Messages of God's Love: 1946

An old man, out for a walk, observed a little boy approaching him. The boy was evidently returning from the grocery store and was laden with parcels. In one hand he carried a pail, and the old man noticed that every so often the boy put his finger in the pail and then licked it.

When they met, the kindly old man asked the boy what he had in the pail.

“Honey, sir,” answered the boy.

“Honey?” said the man— “What is honey?”

“O it’s sweet,” answered the boy. “Yes, but what is it?”

“Why it is sweet, sweet.”

“But tell me what it is.”

“Why, don’t you know?” asked the astonished child, “it is sweet, sweet, sweet!”

“But I should like to know what it is.” persisted the old man.

“Here, taste and see for yourself,” said the boy, and with that he again dipped his finger into the honey, and held it up for the old man to taste!

So it is with the Lord, and His sweet and precious things, dear children. We cannot know their “preciousness” until we come to Him by faith, and find out for ourselves.

When Philip had been found of the Lord, and had tasted His goodness, he finds Nathanael, his brother, and says to him, “

We have found Him of whom Moses.. did write, Jesus of Nazareth.”

“Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael said.

Philip did not try to explain or argue, he just simply said, “Come and see.” Nathanael came and what a treasure he found!

Do come to Jesus, dear children. He is sweeter than honey, yea, altogether lovely.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed (happy) is the man that trusteth in Him!” Psa. 34:8.

ML 01/06/1946

The Lord Himself Is Calling Thee

O! come, poor, needy children,

Come, turn aside and see

Christ’s wonderful redemption,

The fruit of Calvary;

The Saviour sits exalted,

Salvation now is free,

And the Lord Himself is calling—

Calling Thee.

O! come, poor, thirsty children,

Come, turn aside and see

The wells of free salvation

O’er flowing now for thee.

Our God is still dispersing

His grace and mercy free;

While the Lord Himself is calling—

Calling Thee.

Poor, helpless, doubting children,

There’s blessed news for thee;

All strength belongs to Jesus,

He gained the victory:

He breaks the bonds of Satan,

He sets the captives free;

O! the Lord Himself is calling—

Calling Thee.

No longer doubt the message,

No longer stay away;

A full, a free salvation

His blood provides today.

O! trust thy soul to Jesus,

If thou would’st happy be;

While the Lord Himself is calling—

Calling Thee.

ML 01/06/1946

A Confession of Faith

I thank Jesus that He was punished instead of me.” Such was a little girl’s confession of faith in Christ. It was simple, yet expressive: brief, but full of truth and meaning. It contained the sum and substance of the glad tidings of salvation through a crucified Christ. It is all that is needed for the youngest or the oldest, for YOU.

ML 01/06/1946

A Quiet Scene

God created the world and formed it for us to dwell on, with seas, lakes, rivers, plains, mountains,—such a variety of scenery, and we do enjoy seeing them. We can truly say,

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy Name in all the earth! who hast set Thy glory above the heavens,” Ps. 8:1.

But God has given us another gift far exceeding all these beautiful scenes. These would not save our sinful souls. It needed a Holy Sinless One to bear the judgment of God against our many sins.

“The wages of sin is death,” so He gave His only, beloved Son to die instead of us, and bear the judgment of our sins on the cross, and if we take Him as our Saviour, there will be no judgment from God for us.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, you must not put off coming to Him, trust Him as yours. There is no time to lose, for He is coming very soon to take all those who believe on Him to live with Him forever. Then the door of salvation will be closed on you.

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

ML 01/06/1946

A City "Trodden Down"

Luke 21:20-24

The Lord Jesus came to give joy to Jerusalem and that land, but the leaders refused Him, and kept on in sins: they rebelled still more against the Roman ruler over them till the army came and surrounded the city, just as Jesus said would happen (see also Luke 19:43,44).

No more is told in the Bible of that time, but world history describes it as most dreadful: the walls and towers were strong and the men fought hard, but the soldiers kept all help and food from being taken in and many died from want of food, and the men became too weak to resist. When the soldiers got inside the city, they killed ever so many, the rest they took away captives, as Jesus said. Only those who had believed the warning and fled before, escaped.

This happened in the year 70 A. D., which was about 37 years after Jesus told the disciples. Since then Jewish people have lived in all parts of the world, never having a country of their own, and often badly treated. They have always wished for Jerusalem and that land, which belonged to their race so many hundreds of years, and which God said should be theirs if they would obey His words.

Jerusalem was rebuilt by the Romans but for years no Jewish persons were allowed to come there. Later other nations ruled it; they also were against the Jews. Now for several hundred years the Arabian people have ruled, and are not friendly to Jews, although they are permitted to live there and can have their business, homes, and schools.

But they can have no part in the government and have no temple.

So that city has been oppressed or kept down ever since that army came to it, just as Jesus said: “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” v. 24.

Since early times all people not of Israel were called Gentiles, and have been the great powers to rule. Israel had power in the time of King Solomon and the nations near paid him tribute. But the people who returned to Jerusalem and that land after their captivity, paid tribute to other nations. They have since been called Jews. Since then all the nations to rule in the world have been Gentiles.

In all the years since Jesus was refused, crucified, and returned to Heaven, God has sent the word for all to believe in Him, whether Jews or Gentiles. He has said that there is no difference between them; “Both Jew and Gentiles, that they all are under sin....” “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:9,23.

“Testifying both to Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21.

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

ML 01/06/1946

Your Way or God's Way, Which?

One day two travelers walked quickly into a railway station, and after buying tickets and finding their train would leave in a few minutes, seated themselves comfortably in a coach. They settled down to enjoy each other’s company. They were talking earnestly to one another, when a porter poked his head in the door, and told them to “go forward”.

“But what is the matter with this coach?” they both exclaimed in the same breath.

“Nothin’,” responded the porter, “only ‘taint hitched on to nothin’ that will take you nowhere!”

The two men were sure they were right — just as many are sure they are on the way to heaven, when they are really going in the opposite direction.

“THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMETH RIGHT UNTO A MAN; BUT THE END THEREOF ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH.” Prov. 16:25.

There is only ONE way, and so if you are trusting in some way of your own—being good, going to church or Sunday School or whatever it may be, if it is not God’s way to save you—then “the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Just as the two men had to leave the coach of their own choice, and board one which would take them to their home, so you must come to Jesus, Who says, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” and accept Him as your Saviour. Will you come to Him now?

Christ died for us on the cross, and now He is in the glory, calling to you,

“Come unto me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22.

ML 01/13/1946

The Bible

A blind man was reading from his Braille type Bible, when he paused, and raising his face Heavenwards, said with quiet joy, “O God, I am thinking Thy thoughts after Thee!” That poor blind man had learned a great deal.

The Bible reveals God, and tells the truth as to us. This is why so many dislike it, and try to get rid of it in some way or other. Proud and rebellious people do not like to be told they are lost, and so they try to get rid of the Book which witnesses against them.

The Christian who knows his sins forgiven, however, loves it, and finds that the more he knows it, the more precious it becomes. Like the Psalmist he is ready to exclaim,

“How precious are Thy thoughts to me! O God, how great is the sum of them!” Psalms 139:17.

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalms 19:10.

Every effort to make us think less of the Bible, is of our adversary the Devil.

“Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89.

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

ML 01/13/1946

An Accident in a Coal Mine

He went to work one morning, hale and hearty, and while drilling a hole about noon, a large stone weighing about 300 pounds fell on Bob and broke his back.

The day after, when I saw him, he told me that a Scripture came to his mind when he was under the stone, “The way of the transgressor is hard.”

That evening when I heard of the accident, and that he was not likely to die for months, four of us, who know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, gathered together, remembering His words, “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.

Fervent prayer was offered up, that God would magnify His grace by plucking another brand from the burning.

On going to see him next day, I found him quite reconciled, and instead of grumbling, he was thankful that God had spared him and not cut him off before he was saved. After asking him about his bodily sufferings, I then said,

“How is it with your precious soul?” to which he replied,

“It is all settled now—I am trusting in the finished work of Christ.”

What a blessed answer to our prayers. Praise the Lord.

Dear children, with eternity before you, are you trusting in anything more or less? If you are, it will fail you when you most need it, and so I plead with you in Jesus’ name make no mistake. God has set before you two ways, and your eternal destiny is fixed by the one you choose.

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

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

ML 01/13/1946

A Little Preacher

A little girl of ten years of age, whose name was Milly, had a grandfather who was very old. He grew weaker every day, and his friends said he could not live much longer.

Milly heard this, and was sorry, for she loved him very much. Being a little girl who trusted in Jesus, she prayed that her grandfather might also believe on Him and be saved; for she felt what an awful doom would be his if he died in his sins. He lived a good distance from her home, so she could do no more than pray for him; and God heard her prayer and answered it.

One day her mother received a letter saying how very ill the old man was, and how much he would like to see Milly. Although he lived a long way off, Mrs. G. let her little girl go; and thus made the grandfather’s heart glad. When he saw his little favorite, he cried with joy, and when the others had gone from the room, and they were left alone, he said to her:

“Well, Milly dear, and what have you been learning at Sunday-school? Can you sing something to me?”

“O yes, grandfather,” the little girl replied, and in a moment her childish voice was sounding through the room, and the aged pilgrim bent to listen to that sweet hymn: “Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so.”

When it was finished, he asked

“How do you know that Jesus loves you, Milly?”

“Because the Bible says so, grandfather,” was the ready answer; “and He loves you too.”

“Can you show me, Milly?”

“O yes, I’ll run and get my Bible,” the little girl replied as she ran off, returning soon with her finger pointing to John 3:16, which she slowly read,

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

“But, Milly, that does not mean me,” said the old man.

“O yes, grandpa, it does, for it says ‘whosoever.’”

“And what does ‘Whosoever’ mean, dear?”

“O, just any one who will believe that Jesus died for them, and they shall have everlasting life,” was the beautiful answer.

“Read it again, Milly,” was the only reply, and again the childish voice was heard repeating those words of eternal life.

“It means me, I see, Milly; and I am one of the ‘Whosoevers.’ Well, I do believe in Jesus,” exclaimed the old man.

Milly was delighted when she heard this, and all his friends were pleased too; for now his weary feet would be sure of entering through the gates of heaven and up to the throne where Jesus sits, because he believed on the Son of God, and was forgiven and made fit to stand in the presence of his Redeemer.

ML 01/13/1946

Power and Great Glory

Luke 21:20-38

We like to see beautiful clouds: there is a “cloud of glory” mentioned in the Bible, which was different from all other clouds.

A cloud was over the people of Israel all the way of their journey across the Red Sea and for forty years in the deserts, but not called “a cloud of glory”, only when the glory filled the tabernacle, Ex. 20:20-22; Ex. 40:34-38.

When God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai the cloud of glory abode upon the mount six days. When the great temple, or “House of God”, was finished in Jerusalem, the cloud of glory filled it (2 Chron. 5:13, 14).

When three disciples were with Jesus on the mountain and God spoke to them, “a bright cloud overshadowed them” (Matt. 17:5).

There is an event to come, and a cloud and glory, so great it cannot be described, we can only give the Lord Jesus’ words: “And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

The Lord’s coming will be unexpected to people, as “a snare” is sudden to a bird or animal. More is written of how sudden: “As lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt. 24:27, Luke 17:24)

More also is told of the troubles bore, for those who believe God, and of the judgments to those who do not believe. But it is important to notice that in this, no time is given; only that when Christ comes, He will be seen of all, and there can be no mistake.

Then none can reject the Lord Jesus and after that His promised righteous rule will begin, for He said, “Then know ye that the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (v. 31).

These words were later told the disciple John to write,

“Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Rev. 1:7.

It was written of the cloud of glory over Mt. Siani; “The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire... in the sight of the children of Israel.” Ex. 24:16, 17.

How much greater the cloud of glory will be when Christ comes and all on earth see!

About the same time Jesus told of that great coming, He told those men who believed and loved Him that He would “come and receive them unto Himself.” John 14:3. And it was written to the early Christians that all who believe shall be called into the clouds to meet the Lord, which is their hope, before His coming in power and glory to judge (see 1 Thess. 1:13-18). This also will be quickly and no time is set.

The Lord is now waiting for all who will trust in Him their Saviour, and confess His name now.

ML 01/13/1946

A Winter Scene

The ground has a blanket of white, and the roads are covered with snow, such a contrast to the black, leafless trees. The Bible tells us,

“While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22.

It is sad to know that with some people, sorrow, sickness, and suffering are brought about by winter’s cold and storm.

We trust our dear friends who have all they need, may be willing to share with those who do not have the comforts of life. It will not be difficult to find those who are in need of warm clothing, and other necessities. Whatever we do for others as unto the Lord, we will have a sure reward from Him, both in this life and in eternity.

How good it is for the Christians, those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, to look on to the time when they shall be at Home with Him where there will be neither cold, storms, nor suffering.

Do you know, dear children, where and when that happy time will be?

“GOD SHALL WIPE ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES, AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER SORROW, NOR CRYING, NEHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN.” Rev. 21:4.

“And there shall be no more curse.” Rev. 22:3.

“And there shall be no night there.” Rev. 22:5.

ML 01/20/1946

Crossing the Ferry

Three happy children had to cross by a ferry-boat, for which they had a penny each to pay, and mother had gin this sum to Susie, who was told to guard it carefully. But running along the fields, or climbing the fences, Susie had let the money slip somehow, and when they came to the ferry she had nothing to pay. What was to be done? They knew not.

The young ferryman, to whom they were perfect strangers, would not take them across until the “pennies” were paid, and, of course, promises to “pay tomorrow” were of no avail. Just when they were making up their minds to return home, downcast and sad, a gentleman came along the road. He saw there was something wrong, and asked what was the matter. Susie told her sorrowful tale and then burst into tears. The gentleman took in the situation in a moment, and patting her cheek, smiled and said,

“It’s all right, Susie, I will pay the ferry for you,” taking out three pence and laying them in her hand. Susie wiped her tears away, as she said, “Thank you,” and in a moment the children were down at the ferry signalling and shouting to the rigid ferryman to come and take them across. “Where did you get the money?” he asked, as he drew the boat to the steps, and before Susie had time to answer, Harry shouted out,

“The man paid for us.”

This simple story of school-days reminds me of greater and more important things. I know someone else who will want, one day, to cross a deeper river (death), and who has “nothing to pay.” Who do you think that is? Just you, my reader. You will want to cross over to the fair shore of heaven, I know, to dwell with the Lord Jesus. But you have nothing to take you there, you have nothing to pay, nothing to give or offer, that could gain you a passage across death’s river into the land of Life.

But there is ONE who has paid. His name is Jesus, the Saviour. He saw your helpless condition, and in order to make it possible for you to go to heaven, He paid in full all the demands of justice.

Will you accept His payment through His blood shed on Calvary’s cross?

“Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22.

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

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

ML 01/20/1946

"Where Are Your Sins?"

One evening I was preaching the gospel, and when the meeting was over, I spoke to some of those present about the salvation of their precious souls. Nearly all those to whom I spoke, gave the same answer: “I hope so, sir; I hope so.”

Some gave this answer unhesitatingly, as if it was a lesson learned by heart; others answered in uncertain tones, that painfully affected a heart that burned with the longing to see their precious souls saved.

In rather a melancholy mood I turned to a little boy of about eight years of age, and said to him:

“Well, my little man, where are your sins?”

He looked at me and smiled without answering. Fearing that he had not heard, I repeated the question; still there was no answer.

His mother said, “Come, Harry, don’t be so impolite; give Mr. B. an answer.”

He looked at me again and smiled, but didn’t answer.

Thinking that he was shy, I said a few more words to him, then wished them good-night.

When they reached home, his mother said: “Why didn’t you answer Mr. B. Harry?”

“Because I could not,” replied the boy.

“I’m sure you could have answered him,” said the mother.

“No, mother, I could not.”

“And why not, Harry?”

“Because I don’t know. I know that Jesus bore my sins and put them away, but where He put them, I don’t know, and I believe that no one knows.”

O, what a treasure of precious, peace-giving truths flowed then from the lips of a little child! O, that you all, dear readers, could repeat the words of little Harry from your hearts:

“I know that the Lord Jesus has borne my sins, and has put them away.”

I shall add a few texts, to show you where the sins of believers are:

“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.

“Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Isaiah 38:17.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psa. 103:12.

“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 10:17.

ML 01/0/1946

A Powerful Friend

Once a number of rough men were looking at a caged lion, when one of them in cruel sport picked up his little dog and forced it through the bars. The poor creature was terrified, and ran whimpering to the farthest corner of the cage, coiled itself up there, quivering, while the brutal men looked on in amusement to see what the lion would do. It did not rise, but gazed quietly at the intruder. The minutes passed, and the little doggie seemed to gain hope, for it crawled with its ears down and tail between its legs towards the huge beast. To the surprise of all, the lion, instead of snapping, reached out its tongue, and began affectionately to lick the frightened creature. When the men’s wonder was satisfied, the owner of the dog approached the lion-tamer, and asked to get it back again.

“As you put it into the cage yourself, you had better just go and get it out,” was the retort.

The man whistled, but the dog only snuggled closer to its new master. Then thinking that he might reach its foot and draw it back, he stretched in his hand. In a moment the lion was on his feet, and his roar resounded through the building, and the men, terrified, fled from the place, and as long as the lion lived, he never allowed the dog to be taken from him. The lion, you know, is “the king of beasts”—the strongest of them all, so the poor dog was perfectly safe while he stayed with his strange protector.

Boys and girls who know Jesus as their Saviour, have the most powerful Friend of all, Jesus. He says,

“I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.” Then he adds, “My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and none is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:28, 29.

O, how safe is even the weakest child who trusts such a Saviour! Just as no one dare go near the lion to harm the little dog, so no one, not even Satan, dare, or can, harm the child of God.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

ML 01/20/1946

A Very Old Feast

Luke 22:1.2

How the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.”

That feast was meant to be a very special and happy time. It was kept in the middle of the first month of their year, about the time of the month April to us. The first day at sunset they were to eat a supper of roast lamb, and for seven days do no work only what was necessary for their meals and to meet together to sacrifice and to praise God.

All this was to be done each year to remember the night when the Lord sent death through the land of Egypt but passed over the houses where the blood of the lamb was sprinkled on the door posts. So the life of the oldest son of each family of Israel was spared. But in the houses of the other people every oldest son was dead (Ex. 11:4-7).

The Lord had told them to sprinkle the blood and it was called the “Lord’s Passover”. The people ate roasted lamb that evening, and left that land with great haste to be free of the cruel king there, and to be God’s people. They had to carry their bread dough with them and baked before it was raised, such bread is called “unleavened”. That was why when the feast was kept they used only unleavened bread (Ex.12:34).

That was when those people first became a nation to go to a land for their own, instead of being slaves as they were in Egypt. This was all so great a change for them that God wanted their children after them to know of that night and celebrate it each year at that same time (Ex. 12:14).

They could not keep this feast every place, but only where God had chosen for His Name to be praised, which for a very long time was Jerusalem (Deut. 16:5-8; Ps. 102:21).

The men and boys were always to go, and all the family seem to have gone if not too far. If a man who could go, would not, or if one at that time ate bread with leaven, he was “cut off” from all the rest in the blessing (Nu. 9:13; Ex. 12:15).

Another reason this feast was so important: it was to teach them that God must judge all, as He did in Egypt; that they could not be safe except sheltered by blood of one slain for them. They would know how God valued that blood. There are other lessons to learn by the bread and herbs, but all would show they should be very grateful to the Lord.

The chief priests and the scribes should have read God’s words, the writings of Moses, David, and all the prophets, in the temple and tell them of One promised to come to bless them, and all sing psalms of praise to God. But those men did not believe the words of God, and they had no joy in their hearts to keep a feast to Him. They were full of hate to the Lord Jesus, the One Who had come to bless them: “they sought how they might kill Him.”

They knew many people believed Jesus to be from God and would not let them harm Him. But we read how they found a way to do their most awful wish, and turned the feast time of joy to the deepest sorrow.

“Even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7.

ML 01/20/1946

The Crocodile

If there is a beast that can rival the snake for ugliness and the horror it inspires, it is surely the crocodile, yet this great creature is looked upon as a god by many black tribes.

The Egyptians built for him, temples containing large basins, carved in marble. Many cities near the Nile, from Memphis to Thebes, had sacred crocodiles.

These horrible reptiles had no need to hide in the mire to lie in wait for cattle who came to drink in the river, or even for human flesh. Well-nourished with delicate meats, which were brought to them by numerous servants, and presented on the end of golden prongs; and they also received, on certain days, the worship and the prayers of the people. It was a happy omen when these monsters devoured greedily, not only the flesh of the victims sacrificed, but cakes made of fine flour, with wine and hydromel.

The inhabitants of Central Africa and Madagascar also had the same superstitious fear and the same worship. Many Negro tribes worshipped the crocodiles as gods; they have feasts in their honor when they dance at the sound of weird music, and parade upon the shore of the river.

In this land of Bibles, we do not see such heathen worship; and we may well be thankful for it; but God holds us much more responsible, and if we ruse Christ as our Saviour, we shall be lost for eternity.

“WHOSO TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, HAPPY IS HE.” Prov. 16:20.

ML 01/7/1946

Bought with a Price

One afternoon as we were coming from school, many years ago, we saw a boy sitting on the river bank with a little dog on his knee. As we came up to where the boy sat, we noticed that he had a string round the dog’s neck, and at the other end a big stone tied with the cord. The little fellow was crying bitterly, and every now and again, he gave the little dog a hug to his bosom. Several of the school-boys stood, but no one liked to ask what was the matter with the weeping boy. At last a gentleman came walking along the river bank, and when he came opposite to where the boy sat with the dog, he stood, and in a kind, sympathizing tone, inquired, “What are you going to do with the dog, my boy?”

Bursting afresh into tears, the boy said, “My master sent me to drown it, sir, but I never drowned a dog in my life, or killed any of God’s creatures, and I cannot do it.”

“Why does he want the dog drowned?” asked the gentleman.

“I think it’s because he has no need for it, and nobody would buy it, sir,” replied the lad, half hoping that the gentleman would in some way, relieve him of the unwelcome job he had.

“Come along with me to your master, and we’ll hear what he says. I am in want of a dog, and if he will sell him to me, I will save you the unpleasant work of drowning him” said the gentleman.

The boy wiped his tears away, cut the big stone from the cord, and in a minute was on the way to his master’s house; the gentleman walking by his side, and we all following to see the end. The boy’s master was very glad to sell the dog, the money was paid, and Hero—for that was the name his new owner gave him — was rescued from death, and passed over to the new master, who had redeemed him. He grew up to be a fine useful animal, and for many years was the faithful watch-dog of his master’s property.

Oft as I think of this simple incident of early days, does the picture rise before me of a greater deliverance, and a redemption at higher cost. We were condemned to die the sinner’s death, and from that just and well-deserved doom, we could not deliver ourselves. But there is One who could. His name is Jesus. He saw our ruin: He knew we had “nothing to pay.” Then it was, that He Himself paid our ransom price, and the price was “His own blood.”

“Ye turned to God, from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

All who have believed on Him, have been set free to enter His service and to own His claims as Lord and Master. Surely we ought to serve the One who bought us at such a price.

Dear boys and girls, are you among the rescued, or are you still under condemnation?

ML 01/27/1946

The Happy Indian Chief

He always had the “Story of Jesus” to tell. When met by another chief who asked him what he had, the chief answered,

“I have the story of Jesus—don’t you want it too?”

Though he had told it hundreds of times, it never grew old. Tears would always fill his eyes and before the “Story” was finished, a heavenly look would light his brown face with a peace from beyond the skies.

At the meeting of the old chief and the missionary referred to at the beginning, the missionary felt that the end was drawing near and that his companion would soon be gone. After a few moments in silent prayer he looked upon the chief and said, “Your time may be short on earth, your life perhaps will soon be over. What would you have me do these last few moments before we separate?”

The old chief’s eyes lit up and in a whispering voice he answered: “Tell me the story of Jesus again. I want nothing more, good master; only tell me the ‘Story’ again. That will be enough.”

Again the missionary unfolded the blessed old story and so real did it appear to the dying chief that he, partly rising to his elbow, with eyes looking into space in a faint voice whispered,

“Yes, Master, it was for me—it was for me. I am going now. Good-bye.”

The song writer has caught the spirit of the old chief’s message, in the following verses:

“Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus

Sang as they welcomed His birth,

‘Glory to God in the highest’!

Peace and good tidings to earth!

“Tell of the Cross where they nailed Him

Writhing in anguish and pain;

Tell of the grave where they laid Him,

Tell how He liveth again.

Love in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see;

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

Love paid the ransom for me.”

Let us cherish “the old Story” of Jesus and His love, as the old chief did, and tell it to others as we press towards our Heavenly Home. Others are waiting to hear it, too.

ML 01/27/1946

The Singing Child

A little girl, who lived with her mother in the country, was in the habit of singing to herself, all the time her brother was away at school. She had no companions or playmates during the day, and I wondered how she could spend day after day singing as she did. I got her alone one day and asked her, what made her sing.

“Cause I’m happy,” was the simple reply.

This is exactly why the Christian sings. God has saved him, and he is happy.

Are you happy, my dear young friend, because Jesus has saved you? Can you sing with truth, “Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away?”

“Sing unto the Lord, bless His Name; show forth His salvation from day to day.” Psalm 96:2.

ML 01/27/1946

Shepherd Care

How carefully the shepherds keep

Their flocks within their sight!

So Jesus watches o’er His sheep,

And guards them day and night.

The shepherd numbers twice a day

The flock beneath his care;

He knows if any go astray,

Or sick or dying are.

So Jesus reckons one by one,

And numbers all His sheep;

He knows if but a lamb is gone,

For He doth never sleep.

The flocks of men are bought with gold;

Green pasture is their food;

The sheep and lambs of Jesus’ fold

Are purchased with His blood.

O Lord, who would not wish to be

One of that happy band,

Who know Thy voice, and follow Thee,

Led by Thy gentle hand?

ML 02/27/1946

To Gain Money

Luke 22:3-6

When the twelve disciples went about the country with the Lord Jesus, the money for their food and lodgings was kept in one bag that all should share alike. The disciple who carried the bag and had charge of the money was Judas. But he did not want to share the same as Jesus and the others; he wanted more for himself.

When the costly oil was put on the head and feet of Jesus to do Him honor, Judas said it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. What he said of giving to the poor was deceit; he wanted the oil sold, then he could have the price of it in the bag, and keep a part for himself (John 12). So Judas was willing to do wrong, and to say what was not true to gain money.

It was known that the priests and chief men of Jerusalem hated Jesus so much that they wanted Him taken and put to death, but did not dare have Him arrested when the crowds of people would see it, because they knew the people believed Jesus the Messiah, and would not let Him be mistreated. The wicked thought came to Judas that he could lead Jesus to the priests secretly, and that they would pay him money to do so.

Judas did not refuse the wicked thought, and one more wicked than all urged him on: “Satan entered into Judas”, and he went to the priests and asked them if they would pay him money to bring Jesus to them when the people would not see or know it.

The priests were “glad” to promise money, and they agreed on a plan, which was soon carried out at night and outside the city where the people could not see their wicked deed.

To give a friend to his enemy to harm is to betray, a most dishonorable act; how dreadful for Judas to plan to do this to the Lord Jesus, Who, he knew, had done good to all. Judas knew the Lord’s power to cure every sickness, and twice he had seen that Jesus could supply bread for several thousand people without money to buy it: he should have thought how much greater His power was than money.

Also all the words of the Lord taught Judas right and true ways; He had told them, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (money). But Judas made the awful choice: he wanted money more than he wanted the Lord. He may have seemed interested at first as all the disciples, but he never loved Jesus or he would not have been willing for Him to be mistreated.

Judas’ life shows it is not enough to know the greatness of the Lord and to hear His words; we must choose Him above all else and know our need of Him.

The wicked spirit, Satan, has always wanted harm to come to the Lord Jesus (Luke 4:12). It would seem he knew the wrong things Judas had already done for money and that he would do worse, when he helped him on in the evil plan. Satan is never for what is good, always for evil (James 4:7). How much money did the men agree to pay Judas? (Matt. 26:14-16). Did the Lord Jesus know what Judas would do? (John 6:64). What is Judas called? (John 12:6).

ML 01/27/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

“And they sung,” Rev. 5:8.

“I know thy,” 3:8.

“And the rest,” 9:20

“Blessed is,”

“And I said,” 7:14.

“And the nations,” 11:18.

Thou hast left thy first love.” 2:4.

Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Matthew,

Chapters 10-18

1. “He withdrew Himself from thence.”

2.“Saying, Lord, help me.”

3.“Lose his own soul.”

4.“Gathered together in My name.”

5.“And went and told Jesus.”

6.“He departed thence to teach.”

7.Whose name is first in the list of twelve apostles?

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.In the days of the voice of the seventh angel. Rev. 10:7.

2.Twelve thousand. Rev. 7:5.

3.On the isle of Patmos. Rev. 1:9

4.When the seventh angel sounds. Rev. 11:15.

5.The seventh. Rev. 8:1.

6.Balaam. Rev. 2:14.

7.Philadelphia. Rev. 3:8.

Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

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

1. What happened to John Baptist?

2.What did the Lord tell the disciples would happen to Him in Jerusalem?

3.Where does the Lord agree to meet the two or three?

4.Whom did Jesus say was Elias?

5.Compare the numbers fed by our Lord on the two occasions.

6.Who has all power in heaven and in earth?

7.At what was the Lord valued?

ML 02/03/1946

Praying for His Enemies

A little boy at school complained that some of the boys had hissed at him.

“Why did not you do your best to defend yourself, or complain to the teacher?” inquired his mother.

The boy hung down his head and was silent.

“What did you do,” added the mother, “when they were seeking their pleasure in tormenting you?”

“I remembered what Jesus did for His enemies,” replied the boy; “I prayed for them.”

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

ML 02/03/1946

Johnny's Confession

Great was the joy in the farmhouse when Johnny confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus.

Both father and mother knew and loved the Saviour, and their thanksgivings, I doubt not, rose from full hearts, because their boy, for whom they had so often and so earnestly prayed, had at last found joy and peace in believing.

Some special meetings for children had been held in a tent two or three miles from his home, and Johnny had attended again and again, hearing the oft-told, oft-heard story, and at last had believed it.

Well he had known that he was a sinner, lost and undone, with a heart deceitful and wicked; but now he learned the love of God to such sinners as he, and of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save sinners, and who “suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust,” to bring them to God, and that now He was risen, and seated at the right hand of God in glory.

Taking God at His word, and asking no questions, little Johnny believed the simple message, and reaching home gladdened his mother’s heart with the joyous news, “I know I am whiter than snow now, mother; for the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin;” and he proceeded to tell how he had at last believed God’s message of salvation through Christ.

Have you believed on Him in your heart, my young reader? If so, have you confessed Him with your lips? In Romans 10:9 it is written,

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

“Jesus died upon the tree,

Jesus rose triumphantly,

Jesus only—perfect plea—

Christ alone can save thee.”

ML 02/03/1946

Little Louisa's Last Wish

What a sad picture we have before us! The poor doctor looks anxiously at the dear little girl—he feels he has done all within his power to save her life. What despair is written on the father’s face, and how the dear mother is grieving. This picture makes me think of a little girl, named Louisa, who died when she was yet but a little girl. Although a tiny child, she had learned to trust the Lord Jesus, and was happy because she knew that she belonged to Him. Her dear mother also loved the Lord, but her father seemed to have no thought for anything, but the affairs of this life. Though he had no thought of God or of his own soul, he loved his dear little Louisa with the most tender affection; and bitter, indeed, was his sorrow when, after she had been ill for some time, he heard the doctor say that he could do no more for his little pet.

Little Louisa grew very weak and thin, and as her mother sat by her bedside one day, doing all she could to comfort her child, she found that though Louisa was suffering great pain, there was a grief she felt more than her bodily pain. What was her sorest trouble? Ah, it was not the thought that soon she was to leave her bed of pain and go to be at rest with Jesus, but it was the thought of leaving those she loved here. She knew her dear mother would meet her again in the presence of her precious Saviour; but her father! as Louisa thought of him, she cried out,

“O, father, if I could hear you pray before I die, I should die happy!”

The sorrow-stricken father heard that cry, and it went to his heart. Could he refuse the last request of his dying child? At last he could bear it no longer, and kneeling beside the little sufferer, the strong man bowed his head, and amid sobs and tears, prayed that God, who had saved his child, would save him, too, and would let him meet her in heaven.

Little Louisa listened to her father’s prayer, and in a few moments passed away to be with the Lord. Her poor father’s prayer was answered; he now trusted in Jesus, and could look forward with his wife to the day when they would see their child in the blessed place, “where Christ is gone.”

“MY SOUL. WAIT THOU ONLY UPON GOD:... TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES.” Psa. 62: 5 and 8.

ML 02/03/1946

The Passover Feast Kept

Luke 22:7-23

The passover feast was to be kept in Jerusalem, but the supper was not eaten at the temple, but by the families or groups in the homes, as in the houses the night in Egypt.

Jesus and the disciples had no homes in Jerusalem and stayed nights outside in Mt. Olive. When passover day came, Jesus told John and Peter to go and prepare the passover. They asked Him where they should prepare, and He said,

“Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water: follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, ‘The Master saith unto thee, where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.”

Jesus knew where to send them, and they went, and found all just as He said, and prepared for the supper. That evening Jesus and the twelve disciples came there to eat the passover meal.

The Lord Jesus may have kept the passover feast with the disciples other years, but He especially wished to eat this one with them (v.15). This supper was meant to show that each one eating, shared in the mercy of God, that He had saved their nation because of the lamb killed. Jesus valued their thanks to God and also that they had shared His life on earth (v.28). Their love seemed a comfort to Him, when He knew He would soon die for them.

But there was one disciple who did not love the Lord, that was Judas, and Jesus knew just what he was to do, and said, “Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with me on the table... woe (judgment) to that man by whom He is betrayed.”

When Judas heard that, he should have felt the wisdom of the Lord, that He knew the secret plan, and believed His warning, but he did not. And he again showed his deceit: when the others asked, “Is it I?”, he said, “Master, is it I?”, as though he had no such plan. He then went away from the house to meet the men who wanted to take Jesus (See Matt. 26:25; John 13:21-30).

That passover supper was the last one to be rightfully kept, because the next day Jesus fulfilled by His death all that feast meant and much more. He became the “Lamb of God”, sacrificed to bear God’s judgment against sin, and it is written, “Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7.

The blood of the passover lamb saved the oldest son of each family of Israel from death for one night; but the blood of Jesus was given to save all from any nation who trust in Him, from eternal death.

However there are very many lessons for us now to learn from what is written of the passover feast: how the bitter herbs teach of sorrow for sins, and the bread without leaven, of keeping sins from our ways; how all was to be done just as God directed and that all was for their blessing.

But the Lord Jesus gave a new supper to be kept in memory of His death, which we will read more of next time (v. 19,20).

ML 02/03/1946

Industry

There was a little girl about six years old, who lived at B. and was bright and active. She had been playing with her young friends, all of them apparently having a pleasant time together. This little girl’s name was Lucy. She came into the house during the morning feeling very fretful, because she was tired of play.

“Lucy”, said a friend, “have you no work to do?”

The little girl opened her blue eyes, and looked earnestly at the speaker to see if she was in earnest. Then she said, “No, indeed! Papa works, because he is a big man; all the tall men ought to work, so ought the great ladies, and the big boys, and the large girls; but I am only six years old.”

Just then a honey bee came buzzing along, and alighted on a white rose.

“The bee”, said her friend, “is not a tall man, a great lady, a big boy, nor a large girl,—yet he finds work to do.”

“He works to make honey”, replied Lucy; and taking a knitting needle from the table, she idly stirred his soft wings.

Then they saw a bird that was building a nest upon the apple tree. The little bird was very busy carrying sticks, straw, and all manner of things, and singing merrily when she had deposited her heavy load. Lucy’s friend whispered in her ear, “The birds find work to do.”

Then they saw the little ants running to and fro; and a spider weaving a web.

“They are all at work.” Then her friend kindly said, “You see, dear Lucy, the smallest of all God’s creatures are flying, creeping, or swimming to their work. They have no soul, and yet they understand that they must have a part to do in the world’s great work. But who will do the work of the little Lucys, who are only six years old? Everybody seems to have his own work to do; what if the idle little Lucys should, do what belongs to them?”

This friend then brought before her the one thing needful, that of accepting the Lord Jesus, as her own dear Saviour, for little Lucy knew she was a sinner, and could never go to heaven, unless her sins were forgiven, and washed away in His own precious blood.

His wondrous love touched her heart, she came to Him, just as she was, and could sing from her heart,

“Jesus bids us shine,

First of all for Him;

Well He sees and knows it,

If our light grows dim:

He looks down from heaven,

To see us shine—

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.”

Dear little Lucy had now a new life. Her one concern was to let her light shine for Him to whom she belonged. She was no longer idle, but helped mother; and desired to learn to knit. She was no longer fretful, but found delight in doing all as unto the Lord, the One who loved her, and gave Himself for her.

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

ML 02/10/1946

Jesus Wept

What a short verse! perhaps you will say; I can learn it all myself in two or three minutes.”

Stop a minute, dear little friend, and remember there are two ways of learning a text. One is to learn the words only; the other is to know the meaning of the words as well.

Some boys and girls learn a whole chapter every week, yet many old schoolers would have to confess they had not learned all that this little verse of two words contains. How is that? you ask. Well, we begin to wonder why Jesus wept; He who had been so kind to the widow of Nain, and had raised the ruler’s little girl to life again.

Why did Jesus weep? It was because He was so sad to see the effects of sin all around. You know that the wages of sin is death. That is why you see so many white stones in the cemeteries, with words on them to tell us whose body lies there. Here perhaps is a man’s grave, there is a little girl’s, and further on is a family group of graves. These all tell us that sin has been here, so death and the wages followed. But there are other, and worse effects of sin than the death of the body; for sin separated us from God, and for any that die with their sins unforgiven, there will be the second death which will shut them out from God forever.

How kind it was of Jesus to weep about Lazarus! and He wept for us too, because we are all born under sin. Afterward Jesus Himself died to destroy the power of him who had the power of death. Those who now rest in the work that Jesus has done, shall never die. They shall never have part in the second death. They may fall asleep in Jesus, and their bodies be put in the grave, but they shall go to be with Him.

When we read that Jesus wept, it seems to tell us more than many chapters. It tells of His heart of love, how His eyes follow us all the day long, though He is now seated in the glory, and we still are on earth.

Who could distrust such a Saviour after reading of this sympathy with those mourning for their brother? And those who have learned to trust in Him as their Saviour, how happy for them to have such a friend to go to, to tell all their troubles, whatever they may be! He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew. 11:28.

ML 03/10/1946

Kara

She was a little orphan far away in India. She was greatly afraid of being sold into slavery and fall into the hands of bad people.

Therefore, she begged the missionary, who was just at the place, to take her along to the mission station. But the missionary was sorry to have to tell her,

“We have neither room to take you in, nor money to enlarge our building.”

Kara looked very sad, she was too proud to cry. Upon leaving, the missionary said, hoping to comfort her, “Pray to God that He may give us a place for you, and I will do the same.”

“Upon reaching his home, he found a letter with a sum of money enclosed. This encouraged him so much that he sent a messenger to fetch little Kara. The distance he had to go was great, but he returned already in the afternoon with Kara. The missionary was greatly surprised, but simply said,

“Ay, we both prayed to God, and so I started out right away,” and that was the reason the servant returned so soon.

Does not the faith of this child, whose parents had been idolaters, put us to shame? The Lord loves to have little ones tell Him everything, and come to Him with all their troubles, be they ever so small, whether it is a big dog on the way to school that makes you afraid, or baby brother is sick, or a piece of money is lost. The Lord Jesus says,

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you.” John 16:23.

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

ML 02/10/1946

It's in Already

Charley S. was told to pray and ask Jesus to “write Charley’s name in the Book of Life.” That night the request was included in his simple prayer.

A few nights after, Charley said his prayers at his father’s knee, when it was observed that the new petition was left out. Thinking the omission was due to forgetfulness, he was asked why he had forgotten to ask Jesus to write his name in the “Book of Life,” he replied, in a tone of exultation, “It’s in already!”

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Rev. 3:5.

ML 02/10/1946

"What Mean Ye"

Luke 22:19.20

The passover supper was eaten once each year, and the children knew it was different from other meals, and they asked, “What mean ye by this service?” Ex. 12:26.

Boys and girls now who see the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup, called the Lord’s supper, may rightly ask the same question.

The Lord Jesus Himself said to do this, and showed its meaning, the night before His death, after He and the disciples had eaten the passover supper in the upper room:

“He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, sang, ‘This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.’ Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.’”

It is very plain that this is to be done to remind those who love the Lord Jesus, of His death for them, in which He bore the judgment of God against sin, He was bruised of God for sin. The drink in the cup, called “fruit of the vine”, (Ver. 18), was made from the juice of grapes, and is used by the Lord to remind us of His blood poured out, or shed, when the soldier pierced His side.

It was God’s way that sins could not be put away except by blood, since all have sinned. No one could fit himself to live with God, or erase even one sin from his knowledge. Only One Who had no sin could save others. Because Jesus was without sin, the Holy Son of God, His shed blood was of value to save everyone in all the world who should put his trust in Him. Think of the wonder of these words, “God,... hath spoken... by His Son, Whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds: Who being the brightness of His glory,... upholding all things by the word of His power,... by Himself purged (put away) our sins.” Hebrews 1:1-3.

There could be no work greater than that of the Son of God in His death on the cross, which He knew on the night before, to be as certain as though already done.

Costly statues are made to remember the great deeds of men; Jesus asked only for those who love Him to remember His death, greatest of all deeds, by eating the simple supper together, giving thanks to God.

In eating together they show they shared the sins which caused Him to die, but also share the blessings brought by His “body given” and His “blood shed.” They did not go to a great fixed place like the temple, but to an upper room loaned for the time.

That night Jesus told them that after He was gone the Holy Spirit would come to guide them with His words (John 16:13), and later, they did His wishes as the Spirit led, they met in plain places to give Him praise and think of His death for them.

ML 02/10/1946

Riddles or "Whiter Than Snow"

The window near the teacher’s desk was open. Outside, the children were amusing themselves in different ways until the hell should ring to call them in. A group of girls under Miss Smith’s open window were asking riddles. Presently a dear girl named Mary joined the group.

“I have a riddle,” she said.

“What is it, Mary?” they all cried. “What is whiter than snow?”

“O, I know,” said Beth, “a piece of white linen.”

“No.” said Mary.

“Well, then, the white of an egg beaten till it is foamy and stiff,” suggested another.

“Not right,” said Mary.

“A beautiful, fleecy cloud,” cried a third.

Still that was not the answer. Then a fourth attempt was made, “A pile of wool, freshly washed and carded?”

“Still not right,” said Mary.

Inside Miss Smith was trying to solve the riddle too, but she could not think of anything whiter than snow.

At last, after several more unsuccessful attempts the girls “gave up.”

“What is it, Mary?”

“It is a sinner, washed in Jesus’ blood. That is the whitest thing on earth.”

Mary was a Christian and knew what it is to have her sins washed away in Jesus’ blood. Miss Smith was a child of God, too, and felt ashamed that she had not been able to guess Mary’s riddle.

In Psa. 51 David prayed,

“Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

In Isa. 1:18 the Lord says to sinners, “Come now, let us reason together,... though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow.”

How gleaming white and pure the snow is in our picture yet its dazzling purity but faintly tells us how perfectly spotless is that one who is washed in the Saviour’s blood.

“THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON, CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 02/17/1946

The Shepherd and His Dog

A young shepherd, one night, instead of tying up his dog indoors as usual, put him in a shed near his house, and went to bed.

After a while the dog began to bark loudly. The shepherd, seeing no possibility of sleep with such a noise, got up and went to see what was wrong with the dog, and to let him out. No sooner had he opened the shed door, the dog, possibly in his fury, not knowing his master, flew at him, and bit his hand.

What horror in a moment filled the young man’s mind! He remembered all the terrible stories he had read in the newspapers, of people dying from dog bites, and thought he should die thus, and he was not saved! Wholly overcome, he went indoors, and lay down on his bed, almost stunned at the thought that shortly he might have to meet God.

This event was the turning point in his life. He realized fully what it was to be a sinner in the presence of a holy God, and began crying to Him to be saved. After this, when alone with the sweep, he would pray till he was really exhausted. Sometimes he would think he was saved, and then again he would be plunged into the depths of despair.

After this a gospel meeting was held in a cottage two miles away; and the young man went to it, to see if he could get any help for his poor soul. He sat eagerly listening while the speaker said, “Now, friends, if you want to be saved, you must look away from yourselves entirely. Jesus has accomplished on the cross all that is needed in order that sinners might be saved. Look not inside at your feelings, but look to Jesus, and at what He has done.”

The shepherd’s eyes followed the speaker’s upraised hand, and the truth flashed into his mind directly, “Jesus has finished the work, and, by my believing on Him, God says I have eternal life.”

Dear children, you should have heard him putting such stress on “I have eternal life,” when telling his neighbors what the Lord had done for him. You may guess that he did not want much pressing to go down on his knees and thank the Lord for this full salvation.

Dear children, do you understand anything of this joy? Do you know the Saviour’s love, and can you rejoice in His salvation?

