Messages of God's Love: 1944

The captain of a coasting vessel had promised to take his little son a voyage to Ireland during his holidays. When the vessel left the harbor of Ayr, the weather was fine, the sea calm as a pond, and everything beautiful. Patty sat on deck, asking an old sailor the names of all the places as they sailed along. As they passed “Ailsa Craig,” darkness began to fall, and a strong breeze arose, caung the ship to pitch, which Patty did not like. The wind increased until it blew a gale, causing the, sea to roar, and the waves to sweep the vessel’s deck. A terrible blast broke the ship’s mast and brought it crashing on the deck. Patty sprang from his berth, thinking the ship was wrecked, and in a few minutes he was on deck. His father seized him in his arms, hurriedly dressed him, and clasping him to his bosom, said,

“Trust yourself to me, Patty, my boy; we shall live or die together.”

Then the captain bound his darling boy to himself, and, girding a life-belt around him, stood amid the howling tempest, expecting, at any moment, to be engulfed in the sea.

“Tell Jesus,” whispered the boy—and that word went to the father’s heart. Alas! he knew not how to pray, for he was a stranger to God. But Patty was not; for though only a child, his mother’s Saviour and God was his. A sweet, short prayer was wafted from the converted child to his God, and in an hour they were safely through the storm. Patty’s father believes the prayer of his boy saved the ship. It was the means of his personal salvation, too, for he is now a Christian man, saved and on the way to glory.

There is a reality in prayer, to which the unconverted are strangers. Nothing convinces a man of the world of genuineness of God’s Christianity more than when he sees one who presses to know God really trusting Him in trying circumstances; it is so different from a mere profession of religion.

Can you, do you trust in a living God? If you do not in little things, there is room for doubt whether you know Him at all, or trust Him for your own salvation. The Book of God declares,

“They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee.” Psalms 9:10.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

Trusting only in Thee,

For Thy great and full salvation

Unto me.

I am trusting Thee to cleanse me

In Thy precious blood,

Trusting Thee to guide me safely

Home to God.

ML 01/02/1944

Why We Love Him

A little girl was playing with her doll in a room where her mother was busily engaged in writing. When she had finished her writing, she said,

“You may come now, Alice; I have done all I want to do this morning.”

The child ran to her mother, sang,

“I am so glad for I wanted to love you so much.”

“But I thought you were very happy with dolly.”

“Yes, mother, I was, but I soon got tired of loving her, for she cannot love me back.”

“And is that why you love me—because I can love you back?”

“That is one why, but not the first and best why.”

“What is the first and best why?”

“Because you loved me when I was too little to love you back.”

Mother’s eyes filled with tears as she said,

“We love Jesus because He first loved us and died for us.”

ML 01/02/1944

A Comfortable Home

How good God is to give us warm homes in the cold, snowy winter time, and how thankful we should be, especially when so many people do not have as many blessings and comforts as we have. Do you thank Him for them each day?

You know, He could easily take them away from us, if we are not thankful for them.

He has given us a greater gift, the best He had, His own beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour, to go to the cross to die for us, the only one who could bear the judgment from God for our sins, to save us from Satan and hell, and bring us to Himself.

Have you accepted Him as your loving Saviour, and are you thankful for all His love to you? If you are saved, you will, and will let others know you belong to Him.

“This is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

ML 01/02/1944

Like Him and With Him

Yet awhile; how sweet the thought!

We, who have by blood been bought,

Shall the One who bought us see,

And shall ever like Him be,

In the land of life and love,

In the Home of rest above.

ML 01/02/1944

The Servant Mark

The writer of the second book of the New Testament was named John Mark; he did not tell anything about himself, the only mention is in the title,

“The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark.” He was not one of the twelve apostles.

In another book, The Acts, his full name is given, and we learn that he lived in Jerusalem, and that many people who loved the Lord met at night in his mother’s house to pray. It was a time of great danger for those who believed in Jesus, because the leaders of the temple had killed some, and Peter had been put in prison.

But while they were praying, Peter came to the house and told how an angel came to the prison and led him out. Mark probably was a young man when he heard the earnest prayers, and the words of Peter telling how he had been freed by the angel.

Mark loved the Lord Jesus, and not long after that night he went with two men to other lands, and was their servant, or helper, while they told people of Jesus as Saviour. After a time Mark went back to Jerusalem, but he again journeyed with one of the men. Later Paul wrote for him to come to Rome, saying,

“He is profitable to me for the ministry.”

The word “ministry,” or “minister,” in the Bile did not mean the same as now used: it meant service, or serving others, and it was not a high place, but a humble one, as Jesus told His disciples,

“If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last, and servant of all.” Mark 9:35.

It is not written what Mark did as a servant to Paul or others, but he someway helped that the gospel, the good tidings of Jesus, was told to many. Perhaps the greatest work which the servant Mark did for others, was writing the gospel of the Lord Jesus, as the Holy Servant for God, which his book tells of especially. It is the shortest one of the gospels.

Read these verses about Mark Acts 12:12-25; Acts 13:5; Acts 15:39.

How many chapters in Book of Mark?

What men wrote of themselves as “servants?” (See Romans 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1,1; Revelation 1:1).

ML 01/02/1944

"He Maketh the Storm a Calm"

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

“Does God make the light, mamma?”

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

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

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

“Yes dear,” was my answer. Again he inquired,

“Does God rule the seaside water?” “Yes, ‘He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still?” Psalms 107:29.

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

“WHAT TIME I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.” Psalms 56:3.

ML 01/09/1944

Jesus Loves Me

“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall in nowise enter therein.” Luke 17:18.

One morning, a boy, looking miserable and ragged, was seen in the street of a large city. A gentleman, in passing, was struck with his hungry appearance and abject looks. After a few questions had been asked and answered, the promise of food and shelter for the day induced the boy to consent to attend a Sunday school not far off, though the condition that he should learn what was given him was not so attractive to him. Poor fellow! He had never known a mother’s love, and his father was a drunkard, and paid little heed to him.

The story which he now heard of Jesus and His love came to him as a new and wonderful thing—he had never heard of it before. Gradually the light shone into his soul, and it became evident to all around that Willie was indeed one of Jesus’ little ones. He carried such a well-spring of happiness with him, that even his miserable home seemed brighter. One evening he sat singing to himself, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me!”

“Stop that!” roared his father, and Willie was silent, but soon, with the forgetfulness of a child, began again, “I am so glad—”

This time he was ordered to bed, and though he went quietly enough, the words kept ringing in his head, “Jesus loves me,” and he felt he could not be unhappy now that he knew that was true. In the middle of the night he was awakened by hearing his name. called,

“Willie, Willie, sing that again!”

Could it be a. dream? No; there sat his father beside his bed. So Willie sat up and sang the hymn.

“Is it all true, Willie?”

“Quite true, father, Jesus died for you and me, so He must love us.”

“O! Willie, can you pray for me?”

“I don’t quite know what to say. father.”

“Say I am the biggest sinner or earth, but I want Jesus to love me; and make me good.”

With his arms clasped round his fher’s neck, Willie prayed,

“Lord Jesus, this is my father, and he says he has been very wicked. O, Lord Jesus, make him fit to live with Thee in heaven, and teach him to love Thee.”

Little Willie’s prayer was answered. His father received the forgiveness and peace and joy he sought, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 01/09/1944

Annie's Prize

I wonder how many of my young readers go to Sunday school. Perhaps most of you do; and if so. I know that you look forward to the end of the year, when very likely you will have a prize.

I am going to tell you about a little girl, whose name was Annie. She went to Sunday school, and at the end of the year she had a prize given to her.

What do you think it was?

Well, I will tell you. It was a Bible. Now, that surely is the best thing that Annie could possibly have had, for the Bible tells us the way to get to heaven; and I am sure that every girl and boy who reads this story wants to go there.

But you have all done naughty things, and so God says,

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

He could not allow you to be in heaven with even one sin upon you; so that if you are to be there, it must be without your sins.

But then the Bible tells us that God loved us so much that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world, but the people hated Him, and nailed Him to a cross of wood. And while He was hanging there, God laid on the Lord Jesus all the sins of those who believe on Him, and pushed Him instead of them; as we read in 1 Peter 2:23:

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.”

So you see that if you come to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and simply believe that He died for you, God will pardon all your sins, and give you eternal life; as it says in John 5:24.

“He that heareth My word, and bieveth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Then you will be ready for Jesus to come, for He said when here,

“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.”

And He is soon coming to take all those whose sins are forgiven to be with Him in heaven forever; and you will be able to be there, because all your sins will be washed away in His precious blood.

I think that little Annie must have had her sins forgiven, for she was not only very much pleased with her Bible, but used to read it very often, not only to herself, but to her big brothers. She also used to sing to them out of the hymn book she received at Sunday school.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7,8.

ML 01/09/1944

"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?” 2 Corinthians 8:9.

How precious this makes Jesus to us, and how worthy He is of our confiding trust!

ML 01/09/1944

Go and Tell of Jesus

Children, go and tell of Jesus.

How He died our souls to save;

How, from bondage to release us,

He himself a ransom gave.

Tell around the wondrous story,

How on Calvary’s cross He died;

There the Lord of life and glory

For our sins was crucified.

ML 01/09/1944

The Holy Servant

In the Gospel of Mark

Mark 1

The second book of the New Testament, Mark, seems to tell of the Lord Jesus as the Holy Servant for God on earth. The prophets had written that the Holy One would come as a Servant as well as, the King.

“Behold My Servant, Whom I uold, Mine Elect, in Whom My soul delighted, I have put My Spirit upon Him.” Isaiah 42:1.

That Servant’s coming was as sure as that the heavens and earth had been created, for these words follow:

“Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens... He that spread forth the earth... He that giveth breath unto the people upon it... I the Lord have called Thee... and will keep Thee.” Isaiah 42:5,6.

This Servant would be meek and humble, not like any other, and doing great good for people: He would open the eyes of the blind; cause the deaf to hear; bear the sorrows of the people, and preach God’s words to them. (See Isaiah 42:2,7; 53:3; 61:1.

In this history of Jesus, as the Holy Servant, the stories of His birth are not told, but, when He began His important work for God, He came to the Jordan River to be baptized by the prophet John, and the Spirit from Heaven rested upon Him: and His faithful, constant work began.

This Holy Servant made the blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb speak, the lame walk, and the sick well; He cured the lepers, fed the hungry, and told God’s words: all that the prophets had written and more.

A good servant does his work promptly, and that was told of the Lord Jesus many times in this book of Mark: Jesus went or did “immediately” or “straightway” (right away). When He cured sickness, the persons were immediately: made well.

When Jesus called the men of Galilee to follow Him, they came “immediately” as good servants (Mark 1:18,20).

We would expect such a faithful, holy Servant for God would be well treated by all men. But He was not: the prophets had written that also o the Holy Servant: Isaiah wrote, “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 eeemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3.

Jesus spoke of Himself as coming to “minister”, to do for others, or serve. He said,

“For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.

“The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6.

“Christ... who made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Phillippians 2:7.

ML 01/09/1944

The Sheep in the Snow

These sheep look so white and clean in the snow, and they have nice warm coats of wool and will not stiffer from the cold. Some shepherds name their sheep, and after awhile each one learns its name; and when it is called, at once runs to its shepherd in answer to its call.

The Lord Jesus knows the name of each one of his sheep and lambs, as He speaks of those who have put their trust in Him, those who accept Him as their own Saviour.

“The sheep hear His voice, and He calleth. His own sheep by name.” John 10:3.

The little children He calls His lambs,

“He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

Are you one of Jesus’ little lambs? You are His, if you know Him as your own dear Saviour.

I am Jesus’ Lamb;

O, how safe I am,

Folded by His strong, kind arm,

I can never suffer harm.

Jesus left His throne,

And to earth came down;

Came to seek and save the lost,

Though His precious blood it cost.

I was full of sin,

Very black within;

Jesus’ blood has washed me now

Whiter than the whitest snow.

All along the way,

Lest my feet should stray,

He, the tender Shepherd, leads,

And His little lamb He feeds.

When His home I share,

In the glory fair,

Then my lips will sing His praise

Evermore through endless days.

“UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FFOM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD ... .TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.” Revelation 1:5,6.

ML 01/16/1944

One More Chance

The Christian parents of a little girl one evening spoke to her for a long time of the Lord Jesus. They told her of His love in dying for sinners, and His speedy return to take all who believe on Him to be with Him forever. They said, too, that then the door of mercy would be shut; and earnestly entreated their little daughter to come to the Lord Jesus ere it was too late, that she might be ready to meet Him at whatever hour He might come.

After having gone to bed and slept some time, she awoke, and wondered at the silence of the house. She listened, hoping to hear some familiar voice, but no sound fell upon her ear, save the solemn ticking of a great clock on the stairs. She thought of the conversation of the evening before, and of her parents’ entreaties and warnings.

“Could it be that the Lord had come? Had her father and mother gone to be with Him, and left her behind?”

The thought filled her with fear, and, running to the door of her mother’s room, she called gently: “Mother, dear!”

There was no answer. Only the clock kept on counting out the seconds as they sped. Again she called, now more loudly: “Mother, dear!”

Again no answer. She felt almost sure now that she was left behind for judgment, and that her last chance of salvation had passed away.

Overcome with terror, she shook the handle of the door.

“Who is there?” asked a voice from within.

“O, it is I,” was the answer, “and I am so glad you are there.”

She entered the room, and told her mother of her terrible fears. She needed no entreaty now to bring her to the feet of Jesus, so thankful was she that she had one more chance of being made fit for His presence.

The Lord has not come yet, but He is soon coming. The last gospel message will be given, the last invitation to poor sinners will go forth. How terrible for those who refuse it!

Dear children, you have one more chance. Accept God’s message of love to you now, so that you may join those who can say,

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” in answer to His farewell promise, “Surely I come quickly.”

ML 01/16/1944

"Hold Me! Hold Me!"

One bright summer morning two boys were on their way to the school at F—.

They had to pass a rapid stream, which was much flooded by recent rains.

The younger of the two, a thoughtless, giddy boy, amused himself by jumping on the banks overhanging the stream, much to the alarm of his compinion, who kept warning him of his danger.

The boy, to show his vaunted courage and independence, took an extra run and a jump, which, however, proved one too many, for away went the sod, and the boy with it, into the rushing torrent below.

Helplessly he was carried down the stream, his courage all gone now, and his rescue depending solely on what another could do for him.

His companion was speechless with terror; but it suddenly struck him that a little way down the river was a footbridge, and hastening with all speed, he found, as he expected, that the water nearly touched the bridge. He accordingly laid himself flat upon it, waiting till the drowning boy should reach the place, when, with an energy of grasp and determination, he seized him by the collar of the coat, and held him fast.

“Hold me! hold me!” cried the frightened boy, in trembling consciouess that he was powerless to help himself. “Hold me! hold me!” was all he could say, and only by giving himself over to the other’s strength and ceasing to struggle was he rescued from a watery grave.

Just such is the state of a poor, helpless sinner; his rescue from the waves and billows of God’s judgment depends entirely on what another—Christ Jesus —has done for him. It was not the boy’s prayer, “Hold me!” that saved him; his prayer was only the outflow of his heart, realizing his needed delivence; but it was the work of the other boy who saved him, not because of his prayer, but because of his own ability and willingness to save one from death, who, but a few moments before, had scoffed at his warnings and despised his entreaties.

And, in like manner, it is not prayer that saves us, but

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God!” Ephesians 2:8.

ML 01/16/1944

I Must Tell the Lord

A poor slave who was being threatened by his master, that he would punish him if he attended the preaching, replied, with respect and gentleness,

“I must tell the Lord that.”

This saying wrought so powerfully on the master’s mind, that he not only permitted him to go, but likewise all the slaves in his house, and afterward attended himself, and brought his wife with him.

As there are many little boys and girls who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and are treated unkindly by those who have “no fear of God before their eyes,” such may learn a lesson from the slave, and, without replying as he did, be led to cast all their cares upon Him who cares for them, and pray for those who are unkind to them, that they may be granted repentance unto life.

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44.

ML 01/16/1944

Look and Live

How sad was my condition,

Till Jesus made me whole,

There is but one Physician,

Can cure a sin-sick soul.

‘Twas He that sought and found me,

And snatched me from the grave,

To tell to all around me,

His wondrous power to save.

A dying, risen Jesus,

Seen by the eye of faith,

At once from danger frees us,

And saves the soul from death.

Come, then, to this Physician,

His help He’ll freely give;

He makes no hard condition,

‘Tis only—look and live.

ML 01/16/1944

A Roof Opened

Mark 2

Jesus cured so many sick persons in one city, that when He came there again, crowds came to the house where He was staying.

There were four men who came carrying a sick man on a couch, but they could not get to the door because of the crowd. The sickness of the man was palsy, in which the limbs of the person are often paralized, but the four men were so sure that Jesus could cure this man, and they were so eager to get him to Him, that they found a way to do.

They took the sick man up unto the roof of the house, and opened a place large enough to let the man on his bed down into the room where Jesus was. In warm lands houses are not always made as secure as where it is cold, and it may not have been very difficult to remove the part of the roof. Yet it shows how much the men wanted their sick friend cured, and how certain they were that Jesus would cure him.

The men were not disappointed: Jesus spoke to the man and said,

“Arise, take up thy bed and go thy way into thine house.”

He also told him what was even more needed, that his sins were forgiven. The man was cured, he stood up, took his bed, and walked out of the house, where all the people saw him.

They had known how sick the man had been, and were amazed to see him walking, and said, “We never saw it on this fashion.” They meant they had never seen so wonderful a cure before.

No doubt Jesus could have cured the man without his being let down, through the roof, yet He was pleased to see how fully the men believed in Him.

We wonder as we read this story, if we each know someone who needs to be “brought” to Jesus, who only can forgive sins. Perhaps we could find a way for someone to read or hear His words, if we would be as earnest as the men with the sick friend.

It was in the same city where tit, man with the palsy was cured, that Levi lived, and after that time he also went with Jesus, his other name was Matthew, and he was the disciple who later wrote the Gospel we call “Matthew” (see Matt. 9:9).

Jesus went from the house to the sea shore, which was close; very many people followed Him, and He taught them out of doors. No doubt there were boys and girls among those who came to listen to Him, and His words which are told we can all understand.

These are some of the words He said,

“They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.”

Then He told them He came for those who were sinners, those who KNEW they needed a Saviour.

ML 01/16/1944

God's Creation

Would we not enjoy viewing this beautiful scene! How majestic are the mountains, and calm the lake that lies in the valley.

How grand His work was in forming mountains, hills, trees, rocks, sun, moon, stars, etc. He made the world before He made the first man, Adam,

“God saw everything that He had made, and, behold it was very good,” Genesis 1:31.

But, dear children, God’s greatest work was in sending His holy, beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this wicked sin-defiled world to die on the cross for sinners, and to bear the judgment from a righteous God against sin, that all deserved, in order to save all those who put their trust in as their own Saviour.

Do you know Him as your Saviour and Lord? He came clown from heaven to suffer and die for you. He went to that shameful cross, and laid down His life, because He loved you. There is no other way for you to be saved, but through Him, who gave Himself a sacrifice for sin. Do take Him now as your own dear loving Saviour, and when He comes to call all of His own who have accepted Him, to meet Him in the air, to live with Him, in His bright Home forever, you will be among the number.

“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. 4:10,17.

“SURELY, I COME QUICKLY AMEN: EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS.” Rev. 22:20.

ML 01/23/1944

Pardon for Nothing

A few days since, when visiting an old man who seemed anxious about salvation, I found great difficulty in making him understand that pardon is the free gift of God, through the precious blood of Christ. At last I said to him,

“Now, suppose I were to go to a store, and buy something for you, and pay for it, and tell you to go and get it, need you take any money with you?”

“No,” said the old man, brightening up; “it would be paid for!”

“Need you make any promises to pay at some future time?” I then asked.

“No,” he replied, “I should have it for nothing.”

“So,” I continued, “it is with forgiveness of sins, The Lord Jesus has paid the full price for it! He has had the groans—the sighs—the tears—the wrath—the pain — the punishment—yea, all that sin deserved! He bore it all! He paid the whole! Yes, bought forgiveness with His precious blood; and now He gives it as a gift to al; who bring their sins to Him.”

“Yes,” said the old man, as his eyes filled with tears, “I see it now; it is pardon for nothing! Pardon for nothing! Christ has bought it, and He will give it to me!”

ML 01/23/1944

A Morning Scene on the Mountains

We had a splendid walk to the top of a mountain. It is said to be over six thousand feet high, and took us five hours to climb. But what a sight from the top! Rivers, lakes, forests, mountains stretching for hundreds of miles. We stayed at the top all night, in one of the hotels there.

Very early the following morning, we heard a loud blest as of a trumpet: it awoke all the sleepers on the mountain top. What do you think it was? Only a blast of the horn, awaking the people to see the sun rise. Hastily we all arose, dressed and got out just as the first faint streaks of light and color were reflected on the snowy mountains, causing them to glitter like diamonds. Then suddenly like a great ball of gold, the sun came in to view; the mists and shadows fled away, and the whole scene—rivers mountains, lakes, and valleys— were clothed with light and beauty as they basked in golden beams.

How that scene reminds me of another grander still, which my eyes shall see. At the blast of the Archangel’s trump, the sleeping saints of God shall awake out of their sleep of death; the graves shall yield their ancient charge, and all the living, who are Christ’s shall arise, clothed with imcorruptibility, beautiful in the freshness of resurrection. Just in time, too, to catch the first sight of the coming Christ, who will come down from the excellent glory bringing its first bright rays with Him to meet them.

O, how grand the sight of that rising Sun will be! Not yet visible to the world, but seen and adored by His saints.

Then gradually His glory-beams will spread, until as the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings, its beams shall fall on all the world, and His glory shall cover the earth and all flesh shall see it.

But some will miss that sight. Those who have died in sin, and been buried without hope, their bodies shall be in their graves during that cloudless morning. They have no share in the millennial bliss. They will miss it all; the glory is not for them. They rejected the grace on earth; now, glory is denied them.

Reader, do not miss the lesson taught by this morning scene. It is simply this. If you are not a Christian, one of the Lord’s redeemed ones, saved by His grace, you will not be raised with the sound of the trump of God on the resurrection morning; you will not be among those who will awake to be glorfied.

“The Lord Himself shall decend from heaven with a shout, with the shout of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive that remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16,17.

ML 01/23/1944

The Dumb Boys Examination

A gentleman once paid a visit to a deaf and dumb school, for the express purpose of examining the children in the knowledge possessed of Divine truth. A little boy, on this occasion, was asked in writing,

“Who made the world?”

He took up the chalk, and wrote underneath the question,

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The gentleman then inquired in a similar manner,

“Why did Jesus Christ come into the world?”

A smile of delight and gratitude rested on the countenance of the little fellow as he wrote,

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

A third question was proposed, eminently adapted to call his most powerful feeling into exercise,

“Why were you born deaf and dumb, while I hear and speak?”

“Never”, said an eye witness, “shall I forget the look of holy resignation and chastened sorrow which sat on his countenance as he took the chalk and wrote,

“Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.”

ML 01/23/1944

A Shepherd Lesus Is

A Shepherd Jesus is, so kind!

And all God’s sheep are His,

And by His power He leads them on

To everlasting bliss.

No eye but His could e’er survey

A flock so large, so vast;

No heart but His could seek and find,

And love unto the last.

No arm but His could it defend

From dangers all around,

And lead it to the pastures green,

Where living streams abound.

Large as the flock of Jesus is,

His power is greater far,

And every lamb amidst the flock,

His power and love doth share.

ML 01/23/1944

Places of Palestine

Mark 3

It is told in this chapter that “great multitudes” came to hear the words of Jesus, or to be healed by Him: they came from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from Tyre and Sidon, and from beyond Jordan.

Could you tell where Galilee, Judea, and the other places were? If you know about the places, you will enjoy and understand the accounts better. The names were of real countries, or cities, and God’s word is meant to be real to us now.

All that country was once called the land of Israel, but since that nation lost its power, the land is called Palestine. It is a narrow country in western Asia, along the Mediterranean Sea, as you may know.

Syria is on the north and a part of Egypt south, but its borders have changed some at different times.

When the Lord Jesus came to earth, there were three main divisions; Galilee in the north, Samaria in the center, and Judea in the south.

Perhaps you know that Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was a town of Judea, a few miles south of Jerusalem, the capitol city.

When a young child, Jesus was taken to Nazareth to live. It was in the land called Galilee, and it seems He lived there the most of His life on earth. The large lake or sea, called Galilee, was in that country, and there were several large towns on its shores. Capernaum, on the north shore, was where Jesus did so many miracles.

There were mountains and much wild, grassy land around Galilee; and those places, and to the seacoast were where the people came to see Jesus.

If you have a Bible, or an atlas, or school map of Asia, look for these names, and you will know the people came from some distance to see Jesus. There were highways and roads in those times, but not as easy to travel as now, and the people walked long distances.

The people who came from Jerusalem, came sixty miles or more. Idumea was south of Judea, and people came from there. Tyre and Sidon were cities on the Mediterranean Sea, with mountains to be crossed. So all those people came long journeys to see and hear Jesus. Those who believed Him were not disappointed: He taught them of God as they had never heard before.

Some of the towns were tater ruined in wars, but Jerusalem is still a most important city, and Bethlehem and Nazareth are towns, although called more by Arab names.

Find River Jordan on map.

Read the names of twelve men chosen to be with Jesus, and see how many you remember (Mark 3:14,19).

ML 01/23/1944

Protection

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

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

God’s Word tells us,

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

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

ML 01/30/1944

The Birds and the Lighthouses

It has been said that more than one hundred thousand sea birds kill themselves every year by dashing themselves against the lighthouses along the American coast of the Atlantic Ocean. They fly against the shining lights as they flash across the stormy sea, with such a force that they instantly drop dead on the raging waters, and are cast up dead upon the shore. What a strange sight, to see these poor birds running against that which has been set up to save life, losing theirs.

Yet such is the case, and it only tells what is being done by sinners every day and every hour. The Gospel Lighthouse has been set up by God to guide lost sinners to the haven of safety—to Christ. But instead of being guided to Salvation, many are lost because they fly against the light. They reject and oppose the gospel, and drop into the dark waters of judgment, to be cast up on the shores of a lost eternity.

See to it, reader, that you are not flying against God’s light. You know the gospel well no doubt. You have heard it, read it, sung it, and it maybe you know others who by believing and receiving it, have been led to Christ. But have you yourself been saved?—that is the great question.

The light that guides the storm-tossed mariner to the harbor, becomes death to the birds that fly against it, and the gospel of God, by which believers are saved, becomes to the rejecr, the savor of death unto death.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

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

ML 01/30/1944

Wreck of a Steamer

A steamship left wharf one morning with nineteen passengers aboard. All went well until about seven o’clock in the evening, when the vessel struck upon some rocks.

The captain, finding that the sinp was leaking badly and that water was coming in, ordered the boats to be lowered, and the passengers and crew got into them; but the weather being very stormy, and the sea rough, nearly all the boats were swamped, and only six passengers and eight of the crew reached the shore; all the rest, thirty-two in number, were drowned, although they were very near the shore.

Surely this sad event, dear reader, has a voice to you, if unsaved. The passengers little thought when they left their homes, and bid their friends goodbye, that in a few hours they would be in eternity. Yet so it was; and you may be called away as suddenly as they were.

“O but,” you say, “I am young and strong, full of life and vigor.”

Yes, and many of those aboard the vessel, were strong hardy men, but their strength could not save them, anymore than you can save your own soul.

How solemm to be ushered into eternity thus! no time to prepare fur death, or to meet God! If you are not trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, trust Him now, even while you are reading these lines. But perhaps you do not see the danger you are in.

The people aboard the vessel saw their danger, and without delay availed themselves of their only means of escape. God says,

“Now is the accepted time.”

Satan will try his utmost to make you turn away, and say,

“Tomorrow I will trust in Jesus;” but tomorrow for you may never come, and if you die unsaved, where Jesus is, you can never go.

He is still saying, “Come unto Me.” He is the same mighty, loving Saviour — “mighty to save;” the One of whom we read in John’s Gospel. When He found the sheep, He put it on His shoulder, and never laid it down till He got it safely home,

I earnestly entreat you, clear reader, to trust in Him, the Good Shepherd, God’s dear Son, as your own Saviour.

The boats were the only means of escape for the people on the vessel and Jesus is the only way of escape from the wrath to come; and though the passengers and crew took to the boats, the greater number were drowned; but if you are safe in God’s lifeboat, you can never be lost, His own word declares, “They shall never perish.” John 10:28.

“Life is found alone in Jesus,

Only there ‘tis offered thee—

Offered without price or money

‘Tis the gift of God, sent free.

Take Salvation—

Take it now and happy be.”

ML 01/30/1944

Little Madge

I was sitting on the beach one sunny morning, enjoying the sight of the lovely sea, when a dear little girl came up to me. I spoke to her, but she did not reply. I then took up a stone, and threw it into the sea, as I knew that little ones like to see the splash. She at once took up another, and another, keeping me employed. I spoke to her again; but the only answer I got was a bright smile, showing me that she was quite happy, and that she did not wish to run away.

After a time the nurse came up, wondering what had become of her little charge. She told me that little Madge was four years old, and deaf and dumb.

How sad it made me feel to think those little ears would never hear that precious name JESUS, and that little tongue never sing His praise! But I trust little Madge will hear the Saviour’s voice deep down in her heart, and learn His love in dying on the cross for her; then, although her. lips cannot utter His praise, she will sing in her heart to the Lord, and in’ the glory join in that sweet song of Revelation 1:5,6.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood... be glory and dominion forever:”

Dear children, you must learn this song on earth, or you will never sing it in heaven.

ML 01/30/1944

The Name of Jesus

Jesus is the Saviour,

Died to save the lost,

Found me as a sinner,

Guilty, vile and lost.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He is kind to me,

Once He died to save me,

Nailed upon a tree.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He is ever kind,

I’m a little soldier,

Keeping Him in mind.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He washed my sins away,

He’ll take my hand and lead me,

Along the narrow way.

Jesus is the Saviour,

If I do His will,

Then I will be happy,

Safe from every ill.

Jesus is the Saviour,

Coming bye and bye,

I shall soon be with Him,

Up above the sky.

ML 01/30/1944

Wonderful Seed

Mark 4

The Lord Jesus often taught the people as they followed Him in the streets or in country places, or by the sea. One day He sat in a boat near the shore of the Sea of Galilee, while the people stood or sat on the shore, and He told them a parable about a special kind of seed. It was a most important lesson and He wanted them all to listen carefully, He said,

“Hearken! Behold, there went out a Sower to sow.”

Then Jesus told them of four kinds of ground on which that seed fell:

1St: Some fell by the wayside, where the ground was so hard, the seeds could not take root, and birds carried them away.

2nd: Some fell on stony ground, where the seeds got no deep roots, and the young plants withered away.

3rd: Some fell among thorns, where the strong weeds crowed out the tender plants.

4th: Some fell on good ground; there the seeds got good root; plants sprang up and grew and bare grain, some thirty, some sixty, some one hured times as much as the seed sown.

You see the seed was all the same and all good; the difference was in the ground where it fell. Jesus explained the parable; and we learn that He was the “Sower”, and He would use only good “seed”. But it was a very special kind; it was not grain, but the words of God. The “ground” where the seeds fell was not earth, but the hearts of the people who heard Him speak.

As you know, in every good seed there is a life germ which takes root in the soil and sends up shoots, which hear the same kind of seed. So when Jesus called God’s words “seed”, He meant those words have life and will take “root” in the hearts of those who receive them.

The Lord is still sowing the precious “Seed” in the hearts of boys, girls, men and women, when ever they hear His words read or told. Let us think of some of those words as “seed”, and of our hearts as the “ground”.

Here are words which we all know:

“Unto you is born... a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

“The Son of Man (Jesus) came to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:28.

If, when you hear these words, you feel no need of that great Saviour and are careless of why He came to earth, your heart is like the wayside ground, and God’s wonderful “seed” cannot take “root”.

It is only when we feel we need the Saviour, and believe God’s words about His Son, that our hearts can be like good ground, and the precious “Seed” takes “root”. Then there will be “fruit”, or blessing for us and for others, and God will give more of His good “Seed”.

ML 01/60/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Children;’s Class”

1.“Behold I Stand,” etc. Rev. 3.20.

2.“Saving with,” etc.Rev. 5:12.

3.“Thou art worthy,” etc. Rev. 4:11.

4.“And swore by,” etc. Rev. 10:6.

5. “And in those.” etc. Rev. 9:6.

6.“For the Lamb,” etc. Rev. 7:17.

7.“For the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9.

Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

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

1.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Son of the living God.”

2.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Cast them down at Jesus’ feet.”

3.Write in full the verse, with the words, “They shall give account thereof.”

4.Write in full the verse, with the words, “I will give you rest.”

5.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Jesus only.”

6.Write in full the verse, with the words, “There is nothing covered.”

7.Who did the Son of man come to save?

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The Lamb. Revelation 5:13,14.

2.Jerusalem. Revelation 11:8.

3.When the Lord returns to set up His kingdom. Revelation 2:25-27.

4.On the Isle of Patmos. Revelation 1:9.

5.Wormwood. Revelation 8:11.

6.Three. Revelation 9:12,

7.In the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14.

Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

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

1.Who was Bar-jona?

2.Who was Herodias?

3.Who was Joses?

4.Who was Beelzebub?

5.Who was Jonas?

6.Who was Judas Iscariot?

7.Who was Herod?

ML 02/06/1944

Something for Everybody

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

“Bargains for all.

Something for Everybody.”

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

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

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money, and without price.” Isaiah 55:1.

Here we have a really genuine offer, one which is open to all.

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

Accept God’s offer today.

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

ML 02/06/1944

Joe's Almanac

Joe received a pretty sheet Almanac from his teacher in the Sunday School, with a text for every day in the coming year. He promised to read a text each morning, and to learn and repeat the seven texts for the week to his teacher the following Sunday. Joe got his mother’s permission to tack the Almanac on the wall, where it was read and re-read by the whole household, and spoken of by neighbors when in the house.

At spring “cleaning” tune, it was carefully dusted, mounted on two pieces of gilt red, and put up again to speak for God till the end of the year. Joe learned his Daily Texts. His sister Annie was aroused to think of her soul through the words,

“After this, the judgment,” on the Almanac.

Joe’s mother, who had for years been anxious, was saved by means of the text,

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out,” which stood in bold letters before her every day. His father—who had spent his Sundays in bed before—saw a notice on the Almanac, of Gospel Meetings to which all were “heartily invited,” and said he “might go.” He did, and was favorably impressed by the welcome he got. Poor folks such as he, are sometimes allowed to come and go without a kind word being spoken to them, but it was not so in that little meeting.

The Christian workers were in their “first love,” their hearts were yearning to lead sinners to Jesus, and they lost no opportunity of speaking to those who came to hear the Word.

Joe’s father was awakened to see himself a sinner, and by means of a word spoken at the close of a meeting he was converted. All this was accomplished by God’s own Word, silently doing its work in the conscience and heart.

Verily it is “the Word of life.” Let all who love it, scatter it far and wide. If you have not proved its power, receive its message, and believe its record, “Hear, and your soul shall live.”

In Joe’s home the “Almanac,” year by year, finds a hearty welcome, and an honored place. It tells the “old, old story” all the year to all who enter.

ML 02/06/1944

A Mother's Love

Our picture today appears to be very interesting. It is almost a story in itself. The surroundings seem to be very plain, but the children look to be happy over their baby brother. Notice how the mother is smiling at her darling baby. It is because she loves him.

I wonder, dear children, if you know the One whose love for you and me is stronger than a mother’s? Ah! dear children, it is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners. He is the One who left the glory to die on the cross that those who put their trust in Him might some day live with Him in glory.

Come to Jesus, now, dear children, and accept Him as your Saviour. He wants you to be His little lamb, and when you once are His, you can never be lost, because he says, “they shall never perish.” Would you not like to have that promise of never being lost, but saved for eternity? If so, accept the Lord Jesus Christ today.

“BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” Acts 16:31.

ML 02/06/1944

A Girl Raised to Life

Mark 5

There was a little girl in a home in a town near the Sea of Galilee who was dying. Her name is not told, but her father’s name was Jairus; he was a ruler, or leader, in the synagogue, a building where the scriptures were kept, and where the people met to honor God.

Jairus must have listened to Jesus when. He read the scriptures and taught the people, and also to have seen Him heal the sick and lame, for he believed that Jesus was from God, and could make his little daughter live, so he went where Jesus was by the sea, and begged Him to come to his house.

Jesus was willing to go with Jairus, and they started to his home. But so many people crowded around them to speak to Jesus, or to be healed, that they could not pass on quickly. Before they reached the house, messengers came to tell Jairus that his little daughter had died, and they said he need not trouble Jesus, whom they called “Master”, meaning, Teacher.

But Jesus knew that He could even then bring joy to that home, and He went on into the house with Jairus. The relatives and friends were all weeping because the girl was dead, and they did not believe that Jesus had power to do anything for her. They knew He was a great teacher, but not that He was the Son of God.

At death, the spirit which is within us, and we cannot see, leaves the body. The father and mother of that girl loved her, and wanted her with them, but they could not call back her spirit. (see James 2:26, Eccl. 12:7)

But the Lord Jesus had power over even the spirit: He took that little girl’s lifeless hand in His, and called to her in their language, words meaning, “Girl, arise!” Her spirit returned to her body, she rose up, obeying the voice of Jesus, and walked. Jesus told her parents to give her food to strengthen her body.

We know that father and mother were most happy and thankful to have their child alive again: and all were greatly astonished at this wonderful event.

This girl may have been the first person raised from death by Jesus.

This story gives us the same comfort in the mighty power of Jesus. But when He raises all His people, it will not be to die again, but to live forever with Him. He said,

“That where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

“The Lord Himself shall decend 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:16,17,18.

But there are no words of comfort to any who do not believe on the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, they have no hope at death.

ML 02/06/1944

The Pony and the Dogs

What fun it is to race across the meadow on the back of a pony. The little boy and the dogs are very happy, and are good companions for our little boy. Most children are fond of these kind of pets, and are very kind to them.

Do you know that God is pleased to see children happy and He is so ready and willing to give them happiness that will last as long as we live on this earth, and all through eternity, if we will only accept His clear Son whom He has given to be our loving Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you belong to this loving Saviour who gave His life for you on the cross, that you might he brought to him, and be His forever? And do you know He is coming very soon to call all those who have put fteir trust in Him, to be Forever with Hirn in His glory?

“WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:13.

ML 02/13/1944

The Boy and the Idol

In the island of Ceylon there is a religion much followed by the people, called Buddhism. Some years ago a little boy there went to a Buddhist temple wherein lay a very large figure of the founder of that religion. This figure was about thirty yards long.

The boy went to the face of the idol, and put down his wreath of flowers which he had brought as a present, saying as they usually do, “I take rufuge in Buddha.”

He then waited to hear what the idol would say in reply, but was much astonished when he found that Buddha did not notice him in the least, as he had hoped he would. The figure did not open its eyes, nor appear to take the least notice of the offering he had brought.

Not long after this, the same boy was sent by his father to the missionary school. He heard many things there that were new to him, and amongst others a song which gave the Christians in Ceylon much joy. We will translate two lines of the refrain:

“Jesus, Lord, I come to Thee: Thou wilt all my Refuge be!”

This was just what the boy wanted, a refuge —and he learned the truth in the words of this hymn. He saw that Buddha could not be a refuge, for it had not even life itself; he therefore became a Christian. Later on he was a teacher in the missionary school, and has now, for four years, been a preacr on the island; and his joy in being able to preach the gospel to his countren is exceedingly great. His highest delight is to point them—not to Buddha for sympathy, consolation, or salvation but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the right and only refuge any defense for all lost and burdened sinners.

Yes, dear children, Jesus is our only refuge, and it is when we know Hitu, that the words of the prophet are fulfilled in us:

“And a Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as. rivers of water in a dry place, as tile shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2.

ML 02/13/1944

Telling Mother

A cluster of young girls stood about the door of the school-room one afternoon when a little girl joined them, and asked what they were doing.

“I am telling the girls a secret, Kate, and we will let you know, if you will promise not to tell anyone as long as you live,” was the reply.

“I won’t tell any one but my mother,” replied Kate. “I tell her everything, for she is my best friend.”

“No, not even your mother, no our in the world.”

“Well, then I can’t hear it; for what I can’t tell my mother, is not fit for me to hear.”

After speaking these words, Kate walked away slowly, and perhaps sadly, yet with a quiet conscience, while her companions went on with their secret conversation.

I am sure that if Kate continued to act on that principle, she became a virtuous, useful woman. No child of a pious mother will be likely to take a sinful course, if Kate’s reply is taken for a rule of conduct.

As soon as a boy listens to conversation at school or on the playground which he would fear or blush to repeat to his mother, he is in the way of temptation, and no one can tell where he will stop. Many a man dying in disgrace, in prison, or on the scaffold, has looked back with bitter, remorse to the time when first a sinful companion gained his ear, and came between him and a pious mother.

Boys and girls, if you will lead a Christian life, and die a Christain death, make Kate’s reply your rule:

“What I cannot tell my mother, is out fit for me to know”; for a pious mother is your best friend.

If you have no mother, do as the diiples did; go and tell Jesus. He loves you better than. the most tender parent.

“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 (Word) of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalms 1:1,2.

ML 02/13/1944

How Two Little Girls Were Saved

My sister Jeanie was saved on the New-Year week. A man was spending his vacation in our town, and he had meetings for boys and girls every night in the schooouse. At first only a few went. Jeanie and I went round to the back window, and heard the man tell of a little girl who was so happy after she was saved, that she sang all night. We wondered at that, for we had always thought that religion made boys and girls miserable.

We heard next day that Nellie Smith, a school companion of ours, had been “saved” at the meetings. We wondered what she would be like when she came to school. None of us had ever seen a “saved” girl. When Nellie came up, a crowd of us stood at the gate looking silently at her, but we saw no difference, only she seemed happy.

Jeanie walked into school with her, and said,

“How do you feel when you are saved, Nellie?”

“O,” said Nellie, “it’s not feeling, but believing. I just believed that Jesus died for me, and He says all who believe are saved.”

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

“He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

ML 02/13/1944

Why Will You Do Without Him?

Why will you do without Him?

The Saviour of the lost,

Whose precious blood redeems us

At such tremendous cost?

Do you not want a Saviour?

Do you not want a Friend? —

One who will love you faithfully,

And love you to the end?

You could not do without Him,

If once He made you see

The fetters that enchain you,

Till He hath set you free;

If once you saw the fearful load

Of sin upon your soul;—

The hidden plague that ends in death,

Unless He makes you whole!

You cannot do without Him!

There is no other name

By which you ever can be saved

No way, no hope, He claim!

Without Him—everlasting loss

Of love, and life, and light!

Without Him—everlasting woe,

And everlasting night.

But with Him—O! with Jesus!

Are any words so blest?

With Jesus, everlasting joy

And everlasting rest;

With Jesus—all the empty heart

Filled with His perfect love;

With Jesus—perfect peace below,

And perfect bliss above.

ML 02/13/1944

Jesus, Meek and Humble

Mark 6:1-44

Jesus went to Nazareth, which had been His home, and the people were astonished to hear His wise teaching in the synagogue.

Yet they would not believe that He was from God, and greater than they, nor show Him respect. Instead of listening more, they talked among themselves against Him.

Jesus did not do great miracles there, as in the towns near, because of their unbelief, although He did heal a few sick ones perhaps who believed His words. He went to teach and help people in other towns.

You notice that Jesus sent His disciples to teach people in the same plain humble way: they were to go even where the roads were rough and stony, so to wear sandals; but they were not to take an extra coat or scrip (a bag or wallet for food), nor money. They were to go as very poor men, and get food on the way as best they could. All this would teach the disciples, and those they went to, that there was to be no pride, and that God’s words were for the poor.

The disciples were given power from Jesus to heal the sick and cast out wicked spirits, and many were healed.

Although Jesus and the disciples went about in so humble a manner, the news of the miracles was told in all places. When Herod, the ruler, heard about them, he said the prophet John must be alive again, and doing the wonderful things.

Herod had given the awful order for John to be killed, although he knew that John was a prophet of God (vs. 20).

He seemed to want to think that John was alive, so he would not be longer guilty of his death, But he did not go to see if it were John, and kept on in his proud ways.

Many people who heard of the micles, wanted to see Jesus, and came where He and the disciples were, so they had not chance even to eat their meals. Then Jesus told the disciples to come apart to rest, and He went with them in the boat across the sea of Galilee to land, where no people lived.

But the people saw them leaving in the boat, and they hurried along the shore to the same place. When Jesus saw they were waiting for Him there, He was sorry that they had no one to teach them God’s words, and instead of resting, He patiently taught then again.

When near evening the disciples spoke to Jesus to send the people to their homes, He wanted them first to have food, for they had a long-distance to walk. The disciples said it would require 200 pennyworth of bread for so many: a penny was much greater value in their money than to us, and the men spoke as though they could not buy so much.

Perhaps you know what a wonderful thing Jesus then did: He took the five loaves of bread and two fish they already had, gave thanks to God, broke all into pieces, and gave to the disciples to pass to the people sitting on the grass.

In the hands of Jesus, those.few pieces of bread and fish, became many, more than enough to supply those 5000 men, beside women and children (Matt. 14:21).

ML 02/13/1944

Androcles

Many years ago, a Roman slave by the name of Androcles was found guilty of some misdemeanor, and was ordered by his master to be put to death. Androcles escaped to the Numidian desert.

One day, when sitting at the entrance of a cave, he was much surprised and terrified to see a large lion coming tards him, but instead of pouncing on him, the lion quietly came up to him, and lifted his paw, and at the same time licked Androcles’ hand.

There was a thorn in the paw, and the lion seemed to realize that a man could take it out and relieve him of his suffering. Androcles took the thorn out and the lion bounded off.

Some time after this, Androcles was captured, and condemned to fight a lion in the arena. When the hungry beast was let loose, he sprang towards Androcles, but stopped suddenly, crept quietly to him, and licked his feet. It was the same lion from whose paw he had pulled the thorn, and though the circumstances were entirely different, the lion remembered the kindness, and showed his gratitude.

Our parents have done many kind acts for us, and have denied themselves many things, so that they could give to us, and yet how often children turn around and speak disrespectfully to their parents, and disobey them. They act as if they had less sense of kindness shown them than this poor dumb lion.

There is something more than this; for there is no one who has loved us as the Lord Jesus has, for He has given Himself for us, and died in our place, and borne what we deserved. How much do we love Him, and show gratude for all that He has done for us? Are we willing to please Him? Is it our delight to talk often to Him, and read His Word, and thus have Him talk to us?

