Messages of God's Love: 1941

“If I can but get out into the broad Atlantic I shall be safe,” thought the captain of an outbound vessel, which was caught in a storm when going down the Channel.

The nearest port could, at the time, be easily “made.” There he knew he would be safe, but he thought, “I’ll take my chance, and run for the open sea.”

The storm rapidly increased in its fury, and the captain soon saw that he could not make the ocean, and so at once steered for P—.

Alas! it was too late. The raging of the storm rendered his vessel almost uncontrollable, and before long it was drifted helplessly on to the rocks.

Messengers were sent for the lifeboat by the watchers on shore, and it was quickly manned and launched with its brave crew into the foaming billows, but all in vain; before they could reach the vessel it was broken up by the violence of the waves, and only two out of her crew of fifteen men. survived. These two were picked up half dead by brave ones who ventured on to the rocks to help.

Had the ship been run into F—, when the storm first overtook them, all might have been well but the desire to get on the journey quickly, urged the captain to run the risk, and led to his death and that of most of his crew.

There are many today who are like this foolish captain—they refuse a place of safety and still pass onward. They turn from the Lord Jesus, and think they will be all right without Him.

Soon it may be too late—then no Saviour will be found. Many people will wake up to their danger when the Lord Jesus has come and taken all His own away. Many will he in earnest then—but too late! too late!

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

Will you dare “take your chance” of being saved by-and-by? I warn you:

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1.

You have been warned, my reader. Again and again have you been told of coming storm of judgment upon those who know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you not heard of the open harbor for poor, tempest-tossed sinners? Christ Jesus says:

“Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.”

Why delay? Why will you be lost? He longs to save you.

ML 01/05/1941

A New Name

A tiny baby was found on the street in a basket. She had no father or mother to care for her, but kind people took her to a Home, where she was raked up. They called her “Mary Lost,” till she was a good-sized girl.

She was told that the Lord Jesus loved her, and shed His blood on the cross to put away her sins, and she accepted Him as her own Saviour. Then she wanted a new name. She went to the superinteeut of the Home and said:

“Please don’t call me “Mary Lost” any more.”

“What shall we call you?” said the lady who had charge of the Home.

“Call me “Mary Found,” she said; “I used to be “Mary Lost,” but I am lost no longer. Jesus has found me, and I want you to call me “Mary Found.”

A new name He will give to all Who put their trust in Him.

“Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.

ML 01/05/1941

Seasons Change

Wrapped in a white and hoary garb,

Nature is fast asleep;

The earth, like man, must have repose,

Or fruit we’ll never reap.

An unseen artist through the night,

In lovely crystal stains,

Has drawn the phantom fairy trees

Upon the window panes.

At night athwart the heavens, bright

Meteors flash and gleam;

And far above the wintry waste,

The stars like jewels seem.

The wind moans through the leafless trees,

The firs with snow are clad;

The feathered minstrels now are mute,

So listless, dull, and sad.

Where are the flowers? alas! they’re dead,

They slumber ‘neath the ground;

And where the blooming: rose once hung,

The icicle is found.

We, too, may die, but Spring-time comes,

This hope allays our fears;

The dead in Christ will live again,

Through never ending years.

“FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD: AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST:” 1 Thess. 4:16.

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

ML 01/05/1941

Singing up the Steps

Psalms 120-135

The people of Israel sang these songs as they walked up the hill and steps to the place where they gave honor to God. The note over each Psalm is, “A song of degrees” (or ascent). It must have been a great cheer for the people who were often in trouble to sing these Psalms, for each one told of help from God.

King David did not count it a hard duty to go to praise God, for he wrote,

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord.” Psa. 122:1.

The “House” was then a plain Tent but was the place God had chosen. See Psa, 132:13.

There was one valuable article missing from that Tent for a long time. That was the chest of wood, covered over with gold, called the Ark of God. When you hear the word Ark, you may think of Noah’s ark or ship, but the word ark means a safe place, and this Ark was the place where the cloud of glory rested, and the blood to atone for sin was sprinkled; so, it was the only safe place for those people before God. An enemy once carried the Ark away, then later returned it, but it was kept in men’s homes instead of in the tent of God. David was so grieved that the Ark was gone that he said,

“I will not give sleep to mine eyes... Until I find out a place for the Lord. Lo, we beard of it... we found it in the fields of the wood.” (Psa, 132:4-8).

Then David and others carried the Ark to the tent on Mt. Zion with much praise to God (1 Chron. 15:25), Later the Ark was placed in the great Temple, and King Solomon prayed the words of this Psalm,

“Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest; Thou and the Ark of Thy strength” (Psa. 132:8; 2 Chron. 6:41).

Those who love the Lord do not now have such an ark, but it teaches them of the humble place the Lord Jesus took in this world, yet showing the glory of God, and He is the only way now to God, (John 1:14: 14:6). If any do not believe Jesus was the holy, perfect Son God, they would take away His glory as the enemy took the ark.

There are other verses in these Psalm, to help us now, for David had trouble from those who did not honor the Lord, he said,

“Our soul is escaped as a bird out the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psa. 124:7, 8.

Notice the verses about sowing seed perhaps you have put in garden seeds, when cold and rainy, which is not an easy task, for they need to be sown very evenly but when the plants were grown, and you could gather the vegetables, you were glad. So these verses tell:

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psa, 126:5, 6.

That, was “precious” seed, and the harvest “doubtless”, or sure; so, it must be the seed the Lord Jesus called, “The Word of God” (Luke 8:11). Can we sow God’s Words? Yes, by telling them to someone else, which often is not easy, but is certain to bring a time of joy at last.

ML 01/05/1941

The Morning Bath

Wherever has mother gone! She has left Bobbie with little sister, who has just finished taking her bath, and he plunged into the tub before mother had put in some warm water. The water is too cold, so he gives vent to the shock to his nerves, by a loud call to his mamma.

Do you think his mother has forgotten him? O, no! she has put the cold water into the tub and was going to put in some warm water, when she had to run out to see about something outside, and little Bobby grew impatient, and climbed into the tub too soon.

How this is just like children, and grown up people too, sometimes; they lack patience, and so have to reap a had result.

“HE THAT IS SLOW TO ANGER IS BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY: AND HE THAT RULETH HIS SPIRIT THAN HE THAT TAKETH A CITY.”

Prove 16:32.

We all need to learn patience, and it is good for us if we learn it in our young days, for if we do not, we grow worse until we get into all sorts of trouble. How terrible!

What is needed is, first to take Christ as our Saviour, and them learn of Him who was the meek, lowly and patient One.

ML 01/12/1941

A Boy Martyr

There is a story of a boy who lived in Antioch, in Syria, sixteen hundred years ago, when Roman Governors put Christians to death because they refused to worship the image of the Emperor. This boy stood beside his mother in a great crowd gathered to witness the burning of an aged Christian, The Governor did not want to burn him, and tried to get him to give up God and Jesus and worship the Roman gods. The good man was strengthened by the Spirit of God to be faithful to the truth, and as he refused to deny his Lord, said,

“Ask any little child if it be not better to worship the one true God, who made all things, than to bow down to images made by man.”

As he said this, the eyes of the Governor—or fell upon the boy standing near, and not knowing he was a Christian he called him to the stand and said,

“My boy, tell this deluded man that he should worship the gods of Rome, and do homage to the Emperor,” What was his surprise and anger as the boy modestly but fearlessly made answer,

“There is but one God; and Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and our Saviour,”

In a rage the Governor commanded the soldiers to strip the boy and beat him with their cruel rods.

They did this until the blood ran from his bleeding back upon the ground, Then the Governor asked him,

“Will you now confess the gods of Rome?” Again the boy replied, “There is but one God, and Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and our Saviour.”

“Beat him to death!” said the enraged Governor; and they beat the poor boy until he sank faint and dying at his mother’s feet.

“What can your Christ do for you now?” said the cruel man to the mother, who he knows had taught her boy of Jesus.

“He can help us to pray for our enemies,” replied the Christian woman, as she gathered her dying boy in her arms.

“Mother,” said he faintly, “I wish I could have some water from the well at home.”

replied the Christian woman, as she gathered her dying boy in her arms.

‘Mother,” said he faintly, “I wish I. could have some water from the well at home.”

“My boy, you shall soon drink from the water of life in the Paradise of God.”

And so the martyr boy of Antioch passed away to be with the redeemed in heaven; but his light has been burning brightly for Jesus for sixteen hundred years, and its beams are falling upon us today.

Are there not any boys and girls here now who will accept Jesus as their Saviour and resolve to openly confess Him?

Are there not those who have been hiding their light who will now take it out from under the bushel, and from this day identify themselves with the followers of Jesus, and be willing to bear reproach for His name?

How can we expect the crown if we are unwilling to bear the cross?

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

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.” Peter 4:14.

‘If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16.

ML 01/12/1941

The Conversion of a Young Girl

I was very much concerned about my soul for a long time, as I knew from my earliest years that I needed to be saved, but the Devil always hushed me to sleep when I thought about it. Still the Spirit of God strove with me and I knew that I was not saved.

One night as I rose from my knees, after praying before going to bed, the Spirit of God spoke to me again. As I lay, and thought over several familiar texts, I know that the only way to be saved was to accept Christ as my Saviour.

Shortly after this I was brought to the knowledge of my sins forgiven. I really wanted to be saved. So I lifted a book called, “The Homeward Journey,” which puts the Gospel very plainly. I remember I stopped reading, and this verse came into my mind,

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

I there and then came to Christ, and accepted Him as my Saviour, and found that He did the keeping, as well as the saving, when I trusted Him.

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory, and majesty, dominion, and power, both now, and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25. I knew I was saved, because it is written:

“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 then had a threefold assurance from God’s Word that I was saved.

(1)“The Blood of Jesus Christ, His (God’s) Son cleanseth us from all sin” John 1:7.

(2)“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, end shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life:” John 5:24.

(3) “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36. At first I did not confess Christ, but after doing so, I found great peace, especially after reading Rom. 10:9, 10:

“That 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.”

ML 01/12/1941

The Leopard

Can the leopard change his spots

Woven in his coat of skin?

Can he move those colored dots

Which the world’s attentions win?

No; however much he tried,

All his efforts would be vain;

He with spots would still be dyed,

Everyone would still remain.

Can the sinner—vile within—

Covered o’er with evil blots—

Cleanse himself from shame and sin,

And efface his sinful spots?

Nay! there’s not a thing of earth

That can cleanse a sinner’s stains;

All he tries is nothing worth,

He polluted still remains.

Let me not, then, be enticed,

Such a folly to begin;

Nothing but the blood of Christ

E’er can take away my sin.

Washed in His most precious blood,

Which in love did freely flow,

Bathed in that all-cleansing flood,

Whiter I shall be than snow.

ML 01/12/1941

Love, the Best 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 mamma’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 drawer, in neat order. We should do well if we stamped on everything we do,

“To be done in the best possible way for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake.”

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Col. 3:17.

ML 01/12/1941

The Last Psalms

Psalms 136-150

The last of these songs of Israel are full of praise to God, although there were times when the singers were too sad to sing, as when, because of their sins, God let them be taken prisoners to Babylon. Their captors were cruel to them and also mocked them, asking them for a song; but they seem to have hidden their harps in the thick willow trees (Psalm 137).

There was another enemy who cried out for Jerusalem to be torn down. Those enemies had refused to honor God, so hated His people. That is why there is so much of punishment to the wicked in the Psalms. But when God sent His Son, Jesus to earth, He offered peace to all men, and Jesus said, “Love your enemies... do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you.” Matt, 5:44. The Scriptures show that the Son of God had full part in the plan and work of creation. That is why His life and death on earth were of value beyond our words to tell, and to refuse Him is to refuse God (John 1:1-14). And when evil on earth is at last punished, it is written. that Christ will be the Judge:

“God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. For He hath annointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:30, 31; Rev, 19:11-16.

How sad that all will not give praise:

“Great is our Lord, and of great power;... The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy... He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth His ice like morsels: who can stand before His cold? He sendeth out His Word, and melteth them: He causeth His wind to blow, and the waters flow.” Psalm 147:5-18.

“Fire, and hail; snow and vapor, stormy wind, fulfilling His word: Mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars: beasts and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men. and maidens; old men and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is excellent, and His glory above all the earth.” Psa. 148:8-13.

When the people of Israel at last confess Christ as Messiah there will be “a new song” of full praise, (Psa. 149:1:) the harp and other instruments will be used, even the movements of the singer will be in praise to God (Psalm 150).

Those who now confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour can give praise, pleasing to God, the Spirit is their “harp”. But if they too are captives in the ways of the world, their “harps” will he hidden and there will be little praise.

“Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor unto the Lord our God.” Rev.19:1.

ML 01/12/1941

Snow

Most children like winter because of the lovely snow. They are delighted when they see the flakes fly in the air. What pleasure they have in snow-balling, making snow men, coasting, tobogganing, etc. These are good exercises.

The snow has been falling on mountain and valley; carpeting all in spotless white, and glittering in the sunlight.

The next time it snows, let some of the lakes fall on your coat sleeve and examine them with a magnifying-glass. You will see a mass of beautiful little starry crystals, so graceful in form, so delicate in structure, that the most skillful fingers could never hope to make anything like them. These are exquisite formations, which put to shame our poor human artistry. Nothing in all Nature is lovelier than a snow crystal. God says,

“Halt thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail?” Job 38:22.

“WHERE WAST THOU WHEN I LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE. EARTH? DECLARE, IF THOU HAST UNDERSTANDING.” Job 38:4.

ML 01/19/1941

The Children's New Year Treat

Or, Whiter Than the Snow.

The white frozen snow spared like diamonds under the moonbeams, as two happy children, a boy and a girl, walked with their father along the avenue leading from their country home to the village, where the Annual Treat was being given to the children attending the Sunday school. Snowballing and snow castle-building had been going on all that afternoon, so the subject of the address that evening to the children and their parents gathered in the brightly decked schoolroom was “Stories of the Snow.”

One of the teachers told the touching tale of the widow, who perished in the great May storm, saving her little boy by hiding him in the crevice of a rock, and while hearts were softened by the affecting story of that mother’s love, he pressed home the greater love of God, who gave His Son to die for His “enemies” (Rom. 5:10) that they might be saved. Bill and Cassie listened with great attention, and seemed deeply interested, which was deepened into real anxiety of soul, while their father told the following story:

“In a beautiful mansion there lived a wealthy nobleman who was the father of a lovely girl, who was a child of six at the time when my story begins. Bounding into her father’s study one winter day, she peered into his face, and with an earnest look asked,

“Father, do you know what is whiter than snow?” The nobleman was astonished at the strange question, and hesitating to answer, his little daughter exclaimed in her childish glee,

“I know: it is a sinner washed in the blood of Jesus.” Amazed and surprised, the father asked,

“Who told you that, my child;” to which she replied, “My nurse.” Instantly the bell was rung, the nurse was questioned, and acknowledging that it was she who had taught little Alberta the value of the atoning blood and its wondrous cleansing power, she was ordered to leave the house within an hour.

A short time after, a royal prince came on a visit to the nobleman’s home, and while talking playfully with the happy child, one day, she asked the prince her favorite question,

“Do you know what is whiter than snow?” The prince smiled, and answered,

“No, I have never heard of anything whiter than snow.”

“I do,” said the delighted child, and before her father could stop her, she said, “A sinner washed in the blood of Jesus.”

There was complete silence for a moment. The prince received the child’s statement without opposition, and that struck conviction to the conscience of the father, who had so acted toward her nurse. That nobleman was soon after himself converted, the nurse was sought for and re-instated, with liberty to tell her little charge as much as she desired of the precious blood that makes the believing’ sinner “whiter than snow.”

There was fruit of that evening’s meeting, in parents and children being brought to trust in Jesus, to be made “whiter than snow.” Have you proved the power of that sin-cleansing blood, and can you say in truth,

“Though my sins were red like crimson,

“Deep as scarlet’s glow,

Jesus’ precious blood has made them

‘White as snow.’”

Bill and Cassie were brought to Christ shortly after, and were earnest and happy Christians, delighting to tell of the blood that makes whiter than snow.

“Wash me and I shall be whiter that’ snow.” Psalm 51:7.

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isa. 1:18.

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

ML 01/19/1941

"We Love Him Because He First Loved Us."

A man who had a house surrounded by beautiful grounds, was looking from his room one evening, when he saw a boy come across the lawn, evidently bent on mischief. He was trampling down the flowers, treading over the beds, and pulling down the branches from the trees.

The man went down the steps, across the lawn, and, before the boy had seen his approach, he had placed his hand firmly on his shoulder.

The boy struggled hard to escape, but his attempts were useless; a strong hand had secured him.

“Now, my boy,” said the man, “answer me one question, Which is the best flower in this garden?”

The boy struggled, but finding there was no escape from the quiet eye and firm grasp of the man he had injured, he looked round, and, after a few minute’s pause, he answered,

“That rose is the best”; pointing to a beautiful moss-rose, just bursting into full bloom. The man, still keeping one hand on the boy’s shoulder, reached out his other hand, and, plucking the rose in all its beauty, gave it to the boy, and releasing him as he did it,

“There, take it, my boy,” he said.

The boy was amazed, Looking into the face of his strange benefactor, he asked,

“Ain’t you going to have me punished, sir?”

“No,” was the reply, “I am giving you the best flower in my garden. You will never come and trample down my flower-beds again, will you?”

“Never, sir, as long as I live!” was the emphatic reply; “but, please, sir, ain’t there some little errand I could do for you?”

Free forgiveness and a token of love had won the pardoned boy’s heart. From that hour he was the willing servant of his friend. And many a time that boy would be seen, cap in hand, standing at that man’s gate; with the loving petition on his lips,

“Please, sir, is there any little job I could do for you?” You may be sure the request was not refused.

Have not we as sinners trampled down on God’s holy will and Word, and grieved Him many, many times? And how has He treated us? He forgave us, and gave us Jesus, His own dear Son, the choicest Gift His love could give. Shall we not in return give Him our all?

“Were the whole realm of nature ours,

That were an offering far too small;

Love that transcends our highest powers,

Demands our soul, our life, our all.”

ML 01/19/1941

Naaman

2 Kings 5:14.

Naaman yielded, spite of pride;

He washed, and he was clean;

And all who now in Christ confide,

Are washed from every sin.

The blood of Christ alone can cleanse

Our souls from sin and stain;

And all who in His name believe,

Wilt in His kingdom reign.

ML 01/19/1941

"One Sheep"

It was only one sheep which the shepherd lost. He loved the one sheep so much that he left the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and went after the wanderer till he found it.

It was only one piece of silver which the woman lost; she had nine other pieces, but she gave herself no rest until she found the one lost piece.

Dear child, you are like the one sheep, the one piece of silver. God loves you. You are precious to Him. He gave His Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish. (John 3:16). His joy in bringing you to Himself is far, far deeper than yours in being saved.

“Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.

ML 01/19/1941

A Book of Wise Sayings

Proverbs 1 to 3

A wise king wrote this book for his son and others to know what was best and right to do in this world. Other men have written wise sayings, called proverbs, but none as wise as this king, because it was the Lord Who gave him the great wisdom. He was a young roan when he became king, and he felt that he did not know how to direct his people; he said to the Lord,

“I am but a little child, I know not how to go out, or to come in.” 1 Kings 3:7.

Because he was not proud, the Lord gave him special wisdom about all things on earth; he knew about trees, animals, birds, and fish, but no writings about those have been kept; but these wise proverbs we way read and we find the words just as true for us as for that king’s son, who lived hundreds of years ago.

Some of these are quoted in the New Testament, and parts of the book have been used as reading lessons in the schools of Christian lands, and helped the readers to know right ways. You see no one would know what is right except the Lord had shown it. That is why God has given His written Word, and our parents and others to tell us; if no one ever taught us we would be much like the animals. But. God wants us to learn all that is good.

Do you know what He had shown the king was the first lesson to learn?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Prov. 1:7.

Do you think that is too hard to learn first? Little baby brother, or sister when just old enough to sit in a high chair sees the family bow their heads when thanks is given to God: mother may gently put her hand on the wee one’s head and show it to bow its head, too, and. perhaps fold its little hands, and lightly place her fingers over its lips if it is not quiet: also when God’s Words are read, it is taught to be quiet, and to know that the Bible is not to be torn or spoiled. When Baby is a little older, it is told of Jesus and hymns are sung, and mother points up to the sky. So in a short time Baby has learned by these simple ways that there is One above, greater than all here, to Whom all should bow, and it has so learned to “fear”, or respect, the Lord.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He said,

“Let the little ones come unto Me.”

He knew how young they could learn His love. If you know a little one who has never been so taught, perhaps you can tell it of Him. Any who have never learned to “fear”, reverence, the Lord have not the best knowledge, even if taught in great schools.

If the king’s son did right, he was told he would have long life on earth (Prov. 3:2). That promise is not given since the Lord Jesus returned to heaven, for to go to Him is better than long life here; but we know the Lord rewards all things now done for Him. Some think to do right on earth earns a place with the Lord in heaven. But no one can do enough to earn a place in heaven; that is God’s free gift to all who believe him.

ML 01/19/1941

A Saviour for the Perishing

A sea captain related the following thrilling incident in his own experience:

I was sailing by the Island of Cuba, when the cry ran through the ship, “Man overboard.”

I instantly seized a rope, and threw it over the side of the ship, crying out to die man to grasp it. The sailor caught the rope, just as the ship was passing him. Immediately I took another rope, and making a slip noose with it, attached it to the other, and slid it down to the struggling man, directing him to pass it over his shoulders and under his arms. He obeyed, and was rescued, but he had grasped the rope with such firmness,— with such a death grip,—that it took some time, before his hold relaxed. With such eagerness, indeed, he had clutched the object that was to save him, that the strands of the rope became imbedded in the flesh of his hands.

Poor unsaved soul, you are in the same position as this drowning sailor, but he was obedient to the captain’s word, and was saved.

“He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

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

ML 01/26/1941

Three Questions

Willie had taken his place in the Sunday-school for the first time. The teacher, before commencing, thus addressed the new boy,

“Willie, I have three questions to put to you, and I expect you to answer them.”

“The first question is, Do you believe God is able to save you?”

“I am sure He is.”

“The next question is, do you believe God is willing to save you?”

“Yes, He is.”

“Now, Willie, the third question is, Do you believe God is able and willing to save you, for Jesus Christ’s sake, NOW?”

To this question Willie was silent; but it bore fruit in due time.

When school was over, Willie returned and said to his mother,

“Mother, dear, I want to speak to on privately.” The mother was surprised at her boy’s wish but said,

“Come along, Wille, into a quiet corner, and let me hear what it is.”

“Mother, I have three questions to ask you.”

“Well, let me hear them.”

“Mother, do you believe God is able to save you?”

Certainly, Willie.”

“Do you believe God is willing to save you?”

To be sure, I do.”

“Mother, do you believe God is able and willing to save you for Jesus’ sake, NOW?”

The mother was silent at the third question, but it was an arrow that went to her conscience. Ere long she came to Christ as a sinner, and found He was not only able and willing to save, but that He saved her NOW, and now she is rejoicing.

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

ML 01/26/1941

Show Your Colors

Many years ago after a long illness I was ordered a sea voyage. Sailing from New Zealand in a large liner, I felt sad at leaving very dear Christian friends. I walked up and down the deck until tired out; and then went below, being a steerage passenger, and turned in.

There were about thirty or more men in the single men’s department, and my bunk was in the center. The men were playing cards and other games and I felt very much alone. As I prepared for my bunk I realized that I must kneel and pray, and I felt very weak and afraid. Satan whispred,

“You can easily pray in your bunk.”

I knew it was a test. In fear and dread I knelt before them all seeking the strength I needed so much.

My fear had been of ridicule and interruption, but nothing happened. I crept into my bunk, grateful for the Lord’s protection, yet feeling very weak in testimony and courage.

I awoke early next morning and went on deck. My mind reverted to the struggle of the previous evening, and my heart went up to the Lord. Suddenly a young man stopped me and said,

“Excuse me, you are a Christian?”

“Yes” I said, “through mercy I am but how did you know?”

May I tell you,” he replied, “that I have been a very wild young man, and have caused my parents much distress. Three weeks ago the Lord met me and saved my soul. Now I am returning to my parents to make amends, as far as I can, for the pain I have caused them. Last night I stood by my bunk, wondering what a Christian ought to do, when I saw, you kneel down. Then I knew, and knelt down also. The Lord gave me to do what was right, using your act to teach.

I bowed my head humbled. While we were talking, a little Italian came up to me and in broken English, said,

“Excuse me, sir, you are a Christian.”

“Thank God I am.” He went on, “Well, I was converted on the gold fields by reading a Testament. There I learned that I was dead in trespasses and sins, and the Lord saved me, and how I am going home to tell my friends of Jesus, now the Lord saved my soul! I came to my bunk, and looked around, and I said like Elijah,

‘I, even I only, am left!’

Just as I was thinking this, you knelt down, and then this young man followed, and I knew the Lord had reserved those that had not bowed the knee to Baal.”

What could I say? I felt more and more humbled. A man who had a berth with his family, came up to us as we spoke of the Lord, and said,

Young fellow, shake hands. I am a Christian. I was standing at my cabin door, looking into the single men’s depart when I saw your act of testimony for the Lord. I thanked Him for giving a frail little chap like you the courage so to act.”

I could tell you of others on that ship, and of how we had preaching, Sunday school and reading of God’s Word, but I have told sufficient to show my young readers (and old ones, too) how important it is not to be afraid to testify of the Lord, no matter how difficult it may seem to be. He has said,

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

Though I was timid, and weak in body, yet He knew my desire, and by His strength enabled me to be true to Him. By that one simple act He brought together at least a dozen believers. He uses the weak ones, the babes and sucklings, to perfect His praise. May He give us always to be ready to shine for Him.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt, 5:16.

ML 01/26/1941

A Wonderful Saviour

O Jesus Lord! how good Thou art,

To care for little ones like me;

How full of love Thy tender heart,

To die for us upon the tree.

Lord, teach me how to trust that love,

So wonderful and great and free,

Which brought Thee down from heaven above,

To make me fit to dwell with Thee.

For well Thou knewest Thou must die,

And shed Thy blood to cleanse our sin,

If ever children such as I

Thy glorious home could enter in.

For I was lost, and full of sin,

And could not fit myself for God;

I could not cleanse my heart within:

It needed Thy most precious blood.

Thou now art risen from the dead,

And gone into that heaven so bright:

But by Thy Word and Spirit led,

I’d trust Thee now, though out of sight.

O! Saviour, draw my heart to Thee,

That I may love Thee and adore;

That my desire while here may be

Each day to love and please Thee more.

And make Thy presence, Lord, to me,

And all Thy wondrous love and care,

A daily bright reality,

Until Thou com’st to take me there.

Then all Thy love I’ll better know

When with Thee in that glory fair;

But grant me grace while here to show

In Thy reproach I too would share.

Grant me Thy grace to live to Thee,

And seek while here to do Thy will,

Then I with joy Thy face shall see,

In heaven to love and praise Thee still.

ML 01/26/1941

Two Paths

Proverbs 4

King Solomon told of two paths, first the path of the wicked, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”

“The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” Prov. 4:14, 15, 19.

Second: the path of the just.

“But the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 1:18,

The king meant that the lives of children and of people are like two paths, which go in opposite directions. In one the wicked walk,—those who neglect or do not believe the Lord; in the other, the just walk,—those who believe the Lord.

Some think the first path is bright, because men promise them good times and many friends, but they later find that is not true, and after awhile their own minds become dark so they “know not at what they stumble.” Some think the path of those who believe the Lord is dark and dreary, but those who go in that path, find it grows lighter and better all the way.

There was One, once on earth far wiser and greater than King Solomon, and He also said there were two ways: one, He called “the way of life”; one, He called “the way of death”, and He spoke of two “gates”. It was the Lord Jesus Who told of these, and He said:

“Enter ye in at the strait narrow gate:for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:13, 14.

You see He spoke it the same paths as the king, and that there are only two every person must enter one of these ways. Jesus said there were few to take the narrow way, and that is very sad for that is the Way He walked. He is both the Light and the Life. He said,

“I am the Way ... and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

All who really believe God, believe the Lord Jesus and have entered into the “narrow gate” to walk the path of light and life with Him and to Him. All who refuse the Lord Jesus, enter the broad gate to walk the “path of the wicked”, which leads to darkness, away from God. The king wanted his son to think carefully about these paths and know if he were in the right one He said,

“Ponder (think carefully) the path of thy feet,” They were to keep straight on in the right path.

“Turn not to the right hand nor the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Pro. 4:26, 27.

Who were to hear these proverbs? Pro 4:1.

ML 01/26/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

1. “What then?” etc. Rom. 3:9.

2. “But we are.” etc. 2:2.

3.“Concerning,” etc. 1:3.

4.“But to him,” etc. 4:5.

5.“Therefore we,” etc. 6:4.

6.“Who is he,” etc. 8:34.

7. “But God,” etc. 5:8.

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, “Not he that commendeth himself.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “First gave their own selves to the Lord.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We ourselves are comforted of God.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We are made manifest unto God.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “But in fleshy tables of the heart.”

6. ‘Write in full the verse containing the words, “This also we wish, even your perfection.”

7.Why was there given to the Apostle Paul “a thorn in the flesh?”

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1, Judge them by Jesus Christ, Rom. 2:16.

2. That they work together for good to the believer. Rom, 8:28.

3. The gospel of Christ. Rom. 1:16.

4. That in it dwells no good thing, Rom, 7:18.

5. That they are guilty before God. Rom. 3:19:

6. Death. Rom. 6:23,

7. Being justified by faith. Rom, 5:1,

Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 2 Corinthians

1. What is the result being in Christ?

2. Can we effectively do anything, against the truth?

3. Into what is Satan transformed?

4. Did Paul ever experience inward fears?

5. Where is Satan called the “god of this world?”

6.Can Satan get an advantage over a believer?

7.Why does God allow its to experience tribulation?

ML 02/02/1941

"It is Finished"

A friend asked a little girl if she was saved. She replied very confidently she was, because the Lord Jesus had died on the cross for her. He had done all that was needed for her, and she laid great stress on His words,

“It is Finished,” so she could not be lost.

“Yes, I know the Lord Jesus said that, but then, how do you know what they mean?”

“They mean,” she confidently replied, “that Jesus did all, and left nothing for anybody to do, but to believe on Him, and rest in what He did.”

“Yes; but how do you know His work was finished for you?”

“You do ask me a lot of questicas. You want to make me think it is not so; but I know it is.”

“No, darling, I don’t want to make you think it is not so, but I don’t want you to be deceived, and if it is so, I want to rejoice with you.”

“Well,” she said, “I know it is so, bause Jesus said so.”

“Where does he say so?” She them quoted a good deal of Scripture, such as,

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasthig life,” laying stress on die “hath.”

Her sweet, child-like, artless manner was almost too much for me. I felt too choked with grateful emotions to speak.

Dear young reader, is God’s Word enough for you, as it was to dear little Lucy?

“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 into life.” John 5:24.

Remember, dear young friend, that this is God’s Word, and it is Jesus who said so.

ML 02/02/1941

"Safe in the Arms of Jesus."

All the children were in school one morning, when it became very dark, so dark that the teacher had to turn on the lights. While she did so, two little girls, about six years old, who were sitting at one desk, began whispering together.

“I do feel so frightened,” said one little girl. “My Mummie said the end of the world was coming like a thief in the night. Perhaps it is coming now.”

“O, I do not feel frightened,” replied he other little girl, “because I belong to Jesus, and my hymn says,

‘Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast.’

I know whatever happens, He will take care of me.”

Do you, dear children, know what it is to belong to Jesus as this little girl did? If you do, you too need have no fear, for all those who trust Him are safe for eternity, that means forever and ever.

The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus is coming, and we do not know how soon it may be. He will take all those who belong to Him to live with Him in heaven; and He wants them to be watching for Him.

May the little girl’s hymn be true of each one of you,

“Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’er shadowed,

Sweetly my soul shall rest.”

“Serve the living arid true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess, 1:9,10.

ML 02/02/1941

Confidence in Christ

A young girl, 16 years of age, and ill with fever, on being asked if she were happy, replied,

“O, yes, for Christ has forgiven all my sins. There is not a morsel of sin upon me; for where Christ is, there is no sin.”

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, He Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

ML 02/02/1941

A Happy Home

In our picture they all seem to be happy, and yet they are in humble circumstances. Happiness in a home is not the result of having, beautiful things around, but by knowing the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and Friend.

How is it with you, dear children? Have you a beautiful Home in heaven? You may have a happy home here, but sooner or later you will have to leave it, and leave the world altogether. You may have a happy home forever, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour.

“In My Father’s house are many maions if it were not so, I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you. And if Igo and prepare a place for you,

“I WILL COME AGAIN, AND RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF; THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO.” John 14:2,3.

There’s a home for little children,

Above the bright blue sky;

Where Jesus reigns in glory,

A home of peace and joy.

No home on earth is like it,

Or can with it compare;

For every one is happy,

Nor could he happier there.

ML 02/02/1941

Some Small Teachers

Proverbs 6

You have watched the little ants go about the garden, and into their holes or “hills”, but you may not have thought they could teach us something. But there are persons called “sluggards”, who sleep, or are idle, while others work, whom the wise king would send to the ants for a lesson, he said,

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Pro. 6:6-8.

Ants live in all lands, and there are many kinds; some of them make very high piles of earth for their homes which are in layers or rooms; none of them live by themselves but in large companies, yet do not have any to direct them. You can learn interesting things about these creatures if you watch them, or read accounts by men who have noticed their habits. They all seem to know the warm sunshine is the time to gather food, and keep very busy, often carrying particles much larger than themselves, some they leave in their holes s then when it is cold they stay snug and still in the earth, or often in old wood, or under rocks, or fallen trees. So the ants are very wise.

We do not get or keep our food as easily as the ant: even one slice of bread requires the work of many persons; to prepare ground, sow seed, harvest the grain, grind it, and make it into bread; so in all our life there are tasks for all, and it is well to help each other, as the little ants. It may seem pleasant just to sleep or be idle while others do our work, but the next time you feel like leaving your work for brother or sister or mother, think of a little ant, “consider her ways and he wise.”

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. Col. 3:23.

There is another lesson for all of us to learn from the ants, for God has given His Word, the bible, for food for our souls. We are not wise if we are “sluggards” about God’s Words, and do not “gather” them for ourselves, and help others know them. While boys and girls are young, is the “summer” time of their lives, the best time to “gather” God’s “food”. If you gather and learn from His Words every day, you will have them to use now, and they will also he stored in your mind to help you all your life.

The wise king spoke again for his son to remember his parent’s words to him:

“My son, keep thy father’s commanent and forsake not the law of thy mother Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.” Verse 20.

This son was to keep the words so close, they would be like a chain is close on the neck, not lost, or forgotten.

“When thou gocst it shall lead thee, when thou sleepest it shall keep thee, and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee.” Verse 22.

ML 02/02/1941

Why?

A famous Alpine climber tells of an unexpected climax to one of his feats. With two companions he had scaled one of the most difficult peaks, and descending, found ruge from the storm and night in the cottage of a goats-herd. The three men, half-frozen, and exhausted with the long and terrible stain, but glowing with triumph, crouched before the fire.

The goats-herd’s wife, a dull, old woman, stood looking at them in silence for a while, and then pronounced a single word:

“Pourquoi?” (“Why?”)

The men looked at each other with an expression of surprise on each face. They had risked health and strength and life itself, “Why?” What had they gained?

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

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

Most of us have tried some of this Alpine-climbing in our day, till some honest, discerning soul, stood in our path with the searching and solemn query— “Why?”

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” isa. 55:2, 3, “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isa, 55:6.

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

ML 02/09/1941

Stolen by a Gypsy

One bright sunny morning, on the outskirts of a small country town, a little boy whom we will call Tommy, might have been seen playing close to his home.

His game was suddenly interrupted by the approach of a stranger, a tall, dark woman with keen piercing eyes, and a large shawl thrown over her shoulders. Slowly she came towards the little fellow, at the same time drawing from under her shawl some candy which which temptingly offered to him.

I suppose all boys and girls like candy, and this little boy was no exception. His play was soon forgotten as eagerly he reached tip for the prize, which was wilngly given. Fully occupied with eating his new treasure, he did not notice that his other little hand had been grasped by that of the woman, and that he was being drawn quickly away from his home and away into the county.

On and on they walked, this strange pair. The candy had now been eaten and Tommy was getting tired and frightenened and began to cry for his mother. Wherpon the woman carried him in her arms until they reached a large pile of stones, upon which they sat to rest.

Meanwhile Tommy had been missed. His anxious mother questioned everyone as to whether they had seen him. Willing helpers looked in every direction, until at last, directed by one who had seen the strange pair, the mother’s footsteps flew fast along the dusty road, until the pile of stones was reached upon which Tommy and the woman were sitting.

Did his mother let him stay there, do you think? No, not for one moment! Taking him in her arms, she hastened home, holding him closely to her all the way.

This true story is but a picture of what is happening every day all around us. Satan, like the gypsy, is going about tempting: whom he can. Like her with the candy, he uses all sorts of bait to suit his purpose, carefully drawing his dupes farther and farther into the paths of sin, until he has them completely in his power, and they find that they are lost forever.

Love in the heart of Tommy’s mother gave her no rest till she had found him and brought him safely home.

It was love that led the Lord Jesus to come from heaven and go to Calvary’s cross, and there shed His precious blood in order to save poor sinners from the power of Satan. Now He is able and willing to save all who come to Him confessing their sins.

Dear boys and girls, have you come to Him yet? If not, you are in great danger. Do not be deceived by Satan’s subtle offers, which at their best last only for a fleeting moment. One more step may land you in eternal woe. Jesus is waiting to receive you; come to Him now.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may he able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11.

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6.

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

ML 02/09/1941

What is Your Name?

This is a very old question, and the first time we read of it being asked, in the Bible, it was asked by an angel, and the man who answered must have been ashamed as he told it, for he had been made to realize that his name expressed his character, and that,was a very unworthy one. (Gen. 32:29).

This is not always the case, for names seem often to be most ill-fitted. There is Frank, a cunning, sly, deceitful boy, whom no one that knows him trusts; and there is David, or Beloved, who, like an Ishmaelite, is against everybody and everybody against him. There, too, is Grace, with no sign of grace in her, she is so stiffnecked, and obstinate; and there is Patience, with as little of that virtue as a young colt. And there is a sedate, thoughtful little maiden, called “Judy,’ whose only fault seems to be in her name. So one concludes What’s in a name?

But we have a story to tell. A father going with his boy one night to a meeting, said,

“Johnnie, I want you to pay great attention, because in the address I will mention your name.”

“My name! father, what will you say about me?”

“O, you must wait, my boy.”

Johnnie listened earnestly, but did not bear his name as he expected, and so afteards said:

“Father, you forgot to mention my name.”

“No, Johnnie, I said it more than once. Try to understand what I mean.”

“I think I know what you mean, father; was it when you said, sinner?”

“Yes, my dear boy.”

Ah! Johnnie never forgot that walk and talk with his father, for he was led to own his name to be sinner or one who is and has done evil in the sight of God. But Johnnie trusted his Saviour, and now his name is changed to Christian, which means Christ’s one or a follower of Christ.

We will now write a very plain and precious Gospel passage, in the hope that some one will fill in the blank spaces in the same way that we are called to do when the Directory man comes to our houses to put down our names and addresses.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation (it has had mine) that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (I am one of them, and so He came to save me—and He has done so!) 1 Tim. 1:15.

ML 02/09/1941

Maggie's Three Texts

Well Maggie, how does the matter of your soul stand between you and God?” a little girl was once asked.

“There is no matter between us, now; all is settled.”

“All settled! Who has settled the maer, Maggie?”

“The Father, and the Lord Jesus settled it.”

“Do you really think the matter is settled?”

“I don’t think, I am sure it is settled, for He said on the cross,

‘It is finished.’

He died under the judgment of God for My sins. He loved me, and gave Himself for me. It is very plain to me. It was those three blessed texts.

“Sins put away.” John 19:30.

“Sins forgiven.” Acts 13:38.

“Remembered no more.” Heb, 10:17.

ML 02/09/1941

"Jesus Is My Saviour"

Jesus is my Saviour, by His precious blood,

Freed from condemnation, brought to God;

In Himself accepted, all my sins forgiven,

I am on my way to heaven.

Jesus is my Saviour, keeps me every day,

From the sad temptations of the way;

Keeps me by His power, strengthens by His grace,

Cheers me as I seek His face.

ML 02/09/1941

An Earnest Call

Proverbs 8

Both not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?” Verse 1.

There is something very important to be told, and it is given as though a person were standing to call, where all would hear,—from high places, in paths, in the streets, and by the gates, where many come and go, even at the doors.

“Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.” Verse 1, “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children.” Verse 32.

So this call of wisdom is for all to hear and very earnest. It is not about the wisdom we may get in schools, but is from the Lord.

“Hear, for I speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things... For wisdom is better than rubies; and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Verses 4,11. This Wisdom is so great that it says,

“By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.... I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me.” Verses 15-17.

So whoever wants to know this great Wisdom does not need to wait, but “early” shall find.

Then we read of this Wisdom being before the earth: read these next words with care:

“The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there was no depth, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth. Then I was by Him as One brought up with Him; and I was daily His delight ... .and My delights were with the sons of men. Whoso findeth Me findeth life ... ” Verses 22-25,30,31,35.

The next chapter tells of a supper which Wisdom prepares which teaches of the blessings ready for all who accept the call.

We may now understand this great call better than the wise king, for the One who had this wondrous wisdom has been on earth. It was Jesus, the Son of God, who came to tell the wisdom of God, and to call for all to hear and believe. When He was twelve years old, the wise men were astonished at His understanding (Luke 2:47). And later it was said of Him, “Never man spake like this man.” John 7:16, God said of Him:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (find all My delight) Matt. 3:17.

“He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God.” John 3:34.

One of the titles of the Lord Jesus is “The Word”. You know words tell us the thoughts of others, and Christ came to show God’s thoughts for people, He was the Living Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1: 1,2.

ML 02/09/1941

The Lord's Care

Part One

Helen was a Swiss girl who had Christian parents. They longed to see Helen saved, but their daughter loved the world, its pleasures and companions, and would not take heed when warned of the outcome.

A dear Christian friend was visiting Helen’s home, and had asked her again and again to cross the ocean to America with her. Helen’s parents wished her to go to break up an undesirable friendship she had made. Remember, evil commucations corrupt good manners.

Helen always refused her friend’s request. At last, one day, she said impiently, “O, yes! I will go,”

She did not really think she would go, but so many of her friends spoke to her of the trip, when the time came she saw she would have to go. Her friend Miss B. went before, and Helen was to follow shortly with Miss B.’s brother.

The vessel was so crowded that a passage could not be had in the same class as the brother, so Helen was obliged to travel in the steerage.

When the vessel arrived in New York, Helen was treated as a steerage passenger, and shipped off with all the immigrants to Ellis Island. Miss B. was awaiting her arrival in New York, and when she did not come, she went down to the Island. There she was told that Helen had been sent on to Boston, which was to be the end of her journey, as her ticket stated.

Helen had not gone to Boston however, for a man, who pretended to be a representative of the company, had asked her where she was going. She told him she must return to New York where her friends were waiting, but the company was sending her to Boston. He said he would take her to her friends and asked for her ticket. Helen gladly gave him the envelope, which contained her and all her money. As he returned the enbelope, she saw him pass something to a man standing next to him. She into her envelope and to her dismay the money was gone.

“Please return my money,” she begged earnestly, “I can go nowhere without it.’’

“I haven’t your money,” replied the man, “come with me and I’ll take you to your friends. If we cannot find them, I’ll take you to a hotel.”

“But,” answered Helen, “I have no money to pay the hotel.”

“Never mind,” said he, “I’ll attend to that, and you will soon get a place.”

He took her to a mission in New York, not far from the boat landing. Poor Helen, frightened and sad, she was without money and without friends, in a strange city! She knew not where she was going. But One, whose watchful eye never wearies, was looking at her. At the mission, Helen noticed familiar texts hanging on the wails. It was time for services, and imagine her surprise when the speaker read the same Scripture as her own dear father had read when she left her home in Switzerland. The hymn was the same her brother had sung. Helen thought of home and wept bitterly. The Lord began a work in her soul right there, which continued till she was happy in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as her Saviour.

“THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, BEHOLDING THE EVIL AND THE GOOD.” Prov. 15:3.

ML 02/16/1941

The Hollow of His Hand

Who hath measured the water in the hollow of his hand?’ Isaiah 40:12.

After reading these words, a little boy said, “Father if I were out to sea, and fell overboard, I should still be safe.”

“What makes you think so?” asked his father.

“Because I should still be in the hand of God,” replied the little boy.

ML 02/16/1941

"O, I Might Die Tonight"

While Percy was walking along the road he was knocked down by a motor car. When he was picked up, he was so terribly injured that he was rushed off in an ambulance to the hospital. After he had been attended to, doctor told the men to carry him to the ward.

“No, no,” said the boy, “I don’t want to stay here; O! please take me home.”

The doctor seeing his distress allowed him to be taken home. On his arrival his mother said to him,

“Why did you not stay in the hospital? Your body is so badly cut!”

“Never mind my body,” said Percy, “it is my soul I am worried about. O! do send for Uncle at once. O, Mother, I may die tonight, and I am not saved!”

Seeing his agitation, she sent at once for the uncle, but as he was not at home, his aunt went instead. She spoke to him of the Lord Jesus, until the uncle came, and then together they talked of God’s wonderful gift, and read to him John 3:16, 36.

About ten o’clock, after much exercise of soul, He exclaimed,

“I see it! I believe it I am not afraid now for I have the Lord Jesus: He won’t let me go I have seen Him tonight!”

The poor boy’s body was racked with pain, but not for one moment did he refer to it in the new-found joy of his salvation. His uncle thanked the Lord as he saw the reality of his nephew’s testimony. When Percy’s father came home he broke down on hearing the good news, from his boy.

A week or two later his mother wrote a letter to her father, a dear old servant of the Lord, in which she said,

“Percy is going on nicely; his wounds are not so painful, He is very happy; the Lord has indeed worked wonders. He is so different, he talks continually about Jesus, Who has found him. He longs to know more of Him that he may tell others of Jesus.

For some time of an evening we sit and talk of Him. The other night Percy read the precious texts he had marked, and then spoke to the children, not to put off the salvation of thir souls. “Come to Him at once,” he said, “Why I might have died that night. Think how terrible it would have been if not saved!” We sang hymns and then he said, “Nineteen years I have been without Him; now I want Him and him alone. No more picture-shows, no more trashy books, but His Word.”

O, dear boys and girls, and any who read this, are you ready to meet Him? Percy was brought face to face with death, and realized God was speaking to him. He came to Jesus, and will go to be forever with Him when He comes.

May He bless you all in reading, this true story, and may you too, find the joy of John 3:16.

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

ML 02/16/1941

The Old Story

Come, Kathleen, nestle near me, dear,

A story I’ll relate

Of Him whom you need never fear,

Although He is so great.

“Twas He who made the stars and sun,

And set them in their place;

‘Twas He who marked the course they run

In their appointed race.

The blade of grass we crush beneath

Our careless tread each day;

The mighty orb which rolls in space

Alike His power display.

Yet He, who was so very great,

A little child became;

He took on earth man’s low estate,

Despising all the shame.

He grew in stature and in grace,

The holy, harmless One;

Perfect He filled His lowly place

As Mary’s subject Son.

He cleansed the lepers, raised the dead,

Gave sight unto the blind;

The hungry multitude He fed—

He was so good and kind.

But who responded to His call,

Or to His word gave heed?

A few poor fishermen were all

Who felt and owned their need.

One way alone was left to save

A guilty, ruined race;

God’s righteous wrath the Son must brave,

Must take the sinner’s place.

And there upon the cross we see

The blest, eternal Son;

The One who made the earth and sea,

Who spake, and it was done.

That One! made sin upon the tree,

O miracle of grace!

Rejected and despised, that we

Might see His glorious face,

And dwell with Him and taste the joy

Of all that bliss above,

Where it shall be our blest employ

To sing His boundless love.

O trust in Him who loves you so,

And you shall happy be,

And more of His deep love shall know

Throughout eternity.

ML 02/16/1941

The Only Way

I was writing out a check for a rather rough sort of man, As I dated it, I said,

“Time is passing ciuickly, is it not?”

“Yes, it is.”

“And we are going with it.”

“Yes.”

“If you go to heaven at the end of your time, how will you get there?” I asked.

“Well, I only knows one way, and that is the Saviour,”

What a splendid answer it was, and so unexpected. It made me glad to think the man only knew one way to heaven and that was the right one, for the Lord Jesus said,

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

ML 02/16/1941

Right Weights

Proverbs 11 and 12

Some may think that the Lord does not notice how men sell articles, or so small things as the weights of the scales, but these proverbs tell that to be dishonest in such matters is a great evil to the Lord, called “abomination:”

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” Pro. 11:1.

Another proverb speaks of “divers weights”, which meant not using a correct weight for all, but making short weight now and then, or to one they thought would not notice. There are many ways of being dishonest, and the Lord sees those ways. There is something else which we might think no one would need to think about:

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast:” Prov. 12:10. So a man who wants to be right, will not overwork his horses or be cruel to animals. Another very great evil:

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

Sometimes it may seem hard to answer questions truthfully, either for boys and girls or for older people, but let us remember those who speak the truth are it “delight” to the Lord.

