Messages of God's Love: 1937

AMOS, as before noted, was an early prophet; compare verse 1 with Hosea 1:1. His name means “burden bearer”, and he was a herdman or sheep master, and a gatherer or dresser of sycamore fruit (thought to be the sycamore-fig, or fig-mulberry) (See chapter 7:14, 15). Tekoa was a few miles from Bethlehem.

The burden laid on Amos was the state of God’s earthly people, the two nations of Israel and Judah, and the chastisement which was shortly to fall upon them because of their many sins. God was about to deal, also, with their neighbors on both borders, and these are spoken of briefly, at the beginning of the prophecy. As yet, He dwelt in Zion, where before long He will again have His earthly dwelling place, when the restoration of Israel is undertaken.

In Joel 3:16 is language similar to verse 2, except that Joel’s words refer to the yet future day of judgment, while Amos’s relate to that which was shortly to come to pass. God has long patience, but He will not compromise with evil.

The expression, “for three transgressions...and for four,” used repeatedly in chapters 1 and 2, covers a course of sin, rather than a certain number of offences, as three, or four, or seven.

God would not turn away from the judgment of Damascus, the capital of Syria, because of the cruelty the Syrians had practiced in taking Gilead, the northeastern section of Israel’s land—beyond the Jordan (2 Kings 8:12, 28; 10:32, 83). “Ben-Hadad” was a title of the kings of Syria, meaning “Son of Hadad”, the Sun-god of the Syrians. The “bar” of Damascus referred to its defenses against an enemy, the plain (or valley) of Aven tells of the prevalence of idolatry; Beth-Eden appears to have been a name for the city of Damascus, as it means “House of delight”. Kir has not been identified, but it is thought to be a region between the Black and Caspian seas (See 2 Kings 16:9 for the fulfilment of this prophecy).

Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon and Ekron were the royal cities of the Philistines; formerly they were five in number, but Gath may have been abandoned about this time (See 2 Chronicles 26:6). The captivity mentioned in verses 6 and 9 is not identified in the historical books. The Philistines are yet to perish as a people (verse 8; see Isaiah 14:29-31; Jeremiah 47; Ezekiel 25:15-17; Zephaniah 2:4-7; Zechariah 9:5-7).

Tyre’s glory was to end, and it did when first Nebuchadnezzar, and later Alexander the Great captured the city; but it will come into judgment at the Lord’s appearing, and after that Isaiah 23:18 will be literally fulfilled, with Psalm 45:12 also.

Edom with its district of Teman and capital city of Bozrah will be judged in the coming day, as several Scriptures witness. It was the land of Esau, whose children came to hate the children of Jacob with an undying hatred (Psalm 83; Psalm 137:7; Isaiah 11:14, 31; 63:1-6; Jeremiah 49:7-22; Lamentations 4:21; Ezekiel 25:12-14; 35; Joel:19; Obadiah; Malachi 1:2-5).

The nations spoken of in this chapter and in the next have disappeared with the glory of their kings, —and their cities are decadent or desolate; but Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon and Moab will reappear as distinct peoples in the regions they formerly occupied, to be judged at the Lord’s appearing, now not far distant.

ML 01/03/1937

The Short Road to School

ALONG SIDE of the public road by which we went to school, there was a footpath through a pretty field, which seemed to be a private road to a large house in the woods. Close by the gate a notice board was placed with the words

“No Road This Way” distinctly painted in bold letters.

Notwithstanding this plain order, a number of the boys suggested that it was a shorter road to school and advised me to take it. I did so, and was just about to climb over the gate at the far-off end, when who should appear but the owner of the house.

“Did you see that notice board by the gate?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied, quite ashamed of myself.

“Why didn’t you believe it then?” he said. “Always go by the order, boy, and take no notice of what your companions say.”

I was glad to get off so easily, but that word was not forgotten. It holds good in the things of eternity. Always go by God’s order, never mind what others say. What God’s Word declares, be it warning or promise, is sure to be true. Here is one,

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

“He that believeth not, shall be damned.” Mark 16:16.

Dear boys and girls, do go by God’s order. No matter what others may say, or advise you to do, take your orders from the Word of God alone.

ML 01/03/1937

Happy Harry and His Cat

HENRY BELL was best known as “Happy Harry,” because he seemed always happy, and no one ever felt dull in his company. His joyous disposition made him a great favorite in the village. Jim, his cat, was almost as well-known as his master. Listen to the story of how he became so happy:

He heard a faithful preacher tell of the love of Jesus; and that He left His bright Home above to die on Calvary’s cross to save sinners. Harry listened attentively, and did accept Jesus as his loving Saviour.

Ever since that night Henry was a true Christian, and never ashamed to confess he belonged to Jesus. If you feel you should do the same, delay no longer. Settle the matter tonight. None ever regretted that wise step.

“UNTO YOU THEREFORE WHICH BELIEVE, HE IS PRECIOUS.” 1 Peter 2:7.

ML 01/03/1937

Bible Talks

Slaves in Egypt Exodus 1:1-15

THE brothers of Joseph with their families settled in the north of Egypt, where King Pharaoh, because of his favor to Joseph, gave them room for their herds. They had plenty of food so their lives were saved in the time of famine.

After many years Joseph and his brothers died, but their children and many grandchildren were then grown, and still had their homes there. These had all known of the promises God had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give their descendants the land of Canaan for their own country. And Joseph, before he died, reminded them of that promise.

But many of them seem not to have cared for God’s promise, nor to have thanked Him for His care over them in the strange land. Instead of worshiping God, they bowed down to idols the same as their Egyptian-neighbors (Ezekiel 20:7). God called for them to cast out the idols, but they would not, and trouble began to come to them.

The good king, who had liked Joseph, died, and the king after him was envious of the great number of the Hebrews, and because they were such a strong, healthy people. He thought in time of war they would he stronger than his people. So he decided to try to weaken them by making them work very hard. He set cruel men over them for the building of great brick walls and storehouses to keep his treasures safe. Two cities they built are named. Other taskmasters were over those who worked in the fields; so the Israelites no longer had any comfort in Egypt, but were poor slaves to a cruel king.

After awhile the king gave a still more cruel order, which was, that no baby boys should live. This law must have cast a terrible fear over all the Israelites. And God allowed them the sorrows, for them to learn that the idols could not help them. Some of them began to pray to God in their great trouble, and He chose and fitted one to lead them out of that land.

“Because they rebelled against the Words of God, .... therefore He brought down their hearts with hard labor; they fell down and there was none to help.” Psalm 107:11, 12.

ML 01/03/1937

The Chipmunk

IN our picture today we have a chipmunk, or ground squirrel. Let us learn something about the habits of these little animals and in what way we ought to try to be like them.

See what large feet and strong looking claws they have. With these claws they dig or burrow deep into the ground, and there they make themselves little round houses.

It is said that during July and part of August chipmunks do little but play, seeming to spend all their time from sunrise to sunset in galloping over the ground, fences and walks, chasing each other like children playing tag, and trying to bite each other’s tails. They have a time to play, but they work first. They do not play until after they have made their houses and their work is done.

Little children can all find some work to do and be busy, just as the animals are. Each one of you know how you can help your parents, or perhaps grandparents. Then when your work is finished it is good for you, also, to run and play.

When the squirrels burrow out their houses down under the ground they generally make two doors. Then if some enemy runs into their house through one door—trying to catch them—they can run out through the other door, and so escape in safety.

Sometimes, dear children, dangers follow us, but we, too, like the little animals, have a way of safety. Do you know what it is? There is a beautiful verse which says:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1.

We can always flee to God and ask His protection, and He says He will deliver us if we call upon Him in the day of trouble.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15,

See how bright and watchful are the eyes of our ground squirrel! He is watching and listening, ready to run at the sight or sound of any approaching danger.

Let us be watchful, too. If we are not, we shall certainly be caught in Satan’s traps and snares.

“WATCH AND PRAY, THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION.” Matt. 26:41.

ML 01/03/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 1:13-2:16

HAD the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh been content to go over the Jordan with their brethren (Numbers 32; Joshua 13), they would not have been so exposed to attack. Joshua 22; 2 Kings 10:32, 33; 1 Chronicles 5:26, and verse 13 of Amos 1, tell what befell them because of their seeking, what seemed like natural advantage instead of acting on the word of God. The children of Ammon were their immediate neighbors on the east, and these to gain more territory for themselves, wantonly and brutally killed women of Gilead. The judgment of Ammon is accordingly pronounced.

Moab, as well as Ammon, is the subject of prophecy, and in each case there is promise of judgment on them. Isaiah 11:14; 15 and 16; 25:10-12; Jeremiah 9:25, 26; Jeremiah 48 and 49; Ezekiel 25, and Zephaniah 2:8-11 disclose the penalty for their guilt concerning Israel. The occasion spoken of in verse 1 of chapter 2 is evidently that recorded in 2 Kings 3:26, 27, when the eldest son of the king of Edom, and probably joint king of that country, was made a burnt offering by the king of Moab who had got possession of him in war.

And now (verse 4) we reach the solemn pronouncements of God. upon His own earthly people, which occupy the remainder of the prophecy of Amos. Judah comes first; the charge against the two tribes is despising the law of Jehovah and lying, which had caused them to err. Israel, the ten tribes, is accused of utter selfishness, covetousness, immorality, and idolatry.

God had destroyed the Amorites for them; powerful enemies they had been; He had indeed brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt; had graciously led them forty years in the wilderness, and given them the land for a possession. He had raised up prophets from among their sons, and Nazarites, separated to God, among their young men; but the prophets were commanded to not prophecy, and the Nazarites (who were never to touch wine) were given it to drink.

What then shall God do to a nation that professes His name, but is guilty more than the nations that know Him not? He will commence to deal with them by removing flight from the swift, strength from the strong, power from the mighty, courage from the brave. Chapter 3 introduces a more solemn word from Him.

ML 01/10/1937

God Loved Me!

A TEXT of Scripture hung on the wall of our nursery when I was a child, and it was the first one I was taught to repeat, and what do you think it was? It was the precious text that will last all through eternity, and no saved person will ever forget it,

“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.

I received a reward at Sunday school for repeating it, when I was six years old. But although able to repeat it, I did not 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,

“Is it long since you received ‘eternal life?’”

I hung my head, for I was ashamed to tell at all. She drew me to her side, opened my Bible at John 3:16, marked by my mother’s hand, 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 her, for “whosoever” included us both.

O how different John 3:16 was to me then, for it showed me God as loving me, His Son as given to me, and everlasting life as mine. I have it framed in my room. I call it my favorite text; but better than all, it lives in my memory and heart.

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

ML 01/10/1937

Bessie Beats All

“WELL, I never! Bessie beats all! What will she be up to next?” cried Grandpa Scott, as he read a letter which had just arrived from his favorite granddaughter.

“But what is it? What has Bessie been doing?” asked grandmother, looking up from her knitting. “What does she say?”

“O! the usual at this time, happy New Year to both, and so on,” grandpa answered. “But she says here she has such joy and peace as she never knew before. She is what she calls ‘saved’; the very idea. I can’t say that and I’m an old man now. But, she is coming for a few days, and I’ll get on to her about it when she comes. What’s this:—

“Tis done, the great transaction’s done,

I am my Lord’s and He is mine;

He drew me and I followed on,

Glad to confess the One Divine.’

Well, we’ll see.”

And sure enough, the same evening that Bessie arrived on her visit, and when they were comfortably settled round the cheery fire, grandpa turned to her, and said:

“It’s very nice to hear you tell of city ways, and all the bright shops, but what was it you meant about joy and peace in your heart? I can’t say I have that, and what’s more, I don’t see the need of all that sort of talk.”

“But, Grandpa,” said Bessie, in surprise, “I always thought you were a Christian, seeing you went to church and took communion?”

“Aha, that’s just it! I have been a church office-bearer for years, and I wouldn’t talk about being saved.”

“O, but, Grandpa,” said Bessie, eagerly, “there is nothing but the blood of Jesus that can make us fit for heaven. See, read I’ll Heb. 9:14:

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. You, see,” Bessie went on, “unless you are sheltered by the blood, all your works are worse than useless—they are dead.”

Grandpa did not answer, but it was evident that the words had gone home. Some hours later, after they had retired for the night, the others were startled to hear him cry out. They sat up in bed to listen, and their joy knew no bounds as they made out his words:

“‘Tis done, the great transaction’s done, I am my Lord’s, and He is mine.”

Then: “Bessie beats all! It took a little girl to show an old fellow like me how I could be saved. Lord, I thank Thee! My own works are worse than useless—dead! Nothing but the precious, precious blood.”

And as Bessie listened to his happy words, so full of new-found joy and peace, she returned thanks to God that even at this late hour, her dear old grandfather had rested his all on the finished work of Jesus, and was saved, saved, saved!

ML 01/10/1937

Bible Talks

The Baby Saved from the river Exodus 2

THE cruel king of Egypt made a law that every boy born to the Hebrews should be cast into the river to drown. We are not told how many suffered this early death. But there was one family who trusted in God to save their baby. They kept him hid in their house until he was three months old, and could not be hid longer. Then, it seems the Lord put in the mother’s heart a way to save him. She took what is called an ark, perhaps what we would call a basket, made from the rushes which grew along the river, and were so strong they were used even for large boats (Isaiah 18:2). She covered this with pitch to keep out water and laid her little one within, covered it, and carried it to the river, and set it in the rushes at the edge, leaving the baby’s sister where she could watch what would happen to their loved baby.

This must have been an anxious time, but their trust was in God, and He used the king’s own daughter to save the tiny boy. She came to the river with her maids, and seeing the ark, sent a maid to bring it to her. When opened and she saw the young baby, she knew it must be one her father had ordered killed, and she felt very sorry. The sister must have seen that the princess felt kindly toward the baby, as she came to her and asked if she could go for a nurse for it, and was told to go. You could guess that she would go for the baby’s own mother, and that the family would be happy to have their dear baby. But he really belonged now to the king’s daughter and, when old enough, was taken to the palace to live, and was named Moses, which means “drawn out of the water.”

The name of the baby’s father was Amram, and his mother’s Jochebed. They were of the family of Levi, one of Joseph’s older brothers. The baby’s sister was named Miriam, and there was a young brother, Aaron (Numbers 26:59),

You will hear much more about Moses after he grew up, for he was the one God used to save the Hebrews from the power of the cruel king.

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, . . . . and they were not afraid of the king’s commandments.” Hebrews 11:23.

ML 01/10/1937

God's Tender Care

Alone by Egypt’s river brink,

The helpless infant lies;

No mother near to tend or cheer,

Or soothe his feeble cries.

Who shall befriend, preserve him there?

He rests beneath God’s tender care.

Among the tall papyrus flags,

His sister, Miriam, stands:

She waits to see who next will be

Brought there by God’s commands:—

Who ruleth all things everywhere,

And keeps the child beneath His care.

He, mightiest foes to friends can turn:

Though Pharoah’s daughter come,

The babe shall find her heart is kind,

Her palace now his home;

The danger o’er; but even there

He needs, he finds God’s tender care.

ML 01/10/1937

The Deer

WHERE the deer are much hunted they never venture forth during the day, but feed altogether at night, so they will soon be off again for their place of seclusion.

How good of God to give the deer suitable clothing for this kind of weather, so they do not feel the cold, but there are many people who do not have warm clothing and comfortable homes.

Don’t you think we should consider those in need, and see what we can do to help them?

This is what the Lord Jesus has done for us. He did not stay in the glory and enjoy His wonderful home, but He came into this world of sin to suffer and die on the cross for us, to bear our judgment due to us on account of our sin, so that, in our accepting Him as our Saviour, we shall be taken out of a world of sin and suffering as this is, and placed in His happy home above where all is peace and happiness forever.

“IN THY PRESENCE IS FULNESS OF JOY; AT THY RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES FOR EVERMORE” Psa. 16:11.

ML 01/17/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 3

IN chapters 1 and 2 The people of Israel were included in the judgments pronounced upon the nations occupying the land of Palestine and its borders, but from the third chapter to the end they alone are addressed, and that in the most solemn way. “Hear this word” is the introduction to three successive chapters, followed in the fourth by “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.”

The ground of God’s dealing with Israel is stated in verse 2: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.” They were God’s peculiar people, standing before Him in a very different position from that of the other nations, who were idol worshippers. “Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities,” (See Luke 12:47, 48).

Seven questions are asked, in verses 3 to 6, all of them bearing upon the state of Israel. The first has to do with their relationship with God: “Shall two walk together, except they be agreed?” It was impossible that a holy God could go on with a people full of transgressions.

The second and third questions speak of Israel as shortly to become the prey of devouring enemies who would not spare them, and the fourth and fifth picture them as ensnared to their destruction who had been God’s free people. The latter part of the fifth verse has been rendered, “Will the snare spring up from the earth when nothing at all has been taken?” (N. T.)

The last two questions bring the warning of coming judgment home to those addressed. The blowing of the trumpet told of an enemy’s approach, and the “evil” in a city was a visitation from God there; it might be in a plague, or the capture of the place by an enemy, or some other dealing from Himself.

Israel then was warned; there was cause for an infliction of divine judgment, and that judgment would soon fall. Yet God will not act without revealing it beforehand to His servants the prophets (verse 7). This principle of His dealings with man is to be seen throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.

“The lion hath roared, —who will not fear? The Lord Jehovah hath spoken, —who can but prophesy?” O, that there were more faithful men in these closing days of God’s grace, to warn sinners of judgment to come!

Verses 9 to 15 forecast the judgment to fall upon the ten tribes, which preceded that of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin by 132 years. The Philistines and Egyptians were invited to behold the confusion and the oppressions in Samaria, the capital of Israel’s kingdom. An adversary round about the land was foretold, who should bring down their strength and spoil their palaces, and only a very small remnant (verse 12) should escape. The “corner” of a bed, or rather a couch or divan, was the best place in the houses of the rich,

The chapter closes with a warning intended to reach Judah as well as Israel (verses 13-15). The iniquity of idolatry, represented by Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel was to come into remembrance in the day of Israel’s punishment.

ML 01/17/1937

The Convenient Season

WHAT must I do to he saved?” has been asked by many since the question was uttered by ire jailor of Philippi.

Florrie W, once asked the above question, She was an amiable, industrious girl. Gentle and obedient, both at home and school, she was deservedly loved by all that knew her. But Florrie was not saved!

God’s all-searching eye looked at her heart, and found it to be deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. God classed her along with all the people who have lived, or are now living, in this world, as haying come short of His glory, and by His Spirit, taught our young friend that she was a lost sinner, totally unfit for His presence. She feared the coming of the Lord Jesus and she feared to die!

One day a lady, who loved the Lord, spoke to some young girls on the convenient season. (Acts 24:25.) Tears of bitter sorrow fell from Florrie’s eyes as the kind lady said,

“Come now; do not put it off. You cannot have a better time than the present. Now is God’s word to you. ‘Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’” 2 Cor. 6:2.

“‘All things are ready!’

We must not delay;

We only reap sorrow

By staying away.

“There can be no season

So suited as this,

And while yet we linger,

True joy we may miss.”

Florrie longed to know herself as saved, but the more she looked at herself the farther off she felt from God. She was unable to join her companions in their parting hymn, but sat silent, bemoaning her unhappy state. When all the rest were gone, the lady said,

“My dear Florrie, is this morning to be the convenient season for you to come to Jesus?”

“O! that it may be, for I am very unhappy. I have tried to do something for God, but I find I can do nothing to please Him. I am truly unprofitable—such a poor sinner. Tell me, what must I do to be saved?”

“The answer to the Philippian jailor was, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ Do you believe on Him?”

“With all my heart.”

“Then, dear girl, you are saved,” “Am I?”

“Yes; God says you are. Do you not believe His own word? ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but, have everlasting life.’ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.’ Thus God says you are saved.”

“He does,” replied the young girl, “and I believe Him.”

“To Him be the praise!” was the lady’s joyful exclamation. “‘If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.’”

“O!” exclaimed the girl, “I want no more to make me believe: I do believe. I am saved!”

“What has become of your sins?”

“The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin,” was the answer.

What a happy change—the burden of sin forever gone! Florrie went to her home with the full consciousness that God had not a charge against her, and rejoicing that Christ had suffered the Just for the unjust to bring her to God.

Years have passed away since that conversation, and our young friend still rests on God’s own word, and finds it a sure abiding place. She is looking forward, in sure and certain hope, of dwelling forever with Jesus in His happy home.

May you, dear young reader, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved.

ML 01/17/1937

What Jesus Would Say If You Came

SOME years ago, while having services in a Midland town, I came across two little boys in the garden of my host. After speaking to them of the Lord Jesus and His sweet invitation:

“Suffer little children to come unto Me” (Matt. 19:14), one of them, the smaller of the two, looked up so brightly, and said to the lady,

“I know what Jesus will say if I come to Him.”

“Well, dear, what will He say?”

“He will say, ‘Come along, little one, I am so glad to see you.’”

Yes, that is what Jesus will say to any poor sinner, reading this book, who comes to Him, “I am so glad to see you;” for “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.

ML 01/17/1937

Bible Talks

Moses in The Desert Exodus 2 and 3

MOSES lived many years in the royal court of Egypt, where he would have the best things of the land, and he was taught by the wisest men and became “mighty in word and in deed.” But he did not forget what he learned of God, nor that the poor Hebrew slaves whom he saw carrying the heavy loads of brick were his own relatives. They were all from the family of Jacob, as his parents were. He also knew God’s promises to take them to another land; so, he chose to give up all the riches and pleasures which the king’s daughter could give him and, instead, to help his kindred in their sufferings.

One day he watched the men at work, and saw an Egyptian strike a Hebrew. He smote the Egyptian and saved the Hebrew. But this was not God’s way for him to do. Afterward he saw one of the Hebrews striking another Hebrew and he reproved him. This angered the man and he spoke against Moses. The king heard of this and wanted to kill Moses, but he fled from Egypt to a country east. As he was resting by a well, some young women came to draw water for their flock and selfish shepherds drove them away. Moses helped the maidens and gave the flock water. When they told their father of this kindness, he gave Moses a home, and one of the daughters became his wife.

After Moses had lived in that land forty years, he was one day watching the flocks in the wild lands near a mountain, and he saw fire in a bush, yet the bush did not burn up, and he wondered, and said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight why the bush is not burnt.” Then the voice of God called to him from out of the fire, and told him that He knew how the people of Israel were suffering in Egypt, and that Moses should go and ask the king to free them. God told him to take his rod with him to use to show His great power, and that Aaron his brother would meet him, and they should bring the people to that same mountain. You will later hear how they all came there. Read this story also in Acts 7:17-36 and Hebrews 11:24-27.

ML 01/17/1937

Faith in Jesus

Children all have precious souls;

‘Twas for such the Saviour died

‘Twas for such the Prince of Life

Was on Calvary crucified.

How it tells the matchless love.

Of the blessed Son of God,

Thus to come from heaven to bear

Sin’s tremendous, heavy load.

Had He not upon the cross

Borne the wrath that sin deserved,

Never had our happy ears

That sweet word SALVATION heard.

Now we hear the joyful sound

Of salvation full and free;

Faith in Jesus makes it ours,

Now and through eternity!

ML 01/17/1937

The City of Venice

CAN you imagine a city built on little islands, and having streets of water? That is the kind of city we have in our picture—the narrow strip of water you see, is called a canal, and there are one hundred and fifty canals like this in the city, and the people have to use boats on these canals to go from one building to another, or one of the many bridges. There are over three hundred bridges there.

This city is called Venice, and is noted for its beauty; it has wonderful buildings, and grand works of art. This city is far from us—away across the ocean on the coast of Italy. Do you ever expect to see it?

There is a place, however, far, far more wonderful in beauty, than this city of Venice, and, dear children, every one of you may go there some day, if you just will. Do you know where this place is? There is only one way of getting there. Look in your Bibles at John 14:2, Jesus said,

“I go to prepare a place for you,” and that place is in heaven. Jesus said,

“In My Father’s house are many mansions,” but you can never get to those beautiful mansions, unless you find Him as your Saviour now, while you are down here. He said again, in verse six,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” So, believing in Jesus now, is the only way to get to that beautiful place, where all children want to go.

But you would be very, very unhappy there, if you had not learned to know the Lord Jesus while on earth, and had not been cleansed from your sins. People only will be there who can say that they were lost, and then were “redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.”

“IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.” Eph. 1:7.

ML 01/24/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 4 and 5

TO be addressed, and that by God Himself, as cows, cows of Basilan (the grazing country east of the Jordan where many cattle were raised), must have been humiliating to the rulers of the kingdom of Israel, but it fitly expressed their state as He saw them. Of true intelligence they now had none, gone far from their God in all their ways.

In chapter 2 (verses 6, 7) Israel is rebuked for despising the poor, and here a second time their treatment of them is spoken of; we find the subject mentioned again, in chapter 5 (verse 11). It is of man’s selfish heart to neglect and deal unjustly with the poor, but such conduct does not pass unnoticed by the all-seeing eyes of God. The leaders of Samaria (the ten-tribe kingdom) thought themselves secure in their houses of ivory, their winter houses and summer houses, but the Lord Jehovah had sworn by His holiness concerning this unholy people (verses 2, 3).

Bethel and Gilgal were names that formerly spoke of God’s deep interest in His people; at Bethel He had spoken to Jacob when a wanderer from his father’s home; at Gilgal the reproach of Egypt was rolled away, when the Israelites entered the promised land. But now these were places of transgression; Bethel had become Beth-aven, house of idols instead of house of God, and Gilgal, as we judge from verse 4, was an even greater center of idolatry.

God had visited Israel because of their perverseness, and five measures He had employed are spoken of; it will be seen that these increased in severity from the first to the last (verses 6 to 11), but His complaint is that none of them moved the people to return to Him. Therefore (verse 12) He would meet them in judgment more intense; “Prepare to meet thy God.” Jehovah the God of hosts will be heard, and verses 2 and 3 of chapter 5 declare His word concerning the house of Israel, that “the virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more arise.” There is no hope now of recovery.

Yet there is an offer of mercy: “Seek ye Me, and ye shall live” (verses 4-9). In verses 10-13 a further exposure of the national sins is made, with warning of certain judgment, and (verses 14, 15) a call to repentance follows, but (verses 16, 17) mourning and wailing everywhere are assured. How plainly all this testifies of the love of God for man! God is beseeching and man is refusing His goodness to this very day.

In false security some desired the day of the Lord; it will prove a time of distress for every sinner. That day will come as a thief in the night, and in it both the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).

In verses 21-27 God declares His full rejection of His people’s gatherings, supposedly in His honor, and will have none of their offerings, will not hear their songs, and reminds them of their sad history in the wilderness journey of 40 years from Egypt to Canaan. Verses 25-27 were quoted by the martyr Stephen (Acts 7:42, 43) from the translation which was in common use when the Lord was on earth —the Septuagint.

ML 01/24/1937

The Lightning Flash

A MAN went one day to a distant town on horseback, and while returning in the evening was overtaken by a very severe storm, the rain poured in torrents, and it became very dark, and in crossing the moors he lost his way.

After going for some miles in the fierce storm, not a single star to be seen, and no friendly light in a window, suddenly the gentleman was startled by a vivid flash of lightning, when what was his horror to find that he was galloping along upon the edge of a steep precipice, and both horse and rider might any moment have been dashed to pieces below!

Was the lightning flash a friend or an enemy? Why, a friend, of course, although it gave both man and horse a fright! Now, he saw his danger and was able to escape from it. Right thankful for this peculiar friend.

Perhaps this chapter may come to some little reader like the lightning came to the man, and startle them, but that will not matter so long as it shows them their danger, and leads them to flee to a place of safety.

The wicked Jailer in Acts 16 was dreadfully startled by the earthquake, and came trembling and cried out,

“What must I do to be saved?” He heard the reply,

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. He believed, and all his house.

But in Acts 24 we find that “Felix trembled,” but, foolish man! he put off coming to Christ till a “convenient season,” which never came.

Will you be like the Jailer, tremble and be saved; or like Felix the judge, tremble and be lost? Think the matter carefully over, and then in the light of the Coming Judgment day answer this question.

“Which wilt thou choose,

Which wilt thou lose,

This life or the life to he.”

“No man can serve two masters” Matt. 6:24.

Which are you going to choose today—Christ or Satan?

ML 01/24/1937

White Rain

SAMBO was a big, black man who was soldiering in France, far from his native land. One day he was standing at the door of a shed, looking out on the bleak, unhappy countryside. It was bitterly cold, and Sambo took on almost a bluish tinge, so keenly did he suffer from the weather of that winter afternoon. Now, as he looked, the expression on his face changed. His eyes and mouth were each like a big, round O, so widely were they opened as he saw big, white flakes falling to the earth.

“What’s the matter, Sam?” asked a British soldier who was standing near.

“Ooo! white rain!” Sambo answered, in a hushed voice.

“O, it’s the snow you are watching. Have you never seen snow before?”

“Never, sar, we have no snow in my country.”

Then, as the snow began to fall more thickly, Sambo ventured out, and soon his delight knew no bounds as the fleecy flakes fell upon him and the countryside became beautiful with a coating of pure, white snow. The soldier, who was a Christian, watched Sambo enjoying himself some time, and then he asked:

“Can you tell me anything that is whiter than snow, Sam?”

“Yes, sar,” the other answered, in a serious tone; “the soul that is washed in my Saviour’s blood is whiter than this beautiful snow.”

“Why, Sam,” came the response, in pleased tones, “where did you hear about that?”

“‘Way in my country, mission’ry learn me to love Jesus, and we often sing in meeting, ‘Whiter than the snow.’ See my hands, big black hands. That just like my big black sins. Now look!”

Sam bent down, and when he rose again his hands were completely covered with snow.

“O! the grandness of it! Black sins all gone, never to be remembered anymore, All is pure and white like his beautiful snow.” And there and then the two men, the black and the white, shook hands as brothers in Christ Jesus. They had both learned the great lesson that, no matter what the color of the skin may be, the only thing that can make white the black heart of any one is the precious blood of Jesus.

Have you, found this out for yourself, dear reader? God’s Word tells us:

“The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from ALL sin.” 1 John 1:7. Then your heart will be “Whiter than the Snow.”

ML 01/24/1937

Bible Talks

Moses At the Burning Bush

WHEN Moses started to go near the strange burning bush, the Lord called his name, and told hint to take off his shoes (which probably were like sandals) because it was holy ground. He was teaching Moses His holiness.

We do not now know any real places that are holy ground, but the Bible speaks of something we are now to do to remind ourselves and others of respect to God. Men and boys are to uncover their heads in speaking God’s words or praying to Him, and women and girls cover their heads for praying and speaking of God’s words. Many think these little acts are needless, but since God has had it written for us, it will surely honor Him if we obey Him (1 Corinthians 11:4, 5). It also honors God to always be quiet when there is prayer, or reading or speaking of God’s word.

What Moses also learned by the burning bush was, that even though the people of Israel Were in suffering, God was with them, and they could not be destroyed. So it teaches us that no trouble can really destroy those whom God is with. The pleasures and riches of the great court of Egypt would be only for a little while, but God would bless His people forever.

God gave His name of “I AM” to Moses—this meant the ever living one. Exodus 3:14.

ML 01/24/1937

Come to Me.

Jesus calls to little children,—

And His words are words of love,—

“Come to Me, receive My blessing, —

Come to Me, and live above.”

“But,” you say, “He lives in heaven,

How can I approach. Him there?”

Listen, then, to what He utters,

Thus His gracious words declare:—

“Though in glory I am seated,

E’en the softest word I hear,

And the voice of little children

Soundeth sweetly in Mine ear.

“For My love to ruined sinners

To this wretched world I came;

Here I died to make atonement,

Justice now no more can claim.

“Sinners now in Me believing,

Everlasting life receive;

Come, in faith, to Me for pardon—

I have died that thou may’st live.”

“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.

ML 01/24/1937

A Mother's Love

IS it not a pretty sight to see a dear little baby lying in his mother’s arms!

We often see it, and have, no doubt, noticed by the expression of the mother’s face, how much she loves her baby; but if we look at him, we see, not so much an expression of love, as, a picture of helplessness.

The little one cannot do anything for himself, but the mother must do everything for him; first, because she loves her little baby; second, he is not strong enough to take care of himself.

This reminds us of the love that God has shown to us, for the Bible says:

“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. This is beyond a mother’s love for her baby.

Have you ever thought that God really loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you, so that you may be saved through Him? He loved us when we were helpless, and could not do anything for ourselves in order to be saved. He looked upon us in love, and knew our helplessness, so He did everything for us.

“WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY!’ Romans 5:6.

ML 01/31/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 6

THAT the iniquity of Israel was now about full, these chapters of Amos’s prophecy make plain. In chapter 3, verse 2, God had said, “I will punish you for all your iniquities,” and the recital of them is an exposure of a state thoroughly bad, and demanding (and about to receive) His unsparing judgment.

A people who had always practiced idolatry while professing to be the people of Jehovah their God; who turned judgment to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth; who hated reproof and abhorred one that spoke uprightly; who trampled upon the poor; who afflicted the just; who took bribes, and turned aside the right of the needy when they asked for their due; whose transgressions were manifold and whose sins were mighty, they were yet supremely confident that all was well with themselves.

At the time of Amos the northern kingdom was prospering. Jeroboam II had added to the military successes of his father so that the northern part of the kingdom, which the Syrians had seized, was wholly restored (2 Kings 14:23-29). After his death decline was rapid; four of the six kings who reigned after him were murdered, and there were periods during which the country was without a ruler; then came the siege of Samaria and the captivity of the nation.

“The prophecy of Amos, while chiefly directed toward the ten tribes, embraces in its scope the two tribes also, for, except that they clung to the line of David their king, there was little difference between the northern and southern kingdoms (See 2 Kings 17:19), Accordingly, in verse 1 The opening word is “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (the kingdom of Judah) “and trust,” or are secure “in the mountain of Samaria” (the kingdom of Israel).

Verse 2: Calneh was an ancient city, only mentioned in Scripture here and in Genesis 10:10, and Isaiah 10:9; its location is in dispute. Hamath was both a city and a district north of Syria; it had been conquered by the Assyrians. Gath was captured by the Syrians (2 Kings 12:17).

Verses 3-6 present a picture of ease, of luxury and self-indulgence from which self-judgment was wholly absent. There was no grief among his children over the affliction (or breach) of Joseph; indeed, we may gather that the people of Israel would for the most part have denied that there was any such thing as decline among them.

Just so is it today in what is called Christendom, for there are evidently few among the millions of professors of Christianity who realize and mourn over the great departure from God and His word which marks the present hour.

Because of this blindness and self-confidence in the face of many warnings, added to their many sins, the ten tribes would go first into captivity (verse 7).

Verses 9-14 forecast a fearful time, the condition of the people being now hopeless; a nation that would afflict the house of Israel from end to end of their land, would be raised up against them by God.

ML 01/31/1937

Jack's Decision

JACK was a typical, sturdy little boy, His chubby face and cheery ways brought him into prominence with all with whom he came into contact.

Particularly were these characteristics evident at the Sunday school, where it was his pleasure to attend. Little did Jack miss of his Biblical lessons, as was proved by the ready way in which he answered questions, either put to him personally or to the school generally. The boy or girl to be on his feet to answer before Jack, had to be very smart indeed.

Jack also possessed a good clear boy’s voice, and was not afraid to use it at singing time; in fact, his voice could frequently be heard above the rest of the scholars, so vigorously did he sing. At home of course, he was the pet. Being the only child, he had showered upon him all the love and care that a good father and mother could bestow; yet he was far from spoilt.

However, after all we have said in Jack’s favor, there was one thing that he felt he seriously lacked; and that was a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The circumstances were these. Mr. C. was conducting some special meetings at the hall where Jack attended Sunday school, and Gospel addresses were delivered both for children and adults. At these meetings the need of salvation was clearly demonstrated; so much so that Jack realized his need of the Saviour. The lad did not miss attending one meeting, but, although greatly impressed, hesitated to make a final and definite decision. However, on the following Lord’s Day the Gospel was again declared, this time by Mr. M. At this meeting Jack felt he had the opportunity he desired when an invitation was given to those who wished to be saved to stand up. The little lad stood up.

At the end of the meeting Mr. M. asked him if he would like to be saved. He said, “Yes.” He then pointed him to that verse, Rom. 10:9.

It can be readily seen that Jack saw his need of a Saviour, that he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord, that he derived happiness thereby, and applied himself at that early age to read God’s Word. The change of life consequent on new birth was also real to him.

But how is it with you, my young reader? Are you hesitating and undecided? If so, do not wait a minute longer. Now is the time to make your decision.

Yesterday is gone and you cannot recall it. Tomorrow may not come to you, and it is foolish to wait for it. But today is yours, and if you are wise, you will use it to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour.

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

Believing will bring salvation to you, and confessing that belief will give assurance to your soul, confirming your heart in that belief, and let others know whose you are and whom you serve. Won’t you be wise and accept the Lord Jesus Christ now?

ML 01/31/1937

Something for Everybody

IN a busy little store in a large town, a sale was proceeding. Notices were posted up to that effect, and one which drew my attention read as follows,

“Bargains for all.

Something for Everybody.”

I stopped to look and noticed that many people, old and young, were going in. They came out again, some with large parcels and some with small. Entering the store myself, I also came out with a parcel, but there was one thing which had not been mentioned. Something had to be given in exchange for the parcels. Of course, you will all guess—money. True, there was something to suit all who had money, but those without could not partake of the tempting offer.

Now let me tell you of a really wonderful offer, which is to all, especially to those without money,

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price.” Isa. 55:1. Here we have a really genuine offer, one which is open to all.

Sometimes children have very little money of their own, and how could they accept God’s offer of salvation if money were needed to purchase it? No! God’s gifts are free, yes, free to you today without money and without price, but at what a cost to Jesus, even the cost of His own precious life!

Accept God’s offer today.

ML 01/31/1937

Bible Talks

Moses and Aaron Before the King Exodus 5 and 6:1-9 and 7:1-13.

BEFORE Moses came to Egypt, God sent Aaron, his brother, to meet him, and Moses told him all God had spoken and shown him. When they reached Egypt, they called the men of the Hebrew people together and told them that God was going to lead them out of the land of their slavery. God had given Moses two signs for Aaron to prove His power, and Aaron showed the people Moses’ rod was cast on the ground and it became a serpent, and when he took hold of it, it was a rod again in his hand; then he put his hand inside his garment, and when he drew it out, it was white like the disease of leprosy, and when he put it in again, and drew it out, it was natural and like his other hand. When the men of Israel heard their words and saw the signs, they believed and bowed their heads and worshiped God.

Then Moses and. Aaron went to the king, who was called Pharaoh, as were all the kings of Egypt. They told him that the Hebrews were God’s people, and that He wanted them to go into the wilderness to worship Him. But the king would not let the people go. Instead, he told their taskmasters to make them work harder than before.

Then God told Moses to tell His promises again to the people to comfort them, and these are the words He said,

“I am the Lord (Jehovah),

I will bring you out from the burdens,

I will rid you of their bondage,

I will redeem you with judgments,

I will take you to Me for a people,

I will be to you a God,

I will bring you into the land,

I will give it you.”

But the people were so bitter with the hard work, that they did not listen to the wonderful words. Yet we find the promises all came true.

Moses spoke again to the king to let the people free, and Aaron cast down the rod and it became a serpent. The magicians did the same, only Aaron’s rod swallowed up their serpents, but the king did not fear God’s power. He said,

“Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.”

So God sent ten different troubles to show the unbelieving king His power over all. These are called plagues and we will read them in our next Bible Talks.

Find the ages of Moses, and Aaron when they stood before the king (Ex. 7:7).

ML 01/31/1937

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.

ML 01/31/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Now to him,” etc. Rom. 16:25.

2.“And that he,” etc. 9:23.

3.“O the depth,” etc. 11:33.

4.“Let us therefore,” etc. 14:19.

5.“The night is,” etc. 13:12.

6.“Having then,” etc. 12:6.

7. “So then faith,” etc. 10:17.

Bible Questions for February “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians.

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

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In simplicity and godly sincerity.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Not walking in craftiness.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In all things approving ourselves.”

7.In what way should Christians live so that “the God of love and peace” shall be with them?

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

1.With good. Rom. 12:21.

2.Present them as a living sacrifice to God. Rom. 12:1.

3.Phoebe. Rom. 16:1.

4.Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Rom. 11:25.

5.He is to be subject to the powers that be. Rom. 13:1.

6.Confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in the heart that God has raised Him from the dead. Rom. 10:9.

7.Romans 9:5.

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

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians.

1.Who is the “god of this world”?

2.When is God’s accepted time for salvation?

3.When was Paul strong?

4.What verse mentions all three persons in the trinity?

5.Before whom are we to provide honest things?

6.What are we to do with rebellious thoughts?

7.Where is the believer’s soul when it becomes absent from the body?

ML 02/07/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 7

THREE tokens of judgment from God are presented for Amos to see; first, grasshoppers or locusts; next fire; and, lastly, a plumbline. These are believed to represent the three successive attacks which the .Assyrians were to make upon the ten tribes of Israel; first, that spoken of in 2 Kings 15:19, when Pul was given tribute; second, that mentioned in verse 29 of the same chapter, when the northeastern part of the country was seized by Tiglath-Pileser, and the inhabitants were taken captive to Assyria; third, the overrunning of the whole land by Shalmaneser and the captivity of the nation, told of in 2 Kings 17:5, 6.

God had borne long with this people who drew near him with their lips, but whose heart was far from Him, and the time was near when intercession would be without avail, He would forbear no longer. He would then set a plumbline in the midst of His people, and that meant judgment that would deal with all the transgressors.

“The high places of Isaac” (verse 9), and “the house of Isaac” (verse 16), are expressions not found elsewhere in the Scriptures. Isaac was Abraham’s heir, and these terms appear to have been adopted by the people to exalt their country, forgetful that their ways were very far from the God-pleasing course of those of their forefathers whom they professed to honor.

“The house of Jeroboam” (verse 9), though the then reigning king (2 Kings 14:23-29) bore tint name, may well refer to established ruler of the ten tribes, who established the evil course of the nation which it held to the end (1 Kings 1.4:16; 2 Kings 17:21-23).

The prophecy of the end of Israel naturally aroused the anger of the priest of Bethel, and he sent word of it to the king. The truth of God is always offensive to the natural heart, which prefers a religion of its own after the general pattern of Cain’s (Genesis 4:3; 1 John 3:12; Jude 11). The first Jeroboam had arranged such a religion for his nation in order to secure the kingdom to himself and his successors (1 Kings 12:26-33). Of this religion, the king, and not God, was its head (verse 13).

Amos therefore is told to flee away to the land of Judah; there he might speak for God, but not in Israel! But it was God, and not man, that called Amos to speak. He was, as he told the priest of Bethel, no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but a herdman and a gatherer of fruit, and Jehovah took him as he followed the flock. The word which he proclaimed was God’s, and He had said to this man of humble life, “Go, prophesy unto My people Israel.”

There was an exceedingly solemn word for this priest who would silence the voice of God speaking through His servant (verse 17). In the troublous times which lay before the kingdom of Israel, Amaziah’s family would not be spared; his wife would become a dissolute woman; his sons and daughters would die by the sword; his land would be given to others; the country would be polluted; and (in from sixty to eighty years) Israel would certainly go into captivity, as God had declared.

ML 02/07/1937

"That Means Me."

A MISSIONARY before three hundred children placed a piece of money under a book on the table, and said,

“Whosoever believeth let him come and take it.”

He waited; they were all “whosoevers,” but only one was “whosoever believeth”; a little ragged chap who came up, took it, and said,

“Thank you, sir.”

“What is your name?” said the missionary.

“Cecil.”

“I did not say Cecil could have the money.”

“No, sir,” said the half-frightened boy, “but you did say, ‘whosoever,’ and that means me.”

Many there are who rejoice in the width of meaning which “whosoever” bears. It makes no conditions. It throws the door open to anyone who wishes to enter.

“Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43.

ML 02/07/1937

The Snow Storm

THE girls in our picture are making their way through the fast falling snow. They are trying to shelter themselves with the large umbrella.

It is good to find a shelter in the day of storm, and I want to direct my readers to a safe refuge, —that refuge is Jesus.

There is a storm coming on this world, —a storm of God’s anger, because of the murder and rejection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But while He was nailed to the cross by wicked men, He, out of His great love for us, bore God’s judgment instead of our bearing it, shed His blood to wash away our many sins, and now all who trust in Him as their Saviour, are sheltered from the coming judgment.

But those who will not accept Him as their Saviour, must meet God’s judgment, which will be sure to send them to hell forever. There is no other way to be saved but through Christ, and His atoning work on the cross.

May all who read this be able to say,

“I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, HE IS MY FORTRESS: MY GOD; IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” Psalm 91:2.

ML 02/07/1937

Bible Talks

The Plagues in Egypt Exodus 7:14 to 9:8

IN each of these plagues notice that the Lord told Moses what to do, and each time he first asked the king to let the Hebrews free.

1St Plague: God told Moses to stand by the river when the king and his servants came there, and that Aaron should take the rod and strike the water, and the water would turn to blood. They did this and the king saw what happened, but he did not care, although for seven days they could not use, the water and the fish died.

2nd Plague: Again God told Moses for Aaron to stretch the rod over the water and frogs came upon the land, so many of them that they came into every part of their houses, even in the beds and ovens. These were so troublesome that the king begged Moses to have them kept in the river. God granted this, yet the king would not obey God’s word.

3rd Plague: God said Aaron should strike the dust with the rod, and lice, or gnats, came on people and animals. These are tiny, but hurtful, and the king should have seen that God could use even the smallest insect as He willed. The magicians tried to do the same, but could not, and told the king, “This is the finger of God,” meaning these had come by God’s power, but he did not believe them. It seems that they did not try again to imitate God’s works. In 2 Timothy 3:8, 9, these men are named, and they show us that evil cannot always continue against God.

4th Plague: Great swarms of flies came, so the houses were filled and outside also. Before this, the troubles seem to have been over all Egypt, but now God said He would make a difference, and there were no flies sent in Goshen, where the Hebrews lived. The king said if God would take away the flies, he would let the people worship in Goshen. Moses told him they must go a three days’ journey from Egypt. The king said they could go a little way only. But when the flies were taken away, so “there remained not one”, he again refused to let them leave.

5th Plague: A very serious disease came on the cattle, camels, asses, and sheep of the Egyptians, but it did not come to the Hebrew’s animals.

To be continued.

ML 02/07/1937

The Bible

No book for our souls like the Bible,

Everything else may deceive;

Reading the true words of Jesus,

What can we do but believe?

No book for our hearts like the Bible,

Telling the kindness of God;

Proving that sinners are pardoned,

Ransomed and purchased by blood.

No book for our path like the Bible,

Showing where sin leads astray;

Pointing our eyes off to Jesus,

The Light, the Life, and the Way.

O, what can compare with the Bible

Spreading its blessings around,

Pouring out streams of salvation

Just where poor sinners are found?

ML 02/07/1937

The Tailor Bird

THIS curious little bird is a Tailor Warbler, and lives in India.

It is a tiny creature, not much larger than a humming-bird, glittering with blue, purple, green and gold, not over three inches in length, and weighing about three ounces.

You have never seen the “Tailor Bird,” nor have I, but there is one bird I am going to speak about, and see if you can guess his name. Just when the sun is setting he comes into my garden to sing his evening song.

No doubt every child knows Robin Redbreast, and not one of all the birds is a greater favorite.

His air of simple trust wins our admiration. Who does not like to be trusted? I am sure you do; nothing pleases you more than when father or mother trusts you to do something which perhaps you have never done before.

And don’t you think the Lord Jesus likes to be trusted? Yes, indeed, and has He not asked you to put your trust in Him for the salvation of your precious soul, and then to trust Him for all your needs?

“BLESSED IS THAT MAN THAT MAKETH THE LORD HIS TRUST.” Psa. 40:4.

ML 02/14/1937

Bible Lessons

Amos 8 and 9

ONE more sign was given to the prophet (verse 1), a token that Israel’s summer was past, her fruit was gathered; and as God looked at it, He said, “The end is come upon My people Israel.” (Compare with Genesis 6:13). The songs of the present would soon give place to howlings of misery, of woe, when the long-promised judgment of this people should take place. There would then be no word of complaint against God; the many dead would be cast out in silence. There can be no complaint at the just judgment of Jehovah when it falls.

One more word of warning from Him Who reads the thoughts and intents of the human heart is given in verses 4-6; but would the hearers listen, and humble themselves? “Jehovah bath sworn by the glory of Jacob, Certainly I will never forget any of their works!”

Verses 8 to 14 of chapter 8, and 1 to 10 of the 11Th chapter express in striking language the judgment to fall on Israel; part of it is as yet unexecuted, for God has not visited His earthly people to the full measure for their sins. Isaiah 17 and 28, Jeremiah 30, Joel 2 and Zechariah 13:8, 9 may be referred to among many passages relating to future judgments upon the earthly people of God; Ezekiel 20:33-38 gives the particular dealing with the ten tribes of Israel, who, unlike the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, will be punished outside of the land of their inheritance.

In verse 8, the “flood” is the river of Egypt, the Nile, comparison being made of the promised day of trouble with the annual rising of that stream, “and it shall surge and sink down, as the river of Egypt” (N. T.) (See also verse 5, chapter 9). The word of God was despised, and His prophets were rejected; the people were, in retribution, to suffer for lack of that divine guidance they had refused (verses 11-11).

Chapter 9 opens with a vision of the Lord standing where offerings were wont to be made; sacrifices would now be unavailing. None of the rebels from His government will escape. “Hell” in verse 2 is not the lake of fire, but where the dead are awaiting eternal judgment. “Heaven” is “the heavens”; the expression does not mean the Christian’s heavenly home. Carmel is not a high mountain, but has deep and winding gorges overhung by trees, where hiding would not be difficult. But there can be no hiding from God, as these verses show.

The sinful kingdom of Israel (verse 8) was to be destroyed, but the house of Jacob not utterly. There would be a dispersion of them among all the nations (verse 9), and all the sinners are to die by the sword, who said that evil should not overtake nor befall them (verse 10). The kingdom of Israel perished, the Jews are scattered and are found today in many countries, but verse 10 has been only partially fulfilled.

God will not allow this book of judgment to be closed without His assurance of blessing for the remnant in whom is faith (verses 11-15). In the coming day He will raise up the tabernacle, not of two kingdoms, but of one, that of David, for Israel and Judah will be united. In that day there will be such blessing as this world has never known, and Israel will be the chief of the nations.

And where will the Church be then, — those who have believed the present message of God’s grace? With, Christ. Their home will never be on earth again, and the earthly blessings mentioned here are for God’s earthly people.

ML 02/14/1937

How the Stockings Were Found

LITTLE Jessie was as fond of fun, of skipping, and other games as any other girl. Today she is in trouble, and tears are in her blue eyes as she tells her teacher her grief.

“Miss A., I’ve lost the stocking I finished, and now the other is no use, and I was to have taken them to grandmother on Saturday,” and her little face was hidden in her dress for it was a real trouble to the little girl. She meant to surprise her kind grandmother with a gift of her own making.

Many hours had the busy little fingers worked, and now when the last stocking is almost finished, she finds she has lost the first. Her kind teacher pitied her, and she went to help her in the search, but no stocking could be found, and poor Jessie had another cry over it, taking home a heavy heart and a sad face, and bringing both back next morning.