O, may we each one seek to please Hini in all our ways, and thus show that we love Him.

“BE YE THEREFORE FOLLOWERS OF GOD, AS DEAR CHILDREN.” Ephesians 5:1.

ML 02/20/1944

Roby

Roby was our youngest scholar in our Sunday school, and I took her under my especial care, and saw her home at the close of school in the darkening evenings of the Autumn. Some of our teachers thought she was “too young” to understand what was said, but I sought to remind them that it was “young children” (Mark 10:13), — in fact, “babes” (Luke 18:15, R.V) — whom the Lord “called for” and blessed, and concerning whom He said,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” Math 10:14.

On condition that Roby would not prove troublesome to others in my class, she was allowed to remain. And being a bright and very intelligent child, she gave me much pleasure, and showed great interest in the Bible Stories we had for our lessons. And Roby was always bright and smiling, and soon became a general favorite in the school. She picked up some of our best-known Gospel Hymns very quickly, and before she had been six months in our Suay school, could sing sweetly and well, such hymns as

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

and others, we taught the children to memorize and sing at home. But the best of all, to those of us who watched that young and tender heart opening to the “old, old, story” of a Redeemer’s love, and to the good news of a present salvation to all who believe on Him, and yield their young hearts to Him as their personal Saviour, was the marked operations of the Spirit in the soul of this precious child, in winning her to Christ, as I have not the shadow of a doubt He did.

We never press our scholars, to “profess” their faith in the Lord Jesus, or to say “they have been saved.” We simply sow the good Seed in their hearts, and leave the Holy Spirit to quicken it into life, as He is ever ready to do, wherever it is received in a simple trust, such as even a young child may give. And which I am fully assured, very many do give to the gospel we seek in all simplicity, to set before them, with the truths that tell their need of it, unto salvation.

There were quite a few of our young scholars that year who were saved, as their after lives have very blessedly shown. And Roby, dear child, was among them.

The dear little children who know the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour, are His little lambs, and He loves them and cares for them.

“He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

ML 02/20/1944

We're Too Busy

Not very long ago, I was staying in a house next door to two little children. Spanish children they were, and like all others, whether English or Spanish, very fond of play. Pepe and Luisa used to play for hours together with other children in the street.

One morning, as I was coming home from a walk, their mother was standing at the door looking at a group of happy children playing. Presently she espied her own two.

“Pepe! Luisa!” she cried, “Come Dinner is ready!”

Now the game was a very interesting one, and I heard Pepe call out to his mother a long Spanish word which means “We’re too busy.”

Yet they were only playing. But their play seemed to them so important that they did not want to leave it for their dinner. They were too busy!

If I were to speak to you about something far more important than dinner, I wonder if you would pay heed. Or would you be too busy? Too busy with your games, or your lessons, or some, thing else?

The “something” that I should like you to think about is Salvation. You have a soul, and if it is not saved it will be lost forever. And your soul is really yourself. When your body is in the grave, your soul will be somewhere else; and where your soul is, you are.

Do you know how to get your soul saved? The Bible tells us. It speaks about believing, to the saving of the soul. This means that the work of our salvation has been done by the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may obtain it by believing in Him.

Even grown-up people are sometimes foolish enough to say they are “too busy” to think about these things. They are more foolish than Pepe and Luisa, because it is not a dinner they are missing, but eternal joy.

I hope none of my young readers will ever be too busy to come to the Saviour, and trust Him for Salvation.

“Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must he saved.” Acts 4:12

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

ML 02/20/1944

Jesus Loves Little Children

“Suffer little children to come unto ME, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:14.

Jesus loves little children,

Wherever they live,

If they trust Him as Saviour

He will gladly forgive.

Jesus loves little children,

And for them He died.

Do you wonder He calls them

To come now to His side?

Jesus loves little children,

He delights to bless,

And to hold to His bosom

With a tender caress.

Jesus loves little children,

O, taste now and see

How sweet and how wonderful

Is His great love for thee!

ML 02/20/1944

Jesus, the Son of God

Mark 6:45-56

After Jesus had supplied the meal for the great company of people in the wilderness, He told His disciples to go in the boat to another place on the shore of Galilee, and He went alone on the mountain near to pray.

The disciples seem not to have gone toward Bethsaida, as Jesus said, but toward another place (John 6:17). They rowed very hard all night, but the wind was against them, and at the 4th watch, which was the early morning, they were still far from the shore, and were very tired and discouraged.

But there in the stormy sea, those men saw a wonderful sight: Jesus walking on the water coming to them; He kept on, as though, for them all to see that He was walking. At first the men were greatly frightened and thought Jesus was a spirit, until He spoke to them, telling them to be of good cheer; He said, “It is I; be not afraid.”

Jesus came into the boat with them and the wind stopped. The disciples were filled with wonder that Jesus had walked on the water, more than at all else they had seen. They knew He had power to cure all sickness, feed the hungry, raise the dead, and they had before heard Him still a storm. They believed His power was from God, and that He would he their King; they loved Him, and had left all to be with Him.

But when they saw Jesus walk upon the sea, they realized that He was Himdelf, different from all others, that He was One of Heaven, the Son of God (Matt. 14:33). Because Jesus lived so humble a life, they had believed Him only as God’s prophet and King. He was not a spirit; which they could not see (Luke 24:37-39), but a perfect man, yet divine. This is a mystery we do not understand, but all who have truly learned of Jesus, reverence Him as the holy Son of God. That is the reason His words, His deeds, and His death on the cross for sins, have such value.

When Jesus and the disciples landed on shore, and people saw Him, they all hurried to bring their sick friends or relatives to be healed. It seems there were too many for Him to go to each one, and they carried the sick ones on their beds or blankets, and placed them beside the road where Jesus would pass, and begged Him that they could touch but the border of His garment.

“As many as touched Him were made whole.”

This shows how constantly and patiently Jesus kept on going to all the villages to do good for all as God’s Servant; no one was missed, who reacd out to Him for help.

Do you suppose there was a sick one who was not willing to put out his hand to touch Jesus? Such a one would be carried home again, still helpless. Many now miss a far greater blessing from the Lord Jesus.

Although He is now the Risen One in Heaven, we may “come” to Him in as simple a way as the sick ones: if we believe He is our Saviour, we “touch” Him by faith, and His power gives eternal life to the soul.

Which disciple asked to come to Jesus on the water? (Matt. 15:26).

ML 02/20/1944

Oxen Plowing

What an odd sight we have before us! I’m sure none of you children have ever seen real oxen plowing a field; yet this kind of work, which today is done by horses and machinery, was really done by oxen years ago.

Your father may not be a farmer, but I am sure he is working each day to supply you with food, clothing and a home. Why is it that people have to labor so day by day to get these things? We get the answer to this in Genesis 3:17-20. God said to Adam,

“Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.”

We are the children of Adam, and have that same sinful nature. God wants us to think of this, and to remember that this world still has the curse of sin upon it. But Jesus has died to redeem you out of this world; His blood was shed on the cross to put away your sins; do you believe this?

Own Him as your Saviour now. He cares for you, and can make you truly happy even in the hardest tasks you may be called to do.

Then children, Jesus is coming very soon to call all His redeemed out of this world. Are you ready to meet Him?

“THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE: AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.” Matthew 25:10.

ML 02/27/1944

Ben's Banner

“AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT”

“Where Will You Spend Eternity?”

It was a procession day. Crowds lined the streets. Banners were hung out at windows bearing various mottoes, in keeping with the great celebrations of the day. At the end of the avenue leading up to his father’s house, Ben stood with his banner also. There were few, if any of the banners displayed that day, looked at so eagerly as Ben’s. The others spoke of time: Ben’s of eternity. The many mottoes and devices fluttering in the breeze, proclaimed the deeds of men, and their wonderful skill.

Ben’s banner reminded them of what comes after all—the judgment.

I could not but admire the dear boy as he stood there hour after hour, while thousands passed by, with a happy smile on his face, delighted that he was able to thus bear testimony to the Lord Jesus. Ben knew Jesus. He trusted Him, when quite a little boy, and his heart was happy in His love. Now his delight was to tell others of Him, and it was this that brought him out with his banner, and his school satchel full of Gospel Tracts that day.

One at least confessed that he never could forget the question on Ben’s banner. It followed him night and day, till he was converted.

Look what the question is, and see if you can answer it, reader.

“Where will you spend Eternity?”

Solemn, isn’t it. Eternity—that wonderful word! It means forever. Forever in glory with Christ, or forever in the lake of fire. Do you ever think in which of these two, your eternity will be spent? All who are in Christ now, will be in glory hereafter. So you may easily know. Are you in Christ? Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour?

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acception that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 02/27/1944

Happy Nellie

In a country village schoolroom, an earnest Christian lady—a farmer’s dattg-hftef —had a class of little girls on the Lord’s-day afternoons. She was much beloved by the children, and God had used her in leading not a few of them to the Savionr in their very early days.

A tiny girl, named Nellie, was one of that little class, and she, although only six years old, was a decided Christian. I do not mean by this, that she said she was a Christian, but her happy look, her quiet peaceful spirit, and her Christ-like ways, all proved that Nellie was in reality one of the lambs of the Good Shepherd’s flock. She was a very delicate child, and one afternoon the tidings were brought to the teacher, by another of the little girls, that Nellie was ill and unable to attend. For many weary days and nights her illness continued, until the Lord took her away to be with Himself.

During the time of her illness, many of her little companions and schoolmates called to see her, and to everyone of them she had a message. Lying on a couch, with her Bible by her side, she would read to them “the precious verse that led her to trust in Jesus,” as she called John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, bur have everlasting life.”

A little companion called on a Lord’s-day afternoon, on her way home from the class, and was sitting by her side. Stretching out her pale wasted hand, Nellie tenderly said,

“Jeanie, would you like to be me?” The little girl blushed, and said,

“Not if you’re going to die, Nellie I wouldn’t like to die yet.” Grasping her hand, and with a look of intense earnestness, she said,

“O, Jeanie, if you’re afraid to die, it’s maybe because you don’t know Jesus. I was once afraid to die too, but I’m not now. Ever since I trusted Jesus and was saved, I have been so happy at the thought that I might be allowed to go Home, and now, Jeanie, ‘I’m going Home to die no more.’”

At this, Jeanie fairly broke down and cried, and the dear dying child sought to comfort her by pointing her to the One who passed through death and judgment, to redeem and save her.

A few more weeks of happy testimony for Jesus, and dear Nellie passed away. Her last song on earth, and almost her last words were, “I’m not afraid to die;

I’m going Home to die no more.”

And thus it is with all who are in Christ. They go to that blessed, happy Home, to be with Christ, and He will welcome them there. They go up to that fair paradise, where there is no more death, but where all is life, and unfading, undying joy with Jesus and His ransomed saints.

Dear boys and girls, will you be there? Can you say, with happy Nellie, “I’m going Home to die no more?”

“Absent from the body.. present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8.

“Where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

ML 02/27/1944

Why do I say I am Saved?

Some friends of mine often drive to the towns near them, and distribute gospel books and tracts. One afteoon they stopped in front of some cottages, from one of which an aged woman came out to take the offered book. My friend said a few words to her as to her feebleness and great age; and went on to speak of eternity, which she was nearing. They were glad to hear in reply that she was saved, and had been so for years. They asked why she believed herself saved. Drawing herself up straight, she said,

“Why do I say I am saved? Because Christ died for my sins, and was raised again for my justification.”

Happy Christian! She knew more than all the philosophy or science of this twentieth century can teach! When this scene has passed away forever, she will be reigning with Christ, who was everything to her.

ML 02/27/1944

The Song of a Happy Christian

We are happy, happy Christians;

Thus we sing our daily song,

For our Saviour died to save us,

That to Him we might belong.

He’s our Saviour—He’s our Saviour,

Shedding for us His life’s blood;

From our sins He now has cleansed us,

And has made us fit for God.

We will praise Him, we will praise Him,

For His wondrous, matchless grace,

Coming down from highest glory,

Came and took the sinner’s place.

We are hastening on to glory,

Where our Saviour’s gone before;

Soon we’ll see Him—hear His welcome

To that bright and happy shore.

We are happy—we are happy—

For our Saviour we shall see;

We’ll be like Him—we’ll be like Him,

Throughout all eternity!

O, the glory! O, the glory!

That awaits His people there!

Soon we’ll hear His trumpet sounding,

Then we’ll meet Him in the air.

ML 02/27/1944

"He Could not be Hid"

Mark 7

Some men came to Jesus, not to be helped, but to find fault. Those men kept rules, which were not in the laws given by God, but had been made by men of Jerusalem, when they became careless of God’s words. Those rules were for how people should wash their hands and dishes, just how much water they should use, and such things. They considered any one who did not keep those rules “defiled”, unfit for God.

Those men saw that the disciples did not wash according to their rules, and complained of them to Jesus. He knew the men were themselves disobeying God’s laws, although keeping those rules so strictly; they had added to God’s laws, although He had said,

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2.

Jesus knew the men were not honest with the people, but deceiving them, and He told them,

“Ye reject the commandments of God through your tradition.”

Then Jesus called the people about Him to listen, and said, “Hearken unto Me every one, and understand.” He explained to them that it was not uashed hands which made them unfit for God, but that it was wicked thoughts, and desires, and plans of evil in the heart, that defiled a person, made him unfit for God.

The rules of men are still often given, instead of God’s words, which are always true and honest. We need to be sure we follow God’s words, and not what are simply rules of men.

Soon after this talk, Jesus went from Galilee to the country near Tyre and Sidon, which were by the Great Sea. Many people had come from there to, Galilee to see Him (Mark 3:8); add it may have been to the house of some one who had believed Him, that Jesus went.

He did not wish it told that He was there, perhaps because people would come only to be healed, or to see His power, yet not believe who He was. But we read these words,

“He could not be hid.”

One woman heard He was there, and came begging Him to save her daughter from an evil spirit. Jesus said that the daughter should be well.

We are thankful for those words, “He could not be hid.” They show us His power as a light not hid, and also His tenderness, never refusing one who trusted His mercy, no matter what person or of what nation.

Jesus next went to a country east of the Jordan River; there a man was brought to Him who was deaf, and who also could not speak clearly. That was a sad, hard condition, but Jesus did not refuse to help him.

First Jesus led the man aside from the crowd, not to make a display of His power; then He placed His fingers in the man’s ears, touched his tongue, and looked up to heaven and sighed, and said to the man, “Be opened”. The deaf man heard the words of Jesus, and also right away, spoke clearly.

ML 02/27/1944

Answers to Bible Questions For December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For they are,” etc. Revelation 16:14.

2.“And whosoever,” etc. Revelation 20:15.

3.“And he saith, etc. Revelation 19:9.

4.“These shall,” etc. Revelation 17:14.

5.“And he said,” etc. Revelation 21:6.

6.“Saying with,” etc. Revelation 14:7.

7. “Whosoever will.” Revelation 22:17.

Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be ‘ound in Matthew, chapters 19-28.

1.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Come see the place.”

2.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Give his life a ransom.”

3.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Forbid them not, to come.”

4.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Not knowing the Scriptures.”

5.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Took counsel against Jesus.”

6.Write in full the verse, with the words, “Be ye also ready.”

7.Who went in with the bridegroom when he came?

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The Devil. Revelation 20:2.

2.They which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27.

3.Whosoever will. Revelation 22:17.

4.By the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 12:11.

5.666. Revelation 13:18.

6.They rest from their labors and their vorks do follow them. Revelation 14:13.

7.Armageddon. Revelation 16:16.

Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

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

1.Who was Caiaphas?

2.Who was Jeremy?

3.Who was Mary Magdalene?

4.Who was Zebedee?

5.Who was Daniel?

6.Who was Noe?

7.Who was Simon the leper?

ML 03/05/1944

Freddie's Sermon

Feddie was a very small boy; his father was a minister, and used to tell people about Jesus, how He came down from heaven to this sinful world to die in the sinner’s place.

Freddie had often heard his father preach, and one day he looked up earnestly at him, and said,

“Fweddie wants to peach.” His father answered,

“Freddie is too young to preach.” But Freddie could not rest, and the whole week he kept on saying, “Fweddie wants to peach.”

When Sunday came, his father, thinking that it would quiet him, said.

“You may come up into the pulpit with me if you sit very still.”

But even this did not satisfy Freddie for he still said,

“Fweddie wants to peach.”

So the father stood up and told the congregation that his little boy had been worrying him all week because he wanted to preach. Then he lifted Freddie up so that he could see the people. At first Freddie felt frightened at seeing so many faces, but he said slowly,

“Fweddie wants to tell you, Fweddie loves Jesus.”

That was Freddie’s sermon; only a few words, but it went home to the heart of one old man who was over seventy years of age. He was quite broken down at the thought of a little child loving Jesus when he did not, and this was the means of his being brought to know Jesus as his Saviour, and to love Him.

Dear children who read this true story, if you know and love Jesus, you too, may be little ministers. I do not mean that you may speak to large congregations from a pulpit, but you may tell your friends of the Saviour you love, and you may be the means of bringing them to know and love Him too.

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

ML 03/05/1944

An Apt Argument

An infidel met a Sunday school boy coming home from his class, and inquid, “What is that in your hand, my boy?”

“A Bible,” answered the boy. “What do you do with it?” “It teaches me,” said the boy. “What does it teach you?”

“It teaches me about God.”

“I do not believe there is a God.”

Astonished, the boy looked him in the face and became the questioner. “Who, then,” said the boy “made the sun and the moon?”

“They came by mere chance.” “What! and the stars and everything?”

“Yes,” responded the philosopher; “they all came by chance.”

“And who made your hat,” asked the boy.

“Why, the hatter, to be sure.” “And who made the hatter?”

This was too much for the infidel. He was silenced.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Hebrews 11:3.

ML 03/05/1944

The Ark and the Dove

There was a noble ark

Sailing o’er waters dark

And wide around;

Not one tail 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 thine Ark, my love,

Thou art the tender dove;

Fly to His breast.

ML 03/05/1944

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

What a lot of pets! One little puppy, one little kitten, and one, two, three toys. But what has happened to one of them? It has fallen out of the little girl’s full arms. The little girl has more pets than she can take care of, and now trouble has come.

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

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

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

“He shall gather the lambs with His ar, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

ML 03/05/1944

The Multitude Again Fed

Mark 8:1-21

There was much wild, grassy land on the sides of the mountains near the shores of the sea of Galilee, where the Lord Jesus taught the people, who came in great numbers from the villages around to hear His words, or to be healed. They may have gone to their homes at night, but they returned the next day, for Jesus said,

“They have now been with Me three days.”

Jesus knew they had no food with them that evening, and He was very sorry for them, He said, “If I send them away fasting (without eating) to their houses, they will faint by the way: for divers (many) of them came from far.”

The disciples had a few loaves of bread, and a few small fish, but there was no place near to get more. Not long before this Jesus had made the few loaves and the fish one boy had become enough to feed more than 5000 people. This probably was not the same place, or the same people, but Jesus supplied their need in the same wonderful way.

He said for the people to sit down on the ground: He took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God, broke them in pieces, and gave to the disciples to pass to the people. By His power, that bread and fish was not only enough for all the big company, but more than enough, showing His power could not all be used, however much was needed.

The people who ate that meal must have sat in great surprise, and later, as they walked to their homes they must have talked together and wondered. How well they were repaid for their long walks over the rough ways: they had listened to One from Heaven, and been fed by Him! Many believed He was a very great Teacher and Prophet, and about this time the disciples said they believed He was the Christ, who was the One promised to come to earth.

Later those who believed the scriures, and the words of Jesus, learned that He who took so humble a place on earth, was the One Who in the beginning, had created all things, and was also the Giver and Sustainer of life. One disciple afterward wrote: “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life.” John 1:3,4; see also Colossians 1:16,17.

A few days after the miracles of the loaves, Jesus told some of the people that He was “the Bread of life.”

The bread He supplied the two meals, satisfied them only a short time; the next day they must have more. But all who believed Him should be satisfied with life forever (see John 6:35).

It is nice for us to notice in these miracles, that Jesus used the food which someone had, to make more. That showed His kindness, and that it is His way to bless even a little that is given to Him, making a very great blessing for others.

Althought Jesus had done as no one of earth could, He soon after had to remind the disciples of the two miracles, for them to remember Who He was. (vss. 19,20.)

ML 03/05/1944

Sparrows

There is no bird so common, or of as little value as the sparrow. There are not only a great many of them, but their feathery coat is out beautiful, and their song is not sweet like many other birds. But there is one thing that is good to remember —God’s Word lets us know that He takes the same needed care of the sparrow as He does of other birds.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not, fall on the ground without your Father;” and the Word continues.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many spaows.” Matt. l0:29:30.

May each one, young or old, who reads these lines, seek first to know and confess the Lord Jesus as the One whom God sent for them, and rejoice, not only that He has saved them, but that they are such objects of His care, that the very hairs of their head are all numbered, and that they are of more value than many suarrows.

“MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.” Philippians 4:19.

ML 03/12/1944

The Lightning

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

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

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

“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with Ills mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:7,8,9), may come to some readers, like the lightning came to the man, and startle them, but that will not matter as long as it will show them their danger, and lead them to flee to a place of safety from the coming wrath.

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

“What must I do to be saved?”

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

Some years ago meetings were being held in a large building with a sloping roof, and it was in the depth of winter. The snow was deep, but hundreds came through it night after night, and many were coming to the Saviour.

One night, during the address, the snow came clown from the sloping roof with such a crash, that it made some of the children jump! No doubt, it sounded all the louder because of the intense quiet over the meeting. That night there was a wonderful work of the Lord, especially among boys. Two of them were very bad boys, indeed; they owned they were the worst boys in the place. Both these boys were Coerted and became preachers of the Gospel.

Years afterward one of these preachers said that it was the snow falling off the roof that started him to think about his soul. He thought the judgment day had come, and he was not ready.

O, children, flee to Jesus; the only place of safety from. the storm of corng judgment, which is sure to fall upon this world—upon all those who reject the blessed Saviour now, so lovingly offered to them.

“Now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 03/12/1944

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Little bright-eyed Florence Bailey,

Was a child of tender years;

She had early learned of Jesus,

Who dispels all doubts and fears;

She had heard it from her teacher,

Who was faithful to her Lord;

And had taught the wondrous story,

As is told us in God’s Word

“God so loved the little children;”

(This the story that is told,)

“That He sent His Son to gather

All the lambs unto His fold;”

Florence heard it, and believed it,

Opened wide her own heart’s door,

Gladly bade the Saviour enter,

And to leave her nevermore.

Home went Florence, still rejoicing,

And with dollies ‘ranged around,

Told to them in childish language

Of the Saviour she had found;

“Now then, darlings,” said their teacher,

“If to heaven you would go,

You must take the loving Saviour,

Who died ‘cause He loved you so.”

And the mother, listening softly,

Heard her little girlie speak;

This rejoiced her own heart greatly,

Brought the tears unto her cheek;

Now she, too, owns Christ as Saviour,

And is happy in her Lord;

All because of little Florence,

Who gave out God’s precious Word.

Little Florence still is happy,

And tries yet to act her part:

“Long ago I came to Jesus,

And I gave Him all my heart.”

You who read this simple story,

Come to Jesus while ‘tis day,

He will never, never leave you,

But will keep you all the way.

ML 03/12/1944

The Fisherboy's Bible

In days when Bibles were not so cheap or so plentiful as they now are, a fisherboy was very anxious to procure a Bible of his own. He went to a Sunday school, but had no Bible at home, nor had he any money to buy one. But Pattie prayed to God to Ind him a Bible, and God heard his, prayer.

One day while he was wading in the sea, gathering bait for his father’s fishing lines, he saw a book floating on the water. On picking it up, he found it was a Bible, which had evidently been lost froth a passing ship.

Pattie rejoiced in being the possessor of God’s blessed Book, and read it eagerly. He was saved, and became a true follower of Christ, and in his own town he tells boys and girls in Sunday school, the story of Jesus and His love.

What a grand thing it is to be saved, and a lover of the Book of God while young. This is the only way to a holy, happy and useful life, and there is no other road to heaven and God.

ML 03/12/1944

Seeing Jesus

I have heard of a dear little boy who was visited by an earnest Christian doctor in a very serious illness. The doctor had to say that his patient could not recover, but the dear little fellow seemed to have no fear, but was quite prepared for his change.

Just before it came, his eyes lighted up, while a smile played on his thin lips, and he said softly, his mother being near him:

“O mamma, I see Jesus!”

His mamma listened in silent wonder, lint with a thankful heart she will remember her dear child’s last words,

“O mamma, I see Jesus!”

ML 03/12/1944

A Blind Man Made to See

Mark 8:22 to 26

Jesus came to Bethsaida, a town on the north shore of the sea of Galilee, where a blind man was brought to Him. It is not said that tl, man asked Jesus to give him sight, but his friends besought Jesus to touch him; they were certain of what Jesus could do, and the man must have been willing.

Jesus had healed the blind before this, by touching their eyes, but there is more told of this case. First, Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out of the town. He would not manifest His power in the midst of the manifest unbelief of the people.

Blindness is one of the many sorrows in the world since there was sin, and unbelief is spoken of as “blindness.”

Yet Jesus showed full mercy to the man himself in his trouble: He put His hands upon him; then asked him if he saw ought. The man looked up and said he saw men as trees, walking. He saw, but not correctly. Jesus touched his eyes again, and told him to look up. Then he saw every man clearly, so of course he saw Jesus and must have been very happy.

Jesus told the man to go to his home, and not to go into the town, or tell of his cure to any there. The people of that place had seen the greatest of Jesus’ miracles, and listened to Him tell God’s words, yet they did not believe Him, or think He was sent by God. Because of that, He had spoken of woe, or judgment to them, saying,

“Woe unto thee, Bethsaida for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Tyre and Sidon (Gentile cities which did no have or know the Scriptures) they would have repented.” Matt. 11; 21.

But the people of Bethsaida had not been sorry for their sins, and Jesus could do no more for them. This must have been the reason He led the blind man from there. Yet in spite of the people’s sin against Him, He used His power for one, willing to be helped.

To restore sight to the blind, was one of the special good things which the Holy One to come to earth, would do, as promised in the writings of the prophet (Isa. 29;18; Luke 4:18.)

And Jesus restored many blind, as the Obedient One. We find He also taught the people by the ways that He used; and those ways are told in the gospels to help us now to learn His truths.

We do not always understand the lesson to be learned, but as we think about it, some other part of God’s Words seems to give the meaning. ale thing for us to think of in this story, is that, however little trust the blind man had, Jesus took him by the hand and led him where He could give him sight. One touch of the Lord made the man see, because He is the true light for the soul; one “touch” by Him, gives “sight” to any willing one.

The man did not at first see those around him rightly; it was a confused view, as though men were in a high position. Whatever the lesson in that, it required the touch of Jesus, and to look up, as He bade, for him to see every man clearly. We know he then saw Jesus, as He would have him, and others, in their place.

ML 03/12/1944

Spring Time

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

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

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

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

Contentment is not by having everhing that the heart could wish in this world. These people did not have the many comforts of life that people have today, but very likely were more content, and if they knew the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and God as their Father, and walked in His ways, they surely would be happy and contented. Whether He gives us little or whetr He gives us much, we should be very grateful to Him for what we have.

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

ML 03/19/1944

A Surprise

Do you like to be surprised? I’m sure you do, if it is with something that pleases you. Parents like to surprise their children by giving them nice things, and then you like to be surprised, too, by having some clear friend come to see you that you have not been looking for.

There is One Who is coming from heaven to this world very, very soon, and what an awful surprise His coming will be to most people. Yes, Jesus is coming, and to the unsaved, it will be as a “thief in the night.” You know how you dread thieves—if you do not love Jesus, you will greatly dread to meet Him; for He is a stranger to you, and you know He will judge you for your sins.

There are many, many saved people, though, that are looking and longing for the coming of Jesus. They know Him as their Saviour, and their very best Friend, and will be so happy to see Him.

What a difference it makes, dear child, whether you belong to Jesus or not. His coming will be a dreadful surprise to you if you have not gone to Him for the forgiveness of your sins— He will come so quickly that you will not realize what has happened till all the saved ones are gone. It is to happen “in a moment in the twinkling of an eye.” (1 Cor. 15:52.)

Make sure now that you are ready to meet Jesus—do not be left behind!

“Today if ye will hear His voice. harden not your hearts.’’ Heb. 4:7.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

ML 03/19/1944

"How Do You Know That You Are Saved?"

This question I was asked at the close of a Gospel meeting some years ago by a person evidently in deen concern about her own salvation.

“I know in many ways, but sit down, please, and I’ll show you from God’s Word how I know, first of all.” I replied.

When, she was seated I turned to John 3:16, and read these blessed words,

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

“Now,” I said, “I am going to read this verse in another way. I will pul my name into it, and read it after this fashion:

“God so loved William Thomson.’ I have quite a right to say so for am I not in the world? And since God loved the whole world full of sinful men, I must be included. ‘That He gave His only begotten Son’, instead of William Thomson, as a Substitute. His Son died for sinners—therefore, you see, I have a title equally with every other sinner to say: ‘He died for me,’ ‘Whosoever’ means you or me. or any other sinner, so that I am peectly justified in again inserting my own name.

“‘That if William Thomson believes in Him,’ which means to claim Him as his substitute—take Him—yield to Him—put his confidence in Him—accept Him as his own personal Saviour. Well, what does God say will happen if I thus trust His Son? Read on: ‘William Thomson shall never perish.’ He deserves to perish, he has no claim at all upon Me for salvation, nor am I obliged to save William Thomson, or any other sinner on earth. But it is My pleasure to save him; since he trusts himself to My Son Who died as his substitute, William Thomson hath everlasting life.”

When I had thus read the verse, I turned to my questioner, and said,

“Now you ask me how I know I am saved? I know it this way: I believe that God loves me—I believe that He sent His Son to die for me—I believe that by accepting His Son as my Saviour, and giving myself to Him I am saved. I have accepted the Lord Jesus, and given myself to Him, just as well as I know how, and having done so, I know that I shall never pesh for I have already received everlasting life. I know these things because God, my God, says so in that verse, and I just take Him at His word.”

I had not ceased speaking when my anxious friend cried out:

“O, I see it! You just take Him at His word.”

“Yes, that’s it,” I said, and she accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour by taking God at His word, and she knew that she was saved.

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

ML 03/19/1944

You Must Face It!

You must face eternity some time; why not face it now? You must pass out of this world, into that which is to come. Consider how it will then be with you. God is infinite in holiness, and you must stand before Him, and give account of yourself to Him. What have you to say?

Your sins are not forgotten by God—every idle word even, will be taken into account by Him. You have seen or heard of those who have felt the bitterness of their sins in this lifetime, and who have mourned in God’s presence about them, as they sought His pardon; but what will it be to feel the bitterness of sins, and to mourn over them before the judgment throne, where no pardon will be found?

Now, such as mourn shall he comforted; then, there will be no comfort.

Now, such as repent shall find foiveness; then, there will be no rentance unto salvation. O! face the stern realities of eternity.

“Prepare to meet thy God!”

Since you must face eternity before very long at the latest, why not face it now? Now, the Saviour waits to be gracious. Now, is your time; now, just now, this very hour.

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

ML 03/19/1944

Jesus the Saviour Is Coming Soon

Jesus, the Saviour is coming soon,

Will you be ready to meet Him?

Coming to take to His Father’s Home,

Are we all waiting to greet Him?

Chorus.

Joy, joy, eternal joy,

There with the Saviour in glory;

O, how our hearts will rejoice,

Ever to sing the glad story.

Glory to Jesus who died on the cross,

From every sin to release us;

By His own blood He hath washed us white,

From all our fears to appease us.

“Suffer the children to come unto Me,”

These are the words He has spoken;

O how He gathers the lambs to His fold,

His promises ne’er can be broken.

Soon we shall walk on the street of gold,

There with our Saviour in glory;

There we shall gaze on His blessed face,

As we tell out the wonderful story.

Grant us, Lord Jesus, Thy grace which will keep

Our hearts with Thy love ever swelling,

To walk where Thou leadest until Thou dost come,

When safe with Thy Father we’re dwelling.

ML 03/19/1944

A Talk on a Journey

Mark 9:27 to 38

Jesus had been to the towns and villages “throughout Galilee”, doing great miracles for all, and teaching the people. He had been to Tyre and Sidon, on the Mediterranean Sea, and also to the country cast and south of Galilee (Mark 1:39 and 7:24,31). His visits south to Judea, and going through Samaria, are also written of (John 4:3,4).

Here it is written that Jesus and the disciples started to the country north of Galilee to the towns of Caesarea Philippi, about twenty-five miles from the Sea of Galilee. That was near Mt. Hermon, and was in the border land of the nation of Israel when they first had the country in early times (Josh. 11:17).

This shows us how Jesus went to all parts of the land of Israel, every where doing good to so many and telling God’s words, so that all peoples of the land must have heard of Him. They were people who knew the writings of the prophets, of a holy One to come to earth; they should have understood by the great miracles and wise answers and teachings of Jesus that He fulfilled all the promises.

On their walk to the northern border, Jesus and the disciples were perhaps more away from others, and Jesus asked them, “Whom do men say that I am?”

The sad answer to his question was that people thought He must be a prophet, not that He could be the Promised Messiah.

Then Jesus asked the disciples, “Whom say ye that I am?”

It was Peter who answered, and he said, “Thou art the Christ.” That meant The Messiah, the One Anointed and sent by God, as told in their Scriptures (see Matthew 16:16; John 6:69; John 1:11).

The disciples then fully believed that Jesus would be their Great King, but Jesus knew He would be refused as the Messiah and King, and He began to explain. to the disciples what would be done to Him.

He said that He “must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

Peter did not think that the Lord would be so treated, or that He should say this. Yet that was also what the prophets had written: that the Holy One would, “be led as a lamb to the slaughter”; and “be stricken”, and “bare the sins of many” (Isa. 53).

He asked the people who were then listening, this question:

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

“What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Not to believe the Lord Jesus as the One to suffer for our sins, is to lose our soul, and the things gained while in this world would be over.

Only Christ could pay the price of a soul, as He had said, He came “to give His life a ransom.” Mark 10:45.

ML 03/19/1944

"Thou God Seest Me."

We can all understand the meaning of the picture. The little girl has been left alone, and thinking no one saw her, has made up her mind to help herself to the sweet, ripe grapes which hang so temptingly over the edge of the vase.

She looks as if she is saying to the parrot,

“Do you see me, Polly?”

Yes, the bird sees her, and there is Another who sees her too! God’s eye is upon us always, and He sees all our actions, hears all our words, and knows all our thoughts.

Perhaps some one had taught the parrot to say the words, “I see you,” and now they bring to the little girl’s mind the sin she is about to commit.

I hope she stopped in time and clambered down the chair, leaving the grapes untouched, and thus was saved from being a thief; what a good thing it was that the parrot should remind the little girl of the naughty thing she was going to do in time to prevent it.

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

ML 03/26/1944

Lottie's Song

Lottie first came to my Sunday afternoon class when she was four years old. Even then, the chubby, fair-haired child sat eagerly listening to the simple, heart-winning story of Jesus and His love. Why should we doubt its power to win the young tender heart, even at so early an age as Lottie’s then was? I am certain that it was at one of these first afternoon “talks” about Jesus dying on the Cross for sinners, that the dear child was really saved, for the new life was manifest, and we could not help seeing it. She was exceedingly fond of the hymns, and her favorite was—

“Shall we gather at the river

Where bright angel feet have trod,

With its crystal tide forever,

Flowing by the throne of God?”

Her clear, sweet voice could be heard above all the rest when we reached the chorus,

“Yes, we’ll gather at the river,

The beautiful, beautiful river,

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.”

One afternoon I missed Lottie, and, on making inquiry, I learned that she was ill and in bed. I hastened to see my little scholar, and found her tossing in a fever. Lottie’s home was not a palace; only a small room up a long, dark stair, where the light of the sun scarcely shone. Her father was a laborer at the dock, and her mother in order to help to support herself and Lottie, took in sewing. I fear her father spent most of his spare hours, and his money as well, in the saloon. When he came home in the evening, and found Lottie lying ill in bed, he was very much alarmed, and, no doubt, a good deal ashamed at being so neglectful of his little girl.

When Lottie saw her father looking so dejected and miserable, she smiled and said,

“Come, daddy,” stretching out her arms to embrace him. He kissed her, and a big tear fell on her cheek.

“Do not cry, daddy,” whispered Lottie, “I am going to the happy land to Jesus’ country. Jesus is so good and kind, He will be waiting for me. Mamma’s coming, and I wish you would come too, daddy.”

This was more than the miserable man could bear. He covered his face with his hands and sobbed aloud. His sins against God, his neglect of his wife and child, pierced him like arrows, and that word from the lips of his sick, and apparently dying child, was God’s message to his hardened heart. It woke the first sense of sin and shame, and the Spirit deepened it into real conviction of sin before God. He sat by Lottie’s bedside all that night, watching, while her mother got a little needed rest. Lottie opened her eyes and saw him, and seemed so delighted.

“Sing to me my own hymn, daddy,

‘Shall we gather at the river’?”

said the dear child, who had now got the turn of the fever, and seemed greatly relieved. Twice he tried to fulfill her request, but his voice faltered. Well did he know that, as he was a sinner unsaved, he could not

“Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God.”

Lottie recovered, and her first outing was to her class. That same evening, she entered the little hall, leading her father by the hand, to hear the Gospel, and God used His Own Word to set the captive free. Lottie’s father received Jesus as his Saviour, and confessed Him as his Lord, and in his own sphere, he lived for Christ.

“The Lord... is long suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 1 Peter 3:9.

ML 03/26/1944

The Cleansing Blood

A poor man on the coast of Malabar, India, had inquired how he might atone for his sins. He was directed to drive iron spikes sufficiently blunted through his sandals; to place his naked feet on these spikes and walk 480 miles. If through loss of blood and fatigue, he was obliged to halt, he might wait for healing and strength.

He undertook the journey, and while weary and footsore, and resting under a shady tree, he heard a missionary preaching that the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth from all sin. The man rose up, threw off his torturing sandals and exclaimed, “This is what I want!”

This is what we all want. Salvation is not obtained by doing pence, nor by any of our works.

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

“If it be of works, then it is no more grace.” Romans 11:6.

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

ML 03/26/1944

Giving of Thanks

Many of our readers, from their early days, have been taught to give thanks to the Lord for everything they receive, and how good it is to know while we are young that God is the One who gives us all things. We know that we brought nothing into this world, and that we carry nothing out of it, so it is evident that God has given us all things. Our place is, according to His Word, to be

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.

So, whether it is little or much, it becomes us all to give thanks to God.

There is one gift God has given us above all else, and that is His only begotten Son. He gave Him as a Saviour for us. Have you ever thanked God for such a Saviour?

He is the only and competent Saviour, and the One who saves to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. So we can truly say, God has done great things for us, and we should ever give Him praise and thanks for all things, but above all for His unspeakable gift, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 03/26/1944

The Love of Jesus

His heart is full of kindness,

Sweet words He hath to tell;

Come listen to Him, children,

For He loves children well;

And many to Him gather,

From every clime and land;

Come, welcome, happy children,

And join the holy band.

He on the cross once suffer’d;

Nails pierced His hands and feet;

But all His pain and sorrow

Make us for heaven meet.

His blood our sin-stain cleanses,

And takes our guilt away:

Come, welcome, happy children,

For Jesus says you may.

ML 03/26/1944

Glory on the Mountain

Mark 9:1-13

The disciples and others saw the Lord Jesus go about the land as a poor man, without a home of His own, or honors, or riches, despised by many, but doing good to all. He told the disciples that He would be even more despised, and that He would suffer death. But also He told them that there would be a time of glory, and that some of them should see Him with glory; that soon came true.

A few days later He took three of the disciples with Him up a high mountain in the land north of the sea of Galilee. This is thought to be Mt. Hermon, a high mountain there. On the mountain the three disciples saw the Lord Jesus, not as the humble man they had known, but with His appeance changed, and with the brightest glory about Him. This is what was written of that time:

“He (Jesus) was transfigured (changed) before them. And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them.”

The disciples were filled with wonder to see Jesus with such glory, and also, because Moses and Elias (Elijah), who had lived hundreds of years before, appeared there and talked with Him. It seems to have been given to the disciples to know who they were, and as they thought of them in honor, Peter said three dwellings should be built on the mouain, dne for the Lord Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elias. Then at once a bright cloud came from Heaven (Matt. 17:5), and a voice said:

“This is My beloved Son, hear Him.”

After that, when the disciples looked about, Moses and Elias were gone.

“They saw no man, save Jesus only.”

The voice taught them that it was the Lord Jesus, whom they were to honor, and whose words they were to listen to, that He was above all others, no matter how great.

Although Jesus was so honored by God the Father, He came down the mountain to work as a servant for God awhile longer, teaching and heang the people. It was not yet the time for His glory to be seen by all; He must first suffer for sins.

It seems this glory on the mountain was shown to comfort the disciples when He would be taken from them, and make them more certain of His glory, to tell others of Him. To see Moses and Elias must have assured them that those who had believed God, yet lived, though gone from earth and unseen by all here.

Two of the disciples wrote of that glory; one said,

“We were eyewitnesses of His majesty,” and called the mountain “a holy mount” because of the glory shown there (Peter 1:17,18).

The other disciple wrote,

“We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.” John 1:14.

ML 03/26/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But the men.” etc. Matt.8:27

2.“Blessed are the.” etc. 5:9

3.“But he answered. etc 4:4

4.“But seek ye.” etc. 6:33

5.“But when he saw.” ect. 3:7

6.“Enter ye in.” etc. 7:13

7.“Follow me.” 9:9

Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “Be not afraid, only believe.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “Done all things well.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “Heaven and earth shall pass away.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Who can forgive sins?”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “A ransom for many.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “When they had crucified him.”

7. How much did the poor widow cast into the treasury?

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The forerunner of Christ. Matthew 3:3

2.A tax gatherer who became a follower of Christ. Matthew 9:9.

3.“God with us.” Matthew 1:23.

4.King of Judea in the days of our Lora’s birth. Matthew 2:1.

5.The father of James and John. Matthew 4:21.

6.A Galilean fisherman whom Jesus choss a disciple. Matthew 4:18.

7.The husband of our Lord’s mother. Matthew 1:18-19.

Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1.Who was Joses?

2.Who was Salome?

3.Who was Joseph of Arimathaea?

4.Who was Simon the Cyrenian?

5.Who was Barabbas?

6.Who were Legion?

7.Who were Simon and Andrew?

ML 04/02/1944

Be Thankful

A lady once went up to a man at a railway station, who had a beautiful dog with him; she knew that he was not spending his life for God, but wasting it on himself, and in the service of the devil. She began to fondle the dog, saying,

“What a beautiful dog you have here.”

“Yes,” said the man gruffly; “but take care he don’t bite you. He is not fond of strangers.”

“O, he won’t bite me. Dogs know who are fond of them; no doubt you are fond of him?”

“Yes, I am!”

“Do you feed your dog?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“House him?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Does your dog obey your word of command?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And you would be disappointed if he did not love and obey you?”

“Yes, I should.” Then looking proudly at his dog, “But Rover does love his master;” and he patted his dog’s head as it looked up trustfully into his face.

“Would you be grieved if he followed a stranger?”

“Yes,” he replied, rather impatient at so many questions.

“Ah,” said she, in a sad, reproachful tone, “what a lesson that dog teaches you! God has fed you, housed you, cared for you, loved you these many years—but you do not love or obey Him. He so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you, and yet you have never loved Him in return.

You follow a stranger. Satan is your chosen master. The dog knows its owner, and you do not know yours.”

Truly it may be said “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know; My people doth not consider.” Isaiah 1:3.

She looked sadly, yet kindly, at him as she spoke these words. His eyes filled with tears. He fixed them on his dog, and in a choking voice said,

“Ah, Rover, Rover, you have taught your master a lesson. I have been an ungrateful sinner, but by God’s help I’ll be so no longer.” That evening he was found for the first time in the prayer meeting, crying,

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” and soon he was rejoicing in the knowledge of the forgiveness of his sins through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear young reader have you ever said,

“Thank you” to God for all the blesngs He allows you to enjoy? Are you really thankful to God for all His goodness to you? Then how will you show it? By doing what is pleasing to Him.

“And what is that,” you ask.

Accept Him as your Lord and Saour, and seek to please Him.

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

“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.” Ephesians 5:1,2.

ML 04/02/1944

The Sweetest Name

I asked a little darling child,

“Which is the sweetest name?”

And from her lips without a pause,

The accents “Jesus” came.

“And do you know,” continued I,

“One who that name doth own?”

“I do, I do!” she sweetly said,

“He sits on heaven’s bright throne.”

“And why does He, my precious child

The name of Jesus bear?”

A smile at once lit up her face,

So pleasing and so fair:

“He bears that name,” her answer was

“Because He shed His blood

To save the wretched and the lost,

And bring them nigh to God.”

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus: For He shall save his people from their sins.” Matt: 1:21.

ML 04/02/1944

Wonders in Nature

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

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

But you must know God in a nearer and dearer way than just as your Creator. You must know Him as your

must accept His most wonderful Gift — His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your personal Saviour, or you will not, you cannot be happy.

“Were the vast world our own,

With all its varied store,

And Thou, Lord Jesus, wert unknown,

We still were poor.”

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

ML 04/02/1944

A Boy's Sad Condition

Mark 9:14-50

In the land north of Galilee the people refused to honor God many, many years, although they knew His care and power. One king placed a gold calf for them to worship (2 Kings 12:31). They followed the way of Satan until even children suffered by wicked spirits.

When Jesus came to Caesarea, in that land, there was one poor boy dreadfully troubled by a wicked spirit, which caused hint to be deaf and dumb, and to hurt himself, even to fall into fire. His father heard of Jesus and brought his son to see if Jesus could help him. But Jesus was then up on the mountain, and the disciples could not help so dreadful a case.

When Jesus came down from the mount, the man begged Him to help, he said

“If Thou canst do anything... help us.”

This man did not know that Jesus was the Lord, and that there was no case too hard for Him to cure, or he would not have said “if.” Jesus ‘told the father to believe, and commanded the evil spirit to leave the boy, and not return, and the boy was freed. This story shows how awful is the power of Satan, who has no kindness for any, and would even harm children. How different from the Lord Jesus, who did good to all, and was tender and kind to children. He came to earth to break the power of Satan, as was promised (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14).