There is one special kind of work to be done for the Lord: to tell others of Him, that they may be “won” to Him:

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30.

If you read of the men who first heard that Jesus was “the Lamb of God,” the One to be offered for sin, you will read that one man, Andrew, went right away to tell his brother Peter, and brought him to Jesus. Andrew was “wise” to soul (John 1:41, 42).

You notice in the Proverbs a “wise” person believes wise words, and believes God; one called “foolish” does not believe or do the right way, and neglects or does not believe God.

Sometimes people have sorrow or trouble which causes the heart to be very, heavy, but “A good word maketh it glad.” Prov. 12:25. A boy or girl could speak such a word and cheer that one; the really “good” word is to tell them a verse from God’s Word.

What law did God give about weights? (Deut. 25:13-16).

Who “maketh a glad father” and who is “heaviness” (or sorrow) to his mother? (Prov. 10:1).

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22.

ML 02/16/1941

The Lord's Care

Part Two

Now let us return to Miss B. and see some more of God’s marvelous ways.

What was she to do? She had been told, you know, that Helen had been sent to Boston. The poor girl would have no one to meet her there, and Helen could speak no English.

Miss B. had moved since giving Helen her address. The house was now occied by strangers. A telegram to these people would be the best plan, she thought, asking them to take the stranger in, if she arrived at their house.

How was she to word this telegram so that the people would understand? She asked a policeman, but he was not able to help her. On her way to the boat-landing, Miss B. remembered having seen a mission. This would be a good place to go, and ask for advice, she thought. So she hastened her steps, and on arriving there, poured out her tale of woe to the Christian man in charge.

He asked the young woman’s name, and left the room. When he returned with Helen at his side, can you imagine the joy of that meeting!

This dear girl continually thanked the Lord for caring for her in such a wondeul way. She was happy, too, in the knowledge of having all her sins forgiven, washed away in the precious blood of Jesus.

“THOU, O LORD, ART A GOD FULL OF COMPASSION, AND GRACIOUS, LONG-SUFFERING AND PLENTEOUS IN MERCY AND TRUTH.” Psa. 86:15.

ML 02/23/1941

Put Yourself Down in the Third of John!

God, from all eternity, contemplated the salvation of sinners, and gave His beloved Son, the blessed One, who in His love. came to suffer, and bleed, and die.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (read John 3:1 to 16).

I said to one of a large household, “Mary, you look very happy this morng; 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,” she answered, “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.”

“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 begotton Son,’ that tells me that God loves me.”

Let me pause and ask you, dear children. Have you ever seen that? Have you ever put yourself in some truth of God like that? You complain of coldness and deadness, and say you cannot believe. Now, the reason is, you do not go to the truth—the very thing to be believed; you do not go down upon the Rock—the truth, as GOD speaks it to you for your salvation.

“But what more, Mary, makes you happy?”

“Ah, sir,” she replied, “the next line—it was that which brought me rest and peace—that ‘whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’”

“Then you believe that, Mary?”

“Yes, sir; I rest in that because God says it; and I am happy because there I see that Christ loved me, and died for me, and I have everlasting life,”

That is the whole English, the very alphabet and algebra of Salvation, everything a poor sinner wants—the comes to know the love of Christ. And now ask the Christian how he knows he is saved; he will tell you, because of such a truth as that—that God says it. The God of Truth declares,

“Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. I accept His testimony, rest on His Word, believe on His Son, and have the assurance that I am saved for eternity. Will you here and now do the same?

ML 02/23/1941

"That is Why I Know it."

A little boy of three years old once was imagining he was a preacher, and said a very remarkable thing. It was this:

“Would you like to go to hell? I should not, and I am not going there, but to be with Jesus, because He died for me, and He says so, and that is why I know it.”

O! if you would only be as simple as this little child, and say,

“He says so, and that is why I know it.”

Would you like to be saved? then I can tell you plainly how you may not only be saved, but also know it. You and I shall agree in this, that it is God we have sinned against—year after year, month after month, day after day—then it is from His hand I look for my punishment. Well, I have to learn what He means to do, for I deserve my sentence, death, and none can tell me but Himself. Where do I find His message? In the Bible. It is His Word to the poor sinner, just the same as if He spoke it to me. It is a wonderful message,

“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.

Sinner, what a message! And it is to you, for it says, “Whosoever,” which means any or everyone who reads the proclamation of love. Now what is it to “believe?” for that is the only condition God makes with the sinner. I will give you an example from the Word of God in Romans 4:3.

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Rom. 4:3.

What did he believe? what God told him, as you will see if you read the paage. Thus, we have only to believe what God tells us, and that is, He knows just vhat we are, as we find in Psa. 53:2,

“God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

“There is no difference, for all have sinned.” Rom, 3:22, 23.

And then He tells us in His love that He gave Christ to die for our sins, and why He must die, Who His ownself bare our sins in His own body on the tree.

Whose sins did He bear? Those who believe in Him, that is, believe what God tells him.

Then you see it all comes from God’s side, and we have nothing to do but thankfully receive His gift of eternal life, and full forgiveness of all our sins, on account of what Christ has done for us. And we will then live for Him.

ML 02/23/1941

Jesus Came to Save

I once heard of a little outcast girl, whose father and mother had died, and left her all alone in the world. She had no home, no one to love her, and no one to care anything for her. She had to go about the streets and beg, and was often tired wandering about, and ofteimes very hungry.

One day she came to a large farmhouse and asked for a piece of bread, being so hungry; and to be allowed to sit a while at the warm kitchen fire, for it was bitterly old, and she was but thinly clothed—the torn, tattered garments scarcely sufficient o cover the shivering child. The little pleader’s eyes filied with tears as she spoke to the lady of the house.

“Tell me,” said the lady, “where is your mother?”

“O,” said the little, cold, weary, hungry child, “I have no mother, no one cares for me; no one loves me at all. O! if some one would only love me, I would be so happy.” And again the tears ran down the thin, wan cheeks of the child. Softly and gently the lady drew the little outcast to her, kissed her, wiped her tears away, and whispered in her ear,

“Dear child, I will be a mother to you.”

This is a sweet picture of a love that has sought, found, and saved little outcasts, just like you. Ah! my dear young readers, the love of Jesus far surpasses a father or a mother’s love; for to seek, save, and bless you He came from the bosom of His Father. He has died on the cross because He loved you. Now, won’t you love him? He died to put away your sins; but, unlike the poor outcast little girl who sought a home and some one to love her, Jesus is seeking you, your love—your heart. He came to save you.

Will my dear young readers think of who Jesus is, and what He has done, and look to Him and be saved?

“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.

ML 02/23/1941

The Heart

A child a little garden had,

In which were sown good seeds;

The ground, however, was so bad,

It yielded naught but weeds.

Dear child, your heart is like the ground,

There’s nothing good within;

The only seed that there is found

And all its fruits, is sin.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart.” Jer. 17:9, 10.

ML 02/23/1941

Great and Small Matters

Proverbs 14-17

High up over a building of a large city of tins; land is a big board on winch are paind these words:

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people,” Prov. 14:34.

Those were words of the wise king, and are still good for the present time; perhaps not many read them, yet they have been proved true by many nations of which you may study in school. When the rulers and, people of a nation have tried to do justly, that nation has become great, but when sin was fully allowed, the people have become a reproach or shame.

The king gave much good advice for what we may think small matters, —as how people speak to one another; he said

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov. 15:1.

Some one speaks cross or displeased; we answer him sharp and quick; then there are more rough words. But if the first answer is quiet or “soft”, there will not be more rude words, anger will not be made more, or “stirred up,” for “grievous” words cause grief or trouble. Try a “soft” answer at home or at school, and see if it “turneth away” anger. Nice what the king said of pleasant words and a “merry heart”:

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 16:24.

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance,” and “doeth good like a medicine.” Prov, 15:13 and 17:22.

Doctors now often give such advice, but to be truly merry the heart must believe the Lord,

“Whoso trusteth the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20

“He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 16:15.

“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs (small plants) where love is, than a stalled (fattened) ox and hatred therewith,” Prov. 15:16, 17.

In old times men wore robes; and to draw lots, the names or numbers were written and thrown into the lap of a certain man, mixed about, and drawn out in turns. But notice who really chooses if He wishes to, even in pirhaps a small matter.

“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord,” Prov. 16:33.

Who is better than the mighty? and who is better than he that taketh a city? (Prov. 16:32).

A good proverb to learn:

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

ML 02/23/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Who art thou,” etc. Rom, 14:4.

2.“But what saith,” etc. 10:8.

3.“For I say.” etc. 12:3.

4.“Now to him,” etc. 16:25.

5.“Whose are,” etc. 9:5.

6.“O the depth,” etc. 11:33.

7.“For whatsoever,” etc, 15:4.

Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Galatians, 1.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He that soweth to the Spirit.”

2.Write in full the verse curtaining the words, “Who raised him from the dead.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Because ye are sons.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Redeemed us from the curse of the law.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Our liberty which we have ha Christ Jesus.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.”

7.What did God do “when the fullness of the time was come”?

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

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

2.Aquila and Priscilla. Rom. 10:3,4.

3.Until the fullness of the Gentiles be, come in. Rom. 11:25.

4.Romans 9:5.

5.Be subject. Rom. 13:1.

6.Romans 15:26.

7.If thou shalt confess with thy month the Lord Jesus, etc. Rom. 10:9.

Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class” The Answers are to be found in Galatains

1.Why was Paul afraid of the Galatians?

2.In Christ Jesus what availeth?

3.From what kind of a world has Christ divered us?

4.Why did Paul openly rebuke Peter?

5.How do we become children of God?

6. How do we avoid fulfiling the lusts of the flesh?

7. What do we reap when we sow to the flesh?

ML 03/02/1941

How the Poor Indian was Made Rich

A peacher had traveled far to reach his hearers, and spent long months in learning the Indian language, and winning their confidence.

On one occasion a goodly number of the tribe were assembled, and this dear saint of God was telling out the way of peace through Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He told of the life of love and the words of grace; the deeds of kindness and the acts of power. Then he spoke of the soows of Gethsemane and the sufferings of Calvary, explaining that the Son of God was there taking the guilty sinner’s place and dying in his stead, in order that the guilty one might be saved and for given.

On one at least of that strange company the Gospel message was having an effect. A tall Indian arose and with tears streaming down his face, he advanced towards the preacher and said:

“Did Jesus die for me—die for poor Indian?”

“Yes,” said the preacher, “Jesus died for sinners.”

“Then me give Jesus my rifle.”

“But Jesus does not want your rifle.”

“Poor Indian now no lands to give. White man taken them all away, but me give Jesus my dog and blanket as well as rifle, Poor Indian got no more to give.”

Then the preacher explained that Jesus had risen from the dead, and was not asng gifts, but that he was now at the right hand of God in heaven, and that he was waiting to give salvation to all who would really trust in Him.

Slowly the truth entered into the rough, untutored heart of the fierce son of the wilds; then he said,

“Here is poor Indian, he will give hielf in return for such wonderful love.”

You may be sure the preacher’s heart was thrilled by this simple confession of faith, and gladly he spent himself in fresh effort both to instruct the young believer, and also to win others for his Master.

Dear reader, have you, like this Indian given yourself to the Lord Jesus? If not, do not put it off, but come to Him just as you are. He says:

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

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

ML 03/02/1941

Sophie, the Young Collector

“Will you please give me a subscription for ‘The Poor Chiren’s Breakfast?’” said a little voice, as I opened the door, in answer to a gentle knock the other evening. The collector was so exceedingly small, that I could scarcely see her in the darkness, and so I asked her to come in. As she stepped inside the door, I found my visitor to be a girl of seven or eight, with a pretty, intelligent face, and a pair of bright blue eyes. After responding to her request, I said,

“And what do they say to the children after breakfast?”

“O! they sing hymns, and tell them about Jesus,” said my little friend a with smile.

“That’s good,” I said; and in order to find out the spiritual whereabouts of the interesting child, I added,

“I suppose you are one of His little lambs, are you?”

Her little face beamed with delight as she replied,

“Yes sir, I was converted nearly a year ago, at the Children’s Meetings held then, and have been a lamb of Jesus’ flock ever since then.”

Wasn’t that a delightful testimony?

There was a clear ring about it, and I found on making, inquiry, that Sophie, the little collector, was a Christian at school and at home, as well as at the Children’s Meetings. These are the marks of a true Christian.

Conversion first, by believing on the Lord Jesus: by receiving Him as Saviour.

Conduct—Christian conduct at school among companions; at home among brothers and sisters.

Consideration of others, seeking their blessing.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life.” John 10:27, 28.

ML 03/02/1941

Little Samuel.

Hannah asked the Lord for a little boy, and He gave her one. She called his name “Samuel,” and she loved him very much.

As soon as he was old enough, she took him to, Shiloh to present him to the Lord. When they arrived at the Temple, where, in those days, the people worshiped the Lord, Hannah said to Eli the High Priest.

“O, my lord, I prayed for the child, and the Lord has given me the petition that I asked of Him; therefore I have lent him to the Lord as long as he liveth! So he stayed in the Temple with Eli, and worshiped the Lord and served Him.

The Lord Himself came to Samuel one night and called him by his name, “Samuel!” he thought Eli had called him, so, he arose and went to Eli, but Eli had not called. When the Lord had called him the fourth time, he knew it was the Lord’s voice. Samuel said,

“Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” The Lord then told Samuel what He wanted him to know.

Samuel was a very obedient child, and he listened to what the Lord said to him, and he obeyed.

The Lord speaks to us now through His word, the Bible, and may we listen to His voice.

“INCLINE YOUR EAR, AND COME UNTO ME: HEAR AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE.” Isaiah 55:3.

ML 03/02/1941

A Strong Tower and a Mocker

Proverbs 18 and 20

Years ago men built towers by their city gates, and near highways, and in fields, to be used as forts or safe places in times of trouble. These were made of bricks or stones and were very strong, and if a man saw an enemy coming, he would run swiftly to a tower, and the watchman would let him in.

We now have a fierce enemy, Sin, and we need a safe place; these proverbs tell what is as a strong tower:

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe” (“is set aloft”, margin). Proverbs 18:10.

The “righteous” are those who believe God; He sets their hearts above trouble. He gave His Son to be their Saviour, a “safe tower”. The angel said,

“Thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt, 1:21.

God is now waiting for all who will, to believe in His Son, but at last will punish all sin; so, do not delay to “run” to Jesus as a safe “tower”, trust “Him now.

“He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life: and He that believeth not the.Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him.” John 3:36.

Even now those who call upon the name of the Lord in times of trouble, fad they have a “strong tower”. The Lord Jesus must also be the true Friend meant in this proverb:

“There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24.

What is a mocker? One who ridicules, laughs at, or imitates another scornfully. Here is a proverb calling something which cannot speak or laugh, a “mocker”; you may wonder at that:

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not wise,” Proverbs 20:1.

A little wine can help one ill, or very weary, as a medicine (Prov. 31:6), but if a person drinks much, he only feels a craving for more; and more does not satisfy nor do good; instead, he has headache, a stupid mind, and often his body is quite helpless. That is how he is “mocked,” thinking to have pleasure, when he really has sorrow. Sometimes people give these drinks to boys and girls, so remember the warning, “Wine is a mocker”, and be “wise”, and not “deceived.” The Lord is able to help any who have been so deceived, with a desire for better things, if they put their trust in Him. Notice this question:

“Who can, say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Prov. 20:9.

There have never been any who could say they have made their heart pure; only the Lord can clear from sin.

If a man does not plant his field in the spring, what will he do in harvest? (Pro. 20:4).

What did the king say about a child? (Pro. 20:11).

Who made the “hearing ear”, and the seeing eye? (Pro. 20:12).

What is the glory of young and old men? (Pro. 20:29).

ML 03/02/1941

A Lesson in Ship Building

Little Fred listens with interest to grandpa’s instructions as to how the ship should be built. Although a thorough knowledge of some kind of trade or profession is very useful for every one, there is a lesson of far greater importance, and that is to learn to attend to whatever God tells us.

We must pay the utmost attention to the very first step in this lesson, for if we do not learn it properly, we shall never be able to learn anything else in the things of God.

This first step of such moment is to believe our great need of a Saviour, and God’s love in providing that Saviour. We are all aware that we have sinned: we have had wrong thoughts in our minds, we have said things which we should not have said, and we have done things we should not have done. These three ways of sitting are probably used by us every day of our lives. If we multiply every day we have lived by three, we shall see the least number of sins we have. One man counted up, and found out he had sinned 70,000 times, and no doubt many more than that. Yet many people consider themselves good enough to go to heaven.

It is not alone what men call sins that we need he concerned about, but it is all that will not come up to God’s holiness. What a great measure that is, and what great sinners it shows us up to be.

How then, can we be saved? Ah, God has not only shown what we are, but has also shown us what we need, and has provided for that need. We need a Saviour, and God has given His only begotten Son to the in our stead and thereby save us. Those sins that are many, may all be forgiven us through Jesus having paid the debt, in giving His life in our place.

“THROUGH THIS MAN (JESUS) IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 03/09/1941

God Answers Prayer

Not long ago there was a poor man, who, through sickness, had been unable to give his family their usual supply of food, He lived in a lonely cottage, half a mile from any of his neighbors, He had struggled on without asking relief, till starvation was at the door. The man had no money, and there was nothing but bare need in his little cottage.

Night came, and the family went to bed hungry, and very hungry they rose in the morning. But there was nothing to eat. What could they do? They could cry to the God of the needy, and He heard their cry.

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psa, 34:7-9.

The neighbors could not hear the cry of the desolate family, but God, who could hear and did hear, put a thought of them into the heart of a kind lady. The thought was this—go at once, and carry some food to the poor cottage on the hill.

And as the thought troubled her, though it was early in the morning, and the lady had had no breakfast, she started at once on her errand.

When she reached the door, she heard His poor man praying and saying,

“O Lord, help me. Lord, Thou wilt help me, Thy promise cannot fail; although my wife and children have no food to eat, and it has been a whole day since we have had any, I know Thou wilt supply our needs,”

The lady then opened the door, and gave the answer the needy man was expecting.

Yes,” she said, “God will supply your needs, and He has sent you this.”

All God’s gifts remind us that He loves us, and is ready to give perfect and eteal gifts.

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

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

ML 03/09/1941

My Birthday

There were two little boys standing at a fire; one was called Alick, and the other Willie. Alick was ten years old, and Willie only six.

“Willie,” said Alick, “it is just a year and a half since I began to live.”

“And I have not begun to live yet,” said Willie in a sad voice.

Do you know what these two little boys meant? Alick meant it was just a year and a half since he had learned to love Jesus, and poor Willie meant that he did not love Jesus, that he was not converted or “born again” at all, and this made him very miserable; indeed, so miserable that a kind friend noticed his sad face, and found out the cause of all his trouble. He soon found for him that beautiful verse,

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life;” and Willie believed this, and it made him so happy.

He took a pencil and paper, and copied out the whole verse, which he called his text. He then took every Bible in the house, and marked the verse with his pencil, so that he might always be able to find it in any of the Bibles.

Now, the day Willie believed in Jesus was his “new birthday,” We are not all converted in the same way that Willie was. Perhaps we may have been at a preaching, or at a children’s meeting; or it may have been at our mother’s knee, while she told us of the love of Jesus; or perhaps it was when we were quite alone that we felt unhappy about our sins, and found that Jesus had borne them all away—that He had died for us, and was our precious Saviour.

And some little children do not know when their birthday was at all; because God was so kind to them that He put them in a happy home with a mother who loved Jesus, and who taught them about His love, and trained them up for Him as soon as ever they had any sense at all, and so they have always known about Jesus and loved Him, and tried to please Him even before they can remember. So these little children do not know when their new birthday was; but that does not signify, for they know Jesus, and that proves they have one, though they do not know when it was; for the Bible says:

“He that hath the Son, hath Life,” and God knows when it was.

There was once a little girl who had to write out a list of the names of Jesus. She could only remember a few, but last of all she put,

“And He is my own dear Saviour.” This little girl had a “new birth” day, or she could not have written this.

Now, without this “new birthday” we can never get to heaven, for Jesus says we “must be born again.”

When we are born into this world we have only got a bad nature, which, as we grow older, shows itself in all kinds of sins. So that even a little baby, who has never done anything naughty, has a bad nature, and when a baby dies and goes to heaven, it does not go there because it is “a little angel,” but because Jesus “came to save that which was lost” (Matt. 18: 11), and this little baby was “lost” when it was born. But when we are born again, we receive a new and holy nature like Christ’s, a nature that cannot sin (1 John 3:9).

Our first birthday is the beginning of our life on this earth; it is the beginning of a short life, lasting at most but a few years. But our “new birth” day is the beginning of an eternal life in our souls; it is the beginning of a life that belongs to heaven and not to this earth at all—an endless life that can never die, that can never be lost.

“Being born again, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

ML 03/09/1941

When You Pray

Don’t forget the little children.

In-the lands so far away;

Many have not heard of Jesus—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

Jesus loves all little children,

Tell them of Him while you may;

Does not matter what the color—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

Jesus knows their many trials,

Cruelties that hold full sway,

By their heathen parents tortured—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

Jesus died for little children,

All their sin to wash away;

They have only to believe Him—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

Jesus calls the little children,

Suffer them to come today;

He will gently draw them to Him—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

If you cannot go and teach them,

You can help them in this way;

You can tell it all to Jesus—

Don’t forget them when you pray.

ML 03/09/1941

"The Accepted Time."

Under whatever pious pretence, don’t allow the devil to cheat you out of your soul. He knows you “intend” to be saved sometime; but he wishes you to put off the settling of the question until a “convenient season.”

You never can have a more convenient season than the present. No longer procrastinate. No longer allow yourself to be deceived with the lie that God is unwilling to save you NOW.

Give “trying,” “working,” and “striving.” God loved the world, and gave Christ to die for our sins. The Lord Jesus received our penalty and paid our debt, and those who believe on Him are saved. He will save hou now.

“Through this Man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe, are justified from all things.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 03/09/1941

A Good Name and Sure Words

Proverbs 22

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Pro. 22:1.

If a boy is named James, and his sister named Mary, we would say they had good names. But this is not what this proverb means; it does not mean the name your parents chose for you, but rather, one you make for yourself. When you play games or run errands and others find you can be trusted, you will have the “name” of being honest, or a “good name”. So a “good name” speaks of a good character, which is better than riches; and favor or kindness, is worth more than silver and gold.

Yet good names or character will not make us fit for heaven. There is sin in our hearts, even though we try to do good. God knew this and sent His Son, Who was perfect in all His ways on earth, to die, that those who believe in Him, may be known by His good name.

“There is none other name (Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must he saved,” Acts 4:12.

TO choose the good Name of the Lord Jesus, is surely far better than to choose riches, and His kindness is beyond silver and gold. After we have chosen. His good Name we should do good for the sake of His Name, instead of for our names.

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Pro. 22:15.

A child is not wise, and to want its own way is “bound” in its heart, even although it might even hurt itself by having its way. The Lord wants all to learn to do the right; that is why wrong ways are to be corrected, that children will early learn good ways, and not bring trouble to themselves and others.

This is what we arc to do with wise words; read this carefully:

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal he fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge. That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Pro. 22:17-21.

Those “words of truth” are God’s Words, which He has had written that we may know for certain of His Ways.

“Bow thine ear”, means to listen; “apply thine heart”, means to truly believe; “Keep them within thee,” means to think about. Then God’s Words will be “fitted in thy lips” to tell to others.

ML 03/09/1941

The Rabbit

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

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

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

If that little rabbit only knew that it was a trap he was about to enter, he would not go in, but he does not know it, and he is enticed by the food that is put in sight. And that is the way that Satan tries to do; he puts something attractive before people to lead them on and on, till he gets them into that which will Dear had results.

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

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

ML 03/16/1941

The Song on the Steamer

Crossing the Atlantic on a large mail steamer a few years ago, was a little girl with her parents on a visit to Canada. Concerts were held among the passengers, and the pretty child was asked to sing. To this the parents would not give their consent, for they were Christians, and did not allow their little daughter to sing the world’s songs, or mingle in company where they were sung. One evening she disappeared, and much to her parents’ surprise she returned with the story that she had been invited by a lady to accompany her to the concert where she had sung. The parents at first were grieved, but when they learned that she had sung

“I am so glad that Jesus loves me,”

which was entirely new then, they thanked God for the courage given to their child, and prayed that He would bless the message to those who heard it, Imagine their surprise, when after the service held on deck the following Sunday, several ladies came along and asked the little singer to sing them “another sweet hymn,” to which she gladly consented, singing this time,

“Nothing either great or small,

Nothing sinner, no,

Jesus did it, did it all:

Long, long ago.”

Many of the passengers attracted by the sweet voice, gathered around, and before the hymn, so full of simple, precious Gospel truth was finished, many a handkerchief was used to wipe tears from the eyes of the wondering listeners, to some of whom at least, that was the first simple Gospel message that had ever come. Eternity will tell the full result, but it was known before the voyage ended, that one heart was won for the Saviour, one soul saved by the gald tidings thus simply set forth by that saved child.

The Gospel has a wondrous power, there is nothing in the whole world like it. It convicts of sin, it converts to God: it brings pardon to the guilty, peace to the troubled, joy to the sad. It tells of present salvation for the lost, and eternal glory for the saved. It brings the believing sier to God, to Christ, to be a son, a seant of God.

Have you been converted by its power, reader; if not, why not? You will never hear a better story, never know a grander theme. If you neglect or despise it, you will perish eternally, and your deepest lament will be your own folly in not bieving the Gospel of God. If you do believe it and have been saved by it, then “tell it out” to others as did that saved child on the deep sea long ago.

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

ML 03/16/1941

A Coward

A coward Tom! That’s what you are! Why don’t you strike him, and not walk away so, and let him call you names? Catch me to take it so quietly! I would let him know who he had to fight. O, you are a coward!”

“Was Jesus Christ, our Saviour, a coward, Jack? And what did He do when He was scourged, and struck in the face, and even spit upon? Did He strike back? Or, when He was reviled, did He do the same? No! we are told that He answered not a word; but when on the cross, in suffering and agony, He prayed God to forgive them! Shall we not try and follow His example? I intend to try as far as I can to be like Jesus, meek and gentle, and forbearing and forgiving. I have not done anything to offend Will, only refused to play truant with him, and advised him to go to school too, when he struck me, and because I did not strike him back, he called me names.”

What effect, do you think, my little reader, this good boy’s conduct and words had upon the other two? I will tell you. Will walked up to Tom, and told him that he was sorry that he had struck him, and that he would go to school with him. Jack joined them, and said he had never thought before that Jesus had set an example not to fight; and that he would remember it, and also the good effect of his young companion’s words and conduct, which had explained it to them; and that he would read his Bible more. Who knows how much more good this may do him?

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32.

ML 03/16/1941

How Little Willie Got Rid of His Sins

A little boy, the son of a neighbor, knocked at my door, and wished to shake hands with me. The little fellow seemed very happy—he was smiling all over. I asked him,

“Are you happy, Willie?”

“Yes, sir, I am very happy,” said the little fellow.

“And what makes you so happy, Willie?”

“Just because I’m saved sir; and Jesus makes me happy.”

“But how do you know that you are saved, my boy?” I asked.

“Because Jesus says in His own Word, that if I come to Him; and believe that He died upon the cross to save me, I shall not perish, but have everlasting life. And I have come to Jesus, and I do believe on Him, and He says I am saved.”

“But have you not sinned against God, Willie, and done many naughty things?

How do you expect to get rid of all these?”

The dear boy looked perplexed for a moment; then, looking into my face, he said in a grave, subdued tone,

“Yes, I have sinned against him, but Jesus has taken them all away by His precious blood, and God says they are all forgiven.”

Happy boy! He had grasped the blessed fact that Christ had died for him, and that, although he was a sinner, the blood of Christ had taken his sins away.

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

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isa, 53:6.

ML 03/16/1941

Saviour, Thou Art Coming

Saviour, Thou art coming,

Coming very soon;

Suddenly, some morning,

Eve, or night, or noon.

Quickly, in a moment,

We shall quit the earth;

See Thee in Thy beauty,

Glory, grace and worth.

Then, O, wondrous blessing!

We shall be like Thee,

Never more have sorrow,

E’er from sin be free.

Then, with Thee in glory,

Brightly we shall shine;

Know Thy love more fully—

Love so true, divine.

Yet, alas! how many

All this joy will miss;

Only those who love Thee

Can with Thee have bliss.

Lord, we’ve many loved ones,

For whose fate we fear;

Show them Thy salvation,

Give the hearing ear;

That, when Thou, descendest

For us in the air,

And we rise to meet Thee,

They, too, may be there.

ML 03/16/1941

Wise Words

Proverbs 23

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties.” Prov. 23:1-3.

Those may seem strange words, but it is not a real knife that is meant. If you were at a feast where there was much nice food, and you ate a large portion of all you liked, afterward you would be very uncomfortable and perhaps ill. That is why we need to check, or “put a knife”, to our appetites when at a table with much fine food.

This is true of other things, as well as dainty foods, even exercise which is neeul, yet if much time is given to it or to pleasures, we will not have time, or energy, or wish to do things for the Lord or to learn His Word. The finest things of this world can last only for a time, but what is done for the Lord and what is learned of Him will last forever. Let us each think if there is not something we could do without, and instead, do somhing for the Lord.

When the people of Israel went into Canaan, they had shares of the land as God directed, and the boundaries were marked. If a father died, his children were to have his share. The people were told not to change the boundary marks, nor to take from the fatherless (Joshua 18:10; Num. 27:8; Deut. 19:14). Dishonest men sometimes moved the stones which marked the fields, and took from the fatherless. This proverb was needed:

“Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee.” Prov. 23:10, 11.

This shows it is never right to be dishonest, or to take froth those who are poor and helpless.

There is another lesson for us to learn in this proverb: instead of land, God has now given His people the complete Scriptures; there are men who would change the truths, as the men moved the boundary marks; or keep God’s Words from people, as those who took from the fatherless.

But the Lord is a Mighty Redeemer, and His children, although poor, can trust Him.

One proverb tells of some things ‘to buy, but never to sell:

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, instruction, and understanng.” Prov. 23:23.

It costs something (though perhaps not money) to always tell and believe what is true, so you see we really “buy” the truth. If we tell or willingly believe what is untrue to gain something for ourselves, or because that is the easiest way, we really are “selling” the truth. It also costs care and work to get wisdom, instruction, and understanding. And we are not to give these up, or “sell” them, but to learn more. Here are five questions with one answer:

“Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow Who hath contentions? Who haft wounds without cause? Who ha.h redness of eyes?” This is the answer,

“They that tarry long at the wine: ‘they that go to seek mixed wine.” “At last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder.” Prov, 23:29-32.

An adder is a very poisonous serpent, and the effects of wine and strong drinks to a person are as dreadful as the bites of serpents.

ML 03/16/1941

Learning to Walk

The baby kittens are getting old enough to play and run about, and are having much fun with the ball of yarn that has dropped out of the drawer.

And little Buddy is taking his first step. How proud he looks as he tries for the first time, with his mamma’s help, to walk.

If his mother should let go of him, what would happen? Very likely he would fall. He needs her help.

So it is with the young Christians. When we believe on the Lord, our spiritual life begins. We are babes in Christ. Then we learn to walk in a way pleasing to God, and without His help we must surely fall.

So we must put all our confidence in Him, and not trust our own strength.

“Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.” Psa. 119:117.

“For I, the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee fear not: I will help thee.” Isa. 41:13.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor,” Eph. 5:1, 2.

ML 03/23/1941

"Nobody Ever Told Me That."

How were you brought to know Christ as your Saviour?” I said to a gardener who kept trim many of the little gardens in the neighborbrood, and whom I knew to be a Christian.

“Seeing a man’s life did it,” he replied. I looked at him inquiringly, and he went on, “I was very fond of Sunday school when I was a boy, and when I left I determined I would lead a good life. I found, however, that I could riot keep myself right. I don’t think any one can till he gets Christ.

“Seeing this man’s life, was the turng-point with me. He worked in a signal-box on the railway. I went to him one day, and asked him if he would give me some oil for my bicycle.

“‘No, Fred. I am sorry I can’t,’ he said.

“‘Why not?’ said I. ‘You’ve plenty there?’

“‘Yes, but it belongs to the railway company, and it would not be right for me to give it away.’

“This, and other similar things about him, made a great impression on me. I longed to live a life like his, and I tried—tried to live a Christian life before I was a Christian, and I could not do it. I saw I was a sinner.”

“But you knew the way to be saved?”

“No, I did not. Nobody ever told inc that! I got peace at last through a sermon. I can’t remember the text, or a word that was said, but what I got out of it was, that Christ had died for me, and I was overjoyed.”

It is sad that any should be able to say, “Nobody ever told me that. No one ever told me that Christ had died and shed His blood on Calvary’s Cross to atone to God for in sins; and that on the ground of His atonement for me, God was offering me the full forgiveness of all my sins, if only I would turn to Him as a lost sinner.”

Alas! many Sunday school teachers have never turned God, and know nothing of the full, free salvation He offers to all who do so. These, guided by their own natural reason and judgment, will teach the boys and girls that salvation must be earned before it can be gained; that their being saved can only be the result of their being “good.”

God’s Word teaches me that I am saved solely by what Christ has done for me.

“His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“Through this Man (Christ Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him, all that believe are justified from all things.’’ Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 03/23/1941

Living or Withered

Some time ago a clematis and a honeysuckle were planted on each side of the door of a house, and it was very interesting to watch the growth of both.

Soon afterward the family went away. for a week, and on their return eagerly looked to see what progress the two plants had made.

The honeysuckle was strong and healthy, but all that remained of the clematis was a withered stem, with dried up buds and leaves.

What was the cause of this? Both had received the same rain, and the same sunshine.

So the clematis was dug up and emined, and the source of the trouble was discovered—a wire-worm was found at the root eating away the life of the plant.

There are two things in the destruction of the clematis that we do well to note—first, the worm was only a very small thing to have caused such damage; and secondly, it was hidden from sight—doing the work of destruction unseen!

As the poor clematis was thrown away—worthless—it reminded me of how our lives are sometimes spoiled for God by the small, hidden things which Satan so often uses to entrap those who kmw the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

It matters not what the thing is, whether large or small, the enemy of our souls well knows our special weakness, and will see to it that we constantly have that particular weakness to face. There are many hidden things, which if allowed will spoil our service for God. I will only mention one, and that is, unprofible reading. I am not thinking of had books now; possibly the hedges of love which surround us keep us from those; nor yet the necessary educational books in connection with school life. I mean the “no harm” books and papers, so called. The enemy has many agents who write attractively for young people—simple stories and useful knowledge to begin with, then a little untrue light reading, which usually leaves a thirst for more. So a periodical or book is taken regularly, or a library is joined so as to provide more constant reading, and as the books increase, so does the thirst!

How true are the words of the Lord Jesus in John 4:13,

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.”

I believe that the constant reading of that which is untrue affects the mind to a great extent, so that there is little or no appetite for the Scriptures, and valuable time is lost winch perhaps is never regained. In the 4th chapter of Philippians, verse 8, we read, “Whatsoever things are true,... think on these things”; and as we usually think. about what we read, it is very important to read what is true.

Dear young reader, do not be like the clematis, slowly, secretly, and silently, spoiled by a worm, but as you give your heart to the Lord Jesus at your conversion give also your spare time, much or little, to the things which will abide when everything in this-wodd will have passed away.

“The words of the Lord are pure words.” Psa. 12:6.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105. “The Word of the Lord endureth forever.” 1 Peter 1:25.

ML 03/23/1941

God Cares

Winnie laid away her largest, rosiest apple to give to a sick girl. “What do you do that for?’’ asked Johnnie.

“Because I want to please God, and He likes me to be kind to sick people.”

“Do you think God cares about such little things?” said Johnnie. “Isn’t He busy taking care of big things? He has to make the sun rise and set, and to make things grow, and keep people alive. Would He have time to care for a little sick girl?”

Winnie pointed to mamma, who was just then lifting the baby from the crib. “Do you think mamma is so busy with the big folk that she forgets the baby? Of course not; she thinks of baby first, because he is so little that he needs her most. Don’t you think God knows how to love as mothers?”

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

“Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt. 10:31.

ML 03/23/1941

"I am Very Happy."

O! I am very happy,

For Jesus died for me;

I love Him for His kindness

In dying on the tree.

O, yes! I’m very happy,

For Christ has pardoned me;

How great His loving-kindness

In dying on the tree.

ML 03/23/1941

A Field with Thorns and Nettles

Proverbs 24

One day a wise king went for a walk, and he saw a field covered with thorns and nettles, instead of with good grain and vines. The king said,

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of undetanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.” Prov. 24:30, 31.

If we saw such a field, we might think the owner was away or ill, but the king knew it belonged to a slothful man, one who was careless, and did not like to do his work; he had not pulled out the weeds when small, and soon they covered over, or choked out, his grain and vines; when stones had fallen out of his wall, he had not replaced them, so the wall was broken down; animals could come in and spoil his grain and vines. The man and his family would have little or no food from that field and vineyard.

Perhaps, at first, the man thought the weeds in his field did not matter; some weeds have pretty leaves and some even have a stunted flower; but at last they develop hard, sharp thorns and stickers which are very troublesome, and we would not like to walk in such a field.

The wise king thought about that field, and of why it was so spoiled; he said,

“I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.” Prov. 24:32-34.

The king knew that while the man who owned the field had each day been sleeping a little longer and keeping his hands folded, or idle, a little more, the thorn and thistles had steadily been growing and crowding out the good plants. The man would at last be in poverty, as a traveler at last comes to the end of his journey; and the man would be in as helpless as if overpowered by an armed man.

We, too, may learn a lesson from that wasted field: to be prompt in our work, instead of idle and careless. Then them is another lesson for us: our lives are like a field; we have God’s Words to be as food for our souls. If day after day we are little careless, and neglect to read or of God’s Word; and let careless ways come in our lives, perhaps say cross words; or read untrue stories, or form other had habits, little by little our lives will be filled by the careless ways, they will be the “thorns and thistles” to crowd out good things. We will be very poor in the Words of God, and have none for those whom we could help. The Lord looks at our lives, as the king looked at the field, and we will he ashamed if we are “slothful” of His Word, and of what is for Him.

ML 03/23/1941

Protection

O you naughty dog, for hurting my kitty! I will not let you get near her again.”

So she took kitty in her arms and on her lap for protection, as she looked at the dog with an expression of “I don’t like you.”

It seems as if nearly every creature has a torment. Dogs torment cats, and cats torment birds, etc; but who do you think is your enemy? I expect that many of you can readily answer, “It is Satan.” That is true, and there is a place of safety provided for us, where Satan cannot reach us, and where is that? I believe some will he able to tell me where that is,

“Safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Have you, dear reader, gone to the Lord Jesus Christ and put your trust in Him? If you have, you may trust Him for everything, and rejoice in His readiness and ability to save you from sin and Satan, and to lead you in the paths of righteousness.

“IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN.” Psa. 118:8.

ML 03/30/1941

Only a Step

Arthur and his mother lived alone, his father had been dead many years, and the rest of the family had grown up, and started homes of their own. Of course they were devoted to each other, and Arthur was all that his mother could wish him to be, except in one respect. He loved his mother, but had not yet begun to love his mother’s Saviour; he was obedient to her, but had not yet obeyed the Gospel.

One Sunday night, he was about 14 at the time, he went with his mother to a Gospel meeting. I was the preacher that night, and remember it well Several times in it I quoted the words:—

“It’s only a step to Jesus;

Why not take it now?”

These words fastened themselves upon young Arthur’s mind, and when he turned in to bed that night he could not get rid of them. They would not let him sleep. And that night he thought over the whole question. Should he take that step? Jesus called him, and had a right to his young life; he knew that he ought to, for he was a sinful boy and needed the Saour; he knew he ought to, for otherwise his life would be wasted, and if he did not come at all, his soul would be lost.

The night wore on, and Arthur heard the clock down stairs strike ten, eleven, and twelve. It was then that his decision was made; he made it on his knees beside the bed, and then when it was made, he ran into his mother’s bedroom. “Why, Arthur,” she said, “What is the matter?” “I’ve come to tell you, mother, that I’ve taken the step,” he said. “It was only a step to Jesus, and I’ve taken it,”

That made his mother happy and it made Arthur happy, too, and there was joy in heaven; and I rejoiced, when heard about it. I expect the only one who was sorry was the devil; for he does not want any one to be saved. The Lord Himself told us, when the Word of God is preached, “then cometh the devil, and taketh the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe, and be saved.” Luke 8:11.

“It’s only a step to Jesus.”

Boys and girls, can any of you who have not taken it, give any reason why you should not do so NOW?

ML 03/30/1941

Labor Made Light

Wash day is always a toilsome one, and well it is if strength and endurance are possessed, so that its labors can be gone through without too much exhaustion.

The temper is often tried on such occions, and the Christian needs mercy and grace for the time of need, when this work has to be undertaken; But with Christ there is a full supply, as the following story shows.

Susie W—had lost her father. Her mother was quite an invalid, and as Susie was the eldest daughter of a large family, the burden of responsibility and work fell almost entirely upon her.

I was visiting her mother one day. Susie had been brought to know and trust the Saviour only a few months previously.

Mrs. W—showed me some lines that her daughter had written, referring to a hard wash-day. I asked permission to copy them and pass them on. Remember, that they were written by one who was but “a babe” in the family of God, only a few months old!

This “looking away to Jesus” is a wonderful thing if it enables a poor tired girl with a headache to finish up a hard day’s’s washing with “a glad and grateful song,” it must be well worth trying! And so it is. Heart occupation with Christ in glory is a real thing; and it works.

ML 03/30/1941

What Susie Wrote

I was feeling, O! so tired,

My head was aching too;

For the day had seemed a long one,

With so many things to do.

“O! shalt I ever finish?”

I murmered with a sigh;

Indeed the work seemed endless,

I felt that I could cry.

Suddenly these words came to me,

As if whispered in my ear:

“‘Tis rest in looking upward,

Upon His face so fair.”

Then I looked away to Jesus,

Away from all any care,

Away to where He dwelleth.

In glory bright and fair.

And the beauty of the Saviour

Burst on my longing gaze,

And I seemed to see God’s glory

Shine in His blessed face.

And that sight so grand, so glorious,

Filled me with joy divine,

As I whispered, in my gladness

“I am His, and He is mine.”

I forgot that I was tired,

That the day had seemed so long;

And the weary task was finished

With a glad and grateful song.

Do you ever feel so burdened.

With a heavy load of care?

Is the daily task and worry

Often more than you can bear?

Let your eyes look off to Jesus,

Let His beauty hold your gaze;

And He’ll fill your heart with gladness,

And your lips shall sing His praise.

“Rejoice in th eLord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.

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

ML 03/30/1941

"The Sunshine Class"

I want to tell you about a Bible class for girls which I lead on Wednesday afternoons from 5 to 6 P. M. We call it the “Sunshine” class.

The girls just love those tracts and “The Messages of the Love of God”, and take them to their homes. Even the mothers of some of the girls are interested in the papers.

Last April I suggested that these girls hold a prayer meeting before Sunday school on Sunday afternoons. They were pleased at the idea, and so now every Sunday afternoon they hold their own prayer meeting conducted by the girls themselves. O! it is so lovely to see them all gathering for their very own prayer meeting.

ML 03/30/1941

Josiah

2 Kings 22, 23.

Josiah was but eight years old

When he a king was made;

But for the Lord he soon was bold,

Of naught but sin afraid.

The more he knew His will and Word,

The humbler he became;

His heart was tender, and was stirred

To glorify His name.

He evil quenched, and others taught

In God’s most holy Word;

And in His walk and ways be sought

To own and serve the Lord.

He turned not to the left or right

Unto his dying day,

But walked well-pleasing in His sight

Till he was called away.

Why should not we, who still are young,

Turn thus unto the Lord;

And find ourselves thus blest among

All those who fear His Word?

The only happy life to live

Is having Christ as ours;

To love Him, and ourselves to give

To Him with all our powers.

ML 03/30/1941

What a King's Men Copied

Proverbs 25

For many years the writings which God wanted people to know, were kept in the temple at Jerusalem. When King Solomon lived, the temple was new and in beautiful order, as God directed, but some later kings did not honor God, and took away gold from the temple, and left it in confusion. But there was a young king who loved the Lord, and he ordered men to put all in good order (2 Chron. 29).

Some of his men copied over part of the proverbs of King Solomon. We are not told if those writings had been torn or soiled, but anyway, those men valued and saved them, and some of the proverbs were so important they are repeated in the New Testament.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Pro. 25:2.

God has “hidden” His truths in the Scriptures. We now have them complete in our own homes, but the teachings can be lost or spoiled for us if neglected. We should be like the young king and his men, searching out God’s words for ourselves and others. It is an honor God gives.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Verse 11.

It must be a word of the Lord’s spoken to help another, which is beautiful as gold apples in silver pictures.

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; if he be thirsty give him water to drink; For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.” Prov. 25:21; 22.

What do you suppose “coals of fire” mean? Food and water are good, but hot coals on the head would burn and hurt. Sometimes a boy purposely hurts and makes fun of a smaller boy; suppose one day the older boy had no lunch and was very hungry; and the younger boy gave him a generous part of his lunch; would not the rude boy feel ashamed? He would remember his own bad acts, and they would, trouble or “burn”; in his mind, as coals would on the head. So this proverb teaches that kindness is the best way to treat any who do us wrong, and trust the Lord to reward the right.

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feel him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Rom. 12:20.

“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Prov. 25:25.

We like to have good news from friends far away. The best news ever heard is the story of God’s love in sending His, Son. When He was born the angel said,

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11.

Do you know someone to whom you could tell the good news of the Saviour?

“What was the name of the king whose men copied these proverbs? (Prov. 25:1).

What is useless as a broken tooth, or a foot out of joint? (Prov. 25:19).

If a person is angry, with “no rule over his own spirit”, what is he like? (Prov. 25:28).

“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our, learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4.

ML 03/30/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“I beseech you,” etc, 1 Cor. 16:15.

2.For God is not,” etc, 14:33.

3.“Therefore let,” etc. 3:21

4.“And whether,” etc. 12:26.

5.“If others be,” etc. 9:12.

6.“What? Know ye not,” ect. 6:19.

7. “For the preaching,” etc. 1:18.

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, “Even when we were dead in sins.”

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

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Holy and without blame before him in love.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Children, obey your parents.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Followers of God, as dear children,”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That we henceforth be no more children.”

7.What does Paul, “the prisoner of the Lord”, beseech?

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. Of the gospel, 1 Cor. 9:14.

2. Peace in all the churches. 1 Cor. 14:53,

3. The first day of the week. 1 Cur. 16:2.

4. No. 1 Cor, 1:17.

5. Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 3:11.

6 The Lord of glory. 1 Cola 2:8,

7. Till he comes. 1 Cor. 11:26.

Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found Ephesians

1.What is God’s habitation thru the Spirit?

2. Where are our spiritual blessings?

3.What verse lists five things that we as sinners lacked?

4.For what saints are we to supplicate?

5. To Whom are we to sing and make melody?

6. What is said about corrupt cornmunication?

7. In what attitude are we to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit?

ML 04/06/1941

A Great Discovery

Mbutu is an orphan boy who lives in Central Africa. Before coming to the Mission station, he lived with his uncle whose business was to obtain rubber in the depths of the forest. He used to make long journeys in search of the creeper from which the rubber is obtained.

These rubber-getters have to travel so far into the forest that they prefer to beat out the rubber and prepare it for sale where they find it, rather than carry the creepers all the way back to their villages. Mbutu often went with his uncle on these rubber-hunting expeditions, and sometimes camped in the forest for months together, with nothing but a leaf but or shed as protection from the rain and storms.

Traps are set in order to keep a plentiful supply of meat food, and sometimes an animal is discovered which has been killed by a leopard and left uneaten. These are great finds, and are occasions of much rejoicing, for there is nothing a native likes so well as plenty of meat.

Mbutu was brought to the mission in order to learn to read and write, and while there he found the Saviour of sinners, and trusting Him was made very happy by his discovery.

The time drew near for him to return to his village, and the missionary was asking him what he intended to do when he returned.

A native rarely gives a direct answer to a question, but prefers asking another in return, leaving you to conclude from his question what his answer is.

Mbutu replied, “If one finds meat in the forest will he eat it all himself?”

His answer was a beautiful one, for he meant he had made a great discovery in coming to the Saviour, and he wished everybody to share in the joy of it, so when he returned home he intended to tell all his friends what a Saviour and Friend Jesus the Lord.

Have you yet made the greatest discovery it is possible to make in this world?

Have you discovered that you are a sinner, and that Jesus is a great Saviour who can take you to heaven?

Are you rejoicing and feasting on the Saviour’s love—if so, are you inviting tners to share with you in your great, discovery?

Go home to thy friends, and tell diem how great things the Lord hath done for thee.” Mark 5:19.

ML 04/06/1941

Madge's Question

Happy little Madge ran to her father, who was seated in the garden, and in childish glee began to tell what she had heard that afternoon from her teacher in the Sunday school. The lesson had been on the sufferings of Christ when He hung upon the cross, and the sad story of how cruel men nailed His hands and feet, and crowned His brow with thorns, had affected the dear child’s tender heart.

“How cruel it was, daddy, to treat the dear Saviour so,” said the little girl, and then in a quiet and thoughtful tone she added— “What would you have done to them, if you had been there, daddy?”