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

ML 02/17/1946

A Billion

Some of you boys who know arithmetic will be able to tell me what a billion is.”

“It is a million of millions,” answered one of the boys. Yes, A million of millions. What an immense number that is.

Do you know that every one of you must live a billion of years, either in heaven, or in the lake of fire, and when that billion of years is spent, then another, and another. In fact you must live on forever, and ever, through unnumbered ages whether you want to or not. You cannot stop living, even if you would. You will not find death there, even if you should want to die.

In heaven, where Jesus and all His saved ones shall forever dwell, there is no more death, nor sorrow, nor pain. Through all those billions of years, there will be unbroken peace, uncloud happiness, and unceasing song. An eternity with the Lord; forever free from sin; forever amid the brightness of His heavenly Home.

But there is another place, another company, and they too live forever. It is awful to think of them, and to read in the Bible of their doom. There will be Satan and his angels who sinned long ago, and there will be those who have rejected Christ, all cast into “the lake of fire and brimstone,” to be tormented forever and ever. Billions of years will roll over them there, but no release, no exchange, no ending of their woes. Where there is weeping, waiting and gnashing of teeth, their conscience ever alive to the sad fact that if they had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour when they had many opportunities, they would never have been there.

Now, my dear reader, you must spend these ages in one or the other of these two companies. You must dwell in one or the other of these two places. The time for having this question settled is now; whether you receive Christ as your Saviour now, or reject Him, will settle in which of the two companies you are to be.

“These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matt. 25:46.

ML 02/17/1946

Eternal Life

I have heard of life eternal,

Say, O say, what may it be!

I have heard there is a heaven;

Is that heaven for me?

I have heard that I’m a sinner,

Heaven from sin forever free!

Yet they say that sinners enter,

Say, how can this be?

I have heard of life eternal,

O! ‘twas joyful news to me

When I heard that into heaven

Sinners enter free.

And I’ll tell the joyful story,

Fellow-sinner, now to you,

Which we both may sing in glory,

Wonderful, yet true.

God so loved poor wretched sinners,

That He gave His only Son;

Jesus came and died to save us;

Now the work is done.

This, O this, is life eternal,

‘Tis to know the eternal God,

‘Tis to know the love of Jesus,

And His cleansing blood.

Thus, O thus, was heaven opened,

Thus alone we enter in,

By the precious blood of Jesus,

Cleansing from all sin.

God has written to invite you,

Don’t His offered love refuse,

God’s own Spirit bids you welcome,

Is not this Good News?

“The entrance of Thy Word giveth light.” Psa. 119:130.

ML 02/17/1946

All Known Before

Luke 22:24-46

How perfectly the Lord Jesus knew before, all that was to be done to Him, and even what would be said. Before they came to Jerusalem He told the disciples that He must suffer. At the passover supper He said, “Truly the Son of Man goeth as was determined” (verse 22).

He had told Judas what he would do, betray Him; and He also told Peter that he would speak against Him to deny Him. But we notice here especially His words: “For I say unto you, that this that is written of Me must yet be accomplished in Me, ‘He was reckoned among the transgressors’” (Isa. 53:12).

Those words were written several hundred years before by the prophet, about the holy Servant Who was to come to earth. It is plain that Jesus was that holy One; He knew He would be put on trial as one who disobeyed God’s laws, a transgressor, and said to be guilty. Yet in Him was no sin.

He knew the disciples would be badly treated because they believed in Him, and He gave them many words of comfort, more of His words are written by John (chapter 14-17). But He spoke plainly that He would yet rule in His kingdom, (v. 30) as also written by the prophets (Zech. 14:9).

It is not told what time Jesus and the eleven disciples left the house where they ate the passover, but it was night; Judas had already gone to lead the soldiers who were to take the Lord Jesus. Although Jesus knew that, He did not change to a different part, He went to the same place outside of the city on the side of Mt. Olives.

That place is called a garden, but perhaps more what we would call an orchard, as many fruit trees grew on these slopes. It was early spring, but in that climate persons could wrap in their cloaks and sleep on the ground. The disciples did not realize what was to happen, though they were sad because Jesus had said He would suffer, but they were sleepy and laid down and slept.

Jesus went a short distance from them and knelt down in prayer to God His Father. He knew fully the cruelty He would soon suffer from the soldiers and the priests; and more awful, what He must suffer to take the punishment for sin, from God. That we cannot in any part understand.

He spoke of it as taking “a cup”; We dread to take bitter medicine; sometimes children cry to see one spoonful of what they do not like. The sorrow was real to the Lord as a most bitter cup. Yet His prayer to God was, “Not My will, but Thine be done.”

Great sorrow causes a person to become weak; Jesus prayed so earnestly in deepest sorrow, or agony, that an angel came from heaven to give Him strength. Yet when He rose from prayer, He went to the disciples, thinking of how they would feel when He would be taken from them.

Jesus had said that the things written of Him “had an end”, and the next words and chapter show how quickly all happened and was fulfilled.

As we read how fully the Lord Jesus knew all that was to happen, yet how firmly He kept on to suffer, our hearts must thank Him and trust Him for all He has said is yet to come.

ML 02/17/1946

The Beautiful Snow

The ground is covered with a white blanket of snow on hill and valley, but when the sun comes out warm and bright it will not last long.

Snow, as white as it is, will never cleanse away our sins. Job said,

“If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean, yet shalt Thou plunge me into the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.” Job. 9:30,31.

God requires something better than snow water to wash away our sins, and if we own that we are sinners, and cannot save ourselves, God will wash away our every sin out of His sight in the precious blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on Calvary’s cross.

“The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” ¤ John 1:17.

“IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL.” Lev. 17:11.

ML 02/24/1946

Outcasts for Christ

At Monghyr, near the banks of the River Ganges, there lived a family of korees (weavers). With a few simple implements they made stuffs and cloths, such as are used by Hindoos. The koree caste (or class) was one of the lowest, poorest, and most despised.

The husband of the family had heard the gospel of Christ; he believed it, and became a sincere Christian. At once his wife and family deserted him. Then in the middle of the night, when he was fast asleep, they set his house on fire, and he was awaked by the burning embers falling upon him. He instantly started up, seized his loom, and happily made his escape, through God’s mercy; but his house, clothes, and bed were burned to ashes.

He was denied shelter in the village, and was compelled for several months to remain outside under a tree. Here he worked his loom, and supported himself as best he could.

While living in this exposed situation, his wife returned to him, and declared her determination to be a Christian too. He was soon afterward joined by his brother, and his wife and children, who also made up their minds to follow the Lord Jesus.

With no better protection than the tree afforded, they all lived together for a considerable time. The village people refused to allow them to live with them, and the zemindars (lanwners) would not give them another plot of land on which to build a house outside the village. Thus they really became outcasts for Christ.

But the Lord, in whom they trusted, supplied their simple wants, comforted them in their difficulties, and enabled them to say, “We were living very happily under the tree.”

These poor outcasts were full of joy, because of the precious portion they had by faith in a Christ whose riches are unsearchable and everlasting.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5.

ML 02/24/1946

A Sad Occurrence

A man was one day handling a number of bees, and one of them settled on his face. In knocking it away he dislodged the muslin screen by which his head was covered. The bees instantly settled upon him, three of them entering his mouth and stinging his throat, which swelled internally so rapidly that he died from suffocation within two or three minutes. Two dead bees and one living bee were taken from his mouth after his death.

The sting of the bee, which lies close to its body, is a very wonderful thing. It consists of two long very sharp darts joined together, enclosed in a sheath, which itself is so sharp that its point, under a strong magnifying glass is quite invisible. When wishing to use the sting, the sheath is first extended and inserted. The puncture being made, the poison is conducted in a groove to the end of the sheath. And now the most singular part of the business follows. The long darts are armed with nine or ten barbs at the end, and this prevents them from being too quickly withdrawn. Immediately the poison flows in, the darts are withdrawn, and the deadly liquid has a cavity to enter, which soon festers and sometimes produces death.

Death is spoken of in Scripture as having a sting, and that sting being sin; but Christ by dying, has taken out this sting. “O death, where is thy sting?” exclaims the apostle Paul; who could also say, “There is now no condemnation,” as the great Surety had answered for His people’s sins; and this thought so deprived death of its terrors, that he could write: “Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.... We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.” And again: “Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; for it is far better.”

ML 02/24/1946

The Bill

Alfred was in deep thought, “Truly,” he was saying to himself, “no one realizes all that I do for mother! I carry all the wood; I go to the grocery, to the bakery. She just says, ‘Thank you,’ as if it were natural that I should work like this. Now, if I should send a bill to her, she would then know what a good boy I am.”

So Alfred sat down, and wrote the following,

MY BILL TO MOTHER

For carrying two baskets of wood $0.10

For going to the grocery .05

For going to the bakery .05

—

Total $0.20

At noon all took their places at the table. Mother found her “bill” under her napkin. She took it, read it, and said nothing. Alfred was somewhat ill at ease.

At supper time, it was his turn to find a piece of paper folded under his plate. He opened it, and read, MOTHER’S BILL TO ALFRED. For care given Alfred while he had measles Nothing.

Clothing and shoes for ten years Nothing.

Food for ten years Nothing.

Alfred understood; he felt ashamed of his ungratefulness. With tear-filled eyes, he went to his mother, threw his arms around her neck, whispering, “Mother, forgive me.”

How much do you do for the Lord—for the Saviour who died for you, young believers? Do you confess His name before your schoolmates? Do you seek to be kind and gentle to others, for His sake? or have you forgotten all that He has done for you—the love, the suffering, the shame He has endured for you?

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Eccles. 9:10.

ML 02/24/1946

The Little Evangelist

It was a beautiful day when little Frank came out of school. When he had nearly reached home, he saw a poor woman carrying a heavy branch of a tree that had been blown off some days before.

“Let me help you,” said the good-natured child, and with difficulty he carried the other end of the branch.

“Many thanks, Frank!” said the Wan. “Ah! if somebody could help me to carry the burden of my sins, how happy I would be, but I carry them day after day, and they seem to get heavier and heavier.”

“But,” said the child, “mother says that we need not carry the burden of our sins, and that if we believe in Jesus, He it is who has carried them for us.” The woman told us later that at that same moment everything became clear to her.

“I had always tried to please God, and in that way to get rid of the burden of my sins; and each day I was more unhappy, but the child’s words brought to my mind what the Bible tells us: “He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou has perfected praise.” Matt. 21:26.

ML 02/24/1946

Betrayed in the Night

Luke 22:47-53

Judas had at other times stayed with the Lord and the other disciples at night on the Mt. of Olives, just outside the city of Jerusalem, so he knew well where to lead the soldiers to take Jesus, without the people in the city knowing. It was still night when they came to the place, and they had lanterns, torches and weapons.

It was a large band of men; the priests came also with their servants, to see that all their wicked plan was done; no doubt they were afraid of the power of Jesus and that He would escape, that they brought so many to help. They perhaps thought to surprise Jesus and the disciples sleeping, but He knew the moment to expect them, and stepped forward to meet them.

The soldiers did not know Jesus from the disciples, so Judas had agreed with them on a sign: the person he would kiss was the one for them to take. A kiss was a common greeting among friends in that land, and Judas spoke to the Lord and kissed Him. How deceitful to act as a friend to one he was betraying to His enemies! But Jesus was not deceived, He said, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”

When the other disciples saw that the soldiers had come to capture Jesus, they asked Him if they should fight, and one of them at once struck a man with a sword, cutting off his ear. It was not the Lord’s way that they should fight, and He restored the man’s ear, healing him. That man surely learned the power and kindness of the Lord. Jesus could have instantly sent the soldiers away; and it is told by John that at His voice they went backward and fell to the ground. But He allowed them to take. Him that He should give His life, that even they could be forgiven, if they would believe on Him.

The soldiers, with the priests and servants, led Jesus into the city to the house of their leader. So Judas succeeded in his evil plan to deliver Jesus to those who hated Him, when the people in the city did not see it.

No doubt the men paid Judas the thirty pieces of silver agreed to, that same night. He may have expected Jesus to use His power to free Himself, and yet he has the money. Anyway the money gained so wickedly did Judas no good, and was not used by him, for when he saw that Jesus was not freed, he went to the priests to return the money, as though that would excuse him of his sin.

But the priests were satisfied with the result of their bargain, and would not take the money. Then Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver on the floor of the temple before them and went away (see Matt. 27:3-5).

It was written long before of harm to be done to the holy One by a “friend... which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” Those words meant, to do harm to. It was also written what price would be paid for Him: “So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver.”

That was the value for a slave by the law to Moses (Ex. 21:32, Zech. 11:12, Ps. 41:9.)

ML 02/24/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1.“He which,” etc. Rev. 22:20

2.“And I looked,” etc. 14:14

3.“And the great,” etc. 12:9

4.“And I saw,” etc. 20:12

5.“And all that.” etc. 13:8

6.“And they sing,” etc. 15:3

7.“The fearful, and unbelieving,” etc. 21:8

Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

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

1.“They spit in His face.”

2.“And they crucified Him.”

3.“The third day He shall rise.”

4.“Go quickly, and tell His disciples.”

5.“All things are ready: come.

6.“With God all things are possible.”

7.What was the cry that was made at midnight?

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of life. Rev. 21:27.

2.The bride, the Lamb’s wife. Rev. 19:7-8.

3.Christ. Rev. 12:5.

4.The wrath of God. Rev. 15:7.

5.At Armageddon. Rev. 16:14-16.

6.Babylon. Rev. 17:1.

7.Cast alive into the lake of fire. Rev. 19:20.

Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

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

1.What caused Peter to go out and weep bitterly?

2.In what Names are we to baptize?

3.For what cause was divorce permitted?

4.Are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dead or alive in God’s estimate?

5.What strong word did the Lord use against the Pharisees?

6.He that “shall endure to the end” of what, shall be saved?

7.How can we show personal kindness to Christ?

ML 03/03/1946

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

Part 1

In some places the Jews have a belief that a child before he is twelve years old does not bear his own sins, but that they are counted to belong to his father and mother.

In Russia there was a ten-year-old Jewish boy who had a very loving father and mother. He also had an extremely good teacher who was also a Jew. This teacher was very well educated and knew the Jewish Scriptures.

Daniel (for this was the little boy’s name) often heard his father say that he was responsible for his little son’s sins till he was twelve years old, and this made him feel very lighthearted. But the time passed by quickly, and soon his eleventh birthday came round. That day he felt rather sad because he said to himself, “Only one year more, and I shall have to bear my own sins!”

The eleventh year was passing, and as he drew near to his twelfth birthday, he felt very sad and anxious at heart. Finally he went to his father and said, “Father, I shall soon be twelve, and I shall have to bear my own sins, but I beg you to bear them for me a little longer for I am terribly afraid to bear my own sins.”

“Impossible”, his father replied, “I cannot bear your sins any longer. Next year you will have to bear your own sins.”

“O Father, please bear my sins just one year longer!”

“I cannot” replied the father.

“Do you think my teacher could bear my sins?” pleaded Daniel.

“He could not either. There is no one who can bear your sins; you must bear them yourself.”

But the little boy would not give up his hope that someone might bear his sins. He went to his teacher and said, “Sire, before long I shall be twelve years old, and my father says I shall have to bear my own sins, but I am terribly afraid to bear them. Would you be willing to bear my sins one year for me?”

“My child, I cannot. Your father and I both love you, but there is no one who can bear your sins. You will have to bear them yourself. I have to bear my own sins. No one can bear them for me. Everyone must bear his own sins.”

“But how can we bear our own sins?” said little Daniel. “Will not our sins sink us to hell?”

“In olden days,” replied the teacher, “God prepared a lamb. A man could lay his hand on the head of the lamb, and confess his sins; then God counted that the lamb received the man’s sins; the lamb, on account of the man’s sins, was killed, and the man was free.”

“Where can I look for a lamb to bear my sins?” said Daniel.

“You cannot do so now,” replied the teacher, “for the lamb would have to be killed at God’s Temple at Jerusalem, or else it would be no use.”

“But could I find a man now to bear my sins?” said Daniel.

“It is only blood which can atone for sin,” replied the teacher, “and the blood must be shed in Jerusalem at the Temple, but the Temple is now destroyed, and everyone must bear his own sins.”

Daniel knew by this time that blood must be shed to cleanse from sin, and if someone could have told him; “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth from all sin,” he could have been at rest about his, but none of his friends knew or cared for the Lord Jesus.

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

ML 03/03/1946

Affection

A midst all the ruin that sin has brought in on this world, it is good to see the traits which God has implanted in each animal, manifesting themselves.

If we look at the picture before us, we see affection among the lions. No doubt you all know the lion is a wild, fierce animal, and if he gets the chance, would tear a man in pieces. That is on account of sin having come in. It is not that God so made them, but Satan, being the prince of this world, and that ever since sin came into the world, it works in these animals and causes them to be wild and savage; but the time is coming when Satan is to be bound, and all the wild animals will be quiet, not only with their own kind, but with all others as well. How good it is to see them at times, now, manifesting affection—that which God has given to them, the time will come when

“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 FATLING TOGETHER; AND A YOUNG CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM.” Isa. 11:6.

What a happy time that will be, when the Lord shall reign as King over the whole world.

We must believe in Jesus as the One whom God has sent to die for sinners, and thus take Him as our own Saviour. In no other way can we come to God or be fit for His presence than through the Lord Jesus as the One who has died for us.

ML 03/03/1946

In the High Priest's House

Luke 22:54-71

After Jesus was made a prisoner He was taken into the city to the house of the high priest, the leader of the temple. He should have led the people for God, and have been the first to know that Jesus was their promised Messiah. But, instead, this man did not believe God’s words written in the scriptures, and had been very angry when He taught in the temple, because His words showed that he and the other leaders were doing wrong things. This man had been the first to say that Jesus should die (John 11:49,50).

Others who hated Jesus were waiting with the high priest, and when He stood before them bound, all mocked and spoke against Him. They allowed the soldiers to blindfold Him, then strike Him on His face and ask Him to say who had done it. Could He not have told the name of each person? Yes, we know He could, but He did not answer or defend Himself (Mark 14:61).

Two of the disciples had followed after the soldiers to the high priest’s house to know what would be done with the Lord, though at first they had fled away. One of these is not named, the other was Peter, and while Jesus was mocked and questioned, he sat with the crowd of servants and officers, hut he did not want them to know that he was Jesus’ disciple.

The servant girl who kept the door spoke to some that Peter was with Jesus, but Peter denied, saying he did not know Him. Later another said the same, but Peter again declared he did not know Jesus. After a time another servant spoke to him that he had been with Jesus, and for the third time Peter denied that he knew Jesus.

All this had been done in the night, but the dawn was just beginning, and a cock, or rooster, crowed, as is usual before daylight. Before the soldiers came to take the Lord, He had said to Peter, “The cock shall not crow this day before thou shall thrice deny that thou knowest Me.”

It had happened, just as Jesus said; Peter had three times said he did not know Him. It would seem they were in the same large room, or in a hall close, where Jesus stood bound, and when the rooster crowed, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Although He was in that sad place of spite and mocking, He did not forget Peter, and His look must have been kind, for at once Peter felt how wrong he had been to say he did not know Him, and he went outside to weep.

Peter loved the Lord and was a true disciple, but he had been so sure he would do better than the others, that he forgot the Lord’s words, and “to watch and pray”.

As soon as it was day the men took Jesus to their council room, for all the scribes and leaders to question Him and decide what charge to tell the governor. But there also all spoke falsely. At last the high priest asked Him “Art thou the Son of God?” And He told him that was true. That made the high priest most angry, and he declared Him worthy of death.

“They that hate Me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head; they that would destroy Me... are mighty.” Ps. 69:4; also Micah 5:1; Isa. 50:6.

ML 03/03/1946

The Contented Family

No grandeur or style was needed to make or add to the happiness of the humble home, where sat the mother and her three children at a plain, but substantial meal. Love for one another, and kindness even to the animals, prevailed, and they are content with their circumstances. These are good traits, which may well be sought after, as they have their good results. Godliness added to contentment, is great gain. Mere contentment with the circumstances will give a measure of happiness for a certain length of time, that is, as long as the circumstances seem to be agreeable, but such conditions change, and then the happiness and contentment go, too. But if there is godliness with contentment, the changes of circumstances cannot alter the happiness, as they are accepted as coming from God’s all-wise and loving hand.

We must first know the Lord Jesus, the gift of God’s love to us, as our own personal Saviour, and then we are able to say, “Ii e that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

The measure of God’s love in giving His Son is so great that it should cause us to accept every circumstance from His hand, and as being the best thing for us; consequently, there is happiness and contentment, although we may feel the trial which the Lord is bringing us through. Do you know and enjoy that love?

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

ML 03/03/1946

A Narrow Escape

Two passenger trains, each trying to make up time, were speeding towards one another in the darkness at 50-60 miles an hour. Suddenly one fireman said to his engineer,

“Did you hear that shrill whistle, Bob?”

“No, are you sure?” was the reply in startled tones.

“Yes, I’m sure I heard one, far away down the line.”

The whistle was blown at once, and was answered by another not far distant. The danger brakes were promptly applied, which stopped the train with such suddenness it threw the passengers to their feet. A glare of light appeared around the bend just ahead, and the moon shone out from behind the clouds at the same instant.

The on-coming train was slowing down, but would it stop in time? It did, and the astonished passengers who hurried out to see what was the trouble, saw to their surprise that the cowcatchers of the two trains were touching and a little of the point of one broken!

Had these two trains not stopped in time, many of those on board would, no doubt, have been instantly killed—and WHERE would their souls have gone? For those trusting the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, it would have meant to suddenly be in the presence of the One Who loved them and died for them.

“To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8.

“To be with Christ; which is far better.” Phil. 1:23.

But how sad for those still in their sins—it would mean an eternity of woe!

“In hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.” Luke 16:23.

“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 25:30.

And so, dear reader, we would ask, are you prepared to meet God? Have you seen yourself in God’s sight as a guilty sinner, and sought cleansing in the precious blood of Christ?

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

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood the forgiveness of sins.” Eph. 1:7.

How needful to be ready as Prov. 27:1 warns us, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

ML 03/03/1946

How Rosie Had Her Sins Rubbed Out

Rosie was a clever girl, but she had a cross temper, and many naughty ways. Without being extremely bad, she was a living proof that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Rom. 3. 23.

Next to a doll—the delight of every girl’s heart—her favorite pleasure was to draw. She would spend hours sketching houses, men and women, cats, motors cars, and other things on blackboard, paper, or any conceivable thing.

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

Little Rosie liked very much to hear about the “holy child Jesus,” and she said, “Do you think Jesus can make me a good girl?”

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

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

“O, mother, do rub it out, take the sponge and clean it off.” This done, Rosie dried her tears, and exclaimed, “Now, mother, you cannot see it, I cannot see it, and no one can see it.”

Then the visitor explained that her heart and life were all wrong, but that “the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin” 1 John 1. 7, and that if she would just own that she was a sinner and let the Lord Jesus Christ save her, cleanse her, and keep her, all would be put right.

Kneeling down with the little girl, the visitor asked the Lord to make the way of salvation simple and plain to her little friend. Then she explained further, that while the Lord Jesus was on the Cross, He bore the judgment of all who would put their trust in Him as their Saviour, and at last Rosie said, “I know all my sins are gone, Jesus did rub them all out. Now, He cannot see them, the angels cannot see them, I cannot see them, and no one will see them anymore.”

Rosie has manifested for many years that the transaction that day with the Lord Jesus Christ was real. Her sins which were many were cleansed, her heart was filled with the “rest” which He alone can give (Matt. 11:28); her tastes, likings, desires, and, in fact, her whole nature has been changed (2 Cor. 5: 17).

Make sure that Rosie’s Saviour is yours for time and eternity.

“Who His own self (Christ) bore our sins in His own body on the Tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“Thou has cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Isaiah 38:17.

“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17.

ML 03/03/1946

Blessed Saviour

O! what has Jesus done for me?

He pitied me—my Saviour.

My sins were great; His love was free;

He died for me—my Saviour.

Exalted by His Father’s side,

He pleads for me—my Saviour.

A heavenly mansion He’ll provide

For all who love my Saviour.

ML 03/03/1946

A Talk on the Highway

Luke 24:13-35

The day the Lord Jesus arose from the tomb, two persons started from Jerusalem to go to a village several miles away. As they walked along, they talked of the death of Jesus and were very sad.

Suddenly another person was walking with them, whom they thought a stranger. He asked them why they were sad, and they said, “Art Thou a stranger in Jerusalem and knowest not these things that are come to pass there in these days?”

He asked them, “What things?”

They said, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, Who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word... and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him.”

They said they had expected He was the One to save the nation Israel. They told of the women going to the tomb that morning and had astonished them with their story of the angels who said Jesus lived; that some of the men had gone to the tomb and found it empty. They had wondered, but had not believed.

The person, they thought a stranger, then told them that they were slow to believe the words written in the Scriptures of the Holy One to come. He said, “Ought not Christ (the anointed One, or Messiah) to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?”

Then He explained to them what the prophets had written of that One.

By that time they reached the village and the house to which they were going, and He started to walk on, but they urged Him to come in and stay with them, because it was near night, and He went in.

When food was served, He took bread and blessed it, and broke and gave to them. At that instant they realized Who their Guest was,—the Lord Jesus!

No one else could give thanks or would give to them as He had, and made them know Him, but He then vanished from them. They wondered that they had not known Him before, and said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

They meant they felt love and reference for His holy presence, though they had not realized Who He was. They were so happy that Jesus was alive, that they did not wait to rest, but started at once the long walk back to the city to tell the others, who loved Him.

The village was a distance of threescore (60) furlongs, about seven miles, no doubt over hills.

When the two reached the room in Jerusalem where the disciples and others were, they found they also knew He was alive, for they said to them at once, “The Lord is risen indeed!”

ML 03/03/1946

Gone Astray

Over the little rivers in Ireland they had strong bridges with a wall along the side of the bridge with a hole in it to drain the water off the road into the river.

One day a man was driving a flock of sheep across such a bridge, and what do you think happened? When the leader saw the hole in the wall, he made a jump for it and went into the river, and every single sheep jumped through the hole, and was carried down the stream. All were lost.

“As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.” Romans 5:12.

Adam sinned and the whole world went with him. These lost sheep are a picture of every sinner in the world. Everybody has sinned — not only big folks, but little people too, because the Bible tells us, “We go astray as soon as we be born.” Psa. 58:3.

Man is born a sinner, and needs a Saviour. But what good news this following verse, “The Son of Man is come, to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

By coming to Jesus, and owning that you have “gone astray like a lost sheep.” (Psa. 119:176), and need a Saviour. He will receive you, wash away your sins, and give you a new nature which will delight to please Him instead of pleasing yourself.

Won’t you come now?

ML 03/10/1946

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

Part 2

When Daniel’s twelfth birthday came, he cried all day. He felt so sad that Afterward he took very little interest in his lessons.

His sins were like a heavy load pressing on him all the time. This went on for four years, but at last he said to his father,

“My sins are like a heavy load on me; I must go and look for a man who is willing to bear them for me.”

Daniel had an uncle in Germany who was a very rich Jew. He decided that he would go to his uncle, and ask him if he knew anyone who would bear his sins.

He walked several hundred miles with great difficulty and at last reached his uncle’s house. His uncle welcomed him warmly and at once offered him a good position in his business.

“I did not come to look for a good job”, Daniel said, “but for someone to bear my sins.”

His uncle laughed at him and said he was crazy. He added, that if Daniel did not want to earn his living, he had better go home again, as there was no one who would bear his sins there.

“None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Psalms 49:7.

“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.” 1 Peter 1:18.

Soon afterward Daniel found a ship going to England, and he landed in London. Here he suffered many hardships because he did not speak English, and he had very little money left.

He asked the Jewish people whom he met, “Do you know anyone who will bear our sins?” or “Do you know whether God has prepared a lamb to bear men’s sins?”

But these Jews whom he met thought of nothing but making money. They did not care about their sins, so there was not one who could answer him. Indeed they all laughed at him, so that he did not dare to speak about this subject again.

One day he was walking along one of the streets of London when he met another Jew. This Jew had a very happy face. When this Jew saw Daniel, he pitied him because he looked so sad and so thin. He knew he was a Jew, and he asked him in the Jewish language what was the matter.

Daniel did not want to tell him because he was afraid his new friend would only laugh at him.

The kind Jew knew that he was hungry, so he walked beside him and presently took him into a restaurant and bought him a meal. As they sat there together, he asked him what his trouble was.

“I have a heavy load of sins, said Daniel, “and I am looking for someone to bear them, but I am afraid no one can, nor would be willing to do so.”

“I also had that fearful load”, replied his friend, “but I have found someone who can, and also who is willing to bear my sins.”

Daniel was amazed and asked, “Is this possible? I have traveled through Russia, Germany and England, but everyone said there was not a man who could bear the sins of others.”

“God knows our sins”, his friend answered, “and He has prepared a lamb to bear the sins of our ancestors, and also our own.”

“Is this true? Is God willing to let the lamb bear my sins?”

“Of course it is true! He will indeed bear your sins. Now please come home with me and let me tell you more about it.”

“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1: 18,19.

ML 03/10/1946

"What Is It That Money Cannot Buy?"

A prize was offered by a New York paper for the best essay on “Money.” A schoolboy won this prize with this answer, “Money can buy almost everything on this earth, but it cannot buy a seat in heaven.”

Was he not right? All the gold of all the world could not buy one of the seats in the Mansions prepared for those who love our blessed Lord, and Saviour.

Yet, any one may have a seat reserved in heaven, — “without money, and without price” (Isa. 55:1).

The Lord Jesus, by His death on the cross, opened up “a new and living way” (Heb. 10:20), by which any sinner may go to heaven, Home, and God. The very last Invitation in the Word of God says, “Whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life FREELY.” Rev. 22:17.

Whatever you make sure of having, be certain you are the happy possessor of “Eternal Life” through the Lord Jesus Christ.

“He that heareth My Word, and believe on Him that sent Me, HATH everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31, and be the happy possessor of what all the money in all the world could not buy: Salvation with “Eternal Life” here (John 6:37); and Salvation with “Eternal Glory” with Christ forever (2 Tim. 2:10).

ML 03/10/1946

"Come"

Some time ago, I was at the house of a friend, and dung the visit, I was requested to bring down a little girl that had gone up the stairway. She had stopped after going almost to the top, and so I held out my arms and said, “Come,” meaning to walk up after her. But, as soon as I said, “Come!” the dear little one sprang, at once, into my arms. I hugged her to my heart, with the thought,

“O, that we would answer Christ’s ‘Come’ as simply and quickly as this child did mine!”

It is true, dear little reader, that this is the way He speaks to you. Let Him have you as His own.

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

ML 03/10/1946

Why Not Come to Him Now?

O! why do you wait, dear children?

O! why do you tarry so long?

The Saviour is waiting to give you

A place in His heavenly throng.

O! what do you hope, dear children,

To gain by further delay?

There’s no one to save you but Jesus:

There’s no other way but His way.

O! do you not feel, dear children,

God’s Spirit now striving within?

Why not accept His salvation,

And part with your burden of sin?

O! why do you wait, dear children?

The harvest is passing away;

The Saviour is waiting to save you;

There’s death and sure doom in delay!

ML 03/10/1946

Jesus Before Pilate

Luke 23:1-26

It was in the year 33 A.D. that the Lord Jesus was taken by the Jewish leaders. At that time the Rans were the most powerful of all nations, with one of the Caesars, the emperor; and they ruled the countries around them by a governor in each: the governor in Judea, of which Jerusalem was the chief city, was a man named Pilate, and he made the final decisions in all important matters.

So it was to Pilate at the “judgment hall”, or what we would call a court house, that Jesus was brought and stood before him bound, to be tried. The priests told Pilate that they had found Him speaking against the Roman rule and forbidding the people to pay Caesar tribute, which was all false. They said He claimed to be their king, but Jesus had come from God as the One to be King, if they had received Him.

He did not make answer to the untrue words against Him, but when Pilate asked, “Art Thou the king of the Jews?” He answered, “Thou saidst”, meaning that was true.

Soon Pilate learned from the priests that Jesus had come from Galilee, and he said he should be tried by Herod, the ruler of that country. Herod was then in Jerusalem and Pilate sent Jesus to him. The priests went also, speaking the same charges against Jesus.

Herod knew the great miracles Jesus had done and was curious about Him, and asked many things, but found no wrong He had done. So he and his soldiers made light about Him being “a king”, and put a fancy robe on Him in ridicule, and sent Him back to Pilate.

At last Pilate told the priests that neither he nor Herod had found any fault in Jesus of what they accused Him, and that He had done “nothing worthy of death,” as they had charged.

They were so loud in their cries against Jesus that Pilate let them have their way, and sentenced Him to be crucified, as they demanded, and the most shameful of any death. The soldiers were then given charge to lead Jesus away to the place of punishment.

The Lord Jesus had been tried by the highest courts of the time, but all unjustly: the Jewish leaders had the just laws given by God to Moses, but they had acted entirely falsely, and the Roman judge, Pilate, had sentenced to death a person he knew to be innocent.

Jesus did not in any way ask for mercy or defend Himself, knowing it was God the Father’s way that He should suffer on the cross to bear the punishment of sins which men deserved. And the men showed how wicked the heart can be to hate or be careless of the only perfect Man, so they could keep on with their sins.

Because of this, God has given Christ to be the Great Judge of all who refuse Him on earth, how different from the wicked trial that day (Acts 17:31; Rev. 20:11-15).

ML 03/10/1946

The Snow

Who sends the white and feathery snow

From yonder inky cloud?

Its gentle flakes fall soft and slow

Till shrubs and flowers shroud.

Dear children, He who made the snow,

And sends it from the sky,

Is God, who to us long ago

Sent Jesus here to die.

And by His blood our souls are made,

Ah! whiter than the snow;

Thus speaks His Word, and what’s there said

It true, we fully know.

“COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW.” Isa. 1:18.

ML 03/17/1946

Trusting the Lord

Dear little Jennie was six years old. She had been taught by her kind nurse, Catharine, of the Lord Jesus. as a Saviour. And she believed on Him, taking to Him all that happened to her.

She and her sister had a pet bird, in a cage. One day, by some mistake, Jennie let the bird loose, and the little thing, glad to be free, spread its wings for the first time in its life to fly, and away it went, and soon was lost.

Jennie was, at first, troubled, because the bird did not belong to her alone. But, in her trouble, she asked the Lord to bring back the bird, and, resting in Him, she soon had peace about the matter.

Soon the Lord gave her an opportunity to tell out what she believed, for she came to her nurse and told her about the bird. Catharine chided her a little, and told her it was lost, but she answered.

“I know the Lord will bring it back, for I trust it to Him.”

And, sure enough, He did bring it back. That very evening, as she went into the room where the cage was, she saw her little pet in his old place, as if nothing had happened.

“There, Catharine,” she said, “did I not tell you the Lord would take care of our little bird, and bring him back?”

The bird had wandered off, and alighted in the bushes, and someone, hearing it and knowing it, had caught it and brought it to its cage. How easily the Lord can answer faith in Him. That seems easy and simple enough, does it not? Yes, but the faith that left it all with the Lord, was answered in this way, the Lord bringing the bird to rest on the bush, and then bringing the person just at the right time to save it.

And now, dear child, He has brought, just at the right time, when we were sinners, One who is a Saviour, and can never lose one that trusts the soul in his hands, believing on Him, only. 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 one pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:27, 28.

ML 03/17/1946

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

Part 3

The two went together to the kind Jew’s home and here he opened a Jewish Bible, which is the Old Testament in Hebrew. He found the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and read in Hebrew the 5th verse.

“He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

“This is very plain”, the friend said, “God has prepared One who bears our sins. Let us read farther.” He now read the sixth verse.

“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.” Daniel read the verse, then he said, “I have read this verse I don’t know how many times, but I never saw this before. Thank God! He has prepared one to bear my sins. Praise God! He has laid my sins on that One!”

“Let us read on”, said his friend. He read the 10th verse:

“Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin”.

“It is true that the sacrifices at Jerusalem have ceased, the city was destroyed and we have been scattered on account of our sins, but God is not willing that we should perish in our sins without hope, so He prepared a sacrifice which is for the redemption of our sins.”

“Thank God”, said Daniel, “that He has prepared a sin offering for us. This is what I have been looking for so many years. Here is One who will bear my sins!”

Daniel went back to his hotel, rejoicing. He had forgotten his toilsome journeys through Russia and Germany. He had forgotten his poverty and hunger, but kept exclaiming, “I have found Him; I have found one who will bear my sins.”

On another visit to his friend, the friend explained how God gave His only beloved Son to be the Sin hearer.

“And what is His name?” asked Daniel. His friend replied,

“His name is JESUS.”

Daniel looked up at his friend and said doubtfully,

“My father said the story about Jesus was not true.”

“But you yourself can plainly see”, said his friend, “that there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. There is no other redeemer; there is no other sin offering.”

“I believe it is true,” said Daniel, “He is my Saviour; He is my God.”

Afterward Daniel wrote a letter to his father, telling him that he had at last found One to bear his sins, and that this Blessed One was the Lord Jesus Christ. His father was very angry, and in his reply said that he was never to mention this name again on pain of being cast out of his family. But Daniel was not willing to give up His Saviour who had suffered and died for him.

Reader have you found One who will bear your sins? Perhaps you have not felt the burden of your sins heavy, but this load of sins will sink you to hell unless you find One who will bear it for you. Jesus is the Redeemer and sin bearer. Trust in Him and you will be saved.

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Heb. 9:14.

ML 03/17/1946

The Doctor's Mistake

Little Alfred had just had an operation for appendicitis. He heard the nurses talking about him, and sang how sad it was that the doctor had made such a mistake, for because of it the little boy could not recover.

Soon one of the nurses came to him. He said, “Nurse, I am not afraid to die. I put my trust in Jesus two years ago, and I want to go to be with Him. I am not afraid to die, are you?”

The nurse was quite touched upon seeing Alfred’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and tears came to her eyes, but she did not know how to answer him.

In the evening, Alfred’s parents came to see him. He said, “O, Daddy, O, Mamma, it is so good to know I will be with Jesus very soon. I have no home here, my home is with Jesus, my Saviour.”

Later on that night, Alfred’s closing hours on earth were come. The nurse was keeping watch at his side. Alfred turned to her and said, “Nurse, I’m going to be with Jesus. Will you be there someday too?”

While this dear boy’s parents felt the parting with him very keenly, they knew that all was in the Lord’s hands —He Who never makes a mistake—and so were able to rejoice and thank Him that their child was safe at home with the One Who loves him more than any earthly parent ever could.

“Jesus called a little child unto Him.” Matt. 18:2.

ML 03/17/1946

On the Hill Calvary

Luke 23:27-56

A great company of people followed when the soldiers took Jesus from the judgment hall to a bare hill outside the city of Jerusalem where the cross was to be set up. The men who hated Jesus had said not to take Him on the feast day “lest there be an uproar of the people”; and they hurried through the trial in the night and went to Pilate very early in the morning that the many people would not know.

Yet it was witnessed by those of Galilee, Jerusalem, and many other places, for, after all, it was a feast day, the first day of unleavened bread when all the Jewish people were to meet in the temple to praise God (Lev. 23:6,7). But there could have been no rejoicing, for it was the saddest day of all time, when the One Who came to do good to all was nailed on a cross to die.

Pilate made it very plain who it was that hung on the center cross that day: he had a board or scroll fastened above with the name “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It was written in Hebrew for the Jews to read, in Latin for the Romans, and in Greek for those of that language.

The men who had wanted Jesus put to death, stood about His cross to ridicule Him as He suffered; they said, “He saved others, let Him save Himself.” The soldiers also ridiculed that He was a king and said, “If Thou be the king of the Jews, save Thyself.”

There were two men, who had done wrong, crucified the same time, each on a cross beside Jesus; even one of those men spoke angrily to Him to save Himself and them, if He were the Christ (Messiah). But the other man said that was wrong, that they deserved to die, but that Jesus had “done nothing amiss.”

That man must have known the promise of a King from God. By the words and presence of Jesus that day, he believed Him the Holy One who would yet rule, and he said, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Verily, I say unto you, (meaning, what is to be told is with authority and sure), Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”

That was far more than the man asked, his soul would that day be with the Lord in the place of joy, not to wait for His kingdom on earth, for Jesus was more than the King, He was the Saviour of mens’ souls, and the Lord of glory.

The last three hours that Jesus was on the cross there was darkness over all the land; then He called with a loud voice, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”

Jesus had given up His life Himself when His work of suffering for mens’ sins was finished. That work no one could see, but was the perfect sacrifice known to God. We can believe the Lord’s words as the thief and others did that day, and wonder at His love to be crucified for us.

There was one man, named Joseph, who was in the council, but who believed Jesus the Messiah; he went to Pilate and obtained permission to take down the body of Jesus: and wrapping with linen, placed Him in a new tomb.

ML 03/17/1946

The Song of the Sparrow

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

My life is of little value,

But there’s One who cares for me.

I have neither barn nor store-house

And I neither sow nor reap;

God gives me a sparrow’s portion,

But never a seed to keep.

If my meal is sometimes scanty,

Close picking makes it sweet;

I’ve always enough to feed me,

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows—

All over the world we’re found,

But the Father in heaven knoweth,

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we’re never forgotten;

Though weak, we’re never afraid;

The Father in heaven keepeth

The life of the creatures He made.

And I fold my wings at twilight,

Wherever I happen to be,

The Father in heaven watcheth,

And no harm can come to me.

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

But I know my Father loves me,—

Dost thou know His love for thee?

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Fear ye not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6. 7.

“CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HIM; FOR HE CARETH FOR YOU.” 1 Peter 5:7.

ML 03/24/1946

"Weighed in the Balances"

During the reign of Charles I of England, the goldsmiths of London used to have their valuable metals weighed before the Privy Councillor of the crown. A scale or balance was used which was so accurate that its tongue would move at the two-hundreth part of a gram.

A great attorney-general once said at such an occasion, “I should not very well like to have all my actions weighed on such a scale.” A Christian, who was present, replied, “As far as myself is concerned, I agree with you entirely, but since the balance of the sanctuary, the scale in God’s hand, is ever so much more accurate, how much, therefore, are we in need of a Saviour, through whose merit before God we might be found to be of full weight.”

Yes, dear children, just such a day is coming where everybody’s works will he put in a balance before God. Dear unsaved ones, do you think that the best of all your good works put together will move that balance, even a little bit, in your favor? God’s Word says, “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” Is. 64:6, and if you should be trying to meet God by doing the best you can, we can assure you that you will hear these words which King Behazzar of old, in the book of Daniel, saw written on the wall of his palace, “Thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting.”

But, if you trust in the Lord Jesus, God’s dear Son, as your own personal Saviour, you will no longer have to put your own works into the scales, but the perfect work of the Lord Jesus upon the cross has so pleased God, that there is no charge against you who have believed in Him, for the Scripture says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1. “He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Eph. 1:6.

ML 03/24/1946

A Pair of Skates

A boy, about ten or eleven years of age, was once with his father visiting a store. There the boy saw some skates, and much wished his father to buy him a pair. Some of his companions were going that very day to skate, and he much wished to go with them. After some hesitation his father said,

“No, my son it is not best for you that you should have them.” Sadly disappointed the boy returned home.

On the evening of that same day his father called his son and told him to get ready for a walk. They bent their steps towards the pond where the skating was to take place. As they approached, they saw at a house near the pond a crowd of people, talking tether in little groups. They passed the people and entered the house, and there on the floor lay three rolls in blankets.

The father lifted up one of the blankets and there the boy saw one of his playmates dead; another roll was opened, and there was another companion; and so of the third.

This was what the father had feared, and the boy was thankful that he did not have his own way instead of his father’s, and he tells the story now that he is a man, that boys and girls may learn to give up their own will, for that of their parents’.

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

ML 03/24/1946

Not Afraid

I should like to tell the readers of “Messages of Love” about a little girl, a bright, happy little main. As she lay in bed waiting for her mother to come to say “good night,” she was thinking about something that troubled her. When her mother came into the room she sat up in bed, and, pointing to the window, said, “Do you see that dark cloud, mother? Is it going to rain?”

“I do not think so,” replied her mother, “and what if it does?”

“I do not like it—it frightens me so when I hear the rain beating against the window—it makes such a noise,” said the little girl. Then her mother reminded her of the One who is always near, and taking care of her, and would allow no harm to come to her; and, giving her a good night kiss, left her.

The next evening, when she went into her room as usual, the little girl said, “When I knelt down, I asked the Lord Jesus to give me a nice night, and not let it rain, or thunder and lightning.”

Her mother explained that these things were needful, and if God sent rain, or a thunder-storm, she need not fear. The following evening she was all smiles when she said “good night.”

“I have asked the Lord Jesus that if it rains or thunders, to make me sleep right through it all.”

It seems as if she had been weighing the matter over, although she had not talked about it. A little time after this there came a very stormy night. The next morning she said, “I kept waking in the night, and I heard the wind and rain.”

“Were you afraid?” asked her mother.

“No,” she replied, “I knew Jesus would keep me safe.”

Have you ever thought, dear little reader, that He is the only One who can keep you safe? Have you put your trust in that blessed One to whom bongs all power?

Or, are you afraid? Is there a longing deep down in your heart for something you have not? Are you afraid, because you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? You know not what may happen at any moment!

If this is the case, you may well fear, for you are not safe. Let me entreat you to go straight to Him. Do not delay!