But sin and Satan still cause the suffering of war; and all other evils. Jesus spoke plainly of the end of sin. He spoke of the hand, or the foot, or the eye “offending,” the word offend has the meaning, to sin against God. A person’s hand may take what is wrong, his foot go to wrong, or his eye see evil: unless the sins are stopped, “cut off,” the whole body is soon in sin, and the end is a place of suffering named, Hell.

The Lord spoke of the suffering of hell as “fire,” which causes the most severe suffering we know. But fire here can be put out, but Jesus said that “fire” is not “quenched” (put out); the sorrow there will not end.

This lesson of Jesus’ is the saddest of all, and some think there is no place of punishment. But He spoke plainly and repeated the words, “the fire is not quenched” several times, so we must believe Him. At another time He said the place of suffering was prepared, not for people, but for Satan, and the wicked (Matt. 25:41). And this lesson shows that those who always want to follow, Satan’s ways, must share that place of suffering.

But let us remember that Jesus Himself died to bear the punishment for sins for all who believe Him. He now urges, by His Holy Spirit, men, women, boys and girls, to let Him save them.

Jesus said His people were to be “salted,” kept for Him, by “fire,” (judgment), that He bore on the cross. He also said they should “have salt in themselves.” To keep right in themselves, for Him, they must judge their sins; to judge, means to decide against our sins, which we should all do, in our hearts and minds each day.

ML 04/02/1944

Watching Baby Sister

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

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

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

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

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for ever more.” Psalms 113:2.

ML 04/09/1944

There Is a Happy Land

Far from the smoke and grime of the city, with its tall chimneys, and constant whirl of machinery, we took our journey on a bright summer morning to the shores of Lake G. The sail down the river, along the coast, was very calm and full of interest. Then we took the steamer, and entering the calm waters of the lake, we sailed along by the finely-wooded shores, where we were to be for a month.

There were no lack of pleasures around the shores of. G. where we gathered wild flowers and played, the long summer day, watching the steamers as they came in and departed; the fishing boats with the fishermen bringing their baskets of shining fish; and the row boats bringing the people from various places to do their shopping, and return home with their purchases. It was a truly delightful holiday, and the days sped quickly by.

We missed our Sunday school as at home, but after the second Sunday of our stay, a pleasant surprise was sprung upon us. On the lovely Lord’s Day evening, as we walked out along one of the roads, we heard the sound of singing coming from some where near, and as we came along the shore, there came into view a large circle of children of various ages, seated on a grassy bank under the shadow of a long row of trees, singing the well-known hymn we often sing in our Sunday school.

“There is a happy land,

Not far away;

Where saints in glory stand,

Bright, bright as day.”

We joined in singing the hymn, an when it was finished, we learned that a band of young students, who were at the same place on their holidays, had been conducting services, specially for young people, on the shore, on Sunday evenings, and this was the last day for them.

After the hymn was sung, one of the students said, no doubt, some there would like to know the story of that hymn, and who its author was. His name was Andrew Young, while on a brief holiday, heard an Italian lady sing a sweet song of her native country. It began,

“I’ve come from a happy land, Where care is unknown.”

Mr. Young composed this hymn, that we know so well, and had it included in their Sunday School Hymn Book, and which was sung that Sunday evening on the shore, the first line of which is, “There is a happy land,”

It was that hymn that first turned my thoughts to the Saviour, when I was nine years old, and the G. shore will always be to me a happy memory, for there I made my choice for Christ, by whose death I am saved.

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

We wonder how many of our dear friends will be Forever in that Happy Home with the Lord Jesus Christ? We must first know Him here and now as our Saviour, that He bore the dreadful judgment of God which we deserved for our sins, shed His blood to wash them. away before God, that He died for our sins, and He is now in the glory, waiting for us to accept Him as our Saviour, and will, when He comes for His own dear ones, take us Home to Himself into His Happy Home. O, dear children, do not be left outside when He comes, and He may come today.

“Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.”

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage; and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:13,10.

ML 04/09/1944

Speak the Truth

A friend of mine was telling me about a girl who did not speak the truth and who was not honest. She went to different houses to work for people and did not hesitate to steal things whenever she had an opportunity. Often, too, she told things that were not true. She was what some of you would call a story teller. God calls such people liars, for what is not true is a lie.

Soon the women for whom this girl worked, found out how bad she was. They could not depend on her word or trust her. Finally they stopped getting her to help them.

It is a very unhappy thing for one to lose the confidence of his friends and neighbors and to feel that he cannot be trusted.

How much better it is to speak the truth always, and to be honest and faithful wherever we are—both when alone and when with others. Then our friends and those for whom we work will trust us at all times and in all places. It is the faithful honest boys and girls whose masters promote them to higher and more responsible positions.

But while it is good to have man’s approval of our conduct, it is still better to have God’s aproval. Do you know what God thinks about lying?

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

How glad we ought to be to have the Lord delight in us, and He will, if we speak the truth and do not deceive.

But God hates lies so much that He says, “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” Revelation 21:8.

What a terrible thing it would be to spend eternity in such a place!

Ask God to help you at all times to speak only the truth. Without His help we are sure to fail and do many things that displease Him. He is willing to help and can preserve us from evil as well as from danger.

“Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalms 120:2.

ML 04/09/1944

"Behold, I Come Quickly"

Soon shall the Saviour descend to the air,

Calling His own with a shout to Him there;

Then shall the sleeping and living arise—

Millions upspringing to Him in the skies.

There shall they see Him, who here shed His blood,

Saviour of sinners, the Sent one of God;

Him in His beauty, they then shall behold,

Love who hath proved such as ne’er can be told.

O, what delight! Him to see in His home,

Never from Him for a moment to roam;

Tasting of pleasures which never can cloy,

Filled to o’erflowing with heavenly joy!

Praises are pleasant when sounded on earth,

Jesus the subject, His work and His worth.

What will they be when the Lord, in His love

Sings in the midst of the ransomed above?

Say, shall we all who are singing this song

Worship on high with the heavenly throng?

Yes, we shall all who believe in the heart,

Have in the anthems of heaven a part.

O, ‘twill be joyful the Saviour to see,

Like Him, and with Him, forever to be!

ML 04/09/1944

Love for Little Children

Mark 10:1-16

Jesus, with the disciples, left Galilee to go to Jerusalem, a journey of sixty miles, or more. The people in the towns on the way, had before heard of Jesus, or had seen Him, and very many came to Him to have some question explained. He answered all carefully and taught them.

At one place little children were brought for Him to bless them, which meant to speak words of peace and promises of good. The disciples thought the people should not trouble Jesus with the little ones, and were sending them away. But Jesus saw them and said for them to let them come to Him. He took those little children in His arms, put His hands on their heads and spoke words of blessing to them.

The Lord was not too busy to have time for the little children and show His tender love. The disciples should have known to be kind to those little ones, and known that Jesus would want to bless them, because, before they left Galilee, He told them to receive children in His name, or, as He would. He had then lifted a little child and set it where they could all see, showing them there were none too young or too humble for Him to receive.

He also told how great a sin it is for any one to “offend,” sin against, a child who believes in Him. No doubt the greatest wrong to be done to children is to keep them from learning of the Lord, or to tell them His words are not true (Mark 9:36,37,42).

Jesus said that anyone who would be in His holy kingdom, must be as a little child. How can a grown person be like a child? You know a tiny child believes right away whatever it is told, and trusts; if it is offered a gift, it holds out its hand to receive it.

So to have a place with the Lord Jesus people must believe His words just as simply and honestly as a little child, and accept His love and care. If we are too proud to believe God’s words, and think we can come our own way to Him, we cannot be saved, or learn more of Him.

We know from Jesus’ words that He loves all children, and wants them told of His love. It was for them as much as for grown people that He made that last journey to the city where He died to save them from the punishment of sins.

If you have a little brother or sister, tell it of Jesus, who now in Heaven, sees and loves it. You will find hon simply it will trust Him. Sometimes older ones tell what is not true to little ones; when the little ones see that, thee do not trust them, but they can always trust the Lord Jesus.

In one of the answers of Jesus on this journey (Mark 10:6), He spoke of “the beginning of the creation” when “God made” the first man and woman, giving this fact the same as was written in the first book of Bible (Genesis). These words of Jesus prove that the account of Genesis is true. Those who say that man began by chance, or by a gradual growth of cells, or some other way, not as written there, speak falsely. They have not believed God’s words as little children.

ML 04/09/1944

Kindness

I wonder who owns these animals? It must be some very kind man for they seem to be eagerly waiting in a group for him.

The big dog is holding the whip in his mouth, so his master is surely about ready to start on a drive. How interesting it is to see the dogs so anxious to be with their owner; they would not care to be near him if he were unkind to them. We read in the Scriptures,

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.” Proverbs 12:10. How can a Christian man or woman, boy or girl, be unkind to any person, or any of God’s creatures, when they realize each day how much God is doing for them?

Let us think often of Jesus and His grace to us in forgiving our sins.

“O THAT MEN WOULD PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS, AND FOR HIS WONDERFUL WORKS TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN! Psalms 107:8.

ML 04/16/1944

Little Freddy

Feddy was only a little errand boy, and lived down a back street in a big smoky town. Every Saturday night his master handed him his week’s earnings, which Freddy pocketed with a glad,

“Thank you, sir,” and was off like the wind, whistling the last new popular air. Arriving home he would give his aunt, for he had no mother, the greater part of his small earnings, reserving for himself 15 cents only. I want to tell you what he always kept that 15 cents for.

Once, after leaving work, poor Freddy’s eyes chanced to rest upon a large flaring bill posted on a wall—this was to inform the public that a certain play was being performed at the theater near by, and to the theater he went. So fascinating did it prove to him that from that night the little boy became a regular spectator, taking his place with a host of other boys in the remotest gallery, where he helped by whistling and clapping to swell the applause of a noisy and delighted audience, but you will see how good God was to this little boy.

One night he chanced to see a crowd gathered together in a side street, just off the main thoroughfare.

With a boy’s natural love of anything like a “row,” Freddy set off to inquire into the matter. However, it was no “row” at all, only a number of men and women pushing into an open door, from whence sounds of music were proceeding. It was nice music, too, and Freddy went in with the rest and sat down on one of the benches, which were being fast filled up by the stream of people who continued to pour in at the door. Soon the music ceased and there was silence, then a young man got up and spoke from a platform at the end of the hall. Freddy was so busy looking about that he didn’t pay much attention to what was being said; presently however, these words.

“Where will you spend eternity?” rang through his ears.

Looking up he caught the preacher’s eyes fixed upon him. Perhaps it was uninitentional on the part of the young man, but the words cut home to the little boy’s heart. He scarcely heard anything more, only these words sounded again and again, “Where will you spend eternity?”

Eternity! O! what a great dreary word it seemed! He slipped out of the hall, but had scarcely got beyond the door, when he turned back and reentered. The preaching was over, and the young minister had left the platform, and was going from seat to seat asking men and women to yield to the entreaties of God, and accept the pardon of their sins, that He was willing and ready to give. Freddy wondered if he would speak to him, and his heart beat fast and loud when a firm strong hand was laid upon his shoulder, and voice whispered,

“Do you love Jesus?” A low sob and a sorrowful,

“No,” was the answer—and then for an instant came the thought of the brilliantly lighted stage, the dazzling dress and the gay music. What of these? They would have to go; but O! that dreadful word “Eternity” silenced and put to flight all that had before seemed so enviable and so delightful.

In a very few words, the young man told him the sweet story of Jesus’ love, showing him how his sins had separated him from God, but that Christ had stepped in, and had borne the punishment of them, that he might go free. It was so beautifully simple to this little boy, that he joyfully and thankfully received it into his heart (O! I wish every one would do the same, instead of questioning and doubting God’s power to save), and went out of the doors with the consciousness that he had been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Freddy is a bright witness for Jesus, and winning others to the Master he has learned to love.

“Where will you spend eternity?” God used to bring that soul to Himself.

Dear boys and girls, where will your eternity be spent? It will either be with Jesus in everlasting joy; or with Satan in an eternity of remorse, and shame, and anguish, God wants you, He waits for you; He shows you Jesus who bore the judent of sin on Calvary—with you the choice rests—God is a God of love, but His Spirit will not always strive with you.

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

ML 04/16/1944

My Precious Bible

While in the house of a friend, I went one day to my room and found the baby of the house playing with my Bible. I quite startled the little fellow by exclaiming,

“O Andrew! give it to me, my precious Bible!”

He handed it to me at once, for he knew that he ought not to have it, and later on he begged of his mother an old coverless book which he showed to me, saying triumphantly, “

See my precious Bible.”

I hope as he grows older that Andrew will find the Bible a precious book indeed. It is my earnest prayer for all my young friends that they may believe its precious truths, trust in the Saviour revealed there, and be faithful to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, sent by God to teach us all things.

We read much in the 119th Psalm of the Word of God, and what it was to the writer. We are told in the New Testament of the life, death and resuection of the Saviour Jesus.

Will you not add to your prayers this petition, that you may always love and honor God’s Word?

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

"Who Went About Doing Good." Acts 10; 38.

Jesus who lived above the sky,

Came down to be a Man and die;

And in the Bible we may see

How very good He used to be.

He went about—He was so kind—

To cure poor people who were blind;

And many who were sick and lame,

He pitied them, and did the same.

And more than that, He told them too

The things that God would have them do;

And was so gentle and so mild,

He would have listened to a child.

But such a cruel death He died;

He was hung up and crucified!

And those kind hands that did such good,

They nailed them to a cross of wood!

And so He died: and this is why

He came to be a Man and die:

The Bible says He came from heaven

That we might have our sins forgiven.

He knew how wicked man had been,

And knew that God must punish sin;

So, out of pity, Jesus said

He’d bear the punishment instead.

ML 04/16/1944

A Rich Young Man

Mark 10:17-31

As Jesus was leaving a city on His way to Jerusalem, a young man came running to ask Him a question. This man was a leader, or ruler, of the people, and no doubt had heard of Jesus and His miracles which could be done only by the power of God. Yet he did not speak to Jesus as One from Heaven, only as “good Master,” meaning Teacher. He knelt down, but that seemed in honor of a teacher, not worship to the Lord.

His question was, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” All life on earth has an end, but eternal life has no end; such a life for God’s people was written of in the scriptures, which the man knew, as Psalms 16:11; Psalms 23:6; Daniel 12:2. But it must be given by God; the Eternal One (Deut. 33:27).

The young man thought he could do something to obtain that life, and Jesus spoke to him of the laws God had given that people to do. The man said he had kept all those laws from his youth.

Jesus knew the man had not perfectly kept all God’s words, which said to give God the first place and to do for his neighbor as for himself. The man was very rich and there were many poor among his people, and Jesus told him to sell what he owned and give to the poor, and promised him treasure in Heaven, and invited him to follow Him.

But this man did not care as much to have treasure in Heaven, as he did to have his treasures on earth, and He did not value the invitation to follow Jesus, wonderful as it was, because He was the Son of God.

Jesus loved the young man, but he did not love Jesus, and went back to his riches instead of going with Jesus. But his riches could not make him happy, he went away sad. He had come running, and it is right to hurry to come to Jesus; but it seems he had not hurried to know Jesus, but fearing to miss something for himself.

Perhaps the man would have been willing to give some of his property to the poor, but he could not part with all, as Jesus said. The Lord Jesus lived as a poor man on earth, and the young ruler could have had the great honor to have given for His needs, as some others did (Luke 8:3).

When the man had gone away, Jesus said to the disciples,

“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Efforts have been made to refer “The eye of a needle” to a wicket gate, through which a camel can pass, by only with great difficulty, but the Lord speaks of it as something “impossible” except to God. Doubtless a common needle was alluded to.

The richest man cannot buy eternal life, nor carry his wealth into the holy kingdom of God. No man, rich or poor, can enter by anything He can do. All must come the way God made possible, by the work of His Son.

ML 04/16/1944

Blessings

Happy the children

With wreath and bouquet,

Off for a good time

This bright sunny day.

Somewhere they’re going

With hearts free from care,

Drinking in gladly

The health-giving air.

Dear little reader,

When you are among

Playmates and friends

And are having such fun,

Do you feel thankful

That God up above

Guards you and keeps you

With tenderest love?

Gives you so richly

All things to enjoy,

Something to gladden

Each girl and each boy?

Clothing and shelter

And good things to eat,

Playmates and playthings,

And sometimes a treat?

Thank Him, dear children,

For He gives you all,—

Even your marbles,

Your sled and your doll.

All of your treasures

And all you hold dear Jesus has given

For blessing and cheer.

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

ML 04/23/1944

Some One Knocking

One day, an old Scotch lady had been having an argument with her neighbors, and locked the door as she said,

“I’ll no’ have anything more to do with them, and they needno’ bother coming to see me again, for I’ll no’ let them in.”

A few hours later, a knock was heard at her door—

“Knock awa’” she whispered as she sat by the fire. Then as the knocking continued, she called out, “Knock awa’ till doomsday and I’ll no’ let ye in.”

The knocking ceased, and she heard footsteps going away.

“Aha” she said, “they’ll no’ bother me again for a while.”

But she didn’t smile the next day when she heard that it was Queen Victoria who had been at her door, and she never called at that cottage again.

There is Someone standing, and knocking at the door of your heart, and if you turn Him away, you will be sorry some day, as was the old Scotch lady.

He says, “Come unto Me” to every boy and girl, and He loves you all, and wants you to know, and love Him. He will make your heart whiter than snow, if you let Him in. Accept Him as your Saviour and walk with Him, and you will be happy for all time and for all eternity.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.

“There’s a stranger at the door;

Let Him In!

He has been there oft before;

Let Him In!

Let Him in ere He is gone;

Let Him in, the Holy One,

Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son;

Let Him in.”

ML 04/23/1944

Is Your Name written in Heaven?

What a strange question!” perhaps some boy or girl exclaims, as they read the above title. “I never thought about it. How can I tell that?”

But it is very important that you should know this, for we read about the judgment of the Great White Throne in Revelation 20, that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

It is a question that will affect you, for all eternity. There is no middle place, either it is the book of life or the lake of fire.

In Luke 10:20, we read of those tc whom it was said,

“Rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven,” and in Philippians 4:3,

“My fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.”

And you, too, may know now that your name is written there, if you receive the Lord Jesus as your Saviour.

“He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12.

I will tell you of a girl who came to know that her name was in the book of life. She had Christian parents, and went to Sunday school, and had heard how she could be saved, and thought she was all right. One day she was asked this question,

“Is your name written in heaven?” and she answered,

“I don’t know”; but after a little conversation, in which she was shown how important it was for her to know this, she became anxious to be saved.

Some verses were read to her from the Word of God, and among them, was,

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:4-5.

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

Our young friend rested her soul on these words of God, and went home that night rejoicing in the knowledge that she had eternal life, and that her name was written in heaven.

Now I do trust that all boys and girls who read this will ask themselves the question,

“Is my name written in the book of life?” and that they will not rest until they know that it is.

Do not think that you will try to be good, and that will make you all right. Your own goodness can never write your name there; but come to the Lord Jesus, who died that you might live, just as you are, and He will give you life, and all you need.

“The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6.23.

ML 04/23/1944

Are You Watching for the Lord to Come?

Do you love Him? I am sure some of my readers do, and such can be watching for Him to come. He has said to such,

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour,” Matthew 25:13.

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

“Behold I come quickly” Revelation 22:7, O, dear reader, are you ready to go when the Lord comes; or will you be one of those who will be left behind? The only way to be ready, is to accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, and then you will be one of His, and when He comes He will take you. If you are His, are you watching for Him to come?

“What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.” Mark 13.37.

ML 04/23/1944

Come or Don't Come

Luke 14, gives us “a great supper,” and a Divine invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.” All provided, and all invited.

Chapter 15, shows us the guest—the prodigal.

“He arose and came,” and all is forgiven, and all forgotten.

Chapter 16, unfolds the misery of a man, who, though invited, did not come. He goes to hell, and sends up a message, saying,

“Don’t come here!”

Earth, heaven and hell are in these three chapters.

Dear children, may you heed this solemn warning and come while the invitation is still going out. Soon the word will be for you,

“None of those which were bidden shall taste of My supper.”

Then it will be too late for you to accept of God’s invitation.

Jesus has died on the cross; the whole work of redemption has been accomplished, and all that is left for you is to accept God’s offer of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

“All things are ready,” Come,

Tomorrow may not be;

O children, come; the Saviour waits

This hour to welcome thee!

ML 04/23/1944

"Rise, He Calleth Thee"

Mark 10:46-52

This is the story of a poor blind beggar: he sat beside the highway near a city which Jesus passed through on His way to Jerusalem.

His name was Bartimaeus, which meant, “blind son,” so he must have been blind as a baby when named. He was very poor, or he would not have sat beside the road to beg.

This man seems to have heard before about Jesus, and the great things He did, and he believed Jesus could cure his blindness. He also believed that Jesus was the King to come from the family of King David, as promised in the scriptures. When he learned that Jesus was then passing along the highway, he began to call to Him, saying,

“Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”

There was a crowd on the, highway, and persons near the blind man tried to stop him calling. But Bartimaeus was so anxious to have his sight, and so sure Jesus could help him, that he called out even more.

Jesus heard his cries and stopped and said he should be brought to Him, Then the people near the blind man told him,

“Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee.”

The poor man did not wait to obey, he threw aside his cloak, to go more quickly, and came, or, was led to Jesus.

Jesus kindly asked what He could do for him. Jesus knew what the blind man needed, but it seemed He wanted people to tell Him their needs. When Bartimaeus heard the voice of Jesus, he knew this One to be King was the Lord, and he answered,

“Lord, that I might receive my sight.”

Jesus caused him to see and told him that he could go his way. But the man did not go his own way; he followed Jesus on His way to Jerusalem.

We need the mercy of the Lord, His pity and power, as much as the poor, blind man: he could not give himself sight; we cannot save our souls from sin. There were some things the blind man could do: he called, he rose, and came to Jesus, he asked for mercy, and confessed Jesus to be his Lord.

We must do the same; must call, or want His mercy, must rise and “come” to Him (believe His call), and confess Him our Lord, the One with all power and right over us.

You may think that he has not called you to come, but the last chapter of the Bible gives His call to everyone: it is

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of Life freely.” Revelation 22:17.

“Rise, He calleth you.”

No more was told of Bartimaeus, but when he went on with Jesus, he would learn that Jesus was refused as King. Jesus again told the disciples He would be King, but first would be cruelly treated. So they were afraid to go on, but “Jesus went before,” and they followed Him (vs. 32). He kept on as the obedient, holy Servant for God, all the time doing good to the people. He wanted the disciples to do good and serve one another, and said,

“Even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (serve), and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.

ML 04/23/1944

Happy Childhood

What can these eight little girls be doing? It seems they have come with flowers to present them to someone, and they have brought along their little pet, lamb and kittie, too. There is no expression of care on their faces; some seem thoughtful as to how their friend will accept the flowers: others anticipate their friend’s delight: others occupied with the whole appearance.

We wonder how many of these dear girls know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. He gives eternal life to all who believe on Him, and know that He died for them on the cross.

It is only saved people, young and old, who have a right to be happy.

The Lord Jesus is coming again very soon, and He will call all of those who love Him, and take them to be with Himself, and change their bodies to be like His own body of glory.

Are you one whom He will taken up to meet Him in the air? (1 Thess. 4:16,17).

If you are His, He will take you when He comes, but if you are not one of His, if you have not believed in Him, you will be left behind for judgment.

He says now, “Come unto Me.”

In the coming day He will say, “Depart from Me,” to those who would not come to Him now.

After He comes and takes away His own, those who are left behind will call, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” then He will have to say to them, “I never knew you: depart from Me.”

The word to His own is.

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

ML 04/30/1944

A Little Sunbeam

We missed little Maggie from her usual seat in our Sunday school, and wondered what had become of her. The kind superintendent asked me to go and see the child; and fearing she was ill, he added,

“Take her this bottle of jelly, with my love.”

Maggie’s home was a dark little cellar, under a small grocery store. The daylight found its way into the cellar indeed, but never did the sun’s bright rays peep and play between the iron bars of poor Maggie’s window.

I found the little girl lying upon a heap of dirty rags—the only bed in the room; and upon seeing me, she raised herself, and looking towards her mother, exclaimed,

“That’s one of the teachers of the school, what talks to us and tells us about Jesus.”

“Maggie, dear,” said I, “Mr. James sent me to see you, and gives you this nice jelly, with his love.”

“O! ain’t he kind, mother?” cried the child, looking very delighted.

“And why is he kind to you?”

“’Cause, perhaps, I am very ill,” said Maggie.

“That is one reason, dear, but not the first. He is kind to you, because he loves the Lord Jesus. Mr. James looks over the names of the children in his school, like a shepherd looking upon his flock, and he wants them all to be the lambs of the Good Shepherd. Now, Maggie, tell me the truth, do you indeed love the Lord Jesus?”

“Yes, I do love Jesus,” she said.

“But why? You have never seen Him. How can you love one you have never seen?”

“In the Bible it says, Jesus loved me and died for me, long, long ago, before I was born.” Then looking round upon her mother, she said, “Mother, Jesus died on the cross for me.”

Before leaving I sang that pretty hymn—

“Jesus loves me! this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me! loves me still,

Though I’m very weak and ill;

From His shining throne on high

Comes to watch me where I lie.”

I then knelt down and commended the sick child to God’s care. Poor little Maggie was suffering from a sad pain, brought on from running about in the wet, barefooted and very thinly clothed.

My next visit found little Maggie much better, and, notwithstanding all the wretched surroundings of her poor home, looking quite bright and cheerful.

Her mother said the child was always praying or singing hymns, and, indeed, the love of Christ in poor little Maie’s heart was a brighter sunbeam in the dark, dirty cellar than those which lighten up the grandest rooms of most beautiful homes of those who do not know Him as their Lord and Saviour.

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent” John 17:3.

ML 04/30/1944

"I Beheld the Lamb of God"

A dear little girl in the Sunday school was converted only a few months ago, just while one of the teachers was giving a five minutes’ address at the close of the lesson, from the precious text,

“Behold the Lamb of God.”

I saw Nellie’s face beamed with a new joy, and asked,

“Are you saved, Nellie?”

“Yes,” she said, “six weeks ago.” “How was that?” I asked.

“I beheld the Lamb of God, dying for me upon the Cross. I believed He took my sins away by His death, and I have been peaceful and happy ever since.”

So little Nellie might be. So will you if you,

“Behold the Lamb.” John 1:36.

ML 04/30/1944

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord

oung daughter were in dire circumstances and were cast entirely upon the Lord for their needs.

There came a day when they were without food or money, so they both knelt before the Throne of Grace and cast their burden upon the Lord. When they arose from their knees, they felt led to search the house to see if they could find a few coins.

The father thought of an old trunk in the attic and immediately went to it. In it he found a very old purse, but it was empty. He went downstairs to look further, but felt compelled to go back to the purse in the trunk. When he did, he tore the lining from the purse, and there, underneath, found enough money to buy food for them.

We can all imagine the joy and happiness shared by the father and his daughter that day.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55:22.

ML 04/30/1944

Bertie's Prize

From school, with merry ringing shout,

Our Bertie bounded in—

“Look, mother, look, I am so glad

This handsome prize to win.

“For early I at school have been,

Each Sunday through the year—

Had marks for lessons, conduct too,

I knew I need not fear.

“But I’ve been thinking, mother dear,

Of what my teacher said;

He looked at me so lovingly,

His hand laid on my head.

“ ‘Bertie,’ he said, ‘we’re glad to give

The prize you’ve earn’d so well;

But list to me a moment, for

I have good news to tell.

“ ‘I have a Friend who loveth, more

Than earthly friends can love;

He tells me I shall share His home

Of glory bright above.

“‘My Saviour is the Friend I mean,

His love is full and free;

He tells me in His blessed word,

A prize He’ll give to me.

“ ‘He bought it me and paid the price,

When His own life He gave,

To make atonement for my sin,

My priceless soul to save.

“‘And gladly from His hand I’ll take,

His gift of love to me,

And praise His name and join the song

Of those His death set free.’

“Mother, I know I’ve trusted now

My teacher’s changeless Friend,

The glad new song I’ve learned to sing,

Of love that ne’er will end.”

ML 04/30/1944

The Ride of the King

Mark 11:1-12

When the Lord Jesus and the disciples came to the end of their journey, Jerusalem, a very special event took place: Jesus rode into the city and up its streets, to offer Himself as the Great and Holy King for Israel, promised by God (Zech. 9:9).

Most kings in those times rode on horses, or with horses and chariots, but the kings of Israel, when crowned, rode on asses or mules. These are not swift as horses, but patient, sure footed and safe. A horse was used for battle, an ass for work and to carry loads. The king of Israel was to come peacefully, not as for battle, nor as a conqueror over the people, but to help them. He was chosen by God, and meant to rule for God (1 Kings 1:32-39).

That was the reason Jesus, as rightful King, chosen by God, rode on an ass into the city where the kings had lived and ruled. Jesus and the men with Him had no doubt walked from Galilee, and He had no animal to ride: one had to be borrowed. Jesus knew where to send the disciples to get one, and they were to tell the owner, that the Lord had need of it.

The animal is spoken of as a colt, perhaps we would have called it a donkey: it must not have been very little, but was young, and had never been ridden on. Usually a young animal not trained to be ridden, would not let a stranger on it. But that colt let the men place the garments on its back, and let Jesus ride into the city and up the streets and must have gone obediently, showing Jesus had power over, the animal, the same as fish and the wind and sea obeyed His will.

This ride was made a few days before the feast of the Passover, when people of Israel came to Jerusalem from all countries to keep the feast. So there were many to see Jesus as HE rode through the city. Many had come from Galilee and towns along the way, who had seen the wonderful cures of the sick, blind, and lame, and other great miracles; some had been raised from death.

No other could do as He did, or had such wisdom, and the people wanted to honor Him: some spread their cloaks along His way, others cut branches from trees, probably, palm branches, much used to welcome great heroes. They were under the Roman nation, with no king of their own, and would have gladly made Jesus King. They sang from the psalms,

“Hosanna,” which’ meant, “Save, we beseech Thee.” And,

“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Psalms 118:25,26.

This was true of the Lord Jesus: He came in the Name of God, His Father, not by His own authority. When He came to the Temple, the leaders there should have crowned Him the Great King, chosen by God. But they did not, nor welcome Him, nor give Him a place to stay the night. Mark wrote, “Jesus entered into the Temple: and when He had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, He went out unto Bethany,” (a village near).

ML 04/30/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And Simon Peter.”etc. Matt. 16:16

2.“And great multitudes,” etc. 15:30

3.“But I say,” etc. 12:36

4.“Come unto me,” etc. 11:28

5.“And when they,” etc. 17:8

6.“Fear them not,” etc. 10:26

7.“That which was lost.” 18:11

Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke chapters 1-12

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “Gain the whole world.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “I am a sinful man.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “Believe and be saved.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Because there was no room.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “My spirit hath rejoiced.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “Consider the ravens.”

7.What did Mary do while she sat at Jesus’ feet?

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Simon Peter, son of Jonas. Matthew 16:17.

2.Herod’s sister-in-law. Matthew 14:3.

3.One of our Lord’s brothers. Matthew 13:55.

4.The prince of the devils. Matthew 12:24.

5.Jonah, who was swallowed by the whale. Matthew 12:40.

6.One of the twelve disciples, and the brayer of our Lord. Matthew 10:4.

7.The tetrarch who beheaded John Baptist. Matthew 14:1-10.

Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke chapters 1-12

1. Who was Jonas?

2. Who was Abel?

3.Who was Elias?

4.Who was Jairus?

5.Who was Simon the Pharisee?

6.Who was Zelotes?

7.Who was Lysanias?

ML 05/07/1944

A Brave Boy

After a heavy rain, the water rushed down the hillside one morning, encircling our school, and flooding the road for a half a mile. Some of the smaller children had to be-carried to school by their parents, and others took off their shoes and stockings to wade.

One of the tiny girls fell into the water, and a great call arose that slit would be drowned. A brave bov threw down his books, and wading into the deep water, lifted the little girl, taking her in his arms to the school door. We all cheered him, and the next week he was presented with a watch.

Who do you think gave him the watch? The little girl, whose life he had saved.

So the Lord Jesus went down into the waters of death for us, by dying oh the cross that we might be saved from an eternal hell, of suffering and woe, to be with Him forever in His glory above.

All who trust themselves to Him as their Saviour, will want to give Him, not a present like a watch, but give their own selves to serve and please Him day by day, for all His great love to them.

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

“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, Which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20.

ML 05/07/1944

"God Sees Me"

There was once a little girl who had a Christian mother, who, among other things, taught her the text, “Thou God seest me.”

This made the little girl very sad. The thought of all her naughty ways, her bad tempers, cross words; and then to think that God saw it all. This made her very sorrowful. The holy God saw all. She would sigh and say,

“God sees me! God sees me!” and she wept and was in sorrow.

But through mercy she was led to see that God was a forgiving God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. This brought such relief, that one day she ran into her mother’s room, saying,

“God sees me! God sees me!”

God knew it was all true, and now she was filled with joy. There was nothing to hide. She had been a had child, but God forgives through Jesus Christ, and God could see she was believing in Jesus, and what was a sorrow before was now a joy.

Little reader, it is true that God sees you. Does this cause. sorrow or joy? It should make you sorry, if you love not the Lord Jesus Christ, but if you love Him, and are forgiven by Him, then it will be joy to you also, that God sees you.

ML 05/07/1944

His Works Are Full Wonders

“Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His Dominion.” Psalm 103:22.

‘Twas God that made the ocean,

And laid its sandy bed;

He gave the stars their motion,

And built the mountain’s head;

He made the rolling thunder,

The lightning’s flashing flame;

His works are full of wonder,

All-glorious is His Name.

And must it not surprise us

That One so high and great

Should see, and not despise us,

Poor sinners, at His feet?

Yet clay by day He gives us

Our raiment and our food;

In sickness He relieves us,

And is in all things good.

But things that are far greater

His mighty hand hath done,

And sent us blessings sweeter

Through Christ, His only Son;

Who, when He saw us dying

In sin and sorrow’s night,

On wings of mercy flying,

Came down with life and light.

He gives His Word to teach us

Our danger and our wants,

And kindly cloth beseech us

To take the life He grants. His Holy Spirit frees us From Satan’s deadly powers,

Leads us by faith to Jesus,

And makes His glory ours.

“MANY, O LORD MY GOD, ARE THY WONDERFUL WORKS WHICH THOU HAST DONE.” Psalms 49:5.

ML 05/07/1944

A Tree Without Fruit

Marl-11:12 to 26

When Jesus and the disciples were going from the town of Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus saw a fig tree leaved out and went to it to see if there were any figs on it, as He was hungry, but there were none, only leaves. This was in the spring, and not the time of ripe figs. Yet, since the leaves were out, there should have been figs on the tree, although perhaps, green. Because, a fig tree is not like other trees, its fruit starts to grow before the leaves.

The leaves of the fig tree give shade from heat, yet the real purpose of the tree is for fruit, and is depended on for food in that land, and spoken of many times in the Old Testament (1 Kings 4:25; Mic. 4:4). So this tree was not a good one, but useless. And Jesus said that it should never have fruit.

The next day, when the disciples passed that way, they saw that fig tree was dried up from the roots. A fig tree is a very sturdy, strong tree, and the disciples wondered this was so soon withered, (Matt. 21:20). They spoke to Jesus to look at it, and He said to them, “Have faith in God.”

His answer showed that the spoiling of the tree was not natural, but by the power and judgment of God. And it was for a purpose; not to please Himself, but to teach a lesson to the disciples and us, who now read the story. Since Jesus knew all things, He knew before that the tree had no figs, but He went Himself to prove it. This shows how careful He is as Judge nothing will ever be unjustly judged by Him.

And we notice it was a tree, not a person He cursed, or judged: He has great mercy for men, women, boys and girls, and is ready to bless them. But things which are said to be for God, but are only a display, without true love, and work for Him, will be judged. The nation of Israel had been like a tree, to grow and bear “fruit” for God. Jesus, the Son of God, came Himself to see if there were “fruit,” true service, but found none, only a display of sacrifices and laws. From that time it was no longer a nation for God, but “withered away.”

Jesus also told the disciples to have faith, believe, that God would do what they asked of Him, even so great a thing as to remove a mountain and cast it into the sea.

But the withered fig tree seems to specially teach of what would be prayed for in judgment. Christians do not pray for God to judge, because He is now waiting to bless. But the Psalms give prayers of the people of God asking for judgment: men, like the disciples, of the same nation, in their greatest trouble will pray for punishment on their enemies, which will then be for His honor, and their faith is to be in God (Psa. 143:12). The Lord Jesus also said,

“When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

ML 05/07/1944

Beach Pleasures

I wonder how many of you children have been to the beach in the summer time,—if you have not been to a beach along the oceanside, maybe it was one by some lake shore. What fun the boys and girls do have at such places wading, bathing, and swimming! Did you ever try jumping the waves as they come rolling toward you?

We surely ought to feel what tiny, weak creatures we are, when we see all the mighty works of God about us; just look at the heavens above you, the miles upon miles of land around you, and the great bodies of water which divide continents—do these things not show us God’s power?

Yes, and the love of God is shown, toe, by permitting the lost as well as the saved to enjoy all these beautiful things—how unworthy any of us are of them!

How we should love the Lord for all His goodness; these are gifts we can have only as long as we live down here, but God’s greatest gift to us is His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus alone Who can make us happy for both time and eternity. All these other gifts will fail to bring comfort or peace unless we know Him.

“He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done: He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psa. 33:7,8,9.

“BY THE WORD OF THE LORD WERE THE HEAVENS MADE; AND ALL THE HOST OF THEM BY THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH.” Psa. 33:6.

ML 05/14/1944

Little Rosie

In a circle of bright, rosy-checked boys and girls gathered on the shore at a service held for children, was a little girl named Rosie. She was with her parents from the north spending a week’s holiday. In Rosie’s home, the name of Jesus was seldom, if ever heard, and I fear she was never told of her need of a Saviour, or of Jesus who came to save the lost. Sitting in that happy circle, she heard of Jesus, who loves the children, and longs to save them in early days, and as they sang,

“Jesus loves me, He who died;

Heaven’s gate to open wide,

He will wash away my sin;

Let His little ones come in.”

Rosie trusted Jesus as her own Saviour. She went to her home, a saved little girl, and there, among companions and playmates, she loved to tell how Jesus saved her.

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compaion on thee,” Mark 5:19.

ML 05/14/1944

He Paid the Fine

One day in the closed season for hunting, a man passing through the state to his new home in the West shot a quail. The game warden learned about it and arrested him, tried him before a justice He was found guilty and fined. Not having the fine they took his gun and watch till he could raise the amount of his fine.

Two carpenters were building a house for the Justice; one of them hearing about it, and seeing the wife crying as she sat in the wagon waiting for them to be on their way, stepped up to the Justice saying,

“I will pay his fine for him, let him have his watch and gun.”

And that is what they did. The man was guilty, fined and another paid his fine for him.

He then turned to the criminal, the Justice and all those present and preached Christ to them.

A fine illustration of the position and condition of all mankind before a holy, righteous God—guilty, ruined, having nothing with which to pay our debt; can not pay, and Another comes to our rescue and meets the claims of a righous God for us.

In Romans 3 we read all are guilty, all are under condemnation, all have broken God’s holy law.

“There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

We cannot pay the fine; all are as helpless as this man was, so our blessed Lord Jesus said, “I’ll pay the debt.”

But O, what a price He paid! Not a little money like this man did, but He gave His life, shed His own precious blood to pay the great debt we cannot pay. Nothing else, nothing less than His own precious blood which He shed on Calvary for us will meet God’s claims against us,

“Without shedding of blood is no remission” of sins.

O, dear reader, are you one who “has nothing to pay” and owing the great debt? Do you wish your debt canceled for ever? Then hear the gracious invitation,

“Come unto Me.” Matt. 11:28. “Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isa. 45:22.

“Take the guilty sinner’s place, and a guilty sinner’s Saviour claim.”

ML 05/14/1944

Tomorrow

Those who go down to perdition from gospel lands have almost all been ruined by the word “tomorrow.” They did not intend to make their bed in hell. They intended to embrace the Saviour, and prepare for heaven. But they were never quite able to attend to this matter; they were always going to do it tomorrow, or at some not very distant day. So they deferred, till death came.

O fatal tomorrow! O cruel murderer of souls! How many by thee have been robbed of heaven, and forever lost?

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

ML 05/14/1944

I Want to be Sure About It

At the close of our Friday Evening’s Children’s Meeting, a little boy came up to me and said,

“I want to be sure about it, sir.”

“What do you want to be sure about, my boy?” I asked.

“About my salvation, sir,” he replied. We sat down side by side, and spoke together a long time about Christ, and His precious blood. We read several portions of Scripture, such as,

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

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

“I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” John 10:28.

These make all who believe sure about their salvation, and at the close of our conversation, the dear little feow said,

“I am sure about it now.”

Reader, are you sure about your saation? Are you certain that, if you were called into eternity now, you would go to heaven to be with Jesus? Do not put the question from you. Ask yourself,

“Am I sure about it?”

ML 05/14/1944

God Is Over All

“Even the-very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7.

Who can count the stars of heaven?

Who can hang them in the sky?

Who can weigh the mighty ocean?

Who call rain on pastures dry?

All these Christ cloth weigh and measure,

All were made for His Own pleasure:

Earth and seas He made of old,

Sun and stars He dloth uphold.

Who can count the creatures swarming?

Or the birds among the trees?

Who can count the fishes swimming

In the rolling, sparkling seas?

God in Heaven knows their number

Everyone He doth remember.

Not a sparrow e’er doth fall

But it is the Father’s will.

Who can count the little children,

Sleeping, waking, day by day?

Who protects them, morn and even,

In their work and in their play?

God the Father loves them dearly,

Sent His Son to save them freely.

Yes, He knows and loves e’en me!

Shall I not, Lord, trust in Thee?

ML 05/14/1944

Sent from the Temple

Mark 11:15 to 33

For many years the great Temple of God in Jerusalem was the place where people who believed God came to praise Him; it was the only place where animals could be sacrificed, as God had said must be done, because of sins.

God had given directions for all that was to be done there, for the work, the dishes to be used, and all else. Many of those laws were in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, and men, called priests and scribes were to instruct people and see that all was done as God had directed.

The Temple was large with rooms and courts, and much space. Instead of keeping it in the order told by God, and to honor Him, men used it as a market place to buy and sell for their own profit, and not only that, they were dishonest in their dealings.

Some men sat at tables where, for a fee, they would change the Roman or other coins of the people to the Temple money, as no other could be used in gifts for the Temple. One gift was always a certain small coin (see Ex. 30:13-16; Ex. 38), but men who made gain by this, had no right in the Temple (Psa. 15:5)

At the time Jesus was on earth, many men of Israel lived in other countries, and came to the Temple at the feast time, so at those times a great number of cloves, sheep, goats and cattle were needed for sacrifice, and there were many coins to change, and the selfish men had much business.

Jesus saw the wicked dealing of the men, and told them the words of God,

“My House shall be called of all nations the House of prayer.”

But He said they had made it “a den of thieves.” His words tell how very wicked they were, and He sent them from the Temple.

The priests and scribes were willing for the dishonest selling to be done. So they were more angry than ever at Jesus when He stopped the men. It was only a few days after this, that Jesus became Himself the great sacrifice for sins by His death on the cross. And no more animals for sacrifice were required by God, as these verses tell,

“Not yet that He (Christ) should offer Himself often, as the high priest entered into the Holy Place every year with the blood of others:... But now once... hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Hebrews 9:25.

“Christ, was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28.

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.” Hebrews 10:3-12.

The offerings, of the animals had to be done over and over whenever a person sinned, and on special days. And the people were so careless about their sins that the men in the Temple sinned even with buying and selling the animals, and were not honest.

But the life of the Lord Jesus was so precious, He suffered but once, and all who believe in Him may know their sins forgiven. But the cleansing of the Temple teaches us of the holiness of God, and selfish and wrong acts in work for Him, dishonor Him now as much as then.

ML 05/14/1944

Leaning to Walk

What affectionate interest and tender care these parents are showing in their tottering babe! How they love to see the first attempts to walk.

If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, He has told us in His Wore (the Bible) how He would like to have His children walk while we are in this world;

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.” Colossians 1:10.

“That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you into His kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

“WALK IN LOVE, AS CHRIST ALSO HATH LOVED.” Ephesians 5:2.

If we feel our weakness and inability to walk in all things pleasing to Him, let us tell Him so, and He will give us the strength to walk before Him.

ML 05/21/1944

Playing with the Life Belts

When I was a girl of sixteen, our family spent the summer in a pretty watering place. Quite close to the cottage where we lived, there was a coast guard station, to which my brother Tom and I often went to see the men practicing with the rocket, and the life-preserving apparatus. Out on the sea, a boat was anchored to represent the wreck. We were sometimes allowed on board to act as part of the shipwrecked crew, and we thought it great fun to be brought to shore in the basket, or on a life-belt. Many a calm summer evening was spent in this way to our great amusement.

I remember one night the old coastguard shaking his head and saying to me,

“You find great fun in playing with the life-belts, but if you were shipwrecked on a stormy coast as I have been, you would make a different use of them.” And then he added in a kind but firm voice, laying his head on my head,

“And it’s just the same with the Saviour, until you know your need of Him.” I thought that was a strange remark, but the remembrance of it never left me.

After that calm evening came a sudden storm. The wind blew a hurricane, the waves rose like mountains. and just as we were going to bed, a cry of distress was heard out on the stormy sea. In a very few minutes we were all on the shore, and found there the whole of the coast guards with the lifesaving apparatus, firing rockets across a schooner which had struck on a rock, and was fast sinking in the surf. Clinging to the mast were several half-clad sailors, and it was feared others had found a watery grave. As the old coast guard passed me he gave a meaning look, as if he meant to enforce the word spoken the night before. There was no need, for the sad sight of that wrecked vessel had done that already.

In half an hour, one dripping, exhausted sailor was brought to shore, by means of the very life-belts I had played with, but O, how different his grasp of them was from mine. Poor fellow, he had been battling with grim death for hours before the life-belt reached him, and when it came; he had laid hold of it with a death-like grip, as his last and only chance of being saved. One after another the poor fellows were brought to shore, and we were all glad to see them under the coast guards’ roof before we returned home.

Next morning my father and I were down early, and found them gathered around the fireside, while the aged coast guard conducted a short thanksgiving service to give God praise for their deliverance from a watery grave.

He did not forget to tell them of another Deliverer, even Jesus, who could save them from the penalty and the power of sin, and ended his short diourse by saying,

“But only those who see their need of Jesus, trust Him; all others play with His message, just as our young friends here do with the life-belts in a calm, but the drowning man lays hold on them, and commits himself to them to keep him out of a watery grave.”