The bright blue eyes peered into the father’s, waiting for an, answer. I may here tell you, that Madge’s father was not at this time a lover of the Lord. He spent his Lord’s Days walking in the country, or sitting in his garden. He did not care to go where the Gospel was preached. He lived only for the present world, forgetting the great Eternity beyond. But he did not hinder Madge from going to Sunday school with two little girls, who lived in the next house, and who called for her every afternoon.

That strange question of his child, set him thinking. What would he have done? Joined the general crowd, and mocked the dying Saviour! That was just what he would have done. Deep conviction of sin took possession of his soul, and he found no rest, no peace, till he trusted the Saviour, and for many years he has served the Lord Jesus Christ, and led others to Him.

Madge is now a tall young lady, saved and on the way to glory, telling others of Jesus, in that same school where years ago she sat as a little child, and heard of the suffering Saviour on the cross.

How grand to hear of Jesus, and to be saved by Him in the bright days of childhood, and then to tell others of Him. Bright will be the crown, and rich the reward of all who thus work for the Master.

“Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.

ML 04/06/1941

A Lonely Stranger

These four pretty kittens had a pleasant nap in the downy covers, and wakened full of energy and interest in things about them. Along came a lonely dog which sought their acquaintance.

Now let us leave these friendly pets and address all of ourselves who know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. All about us arc people who are strangers to the love of God and are lonely. It is good for us not to seek our own ease, but take a friendly interest in those who will hear the glad tidings of salvation, to be had only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Phil. 2:21.

“GO HOME TO THY FRIENDS, AND TELL THEM HOW GREAT THINGS THE LORD HATH DONE FOR THEE.” Mark 5:19.

ML 04/06/1941

More True Words

Proverbs 26-29

As a bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying; so, the curse causeless shall not come.” Prov, 26:2.

The word curse here means trouble winch is to come. Do you remember that the people of Israel were to meet on die sides of two close mountains? Even the little children were to come. There, men were to write and set up God’s laws on stones; then some risen were to read the blessings to those who obeyed; then other men were to read the curses, or sorrows, to come to those who disobeyed. (Deut, 27;1; Joshua 8:33-35).

You see God has always shown great care in warnings for His people, yet they have been very careless, and troubles came; so, you see the meaning of the proverb: the birds keep flying, at last they reach a far place, so if we keep on doing wrong day after day we will come to trouble. Yet God shows mercy, and is able to bring good from trouble to the hearts of all who believe Him. Do you think we ever need this next proverb?

“He that passeth by and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Prov. 26:17. Such a one would have trouble, perhaps be bitten.

Sometimes we carry stories to others which make trouble: notice this,

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” Prov. 26:20.

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” Prov. 27:1.

Instead of boasting of what we will do, we are to say,

“If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.” James 4:15.

Here is a proverb to remember, “Let another praise thee and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Prov. 27:2.

Have you heard this proverb?

“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” Pro. 27:19.

You know that if you look in clear water you see your face; if you could look into a friend’s heart you would see it is like your own heart, but only God sees into our hearts. He says, “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23; 2 Chron. 6.30).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and foaketh them shah have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall he safe.”

We may fear someone would ridicule us, if we speak for the Lord, and we are like a prisoner in a “snare”.

If a child is not corrected for wrong, what will he cause his mother? If he is corrected when wrong, what will he give her?

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: it a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Prov. 29, 15, 17.

ML 04/06/1941

"Work While it is Day"

In this lovely scene it is night. The moon is rising through the heavens in and out among the fleecy clouds, while its soft light bathes everything below, and sparkles and dances over the quiet stream.

The busy hum of the mill has ceased; its great wheels are motionless; all is still.

There is something solemn in the daress of the silent night.

It is exceedingly solemn to think of the long, dark night into which no ray of hope will ever enter—the night that awaits those who continue to be rejecters of God and of Christ. May none of the dear readers of this paper be found in that night of sorrow. God tells us,

“The night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.

May you who know the Lord, be found serving Him—working while it is day! May you who do not know Jesus as your Saviour, come now to Him, lest that awful night of darkness overtake you!

“TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.” Heb. 4:7.

ML 04/13/1941

"That's the Man, for Me."

A christian man sat in an outbound train from the city, when a young lady entered, singing a popular song, the words of which were all about a man, the song describing the character the man must be—he must be kind, he must be handsome, he must be rich, he must be loving, etc., every verse ending with the words,

“And that’s the man for me.”

The Christian listened until she had finished, and then asked, “

Well, have you found that man yet?” to which she replied,

“No, I’m afraid they’re few and far between.”

“I know a Man who answers in every respect to what you have been singing about. I was speaking to Him this morng, and moreover, He has an interest in you; in fact He loves you.”

“Loves me?” she inquired,

“Yes, loves you.”

Her curiosity being aroused, she asked,

“Well, what’s his name?”

“His Name is Jesus,” replied the Christian, to which nothing more was said, the girl sitting quietly till the end of her journey, which was one stop before the Christian’s. When the train came to a stop, she arose and went out. As she was closing the door she gently said,

“And that’s the Man for me.”

Permit me to tell you of “a Man” who has an interest in you; in fact He loves you. He loved you so much as to die on Calvary’s Cross in order to purchase and procure both Salvation and Forgiveness of sins for you. Listen to the words concerning Him,

“Be it known unto you... that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 13:38.

You need forgiveness, because by birth, and practice, you are a sinner. If you die unforgiven, your eternal portion will be outside Heaven’s glory.

Do take the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and take Him NOW.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

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

ML 04/13/1941

Jesus, When a Child

Jesus, when a little child,

Was obedient, meek, and mild;

I have wicked thoughts within,

And am prone to ways of sin.

Jesus did His Father please,

I my parents often tease;

Jesus did His Father’s will,

Often is my conduct ill.

Jesus left His home above,

Came to earth in grace and love,

On the cross to bleed and die

For poor sinners such as I.

Jesus now to heaven is gone,

Where He sits upon the throne;

And is waiting to receive

All who on His name believe.

Jesus soon again will come

To convey believers home;

Then shall they His face behold,

All who’ve loved Him, young and old.

ML 04/13/1941

Freda and Lucille

There were two sad hearts one bright day in the beautiful home where lived the happy family of B—.

The house was large and beautiful, surrounded by exquisite scenery and lofty mountains, and greatly did each member of that family love their home.

As the children grew up, they one by one left home, and now they were being scattered over the world.

On the day of which we write, Freda and Lucille were about to start their new life away from home. Their father was accompanying them to two different places, where they were to stay for a few years, as governesses, until they had learned the language. After this, they were each to decide what they would like to take up for their life’s work.

With Christian parents, and the whole home life having been lived in the fear of God, it was not until Freda had parted from her father, and to some extend bome accustomed to her new surrounngs, that she began to realize that ahough her parents and many of her much-loved brothers and sisters belonged to the Lord, she herself had no link with God.

The miserable home-sickness gradually gave way to far deeper misery of soul anxiety as she realized that although she had been so carefully and religiously brought up, she was a guilty lost sinner in God’s sight, and unless she turned to Him and had her sins forgiven, there was nothing but God’s judgment, and a lost eternity before her.

The lady with whom she lived, although a professing Christian, could not in the least understand her deep distress.

“Surely, Miss B—,” she would say, “such a good religious girl as you are, need not trouble about being converted.”

However, when God opens anyone’s eyes to see his or her lost condition in His sight, then comes the cry,

“What must I do to be saved?”

Freda wrote to her sister, imploring her to help her. Lucille was with Christian people, and she showed them Freda’s letters. They at once wrote to an earnest Christian lady whose home was not many miles from the town where Freda was living, telling her of Freda’s desire for help.

Before this friend had an opportunity of calling to see Freda, Lucille sent her a simple Gospel tract, putting God’s way of salvation very simply. Freda eagerly read how God can and does forgive any sinner, all his sins as soon as he owns himself to be lost and needy, because Christ Himself has borne the judgment of those sins on the cross.

“His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree,” 1 Peter 2:24.

God blessed the reading of the little book to Freda, and in simple faith she turned to Him and trusted the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour, and then how great was the change that came over her!

The home-sickness was almost forgotten in the deep joy of knowing she was saved, and that her newly-found Saviour could be a Friend to her, and could fill her with joy and happiness in the sense of His Love.

When the Christian lady very shortly after met Freda, she found her rejoicing and happy, filled with a great desire to know more of her Lord and to live only for Him.

“The love of Christ constraineth us: ... that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again,” 2 Cor. 5:14,15.

ML 04/13/1941

The Bible

“BEHOLD the Book whose leaves display

JESUS the Life, the Truth, the Way;

Read it with diligence, with prayer;

Search it, and thou shalt find HIM there.”

The Word of God is the believer’s guide. It ever directs to Christ. he is its subject and object. Our Lord said to the Jews, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” John 5:39.

When risen He expounded to His disciples in all the Scriptures the things “concerning Himself,” saying,

“All things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning Me.” Luke 24:44.

He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.

Shall we not ask Him to do this for us, as of old David cried,

“Open Thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things our of Thy law.” Ps. 119:18.

ML 04/13/1941

Words of an Unlearned Man

Proverbs 30

PART 1

The words of this chapter of Proverbs were not said by the wise king, but by a man who was not learned in books, who seems not to have written the words but told them to two men who, perhaps, wrote them. There were many men in old times who could not go to schools, and did not know how to read or write, yet were learned men in other things. This man knew what is called, “Nature’s Book”, which some men who know men’s books know little about. He had watched the animals and birds and insects, and knew well their habits. He had heard the Scriptures for he said,

“Every word of God is pure...”Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar.” Verses 5, 6. Some have tried to add to the Bible, but their words have proved untrue.

This man’s words were called a “prophecy”, which means words telling what is not seen, or what is to be in a future time, or words to help others, so true prophecy must be learned from God (See Luke 22:64; John 11:51; 1 Cor. 14:3).

The questions here asked seem to be about the Lord Jesus, who had not then come to earth; he asked,

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered (controls) the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?” Verse 4.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He told the people that He had descended (come down) from heaven, and would ascend (go up) to heaven; He is also spoken of in the New Testament as with God, the Father, and creating all things (John 1:2, 3 and 3:13) So God had given Agur wisdom to tell ahead of the Lord Jesus’ coming to earth.

This man said that the Lord was “a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” A shield is something to protect from danger, as soldiers used to wear shields to keep off the arrows and spears of their enemy. There have always been dangers for those who are the Lord’s; to trust Him is their protection.

There were two things the man prayed for, one that he should he kept from things that were “vain” (or quickly passing away), and from what was untrue; and that he should not be so poor he would steal, or so rich he would think he did not need the Lord. These things are what are natural for all to do, only by God’s help can they be overcome.

What two men who spoke boldly for the Lord Jesus were “unlearned men”? (Acts 1:13).

Against what do believers in the Lord need a shield of faith? (Ephesians 6:16).

ML 04/13/1941

The Sparrow

The sparrow is such a common bird, and so small that we take little notice of it today, but God is not unmindful of it, as we shall learn from the words of the Lord Jesus. Sparrows are mentioned only six times in the Bible and on three different occasions. First, I want to see what the Lord said to His disciples.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? (one-eighth of a cent.) And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father...” “Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt. 10:29-31.

So you see, God takes notice of every sparrow; how much more then those of us who belong to the Lord!

Now in Luke 12:6,7, the Lord said something extra,

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?”

I am sure you boys and girls can work out a very simple sum in arithmetic. If two sparrows are sold for a farthing how many for two farthings? You will answer “Four.” But the Lord said:

“Are not five sparrows sold tor two farthings?”

I suppose the sparrow seller in the East used to give one sparrow extra for two farthings’ worth. It seems so cheap in man’s sight, but “not one of them is forgotten before God,”

Now in Psalm 102:7, as in many other parts of our Bible, we read of some of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus, and He says there, speaking through the writer of the Psalm;

“I watch, and any as a sparrow alone upon the house top.”

He was “despised and rejected of men,” and “looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but found none.” He even said when suffering on the cross,

“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matt, 27:46.

This was on account of sin, for there the Lord bore God’s holy judgment against it, that sinners might be saved.

But the sparrow is a wise little bird, for we read in Psalm 84:3,

“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house,... even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.”

Who but the Lord Jesus has made the way open for every boy and girl to bring them near to God by His blood? It meant much to the Lord to be “alone” in the darkness of Calvary, that even you might be with Him soon in the Father’s house.

“SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUESS: AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.” Matthew 6:33.

ML 04/20/1941

The Girl who was not Quite Sure

I was traveling with a dear friend of mine; a Native Evangelist from India. We had been holding meetings in a large town. Here God greatly blessed, and many yielded themselves to God. Leaving there for a distant part, we “boarded the train,” for a six days’ journey.

My friend, was dressed in plain clothes, but wore his turban as a distinctive mark that he was an Indian. As we took our seats, I noticed a girl come in with her mother. She kept on looking at my friend with all her eyes, and I could not help being amused.

The curiosity of the child, as we went along, got stronger and stronger. At last she came up to me and said, “Please, sir, is that a real live Hindu?” pointing to my friend.

“Yes,” I replied.

“O! I am so glad; can I speak to Him? Do you know I have often thought about the Hindus. In our Mission Band we give all our pennies to go and convert the Hindus. O! I should like to talk to him!” I told her how glad he would be to speak to her.

“He knows English well,” I said, “and loves children.”

So I took her along and introduced her to him. You would have laughed at the number of questions she asked him—all about India; its customs and ways, what kind of food he ate there, and what kind of clothes he wore? And many more questions.

At last she got through, with a deep sigh of satisfaction, My friend then said, “Now you have asked me lots of questions, it’s my turn to ask you one. May I?”

“O, yes,” she replied.

“It is just this: Have you really come to the Lord Jesus? Can you say your sins are all forgiven? You have sent your pennies to India to convert the heathen; but are you converted?”

You ought to have seen the change in her face: how it fell, and all the brightness went out of it! She hung her head and whispered so low we could scarcely hear it,

“I am not sure I can say so.”

My friend put his hand on her shoulder in such a loving Way, and spoke so pleadingly; that it quite won her heart.

“Well, and would you not like to be quite sure?”

And he went on to tell her all about Jesus—how much He loved her, all that He suffered, and how He bled and died just to forgive her sins, and make her His own dear child.

Then she looked up, and there were signs of tears in her eyes.

“O yes, I would.”

So then and there in the train he showed her how she could be saved. First to be really sorry for her sins, and then to take Jesus as her own personal Saviour, by only believing what God says in the Bible, that Jesus bore all her sins in His own body on the tree: The dear child then and there just took Jesus as her own personal Saviour, and O! how glad she was.

The next day they got off the cars, and as she was leaving she came up with such a beaming, happy face to say good-bye, and said,

“O! I am so glad I met you, for now I can say Jesus is my own Saviour.” I shall never forget her bright, smiling face, and the joy in which she said,

“Now I know my sins arc forgiven, and I belong to Jesus.”

Supposing I were to ask each one of you this same question! Are your sins forgiven? I wonder what you would say. Would you hang your head like this little girl did? Or could you look up brightly and say,

“Yes, thank God for Jesus’ sake, all my sins have been forgiven, and Jesus is my own Saviour.” Which would you do?

If you are not quite sure, I beg you, for your own soul’s sake, for Jesus’ sake, who bled and died for your sins, give yourself to Him right away. Come! before it is too late, before Jesus comes, and the door is closed.

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

ML 04/20/1941

The Saviour's Love

The Saviour is gracious,

His love is a well;

His blood, O, how precious!

Its worth, who can tell?

He lov’d us so truly,

He came from the sky,

That He, the Most Holy,

For sinners might die.

The love of a mother

And father is great;

The love of a brother

And sister is sweet:

Yet who but the Saviour

For us could have died,

To bring us forever,

With God to abide?

From Heaven, His dwelling,

That bright, blessed place,

He sweetly is telling

Us all of His grace.

In mercy delighting,

He speaks from above,

Poor sinners inviting

To trust in His love.

ML 04/20/1941

A Message on the Telephone

A little, girl had a dog called Bob, of which she was very fond. One morning he followed her father into the town when he went to business; and later on she missed the dog, and could not find him anywhere. Then a thought struck her,

“Perhaps he has gone off with father!”

So she went into the hall to the telephone, and ringing up her father at his office, she asked:

“Father, is Bob there?”

“Yes,” was the reply,

“Hold him up to the telephone, please, father.”

So Bob was lifted up, struggling of course; when she called,

“Bobbie, come home.” immediately he pricked up his ears.

“Bobbie come home.”

With a bark he made for the door, and soon after trotted into the house. He heard the yoke of love, and obeyed.

There is a voice calling you, dear children, a voice of love. Listen! It says,

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

Will you not obey? It is the voice of the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for you. He wants you; will you not come, just now?

ML 04/20/1941

Little, but Wise

Proverbs 30

PART 2

A man who had watched the habits of the birds, animals and insects about him, told of four very small creatures, which were very wise, and how each showed wisdom; he said,

“There be four things which are little upon earth, but they are exceeding wise:

“The ants are a people not strong, yet prepare they their meat (food) in the summer;

“The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

“The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

“The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.” Prov. 30:24-28.

The ants are the smallest of these four creatures, but so wise they gather grain and seeds while there is plenty, and will not be hungry in winter. It is said that ants in warm lands, as where this man lived, store more food than those in colder lands where they are still, or dormant, so long, they do not require so much.

But how do you suppose the tiny ants know that there is to be a time when they can not get food? God has given them such wisdom, we call it instinct. Many animals and birds can find food in cold wather, but what could little ants do when the fields are bare or there is snow? They seem to know they are not strong, and work while it is warm.

God has meant we should learn from what is written about these little creatures, and it seems very plain that they would all remind us that we too, are weak and need wisdom from God. The ants, by their wise instincts, prepare for a time to come.

God gave Christ to be “the Bread of Life” to people, but a time is to come when there will be no chance to believe or “take” Him. Be sure you are wise as the ants to act now, for God says,

“Behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

God has also given the Bible to be as food to our souls as long as we live; we are to “store” it in our minds, which means to think about its words. We are not busy gathering such food as the ants, are we?

There is more to hear about the small creatures next time, the Lord willing.

What is told of ants in Proverbs? 6:6-8.

When did a young man learn the Scriptures, which made him “wise” to take salvation in Christ? (2 Tim, 3:15).

“Jesus said ... ., I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger.” John 6:35.

ML 04/20/1941

God's Wonderful Creation

As we look at this wonderful scene of God’s creation, how we are made to realize His greatness and glory.

We see these mountains are covered with snow and the beautiful; clear stream flows on, adding to the grandeur of the place. When you stand in the midst of mountains, you feel awed at their great height.

Do your thoughts go out to God whose hand has formed a scene like this?

“In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and. His hands formed the dry land.” Psa. 95:4, 5.

“LET US KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD OUR MAKER, FOR HE IS OUR GOD.” Psa. 95:6,7.

If you do not know the Lord as your own Saviour, you must not put off coming to Him, trust Him as yours. There is no time to lose, for He is coming very soon to take all those who believe on Him, to His happy Home to live with Him forever then the door of mercy will be shut on you.

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

ML 04/27/1941

How Jim Found the Knife

Little Jim, who was eight years old, lived at the edge of a lovely wood, where the nightingale sang both night and day. His father was a gardener. It was a long way to the village school. Large beech trees grew along the side of the road, and in them in early spring were to be seen flocks of birds, who busily searched for food.

Jim found great delight in sauntering along, watching the wild life, while his feet kicked. up the rustling brown leaves.

But it is about one special day in Jim’s life I want to tell.

He thought of a wonderful plan for which he must have a stick. Of course mother could help. So to her he went and asked if she would please lend him a strong knife.

“What do you want it for, Jim,” said mother.

“To cut a nice strong stick out of the wood,” replied Jim, “The knife you use for the potatoes is the one I should like, and, O, Mother, I will take care of it and bring it back to you.”

“Mind you do,” said mother, “or you will get a whipping.”

Off went the boy gaily, and found just the stick he wanted. But when some time later Jim appeared at the cottage door, it was apparent he had been crying, Mother was alarmed, and said,

“Whatever has happened? Have you cut yourself, Jim?”

“No, mother,” said Jim; “but I lost the knife, and I knew you would whip me, and I was so sad. And then I thought: God can see everything, He knows where the knife is, and I knelt down in the wood and I said, ‘Please God, give me back the knife, because mother told me that if I lost it she would whip me.’ I got up and went back a little way, and there it was among the dry leaves. So here it is, another knew God could give it back to me.”

Jim realized that nothing is too small to bring before the Lord, and his faith was rewarded. Has He not said:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God; the very hairs of your head all are numbered.” Luke 12:6, 7.

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

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” John 16:23.

ML 04/27/1941

The Tiger That was Tamed

Here is a true story of a tiger, which I think you would like to hear. A man who lived near to my father’s place of business, had a pretty tiger-cub given him by an Indian hunter, who told him that if he fed and treated it well, it would be perfectly tame. The pretty little thing was admired by everybody; and lying on the rug: asleep, seemed the very picture of harmlessness.

One day as its owner rested half-asleep on his couch, the young tiger lay beside him. It began to lick his hand, and had continued so long, that it rubbed off a part of the skin. The sight or taste of human blood, set its whole nature on fire, and hearing a strange howl, the gentleman started up to find his pet tiger, formerly so gentle and harmless, with its eyes glaring like balls of fire, ready to spring at him. Seizing his pistol, he shot it dead. My father used to say miter telling us that story,

“The little Bengal tiger is not unlike many a boy and girl, brought up surrounded by Christian influences, in Christian homes. They seem to be little Christians, but if they have not been truly saved when they go out into the world and taste the pleasures of sing their evil nature, like that of the young tiger, bursts forth in all its native wickedness.”

So you see, my dear boys and girls, the only safeguard is to accept Christ as your Saviour. Then you get a new life and a new nature, then you will delight to please the Lord.

“For even Christ pleased not Himself.” Rom. 15:3.

ML 04/27/1941

A Letter from Emil's Father

Dear Friends:

I had intended to write to you long ago about dear son, Emil, who went to be with the Lord Jesus in the summer of 1939.

He liked to go to Sunday school and found great joy in trying to recite his Bible verses correctly. He always listened so attentively when the teacher spoke about the Lord Jesus, that his mother and I wondered if he were not saved when he wss quite young.

Emil’s last illness began when he became overheated while he was fishing, and then waded into the chilly water to gather minnows for bait. The doctor found his condition serious because of heart trouble he had contracted several years earlier.

Some days later when he was groaning with intense pain, his mother inquired whether he had asked the Lord Jesus to help him, and if he had come to Him. Emil answered,

“I have asked the Lord already to help me, and I want to come to Him, O, I want to come to Him.”

I then explained to him how ‘willing the Lord Jesus is to receive all who come to Him, and quoted,

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

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

When we had showed Emil the way of salvation, we knelt at his bedside and asked the Lord to make the message plain, and to save him. After we rose froirl our knees, Emil folded his hands, closed his eyes, and prayed,

“Please, Lord Jesus, save me and take me to heaven.”

After that, he smiled and was peaceful, and in the midst of intense pain he would often pray,

Please, Lord Jesus, help me.” In all his pain he often looked at us, and smiled peacefully until he became delirious, even then mentioning the Lord’s name, until four days later when the Lord took His lamb Home to be with Himself.

A few weeks before Emil became ill, he received a book as a prize for answering the Bible Questions in “Messages of the Love of God.” How happy he was to get it, and he enjoyed reading it.

His passing away made quite an impression on the children who knew him; and his three younger brothers confessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a result of the home-going of this dear boy. He is now waiting for the resurrection shout of the Lord, when all believers shall be gathered above where sin, sorrow and tears shalt never come.

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4.

Yours affectionately in Christ Jesus our Lord, E. F.

Dear Children:

How would it be with you if you were called suddenly to pass through death? Or the Lord might come at any time, as the Christians are looking for.

Three little boys were drowned close to us the other day. They did not think when they left home, that they would be in eternity within an hour. This too saddened a number of their school-fellows, but we wonder if any of these turned to the Lord, to accept Him as their Lord and Saviour?

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” Prov, 27:1.

Do not lay your head on your pillow tonight before you come to the Lord.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12.

ML 04/27/1941

Little, but Wise

Proverbs 30:24-28

Part 3

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

“The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

“The locusts have uo king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.

“The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king’s palaces.”

You all know about the busy little ants; but the conies do not live in all lands, and most of us have never seen one. Even in lands where they live, people seldom see them, because they are such timid little animals, staying in wild rocky places where they have their homes behind the rocks out of reach of other animals or people. They are about as large as rabbits and are also called “rock badgers.” They have no way to fight off an enemy, and seem to know their only safety is to hide among the rocks.

It is said that when they are hunting for food, one coney stands guard upon a high rock; if it sees an enemy coming near, it gives quick sharp squeals to warn the others, and all scaniper to holes between the rocks.

The.name for this animal in the Hebrew means “hider”, and that is how they show the wisdom, which God has given them, by hiding in a safe place.

There is a way that boys and girls and older people are “feeble folk”; they cannot save themselves from their great enemy, Sin. But they may also be “exceeding wise” if, like the conies, they go for refuge to a safe place. The safe Rock, or refuge, for people is Christ. A rock speaks of what is solid and very strong, that is why it is used to tell of the Lord.

He is called The Rock of Ages, or for always.

He is the One to save us from God’s judgment against sin, also He is also the One to keep us from doing wrong day by day. There are some things that those who love the Lord cannot change, and are not told to fight against, but are told to “flee” from, to have no part with. Such things as foolish pleasures, silly pictures, untrue books and many others will keep you front what is good; but when you are tempted to give your time and thoughts to them, you can hurry to trust the Lord to keep you, as the little coney is wise and runs from trouble, to the rocks.

There was a young man named Timothy who was told to “flee youthful lusts”, which meant the wish for things just to please himself; instead, he was told to do the things which would please and honor the Lord:

“Flee youthful lusts,.but follow righousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22.

David had much trouble and often hid in rocks, what did he say the Lord. was? (2 Samuel 22:2).

What are a “refuge” for the conies? (Ps. 104:18).

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

We will learn about the other small creastures later, the Lord willing.

ML 04/27/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For not he etc. 2 Cor 10:18.

2.“And this they did,” etc. 8:5.

3.“Who comforteth us” etc. 1:4.

4.“Knowing therefore,” etc. 5:11.

5.“Forasmuch as ye,” etc. 3:3.

6.“For we are glad,” etc. 13:9.

7.“And lest I should,” etc. 12:7.

Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Write in lull the verse containing the words, “Remember my bonds.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hope which is laid up for von in heaven.”

3. Write in full the verse containing, the words, “As the elect of God, holy and beloved.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Through strife or vainglory.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “So stand fast in the Lord.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Unto the glory and praise of God.’’

7. What things did the Apostle count “loss for Christ?”

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Old things are passed away; all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

2.No, bat we can for tile truth. 2 For. 13:8.

3.Into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14.

4.Yes, but not for himself, 2 Cor. 7:5.

5. 2 Cor. 4:4.

6.Yes, through unwatchfulness. 2 Cor. 2:11.

To qualify us to comfort others. 2 Cor. 1:4.

Bible Questions for May

“Young People’s Bible Class

The Answers are to be found in Philippians and Colossians

1.Through what said Christ make peace?

2.What did Paul forget?

3.For whom do we look?

4.What were a shadow of things to come?

5.What did Paul reckon to be gain?

6.Whom do we serve?

7.Who had the church in his house?

ML 05/04/1941

A Letter to Our Dear Readers

How thankful we are that the Lord, in His grace, has allowed the little papers, “Messages of the Love of God,” to go out through the past years, and as we open Vol. 43, it causes renewed dependence upon Him. He alone knows how long, the papers may continue, but. He knows, and there we rest.

The Answers to the Bible Questions have been happily received, from each Answerer, as we know they have been over the Scriptures, the “Word of God”, in which we learn what great sinners we are, and what a great and loving Saviour the Lord Jesus is for sinners. We often wonder how many of our friends have put their trust in Him, and know Him as their own Saviour. It would indeed be blessed if we could meet them all in the glory with the Lord. If you are not saved, come to Him at once. He longs to save you.

It is with heartfelt thankfulness to all who have had fellowship, in the free distribution of the papers; also for the many prayers that have been offered for the work. The Lord does answer prayer.

The opportunities for spreading the simple gospel through the little papers are still increasing, May they continue to widen till the Lord comes, to His glory, and blessing, to precious souls. His coming draws near, and truly we say, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

The Names of those who have been answering the Bible Questions during the past year, will (D. V.) appear in the supplement of May 11Th issue. New names coming in late, cannot be listed in the paper, but they will receive a reward according the number of time answered.

ML 05/04/1941

"Plenty of Time for a Boy Like Me."

“I’ve something to tell you,” said Whlfred W—one day as his aunt, who had just come to see her nephew, entered the room. Wilfred had just returned from school, where he was succeeding in his lessons very well, being a clever boy, and fond of his studies.

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

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

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

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

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

“‘Well,’ said the teacher, ‘I am not so sure of that, Wilfred, but suppose you find a text that says that there is plenty of time, so that I and you can be quite sure that you need not come yet.’”

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

‘It is time to seek the Lord’ Hos. 10:12, and then I read about little Samuel and I noticed that he was listening to the Lord, so that when he was called he heard Him speak, and came to him at once. And later on another text I read was in the New Testament,

‘The Master is come and calleth for thee.’

So I just thought I ought to come, and mother prayed with me; and the next Sunday I told my teacher, and she said,

‘Thank God.’ “O, Anntie, I am so happy now. I wish I had come to Him before; but now when Jesus comes we shall all be ready.”

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

ML 05/04/1941

Spring

Spring has come, and the trees, bushes and pastures are certainly beautiful. All nature seems to rejoice after the winter months when everything looked to be dead.

We are reminded of death and resuection in plants, as well as of people. Every person who has died, from Adam, down through the ages, or will yet die, their bodies shall be raised again. Some would say,

“How can this be? Adam’s body has gone back to dust,” But what does God say?

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shalt come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29.

How blessed for those who knew the Lord Jesus as their Saviour before they died.

O, dear children, do come to Jesus right now, and accept Him as your own Saviour, it will soon be too late. You may die, or the Lord Jesus may come to get all those who are His own, and take them Home to Himself in His bright glory, and you would be left behind.

There are two classes to be raised front the dead:

The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up, together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

“I saw a great white throne,... and I saw the dead small and great stand before God:... and the dead were judged every man according to their works,... and whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.” Rev, 20:11-15.

“BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE THAT HATH PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION.” Rev. 20:6.

ML 05/04/1941

Little, but Wise

Proverbs. 30:24-28

Part 4

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare then meat in the summer;

“The, conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.

“The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king’s palaces.”

We have talked of the first two of these little creatures, the ants and the conies, now we will speak of the locusts. They are like what we call grasshoppers, and when full grown, rise up altogether from one place, and fly very direct to another place, often a long distance. They do not seem to touch, or get in the way of one another, and do not swerve from their course, yet they have “no king” to lead. When birds fly in flocks there are strong birds to lead; even when men march together they have a leader; but the locusts go in great swarms without leaders.

They seem always to fly with the wind which helps them on their journeys. When God sent the swarms of locusts to trouble the wicked men of Egypt, He sent an east wind to bring them, and there were so many the sky was darkened, and they ate every green plant and leaf.

Locusts still often do great damage to fields and gardens, so farmers do not like to have them come. Yet we can say they are very wise little creatures to know to rise up at the same time, and keep together when they fly. This because of the wisdom or instinct, God has given them.

We believe God meant a lesson from the locusts, but perhaps the lesson is for older boys and girls: the Lord Jesus said that the Holy Spirit should come to earth to be a guide to His people. No one can see the Holy Spirit; yet if God’s people are wise to obey the Spirit, as the Word of God shows, they will be led together as the locusts who journey “in bands”.

These verses tell of the Holy Spirit: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, and canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8.

“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come He will guide you into all truth„“ John 116:13.

What wind did the Lord use to send the locusts away from Egypt? (Exodus 10:19).

ML 05/04/1941

Two Roads

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

Do you know that you are traveling a roadway, too, day by day? In the Bible God tells us about two roads; one is broad, and the other is narrow. You are traveling one of these two. In Matthew 7:13 and 14 we read,

“Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat;” and,

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

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

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

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

The two roads end very far apart, with a great gulf fixed between, so that none can go from one place to the other, but have to remain forever in the place where their road ends, God has told us, Jesus is the way to eternal life. Following Satan and his ways, ends in everlasting torment, so now we cannot say we do not know which road we are traveling, God tells us:

Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” Jer. 21:8.

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

ML 05/11/1941

The Lost Sheep

It was a bright Spring morning, and Sandy, the shepherd’s son, was, by instructions, taking a flock of sheep. from one farm to another. He had to pass through a village, and while the sheep were nibbling the grass by the roadside, Sandy stood chatting at a door with one of the villagers. When Sandy got out of the village, he counted his sheep, and found he had only nineteen: one was amissing. What was he to do? He would be held responsible for the lost sheep by his father, and this to Sandy, meant at least three month’s wages. After seeing his nineteen sheep safely quartered at the farm, he started for the village to search for the lost sheep, darkness came down, and still Sandy searched the bye roads and the glen, but no trace of it could be found. The poor boy lost his way, and in the pitch darkness, could not find the road back to the village. He sat down and began to cry. A farmer heard his cry, and taking his lantern, went out, and found him cold and hungry. It was too late for Sandy to go home, so he was invited to stay overnight. The farmer, was a man of God, and read the Word before the family retired. Luke 15, was the portion that night, and Sandy felt it was all for him.

After the rest had gone, Sandy sat by the fire with the farmer, and heard more fully about the One who went to seek and to save the wandering sheep, and that night, he believes he passed from death to life. Next morning, the lost sheep was found, and there was great rejoicing at the farmer’s humble home, that two lost sheep had been found there within twelve hours. Sandy’s missing sheep and himself, and over him there was joy in heaven.

In that highland glen, Sandy still lives, a Christian farmer, telling to boys and girls, every Lord’s Day, the story of a Saviour’s love.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10.

“Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repeenteth.” Luke 15:10.

ML 05/11/1941

Dependence

Moses said unto the Lord: “Show me now Thy way that I may know Thee,” and He answered,

“My presence shall go with thee.” Exo. 33:13,14.

I was going on a short trip with my little daughter. We had no automobile as yet to take the place of horse and buggy, so she asked me if she could drive. I said she could. So she took the reins with great pleasure, and proud of her accomplishment as a coachman. But after a time we were to pass a team in a rather dangeus place with high embankments on each side of the road. She handed me the reins and said,

“I believe you had better drive now.”

We ourselves are all like children, we think we can conduct ourselves aright, and act very independent on this road of life, but when we meet obstacles on our way that we wish to overcome, we realize that the way is narrow, with a precipice on either side of it, and we feel helpless to remove danger from our path.

At such times we know that God alone is able to hold the reins and guide us aright.

Ah! my dear friends, if we often find ourselves in a tight place, not knowing which to turn, it is because we don’t let God take hold of the reins all the time.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matt. 11:29,30.

ML 05/11/1941

Good Advice

Never be ashamed to show your colors, boys. Let every body know that you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s better to go to heaven amid a storm of opposition for Christ’s sake, with your souls happy amid it all, than go sneaking into heaven as backsliders.”

These were the words spoken to a circle of young boys by an earnest evangelist, under whose ministry they had been converted. He was now leaving them, and in the godless little town where they lived, there were few to feed or shepherd them as lambs of the flock. They had accompanied him to the railway station to see him go to other fields of labor, and, as he shook hands with them on the platform, this was his last advice to them. And it was good, was it not?

The boys met that night to seek help from God to put it into practice, and from that day onward they were, through the Lord’s mercy, enabled to “show their colors”

Years have come and gone since the words were spoken, but their echo seems to linger. We are persuaded that by far the greatest number of young believers become backsliders by failing to “show their colors,” to show to others that they belong to the Lord. They do not take a stand as the Lord’s witnesses among then companions and fellow workers.

Consequently they soon become like them. There is scarcely any perceptible difference between them and the unconverted. The same subjects form the topic of their conversation. They share their jokes, and, in some cases, excel in making them. This is what the Lord’s servant, truly named “sneaking into heaven as a backslider.” What a dishonor to the Lord! What a loss to the young believer!

Reader, do you show your colors, or if not, why? You will he a loser now if you become a backslider, you will lose the joy of the Lord, and you will be a loser too at Christ’s judgment-seat.

“If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye,”

“If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:14,16.

ML 05/11/1941

Two Bidders for the Heart

You have a hale heart, my child,

Locked up within your breast;

That heart may be by sin defiled,

Or filled with heavenly rest.

There are two bidders for your heart,

Two bidders so opposed:

And you are called to do your part,

Your choice must he disclosed.

One bidder is so kind and true,

His Name all names excel;

He offers now to purchase you,

And save your soul from hell.

His bid outstrips all earthly price,

He offers precious Blood;

That costly ransom will suffice

To bring your soul to God.

Another bidder, fierce and cruel,

Your heart would fain engage,

To fill if with such awful fuel

As envy, spite, and rage.

He bids the great world for your soul,

With all its pleasures vain;

O! come not under his control,

Throw off his curb and rein.

You have a little heart, my child,

To whom shall it be given?

Through Christ to God ba reconciled,

And start today for heaven.

ML 05/11/1941

Little, but Wise

Proverbs 30:24-28

Part 5

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

“The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.

“The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king’s palaces.”

We have talked about the first three little things, the ants, the comes, and the locusts; now we learn of the last one. It is thought that the word for the last of these four small creatures should be “lizard”, instead of “spider”. In our land, spiders are often in houses and make their webs there, but a lizard is seldom ever inside a house. However, in warm lands the lizards are more common, and small one’s crawl into houses and move about. Such a small creature could have no part in building or furnishing a palace, yet it was “wise” to make its way into the very best places.

Let us think what we can learn from this wise little thing: kings’ palaces have useful and beautiful things, treasures from many lands; so God has great blessings now and for eternity, which any who are humble or “little” may enter into. The greatest “palace” for now is perhaps the Bible, for without that we would not know of Christ or of any of God’s blessings.

We might call each book of the Bible a room in tins great “palace”: suppose the Book of Genesis is the first room; there is ever so much more there than we could “see” in a very long-life time. But we would learn of the first days of earth, the first people, the first sin, the first nations and much more that will be useful to us all our lives.

In every “room” there are things helpful for us in school, at work, in pleasures, or in trouble, and very much to give joy.

When the man Agur told of this wise little thing, the people did not have all of the Old Testament. Now we have the New Testament also, so there are many “rooms” in this “palace” for us.

Some say they do not understand the Bible; others say they do not believe it, and have no hope of God’s blessings; they have not been “little” or “wise” like the small creature, and gone into the great “palace” to see its truth and beauty. God will make those who believe Him, “wise” to know and go about there.

When you hear or read God’s Word you can think it is like a fine palace, and take notice of what treasures and wonders you can “see” there, and you will find more every day.

The wise king wrote of the Wisdom of God as a house:

“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.” Pro. 9:1.

God has shown His wisdom in many ways, but it is by the Scriptures we learn of Him, so they are like a house which we may enter into.

Pillars are what support a house and make it strong; those who have studied much of God’s Words notice the number seven teaches of God’s perfect or complete works, so God’s “house” of the Scriptures is perfect.

“Search the scriptures,.... for they are they which testify of Me?” John 5:39.

ML 05/11/1941

The Broken Leg

But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly the children of men.” Lam. 8:32, 33.

In some of her walks a certain lady would after meet an old shepherd, and his flock of sheep. One day she saw that he was carrying one of the younger ones in his arms, so she stopped to ask him why he carried her.

“O, she has a broken leg” he said. “Poor sheep”, the lady replied, “how did it happen?”

“Well” said the shepherd, “I broke it myself.”

“Is it possible; how could you be so cruel?”

It was this way” he said,’ “the sheep was so foolish, she would get away from the flock, and was in danger of getting lost. She would not listen to me call, nor pay any attention to the dog either. So I had to make her suffer to teach her obedience. It makes me feel very bad, of course, to have to use such severe measure to stop her from running away.”

“But how can the poor little cripple feed itself?”

“O! I take care of it. It has better food than all the rest of the flock, I watch it all the time, and don’t let her drag herself around; I carry her everywhere she needs to be carried.”

“Will it always be a cripple?”

“No”, said the shepherd “the leg will heal with the good care I give it, and then this sheep will be so attached to me, that she will not care to wander very far any more, and she will come when I call her.”

Dear Christian friends, who are afflicted, do not lose heart, Jesus is still the good Shepherd. Cling close to Him.

“Now no chastening for the present scemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. 12:11.

“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: I SHALL NOT WANT.” Psalm 23:1.

ML 05/18/1941

The Blind Girl and Her Bible

“Many years ago,” says a preacher of the Gospel, “I took a journey every summer into the adjoining suburbs, and went from village to village, and house to house, proclaiming the Gospel of God’s grace.

While on such a journey, I came to a little cottage where I found a middle-aged woman busy ironing, a little boy playing upon the floor, while a girl with a most cheerful countenance, was sitting by the window, plaiting straw. She did not look up when I walked in; and when I had observed her more closely, I saw she was blind.

After a few general remarks had passed between us, I began to tell them the story of the Lord Jesus, His love, His suffer and His death.

They listened with the greatest attention, and tears rolled down the cheeks of the blind girl. All that I told them was quite new to them, because they had never heard of the love of the Lord Jesus, and His finished work of redemption on the cross.

The following days I visited the poor cottagers several times; and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gave me new cause of thankfulness, that He used me as the instrument to bring the mother, as well as the poor blind daughter, to true peace of heart, through faith in His Name.

Poor, blind Marie! O, haw she was touched when I spoke of Him who opened the eyes of the blind, how blind. Bartaeus sat by the wayside begging, and how he called to Jesus of Nazareth, and received sight!

An irresistible desire to have her eyes opened by the power of His Word, also filled her heart from that moment; ahough it was not merely to see the blue heavens, or the face of her mother, that she desired to have sight; no! it was because she earnestly desired to be able to read the words of Jesus.

There lived in B. at that time a godly man who had gathered a few blind ones around him, whom he taught to read and work. I visited this man, told him of Marie, and arranged with him that she should come for an hour every morning to learn to read. I gave her a Bible, the letters of which were raised, so, that the blind could feel them with their fingers.

She was indeed joyful when she went out the following morning, led by her brother, and with her precious Bible in her hand, to take her first lesson. But, alas! how she was disappointed. Through continual straw-plaiting, her poor fingers had become so hard that she could not feel the letters. What ever way she tried, it did not succeed.

However, one day, when she was busy cutting off the ends of straw, the thought struck her to cut the hard skin off her fingers, so that new soft skin should grow on. And she actually did so, however much pain it caused her. But, alas! This did not help at all. There was not enough feeling in her fingers, and, moreover, she had to go on plaiting straw, because she depended on it for her livlihood.

This was a bitter disappointment for poor Marie! Day after day she wept, saying she would so much like to read the Word of God. At length she said, “God has opened the eyes of my soul; ought not I then to bless and praise Him?”

But what should she do now with her new Bible? She resolved to return it, so that another blind girl who had not such hard fingers as she had, might learn to read out of it, and that in it she might find the words of life. And pressing the precious book to her heart, she fell upon her knees, and prayed,

“O, precious Lord Jesus; Thou who lovest the poor, and openest the eyes of the blind, I thank Thee that Thou hast not hid Thyself from a poor blind girl. And as I cannot read Thy heavenly words, I beseech Thee that Thou wilt whisper them to my heart continually, so that my mind may not be so dark as my eyes. I can hear Thy blessed word; and Thou knowest that I love Thee,”

She then put the opened Bible to her lips to kiss it. And O, what unexpected joy! The tender lips could plainly distinguish the raised letters. With a shout of delight she followed the lines for a whole page. Everything was plain and easy to her the lips could do what the hard fingers could not they could read.

A year later I again visited D. The kitchen was unaltered, but the happy face of Marie shone with a heavenly joy. She was sitting on an old chair reading her dear Bible. It was an affecting scene to see that poor blind girl so rejoiced.

There was, as it were, no more daress to her. Happy girl! How gracious had the Lord been to her! He heard her prayer, and filled her heart with gladness.

O, that all my readers would value the Bible as Marie did. May we say, like King David,

“His delight is in the law (or Word) of the Lord: and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psa. 1:2.

ML 05/18/1941

Come at Once

As I was going home one evening I saw a number of little girls carrying a small banner, at the bottom of which I saw the words.

“GOD SAVE THE CHILDREN,” and I could say, “Amen’’ with all my heart.

But do children need to be saved? Yes! for we read in Matt. 18:11.

“The Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”

Children are lost, and can and should be saved. The Lord Jesus has been in this world, and suffered on the cross, and shed His precious blood, that children, as well as older people, might he saved.

How, then, are you to be saved?

There is only one way of salvation for men and women and children, for young and old, The Lord Jesus said,

“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture,” John 10:9.

If at any time you should pass the great E. L. Hospital you might see written up ort the outside that it is for men, women, and children. The door is open to all that need medical aid. And so the Lord Jesus in his great love and mercy receives all that come to Him for their soul’s help and blessing.

“Him that corneth to Me,” He said, “I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

When ought you to believe and be saved?

Now! for God’s Word says,

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

If you were very ill, and the doctor came to see you and sent some medicine for you, he would not want you to take it in two or three weeks’ time, but to begin at once.

And so, the Lord Jesus., “the great Physician,” wants you to accept Him as your Saviour, and own Him as your Lord, at once. Then you may say

“Jesus, my Saviour, Thou art mine,

The Father’s gift of love divine;

All Thou hast done, and all Thou art,

Are now the portion of my heart.”

ML 05/18/1941

Three Animals and King

Proverbs 30:29-31

Three strong animals are told of by Agur, who had watched their habits, as he had those of the small creatures. He said, “There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

“A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; “A greyhound; an he-goat also and a king against whom there is no rising up.”

The word “comely” means graceful or with dignity; all these walk or move in graceful, dignified planner.

A lion is not the largest of animals, but it has such strong muscles in every part of its body, it overpowers even larger animals; yet it can move softly, in a stately way.

For the next animal, the margin of our Bibles gives the words, “a horse, girt about”, instead of “greyhound”, and it is thought that a war horse, strapped about, ready for its rider into battle, was meant as the second of these animals. Horses are graceful and usually gentle, but those trained for war, as many have been and some still are, are very strong and fearless. They are eager to go into danger and carry their riders over fences, through streams or over rough lands. Read about the war-horse in Job 39:19-25.

The third animal, the he-goat, is also very strong and leads and keeps watch over the Rock and is quick to strike against an enemy, which it butts with its head, and horns. There were many wild goats on the hills in the time of Agur. This animal seems also to move with dignity.

A king must have courage and go with dignity and, with his army, has power, but he has wisdom which the animals do not have. The three animals and the king all seem to teach of courage and strength for fighting, but also with dignity. And this seems to be the lesson for us, since there is evil in our paths in which we need courage and strength to “fight”.

Satan, too, is called a “roaring lion” going about, and much courage is needed to meet his temptations (1 Peter 5:8, 9).

When any one speaks lightly of the Lord, or against the Bible, we need courage to answer truly, but with grace. So these words seem to tell its we should walk through this world with courage, and in a way pleasing to the Lord.

Words of Scripture often teach more than one lesson; and these words about the three animals and the king, seem also to be a prophecy about the Lord Jesus. He is called “The Lion of Judah”, Who will have power to judge and to conquer all who, oppose God. It was a goat that was used in the Atonement Day (Lev. 16:9), and Christ was given, a sacrifice, but refused by many, and because of that He will at last overpower those who reject Him. He will be the great and only King, “against Whom there is, ‘no rising up.’” these judgments will all be in righteousness, or with “dignity”, honoring God against all evil. You may not understand this fully, but it shows us how much the Scriptures teach of Christ and how much there is for us to learn.

ML 05/18/1941

Happy Little Girls

How good it is to see two little girls playiny so happily together, and the older one giving little sister a pleasant ride. They both are enjoying. their play.

Do you not think God is well pleased when we show kindness and affection to one another? Yes, He is well pleased.

The way in which we can truly love one another, is to know the love that God has shown to us. Where He expressed His love to us the most was when He gave His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour. Jesus went to the cross to bear the judgment of God against our sins, and to die in our place, for we could have never taken away our own sins. Can you truly sing,

“Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so?”

Then you wilt want to show love to others and tell them about His love for them too.

“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.

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

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.

ML 05/25/1941

Florrie's Doll

Florrie was an only child, and withal an orphan. Her grandparents, who lived in a fine old country house, brought up the motherless child, and were very fond of her. But she was lonely, for no other children of her age were about the place. Her grandmother bought her a fine large doll, and brought it home to amuse her little grandchild. And, for a time, it did. But Florrie used to say,

“I wish it could speak. I am so lonely.”

This it could not do, for it had no life. It had pretty eyes, a wonderfully humanlike face, fair hair and red cheeks, but it was just a doll, and had no life. No intercourse could pass between the orphan child and her doll, for she had life and the doll had not. It was the feeling of this, that made the child lay her head on her aged grandmother’s breast, and say,

“I want some one living to love. I have no sister and no playmate to love me and speak to me.”

Can we wonder at the dear child’s felt want? Have older folks not felt the same, and longed for a friend with a warm heart to love them, and to be loved by them in return.

Florrie’s desire was granted, in a way that she had not even thought of—a way provided by God Himself. For He who knows the human frame and its wants, knows also the way, and has the means, to provide what the weary heart seeks after.

