Messages of God's Love: 1953

I suppose you have all seen a needle! Of course Mother has needles of different sizes which she keeps in some safe place—for needles have sharp points and can hurt badly! What is the biggest needle you have ever seen? Perhaps mother’s big knit needle! But the biggest needle I have ever seen weighs many, many tons and is made of stone. Yes, there is in the middle of our picture, stanng beside the Thames River in London, England.

Many many years ago this long stone needle was found on the sands of a big desert in the land of Egypt. It was brought by boat to England, and was set upright where it now stands. Carved all over it are strange Egyptian words which I’m sure you could not read. But I must tell you of a strange thing that was done when the big needle was set up. A crowd of people gathered together and watched while a steel box was set in place underneath the big needle. Now you will never guess what was in that strong box. It was John 3:16—printed in many languages of people from all over the world!

As I stood and looked up at that strange stone needle with its funny Egyptian words, and thought of the beautiful verse buried beneath it, I thanked God that He did so love the world! And I thanked God that He had told me of His love in my own language,

Here is the good news—

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASNG LIFE.” John 3:16.

ML 01/04/1953

"Je Suis la Lumiere"

What ever can those strange words mean? If you have learned any French at school, you may be able to guess, for I first heard those words from a group of French children in St. Cybardeaux, in France. They mean “I am the Light.”

Let me tell you how I heard those words. We had been journeying in France, and trying hard to understand what was bring said, for it was all so strange and new. We had to pay “francs” instead of dollars for our tickets, and we were told how many “kilometers” instead of miles our journey would be. When we reached the town of St. Cybardeaux, we were invited to stay in the home of Monsieur or Madame Brun. I am sure you would call them Mr. & Mrs. Brown! In that home were six happy girls, and one dear little boy called Jean-Louis Brun. Although everyone spoke in a language which was hard for us to understand, we felt very happy in that home, for they loved the Lord Jesus, and after supper at night we opened our French Bibles and talked together for about an hour and a half about the Lord Jesus and His great love, and the wonders of His book, the Bible. Would you enjoy that? Perhaps you call yourself a Christian, but would you enjoy sitting down and reading your Bible and talking about the love of Jesus?

After dinner the next day Madame Brun gathered her girls together, Lydie, Helene, Madeleine, Alice, Jacqucline and Marie-Francois, and they began to sing hymns, and oh how sweet it sounded. One of the hymns was,

“‘Je suis la Lumiere, a dit la Seigneur.”

It was sung to the tune of “Jesus bids us shine,” and we have tried hard to learn it, too. Isn’t it wonderful to think that in lands where the language is different, where the school books are different, we find boys and girls who love the very same Lord Jesus Christ, and they are trusting in the same precious blood that means so much to the Christian boys and girls who read and speak English!

Again I must ask you. “Do you love the Lord Jesus: are your sins washed in His precious blood?”

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” 1 Peter 2:7.

ML 01/04/1953

A Work of Grace in a Village School

What a scene of mirth and youthful activity is the playground of a school! To hear the merry laugh, the shouts of glee, and watch the zest with which the boys and girls pursue their games, one might think they had neither time nor inclination for serious thoughts—but it is not so. Deep down in many of these young hearts there is a craving for something that the world cannot give, but which the Gospel of God can satisfy, and many in early years read receive Christ and rejoice in Him along life’s pathway.

I remember a wonderful work of grace in a village school, in which a number of boys and girls were brought to Christ. It began through a bright Christian lad speaking to a class-mate whose brother had died. By way of comfort he gave him a text and spoke to him of Jesus. That boy found peace in believing. The two invited others to a meeting of boys held once a week in room, and God saved three more. The five met for Bible study and prayer which was a means of great help to them spiritually, and before three months ten boys in that school were saved.

These boys are now scattered in various lands, and they all testify and shine for Christ who saved them in their early years. Nothing on earth is worth living for short of the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy, happy service. To live for Him you must first be saved by coming to Him and believing on Him who died to save you, and then confess Him with your lips as your own personal Saviour and Lord. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9.

“He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15.

ML 01/04/1953

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

1.Can anything be covered up so that it will never be revealed?

2.What does the Lord say about “every idle ward?”

3.What does “the wicked one” try to do with the seed sown in the heart?

4.Did the Lord allow His disciple Peter to sink in the waves?

5.What does the Lord say of those who talk nicely with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him?

6.What did Peter say when Jesus asked him, “Whom say ye that I am?”

7.In whose Name are we to be gathered together?

The Young People’s Class

1. Is the old nature (called “sin”) still in the believer? 1 John 1.

2.Is there any good in the old nature, called “the flesh?” Romans.

3.What are we to do with this sinful nature (called “sin”)? Romans 6.

4.Does the flesh suffer, when denied, even in the believer? 1 Peter 4.

5.What has happened to the old principle of sin (the old “I”)? Galatians 2.

6.Are we “in the flesh” before God? Romans 8.

7.How ore we kept from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh? Galatians 5.

ML 01/04/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 2:13-3:4

Not only did Rahab think about her own need, but she thought of her loved ones, and sought delivence from coming judgment for them, too, for as soon as a soul is saved, he begins to think of others in their need. The men then gave Rehab the pledge she had asked for, promising to protect her, and all those in her house, when the judgment fell. She lived in a house upon the wall of the city, and after they had made their promise to her, she let them down over the wall by a scarlet cord. They told her she was to put this scarlet line by which they escaped in her window, and then she would be safe, and all in her house when they took they city.

We notice here that the word “whosoever” appears twice in verse 19. It says, “And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall he upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand he upon him.” The second “whosoever” applies to those who took their place inside the house with the scarlet line and were safe—the first “whosoever” applies to those who were outside and were put to death.