The rescued men seemed to feel the force of these words, and others there so also, for I never saw as I did that moment how great my need as a sinner was of a Deliverer and a Saviour.

Reader, have you as a lost and needy sinner come to the Saviour, trusting yourself to Him, and to His saving power; or do you trifle with His Gospel message as one who knows no need, and sees no danger?

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3.

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

ML 05/21/1944

The Indian Warrior's Story

An aged Indian Christian was once asked how the Gospel, the glad tidings of salvation, had first reached him and his people.

“Ah,” he said, “it is many moons ago that first the wondrous news reached us. From across the sea came one who loved the blessed Lord, and longed for others to know His love, too. After a weary journey, he reached our tribe. We were wild, fierce warriors then, more used to the war-path than anything else, and for a stranger to come among us, was to endanger his life indeed. Well, he came and told us of the living God Who had made heaven and earth, Who loved poor Indians such as we, and had sent from heaven His beloved and only Son to die for us. He told us how hateful to God was our sin, but that, because His Son had suffered the punishment — death—we might have forgiveness full and free, and everlasting life. He told us “Whosoever will, may come” and welcomed be.

“When his story was told the messenger said he was weary and would fain rest himself awhile. To our surprise, he just laid himself down among us—right beside our very spears and arrows, and slept as sweetly as a babe upon its mother’s breast. We looked at one another in amazement, then our chief spoke up and said,

“What this man says is true, else would he sleep thus in peace? He knows he has a Friend in God, Who will care for and protect him even though savages surround him.”

“The next morning we begged the white man to stay among us, and tell us more of this wondrous loving God, and His beloved Son.

“Thus it was we heard and believed the Gospel.”

Dear children, do you know this precious Saviour as your very own? What a Friend He is! He is the “Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” If you have not received Him as your Saviour, the One Who died for your sins, will you not do so now?

“Behold now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML 05/21/1944

A Little Child

“A little child” may rest

In God, whose name is love;

Who, in His Son, His love expressed;

The sent One from above.

“A little child” may pray

To God, in Jesus’ name;

He loves to hear us “Father” say,

And own His children’s claim.

“A little child” may sing

Of Jesus’ worth and ways;

And worship to the Father bring,

With those who sing His praise.

“A little child” may learn

To do God’s holy will;

And if for this his heart doth yearn

His wish will God fulfill.

“A little child” whose heart

To Jesus has been given;

Shall rise, when all the saints depart,

And dwell with Christ in heaven.

ML 05/21/1944

Wicked Keepers

Mark 12:1-12

Do you remember about the big cluster of grapes which two men carried between them fastened to a staff, to show the people what a good land God had given them? (Num. 13:23-27). Those grapes grew in a valley of the land, later called Judea, of which Jerusalem was the chief city. So it was a good land to grow grape vines, and the people there have always had fine vineyards.

The Lord Jesus told men of the Temple a story of a certain vineyard and its keepers: He said the owner planted the vines, placing a hedge around to protect from animals; he built a tower for a watchman to stay to guard against thieves, and a vat was made for the pressed out juice. Then the owner went to a far country, leaving men in charge of his fine vineyard.

When it was time to gather the fruit of the vineyard, the owner sent a servant to receive his share. But the keepers were dishonest men who wanted all for themselves, and they treated the servant roughly and would not give him any share of the fruit.

The owner sent another servant, whom they treated still more roughly and threw stones at him, and gave him no fruit. Yet the owner was very patient with those keepers, and sent other servants to them, but the keepers became even more cruel, and hurt and killed them.

The owner had one son whom he said the keepers would be sure to treat well, and he was sent to the vineyard. But when the keepers saw the son had come, instead of giving him his father’s share, they said to one another,

“This is the heir, Come let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” They killed that son, and threw him from the vineyard.

This was a sad story, or parable, and it had a sad meaning hidden in it. The men to whom Jesus told it, were leaders of the people of Israel at that time. Their nation was called “a vine” for the Lord. He had led them from slavery, and “planted” them in the good land of Canaan (Palestine). He had protected them from enemies, as the watchman did the vineyard. He had chosen men to be leaders of the people, as “keepers.” The “fruit” the Lord wanted in return, was the love and joy of the people. He sent men called prophets to tell them His words, but the leaders had treated them cruelly, and would not listen to His words; they were like the rough keepers of the vineyard.

At last God sent His beloved Son to tell His messages to the people, and see if they would give Him honor.

We know the Son who came to tell His Father’s words, was Jesus, and the men who would not welcome Him or believe His words, were the most wicked of all the “keepers”: those men who listened to His parable were even then trying to find a way to take Him when the people would not know it. They rejected Him, as the builders, the stone, but God will give Him the place of honor, as the corner stone of the building. (Psa. 118:22,23).

ML 05/21/1944

Letters

Here come the postman! Is there a letter for me today?” And as soon as we discover a letter addressed to “Miss Mary Smith” or “Master John Jones,” no time is lost in opening the envelope to see what the letter says.

We all like getting letters, don’t we? And I sometimes think that the ones we like best come front other lands. But what would you think of someone who had had a letter for days and never opened it?

“I’d never do a thing like that” I think you are saying, but perhaps you are. Do you know that the Bible, God’s Word, is a letter from God to you, and that He wants you to read it?

“Mother I’ve found a dusty old thing High on the shelf, just look!”

“Why that’s a Bible, Tommy dear,—

Be careful it’s God’s own book.” “God’s book,”—the child looked up surprised

“Then Mother before we lose it

We’d better send it back to God,

For you know we never use it.”

We hope none of our readers are like Tommy and his mother who never read “God’s own book” for there are so many things which God wants us to know and believe.

First He tells us that we need to be saved.

“We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:4. Did you ever realize that the very best that you can do, looks like that in God’s sight? What must He think of our sins?

And the only way to have those sins forgiven and be saved, is to come to the Lord Jesus, who says,

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

ML 05/28/1944

The Wide Open Door

The summer holidays had just commenced, and Eddie was found spending them with friends. Right glad was he when the day arrived, and he was able to bid goodbye, for a while, to the routine of school with its necessary restraints and lessons. Eddie was an intelligent and lively boy, bent upon fun and enjoyment—things quite right in themselves; but like many other boys, and grown-up people too, he was quite indifferent as to the future.

An evening, however, came round bringing with it a marvelous change. The friends with whom Eddie was staying were Christians, and he, as usual, went with them to hear a gospel address. An aged servant of God, whose delight it was to lead souls to Christ, preached on. Luke 13:24-27. Interesting as was the address to many, it appeared to have no charms for Eddie, who fidgeted about a good deal and watched the clock eagerly, hoping for the close of the meeting.

The preacher, in conclusion, made an earnest appeal to his hearers to enter in at the door of mercy at once. It was, he said, wide open, but would not long remain so; and lovingly did he entreat people to enter, warning them how terrible it would be to find themselves on the outside of a shut door, which would never again be opened to them.

Eddie now hid his face in his hands and as he remained in this position after others had risen, a kind and friendly hand was laid upon him, while a soft inquiry was whispered in his ear. The only response, however, was a sob, and it was quite a long time before he could be induced to rise.

When at length he did allow himself to be lifted, his face, although wet with tears, bore a happy expression, and in reply to an inquiry as to the cause of his emotion, simply said, pointing to the preacher,

“He said the door was wide open, so I thought I had better go in.”

“And did you?” asked his friend.

“Yes,” said he. The tears at once vanished, and joy, which he made no attempt to conceal, took their place.

In the course of the preaching, the Lord’s return to claim His own had been referred to. Eddie made diligent inquiry as to the details, and talked much about it during the walk home. He was directed to 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.

That night he took his little New Testament to bed with him, and early the next morning was heard singing hymns, later on being found sitting up in bed studying his now precious book and marking the Scriptures which had been blessed to his soul the night before. It was indeed wonderful to see hi n growing in divine wisdom and knowledge from day to day as he was being taught of God.

Reader, whoever you may be; old or young, rich or poor, wise or ignorant, the door through which Eddie entered is still open, through the mercy of God, wide open. Jesus has not yet come to claim His own, but He is coming and that soon. Are you ready? Have you entered? If not, you had better, like the dear boy of whom I have told you, go in at once ere the door be shut against you forever.

“All things are ready; come

The door is open wide,

O, feast upon the love of God,

For Christ His Son has died.”

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

ML 05/28/1944

Tom's Decision

An earnest preacher of the Gospel was speaking to a small congregation from the text,

“Is it well with thee?” solemnly and faithfully pressing home upon his hearers the necessity of being converted to God, and thus having it “well” with their souls for time and eternity. In the congregation was a boy named Tom, belonging to one of the oldest and best-known families of the town, a bright, intelligent boy, given to reading and study. Only six months before that Sunday, Tom had seen the waxen features of his dear mother lying in her coffin, and a few days later had followed her to the grave. As the preacher went on to speak of the great eternity beyond the present world, and the necessity of being “ready” to enter it, the Spirit of God convicted Tom of sin, and gave him to see his condition as a sinner before God. Suddenly a cry was heard from one of the seats, and a young boy was seen with his head buried in his hands sobbing bitterly. It was Tom. When the preacher saw it, he understood what it meant, for he had been accustomed to preach the Word, and to see its effects in the conviction and conversion of souls. Quietly he closed the Bible and said,

“Let us pray,” offering earnest prayer to God that the “sin-sick youth might be led to the Saviour—the sin-burdened one brought in view of the Cross,” where the believing-sinner loses his burden, and passes from death to life. That Sunday Tom confessed Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord, living many years an earnest preacher of Christ. Have you?

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1-:15.

“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.

ML 05/28/1944

A Message Came from Heaven

A message came from heaven

To cheer my heart one day,

It set the joy-bells ringing

And chased my gloom away;

‘Twas in the good old Bible

John’s gospel, chapter three,

Verse sixteen, I remember,

Was written there for me.

I read the wondrous story—

How God in heaven high

So loved the world of sinners

He sent His Son to die,

And that word “whosoever”

Believing, I could see,

Though meant for everybody,

Was mostly meant for me.

And now I am so happy,

My sins are washed away,

I mean to live for Jesus

And please Him every day;

And when this life is over

In heaven I sure shall be

Where endless joys are waiting

For saved ones such as me.

ML 05/28/1944

The Tax of Caesar

Mark 12:13-17

The people of Israel were once a free nation, and had their own king many years. But they sinned so greatly that God let other nations conquer them, as He had said (Deut. 28:47,48). When the Lord Jesus was in the land, they were under the Romans, whose ruler was called Caesar, and tribute (tax) was paid to him.

Some were willing to pay tax, others were not, and men of each party came to ask Jesus if it were right to pay tax to Caesar. These men did not believe Jesus was from God; when they said He taught “the way of God in truth” they were not sincere, but spoke in flattery, because they wanted to tempt Him to speak against Caesar, so He would be punished.

But Jesus did not speak against Caesar. He told them to show Him a tax coin, which they did. Money in those days had the likeness and name of the ruler impressed on it, as it often has now. Jesus asked the men whose likeness and name were on the coin. They said, “Caesar’s.”

Then Jesus answered their question: He said,

“Render (pay) to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Jesus did not free them from the burden their sins had brought, instead He told them to pay it, and they saw He had answered them wisely, for they knew they had not given God obedience and honor which was due Him.

If they had welcomed Jesus, the Son of God, as their King, they would have been free of all their burdens. But before He rules as King over all, sin must be punished.

Jesus came first to give His life to save the souls of all who will believe Him, and to call them from this world’s interests, since the rule of the Caesars, God has allowed many rulers in the countries, but the answer of the Lord Jesus to those men, has taught His people to pay whatever tribute or tax is asked. Much the same words were written to the early Christians:

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due.” Romans 13:7,8.

In that same writing, it is told that all rulers, or “powers” are “ordained” or set by God, and the Christian is to respect them. But just before, in that writing, it is told the Christian owes himself to God, all that he is, to be for God (read Rom. 12).

It is not told when Christ will come as the Right Ruler over all, but this is one of the sure promises of God:

“Thus saith the Lord God; ... .I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.” Ezekiel 21:26,27.

Pharisees: those who believed the laws given to Moses, but few of them lived in honor to God (Matt. 23:1-7).

Sadducees: those who did not believe that the dead rose, nor believed in angels, nor that man has a spirit (Acts 23:6,7).

Herodians: those who were not as interested in God or His laws, as Herod, the ruler chosen by Caesar.

ML 05/28/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1.“He is not here,” etc. Matt. 28:6

2.“Even as the,” etc. 20:28

3.“But Jesus said,” etc. 19:14

4.“Jesus answered,” etc. 22:29

5.“When the,” etc. 27:1

6.“Therefore be,” etc. 24:44

7.“They that were ready.”25:10

Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, chapters 13-24

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “I will send my beloved son “

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “Is come to seek and to save.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “Father, I have sinned.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Nevertheless, not my will.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “The Lord is risen indeed.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “All things are now ready.”

7.What was the name of the man who took the body of the Lord Jesus down from the cross?

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The high priest. Matthew 26:57.

2.The Old Testament prophet, (Jeremiah). Matthew 27:9.

3.The disciple who came early to the sepulcher. Matthew 28:1.

4.The father of James and John. Matthew 20:20. Compare Mark 10:35.

5.The Old Testament prophet. Malt. 24:15,

6.The man who built the ark. Matthew 24:38,

7.The man in whose house Jesus was anointed. Matthew 26:6-7.

Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, chapters 13-24

1.Who was Cleopas?

2.Who was Zacchaeus?

3.Who was Lazarus?

4.Who was Lot?

5.Who were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

6.Who was Joseph?

7.Who was Joanna?

ML 06/04/1944

God a Giver

At the time of the Reformation, when Bibles were very scarce, a little girl, passing through the prinng office where they were being printed, picked up a small piece of paper, and read,

“God so loved the world that He gave.”

This was all, but it brought new light to her heart. It presented God as giver. She read it over and over again. She put it in her pocket, and daily she would take it out, and read it.

It wrought a marvelous change in her thoughts about God, and now her life became a life of joy. Her mother noticed the wonderful change in her daughter’s life, and one day asked her the cause of it. She drew out the slip of paper, and handed it to her mother, saying,

“There, mother, that is the cause.”

They came to the conclusion that it must be a portion of God’s Word. They procured a Bible, and after much searching discovered the verse, and were overwhelmed with joy when they read what He had given.

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

ML 06/04/1944

His Love

Do you know the Father’s love

Little one?

‘Tis a love that He did prove

By His Son;

When for us that One He gave

On the tree,

And is waiting now to save

You and me.

Shall we let the time go past

To believe?

Do we want to be the last

To receive

God’s salvation freely given

From above

And a future Home in heaven

Through His love?

ML 06/04/1944

Eliza's Prayer Answered

Eliza was a little girl who loved the Lord Jesus, and told Him all her troubles. One day she was sent out on an errand and lost her way. She wandered about for a long time, not knowing where to go. She was afraid to ask the passers-by, for fear she would be directed wrong; and she began to feel in great trouble. Then she thought,

“I will ask the Lord Jesus, for He knows just where I am, and the house to which I want to go, and the neast way to it.” So the little girl prayed, asking the Lord to show her the way.

She had hardly finished speaking, before a lady drew near, and Eliza at once asked her to tell her the way to Mrs. S.

“Follow me, little girl,” the lady said; “I live next door, and you will soon be there.”

“Thank you,” replied Eliza, “I knew you would show me, for Jesus told me to ask you the way.”

What the lady thought of such an answer I do not know; but Eliza was quite happy, and was soon at the house she wished.

Will our young readers, like this child, remember to ask God for everything, for He listens to little children’s prayers? You will find it a pleasant task to look in the Bible for the answers to prayer there recorded, and the more you speak to God about all your needs, the more happy you will grow.

“If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

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

ML 06/04/1944

God's Creation

When God created this world out of nothing, it was beautiful and perfect, with only the glory of God shining upon it. How long God enjoyed it Himself, we do not know, but when He began to prepare it for people to live on, He withdrew His light, and it became a scene of darkness. Then He began the six days of preparing the earth for man to live on.

We do enjoy the beauties and wonders of the mountains, valleys, oceans, rivers, waterfalls, etc., and our hearts go out to God who has formed it all, and we gladly own,

“HE HATH MADE TEE EARTH BY HIS POWER, HE HATH ESTABLISHED THE WORLD BY HIS WISDOM.” Jer. 10:12.

But we thank Him still more for His love that gave His only beloved Son to die on the Cross to save us from our sins, and to make us His own children. We shall praise our God and Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ for all that love to us, now and for all eternity.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5,6.

ML 06/04/1944

A Question Asked Jesus

Mark 12:18-27

When men of Jerusalem sent to ask questions of Jesus, it was not because they wanted to learn, but to try to puzzle Him and show Him to be wrong. But, instead, they were proven wrong, and His awers were so plain that we may now learn from them about the most important things we could wish to know.

One question the men asked was, If a woman’s husband died and she married again, “Whose wife would she be when the dead rise?”

Those men did not believe that the dead ever rose, or that people had a life that did not end. They spoke in ridicule of such a hope, although they quoted from a law given by God (Deut. 25:5). They should have known the law was for life on earth, not for heaven.

Jesus answered that they were wrong, because they “knew not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” He said that the dead shall rise, but that there will not be the relation of the family as on earth. He said, “They neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels that are in Heaven.” (See also Luke 20:34-36).

God has given us those we now love so much, and we can be sure it will he far more wonderful, as His family in heaven all dear to all.

To prove to the men that those who believe God, would rise, Jesus repeated words God said to Moses,

“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Ex. 3:1-6).

Those men were dead when God said the words, and Jesus said that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Therefore those men were living, although not in the bodies on earth, but with God (Eccl. 12:7).

The “everlasting” promises were not yet fulfilled, but must be, so their bodies must be raised (Gen. 17:7,8).

The men who asked the question had the writings by Daniel and others about resurrection:

“Them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and contempt.” Daniel 12:2; (see Job 19:25-27, Psalms 17:15, Isaiah 26:19).

At another time Jesus told them much the same words as told Daniel: He said,

“Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and come forth: they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; they that have done evil unto the resurrection of judgment.” John 5:28,29.

It will be the Voice of the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, that they shall hear, but the last book Of the Bible tells of time between the resurrection of those who believe God, and those who do not (Rev. 20:5,6,12,13,14).

The Lord Jesus also said He was the Resurrection and the Life, so it is by Him that those who believe God, have life with Hini, and because of Him, their bodies, will he raised (1 Cor. 15).

“God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11.

ML 06/04/1944

Gathering Sticks

Here are some little folks who have been very busy it must have taken them a long time to chop these sticks in just the right lengths, and then to bundle them up so neatly. They seem happy about their work though, and feel they have done their duty well. They are not thinking how soon these sticks will come to an end; they will keep the fire but a short time and all be burned to ashes. The children will then have the same task to perform again.

How good to show a cheerful spirit in doing our work, as these little children do. Saved boys and girls work cheerfully, so as to please the Lord, as well as to please their parents.

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Col. 3:17.

ML 06/11/1944

The Story Which Charmed the Indians

A remarkable story is told of Dr. Chamberlain, the American missionary, who labored in India for fifty years, a story which marvelously illustrates the power of the Gospel of Christ.

He and some native helpers entered a walled city in the Nizam’s kingdom of Hyderabad. The Brahmins and Mohammedans on discovering the nature of his mission, ordered him to leave the city, else they would stone him. Dr. Chamberlain faced the crowd, and spoke as follows:

“Brothers, it is not to revile your gods that I have come this long way. I have come to tell you a story sweeter than mortal ear ever heard before. But it is evident that this multitude does not care to hear it. I see five men before me who I perceive (from their sympathetic faces) wish to hear my story. Will you all, please, step back a little and allow those five to hear? When I have finished you may come forward and throw your stones.”

Then in a quiet tone he thus addressed the Brahmins:

“What is it that you chant as you go to the river for your daily baths? Is it not this?” and the missionary chanted some strains from their vedas, the substance of which was: “I am a sinner; my actions are sinful. My soul is sinful. All that pertains to me is polluted with sin. Do Thou, O God, that hast mercy on us take away my sin.”

Continuing, Dr. Chamberlain said: “Do you know how God can do what you ask? How He can take away the burden of sin and give you relief?

Brothers, is it possible for us to expiate our own sins? Can we by painful journeys to all the holy places change those sinful natures that you bemoan I have learned the secret, I will tell it to you.”

“Then,” said the missionary, “I told the story of stories, recounted the love of God the Father, the birth of Jesus in the manger of Bethlehem, His wonderful life here below, His blessed words, His marvelous deeds of healing and mercy, and the mob became an audience. I told them of the Saviour’s rejection by those He had come to save, and pictured the scene of Calvary in the graphic words He gave me that day, when for us and for our saation He was left to cry,

“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

I told them of the laying of His body in the tomb, of His bursting the bars of death, and coming forth triumphant over the last enemy, and all that we had to do was to acknowledge our sins and lift up prayer to Him, I saw tears coursing and dropping on the pavement from which they had torn up the stones to stone us.”

“Now,” said I, folding my hands, standing before them, “I have finished my story; you can stone me. I will make no resistance.”

“No, no,” said the people, “we do not want to stone you now. We did not know whose messenger you were, nor what you had come to tell us. Do these books that you have tell us more of this wonderful Redeemer?”

“Yes.”

The result was the people bought all the books and tracts they had, and appointed some of their leaders to escort them safely to their tents, and asking that they might he pardoned for the way they had treated them.

What amazing power there is in the proclamation of the “old, old story.” No wonder the apostle Paul said,

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16.

When proclaimed in the energy and power of the holy Spirit, what mighty deliverances from the thraldom and slavery of sin are effected!

Multitudes who profess that they believe in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, have not the least idea what that death has effected. Many who believe that Christ’s death as an atonement for sin was an absolute necessity don’t know that what He did, is enough. “The Gospel” is good news regarding a work done for us by the Lord Jesus Christ, by believing which, forgiveness and eternal life are ours.

May the reader not be satisfied until he has the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name (the Lord Jesus Christ) under heaven among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 06/11/1944

I Love Jesus

I was passing through a busy thoroughfare one evening, when I saw a poor blind girl standing on the edge of the path, waiting for some one to lead her across the road.

“Will you kindly help me over?” she pleaded.

A helping hand was at once stretched forward, and she was guided safely to the opposite side of the road. As she groped her way through the crowds of people, I could hear her singing heartily a beautiful little verse, only two lines of which I remember well enough to write,

“I love Jesus, He’s my Saviour,

Jesus smiles, and loves me too.”

Ah! I thought, here was one who had found a Saviour in the Person of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, and whose heart could flow out in praise to Him in such words. Her blindness was no hindrance, for she had the light of God’s grace shining into her heart, and this it was that caused her to sing with such joy.

Now let me ask you, dear young reader, can you, from the very bottom of your heart, sing the precious words that I heard that poor blind one sinng? Can you say that Jesus is your Saviour, and that you love Him? He loves you, and wants you to trust Him. He gave Himself to die on that cruel cross to put away your sins and mine, and now all He wants you to do is to believe on Him, and then He has eness blessings for you; blessings which. none can ever take away, for the Lord Jesus has purchased them with His own precious blood.

ML 06/11/1944

Little Hands, Lips, and Feet

“Little hands can work for Jesus,

Glad to do His holy will;

Helping playmates, serving mother,

They are serving Jesus still.

Let my hands be quick and true,

God shall give them work to do.

“Little lips can move for Jesus,

Speaking gently all the while,

Making other people happy,

With a love-word and a smile.

Let your speech in kindness fall

Jesus listens to it all.

“Little feet can run for Jesus,

And for Him sweet comfort take

To the hearts bowed low in sorrow,

Blessing all for his dear sake,

Let your footsteps gladness bring,

Causing many hearts to sing.

ML 06/11/1944

Another Question

Mark 12:28 to 37

One of the scribes, who made copies of the Scriptures and also taught the people, asked Jesus this question: “Which is the first commandment of all?”

He meant, which were most important of the words given by God for the people of Israel on Mt. Sinai, which were first carved on stone slabs and kept in the gold covered chest, or “ark,” many hundreds of years. They were perfect instructions for the people who had asked for God to tell them what they should do (Deut. 5:27).

No doubt that scribe had copies of those words, called Ten Commandmets, and seemed to think some were not important. But notice, Jesus divided them into only two parts: one part telling what the people were to do for God; the other part, what they were to do to others. He said, The first of all the commandments is,

“Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord; And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with, all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

“And the second is like, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other... greater than these” verses (29,30,31).

The last commands were all included in “the second” by Jesus, for if each “loved his neighbor as himself,” as He said, no one would “kill,” or “steal,” or do any wrong to others. So the answer of Jesus showed all God’s words were important, although the scribe should have known they should first give themselves, heart, soul, mind, and strength, to God, to whom they owed all (Deut. 6:4,5).

Jesus was the only person who fully kept those holy laws; He once said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matt. 5:17).

The answers of Jesus made the men of the Temple know that they were not keeping God’s words, yet they did not welcome Jesus, the righteous One, and did not ask Him any more questions.

But He asked this question, “How say the scribes that Christ is the so, of David?”

The scribes read the writings of the prophets, which told of the Messiah, the anointed One from God, to be son, or heir, of King David. (Psa. 39:3,4; Isa. 9:7).

The title, The Christ, means the same, in the New Testament.

Yet Jesus said that David wrote of this great One to come as “his Lord” (Psa. 110:1). Jesus asked how that could be. The question is not answered here. He had before told them that He came from God, and the prophet John had told them Jesus was the One to come. As a man on earth, He was of the family of David, heir to the throne, but He was also the Lord from Heaven, so David’s Lord.

Jesus will at last take that place as Ruler over men, but if we trust Him as Saviour, He is even now our Lord.

These verses teach us more about those Commandments:

“The law was our schoolmaster (teacher) up to Christ.” Galatians 3:24.

“Christ is the end of the law fo righteousness to every one that bieveth.” Romans 10:4.

“Ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14.

ML 06/11/1944

Gone Astray

How think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Matthew 18:12.

This speaks to us of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who is seeking lost lambs and sheep (children and grown men and women), and when He finds one, He rejoices and carries it home.

The above Scripture had been read several times in a class of little ones, and then the teacher asked them:

“What made Him seek for that lost sheep?”

“Because He loved it,” answered a chorus of young voices,

“Because it was lost,” added another.

As the teacher waited a moment or two for more answers, a little girl said sweetly:

“Because — because He knew it would never come back its own self.”

The children were right, were they not, dear young readers? And now let me ask you, Has He sought and found you? Have you allowed Him to find you? Perhaps you do not yet know that you are lost. Sad state to be in! God’s Word says, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” Isaiah 53:6.

“They are all gone out of the way.” Romans 3:12.

“THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” Luke 19:10.

Will you not, my dear friends, give Him the joy of saying of you, “I have found My sheep which was lost?”

ML 06/18/1944

Brave Bobby

A little child was lost overboard at sea. A large, splendid St. Bernard dog, Bobby, was aboard the ship, and he was sent out into the deep to rescue the little one. The dog succeeded in reaching the child, and firmly seized it in its strong mouth; but just as he was about to return to the ship with his precious charge, a fierce shark appeared and was seen to pursue the dog and child that he might destroy them. A man on board the vessel, quickly seized his rifle and, taking careful aim, fired. The blood that followed in the wake of the shark told that it had been killed. In a few moments, the dog and child were lifted on board, and a feeling of great relief and thankfulness filled every heart. Bobby was patted and caressed fondly for the brave and noble deed he had done. And a shout of joy went up from the crowd, as they together exclaimed:

“Hurrah! Hurrah! Bobby is safe: the shark is killed.”

We, too, like the helpless infant in the great sea, are by nature lost and without strength. We needed a Mighty One to rescue and save us. The enemy of our souls would quickly destroy us, if he could.

But there was One more powerful than he that went into death’s dark waters to rescue us from the devil’s power. By death the Lord Jesus destroyed the power of the devil. The great victory has been won by Him.

And now we need only to give ourselves up to Him as helpless and powerless, trusting in Him, believing His word, and He saves us.

“That through death He (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil.” Hebrews 2:14.

“Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity.” Titus 2:13,14.

ML 06/18/1944

Nettie's Morning Song

Nettie went out bright and happy, wheeling her “dolly,” to meet her father who had been absent for a week, and was returning with the morning train. Hastening along the quiet lane which leads from her pretty home, the dear child sang in the gladness of her heart, one of her favorite hymns. A man hearing the sweet voice, was moved to tears.

Once he had known a Christian mother’s love, and learned at her knee the story of Jesus.

Nettie’s morning hymn was the first link in the chain that drew him to the Saviour. Nettie was a saved child, she knew Jesus, and her delight was to tell others of Him.

What a blessing you might be to others, if saved yourself. But the first thing is, you must be saved, before you can serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

ML 06/18/1944

The Little Indian Girl

God sometimes uses the children to touch the parents’ hearts, and thus encourages us to go on song the seed, not knowing where the gospel may be carried.

Among the Sioux Indians there was a chief who had a beautiful little daughter. He had, for a long time, watched the life of the missionaries, and one day he took his child to them, asking that she might be brought up like a white woman, and not like a wild Indian one. Of course, the missionaries very gladly undertook the charge, and taught her in their school among the other Indian children. There she heard of Jesus for the first time, and her young heart opened to Him, and she trusted Him as her own Saviour.

After a time she was taken ill, and the chief was sent for. As he sat by her side, she told him, “the old, old story, of Jesus and His love,” in her own simple language, and begged him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who had died for him, and soon after this she passed away.

The chief sorrowed much for his lovely flower, but he remembered her words, and sought to learn about Jesus from the missionaries.

His heart, now so soft, was easily won for Christ, and he was the first of the tribe to be baptized.

Thus a little child was used of God to lead her father to the Lord Jesus.

“God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27.

I trust this may encourage all my young readers, who can say, “I know the Lord Jesus is my Saviour,” to take every opportunity to speak of that blessed Saviour to others, and entreat them to accept Him now, while it is the day of salvation.

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

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

ML 06/18/1944

Our Saviour's Care

Did you ever think, dear children,

Of your tender Saviour’s care?

How He watches, guards, and keeps you

From the danger everywhere?

He is with you in the morning,

At the dawning of the day,—

With you while the hours are passing,

While you work and while you play.

Unseen dangers oft surround you,

Dangers great, and dangers small

But while His strong arms uphold you

You can never, never fall.

Then when day at last is fading,

And the twilight shadows fall,

He is with you in the evening,

And will hear your faintest call.

Nestled warmly ‘neath the covers,

Little eyes all closed so tight—

Still His care unceasing hovers

Fondly o’er you through the night.

Yes, dear children, this kind Saviour

E’er will guard with loving eyes,

Till He comes, now soon, to take you

To His home beyond the skies.

ML 06/18/1944

Who Gave the Most

Mark 12:41 to 44

One day the Lord Jesus saw the people putting gifts of money into the chest or treasury of the Temple. The money was to be used to keep all there in honor to God. Many who were rich put in much; then a poor woman came and dropped in two small coins, called mites, which together were only the value of a farthing (English money), or a little more than one-half cent of our money.

We would think so small a gift would be of no help for the great Temple, but notice what Jesus said to His disciples about it:

“Verily, I say unto you, this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all of her living.”

Jesus often used the word “verily,” which means “it is true,” but it meant even more, used by Him. “Verily, I say unto you” meant that He spoke with authority to them as no one else could, and of an important matter. He knew that the people who put in much money, had plenty left for their needs and their comforts; and He knew, what others would not, that the poor woman had none left, not even for her needs.

It is good to know that the Lord valued those two coins; we see that He really counts what is left more than what is given, and that true giving is to give what we might use for ourselves.

The woman could have kept one of the coins for herself, but she put in both, willingly. It is not that the Lord needs the gifts, all really belongs to Him, but He has always given His people the joy to share in what is for Him.

When King David collected the gold, silver, precious stones, marble; wood and other things to build the first Temple to God, he said,

“Now our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name,... all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:13,14.

In the time of the young king, Joash, when the Temple had been neglected, a chest was made ready with a hole bored in the cover, for the people to put in gifts of money to repair it. Much money was put in, and the men in charge used it faithfully for material and for the workmen to make the repairs (2 Kings 12:9-15).

The willing gifts, large and small, honored God. His people now are not to keep a great temple, but there are as many or more ways for them to give for Him. They may help to pride His written words for others, and help those who tell of the Lord Jesus to those who do not know Him, as people of one town sent to Paul while he taught others (Phil. 4:14-17).

Many boys and girls now have more coins than the poor woman; if they have first given their hearts to the Lord, they will find joy to give for Him.

The giving of the poor widow seems to have been the only thing which the Lord Jesus could commend in His visit to the Temple, where all should have been for God’s praise.

ML 06/18/1944

In Great Distress

Poor little girl! She has just left the house with her slice of bread as happy as can be, but she is no sooner outside the gate than she meets with the geese who dispute the right of way, and one of them is just about to catch the bread out of her hand! The troubles of life have already begun with her, and, no doubt, seem as great to her as the greater troubles arc to those who are older.

The mingling of the bitter with the sweet begins in the early day, and continues all through life.

God did not create us to bear sorrow and have lots of trouble, but we disobeyed God’s Word, and all the sorrow and trouble came in as the result. So we can see what a terrible thing disobedience is.

Children should obey their parents.

We would never have seen such a picture as we have this week, if sin had not come into the world. Everything is in disorder, and sorrow and trouble on every side.

The Lord Jesus came into this world to take away sin, so He died for us that our sins might be blotted out of God’s sight forever, and He, too, by His death redeemed the whole creation, and when the time comes, He will blot out sin and all its results from the world.

May we not forget that the first sin was disobedience, and therefore, let us seek to obey, whether it is our parents, our school teachers, or our employers, but above all let us seek to obey God’s Word.

“AS BY ONE MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE MANY WERE MADE SINNERS, SO BY THE OBEDIENCE OF ONE SHALL MANY BE MADE RIGHTEOUS.” Romans 5:19.

ML 06/25/1944

The Tiger That was not Tamed

My father, who has been out in India, told us 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 man 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 after telling us that story:

“The little Bengal tiger is not unlike many a by 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 sin, 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 believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Saviour and seek to live for Him, not in the ways of a tiger, but like the Lord Jesus, in meekness and gentleness to serve Him and others.

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

ML 06/25/1944

Hoping

Are you a Christian?” said we to a young girl the other day, who we knew was anxious about her soul’s salvation.

“I hope so,” was the reply.

“Have you eternal life?”

At this second question the countance dropped, and the tongue was silent.

“Did you ever thank God for the gift of eternal life?” again we asked,

“I pray,” was the response.

“Christ is God’s gift to sinners; those who possess God’s gift have eternal life, and the forgiveness of their sins. Believe on Jesus, and give thanks to God for His gift of eternal life.”

“These things have I written unto you that belieVe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life”; and, having read it, inquired of our young friend,

“Do you believe on the name of the Son of God?”

“I do,” she answered; and we believed she did so most truthfully.

“You, believe that He died for your sins upon the cross?”

“I do,” was the response.

“Let us read the text again.

“These things have I written unto you—now put your own name here—that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

The darkness rolled away, God gave faith to our young friend, and she appropriated the gracious word to herself. Long afterward she looked back with thankfulness to that night, as the occasion on which she passed out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

ML 06/25/1944

Finishing the Hymn in Heaven

It was a night of dreadful storm and wind, and the fishing fleet which had gone out the previous evening from a seaport on the coast, had battled with the winds and angry waves the whole night. But they had all reached the harbor safely, save one boat, and she, driven by the wind, struck on a rock close to the harbor’s mouth. The six men who manned her were seen clinging to the keel, and efforts were made to rescue them. The skipper of the boat—a young man only a few months converted to God—turned to his comrades as they clung to the sinking boat, and said,

“Come on now, boys, let’s raise a song of praise to God; this is the time to praise Him.”

Presently his voice was heard above the howling of the tempest; singing the well-known lines:

“My God, I am thine,

What a comfort divine;

What a blessing to know

That the Saviour is mine.”

Then a great wave dashed against them and threw the young skipper from the sinking boat into the raging sea, and his ransomed spirit rose right into the presence of God. The one nearest him saw what had happened, and addressing his comrades, said,

“Mates, let’s finish the hymn here, our skipper is finishing it in heaven,” and they joined to sing:

“And this I shall prove,

For such is His love,

In the heaven of heavens,

In Jesus’ own love.”

And then a great wave swept another home. But, blessed be God, they were ready, all ready to go! Able to sing of Christ as their Saviour on earth, or go at a moment’s notice to see His face in heaven.

Isn’t it grand, reader, to be on such terms with heaven that a wave can waft you there, or a fleeting breath usher you. within the gate of paradise. Are you on such terms with God and heaven? Is Christ your Saviour? Is God your Father, and heaven your home?

No unsaved person will ever enter heaven.

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

ML 06/25/1944

Our Shepherd is Jesus

Our Shepherd is Jesus:

He cares for His sheep.

His love never slumbers;

His eyes never sleep.

Our kind Shepherd, Jesus

A good watch doth keep;

He’ll rescue from danger

His lambs and His sheep.

Our dear, loving Saviour

Showed love strong and deep;

For the good Shepherd giveth

His life for the sheep.

And Jesus has sought us

And safely will keep;

For He’s the Good Shepherd

Who died for the sheep.

ML 06/25/1944

Stones to be Thrown Down

Mark 13:1-4

As Jesus and the disciples were leaving the Temple, one of them said to Him,

“Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”

The Temple building then was not the one for which King David provided the beautiful stones (1 Chron. 29:2), but it was built on the same site with very large stones; there were porches with high pillars, and no doubt was a beautiful building.

But even the disciples did not seem to understand that those great stones and all inside, were not meant simply to be admired, but to teach all who looked at the Temple, that the Lord of all the earth was to be honored there. The stones taught of His wisdom and power for He had created them.

But most of all, God had said He would meet with His people there, and speak with them. They could come there in sorrow or joy and pray to Him; even a stranger, one of another nation, could come there to pray, or if the people were in trouble in a far land, they were to pray with their faces toward the Temple. (2 Chron. 6:5,29,32,38; Dan. 6:10).

It was there that the scrolls of the Scriptures were kept and copied, and read to the people, and where they praised God with music.

Sacrifices of animals could be offered no other place and all the men of the nation were to go there three times a year to feasts (Deut. 12:13,14; Deut. 16:16).

So no matter how far away people of Israel lived, the Temple, or House of God in Jerusalem, was the most important place on earth to them. And we can understand the sorrow of the disciples when Jesus said to them,

“Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

When God sent His Son Jesus to that nation, as the prophets had said. He came to the Temple (Mal. 3:1), and must have been there many times. He told them God’s words, and that He was from God, and proved be His wisdom and miracles that He was the promised Messiah. Yet the leaders would not believe Him, and were soon to have Him put to death.

That was why the great Temple would be broken down. The Lord Jesus fulfilled in His death all the sacrifices, and those who trust Him, come to God by Him (Heb. 9:14).

It is not written that Jesus told the disciples when the Temple would be destroyed, only that it surely would take place. After His return to Heaven the disciples went to the Temple to speak to people. The last mention of the building was when Paul was there (Acts 21:30). But from history by men, we know that Temple was entirely broken down in battle in A. D., and many people made slaves. That was about 35 years after Jesus said those words.

The Jewish people have never since had a temple in Jerusalem. The building now on that hill is in honor to a false prophet and called the Mosque of Omar.

ML 06/25/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“As soon as,” etc Mark 5:36

2.“And were beyond,” etc.7:37

3.“Heaven and earth,” etc13:31

4.“Why Both this man,” etc.2:7

5.“For even the,” etc. 10:45

6.“And when they,” etc. 15:24

7.“Two mites, which make a farthing.” 12:42

Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, chapters 1-10

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “We have heard him ourselves.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “We believe and are sure.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “He brought him to Jesus.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “I am the light of the world.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “He said, Lord, I believe.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “Ye must be born again.”

7.What did the good Shepherd give for the sheep?

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.One of the Lord’s brothers. Mark 6:3.

2.One of the disciples who brought spices to anoint the Lord for His Burial. Mark 16:1.

3.An honorable Counselor who buried the Lord. Mark 15:43.

4.He who bore the cross after Christ. Mark 15:21.

5.The murderer whom Pilate set free. Mark 15:7,15.

6.The demons who went into swine. Mark 5:9,13.

7.Fishermen, called to be disciples. Mark 1:16-18.

Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, chapters 1-10

1.Where was Solomon’s porch?

2.What is the meaning of Siloam?

3.Who was Nicodemus?

4.Where is Cana?

5.Who was Elias?

6.Who was Esaias?

7.Who was Cephas?

ML 07/02/1944

Mary and the Signal Lights

Mary’s father was captain of a large vessel, and sometimes he took her with him for a voyage. As she sat one day on deck, watching an old sailor cleaning the lamps, she asked,

“What are these big lamps for?”

“These are signal lamps, miss,” said the old sailor. “They are hung out on our vessel at night to keep other ships from running into us. If we did not hang these up we might be run into and wrecked.”

The following day the old sailor was again at his duty, cleaning the signal lamps, with the captain’s child seated on a coil of rope not far off. A gust of wind carried away one of the pieces of cloth he was using, and the old sailor uttered an oath. The child heard it, and quietly slipped away down to her father’s cabin. In a few minutes, she returned to the deck with a piece of paper folded in her hand, which she handed to the old sailor. He opened it, and found several warning texts of Scripture written in large letters by Mary’s hand.

“What is this for, Miss Mary?” he asked.”

“These are God’s signal lights,” replied the child. “He has hung them up to warn you, and to keep you from making shipwreck of your soul.”

The old sailor held down his head and wept. God had spoken to his soul through His own Word, and by the lips of that Christian child. He never swore again, but was soon after led to the Lord. On a large type Bible, presented to him by Mary, the words are written,

“God’s Signal Lights.”

Reader, have you noticed these lights hung out by God to warn your sohl? Here is one,

“Flee from the wrath to come.” Another,

“After this the judgment.”

Have you been warned? Have you fled to Christ? If you sail on, disrarding God’s signal lights, you will make shipwreck of your soul, and be lost forever. But you need not. Jesus, the Refuge, the Saviour, is for you, and if you come to Him, He will save you.

“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 07/02/1944

Jesus Loves Me, This I Now

Bright as the morning was Lizzie’s testimony to the saving grace of God, even when a child of five summers. When she was three years old, she sang at our Sunday School treat the well-known hymn,

“Jesus loves me, this I know;

For the Bible tells me so.”

As the sweet childish voice rang through the large hall, strong men wept, and one said,

“It is the best sermon I ever heard.”

I have not the slightest doubt, Lizzie was saved by grace, and knew it at that early age.

It is sometimes said that all “good children die young,” but Lizzie did not die, but lives still, happy in the dear Saviour’s love. Her life has been one of continuous joy in the Lord, foowing in His ways and delighting to serve Him.

If you would be truly happy, from the days of youth right on through life, it can only be by knowing and believing that Jesus loves you, and that He is your personal Saviour and your Lord.

“If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any men serve Me, him will my Father honor.” John 12:26.

ML 07/02/1944

A Restful Scene

Many of us have enjoyed rides in row boats on quiet lakes with bushes and trees encircling the banks. They are indeed restful trips.

Those who are the Lord’s people have rest of conscience and heart while going along the streets in the midst of rush and turmoil with the mind on the Lord Jesus and His great love to them.

The Lord’s people are also waiting for the eternal rest with their blessed Lord and Saviour who will soon come to take all of His own Home to Himself in the glory.

How do you think they have such rest in this world of sin and distress? Because they know the Lord Jesus gave Himself for them on the cross, and has redeemed them by His precious blood shed for them there, washing all their sins away.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

“SURELY I COME QUICKLY AMEN, EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS.” Revelation 22:20.

ML 07/02/1944

Christ's Coming in Power

Mark 13:3 to 27

There is a high ridge east of the city of Jerusalem, called the Mount of Olives, because o f many olive trees growing there, and a quiet place where Jesus came with the disciples away from the crowded city. From there they could see the Temple which Jesus had just said would be broken down.

He had before told them that He must die and be raised, and return to His Father, but also that He would come again with power (Matt. 16:27). The disciples asked Jesus when all this would be, and what sign there would be.

Before Jesus answered their questions He warned them of men who would say they were Christ, and will do wonders, but were false. His coming would be very different, and could not be mistaken, for He would appear in the clouds with brightest glory.

He told them that His “elect,” those of the “seed of Abraham” as prosed, will be gathered from all parts of the earth for blessing (Gen. 13:15; Matt. 23:39).

Jesus told them what would he a “sign,” it had already been written by the prophet Daniel (Dan. 9:27): an “abomination” would be seen “standing where it ought not.” A wicked man will cause the sacrifices and worship of the Jews to stop, and he will set up an idol in the Temple to be worshipped instead of God. This “sign” would be seen before Christ’s coming with power, while there would be awful trouble to the saved people in Judea, and they must. flee to the mountains (See also Matt. 24:15,16; Rev.13:14,15). This most wicked man, called “the man of sin” and “the false prophet,” will go into the Temple, and declare himself to be God, and all who do not believe in God, will obey that most wicked man (Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-12).

But that wicked one’s power will end when the true Christ appears in the heavens, and his awful judgment is told (Rev. 19:20).

Jesus told the disciples that before His coming the gospel of the Kingdom must be told in all nations (vs. 10). Those disciples told of Jesus, the coming King.

When the most awful troubles are endured, men of the nation of Israel will tell of the Messiah to come.

“Of that day and that hour, knoweth no man, no, not the angels, neither the Son, but the Father.” Mark 13:32.

We who are now the Lord’s are told of another coming in the air, to call all who have trusted Him as Saviour, before the time of trouble told here. Of this no “sign” is given.

“I will come again and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.

“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 tether 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 07/02/1944

Happy Children

These dear little children are having lots of fun playing in the hay. Their time is spent, not in making clothes, or in preparing food or keeping house, but just playing, and yet they get clothes and food and have a home to live in. How is that?

God cares for them. He has provided a father and mother for them, and gives the father the ability to earn the living, and the mother to take care of them at home, so while the children have not the ability to provide for themselves, God takes care of them in that way.

There is something God wants them to do, and that is to obey their parents; so while they are not able to do these other things that God has given their parents to do, they must remember that God wants them to obey, that is, to do what they are told, for the Scripture says, “CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS; FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING UNTO THE LORD.” Col. 3:20

ML 07/09/1944

The Little Shepherd Boy

A little shepherd boy in Africa heard of Jesus, and how He had been born a babe in Bethlehem, and this boy told the sweet story to a little friend of his, who was also a little shepherd. The child was so surprised to hear about it, that he listened with great attention, and believed every word he heard. He longed to see the Babe of Bethlehem.

