents too, find much pleasure in being with their little ones. Father and mother watch their enjoyment, and enter into their simple amusements, and we can imagine the dear little ones, at the close, saying, What a happy time we have had!

But, remember, dear children, unless your sins are washed away by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you are ready to go when He comes to take away all of His own, you do not know what true happiness is.

"WHOSO TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, HAPPY IS HE." Prov. 16:20.

If the Lord should come today, how many of you would' be caught up with Him? It will be only those who are under the shelter of His precious blood.

Will you he among the number of those who will be changed at His coming— caught up to be forever with Him.

What peace and joy this gives to the heart wherever you are; and whenever that shout takes place, you will be ready to go. It may be while you are having a little picnic in the woods, or while you are at school, at home, or at Sunday-school.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 16

The first verse is better translated “The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” We may link this with verse 9: “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps,” and verse 33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof (or whole decision) is of the Lord.”

Nothing happens without God; some where in the course of things, however self-willed, or heedless of consequences we may be, He will enter the believer’s path,—and the unbeliever’s too, for He is sovereign.

In the day that Adam and Eve sinned, God announced His purpose to overcome the power of Satan, and in faith our first parents heard and believed it.

Abraham following his natural sight, went down into Egypt, forsaking the path of faith, but God so ordered his circumstances that he returned, chastened and blessed.

Jacob brought upon himself much sorrow by his selfish and deceitful course, but God brought him, through letting him suffer for his wrong doing, into the unclouded enjoyment of His favor.

Pharaoh, without the fear of God, became the willing tool of Satan in fighting against the Omnipotent One, and by and by God entered and hardened his heart. His forbearance had reached its full limit.

The Scriptures give many more examples of God’s entering into a man’s life and ordering his circumstances, if we have but eyes to see it, examples abound all around us today.

Has God His right place in your plans and purposes, and mine? Do we habitually. so to speak, invite Him to guide us with His counsel; or are we careless of Him and of what concerns Him, and so He must interfere, perhaps through painful experiences for us, to bless us at the last ? (Study verses 2 to 9 in this connection).

Verse 4, it will be noted, should be read with verses 5 and 6: God is not the source of evil (See Romans 1:18 to 2:11).

The king (verse 10 and following) is God’s representative in the government of the world, looked upon as acting in God’s fear. Solomon was, in the earlier part of his reign, a ruler according to God’s design, as was David his father. The later kings of Israel and of Judah, with few exceptions, departed far from God, and in the books of Kings and Chronicles they, rather than their subjects, are held responsible and judged for it. (See for example 1 Kings 14:7-14; 2 Chronicles 33:2-9).

Verse 20 in the revised version is an excellent motto for the believer’s home:

“He that giveth heed to the Word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.” Space will not permit commenting on more of the proverbs in this chapter which are full of wisdom for our earthly path.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

Spots

The leopard has spots and cannot change them.

The leper has spots and cannot cure them.

The sinner has spots which are not those of God’s children. Spots mark the sinner.

The mere professor steals into the circle of God s children, and is a spot in the feast of charity a blot and blemish. He has no right to be there.

The offerings in the Jewish Ritual had to be without spot or blemish.

Christ offered Himself without spot unto God. His was “the precious blood as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" by which the true believer knows that he was "redeemed from his vain conversation," so that, as Christ regards such an one, He can say,

"Thou art all fair, my love: there is no spot in thee."

And again, on the soon-coming day of His glory, He will present to Himself that Church for which He gave Himself—"a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and without blemish"—the trophy of grace and the triumph of redemption by the blood that is infinitely precious, and well able to cleanse away every spot from the most leprous of sinners, and qualify him, thus cleansed, to "enter the Holiest of all" as a purged and happy worshipper.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

The Hero of The School

IN a boys' school some years ago, there was a remarkable work of God. It began in a very simple way. A boy from the country came to school, a bright, decided Christian, and by the loving counsel of a godly mother, he determined not to hide his light but let it shine. He began to confess Christ in a quiet way among his schoolmates, and to tell them of the blessedness of being saved.

At first, they laughed and made fun of it. Some said, they would very soon "knock it out of him," and they missed no opportunity of seeking to molest him. But the Christian schoolboy went on his way, testifying for Christ, and living a consistent life before his comrades.

By-and-bye, the opposition began to die out, and one and another became interested. They would ask questions, and get the loan of his books to read.

Not long after, one boy Was found weeping about his sins, and our young friend had the joy of pointing him to the Saviour. Soon another, and another followed, until the greater part of the boys in that school were led to Christ, all through the instrumentality of that happy, decided schoolboy.

You may ask how he managed to reach his schoolfellows with the Gospel message, for, as some of my readers may know, it is no easy matter to get a lot of schoolboys to listen.

Well, he watched his opportunities. Sometimes in the evenings, after lessons, he would be seen walking quietly in the fields, with his arm around a schoolfellow's neck earnestly conversing about the salvation of his soul, and in this quiet way, he was able to reach most of the boys. After a few were brought to Christ, they had a prayer meeting among themselves, and now and then an anxious one was led to Jesus there.

How they loved and respected him then: even the boys who remained unsaved were heard to say that he was "The Hero of the School." There are none so truly brave as those who are "Soldiers of Jesus Christ."

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

"Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. 6:9.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

Little Bobbie

POOR little fellow was picked up in the street, with both thighs crushed by a dray. He was carried to a hospital. By his side was temporarily placed, from the same slum, a little fellow who was very ill with the famine fever, a disease caused by hunger and bad air. He lay side by side with the broken-legged little boy. Creeping up to him, he said, "Bobby, did you never hear of Jesus?"

"No, I never heard o' Him."

"Bobby, I went to the Mission School once, and they told me that Jesus would take you to heaven when you die, and you wouldn't never be hungry no more, if you'd ask Him."

O, I don’t know no sich great big gentleman as He is, and if I did, He wouldn’t speak to a poor boy like me.”

“In the Mission School they told me He would. Don’t you want never to be hungry no more?”

“O, just don’t I.”

“Then you ax Him.”

“How could I ax the gentleman if I don’t know where He lives? And if I did know, my leg is broke, and I couldn’t go.”

“Bobby, they told me in the Mission School that Jesus passes by, and we sunged about Jesus passing by, and teacher told us it means He comes round. How do you know He isn’t coming round this ’ere hospital to-night? And if He should, and you was watching for Him, you could see Him, and then you could ax Him.”

“I couldn’t watch for Him, my legs ache so awful, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open.”

“But I say, Bobby, you can hold your hand up, and if He should come round and see your hand up, He’d know you was arter something.”

He held his hand up, but it dropped. He held it up again, and it dropped. He held it up the third time, and as it dropped he burst out crying, and said, “I’ll give it up; I can’t hold my hand up no longer.”

“Bobby, I don’t want my pillow. You let me prop your elbow up with it.”

And the child—whom, perhaps you would sweep off your door step, or turn away from with disgust—took his own hospital pillow, and placing it under the elbow of his sick companion, propped up his arm. In the morning the little fellow lay dead, with his hand held up for Jesus.

You may search the world over, and you cannot find a grander illustration of faith, trust, and confidence than was manifested in that little fellow who had been in the Mission School but once.

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

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.’ Mark 10: 14.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

Children's Praises

Long ago, in ancient days,

Children sang the Saviour s praise;

Sweet hosannas, did they raise

To the lowly King.

We now praise the children’s Lord;

Heart and voice with one accord,

Join to spread His fame abroad.—

Joyful songs to sing.

When He lived on earth below,

Little ones to Him might go;

For the Saviour loved them so.

None were turned away.

Now, though He is gone on high,

Still He hears the children’s cry,

Looks upon us from the sky,

Listens when we pray.

Let us, then, with willing mind,

Praise this Friend, so good and kind,

Those who seek Him early, find.

“Come,” He says, “to Me.”

He will wash your sins away,

He will keep you lest you stray;

He will teach you, day by day,

More like Him to be.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1932

Arabs Lost in The Desert

WHAT a sad sight we have before us in our picture; these poor people are starving to death! Without food and without water, they are filled with despair. See their empty jugs lying around, and they cannot get a bit of water anywhere to fill them again.

How faint and distressed the poor creatures look that are sitting on the ground; the child seems limp and almost dead. But what is the girl doing, that has climbed high upon the rocks? She seems to be looking far into the distance. She is hoping and longing to see some camels coming loaded with food and water.

Companies of people with their camels, called caravans, often cross the deserts, carrying spices, fruits and merchandise from one country to another. It is a dreadful thing if a caravan gets out of water.

The camels can go for days without water, as they have peculiar stomachs that can store away enough to last them for a long time. Sometimes travelers have to kill some of their camels to get this water.

Our poor bodies depend so much upon our food: our meals supply the strength they need. But children, we have a soul 3as well as a body; the body demands so much attention each day that many do not think! about the soul. But which is the more important ?

The soul never dies, whether saved or lost,—and the body lives down here only for time, and that time may be very short for you. Many die very young.

Come to Christ Jesus for the saving of your soul—then find in Him the necessary food for it each day. Jesus said to the people when here on the earth,

“My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John G:32, 33.

It is only as you know Him as your own Saviour, and feed upon Him and His Word each day that your spiritual life can grow. Your soul must have food as well as your body.

“I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER; AND HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST.” John 6:35.

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 17

Many have had occasion to prove the truth of verse 1, and of verse 3, each in its season.

Verse 3 shows the purpose of trial, sometimes grievous to the believer: it is to purge away the dross. (See 1 Peter 1:5-7).

There are certain marks of evildoers, and quite different characteristics of those who are wise, who fear God, and these marks and characteristics are plainly set forth in the Proverbs. Verse 4: The evildoer gives heed to iniquitous lips; the liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. Verse 20: He that hath a froward (perverse) heart findeth no good. Verse 10: A reproof entereth more (deeply) into a wise (or understanding) man, than a hundred stripes into a fool, and verse 27: He that hath knowledge spareth his words, and a man of under standing is of an excellent (or cool) spirit.

Verse 9: “He that covereth transgression seeketh love,” tells of a trait of character much to be admired, yet the thought of our blessed God who has found, at infinite cost, a way to cover sin and forgive transgression (Psalm 32:1,2), leads us to consider that which shall fill our hearts forever,—His amazing grace.

Verse 17 tells what a friend is: and a true brother a good thing for us each to remember for application to our own selves, for where we fail is that some thing comes in between us and our friend, and the love that was there fades away. Of but one Friend, our Saviour God, is it true that He loves us at all times.

Verse 20: “He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good” seems to fit those who scoff at the Bible and at Christians. They never find any good, and they continue to spend money for that which is not bread (Isaiah 55:2), and their labor for that which does not satisfy.

Verses 2, 21 and 25 speak of sons who cause shame, fools, in the language of Scripture.

How many a parent since Solomon has had grief and bitterness over a son or daughter who rejected the earnest counsels abundantly given, and lived for folly. Any such sorrowing parents who may read these lines, the writer would affectionately commend to God, that their prayers and supplications might be constantly ascending to Him, making request that in His own time, and by His own way, the wanderer may be brought back.

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

The Condemned House

NOT far away on a busy street stands a large unused dwelling. Its history is doubtless one of usefulness r its commodious walls have housed many people. It is much newer in appearance than many of the dingy brick structures occupied. There are no broken windows or other signs of poverty to repel tenants. Yet there it stands idle.

Cannot someone turn it into profitable use? No, for what do those many, placards say? Condemned! That house is unsound throughout and cannot be occupied.

So it is with us human beings. You, dear reader, may appear a much more admirable person than your neighbor. Yet, unless you have been born again, you have God's sentence, "Condemned" upon you. Nothing you can do can fit yourself to be used by Him; no going over the surface or even bolstering up the walls will do. There must be an entire new structure.

"Ye must be born again." John 3:7.

"Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam), judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus Christ), the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Rom. 5:18.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

This Road'll Take Me To Daddy

IN a homestead in North Eastern Saskatchewan there lives a little girl named Margaret. One afternoon when Margaret was about three years old, she went with her mother and little brother to pick strawberries in the big wooded pasture.

For a while she had a grand time helping Mother fill up the cup, and watching the juicy red berries roll down into the pail each time the cup was emptied. When an extra fine berry was found she gave it to baby brother, and laughed at the way he smacked his lips and cooed for more.

But as evening and supper time drew near, her thoughts turned to home and Daddy. She knew Daddy would soon be coming in from the field and she knew just where to look to catch a first glimpse of him as he opened the big gate to let his horses through.

"Just a little while longer, dear," said her mother, "we must get some more berries for Daddy's supper first."

"But which way will we go, Mama?" said Margaret. "We're away out in the bush and I can't see Daddy at all."

Soon Mother, too, thought it was time to go, and off they started through the brush and over the rough ground, till they came to a trail that led home—a trail that even had Daddy's foot prints on it.

"Now," said Mother to Margaret," you may run ahead. This road will take you to Daddy."

So off she scampered, jumping and skipping along and chanting to herself, "This road'll take me to Daddy". Then as she rounded a bend, what do you think she saw? Why there was Daddy himself, coming to meet her.

How her little feet did fly then! And soon she was in Daddy's arms. "Ho-ooco", she laughed, "Mama told me this road would take me to Daddy, and so it did."

Dear children, this rough road through the pasture may be compared to the road we are traveling through this world. Just as little Margaret found the trail rough and hard at times, so if we love Jesus and try to follow Him faithfully, we shall find rough places and often feel weary and perhaps discouraged.

But just remember that the Lord Jesus trod the same path and knows all about it. In John 4:6 we are told that Jesus was wearied with His journey. In Luke 8: 22, 23, we are told that when Jesus was sailing across the lake with His disciples, He fell asleep. Perhaps He had had little or no sleep the night before, and was too weary to stay awake. Jesus Himself said,

"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man bath not where to lay His head." Luke 9:58.

How thankful we should all be that we have a home where we can lie down each night to rest and sleep!

Again we are told in Isaiah 53:3 that Jesus was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. So you see, dear young reader, that Jesus can understand all your little troubles and trials, for He had much greater ones. And He feels sorry for you when things go wrong.

Just go on cheerfully, then, like little Margaret, knowing that the road, rough though it may be, will take you to Jesus. And it will not be a long road either,

“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10:37.

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

Lulu's Conversion

LULU and her little cousin often played together, and in 3their play they sometimes quarrelled, and said naughty words to each other. At a very early age, Lulu’s heart was opened to receive the Lord Jesus, as her Saviour, and she rejoiced in the knowledge of His salvation.

“You must tell Carrie, dear, that Jesus has saved you,” said her mother, “and seek to lead her also to the Saviour.”

“Yes, mother dear, but I would like to let her see it as well,” said the dear child.

“Yes, Lulu, that’s right. We are expected to live so as to let others see that we belong to Jesus, and that commends the words we speak to them.”

Lulu prayed that she might be able so to act toward her little cousin that she might see, as well as hear, that she had been saved and become a lamb of the Good Shepherd’s flock.

This is how it ought to be with all who are saved. Others ought to see by their changed lives and actions, as well as hear from their lips, that they have become followers of Christ. Is it so with you, my young reader?

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He Is Good

We plow the fields and scatter

The good seed o’er the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God’s almighty hand:

He sends the snow in winter,

The warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine,

And soft, refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O, thank the Lord

For all His love!

He only is the Maker

Of all things far and near;

He paints the wayside flower,

He lights the evening star;

The winds and waves obey Him.

By Him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, Flis children.

Fie gives than daily bread—

All good gifts around us,

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O, thank the Lord

For all His love!

We thank Thee, then, O, Father,

For all things, bright and good,

The seed-time and the harvest,

Our life, our health, our food;

Accept the gifts we offer

For all Thy love imparts,

And, what Thou most desirest,

Our humble, thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us,

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O, thank the Lord

For all His love!

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1932

Happy Girls

WHAT a peaceful scene we have before us in our picture! Do you wonder what these girls are talking about? It must be something good, for they have such kind, happy faces. They are busy girls, though, for one has a pitchfork in her hand, and the other is tending the cow and calf. They are beginning a day's work, and are happy in it.

Did you know that the busy people are always the happiest ones? Idle ones are sure to get into mischief—they are apt to be saying evil and unkind things, and doing harm to others.

God has a message in His Word to idle people; look at Prov. 6:6. He tells them to watch the tiny ant; it is always busy.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise."

God is so displeased with His own children who waste their time. Our lives are so uncertain, so short, too, at the best, that we want to be occupying our time for Him.

Little people can run errands and do many deeds of kindness for others. All these things will make them very happy, if done because they love Jesus. He is watching us all the time, and knows whether we are doing our work to please Him. Big and little people can do their duties as under His eye, and have a peace and a real happiness down in their hearts, because they are doing faithfully the work He has given them strength for.

“WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT UNTO MEN.” Col. 3:23.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 18

Verse 1 speak's of one who refuses the true wisdom. The marginal reading is better than the text: He that separateth himself seeketh according to (or seeketh his pleasure). It is not God or the things of God that he seeks, but what will please himself.

The fool in verses 2, 6 and 7 is a self confident person: how many there are today! They have no delight in under standing; they like to contend, but only show their vanity, their entire emptiness of real wisdom.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous runs into it and is set in a high retreat” (verse 10).

“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.”

So read the lines of a familiar hymn reflecting the truth of God’s Word.

“Safe in Christ, the weakest child,

Stands in all God’s favor.”

Blest is the trouble that drives us to God for safety and help.

Verse 15. Intelligence, knowledge and wisdom spoken of in the Proverbs are in connection with the true knowledge of God. Having through His Word reached our consciences, so that we have seen our selves as guilty, undone, hell deserving sinners: and then spoken to our hearts, comforting us with the testimony of His love,—love which now flows from a Father’s heart to us as His beloved children, He would occupy our minds in an ever increasing knowledge of Him, of His abounding grace, and of His purposes in connection with the Son of His love in whom we have obtained an inheritance.

Here we sadly fail to make use of God's gifts; too easily we are content with our passport to glory, not seeking to learn more than the knowledge of the forgiveness of our sins.

The closing verse of our chapter speaks of a Friend who never fails those who know Him. The new translation is so much better than the King James version that I shall give it here,

“A man of many friends (or companions) will come to ruin, but there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” How blessed are we who know and trust Him.

“Earthly friends may fail and leave us,

One day soothe, the next day grieve us,

But this Friend will ne’er deceive us,

O how He loves!”

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

Story Of A Tract

WILL you take a tract telling of One who receives sinners? said a timid young boy to a fast-looking gentleman, who stood on a railway platform) many years ago. The tract was received,! I and through reading it, the receiver was converted. He at once took a decided stand on the Lord’s side, confessed His name, and began to preach the Gospel in his native town. Many were converted.

A large hall was built; children taught; believers gathered together in the Lord's Name, and for many years, a continuous stream of blessing flowed, the permanent results of which may be seen at the present time to the praise of God’s grace.

“Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

The first thing is to settle as to whether you are the Lord’s own redeemed one; and if so, manifest to all whose you are. Be true to the Lord who has done so much for you, in giving Himself to die for you.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

Will God Rub My Sin Out of His Book?

WHEN I was a child I used to sing a solemn verse of a hymn. It seldom failed to fill my young mind with awe. I write it now for those young readers, to whom I tell this story of a little girl, who feared lest her wicked deeds should be recorded in God's book. This is the verse:-

"There's not a sin that we commit,

Or wicked word we say,

But in Thy dreadful book 'tis writ,

Against the judgment day."

In a school that I know very well the teacher has a book wherein is written the name of each scholar, a list of marks for various lessons and general behaviour being added. It goes by the name of "The Mark Book," and is considered a book of great importance by both teacher and scholars. This book, then, will give my young readers some idea of the one wherein God writes an account of our doings.

One morning the teacher heard some little girls talking about the wrong-doing of one of their schoolfellows. The teacher looked very grave, and rising from her seat, she went to the corner of the room where Lizzie was sitting.

"Is all this sad story true?" she inquired. The child's face turned crimson, and her eye fell as the teacher stood before her, but she made no reply. "Lizzie," continued the teacher, "I want you to tell me the truth. Remember God is looking at you; He reads your heart. Did you indeed take the money from your mamma's pocket?"

"Yes, miss,"—faltered the child; "but I thought mamma would not miss the money, and I wanted to buy some candy."

"Your kind mamma would not have refused you."

"I did ask her before I took the money, and she said she could not give me any this morning."

"Lizzie," said the teacher, "not only have you been guilty of theft, but you have willfully disobeyed your mamma. What a black list is written against you in God's book this day."

"Has God put down in His book all that I have done?" said the surprised child. "Indeed He has, Lizzie."

"O dear, I never thought of that. What shall I do? He will not wash away my sin unless I tell mamma, and I cannot tell her."

"My child, if you are really sorry, you will not mind telling your mamma. Now go to her at once, for whatever punishment she inflicts will be only what her love to you demands."

Afternoon came, and Lizzie again appeared in the schoolroom looking very unhappy.

"Well, Lizzie," said her teacher, "I suppose you have told your mamma everything?"

"No, indeed, I have not," the child replied. "I tried to tell her, but the words would not come. I know she will be so angry with me. How much I wish that I had not touched what did not belong to me."

"My poor child, you are reaping the fruits of your sin, and you cannot feel happy till your conscience is clear. Your mamma must be told by you or by me. Consider the matter well, and let me know at the end of lessons which of us had better tell her."

As the children left the room at dismissal, Lizzie waited behind, and when the last lingerer closed the door she went up to the teacher, saying,

"I have made up my mind as to the right thing to do; I am going now to tell my mamma. And do you think that God will rub my sin out of His mark book?" Lizzie had caught hold of her teacher's hand, and her large dark eyes were gazing into her face.

"My poor child, what trouble you have brought upon yourself!"

"But," repeated Lizzie, who was now weeping bitterly, "you haven't told me, will God rub my sin out of His mark book?"

"Listen to what God says in His Word,” answered the teacher,

“ ‘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.’ Isaiah 1:18.

‘Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.’ Acts 10:43.

Dear child, can you trust Jesus? His Blood cleanseth us from all sin. If you truly believe, God will not bring you into judgment for the sins, which are written in His book, from which book the wicked will be judged when He sits upon the great white throne; but your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Lizzie was comforted by her teacher’s words, and she ran to tell her mamma at once of her naughtiness, saying,

“I deserve all the punishment you will give me.”

Dear young reader, do you fear to stand before God when His books shall be opened? Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

Throw It Away

WHAT is a soul?” asked a little boy, who had been listening to his mother reading poetry to a friend.

“Something inside you that tells you when you do wrong,” was the answer.

“When I am a big man,” said the little fellow, triumphantly, “I’ll take and tear it out of me, and throw it far away.”

Dear children, the precious soul can never be got rid of, and you are so precious to the Lord Jesus that He gave His own life-blood that you might never perish. Will you say, “I will throw it away?”

He, the God who made all things, asks you, “My son, give Me thine heart” (Prov. 23:26), and He will take such care of you that you “shall never perish,” neither shall any pluck you out of God’s mighty hand. (John 10:28.)

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

The Children Across The Sea

Do you think of the dear little children,

Away in the lands o’er the sea,

Who never have heard of the Saviour

So precious to you and to me ?

They never have read in the Bible

Of all that He did here below;

He was always so kind and so gentle,

And boys and girls loved Him, we know.

And they never have heard of the story,

Most wonderful story, yet true,

That Fie suffered on Calvary to purchase

Life eternal for me and for you.

How can they be joyful and happy,

Christ Jesus He only can save;

And they have no help for the present,

No hope for beyond the grave.

O, let us send quickly and tell them,

Of the Saviour Who came from above,

In His pity He longs to redeem them,

And prepare them a home in His love.

Let us pray that the message of pardon

May enter their hearts stained with sin,

So that quickly their hearts they may open

To let the dear Saviour come in.