And so it is today, dear reader. If you, whether young or old, a great sinner or a little sinner, will take your place in the grant. “whosoever” of John 3.16, there is salvation, pardon, and eternal life for you, but if you reject the Lord Jesus Christ, and refuse to take shelter under His precious blood, you will find yourself in the “whosoever” of Revelatiun 20:15 who are cast into the lake of fire. How dreadfully solemn this is!

Rahab made her decision. She gladly put the scarlet line in her window, and she was safe. Not only was she safe, but she was sure too, for she trusted the word that was spoken, and said, “According to your word, so be it:’ Dear reader, have you done this? Have you made the great decision as to your soul’s salvation? Are you under the shelter of the blood of Christ, as Rehab was under the scarlet line? Do not delay, but decide at we, we beseech you.

The spies then went away and returned to Joshua. They told him all that had taken place, and rejoiced in the knowledge that the Lord had given them the land, even before they actually possessed it. Faith always counts God’s promise as sure and certain.

We now come to the actual crossing of the Jordan. It is a most wonderful event, and since it is intended to reach us such needful lessons, God has given it in much detail. Joshua then rose early in the morning, the people moved from Shittim to Jordan and lodged there. Joshua told the people that the ark of the covenant of the Lord was to go before them, and when they saw it they were to rise up and follow, only there was to be a disfaacc of about two thousand cubits beluoon them and the ark. Typically this speaks of the fact that Israel as a nation has not yet entered into the place of nearness into which the believer has now been brought through the work of Christ, but is so to speak, at a distance. Israel’s time of blessing and nearness is, however, drawing nigh.

ML 01/04/1953

Jeanette and Her Bible

If we asked little Karen, “Have you ever tried to hide your Bible?” I am sure she would say, “Of course not.” She is holding it up for us all to see, and we hope she will always love it, as she does now.

But Bibles were not always as easy to buy or to keep as they are today. Only a very few families had one, and it was guarded most carefully. In those long ago days there were many who hated the Bible with such rage that they used to travel about searching homes and destroying Bibles, and even killing those who refused to give them up. Many a Bible was hidden in those days.

Jeannette lived with her father and mother in a little home in Scotland, and in that humble home they had a Bible. How they did love that Book! Every day they would read its precious pages and they rejoiced logo her in file good news that God had met their need in providing a Saviour in the person of His very own Son, the Lord Jesus. Jeannette used to love to read that verse, “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John.3:17.

One day her father came home with stirring news. There were armed man coming through the country hurtling Bibles, and some dear Christians had been killed.

“We must escape at once,” he said, “and take our Bible with us.”

So they started off at night, carrying some of their possessions with them and trying to keep away from the roads so that they might not be seen. Before long they came to a wide stream, but they feared to cross the bridge lest they should be discovered and their precious Bible taken from them. They found a place where the water was not too deep and tried to wade across.

“Here, Jeannette my girl,” said her father, “you hold this Bible while I lead your mother across, and then I will come back for you.”

Poor Jeannette! it was so dark, and she could hear her father splashing through the water. She felt alone and a little bit frightened too, for she thought she could hear the sound of loud voices in the distance, and she feared she and her Bible would he discovered.

Quietly lifting her heart in prayer to God for help, she stepped into the water and started across the stream. Oh how strong and cold the waters seemed—but she thought of her dear Bible and struggled on. Higher and higher the water came as she neared the center of the stream. She held the Bible high above her head and carefully went forward feeling for each step lest she should slip and fall. All at once she heard splashing footsteps coming towards her. Her father was coming back to meet her!

“Take the Bible, Father. It is safe and dry!” Father quickly took the Bible and at the same time grasped his brave daughter’s hand, and together they reached the other side. I am glad to say that they were safely hidden, and that the same precious Book that was guarded on day is still kept and loved in a home in Scotland.

Years later, as Jeannette was dying, she suddenly held her hands up above her head and cried, “Take my Bible, my dear old Bible!” Do you love your Bible, young reader? Its pages tell you—

First. You are a sinner— “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

Second. You cannot save yourself “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

Third. Christ Jesus alone can save you— “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.

Fourth. You ought to be saved now — “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Pick up your Bible and read these four verses and accept the loving Saviour. Then you will love your Bible as Jeannette loved hers.

It WILL NEVER FORGET THY PRECEPTS: FOR WITH THEM THOU HAST QUICKENED ME.” Psa. 119:93

ML 01/11/1953

Beneath an Avalanche

It was the close of a warm day in the latter part of August and little Franz Hoffmeister was playing near the cottage door with his baby sister, Marine. Therese, the elder sister, was clearing away the evening meal, while the elder brother, Robert, was carving wooden spoons to sell to the travelers whom his father often guided over the mountains. These four Swiss children lived in a little chalet under the care of twelve-year-old Therese, for their mother had died about a year before.

Their father had gone away to guide a party of travelers over the mountains. Just after sunset Therese put the two little ones to bed. Robert bolted the cottage door, and soon all four children were sound asleep. Therese had not slept long when she was awakened by a sudden shock, as though something had struck the little cottage and made it tremble all over. She was frightened for a moment, but all was very still now, and, being tired with her day’s work, she soon fell asleep again.

It was some hours later in the dark little cabin that Karine awoke and called loudly for her breakfast. Therese was already lying awake, and Franz called out in the darkness, “When will it be morning?” Therese did not know. It was still strangely dark, and they could not find any matches, so they dressed as well as they could without a light.

Robert then unbarred the door, but was immediately knocked to the floor, half buried in cold soft snow.