Think of what it cost Him to save sinners! He has been down into death, that we might have eternal life. He suffered that awful death on the cross, for such sinners as you and me. What love! It is past understanding.

If you do know Him as your own Saviour, then take all your troubles to Him, both small and great. He allows in our path only that which is best for us, and He is able to bring us right through safely, and we shall learn more of His love and care for us. What a happy thing to be in His keeping!

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isa. 26:3.

ML 03/24/1946

"He Is Risen"

Luke 24:1-12

Several women followed to the tomb of Jesus, and they watched how the body of Jesus was laid. As they returned home they bought spices and ointment and prepared them, as this was a custom to put about the body of a loved one. The next day was the Sabbath, when none were to work or travel (Ex. 16:29), but they came early the morning after.

The great stone had been rolled from the entrance, and they went inside, but the body of Jesus was not there. They were greatly troubled where it could be.

Suddenly two angels in shining garments were beside them, who said, “Why seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.”

The angels reminded them that Jesus had told them He would rise the third day, and they said for them to go, tell His disciples. The women went and told them, but the men did not believe them, though two ran to the tomb and found it empty (John 20:3-8).

Soon the Lord Himself appeared to those women and talked to them (Matt. 28:9, 10). Later all those who loved Him had sure proof that He was alive, for He came to them and talked to them.

Notice that it was on the first day of the week that the Lord Jesus arose, as given also in Matt. 28:1; Mk. 16:1, 2; Jo. 20:1. People then did not name the days of the week, but numbered them, 1St, 2nd, etc., except the 7th day was named Sabbath (rest). The day before was called “the preparation day” (Lu. 23:54); that was the day Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb. So He was there on the Sabbath.

The next day began a new week; that morning they found He had risen. That was why afterward those who loved Him met on the first day of the week to honor Him, and it was called “the Lord’s day”. (See Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10).

Although the disciples were slow to believe that morning that Jesus was risen, afterward they spoke much of that wonderful event. Peter said that God raised Him “because it was not possible” He should be held by death: that He was “the Prince of life”. He said David meant Christ when he wrote, “Thou will not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption (decay)” (Acts 2:24-28; 3:15; Ps. 16:10, 11).

He had come to earth to bear while on the cross, the punishment of sin deserved from God; that He was raised out of death, is proof His work was accomplished.

God now offers to justify, or count righteous, everyone who trusts in the work of His Son. That is why the message, “He is risen”, is as blessed for us, as for those people who trusted Him then (Romans 4:25).

“Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion (rule or power) over Him.” Romans 6:9.

Next we read of the appearings of the Lord to those who loved Him.

ML 03/24/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And Jesus,” etc. Matt. 8:20

2.“Therefore,” etc. 7:24

3.“And she,” etc. 1:21

4.“Let your,” etc. 5:16

5.“And lo a,” etc. 3:17

6.“Behold the,” etc. 6:26

7.“Bethlehem of Judea.” 2:1

Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Mark.

1.“The wind and the sea obey Him.”

2.“Have faith in God.”

3.“Rose, and came to Jesus.”

4.“And they crucified Him.”

5.“Lose his own soul.”

6.“A great while before day.”

7.“When Jesus was risen,” to whom did He appear first?

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Enduring persecution for Christ’s sake. Matt. 5:11-12.

2.Doing good deeds to be seen of men. Matt. 6:1.

3.They that do the will of the Father. Matt. 7:21.

4.From their sins. Matt. 1:21.

5.In the house. Matt. 2:11.

6.God. Matt. 3:17.

7.After His temptation. Matt. 4:11.

Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1.What was Barabbas’s crime?

2.What was Peter’s reaction to the SOCOILI cock crow?

3.Who better had never been born?

4.What caused the Lord to sigh deeply in spirit?

5.How did the Pharisees make the Word of God of none effect?

6.Who fell down before Jesus and told Him all the truth?

7.What verse would control what is listened to on the radio?

ML 04/07/1946

An Unexpected Visitor

A gentleman who loved the Lord Jesus and sought to bring others to a sense of their need of Him, stepped into a shop where the owner was busy working, and said abruptly,

“Did you expect me?”

“No,” was the reply.

“What if I had been death?” he questioned, and at once stepped out again as suddenly as he went in.

What a question! What a thought for every one of us! Does not death come to most, if not all, as unexpectedly as this? And if one is not prepared for death—has not yet accepted the Lord Jesus as his or her Saviour, it will mean an eternity of woe—an eternity in the blackness of darkness forever.

The Lord Jesus is coming—it may be at any moment, but only those who are ready—who have accepted His gift of eternal life, will hear His shout and go to meet Him in the air,

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

Those who are not taken with Him, will be left behind for certain judgment in hell, with the devil and his angels.

Why not come to Jesus now, and take Him as your Saviour, and then you will “be ready” should the Lord Jesus come or death overtake you, as unexpectedly as this gentleman came to the shop owner?

Then Death, should it come, will be but the servant to conduct you into the Father’s Home of eternal bliss.

ML 04/07/1946

Disappointment

The dear baby is so distressed over the loss of her milk, which naughty kittie has taken from her, but mother will soon hear her baby’s cries, and will come to find out what has happened, and baby will get all the milk she needs.

Disappointment will come to us all, whether we are young or old, but if we know the Lord Jesus Christ as our own Saviour, we know all our trials are allowed to come to us from our loving Father, who will send us nothing but what is best for us. If we will submit to His ways with us, we will be calm, and be able to say, “He knows best.”

“LET THE LORD DO THAT WHICH IS GOOD IN HIS SIGHT.” 1 Chron. 19:13.

The school a little girl attended was to have a picnic, and when the day arrived for it, her dear mother was ill, and while it was a great disappointment to her to stay at home, she felt she could not leave her dear mother with no one to care for her.

The day for the picnic started very beautiful, but in the afternoon a terrific thunder storm suddenly came up and the teacher and children had to run to an old frame building for the nearest shelter. All were terribly frightened, and one little girl was killed by the lightning, others were affected by it. Our little girl was thankful that she was safely at home with her mother.

Another little girl wanted very much to go to a picnic but the evening before it was raining and her mother had said that if it was still raining in the morning, she could not go. This little girl knew the Lord Jesus, and she knew too, that He could make it stop raining if He saw fit, so before going to bed she asked Him that it might not rain in the morning.

When morning came the rain was still pouring down, and someone said to her: “Well, the Lord did not answer your prayer.”

“O, yes, He did,” she replied at once, “He said, ‘No.’”

May we be able to say in all times of disappointment:

“The Lord is good, and doest good,” and submit to His will.

The greatest disappointment that can ever come, will be to those who think they are good enough to go to heaven, but have never accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour; and die unsaved; or are left behind when the Lord comes, to find there is nothing for them but eternal judgment, when the Lord will have to say to them,

“I never knew you; depart from Me.” Matt. 7:23.

ML 04/07/1946

Today

Hasten, children, to be wise;

Stay not for the morrow’s sun;

Longer wisdom you despise,

Harder is she to be won.

Hasten, children, to return;

Stay not for the morrow’s sun;

Lest your lamp should cease to burn,

Ere this evening’s stage be run.

Hasten, children, to be bless’d;

Stay not till tomorrow’s sun;

Lest perdition you arrest,

Ere tomorrow is begun.

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

ML 04/07/1946

"Jesus Himself"

Luke 24:36-49

While the disciples and others who loved the Lord Jesus were in a house in Jerusalem, and those who had seen Him alive that day were telling the rest of Him, suddenly He stood among them.

He said, “Peace be unto you!” Yet they were very frightened; those who had seen Him that day could not have been afraid as the others, who thought Him a spirit.

He asked them, “Why are ye troubled?... Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I myself; handle Me and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have.”

He showed them His hands and His feet where the nails had been so cruelly put through (Ps. 22:16; John 20:25, 27). Yet they could not think Him real, and He asked for food, and ate before them.

By those plain ways they learned He was the One they loved: by His voice, by seeing His wounds, by touching Him, talking to Him, seeing Him eat, and by His same tender care for them.

His body was not just as before, but a real body. He spoke of His “flesh and bones”, not flesh and blood, as people say of a living person. He had been flesh and blood (Heb. 2:14), but His blood flowed out from the wounds in His hands and feet, and when the soldier thrust the spear into His side.

God had said when an animal was offered in sacrifice for sins, the blood was to be poured out on the altar (Deut. 12:27). That showed the life had been taken, as natural life is in the blood. So Christ, the holy sacrifice for sinners, gave His blood, His life. But He had also a far greater life though different: He appeared without opening the door and could vanish from them, yet He said, “It is I Myself.”

We do not understand this, but we can wonder and believe and joy as those people then did in the great fact that the Lord Jesus arose. It was not to stay long on earth, but to have those who had known Him before, certain that He was alive again.

He showed them that evening, the same as He did the two on the walk to the village, that all these things had been written of Him in the scriptures. He said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved (necessary and right for) Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”

We might think angels would be sent to tell of the One who came to die for men, but the Lord told His disciples who had believed and loved Him, had seen Him die, then alive again, to “preach” (tell forth) this story to all nations. They did go to all people, and some of them also wrote all these things, so now when anyone tells the story of Christ they speak from the words of those men.

Who was “the promise of the Father” for whom the disciples were to wait? and where to wait? (v. 49 and John 15:26).

Next time we will have words which were written of Christ long before.

ML 04/07/1946

Saving Life

This picture tells its own story pretty well. Puss has been in danger of losing her life; her faithful friend has come to her rescue, and he is now carrying her off to give her a chance to recover from the fright, and to rest a while.

It is a grand thing to save the life of anyone. The life of a cat does not seem of much account, yet it is much to the little thing itself, though it is only being brought back to its old own life again, and allowed a few more weeks or months, at most, of the same life.

The Lord Jesus, you remember, asked the question, which is better “to save life, or to destroy it?” He also said, He was the Good Shepherd, because He laid down His life for His sheep.

In order to save our lives, He gave up is own. But the wonderful thing is, that the life we get by faith, through His dying for us, is not the same life that we had before but a new life, a life that is pleasing, to God, so that He can receive us through the Lord Jesus, who has made atonement tor our sins.

Do you think that God loves the Lord Jesus? Well, He says those who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, are children of God; they have eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Are these not wonderful blessings?

“YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.” Gal. 3:26.

ML 04/14/1946

A Coward

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

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

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

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

ML 04/14/1946

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

As I stepped from the platform of the railway station, a hand was laid upon my arm and a voice said, “Norman! is this you?”

I turned and looked at the speaker. It was an old classmate, Richard, with whom I had agreed to pass a few weeks, and whom I had not seen for years before. After we had pushed our way through the noisy crowd, and were seated in his carriage, I looked at him again and exclaimed,

“Richard! hew you have altered! how different now from the wild youth of old!”

“Yes, Norman, there have been many changes with me since we parted, but the greatest has been here,” said he, smiling, and gently touching his breast.

“Humph!” was my ejaculation, which elicited no reply.

That evening, as he, his wife, and myself were walking in the conservatory, and I was admiring some jasmines, he said to me, “Norman, I have yet a little treasure to show you, and although it is small, it is great—greater than all these—almost the greatest one I have. Can you guess?”

When we went back to the drawing room he showed her to me—his beautiful little girl, his only child, his little Bessie. I was not fond of children, at least I thought so, but strangely did that little maiden win her way to my heart—my old bachelor heart.

That evening, sweet in memory to me, we became firm friends. She loved me because, when she asked papa, he said he did. She sat with me a while, and I told her an old fairy story, which strangely came to my remembrance.

The next day we all went for a drive, and a delightful one we had. Little Bessie was bright and beautiful as the day, but sometimes there was a strange thoughtfulness of expression upon her face which troubled me as being beyond her years. As I was talking with her father I said something jeeringly about the Lord Jesus, Richard said not a word in reply, but motioned me to look at little Bessie. She was gazing into my face with a look of mingled horror and surprise, an expression such as I never saw before or since, and which I shall never forget. She gazed so for a moment. No one spoke.

Never had anything before been able to make me feel that religion was above my scoffing remarks; and as I gazed at that little face, so earnestly endeavoring to read mine, and saw the little maid burst into uncontrollable tears, I felt a certain shame that in the presence of one so pure, I should have spoken what perhaps she had never heard before. Then she looked at me in a sort of pitying way, and said, “I thought you loved my Jesus! O how could you say that of Him?”

During the rest of the drive she lay upon her father’s bosom in perfect silence.

The next day I was alone in my room, thinking of all that had occurred, and a strange and unaccountable feeling of seriousness was creeping over me, a sort of longing to be like her, when suddenly the little maid was at my side. I started as I saw her, and met the tender gaze of love and pity which she bent upon me. Her little hand was laid upon my arm, and for a moment both were silent. Then the silence was broken by the words, “Won’t you love my Jesus?” and she was gone.

I could not ridicule that lovely spirit, and yet some demon within me tempted my soul to do so. The next morning, and the next, and the next, the little maiden came in the same way, said the same words, and disappeared. I never answered her, and at no other time did she allude to the subject, but she never failed to come at that morning hour.

One morning I said to her, almost unconsciously,

“Tell me how, Bessie!”

She looked at me a moment, and the next was seated on my knee. And the words that flowed—those simple, childish words in which she told the story of Christ’s love, never, never shall I forget them. My eyes were far from dry when she went away, and there was less of sorrow on her face than usual.

O! let this little one speak to you, as she did to Norman, and woo you to the Saviour. Let her pleading words, “Won’t you love my Jesus?—He loves you,” find judgement in your heart, and lead you to the One who longs to save you, and cleanse you from your sins by His most precious blood.

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

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

ML 04/14/1946

Words Written and Fulfilled

Luke 24:27-44

The Lord Jesus said that Moses and the other prophets wrote of Him. Those men wrote ever so long bore He came to earth, but we too may read their words and see how plainly they told of the Holy One to come.

Moses wrote: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren.” (that means from their nation). (Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22; 7:37).

Isaiah wrote that One to come a child: “A virgin shall.. bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).” “Unto us a Son is born... unto us a Child is given.” (Is. 7:14; 9:6).

Micah wrote where to be born: “Thou, Bethlehem... out of thee shall He come forth unto Me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been... from everlasting.” (To be born on earth, yet had always lived).

Zechariah wrote of a humble King: “Behold thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, having salvation; lowly, riding upon an ass.” Zech. 9:9.

David and Isaiah wrote of His reaction: “The kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed.” (Ps. 2:2; Acts 4:25, 26). “He is despised and rejected of men.” Is. 53:3. ‘David wrote events of the cross: “They pierced My hands and My Feet.” “They... cast lots upon My vesture.” “They laugh Me to scorn” (Ps. 22:7, 16, 18). “They gave Me vinegar” (Ps. 69:21).

Jeremiah wrote of His sufferings: “Behold, and see if there is any sorrow like unto My sorrow, which is done unto Me.” Lam. 1:12.

Isaiah wrote the Holy One would be “cut off” (die) for sinners; “He was cut off out of the land of the living.” “He hath poured out His soul unto death.” “He bare the sins of many.” Is. 53:8, 12.

Daniel wrote that He should be “cut off”, which was plainly understood by people then; he said “Messiah” should “be cut off, but not for Himself.” Da. 9:26.

Not only the prophets but the laws and sacrifices for the people taught of a Perfect One to come to take the sinner’s place... and there was also much told of life, joy, and glory for that One after the sufferings, so as surely as the words of His life on earth have been fulfilled, so surely will the words of His joy and glory (see Ps. 16:11; Ps. 24; Is. 53:11; Is. 60).

Many titles were used to teach both the work and glory of the Holy One to come, as, “Messiah”, the anointed by God, and the Christ meant the same, John 1:41.

“My Shepherd”, One to care for the people and to give His life for the flock (Zech. 13:7).

“My Servant”, One to do all God’s will, Is. 42:1-7; 52:13-15; and 53.

Although this One was to come to earth, it was also made plain He ever lived, “from everlasting”, and was “the Son” and Lord (see Ps. 2:7; Pro. 8:23: Is. 9:6; Jer. 23:6; Mal. 3:1).

ML 04/14/1946

The Forbidden Fruit

HE children in today’s picture are helping themselves to the good things in the basket. Hungry, and seeing food that looks so good they cannot resist the temptation to take some. They ought to be taking it home to mother instead. She would then give them their share. But they are just like many other children, and older people too, who sometimes yield to temptation.

Adam and Eve, the first man and woman who ever lived in this big world, were tempted to eat the fruit God had told them not to eat. They disobeyed God, and had to be put out of the garden of Eden.

As Adam brought death into the world, so Christ has brought salvation and life eternal to all who believe in Him.

“HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION: BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.” John 5:24.

I trust that many of you young rears have accepted God’s wonderful gift, and know Jesus as your Saviour. If you know Him and love Him, you will try to please Him. You will ask Him to keep you from temptation, and make you obedient children, — not doing the things that would displease your parents, as the children in the picture are doing.

ML 04/21/1946

Brave Eddie

Eddie came to our children’s meetings when he was four years old, and, at that early age, I believe the Lord opened his heart to the Gospel. He lived some distance from the town, and had often to tramp along the dark road all alone after the meeting, sometimes carrying a heavy basket with messages for his mother. But the brave little fellow never feared, nor even on the darkest night, did we ever miss him from the meeting.

His parents were careless and indifferent to the Gospel, but always listened to Eddie while he told them what he heard at the meetings, and his mother read very eagerly the magazines and prizes he brought home. I believe God used the dear boy’s testimony, simple as it was, backed up by his consistent life, to turn the parents’ hearts towards eternal things, and to make them wish to know Eddie’s Saviour.

It was a grand triumph for Eddie to get his father and mother to come to the “Annual Tea,” to which parents, as well as children, were welcome. His face shone as he led them into a seat in the hall that night.

But the best part of my story has yet to be told. Eddie’s father and mother became anxious about their salvation, and we had the joy of going out to their home, arid telling them more simply the way of life. Both are saved and happy in the Lord. Eddie is a bright Christian boy, a true witness for Christ, and much beloved by his parents. So well he may, for it was by his means that they were led to the Saviour.

How grand it is to be saved in life’s early day! What a joy to yourself, and what a blessing to your friends it would be, if you were really saved and witnessing for Jesus, as did brave Eddie.

“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.”

ML 04/21/1946

Nellie on Her Way to School

Our little friend, Nellie, was on her way to school, and as her mother bade her good-bye she generally add, “Don’t stop by the way, Nellie.”

So off started the little girl. It was a bright summer’s day, and as she tried lightly along, the birds were singing overhead, and the hum of passing bees fell distinctly on her ears. This made Nellie think that everything was at play except her, and she must go to school and learn lessons.

However, she did not mean to play about, although she lingered just a little on the bridge over the brook. Just then she saw a tiny fish trying to jump up the stream where it fell over some stones. Nellie stopped at once, and kneeled down to be nearer the water, but in a moment the fish darted away, and as she rose to continue her road to school her bag with books and dinner fell into the brook.

Nellie was now in trouble, and cried out loudly, when a farmer’s boy hearing her cry came near to see what was the matter, and being a kind boy, soon picked up the bag and handed it back to Nellie.

The tears now fell fast, for what could anyone do with wet books from which to learn lessons. All eyes were turned on Nellie as she entered school, and teacher asked how it happened, when a kind girl spoke up for Nellie and said, “She has to cross the little bridge, and I expect she dropped her books in the water.”

This was a great comfort to our little friend, till she began to think that it was not an accident, and as she did not want to get out of disgrace by pretending it was not her fault, she went to her teacher and told her how it occurred and that it was all her own fault.

I need not say how pleased her teacher was, and she freely forgave the little girl and sent her to her seat more hay than if she had not confessed it. But mother had to know too, for when twelve o’clock came Nellie had to return for some more dinner, and I do not think she got much beside bread this time, but Nellie did not mind that so much.

O, that all girls and boys were as wise as Nellie and get forgiveness whenever they do wrong. Let me quote a text in finishing my story. It is this: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

ML 04/21/1946

Hiding from the Gardener

When we were children living in the old home, with its fruit garden and grassy lawns, we used to hide behind the bushes when we heard the gardener’s footstep, for we were forbidden at certain seasons to play there.

In after years, when the schoolteacher turned his back, we left our sums undone, and spent the time trifling. What is more natural than to seek to hide our evil doings and cover our sins. It is an old habit.

When Adam and Eve sinned in Eden, they hid themselves from God among the trees (Gen. 3:8).

When Achan stole the wedge of gold and the garment, he hid them in his tent (Josh. 7:21). It is impossible to hide ourselves or our sins from God.

“Thou, God, seest me,” is true everywhere and always. By night and day, in sleep, at play, the eyes of the Lord are upon us, and all things are “naked and opened” unto Him (Heb. 4:13).

To cover sin, God says, is “not to prosper” to confess it, and trust in the blood that cleanseth from all sin, is to be clean before God and at peace with Him.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Isaiah 28:13.

ML 04/21/1946

Nothing to Do but Take It

When your parents or friends send you a gift, you do not work for it, you simply receive it and thank the Giver. God has already given His best, His greatest Gift, as it is written,

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” John 3:16.

“He that hath the Son, hath life” 1 John 5:12.

So you see all who receive the Son of God, His love-gift to the world, are already possessors of life everlasting. You do not work for it: you have no need to wait for it: there is nothing to do but take it and say,

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” 2 Cor. 9, 15.

Then there is no need to hide from God. His eyes are over His people, and they find their joy in His presence.

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11.

ML 04/21/1946

"Received up Into Glory"

Luke 24:50-53

After the Lord Jesus arose from the tomb He appeared to the eleven disciples in different places and to many others who loved Him. He walked and talked with them, giving them “many infallible proofs”, (unmistakable proofs,) that He was alive (Acts 1:3.)

Then, after many days, He led the disciples out of the city of Jerusalem as far as Bethany on the mountain ridge, Olivet, and from there He went up from them into heaven; while they watched and worshiped Him, a cloud receiving and hiding Him from their sight.

‘While’ they looked steadfastly tard heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel who gave them words of great comfort (Acts 1:10). It is written that the Lord went to “the right hand” of God the Father, which means the exalted and highest place.

“He (God) raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.” Eph. 1:20.

It was written long before, that God would give Him that place: David wrote, “The Lord said unto my Lord, ‘Sit Thou on My right hand’” (Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:34; Heb. 1:3).

A type, or picture, of Christ’s work finished, and of Him raised, was the first sheaf of the ripe grain harvest which was to be waved “before the Lord.” When Christ was raised, He was “the First Fruits unto God.” His people are as “the harvest” for God.

Because He was raised, His people may know they also will be raised, for it is written, “Christ, the First Fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Cor. 15:23.

“He that raised up Christ from the dead will also quicken (make alive) your mortal (dying) body.” Romans 6:9.

It was “on the morrow after the sabbath”, or the first day of the new week, that the ripe sheaf was to be waved. And it was on the first day of the week, “when the sabbath was past”, that Christ arose (Lev. 23:10, 11; Mark 16:1, 6).

All was as known and planned long before, and as He had told His disciples (Luke 18:33).

People then who believed and loved the Lord, met on the first day of every week to give honor to God and to His Son for the blessings brought by that death and resurrection. We now may meet the same, to give our thanks, that it was for our sins He died, and honor Him now alive in Heaven.

How many days was the Lord on earth after He arose? (Acts 1:3).

To how many did He appear at one time? (1 Cor. 15:6).

What did He last do for the disciples? (Lu. 24:50).

ML 04/21/1946

Sparrows

A few years ago a boy, having made a bean-shooter, went out into a field to try it. After looking around for something, to shoot. he spied a sparrow perched high up in a tree, chirping sweetly, and quite unconscious of approaching danger. The boy crept softly under the tree until he stood directly under the sparrow. Then he pulled the rubber, which he had leaded with a stone, and struck the poor bird squarely in the breast. It came tumbling down, and lay dead at the boy’s feet.

The boy, who had been taught by godly parents to fear God and His Word, remembered instantly that verse in Matt. 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”

“FEAR YE NOT THEREFORE, YE ARE OF MORE VALUE THAN MANY SPARROWS.” Matt. 10:31.

He trembled at the thought of what he had done to one of God’s creatures, whom God provides for and protects. With tears in his eyes, the boy picked up the sparrow, still warm, pressed it to his bosom, saying to himself: “If only I could give back the life I took!” God only can give life.

But God has shown His love for you in a far greater measure, in His care for you, than only in your daily life: “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 04/28/1946

Alone on an Island

A young man once lived all alone on an island in the Pacific Ocean, because he chose to. His name was Alexander Selkirk and his home was far away in Scotland. As a boy he was quick to be angry and often quarreled with other boys. One day he caused so much disturbance, he was ordered to appear before a town officer. Instead of doing so, he ran away to the sea coast and obtained work on a ship.

After many months he came home, but was in fights and quarrels and went away angry. This time the ship was bound for distant ports. On the voyage it was anchored in the bay of a small island for repairs.

The day all was ready to set sail, Alexander, who was then a young man, had a dispute with the captain, and in his great anger said, “Put me off this ship, I will not sail a day longer with such a captain.”

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Eccl. 7:9.

The captain was a rough, hard man, and at once gave the order, “Off with him, put him ashore, he is turned out of service.”

Alexander got his chest with clothes and tools and without further word was rowed ashore. He stepped quickly from the small boat and stood unconcerned as the sailors bade him a sorrowful goodbye and started to row back to the ship.

Alexander stood on the shore watching them, still indignant and angry; he saw them nearing the ship and knew they would very soon climb aboard and sail away. His feelings suddenly changed: his anger was gone, and instead there was fear, he realized what a dreadful choice he had made: to stay alone where there was no house or provisions, no companions but wild animals; he might never have a chance to leave, or to see another person.

He stepped to the edge of the water, waved his hands wildly, shouting, “Come back! come back!”

He thought he could hear the captain laugh and mock him, but the boat did not come back; the sailors climbed aboard the ship, pulled up the boat, and the ship was headed out to the vast ocean, slowly sailing from sight, and he was left behind.

He threw himself on the sand in awful despair, but before dark, got up and found a cave in the rocks, built a fire outside to keep off wild animals, threw down some seaweed for a bed, placed his chest across the narrow entrance, and rolled himself in his blanket for the night.

In the morning he got some shell fish for food, then climbed to the top of the rocks, hoping to see a ship to signal, though he knew the island was far off the usual course of ships. He stayed on the rocks all day but saw no ship; at night he went back to the cave.

Day after day he climbed the rocks to watch, but no ship came in view: he felt more and more despair and more lonely, and was always blaming the cruel captain for his miserable lot. After many days that sad way one morning in taking an article from his chest, his hand touched a book which his mother had put in when he left home. He knew it was the writings of God’s holy words, the Bible, but he had never cared to open or read it.

But that morning this book made him think of his parents, he longed to see them, and carried it with him to the lookout place on the rocks. When seated he opened it and began to read; these were some of the words, “They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way: they found no city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.” Ps. 107:4.

Alexander thought how like himself, lonely and in trouble; he read on; “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. He led them forth by a right way.” Verses 6, 7.

As Alexander read of the Lord’s care, and that “His mercy endureth forever”, he knew that mercy had been over him. For the first time he realized his own strong will and temper were the cause of all his troubles.

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

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and He that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.” Prov. 16:32.

He knew that God sent His Son to earth to suffer for men’s sins, but he had never thought he needed to be forgiven. Now he felt ashamed of his life, and knelt down on the rock, and confessed to God how wrong he had been, and he accepted Christ as his Saviour and Friend.

After that he did not feel alone, but that the Lord saw him. He began to go about the island and found much to help and interest him: the trees and plants were lovely and he found fruit and nuts. The cave was too damp so he built a small hut on a higher, level spot and made shelves and benches in it. He tamed a wild goat and some rabbits which were company to him, and even the roaring of the seals he had thought so terrible, sounded friendly to him.

Each day he read in the Bible and found much to enjoy. He cut a notch in a tree every day to keep track of time, and one day out of each seven he left off work and read more of God’s words and prayed and sang hymns he had known in boyhood. So the days passed really pleasantly and he even became fond of the quiet. He went often to the lookout rock but did not stay long there.

At last one day he saw a ship in the distance; he built a big fire on the sand to attract attention, and waved a white cloth tied on a pole. He was seen by the ship’s crew and a boat was sent to the shore. The captain was very willing to take him with what things he could carry away. Months later he reached his Scotland home. He no more felt the dreadful anger to any he had learned how much he himself needed the mercy of God.

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

ML 04/28/1946

A True Record

A review of the gospel of Luke

Luke said he was writing to let the man named Theophilus know the order and certainty of the things he had heard. which were about the Lord Jesus. An account of an event is of no true value unless accurate as to time, persons, and places. The life of Jesus was the most important of all events of the world, and now we have read through the account by Luke, we can see how carefully he wrote.

First, the names of the rulers connected with Judea and Galilee, where these great events took place, were written; and the leaders in the temple of God in Jerusalem, which was the center for the nation, are told (Chap. 1:5; 3:1, 2).

The story of the birth of the prophet John is fully told to show he was the messenger God sent before the Messiah, to tell of Him, as was foretold (Mal. 3:1).

The shepherds who heard the angels’ message that Christ was born were the first witnesses to see Him and “made known abroad” the great news.

Simeon and Anna were well known and just persons of the temple who knew God’s promise of a holy Child to come: when they saw the Baby Jesus they said, by the Spirit, that He was the One to come, and were true witnesses to many.

The age of Jesus as a boy when He astonished the wise teachers in the temple is given, and would be remembered by many. His age when He ban to go about the land teaching God’s words, is written (Chap. 2:42-48; 3:23).

The twelve men who went with Him, heard His words, and saw all His miracles, were certain He was the Messiah; all loved Him (except Judas). There were also seventy other disciples who knew Him and His power (Chap. 10).

Towns and places in all the land are named where Jesus went and the people heard Him teach of God in the synagogues, on the streets, and by the sea. Hundreds were cured of every sort of disease, and thousands twice ate of the bread He supplied. Crowds in Jerusalem saw Him enter as the lowly King. Many people and priests saw and heard Him speaking in the temple. Some well-known persons who believed Him the Christ are named: Jairus, leader of a synagogue of Galilee; a centurion (captain of Roman soldiers); several women of Galilee are named, one, Joanna, whose husband was governor’s steward. (Chap. 7:1-10; 8:3, 41).

So there were many persons whom Theophilus could ask if these events were true, for he seems not to have lived in that land. Do you think any of those who had been healed or had eaten of the food Christ gave them in the desert, would not say That he was different from all others?

The governor Pilate, and Herod of Galilee who were the judges at the trial of Jesus, had not seen Him before, yet they believed Him innocent, and the captain of the soldiers who guarded Him said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

ML 04/8/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

Write in full the verse with the words,

1.“But when,” etc. Matt. 12:15

2.“Them came she,” etc.15:25

3.“For what is.” etc. 16:26

4.“For where,” etc. 18:20

5.“And his,” etc. 14:12

6.“And it,” etc. 11:1

7.“Simon, who is called Peter.” 10:2

Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke,

Chapters 1-12

1.“Call His name Jesus.”

2.“Flee from wrath to come.”

3.“Be ye therefore ready.”

4.“Be raised the third day.”

5.“Thy faith hath saved thee.”

6.“I will: be thou clean.”

7.Who repented at the preaching of Jonas?

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. He was beheaded. Matt. 14:10.

2.Betrayed, condemned, crucified, rise again. Matt. 20:18-19,

3.Where they gather to His Name, Matt. 18:20.

4.John Baptist, Matt. 17:13.

5. Five thousand & four thousand plus women and children. Matt. 14:21;15.38.

6.The Lord Jesus. Matt. 28:18.

7.Thirty pieces of silver. Matt. 27:3, 9.

Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

1.Who were the father and mother of John Baptist?

2.Who were the (supposed) father, and the mother of Jesus?

3.What Gentile manifested amazing faith?

4.What is signified by the seed among the thorns?

5.Who appeared with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration?

6.What renders a man unfit for the kingdom of God?

7.For what are we to ask the Lord of the harvest?

ML 05/05/1946

A Lesson from a Mother Bird

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” Math. 10:29.

What a lovely sight is a bird nest. God has given wisdom to the birds to build it, as well as rear a family therein, and it is very touching to see how baby birds are cared for and protected by their parents. I want to tell you a little story as it comes from a missionary from a distant island:

“The birdies had built their nest very cozy and hidden away in a hollow tree behind twining vines of fragrant green. Mother bird must have spent some time already warming her eggs, for things began to move in this little home in the wood.

But, one day what happened? Mother bird suddenly spread her wings and was off like a dart.

We were just at lunch in the garden of one of the estates on. the island, when a bird came flying very close to us. It seemed to be in great distress, for again and again its anxious, voice apparently sought to draw our attention. As soon as we arose, it flew away, but settled at some distant spot, again raising the same anxious cries, and continued doing this while we followed in its direction.

Finally it remained seated over a hollow tree, and as we approached, we saw a snake, its head raised high, lying in the grass in front of the hole of the tree.

Mother bird had discovered this enemy, and not being able to help herself, lad sought aid from man, whom she at other times would fear, but love for her little ones had given her courage. She had called for help as well as she could, and we did for her what she asked of us, in destroying her enemy.

Dear children, do you know that “that old serpent called the Devil” is threatening your soul, seeking to have it for his prey? Have you, like the bird, flown to the Lord Jesus for refuge? When sheltered by Him, through faith in His blood, you need not fear that serpent, for the Lord Jesus has overcome him.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh arid blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death, He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Heb. 2:14, 15.

Do not lose any time, come now to Jesus and. He will save you.

ML 05/05/1946

"Satan's Books"

One day little four-year-old Ruth came into the house holding in her hand a book of comics, that had been given to her by another child. Ruth’s mother glanced at the book, and then said,

“O, darling, do you think the Lord Jesus would like His little girl to look at that book?” Ruth looked at mother, and said quietly

“No, mamma, it is Satan’s book, isn’t it?”

Mother told the dear little one how Satan loves to get boys and girls to read books and papers that take their minds away from the Lord’s things. Even though many seemingly harmless books are read by young and old, they appeal to the flesh, our old nature, as we read front the Word of God,

“He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; and he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6:8.

Dear boys and girls, be very careful what you read! How thankful we are that God has left a wonderful Book in this dark world, the BIBLE.

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

In this precious Book we learn of God, the Father, and of Christ, our Saviour, in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3.

ML 05/05/1946

"Fishers of Men"

Do you remember about two brothers being in a fishing boat at the sea of Galilee, when the Lord Jesus walked on the shore and said for them to follow Him? The name of one brother was James, the other, John. They worked with their father, and two other men, Andrew and Peter, were partners with them.

It seems these young men had already believed. the words of the earnest prophet that the Messiah had come, and that Jesus was that holy One. Then they had just seen His power to cause the-fish to come in great numbers into the net; they did not wait, but obeyed Him at once.

They knew, to go with the One sent by God was far more important than their business. Jesus told them they should be “fishers of men”; the “net” they would use would be words of the glad tidings of Him as Saviour to draw people to Him, and they later went everywhere to do that great work.

The leaders of the temple thought Peter and John were “unlearned”, but they had no doubt, been taught to read the Scriptures and to write, as all Jewish boys in the synagogue school in the towns. They would also learn the words of God from their parents, and hear it read on the sabbath in the synagogue and in the temple at the feast times. Best of all they learned from the Lord Jesus those last three years they were with Him, and then by the Holy Spirit.

A great work given John was to write the life of Jesus, which is called “The gospel (glad tidings) according to John”. Its words are so easy to read many children have learned reading while it was read in the home; yet it has truths as great as can be told, and the wisest people have read it over and over, and there was still more to learn and enjoy.

John did not name himself in the book, only as “the other disciple”, (with Peter, Luke 22:8) and “the disciple. whom Jesus loved”. It seems he prized. the love of the Lord Jesus so much he wanted to be known only as Jesus loved (john 20:2-4: 21:20, 24).

It was that same love of Jesus that John wanted others to know too, Thai: was why his book was written:

“These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye nigh; have life through His name.” John 20:31.

John suffered with the other disciples after Jesus’ death; they were put in prison and badly treated, because they told people of Him. For that reason James was killed by the king, and John was kept on a lonely island “for the testimony of Jesus Christ”, or because he spoke for Christ. That is the last known about John.

What were James and John doing when rests called them, and who was their father? (Mark 1;19, read also Luke 5:1-11; Matt: 4:19).

On what island was John kept? (Rev. 1:9).

ML 05/05/1946

Clarence's Boat

What a lovely boat you ‘have Clarence! You really didn’t make it all yourself did you?” chorused two boys as they watched Clarence sailing his yacht. It certainly was a perfect model, and it glided along so smoothly with the wind and was bigger than any other boat on the lake that day.

“Why yes, I did,” answered Clarence, “except that Mother helped me a little with the sails. It took a long time to make, but that isn’t why I think so much of it—but because it’s mine twice.”

“Yours twice, what a funny thing to say! If you made it why should you say ‘mine twice’?” The older boy asked.

“I’ll tell you why,” began Clarence, “I began this boat last winter, and worked at it in my spare time, and when this warm weather came, it was finished. The very first fine day, I hurried down to the lake with it; and to my delight, found out how well it would sail. I tried it over and over again, but at last it went so far out I could not get it again. There was no one else around at the time to help me, so I lost my lovely yacht, and felt so sorry after all the time spent on it.

“Some weeks later when walking past a big toy display in a store window down town—what should. I see among the other things, but my boat!

I hurried in to tell the lady it was Mine, but she insisted it couldn’t be. I soon told. her what had happened, but she said, “I’m sorry for you, hut I paid a man-for that boat the other day, and the only way you can get it now is to buy it.”

“It was the only way to get my boat, so I paid the price she asked—and walked out of the store carrying my yacht—mine now because I made it and then I bought it.”

Our lives are like this boat—God made us for Himself, but we wandered away in our sinfulness—lost. The boat did not find its way back to Clarence; and so we would never find our way hack to God. And that is why “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Then, too, He was so anxious to have us for Himself, that He paid the price for us—and that cost Him His life.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold—but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1: 18, 19.

Jesus has died and paid the price of our redemption, and now He wants to take possession of us. Will you let Him?

“YE ARE NOT YOU OWN, YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

ML 05/12/1946

The Joyful Telegram

A young man entered a, store, where a servant of God was just buying something; the latter was struck by the young man’s weak and suffered appearance, and felt impelled to ask him, if he had found peace in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ? The immediate answer was, “I possess Christ, isle is my peace.”

Inquiring how and when this had taken place, the young man describes to him the way in which God had led him, in order to bring His Word home to his heart. For a long while he had been in great anxiety about his soul.

“Every Sunday,” said he, “I went about to hear sermons, trying to find some comfort, but God gave me peace in His way, not in mine.

One Monday morning as I was working in the telegraph-office, deeply grieved and anxious about my sins, I implored God to grant me peace and forgiveness; as I feared I would become insane. Just then there was call from W., an address was given and then the words:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

Those words, “Lamb of God,” “Redemption,” “Blood,” “Riches of His grace,” fell like balm into my heart, and no one in the world could taste greater joy than I did on that Monday morning.

The telegram was sent to me from God. It was addressed to a young woman working in the neighborhood. She had written about the state of her soul, to her employer’s brother, who had used this means of answering her letter. She told me later, that the same message had brought her the light of life.

Dear reader! are you anxious and troubled about your sins? O, go then, for refuge to the Lamb of God, to the redemption, the blood and the riches of His grace. Those two verses contain God’s testimony, in the first place concerning the person, and in the second place concerning the work, of His beloved Son, by whom God is perfectly glorified, so that He now can give you rest—rest in Him, who hath made peace—through the blood of His cross.

ML 05/12/1946

Little Jessie

It was a warm summer’ s day, all around looking bright and full of life, but little Jessie lay pale and still on a bed of much suffering, waiting for the doctor to pay his usual for he was so kind and gentle to her, she had grown very fond of him. One day the doctor came and found his little patient much worse. He had said good bye, and his hand was on the door, when something within seed to say,

“Go back, and tell her of Christ.” He returned to the bedside of the little child, and said,

“Jessie, do you know the Lord?” she fixed her dark eyes on him, but said nothing. He went on,

“Jessie, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin; Jessie, the blood leaves none behind; Jessie, Christ can save you, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” The young child eagerly drank in all he said, out still remained silent.

The doctor left her, After a few hours he returned to see little Jessie; as soon as he entered her room she called him, put her little arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear these words.

“I believe the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, and there is nothing left behind.”

Her whole face was radiant with joy, and in a few more hours she was with the Lord.

Little reader, do you know “what the blood of Christ can do?” Let me tell you, if you do not. It can cleanse you from all sin, “and there is nothing left behind.”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou,” like little Jessie, “shalt be saved.”

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

ML 05/12/1946

"To Know Him is to Love Him"

A missionary in Africa, who was returning England, was saving-good-bye to the African boys he had taught. One little boy of ten, who had trusted the Lord Jesus as His Saviour, was feeling very sad to lose the friend who bad first told him of Jesus.

“O teacher,” he said, “how I would like to go with you to England! It must be wonderful to live in a and where everyone loves Jesus!”

The missionary did not know what to say, but felt he must tell him that he did not mean that in England everyone loved Jesus.

“O!” said the boy, “but I thought you told me everyone in England knew about Jesus.”

“Yes, that’s right, but not everyone loves Him,” responded the teacher.

“Why,” exclaimed the boy in astonishment, “to know Him is to love Him.”

This little boy had accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and could not understand why anyone who knew of such a Saviour, did not do so too. He could say as in 1 John 4:19,

“We love Him because He first loved us,” and how he loved to hear more of the Lord Jesus!

I wonder if you, who have heard the “old, old story” so many times, dear reader, just “know about Jesus”, or have you, as the African boy, trusted Him as your Saviour? If not, come to Him as a sinner at once, and receiving His pardon and gift of eternal life, you will know something of His great love to you. Then you too, will love Him with all your heart because you can say, “The Son of God who loved ME, and gave Himself for ME.” Gal, 2:20.

ML 05/12/1946

The Word, the Life, the Light

John 1:1-18

The prophets gave many titles to teach the greatness and the work of the Holy One to come to earth, as the King, the Shepherd, etc. But here are told new titles that we will think more of that Holy One as always living: the first title is, “The Word.”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.”

When we hear anyone say “The Word” we think of the Bible, God’s written words, but these verses mean ChriSt was Himself “The Word”,

It is by words we tell our thoughts to one another; so words express thoughts. God’s thoughts for the world were written in the Scriptures, hut the Lord Jesus came to live, or show by His life, and by His death, God’s thoughts to the world, He was the Living Word.

We know He is meant by “The Word”, because it says, “And The Word was made flesh (a form like men), and dwelt among us (among the people) and we beheld His glory” (v. 14).

Yet “in the beginning” He was “with God” and “was God”, and the next words are: “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (v. 3).

If we could read the first verses of the book of Genesis in the Hebrew as the Jewish people did, we might understand these wonderful words better; their word “God” meant more than one, what we call a plural word, teaching that the plan of all creation was by more than One, hut here we learhe One to “make all things”, or do, those plans, was The Word, the One Who came to earth, the Lord Jesus.

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (v. 4).

There is nothing so necessary to us as life and light, and the Lord Jesus has given all life and light. But our natural life does not last always, and God wants to give eternal, unending life.

The One Who is the “true Light” was in the world, hut “the world knee Him not.” He came unto His owe, hut His own received Him not (v. 11)

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

This is a wonderful promise, all who receive this One, or believe Him their life and light, are given a new undying life, like His, and called “sons” or children of God.

“I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12.

“For the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that Eternal Life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:1, 2.

ML 05/05/1946

Why "Pat" Quit School

Mary’s little lamb was not the only animal that ever went to school. For two years “Pat,” a handsome collie, was a faithful attendant at a grade school in W.

But soon after the opening of school in the fall, Pat quit his classes, for what he considered the best of reasons, and, it is said, he doesn’t care who knows it.

“Pat” started to school about two years before this, when he was just a year old. He got into the habit of following his youthful master, Bill, to school and into the classroom—much to the despair, at first, of the faculty and to the delight of the school children.

His good collie breeding, however, stood him in good stead, and before long “Pat” was just naturally taken for granted around the school. He would follow Bill to school in the morning, romp with him and the other boys at recess, go home with him for lunch, return with him for the afternoon session, and then go home again at 3 o’clock like the rest of the bunch.

“Pat” knew how to play hide-and-seek better than most of the boys, thanks to his canine sense of detection, and he could catch a ball without a fumble. When the bell rang, he got in line and marched into the school alongside Bill, and if he felt thirsty he went straight to the drinking fountain, stood on his hind legs, and lapped the water down in approved dog fashion.

His manner of drinking, however, did not exactly coincide with the school health regulations, and finally he was given a special pan at the foot of the fountain.

After two years when the fall school term opened, Bill and “Pat” parted company. Bill had graduated to the ranks of high-school students, and taken up studies at the Tech High School in another part of the city. But “Pat” resumed his old place in line at the B. School. Each day he hoped that Bill would repent and come back to B. instead of wasting his time at Tech, where they have so many rules and regulations and so many big boys, that a dog would not feel comforable there.

But Bill did not come back, and so, after a month’s fruitless waiting, hoping and watching, “Pat” quit school. Without his young master there, it had lost its chief interest and charm. Dogs know when their friends desert them.