The Bible reading that morning was about John the Baptist, and how his friends buried his body and “went and told Jesus.” At recess most scholars went out to play, when little Jessie again stood before the teacher, her face all smiles.

“O! Miss A., I’ve found my stocking.”

“That is good news, dear, how did you find it?”

“When you were reading this morning and talking about telling Jesus, I thought I’d tell Him about my stocking; so asked Him to let me find it. Then I went to search over again, and in the first desk I looked into, Miss A., I found it.”

“I’m glad you told Jesus; ‘tis the best thing to do.”

“And wasn’t it kind of Him to let me find it so soon?”

“It was, Jessie; you see He knew you had been grieving over your trouble all yesterday, and He was glad to lift the burden from your weary little heart, and make you happy again.”

“I did not know if I might ask Him about things like that, but now I shall not be afraid to another time,” and the happy little girl went to tell the good news.

Have you learned Jessie’s lesson yet? Make Him your Saviour now, and then you can tell Him all your cares and troubles, and He will help you.

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22.

ML 02/14/1937

Only a Little Child

LILY was “only a little child,” and an orphan. She left her home in charge of an aged aunt, to cross the ocean, to live with relatives in a busy city in Canada, 3000 miles from the village where she was born. A long journey, indeed, for “a little child.” But Lily had a Heavenly Friend who took her across the seas, and she was the happiest passenger of that big ship. Indeed, she was the favorite of the whole company on board, passengers and sailors alike.

Her sweet voice incited all hearts, and brought tears to all eyes. She had been taught to sing in her early childhood, and I believe her young and tender heart had been won to the Saviour ere she started on that long voyage across the Atlantic. Weather-beaten sailors gathered around her, to hear the sweet voice sing,

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Aged women and strong men wept, as they listened to her song. And it is on record, that when the shore was reached, there was a chorus of voices asking that she, should come to their homes to “stay.”

A preacher on that ship reminded the passengers of three texts in which the words “a little child” occurred. They were,

“Jesus called a little child to Him.” Matt. 8:2.

“Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it.” Luke 8:17.

“A little child shall lead them.” Isa. 11:6.

The first is as true today as then. The second as applicable now as then. The third tells the result of a child’s influence over others.

It was a memorable voyage, and had wonderful results. For Lily herself early became a child of the Kingdom, and, while only a little girl, she was the means of leading her own aunt and her three. cousins in Canada to the Saviour Whom she loved and served.

ML 02/14/1937

Bible Talks

The Plagues in Egypt (con’t.) Exodus 9:8 to 10:20

6th Plague: The Lord told Moses and Aaron to take ashes in their hands and sprinkle them upward in the sight of the king. They did this and boils came upon the people and animals of Egypt. We can understand what a grievous trouble this would be. The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, so they could not help the king.

7th Plague: God next told Moses to warn the king that He would send a dreadful storm of hail and fire and rain, the worst there had ever been in Egypt, and men or animals out in the fields would be hurt and killed. Some of the Egyptians, who heard this, kept inside and put their animals in, but those who did not believe were struck by the storm, and all the grain grown up was ruined. “Only in the land of Goshen there was no hail.” The king was greatly frightened and sent for Moses. He said he had sinned, and if the storm were stopped he would let the people go. Moses went out of the city and reached his hands upward and the storm ceased. Yet the king sinned again and would not let the people go.

8th Plague: Moses told the king that God would send locusts to eat what was left by the hail, unless he would let the Hebrews go. The servants of the king begged him to consent, lest all Egypt should be destroyed; and he said the men could go worship, but they must leave the children in Egypt. But Moses said the young and the old must all go to hold a feast to the Lord. And the king, in anger, had Moses and Aaron driven from his presence. So the Lord caused an east wind to blow all day and night bringing so many locusts that the ground was covered, and the air full. These are large grasshoppers and the young caterpillars eat every green thing. This made the king send in haste for Moses to ask God to take them away. Moses prayed and God sent a strong west wind which carried all the locusts into the Red Sea. Then the king again forgot his promises to let the people go.

To be continued.

ML 02/14/1937

Little Children

Jesus can all our sins forgive,

And wash away their stain,

And fit our souls with Him to live,

And in His kingdom reign.

To Him let little children come,

For He hath said they may;

His bosom, then shall be their home,

Their tears He’ll wipe away.

For all who early seek His face

Shall surely taste His love;

Jesus will guide them by His grace

To dwell with Him above.

ML 02/14/1937

A Mimic Battle

RATHER an unequal contest, perhaps my reader will say, three against one, in the snow battle about to take place. Two girls and a dog on the one side, and a single boy on the other. Fortunately, they are what we may call friendly foes, who are eager to try their skill in driving off the enemy. It is not, however, always the case that numbers win the day, and doubt not here but that the boy will come off the victor.

But the girls have one thing in their favor, they know that mischief is brewing, and they are on the watch to resist or oppose it.

Sometimes we may have an enemy at work against us and not know it, then how easy it is for us to be tripped up. Do you know of one enemy who is ever active, always working behind the scenes to bring about evil?

It is Satan who has been man’s enemy ever since he tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, but what good news to know that there has been one, the Lord Jesus, on this earth who has been able to destroy the power of Satan, and deliver all those who had been subject to his bondage.

“Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

“RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.” James 4:7.

ML 02/21/1937

Bible Lessons

OBADIAH

THIS short book is wholly concerned with the judgment of the nation which sprang from Esau, Jacob’s elder brother. They had taken possession of the territory of the Horites between the Dead Sea and the arm of the Red Sea called the Gulf of Akaba (Genesis 36:6-8, Deuteronomy 2:4-8, 12), and thus it became the land of Edom. The Horites had made their dwellings in caves cut high up in the sides of the sandstone hummocks which abound in that country, and the Edomites made these caves their homes.

A jealous hatred of Jacob’s children early possessed the children of Esau; this first appears in the Scriptures in Numbers 20:14-21. The people of Israel were forbidden in the law to abhor an Edomite (Deuteronomy 23:7), but they were numbered among their enemies (1 Samuel 14:47). David subdued them (2 Samuel 8:14), but they revolted in the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 8:20, 22), and more than once attacked Judah now grown weak because of turning from God (2 Chronicles 28:17).

Obadiah’s prophecy looks forward to a day still future, when the Jews will be settled in Palestine in much greater numbers than at present; the time will be just before the Lord, having already come for His heavenly saints, raising the dead and changing the living ones, will descend to the earth to set up His kingdom. There will be an alliance among nations north and east of Palestine, and with these Edom will be associated at first; their object will be to seize the Holy Land for themselves. References, to this alliance under the “king of the north” or “Assyrian” have occupied us in our studies of the Psalms, and Isaiah and other prophets.

In verse 1 “rumor” is better translated “report”. The ambassador’s purpose will be to arouse the nations with which Edom will be in league to light against the little kingdom. God had made the descendants of Esau a small nation, but their pride knew no bounds. “Wound”, in verse 7, is rightly “snare”. Teman (verse 9) was the principal place in Edom.

Verses 10-14, with other Scriptures, tell the cause of God’s anger against the nation. Hatred toward the children of Israel led the Edomites to seek the favor of Nebuchadnezzar and his conquering host of Babylonians when Jerusalem was besieged and Judah was carried away captive, as in the future day in the same way they will seek association with the stranger against Jacob their kinsman.

They will be recompensed according to their deeds (verses 15, 16), and there shall not be any left of the house of Esau when the judgments at the Lord’s appearing are completed, and all the earth is in quietness. Their land will be uninhabited, a monument to the righteous judgment of God, throughout the Millennium.

Other scriptures dealing with the future punishment of Edom are numerous. Psalms 83 and 137, Isaiah 31, Jeremiah 49 (which repeats part of Obadiah’s prophetic language), Ezekiel 25:12-11 and chapter 35, and Malachi 1:2-5 are the principal ones.

The land of Edom is today almost uninhabited; the Edomites were dispossessed many centuries ago, and they, like the lost 10 tribes of Israel, and the Moabites, Ammonites and other former neighbors of God’s earthly people are not now recognized, but they will reappear for the closing scenes.

ML 02/21/1937

To Where Did the Lord Jesus Come?

A CLASS of boys and girls had listened to the reading from the second chapter of the book of Luke; how the angel told the shepherds of Bethlehem of the birth of Jesus; and later how He parents to the great temple as Jerusalem; then, for fear of the king who wanted to kill Him, they had carried Him to Egypt, but after a time brought Him to the town of Nazareth.

The teacher took a large map of Asia and pointed out the small country of Palestine, and the city of Jerusalem near the center; Bethlehem nearby, and Nazareth in the north. They also found the country of Egypt across the Red Sea.

One girl raised her hand for permission to ask a question, which was given. This was her question, very earnestly asked,

“Was it really to this world that Jesus came?”

The teacher answered her that it was truly to this earth that the Lord Jesus came, and lived at the very places shown on the map, and still called by the same names. And on a globe they then located their own land, America, and across the ocean, Asia and Palestine.

You see the girl had often heard of Jesus, but she thought it was a sort of fairy story and not really true. The teacher told them that it was also just outside the city of Jerusalem that the Lord died on the cross to take the punishment of our sins; that he was buried in a tomb in a hill nearby, but that God,

His Father, raised Him alive again and He went to heaven to wait until the Father sends Him again to take all who love Him there also.

The girl was very happy to realize the story of Jesus was really true, and trusted in His death for her sins, and spoke of His love to others.

When you see a map of Asia, look for the land of Palestine and find the places where the Lord Jesus lived when on this earth. Remember the story of Jesus is true; that He was the Son of God from heaven, holy and did no sin, but only did good to all, until He gave up His life at Jerusalem.

“Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,” 2 Corinthians 8:9.

ML 02/21/1937

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 to 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 of 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.

“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Heb. 2:3.

ML 02/21/1937

Bible Talks

The Plagues in Egypt (con’t.) Exodus 10:21 and Chapter 11.

9th Plague: The Lord told Moses to stretch his hand toward heaven, and darkness would come over Egypt. Moses obeyed and for three days such thick darkness came that it could even be felt, and the Egyptians did not dare to move from their places. They had worshiped the sun; now God hid it from them. But the Hebrew people had light in their dwellings. Because of this trouble Pharaoh told Moses he would let the people go to worship God, only they could not take their flocks or herds. Moses answered that they must take the animals to sacrifice as God bade them. The king refused and sent Moses away.

It is sad to read how deceitful the king was each time after he had seen God’s great power. He wanted to keep the Hebrews, not to do them good, but to build him great cities and walls. When God showed His mercy by removing the plagues, he every time “hardened his heart”, that means he was determined to do his own way. We too may harden our hearts, like Pharaoh, if we do not obey whatever we know is the Lord’s way for us to do.

God said He would send just one more plague and this would be the most dreadful of all. Moses warned the king that at midnight God would go over Egypt and send death upon the first born of every family, from the king’s to the poorer servants’, and the first born of the animals; there would be a “great cry ... .such as there was none like it, nor shall he like it anymore.”

We would think the king would have believed this, as all the other warnings had come true, and would have obeyed God to let His people go. But he did not, and became more angry.

The Lord told Moses what the Hebrews should do to keep their first born safe, and also to tell them that the same night they should all leave Egypt. Our next lesson will be how they made ready as God said.

Read the short review of the plagues in Psalm 106:26-30.

ML 02/21/1937

The Love of Jesus

How great is the love

Which Jesus hath shown!

He came from above,

From heaven’s bright throne;

That He might deliver

Lost sinners from sill,

And take them forever

To glory with Him.

It is not too late

To Jesus to flee:

His mercy is great, His pardon is free!

His blood has such virtue

For all that believe,

That nothing can harm you

If Him you receive.

ML 02/21/1937

Jesus of Nazareth

OUR picture is a little sketch of Nazareth. Nazareth is beautifully situated on the slope of a hill, but like most of the Eastern towns of the present day, is not very clean. In this town there live some true believers of the Lord Jesus, though many of the sixty thousand people are still in darkness.

In John 1:46, Nathanael asks, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Yes, indeed, that precious Jesus of Nazareth came from here, the One who died to save us.

Jesus was born at Bethlehem, but very soon Joseph and Mary took their Son down to Nazareth. In Nazareth He spent most of thirty years, He is called the Nazarene. The Lord of glory, God manifest in the flesh, took a humble place in this world.

There is only one well in Nazareth. This water flows from the spring, as it did in the time of our Lord’s sojourn down here over 1900 years ago. The Lord, no doubt, drank from this well.

When we think, children, that the Lord Jesus walked down this sloping hillside, drank from this well, worked here in the carpenter’s shop, with Joseph, lived a perfect life, our hearts are filled with love and praise to this Jesus of Nazareth, the lowly Nazarene, who traveled all the way from glory to the cruel cross. There He died to save us and bring us to God. We can but thank and praise Him for love so marvelous.

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO.” Psa. 107:1, 2.

ML 02/28/1937

Bible Lessons

Jonah 1

THE prophecy of Jonah, it has been remarked, has, like the Epistle of James in the New Testament, a peculiar place, a special character. Jonah, unlike his fellow prophets, in the prophecy before us, was sent to Gentiles with a message from God. That he also served his Master among the ten tribes of Israel is witnessed, though briefly, in 2 Kings 14:25, where also it is shown that he was, contrary to the word of the chief priests and Pharisees in John 7:52, a Galilean, for Gath-hepher (called Gittah-hepher in Joshua 19:13) was in the land of Zebulun, not far, it is thought, from the New Testament town of Cana.

The precise time of Jonah’s prophecy has not been determined, it was, it is believed, somewhere between the years 840 and 775, B. C., while Amaziah or Uzziah was king of Judah, and Jeroboam II ruled the ten tribes. Opinions differ as to who was the Assyrian king mentioned in the prophecy. These questions are of little importance; it is enough for the Christian that Jonah lived, and that the book before us is part of God’s own Word (Matthew 12:39-41; Luke 11:29-32).

The history of Israel—the whole people of 12; tribes—during and after the later years of Solomon’s reign was marked by great decline before God, as we have had much occasion already to notice; and as His earthly people declined, He allowed Assyria to rise to an important place in the world of that day, and used the nation for the chastening of His earthly people, We need not wonder then, that Jonah (chapter 4:2) did not wish to carry a message to Nineveh, Assyria’s capital city, particularly as he thought, and rightly, that if they repented, God would be merciful, and would spare the Ninevites from the overwhelming judgment promised them. The mercy of God cannot be reserved to one race or nation (Acts 10:34, 35), though favored Israel wished to limit Him to their own borders (Luke 4:25-29). Accordingly, when His hand must soon fall upon the great city (of that day) He will first warn them; perhaps they will heed His word, though Israel had not done so.

Jonah should go east; he will go west, and he finds his way to Joppa. His course is an easy one, at first. A ship was there to take him far away, and he had the fare for the voyage “from the presence of the Lord” (verse 3). But circumstances, without God’s approval of one’s course, are a poor guide. One had His eyes on His self-willed servant, and he presently provided a great wind, so that a mighty tempest developed, and the ship was in much danger. The shipmen, accustomed to storms, were afraid in this one, yet Jonah slumbered on, and the commander had to arouse him, to join the crew in praying, each man to his god. Lots were cast, and God used this means of pointing out Jonah as the cause of the storm,

Now at last (verse 9) Jonah’s mouth was opened to testify for the true God, Maker of sea and land, although in doing so he had to tell of his own guilty conduct. Thus was Jehovah made known to some who knew Him not, and from verses 18 to 10 we may gather that they put their trust in Him. Thus even the willfulness of one of His children is made to serve His purposes.

A great fish was prepared by God to swallow Jonah, and in its belly he remained three days and three nights. It may have been a species of whale; the Greek word translated “whale” in Matthew 12:40 really means a sea monster or great fish.

ML 02/28/1937

Emily

ONE day, I met a little girl and I asked her, “Do you love the Lord Jesus?”

“No,” she said, “but I want to very much.”

“Why?” I inquired, and her reply was,

“Because I am a sinner. I have tried to be good, but I do want to come to Him, and to love Him.”

“Well, dear,” I said, “think for a few moments of these two verses,

‘God hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all,’ (Isa. 53:6.) and

‘His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree’ (1 Peter 2:24).

Now, if God laid your sins on the Lord Jesus, and He bore them, where are they?”

“Well,” she said very slowly, “if God put them on Jesus, and He bore them, I can’t bare them, too.”

“No, dear,” I answered, “but let us look at it like this. God hated sin. He could not look upon it, and must punish it, but the Lord loved little Emily, and bore her sins, and her punishment instead of her, upon the cross.” She looked up so brightly, and said,

“Is that what trust or believe means? Then I do trust, and will give Him my heart now, and try to be good.”

“But you must leave off trying to be good, and only believe or trust the Lord, and He will give you power to be good after you have truly trusted Him.” She waited a moment before speaking, and then said,

“Is that really all? I want Him to take my heart now. I do trust Him!”

I believe little Emily, then and there, really put her trust in the Lord Jesus, her Saviour; and to you who know your need of the Saviour, I would say, Come to Him, as Emily did, with all your sins, for He will save you. Take your place before God as a sinner, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who bore your sins.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

ML 02/28/1937

The Stray Lamb

ONE day a party of young folks set off for a walk in the country. As they strolled through the fields they saw all by itself a little lamb bleating piteously.

“Poor little lamb, it must have wandered from its mother,” one of them said.

“Where can it have come from?”

There was no doubt that the lamb was lost and did not know how to get home again.

At the other side of the field was a fold, and inside this enclosure were lots of sheep and lambs.

“I expect it has escaped from this fold,” said one of the party.

“Let’s lift it in again.” So they picked up the lost lamb and put it into the fold, hoping to see it happy again. But it didn’t want to go there, and the other sheep would not let it in. They did not know the stray lamb. So the kind-hearted girl took it out again, and they set off to try to find the mother sheep.

As it happened the farmer came along, and when he heard the story and saw the lamb, he knew at once where it had come from. He picked up the wanderer and strode across the field, and before very long he had restored it to its mother.

When I heard this story, I thought of some other stray sheep and lambs, who are lost and cannot find their way home. Do you know whom I mean?

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.” Isa. 53:6.

Yes, unless you have been found by the Good Shepherd, then you are lost. Other people may try to help you by getting you to join a church, or you may turn over a new leaf, or become religious, but that won’t save you. None but the Lord Jesus can meet your need. He says,

“I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

Just think of it! He died to save you. Won’t you trust Him and thank Him?

Then you will know what it is to be safe forever.

Bible Talks

The Blood on The Doorposts and The Last Plague Exodus 12

THIS is what the Lord said the Hebrews should do to keep their firstborn safe when the dreadful Destroyer went over the land of Egypt: On the tenth day of that month each father was to choose a lamb or a young goat and keep it until the fourteenth day. Then at evening these were to be killed and the blood taken in a basin and, with a bunch of hyssop (this is a small plant), sprinkled over the top and side posts of the door of the house where each lamb was to be roasted and eaten that night. If any family were too small to eat a lamb, two families could have one together. They must not go out of the house where the blood was sprinkled until morning, for it was where God saw the blood that He would pass over without hurt to the oldest child.

The people did as God said. They ate the roasted meat with bitter herbs and bread without leaven (yeast), standing, with their shoes on and all dressed to leave in haste when Moses gave them the order to go.

At midnight the awful cries and weeping were heard, as God had said; there was not a house where there was not one dead; in the king’s palace, in the homes of his great men, and in the houses of the servants. Only in Goshen there was no death, for a little lamb died instead of them.

At last the proud king was willing the Hebrews should leave Egypt. He sent in great haste for Moses and said for them to take their flocks and herds and, “Be gone”, and his people too, were anxious for them to leave, and gave them presents of gold, silver; jewels, and clothing. So the Hebrews had this pay for their hard years of slavery, and you will hear later how they used many of the things.

Do you think these people ever forgot how they were made free from Egypt? No, it was a night to be always remembered, and God told them to keep a feast, called, the Passover, at this same time every year and to tell their children of all this.

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death.” Psalm 107:14.

ML 02/28/1937

Christ Our Passover

Behold! behold the Lamb of God,

Who takes our sins away;

He bore the curse, and died the death,

Our ransom price to pay!

Nor gold nor silver could redeem,

And save from wrath to come,

God’s holy and unspotted Lamb,

Must with His blood atone.

O haste thee to the Lamb once slain!

Now set at God’s right hand;

Then in His spotless righteousness

Accepted thou shalt stand.

And in the day of Judgment, when

The Lamb in wrath will come,

Through trust in Him thou shalt escape

The scorner’s awful doom.

“Christ, our Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... .but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

ML 02/28/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But every man,” etc. 1 Cor. 15:23.

2.“Therefore,” etc. 4:5.

3.“So that ye,” etc. 1:7.

4.“Know ye not,” etc. 9:24.

5.“But this I say,” etc. 7:29.

6.“But when that,” etc. 13:10.

7.“If any man,” etc. 16:22.

Bible Questions for March “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The promise by faith of Jesus Christ.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I live by the faith of the Son of God.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Deliver us from this present evil world.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The hope of righteousness by faith.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Might receive the adoption of sons.”

7.What class of people are “blessed with faithful Abraham?”

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

1.Bring them to light. 1 Cor. 4:5.

2.1 Cor. 1:18.

3.On the first day of the week. 1 Cor. 16:2.

4.1 Cor. 15:51,

5.It is a glory to her. 1 Cor. 11:15.

6.“Only in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 7:39.

7.Remember Him in the Lord’s supper. 1 Cor. 11:26.

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

The Answers are to be found in Galatians

1. What is the fruit of the Spirit?

2.According to what rule are we to walk?

3.What does God say about those who preach “another gospel”?

4.How is a man justified?

5.How do we escape the curse of the law?

6.Of what was Hagar (Agar) a type?

7.How is the law fulfilled?

ML 03/07/1937

Bible Lessons

Jonah 2

BLIND unbelief may at its peril hold that no fish ever made could have swallowed Jonah alive and whole, and that it is impossible for life to continue in any living thing after it has been swallowed. To the Christian all is simple, — “The Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” The Maker of heaven and earth and sea and land, and all that is on and in them is not restricted from designing and making a special monster for an occasion that calls for it, or causing one of the regular inhabitants of the sea to do this extraordinary service for Him. Also, be it said, that to deny the truth of the account of the great fish is to challenge the words of the Son of God in Matthew 12:40.

It is good to see Jonah praying. He, we may be sure, had not prayed very much about the voyage that he undertook in disobedience, but now he prayed to the Lord, as it is said, his God, God whom he now knew as His own in a way he had not known Him before.

The apostle Paul, having learned by experience God’s sufficiency for all his needs, could say to the poor Philippian saints (chapter 4:19) “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Jonah was however, a type or foreshadowing of the Jewish remnant of the last days, as he was also of the Lord when He was, as He said, “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Jonah’s strange experience was the result of his own sin, but Christ suffered only for others, for the sins of His people. Both were rejected, put out of the world, but for causes how vastly different!

As a type of the remnant yet to be, Jonah is seen to be an unfaithful witness for God, but preserved by Him, and presently to be brought out for His glory in the earth. In deep affliction because of their sins, they will cry to Him for deliverance, and will be heard (Psalms 42, 77, 88, 102).

Hell (verse 2) as has been remarked in another case is not the lake of fire; the marginal note in the King James Bible reads “or, the grave”, but this is not correct. When death occurs, the soul returns to God’s keeping. In John 5 the Lord tells of two resurrections, in one or other of which all will be raised who have died. One of these will include only believers; the other will include only the unbelieving. In Luke 16, the Lord has given a view of the present state of the departed, and we see that there are two classes there, the saved and the lost, though they are separated, and in widely different cases. When the martyr Stephen died, he prayed and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59), and the apostle Paul in Philippians 1 told of his pressing desire to depart (that is, to die) and to be with Christ. Jonah, however was not in Sheol, though brought down in the experience of his soul very near to death.

When his soul fainted within him, he remembered Jehovah (verse 7). Thus was God’s purpose to bless His servant attained. Then was it that prayer came up to God from him, and Jonah now adds his note of thanksgiving and “Salvation is of Jehovah.” When God is thus owned, He brings the tried saint out of his circumstances well-nigh overwhelming; the great fish that had been ordered to swallow him, is now commanded to put him on the dry land, and does so.

ML 03/07/1937

Connie's Hymn

CONNIE and her sister May were at some children’s meetings and picked up the words and tune of the popular hymn the chorus of which is,

“Jesus paid it all: all to Him I owe.”

They sang it at home, in the house and at play until their mother became so interested that she asked Connie one day

“What did Jesus pay?”

Connie, although the elder of the two girls could not answer, but her sister May, three years younger, quietly said,

“His own precious blood.” That she had learned at the meetings, and I think it had been received into her heart by faith.

When the two girls were alone, Connie told May how much she desired to be saved and her younger sister told her how Jesus had “paid it all,” and there was “nothing to do, but just believe on Him.” Connie believed, was saved.

Her mother went with her to the meetings and was saved, and before long her father also was converted. Now they all delight to sing “Jesus paid it all,” and call it “Connie’s Hymn.”

ML 03/07/1937

Mary's Apple Seed

SOME time ago, a little girl got an apple seed in her windpipe, and as it could not be removed, it was decided that the doctor must come and take it out. Mary was much frightened when they told her the doctor was coming that afternoon. She commenced to cry,

“O, Mamma! don’t let him cut me! O, Mamma! I can’t bear it!” and her mamma felt very badly to hear her,

“Mary,” she said, “don’t you remember reading how Jesus carried our sorrows? He tells us to call upon Him when we are in trouble, and He will deliver us. If you ask Him to help you to bear the pain, He will give you strength, and it will not hurt so much.”

So, Mary went into her room alone to pray, and in a few minutes she came out smiling with the apple seed in her hand.

“I thought Mamma,” she said, “that Jesus could help me get out the apple seed just as well as to help me bear the pain, So I asked Him to help me get it up, and then I coughed, and it came up just as easy.”

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15.

ML 03/07/1937

Bible Talks

The March from Egypt Exodus 12:37-43

IT was a very great company of people who left Egypt after the Passover night: there were men, women, boys, girls, and little ones. Do you remember when Joseph sent for his father, Jacob, and his brothers to come live in Egypt, how many came? Seventy-five persons; and now after many years their children and grandchildren had become so many that when they were leaving, there were “six hundred thousand men to go on foot,” besides there were the women and children, we do not know how many of them.

“There was not one feeble,” so we know God had kept them in spite of the king’s cruel laws and heavy work. (Psalm 105: 37). They are not often spoken of as Hebrews after this, but as Israelites or Children, or People, of Israel (which was a name of Jacob).

These people did not go as you might think, each as he pleased, but marched, “harnessed”, which word here means, in rank, or, in a certain order. And Moses and Aaron were with them to give the commands of God. They carried their bread dough wrapped up with clothing on their shoulders and drove their many flocks and herds. Some people who were not from the family of Jacob went with them, perhaps they too had been slaves and wanted to be free.

Altogether it must indeed have been a great procession of people and animals, probably several miles long, which the Egyptians watched leave their land (Numbers 33:3).

There was something else very wonderful about these people leaving: God had told Abraham in Canaan that his children’s children should go to a strange land, and there be badly treated, and now on the “selfsame day” as God had said, He led them away! So, again we learn that God’s words always come true (Genesis 15:18-14 Exodus 12:41).

ML 03/07/1937

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

WHAT a lot of pets! One little puppy, one little kitten, and One, two, three toys.

But what has happened to one of them? It has fallen out of the little girl’s full arms. The little girl has more pets than she can take care of, and now trouble has come.

This picture reminds us of someone else who has a big, kind heart and loved to take the children in His arms, when He was on earth. Little reader, who is this Friend of children? It is the Good Shepherd who carries the little lambs in His bosom.

No enemy, not even Satan himself, is strong enough to harm or touch the many little children that Jesus loves and guards from all harm.

Night and day, in sunshine and storms, inside and outside, on land and on water —everywhere and always, Jesus takes care of His little ones.

“HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM.” Isa. 40:11.

ML 03/07/1937

"Whiter Than Snow"

There’s a beautiful word I often have heard,

Its meaning I wish much to know;

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

About being “whiter than snow.”

It puzzles me much to think there is such,

For whiteness there’s nothing I know

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

Then what can be “whiter than snow?”

The snow-drop looks brown with its head drooping down

On white winter border below,

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

The claim to be “whiter than snow.”

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

To a wiser than I, I will go,

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

Of this wonderful “whiter than snow.”

But can God behold, as I have been told,

A child who’s so little and low?

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

That I shall be “whiter than snow?”

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

Since washed in the blood that did flow

So freely to cleanse away the dark stains,

And make me far “whiter than snow.”

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

And in love and wisdom to grow;

From sin undefiled, O Lord, keep Thy child,

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

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

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

ML 03/14/1937

Bible Lessons

Jonah 3

IT is a humbled, obedient servant of God that we now see taking his long journey (his own willfulness had made it longer) to the capital city of the Assyrian kingdom. It is only in the measure in which we who are the Lord’s realize that we ourselves are objects or vessels of mercy that we can rightly make known a message of God to man. Had Jonah been dealt with according to his deserts, he should have perished in the sea or in the belly of the great fish, but he was raised up as a monument of God’s grace, with a message to deliver for Him.

Nineveh was a very large city for that day; its site is on the east of the river Tigris, opposite the present city of Mosul, center of Mesopotamian oil fields. Enough of the ancient ruins remain to reveal that the west side of the Assyrian capital (then bordering the river, which has changed its channel) was 272 miles in length. Along the north side, the city wall stretched in a straight line for 7000 feet; the southern wall was less than half that length, —3000 feet, and the eastern one was a little over three miles long.

It would have taken Jonah at least three days to go through all the streets repeating his direful message, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”, but he had hardly covered one-third of the town when the people, conscience-stricken, believed God (verse 5). It was no merely surface repentance, but real, as verses 5-10 show.

Heaven took notice of the change in the Ninevites that day, and the Lord, long after, in Matthew 12:41, spoke of it:

“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas....”

All classes were affected, from the greatest to the least, and the message of God was even carried within the royal palace to the king on his throne.

All of Nineveh was speedily clad in sackcloth—even the beasts—and the king, whom we may suppose to be the ruler of all Assyria, it is said that he descended from his royal throne and sat in ashes. Under his decree both eating and drinking were suspended while prayer was made to God; and of what value would that be, did they not also turn, everyone, from his evil way, and from the violence that was in their hands? Would God turn from His purpose, from His fierce anger?

Has there ever been a time when true repentance did not touch the heart of God? Never! Only let it be said that opportunity for repentance is only afforded in life; the rich man in torment (Luke 16:23-31) prayed for some relief from his suffering, and for a messenger to go to his father’s house, but no word indicative of repentance came from him; there is no passing from torment to heaven’s joys.

God saw their works, the fruit of a changed heart, and Nineveh’s day of doom did not come until the time of Nahum’s prophecy, —about two hundred years later.

ML 03/14/1937

A Personal Question

ARE you converted?” I asked a girl friend, as we chatted outside a lovely garden. We were scholars at the same Sunday school, the occasion being our Sunday school treat. Tired of romping with the little ones, we went aside to talk, and as Violet seemed to be leading our conversation into rather a worldly channel, I asked her the question stated above, believing her to be a Christian.

“O! no,” said Violet, “I have no need to be converted, my father is a local preacher.”

“But, Violet,” said I, “are you sure that you know what conversion means?”

“Yes,” was the reply, “it means to stop belonging to Satan, and become a child of God.”

Just then another girl came with a message from the superintendent that we were to join the others in the large hall for a short address, therefore our conversation ended.

A gentleman stood up and read to us the following words:

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3. “Now, boys and girls,” said he, “except you belonged to this Sunday school, you would not have been admitted into the hall tonight, and this is just what our text means, Except you belong to the Lord Jesus, you cannot enter heaven, because He is the only way to God. He said,

‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man (or no one) cometh unto the Father, but by Me.’” John 14:6.

Let me ask you the question, Are you converted? Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If not, why not? Is it because, like Violet, you are trusting to the fact that you have Christian parents, or that you attend Sunday school regularly? This cannot save you, but Jesus can. He says,

“Come unto Me.” Matt. 11:28, “Come now.” Isa. 1:18, Do not delay, for,

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

ML 03/14/1937

Brave Freddy

FREDDY went for a three months’ holiday to his aunt’s pretty country home, which was surrounded by pretty green fields. But what I want specially to tell you about Freddy is, that he was a converted boy, and he was not, as some little boys known to me are, ashamed to confess Christ as his Saviour. His aunt was very kind, and so were his cousins; but there was no daily reading of God’s Word or prayer in their home, and Freddy was much surprised at this.

On the first Lord’s Day morning that Freddy was at his aunt’s, she asked him to have a walk with her by the riverside; but when she asked if he would like to look for nests among the shrubbery, the little fellow replied,

“Not on the Lord’s Day auntie.”

At breakfast there was no thanksgiving before food, but Freddy bowed his head and gave thanks. There was no evening prayer, but the dear boy bent his knees by his bedside before lying down. All this began to have a wonderful effect in that worldly home, and I believe was used of God to show his aunt and her household, that there was a reality in Christianity to which they were strangers.

An incident happened one day which gave the dear boy’s testimony favor in the eyes of the whole household. Playing in the meadow with his little cousins one bright day, his aunt being only a few yards off, C., a little girl of five years fell into the water. The current was pretty strong, and she was quickly borne along. Freddy heard the cry and ran to the water’s edge. There he saw C. being carried down by the current. Quick as thought, the brave boy ran to the bridge, lay down flat on the spars, and stretching down his right hand caught C.’s dress as she passed. He was unable to pull her up, but a loud cry brought her mother to his aid, and in a few minutes, C. was drawn out of the water. Freddy was kissed all round that night. When he was saying good-night to his aunt, he whispered,

“Jesus helped me to save C. I cried to Him to do it.”

That word was never forgotten. No doubt it was true, and it proved the reality of his simple trust in Christ. Years have passed, and Freddy is no longer a little boy, but his delight is still to speak well of Jesus who saved him in very early days. His aunt and her household are all saved and on the way to glory, and she gladly acknowledges that Freddy’s clear testimony to the Lord Jesus first turned her thoughts Christ ward.

How grand it is to be saved in early days, and to be the means of pointing others to the Saviour.

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” Romans 10:15.

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

ML 03/14/1937

Bible Talks

A Camp by The Sea Exodus 13:20-14:21

THE great company of Israel marched eastward from Egypt and the first stop was at Succoth. Their tents must have been the boughs of trees, called booths, for later, when God told them to celebrate their going out of Egypt, they were to make booths from the branches of trees to remember how they had “dwelt in booths” (Leviticus 23:40-43).

How did they know where to march across the wild lands, and where to stop? God led them by a wonderful cloud He placed over and before them: when it moved they marched, but when it stopped, they camped. By day it protected them from the hot sun, and at night it was like a great light over them; also God still gave directions to Moses.

So they were led on to camp near the shore of the Red Sea. Suddenly, from there, they looked back and saw soldiers in chariots coming fast toward them. It was the army of Egypt. The king was sorry he had let the people go, and determined to overtake and turn them back.

On they came, and the poor Israelites were in terror before them were the waters of the sea and no bridge nor boats; on each side were high hills which such a company could not climb; and they had no swords to use, nor chariots to flee in. But Moses spoke before them all to “Fear not,” but see how God would save them.

The Lord moved the great cloud from before them and placed it between theirs and the army, and the soldiers could not come to them. All night it was dark toward the Egyptian but light to Israel. And we shall learn more wonders which God did for them.

“In the daytime He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.” Psalms 78:14.

ML 03/14/1937

Why They Are Not Saved

THE Lord Jesus said,

“Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” John 5:40.

The fault lay in their will. They were not willing to come to Him to be saved. The same reason is to be found on all sides today.

Boys and girls are not saved; and why? Because they will not come!

“Come unto Me. . . and. I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 03/14/1937

Jesus Died for Me

If Jesus came to seek and save

The wretched and the lost,

I know He came to rescue me,

By sin and misery tossed.

If Jesus died upon the cross

That sinners might be free,

I am a sinner, and I know

That Jesus died for me.

If Jesus bids the weary “Come,

And I will give you rest,”

I, a poor weary one, will go,

And in His love be blessed.

I know that what He says is true,

He never can deceive;

He says, “Believing, life is thine,”

And I His word believe.

ML 03/14/1937

Mischief

WHAT has happened, do you think? The poor boy is sad, and instead of the rest feeling sorry for him, and trying to help him out of his difficulty, they are taunting and teasing him, as they are going out of the school room.

How many times this has been done. They forget by such acts, they can make one miserable; and by a kind act, they can make one happy.

The Lord Jesus was different than others. He loved us so much that He left the bright glory above, and came down to this world, and went to Calvary’s cross and died for us, and was there under the awful judgment of God, which we deserved for our sins.

Dear child, have you taken that blessed Saviour as yours? If you have, then seek to show the same love to others, that He has shown to you.

“BELOVED, IF GOD SO LOVED US, WE OUGHT ALSO TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” 1 John 4:11.

ML 03/21/1937

Bible Lessons

Jonah 4

ONE of the tokens that the Bible is the Word of God, is its accurate and searching exposure of the heart of man; and not only is the light of His truth turned therein upon the sinner in his sins, but His saints, on occasion, are also seen in it in ways unworthy and shameful, and even worse. It is thus that the failures, as well as the faith, of God’s elect are set forth for our admonition upon whom the ends of the ages are come.

Here therefore we see Jonah on a low plane indeed. Did we not know something, by God’s great mercy, of our own selves, that in us, apart from Him, good does not dwell, we might well be surprised at such a change in the man who, but a little season before, humbly prayed in the belly of the great fish. He was angry now; much grieved because, as it seems, he felt that his name as a prophet would suffer since the people of Nineveh were to be spared after being marked for soon-to-be-executed judgment.

How unlike his Master, and how unworthy of Him this was! Jonah knew, he says, that that One at whose bidding he had gone to the Gentiles, is a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger and of great loving kindness; and he would rather, thinking of the people of Nineveh, that He had not been so. Better was it, in Jonah’s opinion, that the hundreds of thousands in the city should perish, then that the luster of his own name as a prophet should be dimmed; therefore he wishes to die.

Observe now the answer of God after the manner of a patient parent with a petulant child, “Doest thou well to be angry?”—an inquiry enough, surely, to bring Jonah back to Himself; but he was not yet ready to listen, to pause and consider his way. He went out of the city and sat on the east side of it, perhaps on the rocky high ground not far from the eastern wall, from which he could view the place.

Observe again the tender compassion of the heart of God, not hindered from flowing out by the narrow and hard selfishness of the natural heart of man. Though Jonah’s inward state is still rebellious, God prepares a gourd to shade the prophet from the heat, “to deliver him from his grief” (or trouble); and it had that effect.

But God also prepared a worm, and a sultry east wind, and Jonah again wished to die; he pitied the gourd, because of the good it had done him; poor, impatient child of God! What was the gourd in comparison with the great city of the Gentiles on which God had pity? The Book does not tell us the result of these dealings of God with His servant, but we may well conclude that they taught him the lesson he so much needed, of sharing His thoughts and desires concerning the unworthy.

ML 03/21/1937

The Children's Meeting

SARAH and her brother Joe, lived with their parents on a farm, far from town. They had no companions; their nearest neighbors were on a farm, quite three miles away, so the two were playmates together. There was no school, save one a number of miles away, to which they were too young to go, so their dear mother taught them to read at home, while their father and his servants tilled the ground.

The long winter evenings were rather wearisome for the two children, but an unexpected event, quite changed the whole scene. A relative of their mother, a Christian, paid them a visit, and after being with them for a few days, suggested that they might have a Sunday afternoon meeting for boys and girls, in the farm kitchen. This was joyfully agreed to, and all day on Saturday was spent going round the farms, inviting the children to come. The afternoon of the Lord’s day was eagerly looked for by the two children. Over twenty boys and girls assembled, some walking long distances, and God began that afternoon to work among them.

For many afternoons, the story of Jesus and His love, was told at that prairie farm, and not a few were saved for eternity, among the first of whom were Sarah and Joe, the farmer’s children. How happy they were then, and how happy they are still, for Sarah and Joe are still lovers and followers of Christ.

O, tell it unto all around,

Jesus died;

‘Tis such a precious, blessed sound,

Jesus died;

Entreat poor sinners to rely

On that which brings the guilty nigh;

E’en to the blood of Christ to fly;

Jesus died.

ML 03/21/1937

John 3:16

ONE cold windy night a poor homeless boy stood in a street shivering. He was waiting for some bad companions with whom he had made plans for a theft that night. A man came up to him, and laying his hand on his shoulder said kindly,

“Boy, what are you doing here at this time of night? Go home and go to bed.” “I have no home, and no bed.”

“Poor fellow! would you go to a home if I tell you of one?”

“That would I, sharp!”

“Well, go down the street to this address I give you.” As soon as the boy heard the number, off he started.

“Stop!” called the man. “You must know the pass. Can you read?”

“No sir!”

“Then remember this, “John 3:16,” or else you cannot get in. This is something that will do you good.” The boy hurried away repeating “John 3:16” over and over. Soon he came to the place, and timidly rang the bell, fearing he might not be admitted.

“Who’s there?” called a voice.

“Me, sir, I’m John 3:16.”

“Right, that’s the pass!” and the big door swung open, and soon the boy was in a warm, clean bed, such as he had never seen before, and he said to himself,

“That is a lucky name, the man gave me, I’ll stick to it.”

In the morning he was given a warm breakfast before leaving. Then as he carelessly started to cross a busy street he was struck by a passing delivery truck. He was lifted up, unconscious, and carried to a hospital. As he lay in the bed, feverish and in pain, he often cried out,

“John 3:16, John 3:16, it was to do me good, and it has.”

After some hours he became conscious, and eased of the pain, and looked about him wondering where he was. Then a patient in the next bed said,

“Well, John 3:16, how are you?” “How did you know my new name?” “Why, boy, you have said it over and over, and I, for one, say blessed John 3:16!”

Then the man found that the boy did not know what his “new name” stood for. So from the Bible he read to him the precious verse found in the 3rd chapter of the gospel of John:

“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.”

“That is beautiful!” said the boy, as, for the first time, he heard of the love of God in giving His Son, and of a Home, not for a night, but forever. He believed the words of the Saviour. And others who heard this talk, found that those words would do them eternal good also.

When the hurt limbs were strong to leave the hospital, the homeless boy was given a home, and sent to school, and learned useful work. When he grew to a young man his great interest was to tell poor boys of the love of God.

“He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

ML 03/21/1937

Bible Talks

Walls of Water Exodus 14:13-31

WHILE the army of Egypt was coming fast after the people of Israel, the Lord told Moses to stretch his rod above the waters, and He sent a strong wind which divided the sea, making the waters stand up like a great wall on each side of a wide path of dry sand. Moses gave the order for them all to “go forward”, and all that company of people and animals started across; they believed God would keep up the wall so the waters would not come upon them. It took them all night to cross, but the bright cloud gave them light, and they did not fear or stumble; and the cloud, or pillar, was all the time between them and the army (Isaiah 63:13).

When the Egyptians saw the wonderful path, instead of believing in God’s power, they seemed more determined to capture Israel. The king said, “I will pursue, I will overtake; I will draw my sword,” and they drove into the path following after Israel.

Toward morning God caused their chariot wheels to loosen, and the men began to fear and said, “Let us flee,” but it was too late. Israel was then safe on the farther shore, and God bade Moses again stretch out his rod, and the waters rushed back to their usual place, the path was covered over, and the Egyptians drowned. “They sank as lead in the mighty waters,” not one saved.

The people of Israel safe, thanked God for His great deliverance, and all sang a song of praise there on the shore of the Red Sea (Exodus 14, Hebrews 11:29).

“He divided the Sea, and caused them to pass through; He made the waters to stand as an heap.” Psalms 78:13, 53.

“The Lord...is longsuffering...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Note: Look on a map of Egypt and you will see the Red Sea on the East, and notice it is narrow in the north where the Israelites crossed, —the exact place is not now known, but probably was several miles wide.

ML 03/21/1937

Jesus Is Calling

Jesus now is calling,

“Come to Me and live;”

Hear His solemn warning,

“Come to Me and live.”

Jesus now is calling,

Calling, gently calling;

Sweetly now He’s calling,

Calling you to come.

Children, He will never

Prove unkind, untrue;

Trust in Him, He’ll ever

Guide you safely through.

Why do you still linger?

Jesus bids you come;

Crowns He’ll give in glory,

When life’s race is run.

We will heed His calling,

And no longer roam;

We will try to serve Him,

Till He calls us home.

ML 03/21/1937

Watching Baby Sister

SEE how carefully this little girl is watching baby sister; the tiny one needs to be guarded lest she tip out of her crib. How many pretty things the girl has around her for toys.

I imagine they were her Birthday gifts. We know what her name is, for we can see it on her work box. With a doll, ball, tiny houses, and little animals to play with, isn’t it a wonder that she is so faithful to baby?

How happy are the children that are faithful in whatever task mother, father, teacher and employer gives them to do.

There is someone guarding over you, dear children, far more faithfully than Fanny is guarding over the baby. It is Jesus, He is watching you, and if you are His, He will keep you from doing many sinful things. Your parents are your earthly guardians, but Jesus is the heavenly guardian over all His own, — saved men and women, boys and girls and tiny folks.

“BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD FROM THIS TIME FORTH AND FOR EVER MORE.” Psa. 113:2.

ML 03/28/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 1

FROM verse 1 it is seen that this prophet served God in the land of Judah at the same time as Isaiah, but beginning later, for Isaiah 1:1 includes an earlier king, Uzziah, the father of Jotham, whose long reign ended with his death in B. C. 758. “Morasthite” means an inhabitant of Moresheth, a town in the west of Judah, in which section the other places mentioned in verses 10-16 were found.

The prophecy of Micah has been called a key to the much more extended book of Isaiah, since it has largely the same character, though again differing, so as to have a character of its own. Both tell of the Messiah’s coming and rejection, and as we shall see, Micah contains important details of prophecy found nowhere else.

The first two chapters are introductory. The whole earth is called to hear (verse 2), and judgment, awful in its intensity, is announced for the day of Jehovah’s coming out of His place (verses 3, 4). (See Isaiah 2:1.2-22; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8).

There is always a divine purpose (which will repay prayerful study) in the names by which God is spoken of in His Word, and as three names are used in verses 2 and 3 it may be appropriate to remark that “the Lord GOD” (the Lord Jehovah) combining His Old Testament name of relationship with man and particularly with Israel, with one telling of lordship, of authority and power, is associated with the judgment of the rebels against Him, whether of Israel or of the world at large. “The LORD” is the translator’s usual substitute for “Jehovah” in the Old Testament, and is not the same as “The Lord”. “Jehovah” is the name used generally in the book of Micah, “Lord Jehovah” being used but once, “Lord” twice, and “God” ten times (in chapters 3 to 7).

It is because of the transgression of Jacob, and for the sins of the house of Israel, that God will come forth, —because His people have left Him no testimony in the earth (except a false one). He must render a testimony, therefore, to Himself, and in view of that, all the sins of the Gentiles must be judged.

Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively the seats of government in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, were the chief places of departure from God; Samaria the worse of the two, devoted to idolatry, was to be made a heap of ruins, and its idols beaten to pieces, the idol gifts burned with fire.

Verses 8 to 16 speak of the coming- of the Assyrian enemy which was to overthrow the ten tribes and carry them off to captivity in the east, and to menace Judah, even to the gate of Jerusalem. (See the parallel passage in Isaiah 10:28-34). In both cases the events connected with the Assyrian invasion are used to introduce the scenes of the last days which are yet to be enacted—for the Assyrian will reappear as the king of the north, the last enemy of Israel to be dealt with at the beginning of the Millennium.

ML 03/28/1937

Carol's Text Blessed to Grandpa

THE writer heard of a little girl named Carol, and the wonderful way she brought blessing to others. Her sunny smile did every one good, and wherever she went she was always showing kindness by word and deed. She had caught the spirit of the Master from her Sunday school teacher, who was the embodiment of all she taught.

The teacher would often have little surprises for the girls who repeated the Scripture portions without a mistake. This particular Sunday proved to be one of these, and Carol was very much pleased when she was handed a beautiful text card, neatly designed and colored.

That very day she had planned to take some flowers to her grandfather in the hospital on the way home from Sunday school. After a warm greeting, he inquired:

“Been to Sunday school, Carol?”

“Of course, grandpa. I wouldn’t miss it. Would you like to see what I got today for memorizing Scripture?”

“Read it to me, Pet. My eyes are troubling me still, and the glasses don’t seem to help.”

“‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7. Isn’t that a lovely text grandpa?”

Then she looked on with wonder. He seemed to have been stunned. True, it was a long time since he had read his Bible. At best it was a closed Book to him. Now the grey mists were gathering, a new desire was kindled to know the way of life.

“Are you sure that is in the Bible? I don’t remember it,” he said with surprise. “Do you think you could find it in your Bible?”

“Yes, here it is, just the same,” and again the golden words were repeated, this time with great deliberation.

His past life was living before him again. The mention of “sin” had stirred his conscience, long asleep.

“Darling,” he continued, with a tear gathering in his eye, “I cannot see where you are reading, but will you put my finger on each word, and read it once again?”

Again the sweet girlish voice rang out, and by now others in the ward were more than interested. There, as the words rolled out from Carol’s lips, the sweet old story of a Saviour’s love, a Saviour’s death, a forgiving God, a glorious Home above became intensely real. Through his sobs and tears he bowed his head, and said,

“O, Lamb of God, I come.”

Carol’s text had done its work, a new name was enrolled on high, and there was joy in heaven as the wanderer returned.

His life had been changed, and his face reflected a new joy within.

Whether you are of the age of Carol or her grandpa, these words apply to you,

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

ML 03/28/1937

"What Will Make You Happy?"

THERE were some services for young people held in the village, and Harry’s mother wanted him to attend them. This he was very unwilling to do, as he preferred to play with his ball. He said to his sister, who went with him, “I shan’t listen to a single word the man says.”

But after they got into the hall, and one or two hymns were sung, he began to think it was not so dull as he expected. And when the preacher gave his address in a loving, earnest, and simple manner, Harry got quite interested and listened very attentively.

But he did not mean to be a Christian for all that, as he was afraid it might make him gloomy. And just as Harry was thinking like this, the preacher said,

“Some of you, perhaps, imagine you would be gloomy if you became Christians; but, it is Satan who makes you think so, as he does not want to see you happy. Jesus wishes to take away all that makes you unhappy, and to fill your hearts with the joy of heaven.” On their way home, Harry said to his sister,

“Jane, I want to be happy, so mean to be a Christian tonight.”

“That is good, Harry. Do you remember what Mr. May said would make us happy?”

“Accepting Jesus as our Saviour, and He will fill our hearts with joy and happiness.”

“But where is Jesus, Harry?”

“He stands knocking at the door of my heart.”

“What, then, have you to do Harry?” “Come to Him, and make Him my own Saviour. And am going to accent Him tonight.”

ML 03/28/1937

Bible Talks

Water in a Desert Exodus 15:23-27

AS the large company of Israel moved on from the Red Sea, the country was still a dry desert; springs or wells were far apart. They may have carried some water with them, as people do crossing deserts, yet with so many persons there was not enough, and they came to a place where there was water, but it tasted so bitter they could not drink it, so they were very much disappointed. Then the Lord showed Moses a certain tree to put into the water and it became good to drink.

Soon after, they camped at a place where there were twelve wells and many palm trees, so it must have been a pleasant spot, and plenty of water for all the people and animals.