Poor little souls, hungry and helpless, and without a light! All avalanche of soft snow had slipped down from the mountains and buried their cottage during the night.

Poor little soul who reads this story, are you in like danger? God is looking down upon you, but if you are unsaved “your iniquities have saparated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you.” Isaiah 59:2. Do you realize that the glory of God shines far above you, but your sins are in between? Are you helpless, in the darkness, without a light? It may be that you are still “asleep” as to your danger. If so, wake up now and cry to God, for His great salvation has already been provided for you.

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth.” Psalms 145:18.

ML 01/11/1953

A Sudden Call

The alarm sounded and every fireman rushed to his post. The driver started the engine, and away we went, our bell clinging, and every man holding on as we hurried through the streets.

Our chief, a fine young chap, champion driver for his home town, was up on top. Presently, as we rounded a corner at top speed he lost his balance, and fell backwards to the pavement striking his head on the curb. Of course we stopped, and we could all see he was seriously injured. However, we had orders to go on while the injured man was rushed to a hospital. But it was too late for him—he died on the way there, I had often spoken to him about his need of the Lord Jesus, and how He had died on the cross of Calvary to make us fit to live with Him in Heaven. But now it was too late for him to be saved—he had gone into eternity never to return.

Dear reader, how would it be with you if you were called suddenly into eternity? Are you ready? Have your sins been washed away in the precious blood of Christ?

If the Lord does not come before, your friends will someday look on your lifeless body, but where will your soul be? We who are saved are ready because the Lord Jesus bore the punishment our sins deserved on the cross. Are you ready?

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” Deut. 32:29.

ML 01/11/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 3:4-16

When the Lord Jesus reveals Himself to Israel as the One whom they crucified, and they see the nail prints in His blessed hands and feet, then they will repent and mourn for their sin. (Zechariah 12:10-14, 13:6.) Then He will say, as Joseph said when he made himself known to his brethren, “Come near to me, I pray you!” (Genesis 45:4), told they will come near and be blessed. There will no longer be the distance between the people and the Ark, for the veil will to taken away, 2 Cor. 3:16, and they will see Christ as their true Messiah— the true “Ark of the Covenant.”

Joshua told the people, “Ye have not passed this way heretofore,” for they were to see the wonders the Lord would work for His people. What a day it is for a sinner when he sees the wonderful work God has wrought for his salvation, and what a day it is for the believer when he learns that he is dead and risen with Christ. This the crossing of the Jordan typifies. The people were then told to sanctify themselves because of what the Lord was about to do. To sanctify means to set apart, and so if we are to really see and lay hold of the truth of being dead and risen with Christ we will have to set ourselves apart from the world.

The Lord then said to Joshua, “This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel.” Joshua here typifies the Lord, lending His people in the power of the Spirit into our heavenly portion, and so as we see the exceeding riches of His grace which has brought us into a place of assiation with Himself as His bride, surely we delight to magnify and exalt Him. Surely He alone is worthy!

Joshua told the priests who were carrying the ark upon their shoulders that when they came to the bank of Jordan, and put their feet into the water, they were then to stand still. He then called the people together and told them to pick out twelve men, one out of each tribe. He told them what was going to take place as soon as the feet of the priests, who were carrying the ark, stepped in to the waters of Jordan. Even though the river was very high at that time of year, overflowing all its banks, God said the waters would be cut off very far from the city Adam, and stand in a heap there, while waters that came in toward the Dead Sea would fail. If you look this up on the map, you will see that these places were so far away in both direction front where the people were to cross near Jericho, that they could not even see the waters of Jordan at all, while going over. This was surely a wonderful miracle, as well as a remarkable contrast to what had happened when they crossed the Red Sea forty years before. At the Red Sea the waters were a wall to them on either side, while here they could not see them at all. The Red Sea is a figure of Christ’s death for us, and when we learn this, with the sense of our sins (which are like the waters towering above us on either side), it is a solemn thing. Then when we see that we are delivered from our position of condemnation altogether, we rejoice and sing like the children of Israel did on the farther side of the Red Sea. The Jordan, however, brings in a further truth—we died with Christ.

ML 01/11/1953

The Troubled Sea

The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.” Isaiah 57:20. That is what God says, and if ever you have watched the sea or seen a storm like the one in our picture, you would understand the meaning of those words. It cannot rest. Sometimes the waves are big ones, white-capped breakers, flinging their spray on the roof-tops along the shore. Sometimes they are low, heaving waves, breaking gently on the sand. But never, never are they quite at rest.

“The wicked are like the troubled sea,” and “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21. I must take my place there, among the wicked, and I’m sure you should too, for God’s Word says “There is none righteous no not one.” Romans 3:10. People talk about progress and advancement, but at the same time they are like the troubled sea, they have no peace or rest. What a very, very troubled world it is for little folks to grow up in, today!

“These things I have spoken unto you,” says the Lord Jesus, “that in Me ye might have peace.” John 16:33. And again His blessed voice says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. How could He offer peace to selfish, striving, wicked men? Ah, He has “made peace through the blood of his cross.” Col. 1:20. Because of His suffering for sin on Calvary’s cross, He now can offer peace to a troubled little soul, or a troubled old sinner. There is not true rest or peace apart from Him. You cannot rest without Jesus, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

Jesus said, “THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU, THAT IN ME YE MIGHT HAVE PEACE.” John 16:33.

ML 01/18/1953

The Avalanche

The four children in the Swiss cottage were silent a lung moment when they discovered that their home was completely buried in snow.

“What can we do?” said Therese. “Will Father dig us out?” said Franz. “I’m afraid he cannot find us.”

“Then we must die in the dark. Oh, if I could only see your face, Therese.”