“Can I see Him?” he cried; “tell me, O, tell me where He is!”

“At the station at Kuruman,” said his little friend.

“Have you seen Him?”

“No, I never saw Him, but I know He is there, for they sing to Him, and talk to Him.”

So the little boy made up his mind to go and see the Babe. It was a long journey, more than a hundred miles over hot plains, but he found his way, and arrived one Saturday evening. A kind Christian woman took him into her hut and gave him supper. Next morning he heard the chapel bell and followed the woman. The little shepherd boy looked around, hoping to see the glorious Babe, and as he looked, he saw a little fair child, with light hair, and blue eyes—such a child as he had never seen before, for all the people he knew were black.

It is the Babe of Bethlehem, he thought. After the service was over, he told the woman so. At first she could not understand him, and then she told him it was the missionary’s child, and she also told him who the Babe of Bethlehem really was, what He did, and where He is; of His love in dying upon the cross, that we who trust in Him, might live with Him in glory forever more.

The boy believed her words, and soon learned to love Jesus, though He could not see Him. He did not wish to leave the mission station, but stayed there, and learned to read his Bible, and he grew up to be a Christian man.

“A beautiful place, He has gone to prepare,

For all who are washed and forgiven;

And many dear children are gathering there,

For of such is the Kingdom or heaven.

But thousands and thousands who wander and fall,

Never heard of that heavenly home;

I should like them to know that there’s room for them all,

And that Jesus invites them to come.”

ML 07/09/1944

Millie's Fears

I really think there never was a more timid child than Millie. She could not bear the dark, nor would she ever go alone about the house, even in the day-time. Her sisters, who were stronger and more robust than she, could not understand this nervousness, and I am sorry to say the poor child often had to stand thoughtless teasing from them.

But at last there came a change in Millie’s conduct. She was no longer the nervous little child she had been. What had made the difference? Was it only because she was growing older, and leaving childish ways behind?

We will find out the secret. In a certain box, where Millie keeps her greatest treasures, there is a leaf torn out of a little diary, and on it these words are written,

“Jesus saved me.” Ah I now we know the reason.

“Her terrors all vanished

Before the sweet Name,

Her guilty fears banished,

With boldness she came

To drink at the Fountain,

Life-giving and free.”

Speaking one day of her former fears to her sister, she said,

“I will tell you how it was I so disliked being alone. I was in constant terror lest the Lord should come and leave me. behind, and whenever the rest of you were out of my sight, I feared this had happened.”

But now Millie knows she is one of those who will be caught up to meet their Lord and Saviour when He comes, and she has nothing to fear down here, for she knows He is ever near her, and she can say,

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalms 56:3.

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

And now if any child should read this who is troubled in the way that Millie was, do, dear one, put your full trust in the Lord, and then “under the shadow of His wings,” you will roice, and you will be happy in saying, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

ML 07/09/1944

Edith

Little Edith says, “I am the guilty sinner Jesus came to save.” How good it is in the early days to know Jesus as one’s personal Saviour. Not only does little Edith know this, but she is looking for the Lord Jesus to come.

Recently she went into one of the stores in a large city where they keep all kinds of toys, and told them the size of her doll, and after measuring, ordered a hat for “Naomi” (as she called her doll) which was 50 cents, then a parasol for 25 cents, and a basket for 15 cents for her to carry on her arm. After selecting them, she told the clerk who waited on her, to put them away, and when she saved the money, she would come for them. The salesman said,

“You may never save enough.”

“If the Lord don’t come, I will,” replied Edith.

“What do you mean by the Lord coming?” asked the saleslady. Edith was surprised and said,

“Don’t you know the Lord is coming?” She went home and told her mother, and said, “You must give me some tracts to take up there, for they don’t know the Lord is coming.”

It is not only blessed to know these things, but to bear testimony to them, as little Edith did, and spread the good news around. We trust she will be kept faithful, and that all our little readers, who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, will be ready to confess their Lord, and tell others “the Lord is coming.”

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

ML 07/09/1944

Faithful in Little Things

“I cannot do great things for Him,

Who did so much for me;

But I would like to show my love,

Lord Jesus, unto Thee;

Faithful in very little things,

O, Saviour, may I be.

“There are small things in daily life

In which I may obey;

And thus may show my love to Thee,

And always—every day—

There are some little, loving words

Which I for Thee may say.

“I ask Thee, Lord, to give me grace,

My little place to fill;

That I may ever walk with Thee,

And ever do Thy will;

And in each duty, great or small,

I may be faithful still.”

ML 07/09/1944

Left in Charge

Mark 13:28 to 37

The Lord Jesus had told some of His disciples the certainty that He would return in power to fulfill all God’s words. He also told them of greatest. sorrows in Judea brfore that coming, but He said that none will know the day or hour for His return. He told them these words, “The Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and coanded the porter to watch.”

The Lord Jesus spoke of Himself as “Son of Man;” He would be away from His disciples (or all who believed His words), for some time, and He would give them work to do for Him.

He was Himself a holy Servant for God while on earth, and knew the work to give each one, and He had before told them to serve one another; their “authority” for all they did, would be His words.

He commanded the porter to watch; a porter is one to watch at all times, to announce an arrival, and other duties. So the “porter” may teach of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit), most necessary for His “House,” none can enter except by the Holy Spirit; Who also awakens His people to danger, and teaches them of Christ and what is for Him, and of things to come (John 16:13; John 3:5).

In the great time of trial told by Jesus, the Holy Spirit is to give men the words to say to rulers about Christ (verse 11).

Jesus told them plainly again, that none knew the time for His return, He said.

“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say to you I say to all, Watch.”

Jesus mentioned all the divisions of time as then used, and much the same as we now say, excepting the early morning time called “the cock crowing.” They would know no set time to expect Him, they could only watch.

The Lord did not mean that His people do not need sleep for their minds and bodies; He meant they were not to be as not knowing, or careless about His coming, or as if “asleep” to their work for Him.

Jesus had told the disciples of His coming with glory, which time, none knew, and the same is true of His coming in the air, to call His people to be with Him as He said,

“I will come again and receive you unto myself.” John 14:3; also told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. No time is told; they are told to “wait” for Him (1 Thess. 1:10).

One of the wonderful things about the words of the Lord Jesus and abool: all Scripture is that what was said to people then, has a deep lesson also for His people of later time, as for us now, and for still a future time.

What “shall not pass away?” (Mark 13:31).

ML 07/09/1944

The Meadow Lark

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

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

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

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

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

ML 07/16/1944

The Boy at the Ford

A mother was knitting on the porch of her house one afternoon. Her boy was playing with other children on the lawn.

Beyond the lawn was the river and on the opposite bank of it was a woods full of nuts and berries, and sweet-smelling leaves and flowers, and many other things which little children delight to gather.

“Let us cross to the woods,” said some of the bigger children.

“I shall cross too,” said the little boy whose mother was knitting at the door.

The ford was a little to the right and just out of his mother’s view. There were stepping-stones all the way across, and the little nutting and berrying pay got quite safely to the other side.

But the clouds had been darkening over the sky since the morning, and now it began to rain. First it came in heavy drops, then there was a peal of thunder, then torrents of rain came down. The bigger children hurried back to the ford, and one by one got over safely.

The little boy was last. The river had by this time risen. The stepping stones were beginning to be covered. The little man took one step, then a second, then he came to stone over which the river was flowing swiftly, and his heart failed. He wrung his hands with fear, and cried with a piercing cry.

The mother heard his cry and flew to the ford. She was too late. She could not reach her child—a broad black flood of water came thundering down between her boy and her.

“My child! my child!” she cried.

“Mother! mother! come for me,” cried the boy.

All the town came down to the riverside—men and women, young and old: but no one would venture across. They looked and pitied-they looked, and wrung their hands but they gave no help.

At that moment a young shepherd, leading his flock down from the mountains entered the town and saw the peril of the child. He left his sheep, and took great strides to the river side.

He did not heed the terrible roaring of the water over the stones. He stepped boldly from stone to stone. In the center the flood had carried some of them away.

He plunged into the stream. With strong arms he beat the water to the right and left. He pressed his feet against the currents, and swam right over to the boy.

With one arm he clasped the child, with the other he once more grappled with the flood. There was the roaring of the stream beneath, and the raging of the storm above, but the brave shepherd, partly walking and partly swimming, brought the boy to his mother.

That was a boy who found a saviour and the brave young shepherd saved him from death.

But God was the real Saviour that day. He sent the shepherd at the very right moment. He made him brave and strong to grapple with the flood, and every day somewhere God is saving children.

He has given Jesus to save us from a death more terrible than the death which threatened the little boy. He saves from the second death, which those who die in their sins must endure forever.

Jesus will save you from being shut out of heaven. Nothing that is naughty can enter there.

You have often been naughty. But Jesus will save you and wash your sins away, and open the door of heaven to you, if you will trust Him.

He is willing to save you now, just as you are. Cast yourself into His arms.

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

ML 07/16/1944

That's Just What I Want

A poor woman lay very ill in a cottage in one of the mountainous districts. Her little house was isolated and lonely, but the heart of the invalid was still more so, for she lived without God and without hope in this world. She had never heard of the forgiveness of sins which is to be had through the Lord Jesus Christ. The peace of God, the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, were things quite unknown to her.

When she was thus compelled to lie in bed, weak and broken down with suffering, she found time to think. Her heart was, however, filled with darkness; whether she thought of the past, the present, or the future, not a ray of light illumined her soul.

A lady having heard how ill she was, went to visit her. She read the Bible to her, but the poor woman did not seem to take the slightest interest in what was read. The lady renewed her visits again and again for a considerable time, but without receiving any response. Sometimes, indeed, it appeared as if she did not hear at all.

One afternoon, however, as her visitor read in the first chapter of Paul’s first epistle to Timothy, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” the sick woman cried out all at once,

“Stop! Stop! that’s just what I want! Christ came to save sinners? I am a sinner. That’s just what I want!”

Peacefully she lay down again on her dying bed, repeating,

“Christ Jesus came to save sinners; that’s just what I want!”

ML 07/16/1944

The Old, Old Story

This gentle, holy Jesus,

Without a spot or stain,

By wicked hands was taken,

And crucified and slain.

They laugh at Him and mock Him,

And tell Him to come down,

And leave that Cross of suffering,

And change it for a crown.

Why did He hear their mockings?

Was He the mighty God?

And could He have destroyed them

With one almighty word?

Yes, Jesus could have done it,

But let me tell you why

He did not use His power,

But chose to stay and die.

He had become our Surety;

And what we could not pay,

He paid instead and for us,

On that one dreadful day.

For all our sins He suffered;

For all our sins He died;

And not for ours only,

But all the world beside.

Then take this great salvation,

For Jesus loves to give;

Believe! and you receive it,

Believe! and you shall live.

In living faith accept Him,

Give up all else beside;

While grace is loudly calling—

Look to the Crucified.

ML 07/16/1944

A Beautiful Act

Mark 14:1-9

A few days before the Lord Jesus was put to death, a supper was made for Him with His disciples, in the house of a man named Simon. While they were eating, a woman came with a box, or flask, of choice oil and poured it on the head of Jesus.

To put oil on the head was a custom of the people, perhaps because of the heat and dust, and was a courtesy to a guest. Most often olive oil was used; and expensive oil, as the woman had, used only by kings and rich men. Some present at this meal were indignant at what they called this “waste,” and said the oil could have been sold for more than 300 pence (over $40) and the money given to the poor.

But the woman had a very special reason for using the rare oil, more than to honor Jesus as a guest, ahough that would have been a right use, and Jesus Himself told her reason: He did not call it a waste, but a “good,” or beautiful work, and said,

“She is come a forehand to anoint My body to the burying” (vs. 8).

Jesus had plainly told them He must suffer and die, as was written by the prophets (Luke 21:44-46); yet none seem to have believed Him, only this woman. She understood He was ging Himself for her sins, as for all.

Oils and perfumes were used to show esteem for persons at death, and she knew when the wicked men would take Jesus she could put no oil on Him, so she did it before. Her love and areciation were a great contrast to the hatred of the men who were then plaing to take His life. They would sharp thorns hurt His head, she put on Him soothing oil, the best she could obtain.

The Lord Jesus was so pleased that there was one who believed Him when others did not understand or believe, that He said,

“Verily, I say unto you (very important), wheresoever this gospel (the story of Jesus) shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

It is over 1900 years since this loving act was done, and the story has been read and told many, many times, as Jesus said it should be: No one can now anoint the Lord Jesus with oil, but this story teaches that He is most honored when His words are fully bieved, and when His people value His death above all else.

It was for His joy in those who love Him that the Lord Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).

In what village was this act done? (Mark 14:3).

What was the name of the woman? (John 11:2).

When can the poor he helped?(Mark 14:7).

These verses show the use of oil as pleasing: Psalms 23:5; Psalms 92:10; Psalms 104:15; Fcc. 9:8; Isaiah 61:3; Matt. 6:17.

ML 07/16/1944

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 not 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 you 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 wiIl not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37.

“THE COMING THE LORD DRAWETH NIGH.” James 5:8.

ML 07/23/1944

God Knows Best

It does not rain one drop, mamma; only look out of the window,” shouted little Nellie Arnold, as she rushed into her mother’s room early one morning. “The clouds are bright, and I am so very happy, for we will have such a splendid time at aunt Annie’s! O, mamma,” she continued, eagerly, “I prayed God, last night, to make it clear, and now I am going to see how good I can be all day long. Won’t that be the best way to show Him how thankful I am?”

“Yes, my darling,” answered Mrs. Arnold; “Jesus loves to see little children trying to do right; but do not forget to ask his aid, for you can never be good, darling, in your own strength.”

Just at that moment, Nellie’s little brother entered the room, and the little girl, kissing him, exclaimed, “I do not see how I ever could have been unkind to dear little Willie; at any rate, after my good resolutions, I shall be kind to him all the day long.”

“Do not be too confident, my daughter,” replied Mrs. Arnold; “it is easy to be pleasant and kind when everything goes well—when nothing vexes us. I love to see you happy, but my darling must learn to be watchful as well.”

“O, yes, I know all that, mamma,” said Nellie, eagerly; “but just wait, and see if I will not be good today.”

How slowly the hours passed to the excited little girl. It seemed as though ten o’clock, the time appointed for her visit, would never come. After having told her four times within ten minutes what o’clock it was, Mrs. Arnold proposed that she should play in the garden with her little brother till the hour arrived. Delighted with this proposition, Nellie ran out to play, and for some time the garden rung with the children’s merry laughter. At last little footsteps were again heard through the hall, and before long Nellie entered her mother’s room, and exclaimed,

“O, mamma, please look at the clouds, and tell me do you think it is going to rain?” Mrs. Arnold glanced from the window, and replied, “It does look very much like it, my dear; but it may not, after all.”

“O, mamma, if it should, I would have to play all alone with Willie; and you know I hate to play with him—he is so cross, and never will do what want him to. If it should rain—and the child’s lip quivered— “if it should, what should I do?”

“I trust my little daughter would bear the disappointment patiently, knowing God sent it, and remembering her good resolutions.”

Nellie made no answer, but gazed with anxious countenance upon the clouds, which grew darker and darker every moment, till at last the rain-drops commenced falling; and then, no longer controlling her feelings, the child burst into tears, exclaiming,

“It’s too bad! we won’t be able to go at all today, and I do want to see cousin Clara so much. It’s too bad!—O, mamma.”

“Why did my little daughter pray God to make it clear today?” asked Mrs. Arnold.

“Because,” answered Nellie, “I knew if it were I should be so happy at aunt Annie’s, for cousin Clara will be there, and the pony, and—but don’t you think it may clear? Would it, if I should pray God very hard?”

Mrs. Arnold took the anxious little one upon her knee, and without seeng to notice the eager question, kissing the tear-stained cheeks, began as follows: “Once, when you were a baby, Nellie, I was seated with you in my arms before a table on which was a lighted candle. Your eyes were enchanted with the brightness, and your little hands tried to grasp the flame. Can my daughter tell me why she wished to have it in her hand?”

“Because, mamma,” replied the child, “because I thought it would please me very much.”

“And does my little girl suppose I gave it to her as she wished?” asked Mrs. Arnold.

“O, no, mamma!” replied Nellie, “you loved me too much to let me burn myself.”

“But was it not too bad for me to refuse anything which you thought would give you so much pleasure?” asked Mrs. Arnold.

“Why, no, mamma; you knew better than I did what was best for me,” replied Nellie.

“But I know some One,” continued her mother, “who knows far better than ever I can what is best for my little girl, and that One loves her better than any earthly friend ever can.”

“It is God, mamma,” answered Nellie.

“Then should you ever say that what He does is too bad, even though you cannot understand His reasons for disoppointing you?” asked Mrs. Arnold. “It is right for my darling to pray,” she continued; “God loves to hear little children; but, when begging Him to grant some longed-for pleasure, do not forget to say, ‘Not my will, but Thine be done,’ ever remembering that God knows best.”

Nellie was silent for a few moments, and then, throwing her arms around her mother’s neck, said,

“I do not think it will clear, mamma, and I am very sorry, for it is hard always to feel that God knows best; but I know what to do, dear mamma,” and the child smiled through her tears. “I will ask the Lord Jesus to forgive me, and help me to be good today, and to keep me from feeling so very, very sorry.”

Mrs. Arnold kissed the earnest little one, and said,

“The Lord Jesus will help you, darling; and if this disappointment brings you nearer to Him, my little daughter will thank God hereafter for this rainy day.”

Little reader, will you not choose for your motto, “

God knows best,” and like little Nellie, first bring yourself to Him, then all your sorrows, no matter how small, to Jesus. Then, if you love and follow Him He will bear you in His bosom, and will bring you safely to Himself in the glory where He is.

“He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

ML 07/23/1944

"Come to Jesus"

O, come to Jesus, children, come,

Secure a place in heaven,

That blessed home is filling fast,

For you a place is given.

O, come, and don’t delay!

O, come, and don’t delay!!

For mercy’s day will soon be past,

O, come, and don’t delay!!!

O, sad if thou should’st be too late,

Arise and come to Him,

A loving Saviour you will meet,

And cleanse you from your sin.

His blood can wash the vilest clean,

O, come, confess thy sin;

A full salvation, vast and free,

Through Christ the Lamb once slain.

Just as thou art, with sin defiled,

Wait not to be improved,

He only, can your load relieve.

O, haste, be not deceived.

The Spirit and the bride say come,

O, children, ‘tis for thee;

A Saviour and a home above

To thee is offered free.

ML 07/23/1944

A Man with a Pitcher

Mark 14:10-25

The disciples asked the Lord Jesus where He wished them to prepare the passover supper which was not to be eaten in the Temple, but in the homes. They had no homes in Jerusalem, but Jesus knew where they could have a room. He told two of them,

“Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water; follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman (owner) of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished... there make ready for us.”

The two disciples were so directed that they could not make a mistake. The man with the pitcher of water met them, and led them directly to the “upper room” where our Lord knew they would find all that was needed for the solemn meal.

This was not what we would call a “feast,” but to remember that God had saved their nation from death in Egypt, and to rejoice and thank Him. It was to praise God that they sang a hymn (or psalm) that evening before they left (Deut. 12:7,12).

That same night Jesus showed the disciples to keep a new “feast”: He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave to them to eat; then He gave thanks also for the cup, in which was the “fruit” (juice) of the grape vine, and gave them to drink.

This was a most simple “feast,” told of in few words, yet to be done to remember the greatest of all events, the Lord Jesus giving His body in death, and His blood, not as the passover for one nation, but to save the souls of men, women, boys, and girls, of every nation who will believe in Him.

We may wonder that the Lord’s directions to find the place to keep the “feast” are so fully written: how can anyone now be helped by hearing of the man with a pitcher of water whom the disciples followed?

We find God’s Word is called “water” (Eph. 5:26); it is to our souls, what water is to our bodies. It tells of God’s salvation and of all His way for His people. Yet they could not understand it without the Holy Spirit. Jesus said,

“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13.

From this it seems meant that the guide of the disciples, the man with the pitcher of water, was as a picture of the Spirit, with the words of God, Who guides those who follow Him to the right place to honor the Lord Jesus. It is meant for those who love Him to still keep the simple “feast,” as later written of (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:26).

ML 07/23/1944

Build Upon the Sand: Or the Rock

What happy children these are with their spade to dig in the sand, and such pretty houses, and mounds they can make with it. But they do not last long; the tide will soon wash them away.

It reminds us of the foolish man in Matthew 7:26,27, who built his house on the sand; the winds and the floods beat upon it, and it fell down.

How much better for us to build the eternal security of our souls on the Solid Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, who can never fail, and He will lead us right on to His Home in the glory to be with Him forever.

The sand foundation is trying to get to heaven through our good works, when God says,

“There is none good, no, not one.” Romans 3:12.

Also He says, all our good works are as filthy rags, only fit to be put into the fire, and burned up.

“BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH: AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

ML 07/30/1944

Daisy's Deliverance

On a bright morning, a group of happy children went out to the woods to gather flowers. The trees were in their freshest green, the sun shone brightly, the lambs frisked in the green meadows, and all around was fair and beautiful. The children were delighted, and sang merrily as they scampered through the pretty woods, and across the grassy slopes carpeted with flowers.

Daisy, the youngest of the group, a bright child of five, was given in charge by her mother to Elsie her elder sister, with strict injunctions not to leave, or lose sight of her even for a moment, for well she knew the dangers that abounded even amid so fair surroundings, and the possibilties of her darling child being lost in the woods.

All through the forenoon the children gathered flowers and played among the trees. After partaking of the simple lunch which they had brought with them, one suggested a game in an adjoining field, and all being agreed, they mounted the gate and commenced their play. Daisy being too young to join it, wandered along the field picking flowers and otherwise amusing herself.

Busy in their play, the girls failed to observe that at the end of the field there was a herd of cattle feeding. A loud roar arrested their attention, and, looking in the direction from which it came, they saw a young bull with his head down, making directly for them. In a moment the game was stopped, and the girls making as fast as their feet would carry them to the wood. But where was Daisy? All unconscious of her danger, picking flowers at the side of the field.

When her sister reached the gate where she had left her, and found her gone, she was frantic. A glance along the wall showed Daisy’s bright dress, and the wild animal dashing along in that direction. What could they do to save Daisy? Simply nothing; they were helpless. Elsie, who had heard and read in God’s Book of the mighty power that closed the lions’ mouths to save His servant Daniel, and of the shepherd boy of Bethlehem who delivered his father’s lamb from the lion and the bear cried out—

“Lord save little Daisy from that angry bull;” and He who watcheth the sparrows fall, heard that cry.

The animal suddenly turned another way, and Daisy, still unaware of her danger, was lifted across the wall by a boy who hurried from a neighboring field when he heard the animal’s bellow, and rescued her amid many expressions of gratitude from her sister.

That story of deliverance has never been forgotten, but is often related by Daisy to her class of little girls in the Sunday School, who listen eagerly to the stirring incident which she never fails to “follow up” by saying,

“And I knew a greater deliverance than that; when as a sinner, lost and helpless, exposed to Satan’s power and in danger of perishing in sin, Jesus lifted me up and set me by His side in safety on the Rock, to which no power of the adversary can reach, I could do nothing to save myself, but Jesus did it, did it all long, long ago.” And now the word to us is:

“Only trust Him, only trust Him,

Only trust Him now;

He will save you, He will save you,

He will save you now.”

Yes, there is danger to the youngest while they remain out of Christ, in the world, and exposed to sin and Satan’s power. But coming to the Saviour, believing in Him, saved by Him, there is safety, peace and joy.

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

ML 07/30/1944

Four Boys who were Saved While Young

They were the sons of poor, but honest parents, who had to work hard for their daily bread. At the age of thirteen, all the four boys were sent to work, with a very poor education, and little hope of ring above day-laborers.

A Christian boy, an apprentice mason, who lived in the same town, had been seeking something to do for his new Master, and he saw the four boys aimlessly spending their evenings on the street, he resolved to invite them to an evening class in his father’s house. The boys asked their parents’ consent, and accepted his invitation. They were not too attentive at first; whenever his back was turned they were into mischief, but he bore with them and patiently led them on. In order to bring the Gospel of Christ, and their need of it, before them, they read a chapter of the Bible, and he opened and closed with prayer. For two winters the little class continued, and the boys made good progress in reading, writing and arithmetic.

The following Spring, two left for situations in another town, and both were saved the same year. The younger two remained another winter, then they also left to learn their trades. Years passed, and the boys were far apart, but God had used that faithful young man’s services, and he had the joy lately of hearing that all his four scholars were decided and devoted Christians, living godly lives, and leading others to the Saviour. With tears of joy running down his cheeks he said to me, “I well remember when the four restless boys were in my evening class how I was once and again on the point of giving it up as hopeless, but was always rebuked by the Lord in my unbelief. What a joy it is now to hear from them, all saved and in happy service for Christ, winning others to Him. Two in Canada; one in England, and the fourth here in the town, where he was born, and where I was born again, my comfort and the brightest light for God in the place.”

Yes, out of small beginnings, God works His greatest triumphs of grace. And such a triumph it truly is, to be saved in early years to serve the Lord. Have you known what this is in your own experience? Do not rest until you can truly say, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Psalms 27:1.

Be sure you put in the “my;” that you personally claim as your own Saviour, Jesus the Lord.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psa. 1:12.

ML 07/30/1944

Why Did Jesus Die?

Many wonder why the Lord

Should come from heaven and die,

Till from God’s holy, precious Word,

They learn the reason why.

He gave His life to ransom souls,

He died that they might live,

He paid the heavy debt for sin

When we had naught to give.

And more, His righteous soul endured

The fearful wrath of God,

That sin—man’s sin—might be forgiven

By His atoning blood.

And this is why the Saviour died,

That souls to Him might flee,

And all who come to Him by faith

Will ever welcome be.

ML 07/30/1944

The Lord Betrayed

Mark 14:26-52

The disciple, Judas, who had secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the men who hated Him, left the house after the passover supper, (John 13:26,30). It was later in the evening that Jesus and the other disciples went out of the city to a place on The side of Mount Olives.

The disciples slept on the ground while Jesus went a little way from them to pray. He was “exceeding sorrowful”; He knew the time had come to give Himself into the power of the men who were planning His death, and to suffer from them, and, far more than that, to suffer from God for the sin of the whole world. That was why the Lord Jesus prayed,

“Take away this cup from Me.”

He did not mean a cup He could see; but to take the punishment of God against sin, was called “taking a cup.” Yet He said, “Not My will, but Thine be done.”

Jesus spoke in the language the disciples knew, and His first word, “Abba” has been kept for us now to know. “Abba” meant Father, and to think of the very word He used, will always remind His people of His perfect obedience to God, His Father.

Before long, Judas came with a band of soldiers and many men sent by the priests, for he knew the place on the hillside where. Jesus often went. The soldiers did not know Jesus, but Judas had told them that the man he would kiss (as was a custom for friends), would be the one to take captive.

Judas at once came to Jesus, calling Him, “Master, Master!” and kissed Him. This was most wicked and deceitful. When the soldiers took hold of Jesus, one disciple, who had a sword, started to fight against them. Jesus could have prevented them taking Him, but He did not resist. He said, “The scriptures must be fulfilled.”

Earlier in the night, Jesus told the disciples this scripture,

“I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be, scattered.” Zechariah 13:7.

Jesus was the “Shepherd” that God would “smite”; and the disciples were as “sheep”: they fulfilled those words, for it says,

“They all forsook Him and fled.”

That was a very sad night for those men, who loved Jesus; He had told them other words which would have comforted them, if they remembered them, telling them where to meet Him after He would arise from death (Mark 14:28).

There was a young man who started to follow after Jesus, but he was not one of the disciples. He seems to have been roused that night from sleep, and hurriedly wrapped a cloth or sheet about himself, to come to the place. His name and his reason for coming are not told, but when the men tried to take him he left his wrap in their hands and escaped.

The soldiers led Jesus back into the city to the chief priests.

What is was the name of the place where Jesus prayed? (Mark 14:32).

Why did Judas betray the Lord? (Mark 14:10,11).

What did the soldiers carry? (John 18:3).

ML 07/30/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Clercs”

1.“For what is,” etc. Luke 9:25

2.“When Simon Peter,” etc. 5:8

3.“Those by the,” etc. 8:12

4.“And she brought,” etc. 2:7

5.“And my spirit,” etc. 1:47

6.“Consider the ravens,” etc. 12:24

7.“Heard his word.” 10:39

Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, chapters 11-21

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “Know thee the only true God.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “I am the way, the truth.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “If thou wouldest believe.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “The Father himself loveth you.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “Not this man, but Barabbas.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “Wearing the crown of thorns.”

7.On what day of the week did Mary Magdalene come to the sepulcher?

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The Old Testament prophet who preached to Nineveh. Luke 11:30.

2.Adam’s first son, slain by his brother. Luke 11:51.

3.The Old Testament prophet who called fire down from heaven. Luke 9:54.

4.A ruler of synagogue. Luke 8:41.

5.The one in whose house the sinful woman anointed the Lord’s feet. Luke 7:36-40.

6. Simon, one of the twelve. Luke 6:15.

7.Tetrarch of Abilene. Luke 3:1.

Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, chapters 11-21

1.Who was Lazarus?

2.Who was Didymus?

3.Who was Mary Magdalene?

4.Who was Cleophas?

5.Who was Caiaphas?

6.Who was Annas?

7.Who was Judas Iscariot’s father?

ML08/04/1944

How Bill Was Saved

On a bright morning, a school boy sauntered along the sea-beach to bathe, accompanied by his dog, Dash. Bill thought himself a swimmer, so throwing down his deep-sea line, which he intended to use after bathing, he stripped himself of his clothes, and leaving Dash to watch, went in.

Before he had been in many minutes, one of those strong waves swept him from off his feet, and carried him out far beyond his depth. When Bill found himself being carried out, he gave a loud cry, which at once brought two men. In a moment they saw his danger, but as neither of them could swim, what could they do?

One picked up Bill’s fishing line, and unreeling it on the rock, was making a vain attempt to throw it to the drowning boy, when suddenly, Dash, who had been looking on the whole scene, as if he knew all that was happening, seized the reel between his teeth, and plunging into the sea, swam straight to the place where his young master was struggling to keep himself afloat.

One of the men made fast the end of the line around his waist, and eagerly waited for a sign from the other, who was watching the dog from a high point of the rock.

“Now!” shouted the man, when he saw Bill had taken hold of the reel— “pull gently,” and slowly the line was drawn to shore.

Do you think Bill ever forgot that deliverance? I know he did not, for I have heard him tell how much it resembled another, and far greater deliverance, when as a sinner, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour a short time after.

“Giving thanks unto the Father... who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14.

ML 08/06/1944

Saved to Serve

I met a little fellow at a Children’s Service giving out hymn books at the hall door. As he handed me one, I asked him,

“Can you tell me what became of Noah’s carpenters, the men who helped to build the Ark, but did not enter it themselves?” He answered seriously,

“They were drowned.” To press the matter home, I asked,

“And what will become of those who give hymn books and help in meetings, who are not themselves saved?”

“They will perish,” was the answer.

“Will you?”

A smile played on his cheery face, and brightly the answer came,

“No, I’m in Christ.”

I learned he had been saved two years, and was an earnest worker for the Lord,—a helper in this way,— saved to serve.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” Ephesians 2:8,9,10.

ML 08/06/1944

God's Wonderful Gifts

How many beautiful and luscious fruits God has given us to eat and enjoy! He is constantly giving us blessings in abundance through His love and mercy, and let us not forget to thank Him for them all. May we say as David did.

“BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS.” Psalms 103:2.

While we thank Him for all the gifts which He gives us every day, let us not forget to thank Him from the depths of our hearts for His greater gift, His best gift, the Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, the One He gave to die for us that we might be saved, and live with Him forever.

O, dear children, have you received from God this wondrous gift? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If not, take Him now while He is offered to you, for soon God will offer Him as a Saviour no longer.

ML 08/06/1944

Jesus Once a Child

And was my Saviour once a child—

A little child like me?

And was He humble, meek, and mild,

As little ones should be?

O, why did not the Son of God

Come as an angel bright?

And why not leave His fair abode,

To come with power and might?

Because He came not then to reign

As Sovereign here below;

He came to save our souls from sin,

Whence all our sorrows flow.

And did the Son of God most high

Consent a man to be?

And did that blessed Saviour die

Upon the cross for me?

And did my Saivour freely give,

His life for sinful men?

What! did He die that we might live?

O! how He loved us then!

Accept, O dear redeeming Lord,

An infant’s humble praise:

Teach me to love Thy holy Word,

And serve Thee all my days.

ML 08/06/1944

A Trial in the Night

Mark 14:53-65

The soldiers took Jesus to the palace of the high priest, the leader of the Jewish people; his house was near or a part of the Temple. It was night, but there were priests, scribes, and others waiting, as had been planned to question and witness against Jesus. They wanted to ‘luny through a trial of Jesus when most of the people would not see or know what they did.

These men gathered in the palace, knew the laws given to Moses to direct them how to give any accused person a fair trial with witnesses. They would know the words by the prophet,

“O, man, what is good, and what loth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

They did not do justly or love mercy; they had before tried to puzzle Jesus with questions, and have Him speak wrongly. They were so angry because He had told them God’s words and shown their wrong ways, that they were determined to condemn Him to death, although He had done no wrong.

There were men for witnesses, but they did not speak truly, and they did not agree in what they said. At last the high priest asked Jesus,

“Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

The Lord answered plainly, “I am,” and told them of His coming with power.

The high priest called His answer blasphemy,” words against God. Then they all agreed Jesus deserved to die.

There were certain things people of those days did to show their feelings to others they “rent”, or tore their clothes to show great grief or shame. But the high priest was not to do so (Lev. 21:10), yet the high priest that night rent his clothes, to show he thought the words of the Lord Jesus were shameful.

Some of the men spit in the face of Jesus to show their contempt of Him; others covered His eyes, then struck Him with their hands (called “buffeting”), and said for Him to name who struck Him.

Yet Jesus did not answer or resist: He proved the words written long before of the Holy One to come:

“I hid not My face from shame and spitting.” Is: 50:6. It was also written of Him,

“He was despised and rejected of men.” “He was taken from... judent” (not given righteous judgment) Isaiah 53:3,8.

However, those men had no right to punish anyone by death: all they could do was to accuse and witness against Jesus, and send Him to the Roman ruler for another trial. They hurried to do this early in the morning.

Do you know what time of the year this was? It was the time of the passover feast, also called the feast of unleavened bread, because they then ate only unleavened bread (without yeast) for seven days. This was in their month Abid, the same as late March or early April to us. (see Exo. 13:3,4,6; Luke 22:1).

ML 08/06/1944

Enjoying the Sunshine

On the ladder leaning against the straw stack, the kittens are enjoying the warmth of the sunshine.

For us who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, there comes the message to us from the Bible

“Keep yourselves in the love of God” Jude 21.

Keep in the warmth of His blessing, so you will be happy, and you will be made a blessing to others.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, do not put off coming to Him any longer. The longer you wait the harder your heart will get. Moreover many of you know already that God’s time is “NOW”, and that you have no promise for tomorrow.

“TODAY, IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.” Hebrews 3:15.

“Thousands have fled to His spear pierced side,

Welcome they all have been, none are denied;

Weary and laden, they all have been blest,

Joyfully now in the Saviour they rest.”

ML 08/13/1944

The Lost Knife

I will tell you what happened to me when I was perhaps nine or ten years of age.

I was very fond of a pocket-knife; and I know you will have your favorite playthings; it may be a whip, or a top, or marbles; or if you are a little girl, it will most likely be a doll; one as large, and as fine as you can get.

I was born in a country town, where I could run into the woods to play; and there I found plenty of use for my pocket-knife, in cutting fine sticks; peeling their bark off in various patterns, and cutting their heads in various shapes. But unfortunately for my comfort, I often in my carelessness lost my knife; and so it was on this occasion.

My father had been so kind as to buy me a new one, and I felt very proud of it. I think it was given with the instruction to take care of it, and if it was lost, I must not have another. But off I went in high glee to try my new knife in the woods.

I ran about among the long grass and weeds; selected the finest switches out of the brushwood, and having got as many as I wanted, I turned homeward, with my little bundle of sticks.

When near the end of the wood, wanting my knife again, I found to my great sorrow that I had it not. It was not in any of my pockets it was not in my bundle of sticks. It was lost; lost among the long grass and weeds; where I did not know.

Now the thought struck me that I had lost another knife. I had lost the new and pretty knife my father had bought and given me, with instructions to take care of it. I had lost, as I thought, my last knife, And I had very little hope of finding it again among the green weeds, having been rambling up and down, here and there, I could not, to many yards, tell where.

I sorrowed almost to despair, when a thought struck me,

“Well, though I don’t know where it is, yet I am sure the Lord does, and can direct me to find it, so I will pray to Him before I start off in my search.”

I looked round about, to see if there was any person near, and then knelt down behind a tree, and prayed thus,

“O gracious God, I have come to a great loss, as Thou knowest, in having lost my knife; neither do I know where to seek it, but Thou knowest, and therefore I beseech Thee to direct me to where it is, for Christ’s sake.”

Having risen from my knees, I started in search, with my heart somewhat lightened by the hope that the Lord would lead me to where it was. Having proceeded a short distance in the path, I turned aside, and looking about, my eye caught sight of the knife, lying open, as I had been last using it.

Well, you may be sure I was ready to dance for joy; neither did I forget Him who I believe had directed me to it; and the least return I could make Him, would be to thank and praise Him for it.

Looking all round again (for you must know I should have felt a little ashamed had any one seen me kneeling in prayer) but seeing no one, I knelt down beside the trunk of a tree, and returned thanks to God, in something like the following words, and with tears of gratitude in my eyes,

“O my gracious God, I now thank Thee for having heard and answered my prayer, and directed me to the place where I have found that which was lost. O, give me grace, that I may be Thine forever; for Christ’s sake. Amen.”

Then, pocketing my treasure, away I went home, with a glad heart.

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

“Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it.” John 14:13,14.

ML 08/13/1944

Jesus Dying on the Tree

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means eternal life for thee,

Means that grace o’er sin hath sway,

Means that love hath had its way.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means Jehovah’s just decree,

Words of Him who cannot lie,

“Whoso sinneth—he shall die.”

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means, this sentence past on me

Has descended on His head,

And that He has died instead.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means that mercy now is free,

Free to bless since He has died

And God’s throne is satisfied.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means—and O! how sweet to see!

That my sins are all forgiven,

And that I’m made fit for heaven.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means that I e’er long shall be,

Through His precious blood alone,

Soon in glory, safe at home!

ML 08/13/1944

"God Is Love."

1 John 4:8,16.

Good morning, sir!”

This much used greeting was addressed by a boy to a man whom he had just met in the street.

“Good morning! But I don’t know you,” said the man.

“Yes, sir, you do. You knew me at school.”

“What school do you mean?”

“Why, the ‘God is Love’ school,” replied the boy.

He meant a certain Sunday school where this short text had been hanging for some years at the end of the room. It being the only wall text there, might account for its seeming, in the boy’s idea, a part and parcel of the school itself.

The man was pleased that the boy remembered the words, and hoped he might truly know God’s love.

The superintendent of the same Sunday school was once traveling abroad, and one day, with a number of friends, he entered a large stone quarry. As he explored its vast depths, candle in hand, he noticed on the roof the names of many persons who had visited the place before. Then he thought he would like to put there, not his own name, but this short text: “God is Love.”

So he held up his lighted candle, and carefully guided it while the smoke traced those precious words on the hard stone roof. What an unexpected message they would convey to the next persons who should come into that dark quarry!

Perhaps some would never have heard it till then. Others might have heard, but not heeded it. Let us ourselves always bear it in mind, as well as the saving truth that

“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 08/13/1944

The Lord Jesus Denied

Mark 14:66-72

The men we call disciples, had seen the great miracles done by the Lord Jesus and had heard His words, and believed Him to be the Holy One expected by their people. They thought He would soon take the throne as King over Israel. So when He told them, before the soldiers came to take Him, that they would all be “offended” that night because of Him, they could not believe they would ever turn from Him, or deny they belonged with Him.

One disciple, Peter, said he would never deny the Lord, even if others did. Then Jesus said to Peter,

“Verily (truly) I say unto you,... this night, before the cock Crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice” (three times). Mark 14:30.

It was not long before the soldiers and other men came, with lanterns and weapons, to take Jesus. At first Peter tried to fight against them, and struck one man with a sword. But Jesus healed the man, showing kindness to an enemy.

Yet Jesus did not use His power to save Himself, but let the soldiers bind Him and lead Him away. The disciples became frightened that they would be captured too, and all ran away.

But later, Peter followed to the pace where they took Jesus, and went in where the servants were. It was a cold night in early spring, and he sat down the fire. He was a stranger to the servants, but they all knew of the taking of Jesus; and a maid, who perhaps had sometime seen Jesus and the disciples, noticed Peter, and said to him,

“Thou wast also with Jesus of Nazareth.”

Peter answered that he did not know or understand what she said, meaning he did not know anything about Jesus. Then he went from the room onto the porch, and just then he heard a cock, or rooster, crow, as they do very early in the morning. But Peter seems not to have then recalled what Jesus had told him.

Soon the maid told the servants that Peter was one of those with Jesus. But Peter denied again that he knew Him. Afterward a servant said to him, “Surely thou art one of them, for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.”

No doubt Peter thought they might make him a prisoner, as they had Jesus, and he very wrongly answered again that he did not know Jesus.

After that he again heard a rooster crowing. Then he remembered the Lord’s words telling him that he would deny Him, and he realized he had not been true to the Lord.

He was sorry and ashamed, for he really loved Jesus.

Peter seems never afterward to have been afraid to speak for the Lora Jesus; he spoke even to those same priests who were against Jesus, and told them that there was no way to be saved but by the name of Jesus. He did not fear although they had him put in prison (Acts 4:6-12; 5:18).

“If any man suffer as a Christian (because he belongs to Christ) let him not be ashamed ... .but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16.

ML 08/13/1944

The Rescue

The big ship is being dashed against the rocks, and is going to sink. One by one the people are being let down by a rope into the life-boat, which will take them safe to shore. The sailors are anxious to rescue as many people as possible, though they may have to make several trips to get them all to land.

Dear reader, all who do not know the Lord, are like the people on this ship, about to perish, and they will perish if some one does not save them.

There is just one way of escape for these people on the sinking ship, and that is in the life-boat. They cannot save themselves. And there is just one way of escape for poor, lost sinners. They too, are quite unable to save themselves. But Jesus can save them, and He wants to save them. If you are still lost in sin, He wants to save you.

The Lord “is longsuffering to us-ward not willing that any should pesh.” 2 Peter 3:9.

“I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:28.

ML 08/20/1944

Phebe and Her Dog

Little Phebe heard a poor dog howling piteously one day. She went and found him, and saw he was hurt. He snarled and snapped when she came near.

“Poor dog!” said Phebe; “poor dog!”

The next day she took him a bone; then she brought him a pan of water. He drank greedily. When Phebe came again, he wagged his tail; and the next day he limped to meet her. She told her father about the hurt stray dog, and asked leave to bring him home. Her father told her she could. She went and invited him to her house; and though I suppose he did not quite understand her words, he understood what kindness was, and followed her, and became a faithful house-dog in his little mistress’ family.

When Phebe was coming from school one day, she saw some thoughtless boys stoning a kitten.

“Don’t,” cried Phebe, “don’t abuse the poor thing.”

“O, it belongs to nobody,” said the boys; “we are only having a little fun!”

“It belongs to somebody,” said Phe; “it is God’s kitten, and you have no business to treat God’s creatures so.”

The boys did not think of that; they did not know it was God’s kitten, they said, or they should not have treated it so; and they left off directly.

Phebe took it home. Towser at first was not pleased to see it in Phebe’s arms; but she told Towser the story; and although he did not understand the story, he understood enough to know he must treat it kindly, and protect it from harm.

It would prevent a great deal of cruelty and neglect of the dumb creatures, if we kept in mind they were God’s.

They are God’s horses which wicked men beat and work unmercifully.

They are God’s cows which greedy people sometimes starve in their winter fodder.

They are God’s lambs that are often neglected to be housed in the storm, and God’s dogs that are kicked and abused.

They are the work of His hands, and the creatures of His care; and they are as curiously and wonderfully formed with flesh, and blood, and brains, and heart, and lungs, as we are; and though they are dumb, and cannot plead for themselves, God will not foet our ill-treatment in the great day of account.

“The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but-the tender-mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Proverbs 12:10.

ML 08/20/1944

Can't God Take Care of Us?

I remember a man who enlisted in the army and left a wife and two children, and the wife was not in good health. One cold day in November, in the first year of the war, the news came that he was shot in battle, and the mother was in great sorrow. Soon after, the landlord came round for his rent, and she told him her trouble, and said she would not be able to pay the rent so regularly as before, as she had only her needle by which she could obtain a livelihood; sewing machines were just coming in then, but as she could not buy one, she had a very poor chance. The man was a heartless wretch, and said that if she did not pay the rent regularly he would turn her out. After he went away the mother began to weep. Her little child, not quite five, came up to her and said:

“Mamma, is not God very rich?”

“Yes, my child.”

“Can’t God take care of us?”

“Yes.”

“Then what makes you cry? Mayn’t I go and ask Him?”

The mother said she might, if she liked. The little child knelt at her little bed, and said,

“O Lord, you have given and have taken away my dear father, and the landlord says he will turn us out of doors, and my mamma has no money: won’t you please lend us a little house to live in?”

Then she came out to her mother and said,

“Mamma don’t cry. Jesus will take care of us. I know He will, for I have asked Him.”

It is upwards of twenty years, and that mother has never paid any rent from that day to this. A beautiful cottage was provided for her and her two children, and she has lived there without paying any rent, and when the fire swept over the city of Chicago and burned up her house, a second little home was put up for her.

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14,15.

ML 08/20/1944

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 in at one ear and out at the other.”

“No,” answered the other little 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 turn them out after they are once admitted. It is easier to soil a piece of paper than it is to clean it; and the Scripture says the man whom God approves and blesses is one who stoppeth, his ears” from the hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.” Evil outside is bad enough, but evil within 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 08/20/1944

"Jesus Died for Me"

I called upon a scholar

From Sunday school one day,

Who in a humble cottage,

In helpless sickness lay.

A kind and ready welcome

I met with from the boy,

And something seemed to whisper

His heart was full of joy.