A family from a neighboring town came to reside in the village, not far from Florrie’s home. And the youngest, girl, being of much the same age, became her companion and playmate. How different was life then to the lone, motherless child! She had one to love her, and to be loved by her, to speak to and hear from, one with life and love as well. And as the two girls grew up, and went to Sunday school together, they heard the sweet story of a Saviour’s love, and of the way of salvation, through His death on the Cross to save them from sin, and bring them to God. And the two companions were brought to trust in that Saviour, and had their hearts won to Him in the Sunday school, at an early age. They grew up together in the Christian life, happy in the knowledge that they now had One to love them, who would never leave them lonely, a living One at God’s right hand in heaven, to care for them, and lead them safety on through life, to His own heavenly home.

For many years the two companions have loved and lived in the sunshine of Christ’s favor, serving Him in lowly paths, and seeking to spread the sweet savor of His saving Name, among the people who have known them both from their childhood’s years.

There are many weary hearts in this world, longing for peace with God, and friendship with Christ. They have learned that nothing. in the world can satisfy the heart, or give it that companionship it longs for. The Lord Jesus Christ can give this He has given it to thousands, young in years and lowly in life. Yes, while the dew of youth was still on their cheek, He made known His love, as told forth in the Gospel, and they believed and received it. They opened their hearts to Him, and took Him in, with all that He brings with Him. And they are saved and satisfied now.

Is it so with the reader?

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

ML 05/25/1941

"Behold the Lamb of God"

A dear little girl in our Sunday school was converted, while one of the teachers was giving a few minutes address at the close of the lesson from the precious text,

“Behold the Lamb. of God!” John 1:36.

I saw Nellie’s face beamed with a new joy, and asked her,

“Are you saved, Nellie?”

“Yes, six weeks ago.”

“How was that?” I asked.

“I beheld the Lamb of God dying for me on the cross. I believed He took my sins away by His blood, and I have been peaceful and happy ever since.”

So little Nellie might be. So will you, if you “Behold the Lamb of God.”

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22.

ML 05/25/1941

Little Sunbeam

You will think this is a strange name for a little girl, yet I think if you had seen the cheerful and happy face of the little one who bore it, and only knew the half of the kind acts she did, in her own simple way, to make others happy, you would say she was well named “Little Sunbeam.” For just as the bright warm rays of the summer sun, make everything cheerful upon which they shine, so did this girl’s life and deeds gladden those with whom she daily came in contact.

Would you like to know the secret of “Little Sunbeam’s” happy and useful life? Well, first of all she was a saved little girl. She knew and trusted Jesus, as her own personal Saviour: apart from this, she never could have been a “Little Sunbeam.” You must first be brought into living anion with Christ, the Sun of Righteouess, the great source of all life, and light, and love, before you can give any of these out to others.

Then, “Little Sunbeam” lived near to Jesus, so that she was always filled with His light and love, and had some to give to others. And as she was not a selfish child, she did not keep all to herself; she watched for opportunities to make others happy, and as she saw others gladdened, she was made glad herself. Now, I think you will own she was rightly named “Little Sunbeam,” and what is better still, you may be a “Little Sunbeam” too, first, by receiving Christ, then by living with Him, and for Him.

You will never be really happy yourself or make others around happy, until your heart has been won for Jesus. Then the time of your real life will begin, God in His holy heaven above will have His delight in you, and the risen Christ on the throne will rejoice over you. Your own young heart will be filled with heavenly light and love, and you will go forth in the bright morning of life, to shine as a “Little Sunbeam” for Jesus, showing forth His praise.

But he sure first of all that you are converted. You cannot please Jesus, or live for Him, until you know Him as your personal Saviour and Lord.

A loving cheerful temper,

A gentle smiling face,

Will cast a ray of brightness,

Within the darkest place.

Words, looks, and deeds of kindness,

Are “Sunbeams” bright and fair;

God help you, little Christian,

To shed them everywhere.

“Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” Psa. 141:15.

ML 05/25/1941

"I Hope I Am Saved."

While many say, “I hope I’m saved,”

By grace I say “I know.”

“How do you know?” you ask. “Because

The Bible tells me so.”

I read in John, Epistle one,

Last chapter, verse thirteen,

The precious words, O! mark them well,

And think on what they mean.

To all who on Christ’s name believe

(These words are plain and true),

“These things” (these holy, heavenly things)

I’ve written unto you.

That ye may know (blest be His name,

Not hope but know) ye have

Eternal Life, through Christ our Lord,

Who died our souls to save.”

ML 05/25/1941

Words Taught a King

Proverbs 31

Part 1

The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.”

This is all we know of King Lemuel, but you see be reemebered what his mother taught him, no doubt when he was a young man. Lemnel may have been another name for Solomon; anyway these words have been kept with The Proverbs. His name means, “He who is turned, or devoted, to God, so these words will help any who want to honor God; they are called a “prophecy”, which meant important words learned of the Lord.

King Lemuel’s mother warned him not make friends with evil persons, nor to drink wine and liquor which would cause him to forget the laws, and be an unjust ruler.

The last part of this chapter is a poem in the Hebrew language, and each of the twenty-two verses begins with a letter of the Hehrew alphabet in order, which would make it even more interesting. The poem tells of a “virtuous”, or good woman. You may think this would be a very old fashioned lady, told of so long ago, and one not wise, but if you read all this poem you will see she was very wise and capable.

Her first virtue was that she could be trusted, she was not deceitful, but true and faithful (Verses 11,12). Then she was industrious and willing. In those days garments and articles for the house were not only sewed by hand, but yarn and thread were spun from wool and flax and the cloth woven at home. Often helpers were needed but this wise woman knew how to do herself and to direct all. She also planted a field, or garden, and a vineyard, and provided food for all. She made fine linen which were used to keep, the loose garments in place, and often embroidered; these she sold.

Her husband was “known” in the gates, which was where all important matters were settled and business done, and he was a leader there. But this high place did not cause his wife to be idle she was most diligent. They must have had a large household, and we think how God has a household on earth of all His people, there is much work for them to do. Each one of His family is in a high position, but it is a place to help others.

You notice the good woman was not planning or spending her time or talents for herself, but for others, and for what was of value and needed, or to give joy, not for what was vain and useless. She bought the field and planted and sold cloth, that she might have more to give others.

There are ever so many ways for all to help in God’s household, if they are willing to help with everyday tasks. There were men and women who worked much to help Paul, Peter and others who were teaching God’s Words; surely the boys and girls helped too, perhaps to prepare a meal, or a room to sleep, or the room to meet together, or to ask some one to come to listen (Romans 16).

How did this good woman work? Verse 13.

When did she arise? Verse 15.

Were her candles burned out when most needed? Verse 18.

Did she help the poor? Verse 20.

Her household were clothed in “scarlet” (double), so of what was she not afraid? Verse 21.

What do you think this means, “She eateth not the bread of idleness?” Verse 27.

We will learn more of this good woman another time, the Lord willing.

ML 05/25/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1. “For he that,” etc. Gal. 6:8.

2. “Paul, an apostle,” etc. 1:1

3.And because,” etc. 4:6.

4.“Christ hath,” etc. 3:13.

5.“And that because,” etc. 2:4.

6. “Stand fast,” etc. “5:1.

7. “But when,” etc. 4:4,

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, “‘The mystery of iniquity doth already work,’’

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Bound to thank God always for you.”

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be not weary in well doing.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “By the word of the Lord.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Remembering without ceasing.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Thank we God without ceasing.”

7. What tidings did Timotheus bring to the Apostle?

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Because they were continuing to go on observing religious days, months, and times and years. Gal. 4:10, 11.

2.A new creation. Gal, 6:15.

3.This present evil world. Gal. 1:4.

4.Because he was acting like a Jew and a Christian at the same time, Gal. 2:11-14.

5.By faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:26.

6.By walking in the Spirit. Gal, 5:16.

7.Corruption. Gal. 6:8.

Bible Questions for June

“‘The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians

1. From what are we to abstain?

2. What is to be our attitude toward those who walk disorderly?

3.With what are we to comfort one another?

4.Whom did Paul seek to please?

5.For whom did the saints wait?

6.To what are believers appointed?

7.Who is the one Mediator?

ML 06/01/1941

Little Johnnie's Tract

On Lord’s day afternoons I was in the habit of taking a walk through the country with my little boy. I would take along some religious tracts and books, with the intention of distributing them to the throng of people we met. Johnnie took great pleasure in running after the passersby to offer a tract which was seldom refused.

One evening on entering my home, after disposing of quite a number of pamphlets, my child looked into my face with a serious expression and said,

“Papa, I would like to write a tract myself, then I would know what am giving away, for I don’t know what is in yours.”

I answered that I was perfectly willing for him to do this; thinking what a lesson we can sometimes learn from a little child.

After supper, Johnnie asked permission to be alone so he could write what was on His mind. An hour afterward he returned with his tract so we could read it. As he did not know how to write much, he traced the following words in capital letters, “GOD IS LOVE!
GOD LOVES YOU!
DO YOU LOVE HIM?
I LOVE HIM.
JOHNNIE”

His mother and I both approved of this. He occupied himself during several days following, making copies of his tract, and then with great pleasure gave them around to those he happened to meet.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son, to be the propitation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

ML 06/01/1941

"Have Faith in God."

Mark 11:22.

The following episode was told me by a patient a short time ago. May it serve to strengthen the faith of any who are in difficult, trying circumstances.

A lady occupied in Christian work in L— accompanied an inmate of one of the homes where she labored to P. S. Having bought her her ticket, and seen her safely off to her destination, she took a bus to her own part of L—. sThe fare was twenty-five cents. When the time came to pay it, she discovered that her pocket had probably been picked, for her purse was gone. As she had no money she was obliged to leave the bus. Not being at all strong she could not walk the long distance, and she knew no one in the neigorhood. She had left the vehicle, and walked slowly up towards the park, praying to her God and Father and telling Him of her difficulty which was a very real one indeed. Arrived at the park, she sat down on one of the seats, wondering how God would come to her help. She knew He would not fail her, so she was kept in peace. In a seemingly idle way she wrote on the gravel with her umbrella the words “God is love,” and as she got to the last letter of the word “love,” she turned up a coin, that was black with lying there in the gravel.

Thanking God for sending her just what she needed, and had asked for, she continued her journey. The next conductor remarked on the state of the coin, and she said that it was indeed a very discolored one, but that it had been sent her in answer to prayer by her God and Father. She was not ashamed to tell him before the other passengers how she had come by the money.

Reader, you may think this finding of a coin pure coincidence? But why? The same God who said: “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee,” can direct His child’s steps to the seat, and her hand to the lost piece of money. No, rather, underline in your heart the last word of the text that heads these few lines,

“Have Faith Are GOD.”

Jesus, I will, trust Thee,

Trust without a doubt;

Whosoever cometh,

Thou wilt not cast out.

Faithful is Thy promise,

Precious is Thy blood;

This, my soul’s salvation,

Thou, my Saviour God.”

ML 06/01/1941

The Waterfall

What a wonderful scene this is of God’s creation! How we are struck with awe as we watch the waters tumbling over the rocks. Think of the many years the waters have been flowing down, and there seems no end of them.

God’s work in creation is very wonderful, dear children. You know, He made the world before He made the first man, Adam. What grandeur in the mountains, rocks, trees, and waterfalls. People are but tiny and insignificant by the side of these wonders in creation. What a God is ours!

“O, Lord, how great are Thy works!” Psalms 92:5.

“God Himself formed the earth and made it.” Isaiah 45:1

But, dear children, none of these things can give us rest and peace with God, or tell us where we are to spend Eternity. We must know God, not only as the Creator of all things, but as our Saviour-God: and must accept His wonderful gift—His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as our own personal Saviour, or we will not, we 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 06/01/1941

More About a Good Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

Part 2

We have noticed the good work this woman did for her family and others, and how busy she must have been. But there is not much told of what she had for herself,—only that “her clothing is silk and purple”, and have “strength and honor (or dignity)” (verses 22, 25). It is known that silk was woven in early times, but some give the word linen itead of silk; purple was the color used by kings or rich people, as the dye was expensive. So the lady’s clothes were good and strong and suitable for her high place.

In the Bible, garments teach us of the outward life of a person; they are what are seen by others, and tell of the tastes and character of the wearer. So this would teach that the Christian’s ways should be good, and with strength for the right, and with dignity as God’s child.

This woman was not said to have beauty, it only says, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain” (Verse 30). The favor of others may quickly change, and beauty be spoiled. It does not say that she wore ornaments, or tried to make her appeance noticeable, “but a woman who feareth the Lord she shall be praised.” This means one who believes and reverences the Lord, and He will give the praise.

When Israel was a great nation, and earlier, as in the time of Rebecca, men and women used precious ornaments, for, if they obeyed God, they were to have the best of earth’s treasures; but since the Lord Jesus was refused here and despised, His people have a humble place, and to seek favor in this world’s ways is not their place.

But notice this busy woman had wisdom, and when she spoke it was not foolishly or sharply, and her “law, or rule” was with “kindness”. Could there be a better rule?

She must have had much patience, for spinning, weaving, and tapestry all require long hours by hand. A Christian needs much patience to do the work of God’s household quietly for Him.

This careful woman made sure that “her merchandise is good” (Verse 18). Are we careful that we do not have what is of poor quality for a child of God,—perhaps poor books, pictures, music, or fashions?

The Lord has not given to a woman the place of leader, but of “helpmeet”, and this “virtuous” woman was busy and content in the place God gave, so is an example to girls and women and also to every Christian to be busy for the Lord in a right place.

These verses and many others from the New Testament would teach much the same lessons as the poem of the good woman.

“That women adorn themselves in most apparel, with...sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, But (which becometh women professing godliness), with good works.” 1 Tim. 2:9,10.

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:4.

ML 06/01/1941

Home for Vacation

The looked-for moment has come at last, and the dear boy has come home for his vacation. The father has looked forward to it, but kept on faithfully at his work while he waited, and the joy was mutual, as the son quietly opened the door and sprang in upon his father. We can readily understand what followed; what embracing and talking together of all that had transpired during the absence.

Is there not One whom you have never seen, that you would like to see, and that loves you dearly? Do any of my little readers ask, Who is it?

Surely, you have heard of the Lord Jesus who loved us poor sinners so much, that He came down from the glory and died in our stead, and was forsaken of God on the Cross, that we might never be forsaken. He bore for us what we deserved, and then said, “It is finished.”

He was laid away in the grave, and then rose from the dead, and has gone to heaven. He has not ceased to love us, but now He is waiting for the moment when He will come to take all who believe in Him to be forever with Himself.

Are you looking forward to that time when you will be able to look in the face of your blessed Saviour and talk with Him? Are you ready and glad to say,

“Come, Lord Jesus?”

Or, are you afraid as you think of the moment when He will come?

Ah, if that moment does not speak joy to your heart, there must be something wrong between you and the Lord Jesus.

It may be that you have not accepted Him as your Saviour, or if you have, you are not walking pleasing to Him. Whatever the wrong may be, get it right, and be able to say with joy, “Come, Lord Jesus.” He says, “Behold, I come quickly.” Rev. 22:12.

“Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10:37.

ML 06/08/1941

"I've Gone to Jesus."

Now, dear children, this true story of a little girl is written just for yourselves. For twelve years, Fanny had lived, perhaps like many of you, enjoying herself with all the youthful pleasures and amusements of the world. She had a happy home, loving parents, everything, indeed, that her heart could wish; but still Fanny felt there was something more she needed, and something which neither her parents nor any of her earthly friends could give her.

Perhaps some of you have found that with all your joys and amusements, still there is something wanting, and you wish that you were safe in the arms of that loving Jesus who died to save you. You shall hear how it was that Fanny came to know that all her sins were forgiven, and herself safe for eternity.

A cousin of hers, who had known the Lord several years, spent a few days at Fanny’s home. He had prayed before coming; that his words to Fanny during his visit might be blessed to her, and they were, for on the second night, just as Fanny’s mother was going to bed, she heard a knock at the door, and her little girl’s voice calling,

“Mother, mother, do come here, I have something to tell you.”

What could Fanny have to tell so late at night? Ah, it was such good news that she could not keep it till the morning. She went immediately, and found Fanny on her knees by the bed. Her mother asked her what was the matter, when Fanny answered,

“O, mother, I’ve gone to Jesus, and He has washed all my sins away. I have given Him my heart, and He took it at once, and He has made an so happy so very happy.” Then pointing to the clock,

“Look, mother, every tick brings me nearer to Jesus, and nearer to heaven.”

And then her mother knelt down beside her child and thanked the good Lord for His great love in thus saving His little lamb. And I can tell you that Fanny that night was full of joy.

And now I want you just to think one moment whether you too can say, “I’ve gone to Jesus, and He has washed all my sins away?”

Fanny was able to say it right from her heart, because she knew it was true; but she had found out first of all, by the Spirit’s teaching, that site was a sinner, and a lost sinner, too, and that was why she so much wanted a Saviour.

And, O! you will have to find this out, each one of you, some day, and if you put it off, and try not to think of it now, perhaps the Lord will not give you another opportunity, and then how dreadful it would be to learn too late what it is to be a lost sinner, to hear Jesus say,

“Depart from Me.” Matt, 25:41.

O, come to Him now, just this very day, even as you are reading this. Do not put it oft even one hour. Remember the Good Shepherd seeks His little lamb, even though the little lamb does not want Him, and if you will only listen to Him you will find how loving He is, and how gently He carries His lambs in His bosom, He will carry you till He brings you quite safely to His own happy home, to be with Him forever.

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

ML 06/08/1941

The Golden Chain

One Sunday evening a certain preacher was telling the story of the converted thief on the cross, and speaking of the mercy of God to poor sinners, he compared it to a golden chain extended from heaven, which, when anyone repenting of his sins, would take hold of by faith in Christ, he was then and there lifted up to the very throne of God.

Some time later that same preacher happened to go through the town where he had spoken the above words. Walking on one of its streets, he met a poorly dressed woman who seemed to want to speak to him. He was surprised to hear that she wanted to know his name. On hearing it, she seemed to be so pleased, yet her eyes filled with tears as she said,

“I have been wanting to meet you for a long time to give you the last messages of my son. Do you remember the sermon you once preached in this town about sinners taking hold of the golden chain of God’s mercy for the salvation of their souls, and how even the very last link of it would be available to a poor, despairing soul?”

“Yes, I think I remember,” said the preacher.

“Well, then, my son was there that evening and he heard your words. Since then he died, but before leaving this world, he asked for you. We were very sorry not to be able to satisfy his desire in sending for you; for we did not know where you were. So then he turned to me, and said,

‘Mother, when you see him, tell him. I took hold of the chain.”

In his case you see, God’s Word did not return to Him without effect, and one more lost sinner was saved.

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isa. 45:22.

ML 06/08/1941

The Word "All"

Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22.

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

A Christian lady was in the habit of visiting a certain hospital every week. There she found a particular case that called for her special attention and sympathy. It was a woman still young, but very ill as the result of a life of sin, and worn out in soul and body. The lady would sit by her bed, and try P direct her thoughts toward the Saviour who alone could help her, but she did not seem to pay any attention to the divine message that was read to her. However, as her physical condition soon grew worse, and she became fully aware of its critical nature, the blackness of her sinful life begun to weigh more and more on her troubled conscience.

Her friend continued to read to her, one after another of the comforting promises in the Word of God to repenting sinners, and one day as she read over to her the wonderful words in 1 John 1:7, she seemed to be deeply impressed, and asked that the words be read over again to her.

“There is that word ‘all’ she said, “does it mean every one of our sins?”

“Yes” answered the visitor, “it means exactly that all, every one are washed away.’’

“Are you perfectly sure it means all?”

“Yes, absolutely sure.” Then said the poor woman,

“Read these words again, and as you read, put my finger on the word all, and,” she continued, “since it is true, I can go to God now—I am saved,”

Do our readers know the joy of trusting in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ which cleanses from ALL SIN?

ML 06/08/1941

"Suffer the Little Child to Come unto Me."

I’m not a grown-up woman yet,

I’m just a little tot,

But in God’s big salvation plan

I was not then forgot.

Yes! Jesus loved the children well.

The little ones like me,

They flocked into His sheltering arms

And sat upon His knee.

You do not need to grow up big

To love a great big lot,

Just ask the mothers what they think

Who have a tiny tot.

And so I mean to love Him well

For O, He loves me much,

He said that His own Kingdom

Was just composed of such.

ML 06/08/1941

The Search of a King

Ecclesiastes 1

There was a very rich king who lived in a well-built city; he had fine palaces with many gardens, trees, vineyards, and fountains: his throne was of ivory, with steps of gold; be had many officers and servants; singers and players to entertain him; many horses, cattle, and camels, land and silver and gold. Yet there was something he did not have, which he searched for many years, and could not find.

He was a son of David and ruled in Jerusalem, so we know he was the great king Solomon to whom God gave wisdom, riches, and honor more than to any other person.

Perhaps you cannot guess what this king could want, and could not find: it was to be happy and satisfied!

First he tried to be satisfied in all the wondrous things of the earth; he learned about the animals, birds, creeping things, fishes, plants and trees; he spoke and wrote of what he learned; he wrote many proverbs and songs; and he studied the works of other men; he directed time building of the great temple to God, and other buildings and things for the city.

This was all good, yet he was not satiied in heart; he asked,

“What profit hath a man of all his labor, under the sun?” and

‘Is there anything whereof it may be said, “See this is new”?’

You may think there are new things, as many inventions of things to use; and all things are first new to each person; but the king meant, the purposes of life are unchanged year by year, people live, work, eat, sleep, play and die; each one must leave what he has done, and others must work after him.

Perhaps you have seen more of the earth than this king; if you have, you know this is true,

“The eye is not satisfied with seeing”. Verse 8. You always want to see more. After this king had tried all, he said, “All is vanity (or empty).”

Why could not the king find true joy? Notice where he was searching,— “under the sun” (verse 14), which means on earth.

God has given to all, hopes and feelings which cannot be filled with what is on earth. This king believed in the Lord, but did not set his mind to learn of Him. The story of his search for joy is the book of the Bible called, “Ecclesiastes”, or “The Preacher.” The long word means “one who preaches to a company.” There is much useful and interesting in this book, but it especially teaches that it is useless to try to fill the heart with earth’s things.

Those who love the Lord may learn from the things of earth, and use all that is good for the honor of the Lord, but their hearts cannot be satisfied with what is “under the sun”.

But now we know what will satisfy our longing hearts. To know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and that our sins are washed away in His blood shed on Calvary’s cross, we have peace with God, rest for our souls, and joy unspeakable. We are satisfied in Him, and all His love to us.

ML 06/08/1941

The Invalid

A young girl, who had long been caring for a sick sister, and whose mother was in feeble health too, was getting quite worn out.

One morning as she trudged along to procure medicine, she thought how hard it was to be always waiting on an invalid, when other girls were at liberty and had their pleasures in driving, and strolling through the parks. Then the thought came to her, how likely it was that her sister would die. Between weariness and grief, she wept. But a sudden thought crossed her mind, her tears were dried and her steps grew light and nimble. After she returned, noticing how cheerfully she went about her work, and how briskly and easily she did it, her mother asked the reason. It turned out that this verse of Scripture came to her mind.

“I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted rue.” Psa. 119:75.

Day and night henceforth, she never wearied in her attendance of her dear sister, and ere long, God rewarded her, for the sister recovered sufficiently to sit out in the garden, and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Now, dear ones, there is a nice lesson in this for each one of us,

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

The Lord has placed in the hands of each believer, something to do for Himself. It may he pleasant, or it may be that which we do not like, but if done unto Him, we shall be happy in doing it, and will rejoice from day to day, in having the privilege of pleasing the One who has done so much for us, “WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD AND THE FATHER BY HIM. Col. 3:17.

ML 06/15/1941

The Little Maid

2 Kings 5

What great events! What mighty things!

To trifles owe their birth;

As noble rivers flow from springs

Half-hidden in the earth.

This truth in that sweet tale is seen,

Whose freshness nc’er can fade,

Of leprous Naarnan, cured and clean,

All through his little maid.

Though mighty he, and braver none,

And she a captive slave,

Yet could this weak, dependent one

For him a blessing crave,

She Israel’s holy prophet knew,

Her mind on God was stayed;

And words of faith and love He drew

From this same little maid.

She had but breathed her warm desire,

Her faith in God expressed,

When He conveyed the spark of fire

Into her master’s breast,

He, who on winds the seed can wing

To soil whence springs the blade,

To Naaman’s heart His word could bring,

Spoke by the little maid.

The Leper to time Prophet went,

God’s power and grace were seen,

And Naaman soon in worship bent;

He’d washed and he was clean.

Thus by the weak was God made known,

His glory He displayed,

Through seed which He Himself had sown

By her, the little maid.

ML 06/15/1941

Hetty's Robin

From the time that she was a child of three, Hetty was fond of birds. She lived in a farmhouse, surrounded by woods and green fields, where many pretty songsters flitted among the trees. One day, while she was a school girl of eight years old, she was in the garden and saw a young robin not quite able to fly. Going forward, she caught it, and running into the house, and upstairs where an old-cage was hid away among some rubbish, she put her little captive robin into it, banging it up on the wall. Hetty was very proud of her robin, but was not so sure whether her mother would be pleased. She began her lessons, watching the little captive robin as it fluttered about in the cage seeking its liberty, but unable to break the bars of wire that were bwtween it and its native woods just outside the open window. Two or three robins hopped on the window-sill, chirping their sympathy for the captive robin, but unable to give it liberty.

Do you know anyone whom this helpless bird in the cage resembles? I think he is not unlike a sinner in Satan’s bondage, unable to deliver himself, whom neither friends or fellows can set free, and who must remain in Satan’s bondage forever, unless a stronger than he comes to deliver, Hetty’s brother came home from his office in town, a bright Christian young man, and Hetty called him to see her little captive robin,.

“Let it go free” said he, but Hetty would not consent.

“Sell it to me then,” said her brother, and to this Hetty agreed for a penny, The redemption-price of a permy was paid, the cage door was opened, and the captive robin flew out at the window, and joined the rest among the trees.

Hetty’s lesson the following Lord’s day was on “Redemption,” and she understood it better than ever she had done, by the teacher giving an illustration of a captive bird being redeemed and set free.

Hetty is now herself a teacher in the Sunday school, saved and set free through the redemption of Christ, and she often tells her little scholars the simple story of the captive robin of her early days, which was redeemed and set free.

Have you, dear boys and girls, been set free from the bondage of sin and Satan, into the liberty of the children of God?

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph. 1:7.

ML 06/15/1941

A Poor Woman who was Rich

A very wealthy man took a friend up to the top of his house to show him the extent of his possessions. Waving his hand about, he said “There, that is my estate,” Then pointing away, he asked:

“Do you see that farm in the distance?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that is mine.” Pointing in another direction, he said: “Do you see that house?”

“Yes.”

“That also belongs to me.”

This time his friend pointed and asked “Do you see that village away out there?”

“Yes.”

“Well, there lives a POOR WOMAN in that village who can say more than all you have said.”

“What can she say?”

“She can say, CHRIST IS MINE.”

The rich man looked very puzzled and said no more. He was glorying in his earthly riches, but was not rich toward God, He was not one of those spoken of in James 2:5 who are rich in faith. On the contrary, the poor woman had none of this world’s riches, but had “unsearchable riches” in Christ. His riches might take wings and fly away, but her riches in Christ are everlasting and no thief can steal them.

How about you dear reader? Have you found treasures in Christ? Can you say: “

Let others boast of heaps of gold, but Christ is my choice?”

“Thus saith the Lord, ... let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord.” Jer. 9:23,24.

ML 06/15/1941

The Little Emigrant

A sailing vessel bound for south Africa had among her passenger’s, a little boy. His parents had gone out some years before, and now their little son was going out to join them. He had no one with him, but the captain had undertaken to see him safely in his parents’ arms. The little fellow so implicitly trusted the captain, believing in his ability to take him safely to his parents, that he never seemed to have a doubt about reaching them. He would sit on deck, counting the days, and saying,

“I’ll soon see my dear father and mother now,” and, as the days became fewer, the little emigrant’s joy increased. He clapped his little hands with glee as the shore came in sight, for he knew a warm welcome awaited him there. The last glimpse I got of the dear little fellow was in his father’s arms, safe at home.

Happy little boy! Just like the child who is trusting Jesus and sure of a warm welcome in the Father’s house in heaven.

But you must not suppose that every boy and girl goes there. Only those who are the children of God can truthfully speak of heaven as their “Father’s house.”

And God is not the Father of all, but only of those who have been saved by receiving the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. Many boys and girls are taught to say, “Our Father which art in heaven,” who know nothing of Him. None are God’s children, or able to address Him as “Father,” until they enter His family by being born again. Can you call God your Father, and look forward with joy to a borne in heaven? If not, you may.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3.

ML 06/15/1941

The Buildings of the Great King

Ecclesiastes 2

King Solomon ordered the work of grand palaces and many things to make Jerusalem a fine city. Some of the things may still be seen, as, the great pools, or reservoirs, to supply water to the city; they are several miles outside, and are partly cut out in the rocks, and partly made from cement; one is so large that it could hold a big ship; water still flows underground from these, to the city’s fountains and pools.

Some of the great stones of the present city walls are thought to have been placed in Solomon’s time. He built a porch with great pillars which seems to have been a very special work, with an ivory throne and steps of gold, before which the people came for him to decide matters. His own palaces and porches must have been very grand, being built with cedar wood and large cut rocks with years of labor by his men. Solomon said of these things,

“I made me great works; builded me houses; I planted me vineyards; I made me gardens and orchards, and planted trees in them of all fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith.”

You see he seems to have had all possible good things done, and with great skill. Men now do not understand how the great stones could have been put in place. These works were done about 1,000 years before Christ, and were used when He was on earth. No doubt much of the work would still be there if armies had not destroyed them.

But Solomon did not have happiness from all his great works, because he knew he must die and others would have the things, who would not value or keep them he said,

“I looked on all the work my hands had wrought,... behold, all was vanity.... there was no profit under the sun” (or on earth).

The work which Solomon did for the building of the Temple of God, is not spoken of in this writing. He had that built just as the Lord had directed, so we are certain he was satisfied in that; for to obey the Lord, always gives true joy. But the other works were done to please himself, and did not make him happy.

Many people since this king have done great works for cities and people, but not to honor God, and they too have been disippointed. The Word of God teaches that he wants His people to work as is needed and for good uses and to help others; and to be thankful to God for what they have; but their hope is for a better city than any here, one in heaven, where all will last forever.

Solomon’s houses are told of in 1 Kings 7:1-12,

Solomon’s throne is told of in 1 Kings 10:18-20.

What did Solomon have on the Red Sea? (1 Kings 9:26).

What did ships bring to the king? (1 Kings 10:22).

What were a surprise to a queen? (Kings 10:4,5).

Who once walked in Solomon’s porch? (John 10:23, see also Acts 3:11; 5:12).

How much better is wisdom than folly? (Ecc. 2:13).

ML 05/15/1941

Puss and the Crab

What a dangerous puss is in, just look at, her, she seems to be wondering if it will be safe for her to play with that crab. If the crab does not advance to her, she might think it will be all right to slap it with her paw, but if she does, we know the danger she is in, for if the crab gets hold of her with these claws, puss would yell terribly, for crabs have great strength in their claws and can pinch so hard that pass would not be able to get away.

It is evident that the best thing for Miss Puss to do, is to go on her way and leave Mr. Crab alone.

Do we not get a good lesson from this? Others may coax you to do things or go places, which you know would he wrong and displeasing to the Lord Jesus, but, dear children, do not listen to such, no matter how attractive and interesting it may seem. They may laugh at you and be very unkind to you, if you refuse to take part with them in their wrong doing, but listen what God says in His Word:

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

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Prov. 1:10.

“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 (or the Bible): and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psa. 1:1, 2.

ML 06/22/1941

Jesus Loves You

Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.

Little children, Jesus loves you,

He loves youyes, indeed;

Why, He came from heaven on high

He came to meet your need.

Think! He laid aside His glory,

To come to earth below,

To save our souls from misery,

And everlasting woe.

Jesus died for you, dear children,

To put your sins away,

And fit you for His home in heaven

In everlasting day.

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary,

Upon that cross of shame,

That you might ever happy be—

O, blessed be His name!

O, come to Jesus, trust in Him,

He waits to meet you now;

His precious blood cleanses from sin,

And washes white as snow.

ML 06/22/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 1

It was an old-fashioned cottage, small, red and plain, with windows shaded by pure white curtains, and a door sten always clean and smooth.

The path to the garden gate was very straight, and lined by rose bushes. The road that led to the busy city was much traveled by coaches, and by hay wagons carrying their loads to the city.

Those who passed by this red cottage often saw at one of the windows a pale, patient face, that never looked envious, although it could not move around among the roses, and the helpless limbs could never bound over the green grass. It was a pretty face, sickly to be sure; the eyes seemed to haunt you after they had given that earnest gaze into your own; for they were very large and gentle, filled with a look that long waiting gives one. Can then a sickly face look lovely? Yes, but that is when heavenly peace has entered it. It is when God’s love is within.

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

But there was often another face bide that of the sick child. It was such a rosy, round ball of a face! and the eyes laughed and the cheeks dimpled, for health gave it beauty. The boy with the rosy face was Charlie. The lame, sick boy, who was two years older, though no one would have thought so, was named Daniel.

Their father was dead, and their mother was greatly tried. Yet she was cheerful and quite happy, in spite of the weakness of poor little Daniel, who had never been well. She knew that if her dear boy died, he would go to be with Jesus.

She had most precious proof that her boy was a child of God; she had told him of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour who shed His precious blood upon Caary’s cross to wash away his sins, and He wanted Daniel to put his trust in Him. She led him to the feet of the Saviour.

She often heard him speak to the Saviour, when he thought he was alone. She was called one day to his side, when she knew by the happy expression on his face, that he knew he was saved.

“Mother,” he said, “I have found Him!”

“Found Jesus—have you trusted in Him?”

“Yes, mother, I know I have found Him and He has found me. O how good He is. I am so very happy.”

“I am so glad” was his mother’s sweet response.

“Everything looks so bright, mother,” said the child, pointing to the window. “All the trees are happy and the roses and the grass, all look so beautiful now, O, I am so glad Jesus has saved me!”

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

ML 06/22/1941

The Lord as Security

In a little cottage beside a road some distance from any neighbors lived a man and his wife. They were Christians and knew the Lord Jesus, but were poor in the things of this world. He was a weaver and had his loom in his home where he did his work.

Frequently travelers would stop at the house and ask for permission to remain for the night. With a desire to do good unto all men, the old couple would take these people in and make them as comfortable as they could. However, many of these travelers were not honest, and would steal things from the home and work shop. The stealing had continued so long that these Christians were left with very little, and about the only thing left in the shop was the loom with which the husband worked to make their daily bread. Thus they had come to doubt whether or not to receive any more strangers.

One night not long after, a knock was heard at the door. The husband went to open it, and there stood a very rough man who asked that he might be permitted to stop for the night. With great reluctance the stranger was permitted to step inside; and then this Christian explained that they had been robbed by so many, that he hesitated to allow him to remain, and asked if he could give any security that he would not rob them. The stranger confidently said he could give good security —and that security was the Lord. Feeling that if this man were the Lord’s, they could give him shelter for the Lord’s sake, the man was permitted to stay for the rest of the night. These dear Christians, quieted about their fears, felt they could trust the Lord and so went to sleep.

What was their dismay to find in the morning that the man had departed during the night and had taken their precious loom with him! This cunning thief, seeing that these people were Christians, had used the name of the Lord Jesus to deceive them.

“There!” said the wife, “I felt afraid, and thought we ought not to trust anybody any more, what shall we do now? Our loom is gone, and you have nothing to work with.”

“Well,” answered the husband, “he gave the Lord as security, and I will take the Lord for it. He is good security, and I will rest on Him still.”

Happy man! The Lord met his trust, and brought back the loom before nightfall. The day was exceedingly foggy—so foggy that the traveler with his stolen loom wandered round and round the cottage of these poor people, thinking he was going straight on his way. As night began to come on, he knocked on the very door he had left early in the morning and asked if he could come in.

“Yes, and put down the loom!” said the weaver who knew his voice.

The thief was so alarmed that he dropped the loom and ran away, and they saw nothing more of him. Though the Lord meant nothing to the thief when he used His name as security, the Lord Himself took up the case. We cannot trust Him in vain.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:8, 9.

ML 06/22/1941

Where All Charges

Ecclesiastes 3

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

The man who spoke these words very many years ago, saw that there was an order in all things on earth; he tells of this two by two:

“A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up” ... ..etc.

All this is true now, the same as long ago; there is a time when people are born, they grow older, they die; there is a time when seeds are planted, they grow, ripen, and then are “plucked up.”

But the order in everything is that of change: a baby does not stay a baby, nor do your animal pets stay little; trees, plants, everything changes, some quickly, and some slowly; joy does not always last; there are times when we laugh; there are times when we cry.

You will know of changes more, the older you grow: you will see that your parents change; your friends change, that even yourself changes; you will not be just the same as a year before. God has made this order for earth, and wants us to learn by it. Now notice this:

“He hath made everything beautiful in his (or its) time.” Verse 11.

If we make something, it is not complete until finished, but in what God has made, each thing is beautiful, or perfect, in itself; a bud is complete as a bud, the blossom complete as a blossom; the same is true of a bush or a tree; of a baby, of a child, or of youth.

The king saw the sad end of earth’s changes was death; people died; and animals died, we see the same sorrows; our pets die, our friends die, and it might seem there is no difference in animals and people. But the wise man knew then was a spirit, which he could not see, and he asked where the spirit went at death of the body. The answer could be known only from God, and He had before this given the scriptures which said, “the beasts perish” (Ps, 49:10, 20), but told many times of a sure hope for God’s people in a life after death with Himself, as David said,

“I will behold Thy face in righteouess.” Ps, 17:15. (See also Job 19:25-27). Later this speaker said of the spirit of man:

“The spirit shall return to God Who gave it.” Ecc. 12:7.

We have more of God’s written words than this king, and we can read the words of the Son of God, Who spoke much of life after death. Before He gave up His life on the cross, Jesus said,

“Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit.” Luke 23:46.

And to the thief on the cross, who believed Jesus was Lord and King, He said,

“Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43.

Any who doubt that man has a spirit, or are uncertain of where it goes at death, are looking, as the king, to what they see on earth, but not in the Scriptures. Although the change of seeds put into the earth and springing up later into live plants, pictures a life after death, yet we would not know certainly without God’s Word. These words teach that God’s purposes never change;

“Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; God doeth it that men should fear before Him.” Verse 14.

ML 06/22/1941

Wonderful Scenes of Nature

I sit and look around me,

At nature’s lovely scenes,

At clouds, at vegetation,

At rippling, murmuring streams,

I think of God who made them,—

A mind so wonderful,

That could conceive such beauty;

I learn in His great school.

I bow in thankful worship,

As I behold His power,

Displayed in His creation,

In sky, and sun, and shower.

His wisdom too, unerring,

Shines out in all He’s made,

A mind of beauty, order,

Is everywhere displayed.

And man, a wondrous being,

O’er all His works supreme,

Can find in Thee, Creator,

An unexhausting theme.

But not alone creation,

His power and love has shown,

But His great revelation,

Himself to us made known.

Though fallen, lost, and, ruined,

A slave to Satan, sin,

Our God has spoken kindly,

Brought light and peace within.

For through the cross of Calvary,

We see redeeming love,

Through it God fits His creatures

To dwell with Him above.

Beyond all clouds, all sorrow,

Beyond all weakness here,

Beyond all darkness, shadows,

Beyond all doubt and fear,

Into the glorious sunshine,

Into the home of light,

Into the joy and gladness,

Into God’s glory bright.

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

“VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 6:47.

“And they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. Rev. 3:4.

ML 06/29/1941

God Saw James

When James was just a little boy his mother was called away from home for a day on urgent business. Before leaving she carefully instructed. James, as well as his older sister, as to what they should do during her absence. James was told to listen to his sister, and mind what she told him.

For a while that morning everything went along well, but by noon James was tired of being a good boy and got into mischief. His faithful sister was on hand to urge him to stop. James, like most boys, wanted to have his own way, and refused to stop what he was doing. After trying several different times to make him do what he should, his sister said,

“James, God does not like to see naughty boys, and He is watching you.”

Very quickly came the reply from James,

“I’ll hide hehind the door, and then God can’t see me.”

James is not the only one who has thought he could hide from God. Often men and women, as well as little boys and girls, have thought they could hide their doings from the eye of God. Sometimes they seem to think He is not looking, or maybe does not care what they do. We might be able to hide our bad deeds from our parents, teachers, or our friends, but we cannot hide one single thing from God. He sees everything we do; and more than that, He even knows what we think. We need to remember that.

“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

Sometimes people have thought that the darkness hides things from God, but His Word tells us,

“The darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” Psa, 139:12.

If you have thought that God. does not see all you do, you should listen to what James’ sister told him. She turned to James and said.

“God can see right through the door.”

That wise remark was like an arrow from God to little James. For the first time in his life he realized that God was watching everything he was doing, and that he could not hide anything from Him. This was the beginning of a work of God, in his soul. Before long James got down on his knees, and told God he was a bad sinner, and that he wanted to be saved.

James was told that the Lord Jesus died on the cross to save sinners; and if he would believe in Him, he would be saved, and his sins would be forgiven. Soon James put his trust in the Lord Jesus, and believed He died FOR HIM on the cross. From that day to this he has known the joy of having all his sins cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

James is still living, although this incident happened 84 years ago. Now an old man, he is very happy in trusting in the Lord Jesus. He knows that this is being written about him, and he hopes that many boys and girls will remember,

“Thou God seest me.”

He is also praying that many dear children wiro read these lines will realize that they too are sinners, and will go and tell God all about it, and believe that Jesus died for them.

“Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold Thou art there.” Psa. 139:7, 8.

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12.

“Come unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22.

ML 06/29/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 2

As little Charlie grew, the mother was glad to see the health bloom on his cheek; its glow in his eye. She taught him to be tender to his sick brother, he who seldom stirred from his little stuffed chair, and looked so wistfully out when the sun shone. On warm days the mother, would draw the invalid into the pretty garden, while Charlie frolicked like a young kid, coming to Daniel, to, know if this wasn’t nice, and that pretty.

One day there were more visitors than usual at the beach, which was not very far from Daniel and Charlie’s home, it was a warm, glowing noon, when a car stopped in front of the widow’s house and a child eight years of age, came up to the cottage door. She was the daughter of luxury, but her manners were winning, and her face gentle and sweet,

“If you please, may I have some water?” asked the child.

“Wouldn’t you rather have milk?” said Mrs. Marks.

“O, yes, indeed,” said the little one eagerly; “and I can wait just as long as I please to drink it, for poor papa is so very ill and tired, he must wait ever so long.

See, he is sitting under the big tree by the gate.”

“Won’t your father come in, too?”

“I’ll go and ask him,” and away she ran, returning to say he did not feel able. She drank the milk, and threw off her dainty little bonnet.

“You’re sick too,” she said as she stood at Daniel’s side, drawn there by the sweet face. He smiled for a reply.

“I’ve seen you ever so many times as we drove past,” she said “Don’t you get tired sitting here? I would think your mother or some one would drive you to the beach, it is so nice there.”

“Not with mother,” said Daniel smiling, “and if I could go, mother doesn’t own a car.”

“Dear, doesn’t she? we own everything. We’ve got a great, grand house with sofas and pianos and O, everything! But for all that, I believe I heard father say this morning, that he would sooner be a poor man, and live in a little house, if he could only be well.”

“Does he love Jesus?” asked Daniel.

“What? love who? Jesus? Do you mean our Saviour? I don’t know; I expect he does; but he never says anything about Him,” answered the child, with an earnest gaze in her great gray eyes, “Do you love Jesus?”

“I guess I do, for Jesus loves me,” he said, clasping and unclasping his thin white fingers, while a look of deep joy shone across his pure face. “I don’t know what I should do if I did not; for much as mother loves me, she can’t keep awake with me, and Jesus is at my bedside watching, so I talk with Him.”

“Jesus watching! do you mean that our Saviour comes down from heaven?”

“O, yes! Jesus comes. He is near me, I know He is! for though it’s so dark I can’t see the bed posts or the white quilt, I know He is by my side. Yes, Jesus comes to me, I know He does, He says,”

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb, 13:6.

ML 06/29/1941

The Rich, and the Poor

Ecclesiastes 4

The man who wrote these words about the troubles of the poor, was a very rich king of Israel, when they had all the country of Palestine: he also had rule over near by nations. He was not a selfish man, but wanted to do for the people and for the Lord, and God had given him “largeness of heart” to think about all around him (1 Kings 4:29). He was sorry for the poor, and saw that some of the men who were chosen to judge in the courts did very wickedly (Ecc. 3:16). He said,

“I considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter: on the side of their oressors there was power.” Ecc. 4:1

To oppress, means to treat another uustly, not to pay or give what is derved. The king knew that the good things of the earth were given by God for the use of all: he said,

“The profit of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the field.” Ecc. 5:9.

So all were dependent on the Lord, but many forgot that, and planned only to make themselves richer, being unfair to others and to their servants. We would think so great a king could stop all unjust things; it seems he could not, but he said,

“God shall judge the righteous and the wicked.” Ecc. 3:17.

For some years this king ruled justly himself, and did much good for the people, but it is sad to know that even so wise a man as he, in his last years, did not keep God’s laws and taxed his people unjustly, using the money for evil instead of for good, and God was dishonored.

There are still many in the world who are unfairly treated, and many who are poor, but if they trust in the Lord they have a comfort which the great king did not know. It was after his time that the Son of God came to earth and, although He deserved the best of all, He lived as a poor man, and told His followers,

“Resist not evil.”

“Pray for those who despitefully use you.” Matthew 5:39, 44.

Jesus did not promise riches or justice on earth, but to wait for God to be the. Judge.

Have you read of Paul and Silas, who loved the Lord, and were beaten and put in prison because men wanted to make money wrongly? We are not told of “tears” or complaints from Paul and Silas, but that they prayed and sang praises to God in the prison (Acts 16:19-25).

Will there be poor on the earth as long as men rule? (Mark 14:7).

How poor was the Lord Jesus? (Matt. 8:20).

Where did the Lord Jesus say to lay up riches or treasure? (Matt. 6:20, 21). To the poor is said,

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward......

“Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should foow His steps: “Who did no sin...... Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again.” 1 Peter 2:18-23.

Words to the unjust rich are in James 5:1-6.

ML 06/29/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Even when,” etc. Eph. 2:5.

2.“That the Gentiles.” etc. 3:6.

3.“According as,” etc. 1:4.

4.“Children, obey,” etc. 6:1.

5.“Be ye therefore,” etc. 5:1.

6.“That we henceforth,” etc. 4:14.

7.“I therefore,” etc. 4:1.

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, “Thou wilt also do more than I say.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Soberly, righteously, and godly.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Every one that nameth the name of Christ.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “O man of God, flee these things.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Behave thyself in the house of God.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Shall deliver me from every evil work.”

7.For what purpose did Christ Jesus come into the world?

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Believers. Eph. 2:22.

2.In heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 1:3.

3.Eph. 2:12.

4.All saints. Eph. 6:18.

5.The Lord. Eph. 5:19.

6.Let it not proceed out of your mouth. Eph. 4:29.

7.Lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbeance, love. Eph. 4:2-3.

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.What verse shows that faith gives no beliers a “sound mind”?

2.Who refreshed the bowels of the saints?

3.Who is the one Mediator between God and men?

4.Where are women told to teach?

5.What is said of “all Scripture”?

6.For what did Christ Jesus come into the world?

7.What is the pillar and ground of the truth?

ML 07/06/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 3

Who could doubt but he, the little child who never could walk, who in pain and auish had sighed all his short life, saw and held communion with the Lord? The little girl stood still; her red lips working as if to seize the thought and form it into something that could solve the mystery of his language, presently said,

“I wish father could see Him at his bedside; but he has a light all night; perhaps He only comes in the dark. I hear him groan, sometimes, when I wake up, and then he says he gets impatient and angry to lie hour after hour aching so. I wish he could see Jesus,” but her eyes dropped as she said, “but He couldn’t be with you, and him at the same time, you know.”

“O yes, He is everywhere. He can be there as well as here; mother tells me, He goes everywhere anybody wants Him. He’ll always come; tell your father I say so; tell him I only have to say “Jesus” in my heart and He’s sure to come and make me forget my pain.”

“I’ll go and tell him now, this minute,” said the child, and away she ran.

Her father was under the shade of the elm tree. The cushions had been placed so that he rested comfortably, and his sister stood near him humming a gay air, and his wife, Lilly’s mother, was bending over the invalid smoothing his brown hair.

“I am weary—weary of life,” he exclaimed, looking up with an impatient sigh. “I cannot even enjoy-this short ride, so terrible is this pain. O! for health, for health!”

“What in the world is Lilly running from the home in that style for?” cried Ellen Irving, the sick man’s sister; “the child will be heated to death,” as breathlessly the beautiful little girl unlatched the gate, and panting, she could hardly speak.

“O, dear father! that little sick boy in there says if you will only say ‘Jesus’ in your heart, he’ll be sure to come and make you forget your pain.”

The invalid looked with cold eyes; the mother gazed with a strange expression over lip and brow; the fashionable sister stopped the idle carol, and all seemed struck with Lilly’s words.