The hours wore on poor little Karine cried until she was quite exhausted, and all four huddled fearfully together.

Hark! what was that noise? Another heavy thud on the roof, and then the beautiful sunshine came streaming through. “Little Franz, are you there?”

“Yes, yes,” cried a chorus of voices from below. In a few moments the neighbors carried the children out to the green grass to their father who had been shoveling since early morning.

Salvation from above had come for their poor little bodies, even as it has come for your poor little soul. Salvation from above! The Lord Jesus came down from heaven, down into this dark world, save poor sinners like you. Will you have Him? When He calls, “Whosoever will,” will you answer, “Yes, yes,” just as the little children in the house did? It is very simple. it is God’s work to remove in a moment your load of sins, and to place you securely in Christ, saved for eternity. It is God’s work, not yours. Salvation is already prepared for you. Sleep no longer. He is calling you today, calling from above. Rise up and answer Him.

“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.” Hebrews 12:25.

ML 01/18/1953

"White Man Lost!"

I just wish I could picture you as you read this “Messages of the Love of God,” for I know that this paper goes to many different lands, and is read by many boys and girls. Perhaps you have heard a great deal about people of other lands, and you have heard how boys and girls live and work and play in Australia, England, United States, Africa, and Cada. Sometimes when people speak of Canada they think of a lot of Red Indians, living in tents! I have lived in Canada for 37 years, and I have never seen an Indian living in a tent yet! But many years ago there were more Indians than white people, and you may imagine that there were no motor cars, and no roads in those long ago days. The story I wish to tell you happened in those days when there were nor many white people in Canada.

Mr. Findlay and his wife and two boys lived in a little village in the province that we now call Ontario. One winter day Mr. Findlay said good-by to his wife, and started out to walk to the next village.

“It is a long walk,” he said to his wife, “and I shall have to stay overnight. But I hope to start early tomorrow morning, and be home as soon as I can.

Mr. Findlay was a good strong walker, and he arrived at the village and finished all the business and work he had to do. Then he went to bed early, after committing his wife and boys to the Lord in prayer.

Early the next morning he started out for home. The snow was falling gently, and it was cold enough to make him want to walk quickly to keep warm. Gradually he began to feel a bit worried. The countryside didn’t look too familiar, and he began to wonder if he had missed his way. The snow had stopped falling, and he looked all around in the hope of seeing something that would set him right. But he could see nothing but trees and fields, and white smooth snow. Not even a footprint in the snow could he see! On and on he went, watching ever more carefully for signs of footprints, so that he might be able to follow them. At last he found what he was looking for—footmarks in the snow! With a thankful heart he hurried on—and on —and on. For, walk as fast as he could, he still couldn’t seem to find His way home. At last he noticed that he was following two sets of footprints and then he was more sure than ever that he was in the right path, and would soon be home. But it was getting dark.

All at once a big Indian stepped from behind a tree and smiled. “White man lost!”

“No, I’m not lost now. I was, but I am following two others now, and I shall soon find my way out.”

“White man lost! White man following his own footmarks!”

Could it be? Mr. Findlay stopped and looked carefully at the marks. Sure enough, he had walked in two very big circles, and now was following his own footprints twice. “Follow me,” said the Indian. Silently the lost white man followed his Indian guide, and soon was within sight of his village and home. He thanked the Indian again and again, and even gave him a little gift for his kindness in leading him out.

What a story he had to tell his wife and boys. They sat in silent thankfulness as he told them of how he was lost and didn’t know it; of how he was following what he thought was a sure way out, but it was only his own footprints. And he told them how glad he was to have someone tell him that he was lost, and then lead him to safety.

Doesn’t this story remind you and me of something very, very important? Boys and girls and men and women are taking a great journey, and it is going to take them to a very important place —either heaven or hell! Do you know which road you are on? Oh, you say, I think I am all right. Many other boys and girls are the same as yourself, and you all hope you shall end in heaven some day.

Let me tell you of Someone who came down into this world “to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. His name is Jesus the Lord, He does not simply show you the way, for He says, “I am the way.” If you take Jesus as your Saviour, He will wash away all your sins and take you to heaven to be with Himself, for He loves and died for sinners. But if you follow in your own way, it will end in being eternally lost.

The Lord Jesus stands before you right now and says,

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22.

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

ML 01/18/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 3:17-4:8

The Jordan, as we remarked last week, typifies the fact that we have died with Christ. In this it is not a question of our sins, which were like mountains on either side, but of the fact that in His death our old sinful self has been put entirely out of sight, Like the waters of Jordan cut off very far from the city Adam, so our history as men in the first Adam has been cut off before God. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Cossloians 3:3. The waters flowing toward the Dead Sea failed too, figuring to us that there is deliverance from sin’s power, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13. How wonderful this is and yet how few Christians lay hold of this side of the truth. They knew I le.ir sins are forgiven, but are greatly troubled to find that the old nature is still within and not improved at all. What marvelous deliverance it gives to know that “our old man the old sinful self) is crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6), and though it has not been improved it is utterly condemned and set aside before God, and we, on our part, are to just reckon it so. (Romans 6:11.) Then, with the eye upon Christ, arid by the power of the Spirit of God who indwells our bodies as believers, we are to be occupied with Christ, allowing the new man “which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24), to act. This is true liberty and deliverance, and it is so beautifully pictured in our chapter. The waters of Jordan were out of sight, hut the ark, a picture of Christ was before them, and so they passed over on dry ground.