As you think of the dear little children

Away in the lands o’er the sea,

Pray that soon they may hear of the Saviour

So precious to you and to me.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1932

The Queen

WITH a plain, little chair for a throne, an old umbrella for a canopy, and a wreath of grape leaves for a crown, the youngest child makes a contented little queen.

Just outside the door you see the grape vines. The basket inside is full of the fruit, and now the children are feasting on the grapes they have gathered.

The rest of the children are serving their queen very attentively and kindly.

You may learn from this that you should play contentedly with your little brothers and sisters, or friends. You should be unselfish, and ready to give them first place.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you have eternal life, and you will take pleasure in seeking to please Him in all your ways. He is the unselfish One who gave up all that He had in order to save us. So let us seek to please Him in everything.

“BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDER—HEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU.” Eph. 4:32.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 19

The first verse gives us the opinion of one of earth’s richest, (and certainly its wisest man; but it is after all, the judgment of the Holy Spirit; it is this that gives the Proverbs their value, being part of the Word of God. Uprightness of character cannot be bought with money, but it is worth more than anything money can buy; it is gained through the knowledge of God.

Self-will (perverseness) and self-confidence (folly) of the latter part of the first verse, so common in our day, do not come from God. He would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). This is the best and truest knowledge for the soul (verse 2).

He that hasteth with his feet sins (or, makes false steps); it is a mark of the foolish to act without thinking soberly, without counting the cost. (See verses 20, 23, 27 and 29 in this connection). Unheeding the solemn and urgent warnings of death and judgment contained in the Word of God, the majority? of mankind are hasting after pleasure, after power, or what they consider success in some other direction. But few gain their object, and when the prize is won, it is short-lived and unsatisfying, and wasted effort as a preparation for that eternity which lies before each of us.

So it is that the foolishness, or folly, of man distorts his way, and his heart is irritated against God (verse 3 ). What a picture of worldly life is found in verses 4, 6 and 7. Wealth addeth many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

“Earthly friends,” as the old hymn says, “may fail or leave us, but this Friend (our Saviour-God) will ne’er deceive us; O, how He loves !”

He is the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (chapter 18, verse 24), and among those who trust Him are many Christians whose friendship is not changed by either riches or poverty.

“Delight” in verse 10 is rather good living or luxury, and in verse 14 the New Translation is to be preferred:

“House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Jehovah.” Verse 18 is better read:

“Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; but set not thy soul upon killing him”—a warning not to carry punishment too far.

In verse 22 “desire” is charm, and in verse 24 read,

“A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.”

All of this chapter (as with all of the Proverbs) is full of weighty instruction. As each verse expresses a different truth, we cannot in our limited space comment upon many of them. Attention is called particularly to verses 16, 17, 21, 23 in addition to those mentioned.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1932

Harry's Dream

A GODLY father and mother had gathered their family together around the table to read from the large old Bible, as was their evening custom. The family worship being, over, the children were dismissed with “Good-night” blessings, and the younger ones were snugly tucked in their beds.

In a short time, the clouds of night had darkened the sky, and sweet sleep had closed the eyelids of little Harry. Dreams sometimes disturb repose, and God was thus speaking in warning to Harry’s soul.

He knew well the verses, “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 Tliess. 4:16-17.

He dreamed about His coming to call His own to be forever with Himself. He thought he heard the voice of the arch angel, and the trump of God. He thought he saw the Lord Himself descending from heaven and His glory filled the sky. From the midst of a white-robed shining throng, came the sound of His voice strong and clear; saying,

“Arise, My love, My fair one and come away!” Song of Solomon 2:13.

At the same time, from the earth there arose another company all clothed in white raiment also. The faces of some of these were known to Harry and he recognized them as they ascended to the cloud. Among the last of these were his loved parents. As his mother was rising to meet Christ, she gave one last, loving, never-to-be-forgotten look at her little boy. Terror seemed to fill his whole soul, and with one desperate effort he sprang towards her, seeking to catch the skirts of her white robe. But he missed her, and distance soon separated the mother from her boy. She was gone. Then the glory seemed to fade from the sky and in its place, heavy clouds were gathering. Harry now lay shivering with fear. He thought he had missed his last chance of salvation and dread despair filled his mind.

He knew he was a sinner. He knew that if unwashed from his sins he could never be in heaven with Christ. He had thought of receiving Christ as his Saviour and Master. Now he felt it was too late. Christ had come and he was left behind.

Rising up at length, he ran to his mother’s bed and found it empty and undisturbed. This confirmed his fear that she had gone. Falling down on to his knees on the floor he prayed, prayed that he might have one more opportunity of taking Christ as his Saviour.

At last, some hope rose in his mind as he thought that perhaps his father, and mother had not yet retired to their room. So down the stairs he crept and then to the outside of the kitchen door, where he stood and listened earnestly.

O! if only he could hear their voices. But no sound broke the silence but the solemn “tick-tack” of the old clock. What should he do? If they were there he should not like to go in for his face was tear-stained, and what could he say was the reason for his coming down from his bed.

The enemy of his soul, who desired to keep him his captive still, seemed to whisper to him, “Ask for a drink of water.”

With the thought of this excuse, courage came, and slowly lifting the latch he opened the door.

I he glad discovery was made immediately, that what he had seen was only a dream, for father and mother were both there quietly pondering over the Word of God.

Christ is coining. That of which Harry dreamed will soon be an accomplished fact. Christ will have taken all His own away to be with Him forever.

If He were to come today would you be found ready to go with Him? O! come to Him now. He will save you at once.

All who do not know Him as their Saviour, will be left behind, and He will say to them,

“Depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:27.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1932

In A Ring of Fire

AN ungodly man was once trying to convince a convert in India that his religion was of no use, and that he never would be any the better for it.

“What, after all,” said the scoffer, “has your Jesus done for you?”

“He has saved me!” said the native, with great animation; “He has saved me 1

“And what is that?” said the man.

“Step with me to the door, was the reply, “and I will show you.”

So saying, he took him outside of the house picked up a quantity of dry leaves and straw (of which there were plenty close at hand), and made a large circle of them. He then sought for a worm; and having found one he placed it in the center of the ring. Forthwith he applied a lighted match to the material that surrounded it, the scoffer looking on all the time with no little astonishment. As the heat of the fire approached the poor worm, it began to writhe and to show symptoms of distress, but could not get out of the burning ring. The man darted his hand through the smoke, plucked the worm out of its dangerous position, and placed it on the green grass, out of reach of all danger.

“There,” said he, “that is what the Lord Jesus has done for me: I was exposed to the flames of hell—there was no possibility of escape; I was condemned and ready to perish, and He rescued me by dying for my sins, thus snatching me as a brand from the burning; and gave me a place near His heart.”

Can you thus speak of yourself as saved by the death of Jesus? Are you able to say, like the poor native,

“He has saved me” ?

If not, we entreat you to come now, as a sinner, to Jesus, who is at the right hand of the Majesty on high, and He will give you rest. Take shelter in His blood, and you will be cleansed from sin, and delivered from the wrath to come. Hear ye the gracious words of God,

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1932

Has Jesus Made You Glad?

“I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.”

A LITTLE boy whom I know repeated these lines over and over again to himself, then suddenly turned to his grandmother with the question,

“Grandma, has Jesus made you glad?”

“Yes dear, He has,” she replied.

A few minutes after he put the same question to an aunt and cousin, and, receiving the same answer, exclaimed joy fully,

“Then He’s made us all glad.”

Dear reader, can you say the same?

“I think the Lord sent Miss C. to me,” said a woman the other day who had been lately converted. “I had been seeking rest a long, long time, and when she came she showed me things in such a new light —Jesus was just waiting to receive me, only I did not accept Him.”

“Yes, Mrs.___,” I replied, “the Lord knew your need, and so sent her to show you where it could be supplied.”

“Yes,” she continued, “and I’m so much happier now. I know now there is no real happiness away from Christ, and, come what will, we are safe in His keeping.”

Ah! she had “found in Him a resting place,” and He had indeed “made her glad.”

After trying human cisterns, she found that “none but Christ can satisfy,” and she also found that He had been patiently waiting years for her, only she did not know it.

Has He been waiting years for you, dear reader? If so, do come to Him at once, and you will find Him a sure and safe resting place, and He will indeed make you glad.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1932

Bible Questions for August

Answers to Bible Questions for June
“The Children’s Class”

Strive, to enter,” etc. Luke 13:24

.“And he said,” etc. “ 16:15.

“And they said,” etc. “ 24:32.

“And the publican,” etc.” 18:13.

“And when these things,” etc. 21:28.

“And David himself,” etc.” 20:42.

“I say unto you,” etc. “ 15:7

. 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, “I came forth from the Father."

Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Father which sent me.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “Father, I thank thee.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “O righteous Father.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “The cup which my Father hath given me.”

Write in full the verse containing the words, “I ascend unto my Father.”

What verse shows the only way any one can come unto the Father”?

Answers to Bible Questions for June
"The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. Luke 10:19-31.

2. They render the matter hard or difficult Luke 18:24.

3. Luke 24:27.

4. By taking the low place of serving. Luke 22:26.

5. “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

6. Taken off in judgment. Luke 17:32-37.

7. Seven times in a day. Luke 17:4.

.Bible Questions for August
“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

1. What is necessary in order to see spiritually?

2. Why did John write his gospel?

3. How do we know Peter was martyred?

4. How shall all men know that we are Jesus’ disciples?

5. What is the proof that we love the Lord?

6. What are we promised in the world?

7: What is the means God uses to sanctify us?

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 20

We thank God for the clear light the Proverbs shed upon the ways that are safe for the Christian and right in His sight. He who governs his conduct by the wisdom of this book will never fail.

Here in our chapter today are warnings against the consequences of indulgence in drink (verse 1); of incurring the anger of rulers (verse 2); of laziness (verse 4); of falsehood (verse 17); about talebearers ( verse 19 ); about recompensing evil (verse 22).

In connection with verse 2 see the open ing verses of Romans 13. Bearing in mind verse 3 will save much regret. The New Translation makes the latter part of this verse read, “but every fool rusheth into it.”

Verse 4 shows the necessity for energy diligence, perseverance in natural things that are right; we are apt to be sluggards in much greater degree about spiritual things and the service of God. How easy it is to stay at home instead of going to the meeting, particularly if the weather is disagreeable! (See chapter 13, verse 4.)

Verse 9. God has given to man great powers—mind, memory, love, conscience and many more,—but with all we possess, none can say in truth that he has made his heart clean, is pure from his sin by any act of his own. David in his great confession (Psalm 51) had learned a lesson when he besought God to purge him with hyssop and he should be clean; to wash him, and he should be whiter than snow.

It is not man's endeavor, but the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, that cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Twice found in this chapter is a word about false weights and measures; it was also in chapters 11 and 16. This is one of the fruits of a sinful nature in man, a hidden dishonesty, perhaps never suspected by the customers of the storekeeper, but known to God.

Verse 27. It is a great mercy from God to man, that we have the light of His Word—the Bible—to shine not only around us, but within us, exposing whatever in the heart and mind is displeasing to Him.

God made man a three-part being,—spirit, and soul and body (1 Thess. 5:23), —and we know from Genesis 2:7 that a special gift was given to man from God, and a link was formed with Him.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Genesis 2:7. This was not given to the beasts.

Intelligence and judgment, which the animals have not, belong to the spirit; while the affections, desires, appetites, etc. belong to the soul, as the scriptures in many places declare. (See also Romans 8:16.) It is in man's spirit that God is known, and thus His Word is received.

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1932

Do Not Say

O not say you are too young to be saved; Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me." Luke 18:16.

Do not say you are too old.

The invitation is for "whosoever will." (Rev. 22:17.)

Do not say you are too poor. Jesus said, "To the poor the gospel is preached," and we read of many poor people who were saved.

Do not say you are too rich. Zacchaeus was saved, and was rich. (Luke 19:2.) Remember that God wishes all men to be saved.

Do not say there is plenty of time yet. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.

Do not say you have always done your best, and God will be too merciful to punish you. "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa. 64:6. God is just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Do not say you are too wicked, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Do not say you have not been invited. You have heard the invitation many times.

"Come; for all things are now ready." Luke 14:17. Those invited in Luke 14 all began to make excuse; if you do the same, one day you will stand before the great white throne "speechless," without excuse.

"Come! for angel hosts are musing

O'er this sight so strangely sad:

God beseeching, man refusing

To be made for ever glad!"

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1932

Thank God, I Am Saved

WHILE walking along a country road, I became thirsty, so stopped at a farm-house for a drink of water. The farmer's wife kindly supplied me and thanking her, I said,

"Did you ever hear of the Man who gives living water?"

"O, do come in," she said; "my husband is very poorly, and he was just wishing someone would come in and talk with him, as he is very much troubled about himself."

So I went in, and found the man reading the Bible. After some conversation I asked him,

"Do you know you are saved?" He answered earnestly,

"I do hope I am saved; I pray to God, and I know Christ died for me, and I do hope I am saved."

I asked him to turn to John 3:36, and read the verse. So he read,

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”

“Do you believe on the Son?” I asked.

“O, I do, I do, with all my heart. I do believe He died for me.”

“Well, then, you must have everlasting life.”

“O, sir, I would not dare to say that; I am not good enough for that, but I do hope I shall be saved.”

“But you told me you believed God’s Word,” I said.

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

“But don’t you see God’s Word says if you believe on the Son you have everlasting life, and do you think! God would lie to us?”

“O, I wouldn’t dare to say that. That would be awful.”

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

He paused for a moment, and then the light dawned on him.

“O, I see it plain now. I believe on the Son, and God says I have everlasting life, and I just know it, not because I feel it, but because God says it.” And then he cried out.

“Thank God, I am saved! I am saved! God says it, and it must be true.”

Remember it must be heart faith on the Son of God, in His death for you on the Cross. Then it is true, “Hath everlasting life.”

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1932

Protection

Beneath the spreading branches,

Her face so bright and sweet,

This darling little maiden

Is having quite a treat.

An apron full of treasures

She holds with tender care,

Some little baby chickens

Are safely nestled there.

While others, soft and downy,

Are clustered at her feet,

No thought of fear or danger

With such a safe retreat.

So there is One, dear children,

Who watches over you

With love that never falters—

A love both strong and true.

As the little chicks are guarded

With tender care and love,

You too, are in the keeping

Of One who lives above.

This blessed Saviour, Jesus,

Once left His home on high,

And for poor guilty sinners

Came down to bleed and die.

But love so all-surpassing

Would not be satisfied

With saving from destruction

The ones for whom He died.

It follows us and keeps us,

No matter where we stray,

From dangers seen and unseen

Along our pilgrim way.

And this same love will take us,

When ends our journey here,

To realms of joy and safety

With Jesus ever near.

“I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME.” Psa. 23:4.

“Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1932

The Contented Family

No grandeur or style was needed to make or add to the happiness of the humble home, where sat the mother and her three children at a plain, but substantial meal. Love for one another, and kindness even to the animals, prevailed, and they are content with their circumstances.

These are good traits, which may well be sought after, as they have their good results. Godliness added to contentment, is great gain. Mere contentment with the circumstances will give a measure of happiness for a certain length of time, that is, as long as the circumstances seem to be agreeable, but such conditions change, and then the happiness and contentment go, too. But if there is godliness with contentment, the changes of circumstances cannot alter the happiness, as they are accepted as coming from His all-wise and loving hand.

We must first know the Lord Jesus, the gift of God's love to us, as our own personal Saviour, and then we are able to say,

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

The measure of God’s love in giving His Son is so great that it should cause us to accept every circumstance from His hand, and as being the best thing for us; consequently, there is happiness and contentment, although we may feel the trial which the Lord is bringing us through.

Do you know and enjoy that love?

“IF GOD SO LOVED US, WE OUGHT ALSO TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” 1 John 4:11.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 21

Great comfort it is, often, to the child of God, to know that God overrules the hearts of those in authority; if it were not so, the path of the Christian would be involved with many difficulties and dangers, for the world knows not God and cares not for those who are His.

Verse 2. Man doing what is right in his own eyes, and God weighing, or pondering the hearts; this verse gives us a true picture of the course of this age, and lets us know that the unseen and almost forgotten Creator, Saviour and Judge is taking notice and will in due time reveal Himself. Sinner, beware! (Revelation 20:12.) Child of God, be watchful of yourself (Romans 14:12).

Verse 4. The plowing of the wicked is rather the “lamp”, or the “tillage”, of the wicked. Lofty eyes and a proud heart are the fruit of the sinful nature within.

Verse 6 compares, O so pointedly! One of the great aims of man lost and ruined by the fall, with the fearful prospect of eternity under the judgment of God. (See 1 Kings 21.) When one thinks of eternity for such as forsake the true knowledge of God, life is “a vanity tossed to and fro,” or more simply translated in modern speech, a fleeting breath.

Verse 13 is one of many telling of God’s concern for the poor. Sound principles for the believer’s conduct fill the verses of this chapter; everyone deserves our close consideration. Verse 15 is a pointed observation: the righteous man finds joy in doing what is right, but the workers of iniquity would be ruined if they did as the righteous do; they need a change of heart.

Another subject several times mention ed in the Scriptures is the need for watch fulness about the tongue (verse 23). With this little member (James 3:5) almost every one offends at one time or another. We know of but one who never had to regret or apologize for a single word: the Lord, our perfect Example. (See 1 Peter 2:22, 23; John 18:23.)

Sacrifices, however costly, or whatever else may be done, professedly in the name of the Lord, are valued by Him according to the heart of the offerer (verses 3 and 27). The outward display may deceive one’s fellowmen, but not God, to whom the sacrifice of the wicked is abomination.

The 30th verse today is another testimony to the unchangeable purpose of our God. There is no wisdom, nor under standing, nor counsel against Him. The devil’s wicked plans will all prove unavailing when the day of the Lord is present.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

Serving The Lord

EVERY one who loves the Lord Jesus is allowed the favor of serving Him. But, make no mistake, we cannot serve Him rightly, till we know that He served us, and has washed us from our sins in His precious blood. It is then, when we learn that He has finished the work of atonement on the cross for us,that we may begin to work for Him..

“But what can I do?” you may ask, and perhaps you add, “I am so young, and weak.”

Ah! there is much that you can do, young and weak though you may be. You can obey your parents. You can help them in the home and in the garden. You can run errands for them, and possibly, for others. You Can do your school-work well, and be an example of attention and carefulness to others.

You may do all this for Christ and glorify Him in doing it.

Even a slave, doing his work well, served the Lord Christ (Col. 3:24).

I remember hearing of a boy, whose name was Daniel, who came to the Lord Jesus at one of the children's services he attended. The next morning after that joyful evening, little Daniel was up early. His mother coming down said,

"Why, Daniel, whatever are you up so early for, and what are you doing this morning?"

"Mother," he answered, "now that I am converted I thought I would try to help you all I can." He was learning the first lesson for Christians,

"Let them learn first to show piety at home and then to requite (to pay back) their parents" 1 Tim. 5:4.

If you know the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour, you can begin at once at home, and then the Lord Jesus will give you further service for Himself wherever He may guide you.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

Christ Died For Sinners

WHILE walking along a country road on a pleasant evening, I overtook a bright-looking little girl. is asked her,

"Do you know who Jesus is?" She at once replied smilingly,

"The Son of God."

"And do you know what He did?"

"He died on the cross."

"For whom did He die?"

"Sinners."

"And who are sinners?'

"Wicked people."

Up to this point her face was lighted with that peculiarly pleasing expression of frank innocence so frequently to be observed in young children, and her answers were given with manifest pleasure.

My next question, however, seemed to bring her to a stand. I asked,

"Are you one of the 'wicked people'?"

She made no reply. Evidently she did not wish me to think her wicked.

"Then," I said, "if Jesus died for the wicked people, and you do not know whether you are one of them, you cannot tell whether Jesus died for you."

She kept her eyes fixed on the ground for some seconds, and her face wore a most puzzled expression. Suddenly she brightened up, and looking at me with beaming eyes, said,

"He died for all."

She had solved the difficulty to her own satisfaction, and now said that Jesus died for her, without owning herself to be one of the wicked people.

What a picture of the human heart! Nature can accept the truth so far as owning that

"Christ died for all," but when it comes to a question of the individual state, the heart loves to have something of its own to which to cling. It would, if possible, accept salvation without owning its real condition in God's sight as "desperately wicked." But in this it only shows its deceitfulness.

The scripture which tells us that "One died for all," speaks thus:

"If One died for all, then were all dead," showing that the death of Jesus proves the whole world to be in the place of death. Jesus, the representative man, died; therefore all have died. We are not told to consider that "if One died for all," therefore we are saved. When it is a question of individual salvation, we read that

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

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Rom.. 5:8,

"When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

"We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Eph. 1:7. Each believer can say,

“He loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

The question of sins must be raised before the thought of salvation can be entertained. Jesus is the Saviour of sinners. He welcomes the sin-burdened soul; He delights to bind up the broken heart, to still the troubled conscience, to pour balm on the wounded spirit, to speak words of comfort and peace; to say,

“Thy sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48.

Do come to Him and receive all these wonderful blessings.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

The Happy Boy

AT a Children’s Meeting we had a group of boys. Some of them were saved, and very bright. One boy gave his testimony very simply and clearly, which, I believe, the Lord blessed to several in leading them to decision for Christ. He said,

“I was saved at the age of ten. My father and mother are Christians, and I had heard the way of salvation from my earliest years, but it was only when I saw my need of a Saviour, that I made Him my own. One night in the ‘Bethel,’ the hymn beginning—‘There is a fountain,’ was sung. I had sung it often, but, that night, the chorus—

‘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,’

was sung over and over again, and I saw, as I had never before seen, that Jesus had died for me,—my own self—and that I, by believing on Him, was saved. I just made it my own, and was saved then and there. Jesus was mine, and I was His. That was the best and happiest night in my life, and every day and night since has been as good. I have my troubles, but Jesus helps me to bear them all, and I am happy in His love.”

Wasn’t that a simple, telling testimony? And the point of it all is, the part in which he tells how he “made it his own,” by telling God in the language of the hymn,

“I do believe, I will believe,

That Jesus died for me.”

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

Keeping Guard

You have a little prisoner,

He’s nimble, sharp, and clever;

He’s sure to get away from you,

Unless you watch him ever.

And when he once gets out, he makes

More trouble in an hour

Than you can stop in many a day,

Working with all your power.

He sets your playmates by the ears,

He says what is not so,

And uses many ugly words,

Not good for you to know.

Quick, fasten tight the ivory gates,

And chain him while he’s young,

For this same dangerous prisoner

Is just—your little tongue.

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psa. 34:13.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1932

The A. B. C. of The Gospel

WITH what quiet, calm thoughtfulness the men read the passages of Scripture on the poster on the wall. Well they may, for they bring before us our sinful condition, God's remedy and the invitation to the weary soul to come to Jesus. Have you thought of that first text?

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

What a terrible thing it is to think of coming short of God's glory, and yet we have to do with Him.

If it were not for the next verse, we might be filled with trouble, but thanks be to God, He has provided a means whereby we may have our sins put away, so the second verse says,

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

Who is the Lamb of God? I am sure most of my readers can readily answer, it is Jesus, the Son of God. Yes, dear children, but presented to us as the One who was to be a sacrifice for our sins. So the word to us is, “Behold,” or look upon, “the Lamb of God.” The next sentence tells us what He does,—“which taketh away the sin of the world.” It is Jesus, then, who came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. But who will get the benefit of that sacrifice? The one who comes to Jesus. So the third verse says,

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

If you have first been troubled about your sins and felt their load, then the word to you is, “Behold the Lamb of God,” and “Come unto Me.” He puts sin away, He gives rest to all who look to Him, or will come to Him.

How terrible must the judgment be for those who will not come to the Lord after all the love God has shown to them in giving His Son as the Lamb to die for sin ners. May you, dear children, not turn away from Jesus, but come to Him now.

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 22

A man of unbounded wealth (2 Chronicles 1:12; 9:13-28) tells his judgment about riches in verse 1; we do .well to take heed to it as the word of God, for the love of money is a root of every evil and godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:10 and 6).