Dear children, may we not learn a lesson from this devoted dog, who wanted to be near his master at all times? If we know the Lord Jesus Christ as our as our own blessed Master and Lord, He who is equal with God, His eternal Son, the Creator of all think Sustainer of all things, humbled Himself, came into this wicked world, as poor man, and has shown His great unbounded love to us, went to Calvary’s Cross, took upon Himself the punishment of God against our many sins to save us for Himself, died for us, and is now in the glory, waiting I have us with Himself both now and for all eternity.

If we know Him as our blessed Saviour, we will want to go when. He would have us to go, as long H we are still in this world.

“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.

We will not want to go where He would not go, or make those our friends who hate our blessed Lord, and do not want His company. The Lord feels it if we desert Him for the world.

“OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR OUR SINS, THAT HE MIGHT DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD OUR FATHER.” Galatians 1:3,4.

ML 05/19/1946

Little Charlie's Question

Is a Christian allowed play, teacher?” asked a sharp little fellow at the close of school. Our lesson that afternoon had been the coming glory of Christ, when He shall reign over a happy and peaceful earth. We had read among other Scriptures that beautiful description of millennial blessing in Zechariah 8:5, where we are told, that, in the earth. Jerusalem,

“The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.”

This seemed to take the little fellow by surprise, for, as he afterwards told me, he had thought that Christian boys and girls were not allowed to play.

As the bright eyes peered into mine, waiting for an answer, I said,

“Yes, Charlie, God delights to see His children happy, and I am sure He is not displeased when they play, only of course, He would have them play as Christians should.” Charlie’s face drained, and he said quietly,

“Because I was saved here in the school a week ago, and I want to do what will please God.”

Dear little fellow! The new life was you see—he had received Jesus his Saviour, and was saved. Charlie, as his ways show, is truly a Christian you? Or, do you think that you would lose all your pleasures if you had Christ? No one is so truly happy as die “Christian.”

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him,” Psalm 2:12.

ML 05/19/1946

"It Will Never Sting Again"

When I was a schoolboy, I remember being stung by a bee one day in the garden. It was very painful, and when I showed my swollen hand to my mother, she found the sting of the bee in the flesh. I remembered how she comforted me by saying,

“It will never hurt you again, Bertie, for it has lost its sting.” We read in the Word of God,

“The sting of death is sin” (1 Cor 15:56), and when that sting is removed, death need be no dread then.

All who believe on Jesus as their Saviour, have had their sins removed, put away, and forgiven, to them death has lost its terror and its sting.

They belong to the Lord Jesus, and can never come into judgment.

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

There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.

“For me, sin has no sentence,

For me, death has no sting,

Because the Lord, who loves me,

Shall shield me with His wing.”

How blessed it is to be able to say so, and to know that it is true! The Lord Jesus knew what it was to bear sin and suffer its judgment on the cross, but to all His believing people, all who trust Him as their Saviour, the judgment is past, and nothing but life and glory with the Lord Jesus, for them forever.

Who would not be among this blessed people?

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

ML 05/19/1946

Faithful in Little Things

“He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10.

“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.

“There are small trials I may take,

Small burdens I may bear,

Small acts of faith, and deeds of love.

Small sorrows I may share;

And little bits of work for Thee

I may do everywhere.

“So 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 05/19/1946

What the Voice Cried

John 1:19-34

The prophet John preached to the people out of doors in the plains near the Joan river. At that time all were “in expectation”, looking for the promised Messiah, as it was near the time foretold He should appear (Luke 3:15; Dan. 9:24, 25).

When the leaders in Jerusalem heard of the earnest words of John, they sent men to ask him if he were the Messiah.

John told them he was not; that he was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’,” as written in Is 40:3. To “make straight the way of the Lord,” the people must be sorry for sins and be baptized, which showed to others they knew they deserved death because of sins.

God had sent John to baptize, and he was called John the Baptist, He said there was One to come far greater than he. The next day Jesus came there, and John called to the people to “Behold!”, But he did not say to behold the Messiah, he said,

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

It would be strange to us to hear a man called “a lamb”; we call a little child “a lamb”, meaning it is a pet or gentle as a lamb. But the men who heard. John understood: they had many times seen a lamb offered because of sin, and the man would put his hand on the lamb’s head to show it was taken in his place.

They knew “the Lamb of God”, meant One from God to take away sin. Yet they did not then understand that He, too, must die to do that, although that was written in Is. 53:6, 7. They thought He would do so by His power.

John said the Holy One Who had come was chosen and anointed by God that he saw the Spirit descend and remain on Him, and his record or report and message was that Jesus Who stood among them was the Son of God.

That was wonderful news to the people who were looking for the promised Holy One: to know He had come to earth. Next time we read of men who believed John’s words.

We must believe those same words, “Behold the Lamb of God,” for we cannot take our sins from God’s sight either; we can only trust the One God sent, His own Son; that He took our place. When we believe and think of Him as dying for us, we “behold’ Him as God’s Lamb.

What did John say he was not worthy to do? (v. 27).

How did John know Who was the Holy One? (v. 33, read also Matt. 3:13).

Did many go to hear John? (Matt 3:5).

Note: “Elias”, verse 21, is the Greek form of Elijah; “Esaias” (v. 23) the Greek for Isaiah; and “Messias” for Messiah, the anointed; in our language the Christ (v. 41).

ML 05/19/1946

The Great Pyramid and Sphinx

We have a picture before us of sonic. immense stone structures in Egypt. They were built many, many years before Christ was born into the world. The smaller pyramids were individual burial places for the kings of Egypt.

The one in our picture is the largest that has ever been found, so has been named the Great Pyramid.

On this side of the pyramid, we see a strange stone head, called the Sphinx.

Notice how small it looks beside the Great Pyramid,—we can scarcely believe that this sphinx is sonic sixty-three feet in height. We do not know for what purpose the Egyptians made these queer stone creatures. They may have built this one, thinking it would protect the entrance to the Nile River valley.

We know very well that God alone, can protect us and our country from danger. How terribly sad to think about these people who do not know God, but who trust in creatures they make with their own hands.

Some day each king will be resurrected from his pyramid, and be made to appear before God. There is no hiding from Him:

“Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom, 14:12.

Are you ready to meet Him? He speaks loudly to you; He wants you to seek pardon through His blessed Son, Jesus Christ. It is only by faith in the blood of Jesus that you can approach God.

“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:27, 28.

ML 05/26/1946

The Bear Trap

Once a baby bear started off from its den with its mother. Away down the mountains it came. At last the mother stopped. In front of her was a big piece of meat on a stick, It looked very tempting, yet she could sniff the human scent, and that made her cautious; for the bear is always suspicious of man. But the meat looked nice and juicy and the longer she kept her eyes on it, the more her month watered: it would do no harm, she thought, merely to lick it. How sweet it tasted! The moment she touched it, she felt she must have it at all risks. So she began to pull it off the pole. She pulled and pulled, when all of a sudden down came a big beam which she had not noticed; it felled her to the ground, and killed her on the spot, crushing her body under its huge weight. When the trapper came next morning they found the baby hear sitting by its mother, wondering that she did not move. They caught it and took it away to a menagerie.

Now that is just how boys and girls are caught in the trap of sin. The temptation looks so pleasant. They say there is no harm in doing what is bad just for hhce. Then the trap closes on them. Sin has caught them in it meshes, and Satan has a tighter hand on his victims.

Now, how can one be delivered from the power of such a cruel foe? Listen, carefully, dear children, forever. EVERYONE of us HAS been caught in Satan’s trap, whether we know it or not, a. there is only ONE way of escape.

Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that He might die for our sins, to bear our punishment, and destroy, him that had the power of death, that is, Satan, and deliver from his hold all those who BELIEVE that Jesus died for them (See Heb. 2:14, 15).

You remember that sharp, sword with which the giant Goliath expected to kill David? So terrible a weapon was it in Goliath’s mighty hand, that I suppose many had been slain by it. We might call that glistening sword, “Death.” But David, who is a picture of Jesus, takes the giant’s sword. “Death” and destroys Goliath, who a picture of Satan with it. Thus this brave boy set free all those pot trembling Israelites, who for days it had been quaking before this fearful giant. How thankful they must have been when they saw David hold up the terrible giant’s head. They then had it the slightest doubt that their enemy was dead, and could have no further power over them.

In the same way, Jesus DIED so that we might not have to die and delivered all who believe in Him from Satan’s power. Satan himself will one day be cast into the Lake of Fire, from which he will never escape.

Are you still a captive to sin ah, Satan? If you remain so, he will take you to that dreadful place to which he is going. Why not be free? Why not say,

“Jesus died for ME — He has set me free from sin and Satan.” Faith in what Jesus has done gives the victory,

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

ML 05/26/1946

Little Foxes

You know that the people in Palestine had a great many vineyards. Round these they had sometimes thick hedges or mud walls to protect the fruit from thieves. But the worst robber was the fox, and I will tell you why: it was just because he could not be seen. He dug a deep hole right under the enclosure; and while the owner who was watching that no one climbed OVER his walls, might la thinking that his vines were safe, all the time the thievish little fox was in among the grapes.

When the Bible speaks of the “little foxes that spoil the vines,” it refers to the small sins, which perhaps we think little of, and which no one notices, but these, “little sins,” spoil our “tender grapes,” and we do not bring forth fruit for God. It is to boys and girls who really know Jesus as their Saviour that I now speak.

If you should be overtaken in a fault, or fall into sin, what must you do about CONFESS IT AT ONCE—that is tell God your Father all about it, and seek grace not to do it again, and He will forgive and cleanse you from stain. Thus communion is restored and we can go on with the Lord, walking with Him.

Also, if we have sinned against Mother or Father, brother or sister, neighbor, friend or any other person, we should go to them and tell them what we have done. This is very humbling and hard to do, but it is the only way to deal with these “little that spoil our vines.

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

ML 05/26/1946

The Eves of the Lord

“THE EYES OF THE LORD are in every place, beholding the evil acid the good,” Prov, 15:3.

“THE EYES OF THE LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chron. 16:9,

“THE EYES OF THE LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry,” Psa. 34:15.

“THE EYES OF THE LORD preserve knowledge, and He overthroweth the words of the transgressor.” Prov. 22:12.

“THOU GOD SEEST ME.” Gen. 16:13.

ML 05/26/1946

Four Things That Are Little but Exceeding Wise

Proverbs 30:24-28

The ants a people are

Not strong, yet they prepare

Their food before the winter

Blasts do fill the air.

And now, dear one, are you like they.

Prepared for a coming day?

Conies are a feeble folk,

Yet they their houses make

In the rock so that storms

Them may never shake.

And now, clear one, let others mock

But say, Are you upon the rock?

The locusts have no king,

Yet they united are,

And nothing ever seems,

Their unity to mar.

Dear soul, say are you now one,

With Him who sits on heaven’s High throne?

The spider that it is,

That takes hold with her hands,

And is in palaces

Of the kings of lands,

Dear one, do you expect to be

In Christ’s own home His face to see?

ML 05/26/1946

"We Have Found Him"

John 1:35-51

The next day after John the prophet announced Jesus the Lamb of God and the Son of God, Jesus came to the place again, and John again called, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

Two men were standing with John who wanted to know more of One sent by God to take away sin, and they followed after Jesus. He turned and asked them, “What seek ye?” They said,

“Rabbi ... where dwellest Thou?” A rabbi was a man who taught the people of God, and was the most respectful title they knew to address Him.

Jesus invited them to “come and see”. It is not told where He stayed, it may have been an outside shelter, but they were welcomed to stay with Him. It was “about the tenth hour,” or near night, as they counted twelve hours to a day, beginning at sunrise.

When we know a great event, we want to tell someone: those two men had found Him Who was the Holy One sent by God to take away their sins; this was the very greatest event to them, and they wanted others to know Him. One man, Andrew, went to tell his brother and brought him to Jesus.

Jesus knew the brother’s name, Simon, but gave him a second name, Cephas, which means a stone. Later the Greek language was more used, and the word for stone is “petros”, translated into our language, Peter, and the word most often used for him, though Cephas is also used, as 1 Cor. 15:5.

All great buildings were then made of stone, as the temple in Jerusalem, but that was no longer used in honor to God. Peter was to be one of a new “temple”, not of real stones but of people who believed the Lord Jesus. Peter later wrote of others who believed as, “lively (or living) stones.” 1 Pet. 2:3, 4.

Jesus was going to Galilee and told a man named Philip to follow Him and Philip went to a man named Nathanael to tell him they had found the One written of in the Scriptures, and that He was Jesus of Nazareth.

Nathanael knew the writings which gave the One to come from Bethlehem in Judea (Micah 5:2), and Nazareth was not in Judea but in Galilee, at: he thought the good and holy One could not come from there.

But Philip said, “Come and see.

When Nathanael found that Jesus knew him before and knew what. thought in his heart, he also believed Jesus the promised One, and he would learn that Jesus did first come from Judea, as the prophets wrote.

All these men lived in Galilee, and were of the twelve chosen by Jesus to be with Him and learn that they should tell of Him to others, just as they did when they first knew Who Jesus was. It seems Nathanael had another name Bartholomew, as that is given in the other gospels, and Nathanael in this Matt, 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14 also, John 21:2).

The titles of the Lord Jesus in the first. Chapter of John, are: The Word; The Life; The Light: The Lamb; The Son of God: The Messias, Christ; King of Israel; The Son of Man.

ML 05/26/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

“Then did,” etc. Matt. 26:67

“And they,” etc. 27:35

“And shall,” etc. 20:19

“Again, he,” etc. 28:7.

“And go,” etc. 22:4

“But Jesus,” etc. 19:26.

“Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” 25:6.

Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke. Chapters 13-24

Write in full the verses with the words,

1.“There they crucified Him.”

2.“He showed them His hands.”

3.“All live unto Him.”

4.“On his shoulders, rejoicing.”

5.“Strive to enter in.

6.“Yet there is room.”

7.What shall not pass away?

Answers to Bible Questions or March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.The remembrance of the Lord’s words to him. Matt, 26:75.

2.Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Matt. 28:20,

3.Fornication. Matt. 19:9,

4.Alive. Matt. 22:32.

5.Hypocrites. Matt. 23:33,

6.The tribulation week. Matt. 24:3-21.

7.By showing it to His brethren, Matt. 25:40.

Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke. Chapters 13-24

1. Whose wife are we told to remember?

2.What was the prayer of the publican?

3.When shall Jerusalem see Christ again;

4.From near what town did our Lord ascend?

5.What did the disciples lack when the Lord sent them forth?

6.What was Pilate’s testimony as to Jesus guilt?

7.What does God think of that which is highly esteemed among men?

ML 06/02/1946

The Shepherd

A shepherd tried one day to induce a sheep to go through a gate, but his efforts were in vain. He pushed and coaxed, but the sheep was obstinate and would not be persuaded. So then he took up her, little bleating Iamb, and carried it through the gate. The mother guide: followed.

So God sometimes takes away those we love in order to draw our hear—after Him. If a dear child should read this who is sorrowing over the loss a brother or sister, whom the Lord Jesus has taken to be with Himself, allow me in love to tell you that or reason this has been allowed, is to draw YOUR heart heavenwards.

Perhaps you have often heard and repeated those words of Jesus, “Come unto Me,” but so ‘far ye have not realized that they are spoke to you. Now He has spoken in a different way, but the very sorrow of it will lead you into greatest joy, if ye just answer,

“Lord Jesus, I come to Thee now.”

But how dreadful, if the Lord Jesus have to say of you,

“Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have (eternal) life.” Join, 5:40.

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

How very sad for those who this Gift, for they will spend eternity, in hell, with the devil and his angels.

ML 06/02/1946

Looking

A squirrel has just scurried up the tree, and little Davie is watching to see if he comes down again. This reminds one of the verse in Isa, 18:22, which says,

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” This makes it so simple that even the youngest of our readers knows what we mean when we say “Look”.

The Lord Jesus tells you that if you look to Him in simple faith,—telling Him that you want Him to cleanse you from your sins by His own precious blood, you will be saved. If you have not already looked to Him for the salvation of your soul, do so at once.

“Look, look, look and live,

There is life in a look at the Crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee.”

And those of you who have already looked to, Jesus for the salvation of your soul, may remember something else for which we are told to “Look”. And what a sight that will be!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

Someday soon, and it might be today, the Lord Jesus is coming in the air with a shout — and only those who are saved will hear that shout, and go up “to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

Will you be ready when He comes?

ML 06/02/1946

"Jesus Said It"

In a house in a crowded court, a poor boy lay sick. On the window-sill were a few bright red flower-pots, and the carefully tended flowers gave their pleasant smell to the evening air.

His little room was very clean, and as tidy and comfortable as his poor mother could make it; for now, that her Mick was laid aside she had hard work to find enough to keep the home together.

“Michael, you are very ill. Perhaps you may die. Are you ready? Do you think you would go to Jesus?” a Christian friend inquired.

“Yes, my lady, yes,” said, he; “I am sure I should go to heaven.”

“And why are you so sure, Mick?” she asked again.

“O, ma’am,” was his answer, “Jesus says, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you’ (and that’s Mick), ‘He that heareth My words’ (and I do listen to His words) ‘and believeth on Him that sent Me’ (and I believe) ‘hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life’: and JESUS NEVER TOLD A LIE!”

Dear Mick’s was simple faith, Jesus never deceived any poor sinner, and His word was life to Mick!

Of doctrines of religion, Mick knew nothing; but he did know that he was a lost sinner, that Jesus died for lost sinners, and that if Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Jesus was to be depended upon.

God grant that like precious faith may be yours, dear little reader.

ML 06/02/1946

Jesus Died; Jesus Lives

Jesus died, and still the story

God proclaims on high;

That we each may reach the glory

Bye and bye.

Jesus lives, in heaven, a Saviour,

Witnesses to God

All the value and the savor.

Of His blood.

‘Twas for us His life was given,

And He longs to see

Round His throne, in that bright heaven,

Such as we.

ML 06/02/1946

At a Marriage Feast

John 2:1-12

A marriage feast is meant to be a time of joy when the friends rejoice with the bride and groom. Jesus and the disciples were invited to such a feast in Galilee, given by the bridegroom.

It was a custom to serve wine, made from grapes, and the host would pride plenty. But at this feast there was not enough.

The mother of Jesus was at that house and when she knew there was no more wine, she told Him, expecting He could supply it, for she believed Him the Messiah to bring all blessings.

As a boy, and as Jesus grew older, He had always obeyed His mother (Luke 2:51), but at this time He had begun the special work as the Son of God, which it was not right for her to direct, as His answer to her showed. And He said, “Mine hour is not yet come”, the time for Him to give all blessings on the earth.

There were six large stone jars there, and Jesus told the servants to fill those with water, and they filled them “to the brim,” or full. Then He said to draw out from the jars and serve the “governor”, or honored guest. That man did not know how the wine was obtained, but when he tasted and found it the best wine of all, he spoke to the bridegroom of its goodness.

The servants and disciples knew Who had provided it, and no doubt the rest soon heard, for to make water become wine was a miracle, no one else could do. This was the beginning of Jesus’ miracles, and showed His glory; it was as a promise before, of what He is able to do and will do when the nation Israel believe Him. For wine is a symbol of earthly joy, because for a time it makes people feel glad (Ps. 104:15).

But He had come to earth to give true and lasting joy, as the angel. said when He was born, the news was “of great joy”. Those who believed Him the promised Messiah, as Mary, expected there would be no more sorrow, only joy on earth.

But the most of that nation refused Him, and for that reason have since had great sorrows. Yet it is plain there will be a time of full joy on earth, as written in the prophets and told by Christ, which only He can give (as Zech. 2:10-12; Matt. 25:34, Luke 21:27, 28).

Since Christ was rejected, it has not been a time of full earthly joy for all who believe Him, and what they use of earth’s things are to be in His honor, and “much wine” is one of the things warned against, leaving sorrow, and not joy. Eph. 5:18.

Yet there is even now great ioy Christ gives those who trust Him, by His Word and by His Spirit, and He told the disciples to ask the Father in His Name that their “joy may be full”. John 16:23, 24.

ML 02/06/1946

Sheep

We all love to watch a flock of sheep quietly feeding on the hillside, and the little lambs skipping about, without any thought of where they are to get their food.

Their shepherd takes then, from one place to another, and he finds out the best pastures for them.

The Lord Jesus has a flock of sheep and lambs, and He is their Shepherd,

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me bide the still waters.” Psa. 23:1, 2.

Where are these green pastures and still waters to be found for us? They are, dear children, in His blessed Word the Bible.

If we read and meditate on God’s Word. and act according to it, we shall be following Him.

“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME.” John 10:27.

Are you one of His sheep, dear reader? If you believe on Him, (this is hearing His voice), you are one of His sheep.

If any of you have not yet come to Jesus, listen now to His loving call, and you will then be one of His lambs, whom He will love and care for, until He takes you to be with Himself forever.

ML 06/09/1946

Percy the Messenger Boy

Percy was a grocer’s messenger boy. Always punctual and obliging, his master’s customers respected the boy, and gave him many little tokens of their approval in the way of presents.

A lady at whose house he called daily on. business, presented him with a pretty book full of pictures and true Gospel stories as a token of her love for the boy.

“Will you promise to read it through, Percy, and tell me what you think of it? I will not tell you where it is, but you will find in that book, the story of our conversion when I was a girl of seventeen. That was a great day in my hostory, Percy, and I am so glad that I was saved when I was young. I can assure you, it is the happiest and the safest path to be a Christian, to be saved and to have God for your bather, and heaven your home. Good morning, Percy, and be sure you tell me what you think of the book.”

Percy lifted his cap respectfully, with a hearty

“Thank you, ma’am,” was gone with his present.

He had not many books, so it was indeed a prize. No sooner had he eat, dinner, than he ran along the garden walk to his favorite seat, under the shade of two old trees, and began to turn over the leaves of his book. It was full of picture stories, just the kind of a book that a boy loves to read. But Percy did not then begin to read them. He had only about half-an-hour to spare, and it was scare worthwhile beginning. And then he was so anxious to find the story that the lady had referred to, the narrative of her conversion. Page after page he eagerly scanned, and quite near the end came upon what he felt sure would find the story, for it told the part of the country where a young girl lived, which was saved through a companion speaking to her, and that was how she had been converted. At night lie read the story over and over again, he was much concerned about knowing how a sinner could be saved, but he wanted to be able to tell the lady he had read and understood the few days later he told how much had “enjoyed the book.”

“And do you see the need of being converted yourself Percy?” asked the lady.

Percy hung his head. As a matter of fact he did not then, but not long after he was truly aroused to this and best of all, he was soon after truly converted.

Think, dear children, think and decide NOW where you are going to spend eternity. Do not put off this very important matter.

“He that believeth on the Son (of God) 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 06/09/1946

"Will Our Dollies Go to Heaven"

Three little sisters were busy playing with their dolls. Suddenly one looked up at mother, and asked,

“Mamma, when the Lord Jesus comes, will our dollies go to heaven or will they be left behind?”

Mother told the dear little ones that when the Lord Jesus comes to take those who love Him to heaven, they will gladly leave the poor things, of this world, to be with Him in that bright Home above.

All the temporal things of this world shall be burned up, vanish away. All here is vanity and vexation of spirit, as king Solomon said many years ago, and can never satisfy the human heart.

God’s Word says, “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col. 3:2.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:20, 21.

ML 06/09/1946

Surrounded by the Tide

How quickly the days pass on the shore, wading, building castles and sailing ships in the pools among the rocks. Well do I remember being caught and surrounded by the tide at B. while playing with my sisters and brothers on the rocks there. So busy were we that we did not observe the advancing tide, until it had surrounded the rocks and cut off our retreat to the shore. A loud cry of distress brought our father out to our rescue, and soon we were brought, two on his back and one under each arm, the to shore.

How many both old and young are like what we were that day. They are so occupied with the world’s pleasures and pursuits, that they see not the slow but sure advance of death a cut off their lives and hurry them into eternity, where there is no deliverer.

“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall he saved,” John 10:9.

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

ML 06/09/1946

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 sinners 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 06/09/1946

In the Temple

John 2:13-25

The Jews passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheen and doves. and the changers of money sitting.”

That seems the first passover after the Lord Jesus began His public teaching: at that time Jewish men came from all countries, as that temple was the only place sacrifices were to be offered. Very many animals were used, and many gifts of money were given.

All should have been in praise to God; instead, it was as a market place to make money. The gifts were to be in special money, so men charged fees to make the changes, which was contrary to their laws (Ex. 30:11-16; Deut. 23:19; Deut. 14:24,25).

Jesus was grieved to see the business there, and He made a scourge (a whip of leather cords) and drove out the sheep and oxen, and told the men selling doves to take them away, He overturned the tables of the money changers, and said,

“Take these things hence; make not My Father’s House a house of merchandise, (a place to buy and sell)”.

“The zeal of Thine House hath eaten Me up.” Ps. 69:9. That His Father should not be dishonored was more to Him than all else.

But the men in charge of the temple were indignant, although they knew the laws of God, and that it was entirely wrong for them to allow such things. They asked Jesus to show “a sign” of His right to do this.

His words, “My Father’s House”, was the same as to say He was the Son of God, and gave them the reason for His right to clear God’s House or what was wrong.

These men had not believed the answer of the prophet John that Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Holy One, for then they would have known His authority and have been ashamed at their wicked ways.

But Jesus gave them a sign; He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

They did not understand that; they knew the temple had been many year, in building, and they asked how He could build it in three days; they meant to ridicule Him.

But “the sign” He told them was really to foretell His own death; they would try to “destroy” Him on the cross; and He would rise in three days. If they had believed the scriptures the, would have known that the Holy One, to come was their true “Temple”, for it was only by Him they could be blessed and God worshipped; He was their real “altar”, “ark”, and “mercy seat”.

After He was crucified they remembered His words that He would rise but not to put their trust in Him; they only wanted His tomb made more sure, (Matt. 27:62-64). They did not give up their evil ways.

ML 02/09/1946

Unseen Danger

HIS picture tells its own story pretty clearly. It is enough to make one shudder to see those great eager eyes, and that savage face, and that immense mouth of the lion; and then to notice the thoughtfulness, air fancied security of the innocent little deer.

Soon he will spring upon them and devour them. Poor things!

Ah, well! such things are happening all over the country, everywhere, and it is sad enough.

“What?” you may say, “you do not mean that there are any lions in our neighborhood? It is all safe and quiet, and I am not afraid to run around anywhere.”

This is exactly the way with these little animals; they do not see the enemy, either, and yet there he is. If they were to see him, they would bound away in a moment, before he could catch them.

Who, does the Scripture say, is our enemy?

YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.” 1 Peter 5:8.

Remember, he already has those who are not Christ’s; he is their prince; they are led by his will.

Satan is conquered by two things (see Rev. 12:11), the blood of Christ, and the Word of God. First of all if you are resting on the blood of Christ alone, there is safety. Stand to that, for Satan will want to tell you that you are not saved.

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

ML 02/16/1946

The Lighthouse Boy

Johnnie is the lighthouse-keeper’s only child. He has no playmates, no school, but he spends his Lord’s-days over an old Bible, and can repeat many chapters from memory. Johnnie says he is saved by the grace of God. He first learned from God’s Book that he was a lost sinner, and next, that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Although sometimes lonely, he is happy. Are you?

“Blessed are all they who put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:1.2.

ML 06/16/1946

A Jury of Boys

When Dr. Nathaniel Prentice taught a public school, he was very much of a favorite; but his patience, at times, would get nearly exhausted, by the breaking of the rules of school by the scholars. On one occasion, in a rather angry way, he threatened to punish, with six blows of a heavy rule, the first boy detected in whispering, and appointed some as detectors. Shortly after, one of these detectors shouted: “John Zeigler is whispering.”

John was called up and asked if it was a fact, (John, by the way, was a favorite, both of the teacher and his school-mates).

“Yes,” answered John, “I was not aware of what I was about. I was intent on working out a sum, and requested the one who sat next to to hand me the arithmetic that container the rule I wished to see.”

The Doctor regretted his hasty threat, but told John he could no suffer him to whisper and escape the punishment, and continued:

“I wish I could avoid it, but I cannot without a forfeiture of my word, are a consequent loss of authority. I will leave it,” continued he, “to any three scholars you may choose, to say whether or not I shalt remit the punishment.”

John said he would agree to that, and immediately called out three boys.

The Doctor told them to return a verdict. This they soon did, after a consultation, as follows:

“The teacher’s word must be kept inviolate. John must receive the threatened punishment of six blows of the rule; but it must be indicted on volunteer proxies, and we, the arbitrators will share the punishment, by receiving. each of us, two of the blows.”

John, who had listened to the verdict, stepped up to the Doctor, and with out stretched hand, exclaimed:

“Teacher, here is my hand. They shan’t be struck a blow. I will receive, the punishment.”

The Doctor, under pretense of wiping his face, shielded his eyes, and, telling the boys to go to their seats, said he would think of it.

I believe he did think of it to his dying day; but the punishment was never inflicted.

I think I am pretty safe in saving that the above is a story which at least all my boy readers will like, I am sun it is a capital story, but what I most, like it for, is, as an illustration of something which personally concerns each one of you.

You all know the story of the garden of Eden, when God said as regards tin forbidden fruit, “In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die.”

Now, how was it that Adam and Eve broke this one command which the Lord gave them, and yet they lived? Did not God find a way by which He could keep His word, and yet that the creature which He had made and loved, might not die?

Yes, and He found it in the same way which these boys did, by which the teacher kept his word, and yet their beloved comrade escaped the punishment rightly his due.

God’s Son came forward and said, “I will die in their place, I will die. and they shall live.” So God’s word was kept, and yet the offender went free.

And now there is another thing I wish you to notice in my story. You see what an impression was made on the boys by the whole thing. And this God knew would be the natural consequence of all that He was doing for His sinful creatures.

He would bind them to Himself in bonds of love, which never could be broken. How can we help loving Him, who so loved us? The more we think of it, the deeper must be the impression made upon our minds. We owe Him an everlasting debt of gratitude; for it was love both in the Father and the Son, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.”

O, what a wrong thought that is, which makes out that God is angry with us, and Jesus came only that He may appease His Father’s wrath. God loves the sinner but hates the sin, and at the cross we not only see God’s wrath and judgment spent on His beloved Son for our sins, but His matchless love in giving Him for us.

You perceive in the story that the teacher loved his scholar, and was pained that justice demanded his punishment.

“God commendeth His love to us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ, died for us.”

And now what can we do for Him who has done so much for us? Is not that a very natural feeling to have? Not at all to pay our debt; not at all that God requires any works from us, that we may be saved, but simply as the expression of our gratitude to Him, and to show out our love for Him.

ML 02/16/1946

She "Gave Thanks"

I have, read of a little girl who had a worldly, unconverted mother, who one everting sent her to have her supper alone in her bedroom. What do you think it was for? She noticed her little daughter bowing her head, and silently thanking God before she partook of her meals. This eccentricity, as she considered it, on the part of Daisy, so annoyed her that she punished her for it.

Do you not think Daisy must have had a sweet sense of the presence of Jesus at her lonely tea in her bedroom?

She had read in the gospels, that when He was on earth, before feeding the multitude, He took the loaves and “gave thanks,” and her desire to “learn of” Him brought on her mother’s displeasure.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18.

ML 02/16/1946

Precious Blood

Precious. precious blood of Jesus!

Faith in God’s dear Son;

Faith in work which God declareth

Fully done!

Precious, precious blood of Jesus!

Cleansing us from sin;

God’s “true token,” aye, our safety,

It must win.

Precious, precious Christ in glory!

Joy of each true heart;

He alone is our sufficing,

Lot and part!

ML 02/16/1946

A Night Visit

John 3: 1-10

One man, Nicodemus, who had seen the Lord Jesus, wanted to learn more, but seemed to fear to talk with Him when the men who were against Him would hear, so he came where Jesus was at night. This man was a master, or teacher, and a ruler, one in charge over the people, so a wise and well-known person.

He believed Jesus had power from God, but did not know Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus’ words to him that night were written that all since may learn too.

Jesus told him every, one must have new life to be in God’s kingdom, or holy rule. That man had natural life, the same as we, but Jesus said he must be “born anew”, “of water and of the Spirit”. The man knew better than we, what was meant by that “water”, for he knew about the many washings, of which they were told in their laws, to make them fit to honor God.

Yet those washings could only cleanse them outwardly and for a time, and make them know all must he pure for God. But water itself could not clear the heart of sins, but their scriptures, which we also have, taught that God’s words were the “water” to clean the heart.

One psalm taught much of God’s words, and this man would have known heat from his youth, for it was their lesson book with a verse for each letter of their alphabet. In that, a young man was told to “take heed” (to pay attention to and believe) “according to Thy Word”. Psa. 119:9.

It was also told that God’s word, “quicken”, which means give life:

“Quicken Thou me according to Thy Word”, “Thy Word hath quickened me” (v. 25, 50).

Water cannot help us except we use or take it ourselves; so every boy, girl, man or woman must “take”, or believe God’s words in the heart, what causes each to repent of his own sin that he may be given God’s Holy Spirit.

The Lord Jesus told of the Spirit words easy for us to understand. said,

“The wind bloweth where it listeth (pleases), and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

No one can see the wind or air, but all feel its motion, and power, and know it is here: so we cannot see the Spirit from God, but His action is real for all who believe God’s words, giving, them a new life.

All God’s word taught of His Spirit, and how all that was for Him must be by His Spirit, and must come from Him (as Gen. 6:3; Ps. 51:10; Eza. 37:14).

Our natural life is a wonder to us how much greater wonder the new life given of the Spirit from God: we can only believe Him, and all His words and so learn more of Him.

“As many as received Him (Christ), to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

ML 06/16/1946

The Wrong Man

Our little darling’s dolly’s head has come off and it needs to be fixed on again, but what do you think she has done? Why, she has to the blacksmith with it. Poor lit is thing, she did not know any better and we can easily over-look her mistake. The kind-hearted blacksmith will send her to the right one, who will to it on properly.

Would you think children who are able to read, and grown up people too, would ever make such a mistake as this little girl? I expect most of my little readers would say, “Surely not:’

But let me tell you, there are a whole lot who are making such a mistake about the salvation of their souls. Instead of going to the Lord Jesus to save them, and who alone can save, they go to a preacher, and hope he will be able to save them, maybe, by baptizing them, or praying over them, or doing some other things for them. Others will turn to do good works with the hope they will get their soul saved that way not knowing, perhaps that the Script arc says,

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Titus 3:5.

Mc you, dear reader, go to the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul, for He is the only One who can save you, and He has said,

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

ML 06/23/1946

The Verse She Could Not Find

A lady related the following incident; she was one day out driving with her children, and came near a lonely cottage, where a brood of chickens attracted the attention of one of the boys, who begged his mother to go in and buy them for him.

The mother consented to the boy’s wish, and as she entered the cottage a girl passed out with a Bible in her hand, seemingly afraid the stranger might not have sympathy with her.

Noticing that the girl was in tears, the lady kindly asked her to come back into the cottage with her, for she would, she said, so like to hear something read from that Book.

They entered and sat down together, and after the girl had composed herself a little, the visitor inquired what was troubling her.

“O! Madam,” said the girl, her grief breaking out afresh, “I was at a meeting last night, and they told me that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for us; and they told me,” she added, very simply, “that that was written somewhere in the Bible; I have been looking for it ever since, but cannot find it.”

The lady took the Bible from the girl’s hand, and turned to the well-known portion, John 3:16, which she read aloud, much to the girl’s delight; and as the visitor went on to speak for a few moments of Jesus and His love, both mother and daughter seemed to open their hearts to the Saviour, like those hungry for the Word of Life.

When the lady was about to go the, mother said,

“O! Madam, you must have tix chickens for nothing, for the go words you have spoken to us.”

“No,” said the visitor, “the gospel is free, without money and without price,” Jesus says,

“Freely ye have received, freely, give.” Matt. 10:8.

It was only with great difficulty the poor woman could be prevailed upon to accept payment for the chickens.

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

ML 06/23/1946

A Talk with Children

Seated on the grass are four rows of bright children, all clad in summer garb. They have corn: a quickly-arranged children’s service to be held by a band of young man on their holidays. Bright pictorial leaflets distributed through thy homes with an invitation, bring a large company. They listen attentively to “the old, old story” and then in order to press it home, the speaker holds up a pretty book, full of pictures saying, “Who will receive this hook as a free gift?”

Many hands were raised, and voice cried out,

“Me, me.”

“Yet strange to say, no one went to claim the gift, and the speaker said,

“This is exactly how you treat ‘the gift of God, which is eternal life’ (Rom. 6:23). You say you will receive it but how few really do so.”

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

Who will accept this precious GIFT, through Him who is eternal life? Not to accept this gift of gifts, is eternal death, in separation from God forever, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ML 06/23/1946

He, the Sparrow was Set Free

A young Christian man, known to some of us, was put into a prison camp during the war just closed. The following incident happened while he was in this place. We shall tell it in his own words.

“The other day, while we were eating dinner, we saw that a little sparrow had gotten itself hung up by a yard or so of fine twine and there dangled in mid-air from the eave trough. It made frantic attempts to obtain its freedom, but without success only becoming more and more tired out with its efforts. Time after time it tried to fly away, each time managing to go only the length of the twine and then dropping back on to the slate roofing, down which it slowly slid and eventually ended up dangling from the cord. For about an hour this went on, a crowd of prisoners sorrowfully watching, unable to help as they were then under guard. Later, when they were out for exercise, one boy, with the eager help of many, climbed up the piping at the side of the wall to free the poor frightened bird. Carefully and tenderly the cord was cut and the little prisoner allowed to fly away.”

What a glorious feeling of liberty that escaped bird must have had! As it soared away into the heavens, we can well imagine it singing,

“O, how thankful I am to that one who set me free from that cruel cord That would sooner or later have been the death of me!”

And as the sparrow is the most common and worthless of birds, it might also have thought,

“Why should all this have been done, for ME?”

Boys and girls, we are just like that bird. Satan has bound us by the cruel, cruel chain of sin, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot escape from his hand. BUT JESUS saw us thus in Satan’s power, and at the cost of His life, He came and delivered us and set us free forever from our pitiless master.

Do you believe this about yourself and the Lord Jesus? Can you say, like one of old.

“Our soul is escaped, as a bird, out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we are escaped?” Psa. 124:7.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 06/23/1946

Jesus Died for Me

I love to sing of that great power

That made the earth and sea;

But better still I love the song

Of “Jesus died for me.”

I love to sing of shrub and flower,

Of field, and plant, and tree:

The sweetest note forever is,

That “Jesus died for me.”

I love to hear the little birds

Attune their notes with glee;

But larks and linnets never heard

That “Jesus died for me.”

I love to think of angel’s songs,

From sill and sorrow free;

But angels cannot strike their notes

To “Jesus died for me.”

I love to know the time shall come

When man shall happy be:

But I am happy NOW, because

My “Jesus died for me.”

And when I reach that happy place

From all temptation free,

I’ll swell the everlasting choir

With “Jesus died for me.”

ML 06/23/1946

The Serpent on a Pole

John 3:1 1-1 5

The man who came to Jesus at night did not understand how God could give new life to people (v. 9), and Jesus spoke to him of the people poisoned by the serpents in the desert, and given life. Do you know the story?

The large company of Israelites were traveling through the desert land near the Red Sea, and they were very tired of the unpleasant way. They spoke against God and against Moses who told them God’s words: they said they would die there, that there was no water or bread, for they were tired of the bread sent by God from heaven.

God showed them it was their sins that caused death, by sending fiery serpents which bit them and many died. The rest cried for God to save them, and He told Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and anyone bitten, when he looked to that serpent, should five.

Moses made the serpent as God said, and put it on a pole where the people could see it, and any man bitten when he looked to the brass serpent was saved from the poison and lived.

Jesus told the man that as that serpent was lifted up, “even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” He was telling him of His own death before it came: He, the One from Heaven, would be lifted up on a pole or cross, the most shameful of deaths, and despised as a serpent.

The serpent on the pole had no poon, but made like those serpents; Jesus was without sin, but took all sin upon Himself.

A bitten by a serpent, who believed God’s words and looked to the serpent of brass, was given life awhile longer on earth, but Jesus said “whosoever believeth in Him (looked up on the cross) should not perish, but have eternal life.” That means have a life without an end, the life given by the Spirit, v. 6.

Do you suppose there was one, of the bitten persons who did not turn eyes to look to the brass serpent when heard that God said he should live if he would look? We do not know it is only told that any man bitten “when he looked to the serpent of brass lived.”

But there are some persons now who have heard God’s words of the One lifted up on the cross, who have not yet believed and “looked” to Him save them from sin’s poison; that is most serious.

Do you suppose all are not bitten by the “serpent” sin, and not “poisoned” by sin? The people in the desert were not stealing or what you may call sin, but they had not liked God’s way nor His words, nor the food He sent them, and complained. as though He would not care for them.

Our hearts are the same as theirs, if we do not want God’s way, nor words, nor Christ Who came so humble; we too must perish, except we believe God to “look” to His Son in His death for us.

ML 06/23/1946

Niagara Falls

What a wonderful scene this is of God’s creation! How one is struck with awe as he watches the waters tumbling over the great precipice, and hears the solemn roar!

“The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth: by understanding hath he established the heavens.” Prov. 3:19.

Some who visit Niagara Falls, become so fascinated with the surroundings, and not content with continually gazing on the roaring waters, venture into the treacherous stream, and the waters claim them as their own, and they are swept away to their doom by the invisible current.

Dear reader, how much this is like the case of so many poor sinners. They become fascinated with the pleasures of sin, engross themselves in them, are swept away into everlasting perdition.

There is only One, dear children, who can save us from this terrible place, and 1 and sure you have heard of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of all who will come to Him and put their trust in Him. He is willing and able and “mighty to save”.

Do come to Him now. Put your full trust in Him. Do not wait until it is too late.

“Come now, and let us reason tether, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.

ML 06/30/1946

God a Giver

We are told that at the time of the Reformation, when Bibles were very scarce, a little girl, passing through the printing office where they were being printed, picked up a small piece of paper, and read, “God so loved the world that He gave.”

This was all, but it brought new light to her heart. It presented God as a giver. She read it over and over again. She put it in her bosom, 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 searching discovered the verse, and were overwhelmed with joy when read what He had given.

“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 06/30/1946

"If Jesus Loves You, Why Don't You Love Him?"

Little Marian lived with her pious grandmother and she asked the above question of a gentleman used to visit at her home. This Mr. P. in his youth had not been a professing Christian. Whether he had really been a true child of God, we cannot decide; but at the time in which we write, he was a rich prosperous man. Like the thorny ground hearer in the parable (see Mark 4:18).

“The care of this world and deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word and he becometh unfruitful,” so it was with him, and he did not look happy.

Perhaps it was by his looks Marian judged of his thoughts. Whatever the reason was, she seemed, to shrink from him, and all his efforts to win the friendship of this engaging girl were quite in vain.

At last one day he took her hand and said gently, “Marian, dear, how is it that yet always seem afraid of me? I was a friend of your father and mother, and I know your grandmother quite well and none of them have ever been afraid of me, why are you?”

Marian reddened, and looked confused at first; and then said very seriously,

“Mr. P., you do not pray to God and you do not love Jesus.”

A tear fell from her blue eyes as and her listener sat dumb she as spoke, before her.

So she went on,

“Why don’t you love Jesus, Mr. P.? When dear papa was dying, he said he would not for all the world part with the love of Jesus. And grandma teaches me every day to pray to Jesus, because He loves me, and loves everybody. If Jesus loves you, why, don’t you love Him?”

All the answer that Mr. P. could give was this,

“Well, well, Marian, I understand you now. I must talk with you about it some other time. I am not such a bad man, darling, as you seem to think.”

He could not forget her words, and they led to his taking from its shelf his long-neglected Bible, and reading it carefully. Presently he went down on his knees, and confessed his sins to God; and He who says,

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” received and blessed the repentant man, and he became a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He always said that the short sermon of his true little friend, Marian, had been blessed to his soul.

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

ML 06/30/1946

The Robbed Nest

I am thinking of a Sunday afternoon, when as a boy, I robbed a robin’s nest and went off to Sunday school with the eggs in my pocket.

I was very unhappy, for I knew I had done wrong. The teacher spoke that afternoon about Achan, who hid the piece of stolen gold in his tent, and then he made us all repeat the text, “Be sure your sin will find you out.”

I was very miserable, and all the following night I woke up in starts, imagining I was being pursued by an angel with a drawn sword in his hand. That sleepless night, haunted by the remembrance of my sin, was as a foretaste of hell to me. I never forgot it, nor could I ever rest again until I was converted to the Lord.

What it must be to bear the pangs of an accusing conscience forever, with the remembrance of sins and their remorse in hell, only the lost know, but I had what I believe to be a foretaste of it that night. Sins are often sweet to the taste when committed, but O, the bitter, bitter end. Christ died to save you from their doom, and to deliver you from their practice.

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

ML 06/30/1946

Good News

Good News! the blessed tidings hear,

And listen to it, children dear;

Though “Little Ones,” it is for you,

And every precious word is true.

The news is this—God’s only Son,

The holy, blessed, spotless One,

Into this sinful world has been,

And died upon the cross for sin.

And now God sends the tidings forth,

To the remotest parts of earth,

That all who now in Christ believe,

Life, joy, and peace, at once receive.

‘Tis no hard work He bids you do,

But to believe the record true,

Which in His holy word is given,

Of how a child may get to heaven.