Alas, there is a reason why so many believers do not lay hold of this precious fact, and this we shall see later is figured in the twelve men, each taking his stone out of the bottom of Jorden. Nevertheless, whether it is laid hold of or not, thank God it is blessedly true, just as the feet of the priests, who were bearing the ark, stood firm in the midst of Jordan until all the people were clean passed over on dry ground. It was not even wet ground, as a river bed would ordinarily be, but dry ground, for the Lord Jesus bore all the judgment when He stood condemned in our place. “‘He (was made) sin for us ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Wonderful deliverance full and complete!

After all the people were clean passed over, then, as we have just remarked, the twelve men, one from each tribes were told to go to the place where the feet of the priests had stood in the midst of Jordan, and take a stone from there. Each man was to carry his stone to the other side of Jordan, and put it in his lodging place. This was, in figure, laying hold of the truth of their deliverance, each man for himself. Their full and complete deliverance was a fact, but as a ohm from each tribe took his stone to his lodging place, he made the deliverance his own. This took the energy of faith, for perhaps the stones were heavy. Then too, putting the stones in their lodging places would tell us of putting the sentence of death upon all the desires of our old sinful Adam nature. Do we have anything in our lodging places that would not be in accordance with this truth? May we search our hearts about these things!

ML 01/18/1953

New Boys at Sunday School

Here is a group of Sunday school children from the Canadian West which brings to mind another Sunday school far from where this picture was taken. I would like to tell you about what happened in this latter place.

The boys were just settling down for a quiet hour in Sunday school when they heard a great noise outside.

“What’s that?” asked the teacher.

“It’s only those gypsy boys playing hockey on the street.”

“Ask them to come in,” suggested the teacher.

“They have no manners,” grumbled the boys. “They don’t know anything and they’ll spoil our class. We don’t want them.”

“But we do want them,” urged the teacher, “The Lord Jesus said, ‘I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” Matt. 9:13. And the teacher rose and opened the door, with a friendly word of invitation to the gypsy boys.

They came in, a wild untidy group, and the proud little boys who were already called out as the teacher arranged the chairs, “Take your hats off, mind your manners now,” until the teacher silenced them.

It is a wonder they stayed, but the Lord had a message for them that day, and He wanted them to hear it. They listened well, with many a queer, earnest question. The gospel story was simply told, right from the very beginning. Adam sinned by disobeying God, and we have sinned too. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” I Timothy 1:15, “Jesus loves you,” said the teacher. “He suffered and died for sinners such as you. He knows all about you, but He loves you still, and longs to save you. Will you accept Him as your Saviour and go home now, every one of you, and say to your parents, “Father, Jesus loves you; Mother, Jesus loves you?”

Next week, Lord willing, I shall tell you how one of these boys brought the message to his parents just as his teacher asked him to do.

Children dear, there are dirty, ragged little sinners in the world, and there are proper tidy little sinners, but God says that “All have sinned.” Romans 3:23. Without Christ all would be lost. Beware of pride, for there is only one Saviour, and only one way of salvation through trusting in Him. Remember the Word of the Lord Jesus which says:

“I AM NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS TO RENTANCE.” Matthew 9:13.

ML 01/25/1953

"Does You Love God?"

Mrs. Fuller and her little Shirley were traveling together on the train. Shirley was a bright little thing, and not at all afraid of strangers, so that when a young man sat down in the opposite seat, she promptly had a big smile for him. He smiled right back—and at once they were the best of friends. They chatted gaily about the things they saw from the windows, and Shirley told him about her little brother at home, auci about her dolls. Before long she was sitting in his lap, and he just looked the picture of happiness as she just looked up at him and smiled.

Sooner than he wished, the young man found that the train was approaching his station, and he told his little friend that he must leave. Her face became solemn and her happy little voice was silent. She gave him a long and tender look that went right to his heart. Then she said in the sweetest voice, “Does you love God?”

He looked astonished at such a question from so small a child. Quickly he gathered up his hat and coat, and with one more long look at the solemn yet happy little face, he turned and left the train without a word except a rather shaky, “Good-bye, Shirley.”

He hurried to the hotel, but the little voice went with him. “Does you love God?” Several of his friends were waiting for him at the hotel, and they set out to have their usual time of fun and mirth. But the young man was not enjoying it at all. Everywhere he went, the little face seemed to appear before him, and the sweet childish voice would say, “Does you love God?”

His name was Gilbert and he was just twenty-three years of age. He was a brilliant scholar, and had many friends, and fancied that it was enough for him to have a “little bit of religion” for the sake of his conscience. But ever since his meeting with little Shirley, there was an empty void in his heart that he had never felt before. He tried to drown his thoughts in drink and folly, but he could not.

A thoughtful sober young man of twenty-eight was walking along the street in a busy city. Although sober, he had a look of peace and joy on his face that is not often seen in this day of madness. Suddenly he noticed a lady approaching him, and saw her turn into a handsome home. He paused a moment, and them went right to the door and rang the bell.

“Pardon this visit, lady, but I am sure you are the mother whose little girl chatted with me on a train five years ago. Just as I went to leave she asked me, ‘Does you love God?’ Do you remember?”

“Yes, I do remember. And I remember the look of surprise on your face, and have often wondered just what you thought after you left the train.”

“I must tell you that the Lord Jesus has saved my soul. And I would love to see little Shirley again, and tell her just how her question brought me to the feet of Jesus.”

The tears were running down the lonely mother’s cheeks. “I am so glad to hear this,” she said. “But I am sorry to tell you that our little Shirley has left us. She is in heaven.”

They both stood in silence while the tears flowed down both cheeks.

“Come with me,” said Mrs. Fuller, with bowed head, Gilbert entered little Shirley’s own room, and there saw her much-loved books, and right by her empty bed was her own beloved Bible. “There is all that is left of our little Shirley for us to see until we see her in heaven,” sobbed the mother.