I spoke to him of heaven,

And heaven’s eternal day,

And of that precious Saviour

Who washed my sins away.

And when I spoke of heaven,

Where soon I hope to be,

“And so do I,” he answered,

“For Jesus died for me.”

Whene’er I spoke of Jesus

Upon the cursed tree,

He said, “He died for sinners,

But, sir, He died for me.”

Long time I sat conversing

With this dear, happy youth,

So pleased to find his spirit

Rejoicing in the truth.

He seemed so calm and happy—

His heart from fears so free—

The secret of his gladness

Was, Jesus died for me.”

‘Tis this that makes me joyful,

And keeps my heart so free,

To know Christ died for sinners,

And that HE died for ME!

ML 08/20/1944

A Wicked Choice

Mark 15:1-20

The Lord Jesus was taken by the chief men of Jerusalem to the hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, for trial. He was bound as though a man to be feared, and the priests told Pilate that He claimed to be the king of their nation, which would not he allowed by the Romans, and they expected Pilate would soon punish Him.

Pilate asked Jesus, “Art Thou the king of the Jews?”

The Lord answered, “Thou sayest it.” That meant, “It is true.”

Jesus had ridden into the city a short time before this, to let the people accept Him as King, but these men had refused. They now said many false things of Him. Pilate wondered that Jesus did not try to answer or defend Himself, and knew that the charges were untrue, and wanted to free Jesus.

The Romans were severe rulers, yet it was a custom at each Passover time for them to allow the Jews to choose one prisoner to go free, as a very special privilege, and Pilate asked if he should release Jesus.

There was then a man in prison named Barabbas, who had rebelled against the government, and also had killed someone. He was the man the Jewish leaders wanted to be free, and urged the people to choose him.

Pilate let them have their way to quiet and please them, although he knew Jesus was just and innocent. He next scourged Jesus, which means to whip with leather cords, and gave the soldiers authority to mock and crucify Him. They treated Him with great cruelty, then led Him away.

To choose a man who had done much evil, instead of the Holy One who had done wonderful good, and fully spoken God’s words, shows their hearts were full of hatred. It makes us know God’s love for sinners, and the Lord Jesus’ love to hear such treatment.

The trial of Jesus was before the highest men of the Jewish nation, and the judge, Pilate, representing the Romans, who then ruled all the world. They all refused the Son of God as King and Lord. All who were there must have made a choice in their hearts, and that is what we must each do now when we hear the words of the trial of Jesus and how He suffered, “the Just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18). Because it was for us He suffered, as for the people then.

There is to be a time when the Lord Jesus will be the Great Judge,

“God hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man Whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1.

He will be the Judge at the “great white throne:” (Read carefully Revelation 20:11-15).

But He still waits, offering His love and sacrifice for all who will trust Him. These are words said by Peter about’ the trial of Jesus:

“God ... hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate ... Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you.” Acts 3:13,14.

ML 08/20/1944

The Cooling Stream

Whenever we may look, we can see the provision that God has made for His creatures, and our picture today reminds us of it. The shady, cool retreat for the cows, and the running stream for their refreshment, speak to us of God’s tender and wise care.

Have you thought, dear reader, how tenderly and graciously God cares for you, and supplies your needs—giving you food and clothing, health and strength, yes, all you have?

It may be, you have not yet confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. If that is the case, whether you have many blessings of this life, or are deprived of them, I beg of you, do accept God’s greatest expression of His love in giving His Son to die for you, so that you may have eternal life through Him.

O! dear reader, believe in Him now, if you have not done so in the past, and then you shall know the preciousness of that verse,

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” Romans 8:32.

He will give us all things according to His love and wisdom, but not according to the desires of our natural hearts.

“EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE.” James 1:17.

ML 08/27/1944

Lost and Found

Little Sister lost — and only three years old! At first when dinner time came and she was nowhere to be seen, they thought she might he in a neighbor’s garden, but when calling brought no response, and the minutes flew by, it was time to be alarmed. Would she be up the street, or down? around this corner or that? and for over an hour, her mother searched, walking up one street and down the next—asking everyone she met, had they “seen a little girl in a red dress?”

Where could she be? Finally two boys said they had seen a little girl answering the description—down that way, pointing to an intersection at the bottom of the hill. Anxiously her mother hurried on, crying to the Lord all the way to care for little sister and help to find her.

There she is at last!—being carefuy led away from the busy corner by a kindly passer-by. How the mother’s heart leaped for joy at the sight of her darling!

On questioning the child, it was found that she did not consider herself lost; she was just having a good time!

What a picture this is of each one of us! We wandered away from God, with no thought of Him—just taking our own way, and enjoying ourselves, regardless of the consequences. But, like the mother who anxiously searched for her darling, the Saviour is seeking,

“For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

He left His bright home in heaven above, and came down to this world of sin— “to seek and to save that which was lost”—that is, to seek out you and me, who were lost in sin. This cost Him His life for we had all been taken prisoners by Satan, and the price to redeem us was His precious blood. So now it can be said of all those who have put their trust in this precious Saviour,

“Ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd.” 1 Peter 2:25.

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

He says “Come unto Me.”

Will you not come now?

ML 08/27/1944

Waiting

Perhaps some of you often sit out on your door step or porch, side by side, waiting for mother or father to come home. And what do you do when you see them coming? You may clap your hands for joy as you run to meet them. You are happy to see again those you love.

Is there any one else you are watching for? Some One you have not yet seen—One you have learned to love though still unseen? Many of you know and love the blessed Saviour who died for you. You know your sins are forgiven through faith in His name. Do you know also that He is coming to take you and all who love Him to His home above? Do you know that any day, any hour, He may descend into the clouds, and call us up to meet Him in a moment—in the twinkling of an eye? (1 Thess. 4:16,17; 1 Cor. 15:51,52.)

So He wants you to be always waiting and watching for Him, ready to be called away at any moment from this world of sin and sorrow. Ready to meet him in the air, ready to share His home and throne above. Are you watching? Are you longing with joy to see that blessed face. The apostle Paul said,

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8.

ML 08/27/1944

Returning Good for Evil

A negro, having been sold as a slave, was carried away from his friends and country, and taken to a strange land. There he heard the gospel, and soon gave evidence by his conduct that it had taken root in his heart. Having entirely won the confidence of his master, he was employed by him to choose some fresh slaves. Among them, on one occasion, was an infirm old man, whom the master, yielding to the earnest entreaties of his faithful servant, at length consented to purchase.

The old negro was taken by the Christian slave to his own hut, and was treated by him with the greatest kindness and respect.

The master wondered much at the conduct of his servant, and calling him one day, he inquired,

“Is that old man your grandfather?”

“No, massa, that man is not my grandfather.”

“Is he, then, some relation or friend?”

“No, massa,” was again the reply.

“Then what can make you take so much care of him?” asked the still more astonished planter.

“Ah, massa,” said the Christian, “that man was my greatest enemy; he seized me when I was free, and sold me into slavery. But,” continued he, “I have read in the Book, ‘Love your enemies, and do them good’; and, therefore, I am trying to do all I can to make him happy.”

ML 08/27/1944

The Lord is Looking Down on Me

God will not leave me all alone,

He never will forsake His own;

Though not another friend I see,

The Lord is looking down on me.

Awake, asleep, by night or day,

When at my lessons or my play,

Although His face I cannot see,

The Lord is looking down on me.

Then let me try to please Him still,

And know, and love, and do His will,

Then will my joy and gladness be,

The Lord is looking down on me.

ML 08/27/1944

Follow Me

While speaking to some of the little girls in her class one day, a teacher in a Sunday school asked them what two words the Lord Jesus said to Philip.

“Follow me,” was the prompt response.

“Then,” said she, “these two words also apply to you, if Jesus has called you. What is your answer?”

“I mean to follow Him some day,” said one.

“I should like to follow Him,” another said.

But one little girl did not make any reply to the question, though she was very attentive and thoughtful: and so the class separated. The next Sunday the silent little girl put a note into her teacher’s hand which read as follows:

“I came to Jesus this afternoon and now my answer to your question is, ‘I will arise and follow my own dear Saviour.’”

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

ML 08/27/1944

"Slain by Wicked Hands"

Mark 15:21 to 38

The soldiers led Jesus from the hall where the Roman ruler had condemned Him to death, and started tard the hill outside of Jerusalem where they were to crucify Him.

The wooden crosses on which persons suffered this cruel death were very heavy; at first Jesus carried His cross (John 19:17), then the soldiers compelled a man who was passing along the road, to carry it instead.

When they reached ‘the hill, the soldiers fastened Jesus on the cross. We do not like to think of the cruel treatment, but we know He was fastened with strong nails through His hands and His feet, which was foretold in Psalms 22:16. (John 20:25).

Two men, who were thieves, were crucified at the same time, one on each side of Jesus. This was the third hour of the morning; we would call 9 A. M. Many people had followed to this place, some who loved Jesus, but many who did not, and spoke in ridicule. The priests were there to mock Him, and even the thieves spoke against Him.

The Lord Jesus hung on the cross for six hours, through the middle of the day: the last three hours; from noon, the sixth hour, until the “ninth” hour (3 P. M.), the sun gave no light, “there was darkness over all the land.” Then Jesus called on. God, and gave up His life.

All the cruel treatment did not take the life of the Lord Jesus, for He had said, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, I lay it down of Myself,” John 10:17,18.

This was the great work which Jesus, as the Holy Servant of God, came to do, to give Himself as the sacrifice for sins, as was pictured by the sacrifices of all the years before He came.

Notice these words about the Lord Jesus:

“Christ Jesus... took upon Him the form of a servant, ... became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name.” Phil. 2:5-9.

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

“Ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain,” Acts 2:23.

Note: The man who was made to carry the cross of Jesus did not live in Jerusalem, but in Cyrene, a city of northern Africa. Except for the soldiers’ orders he would not have heard the words Jesus said, or known so fully of His death. He may have been one of those who listened to the disciples soon after this (Acts 2:10). If he learned that the One whose cross he carried was the Christ to bear his sins, how fully he would feel repaid for carrying that heavy cross! Men from his city later “preached the Lord Jesus” in other cities. (Acts 11:20,21). His sons seem to be well known to Mark, the writer of this account, and to other believers.

ML 08/27/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Then said the,” etc. Luke 20:13

2.“For the Son.” etc. 19:10

3.“I will arise,” etc. 15:18

4.“Saying, Father,” etc. 22:42

5.“Saying, the Lord,” etc. 24:34

6.“And sent his,” etc. 14:17

7.“Joseph.” 23:50

Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts. chs. 1-14

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “Preached unto him Jesus.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “Shall receive remission of sins.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “All that was written of him.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Witness of the resurrection.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “Wicked hands have crucified.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “But God was with him.”

7.What were the people doing who were gathered together at the house of Mary?

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.One of the two whom the Lord visited at Emmaus after His resurrection. Luke 24:18.

2.The rich republican who climbed the tree to see Jesus. Luke 19:2-4.

3.The poor beggar who died and went to heaven. Luke 16:20-22.

4.Abraham’s nephew who escaped out of Sodom. Luke 17:32.

5.Patriarchs of the Jewish nation. Luke 20:37.

6.A counselor who buried the Lord. Luke 23:50-53.

7.One of the women who came early to the sepulcher of Jesus. Luke 24:10.

Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts. chs. 1-14

1.Who was Simon the sorcerer?

2.What was the meaning of “Aceldama?”

3.What was Mark’s other name?

4.Who was Jupiter?

5.What chapter refers to the two Antiochs?

6.What was Saul’s native Town?

7.Which James did Herod kill?

ML 09/03/1944

The Best Robe

Mary had on her new dress early on the Lord’s day morning, and was ready to go off to Sunday school. Giving her mother a farewell kiss, she whispered,

“Is it nice?”

“Yes, very nice, but I would rather know my little Mary had on ‘the best robe.’”

The lesson that day was the fifteenth chapter of Luke, and when the teacher began to tell how “the best robe” was put on the prodigal, and what it meant, Mary listened most attentively.

“That ‘best robe’ is Christ,” said the teacher, “and all who trust in Him are covered with His beauty, accepted by God, and made righteous in Him.”

When Mary returned home, she ran to her mother, and joyfully said,

“I know the best robe now, mother; it is Christ, and I have Him on me.”

Dear little reader, do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own persol Saviour? Have you, like little Mary, put on the Best Robe? If not, come to Him now, just as you are, without delay, for He says in His blessed Word, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML 09/03/1944

What Will Satisfy?

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 satisfaction 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 09/03/1944

Little Joey

Joey was a dear little boy at the age of three years, so full of life and merriment that it was sometimes a difficult matter to keep him quiet. On one occasion his mother intended going to some meetings in the country, some distance from where they lived. Calling her little boy to her the day before, she said,

“Joey, I am going to some meetings in the country tomorrow, and should like to take you with me, but I am afraid you could not sit still long enough.” With a pleading look in his mother’s face Joey replied,

“You just try me this once.”

The next day found him seated beside his mother in the train which was carrying them toward the town of C—, and when they arrived at the farm where the meetings were held, he did not forget that he must sit quite quietly, After the first meeting a kind old gentleman took him up in his arms saying,

“What, a good little boy you have been.” Joey was very gratified by this, and pulling his mother’s hand exclaimed,

“There, moder, didn’t I tell truff (truth)?”

At the close of the next meeting, as the people were about to separate, some one suggested singing the well-known verse,

“Here we suffer grief and pain

Here we meet to part again,

In heaven we part no more;

O that will be joyful,

Joyful, joyful, joyful,

O that will be joyful,

When we meet to part no more.”

These words evidently made a great impression on Joey’s mind, for the next day when playing in the garden, he ran into the house to his mother, saying,

“Moder, that man said,

‘In heaven we part no more.’”

“Yes,” said his mother, “and if you like I will sing you the verse.” He listened very attentively to the words and then asked,

“If I love Jesus, should I go to heaven if I were to die?”

“Yes, dear,” was the reply, “because Jesus loves you.”

“But, moder, does Jesus love me when I’m naughty?”

“Yes, Jesus always loves you, but He does not love naughty ways.” Satisfied with this the little fellow ran away to his play, leaving his mother to ponder his words.

How wonderful it will be when the Lord Jesus will take all those who have trusted in Him as their Saviour, Home to Himself in heaven, and they will never part again, but all will praise Him for all His love in giving Himself for them.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... .to Him be glory, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5. 6.

ML 09/03/1944

The Burial of Jesus

Mark 15:39 to 47

One, man of the leaders of the Jewish people had not agreed to the evil plans against Jesus; his name was Joseph and his home Arimathea, near Jerusalem. He had liened to the words of Jesus and believed Him.

No doubt Joseph was with those who watched while Jesus suffered on the cross, for when he saw He was dead, he went to Pilate and “craved,” or desired very much, to be allowed to have the body of Jesus.

Death by crucifixion is very slow, many hours, and Pilate thought that Jesus could not be yet dead. He called the captain of the soldiers, called by the Romans a centurion, to inquire of him. This man confirmed the word that Jesus was dead. Then Pilate granted Joseph to take Jesus’ body.

Joseph bought fine linen cloth, and went to the cross and took down the body of Jesus. Another leader who believed in Jesus, helped Joseph wrap and prepare His body for burial, and they laid Him in a tomb, belonging to Joseph which was near by. They rolled a great stone over the entrance, and went away.

The centurion, who had charge of the soldiers, may never have seen Jesus before that day, yet he, too, believed He was from God. It was his duty to carry out the sentence of Pilate; but the patience and meekness of Jesus, to bear the mocking, the words He said and His prayer to God taught the centurion that Jesus was not like any other man, and he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”

Later the centurion would know, how the tomb of Jesus was guarded, and of His resurrection, which must have taught him more.

The women who stood where they could see the cross of Jesus had known Him in Galilee, where they had listened to His words, known His love for their children, and the cures of all sickness, and that He fed the hungry, and raised some from death. Some of them had “ministered” to Him, which means they had in some way served Him; that may have been if He came to their homes, they provided food and a room, or however they could serve His needs.

Those women believed Jesus to be the Messiah promised in the Old Testament scriptures, and they were deeply grieved at the cruel treatment He received that day. Two of them stayed to see where Joseph laid the body of Jesus in the tomb. Then they returned to the places where they stayed to prepare sweet spices and ointments to bring to His tomb after the Sabbath.

It was then near sunset when the Sabbath day began, and by the law of God to their nation, no work was to be done on the Sabbath, the seventh and last day of the week. For that reason the day before the Sabbath was called “the day of preparation,” when all work was finished to be ready for the day of rest.

ML 09/03/1944

A Little Ship Was on the Sea

When the Lord Himself was in the vessel with. His disciples, as the lines tell us,

“It sailed along so pleasantly.

And all was calm and bright”. How graphic is the scene depicted.

The sun was sinking in the west.” All appeared so bright and happy, and the disciples were at rest as to reaching home in safety.

But, as is often the case in this world, a change passed over the scene in a few moments, the brightness and peacefuess were gone, the sea was in turmoil, and the winds blew wildly.

But happily they had the Lord in the ship, and the storm served but an occasion to show forth. His marvelous power; while on the part of the disciples, it proved how little confidence they had in that blessed One in their midst.

Who could sink in the waters with the Lord of life and glory there? Yet they had some thought of His love and power, for in their distress, instinctivy they turn to Him and in answer to their cry, almost of despair:

“He rose, rebuked the winds and waves,

And stilled them with a word.”

So it is ever now with those who look to Him in distress. No winds are too boisterous for Him to still; no wave to great for His power, for all must yield before His mighty word. How sweet the peace that follows the storm. How calm the rest!

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matthew 11:28.

ML 09/10/1944

Percy's Photograph

Percy sat on his mother’s knee looking through the album, and naming his brothers and sisters, as he picked out from among others, their portraits. At length he came to his own which was the last in the book, and it engaged him for a long while. Then the book was closed, and Percy’s mother said,

“I have another picture of Percy in God’s album, which I would like him to see. It does not show his pretty dress, or his chubby face and bright eyes, but it lets him see what kind of a heart he has. God says that Percy’s heart is “desperately wicked,” and so vile and black that God is displeased with it. All the ‘Thoughts of his heart are evil continually,’ and sometimes that wicked heart sends up cross words into his mouth, and his lips utter them.”

“Shut the Book, Mother, I don’t like that photograph,” said the child impatiently, “the other one is better.”

There are many boys and girls, and men and women too like Percy. They don’t like the description that God gives of them in His Word. It is a very humbling one, no doubt, but it is true, and God has given it there that you might learn, by looking at yourself, how great a sinner you are in God’s sight.

“There is none righteous, no, not one.”

“There is none that seeketh after God.”

“There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10,11,12,23.

If only you will accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your precious Saviour, He will wash away all your sins in His blood shed on the cross, and make you fit to walk with Him here, and will take you to live with Him in His happy Home forever.

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14.

ML 09/10/1944

Confess Christ as Your Saviour

A little girl, wishing to make an open confession of her faith in Christ, called upon one who loved the Lord Jesus, and who preached His gospel.

Her friend was pleased with her apparent earnestness and sincerity, but wished her to think a little more on the subject before she took her place among the professed followers of Jesus.

This suggestion appeared to grieve the little girl exceedingly, and she departed in tears.

Soon afterward she returned, with a piece of cord in her hand, and with still greater earnestness said,

“I have measured the graves of children much younger than I am; and as they died, why may not I? And O! I would not leave the world without publicly showing my love to Christ.”

Being satisfied that she had, through grace, really believed on Him to the saving of her soul, her friend yielded to her wishes, and she has now the privilege of enjoying fellowship with other Christians in remembering and confessing Him who laid down His life for her.

Perhaps there are some of my little readers who have, like this little girl, been led to receive God’s testimony to His Son; who really know and believe that their sins are all put away by His one sacrifice on the cross, and who feel that they too would like to confess that they are His disciples.

Well, dear children, do not be discouraged in any way from doing so. You will certainly lose no enjoyment by taking your place decidedly among Christians; for if you really love the Lord Jesus, you will now find that all the pleasures of this world are not sufficient to make you happy; though Satan may use them for a time to make you very miserable, if you allow your heart still to go after them.

But if you take upon you the yoke of Christ, and learn of Him, you will find it to be an easy and a pleasant yoke, and will indeed “find rest unto your souls.”

You may not have much time allowed you to serve the Lord here; therefore do not delay, if you know Him as your “Saviour,” to confess Him as your “Master”; and if He grant you a long life on earth you will not find that it has been too long to work for Him, and live to His glory.

You will be well rewarded for all you may do and suffer for His sake, by hearing from His lips,

“Well done, good and faithfill servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21.

But what can I say to those of my young readers who know they do not belong to Christ, and therefore that they cannot take their place among Christians?

O! if you know you are not saved! if you know that your sins are not pardoned, go at once to the Saviour, who stands with open arms to receive you. He loves you with a perfect love; only believe His word, and when you have tried it, you will say,

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

ML 09/10/1944

The Name of Jesus

Jesus is the Saviour,

Died to save the lost,

Found me as a sinner,

Guilty, vile and lost.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He is kind to me,

Once He died to save me,

Nailed upon a tree.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He is ever kind,

I’m a little soldier,

Keeping Him in mind.

Jesus is the Saviour,

He washed my sins away,

He’ll take my hand and lead me,

Along the narrow way.

Jesus is the Saviour,

If I do His will,

Then I will be happy,

Safe from every ill.

Jesus is the Saviour,

Coming bye and bye,

I shall soon be with Him,

Up above the sky.

ML 09/10/1944

The Stone Rolled Away

Mark 16

Some of the woman who knew the Lord Jesus wanted to place spices about His body, as was then a custom. They came to His tomb early in the morning the day after the Sabbath bringing spices.

A tomb, or sepulcher, is not like a grave, but a small room, and often large enough for a person to go inside. The tomb in which the body of Jesus was laid, was cut out in the rocks, and the women had seen the big stone which covered the opening. On the way they wondered who would roll away the stone for them.

When they reached the place they saw the great stone was already rolled away. They saw one in a white robe, an angel, who told them that Jesus was not there, but risen, and for them to tell His disciples.

That was wonderful news, but the women were in fear to see an angel, and ran from the tomb. One of them seems to have stayed near, and soon she saw the Lord Himself. She went to tell the disciples that He was alive, but they did not believe her words.

Jesus had told them before His death, that He would rise the third day, yet it was not until He came Himself to the room where they were, that they believed Him alive again.

Later the disciples returned to Galilee as Jesus had told them, and He met them there and taught them (Matt. 28:16). But it is not told that people who had not loved Him, saw Him after He arose.

The Lord and the disciples were again near Jerusalem, for He was taken up from then, into Heaven, as they stood on the Mount of Olives, near the village, Bethany (see Luke 24:50,51; Acts 1:10-12).

The Lord Jesus would no longer be the Holy Servant for God on earth, and before He left He told the disciples their work as His servants. He said,

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” “They went forth and preached everywhere.”

It was a new work in the world to tell people of every race that One from Heaven had died for them, and all who believed would be saved.

The disciples spoke much of Jesus being raised: they said, “It was not possible that He should be held by death,”., that He was “the Prince of Life.”

“With great power gave they witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 2:24, 3:15, 4:33).

But the people then did not have the New Testament to know the words and power of the Lord, as we now have. It is still great wonder that the Lord saves “he that believeth” (Mark 16:16).

Those who love the Lord still rejoice that the stone of His tomb was rolled away, that death could not hold Him, and that He now lives in Heaven, and knows all who put their trust in Him.

ML 09/10/1944

Praying Always

A little girl who knew and loved the Lord Jesus, was in the habit of praying at bedtime. Her mother, who was a Christian, had taught her to bring her little troubles to the Lord, in the full confidence that He would guide and help her.

One day she told her mother she wished that it was night so that she might pray, thinking that this was the only time that prayer was in order. She was told that she could pray at any time. We do not know what this dear child had on her mind, but we feel sure that it was pleasing to the Lord to hear the prayer of the trusting little heart. God encourages His children to “pray always,” and “pray without ceasing.”

If we wanted to ask anything of our earthly parents, we would go to them at any time or place, and they would doubtless help us as far as they were able.

We should be just as free in asking anything of our heavenly Father, and we know that His power and wisdom are without end. And not only this, but His love is boundless.

What a wonderful privilege we have of going to God, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and telling Him all that is on our hearts, knowing that He hears us, and will give us all that He sees is best for us to have.

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” John 16:23.

ML 09/17/1944

One Door

One door and only one!

And yet its sides are two;

Inside and outside—

On which side are you?

One door and only one!

And yet its sides are two;

I’m on the INSIDE!

On which side are you?

A friend who came to our Sunday School brought us the chorus that you see here. It reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus in the 10th chapter of John,

“I am the door; by Me if any man enter in he shall be saved.”

Let’s just talk of doors and windows for a bit.

What is a door for? To go in by, of course, Is a window to go in by?

“Why no,” you say. “Only thieves try to get in through the window.”

One can sometimes look in through a window but that’s not the same as going in.

When Jesus said, “By Me if any man enter in he shall be saved,” what did He mean? That all who want to be saved must come to Him. He is the only One Who can save us. To enter in is just the same as believing in Him, which we read so much about in His Word. But, boys and girls, the one thing I want you to see is that you must yourselves do this. Knowing about Jesus won’t save you. You must yourself put your trust in Him.

I read a good illustration of this once, told by a preacher of the gospel. I will give it in his words as nearly as I can. He said,

“A friend asked me to come with him to see a new house he was going to live in. We went up the garden path to the front door. Now you will see there was a time when we were outside one moment, and inside the next, as we crossed the threshold. I could then say I was inside, even though I didn’t know much about the house.

Well, we went on through it, and a lovely house it was, with many fine rooms beautifully decorated and lovely views. When at last I had been with my friend in every room I knew much more about it and was able to admire my friend’s taste. But I was no more inside, than the first moment I had passed through the door.”

So it is with those who trust in Jesus. Although a boy or girl may not know much about Him and the reap joy there is to be found in His love and His service, the moment you just come and trust in Him, you can say you are saved. And if you live to be old, though you will learn a lot more about Him and know Him better, you will never be more safe than you were the moment you trusted Him.

I was telling this story to some young men, and saying that one must be inside to know about a house, and one of them said,

“You can look in through the windows, though.”

I am afraid there are a lot of people, especially boys and girls, who are “looking in through the windows.” You say,

“Whatever do you mean?”

Why, that you know a lot about the Bible, and about the Lord Jesus, and about being saved, and yet you are still outside. If any one asks you,

“How can I be saved?” you would at once be able to tell them.

Are you still “looking in through the windows” and content to know about salvation? The joy of knowing you belong to Jesus can only be had by those who are His—by those who are inside.

Now I just want to say one thing more. The door is open now, but one day—very soon it may be—it will he shut. And then if you are still outside, it will be too late. How dreadful to be too late, when you have had plenty of time. But it isn’t too late now. So come to Jesus, and then you will be able truthfully to sing—

“I’m on the INSIDE!

On which side are you?”

“Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.... and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered, and said, I know you not.” Matthew 25:6, 10-12.

ML 09/17/1944

"Whosoever": "Freely"

I was brought to the Lord without the aid of any human instrumentality, simply by a text of Scripture coming in power to my heart, which I had learned as a girl in the Sunday school. Loss of friends and health were used to show me how slender was the hold I had with earthly joys, and I longed for true rest and peace.

My trouble was, I was not good enough to be a Christian. I had the thought that personal goodness contributed to salvation, or was the evidence it had come. Walking alone, on a holiday, I wondered if ever the “happy day” I heard others sing of, would come to me. Suddenly a text came to my mind. It was,

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” Revelation 22:17. If it was “whosoever,” that included me. If it was “freely,” there was no conditio, no cause. I stood still. I said,

“Yes Lord, I take the gift of life. I take it now.”

I knew it was mine then and there. There was no great experience, but simply the Word.

“I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish.” John 10:28.

Peace came, joy followed, and abides still.

ML 09/17/1944

A Wild Little Donkey

And it came to pass, when He was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which, at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat; loose him and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Bause the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent, went their way and found even as He had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus, and they cast their garments upon the colt and they set Jesus thereon. Luke 19:29 to 35.

“There once was a wild little donkey,

He had to be tied to a tree,

But Jesus was thinking about him,

He said, “Go and fetch him to Me.”

And when they had brought him to Jesus,

As quickly as ever they could,

That restless, that wild little donkey,

Became quiet, obedient and good.

When Jesus was riding upon

Him He went just the way that he should;

A patient, submissive wee donkey,

Made so by the blest Son of God.

And Jesus is able to make you

Just what He wants you to be;

He loves you, and longs to forgive you,

And make you both happy and free.”

So, come now, dear child, unto Jesus,

Let Him make you a child of His love.

He will teach you, and guide you, and bless you,

Till with joy you shall see Him above.

ML 09/17/1944

The Book of Luke

Luke 1:1 to 4

Read the title of this book in the Bible and you will see it is “The Gospel according to St. Luke.” The word “gospel” means “glad tidings,” and is a history of the life and words of the Lord Jesus written by a man named Luke.

It is not now known where Luke lived, but he had learned of Jesus from the disciples or others who were “eye witnesses” of His great works, and who “ministered,” or told, His words to others.

There was another man, named Theophilus, who had heard about the Lord Jesus, but not as directly as Luke. Since this man had a Greek name, and Luke addressed him as “most excellent,” it is thought that he was a Greek official who probably lived a long distance from Palestine where the Lord Jesus lived.

Luke wanted that man to know that the things which he had been told about the Lord were true, so he wrote this account of the life of Jesus for him very carefully, and in good “order.”

He wrote the facts of the birth and early life of Jesus, not told by the other writers, to show that Jesus was the holy Child, promised by God long bore (Isa. 9:6). And to show that He was the Son of God Who came to earth taking the form of a man, but pure, without sin, perfect in all His ways.

Luke wrote the names of the rulers in Palestine that the exact time of the events he told could be known. He wrote several very interesting stories told by Jesus, not given in the other gospels. Later Luke wrote another long account for him, of the work of the men who went to tell people the glad tidings of the Lord Jesus. That writing is called “The Acts of the Apostles.” In that he often used the word “we”, so Luke was with Paul, going with him to cities of Greece and Asia, to Jerusalem, and last of all to Rome, telling every where the same gospel.

When Paul afterward wrote to those they had visited, he greeted them for Luke; and then we learn that Luke was a physician. But his great work seems to have been for the work of Christ (see Colossians 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11).

Luke and the other men writing the New Testament did not use the word, “Saint” (St.), as a title; that has been given by later men. All who believed in the Lord Jesus were called saints, because they were set apart by God, for His own, “the household of God,” a very wonderful place, which only God can give (Eph. 1:1; 2:19; Col. 1:12; Acts 9:13; Psa. 37:28).

Luke began his gospel by writing of the coming of the prophet who was promised to come before the Lord, and this we will read next time, the Lord willing. And from the Gospel by Luke may we all learn “the certainty of those things, wherein” we have “been instructed” (Luke 1:4). God has sury kept these writings, that all who will read, may be certain, as those men were.

ML 09/17/1944

The Happy Lambs

Do you see these little lambs skipping so merrily about? Lambs and sheep are most gentle creatures. They would not harm any one.

In John 1:36 Jesus is called the “Lamb of God.” Because the lamb is such a meek and gentle creature, it was a suitable type of the meek and lowly Jesus, who offered Himself as a lamb to God for your sins and mine. In Isaiah 13:7 we are told,

“He is brought as a lamb. to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.”

Just as a sheep is so quiet when being led away to be killed, or when the shearers are cutting its, wool, so Jesus went into death and endured the most terrible suffering without drawing back—without murmuring. And all this dear reader, for you, that you might not suffer the deserved punishment of your sins. Do you love Him in return for such great love?

“REDEEMED.... WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT.” 1 Pet. 1:18:19.

ML 09/24/1944

Aileen's Great Wealth

Aileen was not a pretty lile girl, nor was she rich—nor was she satisfied! In her childish mind, however, she imagined that happiness would be hers, were she to be possessed of riches, which would yield to her costly apparel to wear, and also a magnificent home to dwell in: and sometimes she imagined herself enjoying those earthly treasures.

Now Aileen had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her own personal Saviour, and had no right to desire such things; but she did not quite undetand then, that “none but Christ can satisfy,” in every way.

Perhaps some little friend who reads these lines may be, as Aileen was then. The Evil One tries to delude young people into thinking that Christ is not All-Sufficient for their happiness, sometimes: but he is a liar!

Aileen had to learn, by experience, some of his devices, and certainly his delusion about riches was one of them.

Later on, she learned that not only was the One Who died for her, her Saviour—He was also her Best Friend! She began to understand that nothing earthly could satisfy, and so to trust His love more. Then, wonderful to relate, desires for those things which riches bring, began to fade away.

“Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he (or she)” (Prov.16:20). Aileen was satisfied and happy, after she proved that the Saviour of her soul was her never-failing Friend!

Was she then more beautiful, wearing costly garments and living in a mansion? Did the possession of such things give her joy? No! Aileen naturally was unchanged, hut spiritually she was very, very rich indeed!

One day she discovered that she was really in possession, spiritually, of beauty, costly apparel, and was going to live in a Palace! In Psalms 45, she discovered this. Just look now at the verses which were so sweet to Aileen!

1.“So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty”—Aileen’s beauty! (vs. 11).

2.“Her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework”Aileen’s apparel! (Verses 13, 14).

3.“They shall enter into the King’s Palace” — Aileen’s Dwelling-place forever! (vs. 15).

No wonder that this one-time ambitious little maiden was satisfied.

“The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in tine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of saints.’’ Revelation 19:7,8.

Perhaps some of you will sympathize with her, who do not quite understand her great, satisfying happiness now. Then let me tell you one of her secrets! though it is not really a secret.

Although born in sin, like every one else, and unable to keep from sinning by nature, Aileen trusted Him as her Saviour, and, learning-He was her Friend—her very Best Friend—she began daily to take “everything to God in prayer”—things she told to no one else! Here is one of her favorite hymns,

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear,

What a privilege to carry

EVERYTHING to God in prayer.

O, what peace we often forfeit,

O, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

EVERYTHING to God in prayer.”

ML 09/24/1944

Those Who Are Ready

When I was a little girl, I dreamed one night, that I was sitting, 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 with Him too. I waited for some time, but could not see Him coming, and, at last, I found out that the Lord has 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 all those who are saved, who trust Him for their salvation, unto Himself.

What a happy day it will be for those who are ready when He comes for them. They shall see Him and be like Him, and be forever with Him. O! how delightful!

But how very sad for those who are not ready, they will be “left behind.” How will it be with you? Some of you have fathers and mothers, some have brothers and sisters who are Christians. They will be “caught up” to meet Him. Will you be “left behind?”

“And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matthew 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 judent, “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10,11,12.

ML 09/24/1944

The Kindness of God

“Mamma,” said a little girl, “what is that shining up there in the sky?”

“That, dear, is the moon.”

“What is it up there for, Mamma?” “God put it there, darling, to give us light by night.”

“O,” replied the little one, “how kind of Him!”

How kind is God! He made the sun,

To give us warmth and light;

He made the moon and twinkling stars

To chase the gloom of night.

How kind is God! He watches o’er

The fields of corn and wheat;

He guides the storm; He sends the dew,

That we may have to eat.

How kind is God! He well knows all

We need to use and wear;

And so unnumbered’ wonders fill

The earth, the sea, the air.

How kind is God! but more than all

One thing His kindness proves:

The cross of Jesus stands alone,

To tell us how He loves.

How kind is God! yes, little one,

And aged sinner, too,

His loving heart is longing now

To speak, through Christ to you.

He would not have one tender lamb

To perish far from home;

But sent His Son to die, that He

Might call in mercy, “Come.”

ML 09/24/1944

Messages of an Angel

Luke 1:5 to 80

Only certain men, called priests, could offer the offerings in the Temple of God, and each man’s son was to take the work after him. One man, Zacharias, was a faithful priest who honored God, but he had no son.

One day while Zacharias was in an inner room of the Temple, an angel came there and spoke to him, telling him that he should have a son, who would teach the people God’s ways, that they would turn from sin, and be ready for the Lord. This son should be named John, which means the gift of God.

Zacharias knew such a prophet had been promised (Mal. 3:1), yet he did not fully believe the angel, and asked how he could know this promise would come true. Because he had not believed the message, the angel told Zacharias that he should not be able to speak again until the promise was fulfilled.

When Zacharias went from the room to the people, he could not speak, but by his motions to them, they understood he had seen a vision.

Not long after this, the same angel was sent from God to a young woman named Mary, whose home was in the town of Nazareth in the northern part of Palestine, and who was soon to become the wife of a man named Joseph. The angel’s message to Mary was that she should have a son, but one different from all others who ever lived, a holy child, without sin.

The angel said this holy child would be “The Son of the Highest,” “The Son of God,” and that He should be named Jesus, which means Saviour. He would be greater than any prophet,—both Saviour and Holy King.

Mary believed this message, not doubting, as Zacharias had; such a holy child had been promised in their scriptures, and she believed God’s words (Luke 1:38; Isa. 7:14). She then went from Nazareth to “the hill country of Judea” (south of Jerusalem), to visit the wife of Zacharias, who was her cousin. They talked together of the messages of the angel, and believed God’s promises would come true.

Not long after, the message told in the Temple was fulfilled: a son was born to Zacharias and his wife, but Zacharias was not yet able to talk. When the child was eight days old, and to be named, the relatives said he should be named for his father. The mother said, “No”; she knew the name told by the angel. The father was asked: he could not speak, but wrote on a paper, “His name is John”.

After that, Zacharias could speak; he praised God to all present. He said the time “told by the prophets since the world began,” had come, that Gad would “visit and redeem His people:” that there should be “a horn of salvation.” The word “horn” meant power, as an animal’s horns are its power; the One to come had power to fulfill all promises.

Zacharias said to his child that he should be the prophet to go before this Great and Holy One, to teach the people. The friends who heard these things believed God was to bless Israel and told others. And it is written that Mary returned to her home.

ML 09/24/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1.And said unto,” etc. John 4:42.

2.“And we believe,” etc. 6:69.

3.“And he brought,” etc. 1:42.

4.“Then spoke Jesus,” etc.8:12.

5.“And he said.” etc. 9:38.

6. “Marvel not,” etc. 3:7.

7. “His life,” 10:11.

Bible Questions ior October

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, chapters 15-28

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “For I believe God.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “And all things therein.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “Thou shalt be saved.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Came together to break bread.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “There shall be a resurrection.”

6. Write in full the verse with the words, “Should rise from the dead.”

7. What man was called “eloquent” and “mighty in the Scriptures?”

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.In the temple. John 10:23.

2.Sent. John 9:7.

3.A ruler of the Pharisees who came to Jesus by night. John 3:1.

4.In Galilee. John 2:11.

5.The Old Testament prophet, Elijah. John 1:21. (Mal. 4:5).

6.The Old Testament prophet, lsaah. John 1:23. (Isa. 40:3).

7.Peter. John 1:40-42.

Bible Questions for October

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, chapters 15-28

1.Who was Agabus?

2.Who was Esaias?

3.Who was Publius?

4.Who was Jason?

5.Who was Lydia?

6.Who was Timotheus?

7.Who was Sceva?

ML 10/01/1944

The Fish and the Pussies

Is this beautiful setting amid the flowers and the well-behaved little pussies a safe place for the pretty fish? No, alas! the defenseless fish may be devoured by any one of the three merciless creatures.

We may remind ourselves that we have the bitterest of all enemies, Satan. Nor is this foe always easily detected. Not all that is of the world is mean and disgusting. Often Satan comes to us as “an angel of light,” rather than as a “roaring lion.”

Can we escape from this enemy? Yes, for Christ Jesus, the Lord of glory has “stood between us and the foe,” and all we have to do is to bieve on Him Who gave up His life, and was raised again to save us. Then we have a sure refuge; for the Lord Jesus tells us,

“I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

We must believe on Jesus, for if we reject or neglect Him, our doom is certain. The fish may not become a victim to its possible enemies; but for all who do not receive. Christ as their Saviour, there is no escape from hell.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVALTION?” Hebrews 2:3.

ML 10/01/1944

Lost Nannie

Lost, a little girl with fair hair and blue eyes, any information will he thankfully received by the town crier.” This was the announcement, and the bellman passed from street to street, tolling his bell and crying the same story, with a great crowd of boys and girls after him.

How sad, I thought, that a pretty little girl should be lost! How anxious her parents will be about her! I hope she has not gone near the rocks and fallen over! I sat down to rest on the grass, and after a few minutes, I niced a child coming along all alone, crying bitterly, “Mamma, mamma, come to Nannie.”

“Fair hair and blue eyes,” were the words of the bellman, and the sight of the child brought them fresh to my mind. There she stood, sure enough.

“Come with me, my dear,” I said, taking her by the hand, “I will lead you safely home,” and little Nannie put her plump little hand in mine without a moment’s hesitation, and I led her to her mother, who welcomed her with tears and kisses, and hugged her to her, bosom.

Like little Nannie, you, are lost, my little reader, lost in sin, wandering away from God and heaven. But He has sent One to seek and save you, even His own Son, the Lord Jesus. If you will put your trust in Him, as Nannie put her hand in mine. He will save you and lead you to God and heaven. You do not require to cry, or wait until He comes, for He has come forth aeady to seek and save you. Even now His voice is heard in loving tones, speaking to you, and this is what it says,

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Dear young reader, have you come to Jesus, and has He saved and brought you home to God? If not, will you trust Him now, just this very day?

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7.

ML 10/01/1944

The Redeemed Rabbit

When I was a boy at school, a companion of mine had a pair of splendid rabbits, of which he was very fond. During the dark hours of night some one entered the “hutch” and stole one of them. After long searching, he heard that his lost rabbit was exposed for sale, among others, away at the other end of the town, so off he went to claim his own. When he arrived at the place he saw his rabbit, and was about to carry it off, when a voice called out,

“You cannot take away that rabbit without paying for it; it’s mine.”

The boy ran off home, and told his father what had happened, who at once saw the state of affairs, and gave him sufficient money wherewith to redeem the captive rabbit. The price was paid, the rabbit was set free, and restored to its original owner.

Often, as I remember this story, I think how aptly it illustrates our condition as sinners. Sin carried us away from God, and we became captives to Satan. Moreover, the law was against us, for we had broken it, and earned its curse. Only by redemption could we be set free, and this redemption price Jesus paid in His own blood.

No boy or girl need remain in Satan’s kingdom any longer. Yet many do. They love their sins, and refuse to go free and return to God. Yet Jesus says,

“Return unto Me, for I have reemed thee.” Isaiah 44:22.

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

ML 10/01/1944

The Promised Holy Child

Luke 2:1-7

It was written that the Holy One to come to earth would come “out of Bethlehem,” but Mary, to whom the ael had come to say she should be the mother of that child, lived in Nazareth, quite far north of there. An order was sent at that time by one of the Caesars who then ruled all the world, that every man must go to his family city to be taxed.

The husband of Mary, Joseph, belonged to the family of King David, so he must go to Bethlehem, where David had lived. So Joseph and Mary made the journey there. When they reached Bethlehem many others had also come, and there was “no room for them in the inn,” or lodging house; the only place they could find to sleep was in a place used for animals.

That night the son promised to Mary by the angel was born, and she wrapped Him in the cloth bands, then used for newborn’ babies, called “swaddling clothes” and laid Him in a manger. This may have been soft clean hay or straw, yet we could not call it a good bed for a little baby. He was the Holy Child, the Son of God, in a body like other little ones, but with a nature without sin.

This Child was written of as so sure to come, as though already with the people,

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. All these titles show His greatness, although He came as a poor baby.

“Thou, Bethlehem ... ., though thou be little among the thousands...of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel Whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2.

Those last words teach us that this Ruler to come, who was Christ, (or the Messiah, in that language) had always lived before, “from everlasting.” We do not fully grasp all these words, yet we can understand that they are God’s words and believe them.

God has recorded the exact place of Christ’s birth that all may better realize that Jesus, the Holy One, was a child on earth; that it is not an unceain story, but a great fact, and fully true.

We cannot now tell the exact date that Jesus was horn, but the year is quite surely known. Luke wrote the names of the three rulers over the land at that time (Luke 1:5; 2:1) and people for many years after, had the rerds of those men, to know the Year of Jesus’ birth.

Later, men in power believed the birth of Jesus so great an event, that they made the calendar to reckon from the year they figured He was born. It was later found that the time was set four years later than should have been, but the mistake was not changed, and we use that same calendar, with the birth of Jesus as the center of all events of the world, past and present.

Events before Christ, are said to be so many years B. C.; events since, A. D., which is for Latin words meang, “Year of Our Lord,” So now it is 1944 year (or a little more) since Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

ML 10/08/1944

The River Jordan

What a beautiful spot on the River Jordan! There are many rivers in the world that present such a picture, and many more beautiful than this one, yet we know that many of our Sunday school children are interested in that river on account of the many incidents recorded in Scripture in connection with it.

John the Baptist baptized people in it unto repentance; and the Lord Jesus associated Himself with the repentant few who were confessing their sins and turning away from them.

As we have mentioned the fact of the Lord associating Himself with those who were confessing their sins, it will be well for us to mention that the Lord Jesus had no sins to confess, but it was a righteous thing for those people to confess their sins, and therore the Lord could say to John (who wondered at the Lord for wanting to be baptized of Him),

“It becometh us to fulfill all righousness.”

God at that moment opened the heavens, and said,

“THIS IS MY BELOVED SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.” Matt. 3:17.

God would not allow the people to think that the Lord Jesus was a sinner, like the rest of them.

ML 10/08/1944

The Boy who did not Know

John 3:16.

One of the greatest surprises of my life was to meet with a boy who did not know the great gospel text John 3:16. Someone has well said it is the Gospel in a nut-shell. What beautiful words we have here.

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

I came across this boy when traveling. His was a sad story indeed. His father was killed in the war. His mother had died a few years before I came into contact with him. He was left alone in the world with no home, and no one to care for him, and had never heard the Gospel. He did not know the precious name of “Jesus” our beloved Saviour and Lord. What a joy it was to pour into his ear the glad tidings of the Gospel, of God’s wonderful provision in the gift of His Son. To tell him of a God who would be a Father to the fatherless, of a Saviour who would save to the uttermost all who would come, and would be Shepherd and Friend to all who would trust Him. I had to leave the poor boy where he could get some food, and press on my way, praying that God would bless the simple testimony borne.

How thankful our readers ought to be for the privileges they enjoy. Most, if not all, have heard the Gospel time and time again. Most have Christian friends who have some interest in their material and spiritual welfare. Will those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, please think sometimes and pray, too, for the poor boys and girls who know nothing of God’s wonderful salvation, and have little to comfort in this life.