“O father! he looks so happy,” cried the child, “and he is much thinner than you are, and just as pale, but he says that though he has always been sick, he don’t mind much, because he sees Jesus standing at his bedside, and He fills his heart full of love, so that he does not mind his pain. Now father, you say ‘Jesus’, and perhaps He will come just so to you.”

“Stand out of the sun,” replied her father after a long pause, and his lips trembled so that he could scarcely utter it. “I believe we had better start now,” he added, lifting himself. “Come, Lilly, help father into the car,” and he held out his hand.

“O, father, just say ‘Jesus;’” repeated the child entreatingly.

“Well, well, wait a while, dear, perhaps I will; I must see first. Ah! now, we are snugly seated in the car. Would you like to take the little boy a plaything?”

“Perhaps so,” diverted from her precious train of thought, “but he cannot play much, for he never walked, just sat all the time.”

They drove into the city, and stopped at last before a beautiful mansion, in the center of a square, marble steps in front, stained glass windows, the surroundings all told of wealth. Up every step the sick man went, a voice seemed to ring in his ear,

“O, father, just say‘Jesus.’”

“Jesus! how much Thy name unfolds

To every opened ear;

The pardoned sinner’s memory holds

None other half so dear.”

ML 07/06/1941

Bucky

Bucky was our pet deer; that is, he was until he decided he could take care of himself and wandered away a year and a half after the boys found him, a tiny helpless baby asleep on the road. When they brought him home for mother to feed with the bottle he was so weak it seemed doubtful whether he could live. After a week he began to gain, and he fed greedily.

With his mischievous tricks, his frieniness, his little peculiarities such as going hungry rather than take the bottle from anyone but mother, and his fine noble appearance, he won his way into the hearts of the whole family and many others who came from far and near to see Bucky.

At the age of fifteen months when he grew his antlers, a beautiful set with three prongs and one small one on each horn, he began to feel independent. Several times he wandered into town two miles away where he helped himself to delicacies from the gardens. Then, like a hungry boy, he returned, and the tinkling of the bell about his neck and the striking of his front hoofs against the door told us Bucky was home and wanted his bottle.

One day he did not return. Three weeks later a neighbor saw him twelve miles away in the valley. Bucky came to him and submitted to being petted; then he turned and walked off. That was the last we heard of Bucky although the game warden offered a reward for his return. Since it was near deer-hunting season, the fate of so tame an animal seems rather sure.

Some of us have been picked up and rescued from sure destruction in somewhat the same way our baby deer was saved from death by starvation or by the attack of a hungry wolf. Are you among the number, or are you asleep and insensible of your peril?

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

ML 07/06/1941

Words to Use with Care

Ecclesiastes 5

When Solomon was king, the great Temple, or House of God, at Jerusalem was a most holy place; for God had told just how it should be built, and when completed He had filled it with a cloud of glory, so bright, the men could not stand within. The best materials of earth had been used for this House, and the inside was covered with pure gold, to teach the glory and righteousness of God, yet King Solomon felt it was not worthy of the Lord. He knelt and prayed, saying,

“Will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this House that I have budded?” 1 Kings 8:10, 11, 27.

We would think all would be most reverent when they came to that House with their sacrifices, or to hear God’s Words read, but the king later saw many were careless of their words and ways; he said,

“Keep thy foot (or go softly) when thou goest to the House of God, and he more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash (careless) with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecc. 5:1, 2.

Because so many of the people and rurs of Israel kept on in had ways and wohiped idols, about 400 years after Solomon, God let an enemy set fire to the Temple. It was twice rebuilt, but when God’s Son came to Jerusalem, He was given no honored place there. He came as a poor, humble Man, with His glory hidden, and men, women, and children could talk with Him, but only a few believed His greatness, yet His kindness, wisdom, and miracles really showed His power; there was never any other like Him. At last He had to tell the men of the Temple:

“Behold, your House is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:35.

If He had shown His great glory, all sin must have been punished, but He had come for people to trust Him and be saved, and He spoke of a time when they would see His glory (John 17:24).

After Christ’s death, as a sacrifice for sin, there was no more need to sacrifice in the Temple, which later was destroyed by a cruel ruler. There has since been no holy building on earth, and no bright cloud of glory. (See John 4:21, 23; Acts 14:27). Those who love the Lord Jesus have often met in poor rooms to honor God.

But the words of the king are good for us, because God is ever holy, and sees and hears how we speak His Name, and the Name of His Son, Jesus. We, too, may show our reverence by kneeling, bowing the head or by standing, as Solomon and the people then did.

The Lord Jesus also said that God’s Name should not be spoken lightly.

“Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is God’s throne, nor by the earth; for it is His footstool.” Matt. 5:34, 35.

“Every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt. 12:36.

ML 07/06/1941

Watering the Garden

We nearly all like to dig in the garden in the spring and to watch the plants grow. Some of our readers have gardens of their own, which they have to water and keep free from weeds. And how much work it takes.

The constant care that is needed for a garden makes us think of the constant care that God gives His people. The many, many believers in the Lord Jesus may be likened to the plants in the garden. Just as the garden needs much hoeing, weeding and working, so Christians need stirring up, and God’s Spirit working in them to make them think more about Him.

In what way does God water His dear plants? It is by blessing those who, out of love for Him, speak a word to lost souls. The Lord refreshes His dear ones, too, by the lovely verses in His Word.

How sweet it is to open our Bibles and find just a verse from Himself to us—just as though He were speaking to us with His own lips.

“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.

ML 07/13/1941

True Companions

Good-bye, Willie, don’t forget eight o’clock on Lord’s-day mornings!”

“All right, John, I’ll join you then, and I—and A— won’t be so far apart, via the mercy-seat, will they?”

The guard blew his whistle, and in a few minutes the two companions were lost to each other’s view. They had both been converted at the same time, and much of their spiritual infancy had been spent in each other’s company. They had met for prayer and reading of the Word of God at eight o’clock on Lord’s-day mornings, and the quiet hour had been much enjoyed by both the boys.

Now one of them was leaving for a situation in the city, and they had agreed to continue the morning hour of prayer, and though sundered afar. in person, to meet in spirit at the mercy-seat, and pray for one another. Many a happy hour they had together there, and. God blessed the boys and kept them fresh in soul.

How good it would be if young beliers were thus helpers of one another, praying for, and strengthening each other’s hands in God. How happy and truly blessed are such companionships!

Dear young believer, do you enjoy this! I mean, do you know the blessedness of having true companions in Christ, with whom you can share your joys and sorrows, and in whose company and fellowship you spend your spare moments? Or, do you keep company with the unconverted? Are you a helper of your fellow-believers? Or, are you a drag and a hindrance to their growth in grace?

Either the one or the other, we all must be, and the first thing is to be in a right state of soul ourselves—to be right with God. Then, like the clouds which, when they are full, empty themselves on the earth, making everything fresh and green, we shall be a blessing to our fellow-believers; and the unconverted around, will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

May the following be true of each one of our dear young Christians,

“I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts, (or Word).” Psa. 119:63.

The apostle Paul spoke of Epaphroditis as his helper in the work of the Lord,

“My brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier.” Phil. 2:25.

ML 07/13/1941

"How Much Have You Cost?"

A Father once told his little ten year old son to go and gather up potatoes in the field.

The little fellow went, but worked carelessly and unwillingly. The father noticed it, called him over and asked him:

“Can you tell me, Willie, how much you have already cost me?” Receiving no answer, he told him he had reckoned it up that Willie had cost him about 500 dollars.

The boy opened his eyes wide with aonishment at such a great sum he had cost his father. He imagined he saw the actual pieces of money lying before him there in a heap on the ground.

He resolved in his heart to repay his father for all he had done for him, in striving to his utmost to be well pleasing to him in all things. His father’s rroachful question had done more than punishment would have done.

When I heard the story, the thought came at once to my mind; What have I cost my Saviour? and the words of the Apostle Peter came to me,

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

Yes, I have cost Him, not silver and gold, but His blood, His life, His wounds and pain, yea, God’s judgment. What He Suffered and endured was for me, in order to save me from eternal destruction. And should it not now be my daily endeavor to be well pleasing to Him, since He has paid so great a price for me?

“Our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Hielf a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14.

“To die with no hope!

Have you counted the cost?

To die out of Christ,

And your soul to be lost?

So near to the Kingdom,

O! come, we implore!

While Jesus is pleading,

Come, enter the door!”

ML 07/13/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 4

Sweet music could not drown it, although his wife played the piano for him as he reclined in his dressing robe. The fairest pictures that made sunshine on the wall, could not shut them out. O! that he could say ‘Jesus’! The word was so strange to him; to him a man of ease, of wealth, of fashion. Almost any other name would seem less out of place on his lips. He who had thought of nothing but the world, till within a few short months, to whom life before that, had seemed eternal; he, who had tasted of pleasures of every kind in almost every land; he, to say Jesus—O no! it was impossible! But O! that haunting—that terrible haunting!

Again and again as he tossed on his couch through the long night watches, he wished he had not stopped before that little red cottage. He could so distinctly see it, and the pale face at that can window. He could see the child of his adoration, running down the walk, her cheeks pink tinted, her golden hair tossed by the wind in clouds and curls; he could hear, O yes, too plainly the childish voice saying to him,

“Just say ‘Jesus’.”

The next day, and the next, as the sun peeped in, before the dew was gone, as it streamed over the carpet at noon, as it crept paler and paler over the painted orchards and skies of his beautiful pictures while the day waned, so did the words still visit him.

The kind mother in the little red cottage sat busily at work on sonie shirts she was making for a neighbor. There had been a shower, but now the sky sparkled with sunlight, and there was no dust on the flowers that lined the path. At the window where the fair invalid used to sit, and where for years he had watched the sight along the road, there stood his chair —his chair—the patient little Daniel’s, who through all his sufferings had so lightened her labors. Now he was beside her in a low bed, quite still, but his bright sparkling eyes watched her needle as it flew in and out of the white seam. Yes, Daniel grew weaker every day, and it made the poor widow weep to think that he must go, he was so dear to her.

“Mother,” he said, and his voice was as full, clear and musical as ever, “what makes that white light all around you? I’ve been looking at it, and it grows so I right.”

“Almost anything will, dear, that you look at for a long time,” replied his mher. “I can’t explain it, I haven’t learning enough for that.”

“I will learn about it in heaven, won’t I?” he said, with a sweet smile.

“Yes, dear, you will learn a great many things in heaven.”

“I shall learn what this beautiful feeling is that comes over me whenever I think of Jesus, and I shall know why He never let me walk, like Charlie, and I expect I shall be so glad when I do learn.

Last night I think I was the least bit asleep, when all at once this room was covered with shining stones. The sun that shone in the door was all trembling just as we see it far off, and there O, it was so beautiful!”

“It was a sweet dream my boy” said his kind mother.

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

“Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” 1 Cor. 13:12.

ML 07/13/1941

Better Things

Ecclesiastes 7

There are some things which the king said were better than other things; first, he said,

“A good name (character) is better than precious ointment.”

People then put oil on a person’s hair as a sign of honor; the oil was often very costly with perfume from rare plants; the costly oil might be put on one who did not deserve to be honored. But to be known as honest and right, or of good character, was really a greater honor. Then he spoke of

“The day of death” being better “than the day of birth.”

That is surely true for all who love the Lord, because they will “see His face.”

You like to be invited to a feast, but the king said,

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than the house of feasting.”

To go to the place of sorrow makes us want to help the people, and is really better for us than the feast.

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the

wise, than ... .. the song of fools.”

To rebuke means to correct; if we do wrong and someone corrects us, we may not like it, but, it is far better for us, than for someone to praise us; then we would do the wrong again.

Both joy and trouble come to all on earth, and the king told what we should do:

“In the day of prosperity (when all is well) be joyful, but in the day of adveity (trouble) consider (or think carully): God hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.” Verse 14.

If everything is happy, we are to be thankful; but if trouble comes, we are to think what lesson we should learn, for God has so made our lives on earth, that we cannot be sure of what will come, and need to trust Him all the time.

Do you think the wise king thought he did no wrong? No, he said,

“There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Verse 20.

“Lo, this only have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” Verse 29.

The wise man saw that men could choose the right, but instead, they tried all things, without thought of God.

At last, many years after this king, there did come One to earth, Who had no sin; that was the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, Who suffered for the sins of others.

“He (God) hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

ML 07/13/1941

Rejoice in Youth

Ecclesiastes, 11:9-12:7.

The last part of the talk of the great king was to the youth of Israel; he said,

“Rejoice, O young man in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow (anger, discontent) from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity” (empty and quickly passing) Ecc. 11:9,10.

It is good, to be happy, but if a youth is happy only to do as he pleases, he will soon do evil; and evil always causes sorrow to the doer and to others, and must at last be punished. A young man is the strongest to do his own way, but any who do only as they wish, are wrong, for God, the Creator of all., deserves first to be obeyed. That is why the king gave this earnest command:

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”

When young, we think we will always have pleasures. But the king told those youths of the time when they would be old, and they would have no interest or desire for these things; when even the sun, moon and stars would seem less bright; when the body would be like a, house whose keepers tremble, and bow for weakness. In those days each family had big stones to grind grain for their food; even that harsh noise would seem low, he said, for the ears would be dull to hear. Then would come death. The king spoke of death in a very gentle way, he said, “man goeth to his long home.” He told how quickly death can come, as a cord of silver is easily broken, or a pitcher broken at a fountain, or a water wheel at a cistern.

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God Who gave it.” Ecc. 12:7. Jesus said,

“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25.

“I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

So you boys and girls have even greater reason to “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”, for He is also the Saviour. Do not wait until old to think of Him, but rejoice in Him now. To learn of Him and honor Him, is a pleasure for both young and old.

These are words of comfort if death does come:

“For we know that if our earthly house (our body)... be dissolved, we have a building of God,.... eternal in the heavens.” 2 Cor. 5:1.

When are we to “rejoice in the Lord”? (Phil. 4:4)

ML 07/13/1941

Attention

The two girls left their playhouse, and what game do you suppose the boys were playing before one of them began to draw? How intently each one is watching the drawing. Such a funny picture. What does it represent, and what made the boy think of such a drawing?

It would be good for us if we all gave as close attention to the lessons God has for us in the Bible. Satan despises the Word of God and tries in every way poible to prevent people from putting their mind upon it.

Have you ever noticed that a long Bible verse seems too hard to learn, although you can readily memorize much longer assignments for day school? It often seems harder to sit still through a Bible reading than when something else is being read.

God would have children to learn of Him for He says,

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Eccles. 12:1.

Timothy was commended for his early knowledge when the Holy Spirit through Paul wrote that he should continue in the things he had learned, knowing that,

“From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise onto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

Would you not like to belong to God’s nobility like the Bereans of whom it is written, that they were more noble than those in Thessalonica,

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.

ML 07/20/1941

God Loved: God Gave

A little girl, named Dorothy, thought that God only loved good people. In a rather strange way she was led to change her mind about Him. While walking along the road one day, she picked up a piece of paper. She looked at it, and read the printed words,

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE——.” Here it stopped, the rest of the Verse being torn off.

“God loved the ‘world’ then He loved everybody. ‘God loved the world,’ then He loved me,” said Dorothy, “for I am part of the ‘world’ that He loved.”

“What did Gad give?” was the queion that puzzled Dorothy. Her heart grew lighter, and her face became brighr, as she dwelt on the blessed thought that God loved her. She was so ignorant of Bible truth that she did not know what God gave to the “world”, Still she had laid hold of the fact that God loved her. She went home smiling.

“What makes you so happy, Dorothy?” was asked of her. Putting her hand in her pocket she produced the paper.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave—.”

“But what did He give?” inquired one “I don’t know,” said the little girl: “but it was very good of God to give anything to the world.”

She was right. It was, indeed, very good of God to give anything to a guilty, sin-blighted world. We deserved nothing but banishment from His presence,

“The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23); but He did not give us the “wages”. Yet He loves us in spite of our sinfulness. He manifested His love in a. wondrous way. God has given the best gift that heaven could afford,

“His only begotten son,” the Lord Jesus Christ.

“That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

How simple. He loved you, and died for you on Calvary’s cross, that you might be His. Eternal life may be yours now! Why, then, delay? Believe on Him who loved you and gave Himself for you, and you will be able to say,

“God loved: God gave. I believe, and I have everlasting life.”

ML 07/20/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 5

Hurrah! mother and Danny, there’s that car stopped out here again and that little girl is coming in with a man. I must get my hands washed,” and off bounded Charlie to the pump.

Mrs. Marks paused in her work to smooth the pillow on which. Daniel’s face was resting, and to push back her own tresses which had fallen a little. By that time a slow and feeble step was heard approaching the house, together with the taps of a cane and the patter of little feet. Soon the round cheeks of the pretty child appeared, and the bright eager eyes were searching for the sick boy, they espied him in his little bed, and she cried out, “O, father there he is! he’s lying down; come in, come in.”

“Be polite my little girl,” said a voice very gravely and gently. “You do not notice the lady, nor tell her who your father is.”

“This is Mr. Irving, my father,” said Lilly, smoothing her smiles in her face; “he’s come to see your sick boy, may he?”

“To be sure, dear,” replied Mrs. Marks with her pleasant look, and gae him a chair.

He was a noble and handsome looking man. Now that disease had touched it with its palor and more thoughtful tints, his face seemed very calm and subdued. The hair was brushed back from his high forehead, his eyes large and very bright and somewhat sunken, while occasionally his chest labored for breath.

“My dear madam,” he said kindly, “my Lilly here would not let me rest till I promised to see you. For days I put her off, saying I was not well enough; but she has been so persistent, that at last, thinking I might not live to grant her many more requests, I complied, and here I am.”

Meanwhile Miss Lilly had diligently taken off her little bonnet, possessed heelf of a stool, and carried it near the couch of the sick child, where she now sat. her health-beaming face making a vivid contrast to the deathly countenance of the little boy.

“Has your child never been well?” he asked.

“Never, sir, he was sickly at his birth, and has never walked a step in his life.”

“My Lilly seemed much impressed with the fact that he is so cheerful and happy.”

“He is both, sir,” was the reply, and he suffers much pain, and that constantly. The only complaint I have ever heard him utter,” she said softly, “was yesterday when his agony was so severe. His eyes were full of tears and he exclaimed,

‘O mother, I do wish Jesus would take me now.’”

The dark eyes of the stranger grew moist as he listened, then he said,

“He is indeed comforted, if he has any supporting hope. Dark days and cheerless nights are mine,” his voice-faltered.

“Perhaps, sir,” said Mrs. Marks in her own quiet way, “perhaps you have not learned that it is good to suffer, and that God often times leads us to Himself through thorny roads.”

“But, madam, is He good in giving to that little creature anguish and pain all his life? That child never rebelled against Him, why lead him through this this fearful thorny road?’

“You can talk with him yourself, sir, and judge,” said she. “He is my teacher and comforter in a great many things: and the day will be a dark one when he goes away from me.”

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it vieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. 12:11.

ML 07/20/1941

Not by Chance

Some years ago a lady entered a store and asked for an empty box, in which she wished to send some flowers to a friend. The storekeeper who was busy at the time, drew out a few boxes, found one empty and handed it to the lady, and thought no more about the matter.

Two months later the lady entered the store again, and reminded the storekeeper of the apparently unimportant occurence. Then she told him that in the empty box there happened to be a picture tract, and thinking it might please her friend’s child, she allowed it to remain. Shortly afterward she received a note thanking her for the box of flowers, and saying that she could never thank her enough for the tract that was enclosed. She had been troubled for a long time about her soul, but had not been able to find rest and peace in Jesus. She had at length become so burdened, that her husband was concerned about her health.

Just when she was in her greatest distress, the box arrived. On unpacking it, the picture caught her attention. She had read the tract, and found in it that which met her need. God had through it, shown her that the work of Christ had been forever accomplished, and that for her, a sinner; there remained nothing to do but believe and rest on that work. And now, she was quite happy, knowing that the Lord had forgiven all her sins; and had made her suited for His glory.

The tract left in the supposed empty box was not by chance, my dear reader. God’s hand is in everything.

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

ML 07/20/1941

A Long War

Ecclesiastes 8 and 9:1-10

There have been many wars in the world, but always at the end of a war, part or all of the soldiers have been diharged as no longer needed.

But the great king spoke of a war from which the soldiers were never discharged, and the war had then lasted about 3,000 years. The “war” the king meant was death; it came like a great enemy to all people; he said;

“There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit: neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war.” Ecc. 8:8.

Even children would be called “soldiers” in that war, for none are too young to die. We do not like to think of death, yet it is best to know what the scriptures say of it. Be sure to notice the last three words of the following verses:

“The dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.” Ecc. 9:2, 5, 6.

Some people leave out the words, “under the sun”, and think that “the dead know not anything” ever, or think that the spirit sleeps in the grave. But the king was telling that those who were dead, had no more to do with anything on earth; they could not work or play or see or hear “under the sun.” He was speaking of the body, not of the spirit; later he spoke of the spirit and said,

“The spirit shall return to God Who gave it.” Ecc. 12:7.

A prophet afterward, said there should be a victory over the dreadful thing, death (See Isa. 25:8). Now, we may read about that victory, which the wise king could not, for the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, went through death, so there is now no fear in death to those who love Him; and He afterward gave a wondrous hope for His people, that those alive at His return for them, will not die (See 1 Cor. 15:51-57). In His power He will at last have full victory, and end the long “war of death”.

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor. 15:25, 26.

The king gave this advice to his people: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecc. 9:10.

Those who love the Lord now, have a happier reason to do with their “might”, that is, to do all for Him.

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” Colossians 3:23.

Why did death Come into the world? (Romans 5:12).

With whom will it “be well”? (Ecc. 8:12).

With whom will it not “be well”, and why? (Ecc. 8:13).

ML 07/20/1941

The Young Birds

Have you noticed young birds calling tor food? How pitiful it seems, but most likely the mother bird has gone to bud some food. Such is God’s way of taking care of these young birds.

“He giveth to the beast His food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Psa. 147:9.

Then again another scripture says, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have store house nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke l 2:24.

God, who is the Creator of all things, is the One who takes care of His creatures, but He lets us know there that we are of greater value than the fowls, and that is why He sent a Saviour for us, for we live forever. If we were to pass into eternity with all of our sins upon us, we would be banished from God’s presence; but if we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we are saved for the glory, and to spend eternity with Him.

We can easily count upon Him to supply all our needs, seeing that He gave His only Son for us. Trust Him as your Saviour, dear children, and trust Him for all things.

“BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, AND WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS.” Jer. 17:7.

ML 07/27/1941

Trust in the Good Shepherd

Jesus, bless thy little lamb,

Weak and foolish as I am;

Bear me in Thy mighty arm

Safe from every fear and harm.

Thou did’st call me to Thy side,

Trembling in the desert wide;

Bad’st me all my bleatings cease,

Hushed my fears, and gave me peace.

Lord, Thou art my Shepherd kind;

All I need in Thee I find;

But I fear my silly heart,

Lest I should from Thee depart.

Call me nearer, then, I cry,

Let me in Thy bosom lie;

Turn these wandering eyes, I pray,

From each vanity away.

Teach me what that sorrow meant,

When those cries to heaven were sent;

When in blood and tears and grief,

Thou did’st call—but no relief.

Let my childish follies be

Drowned in that deep agony;

Let Thy death, Thy wounds, Thy woe,

Make me all sin’s vileness know.

And when’er in folly’s way,

Thy poor lamb begins to stray,

May Thy dying love and pain

Turn my heart to Thee again.

ML 07/27/1941

"Wanted, a Christian"

Some time ago there appeared in a city newspaper an advertisement for a clerk, with the unusual condition that he must be “a decided Christian.”

A number applied for the place, but when asked for “a reason for the hope that was in them” concerning Christ, scarcely any could give a Scriptural answer.

These facts were brought to the notice of a Christian who related them to his children, and asked them how they would have replied. He asked them to write their answers. Harold, a boy of twelve years old, gave the following answer:

“I am a Christian because I love Jesus, and want to be a missionary, and work in His service, to do all I can for Jesus. I love Him because He first loved me, and has done so much for me.”—Harold W. Oliver.

Harold was a school boy, like many who will read it. Suppose the question were asked of you,

“Are you a Christian?” what answer would you give? And if still further you were asked,

“How do you know that you are a Christian?” what answer would you give?

Consider the question very quietly, alone with God and your own heart. God reads the secrets of all hearts. How are you treating the Lord Jesus? Can you say you know Him?

I well remember the thrill of joy I had when first I gave a clear decided answer. It was just a year after I first knew the Lord Jesus. I was having a music lesson with a dearly loved teacher, when she laid her hand on mine and said,

“My child, I hope you love the Lord Jesus Christ?” I answered,

“Yes, I do.”

“I mean, you know Him as your own personal Saviour?” she continued; and again I replied,

“Yes,”

And then she went on to tell me what Christ was to her—dearer than all the world besides.

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

ML 07/27/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 6

With grief the mother turned away and the sick man drew near to the sick child’s side.

“Well, my little boy, how is it?” he asked kindly, “don’t you get tired lying here?”

“Sometimes,” replied Daniel with a smile, “and then mother puts me on her lap and sings to me, and that rests me.”

“But do you never long to use your hands and feet? do you never want to shout and sing when you hear other children?” His face brightened as he said,

“Why, it won’t be long before I have a great deal better hands and feet than these, and I shall sing a great deal better than any one can sing here.”

“I can’t say, my child.”

“Why, Jesus says so. Don’t you know Jesus?”

The man was deeply affected, for a ment there was silence. Lilly had folded her hands on the bed, and now her earnest eyes traveled from one face to the other, her lips were parted eagerly.

“I’m afraid I don’t know Jesus as you do, my little one.”

“It’s easy,” he said, with a bright smile, then added, while his face grew brighter, “it’s so good.” The way in which he said it, made every word go to the heart of the listener.

“Easy for you, my child, but for me, a man grown careless in these things, who has sought pleasure in everything else, it is not very easy.”

“Why, it’s only, ‘Come unto Me’” said Daniel. “Don’t you see? it’s only ‘Come unto Me.’ Mother, please, you say the verse for the man.”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” said Mrs. Marks softly. “It means weary of sin, weary of a guilty conscience.” The man hid his face in his hands,

“Tired, tired,” he murmured, “yes, I am weary—heavy laden, too, with sin and infirmities, both of mind and body.” Another silence, then Lilly spoke up,

“Papa wants to feel happy in the long nights, too.”

“It’s Jesus makes me happy,” answered Daniel at once. “That’s because He comes to me, and when I ache the most, I can smile and sing,”

‘Jesus can make a dying bed

Feel soft as downy pillows are,

While on His breast I lay my head

And breathe my life out sweetly there.’”

“My dear little boy,” said the man, as he lifted his head, “you have done me good. I see that those who have lost hope in the world, can be happy and even trmphant. O, for his faith!” he added, turning to Mrs. Marks. “I would give half of my fortune—yes, all, to be able to rest serene and cheerful as he lies there.”

“Dear, sir, it costs nothing,” said the mother in her straightforward manner. “Salvation and peace are without money and without price. Jesus shed His blood for sinners, finished the great work of salvation, and it is without money and witut price. It is just to look to Christ and live. We are not saved by what we can do, but by believing on what Christ did when He died on the cross.”

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

“Now, father, can you say ‘Jesus!’” said Lilly springing to her feet, supposing all his sorrows past. The question so sudden, came with a flood of sweet and bitter recollections, that the man burst into tears, and not being able to recover his self control, he motioned to Lilly to come, and they left the cottage.

Can you, dear reader, say ‘Jesus’? What does Jesus mean? SAVIOUR. Can you look up and say from your heart, Jesus my Saviour? Is He your Saviour? O, how full of love He is. Claim Him.

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

ML 07/27/1941

Christ Is Coming

When He will come, the Bible does not tell us, but He may come today.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

Surely, I come quickly.” Rev. 22:20.

ML 07/27/1941

Do the Strong Always Win?

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18.

While a wise king was watching the things, which happened in his land, he saw that the swiftest runner did not always win the race; nor the strongest army always will the battle; they might have trouble and fail. He said,

“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither bread to the wise, not yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill: but time and chance happeneth to them all.”

The king had also seen that trouble might come very suddenly, “as the fishes are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecc, 9:12.

Since no one knows what trouble may come or when, it is best to ask the Lord to guide our ways, and to trust His will every day, then He can help us, even in our troubles.

The king told of one great army which did not conquer a small city, he said,

“There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.

“Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.” Ecc. 9:14,15.

We are not told how the poor man saved the city, but he made some wise plan, so the great army could not take the city.

Yet was it not strange that the man who saved the city from the enemy was not rewarded or remembered? The king also said,

“Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.”

Perhaps that story may now remind us that the world is like that little city. A great enemy, Sin, would bring lasting death to all people, but the Lord Jesus came as a poor man, and made a way that all who trust Him might be saved.

The people of the little city had to believe the poor wise man, and take his plan to save them; so now, we must believe the Lord Jesus: His way to save us was by His own death. Do we remember and thank Him?

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3.

What is better than weapons of war? (Ecc. 9:18).

How many times are the words, “under the sun” in Ecc. 8:9.

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1.“The salutation,” etc. Col. 4:18.

2.“For the hope,” etc. 1:5.

3.“Put on,” etc. 3:12.

4. “Let nothing,” etc. Phil. 2:3.

5.“Therefore,” etc. 4:1.

6.“Being filled,” etc. 1:11.

7.“But what things,” etc. 3:7.

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, “We are persuaded better things of you.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The thoughts and intents of the heart.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Appointed heir of all things.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, he blood of the everlasting covenant.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “A greater and more perfect tabernacle,”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Obtained a more excellent ministry.”

7.Has God provided “some better thing” for us?

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Through the blood of His cross. Col. 1:20.

2.Those things which are behind. Philip. 3:13.

3.For the Saviour. Philip. 3:20.

4.Old Testament ordinances. Col. 2:14-16.

5.To die, Phil. 1:21.

6.The Lord Christ. Col. 3:24.

7.Nymphas. Col. 4:15.

Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews

1.With what should we be content?

2.With whom did Moses choose to suffer?

3.What did the Old Testament believers confess?

4.In what position is Jesus where we now see Him?

5.What is necessary for the remission of sins?

6.What verse tells us not to stay away from meeting?

7.What verse shows that God will remember the kindnesses we show to our fellow beleviers?

ML 08/03/1941

Look, Come, Rest

Look to Jesus, look and live;

Mercy at His hands receive;

He has died upon the tree,

And His words are, “Look to Me.”

Come to Jesus, come and live;

He has endless life to give;

He from sin will set you free,

For His words are, “Come to Me.”

Rest in Jesus, there repose,

Shelter find from all thy foes;

Let His name be all thy plea,

For His words are, “Rest in Me.”

ML 08/03/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 7

“O dear,” sighed Ellen Irving, as she put down her book, “how dreary and lonesome it makes the house seem! I do wish brother could get well.”

“I’m afraid he will never get well,” said the wife of the invalid, a tear stealing down her cheek. “To think one year ago, he was all life and animation. Let me see, we were in Naples weren’t we?”

“Yes, and what glorious times we used to have. O, dear; and it is so gloomy now! I can’t think of one cheerful thing, it’s dull in the morning and dull at night, and the world seems like a grave. Even out on the street I can’t forget. Lilly, child, what are you doing?” she exclaimed as the little girl, her face flushed and her hair flung in disorder, appeared at the door dragging a large book beautifully gilded and shining.

“It was so heavy,” said Lilly still tugging at her task. “I tried to lift it, and then I called Sarah, but she wouldn’t come. You take it up, won’t you? No, not on the table, on your lap,” she added, as the young lady was about to transfer the volume to the table.

“For pity’s sake, child,” said her mother pausing before she left the room “what are you going to do with that great big Bible?”

“Why, I want Auntie to find something for me,” said the child, who, after seeing the volume placed where she wished, had seated herself at Ellen Irving’s feet, and, with folded hands waited.

“And what shall I find?” asked her youthful Aunt, looking smilingly into the anxious face of the child.

“Where it says, ‘Come unto Me.’ The little sick boy told father, and I want to find it so that father can read it.”

“You strange child,” said the Aunt, blushing, “how can I tell you where it is?”

“Why, don’t you know? Haven’t you read the Bible?” Ellen turned the leaves abstractly.

“Isn’t it somewhere in the New Testent?” she asked her sister-in-law.

“I suppose so, though I am sure I don’t know. I read everything else,” replied the fashionable mother. “I don’t want Henry to get moping and gloomy as I am sure he will, if he keeps on talking about the child.”

“Why, how strange,” exclaimed Ellen, “I have opened the book right there! It is in the eleventh chapter of Matthew, and the 28th verse. Well, Lilly I’ve found it, what now?”

“O!” and Lilly darted from her seat, but soon returned, bringing a hymn book, very large and equally as beautiful as the Bible. “Now, please to find the hymn where it says,

‘Jesus can make a dying bed.’”

“Bless me, child, you make me neous,” said the young lady, shuddering, “what do you want to hear about dying beds?”

“But poor little sick Danny sings it when Jesus comes to him in the night,” persisted the child, “and if father learns it, perhaps he will sing it, for I guess by-and-by Jesus will also come to him, and make him happy.”

“Lilly Irving! what are you talking about?” asked the young lady, a strange feeling creeping through her nerves and around her heart.

“About Jesus,” was the prompt reply.

“Well—I’m sure it’s very well on Sunday, but I don’t see what put it into your head to talk of such things now. Hadn’t you better go and play?”

“No,” said Lilly just as promptly, “I told father I’d find him the place of ‘Come unto Me,’ and, ‘Jesus can make,’ and now you just look for the hymn, please, while I go for Sarah to carry up the book.” Away she went, and that blessed name ran through Ellen’s brain “Jesus”!

“Jesus! That name is love,

Jesus, Our Lord!

Jesus, all names above,

Jesus, the Lord!

Thou, Lord, our all must be;

Nothing that’s good have we,

Nothing apart from Thee,

Jesus, our Lord!”

To be Continued

ML 08/03/1941

Teasing

Children like to tease one another. In our picture today our little boy has filled his pitcher, and now it is the little girl’s turn, but he stands in her way. He has a mischievous look in his pleasant face.

Water is something we all need. Our bodies cannot live without it. Generally we can have all we want. But in some countries, good pure water is very scarce, and people have to pay a big price for it.

Dear children, the soul as well as the body becomes thirsty. Do you know how a thirsty soul can be satisfied?

“Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the watersm and he that hath no money.” Isa. 55:1.

ML 08/03/1941

Bread on Waters

Ecclesiastes 11:1-3.

If you were told to throw bread on water, you would think it very foolish, since it would soon be lost or spoiled; but that is what the wise king told the people to do, and said they would find it, again;

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days!”

In lands where the rivers overflow unto the low lands at regular times, as the Nile and the Jordan, the farmers used to throw seed on the edge of the waters, and the waters carried the seeds far unto the land. Then after the waters flowed back, in place, the grain would grow on the wet soil and often make large crops. Perhaps that was what the king meant, for his home was not far from those rivers, and he may have spoken of the seed as “bread”, because grain was used then as now for bread. But anyway; it would be a very uncertain way to sow; the grain might be carried down the river and lost to the men, or there would be too much to grow in some places and not enough in others, so they would not feel sure of the results, but the king said, “thou shalt find it after many days.” You see they must be patient and-wait; and he did not mean that the same bread or grain “cast,” would be found, but a return in another form.

The king was thinking of giving to others, for his next words were:

“Give a portion, to seven and also to eight; for them knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”

You may wonder why he said give to “seven” but those who have read. the Bible with care have learned that God teaches something by the numbers used, and seven seems to show what is complete (as God marked time by seven days when He made the world). So when the people gave to others, the king meant them to give to all who needed, to seven, and even io more, to eight; which meant, to start over again. The king said they did not know when they, too, might be in need.

Even the clouds teach, it is best to give, for when full of rain they “empty upon the earth”, and whichever way a tree falls it is there to be used. God has given the things of earth freely for all, and He has always taught that His people should help others with what they have; even boys and girls can do much for others, not, perhaps by giving food, but by some kind help.

The very best help to give others is to tell them of the Lord Jesus. Who gave His life on the cross; that is why we tell God’s Word. The king did not know Him as we may now. He is the “Bread of life” to all who will receive Him. He said,

“I am the living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51.

Who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” (Acts 20:35).

What giver does God love? (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Can you say a Bible verse which would tell of God’s greatest gift to the world? If not, learn this,

“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 08/03/1941

The Ark

There was a noble ark,

Sailing o’er the waters dark

And wide around.

Not one tall tree was seen;

Nor flower nor leaf of green,

All, all was drowned.

Then a soft wing was spread,

And o’er the billows dread

A meek dove flew.

But on that shoreless tide,

No living thing she spied

To cheer her view;

So to the ark she fled,

With weary, drooping head

To seek for rest.

Christ is the Ark, my love;

Thou art the tender dove—

Fly to His breast!

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

ML 08/10/1941

"Don't You Love Him Back?"

Barbara was a strong, high-spirited little child. One day she was sitting on the floor busily engaged in playing with and arranging her toys, of which she was very fond, when suddenly a thoughtful expression passed over her face, and stopping short in the midst of an animated conversation with her doll, she rushed up to her mother, and said,

“Mother, tell me, is it really true that God loves me; does He really love little Barbara?”

“Yes, my child,” said her mother, “God really loves little Barbara, and He loved you so much that he sent His Son to die for you. He loved you, but He did not love your sin, which made you black all over in His sight, and it was because He loved you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to suffer for you on the Cross, so that being washed in His Blood you might be made perfectly clean and white, and thus fit to dwell with Him in glory. He loved you so much that He wanted to have you with Him, and He knew that nothing less than the precious Blood of Jesus could make you clean and white, and so God sent His Son to bleed and die on the bitter Cross that all who believe in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). And you know,

‘We love Him, because He first loved us.’” 1 John 4:19.

Looking in mother’s face, Barbara said, “Does Jesus love me better than you do, mother?”

“Yes, my child, far better. I have never died for you; the Lord Jesus has.”

“And does Jesus love me now?”

“Yes, my child. He loves you now, this moment, although He is in the glory.”

Hiding her face in her mother’s lap, little Barbara said,

Then I love Him! I love Him! I do love Him!”

Thus was the little girl led to rejoice in Christ’s love to her.

From that day on, Barbara was a living testimony that she was the Lord’s. All around her noticed a marked change in her little ways. She would always try and tell others how Jesus loved them, in her own childish way, with a beaming smile on her face, and if they did not heed it, or seemed touched with such divine love, she would look up and say in the saddest tone,

“But don’t you love Him back again? I do.”

ML 08/10/1941

Little Daniel

Chaper 8

Why had it now a new significance? Often she had heard it sung in sacred songs, but all at once it had sprung before her vision, endowed with a new and different meaning. Jesus: Who was he? What had He to do with her? Why should it be a solace to read of Him in sickness? How did He come on earth? When? To whom? It seemed as if for one little moment a light had flashed upon her, more beautiful, more glorious than all the pleasure she has ever experienced, and had been as suddenly sealed up again.

“He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we night be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Cor. 5:21.

“It is strange,” she murmured to herself, “that I have never thought of it before, and yet I suppose at some time or another we will wish we had.”

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Heb. 2:3.

“Here is Sarah— she will take the book to father,” cried Lilly entering the room with one of the maids, and soon the wasted invalid was reading the Holy Word, while his little daughter, perched at the foot of his bed, fixed her bright eyes upon him, as if she would read his heart—as if the happy moment. would come while he read, so that he could murmur, smiling as little Danny did, “I can say ‘Jesus’.”

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.”

Little Daniel grew weaker every day, and soon the end came.

“Mother,” said he one day, “do you think,”—the voice was fainter than it had ever sounded before— “do you think the angels will come for me?”

“Yes, darling. I have no doubt they will.”

“O, mother, Jesus is with me.” She kissed the damp forehead and dried the thin hands between her own palms. “Mother, it will be better for me to go to my heavenly home, than to live here a great many years and suffer, won’t it?”

“Yes, dear, if it is God’s will,” replied his mother,

“And does it make you feel very bad to give me up?”

“No, my child”—the mother’s voice was low and quiet,— “for I give you into better hands than mine. I shall be very lonesome, darling, without my little sick boy, but one thought will always comfort me; he is in a Home where he will never know want or pain.”

Little Charlie was put in his bed, and the widow prepared to sit all night by the side of her little sufferer.

It seemed as if death could not be here; or, if it was, that as a bright gentle messenger, it came. Often Mrs. Marks thought of the dream her little Daniel had described, where the walls were covered with shining, precious, stones, brighter than the sun, while the messenger of death—say of life, rather—waited for him.

The moon shone brightly, clear as day dawn and its soft beams lay on the bedspread that covered the child. Mrs. Marks might have called in some neighbor, and there were many who would gladly have watched with her, but the window could not bear that his parting hours should be spent in the presence of a stranger.

They had sweet messages to give each other and the motnents were hallowed. Many times he murmured, “Good night, dear mother, till tomorrow,” and she often thought she saw the shadow that comes but once. At last he spoke no more, but smiling peacefully, fixed his full blue eyes upon her, and slowly the light faded out of them, gone from time into ETERNITY.

It was a beautiful deathbed, or translation rather, and for many moments the widowed mother sat looking upon that peaceful face.

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord, to suffer no more,” she.muured, as she wept and kissed the eyes she had closed.

“O, my dear one! I would not call von back. No; I could not call you back.”

When Charlie sprang from his bed in the morning, and wondered at the stillness of the room, his mother took him gently to where the dear one lay, and when he gazed up, grieved and heart stricken, into her face, she kissed his rosy lips and said softly.

“Try to bear it, Charlie, remember you are all mother has left.”

“But, my dear brother, I want him,” cried the child,

“Ah,” said the mother, “Jesus wanted him too!”

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

“To depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” Phil. 1:23.

ML 08/10/1941

"For Me"

Do you believe on Jesus?” I asked a little girl at the Service.

“Yes,” she replied, “I believe that Jesus died for me, as if there was not another sinner in the world.”

She was a bright young convert—newly saved. And what a clear and, simple testimony she gave! She had received Jesus as her own personal Saviour. Hers was not that general faith which is ready to admit that Jesus “died for everybody.” She had had a personal dealing with the Saviour; and out of the fullness of her new-born joy she could bear testimony that Jesus died for her.

Has this blessed experience been yours? The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML 08/10/1941

Sowing Seeds

Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

Perhaps you like to plant seeds and have thought how wonderful it is that dry seeds put in the ground, spring up into big plants, even great trees from small seeds. The wise king gave good advice about sowing; he said,

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”

A farmer watches the winds and clouds, as signs of rain or storms, yet if he always waits for the right wind, or a time of no clouds, he will not sow his fields nor reap any grain. For no one knows just how or when things grow. It is all a wonder to us, even the growth of our own bones, we cannot understand; the king said:

“Thou knowest not the works of God Who maketh all.”

Then there is a special seed, more woerful than all others, which also grows by the mighty power of God; it is not to be sown in grobral, but in the hearts of people. This seed is the Word of God, the Bible, which tells of Jesus, the Saviour; and by believing Him, men, women, boys, and girls are given a new life which makes them happier on earth, and fitted for life with God in Heaven. It was Jesus who called the Word of God, “seed” (Luke 8:11).

There is something else wonderful about this sowing, it is, that God wants those who believe Him to sow this seed, even small boys or girls. He has not given this work to His angels, but to people, and the way to sow it, is to tell or read or give God’s words to some one who does not know or think about Him, and to do it kindly and patiently.

We may wait a long time for this “seed” to grow, perhaps it will be another who sees it grow, not the one who first gives it. Sometimes in the garden, a seed is dropped outside of a row and becomes a stronger plant than the ones in the row. So God may bless some one by a few words which no one else knows about.

The need for this “seed” to be sown is so great, it must have been meant by the wise king, when he said,

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

Do you notice the king did not call sowing seed “vanity” (something empty), as he did riches, and many other things?

It was a young man who was told:

“Preach (or tell out) the Word; be instant (prompt) in season, and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2.

“He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly.” 2 Cor. 9:6.

ML 08/10/1941

"Overflowing of Waters"

Such a beautiful scene! How refreshing a place like this is in the midst of God’s creation so marred by the effects of sin.

If to us “created things though pleasant, now bear to us death’s stamp,” how must God feel, for whose “pleasure all things are and were cread?”

“Yea, the heavens are not clean in His sight.” Job 15:15.

What of man in regard to his right to live on earth? His gray hair, failing eyesight and wasting body tell that he is not fit to live here.

In spite of not being good enough to live in the world, some people foolishly think they will be given a place in heaven on their own merits.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

“IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS.” John 8:24.

ML 08/17/1941

How Arthur Was Saved

Arthur had come to the tent service. Quite a number of children had come that evening. How thoughtfully they listened, how they sang the choruses telling of the Saviour and His love.

But although they all seemed interested, they all, except Arthur, went away, after the meeting was over. It was getting dark, and away at the back of the tent Arthur sat. The Holy Spirit had shown him he was all wrong, and although not very old, yet the Word of God had said,

“All have sinned,” so that included him. How earnestly he listened to God’s Word as it was read to him, showing him that although he was a sinner, Christ Jesus came to save such. With what joy did he believe God’s message, and leave the tent to go home to tell his parents the glad news that he was “saved.”

I met him a little while afterward, and he appeared sad, and so he was. What could be the reason. He soon told me, he had no Bible and badly wanted one. How pleased he was when a copy was given him.

Soon a letter came to say he was reading it through, and writing down in a notebook, as he came to them, all the promises he found. Is the Lord Jesus your Saviour? If He is, do you love His Word?

“Great peace have they which love Thy law, (or Word).” Psa. 119:165.

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

ML 08/17/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 9

There was sorrow in the stately mansion, as well as in the home of the cottager. The steps of the servants had grown more noiseless day by day, and before the door, was spread the thick, soft rug, that no sound of hurrying steps might disturb the sich man so near his end.

At last there was no hope: the doctor had said that recovery was impossible. Mrs. Irving was in despair. Never before had she waited on the bed of sickness; it was a new experience for her, a trial filled with horrors. She had loved to shine in the gay ball room, in the flashing theater; she had never prepared to meet trouble in any form. Now, she must stand and see the end of earth; she must realize that she was born for something besides living. She must think whether, if that time come to her, was she prepared to give up the company she so loved, the pomp, vanities; and movies she so delighted in, whether here the gay laugh would be fitting, the dazzling jewel, the costly robes,—the sneer at things sacred! How great the contrast between the watcher, surrounded with every luxury; and Daniel’s mother who was a child of God!

“All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever,” 1 John 2:16, 17.

Lilly’s Aunt was strangely disquieted, the question would come to her mind,

“Do you love Jesus?” and since she had heard that there was no hope for her brother, she had thought of nothing else. Was he prepared to leave this world? She wished she might have been a comfort to him.

Lilly seemed the only one who retained composure at the eventful time. She was so thoughtful, it was a pleasure to have her in the room. One day as the pale sun shone on the dying man, he called for Lilly, and for the first time, he said, with a peaceful smile,

“Daughter, I can say ‘Jesus’ now.”

“O, father! I am so glad,” she said, kissing him. “I’ll go and tell the lame boy; and does Jesus come and talk to you?”

“Yes, darling, He did last night,”

“Didn’t I tell you so?” cried the child in triumphant tones. “And is He lovely, father?”

“Too glorious for mortal lips to dcribe. Praise God, I shall soon see the brightness of His glory.”

“Don’t you suppose mother will say ‘Jesus’ too?” she whispered.

“Ask her, my lamb; tell her He smoothes the pillow of death.” Mrs. Irving heard it and wept.

“Jesus! the Name we love so well,

The Name we love to hear!

No saint on earth its worth can tell,

No heart conceive how dear.

This Name shall shed its fragrance still

Along this thorny road,

Shall sweetly smooth the rugged hill

That leads us up to God.”

This child whom they devoted to the world, would she lead them all to Christ?

“Can you say ‘Jesus can make’?” said the child.

“Yes, darling,” and he repeated it slowly, clasping his hands, his voice low and fervent.

“O, that is good, and now you will get well.”

“No, darling, father is going to heaven, to be with the Lord Jesus.”

“Going to leave me all alone?” she said, a shade coming over her brow.

“Not all alone, dear, for Jesus will be with you, and mother, and Aunt, and soon you will all come to me.”

“When, father?”

“When Jesus calls you.”

“Can’t you let me go to Him?”

“O, my dear, I wish I had learned to say ‘Jesus’ when I was as young as you.” Tears of joy, of faith, of blessedness bewed the dying man’s face, “Surely this child is an heir of glory, one of those whom Jesus came to call, she will lead the others to Christ, I die happy.”

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.” Matt. 21:16.

ML 08/17/1941

The Lord Himself Shall Come

Dear children, have you ever head

That Christ the Lord will come,

With angel’s voice and trump of God,

To call His people home?

The saints of God, from death set free,

With joy shall mount on high;

The heaven shall ring with praises loud,

They’ll meet Him in the sky.

O! say, if He should come tonight,

Would you in terror be,

Or would you lift your heads with joy

The blessed Lord to see?

O! children, seek the Saviour now

The Saviour full of love;

And when He comes He’ll take you up

To His bright home above.

ML 08/17/1941

The Love of Jesus

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

“I am so glad that our Father in Heaven

Tells of His love in the Book He has given:

Wonderful things in the Bible I see—

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.”

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

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

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

“I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.” and became in every respect a consistent disciple of the Lord.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 08/17/1941

His Little Lamb

I do not think I can be one of Jesus’ lambs,” a little boy sobbed out, as he lay in his father’s arms.