In verse 3 we observe an apt picture of the ' Christian and of those who neglect salvation' (Hebrews 2:3). The Christian has been prudent; foreseeing the evil to come, he has fled for refuge (Hebrews 6.18-20) to Christ whom God has provided for the guilty (see Numbers 35:9 and following, and Romans 5:8, 9), there finding that there is no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The “simple” refuse to be alarmed about the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Colossians 3:6), and pass on, and are punished.

If verse 3 gives the choice between the narrow path which leads to life eternal and the broad road so many are choosing, which leads to judgment, verses 4 and 5 make plain for the young Christian,—and the old one too,—how to live in a world which is full of snares for the unwary. He that keeps his soul holds himself far from them.

Verse 6 (see also verse 15) is the scriptural guide for parents, with Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21. The present is a day of independence of authority and of neglect of home responsibilities, but the Christian who is wise will hold to God’s Word in regard to his children as well as to all else.

Though the practice of endorsing a friend’s note for payment of a debt is very common, it will be noticed that the Book of Proverbs several times speaks against it. as in verse 26.

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

The Little Cripple

I WAS in the habit of visiting a boy about fourteen, who with friends lived in a garret. It was a painful sight to behold him, one arm and hand was quite paralysed, and the other almost useless. Besides this, his poor little wasted body was covered with abscesses, which caused him a great deal of pain at times.

He was not able to get into the green fields, for they were far away in the country, and the house in which he had but a little room at the top, was in the court of a back street. But the sun would now and then peep through the great clump of chimney pots, and shine in and cheer him, and now and then a little stray current of fresh air would overcome all difficulties and fan his cheek. He could it and watch the little bits of geraniums in the pots that stood outside, striving hard to look bright and to give him a little fragrance in return for the drops of water that were given them occasionally.

But his happiness of heart, and his cheerful-looking face, in spite of the white cheeks from which the color had long since fled, did not depend upon these, thankful as he was for them, but he had been reading the Bible, and God had spoken peace to his young heart from His own Word.

On one occasion we were talking of the rich man and Lazarus, in Luke's Gospel, when he said,

"0, sir, I would rather be the Lazarus (and my body seems much like his), than the one inside in .the purple and fine linen, and the feasting, because I have Jesus."

"And are you satisfied with Him?"

"Indeed I am," said he with such an expression that I shall-not easily forget, and he added, "I have a poor body; but I have Jesus, and that's more than enough."

I can't tell you how joyful it made me to hear a little boy talk like that. Jesus was precious to him, and although he had such a poor body, he had a happy heart, that all the gold and silver in the world could not give—he had peace with God through faith in the Loid Jesus Christ; and he knew from the Word of God, that presently he would have a beautiful body, and all the weakness would be gone, when he was with Jesus and like Him.

I like to visit that dingy garret, and have a little talk with the poor boy about Jesus. It reminds me of what a poet once sang about a Sunday-school,

"I have been there and still would go, 'Tis like a little heaven below."

May the many little boys and girls who read "Messages of Love," find in Jesus a Saviour and a guide through the slippery paths of youth, and they will find that no good thing He withholds from them that walk uprightly.

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

Line Upon Line

WHEN I was little my mother often had to call me in from my play. Many times I was so engrossed with the thing I was doing that I left it reluctantly, and, lacking implicit obedience, would ask,

"What do you want?"

Her usual answer to that question, "I want you," annoyed me; for I could not as a child, think in terms of a mother's thoughts about her little one. Something to do was what I was seeking, and my own activities were often more pleasing. It was trying on that child-nature to yield due obedience.

A few days ago, many years after I had forgotten those incidents, I was strangely impressed by hearing the patient voice of a mother in the neighborhood calling her little daughter. The small girl's response was the same as mine had been, and was asked in a similar questioning tone. Back came three familiar words, with almost the same inflection my mother had used.

Instead of chastening me as I deserved for my attitude toward my parent, God thus used the experience to speak in a gracious way to the heart of His child, with the words, "I want you!" I trust this may be helpful to others.

Young Christian, can you not also hear the Lord say with patience and love to His child who lacks understanding in spiritual things, "I want you"? Can you not feel in a small measure the love of Him who has every claim upon you? Is it not good to know that He wants not only that your whole life be lived for Him, but that He delights in you as His child?

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." Jer. 31:3.

"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou halt given Me, be with Me where I am." John 17:24.

The realization of God’s love is one “line” to be learned. Another is obedience to parents;

“Harken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Prov. 23:22.

Those who are disobedient and disrespectful to their parents in their youth, turn out badly later on, unless they turn to the Lord. Think of this, dear children, and come to the Lord Jesus to be saved from your sins. Then remember the scripture,

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

Because Jesus Is There

ONE day in the Sunday school, a teacher asked the scholars how many of them would like to go to heaven. In response all hands went up, without delay. Then the question was asked,

“Why do you wish to go to heaven?”

A moment’s hesitation, then A.’s hand was raised.

“Well, A., why do you wish to go to heaven?” the teacher asked.

“Because Jesus is there,” was the thoughtful, but firm reply.

Could there, my dear young reader, have been a better or happier answer given? Let me beg you to ask yourself the question, honestly,

“Why do I wish to go to heaven?”

Many desire to go to heaven simply to escape the miseries of hell. Others think it is a bright, happy place, and for this reason they would like to be there. Others still are thinking of the reward they will receive; others of the glory.

What is your thought? 'Do you, like dear A., want to go because Jesus is there?

O, may it truly be so with you. Do you not know that heaven would not be heaven without Jesus! It is the presence of that blessed One that will make the light, and joy, and glory of that blessed place.

May He be so dear to your hearts that heaven for you will be to be with Jesus.

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

When God Looked Down From Heaven

When God looked down from heaven, and saw

That all the earth had sinned and strayed,

That none were loving, serving Him,

Of all the men He made;

When God looked down from heaven, and saw

That all were filled with sin,

That men and women, children too,

Had wicked hearts within;

What did that God so holy say?

That Just and Righteous One?

“I have one Son, my Well-beloved,

And I will send My Son.

“My Son shall die for wicked men,

Shall bring them back to God,

And He shall wash away their sins

In His most precious blood.”

So Christ the Lord is seeking now,

Says, “Little children, come,

And I will bear you in My arms

To God My Father’s home.”

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1932

Feeding Time

HOW readily the chickens come to get their food. They know the one who feeds them, and the moment they see her coming, they all run to her. We do not wonder at that; indeed, if they did not, we would have good reason to think they were sick, or afraid of the one who was bringing their food.

God, who has made us, has given us food to eat, and we know we could not make the food ourselves, we are therefore dependent upon Him for all things; but I wonder if we, each one, are thankful to Him, and receive all as coming from His Hand? How many there are who sit down to their meals, and never even think of giving God thanks. They act like the brute beasts who know not God.

“MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.” Matt. 4:4.

God therefore has given us His Word as food for our souls, and I ask you, dear reader, Do you delight to read the Word of God ? Have you taken it with thanksgiving, or do you run away from it ? The state of the soul is soon manifested when that test is brought.

If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, and we are going on with Him, we shall desire more and more to be over God’s Word; but if not, there will be little or no desire for it, and we shall sooner or later, do something that will bring dishonor on the Lord’s name. May you seek to say with the Psalmist, .

“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psa. 119:11.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

God's Own Word

There is a lamp whose steady light

Guides the poor traveler in the night;

’Tis God’s own Word! Its beaming ray

Can turn the midnight into day.

There is a storehouse of rich fare,

Supplied with plenty and to spare;

’Tis God’s own Word! There, there is found

Direction for the homeward bound.

Then use this lamp to light thy road;

This storehouse for thy daily food;

This chart to guide thee on thy way

Which leads to heaven’s eternal day.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 23

Mighty words of wisdom for the daily life fill this chapter. How much we miss through neglecting the study of the Book of Proverbs! It furnishes a complete guide past the pitfalls and dangers, the rocks and shoals encountered in the voyage of life.

Wholesome is the advice given in the first verse, through divinely given know ledge of the frailty of poor fallen man. Many have been proving the truth of verse 5 in the present depression, having been reduced from plenty to poverty in a short time. Treasures laid up for our selves in heaven are far more enduring investments,

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

Verses 10, 11. God will judge those who take advantage of others; ours is a day when there is much of the spirit of “might is right,” and the removal of the ancient landmark may be an easy way secretly to shift the boundary of my farm to take in land which is someone’s else. The “fields of the fatherless” speak of feeble folk, easily robbed, but their Redeemer is mighty and He will plead their cause with the oppressor.

Verse 12. By nature we do not like to be corrected; yet it is only by diligence in reading and study of the Scriptures, and by taking earnest heed to the ministry of servants of the Lord more intelligent in and acquainted with the Scriptures than ourselves, that we grow spiritually.

Verses 15, 16, 24, 25. Christian fathers and mothers are happy when they are able to see their children saved and growing in the Christian life.

Verses 17, 18. .“All the day long,” not just at bed-time, kneeling in prayer, nor only on rising after a night’s rest. It is the believer’s privilege to be in the fear of the Lord all of the day, moment by moment. And “surely there is an end” (or result) or future. (Titus 2:12-14; Colossians 3:23, 24; Hebrews 6:10-12; Philippians 3:20, 21.)

Verse 23. That would be a poor bargain, to sell the truth and wisdom and instruction and intelligence, for the passing things of life. Nothing in this world could compensate for the loss of the fear of God and the enjoyment of His Word as the food of the soul and mind.

Verses 26-35 consider two of the world's attractions that have occasioned the ruin of many. It is only in God's Word that we learn the true character of evil. The "dek3 ditch" and "narrow pit" (verse 27), once fallen into are hard, if not impossible to escape. And by indulgence in sin, in things forbidden in the Word of God, the conscience is weakened, the sense of wrong is perverted, and the man (or woman) becomes a willing slave. Note the last words of the chapter,—buffeted and suffering because of drunkenness, but "I will seek it yet again." Such is man, with all his boasting and pride!

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

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.

"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 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 now became still more thoughtful. Then she suddenly exclaimed,

"But I don't know that—and that's the thing of it 1"

So I began to "tell the story simply, as to a little child," to this little one, 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 that 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." 1 John 4:19.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

What Made Her Cry?

ONE day King Edward VII went on a visit to the city of Norwich. Eleven thousand school children sang "God save the King!" which seemed to please His Majesty very much. He bowed and smiled at the children.

After the King had gone by, a little girl was seen by her teacher to be crying.

Why are you crying?” asked the teacher. “Did you not see the King?”

“Yes,” sobbed the little girl, “but, the King did not see me!”

Poor little creature! She was sad at heart because the King did not take special notice of her amongst the eleven thousand children.

How will it be when the Lord Jesus, the King of kings, comes? Every eye shall see Him. Those who are saved will see Him in His beauty and glory. Those who have refused Him will see Him on His throne of judgment.

But I have met people who are afraid that when the Lord Jesus comes He will not see them. There will be so many— thousands upon thousands—that will be caught up to meet Him, that they fear that they may be forgotten.

Do you ever have this fear? Do you feel that you are so small and weak that very likely the Lord Jesus will not notice you when He comes, and therefore may leave you behind? Well, you need not be afraid of this if you have really trusted Him as your Saviour. He knows every one of His sheep. God knows you, too. He has counted all the hairs on your head. That shows how much He thinks about you. He thinks about even the little sparrows and cares for them. So you need not be afraid that He will forget you.

God has given you, if you are a real believer in the Lord Jesus, to His Son. The Lord Jesus will lose none of those whom His Father has given Him, and He will not leave one behind when He comes. He sees you every day, even now. His eyes are on you when you are asleep as well as when you are awake. And when He comes He will see you and call you and catch you up to Himself in the air.

Will you learn a verse from the Bible that tells us this?

“Christ the firstfruits, afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Cor. 15:23.

Are you one of the company spoken of as “they that are Christ’s?” If so, you will be with Him at His coming.

I want you to sing these lines to your self sometimes. Do you like singing? How nice it is to be able to sing of such a Saviour as Jesus is:

“Jesus, my Saviour, shall come from on high,

Sweet is the promise as weary years fly;

O, I shall see Him descending the sky,

Coming for me, for me!”

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

Lord, I Am a Simple Child

Lord, I am a simple child,

Often wayward, often wild,

Yet I long to follow Thee

And Thy blessed face to see!

Thou for me wast crucified,

For my many sins hast died,

And for me art risen now—

Joyous at Thy name I bow.

Lord, I thank Thee for Thy love,

Which doth my affections move;

Now for Thee till Thou return

I would live and evil spurn:

Seek to walk Thy narrow way:

All Thy Word with joy obey:

Seek to please Thee day and night,

Make Thy precepts my delight.

Help me, Lord, to do Thy will—

With Thy love my heart now fill:

Give me grace to follow Thee —-

Like a Christian child to be.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1932

Bible Questions for September

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

1. "Say ye of him," etc. John 10:36.

2. "He was not," etc. " 1:8.

3. "He that speaketh," etc. " 7:18.

4. "For he whom God," etc. " 3:34.

5. "Verily, verily." etc. " 5:24.

6. "I must work," etc. " 9:4.

7. "Jesus answered," etc. " 6:29.

Bible Questions for September"
The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in the Acts, Chapters 1-14

Write in full the verse containing the words, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "We ought to obey God."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Him shall ye hear."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "God is no respecter of persons."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "As the Spirit gave them utterance."

Write in full the verse containing the words, "Cleave unto the Lord."

If the law of Moses cannot justify a sinner, how may he be justified?

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

No. John 10:41.

Jesus must be glorified. John 7:39.

"Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:68, 69.

"That ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:29.

Receiving honor of men. John 5:44.

The Word; God; the Light; the only begotten Son; the Lamb of God; the Son of God; the Messias; the King of Israel, etc.

We must be born again. John 3:3.

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

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

How long will Christ stay in heaven?

For whose salvation did Cornelius feel a responsibility?

Does the Lord know where His saints live?

Is Christ yet a man?

How will Christ come back from heaven?

Does the expression, "raised up Jesus" always refer to the resurrection?

Would you knowingly eat blood?

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 24

HOW good for the believer that he has the plain, simple, understandable Word of God for his help and guidance through life! Let us make more diligent use of it.

Verse 1. Evil men are often prosperous, and their troubles seem light, or at least they make light of them. We are warned against enjoying such, or wishing to be with them, because they are the wrong kind of companions for those who would please God.

Verses 3 and 4 in the figure of a house, set out the great importance of beginning right and going on right, God having freely proved the wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:6), understanding (Luke 24:45) , and knowledge (Romans 15:14) needed by the believer for his passage through life.

Verses 11, 12. Man's course since Cain has been marked by the open or the covered avowal concerning his fellows, "I am not my brother's keeper," and from this principle of fallen man the present depression is sprung. In these verses the opposite, the divine principle is seen. I am to look with the deepest interest upon my fellow-men, to do what is in my power for them. Man being a sinner, and the wages of sin death, but the gift of God eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, we see in verses 11 and 12 The call of God to seekthe salvation of all whom we can reach with the good news. With a direct commission of the highest order, the apostle Paul could say,

"Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:16. 0, for more earnest seeking the salvation of the lost in these closing days!

Verse 29 speaks of another principle of man's, but for the believer it is "Say not!"

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31), is the language of our blessed Lord concerning ways that are pleasing to Him. Verses 30-34 are, of course, the truth concerning our natural lives, but a lesson is contained in them for the Christian. Are the things of God, things which concern Him, receiving due attention from us His children? Is our "vineyard" all grown over with "thistles and nettles," instead of the "vines" being carefully tended and cultivated? Is our "stone wall", intended to keep all intruders out, all broken down? Amusements, filling the mind with the literature of the day, the pursuit of business,—these divert the Christian from the Bible and prayer, from the prayer meeting, and make him barren (or idle) and unfruitful as regards the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (See 1 Peter 1:1-11.)

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

The Empty Chair

WHEN I come to see you I always find myself looking at the picture which hangs by that window," said a friend of mine one day.

"Why does it interest you so much?" I asked.

"Because," replied my friend, "it reminds me of something."

"Does it?" I said. "Then I must tell you that the picture reminds me of something, too. When I look at that empty chair I think of another seat, as yet unoccupied—an empty seat, not in a picture, but in a place more beautiful than any you have ever seen."

"Where is that empty seat?" asked my friend eagerly. "In some magnificent mansion?"

"No. Before I tell you where that empty seat is," I replied, "you must know that numbers of people are bidden to the joys of the beautiful place where the empty seats are."

"What kind of people are invited?" "All those who like to come. It does not matter who they are."

"All who like to come!" repeated my friend, quite astonished. "Do you think He would have me?"

"O, yes, for He has invited everybody. He wants His house to be quite full, and will have no empty seats there." My friend looked at me, and said,

"I must first know what kind of person the owner of that empty seat is. Do you know Him?"

"Yes; I have known Him for many years. He is kind, and gracious, and full of love—it is none other than God Himself, who bids you welcome, who invites you to come in and enjoy the blessings He has provided. Garments of salvation, —all that is required,—are prepared without money and without price for all such as receive the invitation to the empty seat."

Dear children, I will end my little story by asking one question of each of you. Have you accepted God's invitation? The Bible says, "Yet there is room." Today you may receive all the blessings of the Father's house. But when Jesus comes to take His people home, the door will be closed. You will not be able to enter in then—it will be too late.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

Nothing Too Small For The Lord

SHE sat in the school-room, with many children around her, busy at their lessons. Some looked in earnest, others were in trifling; but our little girl's face wore a puzzled look, her sum would not come right. The large dark eyes glanced wistfully up at the window—no help was there; and yet was it that bright little sunbeam peeping in, which sent the trustful look into Rosie's eyes? At what are the girls smiling? See! they are nodding and whispering together. Two small hands have covered her eyes, as the little girl murmurs,

"Please, Lord Jesus, help me to do my sum; I cannot do it alone. Amen."

She had forgotten she was in school—she had only thought of her difficulty and where she could get help, and, as her willing hands again took up the pencil, a flush spread over her little face at the sight of her laughing companions.

"But I don't mind," thought she, "they don't know Jesus is near, or they would not do so."

The sum was easy then; the trust was not in vain. As the teacher looked over the little maid's paper, she smiled and said,

"Quite right; you are a good little girl." The child whispered,

"Thank You, Lord Jesus."

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

God's Delight in Creation

HOW refreshing such a tranquil scene is on a hot summer day. Well may the people in our picture have remembered to thank God for allowing them to enjoy the beauties of the stream with its lilies and shady banks.

Although we know that the whole earth belongs to God, we are naturally so taken up with man's interests, that we are inclined to think it was made chiefly for our enjoyment. Who, when coming upon a choice flower or a beautiful view in some secluded place, has not wished first that more of his fellow-men could see these hidden things? We should think of God's enjoyment of creation, and should never consider beauty wasted though not seen by mortal eyes. Then we should be more grateful for every mercy we receive.

"Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11.

However much God enjoys the beauties of His handiwork, He takes an infinitely greater delight in new creation, in saved souls. We all know the verse beginning "F"or God so loved the world" etc. And again,

"That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:23.

Are you one who has given "joy in heaven" over your repentance, one in whom God delights because you have be.. lieved in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

"THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH." Luke 15:10.

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

The Reason Why

The Reason Why I'm happy,

Is that I know His love

Is ever shining on me,

From Paradise above.

The Reason Why I love Him,

Is that "He first loved me,"

And came to earth to prove it,

By dying on "The Tree."

The Reason Why I'm peaceful,

Is that He rose again,

And went to heaven the Victor,

That I might peace obtain.

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1932

Christ Our Hiding Place

IN our picture today, dear children, there is every appearance of an arising storm. The ' young girl, no doubt is hurrying along, hoping to reach her destination before the storm breaks upon her. She is obliged to hold her hat, lest the wind carry it away.

How strong the wind is, sometimes carrying little people off their feet: yet God is stronger, and can gather the wind in His fists (Prow. 30:4). A storm frightened the Lord's disciples:

"Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Matt. 8:26.

Always remember, dear ones, all is in God's hand, and though "He causeth the wind to blow," it is for a purpose.

"Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings for the rain; He bringeth the wind out of His treasuries." Psa. 135:6, 7.

We must seek the best shelter available from high wind, hail or lightning. Then how needless, how foolish it is for us to be afraid in a storm, because nothing can cause us injury unless God allows it. The same God who protected the three Hebrew boys in the burning fiery furnace, is our refuge now.

There is a storm coming upon the whole world, the storm of judgm4su for the rejection of God's Son, but all who have taken shelter in Christ are perfectly secure.

"A Man shall be as a hiding p!ace from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isa. 32:2.

To any who have not this "Hiding Place" , be sure to come to Him now, believing that you are a sinner and that He died and rose to save you. We know not how soon the storm of judgment may break; but the Lord will first take His own from the world.

"WHOSO PUTTETH HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE SAFE." Prov. 29:25.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 25

ONLY God could justly conceal (Verse 2). This is, in its fullest expression, the glory of His grace (Ephesians 1:3- 14). Psalm 32 speaks of the blessed portion of him whose sin is covered, and Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:17 says,

"Thou 'hast cast all my sins behind Thy back," speaking of his deliverance from the pit of destruction, as due to the love of God. Though many Old Testament passages speak of the covering or putting away by God of the sins of the repentant, He could not tell the full story of His grace until upon the cross His righteous demands were fully met in the sin-atoning death of the holy Sufferer, His beloved rim (Romans 1;1.4; 811-250

Verses 2-5. We reflect from these verses upon this, that the rulers of this world, no matter how great, fall far short of Him whom we worship as God and Father. in Him was love; in them only Power (verse 2). In Him we can fully confide, assured that all will be well; in them is no such confidence (verse 3). In His throne is infinite holiness (Isaiah 6, Revelation 4); in them is much imperfection—sin is present (verses 4, 5).

Verse 6. It is a trait of man without the knowledge of God to push into the best place. (Luke 14:7, Mark 12:39.) What an example of another spirit we have in Christ! (See Philippians 2:5-8.)

Verse 21 is again the opposite of man by nature, and, hard for man to accept. We should prefer, naturally, to let those who have ill-treated us go hungry and thirsty. When we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son (Romans 5:10), and this is a theme that shall be our delight eternally.

In verse 23 the translation is defective: "driveth away" should be read "bringeth forth," and so the latter part of the verse becomes plain.

Verse 25. Once as poor lost sinners we heard good news from a far country, even heaven itself; it was a message of redeeming love. And not only has He so blessed us that we can speak of songs in the night (Job 35:10, Psalm 42:8, Acts 16:25), but He has said, "Surely I come quickly," to which our hearts respond with fervent desire, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Surely we have good news from a far country.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1932

Was His Mother Really Worth It?

A COUNTRY boy was very eager to buy his mother a present for her next birthday, so he decided to save all his pennies for this purpose. And

he had his eye on such a. lovely present. One day, when in town with his father, lie had seen a nice vase, but its price was 80 pennies. O, dear, fancy saving 30 pennies! Never mind, lie would try, and so he saved his pennies week after week until he had the right amount. When his father was going to town again Johnny gave him the money and asked him to get the vase for him. Of course his father was surprised at his request, and especially at Johnny's having saved that amount, and so he said to Johnny,

"Isn't it a lot for you to spend on a birthday present for your mother?" But listen to Johnny's answer,

"Yes, father, but she's worth it." That's what every boy and girl thinks about mother, isn't it?

But we read in the Bible that Someone is "worth it." It says in Revelation 5:12,

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." Of course, the Lamb is Jesus, because you will remember that John the Baptist said of Him,

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

Now, if Jesus is worthy, what can we give Him to show that we really believe it?

We can give ourselves, can't we? We can love Him because He first loved us; yes, loved us so much as to die on the Cross of Calvary for us. If we really believe this and trust our Lord Jesus for salvation, we are giving ourselves.