Later, as they moved on, they again needed water and could find none (Chapter 17:1-7). The people spoke against Moses, and asked, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” Surely, with the cloud over them day and night, they could know the Lord was caring for them and would give them water! He told Moses to take some of the men and go on ahead to a rock and to strike the rock with his rod. Moses did so, and the Lord “opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in dry places like a river” (Psalm 105:41).

The Lord wanted the people to learn that He would give them all they needed in the desert. And do you know He wants also to teach us by the things which happened to them? That is why He had these events written (1 Corinthians 10:11).

The bitter water was made sweet by the tree, so the Lord Jesus on the cross took the bitter punishment of sins, and gives a blessing instead. And His side was pierced that His shed blood could save us from dying in our sins, as the great rock was opened to give those people water that they should not die of thirst. The Lord Jesus is called The Rock, the One Who gives us “Living Water.”

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

ML 03/28/1937

"How Old Ought I to Be?"

“Dear Mother,” said a little maid,

“Please whisper it to me—

Before I am a Christian,

How old ought Ito be?”

“How old ought you to be, dear child,

Before you can love me?”

“I always loved you, Mother, mine,

Since I was tiny wee.

“I love you now and always will,”

The little daughter said,

And on her mother’s shoulder hid

Her golden curly head.

“How old, my girlie, must you be

Before you trust my care?”

“O, Mother, dear, I do, I do—

I trust you everywhere.”

“How old ought you to be, my child,

To do the things I say?”

The little girl looked up and said,

“I can do that today.”

“Then you can be a Christian, too,

Don’t wait till you are grown,

Tell Jesus now you come to Him

To be His very own.”

And so the little maid knelt down

And said, “Lord, if I may,

I’d like to be a Christian now—”

He answered, “Yes, today.”

ML 03/28/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But I fear,” etc. 2 Cor. 11:3.

2.“Now I Paul,” etc. 10:1.

3.“Having therefore,” etc. 7:1.

4.“For our rejoicing,” etc. 1:12.

5.“But have renounced,” etc. 4:2.

6.“But in all things,” etc. 6:4.

7.“Finally, brethren,” etc. 13:11.

Bible Questions for April “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Partakers of his promise in Christ.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He path chosen us in him.”

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

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The fulness of Christ.”

7.What did the Lord Jesus do “when he ascended up on high?”

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

1.Satan. 2 Cor. 4:4.

2.Now. 2 Cor. 6:2.

3.When he was weak. 2 Cor. 12:10.

4.2 Cor. 13:14.

5.Before the Lord and before men. 2 Cor 8:21.

6.Cast them down. 2 Cor. 10:5.

7.Present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8.

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

The Answers are to be found in Ephesians

1. What verse shows that we cannot lose the Holy Spirit?

2. What is a wife’s responsibility to her husband?

3.What is the sword of the Spirit?

4. Whom on earth did the Ephesians love?

5.How are we saved?

6.What did Paul preach?

7.What are we to endeavor to do?

ML 04/04/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 2 and 3

IDOLATRY, the crowning sin of the children of Israel, has been mentioned, and chapter 2 makes further disclosures of the inward state of the people. They were deep, in iniquity and planned their evil schemes during the bedtime hours, so as to employ the daytime fully in wickedness. Covetousness, oppression, violence, marked their ways (verses 1, 2). God therefore declares that He too will devise—an evil, from which these guilty ones shall not escape. Men do not realize that God is to be met; that His eyes see all that goes on in the world.

In verse 10 an important principle is stated: “Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest; because it is polluted. . .” God would never have His people at rest amid defilement; separation from iniquity is the necessary path of those who would walk with Him.

Verse 12 brings the blessed promise of God for Israel; His unfailing word guarantees to “all” of Jacob, though it be but a “remnant” they will be put together as sheep are gathered into the fold by their watchful shepherd. There will be a joyful noise from that multitude!

But a “breaker” must act for these sheep (verse 13); it is God, who will break down every hindrance and clear the way as none but He can do, for the settlement of His earthly people in the land He appointed for them long, long ago.

In chapter 3 we enter upon the body of Micah’s prophecy. Those directly responsible for the awful condition of the children of Israel, the heads and princes, and the prophets, seers and diviners are confronted with the truth about their own lives. What a picture these verses present! Was it not for the governors of the land to know and to practice judgment? but they hated the good, and loved the evil; they devoured the substance of those without power to resist them.

God is not mocked (verse 4): “Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them.” He will hide His face from them because of the working evil.

Verses 5-7 deal with the prophets, seers and diviners, —false, all of them, using their positions to deceive and to get advantage over their victims. The day drew near when they should be quite unable to pretend to get an answer from God; their trade would be gone.

In verses 8 to 12 Micah speaks as God’s messenger, closing with the prophecy, fulfilled in the time of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, that Zion should be plowed as a field and Jerusalem heaps. (See the reference to this part of his prophecy in Jeremiah 26:18).

ML 04/04/1937

A Boy and His Sheep

IN an old cabin on the side of a mountain, a boy lay very sick. It was such a poor home, his bed was only a heap of straw. His father brought a kind man to talk with him.

The man asked him how he got such a dreadful cough, and the boy told him this story: One stormy winter day he had gone to hunt a lost sheep. The snow covered the ground and the wind blew cold and the mountain paths drifted over.

“Did you find the sheep?” asked the man.

“O yes,” said the boy, “I kept on till I did, I was so anxious to find it.”

“And how did you get it home?”

“I just laid it on my shoulders and carried it home.”

“And were they glad to see you?”

“Sure enough they were, —father, mother, and the neighbors.”

Then the man told him his story was like one in the Bible of a man who hunted for a lost sheep, and carried it home on his shoulders. Then he told him that the

Lord Jesus came from heaven to save people who were lost through their sins, how He died because of our sins, and everyone who trusts Him He will take safe Home to Himself.

The boy had never learned to read, and did not know before of the Saviour’s love. He believed the words read him, and was happy for the Lord to take him Home. His last words were,

“Jesus, my Saviour and my Shepherd.”

The story read was Luke 15:4-8. You may have heard it often, but do you trust in the Good Shepherd’s love as this boy did?

“What man . . . , having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine . . . , 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.” Luke 15:4-6.

ML 04/04/1937

Wonders in Nature

HOW cool and refreshing the water looks as it is splashing over the rocks. Can you imagine the great noise it is making as it comes roaring down this canyon from the mountains with tremendous force?

God’s work in creation is something wonderful, dear children. You know He made the world before He made the first man, Adam.

But you must know God in a nearer and dearer way than just as your Creator. You must know Him as your Saviour-God; must accept His most wonderful Gift—His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your personal Saviour, or you will not, you cannot be happy.

“Were the vast world our own,

With all its varied store,

And Thou, Lord Jesus, wert unknown,

We still were poor.”

“HAPPY IS THAT PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.” Psa. 144:15.

ML 04/04/1937

Bible Talks

Food from Heaven Exodus 16

WHAT did the people of Israel have for food in the desert after what they brought from Egypt was gone? There was no place to buy food, and very little can grow in a desert; perhaps some spots had a few wild fruits, but much of the country was only sand or bare rocks. And there was such a large crowd to be fed, many thousands of people.

But the Lord gave them food just as wonderfully as He gave them water. One evening He sent birds, called quails, for food. We do not read of those being sent again for a long time. But in the morning when they looked about, they saw on the ground small, round, white particles, like seeds or frost. And they said, “Manna?” a word meaning “What is it?” for they had never seen this before, so afterward they called it Manna. It was their food “rained down from heaven” (Psalm r8:24). When they tasted it, they found it like a wafer with honey.

Moses told them to gather for each family. But they must gather early in the morning, for later when the sun was hot it would melt.

The manna did not come just one morning, but every morning till their journey ended, excepting on the seventh day of each week: that morning no manna came, But the day before, Moses told them to gather a double amount, and it kept perfectly for use on the seventh day. Other days if they kept any over, it spoiled.

God told them to keep one measure of manna to show to their children’s children, so Aaron put an omer full, which was about three quarts, into a golden dish, and that was kept many years.

The sending of this delicate food from the sky was what we call a miracle. The people could not grow it; they must just look for the Lord to send it, so learn to trust Him and His words (Deuteronomy 8:3.)

The Lord Jesus was once teaching the people in the synagogue at Capernaum and they spoke of the manna which God had sent for food to the people in the desert so many years before. Jesus told them that God had sent Him from heaven to give a life which would not end, not life for the bodies on earth as the manna, but a life to be spent in heaven. He told them He would give His life to give them eternal life. They were to believe in Him as sent by God, and we must believe the same.

“The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John. 6:33-35.

ML 04/04/1937

I Am Jesus' Little Lamb

I am Jesus’ little lamb,

Happy all day long I am;

He will keep me safe from harm,

For I’m His lamb.

By His staff I’m led along,

Guarded by His arm so strong;

I’m so happy all day long,

For I’m His lamb.

Then I never will repine,

While around His glories shine;

I am His, and He is mine,

Yes, I’m His lamb.

ML 04/04/1937

An Unwelcome Visitor

WHAT a face! and what is it all about? A poor harmless little frog has jumped up into this little boy’s plate, and just see the ugly face he is making; and if we could only hear the terrible noise he is making, I am sure we would be quite ashamed of him.

Perhaps you have been frightened too at some harmless things, and afterward laughed over it because you had been so silly, but perhaps there are some things you ought to be frightened at and are not.

Are you ever frightened when you think of your sins? There are many sins you can remember, and how many more that you have forgotten. God knows all of them, and keeps a record of them, and if they are not washed away in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will have to be shut out of God’s presence forever.

But how glad we are to tell you that the Lord Jesus Christ, who knows all your sins, died on Calvary’s cross and shed His precious blood, and now all who believe on Him are washed in that blood, and made “whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

When the Lord Jesus comes to take His loved ones home to Himself, will you be among them?

“YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 04/11/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 4

A LOVELY contrast to the story in chapter 3 of man, his guilt and its punishment, is presented in the fourth chapter, all the painful history of Israel from the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, six hundred years before the birth of the heavenly Stranger at Bethlehem, until the Millennium’s dawn, being passed over.

In the last days a season of blessing will begin, the like of which never has been known on this earth since sin first entered. It is the promised restoration of Israel, made known in the Psalms, and more fully in the writings of most of the Old Testament prophets, when Jerusalem will be the center both of blessing and of government as never before. Verses 1 to 3 present a striking example of the Holy Spirit’s work in communicating through chosen persons the exact language of the Word of God, for they correspond with verses 2 to 4 of Isaiah 2. These two prophets lived at the same time and used the same words, but as is readily seen, in different connections.

Reading the close of verse 1 “and the peoples shall flow unto it” (i.e., Jerusalem), makes clear the meaning of the passage, for all nations are referred to. There will be then, as before remarked, none living but believers, and Israel will be the head, no longer the tail, among the dwellers on earth. Only when the Son of God shall have taken His great power and begun to reign can verses 1-8 have their fulfilment; man’s boasted advancement has made no progress toward God in all the centuries past.

What a change from the present state of things in a large part of the world is promised in verses 3 and 4! Then (verse 5) all the peoples will walk, everyone in the name of his God; no longer the false gods of the past but now the only true God. “We” (the saved remnant of Israel) “will walk in the name of Jehovah our God”—the same Person, but known to Israel by a name that speaks of an old relationship— “for ever and ever.”

Verses 6, 7, 8 as is plain, refer to Israel. Rulers may plan for preeminence for themselves or their countries, but God has decreed what shall be (See Psalm 2).

Jerusalem and its hill of Zion, on which, when cleansed, the temple will be built, will be the central point of the whole world, and Christ as Man, the King. Then shall righteousness reign, and truth be exalted when God is owned on earth as never since the fall of the first man.

In the five last verses we trace again the path of affliction which Israel has traveled and must yet travel, before the blessings of the former verses are to be tasted. It is not alone for God’s glory, but for His people’s blessing, that they are disciplined. There must be deep searching of heart and conscience, as the Christian, if he desires to walk with God, proves in his own experience (See Zechariah 12; 13 and 14, and, as illustrative of this, Genesis 49:21, 22, and chapter 44).

Verses 12 and 13 show that the very gathering of nations against the people of Israel in their land in the future day (just before the Lord’s appearing), though planned by their rulers, will be of God for their overthrow, and He will make use of the redeemed of Israel in their destruction.

ML 04/11/1937

Rosie's Sins Rubbed Out

ROSIE was a clever girl, but she had a cross temper, and many naughty ways. Without being extremely bad, she was a living proof that

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. Next to a doll —the delight of every girl’s heart—her favorite pleasure was to draw. She would spend hours sketching houses, men and women, cats, motor cars, and other things on blackboard, slate, paper, or any conceivable thing.

A visitor at the house one day observed Rosie disobey her mother, and full of frowns instead of smiles. Wondering how she could reach her conscience, she thought of her artistic efforts. When they were quite alone they had a talk about the Lord Jesus; how good He was when He was a little child on earth; how He grew up to be a man, and was kind to everyone, though people were wicked and cruel to Him; how He let men nail His hands and feet to the dreadful Cross of wood; how He hung there, and did not say an angry word, but prayed to His Father for His murderers; how He rose up from the dead, came out of the grave, and went back to heaven, where He still intercedes for His people who live in this wicked world.

Little Rosie liked very much to hear about the “holy child Jesus,” and she said,

“Do you think Jesus can make me a good girl?”

“Yes,” said her friend, “I am sure He can, and He will do so if you trust Him.”

Then came the use of a simple event which had happened only a few evenings before, Rosie could not work out the sum on her slate, but got the figures all wrong. Mother finding it all wrong, crossed it out with many crosses. Such a looking slate made the little girl cry. What was to be done?

“O, mother, do rub it out, take the sponge and clean it off.” This done, Rosie dried her tears, and exclaimed,

“Now, mother, you cannot see it, I cannot see it, and no one can see it.” Then the visitor explained that her heart and life were all wrong, but that

“The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7), and that if she would just own that she was a sinner and let the Lord Jesus Christ save her, cleanse her, and keep, her, all would be put right.

Kneeling down with the little girl, the visitor asked the Lord to make the way of salvation simple and plain to her little friend. Then she explained further, and at last Rosie said,

“I know all my sins are gone, Jesus did rub them all out. Now, He cannot see them, the angels cannot see them, I cannot see them, and no one will see them any more” (Isa. 38:17; Heb. 8:12).

So is it with all who acknowledge their sins, and take the Lord Jesus as their own and only Saviour. They have and know “the forgiveness of sins,” they have “peace with God.” It is not imagination, but a real and realized fact that “God for Christ’s sake forgives sinners.”

Her sins which were many were cleansed, her heart was filled with the “rest” which He alone can give (Matt. 11:28); her tastes, likings, desires, and, in fact, her whole nature has been changed (2 Cor. 5:17),

One thing we urge upon you is: Make sure that Rosie’s Saviour is yours for time and eternity. He wants to save you; He longs to have you in the fold as one of His own little lambs.

ML 04/11/1937

How God Saved Bessie

BESSIE D—, one of our Sunday school scholars, was brought along by another scholar whose example ought to be followed by children world-wide. When the woman at the well found Christ, she went into the city and said to the people;

“Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:29.

After Bessie had listened for some months to her teacher telling about the “Friend for little children,” she opened the door of her heart for that Friend to enter in. Shortly afterwards her class had to compose an article entitled, “Saved,” and she, from her own experience, wrote thus:

“It is a grand thing to be saved. I have accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour, You never realize how grand it is until you accept Him. At first, before I accepted Him, I thought it would be the same as if you hadn’t been saved, but I made a big mistake, for you are brighter and happier. I cannot say how glad I am, and I suppose others that are saved are the same. I hope many others will accept Him.”

If the boys and girls who read this do as she hopes in her last sentence, this happiness and brightness will be theirs also. It matters not who the children are, they need Bessie’s Saviour before they can be “saved.”

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

Accept the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, and you will be saved at this moment, and saved “forever.”

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

ML 04/11/1937

The First Battle

Exodus 17:8-16

WHILE the people of Israel were at the place where the Lord gave them water from the rock, some people who did not fear God came to the edge of the camp and tried to do harm to the people, — the ones who were tired and weak. The name of the leader was Amelek (Deut. 25:17-19).

So Moses sent a young man named Joshua with other strong men, to fight against them. Moses stood on top of the hill above them, and held up the rod which showed God’s power. As long as he held up the rod, Joshua won, but Moses’ hands were tired, and he let the rod down, and then Amelek won. So Aaron, and a man named Hur, stood on each side of Moses and kept, his hands with the rod steady until night, and Joshua and his men won the battle.

Moses built an altar to offer thanks to God for saving them, and called it Jehovah-Nissi, which meant, The Lord our banner. And God told him to write about this in a book for Joshua to read, and remember to be watching when those same people should come again.

People who believe in God are not now to fight with swords or other weapons, but, instead, to treat those who hate them with kindness (Matthew 5:44).

But there is an enemy within us which we all need to watch. It is our own will which wants to do our own way instead of doing as God’s Word tells us. We cannot win against this enemy unless we ask the Lord’s help as Moses did, and remember His banner is the one we also have.

ML 04/11/1937

His Love

Do you know the Father’s love

Little one?

‘Tis a love that He did prove

By His Son;

When for us that One He gave

On the tree

And is waiting now to save

You and me.

Shall we let the time go past

To believe?

Do we want to be the last

To receive

God’s salvation freely given

From above

And a future home in heaven

Through His love?

ML 04/11/1937

The Ruined Nest

HERE some boys have been throwing up stones at the dear little birds, and some of them have fallen into the nest and broken the eggs, and broken down one side of the nest.

Little did they think of what it would mean to these birds to have their eggs broken, and their nice little home that they had taken so much pains to build, ruined in a moment of time.

I think we all may see what a hateful thing sin is, whether in breaking up birds’ nests, or in other wrong ways. And if hateful to us, what must sin be in the sight of a Holy God!

Well may we praise and thank God that He has, in love, provided a Saviour for us, so that we can approach Him through Christ and His finished work, knowing that all our sins are atoned for by Him.

Then the desire is to please Him in all our ways, and to tell others of Jesus, the only One through whom we can come to God.

“TEACH ME THY WAY O LORD, AND LEAD ME IN A PLAIN PATH.” Psa. 27:11.

ML 04/18/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 5

THE reference in verse 1 is to the warlike Assyrians (“daughter of troops”) and their king. They attacked and carried off as captives the now lost ten tribes of Israel, and shortly afterward came against Judah and Benjamin under Sennacherib (2 Kings 17 and 18). It is clear, however, from what follows in the chapter that this Scripture looks on to the last days, as does chapter 4. Then the prophetic Assyrian, or king of the north, will invade the land, but he will come to an unlooked for end. The divine reason for this invasion is given in the first verse, —the treatment accorded the Judge of Israel when He came in lowly grace to the Jews, and they had Him crucified, saying,

“We will not have this Man to reign over us.”

Verse 2 is a parenthesis, naming the place where the Messiah was to be born; the chief priests and scribes were familiar with the passage so as to tell Herod their king, but they would not trouble themselves to go there to pay the child Jesus homage (Matthew 2:5, 6). The reader will note the reference to the deity of the Lord here as elsewhere in Scripture, where His partaking of human nature is spoken of, “Whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of eternity.” (N. T.)

He—the Judge or Ruler of Israel, will give them up until the time when she which travaileth shall have brought forth (See Isaiah 9:0, 7, Revelation 12:1-6, and the story of Naomi (whose history presents a picture of that of the children of Israel) in the book of Ruth, culminating in chapter 4:14-17).

The long centuries before the second coming of the Messiah are passed over by Micah to tell of the time yet to come, when the “remnant of His brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” The Church of God will then be complete, the coming of the Lord for His heavenly saints will have taken place, and the Jews will be in Palestine in large numbers, with a temple at Jerusalem.

The Lord as Israel’s once rejected Messiah now appearing shall stand and feed [His flock] in the strength of Jehovah (verse 4). He shall be Peace. The Assyrian will have come into the land of Israel shortly before this, but the Lord, using the believing remnant of the Jews, and perhaps also of the ten tribes, then returning from their long banishment, will destroy his power.

Two figures are used to characterize the Israel to come: they shall be as “dew” (verse 7), and as a “lion” (verse 8), telling of them as the channels of blessing, as well as the agents of divine governmental dealing in the earth, even to cutting off their enemies—(verse 9). There will, however, be a thorough cleansing of the people and the land of Israel, (verses 10-14), with vengeance executed upon the nations, accomplished by God through His Son.

ML 04/18/1937

Trust

JOHNNIE wanted to know what it meant to “trust Jesus.”

“Well,” said mother, “last night, when you wrote that letter to your father, what did you do with it?”

“Mary took me to post it, and as I could not reach up to the slit in the box, she lifted me up, and I just dropped it in the box, and we came away home.”

“But did you not wait till the postman came and watch him take it out of the box and take it to the sorting office?”

“No, mother dear. Mary said it would be all right, so we just dropped it in and left it.”

“Well, dear, surely that is a sample picture of trust in the Post Office and its officials. You could not follow the letter all the way to father, so you trusted the Government to take it.”

So, Jesus says, “Come unto Me.” Matt. 11:28. Although you do not understand all about it, you trust Him, accept His invitation, come to Him, and find His promise true, “I will give you rest.”

You trust father and mother and Sunday school teacher when they make promises. You may not know how they are going to fulfil their promise, but they know and do it, and you are satisfied. So with the Saviour. He loved you, He died for you, He rose again, He ever lives, He will save you the moment you trust Him. None who trust Him are ever disappointed.

May you be enabled to venture your all upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and say with an honest heart,

“I will trust, and not be afraid.” Isa. 12:2.

ML 04/18/1937

Jesus Died for Sinners

WHILE walking along a country road on a pleasant evening some months ago, I overtook a bright-looking little girl, about nine years of age. I 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 he 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, and now was able to say 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 individual state, the heart loves to have somewhat of its own to which to cling. It would, if possible, accept salvation without owning its own condition in God’s sight as desperately “wicked.” But in this it only shows its own 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

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” and those who believe can say,

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly;”

“Himself bare our sins in His own body on the tree;”

“We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” while each believer can say,

“He loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

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 be forgiven thee.”

“But the proud He knoweth afar off.”

ML 04/18/1937

Bible Talks

Camping by a High Mountain Exodus 18 and 19:1, 2

WHEN the Lord spoke to Moses at the burning bush on the mountainside, He said He would bring the people of Israel from Egypt to the same place (Ex. 3:12). There were many thousands of people, and the flocks had to be driven, so the travel was not fast, but in the third month they reached that very mountain, called Sinai.

There are many mountain peaks in that land which altogether are spoken of as Horeb. Some have low trees and bushes; others are all bare rocks. There are large valleys and plains between the mountains, where there was grass and springs of water, so a good place for the flocks, and room for all the people. They no longer lived in booths made of the branches of trees, but in tents, which could be used all the year in that warm land. Tents were usually made by fastening together the skins of animals, or from thick cloth, woven from goats’ hair, and poles cut from trees for support. They may have brought the cloth from Egypt (Ex. 12:36).

Can you picture in your mind all that large company before the great mountain?

It was not far away that Jethro, the father of Moses’ wife, lived, and he brought her and their two sons to the camp. We do not know how old the sons were, but their names were Gershom and Eliezer.

Moses told Jethro how God had saved Israel from King Pharaoh, and Jethro praised God for all.

The people stayed by this mountain nearly a year (Numbers 10:11, 12). We will learn much more of all that was done there, and of the words God spoke to them.

Note: You can find Mt. Sinai marked on a map of Egypt, just at the north of the Red Sea.

ML 04/18/1937

Will You Be There?

Beyond this life of hopes and fears,

Beyond this world of griefs and tears,

There is a region fair.

It knows no change and no decay,

No night, but one unending day,

O say, will you be there?

Its glorious gates are closed to sin,

Naught that defiles can enter in

To mar its beauty rare.

Upon that bright, eternal shore,

Earth’s bitter curse is known no more,

O say, will you be there?

No drooping form, no tearful eye,

No hoary head, no weary sigh,

No pain, no grief, no care;

But joys which here we cannot know

Like a calm river ever flow,

O say, will you be there?

ML 04/18/1937

Kindness

KINDNESS is one thing that becomes us, and we have a nice illustration of it before us in the dear children showing kindness to the horses. We can see that the horses and kitty are accustomed to the kindness of the children.

If we know what God’s love and grace is to us, we shall delight in showing this to others, and this is what the Lord asks us to do.

In Luke 10 we get the beautiful illustration of the kindness of our blessed Lord, in the case of the certain Samaritan, who did everything for the poor man that had fallen among thieves.

So if we know what the Lord Jesus has done for us in taking our place on Calvary’s cross, we must seek to show that same grace to others, and as we become more like Him in our ways, even the animals around us will be treated kindly.

“BE YE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FOR GIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU.” Eph. 4:32.

ML 04/25/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 6

ONCE more is the call to hear, and now the earth itself is bidden to witness that Jehovah has a controversy with His people, and will plead with Israel. A touching address follows in verses 3, 4, 5, —an address which found but little response in Micah’s day, but will sink deeply into Jewish hearts that will be opened to receive it when the Lord is about to return to take His earthly throne and establish His kingdom.

In verse 4, “servants” is really “bond-men” (slaves), as the same Hebrew word is translated in Deuteronomy 7:8 and Jeremiah 34:13.

Verse 5 brings to memory the spectacle of Balaam, the false prophet, seeking to curse, but compelled to bless Israel when they were about to enter the promised land (Numbers 22-21). In his inspired utterances God made known the whole portion of Israel’s blessing, —which has never been realized, because of their grievous departure from Himself. He well knew what they then were, a stiff-necked and rebellious people, but He chose to view them before their enemies in the light of what they will be, when He shall have dealt with them in judgment and in tender mercy.

It will be observed that in verses 3-5 there is only a record of divine compassion and faithfulness; much humbling and sad history of Israel before the crossing of the Jordan, as well as after it, might have been mentioned, but it would have been out of place in such an appeal to the hearts of God’s earthly people.

In verses 6-8 the thoughts of those who will hear are brought out and answered. We have not here the clear light of the gospel of God’s grace, note, for man is seen in the Old Testament under law. The 32nd Psalm is one of many evidences that God then received those who owned with broken spirit and contrite heart that they were not able to meet His requirements. In the Millennium the redeemed of Israel will as never before, answer to verse 8, for then Satan, the tempter and deceiver, will be bound, and what evil appears will be punished.

The “controversy” (verse 2) has, however, not been told, and verses 9 to 12 declare it. “Hear ye the rod, and Who bath appointed it”, for it is Jehovah Himself who speaks. Treasures of wickedness were yet in the house of the wicked; scant measures, unjust balances (scales) and deceitful weights were used in trading; violence characterized the rich, and lying and deceit the people.

Punishment, long withheld, therefore awaited this guilty nation; God’s “thou shalt”, and “thou shalt not” (verses 14, 15) could no longer be avoided. The last verse of the chapter reveals that the laws of Omri (1 Kings 1P:16-28), and the works of the house of Ahab his son (1 Kings 1(5:29-2 Kings 10:11) were followed generally in Judah and Jerusalem as well as in the kingdom of Israel and in Samaria. Omri, we gather, showed the way, and his descendants carried out in practice what he had planned. Sad as is the prospect of those who follow in sin, what must the punishment be of them who have led the way in such things?

ML 04/25/1937

Bags

A BAG may be used for what is good or bad. Notice these:

A Bag of Gold: “They lavish gold out of a bag, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.” Isaiah 46:6. Those men made very bad use of their bag of gold.

A Bag of Silver: Judas “was a thief and had the bag.” he said, “What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him (Jesus) unto you?” They agreed “for thirty pieces of silver” (John 12:6; Matthew 26:15). Could a bag have a more awful use than to hold the money Judas received for selling the Lord Jesus? No, surely not.

A Bag of Sins: Job said his sins “were sealed in a bag” (Job 14:17). This is a strange bag, but each of us has one. Our wrong words, looks, or ways would fill for each of us a big bag. Yet if we believe in the Lord Jesus’ death for those sins, the bag of our sins is sealed up, and God “remembers them no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).

A Bag of Stones: David “choose him five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in a shepherd’s bag” (1 Samuel 17:40). David believed in God’s power, and he slew the wicked giant who had come to destroy God’s people, with one of his small stones. Boys, now who believe in God do not fight a giant, but He will show them what they can do for Him as He did David.

A Bag with Holes: “He . . . earneth wages to put into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:6. Aren’t we like that man if we let our best treasure, the words of God, go from our minds and hearts? Jesus said:

“Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in heaven that faileth not, where no thief approacheth.” Luke 12:33.

Where can we get these last bags? Only from the Lord: they are His rewards for what is said or done for Him. But first be sure your bag of sins is put away by God.

ML 04/25/1937

Was It for "Big" Or "Little" Ones?

CARRIE was a happy country 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,

“O, teacher, 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.”

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML 04/25/1937

Bible Talks

When God Spoke From Mt. Sinai Exodus 19 and 24

AFTER the tents of Israel were pitched before the great mountain, the Lord told Moses to tell the people that He had brought them carefully, as a strong eagle carries its young ones. He said if they would obey His words, they should be a special nation for Him on the earth. The people told Moses that they would do all that God said.

Then the Lord told Moses that in three days He would speak to all the people from a thick cloud on the mountain, and that none of the people should touch the mountain.

The third day the cloud was over the mountain and thick darkness. The trumpets blew very loud to call the people together to listen while God spoke. There was great thunder and lightning, and the mountain itself quaked, and there was smoke as though it were a fire from a great furnace. The people were all safe if they did not touch the mountain.

The Lord there showed the people His mighty power and holiness. Even Moses trembled (Hebrews 12:21), But he believed God’s words of mercy to them, and told them to “Fear not”, that God would teach them that they should not sin (Chapter 20:20). But they did not want to listen to the voice of the Lord and begged Moses that He should not talk more to them.

Moses wrote down the words of the Lord, and in the morning, with Aaron and other men, made a sacrifice to God. Then he read God’s words to the people, and they again said,

“All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient” (24:7).

After that Moses gave the charge of the camp to Aaron and Hur while God called him to the top of the mountain to tell him all His words for the people, and to give him a law written on tablets of stone. Joshua went up with Moses, and he was there forty days and forty nights.

ML 04/25/1937

"Those That Seek Me Early Shall Find Me." Prov. 8:17.

Little ones, with cheeks like roses,

Eyes so sparkling bright,

Little lips with smiles so ready,

Shining as the light.

In these early days of childhood,

In these budding years,

In these hours, some bright with sunshine,

Others dimmed by tears,

Little ones, these words are written

In God’s book for you;

They are words of One who loves you,

Won’t you love Him too?

Little children did He welcome

To His arms of love;

“Let them come to Me,” said Jesus,

Now, and then above.

Still He calls the little children,

Still He seeks to save,

Still He loves, and still He’s waiting,

You He wants to have.

What a Saviour! O, receive Him!

Make Him now your choice,

Early seek, and you shall find Him,

Now obey His voice.

ML 04/25/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But God forbid,” etc. Gal. 6:14.

2.“But the scripture,” etc. 3:22.

3.“I am crucified,” etc. 2:20.

4.“Who gave himself,” etc. 1:4.

5.“For we,” etc. 5:5.

6.“To redeem them,” etc. 4:5.

7.“So then they,” etc. 3:9.

Bible Questions for May “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The faith of the gospel.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Through the faith of Christ.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hath served with me in the gospel.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Laboring fervently for you in prayers.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Do not cease to pray for you.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Beware lest any man spoil you.”

7. What are Christians, “as the elect of God”, exhorted to put on?

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

1.“Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

2.The rule of New Creation. Gal. 6:15, 16.

3.Let them be accursed. Gal. 1:9.

4.By the faith of Jesus Christ. Gal. 2:16.

5.Christ has redeemed us from it. Gal. 3:13.

6.Of the law given at Sinai. Gal. 4:24.

7.By our loving our neighbor as ourselves. Gal. 5:14.

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

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.What is the effect of philosophy on the soul?

2.Who were liberal with Paul?

3.In what did Paul rejoice?

4.In what work did Epaphras engage?

5.Thru what did Christ make peace?

6.What is the duty of a servant?

7.Where is our conversation (citizenship)?

ML 05/02/1937

Bible Lessons

Micah 7

THIS final chapter of our prophet has a distinct character. It begins with Micah’s grief-laden acknowledgment of the evil state of the people he feels the solitude, being alone, or nearly alone, in a generation of the godless. No doubt his words are, as those of David and others in the Psalms, and Jeremiah in his writings, intended by God for the believing remnant of the coming days.

The third verse has been retranslated thus: “Both hands are for evil, to do it well! The prince asketh, and the judge (is there) for a reward; and the great (man) uttereth his soul’s greed, and together they combine it.” (N.T.)

Verses 5 and 6 suggest a reference to Matthew 10:35, 30, where the Lord spoke of the effect of the hearing of the gospel, and, we may suppose, having Micah’s words in mind as He spoke. Many have had for His sake to pass through the experience of the loss of friends, and faced bitter opposition in the home, perhaps for long years; such can say in the confidence of faith with the prophet.

“But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (N.T.)

The enemies of God (the believer’s enemies) rejoice when His people fall (verse 8); humbleness of mind is, however, given to bear the chastening which He has seen to be needed (verse 9). In due time relief will come, and for Israel, that will be when the wicked are overtaken by God’s judgment (verse 10).

We have next Jehovah’s word (verses 11-13), speaking for the encouragement of the remnant

“In the day when thy walls shall be built, on that day shall the established limit (or bound) recede” (N. T.). Jerusalem’s former walls will not contain the city that shall be, when God’s grace shall have followed His “strange work” of judgment.

“In that day they shall come to thee from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, and from Egypt to the river (Euphrates), and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain” (verse 12, N. T.). Instead of Israel’s being as now a people not desired, they will occupy the central sphere of earthly blessing, honored as they were not even in Solomon’s day of glory. First, however, the land of Israel must be desolate because of them that dwelt there (verse 13); this part of the prophecy was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar finished his conquest of Judah (2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Jeremiah 44:2).

In verse 14, Micah, speaking for the remnant who fear God, asks Him for the return to them of all of Israel’s land. The answer of God to this request in verses 15 and 16 is altogether worthy of Himself:

“As in the days of thy coming forth out of the land of Egypt, will I show them marvelous things. The nations shall see, and be ashamed for all their might, etc.”

The last three verses are an ascription of praise to Him from Whom all blessings flow, Who pardons the sinner, and delights in mercy. He will surely carry out all He has promised for Israel. For us who have believed in the Lord in the day of His rejection, a yet brighter prospect is in view (Ephesians 1, 2 and 3: Revelation 1:5, 6).

ML 05/02/1937

"Secret Faults"

“MAMMA,” said Kitty, “papa calls me a good little girl, and aunty does, and most everybody; but I am not, mamma, good at all.”

“I am very sorry,” said mamma.

“So am I,” said Kitty, “but I have got a very naughty think,”

“Naughty what?” asked mamma.

“My think is naughty inside me,” said Kitty. “When I was dressed to go to ride yesterday, and the carriage came and there was no room for me, I went into the house and auntie told you I behaved very good about it. She said I didn’t cry, or anything; but mamma, I thought wicked things, and I ran upstairs and lay down. and kicked and kicked and kicked, I was so, so, so mad,” said Kitty, “I wished the carriage would upset and the old horses run away; that’s what I mean. It was a naughty think in me,”

“Well, nobody knew it,” said John, “Somebody did know it,” said Kitty. “Who?” asked John.

“God,” answered Kitty. “He cannot call me good, as auntie and papa do. Mamma, how can I be good inside?”

Kitty is not alone in asking that question. Many and many a one is asking it very sorrowfully. How can I be good inside? King David felt like Kitty, and fell down on his knees and prayed this prayer:—

“Cleanse Thou me from secret faults.” Ps. 19:12.

Secret faults are in some sense the worst sort of faults, because, first, they deceive others, for they are inside and nobody sees them; and then they deceive ourselves, for we are apt to think nobody will find them out, and that if they are not found out it is no matter.

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

“Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.” Psa. 16:1.

ML 05/02/1937

Bible Talks

God’s Words on Stone Exodus 20:3, 4, 5

1St. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

2nd. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.”

Those are the first two of the ten rules, or commandments, God gave to the people of Israel. The first stones on which God had written them were broken by Moses, and God told him to cut out other stones and bring them up Mt. Sinai. Moses did, and from the cloud of glory God gave him the same words again. Moses carried those stones down to the people, and read the words to them (Exo. 34:1-5, 27, 28; Deut. 10:1-6). Those stones were, no doubt flat slabs, and the words cut, or graven, on them. Moses placed them in a chest, or ark, made to hold them, which we read much of later, and which was safely kept many, many years by the nation of Israel.

The people learned the words on the stones and taught them to their children (Deut. 6:6-10). They are also called the testimony, or covenant, of God with Israel, and taught them exactly what was right in honor to God, and for the good of their families and neighbors. If they did not keep the rules, they were to be punished.

But the words on stone did not promise life with God in heaven: they were how to live on earth. For life in heaven, they could trust to God’s mercy only.

To be continued.

ML 05/02/1937

Who Weighs Most?

BABY is in one scale and the kittens are in the other. But baby weighs much more than the kittens. So the scale goes right down. And if three or four more kittens could be put on the other side, baby would still weigh more than they did.

But how many kittens is baby worth? How many kittens would mother take in exchange for baby?

O! those are questions which no one would try to answer. All the kittens in the world could not equal baby’s worth. And all the animals of every kind added to the kittens could not equal baby’s worth. Baby is worth more than a world.

The Lord Jesus asked,

“WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” Mark 8:36.

The Lord Jesus loved us and came down from heaven. We were sinners and could not save ourselves, So He became a little baby boy, and when He had grown up to be a man, He went to a place called Calvary, and there He was crucified. And there God punished Him so that we might be free. And there He died for us.

O! what love His was. He was worth more than all of us—for He is the Mighty God as well as a Man. So He could save us. His blood is so precious that it can cleanse away all sin.

ML 05/02/1937

"A Little Child Shall Lead Them"

HOW would you like to stand in the midst of all these animals? No doubt you have seen lions, wolves and leopards behind iron bars, and were thankful the strong bars were between you and them.

God did not make the animals to be dangerous, and kill one another or people. Satan has made them so, but the time is coming when they will be calm and quiet as you see them in the picture. Read carefully Isaiah chapter 11, where you will see that the Lord will bring peace on the whole earth.

Before this the Lord Jesus is coming in the clouds to call all who believe on Him to meet in the air (1 Thess. 4:16, 17), and be with Him forever.

Not long after this, He will come to judge the people of this poor world for all their wickedness, and the greatest sin of all—rejecting Him as Saviour, after He had done all He could for their salvation.

Dear children, do you know Him as your Saviour; or will He be your judge?

After He has cleansed the world from all His enemies, (Rev. 19:11-19), He will reign as King for one thousand years in peace and righteousness (Rev. 20:4, and many other Scriptures).

“THE LORD SHALL BE KING OVER ALL THE EARTH.” Zech. 14:9.

“Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him.” Psa. 72:11.

ML 05/09/1937

Bible Lessons

Nahum 1

AS in Isaiah 13 to 23, the “burdens” of Babylon, Moab, etc., are given, so here we have the “burden” (prophecy of judgment) of Nineveh, the capital city of the great kingdom of Assyria. Nahum is believed to have prophesied late in Isaiah’s long life., about the time when Sennacherib first invaded Judea (2 Kings. 18:13-16), which may be set down as roughly 120 years after Jonah went to Nineveh. Elkosh, Nahum’s city, is supposed to have been in Galilee, the region where Jonah had lived; if this conclusion is well founded, the Pharisees were doubly wrong when they declared that no prophets had come out of Galilee (John 7:52).

The destruction of Nineveh, which Nahum foretold, occurred about a century later at the hands of the Medes, aided by the Babylonians who shortly after took the supremacy in the first empire, that of Nebuchadnezzar. But Nahum’s prophecy, like the prophecies of other Old Testament writers, is not to be limited to the prospect then near at hand; it looks forward to scenes of judgment in which another Assyrian will have a part, when Israel shall be in the land of their fathers in far greater number than today.

When Jonah went to Nineveh, there was widespread repentance, but the hearers of his message, and all their children too, we may well suppose were now dead, and the lesson of that day was almost forgotten. Verses 2 to 6 therefore set forth God as judge, jealous and avenging and full of fury. He is slow to anger, great in power and doth not at all clear the guilty. Why then do not sinners flee for refuge to Him?

Who can stand before His indignation? who can abide in the fierceness of His anger (verse 6)? Let us remember that what we have here is not eternal judgment, but the punishment of living enemies on earth. Eternal judgment is but little referred to in the Old Testament, and this is true also of eternal blessing, of eternity itself. Nevertheless, the judgment of the living as here portrayed gives a clear picture of the awful character of the judgment of the great white throne which will follow (Revelation 20:10-15).

How precious to the believer is the note of praise and of the confidence of faith in verse 7! “A stronghold in the day of trouble” our God has been for His tried saints in all generations, and comforting thought, “He knoweth them that trust in Him!” Not one is forgotten by Him, not one overlooked for a moment.

“The place thereof,” in verse 8 is Nineveh; it was to perish, though those who trusted in Jehovah there would be spared in the day of its destruction. Verse 11 speaks of the Assyrian of the future day, as well as Sennacherib, the wicked counselor of Hezekiah’s time. Verse 12 has been translated,

“Though they be complete in number, and many as they be, even so shall they be cut down, and he shall pass away (referring to the Assyrian), and though I have afflicted thee (Judah), I will afflict thee no more.” (N.T.)

Verse 13 is addressed to Judah, and 11 to the Assyrian, while verse 15 tells of the joy that will be felt when that enemy is cut off shortly after the Lord has come to the world to establish His throne as Son of David (Isaiah 10:5-27, etc.)

ML 05/09/1937

What the Engine Said

A GIRL of about eighteen years was at M. Station, about to take a short train journey. Just before the train started, someone offered her a leaflet which she accepted. She soon saw that it was a tract, telling her that she was a sinner, and that the Lord Jesus was the Saviour of sinners like her. This made her angry; she did not like to be told she needed to be saved, and so indignantly she tore the tract in two and threw the pieces on the platform.

As they lay there, she glanced down at them and the one word “sin” caught her eye. “Sin!” She had never thought of it before. As the train started the engine seemed to say “S-sin, s-sin, s-sin”—over and over again. “Sin”—what was that? “Sin”—could it be that she really was a sinner? And again the engine repeated “S-sin, s-sin.” How serious it seemed now. There it was again, “S-sin.”

At last she could bear it no longer. As the train stopped at the next station, she jumped out, resolved to return to M. She must find out what that tract said about sin.

She caught the first train back and on arrival at M. she hurried up the platform and soon found the torn pieces of paper. She eagerly picked them up and piecing them together, she read the tract through. As she read, she saw the truth. She was indeed a sinner, but

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. What more did she need? She believed that Jesus died for her and was saved there and then!

She loves to tell others how God met her in His grace.

Are you saved? If not, you can be saved now, just as you are, in the same way as this girl was, by taking the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. You have sinned and God says,

“The soul that sinneth it shall die,” Ezekiel 18:4, but

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. May you trust Him as this girl did.

To tract distributors, I would say

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the, evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.

ML 05/09/1937

How Emily Was Taught to Trust

I DON’T believe in her! that’s all about it,” said Dick Smith to his cousin Emily Morton as they chatted concerning a companion whom they had met by the sea shore.

“What do you mean?” asked Emily.

“O, you know well enough, Emily!” was the quick reply. “I don’t trust her; I don’t believe she’s true to her word, or to her friends. I have not a scrap of confidence in anything she says or does. What’s the matter?” asked Dick, as Emily Morton’s face suddenly lightened and a bright flash came into her great brown eyes, and her full lips parted as though to speak.

“I’ve found it all out. O, I am so glad!”

“Found what out?”

But Emily Morton had moved away, leaving Dick half perplexed, half offended. Into the house she went as soon as she could to lock her door and have a quiet think. Hear what she says to herself,

“I see it now; I know what believing in the Lord Jesus means. It means to trust in Him; to believe He is true to His promise and His friends; to put all my confidence in what He has done and said. Why, how simple it is, and how foolish I have been! I have been puzzling over it so long—so long.”

Then Emily buried her face in her hands, and knelt down to tell the Lord Jesus how thankful she was that Dick Smith’s chance words about her companion had gone right home to her heart, clearing away all her doubts and difficulties, and showing her just what “believing” in Him meant.

I wonder if any young reader has been puzzling over Emily Morton’s question, “What is it to believe in Jesus?”

You can understand what believing in your mother, your friend, your teacher means. Now just apply that power of believing in them, to believing in Jesus. He never breaks a promise, never deserts or forsakes any who trust in Him. He is worthy of all your heart’s trust, your soul’s confidence. He is the most precious and perfect Friend any one can have, and all that He has done is perfect, and all that He says is true.

“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.

Can you not trust Him? Put your confidence in Him now.

ML 05/09/1937

Bible Talks

God’s Words on Stone (Continued) Exodus 20:7-11

3rd. “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.”

4th. “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work. But the seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.”

The 3rd commandment taught Israel it was a sin to speak God’s name carelessly. Later, there was a young man in the camp who used God’s name in anger. Moses asked the Lord what to do, and the Lord said the young man should die (Leviticus 24:10-23). Many since have so sinned, and not, at the time, punished, but God still hears and accounts this sin (Matt. 12:36).

The 4th commandment taught the Israelites to rest the seventh day of the week (which was the same as Saturday to us), so they would remember God had freed them from the hard work of Egypt where they had no rest: It was a sign between God and Israel (Exo. 31:12-18). No one should even kindle a fire; if any did any work that person was to be put to death. (Exo. 35:2, 3, 21). Once a man gathered sticks on the Sabbath Day, and God said he should be put to death (Numbers 15:32-37). This shows how strict was God’s law.

This commandment is the only one not repeated in the New Testament. The people of Israel refused Christ, the Son of God, and God ended His agreement of the law with them. Christ was in the grave the seventh day, but arose the first day of the week (Sunday) and since, His followers give Him special honor on that day, and call it The Lord’s Day (Acts 20: 7; Rev. 1:10).

To be continued.

ML 05/09/1937

An Orphan Child

WHEN the gospel was being preached, a little orphan girl came to the preacher and said,

“Sir, I have no father or mother, but I want to make Jesus Christ my father and mother.”

“Do you know you need a Saviour?”

“O, yes,” she replied, “for I have sinned.”

“Do you think Jesus Christ can save you?”

“Yes, for He died for sinners.”

Thus you see that even little children can learn the way to be saved.

“All have sinned,” Romans 3:23. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 05/09/1937

"What Must the Inside Be?"

A SMALL group of people were looking up toward the heavens on a clear night, the moon and stars shining So brightly, when a little girl looked up to her parents, saying,

“If God made the outside of heaven so beautiful, what must the inside be?”

What must that heavenly mansion be like that Jesus Himself went to prepare in the Father’s House for those who love Him?

“In My Father’s House are many mansions, ... I go to prepare for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3.

God does not occupy us with the place, but with Him who dwells there. What would heaven be like without Christ? it is where He is that makes it heaven.

“So shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

“His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His Name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev. 22:3-5.

ML 05/09/1937

Come Now, Dear Children

Come now, dear children, to the cross,

The Saviour bids you come,

Come trusting in His precious blood,

Wait not—there still is room.

O! why delay your long return?

List to the Spirit’s voice,

Yield to the One who died for you,

And make Him now your choice.

He waits, to fill your soul with joy,

And all your sins forgive,

His love for you no tongue can tell,

O! trust His grace and live.

ML 05/09/1937

Blessings

Happy the children

With wreath and bouquet,

Off for a good time

This bright sunny day.

Somewhere they’re going

With hearts free from care,

Drinking in gladly

The health-giving air.

Dear little reader,

When you are among

Playmates and friends

And are having such fun,

Do you feel thankful

That God up above

Guards you and keeps you

With tenderest love?

Gives you so richly

All things to enjoy,

Something to gladden

Each girl and each boy?

Clothing and shelter

And good things to eat,

Playmates and playthings,

And sometimes a treat?

Thank Him, dear children,

For He gives you all, —

Even your marbles,

Your sled and your doll.

All of your treasures

And all you hold dear

Jesus has given

For blessing and cheer.

“GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS UNTO GOD AND THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Eph. 5:20.

ML 05/16/1937

Bible Lessons

Nahum 2

CHAPTER 2 vividly pictures the attack, a century after the prophet wrote of it, of the Medes and Babylonians upon the ancient city of Nineveh. Led by Cyaxares, king of Media, who is called, in verse 1, “He that dasheth in pieces” (or “the Maul”), the invading hosts destroyed the place, at the same time bringing to an end the Assyrian kingdom which had been mighty in its day. Its king is said to have set fire to his palace, when he saw that continued resistance was useless, and burned to death himself and his wives. Nineveh has never been rebuilt.

The defenders are told to prepare for the siege, to strengthen the fortress (verse 1); because (verse 2) Jehovah has turned away the “excellency”—glory, or pride —of Jacob as the “excellency” of Israel; the “emptiers” have emptied them and marred their vine branches. Judgment, according to the principle stated in 1 Peter 4:17 had begun with those who stood in a special relationship before God (2 Kings 17:20), the ten tribes being carried away into captivity, perhaps before Nahum wrote, by the king of Assyria, and the remaining two tribes were not long to remain in Israel’s land. Having first given attention to His earthly people, God now turned to their chief oppressor of that day.

“His” mighty men, in verse 3, refers to God, making use of the Median hosts for the destruction of Nineveh. “Flaming torches” shows a difficulty the translators had in putting into English what seems to refer to the glitter of polished steel. The last clause of verse 3 is believed to speak of soldiers’ spears.

Verse 5. “He shall recount his worthies” tells of the Assyrian king who thinks of his important men, and calls them to the defense of the city. But the city is entered, and by a way of which verse O affords a hint.

“The gates of the rivers shall be opened;” the river Tigris rose to an extraordinary height flooding a considerable part of Nineveh, and through this occurrence the Medes were able to enter in force, easily capturing the city.

Verse 7. Whether “Huzzab” was the name of the Assyrian queen, or Nineveh, is meant, is not clear; the language used here tells of captivity and great mourning. Verses 8-10 describe the collapse of the defense, and the plundering of the wealthy city.

The Assyrians have left a reputation of being a bloodthirsty nation, cruel to their enemies, and verses 11, 12 seem to bear this out. God was about to visit their iniquities upon them; fire and the sword would bring Nineveh to its end (verse 13).

ML 05/16/1937

Tom's Substitute

A FINE story of two brothers was told by one of the boys concerned.

Once I saved Tom from a promised whipping for leaving down the bars when he went after the cows at milking time, thus allowing the young cattle left in the pasture to get out. Father had reproved him several times, till finally he threatened to whip him if it happened again. Weeks passed, and then he left the bars down again. The cattle got into the corn and did much damage.

The next morning father said nothing, but went about his usual work. Tom was gloomy; there was an air of depression in the house, and I was greatly troubled. I couldn’t bear to have Tom whipped, nor could I blame father. At last resolving to speak to him, I approached him slowly, for I did not feel sure of my ground, and stood still without saying a word. He looked up at me, and said,

“Well, Joe, what is it?”

“I have come to you to speak about Toni, I don’t want him whipped.”