“And why so?” inquired his father.

“Because I do not feel I am,” the child replied.

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

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

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

Little lambs so white and fair,

Are the shepherd’s constant care;

How he leads their tender feet

Into pastures green and sweet.

Now they listen and obey,

Following where he leads the way;

O Lord Jesus, may we be

Thus obedient unto Thee.

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

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” John 10:14.

ML 08/24/1941

The Sailor Boy's Testament

A lady visiting among the sailors spoke to a mate on one of the vessels about his soul’s salvation. He did not seem to give much heed to her words, but just as she was leaving, he said,

“I must tell you of one thing that occurred on a recent voyage, that made an impression on me. When we were lying in port where no ship is allowed to show a light at night, I was walking on deck on my watch, when I saw a faint light forward. Presently it went out, and was followed by another. Fearing that something was wrong, I walked softly forward, and there, under the top-gallant forecastle, I saw a quiet boy, one of the crew, with a Testament on his knee with one of his fingers on the page to keep the place, and holding in his other hand a lighted match, by the light of which he was reading his Testament. I confess that the sight of the boy touched me, and I did not disturb him.”

Dear sailor boy. It was the only opportunity that he had, perhaps the only quiet moment he could secure, and there he was alone with his God, seeking to gather help and strength for his soul from the sacred page. No doubt, it was thus he was helped to bear the scorn of the uodly sailors around him, and to live sorly, righteously, and godly in their midst from day to day. You see how the Lord used the dear boy’s diligence to cause a careless sinner to think.

Do you seek in your spare moments, dear young believer, to thus search and meditate on the Word of God? or, do you fritter away your precious hours, neglecting to feed and sustain your soul?

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 3:18.

“If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.” 1 Peter 4:14.

ML 08/24/1941

Little Daniel

Chapter 10

“My child, where are you going?” asked her aunt, as Lilly came in bringing her coat and hat.

“Going to tell the lame boy that papa can say ‘Jesus,’” she replied.

“But, my dear, it is no time to go tay,” said her aunt.

“O! yes it is, papa told me I might. I asked him and he said, ‘Go, Lilly, it will comfort the dear boy.’ So we are going in the car, and you promised to take some jellies, and then papa said I must go out, I was pale.”

“But, Lilly, don’t you know your father is very ill? Suppose he should die while you are gone.”

“O! but don’t you know he’s got Jesus now? He told me so, he don’t need me any more, he don’t need anybody; he isn’t a bit afraid, and he smiles all the time,” said the child, every word springing from her faith-filled heart, while Ellen hid her face and wept. After a little silent crying, her aunt arose and taking some jellies and other delicacies, she entered the car, and the two were driven out to the cottage of the widow.

The day was warm, and they were not much surprised to see the blinds down. Charlie sat on the door-step, his head bent upon his hand as they alighted from the car. However, the extreme quiet, and sad expression on his usually merry face, struck Lilly’s aunt with the fear that she had only left the dying to see the dead.

As they stepped in the door, the evidence was before them, for, lying on the humble bed, strewn all over with roses, the gifts of little children who had loved him, lay little Daniel. The soul had gone to Jesus, where it had longed to go. Lilly stood near, her hands clasped, her expressive countenance reflecting every shade of the mourning mother’s. Her aunt looked in silence, and in awe on the features of the dead boy, wishing most fervently that she could say that she trusted and loved the Saviour he had served.

“Will he know, do you think, that my father can say ‘Jesus’, at last?” asked Lilly solemnly.

“Perhaps so, dear,” said the widow, smiling through her tears. “He spoke of you, and of your father too, last night before he died.”

“Did he? O, what did he say?” asked Lilly.

“Tell her to put her trust in Jesus, and to serve Him.” He also said: “If I could live and get well, I would be a minister of the gospel.”

“And may I be a minister of the goel?” asked Lilly.

The widow thought a moment and then quietly answered,

“Yes, you may, you may be a minister of the gospel in many ways. When you minister to the poor for Christ’s sake; when you minister to the suffering and the sinning, you will certainly be serving the Lord. Everybody who loves the Lord Jesus can in some way serve Him. Jesus says,

“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41.

“So you see not even a cup of cold water given in His name will go unrewarded. You have been a minister, my little child, for, through your ministry your father has been saved, learned to know Jesus as his Saviour,”

These words sank deep into the heart of Lilly’s young aunt, coming as they did from the lips of experience, and by the bedside of the child whose patient life had been filled with fragrance amidst so many discouraging circumstances. Returning to the car she said,

“Lilly, you and I will trust Jesus.”

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

It was a beautiful day, that one which two funeral processions wound their way to the cemetery. One was composed of humble people on foot, following the body of dear little Daniel, the widow’s son. The other glittering in all the pomp of wealth. Car after car drove with luxurious draped hearse.

Mr. Irving, requested that the little boy who had been instrumental in his conversion was to be buried in his own family tomb. Some of the last words of Mr. Irving’s were these,

“I have seen the beauties of all countries. I have tasted of all pleasures, I have been surrounded with every earthly good, I have loved and been beloved, but never have I known, in all the hours of my transport, anything so blissful as the Love of Christ that fills my soul in these dying moments.”

Dear reader, are you ready if called to face death? Is your soul resting on the finished work of Christ? Are you under the shelter of the blood of Jesus?

“The blood of Jesus Christ (God’s Son), cleanseth us from all sin,” 1 John 1:7.

ML 08/24/1941

The Leopard

Can the Leopard change the spots

Woven in his coat of skin?

Can he move those colored dots

Which the world’s attention win?

No; however much he tried,

All his efforts would be vain;

He with spots would still be dyed,

Ev’ry one would yet remain.

Can the sinner—vile within—

Covered o’er with evil blots—

Cleanse himself from shame and sin,

And efface his sinful spots?

Nay; there’s not a thing of earth

That can cleanse a sinner’s stains;

All he tries is nothing worth,

He polluted still remains.

Let me not, then, be enticed

Such a folly to begin;

Nothing but the blood of Christ

E’er can take away my sin.

Washed in His most precious blood,

Which in love did freely flow,

Bathed in that all-cleansing flood,

Whiter I shall be than snow.

ML 08/24/1941

The End of a King's Search

Ecclesiastes, 12:8-14.

The great king of Israel had set his mind to try all things on earth, to find what would make him entirely satisfied; he tried all things,—pleasures, music, learning, great buildings, and friends. When old, he told the people what he had proved,—that he could not be happy or satisfied in what he could do or see or have on earth, because he found sin everywhere, and death, the end of all.

But the king had found that it was good to obey God, and to do good to others. So when his search was over, he kept on telling the people all that was true, and writing what he had learned. He said wise words were like the sharp pointed poles, called goads, used by shepherds. When an animal felt the sharp prick of the pole, it would turn back into the right path. So wise words remind those who believe them, to leave wrong ways and go in right ways.

The king also spoke of wise words as “nails, given by one shepherd”; he may have meant the nails were in the poles and caused the pricks; anyway, wise words explain to people what is right, and hold what is true in their minds. A good shepherd turns his flock from danger, and the Lord wants to turn people from wrong. He gave the king the wisdom to write, and has kept his words all the years even till now. These are the last words of the king’s talk:

“Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

These words have perhaps the sharpest “prick” of all his wise words, for none fulfill the duty to keep God’s commands, and this reminds all that there are sins to be punished.

Jesus, the Son of God, was the only one ever to keep all God’s Words. He, too, often told the people of judgment to come, and that every word and act was known to God.

“We must all appear before the judent seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14: 10.

“The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” John 5:22.

“God shall judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus,” Rom. 2:10.

“So every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12.

God will go over all our works to show which were pleasing to Him, and which were not, and give rewards accordingly.

Those who are saved, know Christ died for them, and bore the punishment of their sins on the cross, so there is no pushment for them.

“There is... no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Rom, 8:1.

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

What same words are at the beginning of the king’s talk, and at the close? (Ecc. 1:2 and 12:8).

What kind of words did he write? (Ecc. 12:10).

ML 08/24/1941

Harvest Time

Here is how they harvested, hay in olden times, when they used oxen. It makes us think of a harvest that God’s Word tells us about in Matt. 13:24:30

It is a parable that the Lord Jesus spoke while He was here upon earth, about the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is not heaven, but is the rule of the heavens; and the Lord Jesus used the parable to tell us that this rule is here upon earth.

He likened it to a man that sowed good seed in his field: and while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. When it grew, the tares came up too, and the servants said, “Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them. An enemy hath done this.”

They wanted to gather up the tares, but he told them to wait till harvest, and he said, “In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt. 13:30

Then in verses 37-43 He tells what that means.

“He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kinom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burd in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who path ears to hear, let him hear.”

There is one point we should like to iress upon you, and that is that you must make sure that you are like the wheat. The way you may be sure you are among those likened unto wheat, is by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

Those who believe on Him will not be put into the bundles of tares to be burned; for the burning of the tares will be the wrath of God executed on the unbelievers. The Scripture says:

“‘HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE: BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM. John 3:36.

ML 08/31/1941

Four Little Boys

What they heard, and what they did.

A servant of the Lord was preaching on the coming of the Lord, and four little boys, belonging to a boarding school, happened to be among the audience. The preacher showed from Scripture, that when the Lord comes, He will first of all, take every believer to Himself, in heaven. All who have died since the beginning of the world, from Adam, to the moment that Jesus rises from His Father’s throne, will be raised in glorified bodies, and all who are living on the earth at that time will be changed and caught away “together with them to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52). Then “when they that are ready” through faith in Christ have thus gone “in with Him to the marriage, the door is shut” (Matt. 25:10). It will be of no use then to knock at the door, sang, “Lord, Lord, open unto us;” for it will be too late (verse 11, 12); for, of course, all who are not ready, all who are not believers; are shut out and left behind, so that they come into all those terrible judgments foretold all through the books of prophecy, as to be poured out on this earth.

Well, these four little boys went home to their boarding school thinking and talking solemnly of what they had heard, and what do you think they did? Why, as they were very much concerned about it, and knew that their kind governess was a real disciple of the Lord Jesus, in whose teaching and prayers they had full confidence, they put their young heads tether and wrote the following little letter, a touching appeal when you consider that it told how anxious they were to be saved:

“Miss—. We find from Mr. R—’s sermon that you and all the believers may all he taken away to heaven, and we left behind. We should like you to pray with us about it.”

Having all signed their names to this, they quietly laid it on her Bible and left it there.

I have no doubt at all that the cry of their young hearts had been heard, and the prayers of their Christian guide and teacher on their behalf answered by Him who proved His love for the little ones when. He was here on the earth (Mark 10:13-16), and who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” My purpose in telling you of it is to show you that even little boys can understand this solemn truth connected with the coming of the Lord, namely, that only those who love Him will be caught away to meet Him in the air above the clouds.

Now, as this may take place at any moment suddenly, I hope that if you are not yet “ready” by believing in Jesus, you will not rest until you are so, but be in earnest to get salvation at once by the blood of Christ like the four little boys.

“The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

ML 08/31/1941

Justina's Faith

Justina said good-by to the girl who always took her to Sunday school and then she ran gaily up the walk to her home. She wanted her mother and father to go to the Sunday school with her, and to take her to the meeting in the evening, and she had asked them often, but they had always refused. But she was sure they would be anxious to go with her this evening.

“There will be a meeting this evening,” she announced. Mother and daddy were sitting on the porch playing with the baby.

“There usually is on Sunday evening,” mother said in a matter-of-fact voice.

“But this is a very special meeting,” the child insisted handing her mother her Sunday school paper. “A man who teaches the Chinese people about God will be there. My Sunday school teacher said for each of us children to be sure and come and bring our parents.”

Her mother glanced at her paper, and then laid it aside. Her father sat looking out at the street, apparently not listening to a word Justina was saying.

“Will you go?” Justina asked. Mother shook her head.

“I have to put the baby to bed.”

“Well, you go, Daddy?” Justina ventured timidly.

“I have to write some letters,” he told her.

“But my Sunday school teacher said for us to be sure to bring our parents.”

“Please, Justina, go to your room and change your dress. We can’t go, and that is that,” Mother said, then added, “and of course you can’t go alone, so you had better forget all about it.”

Tears of disappointment burned in the little girl’s eyes as she entered the house. She had been so sure that her parents would want to go with her this night. She wanted so to have them hear about the Lord Jesus, but now it looked as though they never would. A shiver ran up the little girl’s spine. Her Sunday school teacher had said that anyone who didn’t believe in Jesus would never go to heaven. That meant her parents would go to hell.

“O, no! They must not,” she cried.

Then she remembered a memory verse her Sunday school teacher had taught her.

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.

“I want my parents to go tonight, so they will hear about Jesus,” she reasoned. “But I must pray.” So Justina knelt bide her bed and prayed this little prayer.

“O, God, please make my mother and daddy want to go to meeting tonight so they will hear about Jesus and be saved and not go to hell. I know Thou wilt answer my prayer. I thank Thee in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Justina did not know that her parents had followed her into the house and down the hall to her room, and that they were just outside her door listening when she prayed. But she did know that her parents went with her that night, and that they accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. You see, God had prepared her parents’ hearts, so when they heard their little girl praying for them, they wanted to know her God.

“He that believeth on the Son, path everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him.” John 3:36.

ML 08/31/1941

A Very Old Song

Song of Solomon, Chapter 1

King Solomon wrote many songs, but only one has been kept until now, it was a very special one, for it was called, “The Song of Songs”, and forms a short book in the Bible. It may not seem like a song to us, but as written in the Hebrew, it was poetry and could be set to music, and has always been highly regarded by the Hebrew people. it speaks of customs well known to them, and of plants, trees, and flowers of Palestine.

Two persons sang to each other in this Song, sometimes one could not see the other, and speaks or sings to others, or asks about that one; we cannot now be certain which one sings some parts, but it is a song of their love and praise.

One singer was a woman, called “my sister, my spouse” (wife); the one she loved was not directly named, unless at the very close (Chapt. 8:12), but called, “My Beloved”, yet she says his name is “as ointment poured forth” (Chapt, 1:3), so it was a precious name to her, for costly ointments were then used to do honor by their sweet perfume. Once she spoke of her beloved as though a shepherd, and asked where he fed his flocks, and where he made them rest at noon (Chapt. 1:7).

Can you call the Lord “my Beloved” and say, “The Son of God Who loved me, and gave Himself for me”? Gal. 2:20.

As we read this Song we believe, as the Hebrew people have, that it was meant to show God’s great love to His people; also, their love to Him; and to picture a time when they will again enjoy His love. He cared for them as a Shepherd; “fed” them and gave peace to their hearts, as a shepherd keeps his flock in shady places when the sun is hot. It was by the mention of things of earth which they could see, that He taught them how dear they were to Him. His people were many, but this one woman reprented all. She told others she was black, —because the sun had looked upon her while she worked hard in, vineyards. Yet she said she was comely (pleasing), “as the tents of Kedar”, who were shepherds with many flocks, not far away in what we call Arabia. (Is. 60:7), The tents were made of black goat skins, glossy in the bright sunshine. She said, too, she was like Solomon’s curtains which must have been beautiful, as all else about him.

God had taken the people of Israel from the work of slaves in the hot sun of Egypt, greatly blessed them, they were “comely” to Him. After the Son of God came to earth, we are told even more of God’s love. All who believe, now can tell others they were “black” because of sins, but made “fair” by Christ.

Kings of that time decorated their horses, which were eager to carry them to war, with gold, silver; and jewels. In this song the Beloved said,

“I have compared thee, O, my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s army”. Chap. 1:9.

It may seem strange to compare people to horses, but it means they will be used in His service, and He will give them honor; they will be quick, ready to serve.

The Song of Songs is sometimes called “The Canticles”, from a Latin word for chanted songs.

ML 08/31/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.For the mystery,” etc. 2 Thess. 2:7.

2.“We are bound,” etc. 1:3.

3.“But ye, brethren,” etc. 3:13.

4.“For this we say,” etc. 1 4:15.

5.“Remembering,” etc. 1:3

6.For this cause,” etc. 2:13.

7.“But now when,” etc. 3:6.

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, “In heaviness through manifold temptations.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be clothed with humility.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He giveth more grace.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Let patience have her perfect work.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The day star arise in your hearts.”

7.For what doom are the present “heavens and the earth” reserved?

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.From all appearance of evil. 1 Thess. 5:22.

2.Withdraw from their company. 2 Thess. 3:6.

3.With the truth of the Lord’s coming. 1 Thess. 4:15-17,

4.God. 1 Thess. 2:4.

5.His Son from heaven. 1 Thess. 1:10.

6.Afflictions. 1 Thess. 3:3.

7.The Man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2:5.

Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in James and 1 and 2 Peter

1. Where did Christ bear our sins?

2.Give references in chapter which speaks so much of patienc.

3.For what do believers look?

4.What should we do if we lack wisdom?

5.With what are we redeemed?

6.What does the Lord know how to do?

7.What is said of the man who will be a friend of the world?

ML 09/07/1941

The Flock Follow Him

Yes, Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son,

Came down to take the sinner’s place

Jesus, all glorious names in one,

Died to redeem His chosen race.

He died to rescue fallen man,

And bled for sinners. here below;

Dear children, tell me if you can,

Do you this precious Saviour know?

For Jesus’ sheep delight to hear

Their loving Shepherd’s gentle voice;

His lambs have an attentive ear,

And in His sweet commands rejoice.

They follow where He leads the way,

And in His footsteps seek to tread;

They fear from Him to go astray,

Nor will by other hands be fed.

Now, then, dear children, tell me true,

Are you to this Good Shepherd known?

Is Jesus really feeding you,

And are you following Him alone?

ML 09/07/1941

The Warning Heeded

A story is told of a mother living in a certain tropical country, who, from an upstairs window was watching her little boy at play in the garden below her. The little chap was busily engaged in building something which took him to and fro, from a pile of gravel or stones near at hand.

As the mother looked down upon the child she suddenly saw something that filled her with horror, for there, just by the pile of stones, directly in the path the boy would have taken on his next trip, lay one of the deadliest of venernous serpents, whose bite was certain death.

Without losing a moment, she called to her child,

“Harry, mother wants you to come into the house at once! Don’t stop a minute, come by the path to the back porch! Don’t wait a moment! Come at once!”

Something in the mother’s tone caused the child, who looked up in astonishment, to obey at once, and in a few moments he was safely clasped in his mother’s arms, while servants were sent out to destroy the unwelcome and deadly intruder.

If the little boy had not heeded his mother’s warning, but had continued with his play, or had answered,

“Not just now, mother, a little later,” or words of a similar kind, and had continued to go to the stone pile, without doubt he would have been attacked and bitten by the poisonous snake, but he obeyed without question and no harm came to him.

Did it ever occur to you, friend, that in the garden of your life, lies an enemy of yours—death? A deadly enemy it is, with a sting (1 Cor. 15:56) that is fatal to all, and none have escaped who have been attacked by it. In the midst of our play, or our toil down here, that deadly enemy is always near at hand, and sooner or later all come under its power.

But God, who is love, and who willeth not the death of a sinner, has provided a way of escape, which cost the life of His own beloved Son, and through. His Holy Spirit, is urging you to hasten to a place of safety, before it is too late!

There is no time to lose, and no matter how deep our occupation may be with the things of this life, and how much we may be absorbed with them; that One above is aware of the danger, and tells us in no uncertain tones:

“Behold now is the accepted time, bold now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2. And again,

“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.” Heb. 12:25.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.” Heb. 2:3.

And where is that place of safety to which we are urged to flee? It is a place called Calvary, where the most guilty of terror-stricken sinners may freely come, and there he finds a stream of most preicous blood, shed by the Son of God, under the shelter of which, there waits for him, life eternal; guaranteed by God the Father (John 10:29), God the Son (John 10: 28), and God the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:6, 7).

ML 09/07/1941

The Locomotive

When you stand at a railway crossing and watch a huge locomotive and the rest of the train rush by, how like a tremendous, swift, living monster it seems. Perhaps the stewardess in the picture is explaining to the little girls how steam is used to turn the huge driving wheels which move the engine.

It must be pleasant to go on a long trip, and have a stewardess to entertain little folks, and point out interesting things.

All of us are taking a journey through life, and we have a guide to explain things we need to know about the journey and about God, into whose presence we are going. Yes, it is the Word of God, and it is more than a guide: it might be coared to the locomotive for power, and the ability to accomplish its purpose.

“The Word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the diving asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“THY HANDS HAVE MADE ME AND FASHIONED ME: GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, THAT I MAY LEARN THY COMMANDMENTS.” Psa. 119:73.

Many changes have been made on locomotives since the first one, which ran at a speed of three miles an hour. But God’s Word is perfect, and is unchanging and unalterable.

“Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.” Psa 119:89.

ML 09/07/1941

The Song of Songs

Song of Solomon, Chapter 2

In this song one singer says, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley.” We know this did not mean the singer was a flower, but flowers speak of cheer and beauty. This one had been given beauty by her Beloved through His goodness, not her own.

Sharon was a place where most beautiful roses grew; lovely lilies grew in the valleys; these flowers may not have been the same as those of our land, but all teach of purity and joy.

You may have heard the Lord Jesus spoken, or sung of, as “The Lily of the Valley”, and He is the “fairest” of all to His people, but in this Song it seems to be said of His people, they are “lovely” by His goodness, not their own. And they may by gentle ways show His beauty to those about them, as the lilies grow, even in rough, wild places (Verse 2).

The Beloved one is said to be like a fruit tree.

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved.... I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste” (Verse 3).

God’s people need His “shade” from troubles about them,—if they will but “sit down” in His care, they will find also His “fruit”, or what He gives them, is “sweet”.

The singer next speaks of her loved one as a roe or young hart (deer) which runs so swiftly, yet quietly, on the mountains, as they leap from one high place to anotr, and she means her Beloved will appear quickly.

Then she hears the voice of her beloved, and she is very happy; there are no two voices alike, and we like to hear the voice of one we love. This singer tells the meage her Beloved sings.

“My beloved shake, and said unto me, “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the sinng of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Verses 10-13).

These words seem to be a promise of a time when the troubles of Israel, “the wier” and “rain”, will be “over,” and the pleasant summer of blessings will come for them. The fig tree is not like most trees, its fruit starts before its leaves, and in that time there will be “fruit” from them for God. Their Redeemer will appear suddenly, as the deer on the mountains.

There is a promise in Scripture of a call to those who now believe in the Lord Jesus. This call is to come quickly, “in the twinkling of an eye”, when He will call His loved ones away from sorrows, not for blessings of earth, but to be with Him in Heaven.

To hear His Voice then, we must first listen now, when He calls as Saviour, and believe Him. Then we can wait with all His people for these words of such cheer:

“Arise, My love, My fair one, and come away.”

ML 09/07/1941

The Hungry Quartette

Poor hungry little kittens! How they do tong for the milk they usually find in the little white bowl. The grasshopper seems not to understand their plight. When milk was put in regularly, do you suppose they appreciated it? Human beings are inclined to take the supplying of their daily needs for granted, and then complain when these provisions are cut off.

Now, as many know, the word “milk” is often used to mean the Word of God. How easy it is now to obtain a Bible and to read it, and thus obtain the necessary food for our souls. Yet this food is not prized as highly by a great many people as it was when people had to save their earnings for many months, and then walk perhaps fifty miles to buy a Bible.

The empty bowl suggests two things which show the necessity of feeding well on the “sincere milk of the Word” while we can do so. One is, we may lose our eyesight, and we then would wish we had read the Bible more, and learned more about the Lord Jesus. The other is the fact that in some countries people are not allowed to own a copy or to read the Scriptures.

We cannot tell how long we may have our eyesight, or how long we may he peitted to read God’s Word. If we have taken Christ as our Saviour we do know that whatever of this blessed Book we have fed upon and hidden in our hearts is ours to enjoy throughout all eternity.

“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psa. 119:11.

“The scripture saith, whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.” Rom. 10:11.

ML 09/14/1941

Too Poor to Be a Christian

Little Willie was very poor indeed. His feet and legs were red with cold, and he had no money to buy shoes or stockings and the little fellow knew too well what it is to be hungry. Often, he ran about the cold streets in winter, and in summer slept under the arches by the river.

After a time Willie tried to earn a little money for himself by chopping wood, and got along fairly well. One day a lady met him on the street.

“My boy,” said she, “would, you like to come to the Sunday school? It is a nice, warm place, with a large, bright fire, and the children are taught there about the Lord Jesus who loves poor children.”

In the school Willie heard about the love of Jesus in giving Himself to die for sinners, and the blessings given to all those who put their trust in Him. He felt he did not love Jesus, and the little boy began to cry for sorrow. Willie felt that he had been a naughty boy, and had not been good towards God, and the thought of his siuful heart made him cry.

“Willie,” said the lady who was teacng him, “would you like to be a Christian boy?”

“I am too poor to be a Christian; I am such a very poor little boy.”

“But, Willie,” said the lady, “Jesus welcomes the poor. He is very kind to poor boys, and no one can be too poor to be a Christian. The Bible says ‘Blessed are the poor,’ and ‘the poor have the gospel preached to them.’”

“Teacher,” said Willie again, hanging his head. “I am too poor to be a Christian,”

The lady tried to find out what it really was that Willie meant, and after a little persuading, he said,

“You see, teacher, I can only earn a dollar a week at chopping wood, and that amount, you know, won’t pay for my bed and clothes and food; so sometimes, when no one is looking, I clap a nice piece of wood under my coat, and sell it. I am too poor to be a Christian boy.”

“Poor Willie,” said the lady, “you must ask God to take care of you and to give you His grace. Ask Him to keep you from stealing, and to supply your need.”

After trying to lead the little boy to the love and kindness of God in the gift of His Son, and trying to get him to trust and confide in Him, the lady said:

“If at any time you are very much in want, you may come to me, and I will try to do what I can to help you.”

Willie went to his work the next morng with the wish to keep his hand from stealing. Chop, chop, chop; went his hatchet all day long and at the end of the week his employer gave him one dollar, but it would not buy all he wanted, still he felt happier, because he had not done that which he knew to be wrong.

The next week Willie went on with his chopping wood. One evening the temptation came. It was getting dark; he looked around, this side and that side, no one was watching, and there was a nice piece of wood at his feet. Under his tattered coat his little heart went pit-pat, and he felt very uncomforble, just as everybody does when he is going to do something wrong. Then he looked at the wood again, and thought,

“O, it is such a pretty piece of wood, such a nice piece! I could just pop it under my jacket and nobody would see me. It would sell for enough money to buy me a nice loaf of bread and other nice things!”

Willie looked around; still no one was watching; he stretched out his hand to take the wood, when he thought he saw an eye looking at him. He quickly pulled back his hand.

“No!” said he. “I won’t take it; God is looking at me!”

The temptation has passed; God gave Willie strength to resist it, and he was all the happier for keeping from doing wrong, but he was none the less hungry, and was as poor as before; yet the poor boy thought it was better to have a heart at ease, than to have enough to eat and drink and all the while feel a weight of sorrow.

At the end of the week his employer called Willie to him. I wonder if he feared lest he had been seen stretching out his hand towards the piece of wood? But a kind voice gave him confidence.

“My boy,” said the man, “I have watched you this week, and noticed how much better you have behaved, and how much better you have attended to your work. I will give one dollar and a half, instead of one dollar, and may you always be a good boy.”

Willie’s heart went pit-pat, pit-pat again very fast, but not in the same way as when he was looking at the piece of wood. This time it was with joy and pleasure. He thanked his master very much and ran off to the lady’s house to tell her the good news. His bare feet soon bounded up the clean, white steps of the house, and with a glad heart he rang the bell and told her all his happy story.

“Well, my boy, ‘godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise, not only of the life that now is, but also of that which is to come.’ God rewards those who seek to please and obey Him,” said the lady, and she encouraged the poor child to trust in the Lord and seek to do only those things which would be pleasing to Him.”

Willie tripped home. How happy he felt! And when he came to his own little dwelling place, the ragged boy felt a joy within himself which no one can know eept those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour, and whom God in His great mercy has enabled to serve Him.

God is the same to you, dear little friends, as He was to Willie. Try to follow His ways and words, and you will see that He will never let you suffer.

“Trust in the Lord at all times.” Psa. 62:8.

ML 09/14/1941

Disobedience

A Christian mother, a widow, had a boy named Robert. One Lord’s day as he was about to leave for Sunday school, she put a new Bible into his hand and gave him a goodbye kiss with her blessing.

Robert started out very happy, but on his way to Sunday school he met some of his playmates who were going for a boat ride, and they invited him to join them. He hesitated; his conscience telling him that he should not yield to the tempter, but his desire for pleasure was strong, and soon gained the mastery.

He hid the Bible his mother had given him, under a bridge and joined his gleeful companions without a thought of her, or of God, whom he was offending. Very shortly afterward however, the sad news that the little sailing boat had capsized, and all the boys drowned, reached the parents, and we can only imagine their distress!

And now in a corner of a certain cemetery, we can see two graves—the smaller one shaded with a weeping willow, had been kept by the broken hearted Christian mother until she too had to be laid by the side of her disobedient son, according to her last request.

Dear children, who have godly parents, give your heart to Jesus. He alone can help you to resist temptation, so that a dear mother who is praying for you may not be grieved by your disobedience.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother.” Eph. 6:1, 2.

“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mher.” Prov. 10:1.

ML 09/14/1941

Him Whom My Soul Loveth

Song of Solomon. Chapter 3

The woman of this song could not find her loved one; she looked in the night about the streets of the city; but she did not find him, and was very sad. She asked the watchmen and they could riot tell her, but soon after she found him!

Night speaks of trouble and sorrow, and the people of Israel were often in trouble, because they turned from God’s ways, then later, with sorrow, as this woman, they sought God’s mercy, and He showed them His love.

The singer next sang of a great one to come, as not at first seeming to know who he was:

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, peumed....?” (Verse 6).

Sweet incense was then used in worship to God, so this one who came had offered what was pleasing to God. Soon the singer seems to know more of this one and sings,

“Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s, three score valiant men about it.... They all hold swords ... ”(Verses 7, 8).

A bed speaks of rest, and the name Solomon means, “peaceable”. So this great one would bring rest and peace.

These people had also been told much in the Psalms of a time of rest, peace, and joy by a great king, also later by the prophets, as Psa. 72; Zech. 14:9. Years after when the Lord Jesus was on earth He said,

“Behold a greater than Solomon is here.” Matt. 12:42.

But few believed Him. He also told them of a time of power and glory.

“The Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels” Matt. 16:27; 25:31.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the One sung of in this song. Who went through a dreary “wilderness”, and offered, in His life and death, what was pleasing to God. The “swords of the vaant men about his bed” must be the words of God used by the faithful in telling of judgment (See Heb. 4:12, John 12:48, Jude 14, 15).

Next, the wonderful chariot of this one, used in a time of glory, was sung of:

“King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom of gold, the covering of it of purple.” (Verses 10, 11).

The Ark of Israel, teaching of One to save, was made of wood, and the choice wood of “the chariot” seems also to tell of the One Who became Man. And when He conies again, it will also be as Man, as,’a chariot of wood”. The “silver pillars” teach of redemption (Ex. 38:25); the floor of gold, firm and lasting, of righteousness, and the “purple covering”, costly, because the dye was then made from a part of a shell fish, very hard to obtain, seems to teach of a life given up. So all this “chariot” tells of this Mighty One.

The last verse is of the joy to the great King, a “day of gladness” when He will enjoy His people Israel and give blessings to all the earth.

All who love the Lord Jesus now are also to think of their glorious time.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

ML 09/14/1941

An Afternoo in the Meadow

Is it not refreshing, while riding along a country road on a hot summer day, to see cattle resting in the shade near the grassy banks of a stream?

Perhaps some of you, dear children, have spent your vacation in the country and helped the farmer drive the cows to and from the meadow.

The cattle are God’s creatures, and He has provided the restful spots, green meadows and brooks by which they are nourished and refreshed. The ones in our picture are enjoying these comforts. We are touched, as we think of God’s provision for His dumb creatures, which have no souls to save. But, dear readers, greater love is going out to you.

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

You have a never dying soul. Have you ever asked yourself, Where will my soul be, if I am called to die; or if the Lord should come? This is a most important question, and should be answered between God and yourself at once.

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

“Be ye also ready.” Matt. 24:44.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

THEY THAT WERE READY WENT WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT. Matt. 25:10.

ML 09/21/1941

The Vital Word of God

What a privilege it is to have free access to the Scripture, which is the Word of God. It is a powerful agent for good. God can and does use the reading and hearing of it to the salvation of souls aside from any other help. To reap the benefit of its many precious promises, two things are necessary—a hearing ear and a believing heart.

The man of whom we write was still young in years, but old in sin. Forgetfullness of God and love for drink had led him in many forbidden paths.

As he was walking down the street one day he noticed a man selling something to a little group of people who had gathered, and he went nearer to investigate.

To his surprise he found that he was selling Bibles and Testaments. Strange as it may seem, he felt in his pockets to see if he had any money. Yes, he had ten cents, and upon inquiring the price of the Testaments he found that there were some as low as five cents. He said that he would take two.

In this man’s home there were two children, both boys. It was for them that he had bought the Testaments. He loved those two little boys, and deep down in his heart he did not want them to follow in their father’s footsteps.

The fact that they were not old enough to read, never occurred to him till he reached home, and presented the little volumes to the delighted pair.

A gift from their father was indeed a rare thing, and these little books pleased them very much, but they did wish so much that they knew what the reading was about. They asked their father to read to them, but this he flatly refused to do, saying that Bible-reading was not in his line. But as the days passed, they begged him constantly to read a little to them, and at last he consented, for there were few things he could deny those two little boys.

When he began to read, he found that it was not so disagreeable as he thought it would be. In fact there was something about it that interested him, and before he had read very much, a deep longing to know God took possession of him.

Many times when he had read a chapter, the little boys were satisfied and willing that he should lay the Testament aside, but he could not. He read on and on, for by this time he was convicted of sin, and he felt that it was from this same Book that he could find the way of life. He was not disappointed.

It was not long before he discovered that the mission of the Lord Jesus in the world had been to save sinners. He huled himself before God in repentance, and by faith laid hold of the Saviour as his own.

His life and ways bore abundant testony to the change in his heart. He needed no urging to read the little Testament now, for it was his joy and constant companion, and he tried as best he could to teach the little boys what he himself had learned from its pages.

Three years passed, and as our friend again passed down the street, he spied the same man who had sold him the Testaments. He made his way to him at once, and asked the colporteur if he knew him. No, he did not. He then asked him if he remembered selling two five-cent Testaments to a drunken wretch. Yes, he rembered that transaction, but why did he ask?

What was his surprise to learn that he was the man, now greatly changed, with a new light and purpose in his heart. He drew one of the Testaments from his pocket, much worn and marked, and told how he had learned the way of life and salvation from the pages of that precious Book.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Ward, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

“The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.” Psa. 119:9.

ML 09/21/1941

The Man and the Mountian

Have you ever stood at the foot of a lofty mountain, or a very high hill? Next time you do, just pick up a pebble, and compare the two; the little stone is just like nothing compared to the mountain.

That tiny stone is something like your life, and the big mountain, Eternity! Now don’t you see how very important it is to be quite safe for Eternity?

Don’t you see that there is no time to lose, and you must not put it off? Are you washed in the Blood of Jesus? Do you trust in Him as your own precious Saviour? Is your name written in hean in the “Lamb’s Book of Life?”

“Whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life, was cast into the Lake of Fire.” Rev. 20:15.

ML 09/21/1941

Are Rich People Happy?

Most boys, and, I believe, girls too, think “if I only had plenty of money I would be happy evermore.” The testimony of one who had plenty may help to clear away that dream.

George M. Pullman, originator of the famous “Pullman” cars as a young man worked at the joiner’s bench from daylight to dark. When he died he owned the town of Pullman, a part of Chicago, and left a fortune of several million dollars.

Here are his own words as to the relation of money and happiness: “I believe I am no better off, certainly no happier, than I was when I did not have a dollar to my name, and had to work from daylight to dark. I wore a good suit of clothing then, and I can only wear one now. I relished three meals a day then a good deal more than I relish three meals a day now. I had fewer cares; I slept better, and, I may add, generally, I believe I was far happier in those days than I have been many days since I became a millionaire.”

True happiness is not to be found in anything in this world. Only those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, can have joy here and forever. The one who knows his sins forgiven, washed away in the blood of Christ, and is loong for Him to come to call him Home to be with Himself, is the only one who has real, lasting joy.

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

ML 09/21/1941

The God of Little Folk

The God who made the palm-tree,

The chestnut, and the oak,

He also made the tiny flowers,

And made us little folk.

The God who made the sun-king;

The moon, the queen of night:

He lit the lamps of glow-worms,

And makes us children bright.

The God who guides the angels,

And gives the eagle wings:

He also made the butterflies,

And all the little things.

The God who loves our fathers,

And brothers, strong and tall:

I know He loves our baby,

Though she is weak and small.

The Saviour who once suffered

For this great world of sin:

I know He thought of children,

And died their life to win.

ML 09/21/1941

A Pleasant Garden

Song of Solomon, Chapter 4

This song tells much of a lovely garden, where the rarest plants, trees, and flowers grew, which gave off sweet perfume, and where there were choice fruits. It was enclosed by a wall, or hedge, so none could intrude, and seems to have been used as a living room in that warm land. The rare plants were brought from distant places, and given the best of care.

We would not know the plants named, but since they are also spoken of in other scriptures, they must be meant to teach us lessons.

Many pomegranate trees grew in that land, and this garden had an “orchard” of them with their “pleasant fruit”; the fruit is of a deep red color, and filled with very juicy pulp, often used as a drink (Chap. 8:2), and very many seeds, which seem to teach us of what was, refreshing, and also would grow much fruit for others (Deut, 8:8).

The spikenard plants were the most rare, said to have been brought from the high mountains of India; so sweet oil of spikenard was very costly. It was what Mary used to anoint the Lord Jesus in honor of His giving up His life, and the perfume filled the house. That act was always to be told, which shows it is always pleasing to God, and precious for others, for God’s people to remember and honor the death of the Lord Jesus.

The trees from which myrrh, aloes, and frankincense were taken may not have been as rare as the spikenard, but they too were prized, brought from Arabia, India or other lands; Myrrh and aloes were the fragrant oils or spice, and were what a rich man brought to wrap with the clothes Of Jesus when they carefully laid Him in the tomb. Frankincense was a very fragrant powder made of dried gum of the tree crushed fine. It was burned as incense in the temple, and, with myrrh, was brought, as a suitable gift for a king, by the wise men to Jesus, when a young child; so this sweet incense seems to teach that the life of Jesus was most pleasing to God and man (Matt, 2:11).

There were also cinnamon and other sweet spices growing in this garden. The woman of the song is said to be like this garden; and she sang,

“Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruit.”

So God can take pleasure in His people because of Christ and His death, for all the garden seems to teach of Him. His people now may, by the Holy Spirit, have what is pleasing for Him.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

Do you think those are like rare fruits?Christ, Himself is the Fountain of Life of this garden; and the Word of God; the streams to keep it watered (Verse 15).

The Beloved called the winds to blow the sweet odors of this garden: the north wind is less gentle than the south wind; perhaps these teach that trials and joys are both to cause praise to the Lord.

ML 09/21/1941

Boat Riding

In our picture we see a father with his two daughters. The girls must be tired, for they sit so quietly and comfortably.

Possibly they have been picnicing all day on the other side of the lake, and father has come to bring them home. He acts as though he is not just sure which course is best around these bushes; possibly he has not tried this way before, and does not know just where to go.

The father in our picture seems anxious as he sees the sun going down, and the day closing; but men and women, yes, even boys and girls today seem indifferent to God’s call, and to the fact that His day of mercy is soon to close. He has given His Son to be the light and Saviour of this world. Has He given light and life to your soul? Remember our life here is uncertain—it may be your days are few; do not neglect God’s salvation for you. Put to yourself the question, “Whither bound?”

The world has nothing new to give,

It has no true, no pure delight;

Look now to Jesus Christ and live!

Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?

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

ML 09/28/1941

Poor Isobella

In a small hut in Santa Cruz mountains lives a poor widow —aged, deaf, paralyzed and helpless. Unable to do anyrhing for herself, she is dependent upon others for the bare necessaries of life. Let me tell you what this hut, this house of hers, is like—walls of mud and stones, the roof thatched with palm-leaves, no window, only a door to admit light and air. The one room the hut contains has a floor of mud, and the only pieces of furniture are a wooden box and a bedstead, also of wood, on which is a pallet of dried leaves. On this hard pallet poor Isabella has lain, day after day, night after night, for years, how many she cannot remember.

Outside, the flowers bloom brilliantly, but she sees them not; the sky overhead is azure blue, and not far off the sea dances and sparkles in the golden sunshine, but it is nothing to her. There is nothing for her to see but the bare walls of her desate hut.

Let us enter and speak to her: we tell her of the love of God, and she murmurs,

“He hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,’ and when He sees fit He’ll take me to be with Himself.” We remind her that the Lord is soon coming again, and she says,

“Yes; He says, ‘Surely I come quickly’ —ask Him to come soon.” We try to make her more comfortable on her poor bed, and she says,

“It is a rough and thorny road. I know it, but underneath are His everlasting arms, and I feel them there.”

Is there any discontent? Any murmuring at her hard lot? No; and why do you think this is, dear children? Because she is happy in her heart, the Lord Jesus has filled her heart with His own love, and made her happy in Himself. Like the apostle Paul, she has learned to be content. But if the Lord loves her, why does He leave her so long in that poor place, you may ask. Ah! perhaps it is that she may give joy to His own heart by saying to Him,

“Come, Lord Jesus,” and to teach a leon of patience and content to those who have not yet learned that lesson.

When we are discontented, and perhaps inclined to murmur, even though our lot be a happy and fair one compared with hers, let us think of poor Isabella, nay, happy Isabella, happy now, and soon she will leave that poor hut for the courts of glory, and her lonely life for the presence of the Lord.

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11.

ML 09/28/1941

A Child's Faith

I was walking with a friend who was in difficult circumstances. I had been in vain endeavoring to console him, when a little girl ran up to us, and asked if we needed matches.

“No, my child, we don’t smoke,” I replied.

The child was not to be put off so easily, but begged us pleadingly to take just one box, till I, at last, asked her what she did all day, and if she did not think of going home.

“O,” she replied, “I go to school all day, and I come here in the evening.”

“But do your parents not care for you?” I asked further.

“Father has left us, and mother is in bed sick.”

“And why do you come here, then?”

“I stay here till I earn 15 cents.”

“But you do not earn 15 cents every evening?”

“Yes, always.”

“And how much have you earned today?”

She did not seem inclined to say, but after more conversation, she timidly brought a few coins out of the pocket of her little cotton dress. There was in all 5 cents.

“Well, you will not gather 15 cents this day, I fear,” I said.

“Yes, surely,” was the confident awer. “I always earn 15 cents.”

“Then will you tell me, why you are so positive that you will yet earn 15 cents today?”

“Before I come here, I kneel at mother’s bed, and pray:” she answered hesitatingly. “Then mother says our Father will help me to earn 15 cents, and He has always done it.”

“You said before that your father had left you.”

“But do you not know that we have a Father in heaven?”

“Do you really believe that He hears you, when you ask Him for the money.

“Yes, certainly, for He has always sent it to me.”

“Now, what would you do, if I gave you 10 cents?”

“Run home to mother, because my Father in heaven has given me all that I asked Him for.” I need not add that the little one received the dime and trotted homewards overjoyed.

I turned round to my friend and said, “Here is a lesson for you,” and indeed he had received fresh courage from this lesson, and went on his way gladly.

The great enemy of our souls gives himself much trouble to make us believe, that it is specially hard for a soul to be saved. And yet nothing is more simple. We must just trust the Lord as this little child did. We only need to take God at His word. He has promised us eternal life, which His Son has purchased for us with His own precious blood.

God offers this eternal life to all who will receive it. He is a God who “cannot lie.” We have only to accept what He so freely offers us.

We need forgiveness for our sins. Jesus has died—the Just for the unjust—in order to gain this forgiveness for us, and God says that He will wash away all our sins through the blood of Jesus which was shed for us.

What can be more simple? Come with the faith of this little child in our story, accept the grace offered, and your sins will be blotted out forever.

O, that we all had this simple, childlike trust; how happy it would make us!

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

ML 09/28/1941

The Name of Jesus

Precious is the name of Jesus;

Sweetest name on earth;

Who in heaven or earth can utter

All its worth?

God so named Him, when a Saviour

He from glory came;

Fragrant now, and fragrant ever

Is that name.

Jesus! name divine and holy,

To His own, how dear!

For when uttered, it will banish

Every fear.

Blessed name! the name of Jesus!

He for sins has died;

Once to save poor sinners,

He was Crucified.

Now in heaven, He still is Jesus,

To whom all must bow;

O! how glad the heart that to Him

Boweth now.

Praise that precious name of Jesus,

Praise Him evermore!

Heaven and earth shall own Him worthy,

And adore!

ML 09/28/1941

"He is Altogether Lovely"

The Song of Solomon, Chapters 5 and 6

“The Beloved” of this song came to his garden, which was enclosed by a wall; he knocked at the door, and put his hand in the slot to open, but it was barred, or locked, below. The woman of the Song was asleep within. His knock awakened her, and she heard his voice saying, “Open to me, my sister, my love”. It was night, the dew was falling; and she should have risen quickly to unlock the door; but she was slow to do so. At last she rose to open, but she had waited too long; her beloved was gone. As she put her hand on the lock, she felt drops of sweet myrrh which told her of the gift of love of the one who had been there.

The woman called and searched about the city, as before (Chapt. 3), but could not find her Beloved, and was roughly treated and hurt by the watchmen. She was asked by the women why she sought her Beloved so eagerly, and she answered that he was “the chiefest among ten thousand”; and she described him. All she says has a meaning if we could but explain: “his head as most fine gold”, tells of righteousness; “bushy locks”, of serateness to God (Numbers 6:2, 5); “doves eyes” of gentleness; spices and perfumes, of grace and of what was pleasing to others; gold and ivory and jewels are of the most durable and beautiful things known; marble has strength and beauty; Lebanon is a beautiful high land, with wonderful cedars, lasting for centuries, useful and of beauty. These last words we can easily understand,

“Yea, he is altogether lovely, this is my beloved, this is my friend” (Chapt. 5:16).

At last the Beloved went to his garden again, and it seemed to be open to him, and he sings in praise of this one he loves (Chapts. 6 and 7).

The people: of Israel were like this woman, “sleeping”, and did not “open” to the beloved Son of God when He came to them with love, They will have great trouble to “find” Him, but at last will open their hearts to Him, and He will then tell their worth to others, as the Beloved sang, “Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem.” Chapt. 6:4.

The name Tirzah means beauty; it was the name of a young woman who believed and valued God’s promises (Joshua 17:3, 4). It was also the name of a city of that land, which was no doubt a place of beay, for it was chosen for a home and capitol by kings of Israel (11 Kings 14:17; 15:33). Jerusalem means peace, and, when well kept by its people, was most beautiful.

So the people of God are to at last have beauty and peace. The last verses show power, none then will harm God’s people.

Do you suppose we can now be like Israel, so slow to open our hearts to the Son of God that He will go away? He is very patient, but can not come in if His love is not received.

If we love Him, we may sing of His kindness and worth as this woman did and others will want to “find” Him.

What does the Lord Jesus say to all who will hear Him? (Rev. 3:20).

ML 09/28/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Having confidence,” etc. Philem 21.

2.“Teaching us.” etc. Titus 2:12,

3.“Nevertheless,” etc. 2 Tim. 2:19.

4.“But thou,” etc. 1 6:11.

5.“But if I,” etc. 1 3:15.

6.“And the Lord,” etc. 2 4:18.

7.“This is,” etc. 1 1:15.

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, “Follow not that which is evil.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He hath both the Father and the Son.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “We know that the Son of God is come.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Father hath bestowed upon us.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Is not of the Father.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Which was with the Father.”

7.What was the prophecy of Enoch, “the senth from Adam?”

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.2 Timothy 1:7.

2.Philemon. See Philemon, vs. 7.

3.“The Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim, 2:5.

4.The aged women are told to teach the younr. Titus 2:3, 4.

5.That it is inspired of God. 2 Tim. 3:16,

6.“To save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

7.The Church of the living God. 1 Tim, 3:15.

Bible Questions for October

“The Young Peoples Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in 1, 2, 3 John, and Jude

1.For what are we to look?

2.What was Diotrephes’ evil characteristic?

3.On what are we to build ourselves up?

4.What is the result of our saying that we have no sin?

5.What should be our attitude toward those who come to our door bringing evil doctrine?

6.What is said of all that is in the world?

7.Why do we love God?

ML 10/05/1941

The Lord's Protecting Care

Here is news to set your heart all a-pitying, and then praise God, all a-glowing. It is a real up-to-date Daniel-in-the lions’-den story, about a little girl this time.

Repeatedly she had run away from her heathen home to a Bible School some little distance off, only to be dragged back again by her perturbed mother, who was anxious “to save” her little daughter from the native teacher’s medicine (religion) that had such uncanny power to change lives. But beat her as she would, away would bolt little “swift-foot” to join the sweet singing, and the A B C class, and the memorizing of Bible stories which she loved. In despair her mother handed her over to the fierce witch doctor “to put fear upon her.” At all costs she must be prevented from having her “ears closed” by those Christians. So the wizard, keeping her in the dark, first tried to scare her into obedience by his gruesome conjuring, and incantations, and grisly magic.