We can give our lives; indeed, if we truly give ourselves, we cannot help but give our lives.

We can give our praises. How much we have to praise Him for! God gave His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus to be our Saviour, for we could not save ourselves.

Also, "In everything give thanks."

Everything we do, we should do cheerfully and with a glad heart, and when other boys and girls see how happy we are, they will want our Saviour, too.

May our present to the Lord Jesus be these things, and then when we all get to heaven, we shall be in that great choir which no man can number, singing still the song,

"Thou art worthy for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood." Rev. 5:9.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1932

Have You Ever Thanked Him?

AT the large window of a fine house, looking out on to the high road, lay on a sofa a helpless cripple. He was a very wealthy man, but was in almost constant pain in his head and limbs, from severe injuries received in early life. Visitors who did not know his story would ask him why he was so fond of lying at that window.

"Years ago," he would say, "I was in perfect health and was walking down that road, and was just beginning to descend the steep hill beyond, when I heard a clattering behind me, and turning around I saw a light buggy with a runaway horse coming tearing along the road. I rushed forward and stopped the horse, and saved the life of a little girl who was in the buggy, but became so badly injured that I have been a helpless cripple ever since. That little girl must now be grown into a fine young woman; but though I have spent hours every day for years at this window, I have never seen her since.

She has never once called to thank me."

I think I hear you say, What an ungrateful and hard-hearted girl, but dear young reader, have you ever "called" to thank Jesus yet? Perhaps the child did not know who it was that saved her life or his address; but you do know who died for you, and where He lives too.

Have you thanked Him for all that He suffered on that cruel cross, in bearing the punishment from God, on account of your sins so that you may be saved forever?

Jesus is not indifferent either, as to whether you thank Him or not. He wants you to be able to say,

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1932

Jesus Has Died

Once on the tree of shame,

Jesus has died:

To save the lost He came,

Jesus has died; For sin He did atone,

His glorious work is done,

He sits upon the throne,

Jesus has died.

List to the Saviour's call,

Come unto Me;

His message is to all,

Come unto Me;

He will thy sins forgive,

To thee His Spirit give,

Only His word believe,

Come unto Me.

Come to the Saviour now,

Come and be blest;

All must before Him bow,

Come and be blest;

While mercy's call we sound,

While pardon may be found,

While grace Both still abound,

Come and be blest.

Saviour, I come to Thee,

Just as I am;

O! take me Thine to be,

Just as I am;

Cleanse all my sins away,

Lead on the heavenly way.

I come to Thee today,

Just as I am.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1932

Waiting

DEAR Children, what do these bright, pretty faces make you think of? They seem to be waiting—watching for something. Perhaps some of you often sit out on your door-step, or porch, waiting for father or mother to come home. And what do you do when you see them coming? You may clap your hands for joy as you run to meet them. You are happy to see those you love.

Is there anyone else you are watching for?—someone you have not yet seen—one you may have learned to love; though still unseen?

Many of you know and love the blessed Saviour who died for you. You know your sins are forgiven, through faith in His name. Do you know also, .that He is coming to take you, and all who love Him to His home above? Do you know that any day, any hour, He may descend into the clouds, and call us up to meet Him in a moment—in the twinkling of an eye? (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.)

So He wants you always to be waiting and watching for Him, ready to be called away at any moment from this world of sin and sorrow: ready to meet Him in the air: ready to share His home and throne above- Are you watching, are you longing with joy to see His blessed face?

The apostle Paul said, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8.

"YE TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS TO SERVE THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD: AND TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN." 1 Thess. 1:9-10.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 26

THREE words in the Hebrew, translated "fool", are used in the Book of Proverbs; the one r occurring eleven times in chapter 26 is kesil, meaning self-confident. Honor is as unsuited to such as snow is out of place in summer and as rain at harvest time (verse 1).

In the second verse the preferred reading is "As the sparrow for flitting about, as the swallow for flying, so a curse undeserved shall not come." The sparrow and the swallow are also mentioned together in Psalm 84;3. The sparrow is a common bird in Palestine, flitting about all the time, as is its habit in the western countries; and the swallow roves about like a homeless wanderer, according to its nature. So, as a bird is known by its habitual ways, where there is a curse, there must have been a cause. Man likes to think himself good, but he is self-deceived (Romans 1:18 and 3:23).

Verses 4 and 5 appear to be contradictory, but they are not. The purpose of the instruction in them is so to answer the self-confident that he may be helped, and that one may not become like him. God will give wisdom for this. In verse 9 "parable" is correctly "proverb."

Verse 10 appears difficult. It will be seen that words have been added (in italics) by the translators of three hundred years ago. The best translation is believed to. be: "A man roughly worketh every one: he both hireth the fool and hireth passers-by," The Hebrew verb transslated "rewardeth" is generally written "hireth, (as for wages) elsewhere in the King James version. The meaning is that when employing people, a man will not be certain who will prove valuable and who of those he hires will not be; God is not referred to at all.

Verse 27 is another of God's rules regarding man: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" is the form in which it appears in Galatians 6:7. There are many examples, both good and bad, of this in the Scriptures: for instance, Cain, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Caleb, David. It is well to remember that we each (whether saved or lost), are going to get back according to our deeds, according to the way we have spent our time. This is entirely apart from the salvation of the soul. That question once settled can never be brought up again, thank God! (John 3:16 and 10:28.)

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

A Brave Answer

ONE day a friend of little Jennie's said,

"I went to the theater last night. You should have been there; I had a very good time." Jennie was only a little girl, but her whole heart belonged to the Saviour who died for her, so she answered:

"No, I should not have been there; Jesus would not like to have me go to the theater, so I stay at home."

How the Saviour must have rejoiced when He heard the answer of this little girl who had so firmly decided to walk in His footsteps even though she must deny herself many of the pleasures of this world!

May the Lord help all of His own to turn their faces steadfastly away from the pleasures around them which appeal so strongly to the "lusts of the flesh."

It is so easy to do some trifling thing about which we feel a little uneasy; and only a few little acts performed without the approval of conscience will make it easy to do things at the mere thought of which we would formerly have turned away. The very fact that the conscience is uneasy about doing some trifling thing is the proof that it would be sinful for us to do that thing; for the conscience has been given to us as a monitor to approve what is good, and to warn us against what is wrong; only we need to have the conscience formed and guided by the Word of God which alone can show perfectly what we ought to do, or what we ought not to do. If God speaks to us in His Word, and our conscience is tender, it will warn us against what is displeasing to the Lord.

The only safety in these "last days" is to be like little Jennie—careful in deciding what is right or wrong, and then strong in carrying out the decision, thus keeping the conscience alive and not bringing reproach on the name of Christ by a careless walk and testimony. The Lord says of His own:

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20.

It is a blessed thing if our lives are a daily proof to those about us that we have been with Jesus.

"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.

"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Redemption

Were every grain of earth a pearl,

The ocean glittering gold;

Could all the sheep that ever lived

Be gathered to one fold.

The water, too, give up their fish,

The air collect its birds;

The valleys bring their fruit and grain,

The hills send down their herds.

Then take the whole, and offer up

A sacrifice to God:—

Not all this treasure would suffice,—

Nor yet whole seas of blood,

To cleanse one sinner from his sin,

Or purchase his release;

Or find a ransom, that he might

With God have settled peace.

But Jesus has the ransom paid,

The price His precious blood,

By which the worst can now obtain

Pardon and peace with God.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Who Taught You to Swear?

AN aged minister was once riding with a driver, a fine looking young man, who frequently swore at his horses. For some time the minister was silent. At length he asked, in a kind voice,

"Will you tell me, my friend, who taught you to swear? Was it your mother?" A tender point was reached.

"My mother? No, sir! Why, my mother is a praying woman! It would break her heart if she heard me swearing," he replied.

In loving words, the aged Christian pleaded with the driver to honor, not only his mother's teachings, but also the commands of his mother's God.

"I thank you, sir," said the young man: and during the journey not another oath was heard.

"Ye shall not swear by My name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord." Lev. 19:12.

"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." Deut. 5:11.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Who Wants This?

BOYS at school often hold up an article they are willing to give away and cry, "Quis?" a Latin word. Their meaning is, "Who wants this?" And the one who wants it calls, "Ego" (the Latin word for "1"), meaning, "1 would like it,” and the gift is given.

God in His great grace has provided salvation for all, and by His gospel messengers He, so to speak, says, “Qtiis? Who would like to have My blessing? Who wants pardon, peace, and salvation?”

Have you ever cried, “Ego! I want it” ?

O, cry “Ego” today. Your need can be met, your want will be satisfied. Many will want in eternity, when their want can not be met.

“If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.” John 4:10.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

I Don't Belong There

As I was passing several young men who were standing together on the street, I heard one say to the others,

"I don't belong there, John:

I'd feel like a stranger."

I thought how very true these words were of everyone who did not know Jesus. Everyone who does know Him, knows the Father also, because Jesus said,

"If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." John 14:7.

And if we know God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, we have eternal life, as Jesus has said again,

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

You see, dear reader, all depends upon whether or not we know Jesus. If we know Him, we surely know where we belong. We have eternal life and we belong to heaven, for that is where Christ has gone to prepare a place for His own. He is soon coming down from heaven_ to take all His own up to be with Him in that place where He is.

If we do not know Jesus, then truly we do not belong to Him. And, if we do not belong to Him, how can we belong to heaven? And, if we are strangers to Him here, would we not feel like strangers up there in heaven?

"A stranger to Jesus?

What, do you not know

He is washing poor sinners

Much whiter than snow?

O, did you but know half

His beauty and power,

You would not be a stranger

Another half hour."

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Thou God Seest Me

Filled "with all joy and peace in believing." Rom. 15: 13.

"Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Eph. 5: 19.

From the glorious heaven,

Where the angels are,

God looks down on children,

Seeth them afar.

Heareth all they ask for,

All the night and day;

Watches like a father,

All their work and play.

As a father giveth,

So He gives them bread;

Saves them out of danger,

Watches by their bed.

Tell all little children

Of God's constant care;

That He loves and pities

Children everywhere.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1932

Labor

WHEN Adam and Eve were created, they did not have to plow the ground, nor to sow the seed to get food for themselves: everything grew of itself, for God wanted them to enjoy His goodness in making all things on earth for their use. But, after they disobeyed Him, the Lord said to Adam that because of his sin, He cursed the ground; henceforth thorns and thistles should grow where only good and beautiful plants had been; and he should have to work hard to make the earth produce the food he needed.

While this was a punishment, it was also a blessing, for it is certain that

"Satan has some mischief still, For idle hands to do."

So God wants us to work with our own hands as we are commanded to do, and says if anyone will not work he should not eat.

But many people work hard, and plan and scheme that they may get rich, forgetting that some day they will have to leave all behind; to such the Lord says,

"LABOR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH, BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE." John 6:27.

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 27

GOD has made this Book of Proverbs a wonderful guide for the young believer, and the old believer too, on the pathway of life.

In connection with verse 1, turn to Luke 12:16-21, where we find a contented farmer boasting to himself of tomorrow, a morrow that did not dawn for him. When the sun rose the next day he was gone where time is not reckoned. How solemn, and how unexpected, that call to another world for which he had not made preparation!

Luke 17:28, 29 also gives a picture of some to whom "tomorrow" meant just another day like today. The people of Sodom bought, sold, planted and builded, counting on many tomorrows; but the dawn of the day when Lot went out of Sodom was shortly followed by unsparing, devouring judgment, and they and all that they labored for disappeared in it.

James 4:13-16 addresses a word about "tomorrow" to believers.

Verse 2 is a companion passage to verse 1. Boasting of tomorrow is often linked with self-confidence and self-praise. (Compare 2 Cor. 10:17, 18; Galatians 6:3; Luke 14:11).

In verses 3 and 4 four of the fruits of man's corrupt nature, as it was then and is yet, are brought together:—the heavy vexation of a fool, cruel fury, outrageous anger, and jealousy. Centuries have rolled by; empires have risen, flourished and decayed; fashions have changed; education has increased, etc., etc., but man at heart is still a slave of Satan and of his own lusts as he has been ever since the fall (Genesis 3; Romans 1:18-32). In amazing condescension God has come down to man who has no strength to help himself. (See Romans 5:6; John 3:14-16).

Verses 5 and 6 go together; open rebuke is better than hidden love; faithful are the wounds of one who loves, but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

"Whom the Lord loves He chastens: and scourges every son whom He re., ceives." Hebrews 12:6. His is perfect love. See Matt. 16:23; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:25; John 14:9 for instances of the Lord's correcting those He loved, faithfully but in tender love.

We bless God for His active love for us, and when in eternity we review each his own path here below, we shall understand better than we have here, how there was love behind each trial, connected with each sorrow. Let us beware lest we murmur or rebel against the circumstances, sometimes hard to understand, which befall us, remembering that

"A Father's heart will never cause His child a needless tear."

Verse 12 repeats the important warning given in verse 3 of chapter 22.

Verse 13 is another reminder that one should not become surety for a stranger.

Verse 16 may be read, "Whosoever will restrain her, restraineth the wind and his right hand encountereth oil."

"Hell" in verse 20 is a mistranslation, and should be read "Sheol," corresponding to the Greek word "Hades" in the New Testament, which has also been mistakenly translated "hell," but refers to the unseen state in which the dead are. (See Luke 16:23; Psalm 16:10; Revelation 1:18, and 20:13, none of which refer to the place of eternal punishment called the lake of fire in Revelation 19:20 and 20:10, 14, 15). All who have died in faith are with Christ (see Philippians 1:21-23).

"Destruction" in verse 20 of our chapter is not annihilation, and never means that in the Scriptures; here it appears to refer to the body as coming to decay when death occurs.

Verse 21, closing part, should be read "so let a man be to the mouth that praiseth him." The silver must be tried in the fining pot and the gold in the furnace until at length the dross and everything worthless is purged away. (See John 15:2.) It is that which cheers and encourages the tried saint of God.

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1932

Are You Wise?

THERE is a saying in the world that a wise man looks out for a rainy day, and surely true wisdom belongs to the man or woman who looks at the present in the light of the future.

"Many are living only for the present, and are shutting their eyes to the future. Dear reader, have you looked ahead and faced the solemn question as to where you are going to spend eternity?

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." Prov. 22:3.

There is an old fable which serves to illustrate this truth. It tells of a grasshopper who hopped and chirped in the grass all through the summer as happy as he could be, never thinking that the summer would all too quickly come to an end.

A big bumble-bee saw him, and said, "Look out, my friend, for the winter, or you'll starve."

Then a hard-working ant asked him to give a helping hand to roll home a large piece of bread it had found.

"Not I," said the grasshopper, "you do not catch me working like a slave with this beautiful sunshine all about us."

"But there is winter coming on," said the ant, "and what will you do when the snow is on the ground?"

"O, I'll wait until it comes," was his reply. "I never saw a winter, and I do not believe it is as hard as people say."

At last it grew very cold, and the poor grasshopper began to feel the effects of it, and not knowing what to do, he went to a beehive, and begged them to take him in. They said they were full and had no room for loafers. Then he went to the ant-hill and tried to get in, but he was told at the door that they had no food to spare for those who did not work, so the poor creature was left to die in the cold.

The moral is not hard to see; you perhaps say "silly thing;" but what of yourself, dear reader? The bees toil all the summer in view of the winter; and the

ants labor to gather food to keep them during the cold weather; and believers with true wisdom have made the Lord Jesus Christ their trust, and know Him as their Deliverer from the wrath to come. Are you one of that company? If not, no folly could be greater than yours, for every moment is hurrying you on to eternity. The next beat of your heart may be the last, then where would you spend it—in heaven or hell, which?

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

"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1932

The Stolen Marble

NONE but the holy can enter in," were the words which seemed inscribed over the entrance door of heaven to a man of whom I have heard,

who, troubled about his condition of soul, was dreaming. The words checked him for a moment as he pressed forward to obtain admission, but speedily regaining courage he passed on, thinking he was as good as other people, and had no reason to doubt his reception. Suddenly, just as he was entering, a strong hand seized and held him fast, whilst a solemn voice said,

"You cannot enter here."

"Why not?" he demanded.

"Do you not remember that when you were a boy you stole a marble from a playmate? You are a sinner, and none but the holy can enter in."

All his career came before him: all the sins of his childhood, of his youth, and of his manhood; and going away in his dream he thought,

"Is there no hope? Is there no help?"

Turning, then, to look again upon the city of joy into which he so desired to obtain admission, he saw, as he thought, another door, and over this was written,

"The blood of Jesus Christ His [God's] Son cleanseth us from all sin." Hope revived in his breast.

"May be I can enter by that," he thought; and resting now, not on his own supposed goodness, but upon the cleansing value of the blood of Jesus Christ, he approached the portal. No hand was outstretched to detain him now. He could pass unhinderedly into all the joy and bliss.

You, too, have sinned. It may be you never stole a marble from a school-mate or companion, but you have sinned many a time; the unerring Word of God marks you out as a sinner against Him.

No merit of your own can avail; naught that you can effect can remove your sin-stains, but the blessed Son of God has been into the dark scene of our misery, and has suffered for us. He has offered Himself without spot to God, and that one sacrifice has glorified God, and opened a way of blessing for all who believe on Him.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1932

Suffer Little Children To Come Unto Me

Luke 18:16

COME, pay attention while we show

Some words of precious worth,

The first is JESUS, as you see,

The sweetest name on earth.

When Jesus lived upon this world

The children loved to hear

The kind and gracious words He SAID

While they were standing near.

One day disciples drove them back

To make them go away,

But Jesus was displeased, and said,

O, SUFFER them to stay.

I would not have you drive them back;

These LITTLE ones you see

Of such the heavenly kingdom is,

So let them come to Me.

Does that not show that Jesus loves

The CHILDREN, young and small?

Of course it does, and if we come

He will receive us all.

He called them gently to His side,

TO Him they came with joy;

He took them fondly in His arms,

And blessed each girl and boy.

Though Jesus now has gone to Heaven,

He calls the children still;

"COME unto Me" His Word proclaims

To whosoever will.

Like little chickens to the hen,

Come UNTO Christ today,

He'll shelter you beneath His wings,

And all your fears allay.

O, may you trust the One who bore

Your sins upon the tree,

And say with joy, " 'Twas ME He loved,

And gave Himself for me."

And now our message is complete,

So all together we'll repeat,

"JESUS SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN

TO COME UNTO ME."

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1932

Bible Questions for October

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

1. "I came forth," etc. John 16:28.

2. "For I have not," etc. " 12:49.

3. "Then they took away," etc." 11:41.

4. "O righteous Father," etc." 17:25.

5. "Then said Jesus," etc. " 18:11.

6. "Jesus saith unto her," etc." 20:17.

7. "Jesus saith unto him," etc." 14:6.

Bible Questions for October
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in the Acts, Chapters 15-28

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Who art thou, Lord?"

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "They may receive forgiveness of sins."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "In him we live, and move, and have our being."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The first day of the week."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "I exercise myself."

7. What things did Paul preach and teach while he dwelt in his own hired house?

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

1. To believe. Jno. 11:40.

2. "That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Jno. 20:31.

3. The Lord prophesied of his death. Jno. 21:18, 19.

4. If we have love one to another. Jno. 13:35.

5. When we keep His commandments. Jno. 14:21.

6. Tribulation. Jno. 16:33,

7. His Word. Jno. 17:17.

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

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1. What is God's answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?"

2. What formed the subject of Paul's teaching?

3. What does God now command all men?

4. Are Gentile believers responsible to keep the law of Moses?

5. Should we give thanks before we eat?

6. What should accompany repentance and turning to God?

7. What did the disciples do on the first day of the week?

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1932

Bible Lessons94

Proverbs 28

Verse 1. What a difference a bad conscience makes! Verse 3. God does not forget the poor, though we are very apt to think of ourselves first, and perhaps only. See how the poor are in God's thoughts in verses 6, 8, 11, 15 and 27.

"The poor always ye have with you." John 12:8. (See James 2:14-16.)

Verse 5. Note that it is "they who seek the Lord," who understand the judgments of God. The youngest believer knows that God does right, always, and those who are in the secret of His purposes are not necessarily people of great learning. But it cannot be said that all Christians make it part of their daily life to "seek the Lord." Verse 11 shows that the poor man that has knowledge-the light shed by the Word of God on the world, and the right way through it-searches out the rich man with his boasted wisdom.

The truth of verse 8 has been proved over and over again. Ill-gotten riches take wings, sooner or later.

Verse 9 comes from God, Who knows the heart. He is not deceived. His ear is always open to the prayer of faith, but drawing nigh with the lips while the ear turns away from hearing His Word is abomination to Him.

Verse 12 is better translated, "When the righteous triumph there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves." (See verse 28.)

Verse 13 tells an important principle with God. He is ready to show mercy to whosoever confesses and forsakes his sins, and whoever he be that hides his sins shall not prosper. Sin cannot be got rid of by concealing it. See Cain trying to cover his fearful sin in Genesis 4:9-11.

An excellent motto for the Christian is in verse 14, "Happy is the man that feareth alway." Abiding in the fear of the Lord, seeking to please Him in all of our ways is the way of happiness. And, on the contrary part, he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. This is a word for Christians too.

Those who are expecting the Lord's coming—the true Christian hope (Romans 8:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) do not look for long life here, yet if granted (verse 16 and 1 Peter 3:10-12), what opportunity may be given for spending it usefully in the service of the Lord and of His people! It should be with us all who love Him, as with the apostle in his letter to the Philippians (chapter 1, verse 21), "to me to live is Christ!"

Verses 18, 20, 25, 26, 27 shed various light upon the important principle that the life of faith has great value in the sight of God. Every verse in these chapters is important and should be studied with profit.

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1932

I Long to See the Sun

PERHAPS some of our little readers think that all boys and girls who are able to run about and play may have the privilege of being out in the sunshine. If so, the words of the title will not have much meaning, for at this season we sometimes find the sun very bright and hot.

Who was it that spoke these words? It was a little boy who, many years ago, like other children of salt miners, had lived from his birth in the mines, and had never seen the light of day. The only light these people had was furnished by the dim miner's lamps.

On one occasion a traveler visited the mines and began to tell our little friend, Doerich, of what he had seen and enjoyed under the warmth and rays of the sun. He described the sky, the fields, the rivers, and many objects presented to the view of those who live above the ground, where the sun shines.

Doerich pointed to the vaulted galleries composed of mineral salt, and to the dazzling splendor of the arches, from which the light of a thousand lamps was reflected, and asked if that was not a scene as brilliant as he could wish to see. The visitor answered that the gloomiest day above ground was brighter far than the most brilliant light that ever met his eyes in that abode, and again told him of the sun in the firmament.

From that hour Doerich's thoughts ran in a new channel. His former enjoyments grew wearisome and he began to reckon the mine no better than a prison.

His lamps, with their bright luster reflected from the transparent salt columns, lost all their attraction. "I long to see the sun," was the burden of his reply to everyone who spoke to him of his changed look. When his mother asked him the reason of his altered manner, "I long to see the sun," replied Doerich; nor would he rest until his eyes at last beheld what he longed to see—the bright sun and all that it reveals as it shines over a gladdened world.

Young readers, may not this instruct us? It is thus that the soul feels when told from above of something better than the glittering luster of this earth, which is grand and attractive to those only who never have known anything higher and more glorious.

When a soul has discovered its darkness and degradation, and has heard of Christ, that better Sun, then the burden of its desire is, "I long to see the Sun," and not till it sees Christ, the Light of the world, is it at rest.

Have you, young reader, seen this Sun? If so, will you not go down into the dark mine of this Christ-rejecting world, and tell many a young Doerich that there is something far superior to his lamps, his idols and his poor earthly joys, Tell him,

"You would think nothing of these any longer, if you should only see our Sun."

Alas! how many dear young people are living and dying in darkness.

"The true Light was that which, coming into the world, lightens every man. .... as many as received Him, to them
gave He [the] right to be children of God." John 1:9, 12. (New Translation.)