“I don’t know how you can help it, my son. I cannot have my crops destroyed in this way, and I must keep my word.”

“Father, didn’t you read this morning in the lesson: ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, ... and with His stripes we are healed’?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I will take half the blows you intend to give Tom.”

“I can’t do that, Joe; Tom is the transgressor, not you,” father answered, his face softening, and his voice trembling a little. Then looking at me keenly, he asked: “Does Tom know you have come to me?”

“No, he knows nothing of my coming.” My father stood leaning on his pitchfork with both hands, looking down on the ground. At length he said,

“Go and bring Tom.” I found Tom on the front porch with a sober face, trying to study.

“Come with me, Tom; father wants you.”

“I know what he wants,” he answered, turning a little pale. After a moment’s hesitation he arose, saying, “I might as well go and have it done with.” Father stood as I had left him. He did not seem to see us; he was lost in reverie.

“Father,” I ventured timidly, “Toni is here.” He looked up at us both quickly; then said,

“Toni, do you remember these words in our Scripture-reading this morning: ‘He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities, ... and with His stripes we are healed’?” (Isa. 53:5).

“Yes,” said Tom, greatly surprised. “What do you think those words mean?”

“That Christ suffered for us,” replied Tom, his voice unsteady and his face flushing up.

“Well, Joe offers to suffer for you.” Tom turned to me with a look on his face I shall never forget, and exclaimed,

“No, Joe; you shall not do that” Then flinging his arms around my neck, he kissed me, and said, “The stripes belong to me, father.” Tears were falling down my father’s face, and for a moment he could not speak. Then he said,

“No, Tom, I cannot punish anybody now. I do not think you will ever forget this day. If you do, remember, Joe’s offer holds good. I love my children, and want to do them all the good I can; but I must be obeyed, and this is one way of doing them good. You may go now.” Then, with great awe upon us, we went to the house.

The Lord Jesus not only offered to bear half the punishment for our sins, but He bore the whole (Isa. 53:6), and we go free if, through faith, we believe on Him, and accept Him as our Substitute and Saviour.

ML 05/16/1937

The Faithful Sailor Boy

A BRIGHT-EYED boy stood up at the close of a meeting held for sailors in the port where the ship lay, and bore testimony to the saving power of the gospel of God, concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, in the following simple words,

“I have known Jesus as my Saviour for four years. I found out that I was not too young, or too little to go to hell, and I afterwards learned in the Word of God, the Bible, that I was not too young to be saved, arid to go to heaven, Jesus came to save little sinners, as well as big sinners, so I came to Him, believed on Him, and He has saved me. He is more to me than riches or lands; He is with me on the deep sea, and on the land. I seek to serve Him among my shipmates, and in my home, Who will have my Jesus as his own Saviour? I can testify that there is no life so pleasant, as that of following Christ.”

This is beautiful and true. What do you say to this, dear reader? Is not the boy right? Can you say with him, that Christ is yours, and that you find His ways to be pleasantness and peace?

No doubt he had his trials on board ship, among a godless crew, —and God does not promise to keep His saved ones out of such trials; He has promised to give them grace to bear them, —but the sailor boy had Christ, and in Him he conquered.

Are you afraid of the sneers of companions? If you have Christ, with the assurance of glory in your heart, you will not be afraid of what they say.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” Matt. 5:11, 12.

ML 05/16/1937

Bible Talks

God’s Words on Stone (Continued) Exodus 20:12-18

5th, “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

6th. “Thou shalt not kill.”

7th. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

8th, “Thou shalt not steal.”

9th, “Thou shalt not bear false witness.”

10th. “Thou shalt not covet.”

The 5th commandment taught Israelite children to respect their parents, and they should have long life in Canaan. God gives Christian boys and girls much the same words:

“Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right,” Ephesians 6:1, 2, 3.

You can each think of ways you can honor your parents. To speak crossly, roughly, or to disobey, is not to honor them. It will help you to remember, that to show respect your parents, honors and pleases the Lord,

The last five commandments are short, speaking of sins which all cause great sorrow to the ones who do them, and to the ones who are wronged, as you will find proven the older you grow; for such sins are still in every part of the world, as they were when the law of God was given.

Did any of the people of Israel ever keep all the laws perfectly? No, not one (Psalm 14:2, 3).

Years later, a young man of the nation of Israel told the Lord Jesus he had kept all the law. But, if you read about him in Matthew 19:16-23, you notice he cared more for his property, than for the Lord, and more for himself, than for his poor neighbor.

But there was one who kept God’s law, Who “knew no sin”, That One, the Lord Jesus, gave His life, a perfect sacrifice for sinners, (2 Cor. 5:21; Galatians 3: 13).

ML 05/16/1937

Resting

Lord Jesus, Thou art precious,

We place our hands in Thine,

And in Thy love and faithfulness

Our restful hearts recline.

We know not what’s before us,

But all is known to Thee;

It is enough with Thee we walk

Until Thy face we see.

ML 05/16/1937

Going to Pasture

IT is always pleasing to the eye to look at a picture of sheep. They are such gentle creatures and so inoffensive. They can be led better than driven.

The Lord Jesus likens His people to sheep, and He desires that they should be meek like sheep, and that they should hear His voice, just as sheep hear their shepherd’s voice, and follow Him.

“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME.” John 10:27.

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:28-30.

Do you listen to His voice? Perhaps some may wonder how they could hear His voice. The only way is through the Scriptures. There we may hear Him speaking to us, so we need to read it and meditate on it, as words coming from Himself.

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

Have you listened to that word coining from the Lord? If you have, and have acted upon it, then you can say you are one of His sheep, and consider all that He has done for His sheep. He will never give them up.

ML 05/23/1937

Bible Lessons

Nahum 3

“WOE to the city of blood!” This was Nineveh’s character as seen, not alone by men, but by God Himself. Evil in its two usual forms was there, — the city was “full of lies”, and “robbery”, or rather violence. (See Genesis 6:11). The same characteristics are becoming more prevalent now, as time passes, though not yet in as pronounced a form as foretold in the prophetic Scriptures for the period following the Church’s removal to glory, and before the Lord’s appearing and kingdom.

“The prey departeth not” refers, no doubt, to the keeping of captives, as, notably, the ten tribes of Israel who were never permitted to return to their home land. (2 Kings 16:9; 17:6).

To the account of Nineveh’s siege and capture given in chapter 2, verses 2 and 3 add expressive detail, from the cracking of the charioteers’ whips to the vast multitude of the slain. What a scene of carnage it must have been! Verse 4 refers to the idol worship, and the related practice of sorcery, among the Assyrians; they had many gods, and sought to spread their false and deceiving beliefs wherever they could.

Jehovah of hosts, Who had formerly spared Nineveh when He saw that they turned from their evil way (Jonah 3:10), was now against the city, and with full reason. Was it better than “populous No” (Thebes, a noted city of Egypt, situated on the Nile which here as elsewhere is called “the sea”)? Thebes had been captured by the Assyrians, it is thought under Sargon. (See Isaiah 20). The city afterward suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, and still later from Cambyses the Persian.

In chapter 1 (verse 10) drunkenness is spoken of as the state of the Ninevites when overthrown, and verse 11 of our chapter bears out the same thought. Apart from the figurative use of the term, it is an interesting fact that the beginning of the end of Nineveh’s siege was a surprise attack by the besiegers during a drunken feast of the gods in the camp of the Assyrian soldiers.

When Nineveh fell, it was an easy prey; the sword and the torch destroyed people and city (verses 12, 13, 15, 17, 18). So will it be when the King of glory comes, and all dominion is given into His hands; then shall the proudest and the cruelest of the enemies of God’s people be as Nineveh at its capture. Nineveh perished forever in the day of its overthrow by the Medes, and there will be no return to the rule of unregenerate man when the Lord shall have set up His authority in the earth.

The prophecy of Nahum throws much light on the character of things in the last days (now near), and upon the judgments which will be executed in the earth. The Assyrian of the last days, whom Isaiah, Daniel and Zechariah in particular speak of, will fall after the Lord’s coming, though his capital city will not be Nineveh. While in Nahum’s prophecy, the king has not a large place, the judgment of the city forecasts his own doom, as what is said of its cruelty, its corruption, etc., is descriptive of him.

ML 05/23/1937

"Will He Take Me Just as I Am?"

“TAKE the cows out to the grass, Jessie, it’s far past their time,” said a middle-aged woman, busy preparing her husband’s dinner, to her daughter, a blithe lass of sweet seventeen, who usually needed no such reminder of her duties, for she was a diligent worker, her mother’s chief helper on the little farm with its ten cows, which had been their home since Jessie’s babyhood.

Jessie’s slowness that morning was not due to sickness, nor unwillingness to work, but to distress of mind. By means of the faithful words spoken to her the previous Sunday at the Bible Class which she attended, she had found out that she was not converted. All night she had been kept awake thinking on the subject, and all through the morning she had been snatching moments now and again to read her Bible, which only seemed to increase her distress.

Do you wonder at this? You need not; for the Word of God, when it comes in power to the conscience of a sinner unsaved, has always the effect of causing uneasiness, by bringing God and eternal realities near, and causing sin long forgotten to be remembered.

Jessie led the cows to the pasture, and for hours was missing. Her mother searched all about the farm to find her, but in vain, until at last, unable to rest in the house, she hurried along the ‘footpath leading toward the village. Imagine her surprise to see her daughter coming, skipping like a schoolgirl and singing as she hastened home. When she saw her mother she broke into a run, and reaching out her arms, she threw them round her mother’s neck, as through her tears of joy, she cried,

“O, mother, I’m saved, Jesus has taken me just as I am.”

Her mother was astonished beyond measure, but being herself a Christian, she clasped her daughter to her bosom, saying,

“Thank God for that, my daughter.”

The story was soon told, as they walked together toward the little farm. Jessie had tried to hide her trouble, but when alone in the field it became unbearable. She knew of one aged godly man, her Bible Class teacher, who would willingly help her, and just as she was, in her simple country garb, she hastened to his dwelling and told him her errand. He willingly, gladly told her the way of life, and prayed that God would open her eyes to see it.

“But I’m not good enough.”

“Never mind that, Jessie, Christ will take you as you are,” said the aged soul-winner, and as he told me when relating the story, “The light then dawned on her and she exclaimed,

‘I see it all now; He’ll take me as I am.’”

Just as I am—without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come.

ML 05/23/1937

Happy Frank

FRANK W. was a little boy not long at school. One day, when the other boys went home, he was left in the school doing some sums. By and by he looked up and found himself alone. He ran out into the corridor, but saw no one. Frightened now, he went downstairs, only to find the door locked and himself a prisoner. Frank burst into tears, but failed to open the door. Then he shook the door and kicked it, but in vain. He was like a boy who tries to get free from his sins by his repentance or by his good works.

Meanwhile, Frank’s teacher, having locked up the school, was proceeding homewards, when another little boy, Ernie B. expressed to him his fear that Frank had been locked in school.

“We had better go back,” said the teacher when he heard this. So they turned back to the school.

The teacher put the key in the lock, turned it, and opened the door.

“Now, run upstairs, Ernie,” said he, “and see if Frank is there.”

Frank had by this time gone to the class-room, where he sat at the desk a picture of misery. Ernie came running into the room, saying,

“Come on, Frank, the door is open.”

The poor little prisoner needed not to be told twice, but came down and entered into liberty at once. I wish you could have seen his smiles as, after a weary day, he retired to his snug little bed, — “Happy Frank.”

Notice three things about Frank

First, he realized his position. Do all you boys and girls know your condition and position as prisoners of sin and Satan?

Secondly, he believed the message Ernie brought to him, and acted upon it. This was faith, for he could not see the open door from where he sat. Have you believed the message that your teachers bring you from God and His Word?

Thirdly, he was set free through the work of another. His teacher did all the work, and Frank received all the benefit of it.

Children, you may be set free from the penalty and from the power of sin through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. The thing to do, then, is to trust in Him, and in what He did at Calvary when He died for our sins. Believe now and be free.

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

“The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 05/23/1937

Bible Talks

Some Interesting Laws to Israel Exodus 22 and 23.

IN school you study many laws made by men. But there are none better than God gave to the Israelites. You will find it of interest to notice some of them, besides the ten commandments. Here are a few:

If anyone started a fire which spread, so fields were burned, that person was to repay the loss (Exo. 22:6).

No one should trouble a stranger who might come among them; but remember they had been strangers in Egypt (Exo. 22:21).

They should not trouble a widow or a fatherless child (Exo. 22:22, 23).

They should not start a false report, or give untrue witness about anything (Exo. 23:1).

No one should do evil, even though many were doing the evil (Exo. 23:2).

They were to help those in trouble (Exo. 23:5).

They should not take a gift, or bribe, to say or do wrong (Exo. 23:8).

They should leave some grain and fruit in their fields for the poor to gather (Exo. 23:11).

These were laws even the boys and girls could obey. If any disobeyed, the law said they were to be punished.

When we read these just and holy laws we can only say we have disobeyed, too, and thank the Lord Jesus for His great love in taking the punishment of sin for all who trust in Him.

“No man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident; for ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Galatians 3:11.

ML 05/23/1937

Jesus and the Children

Jesus is the gentle Shepherd

Who, upon the cross,

Died to save the little children,

When He died for us.

Jesus loves the little children,

Loves to hear them say,

Lord, my heart is very sinful,

Wash my sins away.

Jesus calls the little children,

Calls them tenderly;

Once He put His arms around them,

Saying, “Come to Me.”

ML 05/23/1937

Danger Ahead

AS the dog runs along with the bird in his mouth, he suddenly stops. Little reader, do you know why?

If you look carefully you will see a snake in the grass, with its head up, all ready to spring. The dog is in danger, and he knows it, but he has seen it in time, and will either kill the snake, or go round another way so it cannot bite him.

Dear reader, you little know how often there is “danger ahead” for you.

Sometimes we run into dangers when it is too late to avoid them. Sometimes we see them in time to escape. But more often the Lord preserves us from them, when we know nothing about it.

But there is one “danger ahead” that is worse than all others, —the danger of eternal punishment—of being shut out of God’s presence forever.

But God in His mercy has provided a way of escape from this most dreadful of all dangers.

Jesus died, dear reader, that you might live. Will you accept Him as your Saviour? He offers you salvation. It does not cost you anything, although it cost Him more than tongue can tell, — more suffering and agony than the human heart can conceive.

Believe in Him now. He will keep you not only from eternal punishment, but also from the many temptations that Satan is putting in the way as you journey through this world.

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

ML 05/30/1937

Bible Lessons

Habakkuk 1

LIKE many of the Psalms, and the writings of Jeremiah, the book of Habakkuk in the wisdom and forethought of God, expresses some of the exercises of heart His people experience while passing through trial, and shows His interest in and care for them; faith and love to Him are seen to grow through the responses He makes to the cries of His tried ones.

Nahum was the last of the seven earlier “Minor Prophets”, while Habakkuk is joined in time with Jeremiah and Zephaniah, these three being raised up for a testimony in Judah during and following the reign of Josiah, the last godly king.

In verses 2, 3 and 4 the prophet is distressed because God has not answered his prayers; the state of Judah was very bad indeed, as Jeremiah, chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. shows, and Habakkuk had earnestly sought the ear of God about it; but evil went on unchecked, and there was no evidence that He would interfere. Spoiling and violence, strife and contention abounded; the law (given by Moses) was treated lightly, and justice did not go forth; perverted judgment was the rule, because the wicked were strong and the righteous weak.

God does answer prayer (verses 5-11), but in His own time and according to His own wisdom; He is slow to anger, but will not at all acquit the wicked (Nahum 1:3). Among the nations great changes were developing under His hand; Assyria was declining, Media and Babylonia were rising; before long Nineveh would be besieged and destroyed, add the proud Assyrian kingdom would cease to exist. A little later the Babylonian empire was to be erected with old Chaldea at its base, and Nebuchadnezzar, its greatest monarch, would be given such authority as had never before been committed to a man (Daniel 2:37-38; 4:20-22). Verse 5 was evidently before the Apostle Paul, with other passages in his reference to the prophets in Acts 13:41.

When the Chaldeans should come against Judah, they would be more violent, more relentless, and far more swift in attack than the Assyrians had been. In verse 6, for “the land”, read “the earth”, and in verse 9 for “the captivity” read “captives”. No power could long withstand them.

Habakkuk was overwhelmed at the thought of what was to come (unmistakably pointing to the captivity of Judah, like that of Israel), and the instruments that God would employ (verses 12-17). He turns again to prayer. The Chaldeans, he recalls, remonstrating with Him, were ordained for judgment, appointed for correction; why then should these wicked people he allowed to swallow up Judah, more righteous than themselves? Why should God look upon the treacherous Chaldeans? They would be like one catching fish with hook and net, mercilessly gathering human captives for themselves in abundance, and praising their false gods because of the success that was theirs. The end of the first chapter is properly at the close of chapter 2, verse 1, where the prophet is seen to be waiting upon God; what will He say to His servant, and what shall Habakkuk answer? A faithful shepherd, he stands upon his watch beside the flock God has entrusted to his care.

ML 05/30/1937

The Sums Which Puzzled

JOSEPH was my earliest chum. Our parents being next door neighbors, we crawled together when blue ribbons adorned our shoulders, walked out proudly together in our first male attire, roamed in field and wood ere school days began, sat in the ABC class and wondered at the peculiar card of twenty-six or more letters, remained more or less together till Grade 4 was reached, then parted never to meet again on this side of Eternity. Joseph caught a cold which settled on his lungs, and in a month his body was laid to rest in the quiet country churchyard. Ah, well do I remember that day.

Thoughts of the uncertainty of life, the suddenness of death, the bidding good-bye to all that is known, and entering the region of the unknown, made lasting impressions on my young heart. Remembering Joseph, has often recalled to memory sums we got which puzzled us.

The sums which never puzzled us, because no one cared sufficiently for our souls, were the sum of the lost and the sum of the saved, for there is a question which no one can answer.

Get a piece of paper and see if you can solve the profit and loss problem first, and if you cannot answer, take it to your master and see if he can solve it. It was put by “the Master” of all masters, so is well worth the consideration of all. Here it is,

“What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

Put into the profit side all the wisdom of a Solomon, the power of a Caesar, the triumphs of a Napoleon, the glory of a king, the wealth of a Rothschild, and any other figure of earthly pomp and splendor your schoolbook recounts—add it all up, as gained.

Over against that, place the loss of only one thing— “his own soul.” Count up the loss of a soul lost for all eternity, and then state the profit. Don’t apply the answer to Solomon, Napoleon, or Caesar; apply it to yourself, and weigh well the solemn fact that you may gain everything on earth, yet if you die “without God and without hope” (Eph. 2:12), you are a miserable loser for endless ages.

In heaven the saved ones sing a new song to the Lord Jesus,

“Thou art worthy to take the bock, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood.” Rev. 5:9. Of the last is said,

“Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 22:13.

ML 05/30/1937

Patty's Invitation

WILLIE and PATTY were two little school-boys, close companions and playmates. They traveled the same road to school every morning, and returned together at night.

Patty, the younger of the two, was the child of Christian parents, who longed and prayed for his conversion to God, for you must know, my dear boys and girls, that none of you can ever go to heaven on the credit of your parents’ faith. “Ye must be born again” is a word as true concerning you, as the child of the idolater. You need to be converted before you can be a Christian on earth, or go to heaven after.

Patty went to a series of Children’s Meetings held in the village where he lived, by a stranger who came there on a visit, and on the second or third night, along with several other boys, received the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. He believed on Him, and received “life”—just as we read,

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

There was much joy in Patty’s home that night, when he returned from the meeting and told of his salvation. Next morning he met his companion, Willie, as usual, and told him the good news. Was Willie glad? No, indeed, he laughed at him, and said he was going mad. But Patty assured him he was sane, and very happy.

“Just you come to Jesus yourself, Willie, and you’ll see it’s all true I’m saying,” said the dear boy,

This earnest invitation left Willie without a word to say. That night he sat in the meeting by Patty’s side, and before the week ended, he was saved also. The two boys were now companions in Christ, and workers for Him.

“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isa. 55:6.

ML 05/30/1937

A Wonderful Tent

Exodus 25:1-10

THE Lord told Moses of a very special tent to be made, with special furniture. You may have seen drawings of this, and the yard, or court, but unless you hear how all was made, and the materials used, you would not think how beautiful all must have been under the outside covering of skins. It was not, like most tents, of heavy cloth, but the sides were formed by boards, overlaid with gold, set in silver; the top, of embroidered linen, hanging over the sides also; and the upper coverings of skins.

Part of the furniture was made of pure gold; the rest, of wood overlaid with gold. And outside, for the court, very much silver and brass were used.

You may wonder where the people camping at Mt. Sinai got the materials. It is thought, that some metal could have been dug from the hills there; and trees, like our locusts, grow in those deserts, from which the wood could have been cut. But they seem to have had things of great value with them. You know the Egyptians gave them gold, silver, jewels and cloth. Some of the gold they had made sad use of in the golden calf, but now there was a way for their treasures to honor God. There were wise women. who spun linen and goat’s hair for the curtains.

So all the things brought by the willing’ people were more than were needed, (Read Exo. 35:22-30, and Exo. 36:5-8).

Most wonderful about this tent was that the cloud of glory should rest on it, showing the Lord’s presence was with them, so it is named “The Tabernacle”, a word which means “to dwell”, and also, “The Sanctuary”, which means, “set apart to God”.

ML 05/30/1937

Jesus Loves Little Children

“Suffer little children to come unto ME, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:14.

Jesus loves little children,

Wherever they live,

If they trust Him as Saviour

He will gladly forgive.

Jesus loves little children,

And for them He died.

Do you wonder He calls them

To come now to His side?

Jesus loves little children,

He delights to bless,

And to hold to His bosom

With a tender caress.

Jesus loves little children,

O, taste now and see

How sweet and how wonderful

Is His great love for thee!

ML 05/30/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Grace be with all,” etc. Eph. 6:24.

2.“Giving thanks,” etc. 5:20.

3.“That the Gentiles,” etc. 3:6.

4.“According as he,” etc. 1:4.

5.“Even when we,” etc. 2:5.

6.“Till we all,” etc. 4:13.

7.“Wherefore he saith,” etc. 4:8.

Bible Questions for June “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Chosen you to salvation.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Counted worthy of the kingdom of God.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ever follow that which is good.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By the word of the Lord.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The word of the Lord may have free course.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.”

7.In what manner was it that the Thessalonians “received the word of God” which they heard of Paul?

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

1.Eph. 4:30.

2.Obedience in all things. Eph. 5:24.

3.The Word of God. Eph. 6:17.

4.All the saints. Eph. 1:15.

5.By grace. Eph. 2:8.

6.The unsearchable riches of Christ. Eph. 3:8.

7.To keep the unity of the Spirit. Eph. 4:3.

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

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1.What is to be the portion of those who obey not the gospel?

2.To what are believers appointed?

3.For what do believers wait?

4.What of those who will not work?

5.What are we taught of God to do?

6.What should be our attitude toward our leaders?

7.Can Satan hinder a servant of the Lord?

ML 06/06/1937

Bible Lessons

Habakkuk 2

THE answer of God to His waiting servant, the prophet, is a solemn word regarding the course and the end of the Chaldean enemy who was to assail and carry off Judah. Like other prophetic utterances, it cannot be limited to the then prospective fulfilment; the northern enemy of Israel in the last days is also in view.

Habakkuk was directed to write the vision, engraving it upon tablets so that it might be readily understood, and that the reader should hasten to tell others what he learned. Prophecy has been given by God for the encouragement of His people in dark days.

Verse 3 is applied in a remarkable way in Hebrews 10, culminating in verse 37, the coming of Christ being set forth there as the Christian hope. The time of deliverance is fixed, though unknown to the believer, who is to wait for it, meanwhile having God’s assurance that “at the end it shall speak” or, more exactly, “it hasteth to the end, and shall not lie”; it will surely come and will not delay (or be behind hand). It is good to have these precious assurances from Himself that let us know He is not slack concerning His promise (2 Peter 3:9) What is directly in view in Habakkuk 2 is, however, the deliverance of Judah and Israel from the last of their enemies.

Verse 4 presents a contrast, setting down the character of man at a distance from God, on the one hand; and the subject, and divinely guided believer, on the other. What a contrast it is! He who is lifted, or puffed up, —his soul is not upright within him; such is God’s estimation. Might this be said of a believer? Pride is an early and late snare in the human soul.

“But the just shall live by his faith.” This word is so important that the Holy Spirit has caused it to be repeated, word for word, three times in the Epistles of Paul. It appears in Romans 1:17, where “the just” is emphasized; then we find it in Galatians 3:11, where “by faith” is pressed, and lastly it occurs in Hebrews 10:38, where “shall live” is the point dwelt upon.

Faith is the gift of God, and an exceedingly precious gift it is. Through faith the believer apprehends the mind of God, discerns the character of the scene in which he lives, and is given direction as to his course through it. The reader will note that this brief statement, “The just shall live by his faith” sheds its bright rays of divine light over the whole of the chapter, whose subject thereafter is the Chaldean.

Verse 5 describes the great enemy’s character in a general way. Verse 6 speaks of the nations he conquers. Verse 14 interrupts the series of woes to forecast the day of glory on earth. Verses 18, 19 deal with idolatry, and the last verse turns to God as supreme.

ML 06/06/1937

Little Charlie's Question

“IS a Christian allowed to play, teacher?” asked a sharp little fellow at the close of school.

Our lesson that afternoon had been on the coming glory of Christ, when He shall reign over a happy and peaceful earth. We had read, among other Scriptures that beautiful description of Millennial blessing in Zechariah 8:5, where we are told, that, in the earthly Jerusalem,

“The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.”

This seemed to take the little fellow by surprise, for, as he afterwards told me, he had thought that Christian boys and girls were not allowed to play.

As the bright eyes peered into mine, waiting for an answer, I said,

“Yes, Charlie, God delights to see His children happy, and I am sure. He is not displeased when they play, only of course, He would have them play as Christians should.”

Charlie’s face beamed, and he said quietly, “Because I was saved here in the school a week ago, and I want to do what will please the Lord Jesus.”

Dear little fellow! The new life was there, you see—he had received Jesus as his Saviour. Charlie, as his ways show, is truly a Christian. Are you? Or, do you think that you would lose all your pleasures if you had Christ? No one is so truly happy as the real Christian.

“Blessed (happy) are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psa. 2:12.

ML 06/06/1937

Moses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ML 06/06/1937

Bible Talks

A Very Great Sin Exodus 32

WHILE Moses was on Mt. Sinai the people did a sad and dreadful sin: they asked Aaron to make an idol to lead them on the journey! Instead of telling them no idol could lead them, Aaron told them to bring their gold earrings, which he melted and shaped into a golden calf. The people sacrificed animals before it; they feasted, and danced, and sang, saying, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of Egypt!” What foolish, untrue words!

They had seen God’s power all the way; freeing them from the king; keeping the wonderful cloud over them day and night; giving all the great company food from heaven; and had heard His voice front the mount when He said they should make no images; and they had said, “All the Lord says we will do.” Yet they did not obey Him! (Deut. 4:10-14).

The Lord knew what they were doing, and told Moses and Joshua to go down to them. Moses carried the two stone tablets which the Lord had written on. When he heard the shouting and saw the gold calf, he was so grieved at the sin, which showed God’s words were already despised, that he threw down the stones and they were broken.

He came to the gate of the camp; talked to Aaron; and called, “Who is on the Lords side?” That all who were sorry should come to him. Aaron must have been one who was sorry, as we read that all the sons of Levi came, and Aaron was of that family. Then Moses melted the gold calf, ground the gold, and cast the dust into the water, and many were punished.

The next day Moses went again up Mt. Sinai, and begged the Lord to forgive the people the great sin. The Lord did forgive them, and said He would still lead them on the journey (Deut. 9:8-22; Psalm 106:19-24).

“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” Exo. 33:14.

ML 06/06/1937

God's Broken Law

When God, His law, to man did give,

He said— “Do this, and thou shalt live;

But whoso sinneth he shall die,

And on his head My curse shall lie.”

When Moses, to the camp did bring

The law from God, Who ruled as King,

He found an idol there did stand,

And broke the tables in his hand.

And so we all God’s law have broke,

Ours is the curse that Moses spoke

And none can ever enter heaven

Unless through grace they are forgiven.

But God, His only Son, did give,

To bear the curse that we might live;

Christ on the cross was crucified

And for the guilty sinner died.

ML 06/06/1937

The Foolish Virgins

WE can picture the joy and gladness of the wise virgins, as the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ) welcomes them to His marriage feast, and takes them in with Him, for they are “ready.” Everyone who is washed in the precious blood of Jesus is ready. Are you ready, dear children?

The poor foolish virgins are those who are trying to get to heaven by their own good works, or in some other way than owning that they are lost sinners, and cannot save themselves. They must accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He alone can save them.

The Lord Jesus is coming very soon—it may be today. How terrible it would be if any little boy or girl who reads this, were to come too late, and find “the door was shut.” They will truly cry out,

“Lord, Lord, open to us.” But only to hear those dreadful words,

“Verily, I say unto you, I know you not!”

“THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE: AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.” Matt. 25:10. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

ML 06/13/1937

Bible Lessons

Habakkuk 3

THE prophet’s feelings, in view of these communications front God (chapters 1 and 2), are expressed in the prayer psalm with which this book closes. The precious fruit of an exercised heart, directed and developed by the Holy Spirit, is seen throughout these nineteen verses.

Habakkuk had been afraid, but now he is at rest; he understands that though judgment must be expended on the sons of Judah, the hand that God employs for that work will in turn be dealt with, and when Israel is restored, the Chaldean enemy will be no more.

Now he pleads for a revival: “Revive Thy work in the midst of the years!”— Wait not until that distant day of universal blessing (chapter 2:14)! — “In the midst of the years make it known! In wrath remember mercy!” Often have such prayers ascended to God, even repeating the very words of Habakkuk, in the past century, and He has granted precious measures of revival; but we long for fresh tokens of His love to the Church of God.

The prophet’s thoughts go back to that early day in Israel’s history, when “God came from Tetuan, and the Holy One from Mount Paran”; the localities mentioned were passed as the forty-year journey from Egypt to Canaan neared its end. Then the enemies who disputed the way were defeated, for God was with His people.

The language used in verses 4 to 11 is poetical, but its meaning is quite plain; see the words of Rahab in Joshua 2:9-11; and the utterances of Balaam in Numbers 23:22, 23. Verses 11 and 12 relate to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua (see Joshua 10:12-14).

In verse 13, the second clause should be read, “for the salvation of thine anointed”, referring to Israel; and in the beginning of the next verse an altered reading is warranted: “Thou didst strike through with his own spears the head of his leaders.” We would on no account discredit the excellent “King James” translation in common use; it contains not a single serious error, but careful study of the oldest manuscripts has brought to light many small defects in the work of the faithful men who served as translators in 1611. In part these faults were due to the exact meaning of some Hebrew words and expressions, and even Greek ones, not then being understood.

The latter part of verse 16 should be read, “that I might rest in the day of trouble (or distress), when their invader (or he that rusheth in troops upon us) shall come up against the people.” It is the Chaldean conqueror; Habakkuk here mentions again his former fear as in verse 2, growing out of God’s first communication to him, in chapter 1.

Space forbids more than passing reference to verses 17-19, in which faith is seen to rise entirely above circumstances —the most discouraging, —and the saint rejoices in the Lord, the God of his salvation. It makes a glorious ending for this precious portion of the Word of God.

ML 06/13/1937

The Greatest Event

WHAT do you think might be the greatest event to happen at any time?

The Lord Jesus died on Calvary’s Cross, died for you, died for me. He rose again from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of God in heaven, and is coming again according to His promise,

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

We do not know when He is coming, but He has said,

“Behold, I come quickly.” Rev. 3:11.

The details of what He will do when He comes are found in 1 Thess. 4:11-17, (get your Bible and read these verses).

He will raise all the dead, who have believed in Him, not the unbelievers; He will change all the living Christians who are really His, not mere professors, only true believers, and call all the saved ones up to heaven, to be with. Him forever, leaving behind all the unsaved, those who have not accepted Him as their own Saviour. If He comes today, are you ready?

“Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when. He cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37.

ML 06/13/1937

Put Yourself Down in the Third of John!

GOD, from all eternity, contemplated the salvation of sinners, and gave His beloved Son, the blessed One, who, in His love, came to suffer, and bleed, and die.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (read John, chap. 3, verses 1 to 16).

I said to one of a large household, “Mary, you look very happy this morning; are you happy?”

“O, yes, sir,” she replied, “very happy.” “How is that, Mary?”

“I went, as you told me, and put myself down in the third of John, along with the world.”

“What world, Mary?”

“O, sir,” she replied, “the world we are told that God so loved.”

“Was it a world of angels, Mary?” “No, sir.”

“A world of saints, then?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, a world of believers?”

“No, sir, but a world of sinners; and that is where I am; and when I read

‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,’ that tells me that God loves me.”

“But what more, Mary, makes you happy?”

“Ah, sir,” she replied, “the next line—it was that brought me rest and peace—that ‘whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’” “Then you believe that, Mary?”

“Yes, sir; I rest in that because God says so; and I am happy because there I see that Christ loved me, and died for me, and I have everlasting life.”

That is everything a poor sinner wants —he comes to KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST. And now ask the Christian how he knows he is saved; he will tell you, because of such a truth as that—that God says it. The God of truth declares,

“THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN Him SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 3:16.

I accept His testimony, rest on His Word, believe on His Son, and have the assurance that I am saved for eternity. Will you here and now do the same?

ML 06/13/1937

"Look . . . Be Ye Saved"

AS the tide was nearly full, the waves were dashing and splashing against the sloping, sea-weed covered wall which kept back the angry waters. Enjoying the fresh breeze and view of the dancing billows, we chatted one to another until suddenly the sight of a drowning boy called for speedy activities. Never shall I forget his look as we drew near. He was being thrown up by the waves towards the sea wall and then drawn back as the waves receded. Too far gone to cry he could only gaze anxiously, earnestly, and steadfastly upon us. That longing look spoke to our hearts. It said, “Save me, or I perish!” And at once we determined to save him if it were possible.

Happily we were able to effect the rescue without much difficulty, and in a minute or so he was safe by our side.

The boy was utterly unable to save himself—a little longer in the water and he would have been drowned. We were only just in time, and glad indeed we were that we were able to save him.

Now the Lord says to us,

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22.

We all need to be saved, and He invites us to look to Him for salvation. It was a joy to us to be able to deliver the terrified boy. And God lets us know that He rejoices, and heaven rejoices when a sinner is delivered.

“There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.

ML 06/13/1937

Bible Talks

Building the Tabernacle Exodus 36:8-38

GOD chose two skilled men to direct the work of the Tabernacle, and gave wisdom to make all just the exact size and way, told to Moses on Sinai.

You will like to learn the size of the tent, —the measure used is a cubit, which is about the same as 11/2 feet to us. It was 30 cubits long, 10 cubits wide, and 10 cubits high, so was a large tent, but made so as to be taken apart and carried on the journeys, and was so used many years, and set up afterward in Canaan.

There were 20 separate boards, each overlaid with gold, for the south side; 20, for the north side; and 8, for the west end; the east end had pillars overlaid with gold with an embroidered curtain for the door. Each board was made to stand in a socket of silver, except the pillars at the entrance had brass sockets. The silver sockets were made from silver money paid by the men of Israel, a bekah, or half shekel (worth about 30 cents in our money). This was called the redemption price. Read in chapter 38:25-28 how many there were to pay

The boards were held together by bars of wood, also overlaid with gold, so no wood could be seen in the Tabernacle, all was covered with gold.

Ten linen curtains, embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet, joined by gold clasps, made the ceiling and hung over the sides; over the linen, were eleven larger curtains of goat hair fastened by brass clasps; then a covering of ram’s skins dyed red; and above all, badger skins. So all was well protected.

There were two rooms, separated by pillars, overlaid with gold, from which hung a very special curtain having a design as God had directed. It was called the veil. Each room had its own furniture, which we learn of in the next chapter.

ML 06/13/1937

Little Child, the Saviour Loved You

Little child, the Saviour loved you,

So He left His home on high;

Came on earth a lowly stranger

For your sins to bleed and die.

Sin had set its stamp upon you,

And must shut you out from God,

Jesus came to make atonement,

Though it cost His precious blood.

“It is finished!” said the Saviour;

Well He knew His work was done,

He for sin had made atonement,

He, God’s holy, spotless Son.

ML 06/13/1937

God's Gifts

These gentle creatures feeding

Upon a woodland hill,

Are happy and contented

Where all is wild and still.

The God of all creation,

Who marks the sparrow’s fall,

Is One who never slumbers,

But watches over all.

He sends the rain and sunshine

To every creature here;

He gives them food and shelter,

And all that life holds dear.

But there’s one gift, dear reader,

That man alone can claim,—

The gift of life eternal

Through faith in Jesus’ Name.

For man alone possesses

A never-dying soul—

A soul that keeps on living

While endless ages roll.

The soul of man by nature

Is sinful and defiled,—

“Lost mid ruined by the fall” (Luke 19:10; Rom. 8:23), wandering in the path of sin, till Jesus sought us, found us, and brought us to Himself.

That evening, facing a crowd of boys and girls, we saw each one as the happy saved child, safe in the father’s care; or the lost, wandering child, and pleaded with them to accept the Saviour’s invitation,

“Suffer the little children to come unto ME.” Mark 10:14.

“Come unto ME...and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

We cannot look our readers in the face, but each reader can think of these two pictures and answer the earnest inquiry:

Are you saved, or lost? It is either one or the other. Which is it? If still unsaved,

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Acts 16:31) as the One who left heaven’s glory, shed His blood, suffered, and died for you, and you will be saved, and have many, many days of happiness on earth, and spend all eternity with the Lord who saved you.

ML 06/20/1937

Bible Talks

Furniture of Gold Exodus 37

THE furniture of the Tabernacle was not like any other. For the inner room, called the Holy of Holies, there was a large chest, called the Ark. This was made of wood, overlaid with gold both inside and outside, and having a crown of gold. In it were kept the stone tablets on which the. Ten Commandments had been graven. On the corners were gold rings, through which were placed staves, covered with gold, by which it was carried. And later, a golden dish with manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, were also kept in it,

The top for the Ark, called, the Mercy-seat was made of pure gold, with a figure of gold at each end. These are called cherubim, and we cannot describe, only that they had wings reaching upward and over the base, and their faces were toward each other. These were not to be worshiped, but rather to show worship to God. It was here the blood to atone for sin was sprinkled, and here the cloud of the glory of God rested, a most holy place.

In the outer room was a table, all overlaid with gold, which we learn the use of later; an altar, overlaid with gold, on which incense was burned; and a lamp-stand, all of gold, ornamented in the gold like the buds, flowers, and nuts of the almond tree. There were seven lamps in which olive oil was burned for the lights. The size is not given, but one talent of gold (over 100 pounds) was used to make it, so was very costly, and must have been very beautiful. All dishes and tools used in this room were also of gold.

ML 06/20/1937

The Precious Name of Jesus

“‘Twas God who gave the precious name

Of ‘Jesus’ to His Son,

Because He knew His gracious work

By Him would well be done.

The name of ‘Jesus’ Saviour means,

And such He is indeed,

To all who feel the weight of sin,

And peace and pardon need.

His name was Jesus when on earth,

His name is Jesus now;

And God declares that to that name

All heaven and earth shall bow.

And truly happy is the child

Who loves this precious name;

We soon shall Him in glory see

Who once in mercy came.”

ML 06/20/1937

Protection

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

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

God’s Word tells us,

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

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

ML 06/27/1937

Bible Lessons

Zephaniah 2

CHAPTER 2 begins a distinct section of the prophecy of Zephaniah, addressed to the God fearing in Israel, in view of the judgment already declared and to be executed. In the manner of divine grace an invitation is sent to all the people (verses 1 and 2); they are called, “O nation not desired”, or more exactly, “O nation without shame”, for such was, and is, the truth as to them. How gracious of God to remind those who seemed so indifferent to His interests and to their own real blessing, that there was yet time to seek His face before the day of His anger should come upon them!

In verse 3 we come to the godly remnant, called “the meek of the earth”. Meekness is not thought much of in the world; those who make much headway in it are as a rule the opposite of meek, — pushing, self-assertive persons, given to demanding, and on occasion taking by force. But what God commends is a very different character, one which we discern in perfection in the Lord as He passed from the manger to the cross.

The meek of the earth are those who have wrought His judgment, or, as it has been translated, “who have performed His ordinance”— those who have regarded God’s word. To them it is said, “Seek ye the Lord”; “seek righteousness; seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” This is very different from the hopes of the Christian, who knows that before the dawn of the day of the Lord he with all other living saints will be caught away to meet Him in the air; heaven, and not the earth is the home of those who are the Lord’s at His coming.

Strikingly the book of Genesis sets out in the history of two men an illustration of the prospects, on the one hand of the believers of the present dispensation of God’s grace, and on the other, of those who will be blessed in a new working of divine grace after the removal of the church to glory. Enoch’s translation without passing through death foreshadows the one (chapter 5:24) and. Noah, preserved through the deluge and blessed in the earth (chapters 8-9) exhibits in type the other.

The godly remnant of Israel, chiefly of Judah, for the lost ten tribes will not then have returned, will be preserved, apart from the godless mass of the nation, in the dark hours of the great tribulation, as Isaiah 26:20-21, Revelation 12:6 and Matthew 24:15-28 indicate; they will be “hid” in the day of Jehovah’s anger, and preserved, though with much trial, until the Lord appears.

Verses 4-7 deal with the Philistine strongholds on the west, and verses 8-10 with the Moabites and Ammonites on the east border of the land of Israel. More distant enemies are treated of in verses 12-15. There was a literal fulfilment of these declarations of ruin within thirty years of the time the prophet wrote, but the day of the Lord has not yet begun, and the scenes of judgment to come will be far more fearful than those of the past. How blest is the Christian who seeks to walk in obedience to the word of God, looking for the coming of his risen and exalted Lord before the judgments begin on earth!

If Jesus Had Been Your Teacher

NELLIE was one of the brightest girls in the school. A general favorite with her brothers at home, and with the girls in her class, sunshine seemed to ripple perpetually on her brow. To see her in her happy home, with her kitten playmates, made a sight for any artist’s eye, and yet Nellie was not always happy. Favored with a converted preacher in the little chapel near, and a converted teacher in the day school, who not merely sought the mental and moral, but higher spiritual welfare of the pupils under his charge, Nellie had learned that,

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom, 6:23). Hence after the mirth of the day was past she might have been found with the tear in her eye, and the burden at her heart, wondering how she might get the great question of sin settled.

I hope you have felt the same, for there is little chance of anyone being saved until they realize they are “lost” (Luke 19:10).

Mother never sends for the doctor for you till you are ill; the firemen are never summoned until there is the appearance, at least, of fire; the lifebelt is only thrown to those in danger of drowning. So with salvation. The great Physician is for the sin-sick soul; the Rescuer is for those in danger of “the wrath to come,” the Gospel is for the perishing.

Have you, like Nellie, got thus far? Do you own that you are a lost, guilty sinner, deserving nothing but “eternal doom”? if so, listen how Nellie got saved.

Again and again the teacher had placed the way of salvation before his earnest pupil. Nellie read that “the just shall live by faith’ (Rom. 1:17). She knew that the Bible said, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephes. 2:8); that Jesus Himself had said,

“Believe, and be saved” (Luke 8:12). But it seemed such a big thing for a simple, sinful girl to commit her soul to the Saviour’s keeping, and be “saved with an everlasting salvation” (Isa. 45:17). Great though it was, she did so. Shall I tell you how?

Her mother commissioned Nellie to make a few purchases at the store on the road from school, giving her some silver coins to pay for the goods. Not being accustomed to handle so much money, Nellie thought it best to ask the teacher to take charge of it till school hours were past. Approaching the desk, and laying down the money, she made her request.

“But, Nellie,” said the teacher; “can you trust me with so much?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Had you not better get two of the other girls to witness that I have received the money?”

“No, sir, I can trust you with it.”

“Then, Nellie, if Jesus had been your Teacher, would you also have trusted Him?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Well, Nellie, if you could trust Him with the silver coins, could you not trust Him with your soul?”

“Yes, sir, I could.”

“Now, Nellie,” continued the soul-winning teacher, “as you have trusted me just now with your money, will you not trust the great Saviour, who loved you and gave Himself for you, with your precious soul? Will you do so just now?” A moment’s pause, then the anxious girl quietly replied,

“Yes, sir, I could trust Him, I will trust Him.”

A little more conversation, then a steady routine of lessons, then home; but Nellie never forgot the real joy of that night, as again and again she hummed to herself the little verse:

“Jesus, I will trust Thee!

Trust Thee with my soul;

Guilty, lost, and helpless,

Thou canst make me whole.”

Perhaps your name is not Nellie, but you are a sinner and need salvation.

Think of Jesus dying on the Cross of Calvary in agony and shame for you; hear His triumphant cry at last, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Finished for you. In view of such love, such agony, and such a mighty triumph, will you just now say,

“I will trust, and not be afraid”? Remember, “None perish who Him trust.” Hundreds upon hundreds of boys and girls have accepted the invitation of the Lord Jesus:

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

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37), and are living saved and happy lives. Will you trust Him now, and happy be?

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

ML 06/27/1937

Trying to Open the Door with the Wrong Key

PASSING along to business, I came upon a Christian neighbor trying hard to open his shop door, an effort which seemed to beat him. I offered to assist him, and on inserting the key he was using, found that it did not snit the lock.

“Are you sure that this is the right key?” I asked, upon which he put his hand into his pocket and drew forth several keys, one of which he picked out, and holding it up, said,

“What a foolish thing, to be trying to open the door with the wrong key!”

Putting the right key into the lock and giving it a gentle turn, the door opened at once and he stepped inside, remarking with a laugh,

“It’s an old habit of mine to work with wrong keys; I did it when I was seeking salvation by works and prayers and religion for many a day, but when I applied the key of ‘faith’, the door was opened, and I walked in to enter on the joyful possession of God’s salvation.”

We praised the Lord together for showing us the right key, apart from which no sinner ever was or will be saved. Strange and foolish as it may appear, there are many, old and young, seeking to enter the door of God’s salvation, by using the wrong key.

“I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

ML 06/27/1937

Bible Talks

Building the Court Exodus 38:9-21

A fence circling a court, was made to be set up around the Tabernacle, and to be taken apart to carry on the journeys. It had 60 strong pillars; each capped with silver, and to he set into brass sockets. Linen curtains were made to hang between the pillars, with silver hooks and rods to hold them close. There were also cords held by brass pins.

This court formed a space 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide (a cubit is about 11/2 feet), and it was 5 cubits high.

The entrance to the court was at the east end, and the curtains of it were worked in colors.

A large altar of wood, overlaid with brass, was made to be set inside the court, where the sacrifices to God were burned. The grates, ash-pans, hooks and basons were of brass.

A brass laver was made to hold water where the men who offered the sacrifices were to wash. The size and shape of the laver are not given, but it was made of brass looking glasses given by the women, so it must have been very smooth and shiny.

When the people would look at the white curtains they knew only what was pure should be within, and they knew none could enter there without a sacrifice for sins. And we learn from this the same lesson: all must be pure from sin to enter God’s presence.

But since that time God has given a better sacrifice for sins, the Lord Jesus, so we no more offer animals.

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

ML 06/27/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1. “Only let your,” etc. Phil. 1:27.

2.“And be found,” etc. 3:9.

3.“But ye know,” etc. 2:22.

4.“Epaphras,” etc. Col. 4:12.

5.“For this cause,” etc. 1:9.

6.“Beware lest,” etc. 2:8.

7.“Put on therefore,” etc. 3:12.

Bible Questions for July “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That all the Gentiles might hear.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That good thing which was committed unto thee.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Keep that which is committed to thy trust.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The glorious gospel of the blessed God.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Above a servant, a brother beloved.”

7.How may those Christians who are in the place of servants “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour”?

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

1.To spoil the soul. Col. 2:8.

2.The Philippians. Philip. 4:14-16.

3.In that Christ was preached. Philip. 1:18.

4.In prayer. Col. 4:12.

5.Thru the blood of His cross. Col. 1:20.

6.To obey in all things his master. Col. 3:22.

7.In heaven. Philip. 3:20.

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

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon

1.Who had the church in his house?

2.For what did Christ Jesus come into the world?

3.What are we to endure?

4.Why should not a woman teach a man?

5.With what should we be content?

6.What is the portion of those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus?

7.What is the condition of the one living in pleasure?

ML 07/04/1937

Bible Lessons

Zephaniah 3

FROM Nineveh’s destruction and Assyria’s complete overthrow as a nation, of which the last verses of chapter 2 treat, God passes at once to Jerusalem. If the ancient city (Genesis 10:11) was shortly to perish forever, should Jerusalem, the city of God’s dwelling place, but now filthy (or rather, rebellions) and polluted (or corrupted), escape the sword of divine vengeance? Verses 1 to 8 furnish the answer.

The charges against the capital of Israel’s favored land are conclusive: there is rebellion, corruption, oppression there, and in such measure as to characterize the city. And did she heed the voice of God speaking through His servants? did she trust in Jehovah, or draw near to her God? The answer is definitely in the negative.

The princes (or rulers) were as roaring lions, the judges as evening wolves; the prophets (by profession, —not owned by God as His servants) were boastful and treacherous persons, and the priests profaned the holy place, did violence to the law given by Moses.

And had God failed them? had He withdrawn the light of His word from the city where He had set His name? He had not; indeed, He had caused the recovery of His word, long lost to sight through the failure of man (2 Chronicles 34:14-19, 27, 30-33). He failed not, but the unjust (unrighteous) knew no shame.

God had cut off nations; their battlements were desolate, their streets waste, their cities left without inhabitant (referring to the countries overcome by the Assyrians and others); and He had said, “Only fear Me; receive correction”, so Jerusalem should not be cut off, however He might punish them; but they “rose early”—bent upon their evil course with full energy—and corrupted all their doings.

The shameful story is told, and Jerusalem is beyond recovery. “Therefore”, says Jehovah to the believing remnant of Judah, “wait ye for Me, until the day that I rise up for the prey.” Then shall all the world come under His executed wrath (verse 8).

From verse 9 to the end of the prophecy overflows with the wonders of His grace. “The people” in verse 9 is properly read “peoples”, referring to the nations in the Millennium. “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia” (verse 10) refers to the most distant enemies of Israel when in their own land, the rivers being the Nile and the Euphrates, since Ethiopia meant the race, and not only the country now called by that name.

Is there in Scripture any language more touching than verse 17, recalling what Israel’s past has been?

Chapter 3, like the earlier chapters, has had a partial fulfilment; the prophecy awaits, for its full display, the Millennial judgments and blessings.

ML 07/04/1937

The Little Indian Captives

MANY years ago a family came across the ocean to make a home in Canada. At that time there were only a few settlements, and people were often lonely.

This family had a Bible and read its words of comfort and often sang together, so the little girl, Regina, learned the songs although too young to understand all the words. One favorite hymn began:

“Alone, yet not alone am I

‘Though in this solitude so drear,

I feel my Saviour ever nigh,

He comes the Weary hours to cheer,”

Soon a sad time of great danger came; there was war between the colonies, in which the Indians joined, carrying away many children of the white people, taking them far into the deep forests where the men could not find them. Among those taken was Regina. She, and another little captive, were put in the care of an old Indian woman, sleeping in her wigwam, and given Indian names.