This failing, as she slipped off again to school and learned fresh Christian teaching, he forced bitter medicines into her to kill off this new batch of microbes—which antidote nearly killed her! But with returning strength there she was at the school again!

The sorely-disappointed and now desperate mother determined on a last effort, of the really kill-or-cure order, to rescue her child for the time-honored tribal customs so necessary for girls. Driving her away from the school into the forest, she bound her little daughter to a tree with bark rope stripped off a sapling, saying,

“A worthless child art thou to rne—but food for lions!”

If the spirits aided her, the lions would only frighten this “Jesus belief” out of her child, and all would be peace in the home again.

If not—well, she would lose from it nothing now of value. So she left her. And the dreaded black night enveloped that shivering little girl alone in the dreary African forest.

Try to picture that little mite bound there, hearing so acutely each tiny twig as it cracked beneath the feet of the stealthily advancing beasts, and the rustling among the fallen leaves telling her of the presence of deadly snakes or stinging scorpions. Ah! the terror of it all! But most surely the angel of the Lord had encamped around that tree, for when at dawn a Christian boy found her, and cut her loose, he saw lion tracks encircling the spot, but noted that not one animal had dared to encroach upon a definite boundary of four arm’s length from her. She had seen their glaring eyes as moving balls of fire, but she said she remembered what she had learned in school, that God made the lions and that He had made her, too, and so fear left her; she felt so sure God wouldn’t let them eat her up.

“Marvelous!” we exclaim. But why so? Wasn’t it God responding to the simple faith of a little girl?

Satan would like us to believe that the little ones are unable to understand relious instruction, so why waste time upon them?

Even the disciples thought that little children were too insignificant for their Master’s time to be taken up with them. But I like to note how Christ turned the tables upon them by saying

“Except ye become as little children.” O! to get back to the childhood of TRUST.

“Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

ML 10/05/1941

Suppose He Knocked

Doris, supposing the Lord were to say to you tonight, just as you are getting into bed,

‘I shall call for you tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock sharp,’ would you sleep well tonight?”

“I’m sure I shouldn’t!”

“What, then, would you do in such a case?”

“Get ready at once, I think.”

“And yet it’s possible for Death to claim you i tomorrow morning! Don’t you see the folly of putting off this important matter, for soon it will be forever too late!”

The Lord may come to call all of His own people to Himself before morning, and you would be left behind for certain judgment, if you do not put your trust in Him.

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

ML 10/05/1941

See Saw

Kitty doesn’t quite know what to make of this kind of play, and seems about to go to a quieter place. Little sister has lost one shoe during the romp, and is somewhat at the mercy of her brother who appears, full of boyish fun. Yet she is not afraid; and we may be sure all three of the children will do all in their power to keep her from injury. Thus the little one can well trust them as far as they are able.

Do you trust in the care of God Who can never fail? The children might let the chair slip; but with God there can be no accidents. He supports the worlds, and cares for each one who trusts in Him.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, the present needs of your soul will be met as well as those of your body; and you will one day go to dwell forever with Him.

“My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

“COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD; TRUST ALSO IN HIM; AND HE SHALL BRING TO PASS.” Psa. 37:5.

ML 10/05/1941

A Palm Tree and a Vineyard

The Song of Solomon, Chapters 7 and 8

There were more words of praise of the loved one, she was called the “prince’s dauger”, and likened to things well understood by the people of that time.

One thing we might notice, “Thy stature is like a palm tree”, which was very common in that land and very beautiful. It can grow in poor soil if near water, some kinds have fruit, as the date, and even the leaves have many uses. The fruit grows high, and the tree here pictures, what God’s people may be to Him, and of blessing to others.

There have always been fine vineyards in Palestine. Perhaps you have read how, before the people of Israel lived there, the men found lovely grapes in the valley of Eshcol, and two of them fastened one great bunch on a pole, and carried it between them to show the people (Num. 13:23).

Grape vines need care, and the grapes are a tender fruit, not to be bruised. Seral times the singers of this song mention them; once warned of sly foxes which spoil the vines:

“Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Chapt. 2:15.

The people of God were as a “vineyard” to Him, as “fruit” to give Him joy. But “foxes” spoiled those vines; neglect of God’s words, pride, or friendship of those who did not believe God, all “spoiled” their “tender grapes”. When God sent His own Son to “receive the fruit”, they “cast Him out of the vineyard” (Matt. 21:33-39).

The last part of this Song tells of the big vineyard which Solomon had, and let out to keepers for pay, which he must reive. So Christ, as King, will at last have returns, “pleasant fruit, new and old,” and joy from Israel (See Zeph. 3:14-17).

As we read this Song, may it teach us more of Christ’s love and glory to come, that we now, who believe Him, may give Him joy. The same sly “foxes” will spoil our fruit and vines if we let them into our lives; each of us knows some “little fox” which keeps our time and thoughts away from the Lord.

The love of God and the Lord Jesus are the same now, as in these words:

“Love is stronger than death ... many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” Chapt. 8:6, 7. None can buy that love.

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

ML 10/05/1941

Bible Books of Solomon

The Proverbs, which the wise man spake,

For all who will their teaching take.

Ecclesiastes shows how vain

The very best of earthly gain.

ML 10/05/1941

"My Sheep Hear My Voice"

A man was accused of having stolen a sheep. He was arrested, taken before the judge, and brought face to face with his accuser, who declared himself the rightful owner of the animal.

The judge, knowing that in his country it is the custom for shepherds always to walk before their flock and to call them to follow, had the sheep brought into the court room. Then, sending the prisoner into the adjoining room, he ordered the other man to call his sheep. But the sheep, which did not know his voice, paid no attention to him.

In the meantime, the prisoner was becoming restless, and, chafing under the delay, began to whistle softly, giving the call to which, the flock was accustomed. This startled the sheep, which immediately ran toward the door to answer the well-known voice. The judge had no difficulty in deciding who was the real owner of the sheep.

In John 10:4 and 5 we read of the Good Shepherd whom His sheep follow, for they know His voice, but will flee from a stranger, because they know not the voice of strangers. Verse 11 of the same chapter reads,

“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”

You all know, dear children, who the Good Shepherd is,—Jesus Christ the Saviour of all who trust in Him. Is not the weakest lamb safe in the care of such a shepherd?

Do you know His voice, and does He know you as His lamb? If not, will you not come to. Him and be safe from “the thief (who) cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy?”

“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME: AND I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH.” John 10:27, 28.

ML 10/12/1941

Good Society

Your new rligion has spoiled you, Mary. You will never shine in good society now,” said a worldly lady to her niece, who had been brought to decision for Christ a few months before, and who was manifesting the new life in a walk becoming the Gospel of Christ.

“I am seeking grace to shine as a light for God in the midst of a dark and evil world, Aunt, and I’ll get into good society very soon—the society of saints and angels—in my Father’s house on high,” was the answer she gave.

Yes, Christ spoils those, who receive Him as Saviour and Lord, for the world’s “society.” There was no room in “society” for Christ, nor will there be for His followers, “Know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a frind of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” 1 John 2:12.

ML 10/12/1941

The Young Carpenter

An apprentice ship carpenter, a Christian boy or seventeen, was working in a large ship building yard. The man who worked next to Willie was a hardened scoffer, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. He could scarcely speak without using foul language, and fearful oaths, at which many others, from whom better things might have been expected only laughed. Our young friend, Willie, was greatly pained to hear the name of God and Christ used so blasphemously, but being the youngest in the shop, he feared to speak.

The scoffer seemed only to get worse, and to excel in blasphemy, and the heart of the young believer was burdened with him. He made him a subject of daily prayer to God, and asked strength and wisdom to speak the right word to his fellow workman. One afternoon the carpenter was sweating fearfully, and Willie, who was working next to him, quietly laid his hand on his fellow workman’s arm and said,

“Jamie, it grieves me much to hear you speaking that way about my Master,”

“Who’s your master?” said the carpenter gruffly, as he turned to look at the apprentice, whose flushed face and tear-filled eyes showed what it had cost him to speak that simple word. Willie wiped the tear from his eye with his sleeve, and in broken accents replied:

“The Lord Jesus, who loved me and died for me, and for you too, Jamie. I wish you would believe it.” That was all that passed. The clang of many hammers forbade any further words passing bween them. But there was no more bad language used that day, by Jamb the carpenter.

The effect of that simple, honest word, was to make the blasphemer ashamed, Nor was this all. When work was over that day, the carpenter came alongside Willie on the way home, and spoke more frankly than ever he had done before. Willie laid hold of the favorable opportunity to ask him to a gospel meeting in a tent that night, where two servants of Christ were faithfully preaching the Word, and Jamie, hardened sinner as he was, at once consented.

That night the arrows of God entered his conscience; he was awakened deeply about his soul, and before many days had passed, he was saved. The hardened scoffer was a disciple of Christ, and no one rejoiced more over his conversion than Willie.

“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,” Exodus 20:7.

“Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matt. 5:37.

ML 10/12/1941

Gaining a Crown

Would you like to do a little service for the Lord who has saved you,” a teacher asked one of the little girls in her class, who was a believer in the Lord Jesus, and desired to serve Him. “

Yes, very much indeed” replied the young believer with a happy smile.

“Will you go down and read a chapter of God’s Word on Lord’s Day afternoons to Mrs. Jones, the blind woman. She is very anxious to hear about Jesus, but she has no one to read or speak to her.”

The young believer blushed, and held down her head. After a moment’s pause, she said,

“I fear I could not do that, teacher, I am too young.”

“It does not need an old person, to speak a word for Jesus, Mary, and if you do not go, you may be throwing away a golden opportunity of winning a soul, and gaining a crown.”

Mary felt the power of that word, and as she knelt by her bedside that night, she asked strength from her Lord and Master, to go, forth in the little service to which He had so clearly called her. Faithful to His promise, He gave her the needed strength and courage, so that when the following Lord’s Day came, she was joully ready for work. And for many days, Mrs. Jones, the blind woman, heard from Mary’s lips the story of a Saviour’s love, and the Lord made her the honored instrument in leading her to the Saviour.

See, dear young believer, that you do not miss the opportunity of gaining your crown. Whatever service the Lord calls you to, He will give you strength to do it, if you go to Him and ask it. Your youth and lack of experience need not hiner you from going forth in lonely paths of service for His Name. Lay yourself at His feet, yield yourself to Him, and He will surely bear you forth, as a vessel meet for His use, in carrying the water of life to weary thirsty souls around you.

We all should speak for Jesus,

Who hath redemption wrought,

Who gave us peace and pardon,

Which.by His blood He bought.

We all should speak for Jesus,

And tell how much we owe

To Him who died to save us,

From everlasting woe.

We all should speak for Jesus,

The aged and the young,

With manhood’s fearless accents,

With childhood’s lisping tongue.

We all should speak for Jesus;

The world in darkness lies;

With Him, against the mighty,

Together we shall rise.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9.

ML 10/12/1941

An Important Book

Isaiah 1 to 4

When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He read to people from a very old book, and also, often said words from that book, and so did his disciples later; so it was very important. It was part of the Hebrew Scriptures, written by a man, named Isaiah, who lived, about seven hundred years before Christ. He was a prophet, one who told people words from God, often of events to happen later. Much that God told Isaiah of a future time, He showed him as a picture, called a vision, which he told of to the kings and people of Jerusalem; not all at one time, or all to the same people, as he lived during the rule of four kings.

Isaiah also wrote all this, which we may read in our language. Very little is told of Isaiah, himself; his name meant, salvation of God, so when the people said his name, they should have remembered that God would save them.

God first told Isaiah to tell the people that He had cared for them as children, but they had turned away from Him God said,

“The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.” Chapt. 1:3.

Animals soon know the one who feeds them, and where the grain is kept, but God’s people had become so careless, they did not go to Him for help or blessing. Many were even praying to idols, and doing other evil things, so God could not be pleased with their feasts or sacrifices.

He had often called the people “daughters of Zion.” Zion way a high part of the city, and “daughters” meant pure ones; but now He said they were like foolish daughters dressed in varied suits with rings, nose jewels, bracelets, earrings, etc, proud and haughty, (Chapt. 3:10-24).

There were a few who wished to obey God and they were called, the “remnant” (Chapt, 1:9), which means a small part. They went through the sorrows with the others, so that God should always have some to tell how ready He was to forgive and bless any who would leave the evil ways; Notice these kind words,

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool,” Chapt, 1:18.

God would Himself make the way to wash away the sins, but because the people would not listen or obey, God said their loved city would be deserted “as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers”, those were the houses where the keepers stayed to gather the fruits; but when done, the houses were empty (Chapt. 1:8).

Some years after Isaiah died, Jerusalem was so left; and those words proved true. Yet God told Isaiah to tell of a time when the city should be called, “the faithful city”, when the people would do rightly to one another, and be faithful to God, when there would be no more sorrow or war (See Chapt. 1:26, 2:2-4). Those words have not yet come to pass; but what have come true, teach us how surely all will at last be fulfilled.

ML 10/12/1941

Listening

The interesting, picture on our paper today brings many thoughts to one’s mind. Doesn’t it look as if the dog has raised his head to listen more intently to what his little mistress is sang to him? How earnestly she is watching to see if Mickey the dog understands her, and waiting to see if he will obey her?

Does it not remind us that there is One above looking down on us to see if you and I hear Him speaking to us in His Holy Word, and watching to see if our lives show that we have heard and are seeking to obey His voice?

You know the Lord Jesus says in Luke 8:18,

“Take heed how ye hear.”

Many, many today hear the Word of God, but heed it not—as the old saying is,

“It goes in one ear and out the other” but that is carelessness and indifference, and is a dishonor to the Lord.

So let us, dear children, and young folks, when God’s Word is read, be careful how we hear and strive to say with the Psalmist,

“I WILL HEAR WHAT GOD THE LORD WILL SPEAK.” Psa. 85:8.

ML 10/19/1941

Left Behind

It is related of a boy who had often heard from his parents and others, of the coming, in the air of the Lord Jesus Christ for His own, without the knowledge of those about them; and he had been much disturbed by the thought that he himself might be one of those left behind; that one sultry night in summer, he was suddenly awakened by a loud clap of thunder, followed in quick succession by several vivid flashes of lightning and more violent peals of thunder.

After these several flashes and thunder claps, there was the peculiar dead silence, which sometimes follows just such outbursts immediately before a heavy fall of rain occurs.

The thought flashed across his mind dun perhaps the Lord had come, and that he had been left. In haste he sprang from his bed and ran to his mother’s room, for he knew that she at least would be one of those to go, for she was one who knew the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and who faithfully served Him as her Lord, day by day, and if she were still there, all would be well. It so happened however, that the mother had been awakened by the thunder also, and remembering some open windows in another part of the house, had called her daughter, whose room was next hers, and had gone to close them; so when the boy running to his mother’s room, had found it empty, and upon calling to his sister, received no response, and found her room empty also; he was greatly terrified by the thought that his mother and sister had been taken, and he had been left. A few minutes later however, he heard them talking,—very much to his relief, and he slipped back to his room quietly and witut their knowledge; but from that time on, he was a changed boy, and by coming humbly and simply to the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, he made sure that by faith in Hirn and His finished work, he would be one of those taken, if the Lord should come; and not, one of those left behind!

But this fact remains; that at some moment or other, perhaps in a very short time, the Lord will come in the air, with the assembling shout, and there will be a separation such as was feared by the young boy. Fathers and mothers will be taken away from their children, or chiren from their parents. Brothers and sisters will be separated, and husbands and wives parted. Prisoners will be missing from their cells; soldiers and sailors will fail to reply to the roll call; men and women of all walks of life, all professions and callings, will no longer be found, and dismay and terror will be the portion of many who will have heard the invitation time and again, and always rejected or neglected it, until suddenly awakened to the knowledge of the terrifying realization, that it is too late! How horrible a thought,

“The Lord has come and gone, and I am left behind!”

Dear reader, there is no need in your case, that such a terrible experience be yours! The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world and gave Himself as an offering for sin, leaving nothing for you to do except to appropriate for yourself in sile faith, that which He accomplished for you, on the cross.

If our condition in God’s sight was so hopeless as to necessitate the sending of His Son to suffer as He did, and to die for us, can we dare to neglect and reject that which He has accomplished for us? If you refuse this marvelous offer of grace, you will have none to blame but yourself,—and blame yourself you surely will, for all eternity.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb, 2:3.

Delay no longer,—accept Him now as your Saviour, and place yourself under the protection of His finished work, where you will find peace and assurance, in the place of fear and uncertainty.

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto Myself: that where I am there you array be also,” John 14:2, 3.

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

ML 10/19/1941

A Praying Servant

A woman, who had been in the service of a certain family for years, overheard a conversation between ministers of the gospel on the subject of “prayer”. They seemed rather unsettled about the meaning of 1 Thess. 5:17.

The servant accidently hearing one of their remarks could not refrain from expressing her deepest conviction on a subject so important to herself, She said,

“‘Pray without ceasing’ is one of the most comprehensive texts in the Bible for me.”

“How can that be, Mary, do you pray every moment in your life?”

“Yes, sir I do,” she replied to the mister addressing her.

“What about your work, don’t you have much to do?”

“I certainly have, sir, but the more I have to do, the more I pray.”

“I wish you would tell us how it is, for many could not agree with you.”

“It is just this way,” she answered, “early in the morning when I wake up, I ask the Lord to open the eyes of my understanding. While I dress, I thank Him for putting on me the robe of righteousness, in washing myself, I ask Him to keep my soul clean from all stains of sin. When I begin my work, I remind the Lord of His promise,

‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ Deut. 33:25.

“When I stir the fire, I earnestly wish that my soul be constantly revived by divine grace. When I sweep the house, desire ardently that my heart be kept pure.

When I sit down to sat my meals, I ask the Lord to feed me with spiritual manna, and with the pure milk of His Word, and this I continue all through the day. Everything I do is a subject of prayer for me.”

“Enough,” said one of the ministers, “the truth is indeed hid to the intelligent, but revealed to the humble minded; continue to pray, Mary, we thank you for your. testimony which has opened our spiritual eyes.”

“The meek will He guide in judgment and the meek will He teach His way.” Psa. 25:9.

ML 10/19/1941

Flee at Once

A swiss peasant had built his cottage on one of the lower slopes of a mighty mountain which lifted its great white summit high up in the clear air.

One spring through a sudden break up of the long winter the place became very dangerous, and he was warned of the poible coming of the avalanche. He laughed to scorn their timid fears for him. Had he not seen winters come and go for many years? No evil had ever befallen, the avalanche took generations to slide a few feet, it would not come in his day.

“But it is coming,” they said He only smiled.

One day on the heights above there was a sudden mighty cracking as of an explion, then a slip, a rush, a deafening roar. And today that peasant lies in his tomb with a thousand tons of debris as the moment of his foolish delay. He took no warning, his blood shall be upon him.

How often is this the picture of the soul-madness that will not obey when God says,

“Today.” Heb, 4:7.

“Now is the accepted time.” Heb. 6:2. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matt, 3:7.

“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

ML 10/19/1941

A Vineyard with Wild Grapes

Isaiah 5

There were many vineyards on the hillsides of Judea, and the people knew well the work needed to prepare the ground; plant a hedge, or make a wall around; set in the vines, trim and keep them well watered; often, a well was dug and a tower built over it, where they could watch that no harm came to the vines or grapes; and heavy presses were made ready to press the juice. The owner must also be very patient to wait a year, or more, for the fruit to grow. If after all, the fruit on the vines was small, sour grapes, the gardener would, be very disappointed.

The Lord told Isaiah to tell the people what is called “a song” of such a vineyard:

“My beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill; he fenced it, gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: And he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.” Verses 1, 2.

The “vineyard” here meant, was really people:

“The vineyard of the Lord—is the house of Israel.”

God told Isaiah to tell them this song, so that they would remember that He had been patient to care for their nation a very long time many hundreds of years; the “fruit” He “looked for” was “righteousness”; instead, they were unjust and dishonest to one another, and in place of joy there was crying (Verse 7). So His “fruit” was like “wild, sour grapes”, and He asked,

“What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done?” Verse 4.

None could answer His question; then He told what He must do to “His vineyard”: He would take away “the hedge and break down the wall”; it should not be trimmed or watered, but left for “thorns and briers” to grow there.

God told Isaiah to warn those who were dishonest, those who called the evils, “good”, and those who used much wine and strong drink; woe, or trouble, would come to them:

“Woe into them that rise up early ... . that they may follow strong drink.” Verse 11.

Because these people “despised the Word of the Holy One”, God said fierce nations should come against them (Verse 26).

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust (desire) after evil things, as they also lusted.” 1 Cor. 10:6.

From where had God brought His “vine”? Psa. 80:8, 9.

Read the story of the vineyard in Matt. 21:33-41.

ML 10/19/1941

The Young Artist

Little Edward has started in quite young to try to represent on paper the various things he sees around him. It is quite interesting to his sisters and older brother, and they watch him to see what kind of work he will make of it.’

We are all representing something, or someone, in our lives down here, so we are either good or poor artists. To Christians, God’s Word says,

“Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children.” Eph. 5:1.

You must be one of His children to be a follower, or imitator. You know whether you are His or not, whether He has washed away your sins in His blood, and made you His child. If you are a Christian, may you seek to be good imitators of the Lord Jesus, for He was the perfect One in everything, and was the full revelation of God to us. True happiness is to be found in this path alone.

Some of the things to imitate in the Lord Jesus are His lowliness and meeess, His gentleness and love, His perfect obedience to His Father, and His delight to do His Father’s will.

“A little while” —He’ll come again;

Let us the precious hours redeem;

Our only grief to give Him pain,

Our joy to serve and follow Him.

Watching, and ready may we be

As those that wait their Lord to see.

“LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF FAITH.” Heb. 12:2.

ML 10/26/1941

A Narrow Escape

O look! Look ‘ere Dobson, I catched such a pretty thing such a pretty thing,” said little Junkie, springing through the gate. Dobson saw Master Junkie staggering up the path with one hand clasped round the throat of a snake, whose body and tail were twining round the chubby arm of its captor in a vain effort for freedom, while its forked tongue darted out viciously. It was at once regnized as one of the most deadly snakes of the country.

“Ain’t it a booty?” asked Junkie, holding up his prize in full view.

Dobson seized the child’s hand in his own left one, holding it tightly, and sliced off the reptile’s head just as the friends, attracted by the nurse’s outcry, rushed to the rescue. The menservants rushed from the stable and the kitchen. The mother had gone into hysterics until she saw her darling was saved, then fell flat in a dead faint upon the floor.

Junkie now took up the cry, but it was from being robbed of his new pet.

“What a blessing!” exclaimed Mrs. Brook, “What a mercy!” murmured Gertie, as she carried off Junkie. “What a rumpus!” said the manservant, taking himself off to the kitchen. But Junkie alone thought it was a shame to take his pretty plaything from him, and resented. the interference of his friends as though they, rather than the deadly serpent which Dobson had killed, meant to do him harm.

Children! there is in this a lesson for everyday life; can you not see its meang? You remember, when you cried so hard, perhaps, because your dear parents would not let you go to some pleasure you could not see any harm in or perhaps it was a book your little playmate loaned you, that father or mother said was not a good and fit one for you to read.

You thought it dreadful, if, perhaps, you did not say that your parents did not love you, or they would let you have your own way. But, after all, it was really a narrow escape from a greater danger than little Junkie had. When you are tempted to feel “put out” when mother says she cannot let you go to places until she consults your father, or plainly says “No” to your request, remember that God says,

“Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee.” Eph. 6:2, 3.

You do not need to understand how it is best to do as they say; but God has put you in their charge, and often it is a great trial to your parents to deny you things you would like, but they wish to save you from evils often that “bite like a serpent, and sting like an adder,” and so keep you from them.

Some time ago a man in India, reading a book, felt a slight prick in his finger. He did not think it was anything serious, but his hand swelled, and it killed him„ A little serpent, hidden in its leaves, had stung him!

Dear young friends, if you read books that you would not like mother to see, or that would make von blush to read aloud, get rid of them, and rejoice that it was a narrow escape instead of a loss. If you also have young friends who tempt you to do things and go to places, saying,

“O, your parents won’t mind,” or, worse still, “They will not know,” ask the Lord to give you strength to say “No,” and it will be another narrow escape from a hidden serpent.

“When. sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Prov. 1:10.

ML 10/26/1941

A Lion, a Lamb, and a Man

Years ago, a famous painting, was hanging in an Art Gallery. It had three things in it. A lion, a lamb, and a man. Now how would you place them? The artist had the lion lying dead on one side; the man, with a sword in his hand lying dead in the center; and the lamb alive, standing bleating. The shepherd had fought the lion, had slain him, but had died himself. The lamb was saved by the death of the shepherd. Underneath the picture the artist had painted “The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

So Jesus, the Good Shepherd, died for you and me, and “in death by dying slew.” What love!

Then the Shepherd “knows” who are His, I wonder if you are His He is also “known” of them.

Are you sure you arc a lamb belonging to the Good Shepherd? Do you know your sins are forgiven? Rest not till each one knows the Great and Good Shepherd as his own personal Saviour. None are too young, or too old to be saved.

“I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.”

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:14, 28, 29.

ML 10/26/1941

Where Are Your Sins?

An aged man, very much concerned about the load of sins, was asked.

“Where are your sins?” As he considered, he was further questioned,

“Did God lay your sins upon Jesus on the cross, and did He bear them there?”

“Indeed He did,” was the man’s response.

“But Jesus is on the throne of God now sin’s load is no longer on Him. Where, then, are your sins?”

As he pondered the question, and considered how he should answer it, the aged man’s eyes were opened, he saw the gracious truth, that his sins had been borne by Christ on the cross, but were no longer upon Him; if then borne by Christ, and gone, where were his sins?—gone!

And, we, may add, not only forgiven, but forgotten, for God is almighty to foet as well as to forgive.

“Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 8:12; 10:17.

Most abundantly does the Word of God prove to us that we are saved from our sins. Christ stood surety for us, and suered in our stead upon the cross.

“His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree,” 1 Pet. 2:24.

Note the two “owns” here—His own self—His own body. See how the Scripture brings Himself before our hearts.

What He did for us should ever live in our souls. We will keep Him before our eyes. Jesus, in His suffering love; “hath borne our griefs, and carried our soows:” our iniquity has been laid on Him, and “with His stripes we are healed.” (Isa. 53). He has saved us from our sins by becoming our Substitute on the cross.

ML 10/26/1941

Why Jesus Came

He left the throne above,

That throne of holy light,

And came in perfect love

Down to this scene of night;

he veiled His glory, hid His fame.

In perfect lowly grace He came.

He came, the Father’s Son,

To do the Father’s will;

The holy spotless One;

God’s counsels to fulfill;

In perfect lowly grace He came,

Revealer of the Father’s name.

He came, God’s only Son,

His glory to retrieve;

He came to bear the sins

Of all who should believe;

Obedient unto death, He came,

God’s love and mercy to proclaim.

He came to save the lost,

To break the captive’s chain,

His precious blood the cost

Of our eternal gain,

That we might share, His blessed place

As sons before the Father’s face.

He came to lift the curse

From the creation wide;

He came in matchless grace

To win His heavenly bride:

To carry out redemption’s plan,

That God might dwell indeed with man.

ML 10/26/1941

A Most Wonderful Sight

Isaiah 6

Isaiah was shown a wondeul sight, or vision, which we cannot describe, but we may all read what be told of this he said.

“I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face; with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did.fly. And one cried unto another, and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory’, And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried.”

Isaiah seems to have seen this vision of the Lord as King on His throne; in the temple; “His train” may mean those aending Him.

“The seraphims” seem heavenly messengers to do the Lord’s wishes; they spoke of the Lord, but they hid themselves behind their wings, as though Isaiah was not to notice them, When Isaiah saw the beauty of the Lord, he felt how unholy he was, that his lips were not fit to praise Him, and he said,

“Woe is me, ... I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, ‘Lo, this bath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”

“A live coal from the altar”, was a red burning coal, which the seraphim touched to Isaiah’s lips, or seemed to touch in this vision. It was not really his lips that were impure, but lips speak words which show the mind and heart are sinful. Fire destroys what is impure, and the burning coal showed Isaiah that God must destroy, or cleanse away sin.

It seems that the Lord wanted someone to tell the people that He would be their holy King, and He asked,

“Whom shall I send, who will go for Us?”

“Here am I, send me,” Isaiah answered, He had believed the words that his sins were put away, so he could tell of the Lord to others. The Lord told him to go to the people.

We now know that Christ, the Son of God, was as the “live coal” going through the “fire” of God’s judgment upon sin, and those who believe in Him, and confess their sins, are made fit to tell of Him to others; He spoke much that they should do this; they are not given visions as Isaiah, but have God’s Word to learn of Him, Christ said,

“Blessed are those that have not seen, yet have believed,” John 20:29.

ML 10/26/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But, beloved,” etc. Heb. 6:9.

2.“For the word,” etc. 4:12.

3.“Hath in these,” etc. 1:2.

4.“Now the God,” etc. 13:20.

5.“But Christ being come,” etc. 9:11.

6. “But now,” etc. 8:6.

7. “God having,” etc. 11:40.

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, “That no man take thy crown.”

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Lamb which is in the midst.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “A rainbow was upon his head.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, ‘Thou art worthy to take the book.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Thou hast taken to thee thy-great power.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Jesus Christ, who is the-faithful witness.”

7.What did the angel at the altar do with the “much incense” that was given to him?

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. With such things as we have. Heb. 13:5.

2. With the people of God. Heb. 11:24, 25.

3.That they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Heb. 11:13.

4. Crowned with glory and honor. Heb. 2:9.

5.The shedding of blood. Heb. 9:22.

6. Hebrews 10:25.

7. Hebrews 6:10.

Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Revelation 1-11

1. Who was worthy to open, the Book and why?

2.What are the two occurrences of the invitation. “Come no hither?”

3.Who is the Faithful Witness?

4.What was Philadelphia to hold fast?

5. What two things did God hate?

6. What does the pale horse signify?

7. What showed the hardness of men under the sixth seal?

ML 11/02/1941

Jesus is not Dead Now

Dr. P. tells how a little girl came to him after the close of a gospel meeting. Nearly everyone had gone, and the lights were being put out.

‘The evangelist noticed that the child was following him around. At last he said:

“Little girl, what do you want, why did you not go home with the rest of the people?”

As she turned to him he saw that her clothes were ragged, her feet bare, her hair tangled and hanging loosely, and her face was none too clean. Altogether site was a forlorn-looking little creature. She stood up on her bare toes, and whispered into his ear,

“Mister, I want to be saved.”

Surprised and startled at the intensity of the child’s tone, he scrutinized her narrowly and questioned her more closely.

“So you want to be saved? And why do you want to be saved?” Again the child raised herself on her toes and whispered,

“Because. I am a sinner.”

“Who told you, you were a sinner?” asked the evangelist.

“God says so in His Book and—I— feel it here,” laying her little dirty hand over her bosons.

“Well,” asked the evangelist, “do you think I can save you?”

A sudden change came over her, and drawing away, she did not whisper this time, but her words rang out short and clear,

“No, Mister, you can’t save me. No man can save a sinner!”

Then drawing the little inquirer beside him on the seat near, the preacher took her little hands in his own, and in a kind tone, said,

“You are quite right, dear little soul, no man can save you. Tell me, why did you come to me? Who can save you?”

Again her voice dropped almost to a whisper, and with infinite pathos in her words she replied,

“Jesus, Mister; He can save me.”

“Ah, yes, my dear,” said her questioner, “Jesus can save you. But tell me, how He is going to do it?” Again the little lips lifted to his ear, and her eyes filled, as she eagerly answered,

“O, Mister, He died for me.”

Some curiosity prompted the evangelist in putting the next question,

“Then He is dead, is He? How can he save you if He is dead?”

The child sprang from her seat, and her eyes now flashed. Again her voice rang aloud:

“He’s not dead: He’s not dead now. He died for me, but He’s not a dead man. He’s God’s Son. Didn’t you say that this very night in your sermon, that God raised Him from the dead? No, He’s not dead now.”

Her voice dropped again, and once more came the pathetic words,

“O, Mister, I want to be saved.”

The child was told that God sent His Son into this sinful world to die for siers, and she was a sinner, so He died for her She accepted Him as her Saviour and went away happy, having learned that, by simple faith, she was saved by trusting in Him, and His work on Calvary’s cross.

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

ML 11/02/1941

"I Wish I was Saved."

Are you saved, Willie?”

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

“I wish I was.”

Yes, with eternity in front of him, and with the shadow of sin resting on his soul, his words were,

“I wish I was.”

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

A day or two passed; the Christian was greeted with a radiant smile. He knew is well what that smile meant. He said, “You are saved, Willie.” “Yes,” the boy replied, “1 am.” “Tell rue all about it.”

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

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

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

ML 11/02/1941

What Will Satisify?

What a charming scene in our picture. As we look at the fine large trees, the quiet stream, and the lovely view, it all seems so restful. We do enjoy all of God’s handiwork.

But this will not satisfy our hearts, as all things here on this earth change in a short time. We need something that will last forever. We shall find rest and satis faction for our souls through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ Who died for us on the cross of Calvary. There He suffered for our sins, and bore God’s judgment for them in His great love for us, to save us.

Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you eternal life in Him?

“THESE ARE WRITTEN THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD: AND THAT BELIEVING, YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME.” John 20:31

ML 11/02/1941

A Sign to a King

Isaiah 7

Two kings joined their armies to attack Jerusalem; this was told to the king, Ahaz, and he and the people were very much afraid.

God knew the enemies’ plan, and told Isaiah to go to King Ahaz and tell him “to fear riot, nor be faint hearted”, that the plan of the two kings should not “come to pass”; He also told that, later, one nation should “be broken” and “no more a people”.

God often gave those people some sign to help them believe that what He said would happen, and He told the king to ask for a sign. But Ahaz had been doing much evil, and seemed not to care to bieve God, and would not ask. Yet God told him a sign; which was a most wonderful promise: He said that a child should be born, to be called, Immanuel, which meant “God with us”, so this child would be a holy One of God, living with this people.

God had told Isaiah to take his son with him to the king; God wanted the young as well as older people to hear His words, and this son must have told others what he heard that day; his long name meant, “the remnant shall return”, which was like a promise to all who knew him or read this, that some would believe God, although so many were like the sinful king.

God’s first promise came true right away: the armies did not conquer the city, and returned to their lands; later the people of one king were carried captives to other lands, and was never afterwards a nation; so God’s second words proved true (See 2 Kings 17:6), The people should have believed the last promise, of the holy child, but few did. We now know that “sign” was fulfilled when Jesus was born, and how patient God was to give that promise to the unbelieving king!

The place Isaiah and his son met the king was in the highway of the fullers’ field; fullers prepared wool or cloth to sell, and cleaned any stains, working outdoors near a water supply. It seems to have been by a high road, just outside Jerusalem, and later when people came there, the place should remind them of God’s proses, given there; and remind us now, that the holy One promised would cleanse away the stains of sin.

Find this promise of the Holy Child quoted in Matt. 1:22, 23.

Ahaz, “the king of Judah”, ruled over two tribes of Israel, in Jerusalem; from what “house” or family was he? (Isa. 7:2,13).

The “king of Israel”, who came against King Ahaz ruled over ten tribes of Israel, who had before this separated from the king at Jerusalem; their capital city was in Ephraim (1 Kings 12:19, 25).

The other king who came against Jerusalem was from Syria; the capital city, Damascas.

Ahaz sent money for a heathen king to help him, which showed he did not believe that God would help (2 Kings 16:8).

ML 11/02/1941

Lord Over All

See the men out in the boats, driving the cattle ashore. One of the animals is high up on a rock, and looks as though he is bellowing to the others to follow him. I suspect the men we see own these cattle, and live near by.

“Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psa. 50:10.

It is God who says this in His precious book, the Bible. Please think of this the next time you pass these animals as they are feeding on the beautiful slopes. Every one of them belongs to the Lord. He has an eye over all, and cares for each of them.

Let it lead out your heart and thoughts to Him, for you, too, are one of His creatures. The Lord is watching over you, and caring for you every day.

How does it make you feel, to know His eyes are always upon your You, no doubt, remember the short sentence.

“Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, it must make you uncoortable to know that He sees all you do and say, and it grieves Him that you care nothing for Him.

I do beg of you to remember that He does care for you, and wants you to be saved. He is longing: to give you true happiness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept Him as your own loving Saviour.

It is a joy to those who are saved, to know the Lord is with them and watching over them. It makes a Christian very happy to know that He says,

“Lo, I am with you always,” Matt, 28:20.

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

“The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord.” Prov. 5:21.

ML 11/09/1941

A Telegram from Heaven

A young telegrapher went to his office one morning with a heavy heart. The Lord, through the Holy Spirit, had been speaking to him, and showing to him the sinfulness of his heart. The consciousness of his sinful state pressed heavily on him He felt like a sheep that had wandered into the wilderness, and could not get back, but Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and to save the lost, had already found a way to bring him to Himself.

As he sat, bowed under the burden of sin, he poured out his heart before the Lord, and cried,

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Hark, what was that? Some one on the wire. The message came—first, the name and address of the one to whom it was sent, then the words,

“Behold, the Lamb of God, which tath away the sin of the world.”

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Then followed the sender’s name. That was, indeed a singular telegram. How did it come about? The explanation was this: A young girl in the same town who was likewise under conviction of sin, had applied to the pastor of her native town for an answer to the question,

“What must I do to be saved?”

The pastor was on his vacation, where the letter had been forwarded to him, and it came just at the moment when he was leaving for a train, and he, not wishing to keep the anxious girl waiting till his return home, dispatched the above text.

The young girl found the Saviour through them, as also the telegrapher. Thus it was a message from heaven to them both. They saw in Jesus, God’s Lamb, who had taken away their sins—that He had borne the load of their sins on Calvary’s cross, and, in Him, they found redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of their sins. Eternal life and rich blessings were theirs.

The Good Shepherd knows how and where to find the lost sheep.

Dear young reader, have you had the question settled,

“What must I do to be save?” Are you not exercised about it? If so,

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

ML 11/09/1941

A Good Confession

A missionary in Japan approached the Japanese doctor in charge of a hospital and asked permission to preach the Gospel here. Rather surprised at the doctor’s ready assent, the missionary asked him if he were a Christian. He said that he was not, but he told the following incident:

Twenty years ago he was walking on one of the streets, and in front of him a schoolboy was striding along, swinging his stick and whistling as he went. Suddenly the stick flew out of his hand and through a window. The boy stopped, horrified, and the Japanese stopped too, to see what he would do. To his surprise the boy ran up the steps of the house, rang, the bell, and was shown in. The Japanese was so interested that he waited. When the boy reappeared, he stopped him and said,

“I saw what happened—no one else was about. Why did you not run away?” The boy’s reply was one which he remembered.

“Well, sir, you see, I’m a Christian.”

That was one reason he opened his hoital to the preaching of the Gospel, but not the only one.

Just before he left he went to a little shoeblack to have his shoes polished. He was struck with the enthusiasm with which the boy did his work.

“You are taking a lot of trouble for me, my boy,” he said. The boy looked up, red with exertion, and said,

“I’m doing it for the Lord Jesus, sir!”

Because of the testimony of two boys twenty years before, the patients of that hospital in Japan had the Gospel preached to them.

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus.”

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” Col. 3:17, 23.

ML 11/09/1941

Evenings Around the Bible

My early years were spent in a humble home, in which the Bible, God’s Holy Word, was read and held in honor. Some of the happiest hours of my childhood were, when father, mother, brothers, and sisters were gathered around the fireside while wintry winds blew and storms raged without.

A Bible Story was our usual Sunday evening reading, and these stories are with me in memory still. The story of the Eden Fall, the Coats of Skin covering Adam and Eve, Abel’s Sacrifice, Isaac on Moriah, Joseph in Prison and as Ruler of Egypt, Moses in the Cradle of Bulrushes, The Sprinkling of the Blood on the Lintel and Door-posts in Egypt, The Great Exodus at the midnight hour, The Passage of the Red Sea, The Manna falling morning by morning from Heaven, The Brazen Serpent, Crossing the Jordan, with the Gospel lessons they teach, were all set forth in simplicity and beauty by our father in these early years.

If you would be safely led and peacefully guided, use God’s Book day by day, never neglecting to consult in all life’s hours the Word of God. For therein is all that you need to save and keep you happy. The daily use of the Book of God in the family circle is, it is to be feared, much neglected in our time. If this continues and becomes a habit, it will soon tell on the coming generation, and the early, conversions and happy youth we have seen in years gone by, will be less heard of. For it is the Word of God and the truths it presents that bring life to the soul.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psa, 1:1, 2.

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

ML 11/09/1941

Patty's Recitation

Patty was my youngest scholar. He came to the school when four years old, and I believe the Lord opened his young and tender heart to receive the Gospel, and believe it unto salvation before he was six. For many years we have had a Sunday school Tea and Prize Distribution on New Year week, when, in addition to Gospel Addresses, some of the children recite select pieces and also favorite Gospel hymns, as a means of making known the good news to parents and others who need salvation. Patty recited very simply and sweetly “The Old, Old Story,” which closes with the clearing Gospel truth, expressed in the lines:

“For our sins He suffered,

For our sins He died;

And not for our sins only,

But all the world beside,

Then God released our Surety

To show the work was done;

Our Saviour’s resurrection

Declares the victory won.”

The little figure on the platform telling out in childish tones that glorious message was a beautiful sight, and God blessed the Gospel through his lips to lead one weary sinner to the Saviour. That was Patty’s first soul.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:16.

“Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:11.

ML 11/09/1941

What Isaiath Saw and Wrote

Isaiah 8 to 12

The people to whom Isaiah spoke knew from the psalms and other scriptures, that a mighty king was to come to conquer all enemies and rule in peace. In the visions, Isaiah saw that Holy One as first a child:

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: His name shall be. called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isa, 9:6.

All those names taught how great that One would be. Isaiah was also shown of that One as king, called, the Rod, which means to correct and rule; He would have all wisdom, and then even the wild animals would be gentle; “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion together; and a little child shall lead them ... the sucking child shall play on the hole of asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den.” Isa. 11:1-9.

Such a happy time has not yet come; no one could trust a lamb or a child with a wolf or a lion, not leave a little child beside the hole of poisonous serpents. Yet there will surely be a time when those words will come true.

The people then who believed God’s words must have thought much of that One to come. But many did not want to hear of a holy King, because they were doing such wrong things, and worshiping idols. Because of that, God told Isaiah to take a great roll and write of trouble to come to all Israel; men of the temple were to sign this record, so it would be known to be true. The long hard name of this record meant “sold for spoil”; what is taken by the victors in war is called “spoil”; God said that the people should be sold for spoil; it was their sins which would “sell” them; the heathen kings they had made their friends, would turn against them to get their riches and make them their servants.

The words “sold for spoil”, came true some years later: a king of Assyria (a country east of Palestine) took the people of Damascus and the people of Israel in Samaria, and made them his servants, (Isa, 8:4; 2 Kings 16:9, and 17:6); a later king came frorn Babylon against Judah and Jerusalem, “as a river overflows its banks” and took their wealth and carried many of the people away captives (Isa, 8:7, 8; 2 Chiron, 36:15-20).

Yet God promised a few, “a remnant”, should return to Judah, and again in the tline of the Holy King there should be a remnant come from all lands (Isa.11:11, also Isa, 10:21, 22; Rom. 9:27).

When Jesus was born in the same land where Isaiah had lived, the angel told of Him, as of the promised holy child:

“Unto you is born this day ... a Saviour (One who saves), which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-14 (Read also Matt. 4:13-16).

But this holy One was refused as king, and people still wait the time of peace (Read Isa. 12).

ML 11/09/1941

The Dog and the Rabbits

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

The reason we see one animal seeking to destroy another, is because of sin being in the world.

Satan was the one who brought sin in, so when his power shall be taken from him, then the animals shall be at rest (Isa. 11:6-9).

The marks of a true Christian, are, lowliness, meekness, gentleness, and peace They are to be seen in all their perfection in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who represents all believers before God in all His perfection, so the Scripture says,

“Such art High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heans,” Heb. 7:26.

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

ML 11/16/1941

He Will Come Again

The Saviour, Jesus, is gone to prepare

Such a beautiful home in the sky,

And He says He will come,

And take to that home,

Every sinner that’s born from on high.

I’d like to go to that heaven so bright,

For joy beams, in that world, on each face,

But if there I would go,

On earth I must know,

As my Saviour, the Lord of that place.

ML 11/16/1941

The Strong Swimmer

A little girl, walking with her nurse, along the esplanade, slipped her foot, and fell into the deep water. The nurse gave a loud cry, which was heard by a number of young men, who were bathing on the opposite side of the river. One of them at once struck out in the direction where the child was, and after several times diving under the water, he brought her up safe in his strong arms. A great crowd had gathered, and as he brought the unconscious child safe to land, he was greeted with a loud cheer.

Do you think that little girl ever forgot her deliverer? I think not when she grew up to be a young woman, she gave him a beautiful watch in token of her gratitude.

There is One who went down into deeper waters, to save you from an eternal hell—Jesus the Saviour. Have you ever thanked Him for doing so? Have you believed His love, and yielded your heart to Him in return? Or do you slight His love, and despise His atoning death for your salvation?

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

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,” Eph, 1:7.

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb 2:3.

ML 11/16/1941

Not Ashamed of Christ

A group young girls, employees in the same store, might have been seen one day in busy conversation. They seemed very happy and full of interest all but one of the number—for there was to be “a show” that evening, and they were expecting to attend it: this formed the exciting theme. The one alluded to, listened in silence to the gleeful conversation of the others. Presently one of them addressed her: “Aren’t you going this evening?”

“No,” she quietly replied, “I do not go to such things.”

“And why not?”

“Because I am a Christian,” was her reply.

And now came a chorus of voices: “I’m a Christian”: “And I’m a Christian”: “and I’m one, too”: “And we go to dances, and such things:” “We’ve no notion of laying ourselves on the shelf yet awhile.”

From the dear Christian girl came the quiet rejoiner, “God says in His word that we can not serve two masters: we cannot serve God and mammon.”

“But won’t you go this evening?”

“No: the Bible says we should ‘seek those things which are above.’”

Was not this a happy testimony for a babe in Christ to bear? This dear girl was not ashamed of the “gospel of Christ.” Her companions might laugh at her, but after deep exercise of soul, she had found Jesus as her Saviour; and now His approval was more to her than the smiles of the world; and in His strength she stood for Him.

It takes true courage to confess Christ in the face of a sneering, jeering world but He will give courage to the one who has a true heart for Him. And by and by, the time will come when He will confess those who have confessed Him. The scene will then be changed in the bright: blaze of glory, in the Father’s presence, and and the host of holy angels, who have witnessed the scenes of earth, Jesus will own as His, those who, in the midst of sorrow and temptation, owned Him down here. O, to be true to Him! Is it not worth more than worlds!

What about the girls who said, We are Christians, too, but we are going to have our pleasure yet a while! Let the Word of God answer,

“Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” 2 Tim. 3:4.

Will Jesus own such? Ah! beware, ye who have the world. A fleeting moment of pleasure may be yours; but what about that eternity of woe!

“If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.” 1 John 2:15.

“Ye cannot serve two masters,” Matt. 6:24.

ML 11/16/1941

"He Died for Me"

At the close of a children’s meeting, during which the preacher had spoken much of the love of Jesus, and what He had done out of love for sinners, a little boy was asked,

“Can you tell me what Jesus has done?”

With a bright smile, the little fellow looked up into the questioner’s face, and said,

“He died for me.”

Happy child! In the simplicity of faith he had believed the glad tidings concerning Jesus the mighty Saviour, and the value of that wonderful work Jesus finished on Calvary’s cross, was for him.

Dear boys and girls can you say the same in truth: can you say, like the beloved apostle Paul, “

“The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me?”

How precious this makes Jesus to us, and how worthy He is of our confiding trust!

ML 11/16/1941

How Happy we Shall Be

Jesus calls us every one,

Little ones to Him may come;

None too small for Him to see,

Come to Him and happy be.

Jesus loves us! O, how kind,

He it was who cured the blind;

Then He hung upon the tree,

Died for sinful ones like me.

Jesus now has gone away,

Yet He loves to hear us pray;

If I trust Him all the day

He will never let me stray.

None so great and good as He,

O, what joy! how happy we

When we shall the Saviour see

And forever with Him be.

Joy and peace there is above,

Jesus lives where all is love;

Angels at His feet do fall,

Own Him King and Lord of all.

Come then, children, each one sing

Praises to this Lord and King;

How He loves to hear our voice,

When our hearts in Him rejoice.

Soon He in the clouds will come,

And His voice to each will call;

Those who love and serve Him here

Then shall meet Itim in the air.

We shall share the wondrous love

In His Father’s home above,

O! how happy we shall be

When His lovely face we see.

ML 11/16/1941

Old Cities

Isaiah 13-23

One of the grandest cities of blden times was Babylon, several hundred miles east of Jerusalem; its walls were wide and high, with forts and towers; it had great palaces, with much g6ld, id beautiful gardens. The kings were proud, cruel men bowing to idols, as did the people. God told Isaiah to write that Babylon would be destroyed.

“It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in.” It would be so ruined that even a wandering Arab would not care to pitch his tent, or shepherds lead their flocks there (Isa. 13:19-22).