And, children dear, the Lord loves you,

Just now, as when on earth below;

Then trust His all atoning blood,

Which brings the guilty nigh to God.

And you who have, through grace believed,

Are with the Holy Spirit sealed;

So live to Him who for you died,

Who for your sins was crucified.

ML 06/30/1946

The Most Wonderful Words

John 3:16-21

If you were asked what were the most wonderful words ever written as said on earth, what would you say? Many would answer with these words which most of you can repeat:

“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.”

Who said those words? The Lord Jesus said them to the wise man who came to Him at night, and they have been written for all to know. There are many reasons that make them the most wonderful words; first, that they are true words, said by One Who knew and had authority: then they are meant for all,—for the people then and the people ever since, and they were given so simply all can understand; then it is the same Gift for all, and the same way to receive it.

We do not think what a blessed and wonderful promise “everlasting life” is, because we know only our short life here, and which we think will go on and on with sunshine, air and all we need. But because of sin, life here ends, but everyone has a soul which could not be in God’s presence because of sin, except He gives life.

That is what to “perish” means in Jesus words,—to be away from God in darkness, and that forever. He had already shown the man he talked with, that all had sinned, like the people in the desert. That God sent His Son to save all, shows all have sinned. The word “whosoever,” means it is for any person and every person.

That is one reason this gift is wonderful, the people to receive it is have not done anything to deserve it, would perish forever except He gave the gift. It would have been wonderful if God had offered to save one nation but He offers to save all who will accept His gift, His Son, in Him to have everlasting life.

God has given all the natural life we have here, “He giveth to all, life, and breath and all things” (Acts 17:25-28), how surely eternal life must be from Him. When the first man and woman sinned, God gave promise of One to come to save; Adam believed such a Living One would come, so did all who believed God’s words after him.

The Lord Jesus was that Living One Who has come: say His words over and over,

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” until you know you have believed Him, for after those words, He told the other man of words not so pleasant, yet which we must know, too.

He said, “He that believeth is not condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

To condemn means for a judge to say a person is guilty of wrong and will be punished: so God has said everyone who does not believe His Son is guilty, punishment is waiting, not because of the things they have done, because they do not believe His Son the Lord Jesus.

ML 06/30/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And they,etc. Mark 4:41

2.“And Jesus,” etc. 11:22

3.“And he, casting,” etc. 10:50

4.“And it was,” etc. 15:25

5.“For what, etc. 8:36

6.“And in the,” etc. 1:35

7.“Mary Magdalene. 16:9

Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

Write in the full verses with the words,

1.“If any man thirst.”

2.“This is the work of God.”

3.“Were made by Him.”

4.“That are in the graves.”

5.“I gave unto them eternal life,”

6. “Gave His only begotten Son.”

7. Who sat on Jacob’s well?

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Murder. Mark 15:7.

2.He wept. Mark 14:72.

3.He who betrayed the Lord. Mark 14:21.

4.The unbelief of the Pharisees. Mark 8:11-12,

5.Thru, their traditions. Mark 7:13.

6.The woman with the issue. Mark 5:33.

7.“Take heed what ye hear.” Mark 4:24.

Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class.”

The Answers are to be found in John Chapters 1-10

1.Whom did Jesus call gods?

2.What did the man, once blind know?

3.What was necessary before the Holy Ghost could be given?

4.How were they going to make Jesus a king.

5.What was Jesus’ meat?

6.Who said, “We have found Him?”

7.What is the “work of God?”

ML 07/07/1946

The Rainy Day

As the time drew near for the children to be let out of school, the rain began to come down so fast that roads were soon covered with water, so the mammas and older sisters went as fast as they could to the little country schoolhouse with umbrellas and extra coverings for the children.

What thoughtfulness and kindness, with those mammas and sisters to go through the rain so as to shelter the others. Some had better shelter than others, because of the difference of circumstances at home, but the mamma’s did the best they could.

What a lesson we may gather from this of the thoughtfulness and love of God. He looked down on men on the earth and saw what their state of ruin was, and the awful judgment that must follow, because He is holy and righteous; but as God is love as well, He sent down His Son, who was willing to come to die in our place, to be forsaken of God with all the load our sins upon Him, so that we might protected from that awful storm judgment which we deserved for our sins. If love is seen in protecting the children from the rain, and going through it in order to get them, how much greater is the love of God His Son, when He braved the storm, for us by entering into the, distance that sin had put us from God. O, dear reader, have you responded to such love as that? Have you thanked Him and gladly confessed Him to others as your Lord and Saviour? If you have not, may you do so now, and be proud of Him, seeing He has loved you so much.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father, which is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32, 33.

ML 07/07/1946

Little May's Song

A happy little maiden

Was singing at her play,

“I know that Jesus loves me

Has washed my sins away.”

A poor old man was passing,

And stopped to hear her sing,

“What is it that makes you happy,

You cheery little thing?

If only I were younger,

And death were not so nigh,

I’m very, very fearful

That soon I’ll have to die,

My happy days are over,

Because I’m getting old.”

May’s eves were opened wider,

Surprise had made her bold.

“Why should you be unhappy,

For if you are forgiven

(They surely can’t have told you)

You soon will be in heaven?

Why, if you love the Saviour,

You’d surely want to go

To that bright, golden city—

It’s better there, you know:

There is no pain nor sadness,

But all is bright and fair,

And all the street is golden

And you’ll see Jesus there.”

The old man’s heart was broken,

And tears ran down his face,

No! No! I’ve heard it often,

I’ve spurned the day of Grace!”

May’s tender heart was troubled,

She did not understand,

She said, “I am so sorry,

Here, take hold of my hand,

I wish you knew it sooner,

We’ll ask in Jesus Name.

He is so kind and loving,

He’ll take you just the same,

He says that him that cometh

He never will cast out.”

The old man prayed with sobbing,

“No longer, Lord, I’ll doubt,

I’ll trust Thee to receive me,

And cleanse me from my sin.”

Salvation’s door was open,

The old man stepped within.

ML 07/07/1946

Happiness

The girlie in our picture is the essence of happiness and contentment. What a fine bunch of pussy-willows she has gathered. I wonder to whom she is taking them, perhaps to mother. How very pleased she will he at the thoughtfulness of her little daughter,—a token of love surely.

Don’t you think, dear children, that God’s heart must be pained when He sees boys and girls, whom He loves so dearly, and for whom He gave His dear Son, that they might know Him as their Saviour, going from day to day without caring a bit for Him, so ungrateful that they have never loved Him, nor even thanked Him, from their hearts, for giving Jesus to be their Saviour? What a precious gift!

Will you accept Him today, as your own dear Saviour? This alone brings true happiness. Then you can sing from the heart,

O, I am so happy in Jesus,

From sin and from judgment set free;

So happy that He is my Saviour,

So happy that Jesus loves me.

“GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 3:16.

ML 07/07/1946

In the Country of Judea

John 3:22-36

Jesus left the city, Jeruselem, and went to the country places where there may have been villages, but where the people could come to Him out of doors. It may have been near the Jordan River or a smaller river which flows in, as there was water for the disciples to baptize the people. It is said that Jesus did not Himself baptize, but His disciples (John 4:2).

The word “baptize” means to overwhelm and taught the people that they deserved death because of sins, But also taught of Jesus’ death for them and of His resurrection, as they would later know.

The prophet John was at a place near, called Enon, where there was much water, and he baptized those who came to him. The location of these places is not known now, but show us that both the Lord Jesus and John, His messenger, were in all parts of the land, and all could have heard them. This seems to have been just before John was unjustly put in prison.

So many people went to Jesus, that some men seemed to think that John would be grieved, and came to tell him. But John answered them as he had before, that he was not the Great One to come, that he was only sent before Him to tell of Him.

John spoke of himself as that “friend” of Christ, the “bridegroom”. John had done all he had been told; and his joy was fulfilled to hear His voice. People who believe Christ are spoken of in the Bible as “the bride”.

John again spoke of Jesus as “He that cometh from above and “is above all.” He said whoever believed Him “set to his seal that God is true.”

Kings and others used to have their name or a certain design on a ring or piece of metal, which could he press, upon wax or other substance, sealing; important writing, to show they gavr authority or approval to the contents Legal papers now have a stamp or seal put on them, and seals are much spoken of in the Bible (Esther 3:12; 8:8).

God has sent out the most important of all messages, saying He has sent His Son to the world to take the judgement for sin; and that all have sinned. He offers to free each person who believes His Son. Each one may “set his seal” to that, showing his agreement.

How can this be done? It cannot mean each puts a mark on the paper of his Bible. No, these are the words

“He that bath received His (Christ’s testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true.”

The testimony of Christ was that had sent Him and why He came believe His testimony, we believe (God’s Son), and that we are sinners He came to save. So when in your heart you believe the Lord Jesus, that He took your place to suffer for you, you are really saying,

“All God’s words are true”, and that is like a seal, and shows you agree.

ML 07/07/1946

The Temptations of the Devil

These pigs are being driven to market.

Rowland Hill, a Christian who was an earnest preacher, told that he once met a drove of pigs on one of the narrow streets of a large town, and, to his surprise, they were not driven, like these we see today, but quietly followed their leader.

That singular fact excited his curiosity, and he pursued them, until they ill quietly entered the place where they were to be butchered. He asked the man how he succeeded in getting the poor, stupid, stubborn pigs so willingly to follow him, and he told him the secret.

He had a bag of beans under his arm, and kept dropping them as he went along, and so they followed after him, picking up the beans, though not knowing where their journey would end.

“Ah my, dear friends,” said Rowland Hill, “the devil has, his bag of beans, and he knows how to suit his temptations to everyone. He drops them by the way, and the unsaved are led captive, and, if grace does not prevent, he will lead them into their doom, and keep them there forever.”

How very different this is from the “Good Shepherd” and His Sheep. He goes before the sheep, and they follow Him, for they know His voice, He knows them every one, and they are not, like the poor pigs, being lured to their death; but He gives His sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of His loving hand (John 10).

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” Prov. 4:14.

ML 07/14/1946

Time

What is the time please?” I wonder how many times in the day that question is asked and answered after a glance at the clock!

It is “time to get up” or “time to go to school” or “dinner time” — and all through the day there is a time for everything we do.

In Eccl. 3:1, 2 we read “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;” and the following verses in that chapter tell us of other things for which there is a set time.

But we do not need to look at the clock or the calendar to see if it is the correct time for the most important event in our lives, for

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

If any of the boys and girls who are reading this paper have not yet had their sins washed away, do not wait any longer. The Word of God, in Hosea 10:12, tells us

“It is time to seek the Lord,” and if you put it off until tomorrow it may be too late.

“Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1.

ML 07/14/1946

Little Frank's Gospel

One sunny autumn day little Frank was sauntering back from school when, as he neared his home, he saw Eliza, the wife of one of his father’s servants, dragging along a large branch of a tree which the wind a few days before had blown down for it had been very stormy.

“Let me help you, Eliza,” said kind-hearted boy; and thereupon he lifted up the other end of the thus lightening the burden for her.

“Thank you, Master Frank,” said the woman. “Ah! if you could help, me to bear my burden of sins, that would be a comfort. But here I dragging them about day after day and every day they grow heavier.

“But, Eliza,” said the child, “mama says we don’t need to carry any of the burden of our sins. Jesus Christ has carried it all for us, if we believe on Him.”

“Ah!” said Eliza, as she related the story, “that minute I saw it all. I had been trying to bear my own sins, when the Bible says, ‘Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree. I went home just believing this, and I have been happy ever since.”

“Christ died for our sins,” 1 Cor. 15:3.

ML 07/14/1946

Is it Possible for Me to Know That I Have Everlasting Life?

If I could have a chat with some of you dear children I believe I might find many of you would like to have an answer to this most important question: “Is it possible to me to know that I have Everlasting Life?”

I feel pretty sure some of you would tell me that you have heard it is quite impossible to know such a thing down here, and that it would be great presumption for any to say they did know it.

Thinking then about you, and much wishing you all to know what God says about it, makes me write for you anecdote about dear Dorothy.

It was during the time she lay very ill on one of the days when she was suffering from great weakness, so much so that it was difficult for her to converse at all, that a visitor called to see her.

Speaking to the dear friend who was nursing her, the visitor mentioned the death of someone in the next village, saying,

“I hope it is all right with him; but of course no one can know;” or words to that effect.

Dorothy, hearing the visitor’s remark, and making a great effort to speak, answered, O! but we can know, I know that I have everlasting life.”

This same visitor had been struck with the patience and happiness of dear Dorothy during her painful illness, and turning to her now, she said gently,

“No, dear! How can you know that? un one does.”

“Yes, I do,” Dorothy answered, “because God says, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

She was too exhausted to say anymore; but it was enough, for it was God’s own word; and she, dear child, was resting upon it, and so knew that she had EVEN NOW everlasting life.

I do want you, dear children, to notice also how clear this truth is; so dear that none need make any mistake as to it. God says that the one. who believes on Him “HAS EVERLASTING LIFE;” not hopes to have, but has it now, and is passed out of one state into another; is passed from death unto life.”

So that the child who simply believes what God says, has the happy assurance which this precious verse gives to the believer in it.

I feel that God has had it written so clearly for you, and so simply too, that any further words of mine would only spoil it; therefore, dear children, I leave it with you, praying that God may carry it home to many a young heart by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“God so loved the world, that gave He His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should nut perish, but have Everlasting Life. John 3:16.

“I give unto them (My sheep) Eternal Life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:28.

“This is the record that God hat+ given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

“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 5:11, 13.

ML 07/14/1946

I am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

Trusting only Thee!

Trusting Thee for full salvation,

Great and free.

I am trusting Thee for pardon,

At Thy feet I bow;

For Thy grace and tender mercy

Trusting now.

I am trusting Thee for cleansing

In the crimson flood;

Trusting Thee to make me spotless

By Thy blood.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

Never let me fall;

I am trusting Thee forever

And for all.

ML 07/14/1946

A Talk at Well

John 4:1-29

Long ago, wells in hilly lands were made with great labor, but when carefully walled with stone on the inside, and a low wall built around the top outside, they lasted many years.

One day the Lord Jesus and the disciples were on the way from Judea to Galilee and came to such a well, made by Jacob hundreds of years bore. It was about “the sixth hour”, near noon, and the disciples went on to a town to buy food and Jesus sat at the well to rest.

A woman came with water jugs to get water, and Jesus asked her to give Him a drink. That surprised her, because she saw by His dress or appearance that He was a Jew, who were descended from Jacob’s son, Judah, and did not talk or deal with her people, who were of other sons of Jacob, but long before had rebelled against the king and would not worship God as He had said (1 Kings 12).

But Jesus had come for good to all, though to the Jews first, and He wanted to bless the woman: if she had known Who He was, she would have known it was a favor to her if she could give Him a drink of water. He told her if she knew Who asked her for a drink, she would ask Him for “living water”.

She thought He meant water from the well, and she said, “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with and the well is deep: from whence hast thou living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well?”

She did not then know He could have commanded the water of the well to come to Him, since all things obeyed His word, though it is not told He ever used His power for Himself, always for others. He was far greater than Jacob, who was the same as other men.

He did not yet tell her Who he, was but told her more of the “living water.” He said all who drank from that well would thirst again, but He said

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst: the water that I shall give him slia:1 be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Wells are supplied by springs in the ground, so the life He would give by the Spirit, she could not see, but it would be in her forever.

But the woman still thought of real water, and that she would not need to carry more, which was a hard task: she said,

“Sir, give me this water that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

Jesus wanted her to think of what she needed far more than water for her thirst or for her house; she had sins which would keep her forever from God, except she had new life from Him, He spoke of her life and her wrong ways. It was as a miracle to her that He, a stranger, knew her past life and her sins, and she said, “Sir, I perceive thou art a prophet”. (One whom God had told events).

She knew the promise of the One to come, and said, “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ. when He is come, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said, “I that speak unto thee am He.”

ML 07/1

The Young Birds

Have you noticed young birds calling for food? How pitiful it seems, but most likely the mother bird has gone to find some food.

Such is God’s way of taking care of these young birds.

“He giveth to the beast His food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Psa. 147:9.

Then again another scripture says, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have store house nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke 12.24.

God, who is the Creator of all things, is the One who takes care of His creatures, but He lets us know there that we are of greater value than the fowls, and that is why He sent a Saviour for us, for we live forever. If we were to pass into eternity with all of our sins upon us, we would be banished from God’s presence; but if we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we are saved for the glory, and to spend eternity with Him.

We can easily count upon Him to supply all our needs, seeing that He gave His only Son for us. Trust Him as your Saviour, dear children, and trust Him for all things.

“BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, AND WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS.” Jer. 17:7.

ML 07/21/1946

"He Has Saved Me"

It was not a cathedral, where the congregation had assembled on that Sunday afternoon — not even a village church or a Gospel Hall. It was but a rude hut, the roof composed of dried leaves, raised in the center, and sloping on either side and supported by rough, wooden posts.

Thus, the “chapel” was open on all sides, except where at the far end was built a little anteroom, which served as the preacher’s bedroom, and was also used for private conversation and prayer.

This was Central Africa, and in the congregation, there was only one white man, the missionary himself. Around him sat dusky men and women, some half-clad, others, the Christians, in simple and bright-colored garments.

Suddenly, in the midst of the service, there came an interruption! Someone had crept in at the back—a man of lighter complexion than the rest, with yellow, tawny skin, fierce staring eyes, unkept hair, terrible to look upon! But the stranger, though of such menacing appearance, seemed ill at ease, and the preacher, noticing it, made a sign that room should be found for him to sit down.

The service continued, but the missionary could not forget the stranger. He knew by his lighter color and by his general appearance that he was forest dweller, a hunter of elephants, and other wild animals, one of the fierce brave people who dwelt in the heart of the lonely forest, and who seldom, if ever, visited the villages lying on its borders.

Something — Some One, seemed tell the missionary that this man, was hearing the gospel for the first time, and probably for the last time. It was the voice of the Holy Spirit whispered to him to preach to this poor savage as if he were the only one present, to tell him of One Who loved him, Who had died for him, Who was even now by his side, ready to listen to his prayer ready to save him, if he would but ask!

“It does not matter,” cried the preacher, “what your past life has been no one is too bad. The Lord Jesus can save you—now!”

The service ended, and the missionary asked any who wished to accept Christ, or who needed help, to raise their hand, Immediately the stranger’s, hand was held up, and when asked if he wanted to be saved he said, “I have accepted Jesus now. While you were speaking—I asked Him- and He has saved me!”

It was true! The wild, lawless hunter, who had been living in darkness greater even than the gloom of forest home, had found the Lord Jesus Christ and, he is now witnessing for Him among his own people.

But what had led him to make this (his first) journey to that village? He could only tell the missionary that he felt compelled to come; that some power seemed to draw him, that a voice seemed to call to him—to urge him, on and on, till at last he found himself within reach of the Gospel!

The Good Shepherd, who knows each sheep, who misses even one black one, had Himself gone after the lost one had called him, and brought him, rejoicing— home!

He learned of Jesus who gave Himself for such as he, and he now knew was saved by His death, and that He is in heaven for him, “I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

ML 07/21/1946

Thou God Seest Me

Where has two-year-old brother gone? Just a short while ago he was in the room, but now he is nowhere to be seen! On calling there was no response so Mother and Big Brother went to look for him. From room to room they went till at last he was found in Mother’s bedroom hiding behind the door. A dresser drawer was open and he had some treasures in his hand which he was trying to hide!

When Mother scolded him, four-year-old brother remarked,

“That’s just like Adam and Eve, isn’t it Mother? When God wasn’t looking, they took some fruit and then they hid behind a tree.”

But Big Brother forgets that,

“He sees what we do

He hears what we say

“My Lord is watching all the time,” as we sometimes sing.

We read in God’s Word, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3.

So we should remember that everything we do is seen by the eye of God, and in the coming day we shall be judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their acts.” Rev. 20:12.

But now while it is the “day of salvation,” you may have those sins washed away in the precious blood of Jesus, and then your name will he “written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 21:27.

ML 07/21/1946

A Twelve Year Old Missionary

Years ago when Robert Moffat was in Africa, he traveled far into the interior. One day he came to a tree upon which a board was fixed, saying that a Christian school was to be found in a village not far away. He was amazed, for he believed himself to be the first white man in that part. Making his way toward the village, he met a little native girl, to whom he said, “I saw a board that told me there was a Christian school held in the village. Would you be so good as to lead me to the teacher?”

The little girl hung her head and made no reply.

“Do you know the teacher?” he asked. Looking up into his face, but still shyly, she answered, “I am the teacher.”

Mr. Moffat discovered that the little girl had been taken to a distant tribe, there she heard a missionary tell the people of the love of Jesus, and she had taken Him as her Saviour and had now become the first missionary to her own people.

Would you not like to tell others of the Saviour you have, that others may accept Him and rejoice in Him, who so loved them?

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

“But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32.

ML 07/21/1946

Water Jars Left

John 4:30-42

The woman to whom the Lord Jesus talked at Jacob’s well was so eager for her friends to see and know Him that she left her water jars to carry another time, so she could go more quickly to tell them.

While she was gone, Jesus talked to the disciples who wanted Him to eat of the food they had bought: He was so glad to have one believe His words as the woman had, and because He knew others there would believe too, that He felt satisfied without food.

He spoke of a harvest time, and told His disciples to lift up their eyes and look on the fields, “for they are white already to harvest.” Jesus meant there were people in that land who were ready to believe on Him as the woman did; they would be as a “harvest” to be gathered in for God, and the disciples were not to wait to go to tell them of Him.

The persons the woman told about Jesus, soon came to the well: she had said to them, “Come see a man that told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ?” They knew the Messiah, or Christ, had been promised to come to earth to save from sin, and they too had sins like the woman. Her honest words made them want to see this Holy One, and they came promptly.

It is not told what the Lord Jesus said to them, but they also believed. Him the Christ, and invited Him to come into the town to visit them. They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have seen Him ourselves and know this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

Those people did not then know that Jesus must give His life to be their, Saviour and the Saviour of the world, but they were glad He had come to earth. After He had given His life on the cross to suffer for all, and had, risen and returned to Heaven, some of the disciples went to the towns of Samaria and told the people more about Him. Many more then believed and there was great joy for such a Saviour. They were a part of the “harvest” for God, as Jesus told the disciples.

It is not easy work to gather groin, in the warm harvest time, and the disciples walked many miles to tell people, of Christ. Now there are very many people to be told of Him, perhaps our own friends. Do you suppose we are as earnest and willing to leave our work of pleasure, as that woman who, left her water jars, to tell her friends quickly of Christ? Although water was so necessary to her, she knew it was more needed for them to know the One to save them from sins.

That woman also learned that day that it was not just at one certain mountain that God could be honored but Jesus told her that God wanted true praise, or worship, wherever the people were, and that would be by His Holy Spirit, who teaches His words.

ML 07/21/1946

Are You One of Jesus' Lambs?

Most little children are fond of looking at a flock of sheep. How happy the little lambs appear as they gaol and skin about. It is a pretty sight, and as one thinks of it, we feel how good it is of the Lord to compare his people so often to sheep and lambs, He said, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

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

Every day He keeps calling young and old to come to Him, and He never turns one away. Have you come, dear child? Are you one of Jesus’ lambs? Would you like to be? Do you say, Yes?

O, come then, come to Him now, for His love to little children is the same as when He said,

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

Delay no longer. Come now! Jesus will welcome you, pardon you, save you, feed you, take care of you, both now and forever, then you will be able to say:

“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT.— Psalms 23:1

ML 07/28/1946

What Can Wash Away Stains?

It all depends upon what kind of a stain you want washed away.

If you had a fall in the mud and your face is stained with dirt, soap and water will cleanse it.

If you have brushed against some wet paint, a little turpentine will remove the stain.

If you have inked your fingers while writing in your copy-book, rub them with pumice-stone and the stain will soon disappear, if it is tar that has blackened your hand, ask mother for a piece of butter, it will make your hand clear again.

But if you say that it is not your hands or face that are stained, but your soul, and that it is sin which has caused the stain, then there is only one thing that can wash it away before God. Do you know what it is?

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

ML 07/28/1946

Willing and Able to Save

One afternoon, I was sitting at the end of the long jetty, occupied with the various sights and sounds around.

All at once a loud splash was heard, followed by shriek after shriek. Quickly leaving my seat, I rushed to the edge of the jetty, and leaning over the parapet looked down into the sea. What do you think I saw? A little boy lying motionless on the surface of the water, and being gradually carried by the tide further—further away. He had been fishing and having had a “big bite,” got so excited that he forgot how near he was to the edge, and fell over, and soon lost consciousness. What a pitiful object! What a picture of our own natural state! In danger without knowing it, and without any power to help ourselves. Truly, all would be over with us, unless salvation had come through, another.

The screams which had alarmed a had come from the little boy’s nure. who, in her frantic terror, did not stun to think of the best way to save him: but taking hold of just anything which came to hand, she threw out to the drowning child first a spool of thread, then a newspaper, then a walking—stick; all of which were, of course, of no use, whatever, for each fell in the water a long way from the boy, nor could any of them have borne his weight, even if he had had the power to grasp them. Even a strong rope thrown to his very side would have been of no value, because he had no the power to avail himself of it. He was perfectly helpless!

Will my young readers turn to Romans 5, and read there four things which we are said to be? “Sinners,” “ungodly,” “enemies” (perhaps you are ready enough to own these three things, that you have sinned, and are ungodly, and an enemy of God), but now let us come to the fourth thing “without strength.” Not only is the sinner deeply sunk in sin, but powerless to better his condition one degree. All his struggles can only increase wretchedness of his state. But to return to our narrative.

While all this was going on a man had divested himself of his coat, and then jumping into the sea, swam swiftly to the little boy, and lifting him in his strong arms, placed him safely in boat which came up at that moment. Thus the child’s life was saved, Yes “Saved,” but how? By his own, endeavors? By the well-meant but ill-advised measures of the nurse? No; but by the strong-arms of one who was both willing and able to save him.

I would ask all my young readers who are not yet saved, to remember that far greater danger to which they are exposed, unless the Lord Jesus has rescued them — the danger of judgment— eternal judgment. And I would invite them to come to the Saviour, and let Him save them. He is both willing, and able. Why be lost, with such a Saviour close at hand?

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

ML 07/28/1946

Saved in the Hay Field

At a gathering of Christians, a farmer’s boy told the story of his conversion as follows,

“We were working with the hay. I had been attending meengs held by an evangelist for two weeks, and was very much troubled about my soul. Three at our farm were saved, and they sang all day. I was miserable. At dinner-time I sat alone, and I suppose the others saw what was wrong with me. One who had been my companion in sin, came across to where I sat, and said: “Jamie, you will never be happy till you are saved. You should just take Jesus, and be like the rest of us.”

“How did you take Him?” I asked, “for the ‘taking’ was the difficulty with me.” I just said: “If Jesus saves sinners, I am sinner, and He’ll it save me.” I took Him by believing He died for me, just for myself, as if there had been no other. I saw then what was meant by ‘taking’ Jesus. And without saying anything to anybody I ‘took’ Him that afternoon, and I knew I was saved. I could not keep it to myself. I told Jamie as we went home, and we rejoiced together. Many happy days we have been together since then in the service of the Lord, and we have seen others take Jesus since then.”

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

ML 07/28/1946

In the Shepherd's Bosom

There is a special blessedness in being saved in early days—a place of peculiar nearness to Jesus, that only those who become His in youthful years, have the promise of receiving. Concerning those who are in early days converted, and brought into His flock, it is said,

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

Those “little ones who believe in Him” He takes into this place of spial affection, near to His heart, and carries them safely along the way to the home of His love in heaven.

What a mistake for little boys and girls to refuse such a place, and to say they will come to Jesus when they are older. Even were this possible—and it is not always so, for they sometimes die—they lose the special place that the Shepherd would have given them, had they but come to Him when they were “little children.”

To those who are His own, He says, “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you, for His name’s sake,” 1 John 2:12.

ML 07/28/1946

A Boy Made Well

John 4:43-54

There is not much told about this boy, only that he was so sick, he was “at the point of death”, then suenly he was made well, His home was in a town near the Sea of Galilee, and it must have been a good home, for his father was a noblan, one in a high position with the ruler, but the best home cannot keep illness or death away.

It is not told if this man had seen Jesus, but he had heard of the great things He had done in Jerusalem, and that He was on the way back to Galilee, and he thought He could save his son, and started himSelf to ask Him.

It was at the town of Cana that the father met Jesus, and begged Him to come to heal his son. The location of the towns is not certain now, so we do not know just the distance, but it was not very near, as the man could. not get back that same night, All the people were anxious for Jesus to do for them, without thinking much of Who He must be, or of bow caress they had been of God’s words: and Jesus said to the man, “Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not bieve.”

Still the man thought only of his sick son and said, “Sir, come down ere my child die.”

The Lord Jesus cured the boy, though He did not go with the father; He simply said to him, “Go thy way; thy son liveth.”

The man believed the words of Jesus, and did not keep on asking Him to come with him, but started back to his home. The next day as he was returning, servants from his home came to him and said, “Thy son liveth!”

The father at once asked they: what hour his boy became better, ay they told him, the hour the fever him, and the man knew that was time Jesus said to him in Cana, “The son liveth.”

When the man told his family and the servants what Jesus had said, they all believed on Him, and later when Jesus was in that town and near there so much, they must have gone to see Him, and to hear His words and they learned of Him as the One to save their souls from God’s punishment of sins, that would be more wonderful to know.

It is hard to have fevers and pains or to see those we love ill, as that was, yet the time has not come for all to be free of illness. This teaches us that even then, God wanted the people who knew His words to think more of Who had come to earth, His Son, than of cures for themselves. Though His word tells to ask His help in all troubles and to trust His will.

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

In what town did the boy live? (John 4:46).

This was the second miracle Jesus did in Galilee; what was the first miracle? (John 2:11; 4:46, 54).

ML 07/28/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And, behold,” etc. Luke 1:31

2.“Then said,” etc. 3:7

3.“Be ye,” etc. 12:40

4.“Saying, The,” etc. 9:22

5.“And He said,” etc. 7:50

6.“And He put,” etc. 5:13

7.“The men of Nineveh.” 11:32

Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John. Chapters 11-21

Write in full the verses with the words,

1.ome from God, and went to God,”

2.“Said unto them, Whom seek ye?”

3.“Them also which shall believe.”

4.“Without Me ye can do nothing.”

5.“Lazarus, come forth.”

6.“Written, that ye might believe.”

7.What was the writing that Pilate put on the cross?

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Zacharius and Elizabeth. Luke 1:13.

2.Joseph. Luke 3:23; Mary. Luke 2:5-7.

3.The centurion, Luke 7:9.

4.The gospel choked out by cares, riches, and pleasures. Luke 8:14.

5.Moses and Elijah. Luke 9:30.

6.Putting his hand to the plow and looking backward. Luke 9:62.

7.That He would thrust forth laborers into His harvvest. Luke 10:2.

Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

1.Did Jesus teach openly or in secret?

2.What could not even the world itself contain?

3.Quote the shortest verse in the Bible

4.What was Jesus’ commandment?

5.What did the Lord promise should happen to his own in the world?

6.What sanctifies the believer?

7.For what hour did Christ come into world?

ML 08/04/1946

Bearing Precious Seed

What a pleased and happy look this dear boy has on his face as he carries home to Mother his bag of vegetables! We can irnagine that early in spring he and Daddy had planted the potatoes, carrots, beets and other garden plants and that all summer long they had worked hard all, and toiled keeping down the weeds, hoeing, watering and in many other ways caring for their garden. But now is the harvest time and so with real joy and pleasure this little boy is carrying hone his heavy load of good things for all the family to enjoy.

Thus it will be with those who seek to sow the precious seed of the Word—that is, to tell others of the blessed. Saviour Who came to die for sinner, and Who invites boys and girls to come to Him and receive His wonderful gift of eternal life.

Grace and Margaret were two little girls who sought to do this. One day they came running home to their, mamma saying,

“O mamma, we’ve been telling our little playmate all about Jesus, and we want to give him a tract so he might get saved.”

Their mamma found a Sunday school, paper to give him, and back they ran to their little friend. Knowing he was too little to read, they waited till mamma came and gave it to her, so could she could read it to him.

The Bible says, “My word shall not return unto Me void,” Isa. 55:11, and again in Psa. 126:6 we read,

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

We hope little Grace and Margaret will continue to bear precious seed for the blessed Lord, and never be ashamed to tell of the One Who loved them and lave Himself for them.

May each one of you boys and girls who know Jesus as your own Saviour, seek to tell others of the precious Savur, that they, too, may be saved.

A very small girl was one day in a station with her parents. Suddenly a poor man came along led by a policeman and having handcuffs on his wrists. He was being taken to prison. So unhappy did he look that it touched the wee girl’s tender heart, and going tip to the prisoner she said,

“Poor man, do you know that Jesus loves you?”

Tears stood in her eyes and her look of loving compassion quite melted the hard heart of the man of sin. As he passed on, her words rang in his ears,

“Poor man, do you know that Jesus loves you?”

Did Jesus love him, a sinner such as he? Day and night the words echoed in his heart: until the mighty love of Jesus completely broke him down, and be “knew and believed” the love that God had for him. So the child’s simple words were used to bring another lost sheep to the seeking Shepherd and a Saviour.

“IN THE MORNING SOW THY SEED AND IN THE EVENING WITHHOLD NOT THY HAND FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHETHER SHALL PROSPER, EITHER THIS OR THAT, OR WHETHER THEY BOTH SHALL BE ALIKE GOOD.” Ecc. 11:6.

May the Lord help us all to do as this verse tells us!

ML 08/04/1946

The Little Boy Who Forgot His Sins

At one of our sea-side services, a lady told me this story of one of her little boys.

One day after tea the lady showed him pictures, and told him nice stories, and then played on the piano, as he was very fond of music, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. After all the stories had been exhausted, and several hymns had been played, the lady 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 played, Georgie said,

“Please play something else. I don’t like that one.”

“Why not, Georgie?”

“Well, it is not very comfortable to think about your sins.”

“But have you any sins, then?” “O, yes, lots,”

“And what do you do with your sins, Georgie?”

“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” Prov. 28:13. We cannot possibly cover our own sins. God alone can and will cover them with the precious Blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all sin, if we look to Him. Instead of forgetting, come to Jesus confessing your sins, when He will receive, pardon, and blot them out.

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML 08/04/1946

At a Water Pool

John 5:1-9

There were pools for water in the City of Jerusalem, made with a stone wall around; some with steps down to the water, and porches beside to shade from the heat. The water came through tunnels from springs in the hills: plenty for the needs of the people and for the animals. Some of the pools are still used there, though the stones and porches are broken.

One pool was near the market or gate where sheep were brought into the city and much water was needed. This pool was named Bethesda, “the place of running water”; so the water was always fresh; the name also meant “the place of mercy”; for it was like God’s kindness or mercy, fresh and free.

It is told that at a certain time an angel came to that pool and troubled, or disturbed, the water, and the first person who was crippled or sick who stepped into the water was made well. At that time many sick or lame persons came or were brought there, each to try to be the first to step in the pool after it was disturbed.

The Lord Jesus was in the city and came by the pool and saw the many sick or crippled people waiting in the porches, some were lame, some blind. One man lying there He knew had been helpless many years and He said to him, “Wilt thou be made whole?”

The man said, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”

He had no friend to help him, and another person not so helpless could go first. Then he found there was One to help him, greater even than an angel: Jesus said to him, “Rise, up take thy bed, and walk.”

At that command of Jesus the man was instantly well; he rose, took up his bed, which would be a thick mat or blanket, and walked. How surprised he must have been to be made well so quickly! But he did not then know who it was that had made him well, and Jesus passed on in the crowd going to the temple.

It was God’s will at that time to send an angel to heal one sick person because of His great kindness. He had said the people of Israel should have no sickness if they would obey His words to them. But they had not obeyed (Deut. 7:15).

Those sick and lame people lying helpless in the porches at the pool proved God’s ways were not kept. Yet He would show mercy, which means undeserved kindness. It was not complete, for if the angel came, only one was cured; and that was with difficultly since it was hard for such ones to get into the water. But it would make, them know how helpless they were, and teach them to look to God for help.

When Jesus healed the man it was very different; the man did not first take even one step; all he did was confess to Jesus that he was entirely helpless, and He made him well.

We are helpless to be free from our sins, but the word now is to all,

“Through His (Jesus’) Name, whosoever believeth in Him, shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43.

ML 08/04/1946

Pigeons

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

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

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

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

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of nianv” Heb. 9:28.

Surely none can say they are too poor for this Sacrifice! It was the poor, the Lord said, who had the gospel preached unto them (Matt. 11:5). So that all are without excuse now who have not salvation.

“THEREFOR SEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Rom. 5:1.

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

ML 08/11/1946

The Leopard's Spots

The Bible speaks of the leopard’s spots— you remember the verse.

“Can a leopard change his spots?” Jer. 3:23.

Once a French menagerie was visiting Moscow. Its owner could not speak Russian, but by the aid of signs he arranged with a native workman to clean out the cages. In order to show him the way, he took a bucket and a sponge and entering a cage where some harmless animals were, began to wash it out. A young antelope was there, and by way of giving it a treat he rublied its back with a wet sponge. Then he left the man to continue the work. Imagine his horror and surprise on returning a little later, to see the Russian in a leopard’s cage, trying in vain to rub out the black spots! The soothing attention pleased the brute, and he stretched out his limbs to be sponged; but all the water in the world could never take out the marks upon his skin.

Now the Bible says that sin make spots just as indelible upon the soul. The Pharisees thought that by attending to the outward rites of religion they could keep their hearts free from sin. They were just as foolish as the ignorant Russian who scrubbed the leopard.

Can nothing then take out the spots of sin? Yes, there is just one thing that can take them away. You know the words,

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

Sin is a fearful thing, children, and God cannot have it in His holy Presence. So great is your sin and min that Jesus had to DIE in order to bear its punishment. But in dying He shed His precious blood—the blood that cleanses sin away and leaves the one who believes in Him, “Whiter than snow.” Thus and thus only can our, “leopard spots,” be removed.

ML 08/11/1946

"I Will be a Minister"

Willie was an interesting little fellow between five and six years old. One day he was taken by his Aunt for a journey by train, and another lady in the same coach made friends with him. After a while she asked him what he intended be when he grew up.

“O,” he said, “I will be a minister.”

And what verse are you going preach from?” she asked.

“I will preach from ‘For God loved the world that He gave only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, have everlasting life.’” answered Willie.

This verse was haning, on the wall of his nursery, and the dear child was very fond of it. Better still, he knew the Lord Jesus as his own precious Saviour, and so he had everlasting life. This wonderful verse tells so powerfully of God’s great love to this poor world. It takes in everybody from the smallest child to the biggest man; for each one forms a part of the world. O, that ALL would accept Him as their own Saviour!

Just think hove great must have been that love which led God to give the choicest treasure which He possessed, even “His only begotten Son,” and that for such sinners as we are. Would you not like to trust in that precious Saviour, the Son of God? It is joy to know Him, and it is only He who can give us everlasting life.

Willie is now grown up, but I know he would tell you, if he could see you, that the same love of God which gave him to trust in the Lord Jesus when he was a little boy, has never grown weary of him, but has watched over him, all through his life. He is loong, forward to the time when he, with all those who, by trusting in the Lord Jesus, have everlasting life, will be in the Father’s beautiful house, as the Lord Jesus said when He was down here,

“In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3.

ML 08/11/1946

Little Lost Boy

One afternoon, Grace came home from school with a tiny little boy. She said, “O, Mamma this little boy is lost, but I think he lives near us.”

The little tot had followed some older girls to school, and although he was getting further from home, he seemed quite happy.

Grace’s mother asked the Lord to show her where to find the child’s mother. They walked up and down the street, and soon the little one spied his mother looking for him, and ran into her arms. How happy his mother was to see her bou!

Little Jackie was lost but hadn’t realized it and was perfectly happy going farther from home.

In Isaiah 53:6 we read,

“All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

We may feel very happy in our sins, but if we do not take Christ as our Saviour, we read in the Bible that we shall die in our sins, and to be forever lost.

“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to hear the sins of many; and unto, them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:27, 28.

ML 08/11/1946

The Saviour's Blood

The Saviour loves all sinful souls,

For them His life blood gave,

When on the cross He bled and died,

For He their souls could save.

How sweet to know such wondrous grace,

Transcending all below;

The Saviour’s blood, the Saviour’s Love

Fell may our souls adore!

The vilest sinner here may come

Salvation now is free:

For Christ has finished all the work,

Upon the shameful Tree.

Come, children, now, whoever will,

And taste the living stream:

Wells of salvation here abound,

And ever flow from Him.

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

ML 08/11/1946

The Greatest Works

John 5:1 it-41

When some of the men of Jerusalem saw the man whom Jesus had made well carrying his bed, they told him it was not lawful or right, for him to do that because it was the Sabbath day.

The man answered, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, ‘Take up thy bed and walk.’” But he could not tell them the name of the One who had made him well. Afterward Jesus met him in the temple and told hint to sin no more.

The man then went to the men who had asked him who had said for him to carry his bed, and told them it was Jesus Who had made him well. Those men already hated Jesus because He had spoken against their wrong acts in the temple, and their anger grew more that He had cured the man on the Sabbath day and told him to carry his bed.

They claimed to keep God’s law to their nation, which was to do no work on the seventh day, the Sabbath, but keep it holy in honor to Him, and He would bless them. (Deut. 5:15; Exo. 20:20).

But those men did not honor God or believe His words. They should have been expecting such a One, and known that One who could by His word cure a helpless man and do many other miracles, had the right from God to tell the man what to do on that day.

When those men spoke in anger to Jesus, He said, “My Father worketh... and I work.” and He told them His work which was all for people.

To cure the sick and helpless seems a great work to us, but that work was only for people’s life on earth, Jesus told them of far greater work He would do, He said,

“Verily, verily, I say unto ynic That meant, “It is true, it is true.”

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

That is most wonderful work of Lord Jesus to give life forever to each one who hears, or accepts, His word and believes God Who sent Him, for no one could have that life by any work they could do, all would be away from the presence of God, called “death”, because all are sinners. When Jesus gave up His life on the cross was His work to suffer the punishment for sin.

Jesus told those men another “work He will do, also greater than we think; He said,

“The hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth: they that have done good (believed His words unto the resurrection of life; they have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (punishment forever (see also 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thes. 4; Rev. 20). Those words of Jesus are very plain and solemn, and what power in His voice that all who have ever tlit will hear His voice of command to rise.

ML 08/11/1946

Happy Girls

What a peaceful scene we have before us in our picture! Do you wonder what these girls are talking about? It must be something good, for they have such kind, happy faces. They are busy girls, though, for one has a pitchfork in her hand, and the other is tending the cow and calf. They are beginning a day’s work, and are happy in it.

Did you know that the busy people are always the happiest ones? Idle ones are sure to get into mischief—they are are to be saying evil and unkind things, and doing harm to others.

God has a message in His Word to idle people. He tells them to watch the tiny ant; it is always busy.

Little people can run errands, and do many deeds of kindness for others. All these things will make them very happy, if clone because they love Jesus. He is watching us all the time, and knows whether we are doing our work to please Him. Big and little people can do their duties as under His eye, and have a peace and a real happiness down in their hearts, because they are doing faithfully the work He has given them strength for.

“WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT UNTO MEN.” Cor. 3:23.

ML 08/18/1946

Does God Punish Sin?

One night Mother and Daddy were gonig out to supper, leaving little Charles and his baby sister in the care of their uncle and aunt. Just before going, his mother had told them that the day before Charles had had to be punished, for she had heard him use a very bad word that little boys should not say.

When his uncle was putting Charles to bed he said, “I was sorry to hear that your mother had to spank you yesterday. I hope you didn’t say any had words today.”

Charles hung his head and murmured,

“No,—not where Mother would hear me.”

“But don’t forget,” reminded Uncle, “that even though your mother can’t, God hears everything you say.”

“O! but God doesn’t spank me,” the child said quickly.

But we learn from Rev. 20:12 That all we do or say is taken account of, and some day we shall be judged (or punished) for “those things that were written in the books.”

Little Charles thought that because he was not spanked at once, it was all right to keep on doing wrong, and that is just what God’s Word tells us in Ecc. 8:11,

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

But “the wages of sin is death,” Rom. 6:23, and the only nvay to escape this punishment is to own to Him what a sinner you have been, and accept His pardon and gift of eternal life you can say:

“He bore the punishment instead me.”

ML 08/18/1946

Lost Lily

A well-dressed little child sat one morning contentedly upon a doorstep without any sense of having strayed away those who loved her and were anxiously seeking her. How came she there? A mother took her family of children to the sea-side for a healthiful holiday. Their father was a sea-capt away on a voyage, and the was particularly desirous that the children should he in good health at his return.

One morning they were sent down the beach with their buckets and spades to play and were told especially to look after the youngest, Lily, who was about two years and a half old. They were very fond of their little sister, and the mother felt she would be quite said with them while she went to do a little shopping. The children soon became interested in their building with sand and stones and seaweed, and forgot all about Lily. When the mother reached this she said, “Where is Lily?”

She was nowhere to be seen. They started off in every direction, and inquired of all they met whether they had seen the child, but without success. They began to think she must walked into the sea and been carried away by one of the big waves. How, the children and mother wept. While they still continued their search through the streets of the town, the mother called upon me in great distress to tell me of her loss, and to ask me to pray with her that God would be pleased to restore the child. I comforted her as well as I could, and we prayed together.