In the summer the children had some happy hours. They picked wild berries, which sometimes were their only food; then there were nuts to gather, and many kept to eat in the winter. But the cold winters were hard and very often there. was not enough food.

It was good the two little girls were together, they could talk to each other, so did not forget their own language, and Regina taught the verses and songs she had learned to the younger child.

The children lived nine years in this wild way. Then the governor of Canada secured many of the captives from the Indian camps and brought them all to one place; Regina and her young friend among them.

What do you suppose were the first words Regina said when she came among white people after all those years? She asked, “Have you got the book God gave?” She did not remember the word, Bible, nor even her own name or the name of her parents, but she remembered about God’s Book.

Word was sent to all the settlements for parents who had lost children to come to this place, and Regina’s mother came, hoping to see her lost child. But Regina did not know her. And nine years change any child, and it was not strange that among those poor, neglected girls with their ragged Indian clothes, the mother could see no one who looked like her own little girl. She was turning sadly away, when an officer asked if there were not some words which her child had early learned and might remember. The mother thought of the favorite hymn and she began to sing:

“Alone, yet not alone am I

Though in this solitude so drear

I feel my Saviour ever nigh,

He comes the weary hours to cheer.”

The voice and tune stirred Regina’s earliest memory, and suddenly, she ran forward and threw her arms about her mother. So at last there was a happy reunion. There was no one to claim the younger girl so she was given a home with Regina. We may be sure they all often sang the hymn which had been their cheer in such sad times.

There are still sorrows in this world and we too need to remember God’s Book and songs to cheer.

ML 07/04/1937

Bible Talks

A Gate of Curtains Exodus 38:9-21. Continued

THERE was a wide gate for the entrance to the dwelling of God, the Tabernacle. The entrance to God’s presence is not now by a gate, but by a person, the Lord Jesus. But that gate with its curtains worked in blue, purple, and scarlet reminds us of Him.

Blue is the color of the sky, or heavens, and Jesus came from heaven and returned to heaven (John 6:38; Acts 1:11).

Purple was the color wont by kings. They put a purple robe on Jesus in mockery (Mark 15:17), but He will one day be King of Kings (Rev. 19:16).

Scarlet was the color a victor in war used. The soldiers put on Jesus also, a scarlet robe to mock Him (Matt. 27:28). But He is Victor over sin and death.

The tent door and the wail had the same colors, and teach us the same truths. Jesus said,

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

One fair Door, One only,

Jesus Who has died

Jesus is the blessed Doorway,

Open free and wide.

ML 07/04/1937

Happiness

THE girlie in our picture is the essence of happiness and contentment. What a fine bunch of pussy-willows she has gathered. I wonder to whom she is taking them, perhaps to mother. How very pleased she will be at the thoughtfulness of her little daughter, —a token of love surely.

Don’t you think, dear children, that God’s heart must be pained when He sees boys and girls, whom He loves so dearly, and for whom. He gave His dear Son, that they might know Him as their Saviour, going from day to day without caring a bit for Him, so ungrateful that they have never loved Him, nor even thanked Him, from their hearts, for giving Jesus to be their Saviour? What a precious gift!

Will you accept Him today, as your own dear Saviour? This alone brings true happiness. Then you can sing from the heart,

O, I am so happy in Jesus,

From sin and from judgment set free;

So happy that He is my Saviour,

So happy that Jesus loves me.

“GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 3:16.

ML 07/04/1937

Gentleness

WHAT a happy scene this is! The mother dog looking into the face of the children’s mother, begging for food. Her kind, sympathetic manner, will not, I am sure, overlook the dog’s need, nor that of the puppies.

How gentle the children are with the little doggies. They are a part of God’s creation, and God delights to see us kind and gentle to His creatures.

Many boys and girls are unkind to animals; they tease and hurt them, forgetting that scripture,

“Thou God seest me.”

When you know, dear boys and girls, the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, your hearts will no longer be hard and cold.

Christians should show in their changed life and conduct, that they have a new nature, a new, divine, eternal life, given to them when they put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour.

He says, “I give unto diem eternal life, and they shall never perish.” John 10:28,

Do not forget, dear children, that “Gentleness” is placed by God among the fruit of the spirit.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

We have one perfect pattern of gentleness, and this is the Lord Jesus Christ. Little children were never afraid of Him. He said,

“SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” Luke 18:16.

ML 07/11/1937

Bible Lessons

Haggai 1

ABOUT a century elapsed between the prophecies of Zephaniah and Haggai; during that time Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel had served God in faithful testimony, and had gone from the scenes of their labor; Judah had perished as a kingdom; Jerusalem had been destroyed and the people were carried off into captivity. The span of Babylon’s greatest glory under Nebuchadnezzar, her most noted monarch, had begun and ended, and the Persian empire was now in power, though not yet at its greatest extent of territory. After the foretold seventy years in Babylon, less than fifty thousand (Ezra 2:64, 65) had returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel of the royal line of David (see Matthew 1:12, 13) to Jerusalem’s ruins some fifteen years before Haggai’s prophecies. They built first an altar to Jehovah, then began work on a temple to take the place of the magnificent structure erected by Solomon; but through the opposition of their adversaries, and lack of faith, that work was allowed to stop for twelve or more years (Ezra 4).

Verse 1. Darius Hystaspes, the third king of Persia after the great Cyrus, had now reigned a year and five months; he was, in the ordering of God, friendly to the Jews as Cyrus had been; but faith looks to God, not at circumstances. The consciences of the Jews were indeed slumbering; they had made themselves comfortable when opposition hindered the work of God, for which they had been permitted to return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1). It is surprising how easily believers, to this day, slip into habits of indolence when the service of God involves a little difficulty or hardship; the thought of going to meeting on a stormy night; or even less than that, furnishes an excuse for neglect of duty and privilege, for which an account must be rendered at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 11: 7-12).

Verse 3. The heart-knowing God (Acts 15:8) speaks. What indeed is hid from His eyes, His ears? How little even Christians realize that actions, words and thoughts are all known to Him! God’s thoughts, are centered upon His interests in the world; should not His blood-bought people make what concerns Him the chief object of their lives?

“Consider your ways” (verses 5 and 7) is a call that should not go unheeded, coming from God Himself, and we who profess His name may well take it to ourselves. Have we discerned in our own lives the truth of verse 6, which declares, in substance, that not all of man’s endeavor to provide for himself in a natural way really satisfies; that without God as the center and circumference of our lives life is a failure?

Let God be first, and all is well with His people; the reverse is also true; Let God be set aside, practically, while we pursue earthly ambitions, and the loss to the soul is great (verse 9). As Israel’s characteristic blessings were earthly, so departure from God brought losses that they felt, and everyone saw (verse 11).

The Christian, on the other hand, who seeks earthly gain, may not realize the loss of God’s spiritual blessings, which he is bound to suffer, but his spiritual brethren observe, and grieve for him, for the loss is deep, and unless there is recovery, in the mercy of God, it is for eternity.

Happily, for Zerubbabel the governor, and Joshua the high priest, and the remnant of the people, they hearkened to the voice of their God, and as He stirred up their spirits, and cheered them with His gracious word, “I am with you”, they engaged in the work He had given them (verses 11-15).

ML 07/11/1937

Margaurite

In a mountain village toward die South of France, there lived some years ago a young girl named Margaurite. Neither her parents, nor any in the village possessed a Bible. By some means or other, this young girl had heard of this wonderful Book that told the way to heaven, and that people might be saved and happy here on earth.

She tried hard to find a Bible in her native village, but without success. At last someone told her that a copy could be procured in Nimes, a town about seventy miles away, and that it would cost her three francs—that is about 60 cents.

This gave little hope to the anxious maiden, as she had no money of her own, and the journey was expensive and difficult to make. Yet she longed for the desire of her heart, and fell upon the following plan to obtain it. She had two pretty pet rabbits of a very rare kind, which she was willing to part with in exchange for a Bible. The difficulty was, how to reach Nimes, where she could sell the rabbits, or exchange them for a Bible. Weeks passed by, but no colporteur or merchant came to the mountains with the Book of books.

One fine summer morning, Margaurite started off, carrying a little basket on her arm, along the road that leads to Nimes. How many days it took her to tread that long journey I do not know, but I am sure she must have been very tired before she reached the town of Nimes. Resting often by the way-side plucking green food for her pets, and sharing the shelter of the hospitable people along- the way, she reached the place at last, and entered it a perfect stranger, with her two pet rabbits in her basket on her arm.

Margaurite wandered along the streets, looking in at all the windows to see if she could find the Book of God, but it seemed to be almost as little known there, as among the hills of A. At last she heard of a small store where Bibles were sold, and tired and hungry as she was, she hurried along- to the place„ and went straight in.

The bookseller heard her story, and was deeply interested in the anxious girl. She told him she had no money, but opened her basket, and showed her pair of pretty pet rabbits, saying she would give them in exchange for a Bible. The offer was accepted, and Margaurite stroking her pets, handed them to the kind-hearted bookseller, who in. exchange gave her a copy of “The Holy Bible.”

Margaurite clasped the treasure to her bosom, and tripped out as proud as a queen, The seventy long miles lying before her, were forgotten in the joy of her new-found treasure, and many a half-hour did she spend on the homeward journey, sitting under the shadow of a tree by the way-side, reading in her own dear Bible the wonderful words of God. At length she reached her mountain home, and there every day she read a portion from the Book of God, and spoke to others of the Saviour whom she had learned to trust, and own as her Redeemer and Lord.

From her lips, many of the sinful dwellers in that mountain village heard the story of a Saviour’s love, and it will be seen in a coming day, that her’s is not a starless crown and that Margaurite did not read her Bible in vain, for others were led to the Lord by her means.

It is much easier for most of my readers to procure a Bible for themselves than it was for Margaurite, but do they have the same love for it as she had? Has its precious words led you, dear young friend to the Saviour? To read the Book of God without believing what it says, is only to increase your condemnation.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away,” Matt. 24:35.

ML 07/11/1937

That's Sin

AH! I don’t believe in sin,” said an intelligent but careless young infidel to a Christian. “I don’t believe there is such a thing; if there is, what is it?”

“Did you ever tell a lie?” was the short and pungent answer,

The self-confident inquirer found himself at once in an awkward fix. To say “no” would be an evident lie, for where is the person who has never lied? To say “Yes” would be to own himself a sinner.

After some moments’ hesitation, he answered confusedly that he dared say he had told a white lie or two.

“That’s sin,” replied the other.

Enough; the infidel beat a hasty retreat. His mouth was stopped. Men talk of white lies and black lies, but before God a lie is a lie. And the word of Him who cannot lie says,

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8.

ML 07/11/1937

Bible Talks

Aaron’s Garments Exodus 28 and 39

GOD chose Aaron with his four sons to offer the sacrifices and for the worship in the Tabernacle, and told how to make their garments.

All had white linen clothes, but a special garment was made for Aaron, called an ephod. It had a blue robe, and over the upper part was an embroidered linen, worked in blue, purple, and scarlet and gold. There was a girdle of the same, and a piece for each shoulder with an onyx stone set in gold on which were graven the names of the families of Israel—six on each stone. Then a double square of the worked linen hung from each shoulder piece by a gold chain, and fastened also to the cloth of the ephod. There were twelve precious stones set on this, on each was graven a name of a son of Jacob (or, Israel). Aaron was to represent them. Could you give the twelve names on the stone?

On the hem of the blue robe were fastened gold bells, which sounded when Aaron moved. We are not told how many bells, but between each there was made a shape of a fruit, the pomegranate.

Aaron’s bonnet, called a mitre, had a front piece of gold, on which were graven words meaning,

“Holiness to the Lord.”

Aaron and his sons had many duties with the sacrifices, lamps and offerings, and were called priests.

We do not now have such priests because we do not need such offerings, since “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28).

But the beautiful garments of Aaron show us of the purity and glory of Christ, and He has the names of all His people, as Aaron had the names of all Israel.

ML 07/11/1937

"Saviour, Lord, We Come"

Lord, Thou art so holy,

Heaven’s Almighty King,

Thou wilt stoop to listen

When Thy praise we sing.

We are little children,

Weak and apt to stray;

Saviour, guide and keep us,

In the heavenly way.

Then when Jesus calls us

To our heavenly home,

We would gladly answer,

“Saviour, Lord, we come.”

ML 07/11/1937

The Cooling Stream

WHEREVER we may look, we can see the provision that God has made for His creatures, and our picture today reminds us of it. The shady, cool retreat for the cows, and the running stream for their refreshment, speak to us of Gods tender and wise care.

Have you thought, dear reader, how tenderly and graciously God cares for you, and supplies your needs—giving you food and clothing, health and strength, yes, all you have?

It may be, you have not yet confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

If that is the case, whether you have many blessings of this life, or are deprived of them, I beg of you, do accept God’s greatest expression of His love in giving His Son to die for you, so that you may have eternal life through Him,

O! dear reader, believe in Him now, if you have not done so in the past, and then you shall know the preciousness of that verse,

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things,” Rom, 8:32.

He will give us all things according to His love and wisdom, but not according to the desires of our natural hearts,

“EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE.” James 1:17.

ML 07/18/1937

Bible Lessons

Haggai 2

THE throne of God was not again established in Jerusalem after its departure (Ezekiel 11:22, 23), and though a son of David now supervised the remnant of the people that had returned, his position was that of a deputy of the king of Persia. The temple for which Cyrus had provided was indeed larger than that of Solomon (compare Ezra 6:3, 4 with 1 Kings 6, and 2 Chronicles 2 to 4), but in every other respect it was greatly inferior.

Another circumstance was the hostility of the people who now occupied the land, and the attitude of Darius toward the building of the temple was not yet known at Jerusalem. In so far as they judged by circumstances, then, there was much to depress and discourage those who feared God. (See Ezra 3:12, 13, though it relates to the beginning of the work, a dozen years earlier).

Now, God is always for His people; though He may allow them to pass through circumstances painful and humbling; this is for their true and abiding blessing. His hand at times falls in discipline upon fits children, too, for we have a faithful, as well as a loving Father and the past course of Israel had not without due and repeated warnings, brought upon them their present ruin and dishonor.

There is much to make the child of God today mourn, when, considering the state of things in the days of Haggai and Zechariah, and the former glory of Israel, he turns to view the present state of God’s heavenly people, the Church, and compare it with the bright years of the beginning of Christianity. The substance of the confession of the godly Daniel (Daniel 9:3-19) should be the language of every true-hearted saint of God today.

Verses 2, 3: His people were then to feel what had taken place, and to be humbled over it. But (verse 4) they were not to be discouraged; “Be strong, and work, for I am with you”, was the message of Jehovah to His feeble and few people, and observe, He speaks of Himself as “Jehovah of hosts”—His name of power. They had, as they are reminded (verse 5) His word and His Spirit, as in the beginning; “fear ye not!” Are these not enough for faith to go on in obedience?

And here God points onward to the day now at hand (see Hebrews 12:26, 27), when He will deal with the world in righteousness, and the “Desire” of all nations —the Lord Jesus as the true and rightful Ruler—shall come. Then His house—called “this house” in verses 7 and 9, because it is His earthly dwelling- place at Jerusalem that is in view—He will fill with glory. (In verse 9 read “The latter glory of this house”).

Another word follows (verses 10-19), the burden of which is the defilement that is everywhere. The New Testament counterpart of this passage, written for the guidance of the present-day children of God, is found in 2 Timothy 2:19-21. Mistaken is the notion of some to go into the world to cleanse and improve it; the inevitable result is to contract defilement from, instead of reforming it. In verses 15-19, God points to His own faithfulness to His word; have we not found Him always thus?

A last brief message closes the book (verses 20-23). It looks forward to the day of Christ’s glory as Son of David—of whom Zerubbabal was, as Israel’s ruler a type or foreshadow.

ML 07/18/1937

The Ragged Boy

THOUSANDS of children were assembling in a great hall one Saturday afternoon, Where there was to be a children’s meeting, and outside the door stood a boy, whose ragged clothes and bare feet made him feel that there was no place for him among the rows of neatly-dressed children of whom he got a glimpse through the doorway. He longed to go in, for it looked so comfortable inside, and he wanted to find out what all those children were going there for, A lady, when passing in, noticed his eager little face, and asked him if he would like to go to the meeting. He said he would, but that he wasn’t fit.

“O! never mind your clothes,” said the lady, “come with me, and I will find you a seat.”

The boy followed the lady, who placed him in a corner where he would be able to see the speaker, and yet could scarcely be seen himself. He was full of curiosity, wondering what was going to be done, when presently two gentlemen came on to the platform, at the end of the room, and then the business of the afternoon began. One of the gentlemen, coming forward, said, “Let us pray,” and then spoke some words which the little fellow could not understand; but the child wondered why all bowed their heads and covered their faces. After a time the heads were raised, and the man read some words from the Bible, and after that, the other man who had come in with him, sang a beautiful hymn about a sheep that had strayed away from its shepherd, and, as he listened to the hymn, this boy could not help crying, though he could hardly have told anyone why he cried.

Presently the speaker gave out the text for his address:

“I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 1.0:11.

And then he spoke to the children simply and earnestly about Jesus—of that great love of His that brought Him from His home in heaven, to suffer and die on earth for sinful creatures like ourselves— to give Himself for us, that we might be His own forever. He told them that Jesus was like a loving shepherd, caring for and watching over His sheep and lambs, and going- in search of those who had strayed away. He ended by asking which of the children were wishing to be lambs of the Good Shepherd, and to have Him for their Saviour, and waited for an answer.

One and another answered, “I am,” from all parts of the building. Then he asked all those who had answered, to stand up, and among them the poor little boy stood up. He had been too shy to answer, but he did not mind standing up.

The lady who had taken him in, saw him, and as soon as the service was over she went to him, and talked to him.

“So you wish to be one of Jesus’ little lambs?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered; “but I am not quite sure that I know the way.”

“You heard all the man said about the Lord Jesus; did you believe it?”

“Yes,” said the child.

“Do you believe He asks you to come to Him?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do you believe that He died to save shiners?’’

“Yes,” answered the boy, after being silent a minute.

“Then you may believe that you are one of His little lambs. Jesus will not cast you out.”

This lady was very kind to the poor boy; she found out where he lived, found him some regular work to do, took him to a class in the Sunday school, and helped him in many ways, and he is now serving the Lord, and trying to lead more children to “Come to Jesus.”

ML 07/18/1937

Sick Sheep

A FRIEND who was traveling in the East, heard that there was a shepherd who still kept up the custom of calling his sheep by name. He went to the man and said:

“Let me put on your clothes, and take your crook, and I will call them, and see if they will come to me.” And so he did, and called one sheep, “Mina, Mina!” but the whole flock ran away. Then he said to the shepherd,

“Will none of them follow me when call I them?”

“Yes; sir, some of them will; the sick sheep will follow anybody,” the shepherd replied.

Let us learn a lesson from the healthy and sick sheep, and if we with purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord, we shall not be drawn away from following Him, the true Shepherd, by those who pretend to be shepherds, but are not.

The Lord says to each one of its who are His,

“Follow thou Me.” John 21:22.

ML 07/18/1937

Bible Talks

The Tabernacle Set Up Exodus 40

WHEN all the things for the Tabernacle were finished, Moses saw all had been made just as the Lord had told him, and he blessed the people, and the first day of their new year set all up, at the camp by Mt. Sinai.

The boards and pillars were set in their sockets, and the coverings fastened over; the ark with the gold mercy-seat on top was set in the inner room of the Tent. Do you remember what Moses put inside the ark?

The gold altar, table and lampstand were placed in the outer room; the lamps were lighted, and bread set on the table. The bread was perhaps in the shape of a bun, or cake. In Leviticus 24:5-9, we learn how many cakes, and that fresh bread was to be put there each Sabbath.

The brass covered altar and the laver Were put outside the tent, and placed in the court. “Then the cloud covered the tent, . . and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Read also verses 36, 37 and 38.

Do you not think the people who had given their treasures and jewelry and fine cloth, and worked so carefully, were happy to see the wonderful tent and court set up? And to know that the Lord was honored and placed His glory there? Yes, there must have been rejoicing. And this Tabernacle was prized by the true people in Israel very many years.

We do not now have such a place for the worship of God. Since the death of the Lord Jesus, God has not dwelt in places “made with hands” (Acts 17:24), but in the hearts of all who love Christ and keep His words (John 4:21-27; John 14:23; Matthew 18:20).

Ent the tabernacle was to teach us, also, of God’s holiness and mercy, and of Christ (1 Cor. 10:11; Hebrews 9 and 10). The Lord can still show His people how to use their treasures, or their work in honor to Him, and not to ornament themselves.

We have now finished the “Talks” from Exodus, but the next books tell us more of these same people.

ML 07/18/1937

Jesus Can All Your Sins Forgive

Jesus can all your sins forgive,

And wash away their stain;

And fit our souls with Him to live,

And in His kingdom reign.

To Him let all the weary come,

For He hath said they may;

His bosom then shall be their home,

Their tears He’ll wipe away.

For all who early seek His face

Shall surely taste His love;

Jesus will take them in His grace,

To dwell with Him above.

ML 07/18/1937

In Great Distress

POOR little girl! she has just left the house with her slice of bread as happy as can be, but she is no sooner outside the gate than, she meets with the geese who dispute the right of way, and one of them is just about to catch the bread out of her hand! The troubles of life have already begun with her, and, no doubt, seem as great to her as the greater troubles are to those who are older. The mingling of the bitter with the sweet begins in the early day, and continues all through life,

God did not create us to bear sorrow and have lots of trouble, but we disobeyed God’s Word, and all the sorrow and trouble came in as the result. So we can see what a terrible thing disobedience is.

Children should obey their parents.

We would never have seen such a picture as we have this week, if sin had not come, into the world everything is in disorder, and sorrow and trouble on every side.

The Lord Jesus came into this world to take away sin, so He died for us that our sins might be blotted out of God’s sight forever, and He, too, by His death redeemed the whole creation, and when the time comes, He will blot out sin and all its results from the world.

May we not forget that the first sin was disobedience, and therefore, let us seek to obey, whether it is our parents, our school teachers, or our employers, but above all let us seek to obey God’s Word.

“AS BY ONE MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE MANY WERE MADE SINNERS, SO BY THE OBEDIENCE OF ONE SHALL MANY BE MADE RIGHTEOUS.” Rom. 5:19.

ML 07/25/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 1

HAGGAI and Zechariah prophesied at the same time, but their messages are quite distinct in character; the one was concerned with the building of the temple, and the other with the then future history of the Jews, particularly in connection with Jerusalem. Yet the two prophets are linked together in Ezra 5:1, and 6:14 as fellow laborers in the service of God who used both of them to arouse the slow-hearted sons of Jacob to go on with the construction of the house.

The beginning of the word of God through Zechariah is an earnest address to the remnant returned from Babylon (verses 2-6). Though they were no longer owned as His people, because of their sinfulness, He yet cared for them, and sought to win them back to Himself. With much reason God had been “sore displeased” with their forefathers, and it was because His warnings had fallen on deaf ears that the present generation was in such evil case. God is faithful, however unfaithful they may be to whom He speaks, and what He had foretold came true, as always in the prophecy which begins with verse 7, several symbols are used, and we are thus reminded of the books of Ezekiel and Daniel and the Revelation. Symbols are used in the Scriptures with divine purpose and wisdom, evidently to give to the believer, intelligent in God’s ways, a knowledge of principles or characteristics, etc., which many words could not better convey. The horse is the symbol of divine energy in the earth, as may be seen from Revelation 19:11, 11, 10, 21.

In the book of Daniel, four successive monarchies of great power are mentioned, —Babylonia, Persia, Greece and Rome; the first of these was now gone, and the second ruled the civilized world. The red horses in verse 8 evidently refer to Persia; the “speckled”, or bay horses to Greece, and the white to Rome; the red horse and his rider represent God’s angelic servant concerned with the government of Persia —him who spoke to Daniel in chapters 10-12 (See Daniel 10:13, and 11:1).

The Gentile world was at rest (verse 11), since the twelve tribes of Israel were no longer a thorn in their sides. The nations had afflicted Israel more than God had intended, and they would be dealt with because of this cruelty in due season (verses 11, 15, 21). These four great enemies, which have been named, are the horns of verses 18 and 19; four “carpenters”, or smiths, in verse 20 represent the means God employed to bring to naught these enemies. He sets up kings, and removes them.

Verses 16, 17 are chiefly future in fulfilment, for the return from Babylon was in very small measure, an answer to the promise here made.

ML 07/25/1937

The Children's Long Night

ELIZA, Peter, John and little Freda were alone a few clays while their father was away for work. The mother had died a few months before, and Eliza took care of all as best she could. Their small home was on the side of a mountain, as is often built by the Swiss, and not near any other.

It was springtime and the valley below was green, but the rocks and bushes above were still covered with snow.

After supper the boys shut in the goats and gathered sticks for the fire, while Eliza put Baby Freda in her cradle, at dark all were ha bed.

While the children slept, a great heap, of snow slid don tile mountain, covering over the small cottage, so there was not even the chimney to be seen!

When the children awoke it was so very dark in the rooms they thought it must still be night, but little Freda cried, and the boys said they were hungry, so Eliza lighted the lamp, and started a fire to warm the milk, but the smoke came into the room; the boys tried to open the door, but could push it only a crack and snow fell into the room; and the same, when they tried to open the windows.

The light of their small lamp was going out for want of oil. So the children could only sit in the dark and wait, but it got no lighter.

Eliza told the boys she had heard how snow sometimes covered houses; they tried again to push open the door, but could not, so could only hope for their father to find them. They sang and amused the little one as well as they could. Eliza told the boys Bible stories, and found bread and cheese for all when hungry.

At last they again went to bed again they awoke, and all was just as dark.

But at last there was a dim noise; soon it was louder; then they heard shouts, the boys answered. The sound seemed near the door; soon they could push it open and there was their father, shovel in hand!

When he had found his house covered with snow he had gone for a shovel and help, and he and a neighbor had worked several hours, fearing also the roof might have broken by the force of the snow. So to see them safe made him happy as they. How glad they were, too, of the daylight!

The boys helped clear away more snow, At last the father sat in the doorway resting and holding little Freda; the boys stood by looking across the valley toward the sunset whose bright colors seemed more beautiful than ever before, because of their long time of darkness.

“What was the verse Mother liked about the King coming in the gates?” asked John. The father did not know, but asked Eliza for their mother’s Bible, and together they found the marked verses,

“Lift up your heads, O, ye gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in,” Psalm 24:7-10.

The father had learned of the Lord when young, but for a long time had been careless of Him and His Word. That night lie confessed it to the Lord, and afterward always read from the Bible to the children, and made them a happier home.

So Eliza knew their long dark night had brought good. Even serious troubles are used by God to teach people to trust Him. There is to be a time when sorrows will be past.

“The knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth.” Habakkuk 2:14.

When you see the gold of a beautiful sunset, you can think of that time which the Swiss children and all who love the Lord Jesus will see. But to enjoy that time we must first here confess Him as our Saviour.

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

ML 07/25/1937

The Mossy Bank

WHO among our young friends does not enjoy a trip to the country, to romp in the fields, and wander by the river-side? Everything so bright and beautiful, and no lessons, but liberty to spend the long summer days in the open air. But these pleasures are not without their dangers as you know. I will tell you of a little fellow who nearly lost his life during his holidays. He went off to fish in a pond, near to where he was living in the country, and, not being acquainted with the dangers of some of the mossy banks, he sat down and went to work earnestly. What do you think? The very first “pull” of his line, the green moss under his feet gave way, and he slid down into the deep water up to the neck. His sister was so frightened for a time that she could not even cry for help, but after a while she got up on the top of the wall, and cried out to some men in the adjoining field, who rescued her brother, and carried him home. Poor fellow, he was greatly frightened, but otherwise not much the worse.

That mossy bank, without a foundation, is just like the standing-place of every unsaved one. At any moment it may give way, and then where will the sinner be? Jesus is the Mighty Deliverer, and He can save you now, and set your feet upon the Rock. Then you will be able to sing

“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

“The Lord is my Rock, and my fortress, ....my God,... in Whom I will trust.” Psa. 18:2.

ML 07/25/1937

Bible Talks

The Third Book of Moses Leviticus

THE name of this book may seem hard, but see what the first four letters spell, —a mall’s name. It is Levi, who was one of the older sons of Jacob. The families of his children were called Levites, and Moses and Aaron were of one family.

God had chosen Aaron and his sons for all the work in the Tabernacle: to take care of the golden lamps; burn incense; put the bread on the gold table; and offer the many sacrifices. The fire on the big brass altar in the court was never to be out (Chapter 6:13).

The Lord told Moses and Aaron just how all was to be done, and they were to call the people together and tell them God’s word, so even the boys and girls would hear God’s wishes (Chapter 8:3-5). Moses wrote down all this, so the people and the priests should not forget what God said: and Leviticus is the book.

Two of Aaron’s sons thought they need not do exactly God’s way, and did not take the incense and fire as He had said, and God sent out fire, causing them to die (Chapter 10:1,2).

Notice the first words of this book, “And the Lord called unto Moses and spake”; then turn the pages and see how many chapters begin, “And the Lord spake”; and those words also come within, the chapters. We too, can learn from these words of God, although we no longer need offer those sacrifices.

Can you name the first two books of Moses?

ML 07/25/1937

Little Hands, Lips, and Feet

“Little hands can work for Jesus,

Glad to do His holy will;

Helping playmates, serving mother,

They are serving Jesus still.

Let my hands be quick and true,

God shall give them work to do.

“Little lips can move for Jesus,

Speaking gently all the while,

Making other people happy,

With a love-word and a smile.

Let your speech in kindness fall—

Jesus listens to it all.

“Little feet can run for Jesus,

And for Him sweet comfort take

To the hearts bowed low in sorrow,

Blessing all for His dear sake,

Let your footsteps gladness bring

Causing many hearts to sing.

ML 07/25/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But we are,” etc. 2 Thess. 2:13.

2.“Which is,” etc. 2 1:5.

3.“See that,” etc. 1 5:15.

4.“For this,” etc. 1 4:13.

5.“Finally,” etc. 2 3:1.

6.“And ye,” etc. 1 1:6.

7.“For this cause,” etc. 1 2:13.

Bible Questions for August “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The blood of the everlasting covenant.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By two immutable things.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “They desire a better country.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “With better sacrifices than these.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Obtained a more excellent ministry.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Obtained a more excellent name.”

7.What is it which is “sharper than any two-edged sword”?

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

1. Punished with everlasting destruction. 2 Thess. 1:9.

2. To obtain salvation. 1 Thess. 5:9.

3. For the Son from heaven: 1 Thess. 1:10.

4. They shall not eat. 2 Thess. 3:10.

5. To love one another. 1 Thess. 4:9.

6. Esteem them very highly. 2 Thess. 5:13.

7. Yes, he did so with Paul. I Thess. 2:18.

Bible Questions “The Young People’s mole Class”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.Where do we go to hear Christ’s reproach?

2.Why does God chasten the believer?

3.Name seven men and three women of faith.

4.Of whom is Christ the image?

5.What gives us title to enter into the holiest?

6. Who is our high priest?

7. What Old Testament character is a type of Christ?

ML 08/01/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 2 and 3

CHAPTER 2 outlined the purposes of God, in so far as this world is concerned, Jerusalem being the future seat of government, and the center to which all will look in the Millennium. The man with the measuring line, at the beginning of the second chapter is a token of God’s taking possession of the city, not yet literally, of course, for that would carry with it His sanction of what is allowed to go on there what has gone on there, since. It is for faith a declaration of what He will do, when the Lord Jesus returns to this earth, and Revelation 11:15 shall be in fulfilment.

Verses 4 and 5 beautifully add to the promise of possession with the assurance of such a condition as Jerusalem has never known, though in the short time of Solomon’s reign there was a semblance of it. Never since the prophecy was given has there been anything at all approaching its fulfilment.

Verses 6-13: The exiles will be recalled to Zion (Jerusalem) from the land of the north—a reference to their first captivity from which a few, including Zechariah and Haggai, had returned. Israel as a whole has never returned to the land of promise, nor will until the Church has been removed to heavenly scenes, and God’s purposes for this world begin fulfilment. Instead of regathering, following the rejection to death of their Messiah, there has been a world-wide scattering of the Jews. “The daughter of Babylon” is a figure of Gentile supremacy, begun in Nebuchadnezzar, and to end only when the Lord returns and restores Israel.

Verse 8: “After the glory” is after the Lord’s appearing (Matthew 24:27, 31), The same expression is found in Psalm 73:24, rightly translated:

“Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and after the glory receive me” (N. T.).

In the Millennial day “many nations” (verse 11) will be joined to Jehovah; this will not result from the preaching of the gospel now being preached, but a new work of God.

Chapter 3 fitly shows that the restoration of God’s earthly people to His favor must be accompanied by a moral cleansing. Here Joshua, the high priest of that day is seen clad, not in the priestly garments of his office, but in filthy clothing as representing the people before God. Satan, ever the adversary of the believer, stands ready to accuse, but God will not listen to him, for He purposes to act in grace. He will remove the sin, and spare the sinner, indeed He will clothe him in costly (or festival) robes, for “change of raiment” (verse 4) hardly expresses what is in the original language. Israel will then be a nation of priests (Isaiah 61:6).

Joshua, for the people, is put on probation, so to speak, (verse 7), but lasting blessing will only come when Christ as the Branch, or more exactly the Sprout, returns to the earth. (See Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5, and Luke 1:78 (margin).

ML 08/01/1937

Johnny's Confession

GREAT was the joy in the farmhouse when Johnny confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus.

Both father and mother knew and loved the Saviour, and their thanksgivings, I doubt not, rose from full hearts, because their boy, for whom they bad so often and so earnestly prayed, had at last found joy and peace in believing.

Some special meetings for children had been held in a tent two or three miles from his home, and Johnny had attended again and again, hearing the oft-told, oft-heard story, and at last had believed it.

Well he had known that he was a sinner, lost and undone, with a heart deceitful and wicked; but now he learned the love of God to such sinners as he, and of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save sinners, and who “suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust,” to bring them to God, and that now He was risen, and seated at the right hand of God in glory.

Taking God at His word, and asking no questions, little Johnny believed the simple message, and reaching home gladdened his mother’s heart with the joyous news,

“I know I am whiter than snow now, mother; for the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin;” and he proceeded to tell how he had at last believed God’s message of salvation through Christ.

Have you believed on Him in your heart, my young reader? If so, have you confessed Him with your lips? in Romans 10:9 it is written,

“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

“Jesus died upon the tree.

Jesus rose triumphantly,

Jesus only—perfect plea—

Christ alone can save thee.”

ML 08/01/1937

Lost Eddie

THE little fellow left home in company with a group of companions to look for a traveling Circus coming along from the next town, and was last seen in the vicinity of a bridge, night came, and Eddie was not to be found. We started off to seek him, and after walking for miles and asking at every house, we heard that a lost boy had been found by the wayside crying, and taken to a farmhouse further along, There Eddie was found, seated by the warm fireside, and quite happy. He could tell his name and where he lived, but was unable to find his way home.

Very much like the sinner, away from God, lost and unable to find the way back. But if you are willing to own your name to be “Sinner,” then it was for you that Jesus died (Rom. 5:6). He came to seek and to save the “Lost” (Luke 19:10). When we took Eddie home there was great joy, as there is in heaven over every sinner saved.

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

ML 08/01/1937

Good Food for Israel

Leviticus 11

WE may forget that it was God who first made every living thing, but when we read which animals, fish and birds, He said the people of Israel should not eat, we think how well He knew the habits of all His creatures. All have a use in the world, but some were unclean for food for Israel, as the camel, which was much used in those lands to carry loads, but not to be for food. The coney is a small wild animal, we do not have here, but something like a rabbit. It lives arid hides in the rocks (Psa. 104:18).

Fish must be a kind having both tins and scales, if used as food.

There are twenty birds named which they were not to eat; they are nearly all the wild night birds. They could eat locusts which seems strange to us, but are still used by, people in those lands. Creeping things they must not eat, and few people now care to.

There are ten animals named in Deuteronomy 14:4, 5 which could be eaten so they had enough for meat; and no fruit or grain was forbidden them, and the Lord sent the manna every day while they journeyed.

These rules about eating are not repeated for believers in Christ. They are told that “every creature of God is good, ... . if it be received with thanksgiving,” 1 Timothy 4:4,

But there is a food all need, to be very careful to have good—that is the food for our minds. You know what you see, hear, or read feeds your mind. Foolish, untrue stories, pictures, or songs are unclean food to our minds.

God’s Word names the good food:

“Whatsoever things are true,
Whatsoever things are honest,
Whatsoever things are just,
Whatsoever things are pure, ...
Think on these things.”

Phil. 4:8.

ML 08/01/1937

The Shepherdess

THE faithful shepherdess does not wish to be idle while she is watching her sheep and little lamb close by her side. How peaceful they look, and we know she is kind to them, as not one is afraid of her. They know her voice and her tender care.

We love to think of the Lord Jesus, the faithful Shepherd, who has told us in John 10:11.

“I am the good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” How great was His love for His sheep!!

He calls all those who believe on Him His sheep, and He cares for them in everyway.

If you know Him as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His; sheep, you may say of Him,

“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL NOT WANT.” Psalm 23:1.

ML 08/01/1937

Boyhood Days

JUST look at that boy leaning against the corn shocks perfectly happy, with an apple in his hand and no thought of care or trouble.

Those who know the Lord Jesus can be perfectly happy in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances, as it is not the circumstances that make them happy; it is being occupied with the Lord Jesus, who is perfect in every way, and the One who has said,

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

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:7.

This is the privilege of all those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour; but for those who do not so know Him, their happiness will easily vanish, for it all depends on the pleasing circumstances, which are but for a moment. Then when they get into sorrow they have no comfort.

May those who know the Lord praise and thank Him, not only for saving them, but for all that He is to them every step of the path, and what He will be for them throughout eternity.

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS: AND AGAIN I SAY, REJOICE. Phil. 4:4.

ML 08/08/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 4

CHATER 1 gave a general view, necessarily very brief; the second chapter pointed to God’s reclaiming Jerusalem, and dwelling there, amid His recovered people, with many nations joined to Him in that day; the third chapter showed both the need for a moral cleansing, and His purpose to perform that work according to His own mind. As with Nicodemus in John 3, the question natural to the Jew is, “How can these things be?” The fourth chapter is God’s answer, in language purposely veiled.

The awakening of the prophet (verse 1) to receive what follows, in a figure, expresses the change which must occur in his people. They must he awakened from the spiritual slumber of centuries when God begins to work in and for them.

The candlestick or light bearer all of gold, having seven lamps fed by seven pipes from the golden bowl above, is a striking picture of the Holy Spirit’s operations, particularly in giving the light of divine testimony on the earth; by Him God’s work is done, whether in blessing or in judgment. (See Revelation 4; Exodus 25:31-40). Gold is the well-known symbol of what is of God, and the number seven expresses spiritual completeness.

The olive trees (verses 3 and 11-14) evidently represent Christ as king; and priest—offices dimly foreshadowed by Zerubbabel (king), and Joshua (priest). The two witnesses in Revelation 11:4 will be a last pledge for faith of God’s unalterable purpose to bring to completion the Old Testament prophecies through Christ, and by the Holy Spirit.

For its fulfilment verse 6 awaits the last years immediately before the Lord’s coming again to the world, when God will take up the Jew (and the lost ten tribes) for blessing. Neither with a display of force, nor in connection with authority and dominion, brit by the Holy Spirit none the less, will Israel’s rebirth be accomplished. 1 Kings 19:11,12 illustrates the, divine principle here indicated.

Zerubbabel is constantly used as a type of the Lord as Son of David; before Him no obstacle however great (verse 7), can stand. Zerubbabel had laid the foundation of the house of God (Ezra 3-8), and he was to finish the building (in the sixth year of the reign of Darius Hystaspes. Ezra 6:15). But the bringing forth of the headstone with shoutings because of the favor of God, looks onward as prophecy in general does, to the coining day of Israel’s recovery. Then through the Lord’s mercy and goodness, the house of God will be reestablished at Jerusalem (Micah 4).

Meanwhile, there is the word of God, the infallible word of prophecy; at its fulfilment it will be realized, even by the dullest, that He had spoken. But he who despises the present day of small things, will not share in the joys of the day of glory.

Verse 10, as will be seen from the marginal note, involves a little difficulty in the rendering. It is believed that the true reading, following the first clause, is, “Yea, they shall rejoice—even those seven —and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; these are the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro in the whole earth.” The faithfulness of God takes notice of everything. (See 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 3:2:19; Proverbs 15:3; Zechariah 3:9, the last pointing to Christ, the true Foundation Stone of God’s temple).

ML 08/08/1937

Right or Wrong

I was riding in a train the other day, and when we stopped at a certain station, a little girl got in. She seemed quite sure that she was right, for I did not see her ask anybody whether the train was the one she wanted or not. But just as we were starting again, she leaned over to me, and asked if the train went to a station that she named.

Poor little girl! she could hardly keep the tears back when. I told her that she was wrong. And it was too late to alter her mistake; she must go on. O, if she had only asked the conductor or a porter, before taking her seat! Then she would have been put right.

Children, do you know that there are thousands of people who die, and go into eternity, thinking they are certain to go to heaven, but who are wrong, after all? Is some girl or boy saying,

“I wish I knew how to be quite sure I am right, for I don’t want to make a mistake?”

Well, dear little friend, the Bible is so plain that you need not be in any doubt at all. How did the thief on the cross get right? He just owned that He was a wicked man, and that he was getting what he deserved; and then he turned to Jesus, and asked Him to remember him. Ah! this must have been the right way, for Jesus at once said,

“Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

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

“Whosoever cometh, need not delay;

Now the door is open, enter while you may;

Jesus is the true, the only Living Way;

Whosoever will may come!”

ML 08/08/1937

Pussy's Letter

NELLIE GRAY sat by the fireside alone. Her father and mother were dressing upstairs for a concert, and had refused to allow her to go with her companion, Getty Smith, to a children’s meeting, in the school-room close by. Nellie had pleaded to go that night, especially, as there was to be a missionary there from India, and with him, several girls who had once been heathen, but now knew and loved the Lord Jesus, and were not ashamed to confess Him as their Saviour and Lord.

Nellie’s parents loved the world, and I suppose they wanted to bring up their only child a worldling, and did not want her to be brought in contact with the Gospel of Christ, and those who love His Name. Nellie’s kitten sat on the rug by her side, looking now and again at Nellie, as if she wanted to share her sorrow.

All at once a happy thought struck Nellie. She wrote on a sheet of note paper, a very earnest request, to be allowed to go with Gerty to the school-room, and addressing it to her father in most affectionate terms, put it in an envelope, and tied it round Pussy’s neck with a piece of ribbon. Off ran Pussy upstairs, as if she knew the whole matter, and soon found her way to Mr. Gray’s room. He laughed as he untied the envelope from Pussy’s neck, and more still, when he saw that she stood as if waiting for an answer. Pussy’s letter had the desired effect, for Nellie’s father said to his wife,

“Let her go it will help to wile away the evening, and she cannot get much harm for once.”

Mr. Gray took his pencil and wrote his consent on the back of. Nellie’s letter, tied it carefully around. Pussy’s neck, and in a moment, she was off downstairs to Nellie: Nellie put on her hat and cloak, and in a few minutes, was walking arm in arm in the moonlight with Gerty, on the way to the school-room. I cannot tell you all that she saw and heard there, but that night, Nellie Gray’s heart was won by the love of Jesus, and she was saved.

A short time after, her father suddenly died, and she was left to be the comforter of her broken-hearted mother. The Lord used Nellie’s sweet voice, singing many of her favorite hymns to unlock her mother’s heart, and one of her first walks, was to the meeting in the school-room, where Nellie first heard of a Saviour’s love.

“God commendedth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

ML 08/08/1937

Bible Talks

“Unclean, Unclean!” Leviticus 14

A LEPER is a person who has a dreadful disease which doctors cannot cure except, perhaps, sometimes when treated before it spreads. First it may be only a small spot in the skin, spreading slowly.

God told Moses to tell the priests to watch carefully a person who seemed to have such a spot, and keep him shut away from others, until certain. If it proved he was a leper, he must live by himself, away from the rest of the camp of Israel; wear torn clothes, go bare headed; and cover his upper lip. If any one came near him he must warn them by calling out, “Unclean, unclean”, so they would not touch him and take the disease also.

But if the spots did not spread, or the leper was cured, God said for the priests to take two birds (the Bible margin says sparrows, which were common); one, he should kill over running water; the other, dip in the blood of the dead bird. He should sprinkle the Marl with the blood, and say he was clean of his disease. Then the live bird was let free to fly away to the fields.

There are still lepers in some lands, and kept by themselves, and to be much pitied.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He cured a leper by speaking the words, “I will; be thou clean”, and also touched him. Another time he cured ten lepers just as quickly, and told them, to go to the priests of Israel to offer the sacrifices (Matt. 8:2-5; Luke 17:11-20).

But there is something which Jesus did not cure by speaking—that was sin. We all have sin in us. We say and do wrong, and when we do, if not sorry for it and confess it, but instead deny it, then the sin spreads on us like the leper’s spot. And if we get another to sin with us, sin spreads to them also.

To cleanse His people from sin, Jesus died, as the one bird gave its blood for the leper. But Jesus was raised from death, as the live bird was set free to fly away. So the Lord Jesus is now alive in heaven.

ML 08/08/1937

One from Heaven To Die

Lev. 14:1-7.

A bird of the air was to die,

Instead of the leper unclean;

And Jesus, whose home was on high,

Descended to suffer for sin.

The bird must be clean of its kind,

Or else ‘twere unfit’ to be slain;

And none could in Jesus e’er find

A blemish, a spot, or a stain.

The bird in a vessel of earth

Must yield up its blood and its breath

And Jesus, of heavenly birth,

In form as a roan suffered death.

The blood of the bird that was slain

The living one bore to the sky;

So Jesus, in rising again,

The worth of His blood took on high.

The leper, with blood seven times

Was sprinkled to render him clean;

So sinners are cleansed from their crimes,

In blood which atoned for their sin.

ML 08/08/1937

The Storm at Dunraven Castle

ON the beautiful shores of Ireland, many storms have been witnessed, and many who were caught in them, have lost their lives, but those on the shore could stand and look at the wild waves with calmness of spirit, and have no fear, knowing they were on the solid rock that could not be moved by the storm.

The Dunraven Castle too, was not only built well and strong, but it was upon a solid foundation, so that when the great waves and terrible winds came, it did not move in the slightest degree.

There is a worse storm coming upon this world than has ever been witnessed, for God is going to pour judgment upon people for their sinful ways, and above all, for the rejection of His Son, whom He gave in His infinite love for lost and ruined people. How terrible it will be to be overtaken by that storm of judgment, for it will mean to be lost forever.

How is it with you, dear young reader? Have you accepted Christ as your Saviour, or are you still rejecting Him? Remember, there is no middle ground; you must either be an accepter or a rejector of Him.

But those who have accepted Him can say, I stand upon the solid rock, and can look on that coming storm without any fear.

We warn you to flee from the judgment. Accept Christ as your Saviour. He has borne the judgment for all who put their trust in Him.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION.” Heb. 2:3.

ML 08/15/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 5

GOD would not be God if He slighted sin, and in this chapter evil in His earthly people is exposed, and its judgment pronounced, together with the promise of the removal of sin from the land of Israel.

What is sin? What gives offense to God? His written word answers these questions, for Israel the book of the law. This it is which the prophet now sees; flying, that all in the land may observe; and great in size that its importance may be realized by everyone. It carries a curse, for “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

Only two offenses are mentioned, but they are evidently chosen as examples of the two classes dealt with in the law—against man, and against God; the thief denies the rights of his fellow man, and the swearer denies God His place. Mercy is not in question, but judgment, which will be unsparing, in the day of judgment.

Not only, however, were there such sins as these practiced among the earthly people of God; there was idolatry, to which the prophet’s attention is next directed (verses 5-11). It is an ephah that he sees, the ordinary measure, roughly corresponding to a bushel, used by the Israelites; but not here serving for the measurement of an article of trade, such as flour or grain. Was idolatry then to this people closely linked with their everyday life? It is evident that it had been, though when the remnant returned from Babylon, the lesson had by that generation been learned; they were wearied front idols.

Idolatry will, however, return after the “many days” of Hosea 3:4, which are no yet entirely past. This is set forth in Matthew 12:43-45; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:38; Revelation 13:14, 15.

The weight of lead cast on the mouth of the ephah seems to refer to the present suppression of idolatry among the Jews. The worship of idols had its great center, if not also its beginning, in the land of Shinar (Babylonia), and it will meet its destruction in the judgment of the future Babylon, the last days’ oppressor of the Jews. This form of iniquity will be taken entirely away from Israel’s land at the Lord’s appearing.

ML 08/15/1937

Reggie's Daily Portion

“I HAVE a situation in town, mother. Mr. Banks has sent out his boy to tell us.”

That night, Reggie’s box was packed by his mother’s own hands. As she put in his Bible, she said,

“Now, Reggie, mind your ‘Daily Portion,’ whatever else you miss, do not miss it. You know how God has often brought it to your mind at school, when temptation was near, and you will need it all the more in the wicked city.”

June 3rd— “Abstain from all appearance of evil” 1 Thess. 5:22.

Such was Reggie’s “Daily Text” that morning.

“Lord, keep me in mind of this today,” was his prayer. At dinner-time a cluster of young boys stood discussing horse-racing in the dining-room.

“Which horse will you back, Reggie?” asked one as he passed.

“No horse at all, Bob,” was Reggie’s firm reply.

“Too much of a saint for that,” said another with a sneer.

“Plenty better than you do it, and there’s not a bit harm in it.” Reggie quietly replied,

“God says, ‘Abstain from, all appearance of evil,’” and walked away.

You see his Daily Text was abiding in his heart, and it kept him from the snare laid for his feet. How glad his mother was to hear it.

Do not forget to commit to memory your Daily Text, and fear not to act as it bids you do. In keeping God’s Word there is great reward.

You can well afford to bear the scoffer’s jest and the sinner’s sneer, if you are doing what pleases God. The path of obedience is a happy path. There is real joy in pleasing God; and although for a time the opposition of godless men may be hard to bear, in the end it will be found and seen, that he who honors God loses nothing for time or eternity.

The Word of God is as “choice treasure,” and of more value than “much fine gold.” It is said of the Bible,

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting’ the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. In keeping of them there is great reward,” Psa. 19:7, 8, 11.

ML 08/15/1937

The Little Boys' Prayer Meeting

SOME time ago there was quite a work of God going on in the Sunday school at L., and many of the children gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus.

Several boys, anxious for the conversion of their school-mates, agreed to meet every day to pray for them. Where do you suppose they held their prayer meeting? In the barn, on the top of the hay-mow.

The father of one of them noticed that these boys went into his barn and spent almost the whole of their noon hour there. As he entered the barn one day, he heard a low murmur in the hay-mow. It was the voices of these children, praying to God to convert their playmates; and God heard their prayer, and brought one after another to own the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and they, too, joined in praying for others.

Dear children, the same Saviour, who was So precious to these boys, is saying to you:

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

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with Me,” Rev. 3:20.