It was many years before those words were fulfilled, but at last the great city was entirely destroyed by armies, left in heaps of brick and stone, its beauty gone. Men have dug among the ruins, but have never rebuilt the city; it has been deserted, only wild animals, “owls and doleful creatures living among the ruins, as God told Isaiah.

Another strong city was Damascus, which God said should be a “ruinous heap”; but it was not said to stay in ruins. Not long after an enemy conquered that city and carried away the people; but later it was rebuilt, and although often in war, is still a city, one much spoken of now. (Isa. 17:1).

When Isaiah lived, Tyre was an important seaport northwest of Jerusalem, partly built on an island near the shore, where ships came from other lands; the rich merchants were very proud of their city and wealth. Isaiah was told Tyre also should be “laid waste” (Isa. 23:1): those words came true some years after, when soldiers broke down its walls and spoiled its harbor, so ships went to other ports; Tyre is now a small place and only small boats come there.

The words God told Isaiah about these cities, and others are called, “burdens”, for they were not pleasant to tell or to hear and Isaiah dressed in sackcloth (a coarse rough cloth) to show the people sorrow.

God was always ready to bless any who would believe His words, and very patient to warn all, but the people became more and more sinful in their ways and in the worship of idols, or the sun, or animals, even of serpents, refusing to think of God.

There is an evil one urging those who do not believe God, to sin against Him; Isaiah was told of this evil one, and of his end; he never does good to people, but would make them his “prisoners”. In other parts of the Bible this evil one is called Satan (Isa, 14:12-17).

Who went, many years after Isaiah died, to the coast of Tyre? (Matt. 15:21).

What man from Damascus was healed of leprosy? 2 Kings 5:11-14.

Into what city was Saul (afterward called Paul) led? (Acts 9:8; 13:9).

What did a great king of Babylon say should be done to any who did not bow down to the big gold image he had made? Daniel 3:5,6.

ML 11/16/1941

Great Expectations

After watching the water bugs skim over the water for a time, while fishing, it is exciting to feel a tugging on the line and draw out a big fish, then another, and another. How good they taste when our mothers cook them.

In our picture we see one of the boys holding his fishing rod out over the water patiently waiting for the fish to bite. The others are watching quietly, for if they made a noise the fish would be frightened away and could riot be caught. But if the children all keep quiet, they may expect to catch some fish, and they are happy in this expectation.

Dear children, does this attitude of watching remind you of something else we are expecting? Most of your have heard that Jesus is coming to take those who love Him—coming to take them away from this world of sin and sorrow to His happy home above, where all is joy.

We do not know just when He will come, but He tells us to watch and wait, for He may come at any time. As a dear little girl four years old said,

“He may come this afternoon.”

“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry,” Heb. 10:37.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

ML 11/23/1941

Keep Them Out

“I don’t want to hear naughty words,” said a little boy.

“It’s no matter,” said another boy, “what Joe Smith says; it goes ill one ear and Gift the other.”

“No,” said the first boy, “the worst of it is, when naughty words get in, they stick. So I shall do my best to keep them out.”

It is much easier to keep naughty words out, before they get in, than it is to get them out, after they once are admitted into the mind. It is easier to soil a piece of paper, than it is to clean it, and the Scripture says, the man whom God aroves and blesses, is one who

“Stoppeth his ears from the hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.” Isa. 31:15.

Evil outside is bad enough, but evil inside poisons the very fountain of life.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.

Ml 11/23/1941

Those Who Are Ready

When I was a little child, I dreamed one night, that I was sitting in the garden waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus. It seemed to be the day fixed for Him to come for His people, and I wanted to go too. I waited for some time, but could not see Him coming, and, at last, I found out that the Lord had indeed returned and was gone back again, but alas! I was “left behind.” O how sad I felt at the thought of being “left behind.”

Now, dear children, this was only a dream, but it is quite true the Lord Jesus will come in the clouds some day. He has not told us what day; but He has promised to come again, to receive those who love and trust Him unto Himself.

What a happy day it will be for those who are ready when He comes for them—they shall see Him, and be like Him, and be forever with Him. O how delightful!

But how very sad for those who are not ready, they will he “left behind.” How will it be with you? Some of you have fathers and mothers, some have brothers and sisters who are Christians. They will be “caught up” to meet Him. Will you be “left behind?”

“And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage; and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.

There will be no salvation for any who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour when the Lord comes. They will be left behind for His judgment, “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this because God shall send them strong deslusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteouess,” 2 Thess. 2:10, 11, 12.

ML 11/23/1941

The Soldier's Story

Some years ago, it was my privilege to work as a visitor in one of our poor districts. In a basement of one place where I used to visit, lived a pious old soldier, who had lost one of his legs.

This, however, did not trouble him much, nor yet his deep poverty, but his one trouble was that his wife was not a Christian, and it was a burden that lay heavy on his heart.

The simple faith of the old soldier at once won my heart, and I often visited him to have a little reading of the Word. together.

One day they had no food in the house, and a penny was the only coin they possessed. The soldier’s wife asked him to go to the baker’s to buy a penny roll, and while going he met a man with a wife, and three children, who were, if possible, worse off than himself, for they were sick and hungry. His heart was so touched that he gave the man his penny instead of buying bread.

Then he thought, ‘What will my wife say?’ and not liking to go home empty-handed, he walked up and down, asking the Lord all the time to supply his need.

Just then a man asked him the way to the Post Office; the soldier offered to show him the way, and while walking together, the man asked him if he were not the soldier he had known years ago, He replied that he was, upon which the man put a 25 cent piece in his hand, and bade him farewell.

“Is not our Master ever true to His word, and does He not bless a hundredfold all we do for His sake?” said the old soldier.

I was greatly touched by his story, and felt how wonderful are the links in the chain of our lives, that show to those who look for them, the love and care of the Lord Jesus for His people.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5.7.

ML 11/23/1941

Find Jesus

A poor mother lay dying in a neglected tenement in a great city. She had not much to leave to her little girl, but calling her to her bedside, the mother said,

“Nellie, I’m going to die; and there is just one thing I have to say to you—find Jesus!”

Soon after that the mother died, and little Nellie was left to the mercy of a neighbor who took her in and cared for her. But her mother’s last words filled little Nellie’s mind.

“Mother told me to find Jesus.” So she asked the woman who had taken her in “Where can I find Jesus?”

“I don’t know,” brusquely answered the woman, “I am busy: don’t bother me”—like many others too busy to find Jesus herself, and unable to show the way to another.

Nellie, after that, went into the street “to find Jesus,” and asked the first man she met, “Sir, please tell inc where to find Jesus!”

“I don’t know,’ he, answered; and hurried on his way.

Nellie next saw a man coming out from a saloon, and asked,

“Mister, do you know Jesus?”

“No I don’t,” was the reply, “but I ought to.”

Now as little Nellie passed on and was crossing the street, the poor child was knocked down, run over, and being badly hurt, was carried to the hospital. After a time she regained conciousness, and found herself in a nice clean hospital ward; she looked around, all was quite strange to her, and seeing the nurse, she asked the same question, If this was the place to find Jesus?

“I don’t know; you had better go to sleep and rest,” kindly answered the nurse. So, like an obedient child, Nellie did so, and many days she lay on her cot in the hospital wondering where she should find Jesus. But God never lets a seeking one go away without a blessing; for His own Word says, “Seek, and ye shall find.” Not only so, but all the time Nellie was seeng Jesus, ‘twas he Himself who was seeking her One day she called,

“Nurse! Nurse! come here—come!” and with a bright glad face, she said, “I have found Jesus; He is here in my heart. Nurse, won’t you have Him too?” And indeed the nurse was finally led to the Lord Jesus; and others too, in that hospital, in the few days that Nellie lingered before going to Heaven—to Jesus whom she had sought and found.

Children have you found Him? or rather, have you let Him find you? If you are seeking Him, you may be sure that He is seeking you, and wants you. Neither is it far away you should go to find him, but He is very near to you, even knocking at the very door of your heart, as He has said,

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isa; 55:6

ML 11/23/1941

The Great Rock

Isaiah 24-36

These words of a song were told to Isaiah and have comforted all who believe God ever since:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staved on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.”

“Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Isa. 26:3, 4.

Jehovah is a title of the Lord, meaning the One who always lives, The Eternal One, and the words, “everlasting strength”, in the Hebrew, meant “the Rock of Ages”. A great rock makes us think of strength, of what is lasting and unchanging, The One to come to earth to bring blessing was spoken of much the same as “the Rock of Ages”.

“Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (will not fear). Isa. 28:16.

And what seems most wonderful, this One to protect and give blessing to all, is Said to be a man,

“A Man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivets of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isa. 32:2.

If we are in a great storm, we are glad to come into shelter; if in a boat in a tempest, how thankful to reach a bay or “covert” or if we passed through a desert, we would welcome a river and the shade of a cliff or a great rock. But this One would do far more than keep those who trust Him from wind and storm. He would save from the tempest of God’s judgement. against sin, which shelter we need far more than shelter from earth’s storms. Now we know it was the Son God, Who became a man to shelter all who trust Him.

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.” 1 Tim. 2:5,6.

God gave His words many times to the people:

“The Word of God was unto them prept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little.” Isa, 28:13.

The people were to “sow” or tell God’s words:

“Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters; that send forth the feet of the ox and the ass.” Isa. 32:20. The ox and ass were used to plow ground, so hearing the words of judgment to come would stir or “plow” peoples’ hearts. They were not to go for help to the heathen nation, but to the Lord:

“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay (depend) on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen because they are strong; but they look not unto the Holy One ... ..neither seek the Lord.” Isa, 31:1.

God does not take pleasure or desire to send judgment, it is called “His strange work, unwanted act”, as when “He sent destruction to the idol worshipers in David’s time (Isa. 28:21; 2 Sam, 5:20; 1 Chron. 14:13-15).

Who has said He “will swallow up death in victory”; and “wipe away tears from off all faces?” Isa 25:8.

ML 11/23/1941

A Winter Scene

In the dense forest a road has been made, and a house has been built, so the hunters may have a place to go, and get some refreshments and warmth in the cold winter, and when they get on to the road they will soon find their way home. But when people go into the midst of the trees, they often get lost for a time, because there are no paths.

A young man I once knew was lost in this way in the woods, and he called out, “Lost, Lost,” a number of times till some one who knew the directions, came for him, and brought him out.

We say he was lost, because he did not know his way, and now I would like to ask you a question,

Do you know the way to heaven, if you do not know it, you are lost? What a terrible thing it is to be lost, and especially for eternity. It is our own fault if we are lost, for there is a Saviour who has been provided for us, and He is the way, so the Lord Jesus said,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

If you are lost, let the Lord Jesus be your Saviour, for He came to save the lost.

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

ML 11/30/1941

Be Ready

I remember hearing a story of a little boy who lived in a large city, one of a family of several children. This little chap was a bright, merry, little fellow, as lively and vigorous as the average healthy, well cared for child.

One of his most prominent short comings however, was a decided disposition to put off doing things that should be done at once, till some future time, and often when his mother would call him to do something, or to go somewhere, the answer would be “in a minute”, or “just wait a minute”, and so on, and generally the “minute” would stretch into “tens” of minutes, or the call would be completely forgotten,—till a sharp reminder would bring to his memory, the forgotten or neglected command or request. Another short coming was his disposition to be untidy, and often upon returning from school, his books would be thrown down here or there, his cap and mittens tossed anywhere but in their proper place, while he ran off to play or otherwise amuse himself. Many an admonition had been given him by his mother, and many were the rolves and promises to “do better next time’’, but somehow or other improvement was very slow in coming, and was never very lasting.

In those days a sleigh ride was a very great treat for the children, for the automobile had not yet been invented, and the very rare occasions that snow fell in suffient quantity, or lasted long enough to make good sleighing possible, were so infrequent, that when they did occur, it was necessary to take immediate advantage, of them if, they were to be enjoyed.

Our little friend had an uncle who was very fond of his nephews and nieces, and this uncle had promised the children, that upon the first Saturday that there was enough snow to permit of it, he would take them all for a sleigh ride out to the country to a place he knew a delicious meal could be had before returning to town. When promising this treat to the children, their uncle remarked that when the time came, he wanted them all to be ready to go at the appointed time, as he would not wait very long, if they were not ready; this was said with a meaning look at the little boy, for his uncle was well aware of Neddy’s short comings in this respect.

For several Saturdays the children had been eagerly watching for a snowfall and had several times been disappointed, till at last one Friday afternoon the snow began to fall heavily, and the next morning plenty of snow had fallen to ensure the long looked for sleigh ride.

Their uncle sent word that he would be at their house at a certain hour to get them, and again urged them to be ready when he came.

It had so happened that our young friend had already been out enjoying the freshly fallen snow as children will, and upon returning home, in his usual thoughtless manner, had tossed his cap in one place, his mittens in another, and his coat somewhere else, while he rushed off to continue some half-forgotten task or geme; in which he was soon deeply intestered. Not long afterward mother’s warning voice was heard,

“Neddy! it is nearly time for uncle Bob to be here, you had better get ready!”

“All right mother,’’ came the answer, “in just a minute”, and the boy went on with his playing. Again came mother’s warning,

“Neddy! the others are all ready, it’s time for you to get ready too.”

“O, mother, just a minute,” answered Neddy continuing his occupation, till suddenly the jingle of sleigh bells outside caused him to realize that his uncle had arrived and he was not ready. Then there followed a mad rush to find his things, one mitten was found in one place, and his scarf in another, a hunt for his coat revealed it after a while, anywhere but in its proper place, and search as he would, helped by his mother, no trace of his cap or other mitten could be found. One or two calls from uncle Bob brought the answers,

“O, just a minute, Uncle Bob! I can’t find my cap!

After some time the uncle finally declared he could wait no longer, and all the other children being ready and waiting, he drove off.

Just then Neddy discovered the missing cap and mitten, where they had fallen behind the sofa, after they had been carelessly thrown there when he had come in from play, and with an exclamation of relief, he dashed out the front door, just in time to see the sleigh loaded with its merry party, turn the corner some distance away, and it was a very disappointed tearful little boy that slowly re-entered the house, when he realized he had missed the long looked for treat, and we may be sure the lesson was instrumental in teaching him to be ready next time, as well as to be more tidy.

What a lesson there is in this little story, to be learned by all, young or old, not only concerning the things of time, but also those of eternity!

The Spirit of God is continually warning unsaved men, women, and children, that time is short,—even at best;—and at any moment the call may come to them to leave this world. Without doubt, dear friend, you are liable to have that call given you, just as much as any of the many millions who have already been summoned out of this world; and this being the case,—and your own common sense tells you it is the case—what preparation have you made for that impending event? The Word of God says,

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” Heb. 9:27, and this has reference to you as much as to any other individual on earth! Are you so engrossed with the passing things of trine, like our young friend was with his amusements, that when the Spirit of God warns you in some direct personal manner, of your danger; your answer is.

“Some other time?”

Remember, friend, God is not mocked, and he may call at anytime.

The wealthy man in Luke 12:16-21, was too busy gathering and storing that which God had given him, to have any thought of the giver of these things; but he had an awful awakening,—and so may you if you continue on your way, heedless to the call of love that bids you to be ready. If not, He may have to say to you,

“I have called, and ye have refused ye have set at naught all My counsel, ... I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh, ... they shall call upon Me but I will not answer ... ., they shall not find Me.” Prov. 1:24-28.

We earnestly counsel you to turn NOW to that One who is calling to you so lovingly, and make sure of your future for all eternity, by accepting that gift which God so graciously is offering you, “The gift of God, ... .eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

ML 11/30/1941

Three Golden Links

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

“SHALT CONFESS.”

Who confesses Christ the Lord?

They who know His precious Word,—

They who life in Him possess

These alone, His name confess.

“SHALT BELIEVE.”

O the joy of knowing this—

Christ the only source of bliss!

Not what I can “do” or “give,”

Life is in the word “believe.”

“SHALT BE, SAVED.”

Precious link! the last of three,

Forged for all eternity:

Every link with mercy laved—

“Shalt confess,” “believe,” “be saved!”

ML 11/30/1941

Two Boastful Men

Isaiah 36 and 37

A King of a country east of Jerusalem had conquered all the lands around, excepting Judah, and he thought he could take that also, so he came with a great army against the small cities first, and while fighting them he sent a man with a part of his army to tell the king of Judah, who lived in Jerusalem, that he would take that city also, and wanted them to surrender without fighting.

The man who came with the message was a bold, proud man like the king; he stood at a high place on the road into Jerusalem and shouted his demands to the men who came to meet him; he asked why they should think their city would be safe when all the cities around had been defeated and the people carried away. He was very scornful that the king and people should trust God to save them, he said the gods, or idols, of other lands had not saved them; he told them that the Lord had said to destroy the land, which was a he to, frighten them.

The men of the city did not try to answer the man’s boasts, for their king had said, “Answer him not.” They went back into the city and told the king his words. The king grieved to hear such a message, but he believed in God and took the message the man had sent, into the temple and prayed to God to save them from these wicked men; he also sent: for the prophet Isaiah, and God told Isaiah to tell him to send word to the boasting king that God knew his rage, but that he “should not come into the city, nor shoot all arrow there ... .” “By the way he came, by the same shall he return,” and “that he should fall by the sword in his own land.”

In the night God sent an angel to bring death to a great number of the boastful king’s army, and he hurried back to his land.

Even though he had seen the power of God in sending death, he did not believe Him, and kept on worshiping an idol, and was killed by his own sons, who were wicked as he, and wanted his throne. That king and his general were surely proud, wicked men to say they and their army were stronger than the Lord, and to scorn and defy Him.

Isaiah had told before that the king of Assyria would come against the land “as a river, strong and many,” just as he did, and that “God was with” His people (Isa. 8:7,10): So, that time, what was told to Isaiah came true.

The story of these boastful men is told twice more in the Bible, showing it was very necessary for the people to know (2 Kings 18:13; 2 Chron. 32).

There are solemn words about a “man of sin” with power from Satan, who will “oppose and exalt himself above all,” whom the man sent by the wicked king seems to foretell. How dreadful that any will follow him who denies the Lord’s great love and power, and “receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved.” (2 Thess. 2:3-10).

ML 11/30/1941

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Wherein ye,” etc. 1 Peter 1:6.

2.But let it be,” etc. 1 3:4.

3.“Likewise,” etc. 1 5:5.

4.“But he giveth,” etc. James 4:6.

5.But let patience,” etc. 1:4.

“6.We have also,” etc. 2 Peter 1:10.

7.“But the heavens,” etc. 2 3:7.

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 blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Them that dwell in heaven.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hath part in the first resurrection.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The bright and morning star.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The earth was lightened with his glory.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Great and marvelous are thy works,”

7.What happened to “the accuser of our brethren?”

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.In His Own body on the tree. 1 Peter 2:24.

2.James 5:7, 8, 10 and 31.

3.New heavens and a new earth. 2 Peter 3:13.

4.Ask of God. James 1:5.

5.The precious blood of Christ, 1 Peter 1:18-19.

6.To deliver the godly out of temptations. 2 Peter 2:9.

7.He is the enemy of God. James 4:4,

Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in the Revelation, Chapters 12-22:

1. What verse shows the eternity of torment?

2. What is God’s last invitation in the Bible?

3.What do “the waters” signify?

4.What is to happen to the cities of the nations?

5. What does the fine linen represent?

6.By what were the dead judged?

7.What five things will be absent from the new earth?

ML 12/07/1941

The Story of a Match

I hope noe of our little friends play with matches. If you see one on the floor, you should pick it up carefully, and take it to someone who knows how to put it away safely.

A little friend of mine was seen one day with her hand tied up; and what do you think was the matter? She was playing with a box of matches, which in some way caught fire, and burned the palm of her hand. Think what it might have been if her dress had been set on fire!

I am going to tell you a story of what happened at one time, and which shows how much mischief one match may do.

At seven o’clock one morning, the entire village of N. was burned to the ground, except two or three houses which were at some distance.

The cottages were, without, exception, built of wood, even roofed with wooden tiles; and the hot sun had already almost scorched the wood. In little more than an hour, nothing was left except smouldering ruins, the flames had spread with such rapidity.

The village, I was told, contained about eleven hundred inhabitants, who, alas! were able to save literally nothing; all they could do was to throw open the doors of the stables and cow houses, and the terrified creatures rushed out wildly, and many of them, I fear, perished.

The fire was caused—now listen, dear children—by the throwing away of a lighted match, most carelessly. A woman was carding a mattress, made of some kind of hair, and she stopped her work to make coffee on an alcohol lamp, throwing away the match—still lighted! And then you know what followed.

But there is another, and even sadder lesson to be learned from this very sad story. In the third chapter of the Epistle of James, we read,

“Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.”. James 3:5-8.

Do you not know how one word sometimes provokes to anger, and leads to a quarrel, perhaps a fight. And no one can put out this awful fire—no one but He who said,

“I am meek and lowly in heart.” Math. 11:28-30.

Therefore, dear children, go to the Lord, and tell Him what you find in that naughty heart of yours; and then, if you feel the anger rising, ask Him to help you against it, and you will find what a blesng it is to live in peace, whether it be with your school-fellows, or in your own home—for, sad to say, even brothers and sisters sometimes quarrel among themselves.

And, above all, think how our sins cost the sufferings and death of the blessed Lord Jesus!

Should we not hate our sins and desire to be saved from them?

“This is His commandment, That we should believe on the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another.” 1 John 3:23.

ML 12/07/1941

God's Help

As little Nellie was one day going along the street, she met with a bad accident. Some foolish boys were amusing themselves with throwing stones, one of which hit her on the eye, and hurt her dreadfully. She was in such pain she had to be carried home; her father sent for the surgeon, who declared that she would have to undergo a very painful operation. When the time arrived, she sat upon her father’s knee, and he said, “Nellie, are you ready?”

“Not quite, father,” she replied, “I should like to wait a minute—I have not prayed to God yet.” And then with her little hands folded together, she prayed,

“O God! forgive the little boy who hurt me, and help me to bear the pain well, and may Jesus be with me.” She then said, “Father, I am now ready.” And she bore the operation without a cry, and so patient was she, that all the people who stood by said,

“How God can help a little girl to bear pain!”

See what the grace of God can do for us if we only ask Him.

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 13:23, 24.

ML 12/07/1941

The Snow Storm

The girls in our picture are making their wav 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; IN HIM WILL I TRUST. Psalm 91:2.

ML 12/07/1941

A Very Great Wonder

Isaiah 38

God once did a great wonder for a sick king; just before, He had sent Isaiah to tell King Hezekiah to set his house in order because he would soon die. Those were sad words to the king, and he turned his head toward the wall and wept; but he also prayed.

Isaiah had started away from the king’s home, when God told him to go back and tell the king that He had heard his prayer and that he should live longer, and in three days should go to the Temple, or House of God, which was on another hill of the city.

The king felt so ill, he could not bieve that he would, be well, and to go there, so he asked for a sign of God’s power.

In those days, the hours of the day were counted by an instrument called a sun dial, which we cannot well describe; but it is thought, there was a pole or ball set up, on which the sun shone, and the shadow was cast on steps or some marked surface. This king’s father had a sun dial, which must have been large, so the king could see it from his bed, for Isaiah said the king might choose for the shadows on this dial to go either backward or forward. The king thought it would be more wonderful for the shadows to go back, so Isaiah asked God for that to be done. God said,

“This shall be a sign unto thee from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that He has spoken: Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees.” Is. 38:7, 8.

For the shadow on the son dial to move over the spaces a second time, would make that day longer, but we do not know how much longer as we do not know how long a time their “degree” was. All the people must have greatly wondered at this change in the shadows, and there, is no record of such a change since. Isaiah told those with the king, to put crushed figs on the king’s sore, and he became well. That was also by God’s power.

At that same time, a great army was outside the city to destroy it, and the king must have been very troubled about that, but God told Isaiah to tell him that He would keep the city, and it was saved without fighting (Is. 37:33). All this happened in the 14th year of the king’s rule; he ruled 29 years, so he lived fifteen years longer, as God said he should. The king knew God had done all this for him, saved his city, changed the shadows, and cured his sore; when well, he wrote,

“He hath both spoken unto me, and Himself hath done it.” Is. 38:15.

He told also of another wonder God had done for him:

“Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit...for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Is. 33:17.

This king had honored God, and been good to the people, but he knew he had sins, yet he knew that God had a way to save his soul. That was the greatest wonder of all, because it would last forever.

God has now lengthened the time of His mercy to all the world, waiting for all who will believe in the work of His Son, “not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML 12/07/1941

The Guarded House

Dec. 14th 1941

Behold, that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psa. 121:4.

It was a time of war, and it was expected that parties of cruel soldiers would take possession of the homes and property. The people of the little town were specially afraid.

Beyond the town, close to the main. road, on the way-side where the soldiers would enter, was a solitary house, larger and better than the poor cottages near it.

A godly old woman lived there, who knew, and trusted in the Lord. She was frequently in prayer, that God would raise up a wall around them, so as to protect them front the enemy.

Her daughter, who vas a widow, and one grandson lived with her.

“Grandmother,” said the boy, one morning “what do you mean by praying that the Lord would build a wall around our house? Can you be so foolish as to believe that He will do such an impossibility?”

“My son,” she replied, “I did not intend exactly what I said, but only desired that the Lord would defend us, and our town by any means. But you know, dear, nothing is impossible with Him. And if He wills, could He not do even this very thing?”

The night camera terrible night, such a storm of wind and snow. Soon those in the solitary house, knew by the trampling of horses, and sounds of shooting and shouting, that the enemy was nearing the unhappy town. There was much terror in many homes, but the heart of the dear “Grandmother” was calm and peaceful.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

No one even knocked at the door. When daylight appeared, they soon discovered the secret of their escape: The wind had drifted an immense mass of snow between them and the road, so that those passing by, could not come near the dwelling.

“My son,” said the old grandmother, “do you not see now how easy it was for the Lord to raise a wall around us?”

Surely none of those in “The Guarded House”, would ever forget that night, and I am sure they thanked the Lord for so graciously preserving them.

How comforting for God’s true chiren to know that He can never slumber nor sleep, and is ever watchful over His own.

He will keep you, dear children, in your little trials, if you bring them to Jesus in prayer.

“HE THAT KEEPETH THEE WILL NOT SLUMBER.” Psa. 121:3.

ML 12/14/1941

One Sin Leads to Another

I was considering the story of Gehazi in 2 Kings 5, and the sin of untruthfulness, and how one falsehood is sure to lead to another. Gehazi’s sin brought before my mind a little incident, showing how one act of disobedience, as well as one untruth, leads to another.

My mother had given me and my sisters a little bottle each—imitation scent bottles—but in giving them we were told never to take them to school. But one day I disobeyed her by taking mine. In going to school we had to pass some ponds (or clay pits), which we had also been strictly forbidden to go near. But on this particular day, as we were coming home, some of my school-fellows went down to one of these ponds, and filled some bottles they had with them with water, and now I thought how nice it would be to fill mine. You see, if I had not disobeyed in taking it to school, I should not have been tempted to fill it with water.

Well, down I went, intending to fill it but, alas! it slipped from my fingers and sank to the bottom! Then I began to think how wrong I had been, and how grieved my mother would be at my disobeying her. But fortunately for me, as I then thought, one of the elder girls reached down her hand and drew up my precious little bottle, which you may be sure I was very pleased to see. Then the girls began to say,

“O, your mother need never know,” and, as I had got my bottle back, I stifled conscience and said nothing about it.

My sin of disobedience was not found out, but it found me out, for, although I had not told anyone, after I got to bed I could not sleep—for fear of what, do you think? That my mother would find out that I had disobeyed her, and punish me as I deserved? O, no; my fear was lest the Lord should come, for I knew I was not prepared to meet Him. Perhaps you wonder why I did not go straight and tell my mother. You see, I had put it off at first, and it is always harder to do right afterward.

But let me ask you, Have you ever done anything wrong? Have you told a lie to hide a fault? Has your sin found you out, and you are in terror lest the Lord should come? See to it that you own to your parents the wrong you have done; but, above all, go to the Lord Jesus now—do not put that off another moment—for how do you know that the next moment will be yours?

After the little incident I have spoken of, I was always going to turn over a new leaf, but never did I get rest. Sometimes when awake in the night I would think,

“If the Lord does not come before the morning I will be different; I won’t do this, and I will do that.”

But all my good resolutions fell to the ground. And why? Because they were made in my own strength. I did not then know the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. I believed in Him, but not with the heart. I was like a woman to whom I was speaking to the other day. She said,

“I do believe, and yet I am not saved.”

Ah! she believed with the head then, but soon after she believed with the heart, and now she knows she is saved, and, as she says,

“It’s all through the blood.”

Yes, nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse our souls from sin.

A dear old woman told me the other day that when quite a young girl she read a little book, entitled,

“Names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life,” and she thought,

“I hope mine will be written there”; and her name is written there, not by any good works of her own, but simply by the Lord Jesus.

He will receive you, will wash you in His own blood, and make you fit to live with Him forever. You will not be afraid then to go to sleep for fear the Lord should come, and leave you behind. O, no; for He will not forget even the smallest child that believes in Him, but will take them, each and all, to be with Himself in glory forever.

“Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb, 10:37.

“Surely I come quickly, Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20.

ML 12/14/1941

Teach Me

Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.”

This was a prayer of King David. You will notice it is in words of one syllable, but it means a great deal.

Look at the first two words, “Teach me.” The great King David needed to be taught; how much more, little boys and girls.

Not only did David need to be taught but he wished to be taught.

Then who did he ask to teach him? and what did he want to be taught?

He wanted God to teach him His will. Do you wish to have the great God above for your teacher? These are very real and serious questions. One thing I can tell you is, that God is willing to teach you, though you are ever so little, and ever so poor. In His Word He says, “I will teach thee.” Psa. 32:8.

I often find that boys and girls—yes, and men and women too—do not want to be taught of God. They want their own way—to do as they like. I hope you are not like them, are you?

Those who do not want God for their teacher, follow their own hearts; and the Bible says that those who do this, are fools. They are under the power of Satan too, and they get further and further away from the Lord Jesus. If they do not stop and turn right round about, they will die in their sinful state; and where God dwells—where Jesus is—where the holy angels and all the blessed are, they can never be; but are shut out into the blackness forever, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

O, then do pray King David’s prayer in real earnest,

“Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God.” Psa. 143:10.

ML 12/14/1941

My Saviour Died

“Not on my guilty head

The wrath of God shall, fall;

The Lamb has suffered in my stead,

His blood atones for all.

“I seek no other way,

My soul is satisfied;

To know that God forgives today,

Because my Saviour died.”

ML 12/14/1941

A Visit to a King

Isaiah 39

The wonder of the shadows on the sun dial being changed for King Hezekiah in Jerusalem, and his cure, were told to a great king several hundred miles away. He and his people must also have felt the difference in the sunlight that day, and his son sent men with letters and a present to Hezekiah “to inquire of the wonder done in the land” (2 Chron. 32:31).

It must have been several months after the king’s illness, when they reached Jerusalem; as news and men did not travel fast then as now. King Hezekiah welcomed them, and was very friendly, and showed them all the fine things of his house and of the city.

God had given this king and his people great wealth, they had storehouses of grains and oil and spices, much gold, sier, and precious stories, besides many flocks and herds outside the city.

When the king had been made well, he had said that he would “go softly all his years”, (Is. 38:15), meaning he would be careful to do the right, but it is sad to know he became proud. He seemed to forget all had come from God, and boasted as though he had made all, and did not give God honor before those men who did not know God, who bowed to images they themselves made of gold; he should have told them of the living God; and of His, great goodness.

Isaiah knew that when the men reached their city, they would tell their king of the gold and wealth they saw in Jerusalem and he would want it for his city. Isaiah spoke to Hezekiah of his wrong boasting, and told him that men would one day come from their land, and take away the wealth of Jerusalem, and make the people captives; but he said it would not happen while Hezekiah lived. These words came true; the treasures and people of Jerusem were carried away to that land, but nut while Hezekiah lived. His son ruled after him, but would not listen to God’s words when young, as his father had, and few of the people remembered God’s goodness and power shown to Hezekiah.

We, too, forget that the Lord has given us all good we have. We know a greater wonder than they knew,—that God has sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to earth to save all who will believe Him. We are to tell those who do not know Him, of His work, not of what we have .

Was Hezekiah a good king? (2 Kings 18:5).

From what city did the men come? (Isa. 39:1,3).

Hush! You'll Wake the Baby

Here is a picture of little Milly, sitting on a big rug, rocking her doll’s cradle with one hand, while she holds the other one up as if to say, “Be quiet! you’ll wake the baby.”

Little children love to play that they are grown up, and will often do thing in exactly the same way as older people do, especially those they love or admire. Milly has probablly had mother tell her not to wake the baby in just the same wasy she is telling us now. She has put the kitten to sleep just as she saw her mother put baby brother to bed.

Often children and grown people, also, copy the words and manners of their coanions. How important that our words and our actions be only such that we should not care if they are given back to us again.

The blessed Lord Jesus was perfect in every way. Although it is useless for the natural heart to follow Him, to all who have come to Him about their sins and had them washed away in His blood, He says,

“TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART.” Matt. 11:29.

ML 12/21/1941

"I See it Now."

While, at the seaside, I went to see a girl who had been in bed for more than a year.

She told me that she had fallen down a flight of stairs three years before, and was so badly hurt that she could not hope to walk again.

“But,” she said; “I am accustomed to it now, and I don’t mind it nearly so much; at first I could not bear to be in bed and see the bright sunshine, and hear the birds sing; now, thank God, I am content.”

“Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?” I asked.

“Yes, indeed I do.”

“I am so glad of that, for it must make a wonderful difference to you when you are alone. And are you happy then, and ready to go when He sees it right to take you?”

She looked at me for a moment and then replied,

“O, no, I can’t say that,”

“Why is that? If you love Him, can you not trust Him? has He not saved you? can you not say that you are saved?”

She stopped for a moment, and then said,

“O, it would be too great presumption for me to say that.”

Silently I asked the Lord to give me the right word, so I asked her,

“Do you think He is willing to save you?”

“O, yes.”

“Is He able?”

“O, yes!” she was quite sure of that.

“Then why was He nailed to the cross, why did He hang there for those dreadful hours, and why did God hide His face from Him? Because He was bearing our sins; He was being made a curse for us; He was tasting death that we might never taste it, and now He is able and willing, and ready to save all that come to God by Him. Nay, the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquities of us all, and His own word to us is,

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

“Now,” I added, “I should think that the presumption is, not in believing His word, but in doubting it. You believe Jesus died on the cross for us?”

“Yes.”

“That He bore all our sins there?” “Yes.”

“That He bore yours as well as mine?” “Yes.”

“Well, then, the Lord says you are saved, you have eternal life, you have it now.”

She seemed intensely surprised, but could not quite grasp it. I found her some Scriptures to prove what I had told her in her own Bible, and left her.

Several days passed before I could go again. She welcomed me warmly, and said,

“O, I am so glad you have come. I did so want to see you. I have thought over all you told me, and read the verses again and again.”

“Well,” I said, “and are you afraid to say now that the Lord has saved you? Can’you fully trust Him now?”

She looked at me with a bright face, her eyes beaming, and the color flushing her cheeks, while a smile that seemed to say almost more than her words played round her mouth as she said,

“O, yes, I see it now.”

I saw her often afterwards before I left the place, and had happy times with her talking about our precious Saviour.

Do you, dear reader, have the joy of knowing you are His own—saved, and have eternal life?

“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.

ML 12/21/1941

Stopping the Clock

When I was a child, it was a rule in our home, that all play was to be over at a given hour and lessons begun. When the hour struck on the old clock on the stairs, that moment games had to cease. More than once I have climbed up and stopped that clock, so that our games might go on unhindered. But stopping the clock did not stop the time. The hours went past all the same, and when our mother returned and found lessons had been neglected, she was displeased.

God’s clock cannot be stopped. When the day of grace is ended, there will be no longer salvation for the lost.

The “day of salvation” is fast running its course; how are you treating it? Are you so occupied with pleasure that you forget your need of a Saviour? Are you trying to persuade yourself that there is plenty of time for these things? God says,

“The time is short.” 1 Cor. 7:29.

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow.” Prov. 27:1.

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

ML 12/21/1941

He Wants Even You

What will you do without Him,

When He hath shut the door,

And you are left outside, for

You would not come before?

When it is no use knocking,

No use to stand and wait;

To hear those words of sorrow,

That terrible “Too Late!”

Why should you do without Him?

It is not yet too late;

The day of grace continues,

He has not shut the gate.

He calls you! —hush! He calls you!

He would not have you go

Another step without Him,

Because He loves you so.

Why will you do without Him?

He calls and calls again—

“Come unto Me! O now come!”

O, shall He call in vain?

He wants to have you with Him;

Do you not want Him too?

You cannot do without Him,

And He wants even you.

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

ML 12/21/1941

Fresh Mackerel

Fish is a common food for the people on the island of Guernsey. They are caught by the men of the island, and then taken around the streets and sold. The man with his cart of fish calls out loudly, “FRESH MACKEREL!” so that the people will hear and come out to buy some.

A friend of mine who lived there some years ago went out to buy some mackerel one day. As she approached the man she said,

“Are they really fresh?” Promptly came this reply:

“Yes, just as sure as I’m a sinner.” This most unusual statement from the fish peddler brought back the answer:

“We are all sinners.”

Now it was the peddler’s time to answer, and he quietly said, “Yes, but I am a sinner saved by grace.”

Upon this remark these two Christians shook hands; each rejoiced to meet ather who knew his sins all cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Do you know that YOU are a sinner? Of course you do. Have your sins ever troubled you? Have you ever thought about having to meet a Holy God about those very sins? If the weight of these things has troubled you, you will find it a great joy, if and when vou can say with the fish merchant,

“But I am a sinner SAVED BY GRACE.”

Yes, dear friend, it is the great grace and love of God that provided a Saviour for you. You too can be saved, and know it by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for sinners.

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

ML 12/21/1941

A Voice to Call

Isaiah 40

In old times, before there were the quick ways to send messages to people, if a person of importance planned to visit a city, some man was sent ahead to tell the people, so they would be ready to give suitable welcome. That man would walk or ride up and down the streets calling out for all to hear who was to come and where to see him; such a man was called a street crier.

God told Isaiah that such a one would come to tell the people of a mighty person to be welcomed. The name of the crier was not told, but what he would say was written, and where he would call, —not in the cities, but in the wilderness. This was what he would call:

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Is. 40:3.

So the great One to come for them to prepare for, and welcome, was One Who was their Lord. This seemed too wonderful for the people to believe, but years after there was a man in the desert lands east of Judah calling out those words:

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” When asked who he was he said,

“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness; make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” John 1:23. (Esaias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Isaiah), Those who bieved Isaiah’s words believed the words of the man calling.

Perhaps he called in the wild places that people should come away from the busess and noise of the cities to better listen to God’s words. It was not to have a palace or room prepared for this One, but to have their hearts ready to believe Him, and to be sorry for their sins. The crier was to tell them that their lives were as grass, which soon dries and is gone. When young, we think our lives will be very long, but soon we learn they may not be long, but like what the crier said,

“All flesh (people) is as grass, the grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Is. 40:8.

God’s words will not “die”, but last always. The One Who was to come, would be great as God, and told of the same as God in these words to Isaiah. He would be gentle as a shepherd to lambs, yet His great power as Creator is told:

“He ... . stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these ... . He is strong in power, not one faileth.”

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?” Is. 40:22, 26, 28. Later, when the Son of God came to earth, as a man, it was said of Him,

“All things were made by Him.” John 1:3. He said,

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

The words of Isaiah are too wonderful for us to understand, but teach us how worthy the Lord is to be trusted.

How small are the nations to the Lord? (Is. 40:15).

What was the name of the man who called in the wilderness, as this Voice? (Matt. 3:1-6). Another prophet also wrote of this messenger (Malachi 3:1).

ML 12/21/1941

Chased by Wolves

In the steepes or vast sterile plains of Northern Russia and Siberia, there is no more fearful sound heard than that of the wolves in winter time. Famished, they go in packs looking and smelling everywhere for prey. Woe to the traveler, or any living thing that falls into their power; he is devoured in a short time, and nothing is left of him but the bones. The horses scent them from afar, and do not need to feel the sting of the whip on their backs to make them gallop with all their might away from danger.

Should some of the wolves get close to the sleighs, and the travelers succeed in killing one or more of the pack, the others will immediately fall upon the wounded and devour them. In this way they are arrested for a while, and perhaps the tralers gain enough time to reach some village or town where the wolves will not dare pursue. We hope it was the case with our two men and their beautiful horses.

If you were in such danger, children, would you stop and play by the way? Would you really not care if any one told you those terrible enemies were near Would you say,

“I don’t believe it, because I don’t see them yet?”

No, of course you would not; instead, you would flee fast, fast toward safety, with a prayer to God to save you.

Have you fled to the Saviour for safety from your powerful and mighty enemy, the devil, who, like a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour? Have you, in your heart, come to rite Lord Jesus, and said,

“O Lord, I am a sinful, lost child, and cannot save myself; I come to Thee, who hast died for sinners, and I believe that Thou wilt save me, for Thou hast said,

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

Then you will be safe from your great enemy, safe in the arms of Jesus, for time and eternity.

“DELIVER ME, O LORD, FROM MINE ENEMIES: I FLEE UNTO THE TO HIDE ME.” Psalm 143:9.

ML 12/28/1941

The Parting of the Ways

John and Marvin had been the closest of companions for a long time. Now they were boys fast approaching the time when they would be considered men, and they had many things in common. They had worked together and gone many places together. But there was very little thought of God with them, and they were quite satisfied with the world, themselves, and each other.

God had His eye on these boys, and they were to be given an opportunity to hear the gospel.

On a Sunday evening in a mid-western city, we find John and Marvin walking down the street together. They had done the same thing many times and had plans for this night also. Presently they came to a lighted store building with a sign in the window stating that the gospel would be preached at 7:30. Both stopped, read the sign, and looked in. Then John broke the silence:

“Marvin, I’m going in there.”

Marvin, on the contrary, shrugged his shoulders and bluntly replied,

“Well, I’m not.”

Marvin’s refusal did not change John’s mind, and for once these two bosom companions parted company. Marvin went on his way for an evening of pleasure; John went into the gospel meeting.

When the latter entered the room, a short man arose to peach. After the singing of a hymn and prayer, he opened his Bible and began to tell of man’s great need, his lost condition, and how God in His great love had sent His Son to die on the cross to save sinners. The power of the Word of God reached John. He realized his need and accepted Jesus as his Saviour that very night. It was indeed a happy day for John, for he had “passed from death unto life.” He had been walking down the street that evening, a lost man on the road to hell, but by night he was a saved man, on the road to heaven. He could now sing from the heart those lines:

“O happy day that fixed my choice

On Thee my Saviour and my God,”

Marvin continued in his course he learned that his old friend and companion had been saved, but he cared not. He made his choice also. With nothing now in common, these old friends never came together again. That very Sunday night when they stood in front of the gospel meeting-room, the decisions were made that parted them for good in this world, and, very likely, in the world to come also.

Have you, too, heard the gospel, and made the same choice that John made that night? If you have, you have every right to be happy. If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Saviour, you have no right to be happy, because you are on the broad road that leads to destruction. May you come to Jesus and find Him as your Saviour before it is too late! Be careful what choice you make.

‘‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” Joshua 24:15.

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

If you have found Jesus as your Saviour, I beg you to drop your unsaved companions, as John did that night. You cannot possibly go on with them, and please the Lord who died for you. Let your light shine as the young man in our story did he was always ready to testify to what the grace of God did for him.

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

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Gal. 6:14.

ML 12/28/1941

Afraid to Confess Christ

I was much concerned about my salvation, and really wanted to be a Christian, for I had seen in my parents the beauty and reality of the Christian life; but I was afraid to confess the Lord Jesus as my Saviour, for fear that I would not be able to live worthy of such a profession. I had known some who pressed the Saviour’s Name, but whose lives were very far from what I thought a Christian’s life should be, and very soon they “fell away” altogether, and were worse than before they professed anhing. I knew my need, saw that by faith in Christ alone I could be saved; but what was to keep me after I was saved, was what I could not see.

I made known my difficulty to a Christian business man whom I occasionally met, and he said to me,

“My dear friend, you have no idea of what you will be the moment you cast yourself upon Christ as your Saviour. You will be a new creature in Christ; born of God; the possessor of a new life. The Holy Ghost will dwell within you, and the power of the living Christ will rest upon you. You will be in Christ, and find it just as easy then to live to Christ, and for Christ, as you do now without Him find it impossible to do.”

That was a new revelation to me. Yet it was clear enough in the Word of God. Coming to Christ as a sinner, believing in Him, I would then be born of God, in-dwelt by the Spirit, strengthened by the Lord, and upheld in God’s everlasting arms. I saw that my first business was to come to the Lord Jesus as a lost and helpless sinner, and cast myself upon Him for deliverance and salvation, and He had pledged His Word to receive me.

I did go to Him, sinner as I was, without merit, without strength, and He received me, saved me, and made me glad. And He will receive you too,—only trust Him.

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

ML 12/28/1941

"Room for the Children."

“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14.

Let the little children come

To a Saviour’s breast;

Little souls feel weariness,

Little hearts need rest.

Jesus wants a tiny hand

In the harvest held;

To the touch of fingers small

Giant hearts may yield.

Jesus wants a baby voice,

Praises sweet to sing—

Earth’s discordant choruses

Shaming, silencing.

Jesus bids those little feet

Carry comfort rare

To some troubled, weary soul,

Full of dark despair.

Little saints have work to do,

Precious souls to win,

Standing at the golden gate

Asking others in.

Perhaps amid the crowding throng,

No one else might see,

That some little faces asked,

“Is there room for me?”

Heaven is full of little ones—

God’s great nursery,

Where the fairest flowers of earth

Bloom eternally.

ML 12/28/1941

A Servant for God

Isaiah 41-43

A servant is one who is under a master to work and do as the master orders. God called the people of Israel His servant (Is. 41:8). but they were often disobedient and not to be trusted. But He told Isaiah of one special servant, one in whom He could “delight”, not like other servants:

“Behold My servant, whom I uphold, ... in whom My soul delighteth; ... He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth ... .Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens ... He that spread forth the earth ... He that giveth breath to the people upon it. I the Lord have called thee.” Is. 42:1-6.

This is all spoken very surely by God: There would be a servant, on earth, lowly, making no crying, or striving for himself a place, so gentle as one who would not break off a reed already bent, opening the eyes of the blind, doing good to all, rich or poor alike.

Years later these words about the Servant were fulfilled in the land where Isaiah, and those people had lived; a perfect Man went about their cities, opening the eyes of the blind, healing the sick, speang right words to all, humble and gentle.

A bent reed is easily broken off, or a dim light or fire, barely smoking, quickly put out; but this Servant was so gentle that, though any were feeble, as a bent reed, or their “light”, or trust, very dim, almost out, He did not despise them.

He did not ask for a place for Himself, but did all. quietly as a servant to God. He said,

“I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” John 6:38.

Twice God spoke from heaven saying, this One was His Son in whom He found all His delight (Matt. 3:17, and Mark 9:7. See also John 12:28-30). The name of this perfect man on earth was Jesus of Nazareth, Who was always humble and obedient to God.

You may have noticed, Isaiah said this Servant would be “for a light to the Gentiles”. The word, “Gentiles”, is used of any people who are not of the nation of Israel. This Servant would bless the Gentiles as well as Israel. Both Jews and Gentiles are now called on to believe Him, and be as one people. He says to all who believe,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” Isa. 43:1.

Much more is told of this Servant in the book of Isaiah, of His humbleness, yet how badly He would be treated, which we will read later, the Lord willing.

When does God tell new things, or what is to happen? (Is. 42:9).

Read Matthew 12:13-21.

ML 12/28/1941

Messages of God's Love: 1941

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for October

"I'll Take My Chance"

A New Name

Seasons Change

Singing up the Steps

The Morning Bath

A Boy Martyr

The Conversion of a Young Girl

The Leopard

Love, the Best Motive

The Last Psalms

Snow

The Children's New Year Treat

"We Love Him Because He First Loved Us."

Naaman

"One Sheep"

A Book of Wise Sayings

A Saviour for the Perishing

Three Questions

Show Your Colors

A Wonderful Saviour

Two Paths

Answers to Bible Questions for November

"It is Finished"

"Safe in the Arms of Jesus."

Confidence in Christ

A Happy Home

Some Small Teachers

Why?

Stolen by a Gypsy

What is Your Name?

Maggie's Three Texts

"Jesus Is My Saviour"

An Earnest Call

The Lord's Care

The Hollow of His Hand

"O, I Might Die Tonight"

The Old Story

The Only Way

Right Weights

The Lord's Care

Put Yourself Down in the Third of John!

"That is Why I Know it."

Jesus Came to Save

The Heart

Great and Small Matters

Answers to Bible Questions for December

How the Poor Indian was Made Rich

Sophie, the Young Collector

Little Samuel.

A Strong Tower and a Mocker

A Lesson in Ship Building

God Answers Prayer

My Birthday

When You Pray

"The Accepted Time."

A Good Name and Sure Words

The Rabbit

The Song on the Steamer

A Coward

How Little Willie Got Rid of His Sins

Saviour, Thou Art Coming

Wise Words

Learning to Walk

"Nobody Ever Told Me That."

Living or Withered

God Cares

"I am Very Happy."

A Field with Thorns and Nettles

Protection

Only a Step

Labor Made Light

What Susie Wrote

"The Sunshine Class"

Josiah

What a King's Men Copied

Answers to Bible Questions for January

A Great Discovery