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1932

In Disgrace

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

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

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

`'The way of transgressors is hard." Proverbs 13:15.

Sometimes we do wrong, thinking our parents will not find out about it, but there is another verse that says,

"BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT." Numbers 32:23.

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

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1932

Seek Me Early

"Those that seek Me early shall find Me." Prov. 8:17

Seek Me in the early morning,

Ere the dewdrops fade away,

Ere the burning heat of noontide

Makes thee faint upon the way.

Seek Me ere the shades of evening

Fall upon thy aching brow;

Seek Me early, seek Me early,

The accepted time is now.

Seek me ere the gloom of night-fall,

Ere loved friends have passed away;

Seek Me ere thy hopes have faded,

Seek Me while 'tis called today.

Seek Me early, thou wilt find Me,

I am ever near to thee;

Life and comfort, peace and pleasure,

Thou wilt surely find in Me.

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1932

Children's Party

JUST look at these children! What a fine time they are having under the arbor which is rustic and elegant. They have had a good feast, and now they are eating some fruit and cake. They all seem so happy, and they look like children who are not poor, but evidently have homes and circumstances similar to this one.

No doubt, those who have prepared the feast, will soon be bidden to a feast at the homes of the guests, so in that way they are repaid again. This may be all right at times, under certain circumstances, but we ever need to remember that scripture,

"When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind." Luke 14:13.

The poor children do not often have this opportunity, and we should be glad to take advantage of any opportunity to do good to all, in temporal things, and more than that, make such an opportunity the time to tell them about the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

But if we do not know the Lord Jesus as our own Saviour, we cannot be pointing others to Him; but if we know Him, and can say, "He died for me," or in the language of Scripture, say,

"THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME," (Gal. 2:20),

then it will be our joy to speak of Him to others, that they too may be attracted to Him, and say, "He died for me."

It is well to be doing good to others in the temporal things, but that which is of the greatest importance is the eternal welfare.

May we who know the Lord Jesus, be faithful, so that we may not miss an opportunity to speak for our blessed Lord, and so love our fellow companions; also that we may be glad to hand out tracts, that will point them to the Lord Jesus.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 29

A SOLEMN warning stands at the head of our chapter. "Often reproved," but the reproof unheeded; then sudden destruction—overtaken by the judgment of God, and that "without remedy." The word translated "suddenly" in this verse has the sense of "any instant." He has no "lease on life" and God may call him at any moment. Has there not been long patience? Yes, the Epistle to the Romans (chapter 2: verses 3-5) speaks of man's despising the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, and his having become hardened, impenitent. God has but one way to offer poor rebellious man, and that is, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." After death the judgment is the fearful prospect of the despiser of God's grace.

Verse 5. The natural man likes to be flattered; flattery is a very successful weapon in the hands of the worldly, to get what they want. But when we turn to the Scriptures we find that no flattery deceived the Lord, as He passed on His way from Bethlehem's manger to Calvary's cross. See Him in Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, and in Luke 11:27, 28,

In verse 6, the righteous person is pr served from the snare; the cause of t poor has a place in his life, (verse 7); t wise turn away anger which might ha destroyed a city (verse 8). After this fashion our God has plainly set out in His; Word the holy and separate walk becom ing His people.

Verse 13. The poor and the deceitful (it is really the oppressor here, or as in the margin, the usurer) meet together before God; He gives light to both. Thus is the power of God manifested in changing lives, so that the poor man will have sufficient, and the oppressor (such no more) still has enough for himself. This is according to the Word (2 Cor. 8:14, 15).

Verses 15 and 17 are contrary to modern thought, but this only shows that the thoughts of the moderns are wrong. We are born with an evil nature, and a firm hand to guide the young into right paths is necessary. We who are older bless God for the rod and reproof of our parents that kept us out of much that would have brought sorrow and shame to them, and worse things to us.

Wickedness now abounds, but the wicked will fall, and the righteous will see it (verse 16). In the day when Satan introduced sin into the world, he learned that the woman's Seed would crush his head. Now nothing delays the full display of that action but the ingathering of a few more precious souls who must be saved. Soon the Lord shall descend from heaven, and we who believe in Him shall rise to meet Him, to go with Him to the heavenly home long prepared for us; presently thereafter the judgments will begin which are portrayed in the Revelation, culminating in the judgment of the great white throne (Revelation 20:11).

The 18th verse should be read, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the law." God in Old Testament times spoke to men in visions (see Job 33:14-17, and 1 Samuel 3:1, New Translation), but now with the Bible, men reject God because they do not see constant examples of His power. (See 2 Peter 3:3-15.) Unmoved by the unbelief and lack of restraint in the world, the God-fearing Christian keeps "the law" which is for him the whole Word of God, the full revelation of His mind and will given to us since the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 25 is a needed word to encourage God's children. (See 2 Timothy 1:7-10, and Romans 1:16-18.)

Verse 27 tells of a difference in life and nature between the world and the believer, in connection with which, refer to James 4:4; John 15:18, 20.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1932

The Little Emigrant

IT was a hot day in July, when I was seated in a train.

On looking round, I saw a boy on the opposite side of the car. A big tear stood in his eye as he pulled out his little bundle, containing a tin-plate, a knife and fork and cup, together with such other necessaries as emigrants generally carry. These were neatly tied up in a clean white cloth, out of which he took two slices of bread. One slice he handed me, the other he began eating himself.

"Ah! I know who put that up for you," said I.

"Yes, sir; mother thought I'd want it on the way. She said, 'Maybe, Tom, you'll feel hungry on the journey.' "

I asked if he were going far.

"Yes, sir; I'm going to New York." "Are you leaving behind any that you love?" I inquired.

“Yes, sir; I'm leaving my poor mother and three sisters. And mother's a widow, sir; I'm her only son; and she does take it to heart so, my going away. Still she says, 'Tom, it'll be for the best by-and-' "

One tear after another ran down the little emigrant's cheek; and, putting my arm round his neck, I told him how I had come from America a few weeks before, and wondered he, so young, should go all alone to that strange country.

"O, but, sir, I've got two sisters across there, who wrote for me to go, and sent my passage-money; and in their letter they said they'd meet me at the landing."

"And are you sure that they will meet you?"

"Yes, sir; and why wouldn't they, when they said they would? Sure you don't think they'd break their promise?"

"Now, tell me, my boy, why don't you think they would deceive you?"

"O, 'cause I know they love me; they really want to have me with them; and in order that I might go they paid my fare."

"That is the very same reason why we trust God," said I, "because He loves us so much that He paid the passage-money to take us to heaven. What your sisters in New York paid was only $30, but God gave His own Son to die for us.

"You will not have to pay a second time, because your sisters have paid fully; and we do not, nor can we, pay what Christ has paid to take us to heaven. And God really wants to have such sinners as we are with Him, to be happy forever. You cannot see your sisters—they live more than three thousand miles away—but you got a letter from them, and so you act on it. That is faith.

"But, you see, Tom, it is possible your sisters would not be able to keep their promise; but our Great Friend who said, `Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out' (John 6:37), certainly will keep His; because besides His love being boundless, His power is almighty. If we trust Him now, as you trust your sisters, then we shall have a Friend to welcome us across in the other world, where all things are made new by the glory of His presence."

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

"He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb. 7:25.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1932

Trouble

MAN is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward." Job 5:7.

Trouble then is inseparable from man's present condition, and clearly the question arises,

Have we any help in the midst of it?

A teacher in a school said to a small boy in her class,

"Eric, what is trouble?"

The question was rather a hard one for a boy of seven years; but this little fellow had come from a home where the things of God were spoken of. Before replying, he pensively repeated the word,

"Trouble! Trouble!" and then by a happy thought, and without directly answering the hard question, he turned it back upon the teacher by saying,

"Well, Miss J—-, if you are in trouble, Jesus will help you."

This child who scarcely knew what trouble was, could nevertheless direct his teacher to Him, to whom to flee in time of trouble. Happy child!

Do you know to whom to turn when in soul-sorrow?

Do your sins trouble you? Turn then to the Lord Jesus.

If you have added to your difficulty by turning elsewhere, even now turn to Him, for He says,

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

O troubled one, trust Him now. He came "to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1932

Jesus Is All You Need

"Jesus is all you need,"

The simple notice plain,

Was posted on a door and read

Again and yet again.

"Jesus is all you need,"

Some hearts had proved it so;

Beyond that door they meet to pray,

And more of Him to know.

"Jesus is all you need,"

The words were strange and new,

One troubled passer-by inquired,

"Is that rare message true?"

"Jesus is all you need,"

Could Jesus cleanse his sin?

Could He meet all his heart's desire?

Would Jesus take him in?

"Jesus is all you need,"

That sinner found Him there,

And seeks today to sound His fame,

To others in despair.

"Jesus is all you need,"

The words are sounding still;

Come to Him now,

He'll welcome thee,

Forgive and bless and fill.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1932

Boat Riding

IN our picture we see a father with his two daughters. The girls must be tired, for they sit so quietly and comfortably.

Possibly they have been picnicing all day on the other side of the lake, and father has come to bring them home. He acts as though he is not just sure which course is best around these bushes; possibly he has not tried this way before, and does not know just where to go.

The father in our picture seems anxious as he sees the sun going down, and the day closing; but men and women, yes, even boys and girls today seem indifferent to God’s call, and to the fact that His day of mercy is soon to close. He has given His Son to be the light and Saviour of this world. Has He given light and life to your soul ? Remember our life here is uncertain—it may be your days are few; do not neglect God’s salvation for you. Put to yourself the question, “Whither bound?”

The world has nothing new to give, It has no true, no pure delight; Look now to Jesus Christ and live! Thou wouldst be saved, why not to night ?

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 30

The answers to the questions which Agur asked in verse 4 are to be found in John 3:13; Jeremiah 51:15, 16; Psalm 135:6, 7; Job 38 and John 1:18. In verse 5 he acknowledges the Word of God, that it is pure, or tried. There is nothing like it,—the Book of Books; on it we rest our hopes for eternity; in it we have found the matchless story of the grace of a Saviour God; heavenly light and heavenly, spiritual food fill its pages. It is a living Book, and it tells of the living God who is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.

Verse 7 is rather “ask” than “demand,” and the request has the fear of God in it. He would be kept in a happy sense of dependence upon Him, distrustful of self. We may compare this passage with the expression in Philippians 3:3,

“We ... .worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” This and the verses following set out the Christian’s position and prospect.

Verse 10 is in the New Translation, Speak not too much about a servant to his master, lest he curse thee and thou be held guilty.” The master may be expected to defend his servant if too much is said about him.

Verses 11 to 14 mirror the generation of those who reject God and His Christ today. Without natural affection, unthankful, unholy, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2 Timothy 3 tells about them, and that they have a form of godliness or piety while denying the power of it.

Verses 15, 16 go on to show that in this life, short of the knowledge of God, there is no satisfaction. Sheol (here, although translated the grave, is the spirit state, the unseen world) takes away by death the objects of affection. That is one sorrow, and another is the unanswered longing for children which some married couples experience. The elements, too, add their testimony to the human heart’s grief; there is no satisfaction here.

Verses 18, 19 tell of four things that cannot be searched out,—inscrutable; the eagle in its flight far above the earth; the serpent beneath; the ship in its course which like the others leaves no path behind it; and the seductive arts of man, are surveyed in turn.

Next follow four things which are hard to bear with, intolerable, as people say,—a servant reigning; a vile person or fool when he is filled with meat; an odious woman when married; and a servant-maid who is heir to her mistress (verses 21-23).

This is followed by four creatures which in themselves are utterly weak, but God has provided amply for them: the ants, which provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers (the Syrian hydrax), which make their house in the cliff; the locusts, which go forth by bands; and the lizard, which was in kings’ palaces (verses 24-28).

Lastly are four stately creatures: the lion; the horse (perhaps the war-horse); the he-goat; and a king against whom none can rise up.

. In all of these “fours” there are doubt less object lessons for the believer. Perhaps the course of this world, and of the believer in it, is set forth in them, beginning in the first of the series (verses 11-14). If so, the fifth one, verses 24-28, sets out the dependence of faith upon God.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

A Narrow Escape

LOOK! look 'ere, Dobson, I catched such a pretty thing—such a pretty thing," said little Junkie, springing through the gate. Dobson saw Master Junkie staggering up the path with one hand clasped round the throat of a snake, whose body and tail were twining round the chubby arm of its captor in a vain effort for freedom, while its forked tongue darted out viciously. It was at once recognized as one of the most deadly snakes of the country.

"Ain't it a booty?" asked Junkie, holding up his prize in full view.

Dobson seized the child's hand in his own left one, holding it tightly, and sliced off the reptile's head just as the friends, attracted by the nurse's outcry, rushed to the rescue. The menservants rushed from the stable and the kitchen. The mother had gone into hysterics until she saw her darling was saved, then fell flat in a dead faint upon the floor.

Junkie now took up the cry, but it was from being robbed of his new pet.

"What a blessing!" exclaimed Mrs. Brook. "What a mercy!" murmured Gertie, as she carried off Junkie. "What a rumpus!" said the manservant, taking himself off to the kitchen. But Junkie alone thought it was a shame to take his pretty plaything from him, and resented the interference of his friends as though they, rather than the deadly serpent which Dobson had killed, meant to do him harm.

Children! there is in this a lesson for everyday life; can you not see its meaning? You remember, when you cried so hard, perhaps, because your dear parents would not let you go to the circus or some other pleasure you could not see any harm in; or perhaps it was a book your little playmate loaned you, that father or mother said was not a good and fit one for you to read.

You thought it dreadful, if, perhaps, you did not say that your parents did not love you, or they would let you have your

own way. But, after all, it was really a narrow escape from a greater danger than little Junkie had. When you are tempted to feel "put out" when mother says she cannot let you go to places until she consults your father, or plainly says "No" to your request, remember that God says,

"Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee." Eph. 6:2, 3.

You do not need to understand how it is best to do as they say; but God has put you in their charge, and often it is a great trial to your parents to deny you things you would like, but they wish to save you from evils often that "bite like a serpent and sting like an adder," and so keep you from them.

Some time ago a man in India, reading a book, fell a slight prick in his finger. He did not think it was anything serious, but his hand swelled, and it killed him. A little serpent, hidden in its leaves, had stung him!

Dear young friends, if you read books that you would not like mother to see, or that would make you blush to read aloud, get rid of them, and rejoice that it was a narrow escape instead of a loss. If you also have young friends who tempt you to do things and go to places, saying,

"0, your parents won't mind," or, worse still, "They will not know," ask the Lord to give you strength to say "No," and it will be another narrow escape from a hidden serpent.

"When sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Prov. 1:10.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

Left Behind

WHEN I was a little child, I dreamed one night, that I was sitting in the garden waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus. It seemed to be the day fixed for Him to come for His people, and I wanted to go too. I waited for some time, but could not see Him coming, and, at last, I found out that the Lord had indeed returned and was gone back again, but alas! I was "left behind." O how sad I felt at the thought of being "left behind."

Now, dear children, this was only a dream, but it is quite true the Lord Jesus will come in the clouds someday. He has not told us what day, but He has promised to come again, to receive those who love and trust Him unto Himself.

What a happy day it will be for those who are ready when He comes for them—they shall see Him, and be like Him, and be forever with Him. 0 how delightful! But how very sad for those who are not ready, they will be "left behind." How will it be with you? Some of you have fathers and mothers, some have brothers and sisters who are Christians. They will be "caught up" to meet Him. Will you be "left behind?"

"And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut." Matt. 25:10.

There will be no salvation for any who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour when the Lord comes. They will be left behind for His judgment, "because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:10, 11, 12.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

Stopping The Clock

WHEN I was a child, it was a rule in our home, that all play was to be over at a given hour and lessons begun. When the hour struck on the old clock on the stairs, that moment games had to cease. More than once I have climbed up and stopped that clock, so that our games might go on unhindered. But stopping the clock did not stop the time. The hours went past all the same, and when our mother returned and found lessons had been neglected, she was displeased.

God's clock cannot be stopped. When the day of grace is ended, there will be no longer salvation for the lost.

The "day of salvation" is fast running its course; how are you treating it? Are you so occupied with pleasure that you forget your need of a Saviour? Are you trying to persuade yourself that there is plenty of time for these things? God says, "The time is short." "Boast not thyself of tomorrow."

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

Three Golden Links

Romans 10:9.

"SHALT CONFESS.

“Who confesses Christ the Lord?

They who know His precious Word,—

They who life in Him possess

These alone, His name confess.

"SHALT BELIEVE."

Othe joy of knowing this—

Christ the only source of bliss!

Not what I can "do" or "give,"

Life is in the word "believe."

"SHALT BE SAVED."

Precious link! the last of three,

Forged for all eternity:

Every link with mercy laved—

"Shalt confess," "believe," "be saved!"

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1932

Little Mary

LITTLE Mary was an orphan, born and brought up in a great city, but after the death of her parents she went to live with a relative in the country.

On the evening of her arrival there, she was allowed to sit outside the cottage and eat her supper of bread and milk, in full sight of the sea with its rolling waves.

This was a great treat to Mary, who had never lived in the country before; but ere she began her supper, she did not forget to thank God for having taken her there in safety, and for the food before her. For Mary had learned to know and love the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and she loved to think of Him, knowing that it is through Him, God gives us all things. The Scripture says,

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:32.

"O, GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD; CALL UPON HIS NAME." Psa. 105:1.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1932

Bible Lessons

Proverbs 31

WHO king Lemuel was is not known; some have thought that Solomon is referred to; k prophecy is also attributed to Agur, chapter 30. This final chapter of the remarkable book we have been studying, and one hopes, with profit to each of us, begins with sound advice to a king.

He must not give his strength to women, but Solomon did this very thing (1 Kings 11:1-8). He should not drink wine nor desire strong drink. These are (verses 6, 7) for one ready to perish, or bitter of soul, to restore him. (See chapter 20, verse 1). The king must be ready to provide for the dumb, and for orphans (verse 8). He must judge righteously and justly (verse 9).

Verses 10 to 31 describe the busy life of a good wife and mother. One of the evils of the modern age (and they are many) is the giving up by wives and mothers of their true responsibilities and privileges in their homes. These verses, in the Hebrew were in acrostic form, the first letter of each verse following the Hebrew alphabet as do a number of the Psalms to which attention has been called.

The woman of worth here pictured has her husband's full confidence (verse 11); he is for her, as she is for him (verse 12). She does not grumble (verse 13). She rises while it is still dark and gives food to her household and the day's work to her maidens.

She is concerned with matters of business within her sphere (verse 16), and is a pattern of industry (verses 17-19). The afflicted and needy (we have before ticed that God does not forget them, and would have them cared for by His children) are given help (verse 20).

She prepares winter clothing for cold weather (verse 21); she makes clothing to sell (verse 24). But all these virtues, desirable as they are, would not be sufficient without moral and spiritual qualities. Divinely given wisdom, and upon her tongue the law of kindness (verse 26), with the testimony of her children and her husband, complete the picture.

May the study of this chapter prove a blessing to Christian women in this day. Favor (really gracefulness) is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Women in Old Testament days did not enjoy the equality with men which has been theirs since the dawn of Christianity in the world.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1932

Lost and Found

A WEARY man entered the house at nearly midnight, and gladly sitting down, began to remove his wet coat and shoes. He was a preacher of the good news of God's grace to lost sinners, who had been laboring to spread the glad tidings of salvation, and he hoped soon to enjoy the sweet sleep of a laboring man. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and a boy asked him to go to see his brother who was dying.

"Where do you live?"

"About three or four miles away." "Will it do if I come tomorrow morning?"

"No, sir; I was to be sure not to come back without you, as my brother may not live until morning."

The clothing was put on again, and tired though he was, it was the preacher's joy to follow the example of his Lord and Master, who, though weary at the well (John 4:6), found it His meat to do His Father's will.

As they trudged on together over the wild snow-covered moor, the gentleman found out from his young companion that the sick boy could not read, that he had never been to Sunday school and that there was no Bible in the home. In due time they reached the boy's home, a rude cabin, containing one room. In a corner of the wretched abode lay the poor boy.

The gentleman sat down beside the bed, and told him, as simply as possible, of his lost condition as a sinner, of the love of God in giving His beloved Son, of the love of the Lord Jesus in coming to die. But all was in vain, the boy did not seem able to comprehend the fact either of his own sinfulness, or of God's love.

All at once it occurred to God's servant to inquire how his illness came on. He was told that one of the few sheep belonging to the' boy's father had strayed away some weeks before. The boy, knowing that his father felt the loss of his sheep very much, determined if possible to find it. Although weary and hungry after many miles of tracking the straying sheep through the snow, he kept on until he saw it in the distance. He hurried on, and, taking hold of the sheep, tried to make it walk back, but found that the only way was to drag or carry it. After a great deal of labor he succeeded in bringing back the lost sheep, to the great delight of all at home. On that day, however, he took cold and became weaker and weaker, until it was plain that his life was fast ebbing away.

That was the very thing the gentleman needed to know. Sitting down again beside the dying boy, he read these verses:

"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Luke 15:4-7.

"Now," he said to the dying boy, "you are the lost sheep. You, like all other people, have strayed away from the fold. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, whose Father loved His sheep; Jesus came down, followed the sheep, found it, and brought it home rejoicing. It cost Him His life to do it; that is, Jesus died on the cross, in order to bring back His sheep."

The Spirit of God graciously blessed the illustration, the light flashed into the dark soul of the dying boy. He learned that he was the lost sheep that Jesus came to save. Joy filled his heart, and out of its fulness he often spoke of the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

Reader, have you learned that you were included when God said,

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6.

Have you through faith in this same Good Shepherd been brought from your straying course into a place of safety?

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1932

Sisters for Eternity

BELLA came home from school one afternoon saying she was saved, and on the way to glory. A school companion had spoken to her on the way home, about the need of her being saved, and while sitting by the river side, she trusted herself to Jesus, and He saved her. The Word of God on which she rested was,

"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

Bella knew that she had "everlasting life" because the Word of the unchanging God said it. Nothing could possibly alter that. The two girls sang a song of praise to God together, and as they parted at the lane, Polly said to Bella, "Speak to your sister Annie, she needs to be converted too, and if she is not, you will be parted for all eternity."

Bella ran home as fast as she could, and meeting her Christian mother at the door, she threw herself into her arms and said,

"O mother dear, I'm saved."

This was glad news, for Bella's mother had long and earnestly prayed for the conversion of her two girls. They had been taught the way of life from their earliest days, but she knew well, that until they were born of the Spirit, saved by grace, and truly converted to God, they could not live the Christian life, or enter heaven at last. How glad she was to hear from Bella's own lips, the joyful news that she had passed from death to life. Mother and daughter sat down, and mingled tears of joy together.

"Where's Annie?" was the first question after Bella's tears were wiped away.

"Sitting in the parlor at her lessons," was the mother's answer.

"I must go and tell her," and off went Bella to the parlor, where Annie sat with her books.

In a few minutes she heard from Bella's lips the story of her conversion, followed by the earnest appeal,

"And now, Annie dear, you must come to Jesus, or we must be parted forever."

Annie breathed a sigh, leaned her head wearily against Bella's bosom, and burst into tears.

"I have been thinking a great deal about this for weeks, Bella, but I was always afraid to tell you anything _about it, for fear you would laugh at me. Now you are saved, and I am left."

"But you need not be left, Annie; Jesus wants to save you, and He will save you now, if you believe on Him, for He says it.

The sisters sat most of that evening together, speaking of the great salvation. Supper was untasted, and lessons were laid aside. Bella, the young believer, was in dead earnest to win her sister for the Saviour, and Annie was deeply anxious to be saved. They sat long, and their mother

did not disturb them, but prayed in her heart that the Lord would save Annie that night. When the two girls came out of the little parlor, into the kitchen where their mother sat mending, their faces beamed with a new joy, for Annie had trusted Christ as her Saviour, and they were now sisters for eternity.