ML 08/15/1937

"Little Me"

A LITTLE GIRL about ten years of age found out a very wonderful thing. She discovered that though she was a sinner, and had often done very naughty thing’s, yet the Lord Jesus loved her, and so much that He had borne all her sins Himself on the Cross, and put them away forever, and that now she might go free. This made her so happy that she resolved to write and tell her Sunday school teacher the good news.

She was not used to letter writing, but she easily filled up the first page with her story, and then wondered what she would put on the next. As she sat thinking, with her hand on the paper, it suddenly struck her she could draw her hand, so she spread it out flat, and carefully drew round it. Then on the first finger she wrote,

“Jesus my Saviour.” On the second, “Jesus my Lord,” as He was her ruler. On the third,

“Jesus any Friend.” And on the fourth,

“Jesus my Shepherd.” And what do you think she wrote on the thumb? Just two short words:

“Little me.”

I wonder if you can guess why she chose the thumb to stand for herself? Why! because it alone can go to the fingers and touch them easily. She was just one poor little girl, but it took four fingers to express all that Jesus was to her.

And notice the order in which she wrote these titles of the Lord Jesus. First, He was her Saviour, the One who saved her from her sins and gave her a new life. Then, in the power of that life, she could following on that, He was her Friend, the One to whom she could tell all her troubles, and who would help her and sympathize with her. He was her Shepherd, the One who would lead her safely on through the way till He would have her at Home with Himself forever.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.” Psa. 23:6.

ML 08/15/1937

Bible Talks

Two Young Goats Leviticus 16

THE big brass altar in the court of the Tabernacle had animals offered on it every day, but there was one sacrifice to be made only once each year. On that day Aaron was to bring a calf for his and his family’s sins, and the people were to bring two young goats. One goat was chosen to die for their sins; the other, called the scape goat, was kept alive. Then Aaron took a censer with live coals from the altar and pure incense in his hand, and went alone into the Holy of Holies and burned the incense at the golden mercy seat. Then he sprinkled blood on the mercy seat for his own sins, then the blood of the goat for the sins of the people. Next he was to sprinkle the brazen altar.

Afterward Aaron placed his hands on the live goat, confessed the sins of the people, then had a man lead it away to a wild land.

The little goat could not really carry away the people’s sins, but God taught them by this, that because the other goat had died, and the blood been sprinkled as He said, He would forgive their sins for the year.

This was a very solemn time, called the Atonement Day. God said,

“It is the blood that maketh atonement, for the soul” (verse 11).

People of the nation of Israel still keep this day each year, but they cannot do as God said, because they have no High Priest, no Holy of Holies, and no mercy seat. But anyone who will read in the Book of Hebrews learns that.

“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many,” for which His people will ever thank Him.

ML 08/15/1937

Quickly Coming

Christ is coming, quickly coming,

Art thou ready, children, say,

Are thy crimson sins forgiven,

In His blood all washed away?

Once on Calvary’s cross He suffered,

Died in grace to set thee free;

Now believe the joyful tidings

And to Christ for pardon flee.

Jesus waiteth to be gracious—

Waiteth even now for thee—

Listen to His earnest pleadings,

Come, dear children, come to Me.

Come, and gaze by faith upon Him,

Children, come, and look and live;

See, He waiteth to receive thee,

That He may thy sins forgive.

Then Thou wilt not fear His coming,

Thou wilt hail with joy that day,

When He’ll come, and take His ransomed

To His Father’s house away.

ML 08/15/1937

The Rescue

THE big ship is being dashed against the rocks, and is going to sink. One by one the people are being let down by a rope into the lifeboat, which will take them safe to shore. The sailors are anxious to rescue as many people as possible, though they may have to make several trips to get them all to land.

Dear reader, all who do not know the Lord, are like the people on this ship, about to perish, and they will perish if someone does not save them.

There is just one way of escape for these people on the sinking ship, and that is in the life-boat. They cannot save themselves. And there is just one way of escape for poor, lost sinners. They too, are quite unable to save themselves. But Jesus can save them, and He wants to save them. If you are still lost in sin, He wants to save you.

The Lord “is longsuffering to usward not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9.

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

ML 08/22/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 6

THIS chapter gives the last of the prophet’s visions; its connection with the first is plain, though here are four, rather than three symbolic representations. Chapter 1, however, has to do with Persia, which had succeeded Babylonia, and the then wholly future empires of Greece (or Macedonia) and Rome, while chapter 6, like the prophecies of Daniel, embraces the whole period of Gentile dominion, from Nebuchadnezzar to the coming of the Lord to set up His kingdom. The purpose of this vision is to show that though God had set aside Israel, and allowed the Gentiles to attain the supremacy, He still controls “the powers that be.”

The mountains of brass are symbolic of God’s throne; see Psalm 86:6, where a literal translation is, “Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God.” As in chapter 1, horses (here with chariots) are used to represent the angelic instruments by means of which God maintains control of the governments of the world. They are “the four spirits of the heavens”, going forth from presenting themselves before “the Lord of the whole earth” (verse 5). It is not of course, that all that the world’s rulers may do is according to His mind; but they can go no further than He is willing, and though allowed to do of their own wills pretty much, the results will be seen to be according to the will of God.

The believer who has intelligence in the ways of God stands apart from things political, assured that His purposes are being worked out, for the Scriptures tell him that all things work together for good to them that love God. (See also Romans 13:1-7).

The red horses, here mentioned only in verse 2, refer evidently to God’s overruling the government of the first empire, which came to its end when the city of Babylon fell. The black-horse chariot has to do with Persia, the conqueror of Babylonia, called the “north country” in verses 6 and 8. The third chariot is linked with the third empire, that of Alexander the Great, who conquered the Persians (verse 6).

The grisled (gray) horse chariot was concerned with the Roman empire; the going forth toward the south country (i.e., south of Palestine), in verse 6 belongs to its early history when Egypt became subject to Rome—about 30 B. C. The later history of the fourth empire is referred to in the seventh verse. The destruction of the Babylonian empire was according to God (verse 8, —see also Daniel 5:22-30).

Fitly after the first eight verses covering the long centuries of Gentile rule, the chapter directs attention to the Lord Jesus, that glorious Ruler who shall in a day not now far distant, put down all who oppose Him and set up again the throne of David. Four or five Jews, not numbered among the remnant, who at the invitation of Cyrus had returned to the land of their forefathers, were at this time stirred in heart before God to make the long journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, bringing gifts of silver and gold. Out of this material the prophet was to make crowns and place them on the head of the high priest as a sign or promise of the BRANCH (or SPROUT, as the Hebrew word is rightly translated) (See Isaiah 11). The crowns were afterward to be placed in the temple for a memorial of the godly men who brought the gifts.

Verse 13. “Between them both” speaks of God and His Son as the Priest-King ruling the world in the Millennium.

ML 08/22/1937

Bella and Annie

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, and while sitting by the river side she trusted herself to Jesus, and He save 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 end, 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 started 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. Tea was untasted, and lessons were laid aside. Bella, the young believer, was in dead earnest to win her sister for 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, where their mother sat knitting, 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?

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

ML 08/22/1937

Trusting in the Dark

“PLEASE, Mary, do not turn out the light,” said a little girl of six years old to her kind nurse, who had just put her to bed, and was about to leave her in the dark.

“Your mother does not wish you to have a light now, for you are six years old,” was the nurse’s reply; “but I will be in the next room, and if you want anything, just call me, and I promise to come immediately.”

But little Emily would not be comforted, and began to cry. Presently there was a step upon the stairs, and the child heard a kind voice saying,

“Why does my little girl cry?” Little Emily then felt ashamed of herself, but at length she sobbed out,

“Mary has turned out the light and left me in the dark.”

“And what harm can the darkness do you? I see,” said her father, “you trust to the light. What, cannot my little girl trust the Lord Jesus?”

“O, papa, indeed, indeed, I. do trust Jesus,”

“Well, my dear, if you did, you would not cry for a light, ‘for the darkness and the light are both alike to God,’ and He is just as near at one time as at the other.”

When her father was gone, and Emily found herself alone once more, her heart beat very fast, and she was nearly crying again, but then she whispered,

“Please, Lord, take care of me, and help me not to be afraid,” and saying this over and over again, she fell asleep.

Now a great part of our lives are spent as it were in the dark. That is, we cannot see what is going to take place; we do not know what even a day will bring forth. What a happy thing, then, it is to know that our Father is caring for us.

“He that keepeth thee will not slumber.” Psa. 121:3.

ML 08/22/1937

Bible Talks

Words to Remember From Leviticus 19

GOD knew how easily the people of Israel world forget the words He had told Moses from Mt. Sinai, which we read in the Book of Exodus. And He told Moses again what was right for the people to do. Some things were only for the grown people, but some were for boys and girls also, so are good for us to notice.

All were told to treat their parents with respect (Verse 3).

They were again told to leave some grain and fruit in harvest time for the poor to gather, which meant they were to help those who had no food (Verses 9, 10).

They must not steal, or act in a false way, nor lie (Verse .11).

They should not use God’s name wrongly (Verse. 12).

They should pay what they owed (Verse 13).

They were to be kind to the deaf, and the blind (Verse 14).

They were not to go to ones called wizards, or fortune tellers, who were wrong (Verse 31).

They were to “rise up before the hoary head”, which means one who had white, or gray hair, so they were always to show respect to old people. (Verse 32).

Anyone who sold anything must measure correctly, and ate scales, or measures be right, for they must be honest in what was sold (Verse 36).

ML 08/22/1937

"I Will Come Again"

Dear children, have you ever heard

That Christ the Lord will come,

With angers voice and trump of God,

To call His people home?

Then they who live shall changed be,

And they who sleep shall wake;

The graves shall yield their ancient charge,

And Christ His people take.

The saints of God, from death set free,

With joy shall mount on high;

The, heaven shall ring with praises loud,

They’ll meet Him in the sky.

Together to their Father’s house,

With joyful hearts they go,

To dwell forever with the Lord,

Beyond the reach of woe.

O, say, if He should come today,

Would you in terror be?

Or would you lift your heads with joy,

The blessed Lord to see?

O! children, seek the Saviour now,

The Saviour full of love;

And when He comes He’ll take you op.

To His bright home above.

ML 08/22/1937

Crossing the Stream

WE shall have to cross the stream without stepping stones today, Tim; and I must carry you on my back, the water will be so deep after all this rain,”

Tim clapped his hands, for he thought this would be fun. When they got to the stream, the water was higher than Nancy expected but she sat down and took off her shoes and stockings, and put them into the basket. Then she lifted Tim on her shoulders, and told him to keep still, and she would carry him safely over. After this she stepped carefully into the water.

“It is not very wide,” said Nancy to herself; “but the water is very strong. How it dashes along! I hope I shall get over.”

She was in the middle of the stream now, and Tim, instead of keeping still, began to throw his arms about.

“O, do keep quiet,” said Nancy; but as she spoke, Tim gave himself such a jerk, that she was obliged to let the basket go, and to use both hands to keep him from falling. But away floated the basket.

“It will be lost! it will be lost!” said Nancy. But Frisk, the dog, swam after the basket, and seizing it with his teeth, managed to drag it to the other side of the stream, where he stood beside it wagging his tail.

So they went over safely, —Nancy, Tim, the dog and the basket! Little Tim was asked to put. his trust in his big sister, and let her take him across the water.

Well dear readers, you and I are to put our trust in the Lord Jesus for our soul’s salvation, just in the same simple manner as Tim did in his sister.

“BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.” Psa. 2:12.

ML 08/29/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 7

THE building of the temple to replace that of Solomon which the king of Babylon had razed was still not completed, though it had been going on for more than two years without ceasing when the word of Jehovah again came to the prophet. It was now about nineteen years since the return of the remnant from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, and seventy-two years since Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple had been destroyed.

The beginning of verse 2 is rightly read, “When Bethel had sent Sherezer and Regern-melech”; and the errand which brought these men reveals the true state of all the people. They had been fasting and mourning and separating themselves in the fifth month all through the captivity, in memory of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in that month (2 Kings 25:9); and also in the seventh month, commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah (2 Kings 25:25); and it occurred to the men. of Bethel to ask if it were necessary to observe these memorial days now that they were back in Israel’s land. Hao they really entered into the meaning of the two fasts, they would have welcomed the days each year as fresh opportunities to pour out their hearts to God because of the continued broken state of the nation, due to past sins not thoroughly repented of.

God then asks a pointed question of all the people and their priests: When they fasted and mourned during the seventy years, did they really fast unto Him? And when they ate and drank, was it not themselves that were eating and drinking? See His answer to the Jews of an earlier day in Isaiah 58:3, etc. The fast days were begun well, we may suppose, at least on the part of some; but as the years passed there came a lack of sincerity, and the observances became mere matters of routine; God was not their object.

Israel’s land had been populous; all the people, and not a detachment of them had been dwelling there in peace. Why was this not now? The answer was not far to seek; and it was surely known to every one whose conscience was not utterly hardened, but God now reminded them of their heartless conduct toward Himself (verses 11, 12), which had brought upon the nation a dealing so severe that neither in Zechariah’s time nor until this day has it been ended. The return of the few of which the book of Ezra tells was not the recovery God’s prophets had foretold.

ML 08/29/1937

"Wee Annie" And Her Grandma

IN my class of little girls, I had no more attentive scholar than “Wee Annie.” She came first with her brother Ned when she was four years old, and from the first day, I was much drawn to her. Annie was an orphan her mother died when she was a baby, and soon after, her father passed away, His last words as he kissed “Wee Annie” were,

“Your Mama and Dada will be looking for your coming up to Jesus’ happy home in heaven.”

“Wee Annie” and Ned were taken to their grandmother’s home, and although she was in very humble circumstances, the two children were well cared for and happy. But “Grandma” did not know the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. She was a religious woman, but I fear she expected to get to heaven by her good works. When Annie was old enough to be able to read, she would read to her simple Gospel stories front the magazine she got at Sunday school, and grandma, while sitting darning her stockings, would listen attentively.

But I must tell you of Annie’s conversion. Our lesson one afternoon was about the blood on the doorposts, and how all in the houses where the blood was were safe.

“That’s just how it is with every boy and girl who trusts in Jesus’ blood,” I said.

“Wee Annie” went home and told grandma that she was not afraid to die now, because she knew the “blood mark” was on her. Grandma was surprised, and talked about it all the week, asking Annie many questions as to what it all meant.

“Come to my Sunday school, grandma, and my teacher will tell you about it,” said Annie, and the following Sunday afternoon, there was quite a sensation in the school, when Annie entered leading by the hand an aged woman, whom she introduced to me by saying,

“Teacher, this is my grandma, she has come to hear about Jesus, and the way to heaven.” I had a nice talk with her after the school was over, and was invited to go and spend an evening with her in her cottage, which I did.

It was a good many weeks before she would own that she was a sinner, unfit for heaven, and unable to do anything to take her there, but the Word in the hand of the Spirit began to take effect, and grandma at length owned that she was lost and needed a Saviour. And then what joy it was to see her “come as she was,” helpless and without any goodness of her own, and cast herself on Jesus, who welcomed her, saved her, and made her happy. I have spent many a happy, happy evening in grandma’s humble cottage, reading the Word, and speaking of Jesus who loves us.

Ned is now a bright young man, saved and on the way to heaven. Annie has the infant class in our Sunday school, where first she learned the way to heaven, and grandma now old and feeble, but happy in the Lord, sits in her armchair and joins heartily in the song of praise that often rises from around her hearth. Will you have Annie’s Saviour as yours?

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5.

ML 08/29/1937

The Way to Conquer

ANNIE B. had received the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and was earnestly trying to serve Him, but time after time she grieved Him by giving way to a naturally hasty temper. This caused her much sorrow, and earnestly she prayed for strength to conquer it.

Now, Annie was obliged to associate every day with Mary E., who treated her unjustly and tried to make her lose her temper, and thus dishonor the Lord. She mourned over this in secret, and sought and obtained pardon, but this was not known to Mary.

One day, as usual, Mary charged Annie with making a false profession of religion, and instantly received a hasty and passionate reply.

“So that’s your religion is it?” said Mary tauntingly.

The tears sprang to Annie’s eyes, and hastening to a place where she could be alone, she burst into a flood of tears, and sobbed out her confession to the Lord Jesus.

“Go and tell Mary you are sorry,” a voice seemed to whisper within.

“I cannot,” Annie answered; “besides she had no right to say what she did.” “Blessed are ye when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake,” came at once to Annie’s mind, and for some minutes the struggle lasted. Then Annie went to Mary, and frankly confessed her fault, and asked forgiveness. Mary looked at her in astonishment; this was something she could not understand.

“I have nothing to forgive; it was all my fault,” she stammered.

From this time Annie had perfect control over her temper, given her from the Lord, and soon afterwards Mary also gave her heart to Jesus, and thus the two girls became close friends. Mary dates her first serious impressions from the day when Annie asked her pardon.

The Lord Jesus will not only save, but keep those who put their trust in Him, for He is able to keep us from falling.

ML 08/29/1937

Bible Talks

Feasts of the Lord Leviticus 23

THIS is a wonderful chapter about seven feasts to remind the people of Israel of something that had once happened. When you hear the word “feasts”, you think of good things to eat, but these feasts, or days, were not for that, but times set apart for God.

Every seventh day (or Saturday) they were to keep as a day of rest (Verse 3). God rested from His work of creation on the seventh day, but when Adam sinned, His rest was broken. There will yet be an eternal rest for the people of God, when all sin is done away, and they will enjoy His rest.

Each year the people of Israel were to keep the feast of the Passover (verses 4-8) in remembrance of the time the little lamb was slain and its blood was sprinkled on the door post and lintel of their houses to protect the oldest boy from the destroying angel (Ex. 12). This is a picture to us of Jesus’ dying on the cross, where His blood was shed to wash away the sins of all who accept Him as their own precious Saviour.

“Ye shall bring a sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest unto the priest: and ye shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be “accepted for you” (Verses 9-14). This speaks to us of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, after having accomplished the glorious work of redemption. He is now seated at the right hand of God “accepted for us.”

(To be continued)

ML 08/29/1937

Jesus Who Lives Above the Sky

Jesus who lives above the sky

Came to this wicked world to die,

That He the little ones might bless,

And clothe them in God’s righteousness.

He left the home He had on high,

Far, far above the starry sky,

That He might, through His precious blood,

Bring little children home to God.

He died on Calvary’s cross to save:

He rose triumphant o’er the grave;

And now upon the throne we see

The Man who died on Calvary.

To little children is His call,

Come unto Me, come one and all;

Believe in Me and be forgiven,

And spend eternity in heaven.

ML 08/29/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1. “Notwithstanding,” etc. 2 Tim. 4:17.

2.“That good thing,” etc. 2 1:14.

3.“O Timothy,” etc. 1 6:20.

4.“According to,” etc. 1 1:11.

5.“For they that,” etc. 1 3:13.

6.“Not now as,” etc. Philem. 16.

7.“Exhort servants,” etc. Titus 2:9, 10.

Bible Questions for September “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Grow in grace.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have obtained like precious faith.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The trial of your faith.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The trying of your faith.”

5.Write in full the verse containing’ the words, “He giveth more grace.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be clothed with humility.”

7.What are Christians, “as newborn babes,” exhorted to desire?

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

1. Philemon. Philemon 1, 2.

2. To save sinners. 1 Tim. 1:15.

3. Hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 2:3.

4. Because she was the leader in the fall. 1 Tim. 2:12-14.

5.Food and raiment. 1 Tim. 6:8.

6.They will suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12.

7.Dead while he lives. 1 Tim. 5:6.

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

The Answers are to be found in James, 1 and 2 Peter

1.How are we to feel when reproached for the name of Christ?

2.What is to be our attitude toward the devil?

3.For what do we look?

4. How are we redeemed?

5.Where do we go for wisdom?

6.From what are we to abstain?

7. What are we to do for those who err from the truth?

ML 09/05/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 8

THIS chapter sets out that day of Israel’s glory which is yet to be, of which many of the prophets have been given to tell. Here we again see God’s unalterable purpose to bless His earthly people, after He shall have dealt with them because of their grievous, yea terrible, sins.

In verse 2, we should read “am” far “was”, in both instances: “I am jealous for Zion . . . and I am jealous for her with great fury.” It is not uncommon to find, as in verses 2 and 3, in the prophetic Scriptures reference to a wholly future action as though it were already occurrent. While the student of Scripture may learn much front the study of prophecy, it is plain that such portions of the Word of God have been provided, principally, for the help of those who pass through the very circumstances mentioned, and to such the “I am jealous for Zion . . . I am returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem,” will be most comforting when the time is at hand, as indicating that God’s purposes are ever before Him, and are about to be executed.

Apart from the power and the purposes of God in grace, what future would lie before the Jews? Surely nothing of what this chapter tells! A scattered and homeless nation for many centuries, they have long been under the rod of God, particularly because of the rejection of their Messiah (See Matthew 27:2; Acts 7:51-60; Romans 11:26, 27).

As indicated by the marginal note, “marvelous”, occurring twice in verse 6, should be read “hard”, or “difficult.” In verse 11, “the residue of this people,” refers to the remnant which is to be brought through the inflictions of the last days. In that time of happiness on earth, exceeding anything the world has ever known, Judah (the Jews), and Israel (the lost ten tribes), will have the preeminent place—the reverse of what they have experienced. They have tasted deeply of Deuteronomy 28:64-68, but shall, through yet heavier chastening, be brought into Deuteronomy 30:3-9.

The fasts mentioned in verse 19 appear to have all been times of mourning in connection with the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar; these occasions are, in the Millennium, to be remembered, but no longer with grief; instead, the recollection will bring joy and gladness, because of the good hand of God upon them.

The close of the chapter makes plain the blessing of the Gentiles in the cleansed earth, through the Jews; these Gentiles will be saved for earthly blessing out of many who have never heard the gospel; for the rejector of the gospel of God’s grace there is no “second chance” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).

ML 09/05/1937

Prayer

A LITTLE girl who was deaf and dumb was once asked by a lady if she knew what prayer was. The lady wrote the question on a slate.

Now, if we were asked such a question, we might all give different yet true answers; we might say it was asking God for something, or telling him our troubles. But this deaf and dumb girl gave a beautiful answer; she said,

“Prayer is the wish of the heart.”

This is quite true, for fine words or beautiful repetitions said to God do not make real prayer, it must be the desire of the heart.

What a wonderful privilege we have of going to God, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and telling Him all that is on our hearts, knowing that He hears us, and will give us all that He sees is best for us to have.

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15.

ML 09/05/1937

The Stolen Sheep

A POOR shepherd who owned twenty sheep, found in the evening that one was missing. Suspicion rested on a farmer at some distance, who had a large flock, but this man denied the charge.

The shepherd, accompanied by a policeman, went across to the farm, and the farmer took them to see his flock, challenging them to show the sheep that he was accused of having stolen. This seemed a hopeless task, but the shepherd going forward a few steps, called three times,

“Nannie,” and out from the large flock came a ewe, rubbing her head against the shepherd’s knee, and bleating as if to show her gladness at her owner’s voice. This led to the thief’s conviction, and the restoration of the stolen sheep.

The Lord Jesus tells us in the 10th chapter of John, verse 14,

“I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.” Yes, He loved us so much that he gave His life for us, as he tells us in the 11Th verse of this same chapter. And in the 27th and 28th verses 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.”

No, never will anyone ever be able to steal one of the Lord’s sheep out of His hand, as the farmer did from the poor shepherd.

ML 09/05/1937

Bible Talks

Feasts of the Lord Part 2 Leviticus 23:15-44

FROM the time of the bringing of the sheaf of the first fruits to wave before the Lord, the people were to count 50 days (the fourth feast, verses 15:22), which speaks to us of the 50 days from the resurrection of Christ to the day of Pentecost, when God began to gather out a people to form the Church, and when this work is ended, Christ will come and take the Church, comprising all the saved people of this time, to Himself in the glory.

Dear reader, do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? If you do, you are not only saved, but you belong to the Church of God, and are looking for Him to come.

In the next feast (verses 23-25) we have the memorial of the blowing of trumpets, which reminds us of the glad tidings that John the Baptist preached that Christ was coming to reign as king over all the earth for a thousand years (the Millennium). He will gather again the twelve tribes of Israel into their own. land (Palestine).

The next feast (verses 26-32) was the day of atonement in which the people were to afflict their souls. They will learn what they did in turning away from Christ, saying, “Crucify Him! crucify Him!” “They shall look upon Him whom they pierced.” They will then accept Him as their Saviour.

During the feast of Tabernacles (verses 33-44) the people were to spend a week living in booths (or tents) to remind them that they had lived in such houses when God brought them out of Egypt. In the Millennium this redeemed people will rejoice in all that God has done for them, and they will praise Him throughout eternity.

“The eighth day shall be a Sabbath” (verse 39) carries us on to the new heavens and new earth where will be eternal joy, the rest of God, with the redeemed.

“He will rejoice over thee with joy: He will rest in His Love,” Zeph. 3:17.

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Heb. 4:9.

ML 09/05/1937

God's Wonderful Gifts

HOW many beautiful and luscious fruits God has given us to eat and enjoy! He is constantly giving us blessings in abundance through His love and mercy, and let us not forget to thank Him for them all. May we say as David did,

“BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS.” Psa. 103:2.

While we thank Him for all the gifts which He gives us every day, let us not forget to thank Him from the depths of our hearts for His greater gift, His best gift, the Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, the One He gave to die for us that we might be saved, and live with Him forever.

O, dear children, have you received from God this wondrous gift? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If not, take Him now while He is offered to you, for soon God will offer Him as a Saviour no longer.

ML 09/05/1937

Gathering Sticks

HERE are some little folks who have been very busy. It must have taken them a long time to chop these sticks in just the right lengths, and then to bundle them up so neatly. They seem happy about their work though, and feel they have done their duty well. They are not thinking how soon these sticks will come to an end; they will keep the fire but a short time and will all be burned to ashes. The children will then have the same task to perform again.

How good to show a cheerful spirit in doing our work, as these little children do. Saved boys and girls work cheerfully, so as to please the Lord, as well as to please their parents.

“WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.” Col. 3:17.

ML 09/12/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 9

JUDGMENT because of past sins is as certain for this world as the promised outflow of blessing, as many prophets have testified. What happened long ago, though never confessed and atoned for, men desire forgotten, but it is not so with God, and it is with Him that we have to do.

When Israel, and not as now, largely an alien race, people of the land of promise, there were enemies on their borders who looked with jealous eye at the chosen people of God, and on occasion troubled them, robbed them. These nations are not to be found today, but the prophetic Scriptures which have been before us hitherto from Isaiah onward (as well as some of the Psalms) tell us that all of Israel’s former neighbors and enemies will reappear for the closing scenes when the Lord returns to set up His Millennial kingdom, and they will then meet His judgment because of their past conduct toward Israel.

The enemies on the north and west are spoken of, and their judgment foretold in verses 1-8. These dealings from God have already had a measure of fulfillment—as is often seen in connection with the prophecies of Scripture—for Alexander the Great, founder of the short-lived Grecian or Macedonian empire, was used for their partial accomplishment. That king in his conquests circled round the land of Israel, sparing the Jews, but attacking and overwhelming their enemies. Damascus, Sidon, Tyre (which he destroyed), Gaza and other strongholds were subdued by him.

That chapter 9 is future in its application is, however, clear from the first verse: “When the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord”; this time has never yet been reached. Some of the Philistines will be spared (verse 7): “he that remaineth ... shall be for our God,” and shall be as a governor, or leader, in Judah and Ekron (formerly a Philistine royal city) as a Jebusite— that is, preserved, and allowed to live in the country as the former inhabitants of Jerusalem were preserved alive after its capture by David (2 Samuel 5:6, 24:16-23).

Matthew 21 and John 12 quote verse 9 with important omissions which may be studied with much profit; what is omitted would have been out of character with the Lord’s first coming.

All that man looks to for defense in war will be removed from “Ephraim” (the ten tribes of Israel), and Jerusalem (the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin), when the Lord comes to establish peace in this warring world. His dominion will be worldwide (verse 10). Verses 11 and 12 are addressed to believing children of Israel, particularly the Jews, who for many centuries have been in God’s sight prisoners in a pit wherein is no water. By the blood of the covenant He will send them forth into liberty who have been, while under varying degrees of oppression, preserved alive by God’s power. Prisoners “of hope” the believing remnant will be, and they are then invited to turn (again) to the stronghold, the city of God’s choice, Jerusalem.

Verse 13 rightly begins, “For I have” instead of “When,” and this and the following verses speak of the day when the Lord will not only judge their enemies but will also make use of the recovered remnant of Israel in the putting down of those who oppose them. The last verse combines a tribute of praise to Him with the promise of plenty in the repossessed land.

ML 09/12/1937

"The Sure Refuge"

ONE fine summer morning many years ago, a gentleman stood dressing opposite an open window. Looking out he observed a little bird being pursued by a cruel hawk. He stood anxiously watching the little creature, wondering whether it would escape from its fierce and powerful foe. Nearer and nearer it flew to the open window, opposite which Mr. Wesley stood, and at last, fluttering and panting, it flew right through it, and rested exhausted on his bosom. The hawk pursued the little bird no further. It had found a refuge and resting-place on the bosom of a friend, and there it was safe from its pursuer. The incident produced a deep impression on Mr. Wesley’s mind, and a few hours afterwards, he took up his pen and wrote the favorite hymn,

Jesus! lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the billows near me roll,

While the tempest still is nigh,

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide,

O, receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none:

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, O, leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me.

All my hope on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head,

With the shadow of Thy wing.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found—

Grace to pardon all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound,

Make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee:

Spring Thou up within My heart,

Now and to eternity!

Reader, have you fled to Christ the Refuge? Are you safe and sheltered in His bosom, or are you exposed to the power of Satan the adversary? There is no middle place. You are either exposed to death and judgment, liable to be cut down at any moment, and hurried into Eternity; or safe in the bosom of the Lord. Which? If you have not yet fled for refuge to Jesus, will you do so now? No bosom ever opened to a frightened bird pursued by an enemy, so willing as His, will open to you. Yes, it is open already. He stands, waiting, pleading, asking you to come. Others said of Him,

“This Man receiveth sinners.” Luke 15:1, and He Himself says,

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

“Neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

ML 09/12/1937

How Bill Was Saved

ON a bright morning, a school boy sauntered along the sea-beach to bathe, accompanied by his dog, Dash. Bill thought himself a swimmer, so throwing down his deep-sea line, which he intended to use after bathing, he stripped himself of his clothes, and leaving Dash to watch, went in.

Before he had been in many minutes, one of those strong waves swept him from off his feet, and carried him out far beyond his depth. When Bill found himself being carried out, he gave a loud cry, which at once brought two men. In a moment they saw his danger, but as neither of them could swim, what could they do?

One picked up Bill’s fishing line, and unreeling it on the rock, was making a vain attempt to throw it to the drowning boy, when suddenly, Dash, who had been looking on the whole scene, as if he knew all that was happening, seized the reel between his teeth, and plunging into the sea, swam straight to the place where his young master was struggling to keep himself afloat.

One of the men made fast the end of the line around his waist, and eagerly waited for a sign from the other, who was watching the dog from a high point of the rock.

“Now!” shouted the man, when he saw Bill had taken hold of the reel— “pull gently,” and slowly the line was drawn to shore.

Do you think Bill ever forgot that deliverance? I know he did not, for I have heard him tell how much it resembled another, and far greater deliverance, when as a sinner, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour a short time after,

“Giving thanks unto the Father, ... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His is dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:12-14.

ML 09/12/1937

Bible Talks

Counting the Men of Israel Numbers 1 and 2

HOW many men do you think there were in the big camp at Mt. Sinai? We find about this in Moses’ fourth book called Numbers. You know these people were from the twelve sons of Israel (also named Jacob), and after so many years had become so great, that those of each son were called a tribe, only that Joseph’s tribe was counted as two, named for his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, so there really were thirteen tribes.

Moses and Aaron, with a man from each tribe, took the count of all the men able to go to war in the twelve tribes. The tribe of Judah had the largest number of men, 74,600: altogether there were 603,550 men. The men of Levi were counted separately and kept for the service of the Tabernacle (Chapter 1:46, 47).

The number of the women and children is not given, so we do not know how many people there were in all, but we may be sure it was a very large number, and that none of us have ever seen such a camp.

The Tent, of God, with the court around it, was set in the center, the gate toward the east. The tents of Moses and Aaron were in front of the gate. The rest of the Levites had their tents on the other sides of the court. The tents of the other tribes were farther away from the court; three on the east; three on the south; three on die west; and three on the north.

Each tribe had a standard set up, and a leader (Chapter 1:52; 3:38).

Aaron and his sons had silver trumpets to call the people together to tell them God’s words, or for the feasts, and also to give the signals when the camp moved, So all was in the order God gave.

These are words of blessing Aaron was to say to the people:

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, ... . and give thee peace”. Numbers 6:23-27.

ML 09/12/1937

Jesus Calls Thee

Art thou longing? Jesus calls thee

To His wounded side;

“Come to Me,” saith He, and ever

Safe abide.

Seeking Jesus? Jesus seeks thee—

Wants thee as thou art;

He is knocking, ever knocking

At thy heart.

If thou’lt let Him He will save thee,

Make thee all His own;

Guide thee, keep thee, take thee safely

To His throne.

Wilt thou still refuse the offer?

Wilt thou say Him nay?

Wilt thou let Him, grieved, rejected;

Go away?

Dost thou feel thy life is weary?

Is thy soul distress?

Take His offer, wait no longer

Be at rest!

ML 09/12/1937

The Blessed Man

BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful:

But His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalms 1:1, 2.

The happy man, whom David describes in the first Psalm, is one who finds his “delight” in the word of his God, and who keeps himself apart from the selfish and sinful ways of “the men of this world.” There are those around him who are “ungodly;” who have not the fear of God before their eyes, and who live out their days as though there were “no God;” but he is not guided by them.

“Looking unto Jesus,” is the way to be led aright in this sinful world.

Then, if we are directed by His counsel” (Psa. 73:24), it is not the “way of sinners” in which we “stand.”

We have learned that we are sinners, but that Christ “died for sinners;” and that God Himself shows “His own love,” in that while we were sinners, “Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

When we are thus saved from our sins, it is no longer the “way of sinners” we delight in, but we say,

“SHOW ME THY WAYS, O LORD: TEACH ME THY PATHS.” Psa. 25:4.

ML 09/19/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 10

THE reader will have observed that the successive chapters do not afford a continuous account of the events and developments of the last days.

Other prophetic books are similar in this respect, notably the Revelation; the divine Author in them all looks on to the end to be attained, and again returns to give details which unfold and add to the preceding communications. Nothing is written in God’s word for the intellect; everything is for the conscience and heart, and the saint who seeks God’s glory may profit much by prayerful study of the Book of Books, the Bible.

The closing, verse of the 9th chapter views, as though already begun, the Millennial state of earthly blessedness, but chapter 10 treats of the time preceding the Lord’s coming in glory to set up His kingdom, and of the service His earthly saints are to perform following that coming.

Verse: 1 The early days of the Church were the time of the early rain; the time of the latter rain is yet future, speaking of the pouring out of rich blessing in the Millennium upon a world that has been cleansed in judgment. The Jews refused the early rain, and were set aside while the gospel went out to the Gentiles, but ere long the Jew will be restored to the chief place, the Church having meanwhile been completed and caught away on the resurrection morning, (1 Thessalonians 4:10, 17).

Verse 2 refers to Israel’s past devotion, to idols, and the captivity out of which their trusted idols could not deliver them. “They were troubled” is not an exact rendering; it should be read, “they are troubled (or in distress) because there is no shepherd;” that is, from the time of the Babylonian captivity, when God had given up the Jews as no longer His people, they have been without a true shepherd.

They rejected Christ when He came to them; but other shepherds, other leaders have led them astray, and verse 3 therefore speaks of God’s anger as kindled against the shepherds, and He will punish the he goats. Whether the latter are a distinct class from the shepherds is not clear; this passage is by some thought to be related to the judgment foretold by the Lord in Matthew 25:31-16, viewing the goats of Zechariah 10 as Gentiles who have mingled with and become leaders of the Jews. Ezekiel 34:17 (and the whole chapter), and Jeremiah 23:1-4 should be read in connection with verse 3.

The whole of verses 3 and 4 should be read in the present tense, or as that which is to be immediately brought to pass. When the Lord returns to the earth, His first act will be to destroy the western powers and the false prophet (Revelation 19:11-21). In this work He will not make use of the believing Jews, but other judgments will follow, and in these they, and, later, also the believers of the lost ten tribes, will be used by the Lord. (See Isaiah 11-13-14; Ezekiel 25:14; Obadiah 18; Psalms 60 and 108, (last verses).

Out of the house of Judah, hereafter to be Jehovah’s majestic horse in the battle, has already come the Corner-stone (1 Peter 2:3-8), and the Nail (Isaiah 22:20-25), that is to say, Christ Himself; out of Judah are yet to come the battle bow for war, and every oppressor (or ruler),

Verse 6 (“the house of Joseph”) and 7 (“they of Ephraim”) show the return of the 1ost ten tribes, which will be attended by a passage through affliction (verse 11).

ML 09/19/1937

Ena

ABOUT two years ago there was a little Chinese girl living up in Canada. Her name was Ena. She had been going to a Sunday school, but got tired of it, and now she plays around with other little girls who do not go to Sunday school.

A short time ago I asked Ena if she remembered that verse—John 3:16—beginning “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”? With a little help she was able to finish the verse— “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

You see she remembers part of what she learned at Sunday school, although it was nearly two years since she had been there. She knows that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died on the cross to save sinners.

When I asked her if she believed that Jesus died for her, what do you think she said?

Most of you who are reading this would answer that question by saying “Yes” or “No”. Or perhaps you would say “I don’t know” or “I think so.” But little Ena said, “I half do.”

Do you think that answer would satisfy the Lord Jesus? No, dear children, the Lord Jesus wants you to believe on Him with your whole heart.

Ena’s answer reminds us of King Agrippa, a man about whom we read in the Book of Acts. In the 26th chapter the Apostle Paul is telling the King about the Lord Jesus. When Paul had finished speaking, Agrippa said,

“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (verse 28).

But “almost” is not enough. Suppose you were walking, across a bridge over a deep river and dropped a silver dollar. Then suppose the dollar rolled toward the edge of the bridge and you hurried after it, but before you could reach it, it rolled over and dropped into the water. You almost saved it, but almost saved it, but “almost” didn’t help you a bit, for the dollar was just as much lost, never to be found, as if you hadn’t even tried to save it.

Just as truly “almost” believing cannot save you from your sins. Neither can half believing, as little Ena said.

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

“There is none other Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

Let us who have pat our trust in this wonderful Saviour pray for Ena and others who know something about the Lord Jesus, but do not yet believe with all their heart that He died for them.

ML 09/19/1937

The Finished Work

MAURICE, when are you to get your new suit?” asked Mrs. Robertson of her son.

“This evening, mother; I called at the tailor’s today, and he said it was quite finished.”

“And you believed him?”

“Of course I did; he wouldn’t have said so if it wasn’t true, and he never told us a lie,” said the boy in surprise. Mrs. Robertson turned to a woman who sat working in the room.

“Ah!” she said, “see how this child trusts in the word of a man, and you refuse to believe the dying Saviour when He says the work of salvation is finished.

“He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth no the record that God gave of His Son.” 1 John 5:10. Awful thought!

“This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

Now see if we can learn a further lesson from this child’s simple belief in man, “Come here, Maurice, tell the tailor to scud home your clothes at once that I may pat some patches upon them.” The boy looked still more surprised.

“Why should you do that, mother?” he exclaimed., “You would only spoil them, they are finished, you know.”

“Even so, we cannot add any fancied merit to God’s work,” replied Mrs. Robertson.

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

“It is finished; yes, indeed!

Finished every jot.

Sinner, this is all you need,

Tell me, is it not?”

ML 09/19/1937

Bible Talks

Moving from Mt. Sinai Numbers 10

THE camp of Israel had been at Mt. Sinai almost a year, when God said to go forward to Canaan (Verses 11, 12; Exo. 19:1).

So the Tabernacle was carefully taken down for the journey; the sons of Aaron covered each piece of gold and brass furniture with cloths and skins; the curtains, boards, and pillars, with the many bars, sockets, pins and cords were placed in covered wagons (Chapter 7:3-10). And the people would take down their own tents, and be ready to go.

The silver trumpets sounded the first signal the tribe of Judah started forward; then the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun: next the sons of Levi with the six wagons, drawn by oxen, carrying the curtains and boards of the Tabernacle; then the, tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad; next marched the men of Levi who carried the furniture of the Tabernacle, not in wagons, but by the staves, or poles, on their own shoulders. All the tribe of Levi went at this time (Chapter 2:17); then the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Asher, Naphtali, and last of all went the tribe of Dan. Each tribe had its own leader and carried its standard. Notice the Tabernacle was in the center, except that the ark was taken ahead of all for the first three days at least.

What a sight it would have been to have seen this great company marching, with their flocks and herds also! They were to cross deserts and mountains where none of them had ever been. Moses asked a man of the land to go as guide, and they would do him good. But he said, “I will not go.” He did not want to go with God’s people. But the One who best knew the way guided them: The Lord led them by the cloud over the ark, and choose their places to rest (Verse 33).

Read Moses’ prayers when the cloud raised and when it rested (Verses 35, 36, Read also chapter 9:15-23).

ML 09/19/1937

Let the Little Children Come

Let the little children come,

Let them come to Me!

There is room for everyone,

There is room for thee!

I have died for little ones,

Sinners though they be;

God will call them His own sons,

If they come to Me.

God has loved the children dear,

So He gave His Son;

To Himself to bring them near,

Come then, little one!

Soon I will return again,

All Mine own to take;

Where no sorrow is, nor pain;

E’en the dead I’ll wake.

With Myself and like Me, too,

Beautiful and glad;

All My glory they shall view,

None shall e’er be sad.

ML 09/19/1937

Gone Astray

HOW think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Matt, 18:12.

This speaks to us of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who is seeking lost lambs and sheep (children and grown men and women), and when 1He finds one, He rejoices and carries it home.

The above Scripture had been read several times in a class of little ones, and then the teacher asked them,

“What made Him seek for that lost sheep?”

“Because He loved it,” answered a chorus of young voices,

“Because it was lost,” added another.

As the teacher waited a moment or two for more answers, a little girl said sweetly,

“Because—because He knew it would never come back its own self.”

The children were right, were they not, dear young readers? And now let me ask you, Has He sought and found you? Have you allowed Him to find you? Perhaps you do not yet know that you are lost. Sad state to be in! God’s Word says,

“All we like sheep have gone astray.” Isa. 53:6.

“They are all gone out of the way.” Rom. 3:12.

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

Will you not, my dear friends, give Him the joy of saying of you,

“I have found My sheep which was lost”?

ML 09/26/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 11:1-11

THE eleventh chapter is very instructive. It begins with a Gentile invasion (verses 1-3) of the land of Israel, when the Jews will be settled there again in unbelief. See Isaiah 18, which foretells both the mass return of the nation (a yet unfulfilled prophecy, notwithstanding the constant emigration of Jews to Palestine of late), and the taking away of their peace and prosperity when they are about to enjoy them.

The enemy who will despoil the Jews at this tune is the “king of the north” of Daniel 11:40-45, the invader of Isaiah 5:26; Joel 2:1-17; Psalms 79 and 83, called “the king of Assyria” or “the Assyrian” in Isaiah 8:7-10 and 10:1-14, 24-34. Daniel 8:23-25 tells more of this enemy, and Isaiah 28:14-20 calls him the “overflowing scourge.”

The stately and strong trees of verses 1 and 2 are figures representing the leaders or shepherds of Judah who will suffer from the invasion. The marginal note referring to the last clause of verse. 2 is a more accurate rendering than is given in the text. The “pride of Jordan” (verse 3), is a term used to express the resources and power of the nation.

In verses 4 to 14 the prophet speaks for Christ. At the time of the end, the believing remnant of the Jews will be hated by the unbelieving majority; they are the flock of slaughter (verse 4). Their feelings at this time are expressed in many of the Psalms; see Nos, 10-12, 28, 42, 56, 60, 71, 79. But the flock of slaughter, the poor of the flock, will be spared and cared for (verse 7), though the sword goes through the land.

Two staves express the authority committed to Christ: “Beauty”, to bring the world into blessing through Israel; and “Bands”, to bring together as one nation Judah (the two tribes we know as the Jews) and Israel (the long lost ten tribes). Who or what were the three shepherds is not revealed in Scripture; they must necessarily be heads of the Jews; but Matthew’s, Mark’s, Luke’s and John’s Gospels show very plainly the fulfillment of the latter half of verse 8: “And my soul loathed” (or more correctly translated, “was vexed, or grieved with”) “them”—the shepherds of the Jews when the Lord was on earth— “and their soul also abhorred Me,” Their ways repelled Him, and, besides, they hated Him, without a cause.

The unbelieving mass of the Jews He therefore gave up to the immediate result of their course—the siege and capture of Jerusalem by the Romans which were marked by fearful scenes (verse 9). Consequently the staff, “Beauty,” was broken the promise of blessing: to the Gentiles must wait for another day, when the state of the Jews will be such before God that He can bless both them and the Gentiles. See Genesis 19:10; both there and in the tenth verse of Zechariah 11, the word should be peoples, not “people,” —referring to the nations.

The present work of God in grace among the Gentiles is but dimly forecast in the Old Testament and is not referred to in Zechariah’s prophecy.

Verse 11: “the poor of the flock” who give heed to the Word of God have intelligence in divine things.

ML 09/26/1937

God a Giver

AT the time of the Reformation, when Bibles were very scarce, a little girl, passing through the printing office where they were being printed, picked up a small piece of paper, and read,

“God so loved the world that He gave.”

This was all, but it brought new light to her heart. It presented God as a giver. She read it over and over again. She put it in her pocket, and daily she would take it out, and read it.

It wrought a marvelous change in her thoughts about God, and now her life became a life of joy. Her mother noticed the wonderful change in her daughter’s life, and one day asked her the cause of it. She drew out the slip of paper, and handed it to her mother, saying,

“There, mother, that is the cause,”

They came to the conclusion that it must be a portion of God’s Word. They procured a Bible, and after much searching discovered the verse, and were overwhelmed with joy when they read what He had given.

“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.

ML 09/26/1937

The Best Robe

MARY had on her new dress early on the Lord’s day morning, and was ready to go off to Sunday school. Giving her mother a farewell kiss, she whispered,

“Is it nice?”

“Yes, very nice, but I would rather know my little Mary had on ‘the best robe.’”

The lesson that day was the fifteenth chapter of Luke, and when the teacher, began to tell how “the best robe” was put on the prodigal, and what it meant, Mary listened most attentively.

“That ‘best robe’ is Christ,” said the teacher, “and all who trust in Him are covered with His beauty, accepted by God, and made righteous in Him.”

When Mary returned home, she ran to her mother, and joyfully said,

“I know the best robe now, mother; it is Christ, and I have Him on me,”

Dear little reader, do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour? Have you, like little Mary, put on the Best Robe? If not, come to Him now, just as you are, without delay, for He says in His blessed Word,

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

ML 09/26/1973

Edith

LITTLE EDITH says, “I am the guilty sinner Jesus came to save.” How good it is in the early days to know Jesus as one’s personal Saviour. Not only does little Edith know this, but she is looking for the Lord Jesus to come.

Recently she went into one of the stores in a large city where they keep all kinds of toys, and told them the size of her doll, and after measuring, ordered a hat for “Naomi” (as she called her doll) which was 50 cents, then a parasol for 25 cents, and a basket for 15 cents for her to carry on her arm. After selecting them, she told the clerk who waited on her, to put them away, and when she saved the money, she would come for them. The saleswoman said,

“You may never save enough,”

“If the Lord don’t come, I will.” Replied Edith.

“What do you mean by the Lord coming?” asked the saleslady, Edith was surprised and said,

“Don’t you know the Lord is coming?” She went home and told her mother, and said,

“You must give me some tracts to take up there, for they don’t know the Lord is coming.”

It is not only blessed to know these things, but to bear testimony to them, as little Edith did, and spread the good news around. We trust she will be kept faithful, and that all our little readers, who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, will be ready to confess their Lord, and tell others “the Lord is coming.”

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

ML 09/26/1937

Bible Talks

Weeping in The Tents of Israel Numbers 11 and 12

MOSES heard the people crying in their tents, even the men at the tent doors. Why were they so sad? It was only because some of them were wishing for the foods they had in Egypt, —the fish, cucumbers, leeks, melons, and garlick! They began to complain, then others did, also; they said they were tired of the manna.

So God sent a strong wind to bring quails for them, as He had once before (Exodus 16:13). This time there were so many that they were three feet above the ground on every side of the camp and the people gathered there all day and all night.

But we do not read that the people thanked God, but only of how greedy each was to get all he could for himself, Because of that, a serious sickness came to many, and they died.

At the next stopping place there was another sad complaint: Miriam and Aaron spoke against their brother, Moses, envying his place as leader of the big camp.

This was very wrong because God had given Moses this honor, he was not proud but very meek.

It seems that Miriam was first to complain. God made her to become a leper and she was kept outside the camp. But Moses prayed for her and she was healed, and the people moved on their journey.

Do you remember the good things written of Miriam before this, how she had so carefully watched over her baby brother while in the basket in the water? how, after God took the people across the Red Sea in safety, she led the women in singing praises to Him? (Exodus 2:4-8 and 15:21).

ML 09/26/1937

Faithful in Little Things

“I cannot do great things for Him,

Who did so much for me;

But I would like to show my love,

Lord Jesus, unto Thee;

Faithful in very little things,

O, Saviour, may I be.

There are small thing’s in daily life

In which I may obey;

And thus may show my love to Thee,

And always—every day—

There are some little, loving. words

Which I for Thee may say.

I ask Thee, Lord, to give me grace,

My little place to fill;

That I may ever walk with Thee,

And ever do Thy will;

And in each duty, great or small,

I may be faithful still.”

ML 09/26/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Now the God,” etc. Heb. 13:20.

2.“That by two,” etc. 6:18.

3.“But now they,” etc. 11:16.

4.“It was therefore,” etc. 9:23.

5.“But now hath,” etc. 8:6.

6.“Being made,” etc. 1:4.

7.“For the word of God,” etc. 4:12,

Bible Questions for October “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3 John, and Jude

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That we might live through him.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Things that are pleasing in his sight.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That your joy may be full.”

4.Write in lull the verse containing the words, “Follow not that which is evil.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Look to yourselves.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Keep yourselves in the love of God.”

7.What does the Word of God say as to “all that is in the world”?

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

1.Outside the camp. Heb. 13:13.

2.In order that the believer may be a partaker of His holiness. Heb. 12:10.

3.Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Sara, and Rahab. Heb. 11:4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 20, 21, 22, 31.

4.Of God. Heb. 1:3.

5.The blood of Jesus. Heb. 10:19.

6.Jesus, the Son of God, Heb. 4:14,

7.Melchisedec. Heb. 7:1.

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

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3, John and Jude

1.Where are we to keep ourselves?

2.What gave the Apostle joy?

3.Whom do we refuse entrance to our home?

4.What does the blood of Jesus Christ do?

5.What is said of the one who loves the world?

6. If God so loved us what should be our attitude toward one another?

7. Where does the whole world lie?

ML 10/03/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 11:12-17

EVERYONE is familiar with the story of Judas Iscariot, who for thirty pieces of silver delivered up his Master to the false shepherds of the Jews (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-10). But here in Zechariah’s prophecy, that occasion is anticipated, and we hear the blessed One Himself expressing beforehand through the prophet the value or “hire” at which He was estimated by His people when His years of service as a man on earth were ended.