How many people, both old and young, are like little Lily. They have gone astray from God, and yet they not know it. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and though they have never felt their need of such a loving Saviour, yet they are as really lost as Lily was.

It was not until night, after the children were asleep in bed, that the mother came round to tell me Lily was found.

How we rejoiced together, and thanked our God for hearing our prayers.

Lily had wandered up the slope that led from the sea into the main road, and no doubt, tired with her long walk, had sat down to rest upon a doorstep. The kind woman of the house found her there, and seeing she looked tired and sleepy, took her inside and gave her some milk and bread and butter and put her to bed. It was not until quite late in the afternoon, when the husband came home to tea, that Lily awoke from her sleep quite refreshed and ready to have a meal with them.

Her bright little face and curly hair pleased them very much, and they would have been glad to have kept her with them longer, but they thought before night came on they had better go to the police-station and see if any inquiry had been made after the child.

“Yes,” said the police-officer, “we have been looking since morning for her.”

So a policeman was sent to take the mother to the house that had sheltered her lost darling. There was Lily, sitting on a high chair at the table, laughing and playing with her kind friends, and little knowing all the grief she had caused her mother, brothers and sisters. So she was carried home by the thanul mother, to the great joy of all the children.

Lily still lives and has now a little daughter of her own. Although she does not h remember the day she was lost at the seaside, she has often heard the sturn and told it to her own little girl. She has too, long ago, found out that she was it lost sinner, and away from God, and can thank Him for sending His own Son into this world to seek and to find her. The good Shepherd went after the lost sheep “until He found it.”

The good Shepherd is seeking you, dear reader, and it will delight His heart to lay you on His shoulders and carry you home rejoicing. Will you yield yourself to HIs mighty love?

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

ML 08/18/1946

The Gift of God

“If thou knewest,” little child,

The gift that God has given,

How fully would thy thirst for joy

Be satisfied from heaven!

“If thou knewest,” little child,

That, sinful as thou art,

Compassion fills His soul to thee,

And tenderness His heart;

“If thou knewest,” little child,

The pleasures of His love,

Thy little heart would love to think

Of Him who is above.

Would think of Him who’s seated there,

And hear His Gospel tell

How once, to show the way of life,

He sat beside the well.

And now His kindness is the same,

Who still is meek and mild:

He draws the living waters still,

And gives them to the child.

Drink, little children, freely drink,

These waters are for you:

The springs of life are ever fresh,

The wells of mercy new.

ML 08/18/1946

A Boy's Loaves of Bread

John 6:1-14

One day the Lord Jesus and the disciples were in a country place near the shore of the Sea of Galilee and also near a mountain. The people learned where Jesus was, and wanted Him to do more niiracles for the sick, so a great crowd followed Him to this place.

When it came near evening, Jesus asked one of the disciples, Philip, where they could buy bread that all those people could have food, for he knew they were hungry.

Philip said that two hundred pennyworth would not be enough to buy even a little bread for each person. It is said that amount would be about the same as thirty dollars of our money. Jesus knew before He asked Philip what He would do, but He wanted the disciples to think of the needs of the people.

Then another disciple, Andrew, said that there was a boy there who had five barley loaves and two small fish, but he asked, “What are they among so many?” For there were over 5,000 persons there, and probably the loaves, which a boy would carry with him, were not very large. No doubt he had taken these for his own lunch, so he gave all to Jesus.

The Lord Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down on the grass. He gave thanks to God for the bread, and broke the loaves in pieces and gave to the disciples to pass to all, and the saute with the fish.

All that crowd of people ate, not just “a little”, as Philip said, but all had plenty.

After all had finished eating, there was still bread left, and Jesus told the disciples to gather up the pieces in the baskets. That would teach them, and us also, to be careful of the food God has provided, for all we have, really comes because of His care for us. Then too, when the disciples or others who ate those pieces of bread they would think more of the kindness and great power of Jesus to do this for them.

Boys and girls now who read or the Lord Jesus’ care for the hungry people, may have something to be used for good to others, as that boy’s barley, bread and fish. Whatever we have to give, we can do as though giving to Him to use, and for His blessing. The very best you can give anyone is God’s word, or learn His words and tell Om to someone: His words are for the, souls of all, as bread is food for their bodies.

The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 men (besides the women and children: is told in all the gospels, but this book of John is the only one which tells that us a boy had the loaves and fish.

All the people knew that a great miracle had been done for them, and they believed Jesus the One God had, promised to send. They said, “This is of a truth that Prophet tha: should come into the world” (Deut. 18:15, 18).

The king over that land did not care, for the people, and they wanted to have Jesus their king. He knew this, He knew this, but He could not be their Holy King until all sin was judged, and He sent the people away, and went on the mountain alone (Matt. 14:23).

ML 08/18/1946

The Harvest Ended

When the harvest is past

And the summer is gone,

old God’s gracious pleading; are

o’er,

When the beams cease to break

On the blest Lord’s day morn,

And Jesus invites thee no more.

When the rich gales of mercy

No longer shall blow,

The gospel no message declare,

How canst thou, children,

Bear the deep wailing of woe,

How suffer the night of despair?

When the nolv have gone

To the region of peace,

To dwell in the iniunskins above,

When their harmony wakes

In the fullness of bliss,

Their song to the Saviour of love.

O, dear children, that livest

At ease and secure,

Who fearest no trouble to come.

Can thy spirit the wailings

Of sorrow endure

Or bear the impenitent’s doom?

“THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER IS ENDED, AND WE ARE NOT SAVED.” Ter. 8:21L

Dear reader, take heed from this solemn warning, and flee at once to Christ, Who says, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isa. 45:22.

ML 08/25/1946

An Angry Boy

I had, when a child, a very quick temper, as many another child has, I have no doubt. But I had learned about the Lord Jesus, whose blood cleanses from all sin, and had really been looking to Him for salvation. I do not think I had settled peace, because I was not taught clearly that I ought to have it, if I was resting on the blood of Christ, But I believe now I was saved, at the time I am writing about, when I was about thirteen years old.

One day, in the Spring, a tine, windy day, too, I had made myself a kite, and, haying it all arranged, was about to fly it, when a neighbor’s dog ran over the string between me and the kite, just as I was pulling it-out straight. I was very much excited, and yelled out to the dog, to make him get out of the way. But this frightened him, and, in getting out of the way, he ran over my beautiful kite, wetting and dirtying it with his feet. I ran to it, and seeing-it somewhat soiled became greatly enraged, and, with a savage jerk, tore and broke it to pieces, sticks and all. What a miserable destroyer anger is!

My dear father was standing by, and saw it all. He called me to him, and leading the way into the house sat down, and talked with me.

He told me the evil effects of anger and where it all came from, the evil heart in me. And then he told me that the Lord Jesus, who was grieved by these things, and pointed to the words of God, and showed me how Gof dealt with sin on the cross, till my heart was bowed down with sorrow. Then he prayed with me, that I might see how sin was offensive to God, and might be forgiven through Christ, and might also, be kept from yielding to it by, remembering the Lord Jesus.

I believe the Lord used that word and prayer, to influence my whole life, and that one incident has been very fresh in my memory for many a year.

Dear children, remember than sin should not drive you away fron Lord Jesus, but to Him. He is just the One you want, when you do wrong and He wants you.

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

ML 08/25/1946

Little Georgy

Little Georgy or Doi’ee as he called himself, was taken ill with scarlet fever when he was only four years old. He had it so very slightly, however, that he was one day allowed to be up and to play in the nursery.

He seemed happy, but rather restless first wanting some flowers; but when they were brought to him, he did not seem satisfied, and then asked if he might have on his little white summer coat.

This wish was also gratified, but still he was not at rest, and presently he asked a dear lady of whom he was, very fond to sing some hymns to him.

After she had sung several, the dear little fellow looked up into her face and said,

“Doi’ee is very ill, and getting worse.” This he repeated two or three times at intervals. So the doctor was sent for, but was detained until the evening, when it became evident that little Doi’ee was passing away.

His friend asked him if he loved Jesus.

“O yes!” he said; “Jesus loves me and died for me: Doi’ee do love Jesus.” When he saw his mother crying he said,

“Mamma, do not cry; Doi’ee going to be with Jesus.”

Soon after this, he pointed upwards with his little hand, and looked of steadfastly as if he saw the Lord, and so his spirit passed away, leaving a happy expression upon his dear little face.

I have told you this true story, dear children, because it shows you how quite a tiny child may have to die; and I do want you to notice that when this little boy was asked if he loved Jesus, he not only could say,

O yes!” but could also give the reason, because “Jesus loves me and died for me.”

Yes, dear children, had Jesus not loved us first, and died for us, none of us would ever have loved Him; and how happy it would he if every little child of four who hears this true story could give the same answer!

Then they would be ready either to die and go to Jesus, or to live down here to serve and please Him.

Will every little child of three, four or five learn these sweet words from the Bible,

“We love Him, because He first loved us,” (1 John 4:19), and I do hope you will all love that precious Saviour, and know that He has died for you.

ML 08/25/1946

"Father, May I Pray?"

A little girl scare twelve years old

Had heard her teacher say.

That every one who loves the Lord

To Him will often pray.

She knew her parents careless lived,

God’s favors never sought;

And much desired that they should mind

Their duty as they ought.

Deeply concerned, one Lord’s day eve,

She to her father said

“Shall we unite to sing a hymn

Ere we retire to bed?”

At once he granted her request;

But when the hymn was sung,

“Father may I a chapter read?’

She asked with artless tongue.

To this he also gave consent:

Then she distinctly read

The chapter through which tells how Christ

Died in the sinner’s stead.

And then with faltering voice she asked

“Now, father may I pray?”

“O, no,” he said in angry tone,

“You do not know the way.”

“Fathertry, if you will permit,”

The little girl replied;

Then he consented, and knelt down

Close by his daughter’s side.

In earnest words, the dear child prayed,

And humbly asked the Lord

To change her parents’ sinful hearts—

That fervent prayer was heard.

In wisdom’s ways they still have walked,

And often blessed the day

When their dear child so sweetly asked,

“Now, father may I pray?”

ML 08/25/1946

A Very Great Wonder

John 6:15-25

After the Lord Jesus fed the multitude of people on the grassy plains near the shore of the sea of Galilee, the disciples started across the sea in a boat to go to the town where some of them lived, But Jesus stayed on the mountain near to pray.

The sea of Galilee is large and deep and often has stormy winds to disturb the water. That night after the diiples started across, a sudden wind came up and was “contrary” or against them and the big waves tossed their boat.

The men rowed hard, but at tile fourth watch, which was toward early morning, they had gone only a few miles on their way. Suddenly they saw Jesus coming near them, walking upon the water. They were very frightened and cried out, thinking Him not real but a spirit.

Jesus spoke to them and. His voice stopped their fear. He said,

“Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.”

It is told by Matthew that Peter asked the Lord to tell him to come to Him on the water, and the Lord Jesus said, “Come” Peter got out of the boat and started to walk on the sea, but he looked at the high waves and was frightened and cried to Jesus to save him.

The Lord put out His hand and saved Peter from sinking, and at once they were by the boat and taken on board. Then right away they were to the shore where they wanted to be, though that must have been a distance of some miles.

The disciples were filled with wonder that Jesus had come to help them that He could walk on the water; they seemed to them an even greater miracles than that He had fed the multitude the afternoon before. This proved to them that He was the Son of God. No man of earth could control the waters, He was the Creator of the water all things, as we read in the first part of this book of John: “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.”

Jesus had power to walk upon the water, and could cause Peter to do so also while he trusted Him. He has taken the form of a man to feel the sorrows of earth and to give up His life for the sins of all, yet He had the knowledge and power of earth’s Creation.

The people whom Jesus fed with barley loaves were very surprised the next day that Jesus had come across the sea. They seem to have gone to that place by the sea, expecting Him to be there, because they knew the disciples had started without Him in the evening, and there was no other boat to go in. When He was not there and some boats came to that shore they went in them to Capernaum, to look for Him.

The Sea of Galilee was also called the Sea of Tiberias. Sometimes it was called Gennesaret, for the land on, one side had that name, and was a called lake (John 6:1; Luke 5:1).

ML 08/25/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And when,” etc. Luke 23:32.

2.“And when,” etc. 24:40.

3.“For His is,” etc. 20:38.

4.“And when”, etc. 15:5.

5.“Strive to,” etc. 13:24

6.“And the,” etc. 14:22.

7.“My words.” 21:33.

Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

Write in full the verses with the words,

1.“He was led as a sheep.”

2.“This Jesus hath God raised.”

3.“Seen of them forty days.”

4.“Whereby we must be saved.”

5.“We ought to obey God.”

6.“Cleave unto the Lord.”

7.In what Psalm is it written, “Thou art My Son,” etc.?

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Lot’s Wife. Luke 17:32.

2.“God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:12.

3.When they shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Luke 13:35.

4.Bethany, Luke 24:50,

5.Nothing. Luke 22:35.

6.“I have found no cause of death in him.”

7.He thinks it an abomination. Luke 16:15.

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

1.Whom should we obey rather than man?

2.Which comes first, — prayer or ministry?

3.When the disciples were set free, when did they go?

4.How long will Jesus remain in heaven?

5.What baptism did Jesus promise?

6.What witness does creation bear to God goodness?

7.Why did Paul and Barnabas turn, the Gentiles?

ML 09/01/1946

Two Roads

I shall take my chance. Two boys had started in early morn to visit a distant village. They were cousins, and their home lay in the same pleasant valley. At noon they had reached their destination. They were about to return immediately when their attenention was attracted bu a traveling circus, and in one way or another the time slipped by until the sun was rapidly declining. Then they hastened towards home.

“Let’s try another road,” said the elder lad. “It will be pleasanter than returning by the way we came.”

His younger and wiser companion endeavored to dissuade him; but he was obstinate, and declared that he knew the road perfectly. On they went and now the sun had disappeared, night was creeping on quickly. Presently it got quite dark, and the boys halted, for the elder had to admit that they had lost their way. Before them the road branched off to the right and left.

“I shall take my chance!” said foolish lad, and he went off to ti left.

The other waited until a countryman passed, who informed him that the proper way was that to the right. He reached home in safety, while his compinion was found next morning exhausted and weary, lying under a hay stack.

Two paths lie before us, dear children! The broad road that Christ tells Hs leads to desstruction, and the narrow road to life eternal. Let us not say, “I will take my chance, and follow my own blind impulses,” or take the way that seems pleasantest: but let us rather ask God to lead us, and to be our Guide. The narrow path with Jesus is always the happiest path.

Jesus says, “I an the way.”

ML 09/01/1946

Flowers

You can easily guess who is to receive these beautiful flowers. The teacher? Yes, and so pleased was she to have the lovely bouquets brought to her that she took a. “snap” of the clear boys and their gifts so that she could still HAVE the flowers long after they were faded. The boys look pleased, too, do they not? Happy that their flowers had given so much pleasure. Were they old faded flowers they brought? Ah! no these were cut that day from Mother’s garden.

Once there was a girl whose aunt knew and loved the Lord Jesus. She sought to point her young niece to the Lord that she, too, might find Him as her Saviour and give herSelf to Him in her YOUTH. But Mary was careless and continually put off this most important question, saving that when she was OLDER would be time enough but not now.

One day a very dear friend of Mary’s became ill. Her aunt said it would be a cheer to the sick one to take her some flowers, so told Mary to go into the garden and pick a bunch of the loveliest ones she could find. This was soon done and Mary came in all eageess to run off with them to her friend.

O, no, not now—” said the aunt. “We shall leave them for a few days till they are withered and faded.”

“Why, Auntie, you would not send anymore WITHERED flowers would you? Let us give them NOW while they are sweet and fresh.”

“Mary,” said the aunt seriously, “you would not give faded flowers to a friend, but you would keep back your young, fresh life from the Lord, thinking to bring it to Him later when time and the withering power of sin have spoiled it. NOW in your youth, is the time to be saved, and give to the Lord your young heart.”

Mary saw the point and not long after accepted Christ as her Saviour and Lord.

“REMEMBER NOW THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH.” Ecc. 12:1.

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

ML 09/01/1946

All May Come

The Bible tells us Jesus came,

From glory bright and fair;

God’s perfect, sinless, spotless Lamb,

His mercy to declare.

The Bible tells us Jesus died,

A sacrifice for sin;

The gates of heaven to open wide

That all may enter in.

The Bible tells us Jesus rose

And left the silent grave;

Triumphant over all His foes,

The mighty One to save.

The Bible tells us Jesus lives

Again upon the throne,

The blessed proof the Father gives

That mercy’s work is done.

The Bible tells us He will come

To take His saints away,

To dwell with Him in His blest home,

Through everlasting day.

The Bible tells us all may come,

And drink at mercy’s stream;

And Jesus soon will share His home

With all who trust in Him.

“Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.” Psa. 138:2.

ML 09/01/1946

Sent from Heaven

John 6:6-71

Many of the people who had eaten of the bread Jesus supplied for all the multitude in the country place, came to the town where He was the next day. Some of them may have walked a long way to find Him, but He knew they came wanting Him to give them more food, not to hear the words of God which He told them.

Most of the people in those lands, were poor and it may have been very hard to get food enough, yet they should have known that One Who could provide so much food from a few loaves must come from God, and that. His words must he true and for them to believe.

He told them to “labor”, or be really in earnest for what He could give them that would last forever; the bread He had given, though good, could not last long, they were hungry again. They asked Him,

“What shall we do, that we may Work the works of God?”

He told them, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom He hath sent.”

The people may have thought there were laws they must keep, or work to do for others before they could have everlasting life, but Jesus told them what they must do for God was to believe on Him Whom God had sent, and that One was Jesus Himself.

But some of those people were so selfish or hard of heart that they did not believe Jesus was sent by God, even though He had done so many kind and great things for them, which no one else could do: they asked Him to do scinething more, “a sign”, that they could believe Him. They spoke of the food, called manna, which God had given for the many thousand people of Israel while they lived in the wilderness on the way to Canaan, and they seemed to think Jesus should do the same for them.

You remember the story of the manna, how God had sent the small round pure food each morning (except on the seventh day of the week), and it was upon the grass or ground around camp of Israel, and the people gather all they wanted to (Ex. 16: 14-18).

Yet those people tired of the pure food God sent, and complained. And the people would also if Jesus had supplied them each day. He told them the manna did not give people everlasting life, for all those who ate it had died. But He said God had now sent the bread to them, and that He was the Bread of life, He said,

“I am the living Bread which came down from Heaven.”

Bread, or food, is what keeps us on earth, no one here can live without food. Jesus is the One to give life for Heaven, so He is called “the bread”: He gives life forever to those who take Him as their own Saviour.

“Verily, verily (it is true, it is true) He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.”

“We believe and are sure that Thou art the Christ (the Chosen of God), the Son of the living God,” was Peter clear testimony of Jesus.

ML 09/01/1946

The Forgotten Errand

This little girl has been sent to buy some fruits and vegetables, with money in her hand, and a basket in which to carry them home.

She was told distinctly what to buy, but on her way, she was thinking about the things that concerned herself, and when she reached the market, she had, entirely forgotten what her errand was.

She looks so confused, and is trying to remember what her mother told her to buy.

How much this reminds us of dear boys and girls who are told over and over again about their being sinners, and that they need a Saviour who is able and willing to save them, if they will only accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, and of all the rich eternal blessings that will be theirs by doing so.

But they go on carelessly day by day thinking only of their own pleasures, which last but a short time, forgetting the terrible eternal judgment that awaits all who refuse to accept the wonderful salvation that might be theirs through Christ and His work on the cross.

Now Jesus is saying,

“Come unto Me.” Matt. 11:28.

Later He may have to say to you,

“Depart from Me.” Matt. 25:41.

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

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

ML 09/08/1946

A Welcome Word

I read these words which give you, in a letter from a little girl to her mother. The girl is away off in another country, thousands of miles away, but how near, in heart, she is to those parents now, and what joy has the Lord given those parents about her. This is the part I read;—

“I am sure you will be glad to hear that I have taken the Lord Jesus Christ for my Saviour, and I know my sins are all forgiven; and I am happy all the day long.”

Well she may be, and her happiness will last forever. Christ welomes the young and the old to Himself. What joy it gives Him to save! How is it with you, darling child?

“Whom having not seen, ye love: in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8.

ML 09/08/1946

The Infidel's Child

I had long wanted to speak about Jesus to a little girl, who lived near my cottage. I knew her father was an infidel, and that for six years some Christians had been praying for his conversion. When I saw his child my heart was sad, fearing she was growing up without any knowledge of God.

One bright morning, a few days ago, the little girl was playing out of doors, quite alone, so I thought this was my opportunity for the long-wished-for talk. I quickly put on my bonnet and went out to her, and asked kindly,

“Wouls you like to come with me dear, and pick some pretty flowers in the field?”

“O! yes, that I should,” she brightly. “I shall be so pleased to get some.”

We were soon both of us bbusy filling our hands with the pretty wild flowers in the field—big white daisies and, bright king-cups, ragged-robin any quaking grass, and sweet purple and white clover.

“Do you know, my dear,” I asked “that this field is a bit og God’s great flower-garden, and that in the love of His heart He made these sweet blossoms to give us pleasure?”

“O! yes,” she answered, “I know He made them all, and made us too, everything in this world. There are many people who won’t believe it, they will have to see it is true some day, will they not?” she added, looking up earnestly into my face.

“Indeed they will,” I answer, gravely, “and it will be a terrible we moment for those who do not know Jesus as their Saviour. Dear child do you believe on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“O, yes,” she replied, “I do believe, that He died for our sins, and if we do confess and own them to Jesus, and tell Him we are sorry for them, He will rejoice over us, won’t He? It is so strange that people try to keep thier sins secret from Him, for they will all come out at the judgment day, for Jesus knows everything about us. We ought to try and please Him for dying for us, shouldn’t we?”

“Yes indeed, we should, my child I answered, my heart full of joy to see, that truly my Saviour was her Saviour too. “You and I love Jesus, do we not though we have not seen Him?”

“Yes; there is a text in the Bible I like so much: it is this—

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

When Jesus was on earth there were some people who would not believe on Him although they did seceHim; but now we believe on Him without seeing Him.”

This simple confession of faith from the child of an infidel greatly surprised me, and I asked her where she had learned and read the Bible. She told me that, it was at the school she attended.

O, what joy to know that God had let His light shine into this dear child’s heart and to hear how freely and confidently she spoke of what she really knew of Jesus! She also said,

“You know Jesus is alive on the thone of God today, and He will come again to this world, won’t He?” What joy it was to me to see the reality with which the little girl spoke!

What a blessing this dear little lamb of Christ may be in this sinful world!

Every time I have since seen her, she has run to me joyfully, wanting to go and pick flowers and have another talk. Yes, heart is linked with heart in those that love the blessed name of Jesus; ah, yes, my heart was drawn to her as soon as she began to tell out all she knew of that blessed Saviour, the Lord lesus Christ.

Dear children, do you know Him? If you do, tell others of His love. Should you not know that precious and blessed Saviour, Jesus, O! come now, just as you are; come straight to Him, in all your sins, all your wickedness, and He will receive you. I pray you do not try to hide your sins from Jesus, but tell Him everything, and His forgiving mercy will flow like a stream. He cannot save you unless you come, and those who come to Him He will in no wise cast out. It was for sinners Christ died not the righteous. Sinners, Jesus calls. O won’t you come?

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

ML 09/08/1946

No Pillow for Jesus

A mother was telling her little girl the sweet story of Jesus and His love, how He left heaven’s glory and came to this poor world as a babe in Bethlehem’s manger. During His life, He could say,

“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” Matt. 8:20.

When the little girl realized that the Lord Jesus had no pillow on which to rest His head, she said,

“O! Mamma, I wish I could have given the Lord Jesus my pillow.”

It was such matchless grace for Him to come and suffer and die, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye, through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

ML 09/08/1946

"Come to Me"

Jesus calls to you, clear children,

And His words are words of love:

“Come to Me, receive My blessing—

Come to Me, and live above.”

“But,” you say, “He lives in heaven,

How can I approach Him there?”

Listen then to what He utters—

Thus His gracious words declare—

“For My love to ruined sinners

To this wretched world I came,

Here I died to make atonement,

Justice now no more can claim.

“Children now in Me believing

Everlasting life receive

Come in faith to Me for pardon—

I have died that thou may’st live.”

ML 09/08/1946

On a Great Feast Day

John 7

At one feast time the Lord Jesus did not go to Jerusalem with others from Galilee, but afterward He went and taught the people in the temple.

Each year they were to meet for that feast, after their grain and fruit was gathered, to thank God for all His care, and to especially remember when He led their nation out of Egypt, when they had no houses, only the shelter of trees or booths of the branches, and later only tents made of skins or cloth. Yet God kept them safe from wild animals or enemies and from the hot sun.

During that feast-time the people were to live under booths made of leafy branches instead of in their homes, it was called, the Feast of Tabeacles. The word “tabernacle” means a shelter, tent or booth.

While the people were met together, God’s laws and the story of His care were to be read to them, so all the people and the children would know. One thing they would hear would be the wonder that God caused water to flow out of a great rock in desert land, so there was plenty for the thirsty people and for their flocks. (Ex. 17:6; Nu. 20:11; Ps. 114:8).

The last, or eighth day, of the feast was to be a most solemn time: the people who believed Gods words would know they were not worthy of His care, but would wish for His blessings as a thirsty person wishes for water. On that day Jesus stood in a, place where all could hear and called,

“If any, man thirst, let him come unto Me. and drink.”

The big rock in the desert gave, the people water for a time: but the holy Person, Jesus, the Son of God, could bless and satisfy forever. To “come Him and drink,” meant to believe Him and take His words into the heart as earnestly as one thirsty drinks water.

That was so wonderful an offer of blessing, that some of the people remembered the promise that a great Prophet would come to tell God’s own words, and they said, “Of a truth this is that Prophet.” Deut, 18:18. Other said, “This is the Christ, (Messiah) the One chosen by God.

If the chief priests and other leader had believed the words of Jesus, that would have been the most wonderful of feast times, But most of them hate Him, and they sent officers to take, Him to put Him to death. When they heard Him speak to the people would not take Him: they said,

“Never man spake like this man.”

There was one leader who tried to have the others do right toward Jesus the rest ridiculed him and told him look in the Scriptures and he would find no prophet came from Galilee. If those men had wanted to leain of Jesus, they would have found that He was not first from Galilee, but was born in Bethlehem of Judea, just as written in the scriptures, (Micah 5:2).

ML 09/08/1946

Bertie and His Dog

Whe I was a boy, I had a pet dog which my uncle gave me as a birthday gift. It used to follow me to school, sit at the playground gate till I came out, and them accompany me home along the country road. Roger, for this was the dog’s name, was a faithful guardian to me all through my school years. He would stand between me and any school boy who threated to interfere with me, and bark loudly until someone came to my help; or to drive off intruders along the road that led to and from our school, and I loved him because of his faithful service throughout the years of my school days. But after the faithful dog died, I had no one to look to for care, or to defend me.

My mother told me that I would need to “trust in God” for my defense now. I had been brought to the Lord Jesus just about that time, and had trusted Him with my soul for salvation (Acts 16:31)

“You will need to trust Christ, to keep and to guard you in the same way as you go to and from school,” my mother said.

So I did trust myself to Him as the Guide and Guardian of my remaining school days. And He never failed to guide, to guard and to help we all the years I walked along that lonely road, but kept me in “perfect peace.’’

“THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE, BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE.” Isa. 26:3.

ML 09/15/1946

Short and Long

A great man has said, “There is nothing long but what has an end.” He meant that when you come to the end of anything and have done with it, on looking hack it seems short. The longest life at its close appears so. David, who “died in a good old age,” says,

“Behold, Thou has made my days as an handbreath; and mine age is as nothing before Thee.” Ps. 39:5.

Jacob, bowed with a hundred and thirty years, exclaims,

“Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been!”

Of the man who passed the longest time on earth it is recorded at last, “and he died.”

But if this is so with what must end, what shall we say of that which knows no ending, even eternity? Thousands of ages may roll on, yet bring its close no nearer. Of what immense importance then it is how we shall spend it. Are we saved, and saved forever? Are we to be happy forever? We can only be so by having our “life hid with Christ in God.”

Let us give our hearts now to Him; let us depend on nothing short of His finished work for salvation; look for nothing less than His Holy Spirit to renew and form us according to His mind and will.

“Brief life is here our portion;

Brief sorrow, short lived care;

The life tht knows no ending,

The tearless life, is there.”

ML 09/15/1946

The Way to Heaven

Pain was coming down in torrents, making the great city look very dreary. The poor horses were slipping and sliding about on the asphalt, and every one seemed to be pushing each other very unceremoniously, in their hurry to get home as quickly as possible.

A man with a kind face and a big overcoat was hurrying over one of the slippery crossings; no sooner had he reached the pavement on the other side than he felt a gentle tug at his coat sleeve, and looking down his eyes met a pair of large earnest gray ones.

“Hullo! my little girl,” he cried, and what may you want?”

“If you please, sir, can you tell me the way to heaven?”

“The way to where?” asked the man, somewhat taken aback at the question.

“I want to know the way to heaven.” repeated the little one with eager questioning-face. The good man hesitated a moment, and then laid his hand on the little shoulder.

“Why do you want to know?” he asked.

“Well, sir,” said the little woman quite reassured by the kindly face, it was like this—when father was dying he told me he was going to heaven, but I’ve forgotten the way. I only remember he said, ‘You must find the road to heaven, Lizie, and meet mother and me there.’”

It was a strange question to be asked in the middle of the surging, hurrying crowd, but the little maid had found someone at last who could direct her to the straight and narrow way that leads to the celestial city. This man was a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, and his own heart warmed as he pointed the little pilgrim to the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Jesus.

Very eagerly the little one listened to the sweet story of redeeming love and a few moments later as he watched her hurrying though the crowd, his heart went up in prayer to the Good Shpherd to keep this little lamb until that day when He should gather His blood-bought ones into His bright Hime abouve where He is, from whence they shall no more go out.

Some of you dear boys and girls have learned to know this kind and loving Shepherd, and have listened to His voice many times as it spoke to you from His Word. O! how nice it is when we have found the way! Jesus Himself is the Way, which leads to life everlasting. It is to those who do not know Him that I want to write, to those who are wandering far away in the broad road, that leads to everlasting destruction.

There are only two roads in the life; one is smooth and broad and nice to look at. It is lit up with lights which charm and dazzle, as you walk. A throng of laughing, careless men and women, boys and girls hurry over its pavements, each following on the other’s track, but where? Ah! They don’t know! They don’t care. The cunning ingenious one who planned this broad road, has taken care, too, that they shouldn’t see very far ahead, but the end is darkness and despair forever.

The other road is but a pathway, and few traverse its rugged windings, but all along the way a trusty Guide goes before, turning back ever and an on with words of loving encouragement, stopping in His onward track, to life the weary, trembling ones over the diffcult places.

Which will you choose? The faithful guide is Jesus, who today offer you life eternal, and a full and free pardon for all your sins. Accept that pardon, and He will receive you to Himself He loves you, and wants you. Choose Him today.

“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 09/15/1946

Turn the Handle

A man who was very clever and well-known for his wonderful escapes from rooms and prisons, told of a time he was put into a cell to test his ability.

He said, “For a long time I tried to pick the lock, but could not, and as I had tried everything, was unable to understand why this lock would not yield to my efforts. Finally, quite by accident, I turned the handle and discovered that the door had not been locked!”

There is another door which is not locked, and yet many are trying to open it—the door to eternal life. Do you know that Door? Jesus says, “I am the Door, by Me if any man enter in he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

Many people are trying to open this door, and yet one turn of the handle—one simple act of faith, would give them an entrance. The death of the Lord Jesus on Calvary’s cross made it possible that all who trust Him may have the knowledge of salvation, sins forgiven, and peace with God.

Would you like to have your sins forgiven? There is nothing for you to do but trust in the finished work of Christ. Do not keep on trying to do something to earn salvation, but accept it at once as a gift from God’s loving hand, and thank Him for it.

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

ML 09/15/1946

Forgiven, Not Stoned

John 8:1-20

You all know the word sin, and know perhaps that sin is the cause of all trouble in the world. When the Lord Jesus was on earth He spoke against all sin, for sin is to want our way instead of God’s way. Yet He always said words of pardon to arty who confessed their wrong ways.

One day while He was teaching the people in the temple, some men brought a woman to Him, who they said had so sinned that by the law she should be stoned, but they wanted to know what He would say to do. Those men hated Jesus because He had spoken against their dishonest acts, and they wanted to show He did not judge as God’s law said.

Jesus did not answer them right away; He stooped down and wrote on the ground, while they kept on asking Him. At last He said to them, “He that is without sin, let him first cast a stone at her.”

Then Jesus kept on writing on the ground, which gave time for the men and all who heard Him to think of their own sins and what sin deserved. His words showed He had authority to command what to do, as a judge; and that the woman deserved to be punished as the law said. Her sin was adultery, which meant she had given her affection to another, not her husband, disobeying God’s command (Ex. 20:14).

The relation of husband and wife was made by God, that is why it is to be faithfully kept as long as both live (Genesis 2:24). And the law to punish one known to be untrue to the other, God told Moses to write for the nation Israel, that the people should live rightly and He could bless them. (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 28:9).

The Lord Jesus had also plainly taught against that sin, as Luke 16:18 but He did not then come to earth to punish for sin; if He acted as they directed, He must be just and punish not only that sin, but every sin. He knew that the men who brought the woman had sins: and they had spoken against Him, because He had told them God’s ways, which was the most serious sin of all.

After those men heard His words, “He that is without sin, let him first cast: a stone,” each one suddenly felt his own mind that he had sins. They should all have bowed down before the Lord and confessed they too were sinners, but they did not do that; each one silently walked away, as though He would not know it: the eldest that who should have known God’s way best, went out first, and the younger one last.

When Jesus raised up from writing on the ground, the woman stood before Him; she could have gone from Him also, but He told her He did not “condemn” (punish) her, and said for her to go, but “to sin no more.” The words He wrote on the ground are not told, but, since He always taught God’s ways, the words may have been about God’s holiness or mercy.

Jesus came to take the “bruising” as though of stones, the punishment for all sins from God Himself; that was why He could forgive the sinner. “He was bruised for our iniquities is 53:5.

ML 09/15/1946

Seeking

It is hard to tell just what these children are doing, but they are busy with something that seems quite interesting.

Whether they are collecting pebbles, shells, or seaweed, or getting mud for mudpies, it is hard to say. But it represents the story of life,—your life, and mine. We are all looking for —seeking something.

Many are looking for pleasure. Others spend much time searching for knowledge.

But some day our need and desire for all these things will be over, for we can not carry them with us when we leave this world.

There is something, however, that can give us joy and blessing both in this life and in the life to come. This treasure we should all accept, if we have riot already done so.

“AND THIS IS THE RECORD, THAT GOD HATH GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE AND THIS LIFE IS IN HIS SON.” 1 John 5:11.

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

Dear young reader, if you do not already know Jesus as your Saviour, believe in Him now.

ML 09/22/1946

Solomon's Wise Choice

One night Solomon had a dream. There is nothing in many dreams, but the dream Solomon had was sent by God. You know Solomon succeeded his father David, and no doubt he was thinking how he would be able to rule and govern the kingdom. So he asked the Lord not for riches, fame, honor and worldly ambition, but he asked for wisdom. Now this was very pleasing in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord granted his choice.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Prov. 9:10.

When a class of boys was asked what they would like to have, many missed the right thing, but one answer:

“If I have God on my side, and fear His name, I shall be able to battle with the world and get on, come what may.”

What will be your choice, dear young friends, today? Choose Christ and you will have joy, peace and happiness; if you have everything else the world can give you, it will mean the loss of all things, you will lose an imperishable crown, you will lose Christ. What shall it profit, if we gain the whole world and lose our soul?

A dear girl, when on a bed of sickness which ended in death, was visited by some of her young friends who belonged to the same class in the Sunday school, they pitied her.

“But,” she said, “You need not pity me, or feel sorry for me, for underneath are the everlasting arms.” God was near her in the hour of death.

Choose Christ to lay and make no delay, for we cannot tell what a day may bring forth.

“Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” James 4:14.

ML 09/22/1946

A Work for the Lord

Many of our young readers have, I am sure, a number of tracts, “Messages of the Love of God” and other Magazines which they long since have read, and which now were stored away in some drawer, or box done with— laid aside as a worn-out garment, work for the present is over. These “silent messengers” may not be valued by others who have not had the privilges which many of our readers enjoy.

Won’t you take these paper tracts out of their hiding place for the glory of the Lord, let oth know of the love of God to them through the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross for all lost ones, big or little.

There are so many opportunites distributing the precious Seed of the Word of God, hand some to your companions, school mates, hand them those on the streets with a pleasant, “Please accept this.”

For a very few cents you could send them out to relatives, and friends; and they may be sent to those you do know, whether from the Phone book or otherwise.

If the farmer does not sow seeds must not expect a harvest of grain, if we do not sow the precious seed of the Word of God, we will not reap a harvest of souls for the Lord, and His glory. If we sow the Seed of the Word we commit it to Him to bless it, to His own praise, but He will fully reward for faithfulness to Him making Him known to others.

We want ethers to know of the same precious Saviour we have, don’t we?

Wouldn’t you, when you are with Him in the Glory, like to have the Lord show you the dear ones who have been saved through the tracts and papers you have distributed for His sake? He will give you a rich reward too.

May this work be done with much prayer and dependence upon the Lord. You will be happy in it for Him.

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

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

ML 09/22/1946

A Boy's Conversion

Never shall I forget the night that God saved me. There had been a great work, many had been saved, old and young, there was to be a “Testimony Meeting,” and a number of us went to get some fun.

We knew some young men would be telling how they were saved. The evangelist told how he was saved. Others followed with short addresses. Two young men introduced as “recently converted” sang a hymn,

Let sinners saved give thanks and sing,

Of Jesus sing, through all their days,

In heaven above their harps they’ll string

And there forever sing His praise.

I felt that was not true of me. I could not sing that. As for one after another told how God saved him, I felt very miserable and wished I knew Jesus. There was prayer for the unconverted: I felt that was for me. At the close many waited, and I kept my seat. A farmer spoke to me and told me the way to be saved through the Lord Jesus alone, and His death on the cross for sinners. I never thought it was so simple, only to give yourself over to Jesus to believe He died, the just for the unjust.

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

ML 09/22/1946

For a Little Disciple of the Lord Jesus

O Lord, my foolish heart,

Would lead tne oft astray,

But Thou my faithful Shepherd art

O! keep me day by day.

And, Lord, my tongue is apt

To speak some foolish word,

Unless by Thee I’m daily taught,

And Thou fresh grace afford.

Mine ears will oft attend

To vain and foolish talk,

Unless I’m hearkening to my Friend,

And with Him daily walk.

My feet are apt to tread

In paths that lead from Thee,

But if by Thee l’ni daily led,

In safety I shall be.

Mine eyes will oft delight

In things that foster pride,

But if Thou fill my soul with light

I humble shall abide.

Lord Jesus, I would long

More like Thee here to be,

Till I shall join that ransomed throng,

And there Thy glory see.

And there I’ll sing Thy love,

Which saved my soul from hell;

I’ll cast my crown with those above,

And of Thy mercy tell.

ML 09/22/1946

Before Abraham

John 8:21-59

The Jewish men to whom Jesus talked spoke much of Abraham, a man who had lived over a thousand years before in that country, and was the first of the Hebrew nation, so called “the father” of that nation.

The Jews were descendants of his grandson Jacob (called Israel) and boasted they were from Abraham. But they forgot God had made Abraham the first of the great nation because he believed God’s words to him.

He had first lived in a land of great buildings, but where idols were worshiped instead of God. When God told him to leave that land and go to a land He would show him, Abraham obeyed, and was lead to Canaan, (later called Palcstine), and lived there with his family, though they had no home but tents. He believed God when it would seem hard to believe, as he believed His promise of a great nation when he had not even one child, and he believed God would raise his son from death.

He believed God for what he could not see or understand, and that is called, faith. He also obeyed God. Put the Jewish men who called themselves “children of Abraham,” had not believed God’s promise of the One He would send to bless all nations; they would not believe the words of Jesus or His great miracles which should have proved to them that lie was the Son of God. They hated Him for His true words. Then Jesus said to them what is true of us all:

“Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”

If we do what is wrong we are a servant for the wrong act: we unless we stop and turn from the wrong thing we will keep on more and more, and be as a slave to do the wrong.

Those men would not believe the Lord Jesus, but kept on of speaking Abraham. Then Jesus told them, “Abraham rejoiced to see My, day: he saw it and was glad.”

The men could not understand those words: they knew Jesus was not even fifty years of age, and Abraham, who lived so very long before, could not have seen Him. But Abraham had believed God’s promise to send One to bless, he rejoiced to think of such One, so by faith Abraham looked ahead to the “day” or time of a Saviour to come to reign as King, and was happy for that promise.

The Lord Jesus then told those men a more wonderful fact and as wonderful to us: He said,

“Before Abraham was, I Am.”

That meant the Lord Jesus Christ lived before Abraham lived, and even more than that, those words meant He had always lived.

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:1,14

The Son of God Left His glory to be the Saviour for every nation. We can only wonder at this truth and speak His name with reverence.

ML 09/22/1946

"A Good Time"

How the children delight to go into the country and get a ride in the hay wagon, and wade through the running stream, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, trees, flowers and the lovely refreshing fruits in all their varieties.

I wonder how many of my young readers, who enjoy these things, think of the One “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy?” I fear many take all these things, and have what they call “A good time, and very seldom, if ever, think of the Creator. May you be enabled to see His all-wise handiwork wherever you may look, and adore Him for it.

You may say, “I see thorns and thistles growing, and many other such things that are a nuisance. Did God give us these things?”

Yes, God’s Word lets us know that He sent these things on account of our sin. When Adam disobeyed God, and wanted a higher place than God had given to him, which was sin, then God sent all the pests as punishment, and thus His beautiful and fair creation was spoiled.

Let us remember, God did not stop there; such things may prevent us from settling down here as if everything was all right, but He has also shown us that sin put us at a distance from Him because He is holy.

There was no hope for us ever to deliver ourselves from such a condition so God sent His Son, the Only One who was able to enter into the full results of sin, and rise triumphant out of it all, to deliver all who would put their trust in Him. He then gives us to share with Him all that belongs to Him in that bright scene above. It is only those who will accept Him as their Saviour that will get the benefit.

May you dear children, as you enjoy the country, think of these things.

“O LORD HOW MANIFOLD ARE THYWORKS, IN WISDOM HAST THOU MADE THEM ALL.” Psa. 104; 24.

ML 09/29/1946

"Am Ddym"

I almost hear some of the little readers of “Messages of Love’’ exclaiming, “What can those two words mean?”

Some years ago I was giving away some Almanacs printed in Welsh, sot hat the Welsh boys and girls as well as their parents could read a text daily in their own language, which they love so well. I came to a lonely house among the hills, and on knocking at the door to give one of the Almanacs and some Welsh books to the inmates, I heard a tapping on the bedroom window and a woman was there vigorously shaking her head. She evidently took me to be peddler trying to sell my goods, and she did not wish to buy them.

I began to push the Almanac under the door and in a moment she was downstairs pushing the door mat hard against it, so that it was impossible to get the Almanac in that way. She thought she had gained the victory but I managed to push the mat with a stick, and thrust the Almanac well in.

From her bedroom window she looked on almost defiantly, as if her castle was besieged, but as I called as clearly as I could the magical word at the head of this paper, her face changed and with smiling face came downstairs, threw open the door and picking up the Almanac and little books lying inside in the passage, she made known to me that she was very glad to have them all.

The question comes again. Why should two such strange words such make a difference at once?

It was simply that she understood their meaning and believed the messages they brought to her.

These two words were the means of opening many otherwise closed dome in Wales, and I doubt not they would open many a heart to God that had been closed against Him and His loving through listening to the lie of Satan the enemy of God.

The secret is that “Am ddym” means “FOR NOTHING.” The moment the dear woman heard the good news the the books and Almanacs were free, and there was nothing to pay for them she changed her mind, came down, and accepted them gladly.

Dear children, you may smile as you read of this Welsh woman and think she was very foolish to act as she did, but

have you not the same feeling in your heart, that God is wanting you to give Him something for that which through the work of His dear Son He is able to offer freely without money and without price?

In Revelation 21:6 God says,

“I will give.”

That is His side in the gospel story. Your part is found in the next chapter (ver. 17),

“Let him take.”

Could anything be more simple and blessed than this? God says to all who are thristing and longing for salvation, “I will give,”

“Let him take.”

God gave His Son to die upon the cross, and now the work is finished and Jesus is raised from the dead and has gone back to heaven, He has sent down the Holy Spirit to make known to all that God is still the same, delighting to give, and to bless all that are ready to take, He says to you,

“Am ddym.”

May it open your heart’s door and may you be ready to receive His great gift.

ML 09/29/1946

"All Have Sinned"

At a meeting several years ago a little girl named Edith heard of the Lord Jesus, and how He died on Calvary’s cross for sinners, so they could go to heaven. She heard also if the sinner didn’t accept Him as Saviour, he or she would be separated from Him in hell for ever. Little Edith thought,

“O, I’ve never done any thing very bad, and my mother and daddy are Chrstians, so I’ll get to heaven somehow.