Can you say my young friend, that their Saviour is yours, and that dying now, you would go to heaven? Or, when the Lord comes to call away His own redeemed ones, you will rise to meet Him?

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

"He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1932

Black and White

Can any one tell what is blacker than coal,

And whiter than storm-driven snow,

In the heavens, or earth from equator to pole,

The ocean, or caverns below?

The raven is black—dark as ebony night—

And sable the Ethiop's skin;

But they're whiteness itself, and as bright as the light,

Compared with the blackness of sin.

There's nothing we know that is whiter than snow,

But the soul that is washed in the blood

Of Jesus, who died 'neath our judgment and woe,

And poured out the sin-cleansing flood.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1932

That Little Hand

TELL us a story, please, Uncle John, tell us a story!" And Uncle John said,

"He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters." Psa. 18:16.

The bright eyes of the children opened wide with wonder as he slowly spoke these words.

"What does he mean, Elsie?" whispered Jane to her cousin.

"We asked for a story, and you know he always has one ready."

"Well, we shall see."

"This text," said Uncle John, "always reminds me of something that happened when I was a little boy. I had a pleasant company of playmates, and we used to enjoy ourselves together, just as you children do now. Near to where we lived was a river, and a bridge across it. We often went there to play, and many times I have stood a long while trying to see the fish as they swam in the water below.

One day while we were playing on the bridge, one of our number, who had climbed on the railing, suddenly slipped, lost his hold and fell. We ran to the side of the bridge and looked over. The water had already closed over him, he had sunk so quickly, and bubbles were rising over him where he went down. We were too young to know what to do, and were too much frightened even to call for help. The little fellow rose once more to the surface, struggling for life, but could only give us a look, when, with his arms uplifted for help, he sank again.

A kind man noticed our movements from a short distance, and fearing what had happened, hastened towards us. When he reached the bridge nothing was in sight but one little hand above the water. We had recovered our voices, and pointing at it, we eagerly called out,

"There's his hand! O, there's his hand!"

That outstretched hand! I seem to see it now. I shall never forget how it looked to me. But the man did not wait a moment. As that hand went out of sight under the water, he plunged into the river and soon brought the drowning boy to the shore. He looked into the pale face of our playmate as he held him in his arms, and in a tone of voice that sent a thrill of joy through all our hearts, he said,

"Saved!" Then turning to the rest of us, he added,

"Boys, I know you will never forget that little sinking hand. Remember, when it comes into your minds, that we are all sinking into a darker place than that river, unless we have trusted One to save us who alone can do it. This boy will soon be well, and be able to tell that I took him out of the river.

"It is my prayer, that he and every one of you may be able to say of another better Friend, when you think of the dark waters of sin, in which all who do not love Christ are sinking,

`He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters.' "

"Dear little ones," said Uncle John, "will you remember that little hand, and the lesson it taught us? Jesus is ready to take hold of those little hands of yours as you lift them up to Him, and allow Him to save you and to take you to dwell with Himself for ever in His bright home."

"CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 1 Tim. 1:15.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 1

This book, whose name means "preacher" or strictly, a "framer of assemblies," is in a marked way the opposite of the Proverbs. There God is owned: in fact it is the book of wisdom from God for man. But in the book we commence with today, we find man having his own experience on earth. It is an interesting fact to note in this connection, that the covenant name of God, Jehovah (translated generally The LORD in the ordinary Bible), is not once found in Ecclesiastes, though it is 87 times in Proverbs.

Solomon was used by God to write three books of which this is the second, and the purpose of this one is to show that it is vain for man to seek happiness in the world, ruined as it is by sin since our first parents listened to Satan in the garden of Eden. We may glance at the beginning of Ecclesiastes, and then at the end (verses 13, 14 of chapter 12) to learn the conclusion that the writer reached,—that man, apart from any trace of knowledge of redemption cannot find rest or happiness in the world.

Bearing in mind, then, that Ecclesiastes is not wisdom from God for man, as in the Proverbs, but man's experience apart from the knowledge of God, we begin our study of this book. Fitly, at the beginning is the conclusion that all is vanity, indeed vanity of vanities. The dictionary defines vanity as "empty of real worth and of capacity to satisfy the more profound wants of human nature."

Verse 8 tells its own story of man seeking pleasure: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Solomon had applied his heart to seek and to search out by wisdom greater than anyone else had, concerning all that is done under the heavens (verse 13). He had seen all the works that are done under the sun, and he affirms that all is vanity and vexation of spirit (or pursuit of the wind, as in the New Translation). What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is wanting cannot be numbered (verse 15).

Pursuing his thought, Solomon declares that the knowledge of wisdom, and of madness and folly (to obtain happiness apart from God) is a striving after the wind, for in much wisdom is much vexation, and he that increases knowledge increases sorrow. Such is the best of man's experience, with the greatest wisdom ever known in man, can find here. How can man, an exile from paradise, find happiness in a ruined creation? (See Genesis 3:24; 4:16-22).

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1932

Rose

ROSE was suffering greatly the first time we made her acquaintance: but we found there was more than bodily pain trying her, for Rose was longing for peace with God.

The dear child, when in health and strength, had been awakened to a sense of her need as a sinner, and when we saw her, she told us, with eyes full of tears, how she longed to know that she was saved.

About a month afterwards she found the peace for which she sought. She received the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus the blessed gift of eternal life became hers. The peace she had was calm and deep—nothing seemed to ruffle it; her spirit dwelt in the very sun-shine of God's love. Provided with the bare necessaries of life,

Rose would exclaim from her bad of pain, "O, I often think of my comforts, and how wonderful it is that things seem to be sent to me just when I need them."

The dear child was confined to her bed for more than three months, and was able only to lie in one position, yet the sweet smile of contentment ever rested on her countenance.

"It is so nice that Jesus knows all I have to bear," she would say.

During her sufferings, our dear young friend found great joy in the texts,

"In all their affliction, He was afflicted." Isa. 63:9.

"We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities," (Heb. 4:15), and such was the love of Christ to her, that throughout her illness, no murmur was heard to escape from her lips, and her patient, gentle spirit was truly an example to all around her.

She liked to look on some large printed texts just opposite her bed,

"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4.

"So shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:17.

On another occasion she said, "I do so like that text,

`The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18.

She remarked to a friend that she did wish she could have been the means of bringing some one to Jesus. Very early the next morning she called her mother, and said,

"I am going now, I know it, Jesus is calling me," then holding out her arms, she said, "Yes, Jesus, I am coming." Then turning to her father she said,

"You won't forget, father, it is simply trusting in Jesus. You want peace, settled peace."

Then about five minutes before her brief life on earth was ended, she said, "Trust Jesus", as if she wanted to leave that as her last word. She had said to her father a day or two before,

"Dear father, the father who never said an unkind word to me, take me in your arms," and lovingly he folded his darling girl to his bosom, then she said, "You will have my texts to look at when I am gone."

May her last loving appeal, "Trust Jesus," find an answer in many a heart; may her desire be fulfilled that she might be the means of bringing someone to Jesus.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1932

Only a Step

ARTHUR and his mother lived alone; his father had been dead many years; and the rest of the family had grown up and started homes of their

own. Of course they were devoted to each other, and Arthur was all that his mother could wish him to be, except in one respect. He loved his mother, but had not yet begun to love his mother's Saviour; he was obedient to her, but had not yet obeyed the Gospel.

One Sunday night at a Gospel meeting, the preacher quoted several times the words:—

"It's only a step to Jesus; Why not take it now?"

These words fastened themselves upon young Arthur's mind, and when he went to bed that night he could not get rid of them. They would not let him sleep. And that night he thought over the whole question. Should he take that step? Jesus called him, and had a right to his young life; he knew that he ought to, for he was a sinful boy and needed the Saviour; he knew he ought to, for otherwise his life would be wasted, and if he did not come at all, his soul would be lost.

The night wore on, and Arthur heard the clock down stairs strike ten, eleven, and twelve. It was then that his decision was made; he made it on his knees beside the bed, and then when it was made, he ran into his mother's bedroom.

"Why, Arthur," she said, "what is the matter?"

"I've come to tell you, mother, that I've taken the step," he said. "It was only a step to Jesus, and I've taken it."

That made his mother happy, and it made Arthur happy; there was joy in heaven also; and we know all our Christian readers will rejoice to hear that Arthur took that step while for him it was "now".

"It's only a step to Jesus." Boys and girls, can any of you who have not taken it give any reason why you should not do it now?

The Lord Jesus has completed on Calvary's cross all the work that was required for our salvation. He bore the judgment of God against sin. His precious blood was shed to wash away our sins, and now He asks us to come to Him and He will save us for eternity. Will you not come to Him at once?

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1932

Bible Questions for November 114

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

1. "The place of," etc. Acts 8:32.

2. "Then Peter," etc. " 5:29.

3. "For Moses truly," etc. " 3:22.

4. "Then Peter opened," etc." 10:34.

5. "And they were all," etc. " 2:4.

6. "Who, when he came," etc." 11:23.

7. "And by him," etc. " 13:39.

Bible Questions for November
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The gift of God is eternal life."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The wrath of God."

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

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Staggered not at the promise of God."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The righteousness of God which is by faith."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The love of God which is in Christ Jesus."

7. How are we to have "peace with God"?

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

1. "Until the times of restitution of all things." Acts 3:21.

2. His kinsmen and near friends. Acts 10:24.

3. Exactly. Acts 9:11; 10:6.

4. Yes. Acts 7:56.

5. In like manner as they saw Him go into heaven. Acts 1:11.

6. No, it sometimes refers to God's bringing him into the world. Acts 3:26; 13:33.

7. No, the Word forbids it. Acts 16:29.

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

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

1. If we live after the flesh what is the result?

2. Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel?

3. What can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord?

4. Do the Gentiles have the law?

5. How do we have peace with God?

6. Are we under the law?

7. What kind of people does God justify?

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 2

SEEKING to find happiness and rest, if that were possible apart from the knowledge of redemption, Solomon with his great wealth and power, and his wisdom too, tried mirth; but says he, I said of laughter, madness, and of mirth, what availeth it? He sought how to gain by wine, and how to lay hold on folly (verse 3), until he should see what might be good for the children of men, but pleasure does not satisfy.

He tried great works,-houses, vineyards, gardens and parks (so read instead of "orchards") and planted trees in them of every kind of fruit; he made ponds of water to supply the trees (verses 4-6); but there was no satisfaction in such things.

He acquired servants and maidens, and had servants born in his house; he had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that had been in Jerusalem before him; he gathered silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces,-which we may suppose consisted of ivory, sandalwood, precious stones, spices, apes, peacocks and the like (1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 9); he got singers of both sexes, and a wife and concubines (for this is believed to be the correct reading of the last 8 words of verse 8). But these possessions gave no lasting joy.

He became great, and increased more than all that had been before him in Jerusalem, and his wisdom remained with him. He got whatever he wished for, and this in no half-hearted way (verse 10). And then he looked at all he had gained, and considered the labor he had put in to get it; and, behold, all was vanity and pursuit of the wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

Again he turns to consider wisdom and madness and folly; nothing that might lead to happiness without God does he miss (verse 12). He sees that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. The wise man's eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness, but one event happens to them all (verse 14). They died and are forgotten, the wise man even as the fool (verse 16).

Thinking of all this, he hated life, and he hated all his labor and toil because he must leave all his possessions to the man who should be after him, who might be a wise man or a fool (verses 17-19).

What, says he, will man have of all his labor, and of the striving (rather than vexation) of his heart, wherewith he has wearied himself under the sun? All his days are sorrows, and his travail vexation; even in the night his heart taketh no rest (verses 22, 23).

He pauses to consider God, and decides that there is nothing good for man but eating and drinking and enjoying good. For God, he concludes, gives to those who are good in His sight wisdom, knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He gives travail (the hardest of labor) to gather and help up, that he may give to him that is good in God's sight.

We may surely thank God for this book, written to show to man the folly of trying to find happiness in the world. There is no true and abiding happiness apart from the knowledge of redemption through Christ.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1932

The House Kept by God

EXCEPT the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psa. 127:1.

"Whenever I hear that Psalm read, I 1lways think of the first night I came to your mother," said an old servant, as the children now almost grown followed her into the kitchen, after morning reading.

"How is that?" asked one.

"Tell us about it!" exclaimed another.

"Well," she answered; "It was just bedtime, and the master called me, saying, `Come, Ann, and I will show you how to lock up.' I quickly took my candle, and went round with him from door to door. When we came to the last, he said, 'This house has bolts and bars, and we fasten them; but the Scripture says,

"Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain" Psa. 127:1; so, except the Lord guard this house we shall not be safe.' "

How comforting it is to timid, nervous children to know that God will guard His own, and also that the darkness and the light are both alike to Him! You remember the Bible says He never slumbers nor sleeps, so, you see, if you wake up at night, and find all dark, or if you are lying awake racked with pain, and feel lonely because everyone else is asleep, just remember God is not asleep, and He sees you.

This reminds me of one of our favorite Bible stories, one which tells how God preserved a certain people from the danger which was all around, when neither bolts nor bars could have saved them. I believe you know which one I mean.

On that dreadful night when the destroying angel went through Egypt, how safe were those Israelites! Still they were only passed over because of the blood, which God had ordered to be placed on the door-posts and lintels; the blood was their safety, not bolts nor bars.

Now this should make us think of those who will be safe from coming judgment, because they are sheltered by the precious blood of Jesus.

Whenever I think of that Egyptian scene, I imagine how anxious the firstborn boys would feel; too anxious about their safety to be able to go on with their play, or work, till they knew God's word had been obeyed.

And you, dear children, are you too anxious about your soul's salvation to be able to go on with your play? Or have you, by taking Christ as your Saviour, escaped the judgment that God says is coming on all those who obey not the gospel?

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—this is gospel, or good news indeed.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1932

Dorothy

T was four o'clock on a bright Sunday afternoon, the last hymn had been sung, and the children were all eager to be let out of school, when the superintendent said,

"We should be so glad if any boy or girl would stay with us to a short prayer meeting we are going to have this afternoon."

Several children remained, and among them a bright-faced little girl of about twelve.

She knelt very quietly in a corner, with her face buried in her little brown hands, while the short, earnest prayers were being offered up, and then tried to slip away without being noticed, but her teacher laid a hand on her shoulder, and said, kindly,

"Why won't you trust Jesus, Dorothy?"

The child laughingly shook off the detaining hand, and darted into the street. Then the little face grew very grave, and Dorothy said wearily to herself,

"That's what they all say, 'Why won't you trust Jesus?' and they can't see how all the time I am longing to know Him, but I can't understand it. I don't know the way to be saved. I wish I did—O, I wish I did."

Late that night Dorothy went up to her little room. All the evening she had tried to be her usual cheerful self, but there was such an aching in her heart, poor child—she was seeking the Good

Shepherd, and she knew not where to look for Him.

Kneeling down by the window, she laid her head upon the sill, and let the tears flow.

"O if Jesus was here, if He lived on earth now," she thought, "I would go straight to Him, and tell Him all about it. I would tell Him that I cannot understand how to be saved, and He would help me to find out the way."

Suddenly a bright thought came—

"Wasn't Jesus there all the time with her in her little room? Even though she could not see Him, mightn't she speak with Him just the same? Why hadn't she thought of it before?" And there, in the deepening twilight, Dorothy told Jesus all—how unhappy she was, and how she longed to be saved. Long she knelt there—she had so much to tell the Lord Jesus—and when she at last got up from her knees, the little face was perfectly radiant with happiness. Jesus had taken the trouble all away; she had found the way to Him at last.

He who for our sins was slain, Lives and dwells above again, Where He's waiting to receive All who will His love believe.

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1932

Fido and Tabby

FIDO is a beautiful, large dog, with a shaggy coat and a bright looking face. No doubt, he can do many clever tricks. Tabby is a black cat

with a very glossy fur. Behind little Jane is Tabby's cunning little kitten. As we look at these two little animals, we cannot help noticing that they are very well trained.

Jane's mamma has given her a bowl of nice, warm soup. Jane has a spoon in her hand and the two little pets understand that she is going to eat the soup for her dinner. A great many animals would jump upon the stool and try to help themselves, but this cat and dog stay quietly by, and do not even make a noise to show their mistress how much they wish to have a taste. We cannot see the cat's face, but from the way she is standing we know that she is very hungry. Fido's tongue hangs out as if he already had his share of the soup.

Fido and Tabby would put many little children to shame. It is very common to find little ones and even brothers and sisters, who are very selfish. Each wishes to have the best and largest share, and makes a great noise in trying to get it. Other children do not wait to have older people help them at the table, but instead, reach for anything they wish to have. A great many of these little folks have often been told the right way, but do not give heed to mother's words. For such little ones, God has said:

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 3

THE experience of man apart from the knowledge of redemption is continued in this chapter. He concludes that there is a time for everything and every purpose under the heavens and, man must do each in its season: a time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to seek and a time to lose; and so on. And what profit is there in it for man (verse 9)?

God has made everything beautiful in its time, and since they desired not to know Him, He has set the world (the age) in their heart, so that man findeth not out from the beginning to the end the work that God doeth (verse 11).

See Romans 1, verses 18 and following, which tell how men turned from God, and, as they did not like (or did not think good) to have God in their knowledge, He gave them up to a reprobate mind, a mind void of moral discernment. It was His purpose that men should yet seek Him, and find Him (Acts 17:25-27), but the world by its wisdom has never known Him (1 Corinthians 2:11-14).

Verses 14 and 15 hold our attention: "I know that whatever God doeth, it shall be forever: there is nothing to be added to it, nor anything to be taken from it; and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him. That which is was long ago, and that which is to be, hath already been; and God requireth (or bringeth back) that which is past" (literally, "seeketh what is driven away").

God does not change, though man does. His Word unchangeably stands forever. It declares man's utter and irrecoverable ruin, but man will not admit it. It announces the riches of God's grace in the provision of a glorious Saviour and an eternal home for the redeemed; but man prefers his present lot, though he is told that the outcome will be the judgment of God for eternity. Solemn, too, is the consideration that God requires what is past. Man has ,a conveniently short memory concerning the evil he has done, but God will bring man to account for every idle word spoken. (Matt. 12:36.)

Ecclesiastes, we must again point out, is not the book of the wisdom of God for man here below, to guide the godly through a wicked world; this we had in the Proverbs. It is the book of man's greatest experience under the sun, apart from the knowledge of redemption. Accordingly there is no looking beyond death (verses 18-22). Men die, and beasts die. All go to one place (as far as man knows anything about it), since all are of the dust and return to dust. Yet there is a realization of something more, for verse 21 indicates that the spirit of man goes upward to God, and that this cannot be the case with the beasts. What becomes of man afterward, he does not know apart from the revelation of God. Thanks be to God, we who trust in the Lord Jesus know that death is not to be the portion of all.-

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment and unto them that look for Him (Christ) shall He appear the second time without sin (apart from the sin question) unto salvation." Hebrews 9:27, 28. All will not die (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17), and all believers who have died are with the Lord (Philippians 1:23; Acts 7:59). See John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Romans 8:14-17, etc.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

What's The News?

"The Lord has pardoned all my sin:

That's the news!

I have the witness now within:

That's the news!

And since He took my sins away,

And taught me how to watch and pray,

I'm happy now from day to day:

That's the news!"

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

Strong in Him

A WELL KNOWN preacher was asked to go and visit a boy, who, he was told, had suffered excruciating pain for three years, and had not known a day's rest. It was a poor home where he lived, and he looked with great pity at the boy as he entered the room where he lay, and going up to his side, said some words of sympathy and comfort.

The little fellow looked up with his large, blue eyes straight into his face and said,

"I am strong in Him." It greatly surprised the visitor.

So this was the secret of his patience. He had borne all the pain without murmuring, because he had been strengthened by the Lord Jesus moment by moment.

Christians who may read this—you may be well and strong, and full of energy, and of course you would not like to be ill and suffering; yet though your body may be strong, you are really very, very weak when temptation comes, as it constantly

does, day by day. Do not think that you have strength of your own to meet it, for you have not; but if Christ is your Saviour, then He is also your Captain, and He is ever near to help you.

Of course you like to be independent, and try to overcome the foe yourself; but you must, sooner or later, find yourself defeated, till you own that you are powerless, and can say, "I am strong in Him," meaning, of course, the Lord Jesus.

This will not make you less manly, but, much more so, as, instead of suffering defeat, you will be an overcomer.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

Made Happy

IT was on the seashore that a bright little boy was slowly walking along. All around merry children were at their play, making sand-castles, sailing ships, paddling or bathing. But a good many were gathering for a happy seaside service. Bright hymns, bright addresses, bright faces seemed to mark the meetings, and the boys and girls gladly came. An invitation was given to our young friend, and he was also asked if he was among those who were forgiven and saved and made happy by the Lord Jesus.

He was evidently interested, and answered earnestly,

"I hope to be before I die."

That reply showed that he had the idea of coming to Christ in order to be ready to die some little time before that dread event took place.

Like multitudes of children, and older people as well, he thought that that would be time enough. Of course, if it were the case, it would be important to come to Christ at once, for none of us know when we may die. Boys and girls, as well as men and women, are cut off. Indeed, it is said that half the people who are born die before they are twenty-five. So we all ought to be ready.

But to be a Christian is not to be ready to die only. It is when we are Christians that we begin to live. Then we can indeed enjoy a life worth living. Knowing that our sins are blotted out, knowing that God is our Father and loves us and cares for us, knowing that the Lord Jesus is living on high to help us and hold us up; knowing, too, that heaven is our home and that soon the Lord Jesus is coming for us—knowing these things gives a deep joy and peace that those who are not converted never can know.

Christ gives real, abiding happiness now. He brings heaven's sunshine into our souls now. Why should we wait for this blessedness until just before we die? Moses said,

"O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Psa. 90:14.

We who have known the Lord as children, as growing boys and girls, as men and women, have beeen given joy and gladness all our days.

What He has done for us He will do for you. Come to Him now.

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

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

A Strange Gift

IF I have been happy or useful in the world," said an eminent doctor, "it is due largely to the effect of a question once put by a stranger."

I was a poor boy and a cripple, and one day I was standing on a ball field, watching the other boys with bitterness and envy. They were well fed and clothed, and strong and healthy. I was sick at heart. A young man, standing near, seeing perhaps my discontent, said to me,

"You wish you were in their place?"

"Yes, I do," I broke out. "Why should they have everything and I have nothing?"

"God may have given them health, or money, or education to be of some use in the world. Did you ever think He gave you your lame leg for the same reason—, to make a man of you?"

I did not answer, but turned away, and never saw him again. But I couldn't get his words out of my mind. My crippled leg—God's gift? To teach me patience? I did not believe it. But I was a thoughtful boy, taught to reverence God, and the more I thought of it the more it seemed that the stranger had told the truth. I did believe that God pitied me, and it turned me to Him as the Source of all good, and led me to look at difficulties as a means of strengthening my faith, and my injured limb as God's gift for a special purpose.

"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

The Only Plea

Jesus has died for me,

Upon this truth I rest;

Jesus has died for me,

Because of this I'm blest,

And when this life is past,

And heaven's gate I see,

My only plea to enter is,—

JESUS HAS DIED FOR ME.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1932

Destitute

HAVE you ever thought what it would be to be without a home, and without loving parents and friends around you to care for you day by day? Alas! there are many boys and girls who have no place they can call home, and no friends to look after them. They have been left by their parents to wander about and to shift for themselves as best they can. They are what is called destitute, without money and without any person to help them. They beg from passers-by and pick up what food they can find, and shelter at night in sheds etc.

The Lord Jesus is the great and only Shelter for the sinner, and He never refuses anyone who comes to Him. He delights to welcome every destitute sinner. We are all destitute of goodness and merit. We all need Him as our Saviour.