“If ye think good, give My hire, and if not, forbear. So they weighed for My hire thirty pieces of silver.”

This was the value of a slave (Exodus 21:32; see also Leviticus 27). What thoughts must have occupied the minds of those wicked priests and Judas as they together discussed the sum to be paid for the betrayal of the Son of God!

No mention of a betrayer is here; only the value set upon the Man that is Jehovah’s Fellow, and the pieces of silver are cast in the temple to the potter, thus showing what would be done with the sum received by Judas. Now the staff, “Bands”, was cut asunder; the way to the reunion of the twelve tribes of Israel was closed when Christ was betrayed into the hands of sinful men and crucified (See His solemn words in Matthew 23, culminating in verses 33-39).

In the day of His coming in power and glory, the twelve tribes will all be regathered; first the two, and then the ten, and allotted their places in the Millennial kingdom, but all will be worshipers then, the unbelieving having been removed from among them.

Next (verse 15) the prophet is directed to take a very different part: Now he is to represent or impersonate the man of sin, of 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, the antichrist of 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; the second beast of Revelation 13:11, called “the false prophet” in chapters 16:13-16, and 19:20. This dreadful person is also referred to in the Psalms. A man of wickedness who comes in his own name (John 5:43) he is evidently a Jew who by some means will become king of the restored (but largely unbelieving) nation in Palestine (See Daniel 11:36-39). He will reintroduce idolatry, the old sin of Israel and Judah (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26), and is here called the foolish shepherd, and the idol (or worthless) shepherd.

The Jews would not receive their own Messiah-King, and will receive a man. who is His very opposite in every quality —willful, characterized by sin, seeking his own honor, etc.; he will not visit those about to perish; nor seek that which is strayed away (so read “the young one” in verse 16); nor heal that which is wounded; nor feed that which is sound; but will have the characteristics of the wolf, though professing to be the shepherd of the flock. (See John 10). He deserts the flock afterward, and allies himself with the last Gentile empire (Rome) when the Jewish worship is caused to cease and idolatry is made compulsory. The end of this man of unsurpassed wickedness is pronounced here, but in Revelation 19:20 we are given to see him, in prospect, cast alive into hell.

ML 10/03/1937

Love, the True Motive

A LITTLE girl, who was naturally untidy, allowed her dresser drawers to remain in great disorder. Being anxious to overcome her bad habit in order to please her mother, she wrote on a piece of paper,

“To be kept tidy for mother’s sake,” and placed it in her drawer, so that whenever she went to it she might thus be reminded of her mother’s wishes. And keeping this before her, she soon kept her drawers in neat order.

We should do well if we stamped on everything we do,

“To be done in best possible way for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake.”

“If a man love Me, he will keep My Words; and My Father will love him.” John 11:23.

ML 10/03/1937

The Safe Hiding Place

CHARLIE and Leona were spending a day with their Aunt Emily, who had a very large garden and orchard, with many little nooks and corners which the children declared were capital places for hide-and-seek.

After dinner they played their favorite game, and there was much fun and laughing, for as there were so many hiding-places they did not easily find each other, so were all the merrier when they met. The afternoon quickly passed and they were greatly surprised when tea was ready, which was served in the summer house; and as a “treat” Aunt Emily gave them strawberries and cream with their bread and butter, so altogether it was a pleasant time.

Auntie enjoyed hearing their fun and asked if they had heard of that beautiful verse in the Word of God which says,

“A Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest”? Isa. 32:2.

As the little ones were so interested in it, she explained its meaning, that Christ Jesus as the hiding-place from judgment, and the shelter in the time of trouble. he was the only true and safe hiding-place, and there is none other who can give such refuge and safety from the wiles and temptations of the devil, and forgive every sin, save Jesus; for He came to earth to provide a hiding-place for everyone.

Those who believe on are sheltered by His Blood, so freely shed on Calvary, that we might approach to God by the new and living way which He has prepared for us. God has promised that those who believe and serve Christ are safe forever more.

ML 10/03/1937

Bible Talks

At the Border of The Good Land Numbers 13 to 14:11

WHEN the people of Israel reached Kadesh, near the border of Canaan, the land God had said He would give them, Moses said to go forward and, “Fear not.” But the people said it would be better to first send men to learn about the people who lived there, and to find the best way to go in.

So God told Moses to choose twelve men, called spies, to go into Canaan and bring back word to the camp.

After forty days the men returned bringing fine fruits to show the people what good things grew there, —figs, pomegranates, and grapes, one cluster so large that two men carried it between them on a staff. They had cut it from a vine in the valley near Hebron, where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had lived.

The spies all said the land was good, but ten said they were afraid of the people who lived there, that they were giants with big cities and high walls! Their stories made the people so afraid that they cried and did not want to go on. They said their children would all be killed.

Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, tried to encourage the people, and said, “Let us go up at once . . . we are well able ... The Lord is with us.” But the people were so angry they would have stoned Joshua and Caleb if God had not stopped them.

God had told them He would give them homes in Canaan where they should live safely; that He would send away all enemies; and no wild animals should hurt their children (Lev. 26:3-12). How sad they did not believe God! Because they did not believe, He said they could never live in Canaan, but that their children when grown, should go there with. Joshua and Caleb (Read Deut. 1:19-33; Psalm 106:24).

Look on a Bible map of Arabia anti Canaan, and you can find Kadesh north. of Mt. Sinai, and Hebron near the center of Canaan.

ML 10/03/1937

Awake

IT is a sweet picture to see a little child fast asleep. But there is another kind of sleep that is not good, and one may feel sad as he thinks of it.

There are lots of people, old and young, who are asleep as to God’s things, and as to where they are going to spend eternity.

Are you, dear reader, truly awake to the facts that you have to meet God, and that there is eternity ahead? Have you thought of where you will spend eternity? Many are going on asleep as to these great facts, and God would have sub awake while there is still the offer of salvation through Christ Jesus.

“THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED.” Acts 4:12.

ML 10/03/1937

Happy Childhood

WHAT can these eight little girls be doing? It seems they have come with flowers to present them to someone, and they have brought along their little pet lamb, and kittie, too. There is no expression of care on their faces; some seem thoughtful as to how their friend will accept the flowers others anticipate their friend’s delight others occupied with the whole appearance.

We wonder how many of these dear girls know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. He gives eternal life to all who believe on Him, and know that He died for them on the cross.

It is only saved people, young and old, who have a right to be happy.

The Lord Jesus is coming again very soon, and He will call all of those who love Him, and take them to be with Himself, and change their bodies to be like His own body of glory.

Are you one whom He will take up to meet Him in the air? (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

If you are His, He will take you when He comes, but if you are not one of His, if you have not believed in Him, you will he left behind for judgment.

He says now, “Come unto Me.”

In the coming day He will say, “Depart from Me,” to those who would not come to Him now.

After He comes and takes away His own, those who are left behind will call, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” then He will have to say to them, “I never knew you depart from Me.”

The word to His own is,

“YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 10/10/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 12:1-7

THE mention of the antichrist in the eleventh chapter leads to the events associated with Jerusalem in the last days. Not a word is said about Christianity; that was part of the secret which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men (Ephesians 3:3-6).

Jehovah, the Creator, speaks here of Israel, His chosen, though so wayward, people. All the nations, except those comprised in the Roman empire which will have already met its judgment at the instant of the Lord’s coming again to the earth, will be assembled together against Jerusalem (Psalm 83). That land and that city have again and again been coveted by the kings of the earth, and not knowing of the Lord’s intervention on behalf of the Jews and the destruction of the western hosts, the associated Gentile powers under the king of the north or in league with him, will continue with a previously begun campaign to ravage the land of Israel.

When the Lord comes to the earth a second time, all that fear Him among the Jews will have long before left Jerusalem in obedience to His instructions in Matthew 24:15-20, upon the setting up of idolatry in the temple there. Having first destroyed the western Gentile powers, he will deliver the oppressed remnant and deal in instant and unsparing judgment with the Jewish rebels, cleansing Jerusalem before the (second) appearance of the eastern Gentile powers who are concerted in the siege.

Jerusalem and Judah will be made of God a cup of trembling (or bewilderment) unto all the peoples round about (verse 2), and a burdensome stone for all. All that burden themselves with Jerusalem shall be wounded (verse 3), and this siege will be unlike any of the city’s many past ones, for Jehovah will, upon this occasion, act on behalf of His people, smiting every horse with astonishment and his rider with blindness, every horse of the peoples (Gentiles) with blindness.

The (new) leaders of Judah, front among the believing remnant, —the former leaders exercising authority under the wicked and apostate king having been put to death by the Lord—will say in their heart. The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in (or rather, through) Jehovah of hosts their God. What a change this means, in Judah and Jerusalem, so long the center of godlessness and manifold wickedness, the scene of the cross of Christ!

Then will He (that is to say, the Lord, who will be owned as Jehovah equally with His Father and the Holy Spirit) make the leaders of Judah executors of His judgments on the peoples round about, and Jerusalem shall he inhabited again in her own place. Of all the tribes of Israel, deepest in sin has been Judah, the tribe responsible for rejection of the Messiah when He came in lowly grace. The other tribes of the sons of Jacob might well hold this against their brethren of Judah, and therefore (amazing depth of divine grace!) Jehovah shall save the tents of Judah first (verse 7).

ML 10/10/1937

My Bible

“This Holy Book I’d rather own,

Than all the gold and gems

That e’er in monarch’s coffers shone,

Than all their diadems.

Nay, were the sea one chrysolite

The earth one golden ball;

And diamonds all the stars of night,

This Book is worth them all.”

ML 10/10/1937

For Charlie's Sake

A WEALTHY merchant sat in his office, busily engaged with the morning letters. A tap was heard at the door, and in response to the merchant’s “Come in,” a lame soldier in soiled uniform walked in, and taking off his cap, began to search his pockets, saying confusedly, “I have a letter for you, sir,” The merchant returned to his desk, feeling annoyed that he should be interrupted so early in the day, by one whom he regarded as a beggar.

In the meantime the soldier had found the letter, and with a trembling hand, laid it on the merchant’s desk.

He was about to throw it on one side, and ask the soldier to come back at another time, when his eye fell on the envelope, the address of which he immediately recognized to be in the familiar handwriting of his only son, who was an officer, and had gone with his regiment to the battlefield.

That sight at once changed the merchant’s thoughts toward the visitor, and he immediately found him a chair, and asked him to be seated.

Opening the letter, he read—

“Dear Father,

The bearer of this is a soldier discharged from the hospital. He is going home to die, Do anything for him that you can, for the sake of CHARLIE, your son.”

The busy merchant laid aside his morning duties, and “for Charlie’s sake,” he found a resting place and other comforts for the needy soldier, and the following day, loaded with many gifts, he was sent on to his native place, where “for Charlie’s sake,” the wealthy merchant showed him much kindness for many years.

This touching story tells how God for Christ’s sake, is now dealing with needy sinners. In ourselves we deserve nothing, and have no claim upon God to show us kindness. But whenever the Name of Jesus is presented to God, whenever a sinner’s faith lays hold on that worthy Name, God at once saves, and forgives.

“Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name’s sake. 1 John 2:12. And gives eternal life,

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

Apart from the Name of Jesus, God’s beloved Son, there is no salvation and no forgiveness. In that Name, the chief of sinners will be welcomed to God’s heart, and everlastingly saved.

ML 10/10/1937

Saved in an Orphan's Home

SINCE I was a girl of ten, I have thought of eternity. My first awakening to the great question of where I would spend it, was while at school.

I had been taught that salvation was to be obtained by prayer and diligent attendance at the church and the sacraments.

I went to act as “mother” ill an orphan home, and there I found a new doctrine had been taught. It was this: That a sinner could be saved at once and forever, without works, by looking to Jesus Christ alone.

Two of the helpers in my “cottage” were themselves happy in the assurance of their salvation. How I longed to be sure of mine. I was looking within, expecting some change, or some feeling to assure me I was saved. But it never came.

“Look unto Me and be ye saved” Isaiah 45:22, was the message that gave me light. I did look away from my good deeds and my had deeds to Jesus, and He saved me.”

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy saved us.” Titus 3:5.

ML 10/10/1937

Bill, the Telegraph Boy

I HAD a bright little boy in my Bible Class, a telegraph messenger, whose happy face and consistent life and testimony as a Christian had done much to interest the young folks in the Gospel. He was saved in the Sunday school, and says it was while one of the teachers was speaking from the lesson for that day which was Exodus, chap. 12, the blood on the doorposts, which made the first-born son safe.

“The blood of Jesus the Lamb of God, in which I trust makes me safe, and the Word of God which says, ‘Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe’ (Prov. 29:25), makes me sure,” was Bill’s bright testimony of the lips to the saving power of Christ.

Always rejoicing, as he delivers his telegrams to rich and poor alike, he is a true messenger of the Gospel as well, and testifies of Christ.

ML 10/10/1937

Bible Talks

A Rod Which Grew Almonds Numbers 17

BECAUSE the people of Israel did not believe God’s promises about Canaan, they lived in their tents in the wilderness many years, moving to different parts.

But God always kept His cloud over them, and each morning sent manna for their food. He told them to make fringes on the edges of their garments with bands of blue. Does it seem strange they should make trimming for clothes to be worn in a desert? It was because the blue color would remind them of the sky above, from which God had spoken to them, and He wanted them to remember His words and do right (Chapter 15:37-41).

Yet they forgot God’s words, and so often spoke wickedly against Moses and Aaron, that once God sent sudden death by an earthquake to the leaders. Then He said He would show whom He had chosen for the service in the Tabernacle, and said for one chief man of each tribe to bring his rod to Moses; and the rod of the man He had chosen should blossom. These rods were of wood, used in walking, or to give directions.

Moses took the twelve rods, each marked with the name of the tribe, Aaron’s for the tribe of Levi, and placed them in the Tent of God.

The next day Moses brought out the rods for the people to see. On one rod were buds of the almond tree, which blossomed and became almond nuts! It was Aaron’s rod; none but God could cause a bare stick to blossom, and surely the people then believed Aaron to be the one God had chosen.

You remember God had made Moses’ shepherd’s rod to become a snake to show His power, and that rod was used in Egypt and at the Red Sea when God freed them from the cruel king (Ex. 4:2-6 and 14:16). But Aaron’s rod taught them even greater power of God—to make what is dead to live.

Aaron’s rod was kept in the ark after this as a proof of God’s choice.

ML 10/10/1937

The Pheasants

THE pheasants are beautiful birds, and have a natural shyness and wildness, apparently impossible to breed out. They make their homes in long grass, willows or alders, and when frightened they start up with a tremendous wher-r-r, and shoot off like the wind in search of new cover. They continually chase grasshoppers, flies and other insects for their food, and seem to enjoy it, as children do their play. But they, too, like all the rest of creation, have their pests and troubles. Hawks of various kinds come down upon them, and foxes, too, are bitter enemies. Then also a disease known as “gapes”, which sometimes gets among them, and causes a great many to die.

Why, one may ask, does God allow such a condition to be in His beautiful creation?

The answer is, sin has come ill, in connection with the head—Adam—and so the whole creation suffers.

But God will not always allow it to be so. He will make a new creation out of this ruined one, and every trace of sin will be done away. There shall be no more tears, nor death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. Everything will be perfect then.

Would you, my dear reader, like to be in that new creation? If you would, God does not ask you to do anything in order to take part in it, but simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God. That One, who by His sacrifice, has atoned for sin—or covered sin by His blood—must be believed on; and if you do, you can say,

“My sins are covered, blotted out and will be remembered no more.”

Then you will rejoice in looking forward to the time when all things will be made new.

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.” John 1:29.

ML 10/17/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 12:8-14

AS the Christian rightly looks onward to the coming of the Lord for His heavenly saints (1 Thess. 4:15-17, and many other New Testament passages), so the Jew, when awakened by divine power after the Church of God has been completed and removed to scenes of heavenly glory, will long for the day of the Lord— “that day”, which is mentioned. seven times in this chapter.

“In that day” Jehovah will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem (verse 8). It is the time of the invasion of the land by the nations led by the king of the north (often in Isaiah referred to as the Assyrian), and, as it would appear also, a later one by Russia herself. See Isaiah 8:7 to 12:6 and Psalm 83, Daniel 8:23-25, Ezekiel 38 and 39, the fulfillment of all of which will shortly follow the judgment of western powers at the Lord’s return to the earth (Matthew 24:26-30, Revelation 19:11-21).

For an understanding of the order of prophetic unfoldings, it must be apprehended that the eastern and western powers will be dealt with separately by the Lord Jesus when He comes again. Except Daniel, the Old Testament prophets chiefly tell of the eastern oppressors of Israel, with little reference to the western power under which the Lord was crucified. Shortly before His coming, the eastern powers led by the Assyrian or king of the north (north in relation to the land of Israel) will have successfully invaded the country of the Jews, being used of God unconsciously to themselves (Isaiah 10:5-8, 12-14; 28:14 to 29:8, etc. to punish the unrepentant who will comprise the majority of the earthly people of God.

After capturing Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2) the associated eastern nations under the king of the north will continue southward into Africa (Daniel 11:41-15), and it is while there engaged in war (as many judge) that the Lord will suddenly appear at Jerusalem, will destroy the western powers and the false prophet, and will undertake the cleansing of the land of all the sinners who remain there. Shortly, alarmed by news which seems to call for an immediate movement northward, the king of the north returns, and Jerusalem will again be invested, but now the Lord is with His people, and the eastern armies will be completely defeated.

The appearing of the Lord for His earthly saints as expressed here, presents a marked contrast with Ills appearing for His heavenly saints, for the Jews must pass through an experience like that of Joseph’s brethren in Genesis 42, 44 and 45. Psalm 51 will be the language of every Jew as he reflects upon the rejection of Christ when He came to His own, 1900 years ago. The mourning of Hadadrimmon (verse 11) appears to be that which occurred upon the death of Josiah, the last godly king of Judah.

ML 10/17/1937

How Rosie Had Her Sins Rubbed Out

ROSIE was a clever girl, but she had a cross temper, and many naughty ways. Without being extremely bad, she was a living proof that

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

Next to a doll—the delight of every girl’s heart—her favorite pleasure was to draw. She would spend hours sketching houses, men and women, cats, motor cars, and other things on blackboard, slate, or paper.

A visitor at the house one day observed Rosie disobey her mother, and full of frowns instead of smiles. Wondering how she could reach her conscience, she thought of her artistic efforts. When they were quite alone they had a talk about the Lord Jesus; how good He was when He was a little child on earth; how He grew up to be a man, and was kind to everyone, though people were wicked and cruel to Him; how He let men nail His hands and feet to the dreadful Cross of wood; how He hung there, and did not say an angry word, but prayed to His Father for His murderers; how He rose up from the dead, came out of the grave; and went back to Heaven, where He still intercedes for His people who live in this wicked world.

Little Rosie liked very much to hear about the “holy child Jesus,” and she said,

“Do you think Jesus can make me a good girl?”

“Yes,” said her friend, “I am sure He can, and He will do so if you trust Him.”

Then came the use of a simple event which had happened only a few evenings before. Rosie could not work out the sum on her slate, but got the figures all wrong. Mother finding it all wrong, crossed it out with many crosses. Such a looking slate made the little girl cry. What was to be done?

“O, mother, do rub it out, take the sponge and clean it off.” This done,

Rosie dried her tears, and exclaimed, “Now, mother, you cannot see it, I cannot see it, and no one can see it.” Then the visitor explained that her heart and life were all wrong, but that

“The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7), and that if she would just own that she was a sinner, and let the Lord Jesus Christ save her, cleanse her, and keep her, all would be put right.

Kneeling down with the little girl, the visitor asked the Lord to make the way of salvation simple and plain to her little friend. Then she explained further, and at last Rosie said,

“I know all my sins are gone, Jesus did rub them all out. Now, He cannot see them, the angels cannot see them, cannot see them, and no one will see them anymore.”

“Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Isa. 38:17.

“Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12.

Little Rosie has now grown into a tall young woman, and has manifested for many years that the transaction that day with the Lord Jesus Christ was real. Her sins which were many were cleansed, her heart was filled with the “rest” which He alone can give (Matt. 11:28); her tastes, likings, desires, and, in fact, her whole nature has been changed (2 Cor. 6:17), Make sure that Rosie’s Saviour is yours for time and eternity.

ML 10/17/1937

Have You Found Your Name in the Bible?

A MAN in Central Africa was fond of saying he had found his name in the Bible. When asked where, he turned to 1 Timothy 1:15.

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

There is my name— “Sinner,” he would exclaim. And he was right, for it is the name of every man, woman, and child, for,

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

The one who takes the place of a lost sinner, and accepts the Lord Jesus as the only Saviour, becomes “a sinner saved by grace,” or, to use the Bible term, “a saint” (Phil. 4:21), that is, one set apart for God.

Have you found your name in the Bible? If not, turn to 1 Timothy 1:15, put in your name instead of the word “sinners,” accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and be saved.

ML 10/17/1937

Bible Talks

Water from The Rock Numbers 20

IN the last year of the journey of the camp of Israel, they came again near Kadesh, and could find no water. All about them were great bare rocks. Once before they had been in such a place in Horeb near Sinai and God told Moses to strike the rock with his rod and He made the water to flow in streams (Exo. 17). But the people seem to have forgotten that great sight and God’s power, and spoke very bitterly to Moses.

God said He would again cause water to flow out from a rock. This time He told Moses and Aaron to take Aaron’s rod and call the people together, and speak to the rock for the water to come.

Always before, Moses had done just as God said, and had been very kind to the people; now he felt angry that they complained so much, and he spoke crossly to them; and, instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it twice, so did not obey or honor God. Yet the water flowed down in plenty for the people and their many animals.

God “brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.” Psalm 78:16.

The people could have gone directly onto Canaan from Kadesh by a highway along the land of Edom. The people there were of the family of Esau, Jacob’s brother, so were relatives of the Israelites (Genesis 32:3). Moses sent to ask the king to let them pass. Read his message in our chapter (verses 14-22). He told them it was the Lord who had brought them from Egypt, but these people did not honor God, and refused to let them pass. So they had to turn south and go around a much farther and harder way.

When they reached Mt. Hor, Aaron died. His son, Eleazer, was given his beautiful robe and the charge of the Tent of God.

Find the age of Aaron (Numbers 33:89).

ML 10/17/1937

Little Lottie

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

“I am singing to him,

‘Jesus died,’” replied Lottie, “because I know He died for me.”

O! I can sing that Jesus died,

For Jesus died for me;

He on the cross was crucified,

For then He thought of me.

O! I can sing that He is love,

For Jesus loveth me,

Though seated on the throne above

He looks and smiles on me.

ML 10/17/1937

Happy Children

THESE, dear little children are having lots of fun playing in the hay. Their time is spent, not in making clothes, or in preparing food, or keeping house, but just playing, and yet they get clothes and food and have a home to live in. How is that?

God cares for them. He has provided a father and mother for them, and gives the father the ability to earn the living, and the mother to take care of them at home, so while the dear children have not the ability to provide for themselves, God takes care of them in that way.

There is something God wants them to do, and that is to obey their parents; so while they are not able to do these other things that God has given their parents to do, they must remember that God wants them to obey, that is, to do what they are told, for the Scripture says,

“CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS; FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD.” Col. 3:20.

ML 10/24/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 13:1-7

“IN that day”—the day upon which chapter 12 dwells, when the Lord shall return to this world to establish His kingdom, —there shall be fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. From this passage the Christian poet Cowper wrote the well-known hymn “There is a fountain filled with blood”, but he was mistaken; the fountain is not of blood but of water, Already those who remain of the earthly people of God, converted during the years immediately preceding the Lord’s return to establish His kingdom, will have entered into the value of the precious blood of Christ for their redemption, as verses 10-14 of chapter 12 unmistakably show.

They will have deeply felt the measure of their guilt, individually confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness. The house of David—the royal tribe, which after David’s death plunged into idolatry; the house of Nathan—standing for the line of the prophets (2 Samuel 7, etc.,); the house of Levi—the priestly tribe; and the house of Shimei—standing for the common people;— “all the families that remain”, will know the power of the blood of Christ, shed for even His Jewish murderers (Acts 2 and 3).

But there is something more, —communion with God, —and this can only be realized by the cleansing power of His Word (See 1 John 1:6-9; 2:3-6 and Ephesians 5:20). This is what is signified by the fountain of verse 1. Then idolatry will be completely banished, and with it the false prophets and the unclean spirits which together brought about Israel’s undoing. Verse 3: Should one venture to prophesy, —then there will be such faithfulness as in the days of Phinehas the priest (Numbers 25:7, 8). The day of prophecy will be past.

Verse 5 abruptly introduces the Lord, for Zechariah’s great object is to prepare the Jews to meet Him in the coming day. “But” (or, And) “He shall say, I am no prophet; I am an husbandman” (or tiller of the ground), “for man” (as it should read) “acquired me [as bondman or slave] from my youth”. He came into the world for God, but man refused Him from the beginning, and He became in lowly grace the servant of man (See Phil. 2:6-8).

Verse 6: The Jewish conscience must be again probed: How came those wounds in the hands of the Blessed One? They are the ineffaceable marks of the cross (Luke 24:40; John 20;25-27); wounds received in the house of His friends. But His cross was more than the act of Jewish hatred of Him; it was Jehovah’s smiting His fellow, the Shepherd of Israel, without which there is no salvation for any.

ML 10/24/1937

Where Would Your Soul Be?

AT the age of fifteen, I went to learn to be a tailor. When we moved to G. I went to work at my trade. The, tailors among whom I worked were a very drunken lot. As the apprentice, I was kept running continually to the saloon for them till I learned to drink, and often tarried long at the cursed cup. At the age of eighteen I joined the Lodge, and some time afterward the Free Masons, and other societies. Being of a sporting turn of mind, I went in for breeding dogs, fowls, canaries, etc. At the age of twenty-one I married and settled down in a home of my own, but I was “nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,” causing my wife and parents many a heartache, my spare time, which should have been spent at home with my wife and children, was taken up attending society meetings, entertainments, etc.

When about eight years married the Lord came in and took away one of our children. This made me think, and led me to sign the pledge, but in a short time I was back to the old ways. God again spoke to me by taking away another child, leading me again to sign the pledge, with the resolve to lead a different life, but “the last state was worse than the first.” A third loved child was called Home to be with Jesus. I went into the room to look at him as he lay in his coffin. While doing so God spoke right to my heart, saying,

“If you were there, where would your soul be?”

One Sunday my daughter, a girl of ten years, came home from the Sunday school, and brought me her magazine to read. As soon as I opened it my eye caught the picture of a large heart. It was an illustrated text of Scripture, and read thus:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Rom. 10:9.

That very moment God revealed to me His way of salvation; but the Devil said, I could not keep it, and brought up before me my companions, societies, dogs, etc. For nearly three months he kept me in a state of misery, bringing all these things before me, while God all the time was pressing on me the need of being saved.

One Thursday night my wife and I went to a prayer meeting. All the people went down on their knees and prayed one after another till it came to us. Of course I could not pray, as I was not saved. As soon as we got home, I fell on my knees at a chair in my own kitchen, and from the depth of my heart cried,

“Lord Jesus, Thou hast died for sinners, and I am a sinner, I do believe, and I will confess Thee with my mouth as my Saviour, and serve Thee all my life.”

That very moment, the peace I was longing for filled my heart, and the burden rolled away. I got up from my knees with the conscious knowledge of sins forgiven, and have had many happy days since then. The love of worldly pleasure was, gone. The prayer meeting took the place of the saloon. Everything was changed.

“All things had indeed become new” (2 Cor. 6). Praise His Name.

ML 10/24/1937

Eliza's Prayer Answered

ELIZA was a little girl who loved the Lord Jesus, and told Him all her troubles. One day she was sent out on an errand and lost her way. She wandered about for a long time, not knowing where to go. She was afraid to ask the passers-by, for fear she would be directed wrong; and she began to feel in great trouble. Then she thought,

“I will ask the Lord Jesus, for He knows just where I am, and the house to which I want to go, and the nearest way to it.” So the little girl prayed, asking the Lord to show her the way.

She had hardly finished speaking, before a lady drew near, and Eliza at once asked her to tell her the way to Mrs. S.

“Follow me, little girl,” the lady said; “I live next door, and you will soon be there.”

“Thank you,” replied Eliza, “I knew you would show me, for Jesus told me to ask you the way.”

What the lady thought of such an answer I do not know; but Eliza was quite happy, and was soon at the house she wished.

Will our young readers, like this child, remember to ask God for everything, for He listens to little children’s prayers? You will find it a pleasant task to look in the Bible for the answers to prayer there recorded, and the more you speak to God about all your needs, the more happy you will grow.

“If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,” Matt. 21:22.

ML 10/24/1937

Bible Talks

Fiery Serpents Numbers 21:4-10

IN hot desert lands there are poisonous snakes which spring quickly from the sand or rocks, and whose bite may cause death to people or animals. The great camp of Israel was passing over such a place: the sand was hard to walk in, and it is not strange they were very weary. But God was caring for them: He kept their feet from soreness and had kept away harmful snakes and insects (Deut. 8:4 and 15). Yet the people complained bitterly because God had brought them from Egypt.

So to show them how helpless they were without His care, God sent serpents among them and many died from the poison bite. These are called “fiery serpents”, perhaps, because of the dreadful burning’ sting, or, they may have been the color of fire.

The people could not get rid of them, nor cure those bitten, and they begged Moses to ask God to take them away. They said, “We have sinned”.

God told Moses to make a serpent out of brass and put it up on a pole, and whoever was bitten should live, if he would look at the brass serpent.

Moses made the serpent, placed it on a pole and all who looked at that serpent of brass, were made well. We are not told if there were any who did not look. But we know everyone who believed what Moses told them to do, would look at once to be cured of the dreadful poison. If there were any in the tents, or too far away from the pole to see, their friends would quickly help them to a place to look.

There is a way we all are like the poor bitten people. It is because of sin, which has left us all with a sting worse than the serpents’, and makes us think and do wrong; and no one can cure or drive away.

In the New Testament we learn that God’s way to save from sin is by the death of Jesus on the cross. But we must each believe, or look, to Him for ourselves. So ask yourself,

Have I looked to the Lord Jesus for the salvation of my soul?

ML 10/24/1937

The Serpent of Brass

“A brazen serpent high was raised,

Salvation to procure.

The wounded looked, the living praised,

The dying found a cure.

“See Jesus, crucified and slain:

Behold Him raised on high;

One look will save from endless pain

O look, and never die!”

Jesus said:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15.

“Look, look, look and live.

There is life in a look at the crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee.”

ML 10/24/1937

Harvest

HERE we have a picture of the harvesters about ready to return home. Have you heard of harvest time? It is when the hay, grain and corn are ready to he reaped and gathered in.

Farmers always like to have a big harvest, for that means money to them— money with which to buy food, clothes, and other comforts.

The Bible tells us of another kind of sowing and reaping,

“Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap, For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” Gal. 6:7, 8, 9.

Anything naughty we think, say or do; anything unkind or selfish; anything we do to please ourselves, is sowing to the flesh,

Whenever we do anything for the Lord, —when we seek to help others, and do them good for the Lord’s sake,—we sow to the Spirit, and we shall reap good, and, blessing to our souls.

If any of you are sowing to the flesh, stop and think of the corruption—the sorrow and trouble you must reap.

How much better to reap “Life everlasting,” and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.

“THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

ML 10/31/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 13:8 to 14:5

OUR Lord had verse 7 in His holy mind on the night of His betrayal (Matthew 26:31), when by the determinate counsel and fore-knowledge of God, as Peter said in Acts 2:23, He was about to be delivered into the hands of His murderers. The true sheep were scattered, but preserved as “little ones” under God’s protecting hand. Between verses 7 and 8 occurs the present long period of the day of grace, with Israel nationally set aside, while the heavenly bride of Christ, composed principally of Gentiles, is being called out of the earth.

Verses 8 and 9 point onward to the fearful times which are coming for the Jews, concerning which the Lord spoke in Matthew 24. God has not forgotten their ancient idolatry and other sins, nor their flagrant act of crucifying His Son, the guilt of which they owned, though they did not know what they did (Matthew 27:25; Luke 23:34). There. is forgiveness for them, when they repent, but only a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22) will do so.

The first five verses of chapter 14 describe the events of the first attack by the king of the north upon Jerusalem, which, as earlier remarked, will shortly precede the Lord’s return to this world. Verse 1 is rightly read, “Behold, the day cometh for Jehovah, and thy spoil. etc.” It speaks of a heavy stroke of judgment to fall upon the unrepentant Jews; the believers acting upon the Lord’s directions given in Matthew 24:15-25, will have long before this left Jerusalem in the hands of the false king and his supporters. The “overflowing scourge” (Isaiah 28:18) will then pass through Judah, overflowing “to the neck” (Isaiah 8:8), but the elect of God, the believing remnant, will be spared by divine intervention.

Though Jerusalem has been besieged several times since Zechariah wrote, the circumstances named in verse 2 have not yet occurred; nor could they, because verse 3 is closely connected with that terrible day. The vast army of the eastern powers led by the king of the north will have gone through Judah’s land, halting at Jerusalem until it is captured, and then continuing victoriously southward to Egypt and other northern African countries, but returning, will be met by the Lord Jesus (verse 3). His feet will stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which adjoins Jerusalem on the east, a hill significant in the Scriptures (Ezekiel 11:23, Matthew 24:3, John 8:1, etc.) and apparently from a low part of it the Lord ascended to heaven Luke 24: 50, 51, Acts 1:12). Terror will seize all hearts when the Mount of Olives cleaves in the midst—token of the presence of Jesus—Jehovah. We are not told here of the end of the king of the north. Isaiah and Daniel tell that.

ML 10/31/1937

Willie at the Football Game

WHERE have you been Willie, my boy, and what makes you look so sad and downcast?” I asked a boy whom I met one Saturday afternoon, in company with a number of boys, who were returning from a football game.

He had been saved some months; was very active in distributing tracts and the like, and I was rather surprised to find him in such company, as he evidently was, to meet me in the circumstances. He hung his head and seemed greatly put out. At last, wiping the tear from his eyes, he said,

“I have learned something, today that I hope will not be soon forgotten by me, and, by the help of God, I shall never be found in such company again.”

“Have you been down among the unconverted, Willie, taking part in their games?” I asked.

“O no, sir, not quite that, but I have been looking at the play, and I’ll tell you how I was persuaded to go. One of the boys in our office is a great football player. His club was in the match today, and he kept asking me every day this week to go and see the game. At first I refused, then he said,

‘You often ask me to go to your meetings, and I have gone once or twice to please you, but when I ask you to come and see our club at play, you will not. In that case you need never ask me to go to meetings again, for I won’t go.’

I thought over it, and last night I promised him to go see the game, if he would come with me to the gospel meeting tomorrow night. So I went, but I was not there five minutes till I saw I had made a mistake. The language I heard, and the company there, are not for a child of God. I am heart sick of the whole affair, and have been confessing my sin in going there, to God.”

“Quite true, Willie, my boy. You have been trapped in a very subtle snare of Satan—one that he uses successfully with older believers than you, to lead them into an unequal yoke with the world. I am glad you have learned a lesson. Our power for drawing others to Christ lies in cleaving close to Him ourselves, and in walking in separation from the world. We can only be vessels sanctified and meet for the Master’s use (2 Tim. 2:21), as we obey the word, ‘Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers’ (2 Cor. 6:14). Never stoop down to the world’s level, Willie, in the hope of raising up others. Stand as a separated one, cleaving to God’s ways, and there hold up Christ.”

“Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed. Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths.” Psa. 25:3, 4.

ML 10/31/1937

Faith

A FEW days ago I met a little girl to whom I said,

“Do you know that Jesus loves you?”

Her face lighted up with a simple smile of confidence, and the ready answer came,

“O! yes, sir.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because the Bible says so.”

“But, as you speak about the Bible, my dear, I must tell you that that Holy Book says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that there is none righteous—no, not one.”

“But Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me,’” she replied.

“But you are a sinner. You have done many naughty things. What makes you think He would receive you?”

“The Bible says He died for sinners, and therefore He died for me.”

“That is a very great thing for a little girl like you to say. How can you be so sure about it?”

“Because the Bible says so.”

“The Bible also says that Jesus will come again soon and receive His people to Himself. How would you feel if He were to come now while you and I are talking?”

“I should be very happy.”

“Why would you be happy?”

“Because He would take me to be with Himself forever.”

“And how long have you been able to say this, my child?”

“Some weeks, sir.”

This was simple, child-like faith, and I found that she showed by her ways, that the confession of her lips was the real working of the Spirit of God in her soul.

We know that God is Love, because the Bible says so, and when we believe God’s Word, our hearts answer to its truth. Are you quite sure that Jesus came to this earth to save sinners? Are you sure that you are saved? You may be quite sure because the Bible says so.

ML 10/31/1937

Bible Talks

Two Kings Who Fought Israel Numbers 21:17-35

AFTER the people of Israel left the dreadful desert, we do not read of more complaints, but of a song. The princes opened some wells with their rods, and the people sang. Perhaps these had been filled with sand, or grass, so could be opened easily when the men were willing to help the people as Moses showed them.

As the camp moved on they came to the lands east of the Dead Sea where many people lived. And those people did not want the big company of Israel to pass near them, although they sent to ask, and promised not to touch the fields of grain or fruit, nor use their water, which was much valued in that warm land.

One king with a strong army came to fight against them, but. God gave the victory to the men of Israel.

Then another king, whose name was Og, came with his army. He was a giant, so large, his bed was 9 cubits (about 13 feet) long, and made of iron. His sons and people were no doubt, very strong, and he was king over sixty cities which had high walls, gates, and bars, besides smaller cities.

But God told Moses to “Fear not”, and He gave the men of Israel the victory over them, and gave Israel their cities and land (Read Deut. 3:1-12).

These kings and their people had known that God in heaven was Creator of all the earth, but they had chosen rather to worship idols, and lived in great wickedness. They had heard also how God vas leading Israel by the cloud by day, and by the pillar of fire by night, and they should have feared to fight against them God’s time had come for them to be punished (Exodus 23:23, 24; Numbers 14:14).

God’s people are told in the New Testament not to fight against their enemies, but to pray for them, because now God is waiting for people to repent of their sins.

“If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt, heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20.

“The Lord.... is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML 10/31/1937

The Bible

No book for our souls like the Bible;

Everything else may deceive;

Reading the kind words of Jesus,

What can we do but believe?

No book for our hearts like the Bible,

Telling us the love of God—

Proving that sinners are pardoned,

Ransomed and purchased by blood.

No book for our path like the Bible,

Showing where sin leads astray;

Pointing our eyes off to Jesus—

The Light, the Life, and the Way.

O, what can compare with the Bible,

Spreading its blessings around,

Pouring out streams of salvation

Just where poor sinners are found?

ML 10/31/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But grow in,” etc. 2 Pet. 3:18.

2.“Simon Peter,” etc. 2 1:1.

3.“That the trial,” etc. 1 1:7.

4.“Knowing this,” etc. James 1:3.

5.“But he giveth,” etc. 4:6.

6.“Likewise, ye younger,” etc. 1 Pet. 5:5.

7.“As newborn babes,” etc. 1 2:2.

Bible Questions for November “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 1-11

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ascended up to heaven in a cloud.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hold fast till I come.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “To try them that dwell upon the earth.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Death shall flee from them.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “All kindreds of the earth shall wail.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the. words, “Every kindred, and tongue, and people.”

7.Front what nations do the great multitude collie who are “clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands”?

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

1.Happy. 1 Peter 4:14.

2.We are to resist him. James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9.

3.New heavens and new earth. 2 Pet. 3:13.

4.With the precious blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1:19.

5.Ask of God. James 1:5.

6.From fleshly lusts. 1 Peter 2:11.

7.Convert them. James 5:19-20.

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

The Answers are to be found in Revelation 1-11.

1.Where did the tribulation saints wear the seal of God?

2.At what point does the Church disappear from earth?

3.Where does the first day of the week get its name?

4. What verse marks the end of the first resurrection?

5.What verse tells of Gentiles saved during the tribulation?

6.What made the Lamb worthy to open the sealed book?

7.What were the three characteristics of Philadelphia?

ML 11/07/1937

Bible Lessons

Zechariah 14:5-21

THE division of our Bible into chapters and verses has made it very easy to refer to passages of Scripture, but it was the work of men not inspired, and sometimes appears (as here) to have been hurriedly done. The last part of verse 5 should have been separated from the first part of the verse, and as beginning a new (and the last) section of Zechariah’s prophecy, ought to be the first verse of a new chapter.

“The Lord my God shall come”, says the prophet, and then, addressing Him, adds, “and all the saints with Thee”,—for those who have believed in the Lord Jesus during the present dispensation of grace, formed by the Holy Spirit into one body, the bride of Christ and the Church of God, will be with the Lord when He comes to reign (Jude 14-15; Revelation 19:6-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 1 Corinthians 6:2). The Scriptures do not disclose whether or not the Old Testament saints will also be with the Lord when He comes.

Verses (6 and 7 present a little difficulty in translating into English, but it is plain from the passage that the day of the Lord will be introduced by a notable departure from the ordinary order of night following day as evening comes on. (See Isaiah 30:26). This is not surprising when we consider the majesty the Person Who is coming, and the great consequences of His coming. There will be physical changes, then, also, as verse 10 declares, and the river of verse 8 has no counterpart today (See Ezekiel 47; Joel 3:18; Psalm 46:4). The river of Revelation 22:1, 2 is, we think, symbolic, rather than an actual flowing stream of water.

The “former sea”, as the marginal note points out, is the Dead Sea, and the “hinder sea” is the Mediterranean, but the Dead Sea will no longer be without life in its waters (Ezekiel 47:8-10). The Lord will be the one and only King (verse 9). Geba, in verse 10, was about six miles north of Jerusalem, but the site of Rimmon has not been identified.

Other passages have foretold the destruction of the armies which under the king of the north will compass Jerusalem immediately before and after the Lord’s coming to establish His kingdom; verses 12-15 disclose what will be the character of their end, and of this, the Word of God provides at least two examples in past history: —Judges 7:22 and 2 Kings 19:35.

Verses 16 to 21 bring to a close Zechariah’s prophecy with a view of the Millennial years which may profitably be compared with Isaiah 2:1-4; 4:2-6; 9:2-7; 11:1-10; 19:18-25; 25:6-9; 27:6; 28:5; 30; 41:18-20; 65:17-25; Jeremiah 31:31-10; Ezekiel 10 to 48; Hosea 2;18-23; Amos 9:13; Micah 4; Habakkuk 2:14; Zechariah 8:3-5 and Revelation 21:9-27; 22:1-5, the last mentioned presenting in expressive symbols, the relation of the Church to the earth during the Millennium.

The thousand years, glorious though they will be, and an important part of the answer of God the Father to His Son’s humiliation and His cross, will come to an end; the judgment of the great white throne will follow, and the eternal state will begin (Revelation 20:5-15; 21:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28). But of these things the Old Testament prophets were not told.

ML 11/07/1937

Little Frank's Gospel

ONE sunny day, little Frank was sauntering back from school when, as he neared his home, he saw Eliza, the wife of one of his father’s servants, dragging along a large branch of a tree which the wind a few days before had blown down, for it had been very stormy.

“Let me help you, Eliza,” said the kindhearted boy; and thereupon he lifted up the other end of the bough, thus lightening the burden for her.

“Thank you, Master Frank,” said the woman. “Ah! if you could help me to bear my burden of sins, that would be a comfort. But here I go, dragging them about day after day, and every day they grow heavier.”

“But, Eliza,” said the child, “mother says we don’t need to carry any of the burden of our sins. Jesus Christ has carried it all for us, if we believe on Him.”

“All!” said Eliza, as she related the story, “that minute I saw it all. 1 had been trying to bear my own sins, when the Bible says, ‘Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” I went home just believing this, and I have been happy ever since.”

“Christ died for our sins.” 1 Cor. 15:3.

ML 11/07/1937

Creation

OUR picture today reminds us of the wonderful works of God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

But there is something more wonderful than the power of God in creation. He has taken up poor sinners—guilty men, women and children—who deserve to be punished forever for their sins, and has made them clean and white and fit for His holy presence.

When God wished to create the world, He had only to speak the word, “Let there be light.” “Let the earth bring forth.”

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

But when sinners were to be saved, the Lord Jesus must give His life, must shed His precious blood. Yes, sin must be punished, so the Lord Jesus bore the punishment in our stead that we might go free.

“HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES.” Isaiah 53:5.

ML 11/07/1937

Bible Talks

When an Animal Spoke Numbers 22

THE king of Moab did not want the people of Israel to pass his country, but was afraid to fight, unless he could find someone who would first curse them, that means to pray for evil to come to them. So he sent for a man, named Balaam, who knew the right, but cared most for money and rewards.

They knew God was leading these people, so how wicked to want them cursed! And God told Balaam not to go, because the people were blessed.

But the king sent for him again, and promised high honor and gifts, and Balaam wanted to go. God let him go, but said he must speak only words which He would tell him.

Balaam started with the men and his servants, riding on an ass, (or donkey). Suddenly the ass turned off the road into the field. The Lord had sent an angel with a sword to stand in the way. The animal saw him, so turned aside, but Balaam did not see him, and struck the ass to turn it back into the road.

They went on and came to a path through a vineyard with a wall on each side: the angel stood again in their way, so the ass pushed over against the wall, hurting Balaam’s foot, and again he struck the animal, and did not see the angel.

A third time the angel stood in the way, where the path was so narrow the ass could not turn aside, and fell down on the ground. This made Balaam more angry and he again struck it.

Then a strange thing happened: the ass spoke to Balaam with a voice like a man’s, asking why he had struck it. Balaam said he wished he had a sword and he would kill it. He seemed to be so eager for the king’s rewards, that God made the animal reprove and stop him.

Then Balaam saw the angel with the sword, and bowed his face to the ground. The angel told him that he could go on to the king, but must speak of Israel, only in the words God told him. Read this story in your Bible.

“Balaam, .....who loved the wages of unrighteousness: but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with a man’s voice, forbade the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:15, 16.

ML 11/07/1937

Like Jesus

“O can I, may I, hope to be

Like Jesus up in heaven?”

“Yes—Ah! that honor, great indeed

Can to a child be given.”

“And how, O tell me, could I be

Like Jesus, up in heaven?”

“By trusting to His precious blood,

Through which all sin’s forgiven.”

“And O you’ll be a happy child,

When sin has been forgiven;

“But happier far when you shall be

Like Jesus up in heaven.”

ML 11/07/1937

God's Works

God made the trees, dear children,

Beneath whose grateful shade

We love to watch the colors

In which they are arrayed.

Gay oranges and peaches,

And cherries, brilliant red,

Or maybe rosy apples

Are hanging over head.

God made the pretty flowers

That give us such delight,—

Red, yellow, pink and purple,

Blue, lavender and white.

God made the little birdies

That perch up in the tree

And sing so very sweetly

To you, dear child, and me.

For, as God’s Word has told us,

All things were made by Him,

And nothing of man’s making

God’s glory can bedim.

Then let us praise and thank Him

For all these gifts of love,

Until we sound His praises

in heaven itself above.

“IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.” Genesis 1:1.

ML 11/14/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 1:1-10

WE have at length reached the last book of that part of the Holy Scriptures which is commonly called the Old Testament. The prophecy of Malachi does not contain a reference to the time of its utterance, but its message is exactly suited to the end position which it occupies in both the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. As the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah belong to the period of Ezra, so that of Malachi suggests the time of Nehemiah, and he is believed to be the last inspired penman of the Old, as the apostle John was of the New Testament. The Old Testament Scriptures were now complete, and we have no knowledge of subsequent prophets, if there were such, until Christ came.

The burden of the word of Jehovah to Israel by Malachi is a very solemn, searching message, but it begins with a touching expression of His heart: “I have loved you.” How unfeeling, how cold, is their answer: “Wherein hast Thou loved us?”

Thirteen hundred years had now passed since Esau and Jacob completed their spans of life and passed into eternity, but their lives now pass in review before God, as He declares “I loved Jacob, and I hated Esau,” The occasion for this sentence is found in the history of each as told in Genesis, but the children of Esau closely followed in the footsteps of then father, and God identifies them with him here. We have seen in several Scriptures, notably Obadiah’s short prophecy, the judgment of God concerning the nation which sprang from Esau; like their father, they had no regard for God (Scripture records not one as turning to Him), and they hated Jacob and his children. Yet it is only at the end of the Old Testament that God says, “And I hated Esau”; this is not the sovereignty of God (as in Romans 9), but what He felt having seen the course of one who made himself an enemy, and whose children kept up the enmity, deepened it.

Verse 3: “dragons” may be read “jackals”—wild creatures of the desert, Verse 4: “the border of wickedness” means the territory, or land, of wickedness. Verse 5 is more exactly translated “ ... ..and ye shall say, the Lord (Jehovah) is magnified beyond the border of Israel” (N. T.)

After speaking of His love for the children of Jacob, God in verse 6 begins to lay before them their shameful treatment of Himself; and, mark, this is after the return from the seventy years’ captivity in Babylon. Alas! the majority of the people had evidently not profited at all by the humbling God had given them, Deeper lessons must yet be put before the Jews, and fearful trials given them, before they will turn in heart to their God. The end of this book however reveals that there was a remnant at this time who really feared Him and thought upon His name, giving joy to Himself in an utterly contrary scene.

ML 11/14/1937

What a Jewish Boy Learned

ONCE a boy named David, was given a long portion from the Book of Leviticus to learn to recite in the synagogue.

As he read and repeated to himself the many verses, he wondered why there was so much about sacrifices for sins, and about the blood “to make atonement.” One night he asked his father, who was a rabbi and leader of the Jewish people,

“Why do we not offer sacrifices when we sin?” His father told him that God had said their sacrifices must be made at Jerusalem, and they had no temple there now.

“How then can our sins be forgiven?” asked David,

“God is merciful, and if we repent and pray He will forgive us.”

“But was, not God always merciful; why did He say in those verses an offering must be brought for sin?”

His father then said he must not ask more, but go to bed. So David did not understand any better about the sacrifices, but he kept learning the verses, and on his thirteenth birthday repeated them very clearly at the synagogue and was praised by the teachers.

Soon after, he was alone in his father’s library, and noticed a small book which he had never seen before. He opened it, and read these words,

“This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God.” Heb. 10:12.

“Perhaps this book has the answer to my questions,” he said to himself. So he took it with him to his room, and beginning at the first page, was soon very interested in the story of the life of the Jesus.

But before he had read as much as he wanted to, his father missed the book and asked for it, so David brought it back, and was told never to take it again nor to read it. This was strange to David as the little book seemed a good book—you can guess what it was, The New Testament.

David did not forget the words he had read, and when later a man gave him a Testament, he gladly read more of the words of Jesus, and believed He was the Son of God. He was very happy to know that God forgave his sins because of the blood of Jesus and afterward helped many to learn of Christ, the true sacrifice for sin.

ML 11/14/1937

Harry's Song

LITTLE Harry was the only child of his parents. A bright little boy he was, seven or eight years of age.

His great delight on Lord’s Day afternoon was to go to Sunday school, where he was a regular attendant. His place was seldom vacant, and often dear Harry would be moved to tears as he sat and listened to the story of Jesus and His love. Yes, although of such tender years, Harry knew Jesus as his Saviour, and was delighted to go home and ten his father and mother what he had heard. Do you do this, dear children?