“No, madam, that is not all that is left. I am here a monument of God’s mercy, made so by her loving influence. Before she asked me ‘Does you love God?’ I was a careless pleasure-loving youth, and I had even dared to doubt the very existence of God Himself. But as that simple question burned itself more and more on my heart, I found that God loved me! I found that He had given His Son to die for me. And I thank Him that He has picked me up and saved me, and I so often wished that I could tell all my story to little Shirley. But I know I shall see her again, for I am on my way to glory, too.”

Dear young reader, “Do you love God?” God loves you and has shown His love in the gift of Jesus.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” 1 John 4:10.

ML 01/25/1953

"They Follow"

A shepherd in Africa was one day feeding his sheep on the mountains. As they were quietly robbers coming over the hills. He knew he was in great danger of losing his sheep, and perhaps his own life too, He had to act quickly, so he began to run down the mountain side, calling his sheep to follow him. Down into the valley he went and up the mountain on the other side, always calling the sheep as he ran. They quickly followed him as he ran down into the village in the valley below, and all were safe from the robbers.

If you read John’s gospel, chapter 10, you will read about another One, the Lord Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd, and of how He calls His sheep to follow Him. His sheep are all those who know Him as their Saviour, and He calls them to Himself. The shepherd in our story saved his own life, as well as the lives of his sheep, but the Lord Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

Are you, dear reader, one of His sheep? Can you say, He died for me? Will you not follow Him, for He wants to keep you safely from all Satan’s power? Then at the end of life’s journey He will take you to his bright holm, above.

“He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them.” John 10:3.

ML 01/25/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 4:8-19

Let us apply these things in a practical way. If the stone from the bottom of Jordon the river of death, comes in then those things which we night have in our homes to gratify our fallen nature must go out. This alas is why some do not lay hold of the truth of our death with Christ. If we died with Christ, then we are as dead to those things as He, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:11. The practical side of this will cost us something, as we can readily see. It is a blessed truth, all will confess, but it is also a searching one, and yet we can confidently say that all who have laid hold of it will testify that it has brought true deliverance, liberty, and joy to them.

After this it is most precious to find Joshua setting of twelve stones in the midst of Jordan where the priests’ feet stood firm, “and they are there unto this day.” Here we have God’s side of the truth brought before us. Placed there by Joshua, the stones remain unto this day, and so, again we would say, whether we have laid hold of the truth of being dead and risen with Christ or not, it is blessedly true as to our standing before God. God is faithful, even though we are so often unfaithful, therefore “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised.” Heb. 10:23.

When all had been fulfilled as God had spoken, then the ark of the covenant passed over in the presence of the people, and so Christ died and risen is what makes all our blessings sure to us. “On that day,” we read, “the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel.” and so when we delight to exalt Christ, and Christ alone. We learn more of the riches of God’s grace, and also of the glory of His grace. The riches of His grace tells us of the pit from which He lifted us and the glory of His grace tells us of the place unto which He has brought us. (Ephesians 1:6,7.)

After the priests had come out of Jordan with the ark, and all was fully accomplished as God had spoken, then the waters of Jordan returned and overflowed till the banks as they had before. Thus we know that those who are not redeemed, and made children of God by faith in Christ, will find the “waters of judgment” overflowing them in a coming day, and there will be no escape. For the ungodly, unbelieving part of Israel, too, what a solemn day it will be in the tribulation period when judgement falls upon thorn, sweeping them into a lost eternity. Dear reader, there is no refuge or safety for you, or for anyone else outside of Christ. “Flee from the wrath to come,” Matthew 3:7.

The people then came to Gilgal and encamped there on the tenth day of the first month. This, we will remember, was the very day in which a passover lamb was taken in the land of Egypt forty years before. How it reminds us that the work of Calvary is the ground of all blessing, and even the typos of the Old Testament are all linked together, bearing witness to this blessed fact. Surely the truth of the divine inspiration or Scriptures is seen wherever we turn, and only blind unbelief can fail to observe it. “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ... .that the man of God may be ... ..thoroughly furnished.” 2 Tim. 4:16,17.

ML 01/25/1953

"Come Home"

Here is a lovely collie dog named Buddy, and one that is very obedient to his kind master. As soon as his master speaks he always obeys at once, and this makes me think of a sharp-witted young girl who had a little dog which she called Curly. She was very fond of her dog, but one day she missed him, and thought he might be off to the city with her father. There was a telephone between the house and the office, so she rang up her father and asked, “Is Curly there?” He replied that he was.

“Lift him in your arms, and put his ear to the receiver,” said the little maiden. The father did so, and she cried,

“Come home, Curly, come home.” Doggie looked astonished, for he heard his mistress’ voice but saw her not. However, he understood, and instantly obeyed, bolting out the door and making tracks for home. Curly was one wise and obedient dog. Will you from this time be a wise and obedient child? The Lord Jesus calls to you from the Father’s house, “Come!” “Rise; He calleth thee.” Mark 10:49. “Wilt thou not from this time cry unto Me, My Father. Thou art the guide of my youth?” Jeremiah 3:4.

“Come! the Father’s house stands open,

With its love and light and song,

And returning in that Father,

All to you may now belong.”

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

ML 02/01/1953

New Boys at Sunday School

Freddie was one of the little gypsy boys whom you may remember hearing about last week. He was the youngest one just five years old, and he did not understand much of what he heard in Sunday school, but he did remember one thing.

He hurried home to his little house on wheels, climbed up upon his father’s knee, and repeated the teacher’s message, “Father, Jesus loves you.”