Children need to come to Him as well as grown-up people. Some of the most tender words of the Lord Jesus are written for us in Mark 10:13-15. Young children had been brought so that the Saviour might bless them, and some of His followers had said they should be taken away. The Lord Jesus would not have them sent away, and was much displeased, and said:

"SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD." Mark 10:14.

"And still the kind Saviour bids little children welcome,

For Jesus' loving, tender heart to children is the same;

Though here His voice is no more heard,

From heaven itself He speaks this word,

Suffer' the children to come unto Me.' "

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 4

WE owe much to God for providing us with this wonderful treatise on life apart from Him. 0, if the heedless, the pleasure seekers and the pursuers after power and wealth, would read and profit from this short book in which a man of unsurpassed wisdom and of unlimited wealth has written down that which he saw in the world, "under the sun."

He turns to consider all the oppressions that are done under the sun; the world has not changed for the better since Solomon's day, but rather for the worse. The tears of the oppressed who have no comforter are still being shed, though more than 29 centuries have elapsed since Ecclesiastes was written.

Man boasts, when it suits him, of brotherhood, declares that all men were created equal, and so forth; but such is the natural selfishness that greed for power, for wealth, for advantage of one sort or another, override all right principles on occasion.

Oppression has been practised since the dawn of time; Cain was the first oppressor, and the murderer of his brother (Genesis 4). Soon after Noah's family began to people the earth after the flood, Nimrod the mighty began to oppress his weaker brethren (Genesis 10:8).

Tears are not usually a subject for mention in the histories which men have compiled; God's Word is a faithful record, and its history is true. It may be interesting to know that 25 of the 39 Old Testament books speak of weeping, as do 13 of the 27 New Testament books. The first weeper mentioned in the Scriptures is Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave, and the mother of Ishmael (Genesis 21: 16).

Blessed be God, there is day coming when oppressors will cease, and when the tears of His children will be dried by His hand (Revelation 21:4). Meanwhile we are in the world where Jesus wept, in the deep sympathy of His heart (John 11:35 ).

The New Translation (J.N.D.) makes the meaning of verse 4 clear:

"And I saw all labor, and all successor skilfulness) of work, that it is man's jealousy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and pursuit of the wind."

Is not the wise Solomon's judgment still the truth in 1932? Man tries to get an advantage over his fellows; competition, it is called, nowadays. What is it worth, in the light of eternity, in which we shall all soon be?

Verse 5 is the fool; only the believer is wise (verse 6). See 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12.

Verse 8 brings to our minds the unsaved, living for present advantage, but to ultimate loss.

Verses 9 to 12 are worldly wisdom, men join together in business for their advantage.

Verses 13 to 16 point again to the uncertainties of life, and to dissatisfaction, if this world be one's object.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1932

Carrie's Temper

CARRIE'S mother had died and the family was scattered. Carrie was left alone at home to be father's little companion; but she could see so little of him, and she seemed to be ever in the housekeeper's way, that father had to change his plan and send his little pet away to school.

Carrie's greatest trouble was her temper, and she found plenty of provocation. Her grief on giving way to it was keen, for God's Spirit was at work in the little girl's heart.

But in that school she found in Celia Barton (who was one of the eldest scholars) both a friend and mother.

One Saturday she was unusually tried; she turned in irritation, first on one schoolfellow, and then on another, till at last her teacher had to dismiss her from the room, until she could control herself better.

Midday came, and with it the usual hour's walk and rest among the sand-hills for teachers and pupils.

Celia was sitting alone reading, when Carrie burst in on her with bated breath and flashing eyes.

"Celia," she said, "please will you put up your book, and talk to me a little?" The voice and excited appearance of the child startled Celia.

Drawing her into her lap, she caressed her lovingly, and asked what was her difficulty.

"Celia," was the reply, given between sobs and labored breathing, "I've been in such a passion today, and still am. I feel as if I hated Miss Thomson, and every one of the girls, all but you. I could just kill them," and then she related in angry tones the unhappy incidents of the morning.

"Mine poor little Carissima, my precious little golden head," said Celia, drawing her still closer, and using her most loving expressions.

"But, little one," she continued after a few moments' perfect silence, "you know it is wrong to feel this way against our dear teacher and the girls who, though they may tease sometimes, are still kindhearted in the main, and if you were in honest trouble any time, there is not one of them who would not do her best to befriend you." Then Carrie spoke in earnest tone of voice.

"I know it! I feel the truth of what you say, dear Celia! I would give anything to get rid of this dreadful temper! 0, I wonder could God forgive me, and could He, oh, Celia, say, could God make me different?"

Poor Celia! she herself was longing for a new nature, and knew not how to get it.

"Little one," she said, with tear-filled eyes, "I don't know, I—but—stay, I remember, somewhere in the Bible God says,

`If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, for the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' "

Here let me pause a moment to tell our readers what I am sure they will be glad to know, that Celia knew that this blessed truth was written in 1 John 1:7, 9 and accepted it for herself. Carrie eagerly listened.

"0, thank you," she cried, and bounding from her friend, as an arrow from the bow, she sped down the hills, and kneeling at the foot of one of them, evidently betook herself to prayer.

In a few moments she rose, and going to the edge of the sea, bathed her face in its waters; presently she returned to the spot at the foot of the hill, and again knelt in prayer.

For long she knelt there, and Celia, who stood at a distance watching her, saw her rise, and clapping her hands for joy, she cried aloud:

"Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the blood shed to cleanse me from sin. Thank You, O God, for giving Him to me, as my pardon for all the past, as my power to keep me from doing the same thing over again in the happy, happy future."

A calm look was on her face, peace rested in her eyes, when again at her friend's side she said:

"It's all true, what you said. I've told God all about it, He's forgiven me, I know it, He says it, and I feel He'll keep me now from giving way again to this bad, bad temper. Celia! it is so!"

Gratefully and joyfully can I tell you, dear readers, that from that hour it was apparent to all that Carrie was changed, truly a new creature in Christ Jesus.

In closing this short and true sketch, let me beg any who, like dear Carrie, are longing to find power over sin, to go to Carrie's God and Carrie's Saviour, and then praise Him, and her joyful experience shall be theirs also. God has no favorites, for Jesus died for all.

"Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust." Psa. 16:1.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1932

God's Free Gift

SALVATION is a free gift, and it is a free gift to us. We cannot buy it. It is a free gift presented to "whosoever," will receive it.

Suppose I were to say I will give this Bible to "whosoever will take it," what have you to do? Why, nothing but to take it. But a man comes forward, and says,

"I'd like that Bible very much."

"Well, didn't I say 'Whosoever.' " "Yes, but I'd like to have you say my name,"

"Well, here it is." Still he looks at the Bible, saying,

"I'd like to have that Bible; but I'd like to give you something for it. I don't like to take it for nothing."

"I'm not here to sell Bibles; take it, if you want it."

"To be sure, I want it, but I'd like to give you something for it. Let me give you a penny for it, though I know it is worth much more."

Suppose I took the penny; the man takes the Bible, and goes home with it. His wife says,

"Where did you get that Bible?"

"O I bought it."

Mark the point; when he gives the penny, it ceases to be a gift. So with salvation. If you were to pay ever so little for it, then it would not be a gift. Surely you can trust God. You have only to come to the Lord Jesus Christ, receive Him as your Saviour, trust Him. What more can you do, and what less can you do than to trust Him to save your soul.

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

"The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1932

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves the little children.

Ever watchful is His care;

So to you He calls in mercy,

Unto Me, dear child, come near,

Since I gave My life to save you,

Loved you e'en though, you were bad,

Only trust Me as your Saviour,

Verily I'll make you glad.

Even now your sins I'll pardon,

Save you, evermore to be

My redeemed and blood-bought treasure;

Ever My delight to be.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1932

You Naughty Boy!

THAT is little Fred up to now? He has found a horribly ugly mask, and it has suggested to his mischievous mind to go into the house and frighten

mother and little sister. He has succeeded in frightening little sister, but mother gives him a good scolding for amusing himself at the expense of the feelings of others.

It is evident he had not thought of how others might feel, but he just thought of his own pleasure. How common this is, and how it shows what the human heart is!

In this instance it might be said, This is innocent fun, but the same thing, in principle, comes later on in business life, when one tries to get advantage of his neighbor for his own benefit.

How unlike it is to the Lord Jesus. He delighted in coming into this world for our good, and that we might not bear what we deserved, so He took all our sins upon Himself, and bore the dreadful judgment we deserved for them, and that unasked by us.

Timothy was much like his Lord and Saviour, for the apostle Paul could say,

"I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state."

"ALL SEEK THEIR OWN, NOT THE THINGS WHICH ARE JESUS CHRIST'S." Phil. 2:21.

We who know the Lord Jesus do not need to wait till we are grown men and women to show the character of Christ. At school, at play or wherever we are, we can find opportunities to do good to others, and not to be attending to our own selfish interests. We should ever attend to our own duties, and that faithfully, but never to the harm of others, and seek to find opportunities to do for others, even at a loss to ourselves.

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 5

We must not forget the purpose of this book, plainly set out in chapter 1 and chapter 2:1-11. It is to show that man neither by wisdom, wealth nor power, can attain happiness.

In chapter 5 the thought of God is introduced, and we shall find God mentioned again and again to the close of the book. But He is not known as a Saviour, or as the Refuge of the burdened sinner, fleeing from the wrath to come. That would be quite outside of the scope of Ecclesiastes.

God then is owned (verse 1) though not trusted in for salvation. The sweet accents of the gospel of His grace find no place here. He is to be reverenced; one should draw near to hear, rather than to speak. Promises to Him are to be kept, and rash words to be avoided; He is to be feared (verse 7).

Though God permits the oppression of the poor, He knows what is going on, and we may conclude from verse 8 that He will take the reins of government again someday. Indeed, we know this to be true; He will judge the world in righteousness, and every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgment. Meanwhile He causes all things to work together for good, no matter how different they may seem, to them that love Him (Romans 8:28).

The earth was intended to supply mares natural wants, and all are dependent upon it, even the man of power (verse 9), Yet there is no satisfaction in it. He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loves abundance, with increase (verse 10).

Verse 12 speaks a homely truth. The rich are much envied, but riches do not bring contentment. As a help to understanding verses 13-17, we quote the 14th verse from the New Translation:

"Or those riches perish by some evil circumstance, and if he have begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand."

We turn with joy from this discouraging picture to Matthew 6:19-21, where is mentioned a bank (so to speak) which hard times and depression never affect.

"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."

In verses 18 to 20 the Preacher tells us that he has seen something that is not vanity and pursuit of the wind; he has seen it, but it is not a part of the world which he has been so critically examining. How is this contentment, this joy of the heart to be attained? The wisdom of this world cannot answer, and so Ecclesiastes is silent on this point. Only those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ know what contentment and peace and joy are.

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

Just Simply to Trust Jesus

MY two sisters had just left school, and were in the midst of the pleasures of the world. One day a friend asked them to zo and hear the gospel preached, and they went. On that same evening God blessed His Word to the salvation of their souls.

After that day again and again they entreated all of us to go with them to hear the gospel, and often told us of the Saviour's love to us, and He was not willing that we should perish, but that we should accept His free gift of eternal life.

None of us took much notice of what they said, and often we laughed at them, Constantly they spoke to me when I was alone, but I did not heed what they said, and I told them I had enough religion on Sundays, without having it on week days as well.

I went on this course, rejecting Christ, but in time I began to think about eternity. I knew that if I died as I was, I was sure to be lost forever. I could not put the thought of it from me, and it made me wretched, though I did not tell anyone I was unhappy.

After continuing in this miserable state for some time, I went to hear the gospel I listened attentively during the whole of the sermon, but did not feel any benefit until afterwards, when a friend of my sister's spoke to me, and among other texts, he quoted,

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

I had heard it before, but it never came home to me as then. I thought,

"Jesus says so; it must be true."

I took Him at His word, believed He would not cast me out, and went home, saved and rejoicing.

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

What Is Whiter Than Snow

ALBERTA had noticed when romping in the snow with her brothers and sisters and their favorite dog, how dingy her linen handkerchief looked and how yellow Duke's coat was when out in the snow, even after his weekly bath. When the nurse taught her the prayer,

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psa. 51:7), she was anxious to understand the meaning of the words.

That night, finding her father alone, she ventured in childlike tones to ask,

"Father, do you know anything whiter than snow?" Surprised at such a peculiar question, the nobleman replied,

"No, my darling, there is nothing whiter than snow."

"O, but there is, Father."

"What is it then, my child?" eagerly questioned the fond parent.

"Father, a soul washed in the blood of Jesus is whiter than snow!"

Amazed at the earnestness of his loved child and annoyed at the introduction of such views, he immediately discharged the faithful nurse.

Not long after this incident, a Royal Prince paid the nobleman a visit. None of the members of the household looked forward with more delight to the coming of the Prince than little Lady Alberta.

The illustrious visitor felt drawn to the sweet little child, and one day when she ventured into his apartment, he spoke kindly to her. After timidly prattling with him for a while, she suddenly stopped and said,

"Prince, do you like guesses?"

"Yes, dear; what is it?"

"Prince, can you tell me what is whiter than snow?"

Ah, here was something different from State problems, international alliances, worldly wisdom, great inventions, or questions of the hour. A child's simple puzzle!

"Whiter than snow? I have never heard of anything whiter than snow. Have you?"

"Yes, Prince, a soul washed from all its sins in the blood of Jesus is whiter than snow."

The narrator has not told us the effect of the child's testimony upon the visitor. Her Father, however, had begun to inquire,

"Am I washed in His blood?" The Prince's account of his astonishing conversation with the sweet little child once more brought the subject vividly before him. He began to search the Scriptures to see if he might be made whiter than snow. He read the gracious invitation,

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow," Isa. 1:18. Also he learned that

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

Then he realized that though his sins were "blacker than coal" (Lam. 4:8), yet the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour had appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself on the Cross of Calvary (Heb. 9:27). In simple faith he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and found the promise true, "thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31.)

Will you do likewise even at this moment?

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

Under Father's Mantle

WHEN I was a child I spent a whole day with my dear grandmother. Toward evening a heavy storm came up and much rain fell.

"Child," said grandmother, "how will you get home today?"

Soon after this father came to get me. He wore a large blue mantle, as men were accustomed to wear in those days. As we started, he said:

"Come now, and crawl under here."

Quietly I slipped under the large mantle, took hold of father's hand, and we started. Of course I could not see, but that was not necessary, my father could see, and he led me. The way we went was often rough; I could hear the heavy rain and the peal of thunder, but this made me grasp father's hand more firmly. I would have been foolish had I complained that it was dark around me. Was it not my father's mantle that made everything dark? and that my good father knew the way I was assured of.

At last my father stopped, opened the mantle—we were at home. I looked into my mother's pleasant face, and around our bright, warm sitting room. Everything looked cosy and nice, as home only can look to us. Of course, my father had brought me home. Where would he have taken me, but home?

You see, my little readers, thus it is with our heavenly Father. The children of God go through a world full of storms and dangers, and they do often fear and are in terror, like the disciples on the sea when they cried:

"Master, Master, we perish!" But their Redeemer, the mighty God was with them, and they reached the desired haven. And 'tis He who tells us

"Lo, I am with you alway."

He who has Christ for His Saviour, has also God for his Father. With a firm and loving hand he guides His loved ones through this wicked world up to the Father's house. He is our refuge and strength and help in trouble.

"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." Psa. 46:7.

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

Three Precious Things

Precious, precious faith in Jesus!

Faith in God's dear Son;

Faith in work which God declareth

Fully done!

Precious, precious blood of Jesus!

Cleansing us from sin;

God's "true token," aye, our safety,

It must win.

Precious, precious Christ in glory!

Joy of each true heart;

He alone is our sufficing,

Lot and part!

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1932

Bible Questions for December 130

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

1. "And I answered," etc. Acts 22:8.

2. "To open their eyes," etc “ 26:18.

3. "For in him," etc. " 17:28.

4. "And they said," etc. " 16:31.

6. "And upon," etc. " 20:7.

7. "And herein," etc. " 24:16.

8. "Preaching the kingdom," etc." 28:31.

Bible Questions for December
"The Children's Class"

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The righteousness which is of faith."

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, "Patience and comfort of the scriptures."

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The riches of his glory."

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The revelation of the mystery."

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, "To every man the measure of faith."

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, "The judgment seat of Christ."

7. Does God repent of his gifts and calling?

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

1. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" etc. Acts 16:31.

2. "Those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31.

3. To repent. Acts 17:30.

4. Positively "No." Acts 15:10, 24.

5. Yes. Acts 27:35.

6. Doing works meet for repentance. Acts 26:20.

7. They came together 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

1. What are we to do with our bodies?

2. Should we ever reply against God's dealings?

3. Has God finished His dealings with the Jew, ish nation?

4. What is to be our attitude toward the poor saints?

5. What is to be our attitude toward the higher powers?

6. How are we to treat those who cause divisions?

7. Is it ever right to avenge ourselves?

Note: We beg the pardon of the Young People for the error in Question No. 7 for September, in going beyond the limit of Acts Chapters 1-14; also are sorry for the mistake in the reference for the same Question, in the list of Answers. We are pleased so many found the correct answer in Acts 15:29. We will seek not to go beyond the limit again.

The positive command not to eat blood (Gen. 9:4) was given before the law, and is still binding. Therefore we must not knowingly eat blood.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 6

O be rich, is the earnest wish of many, perhaps of most of mankind. They think that if they had "plenty of money" they would be happy. And the Preacher considers again this goal of the natural mind.

A man might have riches, wealth and honor given him by God, and lack nothing for his soul that he desires, yet if God does not give him power to eat thereof, and it goes to a stranger to possess, what shall it profit the man once so blessed in a natural way? And this is frequent among men.

The wise man reflects that though a man beget a hundred sons, and live many years, but his soul be not filled with good, and also he has no burial, an untimely birth is better than he. Everything that the eye rests upon proclaims to the wise,

"There is no satisfaction here.

But how can the soul of a poor lost sinner be filled with good? His character is written out fearlessly and accurately in Romans 3:10-18, but Ecclesiastes gives no remedy. It only shows that man with every natural advantage is unable to find happiness in the world.. And death, which is the appointment of man, is feared all through life (Heb. 9:27-28).

"Do not all go to one place?" says the wisdom of man (verse 6). Yes, and no; some are to be "forever with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17), and others who chose not the way of salvation, are to spend eternity (solemn, fearfully solemn thought!) in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). Even now where the spirits of the departed are, there is a great gulf or chasm fixed between saved and lost (Luke 16:26).

With something suggestive of despair verses 7 to 12 Complete this chapter:

"All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite (really, the soul) is not filled." We recall the words of Him who sat at the well of Sychar (John 4: 13):

"Whoso drinketh of this water shall thirst again," foreman is a sinner, and he cannot find peace and rest and joy apart from the saving knowledge of Christ.

What advantage, after all, has the wise above the fool? That which is, has already been named; what man is, is known, and that he cannot contend with Him that is mightier than he. Many things increase vanity; what is man advantaged by all that is spread out to allure him? All true, but man cannot find a remedy for this.

As we have noticed already, the god of this world has blinded the eyes of many, lest they should get a glimpse of the deliverance the gospel brings. Afraid of God, they keep on trying to find satisfaction for the heart and conscience by means which Ecclesiastes shows cannot bring peace.

Lastly comes the question that is a confession of hopelessness:

"Who knoweth what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell man what shall be after him under the sun?" (verse 12.)

Thus man's highest thought falls short of what God has made known in sovereign grace. He has surveyed everything under the sun, at least Solomon has for him, and with far greater opportunity than the rest of mankind (chapter 1:12 to chapter 2:10), with the advantage of wisdom and knowledge, riches, wealth and honor unequalled (2 Chron. 1:12), and the conclusion is reached that he does not know what is good for him, that his life is without result of abiding worth, and he does not know what is to be after he is gone.

If the poor, deluded slaves of Satan who abound on every hand, could only be persuaded to give up, to surrender to God, to receive His free and priceless gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, their joy and satisfaction would be unbounded all through this life, and for eternity.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1932

Lessons from Everyday Life No. 1 Our Food

DON'T you think one of the most important things in this life is our food? It helps to grow strong healthy bodies so that we can earn our living, take care of our loved ones and enjoy all the blessings God has given us.

Not long ago, I was very much interested in watching two geranium plants grow. They were about the same size when planted. They were put in a south window where they had sun most of the day, and they were both watered carefully. It wasn't long before one began to show tiny new leaves. After a few more days a lonely bud appeared which gave promise of rewarding the owner with a beautiful blossom, for all the trouble taken to raise the plant.

But all this time, the other plant, under the same sunlight, and the same care, had not grown at all. It was still the same little plant, just living, but not growing.

Does it not make one think of young Christians—all under the same light, the same blessings, the same tender care God gives all His children? Some grow so well, bearing fruit and testimony to God and thereby glorifying Him; while others we know, are Christians, yet they never seem to grow in the truth.

Isn't this because they do not make proper use of the food God has given them? He has given us His Word, and if we do not feed on it and assimilate it, our spiritual life will not grow.

It is a solemn thing to know that God holds us responsible to use what He has given us, for He has supplied all that is necessary for our spiritual growth.

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

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1932

Neither Shall They Learn War Any More

LET us look into the old blacksmith's shop and see what he is doing. How interesting it is to watch him put the iron into the fire, blow it up with his big bellows until he makes the iron red hot, then he puts it on the anvil and hammers it into the shape that he wants it. He can make new things out of old, and change their shape completely.

As we look inside this shop, we see pieces of armor and different kinds of things that he has to repair, and as we look at the armor, which was used in olden times in war-fare, we can only say,

How terrible a thing war is, and rejoice that this world shall yet see a time of peace, but not till the Lord Jesus will come back to reign over this earth, and He will have put Satan into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:2, 3). At that time

"They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isa. 2:4. What a blessed time that will be for this earth!

The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He wants us to know Him, and walk in peace while we are in this world.

To those of us who know the Lord as our Saviour, the word is—

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace." Rom. 14:19.

"BE AT PEACE AMONG YOUR SELVES." 1 Thess. 5:13.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1932

Do Not Delay

Perishing souls, be wise!

Look to the blood-stained cross!

Dare you that cross despise?

Dare you at last, be LOST?

Jesus, the Just, has died,

Died for the sinner's sin!

Justice is satisfied;

Hasten to enter in!

Hasten, ere mercy's door

Close on your aching view!

Ere the last chance be o'er—

Children, there's room for you!

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1932

An Old Monarch

WHAT a specimen of strength we have before us in this picture. Another mark of the wonders of God's creative power. As we look at those intelligent looking eyes; his thick coat of hair and shaggy main, we can say, All these display wisdom on the part of the Creator.

But I think I hear some one say, "Why did God make him so ferocious, and have him use his strength in a wrong way?"

Ah, God did not make him that way. Sin coming into this world, through Adam and Eve's disobedience, enabled Satan to have power over animals as well as man, and that ferocious character is by the working of Satan. God is permitting Satan for a time to exercise his power, but soon the Lord Jesus Christ shall come again with power and great glory, and shall cast Satan into the bottomless pit and not allow him out for a thousand years. Then the lion will be quiet and peaceful as a lamb. So the lamb will lie down beside it and the lion, instead of eating the lamb, will eat straw like an ox.

The same naughty way in you is through the working of Satan too, but there is this difference between you and the lion; you are responsible for what you do, but the lion is not. If you obey Satan, you are not obeying God, and God asks you to believe on Him whom He has sent, and that one is His Son.

"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 5:24.

If we accept Christ as our Saviour, we can count on His grace to keep us in all our ways.

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 7

The Preacher has discoursed much about the folly and the evils present in the world. His conclusion, stated at the beginning of the book, and again and again afterward, is that all under the sun is vanity and vexation of spirit (or pursuit of the wind). He finds, however, that there are some better things, seven, indeed, and with these the beginning of chapter 7 is occupied.