God loves to hear the little ones lisp the name of Jesus, for this is precious in His ears, for His is “the only Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

It happened after a time that Harry was invited to a tea party on the birthday of one of his friends, and Harry, like most boys and girls, was very glad to go. After tea was over, and they had played a few games, it was suggested that all should sing a song. This most of them did. By and by it came to Harry’s turn.

“Now, Harry,” said his friends, “it’s your turn.” But Harry said,

“I don’t know any songs. All I can sing is,

‘Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.’

So that was the song that Harry sang, the song that had touched his heart, that was precious to him; the song that, though commenced to be sung down here in this world, would be one which he would sing in a louder and sweeter strain throughout eternity.

May you, dear children, know Jesus as your very own Saviour, and so be able to sing this song with dear Harry for ever and ever.

ML 11/14/1937

The Boy in the Lighthouse

JOHNNIE is the lighthouse-keeper’s only child. He has no playmates, no school, but he spends the Lord’s Days over an old pictorial Bible, and can repeat many chapters from memory. Johnnie says he is saved, by the grace of God. He first learned from God’s Book that he was a lost sinner, arid next, that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Although sometimes he is lonely, yet he is happy.

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

ML 11/14/1937

Bible Talks

What Salaam Spoke of Israel Numbers 23 and 24

THE king of Moab took Balaam up on a high hill where idols were worshiped. From there they could see a part of the tents of Israel pitched in the plain. He wanted Balaam to say that God should send trouble to Israel.

But God told Balaam to speak only good, and he asked “Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number the fourth part of Israel.” He meant there were so many the king could not count even a part. This did not please the king and he took him to another hill.

Again, God told Salaam what to say, and he told the king that God had brought the people of Israel from Egypt with great strength to do them good. And he said, “What hath God wrought!”

You may have read those words in school, as they were used for the first public message sent by telegraph. It was a wonder of God’s that sound could be carried over the wire; and it was only God who could take that great company across the Red Sea and feed them in deserts.

Still the king asked for God to curse His people, and took Balaam to a high place where they could see the tents of all the tribes of Israel.

This time Balaam told the king that the nation of Israel would be strong, and rule over the other nations. The king was very angry and did not ask for more.

Balaam went home, but it seems later he told the king to invite the men of Israel to their idol feasts. It is sad to know, that many from the camp of Israel went, and bowed down to the idols, and made friends with the wicked people who had no fear of God. This made great sorrow in the camp of Israel. Balaam, too, joined with the evil nation, and was killed in, battle (Chapter 31:8).

“Know, ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” James 4:4.

ML 11/14/1937

My Precious Text

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.

I love to read God’s holy Word,

And search it more and more,

And always prize that precious verse,

John, Five and Twenty-four.

When. I was lost and dead in sin,

And judgment lay before,

That precious word was sweet to me—

John, Five and Twenty-four.

When I found my lost estate—

Praise God for ever more—

I trusted Jesus through that word—

John, Five and Twenty-four.

That happy night I’ll ne’er forget,

Though sixteen years or more

Are passed and gone since. I believed

John, Five and Twenty-four.

ML 11/14/1937

The Clipped Wing

IN our picture today we have a flock of pigeons. No doubt many of our boys and girls are interested in these birds with their lovely plumage, as it shines forth when in the sun. How graceful too, they are in all their movements. God has formed them thus.

A little boy came running to his mother, and said,

“Mrs L—has lost her beautiful pigeon. She was afraid it would fly away, and so had its wing clipped. A dog ran after it, and it could not fly, so it was caught and killed.”

How very like these birds children are in this world of sin and sorrow! Satan, their enemy, goes about their path, seeking whom he may devour,

But have you no wings, dear children, with which you may fly away, and be safe? Yes, you may have if you belong to Jesus, for, faith and prayer are to the soul, what wings are to the birds. Beware: that Satan does not clip your wings, and hinder you in prayer and simple with in our Lord Jesus Christ.

How it delights Jesus’ heart to hear the voices of His little ones in prayer, spreading out in faith their needs with thanksgiving.

“BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING; BUT IN EVERY THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD.” Phil. 4:6.

ML 11/21/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 1:11 to 2:9

THE hypocrisy and selfishness of the people, and particularly the priests, have been exposed in verses 6-10, for however men may deceive themselves and one another, God is not deceived. He declares that He has no delight in this people, and He will not accept (or be pleased with) an offering at their hand. Immediately after, however, He speaks of His determination that over this wide world, His name shall be great among the nations.

What a day that will be for this globe, when verse 11 is at length fulfilled; but it will not be accomplished through the preaching of the gospel of God’s grace which began when the Holy Spirit descended to form and indwell the “one body” of Christ, the Church, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). (See 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Timothy 3; Jude 14-25).

Nor will that happy fruition be attained through the Jews without a national repentance which has not yet begun among them. See Psalm 51:13; the whole of the Psalm awaits a future day for its fulfillment. The fact is that the chosen people never have given to God His due; the truth of their own history was told them by the Holy Spirit in Acts 7, speaking through the first Christian martyr.

The present position of man, and in particular of the Gentiles, who have long known of the gospel, is in no small measure comparable to that of the Jews in the days of Malachi. The profession of God throughout the so-called Christian lands is in the many linked with an attitude toward Himself that must invite His judgement. Nor can it be said that God has left the world without warning (Acts 17:30, 31). Judgment will assuredly fall, for He will not suffer the present state of things (rapidly growing worse) to continue indefinitely.

It is enough, thought the Jews of Malachi’s time, to give to God that which is of little value, and which we cannot devote to our own. advancement. Is not this also sadly true in measure of very many of God’s people—His children—in our own day? Do we not give our own wants the first place, and yield to Him altogether too often the little that remains after our comforts and our plans for this and that have been cared for to the best of our ability?

A solemn word to the priests, who stood between the people and God, follows in the second chapter. They are reminded of the head of the family; Levi, and God’s covenant with him, for it is to the Word of God alone and not the teachings, or the practices of men, however pious, that His people are ever directed by Him. These, Levi’s children, were far removed from God’s holy Word in their conduct, and they had caused many to stumble; this assured to them just retribution (verse 9).

Today the Jews have no priests, to offer sacrifices, fulfilling Hosea 3:4.

ML 11/21/1937

Bob's Anchorage

THIS is the night of our Annual Treat and distribution of Prizes, and I am remembering it was on an evening such as this, that I was brought to the Lord Jesus. Shall I tell you how? The little school I attended in the country was not often favored with visitors, but at our Annual Meeting there were several strangers to address us, and some boys who had been converted in a neighboring school, came to give their testimony. One of them was Bob the baker boy who called at our house every morning with the “rolls,” I wondered what he would say. Well Bob told us how he was saved by believing in Jesus, and that John 3:16 was his “anchorage.” I did not understand what “anchorage” meant, but as I was acquainted with Bob, I asked him when he came out of the school. He stood in the moonlight with his Bible in his hand, and told me “it was there in that grand verse, I cast my anchor and found rest.”

He explained to me that God loved me gave His Son for me; and that if I, as one of the “whosoevers,” believed in Him, that is, trusted myself to Him as my only Saviour, I would not perish; but have everlasting life. I remember, I went along the road with my brother and sisters, saying over and over to myself—

“I will believe, I do believe

That Jesus died for me,

That on the cross He shed His blood,

From sin to set me free.”

I have no doubt that it was on that snowy road in the moonlight, that I passed from death to life. But I did not tell any of the others about it till next day, when I suppose they saw I was happy, and asked the cause.

“O,” I said, “I am saved, just like Bob, the baker, for I have trusted myself to Jesus, and He says I shall not perish.”

Years have come and gone, and many changes have occurred since then, but my anchorage in John 3:10 is as firm and sure as ever, and so is my salvation. You need not fear to rest your soul upon it, for it will not deceive you. I was anxious to be saved many a time before that night, but somehow, I always looked within my own heart for rest and peace. That was very foolish, for you know a ship’s anchor is always cast out, to fix its hold on something outside of itself altogether. That was what Bob the baker had done, and what he showed me to do that night.

If you would have rest amid the storms of life; peace amid its troubles, and a home in glory beyond it all, cast your anchor on John 3:10 and claim the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour.

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

ML 11/21/1937

Why Minnie Waited

MINNIE Grey was the leader among her young friends. One evening they passed a hall where a man was preaching.

“Let us go in,” said Minnie, “we won’t stay long.” But they were shown seats near the front so could not easily leave.

At first Minnie was amused, but soon became interested in the earnest manner and words of the speaker, He spoke of punishment which sin must meet, but also of the willing death of the Lord Jesus to take the punishment Himself, and urged that all should accept His love. Minnie was deeply impressed. Then she thought,

“I wonder if others think this so important as he does.” And she looked about her: some seemed weary and restless; some were looking at their watches, as though impatient for the speaking to close; and some were whispering, and Minnie thought,

“I guess it is not necessary to decide now, I will wait awhile.” And she hurried away with her friends.

It was not until several years after, when her health was broken by sorrow and illness, that, weak and lonely in a hospital bed, she decided to accept Christ as her Saviour. She did not then wonder what others thought; or say, “There is time enough.” She only was grieved she had not been willing to honor Him when well and young.

Perhaps you often listen to earnest preaching of the story of Jesus; you, believe it is true; yet have heard it so often you forget it is urgent. Remember how those little careless acts and ways caused this girl to put off the most important decision of her life, which would have given her rest and joy.

They were like the fowls which came so quickly and ate up the good seed of the sower (Matthew 13:4).

“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.

ML 11/21/1937

Bible Talks

The Second Counting of Israel Numbers 26

YOU remember that the men of Israel, from twenty years old, were counted before the camp left Mt. Sinai, and there were 603,550, besides the men of the tribe of Levi.

But when those men came to the border of the land of Canaan, they were afraid to go in because they did not believe God’s promises, and they wanted to turn back to Egypt. So God said the whole camp must stay in the wilderness until the children should be grown up, and He would take them into Canaan.

It was about thirty-eight years until God again led the camp close to Canaan, and then He told them to again count the men from twenty years of age, and there were 601,730, besides those of Levi.

But do you know, of that number, there were only two of the same men, —Caleb and Joshua, as were counted the first time? The rest had all died and been buried in the desert lands. The men of the second count were their children grown up.

At both countings, the men of Levi were counted separately from the rest, with the boys of that tribe also from one month old. The last count of Levites was more than the first count, but we are not told if many are the same men or not (Numbers 3:39).

The number of all the people of Israel is never given, but such a great company needed a wise leader. Moses knew he could not go in with them, and he loved them so much he prayed to God to choose the right man, or else, he said, they would be “like sheep without any shepherd”. God chose Joshua, who with the help of Eleazer, the son of Aaron, was given charge of all the camp.

When a young man, Joshua had been a helper to Moses; a captain in battle; and one of the spies to go into Canaan, and had said they were well able to enter. He made a brave leader as we learn after this. (Read of Joshua: Exodus 17:8-15; Exodus 24:13 and Numbers 14:6, 7. Also read the last four verses of our chapter).

ML 11/21/1937

Christ Loves the Children

Christ on earth was kind to children

When the little ones were brought

By their mothers for His blessing,

And He gave them what they sought:

For He laid His hands upon them,

And in loving tones and mild,

Said, Let children come unto Me;

Hinder not one little child.

Christ in heaven loveth children,

And His blessed voice is heard,

Telling how He’ll save and bless them,

If they will but trust His Word.

O, He is a gracious Saviour—

Loving, tender, kind, and true:

Little children, won’t you trust Him

Who has done so much for you?

Christ is coming for the children

Who have trusted in His Word;

Soon He’ll have them safe and happy

In the presence of their Lord.

There to see Him in His glory,

There to feast upon His love,

There to praise the children’s Saviour

In the happy home above.

ML 11/21/1937

Friends

THE beautiful Angora cat, is the image of quietness and contentment, as she watches her five Huffy 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?

ML 11/28/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 2:10-16

WE have seen, in what has been before us in this book God dishonored; and this not by heathen, but by those who stood in a position of privileged relationship with Him, who professed to be, by birth and by religious observance, His people. When God is not given that place in heart and conscience which is rightly His, other evils are sure to follow. Some of them are mentioned in verses 10 to 16.

The first is a selfish disregard of the rights of one’s fellowmen. “Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously” (or more exactly, and in each case in this chapter, “unfaithfully”), “every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?” See Nehemiah 5:1-13, which shows that man in our own times is of the same fibre as twenty-four centuries ago. The ten commandments set forth duty to God and duty to man, but the children of Israel neglected the one as they did the other. Selfishness is deeply rooted in the human heart, and where God is not known, no higher principles may be expected to govern.

Verses 11 and 12 deal with a different character of sin: the intermarriage of the (professed) people of God and the world. (See Ezra 9 and 10, Nehemiah 6:17, 18; 13:23-28). The sanctuary of Jehovah which He loved, was profaned by the marriage of Jews to idolaters.

How can a true believer be united in marriage with an unbeliever? Alas! it is done even in the time in which we live, but 2 Cor. 6:14-16 is thereby violated, to God dishonor and the saint’s abiding loss. Verses 13-10 bring out a third sin against God and man: divorce. Does not verse 13 tell in perfect truth of what follows in the train of this great evil: “ ... ... tears, with weeping, and with sighing”? Broken homes, children without proper parental care and affection—these are the current and immediate fruits of despising God’s ordinance for the human family (Genesis 2:24), It should never be found among the children of God, where His Word is known. The Jews made the most trivial grounds sufficient for divorcing their wives, trying to find sanction for the allowance of their own evil hearts, in Deuteronomy 24:1.

For the Christian all is settled by the Lord’s words in Matthew 5 and 19, which precisely and effectively limit the divine sanction of divorce to one cause only. Apart from that ground, the divorced wife (or husband) is still in God’s reckoning, married to the former partner, as our verses in Malachi 2 indeed show: “the wife of thy youth against whom thou hast dealt unfaithfully, yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.”

The early part of verse 15 is a little difficult in the English translation. The subject is the nature and purpose of marriage as given under God’s ordination: husband and wife are “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). The Holy Spirit is referred to in the second sentence, —the Spirit of God; but in the latter part of the verse it is “your spirit”—the spirit of man, as in verse 16.

The marginal reading for verse 16 is unwarranted. The best translation is believed to be, “(for I hate putting away, saith Jehovah the God of Israel); and he covereth with violence his garment, saith Jehovah of hosts, etc.” (N. T.), —the latter referring to the unlovely ways of the natural man when angered. See Eph. 5:25 for a lovely contrast.

Verse 17 will come before us in our consideration of chapter 3.

Marking the Forest Path

A YOUNG native was guiding some travelers to a village in the forests of Central Africa, to which there was no road, only a path, little used, and overhung with vines and shrubs. Other paths also crossed it and there were many turns to avoid a jungle, or stream, which sometimes had to be crossed on a fallen tree.

The guide was one of a race of dwarfs, Who loved the woods, knew the paths. well, and went forward quickly.

The servants carrying the luggage, were soon quite far behind, so the men feared they would miss the way, as, although natives, were from another district. One of the men who knew the language of the guide asked about them. His answer was that they would know the right path by the leaves he had been dropping, and which he had agreed on with the servants.

The men had seen him often pick and drop a few leaves, but had not thought of the reason. He did this at every turn and doubtful place until the village was in sight.

The marking by the leaves proved successful, as in the thick woods the wind could not blow them away. And the servants arrived safely about two hours after the travelers.

One of the men who was a Christian said,

“Those leaves are like God’s promises which mark the way to heaven.” Do you know some of those leaves of promise?

“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.

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

There are many more such plain, true words. And boys and girls who in their hearts love the Saviour, can tell these promises, or carry them written or printed, and use them to mark the way for those who do not know Him.

ML 11/28/1937

Loved, Though Naughty

WHAT a blessing that the Lord’s measure of forgiveness is not according to our fears, or even according to our faith.

“He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7.

“Ah!” says Satan, “you’ve done it again! Now God will not love you.” No, He still loves me—loves me when I fall—loves me when I am naughty. “Grandmother,” said a little girl, “do you love me?”

“Yes, dear, of course I do.”

“Do you love me when I am naughty?” “Yes, dear.”

The little one looked up into her grandmother’s kind, forgiving face, with some surprise, and said,

“My mother doesn’t love me when I’m naughty. I wish I lived with you.” “Why, May?”

“Because if you always loved me, I’d never be naughty.”

What good arguing! Loved, and so kept. Loved when naughty, and so kept from being naughty. May such a life— such a love, be ours. The love which passeth knowledge. The more we know of His love the more shall we be preserved from evil.

“The love of Christ constraineth us.” 2 Cor. 5:14.

ML 11/28/1937

How Good He Was

A FATHER was talking to his little child about, the kind words of Jesus, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.” Mark 10:14.

The little thing- listened with the greatest interest, and then said,

“Papa, how good He was, when those big men told them to go away, to put His hand right on the children’s heads, and say, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.”

O yes, Jesus was good; and He is just as good now, and says to all little children,

“Come unto Me.” “I love them that love Me, and they that seek Me early shall find Me.” (Matt. 11:28; Prov. 8:17).

ML 11/28/1937

Bible Talks

Good Pastures Numbers 32

THE men of the tribes of Reuben and Gad had a very great number of cattle, and they saw the land taken from the two kings, Sihon and Og, was a fine country for pastures. So they wanted to stay there, rather than to go across into Canaan.

Moses told them that the other people would be discouraged if all did not go on. But the men said they would build safe places to leave their families and the sheep and cattle, and they themselves would cross over and help the rest safe into Canaan.

So Moses said they could do that. Then some men of the tribe of Manasseh took land along the Jordan River, and half of the people of that tribe stayed there.

You see none of these people went first to see what a good land God would give them in Canaan. And later, when we read snore of these tribes, we know they did not choose the best way, because the Tent of God was set up in Canaan, and they could not all go there to honor Him.

There was one family in the tribe of Manasseh who believed God’s promises: the father had died, and had no sons, but there were five daughters. They asked to have the land which their father would have had. And God said they had spoken right, and should have the land. This shows us His care over all (Num. 20:33, and 27:1).

The rest of the tribes of Israel would each have their own lands in Canaan. Except the tribe of Levi were to be given cities in the lands of all the tribes, and perhaps we can learn of some of those cities later.

ML 11/28/1937

The Poor Little Bird

I’m a poor little bird, but I’m hungry and cold,

And only when snow’s on the ground,

Or frost makes it hard to get water or food,

At your door, as a beggar, I’m found.

I see through the window your breakfast laid out,

And you cut such nice pieces of bread;

I don’t ask you for that, for of course it’s your own,

But only the crumbs that are shed.

If you think for a minute, I’m sure you’ll confess

That if these little morsels you spare,

It would fill all the crops of a dozen of us,

And give us a plentiful fare.

It is only in winter we ask you to think

Of beings so humble and small,

For the whole summer long we cheer with our song,

As we sit in the sun on your wall.

When at night, in your bed, you are covered so snug,

And keep e’en your nose from the cold,

O! think of so many with no bed at all,

Nor copper, nor silver, nor gold.

But God, who from heaven knows well what we need,

Will, I’m sure, put it into your head,

To care for the least, with a plentiful feast,

If it’s only a morsel of bread.

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

ML 11/28/1937

Answers to Bible Questions for October

“The Children’s Class”

1.“In this was,” etc. 1 John 4:9.

2.“And whatsoever,” etc. 1 3:22.

3.“And these things,” etc. 1 1:4.

4.“Beloved,” etc. 3 11.

5.“Look to yourselves,” etc. 2 8.

6.“Keep yourselves,” etc. Jude 21.

7.“For all that is,” etc. 1 John 2:16.

Bible Questions for December “The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 12-22

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The accuser of our brethren is cast down.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The dead, small and great, stand before God.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ye that fear him, both small and great.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Them which keep the sayings of this book.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “They that are with him are called.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “No man could learn that song.”

7.What is “the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb”?

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

1.In the love of God. Jude 21.

2.To hear that the saints walked in the truth. 3 John 4.

3.False teachers. § Jno. 10.

4.Cleanses from all sin. 1. Jno. 1:7.

5.The love of the Father is not in him. ¤ Jno. 2:15.

6.We should love one another. ¤ Jno. 4:11.

7.In wickedness (the wicked one). ¤ Jno. 5:19.

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

The Answers are to be found in Revelation 12-22

1.What is the eternal portion of the tearful and unbelieving?

2.How long is the head of the revived Roman empire permitted to continue his blasphemies?

3.What is antichrist able to do to show his power?

4.What verse gives the widest gospel invitation?

5.Who destroys the false church?

6.What is the invitation to those in the false church?

7.Where is the battle of the great day of God Almighty?

ML 12/05/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 2:17 to 3:2

THE last verse of the second chapter is so directly connected with the third that it should have been made the first verse of it.

“Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied Him?”

Insensibility to God’s love we have seen in verse 2 of the first chapter, and utter blindness regarding their shocking disregard of what was due to Him, in verses 6 and 7 of that chapter, and again in chapter 2. A plain mark of moral distance from God is the state of self-satisfaction while going on in ways displeasing to Him, which is revealed here; how different altogether from the attitude and language of the publican in Luke 18:13.

“And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a (properly the) sinner”!

What depth of moral darkness must have been theirs, who said,

“Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delighteth in them.” Whence come such thoughts, so utterly false and wicked? O, is it not amazing that God in love seeks such wanderers from Himself? They said, “Where is the God of judgment?”, as much as to say, There is no day of reckoning; we can do as we please. This is the unspoken language of many a human heart in out day,

The answer to the question asked at the end of chapter 2 immediately follows:

“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in, ... .”

Two persons are here spoken of, the first being John the Baptist, at the Lord’s first coming, though we must also look onward to a coming day when that which John failed to accomplish, will be wrought before the Lord’s second coming to the earth (Mark 1:2, however, clearly identifies John the Baptist with the first “messenger” of Malachi 3:1. See also Luke 1:76-79; and Isaiah 40:3, which is quoted in Mark 1:3 and John 1:23).

John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded, and Whom he served was crucified, but here as generally in the Old Testament prophecies, no indication is given of the unmeasured period from the cross to the awakening of the Jews which will take place before the Lord’s second appearing on earth.

The Lord, the second person spoken of in verse 1 is of course the Son of God, Israel’s Messiah. They looked for the Messiah, but when He suddenly came to His temple they would not receive Him (John 1:11). He is the Messenger, or Angel, of the covenant, —regarding which see Exodus 23:20-23, and when He comes it will not be on the ground of the old broken covenant of Sinai, but the new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 9:15, etc., where, “covenant” should be read instead of “testament”).

“But who”, is asked, “who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth?”

It is the fearful day of the Lord, told of in so many Scriptures, including Malachi, Two New Testament Scriptures may with profit be referred to in this connection (Revelation 6:15-17 (for the world) and 1 John 4:17 (for Christians), the true reading of the latter being,

“Herein has love been perfected with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, that even as He is, so also are we in this world” (N. T.).

ML 12/05/1937

Lapping

LOOK at the picture and see what a strange thing this little girl is doing. She is down on her knees, and with her face almost to the floor, lapping out of the kitty’s dish.

Her little companion, with dolly under her arm, is looking on evidently quite amused, —and well she might be. Even Puss seems surprised.

Little girls do not need to eat as cats and dogs do. They have tables to put their food on, and chairs to sit on while they eat.

How thankful we are that God has made us different from the animals.

We can learn to talk, read and write, which the animals cannot do. When an animal dies, that is the last of it.

“But 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.” Gen. 2:7.

Therefore we shall never die, nor cease to exist, like the animals do.

We shall live forever, either in heaven, in bright glory with the Lord Jesus; or in hell, in torment, with the devil and his angels.

Which will it be for you, dear reader?

“THESE SHALL GO AWAY INTO EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT: BUT THE RIGHTEOUS INTO LIFE ETERNAL.” Matt. 25:46.

ML 12/05/1937

How Little Lina Was Saved

I WAS brought to the Lord when a little girl. It happened in this way: I was passing along the street one evening on my way home from my music lesson, when I saw a circle of people standing around a man who was preaching. Curiosity led me to go up and hear what he was saying. Just as I got to the place, I heard the words,

“How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5). If death should overtake you tonight as you are, how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” This the speaker said in great earnestness.

I walked away, but that question followed me. I could not forget it. All that night the words came to my mind again and again.

There was a girl in my class, whom had heard spoken of as “saved.” I thought I would tell her what had occupied my thoughts. I watched an opportunity, and one day I met her outside the playground and did so. She put her arm in mine, and told me how she had been in the same way herself. She told me of the wondrous love of the Lord Jesus and that He died to save us and make us His own. She told also that she had accepted Him as her Saviour; and He had saved her and made her happy. It was all new to me. I had never heard of anyone being saved and sure of heaven before. I accepted Mary’s Saviour as mine, I believed He died for me, and I was saved,

“God commendeth His love, toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

ML 12/05/1937

Bible Talks

The Camping Places of Israel Numbers 33:1-50

IN this chapter the places are named, at which the big camp of Israel stopped on their way from Egypt to Canaan. Most of the names are strange to us and hard to pronounce. Perhaps many of them are not now called the same, but when Moses wrote this record, the people who read it knew where all the places were. Much of those lands are still wild, or deserts.

We do not know how many miles they traveled. It is not so very far from Egypt to Canaan, but God did not first take them the direct way, because of a fierce people who liked to war; and afterward they had to go much farther, and be many years longer because they did not believe God.

Now if you count the times in this chapter that the words “pitched” and “encamped” are used, see if you do not find forty times. So they camped at forty different places. We are not told how long they stayed in the places; sometimes it says “many days”; they camped nearly a year beside Mt. Sinai, and built the wonderful Tabernacle.

But, we do know how many years they were altogether on this journey; it was a very long time, forty years! And was very different from any other journey ever made, because God kept His cloud and pillar of fire over them all the way, and fed them with manna.

If you look on a Bible map of Egypt, Arabia and Canaan (now called Palestine) you may find one where the journey of Israel is marked, and you can find some of the places named in our chapter: find Rameses in Egypt where they started; and their last camping place, east of the Jordan river, across from Jericho.

“Ah Lord God! behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power ... . there is nothing too hard for thee, ...And hast brought forth Thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders.” Jeremiah 32:17, 21.

ML 12/05/1937

Drawing Sister's Picture

HOW pleased the little sister seems, to have her brother draw her picture. No doubt she thinks when he is done she will see a true picture of herself with dolly on her lap. (You know she has never seen herself.) But if we judge from the few marks already made on the slate, it will not be a very true picture. You children all like to have your pictures taken, and to receive those of your friends.

I want to tell you of an aged servant of the Lord, who was asked by a young man for his picture.

“O, yes!” he said, “you will find it in full length in the Third chapter of Romans.”

Do you know what he meant? Of course, he did not mean that he would see a picture that would show how he looked to the natural eye. I think he meant that there would he seen a word-picture of himself, and this is the way God, who looks on your heart, sees every one of us.

I wish you would open your Bibles at Rom. 3, beginning at Verse 10, and read those solemn words. In verse 12 we have, “THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.” Rom. 3:12.

When we bow our heads and say, “It is true, that ugly picture is mine,” then God can receive and bless us through the sacrifice of His beloved Son, and put His beauty upon us.

ML 12/12/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 3:2-9

VERSES 2-4: We have here another evidence of the contrast between the coming of the Lord for His earthly people, and His coming for His heavenly bride.

Isaiah 33:14-17 gives the answer to the questions asked in the second verse; it will be a time of deep searchings of heart on the part of the believing Jews of that day, who will, like Noah in Genesis 7 and 8, pass through the storm of God’s judgment that will fall on the world, and in a special way upon the Jews.

At the very instant of the Lord’s coming for His heavenly people, they will be given heavenly bodies; the old nature will be gone forever; heaven will thenceforth be their dwelling place; but the Jewish believers of the coming day must pass through the refining and purifying of which verse 2 and 3 tell, before they are brought into peace and rest oil earth.

The sons of Levi, the priestly family, through whom God will again deal with His earthly people, will come in for a special governmental dealing from Him to fit them morally for their work. See Ezekiel 44:6-31 which relates to the Millennial place of the priests.

That the judgment of sin is inseparable from the throne of God, has been exhibited on many of His Word, yet how many deceive themselves with the thought that evil will unpunished! Hearken to that cry from the Holy Sufferer while bearing our sins on the cross,

“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? . . . But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalms 22:1-3; Matthew 27:45, 40). It was then that the sins of every confessed sinner who has looked in faith. to God for salvation met their judgment (2 Cor. 5:21); for the unbelieving there remains the wrath of God. (John 3:30; See Psalm 94:1-9; 1 Thess. 5:1-3).

Verse 5, as in the Old Testament generally where the judgment of God is spoken of, refers to an earthly dealing; but in the New Testament, eternity is unveiled, and eternal judgment, as well as eternal blessing, are disclosed.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but, after death, the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27. The judgment of the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15) must then be the later portion of those who are overtaken by the earthly judgment of verse 5.

Verses 6 and 7 give a touching address to the wayward children of Israel, breathing the grace and sovereign mercy of our God.

“I am Jehovah; I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed,” “Sons of Jacob”, rather than “sons of Israel”, is no accident of terms, but suited to their case, for the phrase brings forward the untrustworthy natural, rather than the spiritual, character of their ancestor.

In the same way the Lord said to Peter, reminding him in the use of his old name of what he was in nature, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?” John 21:15.

“But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” reveals a characteristic of moral distance from God. And this is seen again in the inquiry which follows in verse 8, “Wherein have we robbed ‘Thee?” ‘How unfeeling must be the heart of any true child of God that would so think of Him!

It is easy to think of other Christians as in need of taking to heart what is said in verses 7 and 8, but it is well to apply them in unsparing self-judgment, to ask oneself alone, in the presence of God. Have I, perhaps, unconsciously, drifted away from an inward life that will bear His searching gaze, so that He is speaking to me, too, in this word, “Return unto Me”?

ML 12/12/1937

Disobedient Nellie

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

“Do not go on the ice,

Nellie dear, it is not safe,” were her mother’s words, as she ran down the avenue after her child, warning her of a danger she feared might tempt her by the way. Nellie waved her hand and nodded her head, then started off again over the crisp snow. By the side of the road there was a lake, and as Nellie came up alongside of it, she saw several school-girls sliding on the ice.

“Come on Nell,” shouted one, but Nellie remembering her mother’s words shook her head.

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

This was the tempter’s voice, and if Nellie had been wise, she would have taken no notice: but foolish girl, she leaped over the fence and jumped on the ice, to show them she was no coward, and thought herself very brave no doubt. But her triumph was only for a moment or two; disobedience does not go unpunished, and while Nellie was showing her bravery by sliding along in front of her schoolmates, she did not observe a crack in the ice until she plunged into the water. Her shrill cry brought three men from an adjoining field, who with difficulty got her out, dripping wet, shivering with cold. She was wrapped in a coat and carried home, much ashamed.

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

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

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

ML 12/12/1937

A Narrow Escape

ONE day some fishermen were sitting on the cliffs above the bay, where there is a bar across the mouth of the harbor; at times very dangerous.

A bar is a sandbank across the mouth of a river or bay; and woe betide the boat that gets caught in it. However, there is almost always a passage of deeper water where, by careful steering, a boat can get through.

As the men looked, they saw a small boat making straight for the bar. It sailed closer and closer, with no sign of turning aside.

“There’s something wrong,” said one. “I’m going out there.”

In his motorboat he started out through the passage to the boat. As he drew alongside, he saw to his surprise the occupant of the other boat was asleep! With a tremendous shout and a loud blast on his horn, he succeeded in waking him. The man at once saw his danger, and turned his boat just in time. Another moment, and he would have been dashed to his death!

Yet there are many like him today— although wide awake in body, are sound asleep as to their position before God. Are you one of them? There is a way through the bar and into heaven—the way of Jesus Christ. He came to earth to save sinners, and it is for them to accept Him before it is too late.

“Awake, thou that sleepest, ... and Christ shall give thee light.” Eph. 5:14.

ML 12/12/1937

Moses' Last Talk to Israel

The Book of Deu-te-ron-omy

MOSES knew that the big company of Israel were soon to go into the land God had promised them, and that he could not go with them. There they would have lands and homes of their own, great cities and villages, and become a rich and powerful nation instead of being poor slaves as their parents had been in Egypt. Many of them had been small children when they left Egypt, many others had been born since, and had not seen all God’s wonders on the way nor heard His voice at Mt. Sinai, and it was very important they should know how God wanted to bless them and have them for His special people.

So Moses called them altogether to tell them God’s words and what He had done and would do for them. These words were written down and kept and were the fifth book of Moses. Since, it has been named Deu-te-ron-omy, which means “a second giving of the law”.

They were told not to add anything to the words God told them, nor to take from them. (Chapter 4:2).

They were to teach His words to their children, talk of them to each other, and to write them so that others would see them and so none of them should forget diem. When they remembered how the Lord had cared for them and not let their feet become sore, nor their shoes or clothes worn out in forty years of wilderness life; surely He could keep them in the new land! (Deut. 8:4; 29:5).

This writing of Moses was quoted from several times by the Lord Jesus, and is good for us now. Here is one important verse: “Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord.” Deut. 8:3 and Matt. 4:4.

When did Moses give this talk? Deut. 1:3. Who stood to hear the talk? Deut. 29:10, 11.

When were they to talk of God’s words? Deut. 6:7.

Where were they to write God’s words? Deut. 6:9.

What story should a father tell his son? Deut. 6:20-25.

Where were the writings to be kept? Deut. 31:24-27.

ML 12/12/1937

Peace with God

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

PEACE with God—O glad possession!

Each redeemed one’s portion sure.

All the gathered hosts infernal

Could not shake it—’tis eternal!

Ever shall Christ’s work endure.

When a guilty, ruined sinner,

In his need, receives God’s Son,

Then immediately he’s pardoned—

He is saved, his sins are gone.

Grasp the gift, then, through believing,

Only think! yours for receiving—

Do not miss it, burdened one!

ML 12/12/1937

Feeding the Birds

“O, I love the winter!” So said a little boy as he thought of the different kinds of fun to be enjoyed in the snow and on the ice. Snowballing, sliding, tobogganing, and other pleasures seemed most attractive to him.

But these dear children have thought of something else after the snow has covered the ground, as well as the trees and the bushes. They have thought of the poor birds, when the ground is hard with the frost, and there are not any worms or insects for them to feed upon. How good to see the boys show kindness to the little creatures, by putting out the grain on the stand, where the birds will be looking for it soon.

We might think they must soon starve to death. But no; God takes care of even the little birds. He feeds the sparrows; He hears the raven’s cry.

Let us learn from it, —two little lessons. First; may we learn to show kindness to all of God’s creatures. God cares for them, and we should care for them.

Second; let us thankfully recognize God’s care over us, While He thinks of the little birds and cares for them, He tells us we are of “more value than many sparrows.” He does not wish us to be troubled about what we shall cat and what we shall wear. He would have us to take these cares to Him who cares for us. He gives us this beautiful word,

“Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” Should not this be enough for our hearts?

“SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.” Matt. 6:33.

ML 12/19/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 3:10-15

GIVE God His due place in heart and conscience, and there will be the richest blessing; this is the lesson of verse 10. Do we not find here the explanation of much in both of the lives and the meetings of Christians that is not what it should be? His word is plain, — “Bring”; and then, “prove Me now, herewith.” Prayer for blessing is excellent, but a selfish withholding from His servants who do His bidding, in order to have more for ourselves, is without doubt, often a real hindrance; it is the one hindrance named in verses 8 to 10. God’s readiness to bless is fully shown; when it is not given, we must look within for the hindrances, and remove them; then blessing can be counted upon.

Verse 11. If there is obedience, the devourer will be rebuked, as it is said, “for your sakes,” so that he shall not destroy the fruits of the ground. This passage is general in scope, no doubt, for the reward promised to Israel for obedience to God’s Word is earthly blessing; nevertheless it must specifically refer to the day of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), when the whole land, because of Jehovah’s righteous indignation, shall be devoured. (Zephaniah 1:18). The devourer then will be the Assyrian or king of the north (Isaiah 10:5, 6; 28:2-4).

The Christian is not to expect earthly prosperity; his truest blessings are heavenly, as many Scriptures tell; 1 Timothy 6:6-8 may be contrasted with Dent, 8:7-9, the one giving the Christian’s right earthly position, while the other exhibits Israel’s.

The happy slate to which verse 12 refers has never been seen, nor can it be, until sins, national and individual, are owned in the fullest way of repentance. Thus verse 13 brings to the chosen people a charge of guilt more flagrant than any before named in this prophecy: “Your words have been stout against Me.” It is the last accusation Malachi was given to set before God’s earthly people, but as in each preceding case, the callousness of their hearts is such that they unfeelingly reply, “What have we spoken against Thee?” And, they add, “And now we call or consider) the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set (or built) up; yea, they tempt God, and they escape” (N. T.). This is the character of man at a distance from God which will be fully displayed before His judgment falls upon them.

Thank God, there are those who, perhaps moved by the growing wickedness of the scene in which they live, are aroused in their consciences; of these the next verse (16) tells.

ML 12/19/1937

Two Roads

I SHALL take my chance!”

Two boys had started at early morn to visit a distant village. They were cousins, and their homes lay in the same pleasant valley. At noon they had reached their destination. They were about to return immediately when their attention was attracted by a traveling circus, and in one way or another the time slipped by until the sun was rapidly declining. Then they hastened towards home,

“Let’s try another road,” said the elder boy. “It will be pleasanter than returning by the way we came.”

His younger and wiser companion endeavored to dissuade him; but he was obstinate, and declared that he knew the road perfectly. On they went, and now the sun had disappeared, night was creeping on quickly. Presently it got quite dark, and the boys halted, for the elder had to admit that they had lost their way. Before them the road branched off to the right and left.

“I shall take my chance!” said the foolish boy, and he went off to the left.

The other waited until a man passed, who informed him that the proper way was that to the right. He reached home in safety, while his companion was found next morning exhausted and weary, lying under a haystack.

Two paths lie before us, dear children! The broad road that Christ tells us leads to destruction, and the narrow road to life eternal. Let us not say,

“I will take my chance, and follow my own blind impulses,” or take the way that seems pleasantest; but let us rather ask God to lead us, and to be our Guide. The narrow path with Jesus is always the happiest path.

Jesus says, “I am the way.” John 14:6.

ML 12/19/1937

Trust Jesus Now

A LITTLE boy, who was much concerned lest he should not reach heaven, came to a minister, and earnestly inquired of him the way of salvation. The minister was struck with the child’s eagerness, and after telling him of God’s goodness and readiness to receive the young and old to His rest above, he bade the child run quickly home, and kneel down and pray earnestly to be received, for Christ’s sake. With a mournful voice the little fellow said,

“O! sir, but suppose I should die before I reach home?”

The minister, who felt rebuked at the child’s simple answer, readily caught the lesson God would teach him.

“You are right, you are right, my child,” he said at once, “and I am wrong I ought not to have bidden you go home and pray to be saved, but, as the Scripture, God’s own Word, shows us, I should have told you,

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

To be assured of salvation was the longing of that simple-hearted child; and God, through the lips of the minister, met his desire. He took the text pointed out to him as God’s own Word, believed it simply, and found rest.

Has our reader this child’s earnestness? and do the words of God, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” satisfy his heart and set every difficulty at rest?

ML 12/19/1937

Happy Mary

A SERVANT who was employed in a home was always happy and ready to sing, and she was often called a sunbeam. She had much to do preparing the meals, caring for the children and many other household duties, but the busier she was kept, the happier she seemed to be. One day she was asked,

“Why are you so happy? one would think, seeing your face so joyous, and hearing you sing, that some great fortune had come to you.”

“Yes, truly, a great fortune has come to me, so great that I can hardly describe it. I have learned to know the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. That is how I can be happy each day, and do my work for Him, and with Him. When I am cleaning the house I hear Him say,

‘Mary do this for Me.’ When I set the table, it is as if He Himself were the invited guest, and I prepare all for Him. Then when I am caring for the children, I think of His words, ‘Feed My Lambs.’

Before I was saved I did all these things because I was compelled to, but now I do them with a happy heart, because it is for my Saviour, and that is why all goes so well.”

Be Thou the object, bright and fair,

To fill and satisfy the heart;

My hope to meet Thee in the air,

And nevermore from Thee to part:

That I may undistracted be

To follow, serve, and wait for Thee.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.

ML 12/19/1937

Bible Talks

About the Good Land Deut. 8:7-10

IF we were going to a new country to live, we would like to hear all about it. The people of Israel were going to live in Canaan, and only two of them, Joshua and Caleb, had ever seen it, so God told Moses to tell them of it.

He said there would be many brooks, springs, and fountains of water, and gentle rains. These, they had not had freely in the wilderness, nor in Egypt, where the land was watered only when the River Nile overflowed its banks once a year, when it would be very muddy and afterward very dry.

There would be good pastures for their cattle and sheep; fields of grain; fruit trees; vines; olive trees; honey; plenty for all to eat. In the hills they would find minerals to make tools or other needed articles.

There would be one certain place in the land, which God would choose, where all should take their sacrifices and worship. Him, and that later became a much-loved place. Deut. 12:11, 12.

God said the borders of the land should be Lebanon and the River Euphrates on the north; the plains of Jordan on the east; the great sea (The Mediterranean) on the west; Deut. 11:21. You can find those names on a map of Canaan, (or Palestine).

But God also told the people that many strong people were then living in this land, even giants with high walled cities. How could Israel have their country? Because those people had become so dreadfully wicked they must be destroyed. They had all once known God as the Creator of the earth, but instead of honoring Him, worshiped images of every sort, even burning children in sacrifices, and lived in wickedness in all ways. (Deut. 9:5). And as you study world history you will learn many nations since, have lost their places by such wickedness.

God said Israel should not fear those people, that He would help them, but they must not keep their idols, or else they too, would be driven out. (Deut. 29:63).

We can remember this: the Lord always cares for that land. “The eyes of the Lord are always upon it, from the beginning of the year, even unto the end of the year.” Deut. 11:12.

ML 12/19/1937

Love Revealed and Justice Satisfied

God beheld the world undone

Loved His foes and gave His Son;

Christ His fife a ransom gave,

Sinners to redeem and save.

In His precious blood I trust,

On His faithful Word confide,

God is Love, yet God is Just,

Here I rest, and here abide.

ML 12/19/1937

Washington and His Mother

MOST of you know, and have studied about the first president of the United States, and know that his country is very proud of him. You could tell many good things about him, but perhaps you don’t know what a kind and thoughtful son he was. He did all he could to make his mother comfortable and happy.

Our picture shows her last home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Washington saying goodbye to her for the last time, when he left to take up his duties as president.

He also followed her wise advice. If he had not done so, he would not have become president of the U.S.

Too often young folks think they know more than their parents, and lose a great deal by going their own way, against the wishes and advice of father and mother. The Lord wants you, dear children, to respected and honor your parents.

“HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER; WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE; THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE, AND THOU MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” Eph. 6:2, 3.

If you are thoughtful and considerate of your parents’ wishes, showing them respect and kindness, you will surely receive the Lord’s blessing for so-doing.

ML 12/26/1937

Bible Lessons

Malachi 3:16 to 4:6

HOW encouraging, how refreshing, is the action in verse 16— “Then”, when the tide of evil is surging high; “Then” when the heart of man is daring in impiety, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another”; and the end of the verse brings in this further word about them, that “they thought upon His name.” There are two Hebrew words frequently translated “fear” in our Bible: one is yirah, meaning reverence; the other is pachad, meaning dread. The former, which occurs much more often than the latter, is represented here; “they that reverenced Jehovah.’ These two words are found close together in several passages; for example, in Proverbs 1, verses 7 and 29 (reverence); verses 26, 27, 33 (dread).

“And the Lord hearkened”—His attention, we may with reverence say, was attracted to the feeble few who often spoke to one another; what they said reached His ear; all unknown to them He listens; He causes a “book of remembrance” to be written before Him for them; and He who changes not, whose word shall stand forever, declares “They shall be Mine in that day when I make up My jewels.”

In an earlier day, He had promised deliverance by power through a remnant, as for example, in Judges 6:11-14, etc.; but no change is here promised the remnant until the day of the Lord; all is to be allowed to go on, man pursuing his evil course, but a work of God will be maintained amid it, until iniquity has reached its height, and the Lord appears.

Verse 16 has ever, and rightly, spoken comfortably to Christian hearts, because they, too, have a remnant character in a world ripening for judgment; they too, are given no promise of a display of divine power, but are to go on in faithfulness to their Lord until He takes them to Himself.

What we have in verses 17 and 18 is without exact parallel in Christian doctrine, relating to the deliverance and bringing into Millennial blessing of the earthly saints, and, particularly the Jews who will be converted after the Church’s removal to glory. They will be Jehovah’s “jewels” or “special treasure”, as the marginal, reading puts it, in the day that He prepares. Before that day the heavenly saints, including us (believers) who are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with the dead in Christ, in heavenly bodies, to meet the Lord in the air and to be forever with Him (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

Although the Old Testament prophecies are almost without reference to the heavenly saints (part of the mystery revealed by the Lord to the apostle Paul), that would be a cold heart indeed, among them, that would be indifferent to the day when the Crucified One shall be glorified on the earth in a redeemed and blest earthly people, objects of divine grace, as are we for whom a place in the Father’s house is prepared.

The “sparing” of verse 17 refers to the coming scenes of judgment of which the last chapter treats in the first and third verse. Then shall the Lord appear for Israel’s blessing as the Sun of righteousness; for the Church there is an earlier appearing as the Morning Star, herald of the morning (2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 22:16).

Between these two events one, like John the Baptist in the spirit of Elijah, will be used to bring about for God the accomplishment of chapter 4 verses 5 and 6, a work for which the Baptist labored with small result, being rejected and cut off as was his Master, four hundred years after Malachi closed his prophecy (See John 1:21; Matthew 11:14; 17:10-12).

These “Bible Lessons” are now concluded.

ML 12/26/1937

Ashamed of Christ

A BOY of sixteen left his country home to fill a situation in the city he boarded in the same house, and slept in the same bedroom as another boy who was employed in the same office.

Both boys were saved, but neither of them seemed to have enough courage to tell his companion, for when bedtime came the first evening, they were both ashamed to kneel down and pray before going to bed.

They sat talking until it was late, each trying to muster courage to confess Christ to his companion, whom he supposed to be unconverted. At last, blushing all over, one of the boys said,

“Well, Jim, we must get to bed,” and with that he dropped on his knees, and buried his head in the bed clothes.

Jim, amazed, yet thankful at heart that the ice was broken, knelt beside him. When they rose from their knees, they grasped each other’s’ hand, saying, simultaneously,

“Are you saved?” to which, both could answer “Yes.”

How thankful they were to find in each other a brother in Christ, yet how ashamed to think that they were so full of cowardice that they feared to own Him as their Lord.

The boys from that night onward, knelt down side by side, and prayed for and with each other, and God gave them many happy hours together in that little room, over His Word, and at the throne of grace, Strengthened and helped, they took their stand a few weeks later together at the street corner, boldly testifying for Christ and preaching His gospel. On the way home Jim said,

“How thankful I am you did kneel down that first night, Willie, for if Satan had got the victory, who knows how far we might have got away from God.”

They have both been fearless witnesses for Jesus, and by their faithful testimony many souls have been won for Christ.

Dear young Christian friends, never be ashamed to own the Lord. No matter where, let it be known at once, and beyond all doubt, that you belong to Christ. At home, in the workshop, on the street, let your testimony be with lip and life. It will save you heaps of trouble if you nail your colors to the mast-head at once, and let it be known that you are the Lord’s alway, ever able to sing,

“I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,

Nor to defend His cause;

Maintain the glory of His cross,

And honor all His laws.

“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:8-11.

ML 12/26/1937

Jesus Is Coming

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

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

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

“Yet a little while and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 12/26/1937

Bible Talks

Cities for Refuge

A REFUGE, is a safe place to go in trouble. “The Lord shake unto Moses saying: Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the laud of Canaan; then ye shall appoint you cities... . of refuge. . . . that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person unawares.” Numbers 35:10,11.

There were to be six of these safe cities; three on the east side of Jordan for the tribes who stayed on that side, and three in Canaan. Moses spoke of them in his last talk. (Deut. 3:41-44 and 19:2-12).

This was God’s plan to protect from the anger of others, anyone who had by accident killed a person, one whom he had not meant to hurt, and felt no hatred toward. As, if two men were cutting, wood, and the ax broke off and one was killed, and his friends were angry at the other man, he could run to the nearest of the refuge cities. There the gate was to be opened to him, and the judges to hear his cause, and keep him in safety.

These cities were to be known to all and the roads made very direct, so a man would know just where to go, and could run quickly. But anyone who willfully killed another, could not be kept in a refuge city; such ones must be given over to be punished.

There are no such cities now in any land. But God has planned a refuge in another way for the people of the whole world, because all have sinned we read of those “who have fled for refuge” to Jesus. Hebrews 6:18, and He said, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Do you think a man who had so serious a trouble as the man with the ax would wait to run to the safe city? When we know we are sinners shall we wait to go to the Lord Jesus?

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10.

ML 12/26/1937

Forbid Them Not

Let little children come to Me,

From palace, mansion or from cot;

The young I always love to see;

Then let them come—forbid them not.

I fain would fold them in My arms,

Bestow on them a blissful lot,

And shelter them from all alarms;

Then, let them come—forbid them not.

My blood, which was on Calvary shed,

Can cleanse from every sinful spot;

And still, as when on earth I said—

Let children come—forbid them not.

Their artless steps I love to lead

From each unsafe or danger spot;

On heavenly food their souls to feed;

Then let them come—forbid them not.

When saints I summon to the air,

Not one of them will be forgot;

And hosts of children will be there;

Then let them come—forbid them not.

ML 12/26/1937

Messages of God's Love: 1937

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Bible Lessons

The Short Road to School

Happy Harry and His Cat

Bible Talks

The Chipmunk

Bible Lessons

God Loved Me!

Bessie Beats All

Bible Talks

God's Tender Care

The Deer

Bible Lessons

The Convenient Season

What Jesus Would Say If You Came

Bible Talks

Faith in Jesus

The City of Venice

Bible Lessons

The Lightning Flash

White Rain

Bible Talks

Come to Me.

A Mother's Love

Bible Lessons

Jack's Decision

Something for Everybody

Bible Talks

Go and Tell of Jesus

Answers to Bible Questions for December

Bible Lessons

"That Means Me."

The Snow Storm

Bible Talks

The Bible

The Tailor Bird

Bible Lessons

How the Stockings Were Found

Only a Little Child

Bible Talks

Little Children

A Mimic Battle

Bible Lessons

To Where Did the Lord Jesus Come?

The Empty Chair

Bible Talks

The Love of Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth

Bible Lessons

Emily

The Stray Lamb

Bible Talks

Christ Our Passover

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

Connie's Hymn

Mary's Apple Seed

Bible Talks

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

"Whiter Than Snow"

Bible Lessons

A Personal Question

Brave Freddy

Bible Talks

Why They Are Not Saved

Jesus Died for Me

Mischief

Bible Lessons

The Children's Meeting

John 3:16

Bible Talks

Jesus Is Calling

Watching Baby Sister

Bible Lessons

Carol's Text Blessed to Grandpa

"What Will Make You Happy?"

Bible Talks

"How Old Ought I to Be?"