But to return to our text, think again on these wonderful words. Briefly put, this can be your experience, “God loved,” “God gave,” “I bieved,” “I have.”

The Apostle Paul knew this wonderful truth in his own blessed experience, and he said,

“The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me.”

John 3:16 is the Gospel for the world. Galatians 2:20 is the experience of the individual. The one who believes John 3:16, singles himself out from the great mass, and knows the Lord Jesus as his Substitute, as Paul did.

Boys and girls are included in the sweeping statement of John 3:16. They form part of the world, but was it not a little boy who told the old man long ago in reply to his question about the big word “whosoever,”

“It just means you and me and everybody else.”

You are included in the first part of the verse, boys and girls, but remember God intends you to be among the “whosoevers” in the second part.

“God loved the world of sinners lost

And ruined by the fall,

Salvation full at highest cost

He offers free to all.

“O ‘twas love, ‘twas wondrous love,

The love of God to me;

It brought my Saviour from above

To die on Calvary.”

ML 10/08/1944

Jesus and the Little Children

Mark 10:13-16

If I should ask the readers of “Messages of the Love of God,” what Jesus said about little children, I am sure many would be ready to repeat that beautiful verse,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Mark 10:14.

Yes, dear children, these are the words of Jesus, who came to save little children as well as grown people.

There were some that brought young children to Jesus, in order that He might touch them. There were perhaps mothers or fathers who dired Jesus to bless their little ones. But the disciples did not like this. I suppose they thought Jesus had too much to do, to be troubled by children, and so they rebuked those who brought them. But this was not right, and Jesus “was much displeased.”

Jesus was glad to have them bring their little ones to Him for blessing; and He told them that any one who did not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child would not enter in. Jesus wants us all to be as simple as little babes, and if we come to Him this way we shall get blessing. Jesus did not refuse the little babies they brought to Him.

“He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.”

How beautiful! And Jesus has not changed. He is just the same loving Saviour still, and loves to bless the children now, just as well as then.

If fathers and mothers and those who have the care of little children bring their little ones to Jesus; He will not refuse to bless them. It will be His joy to bless them.

And, you dear children, who are old enough to come to Jesus yourselves, if you come to Him, He will receive you and He will bless you. O, then, come to Him, and just place yourselves in His loving arms. Come to Him just as you are, with all your sins, and He will forgive you, and save you, and make you little lambs in His flock; for He has died for you and His blood cleanses every one that comes to Him.

“He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

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

ML 10/08/1944

"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 field;

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 10/08/1944

What Shepherds Heard

Luke 2:8-21

The night Jesus was born and laid to sleep in a manger in Bethlehem, there were shepherds in the country not far away, watching their flocks, when a very great event took place:

“Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, 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 ... .And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the higst, and on earth peace, good will tard men.”

This was the most wonderful message ever told to men: a Saviour had come! All had sinned, and had no right to God’s blessing, but because of this Saviour, God had good will toward all, and offered peace to all. The angel’s messages to Zacharias, to Mary, and to Joseph, told of blessing, not for one nation only, but this was for all. The shepherds were meant to tell others.

If only the one angel had come, it would have been a wondrous sight, but “a multitude” came, as though not only for men to have the message, but in praise to God for His gift to men, and in praise to the One Who had come, as it is written,

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Hebrews 1:6.

The shepherds did not wait until some other day to go to see the Saviour Who had come to earth: they went “in haste” to the village of Bethlehem to see that little Baby, which the angel told them would be in a manger. They found the place where Joseph and Mary were, and the Baby lying in a manger. Then they told others the message of the angel, and that they had seen the Child, born to be the Saviour, Who was Christ the Lord.

The people of that land who believed the writings of the prophets in their scriptures, expected the Messiah, or the Christ, to come, but many looked for Him to come a Great King, but they thought much of what the shepherds told them, and no doubt many went to see the newborn child.

God had sent His Son at first a poor humble child; it is not told there was a circle of light about His head as shown in many pictures, yet the shepherds were not disappointed. They were certain they had seen the Christ. They returned to the flocks “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it was told them.”

The message brought from God by the angels that night with its offer of peace to men, has never been withdrawn. He will give peace to all who believe in His Son. We know He is not now in the manger, but we can be “in haste to go and see” for ourselves, as the shepherds did, that God’s message is true.

The name Jesus, given the Holy Child, is like the message told by the angels, for Jesus means, Saviour. (Matt. 1:21).

ML 10/08/1944

The Foolish Virgins

We can picture the joy and gladness of the wise virgins, as the Bridegroom (the Lord Jesus Christ) welcomes them to His marriage feast, and takes them in with Him, for they are ready.” Every one who is washed in the precious blood of Jesus is ready.

Are you ready, dear children?

The poor foolish virgins are those who are trying to get to heaven by their own good works, or in some other way than owning that they are lost sinners, and cannot save themselves. They must accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He alone can save them.

The Lord Jesus is coming very soon—it may be today. How terrible it would be if any little boy or girl who reads this, were to come too late, and find “the door was shut.” They will truly cry out,

“Lord, Lord, open to us.” But only to hear those dreadful words, “Verily, I say unto you, I know you not!”

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10.

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

ML 10/15/1944

Little Olive's Dream

Only a dream! but it was intensely real to dear little Olive, as she lay fast asleep one bright morning—doubtless a lesson was learned that day which was never forgotten. In her dream she was walking through some green fields to the hills beyond, and as she drew near them, she saw a beautiful city. Its walls were of pure gold, glittering with lovely diamonds; and as she looked through those pearly gates, she could see people dressed in white, with bright crowns of flowers upon their heads. How lovely it all looked, O! how Olive longed to go in, but she thought, this shabby dress would look so dirty among those nice ones. Just then she spied a little stream running through the meadows.

“O! I can wash out these stains, and then it will do.”

Quickly she ran and washed and washed away; but, alas! the spots only grew larger. She was almost ready to give up, when a dark cloud over-shadowed the sun, and Olive’s dress looked much cleaner.

“Now I shall be able to go in,” thought she, forgetting—poor little Olive—that when the bright sunlight shone upon her dress, it would look dirty again. Satisfied with her dress, she made again for the beautiful city, when, catching sight of some red poppies, she thought, “I can have a wreath now, prettier than those they are wearing.”

So she twisted a garland of poppies, and holding her head very high, she walked up to the gate. How beautiful it all looked, and sweet music came from thousands of happy children as they sang the praises of Jesus.

Little Olive longed to go in, but at the gate stood a beautiful angel, and little Olive thought such a sad, sorrowful expression was on his face, as he said very, very softly:

“No! little Olive, you cannot come in.”

Just then the sun shone out from behind the clouds, and, looking down, dear Olive saw her dress was all stained and spotted, and taking the wreath from her head, found the flowers were all withered, and she dreamed the angel again said,

“No, little Olive, your dress is not pure and white, and your crown is not made of never-withering flowers.”

Little Olive thought she sank upon the grass and cried, O! such tears of bitter disappointment.

At this she awoke, to find her dear mother looking at her tear-stained face. “What is the matter with my little Olive?”

“O! mother, I have had such a dream,”

It was quickly told, and when Olive had finished the story, her dear mother told her how God had been speaking to her, showing her that the stain of sin could never be washed out by any effort of her own, and that God could not have little Olive in heaven until every trace of sin had been removed. She then told her little daughter how much God loved her, and that the Lord Jesus shed His precious blood to wash away her sins, so that if she trusted Him as her Saviour, He would give her a pure white garment and golden crown.

Was it not a good thing the last part of Olive’s dream did not come true? How terrible it would be to find onelf outside heaven’s gate for ETERNITY!

Yet you, my reader, stand in this dangerous, perilous position if your sins have never been washed away by Jesus’ precious blood, and remember, if you die unsaved, you die without hope.

O, let me beseech you, flee to Jesus! let His precious blood be your only plea. He has said,

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

ML 10/15/1944

Sandy

Sandy, he was a farmer’s boy,

Who watched his master’s herd,

Who drove them to the grassy hills,

Where sang each happy bird;

And there long summer days he lay,

And listened with delight,

To nature’s varied calls and songs,

Until the shades of night.

He gathered too the lovely flowers,

That graced the mountain side,

He chased the butterflies and bees,

Knew where the rabbits hide.

The squirrels with their bushy tails,

Perched on the swaying limb,

Looked curious, and just as though

They’d like to talk to him.

One day the sun with withering power,

Its sultry heat displayed,

And to his mind a Scripture came,

Which his whole soul dismayed,

“The elements shall melt with heat,”

Yes, “fervent heat” at that,

He wondered if that hour had come,

There terror stricken sat.

He looked, beheld a storm-cloud black,

With fury soon to burst,

To linger there meant danger sure,

He would not dare the worst;

He knew a shelter ‘neath a rock,

And soon was hidden there,

While lightning, thunder, fierce and wild,

Poured torrents everywhere.

Beneath the shelter of that rock,

Some words he there could trace,

He brushed beside the moss and read,

“Thou art my hiding place.”

He knew from whence those words had come

From God’s own holy Word,

They woke within his mind such thoughts

As his whole being stirred.

His sins, his guilt, his restless heart,

Unsatisfied, and wild

With tears of penitence he kneeled,

By faith became God’s child.

And with a heart now satisfied,

God’s hiding-place He found.

And Jesus Christ his Saviour God,

His sins and woes had drowned.

And Sandy now delighted rose,

The storm had rolled away,

The sun now shone its beams of light,

And brought a cooler day.

And all his sins were now forgiven,

And Christ his heart now filled,

His great salvation, and His love,

His happy heart now thrilled.

ML 10/15/1944

Why Are They Not Saved?

The Lord Jesus said to the Jews,

“Ye will not come to ME, that ye might have life.” The fault lay in their will. They were not willing to come to Him and be saved.

The same reason is to be found on all sides today. Boys and girls are not saved; and WHY? Because they WILL NOT come to Him!

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

ML 10/15/1944

In the Temple

Luke 2:22-39

When God saved the oldest sons of the families of Israel in Egypt, He said every first born son belonged to Him, and was to be “presented” to Him (Ex. 22:29, Num. 3:13). Joseph and Mary obeyed God’s words, and when the Baby Jesus was a few weeks old brought Him to the Temple in Jerusalem.

The words said by the priest are not given, but in this act all acknowledged, the first son belonged to God.

While they were in the Temple, a man named Simeon came in. The Spirit of God had shown this man that before his death he would see the promised Christ. When he saw the Baby Jesus he knew He was the Holy One promised. He took Him in his arms, and thanked God, and said,

“Mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy people Israel.”

A woman who was known by all to believe the promises of God, also thanked God that His promise was fulfilled, and told others of this Holy Child.

Joseph and Mary “marveled” at the words said about the Baby Jesus. They had believed the messages of the angel that this Child would save Israel (Matt. 1:21, Luke 1:32), but they had not seemed to understand He would be so great, as to be the Saviour for all people, as the shepherds and Simeon said. Mary must have wondered, that He “would be spoken against” and that sorrow, “as a sword” would come to her heart. But we know those words came true when that Holy One, Jesus, was refused.

You may hear Mary spoken of as “the Queen of Heaven,” and other such titles, but those were not given in the Bible, and it is not written that she should be worshiped. Very little was written of Mary, except to show she fully believed God’s words; she spoke of herself as from a humble home, “low estate” (Lu. 1:48); for her sacrifice in the Temple, she had two doves or pigeons, as were brought by poor pele of Israel, instead of a lamb (Lev. 12:8).

Mary knew she had sins and needed a Saviour, for she said,

“My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:47.

When she heard the message to the shepherds of a Saviour, she thought much about those words, she “pondered them in her heart.” She did not forget them. She must have loved the Baby Jesus as a good mother, and learned to love Him more as her Saviour.

From the Temple Joseph and Mary must have gone again to Bethlehem (about six miles), for the wise men visited them there, and after they had gone, God warned Joseph to take the Baby Jesus in haste to Egypt. From there they went to Nazareth to live.

ML 10/15/1944

The Chipmuck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We can always flee to God and ask His protection, and He says,

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

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

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

“WATCH AND PRAY, THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TETIPTATION.” Matthew 26:41.

ML 10/22/1944

Bread for Nothing

A friend of mine saw one day a large crowd of men and women, boys and girls some tall, some short, some clean, and some dirty—gathered in front of a large public building, upon the steps of which a man was standing, and giving a loaf of bread to each person who stepped foward to receive the gift.

A sum of money had been given by a gentleman to be spent in purchasing bread to be given to the people of the town, and it mattered not who came—whether little or big, young or old—every one might get a loaf of bread for nothing. There was enough for all.

You may be quite sure that very, very many took advantage of this kind provision, and eagerly pressed forward to obtain the welcome food.

We can imagine how glad the poor, hungry-boys and girls, and men and women were.

When my friend told me of this, I could but think of the wonderful prision which God has made for poor, hungry, perishing sinners. He has prided salvation for all who come. There is nothing to pay and nothing to do, but simply to take a full and free salvation— “without money and without price.”

To purchase the food for the people, money had been given by the gentleman, as I have told you—for of course, the loaves had to be paid for by some one.

To purchase salvation for sinners, the Lord Jesus, who was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich; and the blessed God in His great love did not spare the very best gift—the most costly and precious One, even His own Son, whom He loved so much.

He it is who was delivered to death. His precious blood was shed. But now He is risen again, and all the price having been paid, God is giving that wondrous gift, eternal life, to all who come.

There were many people in that crowd who did not obtain a loaf. They were rich and well-to-do, and did not need the free gift. Not so those in the great crowd of “sinners.” God says,

“All have sinned”—none are rich enough to buy the salvation they need. Indeed, God will not sell. He is rich, and gives.

Many do not think they need this free gift, and they neglect this great salvation—frittering away the last hours of this day of God’s grace—careless and thoughtless about their precious souls, until at last, dying in their sins, they are cast into hell, never never more to hear of God’s wonderful gift.

Have you received His gift yet, my little reader?

Coming is believing. Jesus says,

“Him that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.”

Are you hungering and thirsting? If so, come now, and what a dear girl once wrote to me you will find true:

“There was never yet a poor sinner turned away empty.”

“To give us assurance,

Christ rose from the dead;

Redemption is finished,

The price has been paid;

All the work has been done—

All who trust in the Son

Are saved thro’ the blood

Of the Crucified One.”

ML 10/22/1944

Trust in God

One day a party sailed down the harbor in a boat. The weather was fine when they started; in the afternoon a black cloud arose the thunder rolled, and the lightning flashed, occasioning great alarm among the ladies. One lady was more frightened than the rest; her little daughter nestled towards her; taking her hand, and looking up into her mother’s face with a look of pity and surprise, “

Mother,” said she, “God is in the thunder; can’t we trust Him when He speaks loud, as well as when He speaks easy?”

“Yes, my child,” replied the rebuked mother, with a tear in her eye. “And pray, Mary, that I may have the perfect trust of a little child.”

How precious was little Mary’s faith!

And it pleased God, because He loves to be trusted. His children trust Him, and He would have any child to be His child; and therefore He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour, and all who trust in Him are dear to His heart. And when Jesus came, what did He say? He said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Why, what are little children horn for, if they are not born for God? Their mothers do not always expect to keep them, and if they grow up like His dear Son, lowly-minded, forgiving, patient, loving, and obedient, their early piety glorifies God; it honors and pleases Him, and they answer the purpose they were made for.

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

ML 10/22/1944

"Bless and Curse Not"

A bad, passionate man was one morning swearing at his wife when his little five-year-old child came into the room and said,

“Mother, I know my text; let me make haste to school.”

“What is the text, dear?” said the poor mother, wishing to keep her child from hearing the oaths of the father.

“Bless, and curse not!” said the little girl, putting up her rosy lips to her father for a kiss as she finished the words.

The tears came into the man’s eyes as the child departed. All that day,

“Bless, and curse not!” rang in his ears.

He became a changed man from that time, God had spoken by the mouth of a little child, and one can but exclaim with the psalmist,

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the aveer.” Psalms 8:2.

“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.

ML 10/22/1944

The Boy Jesus

Luke 2:40-52

Nazareth had been the home of Joseph and Mary before they went to Bethlehem, and they returned there after the stay in Egypt, because Joseph feared the ruler of Judea might harm the Child Jesus. And that was why Jesus’ home was quite far from the city of David in Judea, where the King was expected to live (John 7:42).

There is still a town of Nazareth, built on the slope of a hill, and the view of the country about and of the mountains is very beautiful, the Sea of Galilee is not far away.

Only a few words are written of Jesus as a child: that He “grew and waxed (became) strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was up on Him.”

There is but the one event told of Jesus when a boy, that is the visit to Jerusalem for the Passover feast with Joseph and Mary. It is not told how they traveled, perhaps on mules, or they may have walked. The distance is over sixty miles direct, and must have been much more by roads, for there are mountains and streams between, and they would be several days on the journey. Others went also to the feast, and from the towns along the way.

The feast lasted seven days, and after that, Joseph and Mary with many others, started home. They supposed Jesus was with some of the relatives or friends, in the company. But when evening came they found He was not with them, he had stayed in Jerusalem.

Joseph and Mary turned back to the city, but it was not till the third day that they found Him. Perhaps most boys would have been seeing the markets or shops of the city; that was not where He was found, as you may know, but in the Temple of God, listening to the most learned men, called “doctors,” and also asking them questions.

All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers, and no doubt inquired who He was.

Mary told Him they had been very anxious about Him, and asked why He had stayed. He then asked if they did not know that He must be about His Father’s business, the most necessary thing. The work of His Father which was before Him, was greater, of course, than any one else ever could do. He was the God-Man.

Jesus then went home with Joseph and Mary, and did as they wished, “He was subject unto them.” And it is again told that He “increased in wiom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” “Wisdom” is said first, and that was shown by all His words and acts, told later.

Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus was called “a carpenter” by people of Nazareth (Matt. 13:55, Mk. 6:3). So He knew work on earth, and was host, truthful, and patient. This may comfort boys and young people now who wish to honor Him.

ML 10/22/1944

The Grey Wolf

There is no animal, outside of the domestic, more generally known than the wolf, as it is found in every part of the world.

In our picture we see them out on the cold snow hunting for food, and no doubt it will be very difficult for them to find any, but we know God takes care of all His creatures in one way or another.

The way the wolf is described in Scripture is as ravening and seeking its prey in the evening. It is very destructive among sheep, destroying more than it can eat. This makes the wolf a fit emblem of the wicked, who molest the sheep and lambs of God’s flock, and even creep in among them.

During the Millennium (or one thousand years) when the Lord Jesus will reign over the earth, and Satan shall he bound,

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the failing together; and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6.

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 35:1.

ML 10/29/1944

Hidden Treasure

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalms 119:11.

If we do what the psalmist here says he did, God’s Word will then be a hidden treasure to us. But have you ever thought that the Lord Jesus has a hidden treasure in this world today? Yes, this is quite true, in spite of all the wickedness and wicked people still on the earth. If you will turn to the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, and read the forty-fourth verse, you will see what we mean.

In that verse, the Lord Jesus Himself is the “Man” who is spoken of, for, as you know, He was once down here in this world as the Son of man, who came to seek and save that which was lost. So He speaks of all those whom He has saved, even little children, as His treasure; and if any one of you who has not yet come to Him will do so, even while you read these lines, you may be quite sure that you will at once form part of His “hidden treasure.”

Let us read a second time that forty-fourth verse very carefully, and then we will go back to our text in the psalm,

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which, when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

In our chapter in Matthew we learn that Jesus gave His life that He might make you, by believing in Him, part of His hidden treasure. And if we thus belong to Him, we can then do what our psalm-text says, we can hide His Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.

Some years ago we knew a young girl who, we are glad to say, used to go to Sunday school. It was the teacher’s custom to get all her class to learn a text in the week, and repeat it to her on the next Lord’s day. By that means this young girl learned a great many portions of Scripture by heart.

A time came when she was taken very ill, and had to keep her bed; in fact, she did not get well again, but after a rather long illness, the Lord took her to Himself.

The reason why we write about her is this. As she became very weak, and unable even to read for herself, she used to lie and think of the beautiful words of Scripture which she had committed to memory. The Lord spoke to her soul in this way, and she was saved through true faith in Him who had died for her.

One day she said to her mother, “O! mother, I am so thankful that I learned so much of God’s Word when I was well; for now I can think upon it, although I am too weak to read; and it makes me so happy.”

Let us all imitate this young girl, and so make God’s blessed Word our “hidden treasure,” and if there should be any one of you who has not believed in the Lord Jesus before, may you come to Him now, and thus belong to His “hidden treasure.”

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:20,21.

ML 10/29/1944

The Little Shepherdess

Among the hills of Cumberland,

Where lovely lakes abound,

There stands a humble cottage home,

With pastures green around,

Where sheep in summer sunshine feed,

And lambs in gambol play—

Without a fear, without a care,

The livelong summer day.

Within that lowly shepherd’s cot,

A fair young form is laid—

With golden curls and ringlets fair—

Upon a narrow bed,

No more to roam the flowery glades,

Or watch the lambs at play,

But lie through weary nights of pain,

And oft alone by day.

But Jenny’s bright and beaming face

No indication shows

That she is either sad at heart,

Or broods upon her woes,

But that she has a source of joy,

To thousands still unknown,

And that her heart its treasure finds

In Christ, upon the Throne.

When in the early days of health,

She watched her father’s sheep,

And learned the tender lambs to guard,

The wayward sheep to keep;

She heard the Gospel’s joyful sound,

And lent her youthful ear,

The voice of Christ the Shepherd true

Believingly to hear.

To Him who shed His precious blood

The lost one to reclaim,

Who came to seek the wandering sheep,

And bring it back again;

To Him she came and found her rest,

From Him salvation came,

And in Him life, eternal life, through

Believing in His Name.

O happy little shepherdess!

Who would. not be like thee?

Rejoicing in a Saviour’s love,

His face so soon to see;

Now in His bosom carried safe

To yonder peaceful home,

Where all who know Him in. their hearts

Shall surely safely come.

ML 10/29/1944

"Jesus was Punished Instead of Me"

Little Edith came home from Sunday school with a tear on her pretty cheek. The lesson that day had been about the sufferings of Jesus, that last sad night in Gethsemane, when all forsook Him and fled; the cruel soldiers platting the crown of thorns around His brow, and then the pain and suffering of the cross.

She was only a child, a little girl of tender years; but her heart had been opened to receive the Saviour. After she was undressed she knelt down at her mother’s knee to pray—not to say her prayers as a mere form, but to pour out her heart in simple, child-like words to the One whom she knew and loved. Clasping her little hands, she said,

“I thank Thee, O Jesus, that Thou was punished instead of me.”

That was about all, but, O, what a depth of meaning is found in the words of that little child. Who among the host of heaven can raise a higher note?

“Punished instead of me.” Ah, yes, that’s it. Not instead of angels or demons; not instead of other people, or people in general, but “for me.” This is faith. The apostle who said,

“Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20), and little Edith who said,

“Punished instead of me,” had the same precious faith. They were sinners alike, and they had accepted the same Saviour. Reader, have you?

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him,” Psalms 2:12.

ML 10/29/1944

John the Prophet

Luke 3:1-21

This was the son told of by the angel to the priest Zacharias, and said he should be “a prophet to go before the Lord and prepare the way for Him.” But John did not teach the people in the Temple, or serve in its duties as his father, which was the usual work for priests’ sons.

The high priest at that time, and others of the Temple, were unfaithful to God and He could not bless them. John did not receive his teaching from them; no doubt his parents who believed God’s words taught him, and perhaps others, but he is spoken of, when young, as in the deserts. So no doubt he was much alone where he learned what to tell the people (Luke 1:80).

John knew the time to begin telling the people to prepare: “The word of the Lord came upon him in the wilderness.” He went to the country about the Jordan River. There were towns and people there, John taught them out of doors away from Jerusalem and the temple.

How were the people to prepare for the Lord? By decorating their buildings, streets, and garments? No, he told them only one way, to repent of their sins, to confess them to God, and turn away from them.

People came from all parts of the land as they heard of John’s preaching, and he spoke so plainly and earnestly that many were truly sorry for their sins, and as a sign of this were baptized by John in the water of Jordan.

The word “baptize” teaches of death. The Jordan reminded especially of death, because it flows steadily doward from high mountains into the Dead Sea, in whose heavy salt water no plant or fish can live.

Some of the people thought John might be the promised Christ. But John told them the One to come was far mightier than he. We would call John a good man and faithful to God, yet he said he was not worthy to loosen the shoes of that One to come.

One day Jesus came to be baptized. John knew that Jesus was from God. He, in grace, would take His place with repentant Israel, in view of the Millennial kingdom. John would know the words of the angels, about the Saviour, and knew His perfect life, he said to Him,

“I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?”

But Jesus said it should be done; He had no sin to confess, or to deserve death.

Some time after this, John was kept from preaching to the people because he had reproved the ruler of Galilee of evil things. He is mentioned again later. He had fulfilled the words that he would turn many to God and many of those followed Jesus.

ML 10/29/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And this is,” etc. John 17:3.

2.“Jesus saith,” etc. 14:6.

3.“Jesus saith,” etc. 11:40.

4.“For the Father,” etc. 16:27.

5.“Then cried they,” etc.18:40.

6.“Then came Jesus.” etc. 19:5.

7.“The first day.” 20:1.

Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “The gift of God.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “Abraham believed God.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “I am not ashamed.

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Work together for good.

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “When we were enemies.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “Is according to truth.

7.How many have sinned and come short of the glory of God?

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Brother of Martha and Mary. John 11:1.

2.Thomas a disciple of Jesus. John 21:2.

3.One of Jesus’ female disciples. John 20:1.

4.Husband of Mary. John 19:25.

5.The high priest. John 18:24.

6.Father in law to Caiaphas. John 18:13.

7.Simon. John 13:2.

Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, chapters 1-8

1.Where did those to whom this Epistle was addressed live?

2.Who was Abraham?

3.Who was Moses?

4.Who was Sarah?

5.Who was David?

6.What does “Abba” mean?

7.Who were the “Barbarians?”

ML 11/05/1944

Wi Yu

A True story of An Indian Girl

Our picture today shows us an Indian mother and her little one. Once Indians were savages who knew not the true God nor His Son, Jesus Christ, but God loved them and sent messengers to tell them so, and also to show them from His Word how to be saved and. made happy and free from sin.

Wi-yu’s parents were pagans, and their dear little girl had not even heard of Jesus until she was sent to a mission school. The lady in charge of the school was very loving and kind to Wi-yu, and the child soon grew to love her dearly. One day Wi-yu said to her.

“I want to give myself away to you.” Much surprised, Mrs. C. asked,

“Why does Wi-yu wish to give herself to me?”

“Because I love you,” she replied After this they called Wi-yu, “Mrs. C.’s little girl,”

Another day Mrs. C. and Wi-yu were sitting together sewing, while Mrs. C. also talked to her little girl about Jesus.

“Do you love Jesus?” asked Mrs. C.

“No,” said the child, “but I want to: I want to become a Christian, but I’m too little.”

“But Jesus says, ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me’.”

“I don’t know how to go to Him; I don’t know what to do.”

“Wi-yu,” said Mrs. C., “you must give yourself away to Him.”

“How can I do that?” exclaimed “Wi-yu in surprise.

“How did you give yourself to me?” “I came to you, and asked you to take me because I love you.”

“Why do you love me dear?” She paused a moment, then said,

“It must be because you love me.”

“Yes, Wi-yu, that is the reason. Now Jesus has been loving you all the time while you have not been caring at all for Him.”

“Would He he willing for me to give myself to Him just as I did to you?”

“Certainly, child, that is just what He wants you to do.”

After some quiet thinking, the dear child knelt by her friend’s side and said,

“My Jesus, I give myself to You. I give my hands, my feet, my mouth, my tongue and my heart to You. give You all of myself. Please take me, dear Jesus.” Then she arose and said,

“Do you think He heard me?”

“I am sure of it,” said Mrs. C. and together they found these precious words in her Indian Testament,

“Anyone that cometh unto Me, I will not thrust aside.” John 6:37.

Believing these wonderful words, she from that moment knew herself to be His own, saved child.

A few days later, Mrs. C. said to her,

“Wi-yu, after you had given yourself to me, did you try any harder to please me?”

“O, yes!” she said, “I tried to please you in everything, even in very little things.”

“Are you willing to please Jesus?”

“I think I am,” she answered.

“Have you told the other girls that you are now a Christian?”

“No, I am ashamed to do so.” She blushed and hung her head.

“Were you ashamed to tell them You had givenyourself to me?”

“O, no, indeed.”

“And yet, my Wi-yu, you are ashamed of Jesus, your most precious friend, your wonderful friend, Who loves you so much, and saved you from your sins. O, Wi-yu! Wi-yu! Let us tell Him about it, and ask Him to help you to please Him, even in this.”

They knelt and Wi-yu sobbingly said,

“My own dear Jesus, I have been ashamed and afraid to confess Thee. Help me to tell them all that I have given myself away to You.” When she arose she said,

“I can tell them now, I’ll tell everybody.”

This she did, brightly and happily, and even wrote to her stern pagan father. Her letter was as follows:—

“My dear father: I have given melf away to Jesus, and I am not ashamed or afraid to tell it.”

The very next Sunday he walked several miles to the Mission Room, and heard about this same Jesus to whom his little daughter had given herself. After that, he kept coming until, he, too, accepted Christ as his own Saviour.

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

“THEY FIRST GAVE THEIR OWN SELVES TO THE LORD, AND UNTO US BY THE WILL OF GOD.” 2 Corinthians 8:5.

ML 11/05/1944

"They That Were Ready"

Matthew 25:10

Redeemed by Christ, brought nigh to God,

By virtue of His Precious blood;

Eased and at peace, my sins all gone,

Through faith in God’s beloved Son.

Accepted in that blessed One,

I now belong to Him alone;

Devoted to Him, may I be,

Who loved and gave Himself for me;

Yearning o’er those who cannot say,

“I’m ready should Christ come today.”

Are YOU ready?

ML 11/05/1944

The Anointed One

Luke 3:21,22

It is told in the Old Testament that when God chose a man to do great work for Israel, a prophet ainted his head with a special oil, in the presence of others. This was a sign to the people that the man was chosen by God, and had authority from Him for His work, as Aaron for high priest, and David for king (Lev. 8:12; 1 Sam. 16:13).

It was also written that the Holy Person to come to earth to fulfill all God’s work, would be an anointed One, called “The Messiah,” a Hebrew word meaning, The Anointed (Dan. 9:25; Psa. 2:2).

Before Jesus began His work, grear than that of all others, this is what we read:

“Jesus also being baptized and prang, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a Voice came from Heaven, which said,

“Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.” Later we read: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.” Acts 10:38.

So we learn that Jesus was anointed for His wonderful works on earth, not by a prophet but by God, the Father, and not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. By that, God gave authority and power, and His Voice declared Jesus His Son, with approval, as God could give no other. It is said that the words given in our language. “In Thee I am well pleased,” really meant, all delight in Jesus only God found delight. Other men chosen had not aays done God’s work, they all sinned, but in Jesus He could delight.

By going into the water in baptism, Jesus had shown His willingness to do His greatest work,—to bear God’s judgment against sins by His own death; and shown his trust that God would raise Him from death; baptism being a symbol to teach of death (Romans 6:3,4). The trust and dependance of Jesus were also shown in that He was praying.

It is not told if others besides the prophet John saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, but John told the people, and God wanted them to believe His prophet who spoke to them for Him (John 1:31-34).

So the baptism and anointing of Jesus was a most important event of His life on earth, and written also in Matthew 3 and Mark 1. It was then near the year written for the Messiah by Daniel, and the people were in “expectation” of His coming and thought the prophet John might be He (Luke 3:15).

All should have believed John, that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. His holy ways and wondrous miracles later fully proved Him to many, but few understood that the Messiah must die, be “cut off,” ahough that was shown in the Psalms (Psa. 22 and 69; Isa. 53:8-10; Lam. L:12; Dan. 9:25).

ML 11/05/1944

The Pilgrims

Over 300 years ago, some Christians suffered persecution in England, so some of them fled to Holland. They were well treated there, but they determined to seek a country where they would be able to worship God as they wished.

Their eyes turned toward America as such a country, so in July, 1620, a little company of them sailed from Delft Haven in Holland, to Southampton in England, where the little ship, Mayflower, was waiting to convey them to the New World. They were now called Pilgrims, on account of their wanderings from one place to another.

They felt themselves to be pilgrims and strangers there, and sought a country of their own.

In what we may call God’s Roll of Honor, (Heb. 11) in speaking of those whose lives have been marked by some act of faith, it is said: “These all died in faith... and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

And now, dear boys and girls, and older ones, too, who are the Lord’s, are we showing by our words and ways, that we, too, are pilgrims and strangers here?

Do we declare plainly that we seek a country—a better country—that is, a heavenly one?

“FOR OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN; FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Philippians 3:20.

ML 11/12/1944

"I am not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ"

A bright, rosy-faced boy was Albert. His father, a pious man, had died and gone to heaven, and the widowed mother sought to bring up the two boys, Harry and Albert, in the “fear of the Lord.”

Harry, the elder, was better known to me than Albert, having often seen him at the gospel meetings at B. My introduction to Albert was very singular. We had pitched a gospel tent, and God, in his grace, was saving souls through the preaching, both young and old.

Among those convicted of sin was a man, who had allowed his mind to imbibe infidel notions. I was visiting him at his own house, and, as is aays the case where over forty years have been spent in the service of Satan, I was finding it difficult to show how simply a soul may pass out of Satan’s kingdom into the “kingdom of the Son of God’s love.” But God’s ways are very wonderful, and often He interposes just at the right moment. I was rather inclined to regard Albert as an intruder, coming suddenly in, without knocking, and depositing a parcel on the table, and then standing still, cap in hand, as though he had come to stay awhile.

My, conversation with Mr. E. necessarily ceased, as I could easily see that Albert was, a welcome visitor at that house; turning to the dear boy I suddenly inquired,

“Are you going to heaven with us, my boy?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied. “I was at the gospel tent on Sunday with my brother Harry.”

“Yes, but what of that? You might go to the gospel tent a thousand times, and yet not go to heaven, for scripture says, ‘Except ye repent, ye shall all likise perish;’”

“But I have repented, sir, and confessed my sins to God in my own bedroom.”

“I am so glad to hear that, my boy, but there is yet another thing, there must not only be repentance but faith as well, as scripture puts it,

‘Repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Acts 20:21. Now if you have confessed your sins to God there is another confession which is necessary to salvation.” Opening my Bible I read,

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

“But I have confessed Him, sir,” he interrupted.

“Who to?”

Looking heavenward with the tears streaming down his cheeks the answer came, without any hesitation,

“To Himself, sir!”

“Thank God!” said I. “But now, what can you say to Mr. E. and me about Jesus, for Matthew 10:32 Says, ‘Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.’ “What is Jesus to you now?”

“He is everything to me now, He is so precious!” replied the dear boy.

“Now let us kneel and thank Him together.” The three of us knelt together while I thanked God for saving that dear boy so sweetly and simply, and giving Mr. E. to witness how simply a child enters the kingdom of heaven. We rose from our knees and 1 bade the dear boy “Good-night” with a few words of encouragement.

All this deeply affected Mr. E., who now let me out at the door. I told him that I could not help regarding this as a signal mark of God’s favor to him, reminding him of the words,

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 18:3.

Thank God Mr. E. has since been converted.

ML 11/12/1944

Prayer

A little girl who was deaf and dumb, was asked by a lady if she knew what prayer was. The lady wrote the question on a paper.

Now, if we were asked such a queion, we might all give different, yet true, answers; we might say it was asking God for something, or telling Him our troubles. But this deaf and dumb girl gave a beautiful answer; she said, “Prayer is the wish of the heart.”

This is quite true, for fine words or beautiful repetitions said to God do not make real prayer, it must be the desire of the heart.

ML 11/12/1944

Are You Ready?

Matthew 25:1:7

Are you ready now to enter

In with Christ, the corning One?

Of your hope is He the center,

Who so soon is sure to come?

Have you heard the solemn warning

He is sounding everywhere?

Are you waiting for the morning,

When the saints His glory share?

Do you know the world is sleeping,

Amd in vain they hear the cry?

Are you of the few that’re keeping

Watch for Him with anxious eye?

Those who have in Him believed,

They on earth would not abide,

For they wait to be received,

When He comes to take His bride.

These take oil while they are going,

And of Him they love to speak:

In their life they’re ever showing

That ‘tis Christ alone they seek.

See the many onward moving,

Who profess this Christ to love;

Yet their ways are daily proving

They can never, dwell above.

With no oil they start to meet Him,

And their lamps would feign to shine;

But they never yet received Him,

And the world’s their native clime.

They go forth; but who are worthy

With the Lord to enter there?

Those who know Him, they are worthy

And the Saviour’s home shall share.

All the rest are still found wanting,

For they do not know His name;

They did not receive the warning,

And they have themselves to blame.

So the ready ones shall gather

To a place that’s bright and fair,

To be with the Lord forever,

All His joys and love to share.

ML 11/12/1944

A Long List of Names

Luke 3:23-38

There is a list of names in this chapter which could have been traced when Luke wrote them and known to be correct. They are not all as plain to us now, yet show that Jesus was truly a man on earth, and the time He “was supposed” and called the son of Joseph. Joseph believed the angel, that the Babe to be born to Mary was the promised holy Child from God, and named Him Jesus, which means Saviour. Joseph cared for Jesus as a loved son, taking the hard journey to Egypt to save Him when a baby, and later, when a boy, made the trip back to Jerusalem to find Him (Matt. 1:25; 2:14; Luke 2:48).

It was from Joseph that Jesus had a legal right to the throne of the king of Israel, for Joseph was a descendant of David’s son Solomon, shown in the list of names given in Matthew 1.

This list of names by Luke is believed to be the genealogy of Mary, and Heli (vs. 23), the father of Mary; so as a man, Jesus was “of Heli,” who was traced back to another son of King David, Nathan. Then the names are given back to Abraham, the same as in the list of Joseph; but then traced to Adam, the first man.

Luke wrote just before this list, that God spoke from Heaven to Jesus: “Thou art My beloved Son,” then this list shows, as other scriptures, that the Son of God had become a man on earth. This is a mystery, and a great wonder we cannot understand, nor any writer explain, we can only reverence Him and believe God’s words.

Do you know the reason given that the Son of God took a body like ours? It was that He could die for our sins. He did not become an angel, for an angel has not a body the same as men, and does not die (Luke 20:36; 24:39). “Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death.

... .For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels, but He took on Him the seed of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:9,16.

“Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God ... was made in the likeness of men, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8. “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman.. to redeem them.” Galatians 4:4,5.

Jesus most often spoke of Himself as the Son of Man; you can find these words many times in His talks to the people. It is a much more lowly title than the Son of God, but it was as Son of Man that He could die to save His people.

Adam, the first man, lost his right to God’s blessings by sin, so did all others. But Jesus was holy and perfect in all His life on earth, and fulfilled God’s law and work; a son, is the heir, so, as the Son of Man, Jesus is heir of all blessings from God, which will some day be known to all.

ML 11/12/1944

The Faithful Dog

The shepherd-dog has been sent after the flock of sheep and goats, and now he is bringing them home. They run in front of him because they are afraid of him, nevertheless he will bring them to their shepherd, and the place of pasture the shepherd has for them.

How different this is from the wav the Lord Jesus does with His sheep. He goes before them, as He knows the way and He leads them. If we are His sheep, and we follow Him, we shall be led in paths of righteousness, and we shall have a happy path, and shall be to God’s glory, pleasing Him in all our ways. We shall also be able to say,

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalms 23:1,2.

That would be a good and happy place for the sheep, and it is such a place the Lord ever leads His own, if they are willing to follow Him.

On the other hand, there are those who do not love the voice of the Lord Jesus, they do not know Him, and they like to follow in the paths of sin, and thus they reap bad results.

Dear children, do not rest till you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour and Shepherd, and then seek to follow Him closely, and you will not only please Him, but your path will be one of happiness.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27.

ML 11/19/1944

"How Much Did I Pay for My Birthday Present?"

Dear Children: You all like to have a birthday, don’t you? And if I could see you, you would tell me what nice birthday gifts your father, mother, brother or sister had given you.

Now, I am going to ask you a question, and I am pretty sure you will all smile at my foolishness. Never mind! this is my question:

“How much did you give for your birthday gifts?”

O! You will all answer (even the little sister of only four).

“Of course we didn’t give anything; father and mother bought them, and gave them to us.”

You are quite right, and I am sure you will think with me, that if you took some money in your hand to pay mother and father, they would feel quite grieved. But now I want to ask, “How are you treating God, and all His beautiful gifts?”

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

When I meet children, and ask them if God loves them, they nearly always say,

“God will love me if I am good.”

“God will love me if I love Him,” which you know is really saying, I must give God a little bit of my goodness, or a little bit (or a good large bit) of my love, before He will give me His love, or let me know Jesus Christ, and have eternal life.

Now, dear children, this is all wrong and it is treating God as you would not think of treating your mother or father. God gives you His love, because He is love, and because He loves to be the Giver. You cannot deserve His love: you deserve to be punished for your sins, but because “God is love” He gave His Son to die instead of you, to be your Saviour. He gives you eternal life. He gives you salvion freely, it is

“Without Money and Without Price.”

A tiny girl was once reading to her grandfather, and as she was so small, she had to spell out a good deal of it, so she read very slowly: “That we might know the things which are freely given to us of God.” 1 Cor. 2:12.

“Stop! child,” said her grandfather, “you have made a mistake. It does not say freely.”

“O! yes, it does, grandfather,” said the little girl.

“Go back, and see,” he answered.

“That we might know the things which are f-1-e-e-l-y given to us of God,” spelled out the child.

“Well,” said the old man, “I never knew it said that before.”

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24.

ML 11/19/1944

"I'm not too Young"

These are the words of a little girl named Emma. When only a child, Emma was sent away from home to a private school which was conducted by a Christian lady, and while there she often heard of Jesus, and His love to little children; but Emma did not care to listen, and liked playing with her schoolfellows a great deal better.

After a short time, however, God made her feel how sinful she was, and also how kind Jesus had been to die for her. Then little Emma gave her heart to Jesus, and believed that He had washed away all her sins in His preous blood. Little girl as Emma was, she clearly understood the simple story of the Gospel, and it made her very happy to know that Jesus was her Saviour.

What do you think was the first thing she did after this? She wrote a letter to her mamma, telling her how happy she was, because she knew that Jesus loved her and had saved her; and Emma also said, “Do you love Jesus, Mamma?”

But Emma’s mother wrote to her, and said that she was too young a child to think about such things.

Then Emma sent a sweet, simple letter containing these words,

“Mamma, dear, I’m not too young to die, so I’m not too young to believe in Jesus, and be saved.”

I wonder whether any of my readers are boys or girls at school, and do they like to hear about the Lord Jesus, or do they not care for Him. Think of little Emma’s words,

“I’m not too young to die, so I’m not too young to believe in Jesus and be saved.”

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

ML 11/19/1944

Simple Faith

One Lord’s day evening, after our Scripture lesson, the simplicity of the Gospel came so sweetly to my soul that I could not help exclaiming to my young pupils,

“You have but to look, dear children, and you are saved! Behold Jesus hanging on the cross! Look and live!”

As I spoke, Laura, a lively, joyous child of about seven years of age, raised her eyes, and, with much earnestness, told me that she had indeed looked with her heart upon Jesus.

Faith is the look of the soul. My little pupil looked upon God’s sacrifice, and the most eminent of saints have done no more to obtain life; for,

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever bieveth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14,15.

ML 11/19/1944

Truth's Echo

‘Tis said, O Echo, though I scarce believe it,

That thou canst utter truth. May I believe it?

(Echo) Believe it.

Then I, of truth disposed to be a winner,

Will ask thee this. Am I, indeed, a sinner?

(Echo) Indeed, a sinner.

But if, in works, I strive with best endeavor,

I should not, surely, then be lost forever?

(Echo) Lost forever.

If my salvation thus I cannot earn,

What shall I do? Should I to Jesus turn?

(Echo) To Jesus turn.

If this he truth, ‘twere wisdom to obey it,

Is it thy voice? or do Scriptures say it?

(Echo) The Scriptures say it.

But I have been so long my will fulfilling,

Can I be sure that God to save is willing?

(Echo) God to save is willing.

But, O! my sins o’erwhelm me like a flood.

Can I from them be purged by Jesus’ blood?

(Echo) Purged by Jesus’ blood.

Then Him I trust; He saves and keeps forever.

O, wondrous grace! can it be fathomed? Never!

(Echo) Be fathomed? Never!

ML 11/19/1944

"It Is Written"

Luke 4:1-13

After the Holy Spirit had come upon the Lord Jesus, it is told that Satan spoke to tempt Jesus to obey him. It was in the lonely land near the Jordan river, and Jesus had eaten no food there, and was hungry. Satan said to Him, “If thou be the Son of God, command this stone to be made bread.”

God had spoken from Heaven to say Jesus was His beloved Son, but Satan tried to doubt those words. Yet Jesus did not do a miracle to prove Who He was, or for food; this was His answer: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Deuteronomy 8:3.

Those words were from the Old Testament, and it was from those scriptures He answered each time.

Satan could not deny Jesus’ answer, and he tried another way to persuade Jesus to obey him; he said all the nations of the world were his, and he would give their glory and role to Jesus, if He would worship him.

That also was doubting that Jesus was the Son of God, Who should be worshiped; and the nations were not Satan’s to promise. Jesus answered him again with words of God,

“It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” (vs. 8; Deut. 6:13).

Satan tried once more to cause Jesus to obey him, and said that “if” Jesus were the Son of God, He should throw Himself down from a high point of the Temple, because it was written that God would give His angels charge over Him, to keep Him, lest He dash His foot against a stone.

Those words were from Psalms 91, so Satan knew scripture, but used it in an evil way; for the words were not given that the Holy One should do as Satan wanted. The answer of Jesus was, as before, from God’s written words to men:

“It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Deuteronomy 6:16.

Satan then went away, he found he could not tempt Jesus to do his way; he showed his awful pride and hatred that he could try to tempt the One he knew to be the Son of God to obey him; his promises were false; he knew the written words of God, and used them for evil to try to bring harm to Jesus. Yet his fear was shown, for he went away.

In all the tempting, Jesus did no miracle, but showed His trust in God as a humble, perfect man; He showed that God was the authority over all, and proved the power of His words in the scriptures.

Some persons try to believe there is no Satan, yet he is written of in many parts of the Bible as a most wicked being, or spirit, not seen by men, but able to suggest to the mind what is evil and false, especially to have them doubt that God’s words are true.