The seven things which he recounts will make life better, no doubt, but they leave the sinner in his sins, without God and without hope in the world. Nevertheless, they form a very remarkable part of this very remarkable book, written to show that man, try as he may, cannot attain happiness without being reconciled to God.

Surely every right-minded person will agree that a good name is better than precious ointment (verse 1), but few of the world's seekers after satisfaction in things under the sun would admit, even to themselves, that the day of death is better than the day of birth. That would be to confess that life without God is a failure, and this, man at large is unwilling to acknowledge, true though it is.

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, because man needs to be reminded of death, that he may open the door of his heart to receive the message of God in the gospel. It is so evidently true that man cannot meet the deeper needs of his own soul. He may, and he will, if wise, fear to die, but he cannot prepare for death except by acquainting himself with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Sorrow (or vexation) is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better" (Verse 3). But is it better in God's sight? If my circumstances lead me to seek refuge in Christ, it is well for me, but vexation alone leaves me without a remedy for the canker within my breast.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, is the sixth of the Preacher's observations. How hopeless man is of betterment when he turns away from his best, yes, his only Friend! Life is worth living, if Christ be its object, and the darkest hour of the Christian's experience is lit up by the Christian hope,—the coming of the Lord.

But there is almost no light from God in Ecclesiastes. Indeed there is what smacks of infidelity in verses 15, 16 and 17, and we cannot wonder at it, because man, left to himself, has never sought God; has rather turned away from Him. Notwithstanding, there is the knowledge in man that he that feareth God comes forth from all troubles (verse 18).

Verse 29 again acknowledges God: "He made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions" (or devices). The fault in the system of things that has produced all the misery and unhappiness in the world, is not with God, but with man.

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord." Jer. 17:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1932

God Is Everywhere

On the mantel-piece in a house at P___ may be seen a curious object – an oyster with a tract fixed between the shells. It is kept by its owner to remind him of an important day in his history.

He had lived a wicked, dissipated life, without any fear of God before his eyes, until through an illness, he was aroused to some concern about his soul. Like many another who does not realize that "God requireth that which is past" he formed resolutions to lead a new life. Alas! with the return of health, even his resolutions were soon forgotten.

Sickness again overtook him, and his former convictions of sin were brought to remembrance, a dread eternity standing out before him in its great realities. His resolutions were renewed, and fresh vows were made; only to be forgotten once more upon his recovery.

The occupation in which he was engaged was that of a diver, and he had spent considerable time in the bottom of the sea in search of lost treasures. While so occupied one day, he said to himself,

"They tell me God is everywhere. I don't believe He can be here, at the bottom of the sea."

No sooner had this passed through his mind than his eye lighted upon something white lying at the bottom. Diving near, he found it to be a tract, held fast by an oyster. Taking both up, he read upon the tract the text,

"Thou God seest me." Gen. 16:13.

This proved to be a messenger from heaven to that rough diver, who was there and then convinced that, though he was at the bottom of the sea, God saw him.

This produced a sense of misery in his soul, until, through God's grace, he not only learned that God could see him in all his sins and wretchedness, and that it was impossible for him to hide himself from God, but he learned also, that the very One who searched and knew his heart, was the One Who gave His Son up to death for sinners, and Who had said,

"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Isa. 45:22.

So he turned to God, instead of seeking to hide from Him, and found, like David, that God Himself is the refuge of those that trust in Him, which soon enabled him to say, with praise and thankfulness, as he looked to God,

"Thou art my hiding place." Psa. 119:114.

Friend, are you conscious that the eye of God is upon you? In the din and bustle of the busy crowd, or in the quiet of your own chamber, it is ever true—

"Thou God seest me."

"The Lord. . .. is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Pet. 3:9.

Do not delay; for, God in His wisdom may not grant the time you expect to find convenient to turn to Him. While you are sure of the opportunity, believe God's wonderful love.

"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 12/11/1932

Lessons from Everyday Life 135 No. 2 The Garden

IF anyone has taken care of a little garden, he knows how much work is necessary to make the flowers and vegetables grow. They need to be watered, cared for, undesirable branches taken off and dead leaves plucked and thrown away.

But what requires most time and effort is keeping the weeds away. No matter how much care is given a plant, if the weeds are not kept down, they rob the ground of all the nourishment and elements needed to make a successful garden.

We can liken this garden to our lives. It is made up of what honors and what dishonors the Lord. Our thoughts, our conversation, our deeds that bring glory to the Lord, we must cultivate so they will yield greater fruit, but the bad habits, careless words, foolish thoughts we must seek, through the Lord's help to destroy, so that our life will yield abundantly the glory, and praise to Him who deserves our all.

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed there-to according to Thy Word." Psalms 119:9.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things, (all these things are found only in Christ, who is the object for our thoughts and hearts) "and the God of peace shall be with you." Phil. 4:8, 9.

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1932

Whosoever Believeth

SOME years ago, a class of boys in one of the Sunday schools was reading the third chapter of the Gospel of John.

A boy about twelve years of age had to read the fourteenth verse,

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up"; but when he came to the words "Son of man" he stopped.

His teacher desired him to go on, but he said he could not.

"And why not?" asked his teacher. "Because Jesus was lifted on the cross for my sins."

It had just come home to him that it was for his sins, among others, for which Christ had died.

"You feel then that you are a sinner?" said his teacher.

"O yes!" the boy replied, "but I hope Christ will pardon me."

"But how do you know you are a sinner?"

"Why you have often told us so yourself, but last Sunday evening the preacher said that he was afraid there were some there who, if called to appear in the presence of God, were not prepared to meet Him, and I felt that he meant me, or at least that his words would apply to me."

"Well, what did you do?"

"I felt I could do nothing but go home and pray to God for forgiveness."

"But do you not see, my dear boy, that if you finish reading this verse, it will just meet your case? Let me read it for you.

`That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.'"

That boy soon found the truth of these words, that through faith in Christ as his Saviour, he might know that all his sins were pardoned and that he should never perish, but have everlasting life.

Dear reader, have you yet been brought to know the same blessed portion of seeing Christ as the One who can meet all your need? He has first met all God's claims against you on account of your sins, and that is why He can now offer you life and salvation.

0, that you would turn to Him the eye of faith, trust Him as your loving Saviour, and then you can truthfully sing:

"Jesus, I do trust Thee,

Trust Thee with my soul;

Guilty, lost and helpless,

Thou hast made me whole."

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1932

Luxury and Poverty

EVEN among the poor brute beasts there is such a thing as luxury and poverty. Just look at that fat dog sitting on the top of the wheelbarrow! He has been well cared for, and everything eatable seems to be eaten up. The poor, hungry, half-starved dog is looking so wistfully at the empty plate in the basket, and would say, if he could,

"I would like one bite, as I .am so hungry!"

Have you ever thought why it is that there is such a condition in this world? God's Word is where we get the answer.

All this has come in through sin. It is not that the brute beasts have sinned, but man, who was made head, sinned, and the whole creation under him consequently suffered as the result.

What a terrible thing sin is! It always has its had results, and the worst result is—those who have their sins upon them must be finally banished from God, because God could not allow sin in His presence.

But there is good news for us all, and that is, God is love as well as holy, and in His wonderful love He gave His only begotten Son to take our place under the awful load of our sins, and He bore the dreadful penalty on the cross. That is why the Lord Jesus said, when hanging there,

“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

Can you answer by saying, "It was on account of my sins being laid upon Him, and God who is more holy than to behold iniquity, could not look upon the Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour"? If you can say this, you have the great remedy for the awful, eternal result of your sins.

May you rejoice in that Saviour as yours, who has delivered His own from eternal wrath.

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

When the saved ones go to heaven,

"GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES; AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER . SORROW, NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN: FOR THE FORMER THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY." Rev. 21:4.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 8

This chapter begins with praise of the wise, but what is that wisdom worth that can give no peace to the guilty conscience; that cannot soothe the sorrowing heart? It is the part of wisdom, nevertheless, to obey the authorities, to persist not in an evil thing (verses 2-4).

Yet, (verse 6) the misery of man is great upon him, slave of his own habits and of Satan. Unwilling to yield to God, be clings to his own thoughts and ways. He knows that life is uncertain; he cannot avert death when it comes, for there is no discharge in that war (verse 8). "It is appointed unto men once to die," as says Hebrews 9:27, and after this, judgment.

Verses 11 to 13 are rays of divine light amid the general gloom of Ecclesiastes. The heart of man is corrupt before God; he persists in evil ways, comforting himself with the thought that because God has not yet begun to punish the guilty, he may escape punishment altogether. But though God may allow a sinner to do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet "I know (says the Preacher) that it shall be well with them that fear God,.... but it shall not be well with the wicked." (Read Revelation 21:6-8.)

Verse 14 speaks of a thing that has troubled many. The world, as it has been said, is out of joint, for the righteous often suffer and the guilty often escape punishment here. Man's reaction to this is (verse 15) "eat, drink and be merry," but the believer refuses such a course; he knows that God will in due time set things in order in the world, and he is content to await His time.

Wisdom of the sort that leaves God out, as the Preacher found when he applied his heart to know it (verses 16, 17), reveals nothing regarding the mystery of life and death.

Precious thought, that the simplest of God's children may understand (Matt. 11:25, 26, 28). Earthly, natural wisdom does not receive from God, and therefore remains in darkness.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

Taken or Left

FOUR or five weeks ago I was waiting on a railway station platform. I saw a train come in on the other side, and after it had waited a few minutes, the engine driver blew the whistle, and it began to move off again.

Just then I heard a loud and pitiful cry, "Mother, mother, O! mother," which seemed to come from some little girl.

The train was stopped, and I ran round to see what was the matter. It appeared that this little girl, her mother and baby were going by the train. Well, mother and baby had just got in, and before the little girl had time to follow, the train started, and she was left behind. And so she cried out, "Mother, mother!" until they stopped the train again.

I felt very sorry for the little girl, because it would have been very sad for her to be left in the station all by herself, with mother and baby gone.

But as I walked away I could not help thinking of the time when the Lord Jesus will come and take away all those who are ready, and leave behind all those who are not ready.

How very sad it will be if some little girl or boy should be left behind, and father and mother and brother and sister all taken away to be with Jesus.

Let me ask you, my little friend, should you be taken or left, if Jesus should come now?

Perhaps you say you do not know. But I can tell you how you may know. If you believe in Jesus as your Saviour, the One who died for you because you were a sinner, and trust in His precious blood to cleanse you from all sin, then you are saved; and if He should come now, at this moment, even while you are reading this, He would surely take you with Him.

But if you do not believe in Him, you would be left behind.

O, how very sad that would be. It would be of no use to cry. "'Mother, mother, father, brother, sister, ' for, if they believed in Him, they would be gone in a moment.

But He does not want to leave any behind, and although you are wicked and sinful, He is willing to receive and pardon you, if you will only come as a sinner, and believe in Him and His word. And He says,

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

"They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not." Matt. 25: 10, 11, 12.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

The Poor Boy

A NOBLEMAN whose kindness to the poor and lowly was well known, invited a boy to his beautiful home in a large city. The boy was very poor and his clothes were shabby and he had nothing better.

The one who invited him was well aware of this, so along with the invitation he gave a splendid suit of clothes for the lad to wear.

Does not this remind us of the goodness of God? He invites us to His home, but of course we could not go in the filthy garments of our sins. So God has provided for all that. With the invitation He offers us a beautiful robe of His own making—His righteousness— which will completely cover us, so that our natural selves will not appear at all before Him.

We are sure the reader will want to know how this splendid covering may be obtained. The following Scripture verse will tell how we may get it,

"But now the righteousness without the law is manifested .. .. even the righteousness which is of God by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe." Rom. 3:21, 22.

This is the way to get this wonderful robe. It is free to every soul in the world but it is given to only those who believe—those who accept Christ by faith.

There are many who hope to enter heaven as a result of their own righteousness, but this cannot be, for the Scripture tells us

"There is none righteous, no, not one," Rom. 3:10 and also,

"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa. 64:6.

The poor boy did not presume to enter the gentleman's house in his rags, but accepted the clothing that was provided for him. So God cannot receive us to His presence unless we are arrayed in a robe suited to this holy place—one of His own providing.

Another passage tells us that Christ Himself is the righteousness of him who believes.

"Who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30.

How much we get in Christ! If we have Him, we have everything. Then take God at His word; believe His love and accept the Saviour He offers, and all the blessing He has to give, will be yours, including a happy home and His companionship forever.

Clad in this robe, how bright I shine,

Angels possess not such a dress;

Angels have not a robe like mine,

Jesus the Lord's my righteousness.

And now a righteousness divine

Is all my glory, all my trust;

Nor will I fear, since that is mine,

While Thou dost live, and God is just.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

Lessons from Everyday Life No. 3 The Fields

Last summer we had the pleasure of taking a ride in the country. Among other things that attracted our attention was the sight of two fields side by side. They were practically the same size and shape, and both had corn, but what a difference in the way it was put in. One field had nice straight rows, and it gave one pleasure to look at it, while the rows in the other were very crooked. We wondered why this should be, but on inquiring, learned how simple is the reason.

The farmer that wants nice straight rows, selects some object on the opposite end of the field and keeps his eye on that object, then he has a good guide for the rest of the field. But the farmer who looks behind, downward and around him, will never have a straight row, no matter how hard he tries.

Shouldn't our object be Christ? If our eyes are fixed steadfastly on Him, then our lives will tell to all around that Christ has been our Pattern and Guide. But if our eyes are occupied with circumstances or other Christians, our efforts to please the Lord are in vain, we cannot do this of ourselves. If we depend on Him, He will lead us in His way.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." Psa. 32:8.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

Nothing New to Tell

Now, we have nothing new to tell,

It's just the same old story;

How Jesus died to save the lost,

And take them home to glory.

It is our theme, it is our song,

No other we desire:

We'd listen to it all day long,

And never, never tire.

'Twill be our song in heaven above,

This same sweet gospel story;

The story of God's wondrous love

Will be our theme in glory.

Now, boys and girls, tell me the truth,

Do you love Christ the Saviour? '

Tis good to love Him now in youth,

And show by your behavior

That you are His, bought with His blood,

To please and serve Him ever;

With disobedient, sinful ways,

To grieve Him never, never.

The old, old story of the cross,

Received will bring you gladness;

Rejection means eternal loss,

And everlasting sadness.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1932

Rustic Civility

“RUSTIC" has to do with the country. "Civility" is another word for politeness or good manners. Then "rustic civility" is good manners in the country, or good manners of country people.

This is a beautiful country scene, with the road winding through the woods, and the happy-faced children at the big gate. What do you think they are doing? The oldest child is going through the motion of making a salute. They see some one coming, and have kindly opened the gate, so this person or persons may pass through without any trouble.

The Lord is pleased when you show respect to others, especially older people; and He wishes you to show kindness to all.

When we realize how much the Lord has done for us on Calvary's cross in bearing the judgment that we deserved for our sins, and is still caring for us each day when we are so cold and unfaithful to Him, and will soon come to take us to be in the glory with Himself for all eternity, then we are happy in serving others, and thinking of their needs.

"AS WE HAVE THEREFORE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL." Gal. 6:10.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

Bible Lessons

Ecclesiastes 9

The eighth chapter closed with the admission that man's wisdom does not, cannot reach to G o d, cannot comprehend Him; there is no communication from man to God. This we well know is because man through sin has become alienated from God, and with all his wisdom, his philosophy and whatever else he has obtained, God is wholly unknown to him.

In chapter 9 the Preacher observes (verse 1) that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God—the unknown God. Man, he says, knows neither love nor hatred; he cannot look beyond the scenes in which he is an actor. He sees that all things come alike to all, one event without distinction to the righteous and to the wicked, to the clean and to the unclean; as is the good, so is the sinner. And this he regards as an evil.

Now God has not promised in His Word, except -in connection with Israel, and then on the ground of obedience, to give those who trust Him an easy path, and plenty of goods, etc., etc., as they journey through life. It is a part of His forbearance to make the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and to send rain on the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:45). Trying circumstances are the portion of all mankind in large or small degree, and God has an object in allowing them, as He tells us in Job 33:14-30; Rom. 8:23-39; Heb. 12:10, 11, and 1 Pet. 1:6-9.

See Psalm 73, where a distressed saint looks at the wicked, seemingly without trouble, and then learns that God was dealing with them though he did not know it. And, finally, turn to 2 Chron. 16:9:

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect .toward Him."

Outwardly the Christian's circumstances and trials are pretty much the same as those which befall the world, but

"A Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear."

Verse 5 expresses the judgment of,mah, be it noted, and not the truth of God, con. cerning the dead. Ecclesiastes does not profess to speak for God, the object of the Holy Spirit here being evidently to show that man's wisdom, intelligence, experience—yes, all that there is in him_ cannot comprehend God; that with all the gifts which a beneficent Creator has bestowed upon His creatures, they cannot be happy until they trust Him as Saviour.

1 Sam. 28:15-19; Luke 16:22-31; Phil. 1:23 and Revelation 6:9, 10 let us know that the dead are not asleep, "know not anything," whatever man's wisdom may conclude about them.

Verses 7 to 10 are simply worldly wisdom; they are the best thoughts the world can offer for happiness, but the Christian knows something better. Compare this passage, for example, with Eph. chapters 4, 5 and 6.

The Preacher talks much of wisdom (and well he may, so wonderfully gifted as Solomon was), but we cannot fail to notice that for the sinners and wicked persons of whom he speaks occasionally, he has no remedy. Ecclesiastes is, after all, an exposure of what the world is; sin has ruined it, and there is but one thing for the poor worldling to do, and that is, to seek the Lord while He may be found.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

My Favorite Text

JOHN 3:16 hung on the wall of our nursery when I was a child, and was the first verse I was taught to repeat. I got a prize at the Sunday school

for repeating this text, when I was six years old. But, although able to repeat it, I did not personally believe it, or know its saving power. When I first went from home, my mother gave me a Bible, and marked with her own hand John 3:16. For her sake, I often read it, but, beyond that it had no power over me.

A companion, who was a true Christian, asked me, one night, what verse was the means of leading me to the Lord Jesus, for she evidently thought I was converted. I felt unable to answer her, so she asked,

“How long have you had eternal life?”

I hung my head, for I was ashamed to tell I did not have it at all.

She drew me to her side, opened my Bible to John 3:16, and told me how she had been saved by believing on the Lord Jesus, as He is presented there,—

“God loved me, God gave His Son for me: I believed, I received everlasting life.”

It all seemed so simple. I saw it was for me as well as for her, for “WHOSOEVER” included me. O how different John 3:16 was to me then, for it showed me God as loving me, His Son as given for me, and everlasting life as mine. It became indeed my favorite text, and with what delight I have since repeated the well known words.

Is John 3:16 just a familiar verse to you because you have so often heard it, or do you know the love of God for you and have you believed on His Son?

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

Lessons from Every-day Life No. 4 Harvest Time

One of the most interesting times of the year to the farmers and gardeners is the autumn, when they gather in all the fruit of their summer’s labor. The fruit is picked from the trees, the melons and squashes and cabbage are brought in, and the vegetables, such as carrots, beets and celery are packed in sand to keep them fresh.

What ample provision, and what wonderful variety God has provided in food that can be kept in this way for months, especially in climates where the winters are so severe.

The gardener, knowing that the season will end in which he can provide for the long cold months, keeps this in view when he plants his crops in the spring, so that he will have plenty for himself and family, and his cattle, in the winter.

All summer he cares for his crops that they may yield as much as possible. In the autumn they are gathered into barn and store house, and when he can do no more in the winter, he can enjoy the fruit of his labors.

Does this not teach wonderful lessons, both to the saved and to the unsaved? Dear unsaved reader, consider carefully, is the summer of your life nearly ended, the time when God offers His salvation to you? Are you carelessly putting off accepting this salvation through Christ till the opportunity has passed, and it will be offered no more ? O! accept it now while there is time. The harvest may be past to-morrow, and you will be unsaved for all eternity.

And you, dear Christian reader, have you been busy in the summer of your life toiling in the Master’s fields, so that you may hear His welcome words,

“Well done good and faithful servant.”

Or have you been sitting idly by, like the slothful servant, and will have nothing when the harvest time comes ?

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer. 8:20.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” John 4:35, 36.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

A Firm Foundation

I WENT one afternoon to call upon a lady in the neighborhood. I had one tract in her native language, and this I carried to her which pleased her greatly.

I felt a special interest in this dear lady as she seemed so near the end of her life's journey. In the course of conversation I asked her upon what she was depending for her hope of a better life beyond. She answered that her faith was founded upon her Saviour and His blood.

My heart rejoiced to receive this bright and beautiful answer. I knew that she was standing upon a firm foundation that would never fail, for God's Word declares,

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

"It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Lev. 17:11.

Yes, this is God's way of salvation. It matters not what age we are, the precious blood of Jesus avails for all. Simple faith in the blood is that which saves the soul.

From what my friend said, I judge that she had known the Lord for many years, probably from her youth. What a splendid thing it is to be saved early in life, and to spend life's bright morning in His service.

To know the Lord Jesus as one's Saviour, and have the assurance that all is well for the life to come, gives real peace and joy as nothing else can.

Do not delay, dear young reader, let nothing hinder you from being saved now. There is everything in the world to hold you back. The world promises you happiness, but it is brief and fleeting at best, with a lost eternity in the end.

How much wiser to come to Christ now while you may. How dearly He has proved His love by dying that you might live; to purchase for you a never-ending eternity of delight with Him in His happy home above.

Put your faith and trust wholly in Him and do so now.

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

That's Me, Jesus

A PREACHER, greeting a congregation as they arrived for a service, asked a demure little girl,

"What is your name?"

"Mary Jones, sir," she said.

"Have you come to Jesus yet, Mary?" "No, sir, but I want to."

"We'll pray, Mary, that you may come to Jesus tonight."

So, in his opening prayer, he remembered

"A little girl among us who wants to find her way to Jesus tonight."

The wee, seeking Mary was in real earnest—her name was not mentioned—she did not want any uncertainty—so a lady sitting next to her, heard her whisper in a trembling voice,

"Please, that's me, Jesus."

"That's me," was her coming—it was the lifting of the latch in the door of her heart to let in the knocking, waiting Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1932

Messages of God's Love: 1932

Table of Contents

Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

The Faithful Little Girl

God is Love

Creation

Unchangeable Love

The Dog and the Rabbits

Bible Lessons

An Unheeded Warning

May's Little Letter

Jesus Had Not Where to Lay His Head

Hagar and Ishmael

Bible Lessons

Whosoever' Means Me

Prayer and Work

The Shoeblack

They Shall See His Face

Training Fido

Bible Lessons

My Substitute

How Fannie Came to Christ

Are You Ready?

Baby's Lesson

Bible Lessons

Saved From The Waters

Cause He Loved Me Best

Fear Not Nor be Faint Hearted

The Saviour's Invitation

Bible Questions for February

Faith

Bible Lessons

India's Millions

Willie's Faith

The Down Hill Race

Leaven

Bible Lessons

What About Tomorrow?

The Boy Who Ventured

Come Unto Me

The Drive

Bible Lessons

Where Are You Bound?

Bessie's Answer

The Little Girl Who Was a Mouse

Decision For Christ

Bible Lessons

The Words of The Hymn

Little Anna

Will You be a Gem?

Bible Questions for March

Bible Lessons

What is Your Name?

A Heart-Searching Question

Impatient Dogs

Have You Come?

Watching

Bible Lessons

An Extensive Traveler — The Sparrow

Jesus Died For Me

Little Drops of Water

Two Roads

Bible Lessons

Saved by Trusting in Jesus

The Statue in the Snow

Be Not Deceived

Are You One of Jesus' Lambs?

Bible Lessons

He Is My Saviour Then

Alec's Boat

No Other Name is Given

Bible Questions for April

Bible Lessons

Only Sinners Are Saved

O What a Friend!

What a Child Did

Evening Prayer

I Have Got Good News for You

Watching