How wrong this little girl was to think she could get to heaven because mother and father were saved! God’s Word says,

“There is no difference: for all sinned, and have and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, 24.

“So everyone of us shall give account of himself to God,” Romans 14:12.

We are glad to tell our readers that little Edith did come, as a poor lost sinner to the Saviour, and found in Him a resting place and He made her happy.

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

ML 09/29/1946

A Child's Faith

A girl, seven years old, was being taught that beaiful hymn—

If I come to Jesus,

He will make me glad etc.

Presently she came to the verse—

If I come to Jesus,

He will hear my prayer;

He will love me dearly,

He my sins did bear.

But the lady who was teaching her made a mistake in the last line. Instead of saying, “He my sins did bear,” she told her “He my sins will bear,”

“O, no,” said the little one, “it cannot be will bear, when He has done so on the cross. Jesus did bear my sins on the cross did He not, dear auntie? It cannot be ‘will bear.’”

Dear reader, this little child was right; and her answer reminds me of our Lord’s words,

“Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes.” That child did not reason as so many anxious souls do,

“I don’t feel that Jesus bore my sins, so I fear it can’t be so.”

No; she just took God at His word she believed Jesus bore her sins, because it is written,

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed,” Isaiah 53:4, 5.

Dear reader, is your faith like that dear child’s? “Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the Tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

ML 09/29/1946

Clay on Blind Eyes

John 9:1-12

As Lord Jesus was passing along a street of Jerusalem He saw a blind man vvho sat and begged, and the Lord have him a wonderful gift—his sight.

For some blind, Jesus had touched their eves and said for them to see, but for this man He first spit on the earth beside them, then took some of the moist clay in His hand and pressed it upon the man’s eyes, and told him to go, wash in the pool of Siloam.

That pool of water may have been close by, for the blind man to get to; anyway, he obeyed and washed the clay from his eyes and he could see. What a change for him, for he had been born blind, so had never seen any person or a tree, or even light!

The neighbors and others who knew the blind man, were so surprised he could see, they were not sure he was the same person: some said, “It is he,” others said, “It is like him,” But the man was certain, he said, “I am he.” And he told them that Jesus had put the clay on his eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and he received sight. Jesus had passed on but the man did not know where.

It might seem it would not matter in what water his eyes were washed, but there was a reason for that certain, pool. It was an important one of the city near what was once the king’s palace and garden, and very old, for its wall was repaired hundreds of years before in the time of Nehemiah (Neh. 3:15). It is written that the name Soloam meant, “Sent” (v. 7), so those waters which came from the hills above, taught of Jesus, the One sent from Heaven to give the “water of life.”

Perhaps from this we can understand why Jesus put the clay on the man’s eyes, and sent him to wash in that pool. First He had spit on the clay, which was a sgn of the humanity of Christ, in humiliation and lowliness and yet the son of God whth power. All the earth and man were created by God, but because of man’s sin, he is unfit for God. The blind man was in darkness, and to cover his eyes with clay seemed to teach that was the result of a nature of sin in which he had been born, and must be cleared away by the power of One Sent by God.

Jesus, the One sent from God had taken an earthly body, but without to bear the wrath of God. How wonderful it was that the pool of Silaom was named long before the Lord Jesus came, to teach of Him.

It is said that pool is still in use by people of Jerusalem, and would remind us how lasting is the Gift of God, His Son. By our nature we are like that blind man who could not see Jesus; but he heard His voice we too may hear His voice in God’s word; he obeyed to do the way Jesus said to receive his sight; we too believe Him to be the only One to save us from wrath and darkness.

ML 09/29/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1.“In the last” etc. John 7:37

2.“Jesus answered,” etc. 6:29.

3.“All things, etc. 1:3.

4.“Marvel not,” etc. 5:28.

5.“And I give,” etc. 10:28.

6.“For God,” etc. 3:16.

7.“Jesus.” 4:6.

Bible Questions for October

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

Write in full the verse with the words,

1.“Should repent and turn to God.”

2.“The Lord stood by him.”

3.“He hath appointed a day.”

4.“I commend you to God.”

5.“Kneeled down on the shore.”

6.“He took bread, and gave thanks.”

7.Who prayed and sang praises at midnight?

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. Those unto whom the Word of God came. John 10:35.

2. I was blind; now I see. John 9:25.

3. That Jesus be glorified. John 7:39.

4.By force. John 6:15.

5.To do the will of Him Who sent Him. John 4:34

6.Philip 1:45.

7.That we believe on Him whom God has sent. John 6:29.

Bible Questions for October

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1. What two wrong things in Paul’s conduct are recorded in chapter 23?

2. Where did the Lord tell Paul He wanted send him?

3. What did the Lord teach about giving?

4. What did the converts do with the books?

5. Into what three classes did Paul’s in Acts 17 divide his audience?

6. What is the right answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?”

7. What kind of a reputation did Timothy have?

ML 10/05/1946

Nigh unto God

A little boy once said, “We have soiled our characters by sin.” Adam and Eve when they were put in the beautiful garden of Eden were told they might have the fruit of every tree in the garden in one, which God commanded should not be eaten; this was to test their obedience to God. But, sad to say, they were tempted by the Serpent.

Eve listened to the voice of the tempter and disobeyed God, then it was that God drove them from the garden and man became at a distance from Him. God, however, promised a deliverer (Gen. 3:15) and in due time Christ came, and now, dear young friends, you may draw nigh and come to God through Christ.

A little girl was lying in a Hospital very weak and ill, she said to her mother,

“I am not afraid to die, Jesus is very near to me.”

You see when we are near and Jesus and we love Him, how different we feel, how glad we are because Jesus makes us happy. When we keep away from Him, when we are at a distance from Him, we feel very unhappy. We want the Lord Jesus, dear young friends, in life and death.

“Fear thou not: for I am with thee be not dismayed; for, I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10.

ML 10/05/1946

I See It! I See It!

“I am not saved yet,” was the reply given to us the other day by one who we were assured was the Lord’s, but who had not peace.

“Well,” said we, “we are bold to say that the reason is because you do not believe what God says to you.”

Our friend was annoyed at being thus spoken to, and assured us that she did believe what God said to her. We bade her then read these words of the Lord Jesus,

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

“Now mark, the Lord says, ‘hath’—not shall have ‘everlasting life.’ It is a present blessing, the portion of the believer now in this life, and at this moment. Is the Lord telling you the truth?—for you say you believe His words.”

O! what joy broke over the doubting one’s face, as she saw that the words of Jesus were just what He declared, and that everlasting life was hers forever.

“I see it! I see it!” she exclaimed, and gave God the glory for His wonderful grace.

ML 10/05/1946

"Lovest Thou Me?"

John 21:15.

We should all feel as if our Lord were asking us the same question that He asked Peter,

“Lovest thou Me more 1tati these?” — these earthly friends, these earthly blessings? We should often ask ourselves,

“Do I love my Saviour?”

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

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

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

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

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

Happy are they who can say, with Peter,

“LORD, THOU KNOWEST ALL THINGS: THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE.” John 21:17.

One there is above all others—

O how He loves!

His is love beyond a brother’s—

O how He loves!

Earthly friends may fail or leave us,

One day soothe, the next day grieve us,

But this Friend will ne’er deceive us—

O how He loves!

ML 10/05/1946

Only, What?

Only a book for a child to read,

But what is the theme of its story?

Telleth it aught of a Saviour’s love?

Of a Risen Man in the glory?

Only a song for a child to sing,

But what is the note it is sounding?

Is it of Him whose wonderful love

Is ever and all-abounding?

Remember the charge concerning that child,

That to you in His Word is given;

“Suffer the children to come unto Me;

For of such is the kingdom of heaven!”

ML 10/05/1946

Speaking for Christ

John 9:13-41

The neighbors or friends who found that the man born blind had been made to see, took him to the leaders in the temple to show them what a great miracle Jesus had done. The man told them that Jesus put clay on his eyes and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam, and he washed and could see.

But the men would not believe that he had been born blind, and they sent for his parents to ask them. The parents said he was their son who was born blind, but they were afraid to say who had made him see, because those leaders had declared that whoever spoke of Jesus as the Christ, the One with power from God, would be put from the synagogue (or congregation). They said their son was of age, to ask him.

It would seem that the son was a young man, since his parents were questioned, and also from their words that he was of age, which in that nation was from the time a young man was twenty years old (Nu. 1:18). Anyway the son had courage to speak of Jesus, though his parents did not: he had told them that Jesus must be a prophet, one whom God directed, and he said again He must be from God or He could not have done so marvelous a thing as to “open” his eyes.

He told them that they should know that such a man’ was from God. It made them very angry that he should talk so plainly to them, and they put him from the temple. These men were called Pharisees, a party among the Jews of that who taught much about the law and rules which had been made by leaders before them, but few of them truly believed or honored God.

It was a great disgrace for anyone to be put out of the company of other people who could come to the temple, and the man may have been sad at such treatment, but soon he had the company of the Lord Jesus. We had heard he was put out and came where he was.

The man may not have seen Jesus before, but he believed His power because He had caused him to see, and he believed He should be obeyed. When Jesus asked him if he believed on the Son of God, he at once asked,

“Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him?”

When Jesus said, “He it is that taketh with thee,” the man said,

“Lord, I believe,” and worshipped Him.

Though the man had always been blind, he had listened well to God’s words when he heard them, for he believed One from God was to come to earth, and that One to do so great good must be without sin. Though he could no more go to the temple, he must have learned more of Jesus with others who believed Him, the Christ, the Son of God.

We might say that man would have been very ungrateful for his sight, for he had not told Who had made him to see: is it any less a miracle that Christ now saves from darkness forever, anyone who believes on Him. Should we not now say Who has done so great a miracle for us, even to those who are against. Him?

ML 10/05/1946

David Playing on the Harp Before Saul

David was one who loved God, and God was going to honor him, and put him on the throne instead of Saul who was desobedient to Him. After Saul disobeyed God sent an evil spirit upon him, and when David played the harp before him, one day Saul cast a javelin at David; but David escaped (1 Sam. 18:10, 11).

How many times, when the Lord Jesus was here upon earth, people tried to take Him and to stone Him and, kill Him, but He always escaped out of their hands, till His time came for Him to go to the cross, and then He gave Himself up to them, and allowed them to show out all the wickedness of their hearts. And now that Christ has gone through death, and is in the glory, still people show out their hatred to Him by desiring other things rather than Him.

Which side are you on? Do you, dear reader, take part with those who do not want Jesus? Or do you say,

“I love Him, because He first loved me?”

Saul is a picture of the unsaved people in all their hatred to the Lord Jesus, and God’s judgment will surely come upon them. God will have all to honor His Son, and if they, do not honor Him now they will have to honor Him. later. But it will then be too late for their salvation.

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things, in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:10, 11.

“AS I LIVE, SAITH THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD.” Romans 14:11.

ML 10/14/1946

What Came of Minding Mamma

Two little boys with scowling faces stood before their mamma. She had told them she did not thing it best for them to visit Neddie Tucker that day, so they began to pout and behave in a very naughty manner.

“Now,” said Mrs. Gray, am going out. Be good boys, and amuse yourselves until I come back.”

“What shall we do?” whined Harry.

“Play with the soldiers,” answered mamma.

“They are nearly all broken,” cried both the boys.

“Then put your cut-up pictures together.”

“Three of the pieces are lost.”

“Play with your building-blocks and your tops, or swing in the hammock or roll your hoops in the garden.”

“We are tired of all those.”

“Then,” said mamma, “I don’t see anything for you to do but to be good boys.”

The clouds vanished from Charlie’s face, and throwing his arms around his mother’s neck, he exclaimed,

“Yes, mamma, I will be your good boy!”

Not so with Harry. As soon as the carriage drove away, he began to fret and at last said to his brother,

“Let us go over to Neddie’s.” Charlie opened his blue eyes very wide and he replied,

“Why, Harry! mamma said could not go!”

“Never mind; she will never know it if we do go. Come on, Charlie: I am going.”

Charlie looked very sober.

“No,” he said firmly; “whatever you may do, I shall mind mamma.”

Harry’s hand was on the gate. that moment he paused to draw handkerchief from his pocket, and with it came a small Sunday-school card, which was printed in pretty letters,

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

Harry put the card back in his pocket and drew a long breath.

“I came pretty near being naughty, he said.

Half an hour later, Grandpa Grey drove up in his farm-wagon, and call: to the boys,

“I am glad you are here, for I can stop for three minutes. I have come to take you up to the farm to stay for a little. I met your mother on the walk and she says you may go. Now fly for I am in a hurry.”

“Aren’t you glad you didn’t disobey mamma?” whispered Chadie to his, brother after Gradma Grey had tucked them up in bed that night.

“I guess I am,” replied Harry earnestly. “And I am going to always remember that verse whenever I am tempted to do what my parents would not be pleased with.”

“God is in heaven: would He know If I should tell a lie?”

“Yes; if thou saidst it soft and low, He’d hear it in the sky.”

ML 10/14/1946

The Person More Than the Gift

Has she brought me anything?” asked a little girl of four summers when she was told of the return of a much-loved friend; but hardly had the words passed from her lips. ere she added,

“O! but that doesn’t matter, because she is better than anything she brings.”

The presence of the person was better than any gift.

Can we who are saved say of the Lord Jesus the Saviour: He is better than His choicest gifts? Everything He gives, is to be rececived with thanksgiving, but He Himself is worthy to be “better” to us than all besides.

Many value “salvation,” and forget the “Saviour.” May we be enable to remember Him through whom all blessing comes to us, and to live for His glory.

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” 1 Peter 1:7.

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable GIFT.” (Jesus). 2 Cor. 9:15.

ML 10/14/1946

Alice's Disobedience

One morning a mother had to go out shopping, and left her little girl alone in the living room, to play with her dolls until she returned specially charging her not to touch the box. But little Alice was not noted for her obedience, and before long she was tired of the dolls, and thought,

“I wonder why mother said that I was not to touch her sewing box.” And then Satan whispered that it could not do any harm just to touch it.

So she climbed on a chair, and pulled the sewing box to the edge of the table and opened it, and looked in; but as she bent over it, her necklace became entangled with the key and dragged the box off the edge of the table, and down it fell on the floor! So all the pins, needles, spools, and tapes fell out and rolled about the room! O! there was such a litter, and poor Alice began to cry, and felt dreadfully sorry that she had touched it.

Just then the mother’s knock was heard at the door, and poor, miserable Alice hid under the table — why? Because she was so ashamed! So will some people be dreadfully ashamed before Jesus when He comes back!

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

ML 10/14/1946

The Saviour's Love

I have read of the Saviour’s love,

And what a wonderful love it must be;

But did He come down from heaven above,

Out of love and compassion for me?

I’ve been told of a heaven on high,

Which the children of God soon will see;

But is there a place in the sky

Made ready and furnished for me?

O, yes! for His love is as wide,

And deep as the fathomless sea;

And love such as this will provide

Even blessings eternal for me!

ML 10/14/1946

The True Shepherd

John 10:1-6

The Lord Jesus told this parable to the men of Jerusalem: He spoke with authority, as a declaration, saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

In that land sheep were kept at night in a high walled yard, called, “a fold”, and large flocks had a watchman to guard; in the morning when the sheerd came, he would be let in. The sheep were such pets that each one had its own name, and knew the shepherd’s voice: as he called each name, the sheep came to hint and followed him to the pasture lands.

But in this parable we know Jesus did not mean to tell of a shepherd of real sheep: but the people who believed God were called “sheep” and He, their “Shepherd”, as we too say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Ps. 23.

It was promised that the Holy One to come to earth would “lead His flock as a shepherd.” (Isa. 40;11).

“He that entereth in by the door (the right or proper way) is the Shepherd of the sheep.”

That right way was the way God had said, and was written by the prophets in the Scriptures long before the One to come from God was to come a holy Child, to “grow up as a tender plant,” to be One to teach God’s ways, to care for the people, heal thy: sickness, and care for them every way. (Is. 7:14; 9:6; 53:2).

Jesus had come just as God had said and He had done for the people as has been written of Him, so He had come by the “door”, the right way and was the true Shepherd. The Holy Spirit had been as the “porter” to let Him in where the “sheep” would hear Him and know His voice: All who believe God’s words “knew His voice”, that His words were from God, and they believed and followed Him.

Though Jesus’ words about the true Shepherd seem so plain and easy understand, the men He told them to did not understand, because they had not believed God’s words about the One to come; they were not thinking of Him or wanting Him to be there Shepherd.

If we would re-write the words of Jesus’ parable with a capital letter for the word Shepherd, and think of all as His own words to us, perhaps it would be still more plain: we can ask ourselves if He is our Shepherd and if we know His voice.

ML 10/14/1946

The Volcanoes of Hawaii

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

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

There are many superstitions in reward to the volcanoes. In olden times, whenever an eruption took place, it was the custom to throw different things into the crater as an offering to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

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

Satan wants people to worship anything or person instead of God, and he even wanted the Lord Jesus Christ to worship him, but the Lord answered him.

“THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE.” Luke 4:8.

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

ML 10/20/1946

"Where Are Your Sins?"

A young girl came to sec the preacher, being anxious about her soul. “Are you saved,” he asked, “or are you only trying to be saved?”

“I am trying,” she sadly replied. “How are you trying?”

“I am praying, and reading the Bible, and going to church, and striving to keep the commandments.”

“How are you succeeding?” “Not very well,” she sorrowfully answered.

“Do you not see that in all this trying. you are leaving Christ out as truly as if there were no Saviour who has come down from heaven to deliver us from sin and its dreadful consequences?”

“O, I believe in Jesus!” she quickly responded.

“You do? Let us see. Do you believe that Christ died upon the cross?

“Yes, I know it.”

“How do you know it? You were not there to see Him die.”

“I know it because God says so in His Word.”

“Do you believe, then, whatever God says in His Word?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, why did Christ die upon the cross?”

“He died for our sins.”

“You are correct; for God says over and over again that He died for our sins. Your sins were upon Him when He was nailed to the cross, were they not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where is Christ now?”

“He is up in heaven.”

“You are right again, for God repeatedly tells us this in His Word. And your sins upon Him?”

“No, sir.”

“Observe, your sins were upon Him once when He was nailed to the cross and today He is in heaven without them. Where are your sins?”

She looked down for a few moments deep thought, and then, raising her eyes, a sweet smile played over her face as she said,

“They must be all gone.”

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

God says: “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 10:17.

ML 10/20/1946

"Marie Will Put Her Name in."

A well-known fisherman- Evangelist was asked by a wealthy lady to address a meeting in her house.

He was much perplexed as to how to speak to such a distinguished company; but at length decided that if John 3:16 was good for poor sinners, it was equally efficacious for rich sinners. After the meeting he felt that this part of his work had proved a failure, and that nothing would induce him to undertake a similar service again. A few weeks later, however, he met the same lady. Stopping him, she said,

“O,Mr.———, I did so want to see you to tell you of something that took place when you were at my house. While you were speaking, one of my maids knelt outside the door with her car at the keyhole. She heard you say, as you expounded your text, f

Just take out that big word whosoever, put your own name in, and you will get blessing’; and my maid told me afterwards that she said to herself, “If none or the grand ladies in that room will do it, Maggie will put her name and got the blessing.” She is most desirous to meet you to tell you that she put in her name and got the blessing.”

Dear friend, will you put in your me. Listen once again to the message—

“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.

What a message! It comes from the heart of God; it is brought by the Son of God, and it offers everlasting life to every man, woman, and child upon earth. Say! Have you got it? If not, take the preacher’s advice; follow Maggie’s example; put in you name, put in your claim, and you too shall become the recipient and happy possessor of God’s priceless gift of everlasting life.

Ml 10/0/1946

That's Just What I Want

A poor woman lay very ill, in a cottage in the mountains. 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 quite unknown to her.

When she was thus compelled to lie in bed, weak and broken down with suffering, she found titne to think. Her heart was, however, filled with darkness whether she thought of tire 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 10/20/1946

How Shall We Escape if We Neglect so Great Salvation?

Shall Jesus stiffer death for me,

That I might never die;

And I not long His face to see,

Nor to His bosom fly?

Shall Jesus call and wait for me,

His arms extended wide;

And I refuse His child to be,

Nor in His bosom hide?

Shall Jesus open wide the gate,

And bid me enter in;

And I despise His love so great

And perish in my sin?

ML 10/20/1946

The Shepherd, the Door

John 10:9-21

The Lord Jesus told the Jewish men how to know the true Shepherd sent by God to His people, and it is plain He was Himself their true Shepherd, and He told them something more,

“I am the door of the sheep.”

“By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.”

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

It was only by giving His life that the Lord Jesus could be the “door” or way for any to enter God’s “fold”. “To enter in,” a man must believe Him. There is no other “door” or way.

And it had been written by one of the prophets that the Shepherd would be struck as though by an enemy’s sword:

“Awake, o sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My Fellow (Companion), saith the Lord of Hosts: smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” Zech. 13:7.

Jesus later said those words to His disciples the evening before He was crucified. He knew He was that Shepherd to die, and the disciples were scattered as sheep for a short time (Matt. 26:31).

Jesus told those men, “I lay down My life for the sheep.” That meant He willingly gave His life to save all who would “enter in”, or believe Him. He also said that He knew “His sheep” and that He was “known of them.”

These words were said to men of Jerusalem and we might think the words about the Good Shepherd giving His life for the sheep could not be for us now, but Jesus told them,

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd.”

From those words it is plain He thought of others besides the people, or “flock” of Israel, who had been chosen by God, because the other nations were, worshiping idols. But the Lord knew there were many in the nations then who were tired of idols and ready to believe God. After Jesus had given, His life and “taken it again”, as He said (v. 18), He told those who loved Him to go to all nations, and these words about the Good Shepherd have been told many times, over and over so His “voice” has been heard, many have believed.

There is only one “Door”, or way to enter, Christ, the Shepherd, Who gave His life for the “sheep”.

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

ML 10/20/1946

Astonished

The story is told of a monkey and a cat who were kept at the same house. The monkey took great delight in tormenting the cat, and was very much afraid of him, and would run away from him to keep out of trouble. One day she was lying asleeep on the window sill, and the monkey spied her, and quietly sprang up and pounced on her. There was no way for her to escape, so, to defend herself, she slapped him on the ear with her paw, and at the same time scratched him, which astonished him very much, and made him jump back and then she made her escape.

It is quite natural to all animals, also boys and girls, to defend themselves, but there was one person on this earth that did not have that fallen nature, and He acted very differently. I suppose you can all tell me who He is, He was the Lord Jesus Christ.

WHO, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, REVILED NOT AGAIN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE THREATENED NOT; BUT COMMITTED HIMSELF TO HIM THAT JUDGETH RIGHTEOUSLY.” 1 Peter 2:23.

All who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are called upon to follow in His steps, and they shall find, if they do, that their life will he a happy one, and to the Lord’s glory, and at the end, a happy home with Himself.

ML 10/27/1946

The Boy and the Idol

In the Island of Ceylon there is a religion much followed by the people, called Buhism. Some years ago a little boy there went a to Buddhist temple wherein lay a very large figure of the founder of that rigion. 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 refuge in Buddha.”

He then waited to see 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 among others 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 he had not even life itself; he therefore became a Christian. Later on he went to a teacher in the missionary school, and has, for years, been a preacher on the island; and his joy in being able to preach the gospel to his countrymen, was exceedingly great. His highest delight, to point them—not to Buddha for sympathy, consolation, or salvation—but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the rich and only refuge and defense for all los and burdened sinners.

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

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

ML 10/27/1946

Taking Out the "If."

A little boy was awakened to anxiety about his soul at a meeting where the story of the leper was told.

Leprosy is a dreadful disease which soon covers the whole body. When any one became leperous in Israel they were obliged to go outside the camp, and when any one came neat them to cry, “unclean! unclean!”

Leprosy is a marked emblem of sin. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint; from the crown the head to the sole of the foot, them is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.” Isaiah 1:5,6.

One day a poor leper came to Jesus and worshiped Him, saying,

“Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”

And Jesus put forth His hand and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matt. 8:2, 3.

Well, this dear little boy who was anxious said,

“I noticed that there was an ‘if’ in what the man said, but there was no ‘if’ in what Jesus said; so I went home and I took out the ‘if’, and I knelt down and I said,

‘Lord Jesus, Thou canst, Thou wilt make me clean; I. give myself to Thee.’”

My beloved children, have you thus come to Jesus? And, if not yet, will you come now? O! do come to Him. He can, He will make you clean; yes, whiter than snow. You are a sinner, and sin is a far worse disease than leprosy. Nothing can take it away but the blood of Jesus. Come to Him this very minute.

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

ML 10/27/1946

Our Claim

Mamma, what did papa mean when he said he had a claim on the Norton property?” asked Frank Elton.

“He meant he had a right or title to part of it,” replied Mrs. Elton.

“I suppose that is the reason why he calls a person who is trying to get anything a claimant,” remarked Frank.

This explanation was not very clear, Mrs. Elton let it pass, thinking she would return to the subject some other time. That evening, when the children were repeating their verses before retiring rest, she asked,

“Frank, what do you think is our claim to salvation?”

The boy thought for a moment, but he had been well instructed, and answered at last—

“Our being sinners.”

“Right,” returned his mother, much pleased.

“‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance,’ and it was the reproach to His enemies—

‘This Man receiveth sinners.’ Now what do you think gives us a claim on God’s favor, and to heaven?”

Without any hesitation Frank answered,

“What Jesus did for us.”

“True again,” said Mrs. Elton. “It is written to them who receive Christ, ‘to them gave He power’ (that is, ‘the right,’) ‘to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on His name.’ Remember, we are entitled to the blessings God has to bestow when we become His children ‘by faith in Christ Jesus.’”

ML 10/27/1946

The Name of Jesus

‘Twas God who gave the precious name

Of “Jesus” to His Son,

Because for all His people’s sins

And guilt He would atone.

The name of “Jesus” SAVIOUR means;

And such He is indeed

To those who know the weight of sins,

And peace and pardon need.

His name was Jesus when on earth,

His name is Jesus now;

And God declares that to this name

All heaven and earth shall bow.

And truly happy is the child

Who loves this precious name;

He soon shall Him in glory see,

Who from God’s glory came.

ML 10/27/1946

"Shall Never Perish"

John 10:22-42

And it was at Jerusalem, the feast of dedication, and it was winter, and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”

That porch was very large; it was at an entrance, or “gate”, where the people went in and out of the building, and where many people could he, and talk together. It was on this porch that the Lord Jesus answered the men who asked Him to tell them if He were the Christ: He had told them many times before, and had clone the great deeds no other could do. He had just spoken those wonderful Words that He was the Good Shepherd to give His life.

The time and place of His talk seems to have been written that all since who read it would know His words were meant for all people; they were said in a public and proper place for so important a matter. Those leaders did not believe Him because they wanted to keep on in sins, yet He explained carefully, and in that way the people about him heard, and many believed Him, and many since have been blessed by His words.

Jesus spoke of sheep so all could understand His meaning, even children of every land know what sheep are; He said,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

To “hear” His voice, is to believe His words, and by His words know He is the Shepherd. He knows His “sheep”, each one who believes Him, and He gives them eternal life that cannot end.

One or all the sheep of a flock might be snatched from a shepherd by robber or wild animals, or they might perish or die, in a storm, but that cannot be true of “the sheep” of the Lord Jesus He said,

“They shall never perish, neither, shall any pluck (or snatch) them out of My hand.”

The “eternal life” He said He gives would not be eternal if it could stop or end; that life is a part of His own life, so it cannot be lost.

The Lord’s “sheep” often go astray, on earth, and then are not in His path here, for “He leadeth me in paths of righteousness” (right ways). But David, who wrote that, also knew the Lord as Shepherd, “restoreth my soul.” David also knew he could not perish he wrote, “I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever”, be in the presence, of the Lord, His Shepherd, forever.

While the Lord Jesus was on earth He spoke of God the Father as greater and here, of His “sheep”, He said, “No man, (meaning ourselves, men or Satan) is able to pluck them out of the Father’s hand.” Then He said, “I and My Father are one.” Teaching us that His own, those who believe Him, and kept by both the Father and the Son of God.

ML 10/27/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Jesus knowing,” etc. John 13:3.

2.“Jesus therefore,” etc. 18:4.

3.“Neither pray,” etc. 17:20.

4.“I am,” etc. 15:5.

5.“And when,” etc. 11:43.

6.“But these,” etc. 20:31.

7.“Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” 19:19.

Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 1-8

Write in full the verse with the words,

1.“None that doeth good.”

2.“Whose sins are covered.”

3.“Will render to every man.”

4. “The wages of sin.”

5. “Died for the ungodly.”

6.“At the right hand of God.”

4.Who was separated unto the gospel of God?

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. Openly, Jno. 18:20.

2. A record of all that Jesus did. Jno. 21:25.

3.“Jesus Wept.” Jno. 11:35.

4. “That ye love one another.” Jno. 15:12.

5.They should have tribulation. John. 16:33.

6.The Word of God. Jno. 17:17.

7.The hour of His death. Jno. 12:27.

Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans. Chapter 1-8

1. How do we get “freed from sin?”

2. Who is it that justifies the believer?

3. What do we know about “all things?”

4. How do we get deliverance from the bondage of law?

5. Where was the gospel promised?

6. What happens to those who sin “without law?”

7. How do we establish the law?

ML 11/03/1946

The Lantern, a Parable

I have a little lantern

Which some folks call “The Book”

And when I cannot find my way,

I always take a look.

Within its sacred pages,

There is a wondrous light,

Which keeps my feet from stumbling,

Upon the darkest night.

Once two homeless, dirty ragged orphans were met by a loving rich man who seeing their sorry conditon made up his mind to help them. He told them that he would adopt them, that is, make them his OWN CHILDREN, and that they were to go to his beautiful home to live with him and share all his great riches. As he had business elsewhere he gave the children a wonderful lantern telling them that it would guide them safely home, for it would shine its light ONLY on the right path. With words of warning to follow the light the man left them and they set out.

How happy they were as they walked along talking of their wonderful new friend, of his love and goodness to them and of the prospect of meeting him again in, his and their happy home.

But after a time they became rather foot sore and weary and when the light shone on a steep, rocky road over a big mountain, their hearts fainted within them and they sat down, discouraged.

“I wonder if we can make the light shine on this easy, smooth road around the hill,” said one, but no matter how they turned the lantern, it would only shine on the rough road.

After a time these children did a very foolish thing. They could not put out the wonderful light, so they COVERED IT UP by tying a piece of cloth around it. Then, they set off on the road of their own choosing.

But, O, there were so many paths running this way and that way that soon they became hoplessly lost, for, you see, they had no light to guide them. Then they sat down and began to cry. At this moment a kindly stranger cme along and asked their trouble. They told him their story and how they had become lost.

“What is that you are carrying?” said he.

“That is our lantern.” said they.

“But why have you the light covered?”

With shame they had to confess their foolishness and then the stanger said, “Uncover the and it will show you the way back.”

This they did and were soon back to the spot they had left and now they began the steep climb. But do you know that so happy were they to be on the right road, they did not mind the hardness of the way ar all—the rough places eben seemed smooth!

Soon after they found themselves at home, their kind friend being there to welcome and care for them and love them.

Never more did they ever lack for anything or leave the wonderful friend who had now become a Father to them, indeed.

Now, children have you guessed who these orphan children are? Just anyone who is away from God, wandering in paths of sin. And who is the kind Stranger? Is He not the Lord Who came to seek and to save the lost?

And what is the lantern? Just His Word, the Bible, that He has so graciously given to guide us all the way Home.

If you are saved, dear children, walk in the light of that precious Word, and you will find it a true guide for,

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

ML 11/03/1946

I Want to Go to Heaven

I want to go to heaven; for

Jesus, the Lord is there,

Who still loves little children

Just like He did down here.

When mothers brought them to Him

He took them in His arms;

How safe then were those children

From everything that harms!

How can I go to heaven?

For the great God hates sin,

And I am often naughty,

How can He let me in?

God loves the little children,

He gave His Son to die;

The precious blood of Jesus

Can wash all sins away.

How can I go to heaven?

For I am very small,

Jesus, the Lord, will take me,

Yes, Jesus does it all.

He’s glad because He loved me;

He’s bought me with His blood;

He died for children on the cross,

And showed the love of God.

And when I get to heaven

I’ll see His blessed face;

Who loves the little children

And wins them by His grace,

Lord Jesus, Thou art coming!

Teach me to love Thee so

That I may gladly greet Thee

If still I’m here below.

ML 11/03/1946

"Thy Brother Shall Rise"

John 11:1-34

There were two sisters, Martha and Mary, and their brother, Lazarus, living in a town named Bethany, who knew the Lord Jesus and had welcomed Him in their home. They believed Him the Holy One promised by God.

While He was at a place beyond the Jordan River, some distance from them, Lazarus became very sick. The sisters knew Jesus could cure him and sent a messenger to tell Him of the sickness.

But Jesus did not go to them at once, nor speak the command for Lazarus to be well, as He had for some. He stayed two days longer in that place, Then He said to the disciples, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.”

They did not know Lazarus was dead, and thought Jesus meant natural sleep and said that was well for him. So Jesus told them, “Lazarus is dead,” and said, “Let us go to him.”

The disciples feared for Jesus to go near Jerusalem, for they had seen the men there try to stone Him. But when they saw His plan was to go, one of them said, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” They loved Jesus so much they felt they wanted to share death with Him, and all returned with. Him and came near to Bethany four days after Lazarus had died.

When Martha learned that Jesus was near, she went to meet Him, and said to Him, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here my brother had not died.”

Jesus told her, “Thy brother shall rise again.”

Martha knew, as did all who believed God, that the dead would be raised (Daniel 12:2; Heb. 11:35). But she did not know that Jesus was the One by whom any could be raised or have life.

Jesus then said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”

Martha believed the words of the Lord, though she had not yet seen His power over death, and she said to Him, “I believe Thou art the Christ , the Sone of God, which should come into the world.”

Martha returned to the house to tell Mary that Jesus had come, and she spoke to Mary secretly, “The Master is come and calleth for thee.”

Mary at once went to Jesus. When the friends saw her go from the house they thought she was going to Lazarus’ grave to weep, and they followed after her to comfort her, so came also where Jesus was.

Mary said the same words to Jesus as Martha, “Lord if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” They were so certain He could have made Lazarus well, if there. But they were soon to know what a great thing He still could do for them.

Jesus asked them where they had laid Lazarus, and they said, “Lord, come and see.”

ML 11/03/1946

Rabbits

Had you walked through High Street, W—,last summer, you might have seen in a shop window several pretty rabbits of nricus kinds playing about in the bottom of the window among the hay, with a rockery to run under for shelter, and other suitable hiding places.

They seemed very contented and peaceful, having the whole window to themselves excepting at the end, where there were some guns and cases of powder and bags of shot. We were much struck with their ignorance of their most deadly enemies, for we all know that guns are used to shoot down poor rabbits, and we suspect that they were placed there to advertise them for such a purpose.

Those unsuspecting little creatures reminded us rather forcibly of the ingorance many persons show in the midst of the many dangerous soul-enemies that surround them, dangers no doubt often placed by Satan, our greatest enemy, for the damage and destruction of people’s souls, young and old.

Such as bad books, had company, bad habits and a thousand and one other bad things. We live in a day when Satan is bringing out and setting his most dangerous traps and wiles to deceive. Remember a wile is a very tricky thing. It is something that appears to be what really is not, something that seems all right on the surface, while at the same time all is quite wrong and bad underneath, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

God says in His word about Satan’s wiles to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ,

“Ye are not ignorant concerning his devices.”

We wonder, dear young reader, if you are one of those true believers. If you are, praise the Lord!

But if not, why not? You never heard of the believer ever regretting having come to Christ, the blessed Saviour. No, that would become impossible. May your eyes be opened to the dangers that surround you, so that you may turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, accept Him as your own precious Saviour. He will then forgive your many sins, protect you from Satan, care for you here, and later take you to live with Himself in. the glory, forever.

Do not continue like those dear little rabbits, as though there were no danger.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

“THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” 2 Sam. 22:2,3.

If you take your refuge in the Lord, Satan cannot touch you.

ML 11/10/1946

The Prayer Meeting

Judge B. when he was young lawyer, was invite to deliver an address of welcome to the governor, the state on a Monday evening. He took great pains to prepare his address, but a telegram came on Monday, saying that the governor’s visit would be deferred till Wednesday evening. Mr. B. at once wrote to the committee that a previous engagement would prevent his being present on Wednesday evening.

Few persons knew that the “previous engagement” was the mid-week prayer meeting which the young Christian lawyer had set apart as sacredly devoted to God, and no service to men or state though it might be for his own promotion, could make him swerve from his purpose. No wonder God bless him.

How many of our dear young friends love to go to the prayer meeting? The Lord has answered many prayers from the prayer meeting.

“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.” Acts 2:42.

ML 11/10/1946

Too Late!

Sometime ago I was staying in a house that faced a large public school.

From the windows we could see the children assembling twice a day, often coming early enough to have a game before the bell summoned them to come in.

One morning I saw two little boys arrive very early. Evidently they meant to be in good time, and soon after, being joined by others, a game of marbles was started.

By-and-by the bell began ringing, and children gathered from all directions and disappeared one after another through the open door.

But the little group of boys still went on with their game, although the quick, sharp notes of the bell continued to warn them that time was going. Suddenly, as the clock struck nine, the bell ceased ringing, and at the same moment the school door was shut.

But what about those two little boys who had come so early? Ah, they had lingered so long over their game that, although within sight of the open door, they were too late to go in after all!

And now as they stand outside, the sound of children’s voices singing the opening hymn comes to them, and they wish they had gone in while the door was open, because they know that punishment awaits those who are not in their palces when school begins.

This incident led me to think of another door and another call to come in, one that you have heard, my reader, many times, and now once again it comes to you though the pages of “Messages of the Love of God.”

The Lord in His grace has brought us to the present month, and still the door of salvation stands wide open; but we know that time is quickly taking us on to the moment when it will be shut.

Right now the Lord Jesus is calling you to come to Him for your eternal salvation, a day will come when Heaven’s door will be closed. Then it will be too late for you to enter.

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

Then you among others, will call to Him,

“Lord, Lord, pen to us,” But he will answer,

“I know you not,” and you will be left outside for eternal judgment in hell.

O, dear children, I beg of you do come to Him NOW, before it is forever too late.

ML 11/10/1946

The Word of God

The Word of God is precious

To every blood bought soul

It heals the broken spirit

And makes the wounded whole,

It giveth joy and gladness

To hearts distressed with care;

It draws us near our Saviour

And shields us safely there.

The Word of God is living.

To those who heed its voice,

Revealing Christ as Saviour.

Surely the wisest choice

Would be to heed the message

And open now your heart—

Welcome this gracious Saviour

And bid Him not depart.

For the Word of God has power

To show you all your guilt.

It was for wayward sinners

That precious blood was spilt.

The Word of God is sharper

Than any two-edged sword,

Discerning thoughts and motives

According to His Word.

The Word of God abideth

To everlasting days.

For since eternal ages

It uttereth His praise.

The Word of God’s unchanging,

And it will stand secure;

Though heaven and earth shall vanish,

His Word shall e’er endure.

The Word of God is with us,

And dearer day by day,

To those who know the Saviour

And walk the narrow way.

‘Tis comfort to the weary

And joy to aching heart,

So search its pages daily

And ne’er from it depart.

“If any man love Me, he will keep My Word: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.

ML 11/10/1946

"Lazarus, Come Forth"

John 11:35-45

The town of Bethany was on the side of a mountain ridge, and Lazarus was buried in a cave, a common place of burial in that land.

Martha and Mary and their friends led Jesus to the place, all were weeping, mourning for Lazarus.

A stone was over the opening of the cave and the Lord said for them to take it away. Martha thought that should not be done, because the body would already be decaying. But Jesus reminded her that He had said she should see the glory of God, and He had told the disciples that this sorrow was that the Son of God should have glory, which soon was shown them.

The stone was taken away and Jesus prayed and gave thanks to God that His prayer was heard; then He called with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.”

“And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes; and his face bound about with a nain.” It was their custom to wrap cloth closely about the face and limbs of a dead person. But those tight bindings around Lazarus did not hinder his obeying the voice of the Lord Jesus, neither was the power of the Lord prevented because his body was decaying.

Lazarus stood before Jesus, and the sisters and all the people saw him alive again. Jesus told them to loose him of the bindings so he could be free to walk among them. All of them could have called ever so loudly, and Lazarus could not have heard; how wonderful the power of the Lord!

The joy of Martha and Mary is not told, but it must have been a time of wonder and awe for all, and of praise to God and to His Son, then by that cave, for such a change from death to life. Many of the friends who had either not known Jesus before had not fully believed in His power from God, believed Him then. We would suppose every person who stood by that cave and saw Lazarus come before them alive, would have believed in Jesus, as One from God, but it seemed they did not.

Jesus had before raised two persons who had died, a young girl and a young man, but they had not been dead long and not buried, so the power of the Lord was more felt in the raising Lazarus (Mark 5:35-43; Luke 7:11-16).

The Lord Jesus’ words and care of Martha and Mary seems written that all since who believe in Him may be comforted in sorrow, which even many boys and girls know.

His promise was very sure, “The brother shall rise again.” But he knew there was a time of sorrow and He wept with them. Perhaps the most comfort is in the words that the sorrow would be for the glory of God and for the Son of God. So we may believe there is glory to God in some way now also, and to bear sorrow patiently with His comforts, honors Him.

ML 11/10/1946

On His Shoulders

A little lamb went straying

Among the hills one day,

Leaving its faithful shepherd,

Because it loved to stray.

And while the sun shone brightly,

It knew no thought of fear,

For flowers around were blooming,

And balmy was the air.

But night came over quickly,

The hollow breezes blew,

The sun soon ceased its shining,

All dark and dismal grew.

The little lamb stood bleating,

And well indeed it might,

So far from home and shepherd,

And on so dark a night.

But, ah! the faithful shepherd

Soon missed the little thing,

And onward went to seek it,

And home again to bring.

He sought on hill and valley,

And called it by its name:

He sought, nor ceased his seeking,

Until he found his lamb.

Then to his gentle bosom

The little lamb he pressed,

And on his shoulders bore it,

And fondly it caressed.

The little lamb was happy

To find itself secure;

The shepherd, too, was joyful,

Because his lamb he bore.

And now, dear little children,

A Shepherd’s up on high,

Who came to seek the straying,

Who all deserved to die.

For sin each lamb had ruined,

And far from God had led;

But O! what love unbounded!

He suffered in their stead.

“What man of you, having an hured sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

“AND WHEN HE HATH FOUND IT, HE LAYETH IT ON HIS SHOULDERS, REJOICING.” Luke 15:4,5.

Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

ML 11/17/1946

The Runaway Boys

It has been our habit to give our classes in the Sunday School an outing to the seashore, on a summer Satuay. My class of boys were in great glee over this, and had been discussing among themselves what they would do at the shore. There were two fields at our disposal, for games, and the long shore being quite safe, and free from rocks and deep pools, they were allowed to wade in the shallow water. But it was distinctly under stood all were to keep together, and that there was to be no bathing or boating on that day. For we had proved, by past experiences, that when boys get a measure of liberty for these, they exceed their limits, and get into serious danger. So the teachers had definitely decided, and intimated these prohibi tions to their classes, before we started on the trip that summer day.

But as the folks say, “Boys will be boys,” so a few of my class of boys had secretly arranged among themselves, that if a suitable opportunity occurred, they would get a boat and row across to the point, a short distance across the bay. So when they saw their teachers engaged with tht junior classes, a few of the elder boys slipped down to the jetty, and seizing one of the boats, used by the workmer in the boatyard, without either obtaining or asking permission, they sailed away in grand style, across the main sea.

But disobedience always, sooner or later, has to pay for its adventures, and ere they had gone far, a sharp breeze sprang up, one of the oars fell into the water, and the boys began to find difficulties in rowing. When they were seen, loud shouts from the shore called them to return. But this was more difficult. For in addition to the want of an oar, the tide had turned, and was against them, and they were both frightened and exhausted, so they could do little in getting back to where they had started from.

Two of them could be seen off the Point, wading in shallow water trying to get the boat off. Three of the teachers hired a boatman to pull them out to the Point, and brought the boys safe to land.

The lesson the boys learned, has not been forgotten. They learned the folly of taking their own way, and I have had the of seeing three of them converted, and following their Lord and Master.

ML 11/17/1946

Speak the Truth

A friend of mine was telling me not long ago 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 whever 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 geing 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 approval. Do you know what God thinks about lying?

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

ML 11/17/1946

A Greater Joy Than Angels Have

Several years ago a group of young girls were walking home from school. They were saddened bause the mother of one of the girls had died. One said,

“I suppose Jane’s mother has gone to heaven and is now an angel.”

Another girl of eight years had been attending Sunday School and had learned a little hymn. She spoke up and said,

“Why, no one could become an angel, because in Sunday School we sing this hymn: “There’s a song for little children

Above the bright blue sky

A song which even angels

Can never, never sing

They know not Christ as Saviour

But worship Him as King.”

God’s word tells us that the souls of those who know Christ as Saviour, go directly to be with Him, while their bodies go into the grave until the Lord comes for His own, which may be very soon.