Yet God’s words are “the weapon,” or power, the Christian has to resist Satan’s doubts and evil, as the Lord Jesus resisted him, and it is told he will be fully conquered by the Lord (Rom. 16:20; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 20:10).

ML 11/19/1944

The Lighthouse

When we read of great heroes who fearlessly give their lives for some cause or other, we admire them very much: we think them wonderful. But we often pass by unnoticed some who, in an obscure way, endure and suffer silently in doing that which they know God has called them to do.

In a lighthouse, two miles from shore, on the French coast, lived the guard with his wife and four children.

One day, Matelot, this was his name, became ill. Night was coming on, and the light in the tower had to be lighted. Mrs. Matelot left her husband in the children’s care to go and light the lamp.

On her return the oldest boy said, “Mother, the light is not burning.”

And so it was, the revolving light was stationary, and would be mistaken for any other light, and it might lead to serious results to ships in that dark night, and threatening storm. Once more she climbed the steep stairs to see what could be done. A long time she worked, but in vain. Matelot was cleaning the machinery when he took ill, and had not been able to put it together again.

Returning to her quarters, she sent the two oldest boys, ten and seven years old, to the tower where all night, from nine o’clock until seven in the morning, the two children with all their strength, turned the lamp, this way and that. Not one moment did they falter.

How many ships owed their safety to these brave little boys? God knows, if no one else. He also knows and takes notice and will reward the little boys and girls who, knowing what awaits those who do not have Jesus as their Saviour, warn them of the judgment to come. All children, no matter how young, who have learned of the Saviour’s love, can tell their playmates, or give them a scripture card, or a Sunday-school paper, that will tell them how to be saved.

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

ML 11/26/1944

The Piece of Money; or, How God Provides.

It was in a time of great famine that a poor widow, who lived in a lonely hut in the woods, found herself one day without bread to give to her children. Besides, she was ill, and without friends or help. But she knew Him who is a friend of the poor, so she knelt down to pray. She prayed long and earnestly, for she knew that He who fed the birds would not forsake her.

While she was kneeling, her little girl, on opening the door of the hut, saw something sparkle on the door sill. She saw that it was a new piece of silver money, and carried it in haste to her mother. Who had put that money there? They could see on the road no living creature; they heard no sound of a carriage. Where did it come from? Had God put it there for the desolate mother? Without doubt, it had come from Him, but it was not placed there by an angel, nor did it fall from the sky. God, in many ways, my dear children, answers our prayers without sending heavenly messengers. His hand can touch a little spring in the wheels of the universe without changing in the least, its laws, and help comes where it is asked for. Like the poor widow, we do not always see exactly which way this mysterious help comes, and it seems to us then to come directly from above. The preservation of each of us from the cradle is just as directly the work of God, although He uses so many different people to obtain this result that we often forget the unseen Benefactor, and see only those who are under our eyes.

But how could the silver piece have come there?

This is what happened: A young man, on his way to a neighboring town, was walking, in spite of the remonstrances of his friends who wanted him to take the train.

While he was crossing the woods, a voice raised in supplication was heard coming from a hut on the roadside, and arrested his attention. He went in the direction of the sound on tiptoe, and heard distinctly the widow’s prayer. He understood that she was poor, ill, and without friends, and was pouring out her heart to God.

“What can I do to assist tins poor woman?” wondered the young man. He out his hand in his pocket and brought out a silver piece of money. It was a large sum for him to give, but in a generous impulse, he thought of the poor widow who needed it more than he. He placed the money on the door sill so that it would attract attention when the door was opened, then hid himself, waiting to see what would happen. Before long, the man saw the little girl come out and pick up the money, and with a light heart he went on his way.

Had not the money come from God to relieve the poor widow, and was he not the messenger sent to help her? This is the way God acts, and chooses His instruments to carry out His will.

When we go about, seemingly busy with our own affairs, it often happens that, without being aware of it, we carry out God’s plan, and perhaps awer the prayers of His children, witut knowing it.

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

ML 11/26/1944

The Good Shepherd

One day a traveler in the East met a shepherd with his flock, all of which knew his voice. You must remember, dear young friends, in Palestine the sheep know the voice of the shepherd, and he calls them by name. Well, this traveler wanted to try whether the sheep would come when he called them, so he asked the shepherd to exchange his clothes and he would put on the shepherd’s. When this was done the traveler called the sheep, but they would not come, and took no notice; then the shepherd, although in different clothes, called, and they came immediately.

You see, dear young friends, they knew not the voice of a stranger. So Jesus knows His own, and whenever or wherever He calls them, they follow Him. But a stranger who may call them to do many things which is questionable they will not obey.

When a boy was asked to slide on the ice one Sunday, he refused because he had learned about Jesus, how He obeyed His mother at their home in Nazareth. Jesus the good Shepherd knows His sheep (John 10:14-27); He calls them (John 10:3); He gathers them (Isa. 40:11; John 10:16); He guides (Psa. 23:3); He feeds theni (Psa. 23:1,2); He protects them and preserves them (Jer. 31:1,10; John 10:28).

But above all, dear young friends, He laid down His life for us (Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31; John 10:17).

What a friend you may have both in life and death, and He will give you a place in His beautiful home in heaven.

“In that beautiful home He has gone to prepare,

For all who are washed and forgiven.”

Will you flee to Jesus now? He will save you; He is calling you, saying, “COME.”

ML 11/26/1944

Hands, Lips and Feet

“Little hands can work for Jesus,

Glad to do His holy will;

Helping playmates, serving mother,

They are serving Jesus still.

Let my hands be quick and true,

God shall give them work to do.

“Little lips can move for Jesus,

Speaking gently all the while,

Making other people happy,

With a love-word and a smile.

Let your speech in kindness fall—

Jesus listens to it all.

“Little feet can run for Jesus,

And for Him sweet comfort take

To the hearts bowed low in sorrow,

Blessing all for His dear sake,

Let your footsteps gladness bring,

Doing errands for the King.”

ML 11/26/1944

A Complete Armour

Ephesians 6:11-17

A soldier of long ago had an armor of metal to protect him from his foe; as you know from pictures, there was a helmet, a breastplate, and other pieces, and he carried a large shield to keep off the spears, darts, or arrows.

There has always been a powerful, though unseen, enemy against people, the wicked spirit called Satan, or the devil, and God gives a special “armor” to protect each one who believes Him:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The word “wiles” here means deceit, or we might call tricks, not so much things we can see, yet do great harm, as falsehoods, ridicule and doubts of God and the Lord Jesus. Notice the armor God gives, is the opposite of Satan’s evil wiles:

1St. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.”

If you know what is true you will not be deceived by what is false. To stand with the garments girt about, shows readiness; so to know the truths of God makes His “soldier” ready to resist evil.

2nd. “Having on the breastplate of righteousness.”

God has blotted out the sins of those who believe His Son, and looks upon them as righteous, not for any good of their own, but through Christ; no greater good could be done for us than to be counted righteous by God, and to know that fully protects, as the breastplate, when Satan suggests doubts of God’s goodness.

3rd. “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

The soldier’s feet were protected from rough roads and hurts. God wants to give peace, the opposite of the strife which Satan causes, to protect in trials and from evil: it is the good. tidings of the Saviour which brings peace to all who accept Him; then, if the feet are carrying those good tidings to others, they will not be in Satan’s paths.

4th. “Taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

The shield was shaped for the darts or arrows to bounce off, and the soldier held it between him and his foe: so faith in God sends away Satan’s “darts” of unbelief, for the first thing faith does, is to believe the authority of God, then all the teaching of His Word, the Bible.

When you were first told that certain marks made the letter A, you believed it: if you had said “I do not believe that,” you could not have learned more. We first believe our parents or teacher; so with God’s words, we first believe because He said them; as we learn more, we find those we did not understand explained.

5th. “Take the helmet of salvation.”

God gives salvation, or makes safe, all who believe in the Lord Jesus, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasng life.” To know this, protects from Satan’s worst wiles, for he wants all to doubt this.

ML 11/26/1944

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Then Philip,” etc.Acts 8:35.

2.“To him give,” etc. 10:43.

3.“And when,” etc. 13:29.

4.“And with,” etc. 4:33.

5.“Him, being,” etc. 2:23.

6.“And the,” etc. 7:9.

7.“Praying.” 12:12.

Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans. chapters 9-16

1.Write in full the verse with the words, “If he thirst, give him drink.”

2.Write in full the verse with the words, “That he might have mercy.”

3.Write in full the verse with the words, “Righteousness, and peace, and, joy.”

4.Write in full the verse with the words, “Rich unto all that call upon him.”

5.Write in full the verse with the words, “The God of hope.”

6.Write in full the verse with the words, “The day is at hand.”

7.Who labored MUCH in the Lord?

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The magician at Samaria who made a pretence of conversion. Acts 8:13.

2.“The Field of Blood.” Acts 1:19.

3.John. Acts 12:25,

4.Pagan chief god. Acts 14:12,13.

5.Acts 13:1,14.

6.Tarsus. Acts 9:11.

7.The brother of John. Acts 12:2.

Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1.Who was Phoebe?

2.To what country was Paul desirous of going?

3.Who was Rebecca?

4.Who was Benjamin?

5.Who was Gaius?

6.Who was Baal?

7.Who was Tertius?

ML 12/03/1944

The Little Boy Who Forgot His Sins

At one of our Seaside Services, a lady told me this story of one of these little boys who attended. One day she showed him pictures, told him nice Bible Stories, and then played on the piano as he was very fond of music, and he thorougy enjoyed himself. After all the stories had been exhausted, and several more hymns had been played, she began to play the beautiful hymn beginning,

“I’m thinking of my sins;

What wicked things I’ve done,

How very naughty I have been,

Although I am so young.”

But before many verses had been sung, George said,

“Please sing something else. I don’t like that one.”

“Why not, George?”

“Well, it is not very comfortable to think about your sins.”

“But, do you have any sins, then?”

“O, yes, lots of them.”

“And what do you do with them, George?”

“Why, I always try to forget them as soon as I can!”

This little boy tried to cover up his sins with forgetfulness, but no kind of covering will be of the slightest use, for,

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.” Proverbs 28:13.

We cannot possibly cover our own sins. God alone can and will cover them with the precious blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sin, if we look to Him to be saved. Instead of forgetting them, come to Jesus confessing your sins, and He will receive, pardon, and blot them out.

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23.

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

ML 12/03/1944

Treasures of Playthings

A little boy was very much enjoying his play with his top; and this is all right. God not only sent His Son into this world to save little boys and girls, and care for them in giving them food and clothing, but He also gives them toys to amuse them. Little children should therefore be thankful to God for their innocent amusements, but they must take care the toys don’t lead them to do what is wrong, and forget that they are only for time, and that they want something to make them happy for ETERNITY.

A lady was once visiting at the home of a minister of Christ who had two sons. These two little boys were amusing themselves with some beautiful toys. The lady on seeing them, said,

“Well, boys, are these your treasures?”

“No, ma’am,” said the elder, “these are not our treasures—these are our playthings, our treasures are in heaven.”

Little reader, have you any treasures in heaven, or have you only mere playthings? Do you know Jesus as your own Saviour? If you do, you have treasures in heaven. If not, you have only playthings for time, and what is going to make you happy in eternity?

Where will you spend eternity? Either with the Lord Jesus in heaven with great joy; or with Satan in hell, with great sorrow, remorse, and blackness of darkness forever. Which? “These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46.

ML 12/03/1944

The Book of Books, the Bible

There is a Book, a holy Book,

By God to sinners given,

To show the way of life and peace,

And mark the way to heaven.

It tells me of my lost estate,

All guilty and defiled;

It says I must be born of God,

Ere I can be His child.

It tells me of the Lamb of God,

Who died upon the Tree,

To bear the wrath and curse of God,

And set the sinner free.

This Book shall be my early guide,

My lamp to give me light,

My spring of joy in life’s glad day,

My comfort in its night.

ML 12/03/1944

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 are 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 salvion, to be had only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

“PHILIP WENT DOWN TO THE CITY OF SAMARIA, AND PREACHED CHRIST UNTO THEM.” Acts 8:5.

ML 12/03/1944

The Christian's Weapon

Ephesians 6:11-17

We read of the “armor” God gives each one who believes the Lord Jesus, to protect from the “wiles” of Satan: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, and the helmet of salvation; then he is to take the shield of faith.

All those are things we cannot see, yet if we “put them on” we find they fully protect. In our every day life there are things we do not see of greater force and use than many things we see, as air, wind, waves of sound, eleric current, etc. So truth, righteouess, peace, faith have wonderful power.

Most soldiers have more than one weapon, but only one is given the Christian, and not like any other; it is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” That means the words of God written in the Bible are as a sword against Satan; they were told to men by the Holy Spirit, and it is the Spirit that teaches their meaning, and how to use them.

If a soldier knows what weapons, and plan his enemy will use, he can more promptly resist him: the plans and weapons of Satan are told in the Bible, so “we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2;11). It was written that he spoke through a serpent to Eve, the first woman, to cause her to doubt God’s words and His goodness, and that is shown to be his plan, although he uses different ways.

Satan’s first words to Eve were with ridicule and doubt, “Yea, hath God said?” Genesis 3:1. He was doubting God’s command to Adam that they should not eat of the one tree of the garden (Gen.. 2:16,17). He wanted her to think God was not good to do that. God had said, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (or, dying thou shalt die); Satan told Eve, “Thou shalt not surely die.” Yet Eve died.

All that God had said and done for Adam and Eve was for good; all Satan said was for harm, and all that is told of him afterward shows the same deceit and falseness; even to the Lord Jesus he spoke in doubt of God’s words that Jesus was His Son, and with deceit; when he quoted the scriptures he did so wrongly (Matt. 4:6).

So the Word of God warns against Satan, as well as being the “sword” to use against his doubts and deceit; it was the “weapon” which the Lord Jesus used to send him away. We do not know it as He, yet it is what each believer is to use; boys and girls as well as older ones hear Satan’s doubts, they are even printed in many books; doubts of the creation as written, and of many parts of the Bible, and in dishonor to Christ.

To keep such doubts from harming ourselves or others, we must know the true accounts of God’s Word, and meet them with that as a “sword.” We cannot always have the Bible in our hands; the truths are to be in our minds and hearts. Do we not need to read it more, that we may be more skilful as the Lord’s soldiers?

ML 12/03/1944

What Man Cannot Tame

What great beasts these are! As we walked through the park one day we met them coming along with their keeper. The one behind was grasping the leader’s tail with his trunk! When the keeper saw we wished to, “snap” them, he ordered them to “pose” for us and this they obediently did as you can see. How wonderful that such huge and powerful beasts can be taught to obey man, and can be trained to do many wonderful acts for our amusement, and to work to help man in many ways. The Bible tells us that,

“Every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.” James 3:7.

BUT there is one little thing that man cannot tame. Can you guess what it is? Hear the Word of God again,

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison!” James 3:8.

Just think of that, children! We all know how quickly, angry, naughty words spring to our lips when we are provoked, and how impossible it is to “tame” our own tongues. But can no one tame them? Ah, yes, there is One Who can do all things well—He Who made our tongues can tame them too, as many have found out. But first of all we must come to Him as helpless, needy sinners. He will save us through Christ, and then we can trust Him to keep our tongues so that they “speak right things,” and are controlled by His power and His love. What we cannot do, He can and will, if we trust Him to do so.

“SET A WATCH, O LORD, BEFORE MY MOUTH; KEEP THE DOOR OF MY LIPS.” Psalms 141:3.

ML 12/10/1944

The Letter from His Mother

The boys were enjoying themselves playing with their favorite dog Rover, when one of them received a letter from his mother. When Horace received it, he read a few lines and then threw it down, exclaiming,

“O, it is only another of these preaching letters from my mother: I don’t want to read it.”

Charlie picked it up and said: “I wish I had a mother to write letters to me, but she is dead; would you mind me reading your mother’s letter?”

“You are quite welcome to it, Charlie.”

So Charlie took it away, and read it carefully, and it was the means of leang him to decide for Christ.

Then he went and thanked Horace warmly, and spoke earnestly to him about becoming a Christian, too, but could only get for answer, “Don’t bother, it’s too soon!”

Many a time in the months and years that followed. Charlie pled with his friend, but it was always “Too soon! TOO SOON!”

Years passed away, and Charlie had lost sight of his friend, when, in going to stay the night at a hotel, the landlord, seeing he was a preacher, asked him to see a dying man who was there, and took him up to the sick man’s room. As soon as he entered, the dying man turned away his face to the wall, and groaned out,

“It is too late! It is too late!”

The Christian spoke to him of the love of God, and the redeeming work of Christ, but was interrupted by the awful cry,

“It is too late!”

He knelt to pray, but while he prayed, the poor dying man passed away. What was his distress to find that the name was Horace, his schoolfellow of former days.

See that ye refuse not Him that speaks to each reader once again through this solemn story; make a wise choice now for,

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

ML 12/10/1944

"O! What Shall I Do?"

It was a clear, bright, frosty morning in the middle of winter. The frost made the sparkling snow crisp under the feet of many who were wending their way to the chapels and churches, for it was Sunday morning.

For some weeks I had been in the habit of visiting a little girl whose name was Kate. Kate was very sick, and the doctor told her she would surely die. For this reason her friends were the more anxious that she should come to Jesus, and trust Him as her Saviour. But, alas! when they spoke to her of the blessed Son of God coming down from heaven to this world because He loved little children, she would only turn away her head, and look out of the window; and though she was always ready and willing to talk about her toys and books, or the weather, or about the horses and dogs that passed along the street, yet the moment the loving Saviour’s name was mentioned, and she was told of His kindness to her in allowing Himself to be scourged, and spit upon, and crowned with thorns for her sake, she did not then care to listen any longer. No; she seemed quite indifferent to the story of Christ being nailed to the cruel cross, and suffering there for her sake. No, not a single tear did she shed, and not a sile “thanks” escaped Kate’s lips to Jesus, the Friend, and Shepherd, and Saviour of all those who trust in Him.

At last came the frosty Sunday morning of which I spoke, and I went as usual to ask how little Kate was that cold day. I pushed open the gate, which the snow had almost blocked up, and then I knocked at the door; the kind old nurse who was taking care of her came down herself to open the door for me. I asked her, “How is ... ?”

She knew, before I finished my sentence or spoke her name, who it was I was inquiring for; and shaking her head as the tears ran down her cheeks, she said,

“O, sir, she’s gone.”

“What!” I said, “do you mean Kate is dead?”

“Yes, sir; she died this morning between two and three hours ago.”

“Well,” I inquired, “what did she say at the last? Was her heart melted by the Saviour’s love?”

“No, no, indeed there was nothing happy in her death; it was an awful scene; her last words were, as she startled in bed and threw up her wasted hands,

‘O, what shall I do? what shall I do?’”

Such were the dying words of little Kate, and yet how often she had been told,

“Nothing either great or small,

Nothing, sinner, no;

Jesus did it, did it all,

Long, long ago!”

ML 12/10/1944

Christ for Us Always

A dear little boy who was quite sick, and while,sitting quietly with his mother, she said to him:

“My darling boy, it makes me sad to have you so sick, and I scarcely bear to think of the possibility of your being taken away from me. But if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, so that I could know that you were with Him, it would relieve me greatly, and I could be glad to know that you were there.”

“Well, mother,” he answered, “I do, and sometimes it makes me real happy, but I can not keep the glad feeling all the time, but I know I belong to Him.”

I suppose many little ones understand this boy’s feelings about not keeping their glad thoughts all the time. Play and study and the talk of the day come in, and you seem to forget. But do you think that at any moment, when Christ is spoken of, you can say,

“I know He saved me, and I belong to Him?”

And does it make a difference to you, in your play and all your dealings with others, what Christ thinks of what you do? Possibly not all the time, but He always thinks of us; that is the great thing. And He knows how weak and forgetful we are, and how liable to do wrong every hour, and so He is up there in heaven before God for us. But if we do sin, He is our Advocate, and when we confess our naughtiness to God, our Father,

“He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all uighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

If you really believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you are His, and He will keep you safe.

ML 12/10/1944

At Nazareth

Luke 4:14-23

Nazareth was the home of Jesus from a child, and He returned there after His baptism and the trial by Satan. On the way He taught the people of other towns, and began to do miracles, so they told of Him through all the country, and hored Him; some spoke of Him as the Messiah (John 1:41).

We would expect the people of Nazareth would honor Jesus most of all, but they did not. He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day to teach them, as that was the time they met to hear the scriptures read and to praise God. They had the Old Testament in Hebrew, but not all in one book, but written on separate rolls.

Jesus stood up to read, and the roll of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah) was handed to Him. He turned to the last part of the writing and read these words aloud to the people:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (see Isa. 61:1,2).

Jesus closed the roll and returned it to the man in charge, and sat down. Then He spoke to the people, and said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” That meant Jesus was Himself the One anointed by God to bring them all blessings, that He was their Messiah. He had not proclaimed this of Himself, but in words written of Him long before.

“To preach (or proclaim) the acceptable year of the Lord” meant that the time of God’s favor, long promised, had come. The people were in great trouble because of their sins, from which no one could free them, only the One sent from God. All they needed to do was to believe and welcome Him, and all the blessings would follow.

If we read those words which Jesus read, in the book of Isaiah, we find that Jesus stopped reading in the middle of a sentence: when He had read of the time of God’s favor, He closed the roll. If He had finished the sentence, He would have read, “and the day of vengeance of our God,” that meant the time when God will punish all sin.

We learn from Jesus stopping before those words, and from other scriptures, that He did not then come for judgment, but to show God’s favor, or love; most of all by giving His life to save all who will believe, from judent. It is still the time of God’s favor, but the words, “the day of vengeance of our God,” must also be fulfilled, as these words tell, “The Lord... is long suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come.” 2 Peter 3:9.

The people in the synagogue at Nazareth listened intently to Jesus, and wondered at His kind words: they were glad to hear of good news to the poor, that the blind would see, and of all the blessings to come. But others did not believe in Him.

ML 12/10/1944

The Snowstorm

This afternoon the snow began to fall—a real snowstorm. Down came the little flakes, faster and fast-er, making a heavy white blanket on the ground.

We sat at the window and watched the snow piling higher and higher on the ground, and several lessons came before our minds, but one especially seemed to impress itself.

If there is snow on the ground where you live, watch the next sunshiny day and see what happens to the snow where the sun shines directly on it. The snow will soon be melted and the warm rays of the sun can reach the cold ground. But what about the shady places where the sunshine cannot reach? The snow is just as cold as ever.

Perhaps in your life, young as you may be, a coldness has come in between your soul and God. Perhaps you are not getting on your knees, or lifting your heart to God as often as you did at one time. Whatever it may be, it has come gradually, has it not, till there is a blanket of coldness, because of which we have forgotten the warmth of God’s love to us?

And how can we get rid of this which has fallen so lightly that we did not realize its seriousness?

“KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD.” Jude 21

It is by doing this that the coldness will soon vanish away, and we can again enjoy the full radiance of God’s love.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20,21.

ML 12/17/1944

The Hindoo Boy

A little Hindoo boy, plang before his father’s bungalow, was stolen and taken to Calcutta, where he was sold as a slave. A Mohammedan lady bought him, and had him taught the Mohammedan faith. When he was about sixteen years of age, he became very unhappy, and his mistress, who was fond of him, sent for a Mohannedan priest to comfort him. This man taught him to say a long string of prayer in Arabic, which he was to repeat five times daily with his face turned towards Mecca, the birth-place of Mahomet. But this did him no good, although he persevered in it. Then the thought struck him, that perhaps all his trouble had come from leaving the religion of his fathers, who were Brahmins. He set off at once in search of a Brahmin priest, who for a considerable sum of money, gave him instructions to make an offering of flowers and fruits, every morning and evening, to one of their goddesses, and once a week, the sacrifice of a kid. This went on for many weeks; but no peace, no rest came to the young Brahmin’s heart. He became ill through his soul-anxiety, and seemed to be dying on his feet. Poor young man! Yet how many are like him, with no one to tell them of Jesus, the One mighty to save.

A beggar came about the house one day, and happened, in the course of telling his story, to mention the name of a young Christian missionary who lived only a short distance away. The Brahmin’s interest was aroused, and he asked if he could see him and hear his teaching. He gave the beggar a small sum of money, and asked to be guided to this Christian teacher.

In the cool of the day, they set off together, and arrived at the bungalow of the missionary, just as he and his family were preparing to retire for the night. The young Brahmin told his story, and the servant of Christ longly and faithfully pointed him to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. It took some time to show this dear youth his full need as a sinner, and the simplity and freeness of God’s salvation.

He knew nothing of the God of love, or of Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, so he had to be taught the way of salvation line upon line. This needed patience; but the earnest missionary’s patient, faithful efforts were amply rewarded, by seeing the young Brahmin converted and boldly confessing Christ.

Now, as a native teacher in a mission school in his own country, he delights to tell to others of the mighty Saviour whose blood can cleanse, and whose power can deliver from the penalty and dominion of sin.

Reader, do you know Jesus as your personal Saviour?

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

ML 12/17/1944

Carl Loved and Lived the Bible

Far up the Austrian Alps, Carl kept his flock in all the loneliness of these heights, where but for the tinkling of the sheep bells, perpetual silence reigned. It must have been while reclining on the mountain side, with his sheep browsing around, that his mind was first led to think about God and the great world that lies bond the present. This thought had been in his mind ever since as a boy he had acted as guide to a Swiss traveler who was a believer in the Lord Jesus, and spoke to him about the blood that cleanses from all sin.

That word Carl never forgot; the Spirit of God had fixed it on his memory, and although it had not brought him into the light and joy of God’s salvation, it had made him dissatisfied with the lifeless forms and ceremonies.

It was a never-to-be-forgotten day to the young shepherd, when he became possessed of a Bible, which was sent him by the Swiss traveler. Day by day, while he tended his flock, Carl read its sacred pages, and, apart from any human instrumentality, he learned from it God’s way of salvation through faith in Jesus alone. Carl believed the good news, and was saved. Yes, saved eternally, as every sinner is who reives the Son of God to be His Saour, and believes that His precious blood cleanseth from all sin. He could not keep this a secret, but told of his new-found joy to his friends, and then his troubles began. His ignorant and superstitious neighbors refused to sell him food, or have any intercourse with him: his very life was in danger at the hands of the more bigoted and fanatical of his fellows. But Carl held on his way, often suffering for the Name of Jesus, but never denying his faith. By and by prejudice began to wane, and the children were allowed to gather around to hear Carl read stories from God’s wonderful Book, which few had ever seen or heard of before. The Word of God began to do its work, not only among the children, but in the hearts of their parents also, and it was no uncommon sight on an evening, to see a circle of people seated around on the green hillside, while Carl read to them the wonderful words of life from his precious Bible. His quiet, godly life and testimony began to tell in his favor, and the people were heard to say among themselves—

“Carl loves his Book, and lives like what it teaches.”

For many years, the simple and tender-hearted shepherd went in and out among the dwellers of these Alpine heights, telling to all the story of Jesus and His love.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 12/17/1944

His Love

Do you know the Father’s love

Little one?

‘Tis a love that He did prove

By His Son;

When for us that One He gave

On the tree

And is waiting now to save

You and me.

Shall we let the time go past

To believe?

Do we want to be the last

To receive

God’s salvation freely given

From above

And a future home in heaven

Through His love?

ML 12/17/1944

Refused at Nazareth

Luke 4:24-30

Jesus made it known to the people in the synogue that He was the One anointed by God to bring them all blessings, but they did not believe Him. These people were of the nation of Israel, and knew the history of their nation, and Jesus spoke to them of others like them, who had not believed God’s words told by His prophets:

He spoke of a time of famine when God sent His prophet to a poor woman of another land for food; her handful of meal and little oil were made to last until the famine was over, because she believed the words God told the prophet, and the people in Israel had not.

Then Jesus spoke also of Naaman, the captain of the army of Syria, who was a leper, and came to the prophet of God, and was cured, because he did as the prophet told him. Jesus said that there were many lepers in Israel at that time, but none of them were cured; they did not believe what God told the prophet, or ask to be healed.

The land of Syria is just north of Galilee, and the home of the poor woman in Sidon was also near, and the people of Nazareth who were listening to Jesus did not like to be reminded of the blessings to their neighbors, when their own people did not believe God. It was because they wanted to keep on in sinful ways that they did not believe, and the people of Nazareth did not want Jesus to save them.

They became so angry with Jesus that they took hold of Him and put Him out of the synagogue, and led Him to the top of the hill above the town, intending to push Him down the steep cliff. But Jesus passed through the angry crowd away from them, without their knowing, and went to another place.

How sad and awful for the people of His own town to so treat the One Who came to save them from their troubles l It is said the view of the mountains and country from the hill of Nazareth is very beautiful; but those people did not understand that they were refusing the Maker of all things about them, as also their Messiah.

We read that Jesus marvelled at their unbelief, and could do no mighty miracles there (Mark 6:7,6). There must have been many boys and girls in the synagogue, who that day heard the wonderful voice of Jesus, but the unbelief of the parents kept Him away from them. There are people now who do not believe Jesus was from God, and different from all others; they also do not believe God’s words, or that they need One to save them from their sins. Yet He will bless any who will let Him, as He did a few sick ones there, who must have been willing for Him to lay His hands in mercy upon them. So let us all listen to His words in the Bible and be certain for ourselves that He is our Saviour.

Notice that Elias is here used for Elijah and Eliseus for Elisha, as written in the Old Testament.

ML 12/17/1944

Snowballing

In our picture the boys and girls seem to be enjoying themselves by snowballing each other. They are prepared for the cold and snow with their warm caps and coats. How much children enjoy the snow.

There is but one thing in this world that is whiter than snow, and that is, a sinner washed in the precious blood of Jesus.

We trust that all of our dear rears have heard the gospel message,—that Jesus died for sinners, and shed His precious blood on Calvary’s cross to wash away the sins of all who will come to Him, accepting Him as their own Saviour. May each one of our little friends be able to say,

“The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has washed me, and I am whiter than snow.” Psa. 51:7.

“THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW.” Isa. 1:18.

Jesus, spotless Lamb of God,

Thou hast bought me with Thy blood—

I would value naught beside

Jesus—Saviour—crucified.

I am Thine—and Thine alone,

This I gladly, fully own;

And, in all my works and ways,

Only now would seek Thy praise.

Help me to confess Thy name;

Bear with joy Thy cross and shame,

Only seek to follow Thee,

Though reproach my portion be.

When Thou shalt in glory come,

And I reach my heavenly home,

Louder still my lips shall own

I am Thine, and Thine alone.

ML 12/24/1944

Pattie and Mary

Pattie spent his childhood among the hills, and their cottage home, although humble, was peaceful and happy. The scourge of small pox took off Pattie’s father, and only a week after, ther mother died also.

Pattie and his sister Mary were thus left orphans. Very likely they would have been removed from their desolate home to some orphan home, where they scarcely would have known each other as brother and sister, or they might have been separated to see each other no more on earth. Sad it is to think of many, who are left to “the cold world’s charity,” being thus treated, who never know the joys of home.

But up in that hill region, there are hearts that have been warmed and won by the love of Jesus. Pattie’s father and mother had been true believers in Jesus, and in following Him, they had become associated with others whose hearts had been won to Him also. A friendship such as the worlding cannot know, and links of love, such as the unsaved, however sociable and kind, cannot understand, were formed among these lovers of the Lord. Children of one Father, disciples of one Lord, brethren of one family, members of one body, they assembled together, and sought to help each other onward in the heavenward way. And when the hour of adversity was with them, they sought to bear each others’ burden and share each others’ sorrows, as their Lord and Master had told them to do.

When these children were left orphans, One of the little community who had no children of her own, adopted Mary, and another young couple took Pattie.

“The Lord will care for you,” was the dying mother’s words concerning her two darlings, and faithful to His own promise, He did send two of His own to care for them, as if they had been their own children. They lived next door, and were much in each other’s company; indeed, the people in the village thought they were both in one household. When Pattie’s “father”—as he called his benefactor — brought him a present, he never forgot Mary; and when Mary’s “mother” brought her a picture book, she always remembered Pattie with its equal.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will He pay him again.” Proverbs 10:17.

And thus the early years of the two orphan children flowed on in peace. But although carefully taught the Scriptures, and both very fond of reading books, neither of them had shown any sign of real anxiety of soul, or given any true evidence of being converted to God. This gave their foster-parents much concern, for you may know that a true believer in Christ, knows no greater joy than to see his children, and those over whom he has a parental care, saved and set on the way to heaven. No amount of learning or cleverness, not even of morality and religion, can make up for the lack of being saved, for that is the way of entrance to the family and kingdom of God.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt he saved.” Acts 10:31.

A revival began in that district, and many old and young were led to Saviour. It was the custom, as one and another was led to the Saviour, to “return thanks’’ to God, the young convert himself asking that this might be done.

Pattie said very little, but it was evident to all that the Spirit of God was working with him, showing him his need of a Saviour. One night, after one and another had “testified” to the grace of God, Pattie rose, and in a voice trembling with emotion said, while the tears gushed down his cheeks,

“Thank God I’m saved,” and then repeated the familiar lines as a simple confession of his faith.

“I do believe, I will believe,

That Jesus died for me,

That on the cross He shed His blood,

From sin to set me free.”

A loud— “Praise the Lord,” came froin many lips, followed by a loud sobbing; which came from a girl in the corner. This was Mary. Pattie’s testimony to God’s saving grace had broken her down. She had been rather careless about spiritual things, and thought she was as good as others, till Pattie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Then she felt she was left alone. Pattie was saved and to be in heaven. She was left among the lost.

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

Mary “came to an end of herself,” as all who come as sinners to the Saviour must, ere they yield to be wholly saved by Another—but Mary did so come, and she passed from death unto life also.

And did their conversion last? some may ask. Yes, for it was wrought by God, and the fruits of it are still manest in a godly Christian life and testimony—not in some high place in the field, but in the humble sphere where God has placed them, where they closy follow, and diligently serve Him who cared for thein as orphans, and saved them as sinners,

“The very same Jesus” wants to save you too, and if you come to Him, and trust in Him as they did, you will find His saving power put forth for your immediate salvation. There is no mystery, no difficulty about it. You trust, He saves.

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

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalms 2:12.

ML 12/24/1944

The Stolen Sheep

A poor shepherd who owned twenty sheep, found in the evening that one was missing. Suspicion rested on a farmer at some distance, who had a large flock, but this man denied the charge.

The shepherd, accompanied by a policeman, went across to the farm, and the farmer took them to see his flock, challenging them to show the sheep that he was accused of having stolen. This seemed a hopeless task, but the shepherd going forward a few steps, called three times,

“Nannie,” and out from the large flock came a ewe, rubbing her head against the shepherd’s knee, and bleating as if to show her gladness at her owner’s voice. This led to the thief’s conviction, and the restoration of the stolen sheep.

The Lord Jesus tells us in the 10th chapter of John, verse 14,

“I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.” Yes, He loved us so much that He gave His life for us, as he tells us in the 11Th verse of this same chapter. And in the 27th and 28th verses He says,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

ML 12/24/1944

Captives Freed

After Jesus was so hated and ill treated at His own town of Nazareth (vs. 24), He went to Capernaum, a town not far away on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. He had been there before and had done great miracles (vs. 23), and seems from this time to have made it His home, returning there from His journeys.

He taught them each Sabbath when they met in the synagogue, and they were astonished at the power of His words. “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matt. 7:29. It must indeed have been wonderful to hear their scriptures taught by the One who knew so well God’s wish to bless them.

One day He showed His power in another way: a man came into the synagogue who had an evil spirit, called “unclean,” as whatever was not fit to be used for God was called, and he should riot have been allowed inside. Wicked spirits, living within persons, seem to have been common in that land where many people had for years turned from belief of God and worshiped idols: the spirit was not seen, but had control of the person to cause him to harm himself, never to do him good, and he was as a helpless captive, and no one could help him.

Jesus had told the people that He had come to set captives free (vs. 18), and this He did for the poor man, commanding the spirit to leave him. The people, who well knew the dreaul condition of the man, were more than ever amazed at the authority Jesus had,—that the wicked spirit obeyed Him. This was told everywhere, and He later freed many other from evil spirits. All the people should have known that Jesus was the Messiah promised to do such blessings for them, as no prophet.

The evil spirits were servants of Satan and knew, as he, who Jesus was: they spoke loudly that He was the Holy One from God, not to honor Him, but with contempt, saying, “What have we to do with Thee? Let us alone.” They called Him Christ, or, the Messiah yet in a scornful way.

Jesus commanded them to be silent, He did not want their witness to who He vi as, although He is pleased when people who believe say and Christ. The wicked spirits are always against Him; they know God’s power, but do not want His way; “the devils believe and tremble” (James 2:19).

All would at last be the captives of Satan, except the Lord Jesus had come to free them, which He did hy taking the punishinent for sins His death (Heb. 2:14). But any sin kept on with, makes the doer captive it in this world, as perhaps boys and girls know how hard it is to stop some habit, as, wrong words or untrue reading. But surely since the Lord Jesus freed those helpless captives to evil, He can now free His people if we ask Him.

ML 12/24/1944

The Word of God Is a Hammer

Here is a pretty winter scene. The ground is covered with snow; the icebound pond will not allow the cattle to get water for themselves, so their kind owner is breaking the ice in order that they may drink.

Water is necessary to sustain the natural life both in man and in beast, without it we would soon die. Another kind of water, called in God’s Word, “living water,” and “the water of life,” is necessary to the spiritual life. Christ is its source; and it is He who gives it.

But alas! as the pond is frozen over and the water cannot be obtained witut breaking the ice, so the hearts of many people are often hard like ice, as it were, and the hard crust has to be broken through before the Word of God can get entrance. The crust of ice on the pond must be broken in order to get the water out; the crust of hardness and unbelief in people’s hearts both young and old must be broken in order to let the living water in.

The man takes a hammer and breaks the ice, and there is the water ready for the cattle to quench their thirst. But the crust that sometimes forms in people’s hearts is harder than ice—yes, as hard as rock; and how is it to be broken? God alone can break the crust; and in doing it He uses something that is like a hammer.

“Is not My Word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29.

Ah! yes, it is God’s Word that does the work—that breaks the hard heart. When it gets entrance, the living waters spring up in the soul.

“The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water sprinping up into everlasting life.” John 4:14.

“IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME ONTO ME, AND DRINK.” John 7:37.

ML 12/31/1944

The Unfound Name

It was a dull, cheerless day in the middle of November. Heavy fog pervaded the atmosphere; through which the houses on the opposite side of the street were only just visible. Indoors, bright blazing fires and comfortably furnished rooms might compensate for the outward gloom, but in these the fog was already casting its shadow, and making their brightness a little cold and chill. It had even entered the pleasant nursery in which little Emma B. was seated, gazing thoughtfully out into the street below.

It was Sunday, and brothers and sisters more robust than herself had accompanied their parents to a simple service held not far distant. Emma had watched them disappearing round the corner, inwardly wishing that she herself could have been one of their number.

A shadow was on, the little girl’s face: the impress of some deep subject of thought: which was just at present occupying her mind. Something was troubling her; for the dark brown eyes usually so bright and animated, were now thoughtful and sad.

During the early morning reading, Emma had heard words of such deep import to her mind that she had been anxious and uneasy ever since. The chapter selected had been the twentieth of Revelation. One verse in particular had fallen on her ears with strange solemnity, and had awakened in her mind the feeling of uneasiness to which we have already referred. The verse in question was the fifteenth and last:

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

No wonder that little Emma looked sad as she pondered over its meaning. Was her own name inscribed in that precious volume? This was the question occupying Emma’s mind as she stood gazing silently out of the window into the street below.

Many a Bible story rose to her remembrance, the principal characters of which she tried to recall. The names of Sarah, Rebekah, Ruth, Naomi, Mary, Martha, and many others presented themselves readily to her imagination. But she could not recollect any incident in connection with her own name.

Tears filled her eyes as she turned from the window; and with her little Bible seated herself by the blazing fire; for to her childish mind the book she held in her hand was none other than the “book of life” of which the verse had spoken. How frequently had it been called such within her hearing!

Eagerly, anxiously, the little girl commenced her search. But no trace of her name could she discover.

And, after an hour’s search, poor little Emma closed her Bible, buried her face in her hands, and wept. Her name was not to be found in the “Book of Life,” and hence there was but one terrible conclusion.

It was thus that her mother found her upon her return. Drawing Emma close to her side she gently drew forth the cause of her sorrow. Tenderly and simply she pointed out her little daughter’s error, after which she explained to Emma the meaning of the verse that had so affected her.

“Jesus loved us, my darling,” she said, as the little aching head was laid against her bosom. “Sin had come in and separated us from God. But He loved us, and came to bear the penalty of our guilt. For us He suffered the shameful death of the cross, that all who believe may be brought into the blessedness of life and peace. To believe in His love, Emma, is what He asks. Listen to His own blessed words, ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.’ All who trust in His precious blood are transferred from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God’s dear Son, and their names are entered in the book of life of which we were reading. None can pluck the sheep from the Good Shepherd’s hand, they belong to the Saviour, and He will guard and keep them till He calls them to dwell Forever in His presence.”

Emma took in the sweet story of a Saviour’s love, and her little heart found “joy and peace in believing.” No further fear or uneasiness with regard to her name ever again crossed her mind; she “believed” in the name of Jesus, and was perfectly happy in the knowledge of His love towards her.

Dear little reader, is your name in the book of life? The Saviour waits to bless you, as He blessed the dear little girl of whom I have told you. He offers peace, pardon, and life to you today; accept His blessed message.

Trust in the Lord. Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Saviour, and God will put your naine. into the Book of Life.

ML 12/31/1944

Which Boy, Told the Lie?

They had arrived at the seaside sailing ten boats, donkey riding, sand castle building, and in many other ways.

This morning two boys were quarreling, and their mother came to settle the difficulty. She could not find which was the one to blame. At last she said,

“Well, I shall find out at the judgment day, which of you told the lie.”

A few nights after, there was a dreadful storm, which blew the roof off the house. The little boys were frightened, and began to pray. When the mother opened the bedroom door, the boy who told the lie cried out,

“Mother, if it’s the judgment day, it was me that told the lie.” Remember the Bible says,

“For every idle word that men (or boys) shall speak they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment.” Matthew 12:36.

Get right with God now. With a contrite heart, accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour; and you will be saved now, and safe forever in Eternity.

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

ML 12/31/1944

"I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"

I am Jesus’ little lamb,

Happy all day long I am;

He will keep me safe from harm,

For I am His lamb.

By His staff I’m led along,

Guarded by His arm so strong;

I’m so happy all day long,

For I am His lamb.

Then I never will repine,

While around His glories shine:

I am His, and He is mine,

Yes, I, am His lamb.

ML 12/31/1944

When the Net Broke

Luke 5:1-11

After Jesus taught the people in the towns, many were eager to hear more, and followed Him as He walked to other places. One day they came along the shore of the lake and there were two fishing boats, not being used, as the men were washing their nets.

Jesus stepped into one boat, which belonged to Simon Peter and asked him to push it a little way into the water, and He taught the people from there, so all could hear.

It is not here told what He then said, but of a great miracle afterward, He said to Simon.

“Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draft.”

A draught meant what we might call a “haul”, or a “catch.” Simon answered,

“Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing, nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.”

The net was let down, then those men who had worked all night and caught no fish, had a very great surprise; so many fish came into the net that it broke, and they called for the other men to come with their boat to help, and they filled both boats with fish. The boats began to sink with the weight, but they brought them to the land.

Some have thought that because it is a lake of many fish, that the net happened to take in what is called a “school” of fish. But Simon who knew the waters well, knew it was a miracle, he knew that the fish had come by the word of the Lord, the same as by His word He had cured disease and done other wonders. The other men, who also were fishermen, knew it was a niir acie, and were greatly astonished.

The net was not strong enough to hold, but the supply Of God was most abundant; if Simon had better followed Jesus’s words, “Let down your nets.” instead of only one net, perhaps no net would have broken, at least, the Lord did not fail His part in giving.

Simon at once realized that the One who could bring those fish into the net was far greater than a teacher, or “Master,” as he called Him; he knew He was the Lord from Heaven.

Do you know what Simon then thought about? His sins, He may not have been what we might call a great sinner, but he at once felt that he was not fit to be near this mighty Holy One He fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

He knew he deserved the Lord should go from him, yet he wanted to be near, and seemed to feel that He would show him mercy. And notice the kind answer of Jesus,

“Fear not.”

Then Jesus told him, “From henceforth thou shalt catch men.” We know Jesus meant by that, for Simon to tell others of Him.

We will feel as Simon Peter did about our sins, when we realize in our hearts that the Lord Jesus is the Mighty Holy One, whose word has such power. We must confess Him our Lord, as Simon did, to know His answer, “Fear not.”

ML 12/31/1944

Messages of God's Love: 1944

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for October

Patty's First Night at Sea

Why We Love Him

A Comfortable Home

Like Him and With Him

The Servant Mark

"He Maketh the Storm a Calm"

Jesus Loves Me

Annie's Prize

"He Died for Me"

Go and Tell of Jesus

The Holy Servant

The Sheep in the Snow

One More Chance

"Hold Me! Hold Me!"

I Must Tell the Lord

Look and Live

A Roof Opened

God's Creation

Pardon for Nothing

A Morning Scene on the Mountains

The Dumb Boys Examination

A Shepherd Lesus Is

Places of Palestine

Protection

The Birds and the Lighthouses

Wreck of a Steamer

Little Madge

The Name of Jesus

Wonderful Seed

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Something for Everybody

Joe's Almanac

A Mother's Love

A Girl Raised to Life

The Pony and the Dogs

The Boy and the Idol

Telling Mother

How Two Little Girls Were Saved

Why Will You Do Without Him?

Jesus, Meek and Humble

Androcles

Roby

We're Too Busy

Jesus Loves Little Children

Jesus, the Son of God

Oxen Plowing

Ben's Banner

Happy Nellie

Why do I say I am Saved?

The Song of a Happy Christian

"He Could not be Hid"

Answers to Bible Questions For December

Freddie's Sermon

An Apt Argument

The Ark and the Dove

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

The Multitude Again Fed

Sparrows

The Lightning

Out of the Mouths of Babes

The Fisherboy's Bible

Seeing Jesus

A Blind Man Made to See

Spring Time

A Surprise

"How Do You Know That You Are Saved?"

You Must Face It!

Jesus the Saviour Is Coming Soon

A Talk on a Journey

"Thou God Seest Me."

Lottie's Song

The Cleansing Blood

Giving of Thanks

The Love of Jesus

Glory on the Mountain

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Be Thankful