The man put his little son down on the floor again, and strode out into the woods. He wanted to be alone. It was a long time since he had heard that holy Name spoken reverently. He had heard of Jesus long ago, of His death for sinners, and of His love, but he was an ungodly man, and had often taken that Name in vain. He never remembered hearing it spoken revently in his home until it came today from the lips of his little son, came with the assurance that, in spite of his years of wickedness, Jesus still loved him.

The gypsy father knelt down at last, all alone in the woods, and the thought of the love of Jesus, unchanged by all his sin and hatred, poured over his soul. He thanked the Lord Jesus for loving him, poor sinner that he was, and his hard heart was filled with love in return.

For many years the old gypsy lived to prove the reality of his conversion that day. He went about from town to town selling baskets, and many a faithful word was spoken here and there for his beloved Saviour.

On one occasion he saw a young lady coming from the front door of a house as he passed towards the back door. Her face was sad, and he longed to comfort her with his own joy.

“Lady,” he said, stopping by the garden fence, “I see a ring upon your finger. It is made of gold, tried in the fire. Let it speak to your heart of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, tried under the fire of God’s wrath, even unto death for our sakes. Even as the ring is a circle, without end, so the love of Jesus has no end, but He loves us eternally in spite of sin and sorrow, and wishes us but to accept. His love and make it our own, as you have done with your ring.”

It was a message from God to the young lady, and she told of it often with joy, though she never saw the old man again.

The Lord Jesus loves you also, in spite of all you have done. Will you not this moment accept His love, that you may be saved for eternity?

“Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 43:10.

ML 02/01/1953

Help Needed

Down in one of the hot countries to the south of us a group of people started out one day to go to a place some distance off. They were Christians, and loved the Lord Jesus, and as they walked along the way they talked about Him and how much He loved then and had died for them.

Presently on of them missed his little girl and looked around for her, but she was gone. However, on looking back they soon saw her standing by a big patch of mud. The others had jumped over it, but little Hope was too small to do that, so she just stood there and kept saying, “Jesus, lift me up; Jesus, lift me up.”

Of course they soon lined her up and they all went on their way.

This is a beautiful example of the faith of a child, which is so pleasing to the Lord, He takes a special care of the little ones.

Little Hope could not cross the mud by herself, and she needed help. But, dear reader, if you are unsaved your need is far greater than hers. God’s Word says, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you.” Isaiah 19:2. You cannot come before God in your sins, and you cannot remove them yourself. What can you do? How good it is to be able to tell you that the Lord Jesus has done it all.

He is able willing to save you, if you, like little Hope, call out in your need and say “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

The Lord Jesus died on the cross for sinners like you and me, and now His Word tells us,

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

ML 02/01/1953

Bible Questions for Feburary

The Children’s Class

1. Do riches make it easier to enter the kingdom of God?

2. What did the Lord Jesus give His life for?

3. What did the Lord say of those who knew not the Scriptures?

4. What does the Lord say of those who make the outside clean, but are not clean inside?

5. Do we know when the Lord will come?

6. Should the woman have poured her ointment upon the Lord, or given it to the poor instead?

7. What did the centurion toy, who was watching the Lord on the cross?

The Young People’s Class

1. What has happened between the world and the believer? Galatians 6.

2. What does the Scripture say of those who love the world? 1 John.

3. What does the Scripture say of those who are the friends of the world? James.

4. Are we to yoke ourselves together with the unbelieving world? 2 Corinthians 6.

5. What is the victory that overcomes the world? 1 John.

6, Against whom does the flesh lust? Galatians 5.

7. Who helps our Infirmities? Romans 8.

ML 02/01/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 4:20-5:7

After this Joshua took the twelve stones which the men had taken out of the bottom of Jordan, and pitched them in Gilgal. We have noticed before that Joshua is a type of Christ, and so we see in this that He has a center for His people. In the system of Jewish worship, which God gave, there was that which appealed to the flesh in man, but Gilgal is the place, as we shall see later, where the flesh is put in the place of judgment. Thus, when we have learned that we are dead and risen with Christ, the flesh no longer has a place. It is most important to see this, especially in connection with worship, for in the place where the Spirit of God gathers to Christ there must not be that which appeals to the flesh since true worship is only by the Spirit. This is clearly stated in Philippians 3:3, and explains to us what took place here at Gilgal, the place of circumcision. It says, “We are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Although this is little understood by many dear Christians, it is an important truth, for only that worship which is produced by the Holy Spirit is acceptable to God. (John 4:23, 24.)

It is wonderful to notice here that God, in all His greatness, while giving us such deep and precious truths, delights to think of the children of His people and the questions they might ask. Children like to find out things, and so the Lord told His people that they were to be prepared to explain to their children what these stones meant. Are we, dear Christian parents, prepared to explain these things to our children and i.e tell them why our homes and our meeting rooms are different from those that are so common around us? Have we brought the “stone from Jordan” into our homes and explained to our children all about it? Can we tell them why we meet as we do, giving them the Scriptural authority for it? May we be diligent in these things, both for the Lord’s glory as well as for the blessing of our children. How often the truths that have been so precious to us are not valued by our children, and, alas, too often it can be traced to neglect on our part, as parents. May we seek to walk, as well as talk, in the truth we have learned.

When the people of Canaan saw what the Lord had done for His people, and how He dried up the waters of Jordan fur them, they feared greatly. Whatever boasts the world may make, there is a fear underneath it all, because every man’s conscience tells him he is a sinner and that he has to meet God, and this makes him afraid. How wonderful to know that now we are saved, God is for us, and His perfect love casts out all fear.