How sad though, for those who have rejected the Lord Jesus as Saviour, and have died in their sins! In Psalms 9:17 we read,

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”

Dear ones, will you be among the happy company who will dwell with Christ forever, or will He have to say, “I never knew you, depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:23.

ML 11/17/1946

One to Die for All

John 11:46-57

Some of the men who saw Lazarus raised to life after he had been dead four days, went to the chief priests and leaders in Jerusalem who, they knew, wanted to kill Jesus to tell them what He had done.

When those men heard of that great event they met to decide quickly how they could take Jesus; they said, “What shall we do? for this man doeth great miracles; if we let Him alone, all will believe Him; and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation.”

They knew Jesus did the many miracles, but they would not believe He was from God, because they had not believed the scriptures which told of Him; and they hated Him because He had spoken truly against their evil ways. But they knew many of the people believed Him the Messiah prosed, and might try to make Him King.

The leader of those men of Jerusalem was Caiaphas, the high priest, which was the highest office of Israel, higher even than a king.

We are told in the book of Hebrews that the Lord Jesus is now Himself the Great High Priest to care for all God’s people: but He is not on earth, but in Heaven.

“We have a great High Priest, that is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God.” Heb. 4:14; 7:25, 26.

Caiaphas did not care for God’s words or believe him; for he should have known the writing of the prophet that it was the time for the Great Messiah to appear, and to have known also that no nation could have power against Him when King, for it is written,

“Yea, all kings shall fall down be fore Him; all nations shall serve Him. Ps. 72:11.

Caiaphas said, “Ye know nothing at all, not consider that it is expedient (most necessary) for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” That “one man” was Jesus.

Yet in spite of that man’s own hatred of the Lord Jesus, it is written here that his words were really a prophecy from God, of the blessing, for not only the people of that nation, but for all the world, by the death of Christ. Except for His death, all must perish, but because He then took God’s punishment against sin, all who accept Him become “children of God”, which is far greater than to be kept as one nation of earth.

ML 11/17/1946

"Shall I Draw Your Portrait?"

O yes, little artist, you certainly may;

But mind that it’s very correct:

And don’t let your colors be all sober and gray,

But some of your sunshine reflect!

My lips with a smile I’ll endeavor to curl,

Since my orders are “not to look sad!”

Besides, if the artist’s my dear little girl,

I think I have cause to be glad.

Well! what shall I think of, or where shall I look

To make me seem happy and bright?

Fix my eyes on a picture, or else on a book?

Well! dear little artist, “all right!”

I remember one day that my likeness was drawn—

Ah! drawn by the light of God’s Word:

A light that eclipses the light of the morn,

The lamp is in Romans, the third!

My picture was drawn with the pencil of truth,

My features and character too;

I find there the sins both of age and of youth

Are strikingly brought out to view.

But the blots and the blemishes—numberless stains,

And they were much blacker than mud,

(When I found out how useless, how helpless my pains,)

Have all been washed out in the blood.

The blood of the Saviour—the Lord from above,—

Who died upon Calvary’s tree;

And who from the glory sends tidings of love,—

Salvation for you and for me!

For the aged and young, whom the world has enticed,

And Satan and sin have enslaved;

If we but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,

The Scriptures say, “We shall be saved!”

“ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.” Rom. 3:23.

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

ML 11/24/1946

Hannah

There was a little girl named Hannah, who lived with her parents a long way from any place where the gospel was preached, and she was not able to go so far. But once in a while a preacher used to go to the outskirts of the city, and those who lived in that district could attend without going so many miles.

Well, once when the preacher came to the part near where Hannah lived, she was very anxious to go and hear the preaching.

Her parents were very poor, and Hannah’s clothes were thought too shabby for her to sit with the other people. This however, did not baffle Hannah, her desire was so great to hear the preacher, that she asked if she might stay in the kitchen, and listen there, instead of going into the parlor, as the meeting was to be held in a farmhouse. This was agreed to, and though a great many from the neighborhood came to hear the preaching, no one was more attentive than Hannah, as she hid herself behind the kitchen door.

She had never been to a Sunday School and she never before had heard that Jesus Christ had died on the cross for sinners.

The text was John 4:29.

“Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ?”

The sermon was all about the Lord Jesus Christ, and every word seemed to enter the soul of Hannah.

Hannah was a changed girl, and she used to delight to tell her playmates about Jesus; and when she had learned a hymn, she used to teach it to others. One day she invited her playfellows to meet her by a great rock where they used to play. When there, she said to them, “I do not think I shall live a great while, but I am not afraid to die. I have given myself to Christ.”

A short time after this, on returning from a visit to her grandmother, she lay down on her mother’s bed, and said, “I think I shall never go out again; I shall not live long, but I am not afraid to die.”

Her mother thought this very strange, for the child did not seem to be very sick. But she grew worse, and the doctor and minister came. Her face brightened up, when she saw the minister, who asked among other things, “And are you not afraid to die, my child?”

“I can trust myself with my blessed Saviour,” was her reply.

“But, Hannah, would you not rather get well, and live with your parents and brothers and sisters?” he added.

“O, no! sir,” she said; “Christ is best, and I love Him best.”

She was very anxious about her father and mother, who were not believers. Her illness was short, but her departure was a happy one. She was so in love with her Saviour, that she had no desire to get well and stay here. She had never been to the Sunday School, and had never heard the gospel preached but once, and yet she was saved.

After reading this account, ought we not all to be careful how we listen the next time we hear the gospel, that we as well as Hannah may get blessing thereby, for we know not what a day may bring forth, or how soon we may be called to leave this earth! Then where shall we spend our never-ending eternity? With Christ in glory; or with fiends in despair?

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

ML 11/24/1946

Sugared Poison

I saw a bottle hanging up in a fruit tree. Inside was a sweet, liquid poison wasps and flies of all kinds buzzed into the bottle, sipped, and died. They left the fruit for the sugared poison.

Now, the devil has his poison traps for people—big and little—to draw them off from the gospel fruit. He knows what people like, and he makes the mixture palatable and sweet.

How agreeable it tastes to one going on in sin: “There is no hell, no devil.”

How pleasant it tastes to the self-righteous: “You can be saved by being religous, or by doing the best you can.”

How does the pleasure-seeker sip up the sweetness: “Enjoy the world, for God will never put you into hell.”

And the most subtle but fatal poison: “Do not decide for Christ now; wait till you are older;” or “I am so busy, I have no time to think of these things.”

Dear children, do not put off your soul’s salvation any longer. God offers Christ as your Saviour to you now. You may not have another day to waste. Come to Him at once or you may be too late.

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

O! children, pause, ere yet “too late”;

Now is the day of grace,

Now Jesus calls, O! do obey

His pleading, loving voice.

Today ‘tis free to all who come,

And take Him at His word;

Tomorrow’s sun may rise “too late”

For you who now have heard.

ML 11/24/1946

"I Do Love Jesus"

A little girl had been attending some children’s services on the beach of a sea-side town. She heard, with many others, the preacher speaking of Jesus and His love to young and old, and saying that God was pleased and satisfied with the work His Son had done, when on the cross, for wretched sinners, more than eighteen hundred years ago; that God now delights to forgive all the sins of everyone who trusts in Jesus, and that He is quite righteous in doing so.

This little girl believed that the good news was for herself; and a few days. Afterward she said to her mother, “O, mamma! I do love Jesus; I would like to be with Him in heaven now; because He has died for every one of my sins; and I am so happy.”

You see that her cup of joy, which she had received through taking Jesus as her Saviour was running over. Do follow the example of the little child on the shore, by believing that Jesus did all this for you.

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

“Let all those that put their trust in Thee, Rejoice.” Psa. 5:11.

ML 11/24/1946

To Honor the Lord Jesus

John 12:1-11

The Lord Jesus came again to the town of Bethany and those who loved Him made a supper in His honor. This may not have been very long after He raised Lazarus from death, and Lazarus sat at the table, and the disciples were there.

Mary, the sister of Lazarus, brought sweet smelling oil and put it on the feet of Jesus, and on His head also (Matt. 26:6, 7). This would seem a strange thing to us, but in that land it was a mark of respect to pour oil on the head of kings or great men, and olive oil was often put on the feet of a guest who had walked over rough roads.

But Mary did not use the olive oil which was common there, but a costly oil, called spikenard, obtained from other lands, the very best she could use.

Sweet smelling oils were also used in preparing a dead person for burial, and when one disciple objected that Mary had used so expensive oil for Jesus, He said she had done it for His burial.

He had told them plainly that He must suffer and die, but the disciples were so certain He would then be King, that they did not think He would die. Mary seemed to have believed His words about death and suffering; she longed to do what would soothe Him, and felt she must do it before.

She used her own hair to wipe or spread the oil, tenderly on His feet. There is no word written being said by Mary, but from Jesus’ words we know her act gave Him the most honor of all that day, because He knew she was grateful to Him that He would give His Life.

We learn from this that the Lord Jesus values the thought of each one who is grateful for His death and suffering for them; no one now can do for Him as Mary, or as those who made Him the supper, but all who believe Him their Saviour can be grate ful to Him for His death. Their prai may also bless others as the sweet odo of the oil was known to the other when it filled the house that night.

The work or power of Jesus to raise the dead and all other of His works deserve our praise, but His work in death was the greatest of all, because He suffered for our sins. Except for that there could be no other blessings.

It is told that many persons learn, that Jesus had come to Bethany a they went there to see Him and to see Lazarus, and they too believed in Jesus. They were no doubt, people who lived away and had come to Jerusalem for the passover feast and there heard the raising of Lazarus, for Bethany was close by that city (John 11:55).

The leaders of the temple found that still more people were believing in Jesus as the Christ, and they became more wicked in their plans to stop them.

ML 11/24/1946

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“The place,” Acts 8:32

2.“This Jesus,” 2:32.

3.“To whom,” 1:3.

4.“Neither is,” 4:2.

5.“Then Peter,” 5:29.

6.“Who when,” 11:23.

7.“The second psalm,” 13:33.

Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

Write in full the verses with the words,

1.“Give account of himself to God.”

2.“Thou shalt be saved.”

3.“Wisdom and knowledge of God.”

4.“Wise unto that which is good.”

5.“Not a terror to good works.”

6.“Perfect will of God.”

7.Who pleased not himself?

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.God. Acts 5:29.

2.Prayer. Acts 6:4.

3.To their own company. Acts 4:23.

4.Until the times of restitution of all things. Acts 3:21.

5.That of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:5.

6.He does good, gives us rain from heaven, fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Acts 14:17.

7.Because the Jews judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. Acts 13:46.

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

Bible Questions for December The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1.What is our attitude toward those who curse us?

2.What is the proper attitude to those who cause division?

3.What sister served the church well?

4.Do Old Testament Scriptures have any voice for us?

5.Is God through with Israel as a nation?

6.What is to be our attitude toward the necessity of saints?

7.What should be the believer’s attitude toward debt?

ML 12/01/1946

The Vines and the Branches

It was the children’s bedtime, and Mr. G. took down his large Bible to read a portion to them before they retired for the night. He brought his family up to love and honor the Word of God which is able to make wise unto salvation. John, Harry and Mary each read a verse, then their parents read a verse. Then in simple language their father explained the meaning of the verses about the vine and the branches.

“Now, dear children,” he said, “you all know whom it means by the vine. It is Jesus, and all who trust in Him and are living in Him, are the branches growing out of the vine, just as the branches grow out of the grape vine in the garden. As those branches reive all their life and nourishment from the vine, so we receive all our spiritual growth and life from Christ who says, ‘He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.’

Of course, little children, this is not grapes, but the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Each little word of kindness, or deed of love we do for Him is a seed dropped, which shall bring forth fruit to His praise and glory. Those who do not bear fruit for Him, He says He will cut down and have burned in the fire.”

This Mr. Green said in a very solemn voice, and each of the children felt afraid lest it should be said of them that they served Satan instead of bearing fruit for the Lord.

However, they were much encouraged by his concluding remarks, urging them first to trust in Christ, and then however feeble their efforts for Him, they would not be in vain. “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

ML 12/01/1946

A Solemn Warning

We were hearing of the death of one who had in her day been under the advantages of Christian teaching and gospel preaching. But she had turned from that which she once professed. She was, alas, but a professor.

When entreated at her dying hour to cast her soul upon Christ, she only answered that she had sinned away her opportunities, and that there was no hope for her. So she died a hopeless death.

“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.

What a warning is here for such of our readers as are not truly on the Lord’s side, and walking as Christians should walk. The way the tree falls, that way will it lie, and there is no repentance unto salvation after death.

O, be in earnest, be real, lest such an end as that described should be yours.

“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, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.” Matt. 25:10, 11, 12.

ML 12/01/1946

Bad Bargains

A Sunday school teacher once had occasion to say to his scholars that he who buys the truth makes a good bargain.

He then asked if any scholar could remember an instance in Scripture when a bad bargain had been made.

“I do,” replied a boy; “Esau made a bad bargain when he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage.”

“Judas made a bad bargain when he sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver,” another said.

“Jesus tells us he makes a bad bargain who loses his own soul in order to gain the world,” a third boy said.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

ML 12/01/1946

The Power of God

My child, look upward to the sky,

The sun and moon are there.

And host of stars that shine on high,

And sparkle everywhere.

Then view the wide, deep, rolling sea,

So wondrous and so grand;

Then ev’ry plant, and ev’ry tree

That grows upon the land.

Who made the earth, and sea, and sun?

Who made both you and me?

If God such wondrous works have done

How wondrous must He be!

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

“THROUGH FAITH WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD OF GOD.” Hebrews 11:3.

ML 12/01/1946

As Written of the King

John 12:12-19

Inspite of the command of the leaders of Jerusalem to take Jesus, He came into the city in a very public way that all could know, and see Him. He rode on a young ass, or donkey, and a great crowd of people were with Him, waving palm branches and shouting a welcome to Him as King.

The disciples had placed their cloaks and palm branches on the road to cover the stones to make the way smoother. Some palm trees have long flat, graceful branches, not like other trees, and were used in lands where they grow, to wave before a hero, or conqueror, as people in other lands would wave flags.

But a just king for Israel did not come as one to conquer them, but as a servant to the people and for God; that was why Jesus rode on an animal used to carry burdens. At that time there was no king of their own nation, but they were ruled by men appointed by the ruler of Rome, who cared only for the tribute money and their labor, not for the people’s good. So the people wanted a just king of their own.

Besides the company of people who were coming with Jesus, many people who were in the city who heard He was coming in, went to meet Him. They also waved palm branches to welcome Him, for since the raising of Lazarus they were very certain Jesus was the Messiah to come from God and they wanted Him made King.

The words they shouted were from the Psalms, “Hosanna”, which meant, “Save us, we beseech.” They also called out, “Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” See Ps. 118:25, 26.

So there was much joy that day, just as was written by the prophet, “Rejoice greatly (or fear not), daughter of Sion; behold thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

Jesus and the crowds with Him went to the temple that day, and the priests there were angry at the children’s cries, “Hosanna.”

It was the duty of the high priest and prophets of that nation to proclaim a new king, to annoint him with oil and to blow the trumpets: a just king does not proclaim, or make, himself king, and Jesus did not make Himself King of Israel, and He knew the men of the temple would reject Him, but He gave them the opportunity to honor Him as the King sent by God, and fulfilled the prophecies which they knew, It is told here that the disciples did not realize that day that they were carrying out the words of the prophet. But after Jesus was gone back to Heaven, they remembered the scriptures and knew they had done the things for Him, just as written.

Other scriptures tell of a time after sin is judged that Christ shall rule over all people, from “sea to sea”, but not as the lowly King, as He came that day. He will be “KING OF KINGS and LORD of LORDS” (see Rev. 19:16; 20:6; Ps. 72:8).

ML 12/01/1946

God Cares for You

God knows whether the winter will be severe or not, and He sends food for the birds accordingly. Jesus said,

“Consider the ravens: for they neither SOW nor reap: which neither have storehouse nor barn: and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke 12:24.

They go forth in search of their food each morning, never troubling themselves because they have no store at home, and when the day is over, they have had enough, for “God feedeth them.”

May each one, young and 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, but the very hairs of their head are numbered, and that they are of more value than many sparrows.

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

ML 12/08/1946

The Boy Who Won

The first applicant for the position of office boy was not attractive in appeance. His nose was crooked and his mouth was big.

His jacket was too large and his trousers too short. There were holes in his stockings and his shoes were not brushed.

“What is your name?” asked the man at the desk.

“Martin Barry, sir.”

“Where do you live?”

“No. 10 Veteran Court.”

Veteran Court was not in demand. Martin was dismissed.

As he passed out to the street he spied a crumpled bit of green in a step corner. It was a dollar bill. He put it in his pocket and went back into the store. For an hour Mr. Hinman was busy with boys. Martin waited. As soon as the last applicant had gone he approached the desk.

“Did you lose this?” he asked.

The merchant ran through his pockets.

“I must have,” he decided, “for I had one when I came. Where did you find it?”

Martin told him.

Mr. Hinman eyed him keenly, and recognized him as the first applicant.

“Have you any experience as office boy?” was the query.

“No, sir.”

“Suppose I should hire you, and should want something done that you didn’t know how to do?”

Martin looked straight at the questioner.

“I’d do it the best I could, sir, and the next time perhaps I’d do it better.”

The position was his.

“I knew,” said Mr. Hinman in relating the incident, “that a boy who would return a dollar to a man whom he had every reason to dislike, and wait patiently a whole hour to give it to him, was too honest and faithful a boy for us to miss. I’d trust Martin Barry with a million dollars.”

“Let us walk honestly.” Roman, 13:13.

“He that handleth a matter wiseh shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20.

ML 12/08/1946

I Like Them While They Are Young

One morning, a dear little girl came to her mother with a beaming, happy face, having in her hand a tiny basket, which had been presented to her full of chocolates. These had long since disappeared, as all our young friends will understand, but now, on opening it to show to her mother, it was seen to be filled to the brim with the pretty, young, silvery buds of the palm tree, which she had gathered, and stripped off the hard brown covering which had protected them during the cold of winter.

Her satisfaction was evidently great in seeing her valued little basket filled with the velvety things she so much liked.

“How pretty! But is it not a pity to gather them so young? They would grow so much larger.” Her mother said.

“O, no, mother, I like them while they are young!” she answered.

“Yes, dear child,” was the mother’s reply, “that is why the Lord Jesus Christ invites the little children to corns to Him. He likes them to come while they are young, and says, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me.’”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden (about your sins), and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28 “He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

ML 12/08/1946

"Jesus Loves Me"

Does Rosy love Jesus?” asked an Aunt of a little niece whom she was nursing.

“No,” was the reply.

“Oh, but Jesus loves Rosy,” said the Aunt.

She was then drawn into conversation with another person; but looking at the child a few minutes later, she found her earnestly gazing up into her face.

“What is Rosy thinking about?” asked the Aunt.

“Jesus loves me,” replied the child softly.

The next day the little girl was again lying in her Aunt’s arms, with the same earnest, thoughtful expression in her eyes as she gazed up into her Aunt’s face.

“What is Rosy thinking about now?” again asked the Aunt.

“Jesus loves me,” murmured the little one.

It seemed such a wonderful thing to Rosy that Jesus should love her; and I have no doubt when she learned that He loved her, she could love Him too. Do you, my little reader, know that Jesus loves you, and do you love Him?

ML 12/08/1946

A Child's Prayer

Once a child in sorrow,

Weeping very sore,

Went into his closet,

Shutting to the door.

Where no eye was watching,

Save the eye above,

Which is never weary,

Watching us in love.

He had heard that Jesus,

Up in heaven so high,

Always stooped to listen,

To the feeble cry.

“I am very naughty,

And deserve the rod,

And I often tremble

When I think of God.

I am very sorry—

Thou art very good—

Kind and loving Jesus,

Wash me in Thy blood.

Thus the little fellow,

Kneeling down to pray,

Told his griefs to Jesus

In his simple way.

And the loving Jesus

Saw the falling tear;

Saw the wounded spirit,

Full of grief and fear,

And in words of comfort,

Spake He to the boy,

In a still, small whisper,

Giving peace and joy.

Banishing his sorrow,

Soothing his distress,

Little tiny children,

Jesus loves to bless.

He had in the Bible

Read about, the grace

Of the lowly Jesus,

Who had left His place

On the throne of glory,

Far above the sky,

And in love to sinners

Came down here to die;

But that He had risen,

And in glory lives,

And to poor dead sinners,

Life eternal gives.

Through the love of Jesus,

And the tidings heard;

He was saved and happy,

Resting on His word.

When he grew to manhood,

Often pressed by care,

Much he loved to ponder

On that little prayer,

When he in his closet,

Kneeling down to pray,

Told his griefs to Jesus

In his simple way.

ML 12/08/1946

"We Would See Jesus"

John 12:20-33

The most of the people who went to Jerusalem for the feasts were of the Jewish race, but at that last feast when the Lord Jesus was there, some men who were Greeks came. Their nation once ruled that land and their language was known to many, but their people did not worship God.

Yet these men had learned of Him and wanted to honor Him: they heard of Jesus, perhaps from the people who were telling one another of the raising of Lazarus from death, and they wished to see Him. They came to one of the disciples, Philip, and said to him, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Philip told another disciple and tether they told Jesus: it seems the disciples were afraid to let others know where Jesus was, or else because they were not of that nation. But we read, “Jesus answered them”, and the next words seem especially for them, ahough said before others who stood by.

He told them of His own death. He spoke about a grain of wheat, which men of every nation, even boys and girls, would know, He said, “Except a corn (a grain or kernel) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

A grain of wheat is put in the ground, it decays, or dies, and from it a plant springs up which bears many grains, all having their life from the one grain. But that kernel could be kept ever so long, and if not planted and did not “die”, no more would grow; it would be “alone”.

Jesus was telling those men that eept He die, none others could live, before God. He was to suffer death because of sin but from His death many would have life in Him. He knew how very soon He would suffer, and He felt sorrow, yet He said He had come for that time, or “hour”, and called it for the glory, praise and honor, of God’s name.

It seemed Jesus would have those Greeks, too, know that He was from God, and He prayed God the Father to give glory to His Name.

“Then came there a voice from Heaven saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

Jesus also told plainly what death He should die: He said He would “be lifted up from the earth.” Death on a cross was then a most common death for men who were despised, or en enemies, or criminals.

It must have been strange to those men that this great person was to die such a death, yet they must have felt how true His words were, when He so soon after died on the cross. They knew by His own words He suffered for them, and that there was no other way for any person to come, or be “drawn” to Him, but by His death.

ML 12/08/1946

The Gazelle

The gazelle, or roebuck, is a small deer or antelope. Its tail is short; the fawn color on the back is separated by a brown or nearly black band from the white of the stomach.

This animal’s activity of power of leaping have procured for it its familiar name of “springer.” It is celebrated in Scripture for its beauty, gracefulness, swiftness and gentleness. The eyes of the Gazelle are so beautiful and so kind; its movements so graceful, so nimble that the animal often serves as a subject for the poets.

The Gazelle is always met with in herds, often of a hundred, thus forng a sure prey to lions, panthers, hnas, wolves, and eagles. They are inoffensive creatures, gentle and timid, which have as a defense against their enemies, only their rapid flight to some high and secure place on the mountain.

God tells us in His Word that Satan goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Let us not, as these little creatures, try and stand in our own strength when we meet with temptations, but let us flee to Christ who is our Rock, our Secure Hiding Place.

“THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION: WHOM SHALL I FEAR?” Psa. 27:1.

ML 12/15/1946

Annie's Testimony

It is the privilege of every believer in Christ to bear witness for Him wheresoever their lot is cast. Some have been called to stand in high places of the field, and lift up their voices in trumpet tones, proclaiming the message of the Lord; but the larger number of the Lord’s redeemed ones have been called to serve Him in the common paths of life, and to let their light shine in the home, the workshop, or the field. Wherever a true and honest witness for Christ is found, there the blessing of the Lord will be, and there sinners will be saved. The sphere may be one surrounded by much to test and grieve the child of God, yet sooner or later the seal of the. Lord will be put upon his testimony. Of this he may rest assured, if it has been pleasing to God. The following incident may prove a word of encouragent and cheer to some of the Lord’s young witnesses whose lot is cast in similar circumstances.

A Christian girl, whose early days as a follower of the Lord had been spent in the fellowship of a circle of warm and working saints, was engaged to be general maid in a very worldly family. It was with fear and trembling that Annie entered on her new situation, for she had heard that the master and mistress were bitterly opposed to the things of God. She purposed in her heart, that while desiring to please and obey them as one under the yoke, she would not hide her light or swerve from following the Lord.

It had been her custom when at home to read a daily portion of the Word, and this she continued to do each evening after her work was done. Several times the mistress had entered the kitchen, and found Annie seated at the table with her open Bible, and passed the remark that she “wondered whatever a young girl like her could find to interest her there.”

Madge, the eldest child, was sometimes sent down to Annie to spend the evening, and Annie took the oppounity of reading her “portion” aloud to the little girl, and afterward to speak to her of the Lord Jesus. The Lord blessed the testimony of His young witness, and opened the dear child’s heart to receive the things spoken, and Madge accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Annie rather feared what the consequence of this might be, and quite expected that Madge’s visits to the kitchen would be stopped; but notwithstanding her open confession to both father and mother that Annie had spoken to her about Jesus, and Jesus had saved her,” she was allowed to come, much to the delight of Annie, who now sought to instill into her young mind the truths of God’s Word.

What Madge drank in while sitting at Annie’s side iri the kitchen, she gave out upstairs, and strange to say, it seemed to give no offense there; and not only so, but Mrs. M. on her own suggestion, said Madge might go with Annie to the meeting on the Sunday afternoon. A few weeks later, both master and mistress went to “Annie’s Hall,” as they called it, to hear an evangelist preach the Gospel, and God saved them both. Their household is now a dwelling-place for God and there is no one there more respected than Annie, the servant-maid.

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

ML 12/15/1946

Following

What little boy or girl is not fond of donkey-rides? Especially on the nice smooth sand found at some sea-side places!

The story I am going to tell you is about a small party of Sunday school children, who were taken down to the sea.

First they had a ride in the train, and how strange some of them felt! For four of them had never traveled on a railway before, and one little boy was quite afraid at first.

Then, after they got to the station, came a long ride down to the sand; and, once there, what fun they had! Scrambling about the sand-hills, climbing to the top, and then sliding down again, as many of you have done when away for your holiday.

Presently, getting tired of this, a kind lady offered to give them each a donkey-ride; and then how delighted they all looked! So they started for the donkey-stand, the teacher leading the way.

When nearly there, one little boy said, “O, teacher, I can see all your footsteps, and I am following in every one!”

Dear children, does not this remind you of what the Lord Jesus says to you, just as He said to Peter, “Follow Me?”

Are you following Him? But, before you can do this, you must belong to Him; and He is calling you now, as you read this, to come to Him, and have all your sins taken away.

Think how much He loves you; so much that He died on the cross to save you.

Then, those of you who have had your sins taken away, are you follong the kind Saviour who has done so much for you? Think what a joy it is to His heart to see you trying to do everything in the way that will please Him!

The children had their ride, and thoroughly enjoyed the scamper on the. sand; but the little boy’s words rained in the teacher’s mind. And again let me say to you, dear children, Do not let another day go by without finding out whether you belong to, and are following in the footsteps of, the Lord who loves you so.

“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.

“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21.

ML 12/15/1946

Who Will Work for Jesus

Come, work for Jesus while ‘tis day,

And help the wanderer home,

To flee from every sinful way

And to the Saviour come.

The poor, the blind, the sick, the sad,

Give them a helping hand,

And those that have not known His love

Help them to join His band.

To work for Jesus we may have

A heavy cross to bear,

But then, if we stand firm all through

We shall His glory share.

Then help us, Lord, to bear our cross,

However hard it be,

Until we reach fair Canaan’s land

And Thy blest face we see.

ML 12/15/1946

The Son of Man

John 12:34-41

The Lord Jesus called Himself “the Son of man,” and the Jewish men who were listening asked what He meant; they said the law, meaning the scriptures, said that the Christ when He came would always “abide” (live always). They asked Him, “How sayest Thou, the Son of man must be lifted up (die on a cross)?”

They said, “Who is this Son of man?”

It is not told that the Lord Jesus answered their question. He had already shown them wonders which no other could do; He had told them God’s words, and of His love. He had told them that He came from God, and was the Son of God, and had offered them blessing.

He knew they did not believe His words, and that they asked to show He could not be the Christ. But He said to them, “Yet a little while is the light with you; walk while ye have the light.”

He had come to be a light to men, there was still time for them to see, if they would believe but to keep on in unbelief, was to be in darkness. He walked away from those men and there are very sad words written of them, “Though He had done so many micles before them, yet they believed not on Him.”

The scriptures those men talked of, told of the Holy One to come as a man: He was to be of the family of King David, called the “seed of David”, but also called “the root” and “the Lord of David”, so He must be a man, hut a perfect and holy man, who would be Lord of all.

One of the greatest prophets had written of the Holy One coming so humble as to be called “My Servant” that He would be a man, called “a man of sorrows”; that He would be despised, that He would die, “as a lamb” (Isaiah 52:13, 14; 53).

The same prophet had written of the Holy Child to be born, showing He would be a perfect child on earth, yet also as God (See Is. 7:14; 9:6, 7).

“The Son of man” was a lowly title for One from Heaven, yet the one the Lord Jesus Himself most often used, so we are to think of His meaning; He, the Son of God, left the glory of Heaven to take the form of man on earth: He was a holy child and lived a perfect man while here.

The word “son” means the heir, as a son has the right to the name and position of a family. When God created man He had desires and plans for blessing, but He could not give them because all sinned. The Son of God became a man that He could give His life to atone for sin: He, the one perfect man, could be accepted. It is as “Son of man”, that He is to havel glory, because He was “lifted up” the shameful death for men. Because He was perfect, He is heir of all God’s blesngs for man, which He is to share with those who believe in Him.

ML 12/15/1946

The Mate Who Was Lost for a Trifle

How solemn, that boys and girls should lose their lives for a trifle. We have read of the prince who lost his life because he trifled ten minutes; of the railway man who lost his life in endeavoring to catch his cap which had blown off; of the sailor boy who returned to the sinking vessel for his kitten and was lost.

Are you, dear ones, clinging to somhing of no value, and losing your never dying soul? What trifle is keeping you from salvation? At this moment your soul is either “lost” or “saved.” Which is it?

On the coast of C— the ship had struck a rock, and the pumps had failed to keep her afloat. The boats had been lowered, and all were safe except the captain and mate. The call was urgent for the two to leap into the boat. The captain plunged in; the mate was about to follow, when he cried, “Wait a minute, I have forgotten my purse.” Rushing into the cabin to reach his coveted treasure, be tarried one moment, and that moment proved fatal. Had he let all go, and plunged into the boat, he would have been saved.

So with the sinner. When he gives up all hope of salvation by his own merits, doings and strivings, and rests wholly on Christ’s finished work, he has everlasting life.

The purse was taken from the dead man’s hand and found to contain only 30 cents; that was all. The mate had sold his life for 30 cents.

Remember dear ones your soul was so valued by the Son of God, that, He gave His life for it.

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

ML 12/22/1946

How a Little Boy Found Salvation

W. was a bright little fellow of eight, living at the time when my story begins, in a large seaside town. His great delight was to go down to the beach with his nurse, and dig in the sand or throw stones into the sea. Sometimes his father would take him out for a row, and this he greatly enjoyed.

Now, although W. was quite a little boy, he was old enough to know that he had done a great deal that was wrong. Often would he lie awake at night in terror. He feared that he might die, and knew that only those whom God had cleansed would go to heaven. So anxious was he to have his sins forgiven that every night he used to repeat over and over again very earnestly, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

One evening his cousin took him on her knee and asked him if he was one of God’s little lambs. But W. could only hang his head and answer, “No.” That night he was more frightened than ever. He felt sure that he should die, and knew that he was not saved. The next day was Sunday, and W. went to church with his parents.

Suddenly, as he was coming home, he felt that his sins were forgiven. He could believe that Jesus had died even for him. O, what joy was his! With difficulty he restrained himself from calling out, and it was only shyness that prevented him from telling his parents what had happened. But as soon as home was reached he exclaimed to his nurse,

“You know that happy feeling that comes over you when your sins are forgiven; well, I feel that now.”

Yes, W. was saved, and when he knelt by his bed that night, he could no longer ask God to wash him “whiter than snow,” as he had already praised Him for so doing. But he could ask for help in his new life, and this he did.

Years have gone by since that eventful Sunday, and W. is no longer a little fellow, but he can never forget the joy of that day, the happiest in his life.

Little readers, do you know that your sins are forgiven, or are you, as was W., afraid to die? If so, remember what God has said in His word.

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

ML 12/22/1946

"Lord, Save Me"

A peacher was once traveling, and rested for a night in a village inn. He was waited on by a maid, whom he asked whether she ever prayed. She answered that she had so much to do that she could hardly find time to eat, and far less to pray. He responded by offering to give her a little money if, each night and morng till he returned some weeks afteards, she would only say three words of prayer, “Lord, save me!”

The shortness of the prayer, and the offer of reward, induced her to promise what the minister desired. Faithfully did she fulfill her engagement for a week, almost without thinking of what she said. Then she began to wonder what the words could mean; and she went as often as she could to her Bible, fancying that there she might find an explanation. In God’s Word she did indeed learn how much she needed salvation from wrath and sin, and what an all-gracious Saviour, Divine love had provided for her.

According to his purpose, the preacher returned to the village inn to stay for a night. He was waited on by, a strange girl. On inquiring for the former maid, he was told she had become far too good for the place, and was now the servant of the minister of the village. The preacher went to ask for her, and was received with tears of joy.

“I want no money,” she exclaimed: “I have found eternal life in Jesus Christ. I shall praise God forever, because you asked me to present the prayer, ‘Lord, save me!’”

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

ML 12/22/1946

Lillian and Amy

One night the mother of two little girls was away at bedtime, and they were left to do as they would.

“I am not going to pray tonight,” said Lillian, when she was ready for bed.

“Why, Lillian!” exclaimed Amy, with round eyes.

“I am not going to. There isn’t any use.” So she tumbled into bed.

Amy knelt and prayed. The little prayer finished and the light extiuished, Amy crept into bed. There was a long silence; then Lillian began to turn restlessly, giving her pillow a vigorous thump and saying crossly:

“I wonder what is the matter with this pillow?”

Then came a sweet voice from Amy’s side of the bed:

“I guess it’s ‘cause there isn’t any prayer in it.”

A few minutes more of restlessness, and Lillian slipped out of bed and knelt in prayer. Then all was quiet and peaceful, and the two little girls slept.

There will always be restlessness and discontent when prayer is wanting, but they who wait on the Lord shall not want any good thing. “Praying always,” and we shall always prevail. By meeting God at the mercy-seat, we shall never lack the mercy and might which are only to be obtained there.

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

ML 12/22/1946

The Debtor Free

Nothing to pay! Ah, nothing to pay!

Never a word of excuse to say!

Year after year thou hast filled the score,

Owing my Lord still more and more.

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

Ruined, lost art thou, and yet

I forgave thee all that debt.”

Nothing to pay! the debt is so great;

What will you do with the awful weight?

How shall the way of escape be made?

Nothing to pay! yet it must be paid!

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

All has been put to My account,

I have paid the full amount.”

Nothing to pay; yes, nothing to pay!

Jesus has cleared all the debt away;

Blotted it out with His bleeding hand;

Free and forgiven and loved you stand.

Hear the voice of Jesus say,

“Verily thou hast nothing to pay!

Paid is the debt, and the debtor free!

Now I ask thee, lovest thou ME?

ML 12/22/1946

Last Words to the People

John 12:42-50

Although the Lord Jesus knew well the men were watching to make Him a prisoner, it seemed He must again give all the opportunity to believe on Him. We read, “Jesus cried (spoke out loudly),

“He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me.”

He was once more telling them that He was from God, and for them to believe His words as One sent by God, even if they did not understand Who He was.

Then He said, “If any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not.” The word “judge” meant to give sentence or punishment. And He said, “I came not to judge (punish) the world, but to save the world.”

He knew their sins and the sins of all the world, yet He had not come to punish, but by His own death to save all who would believe Him.

“He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

Now we can not see the Lord on earth, nor the great miracles He did, yet we can hear His words which He said, by the writings. And we have the same words of God of the Old Testament, as those men had, so if any one does not believe those words, he will have the same “judge” as Jesus told the people then, His words.

He called so often for all to believe Him; and all His promises are to whoever will believe, but especially to believe His death as the words most of us know so well,

“Even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have ever, lasting life.”

“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 3:14-16.

The words of the Lord Jesus written in this twelfth chapter of the book of John seem to have been His very last words to the people. His words written in the next chapters were said to His disciples alone, then a few words to the soldiers who took Him, and to the high priest and Pilate.

“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.”

The “rulers” seem to have been men who had charge or duties when the people met together, in the temple, or in the synagogues in their towns, who would all be in Jerusalem at that time.

“The Pharisees” were men who kept many rules made by themselves and leaders before them, though they said they kept God’s laws. They were against any who believed Jesus was the Christ.

ML 12/22/1946

The Cleft Rock

When a school boy, I went, one splendid morning, to bathe. The sea was within five minutes’ walk from my home, and I selected a place called The Round of Beef, which is a pretty cove surrounded by rocks. A large round rock stands out at the seaward end, as if to keep watch and defend the bay from the rolling waves. From this huge sentinel rock the bay derives its name.

As I stood upon this rock, before diving into the water, I thought, “This is just the place for me. I can swim, in about a dozen strokes, to the top of the cove, and then I shall be in shallow water.”

The sun was shining; the water clear as crystal. I could count the pebbles at the smooth bottom, which did not look more than three feet deep. So in I plunged, and swam up the creek, but felt very, very tired before I reached the end of the cove.

I cheered when reaching the rock, but my exultation was very brief, for on trying to get a footing I found that the clear, bright water had deceived me—I was still much out of my depth. I was in the very shallowest part of the cove, and behind me was still deeper water. My head reeled, my heart failed me, and I shouted “Help, help!” But there was no one near.

At length, quite exhausted, I sank. The water closed over my head. Lost, lost I thought “in a watery grave.” When sinking, I began to think of my dear old aunt, who had often told me of the Lord Jesus, who came into the world and died upon the cross to save sinners.

I had, though but a boy, often felt the power of the truth, but now I felt its value. O! that I had yielded to those fervent prayers and urgent entreaties; for my body was sinking beath the water, and I felt that my soul would soon be in hell. In an agony of soul, when under the water, I cried, “God, save me. Save me, O God, or I shall sink into hell!”

In the struggle, I had risen again to the surface. The tide had swept me close against the rocks. I saw that the one in front of me had a hole in it. I could just reach it. Thrusting my hand as far as I could into the riven rock, I found I could keep my head above water. The strength of the rock upheld me. Then, looking above me, I saw that the huge rock was covered all over with similar indentions, and when regaining sufficient strength, I climbed to its summit, and I was out of danger.

Then these words came into my mind—

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.

Let the water and the blood

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Cleanse me from its guilt and power.”

I lay panting upon the top of the rock. What had saved me from death? The cleft in the rock! The rock, without the cleft in its side would not have availed; as it was, it exactly met my need.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27.

Death and judgment are the dark waters that are fast closing over the heads of all who are not believers in Christ. How awful; death first, then the judgment, then the place of toent, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

O, look to the cleft-rock, to Christ, “Who was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Heb. 9:28. If your sins are upon you, they will drag you down, and you will inevitably perish; but if you trust your soul to Jesus, you will find pardon, peace and salvation, through faith, in His blood (1 John 1:7).

“WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE.” 1 Peter 2:29.

Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O, Lamb of God, I come.

ML 12/29/1946

Two Important Things

If you would get on as a Christian, never forget to speak to God, and never forget to listen to what God says to you.

Prayer is speaking to God, and reading the Bible is listening to what God says to you. No Christian can prosper who neglects these two things.

ML 12/29/1946

Decision Rewarded

“William,” said a city merchant to one of his clerks, “you answer this letter. Say to the customer that the goods were shipped before the order was canceled.”

The order referred to, was for a large quantity of a class of goods they wanted to clear, and the merchant had thought by this means to get rid of the goods, which the buyer now declined to take.

William was a young believer, only a few months converted. As he took from his employer’s hand the letter, his cheek flushed and his lip quivered. It was a critical moment for the young convert. Gaining courage, he looked up in the man’s face, and very politely, yet firmly said,

“I am very sorry, sir, that I cannot do that.”

“Cannot do it,” said he angrily, “why not, William?”

“Because it would be a lie, sir, the goods are in the warehouse still,” answered the boy quietly.

The employer turned on his heel, and walked into his room muttering to himself.

“He’ll get his wages,” said one of the clerks who overheard what passed, and it serves him right. Why should he object to do what is done every day all over the city?”

Did William lose his place? Nay, verily. His employer who was a church-member, and perhaps a backslidden child of God, thought over his clerk’s answer, and it troubled him. It was the last time that such a dishonest act was done in that warehouse, and knowing the value of such a youth as William, he made him his confidential clerk.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Prov. 16:7.

“No good thing will be withheld from them that walk uprightly.” Psa. 84:11.

Young Christians, know this, that God will be no man’s debtor. If you make it your business to please Him, you will find that He will not fail you.

ML 12/29/1946

Mother's Chickens

My mother had a flock of chickens and she was very kind to them. Mother knew each one individually and would feed them and stroke their feathers gently.

One day mother decided to go to town, so she started on her way. She had gone some distance, when a neighbor called to her and told her to look back. To mother’s surprise, her flock of chickens were following her! Mother had forgotten to lock the gate, so the chickens had followed their friend.

Doesn’t this little story remind us of the Good Shepherd and His sheep? We read in John 10:27 and 28.

“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.”

Also in John 10: 4 and 5, “And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.”

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

ML 12/29/1946

Lessons of the Year

Let us think of some of the great facts we have read in the first half of the book of John, for some of these are not written quite as simply in other parts of the Bible.

First we read there has always been the holy One, called The Word. A word can express to us even thoughts or wishes, which we cannot see. He was the Living Word to show God’s will and His desires for people.

This holy One made all things of earth and sky: “Without Him was not anything made that was made.” He was the life and light of all.

That holy Being by Whom all was made came to live for a time on the earth in a body like ours. He was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He showed wisdom, kindness, holess, patience in His words and ways, different from all others.

Although so great He came to be the sacrifice to bear the punishment from God for the sins of His creatures, called “the Lamb of God.” Before that many lambs were offered to show sins deserved death. He was the perfect offering, provided by God.

All were told to “Behold”, to look and think upon, this holy Person to be offered for sin.

The proofs the Lord Jesus gave of His power, which were written by John, are like exsamples of what He could do. He changed water into wine. He made a dying boy well. He made a helpless man walk. He fed thousands bread and fish. He walked on water. He forgave sinners. He made a blind man see. He made a dead man live.

Since he could do all those, He is able to do all else He has promised, He told God’s love for all and that He would die for them, and offered eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Yet the holy Son of God as a humble Man on earth was not welcomed by all; many wanted to keep on their own dark ways of sin: but all who listened and believed His words loved Him, and believed Him the Son of God.

One great truth for us to know is that God gives life that cannot end to all who believe His Son, and they can never perish. (John 1: 12; 10: 28).

The promise of the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to teach and comfort those who believe Him, and His purpose to come again to receive them unto Himself are given in the later half of John’s book; and there, the account of His giving up His life on the cross, as He had said; and that He was raised from the tomb.

Because the Lord Jesus is the “Living Word” He could keep His written Word for us to read; there are no greater facts for boys and girls and men and women to know.

ML 12/29/1946

Messages of God's Love: 1946

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions

"Taste and See"

The Lord Himself Is Calling Thee

A Confession of Faith

A Quiet Scene

A City "Trodden Down"

Your Way or God's Way, Which?

The Bible

An Accident in a Coal Mine

A Little Preacher

Power and Great Glory

A Winter Scene

Crossing the Ferry

"Where Are Your Sins?"

A Powerful Friend

A Very Old Feast

The Crocodile

Bought with a Price

The Happy Indian Chief

The Singing Child

Shepherd Care

To Gain Money

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Praying for His Enemies

Johnny's Confession

Little Louisa's Last Wish

The Passover Feast Kept

Industry

Jesus Wept

Kara

It's in Already

"What Mean Ye"

Riddles or "Whiter Than Snow"

The Shepherd and His Dog

A Billion

Eternal Life

All Known Before

The Beautiful Snow

Outcasts for Christ

A Sad Occurrence

The Bill

The Little Evangelist

Betrayed in the Night

Answers to Bible Questions for December

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

Affection

In the High Priest's House

The Contented Family

A Narrow Escape

How Rosie Had Her Sins Rubbed Out

Blessed Saviour

A Talk on the Highway

Gone Astray

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

"What Is It That Money Cannot Buy?"

"Come"

Why Not Come to Him Now?

Jesus Before Pilate

The Snow

Trusting the Lord

"Who Will Bear My Sins"

The Doctor's Mistake

On the Hill Calvary

The Song of the Sparrow

"Weighed in the Balances"

A Pair of Skates

Not Afraid

"He Is Risen"

Answers to Bible Questions for January

An Unexpected Visitor

Disappointment

Today

"Jesus Himself"

Saving Life

A Coward

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

Words Written and Fulfilled

The Forbidden Fruit