When they encamped at Gilgal, the Lord told Joshua that the men of Israel must all be circumcised. This had never taken place in the wilderness, but if they were to possess Canaan, the reproach of Egypt must be rolled away (verse 9). Circumcision figures death to the flesh. In Egypt there was that which appealed to the flesh, and in the wilderness the flesh was tested, but the flesh must be put in the place of death, if we are to enjoy our heavenly portion which Canaan typifies. Another has said, “Every mark of the world is a reproach to him who is heavenly.”

ML 02/01/1953

Barney's Barrel

This little child is playing in a barrel, but I would like to tell you about a little boy who made his home in a barrel—a somewhat larger one than this, of course.

It was in the heart of a great city that this little boy lived, and his name was Barney Morden. Barney was very poor and hungry, and did not know what it meant to have someone love him. The only home that Barney knew was this very large barrel which stood in the alley behind one of the stores. All day the poor lad sold papers in the streets, and when night came he would curl up in his barrel and try to forget that he was lonesome and cold and hungry.

One cold winter night, as Barney was wandering along a gloomy street looking at things in shop windows, he heard the sound of singing. Following the sound he came upon a slow building flooded with light, and over it were the words, “Gospel Mill—Welcome.”

Barney thought it might be warm inside, so he opened the door a wee crack, and then slipped into a back seat. The words of the hymn were these:

“Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe,

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed me white as snow.”

The kind-looking man at the front of the room read to them out of a book Which he called “God’s precious Word.” He told them that their hearts were filled with sin, for “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and that all of them needed to let the Lord Jesus wash the black sin out of their hearts) and make them white as snow. For the first time in his life Barney heard the story of the Lord Jesus and His death on Calvary. He knew he was a sinner, and oh how he wanted this wonderful Saviour as his own. So he lingered after the meeting was over, and when the kind man told him more about Jesus, he accepted the Saviour right then, as his very own. The man gave Barney a little Gospel of John, and he went back to his barrel.

But he was a new Bareny from that day on! He let the light and love of Jesus shine out from his heart to all whom he met.

The days grew colder and colder, and poor Barney shivered in his barrel, until he was so ill that he could not get out. He just lay there sobbing, until a policeman looked into the barrel one day, and found our little sick boy. He was carried at once to a great hospital, and everything was so smooth and white and clean. It was wonderful, but Barney still wanted one thing.

“Please,” he asked, “will you bring me a Bible and read to me about the Lord Jesus?”

The nurse soon learned to love the patient little sufferer, but she did not love the Lord Jesus, and did not want to rend about Him. After a few days the doctor said that Barney could not live much longer, and when the poor weak voice pleaded again for the story of His Saviour, the nurse could not refuse him. She brought a Bible and read as he directed about God’s love for us being so great that He was willing to send His only begotten Son to die on Calvary, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Every word of it was real to Barney, and, by the Holy Spirit, it became real to her also. She knelt by the bedside and accepted the Lord Jesus as her very own Saviour.

Barney died that night; and went to be with the One who had paid it all for him. Will you accept Barney’s Saviour as your own, this very minute? Then you also will be welcomed into Heaven, among the great throng of saved sinners for whom Christ died.

“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 3:1G.

“CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES; AND THAT HE WAS BURIED, AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY.” 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

ML 02/08/1953

"When He Cometh"

I’m sure when you read the title of this story, you thought of the hymn “When He cometh, when He cometh, to make up His jewels.” And that is just what I am thinking about, for I have just seen some of the finest and biggest jewels in the world, Shall I tell you about them?

Perhaps you know where these beautiful bright stones come from. Away down under the earth brave miners shovel and tunnel and dig for treasure. Sometimes it is for coal, and sometimes for lead, and sometimes for gold. But I suppose the most exciting of them all is to hunt for diamonds, Diamonds are brilliant and clear, rubies are deep red, and emeralds are cool dark green. And it is these beautiful stones, and others just as beautiful, that are called jewels. If you come with me to the big city of London, in England, I will take you to see wonderful jewels.

First we must find the Tower of London, and then we shall find a guide, wearing a very strange uniform. He is called a “Beefeater.” He takes us through the strange and interesting room and buildings of this old Tower, and finally offers to show us the “Crown Jewels.” What a thrill it will be when He leads us up an old stone staircase, and we enter a large round room, and there, right in front of us are the most wonderful jewels that are to be found in the world. Of course they are kept behind thick glass so that we can’t touch them, and there are guards watching them all the time. But what a wonderful sight it is. There are beautiful crowns sparkling with hundreds of diamonds. One big crown actually has hundreds of diamonds gleaming from all sides! Gold and jewels are to be seen all around the strange room, but soon we must turn away, and leave them all behind, for they don’t belong to us. But as we slowly go back down the stairs, it makes me think of some of God’s precious jewels.

Brave miners had to risk their lives, and indeed some of them lost their lives, in bringing these precious jewels up from the darkness of the earth. They could never come up themselves, could they! Just so, you and I could never rescue ourselves from the darkness of sin in which God saw us. He tells us in Ephesians, chapter two, that we were “dead in sins,” But God didn’t leave us there, for He loved us and wanted us for His own precious jewels. He sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, down into the darkness of this poor world to pick us up and cleanse us from all our sins, and to make us jewels for Himself. Has He picked you up and cleansed you from your sins? He came down here to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), and He found and saved many boys and girls from many lands. If you are not saved, why not turn to Him right now? For although you cannot see Him, He is waiting right by you as you read this paper, and wants to make you His own, After the jewels were brought up and out of the dark mine, they were cut and polished and brought to the King, and he was delighted with them. Now they are called the “Crown Jewels.” And so it is the delight of the heart of God to save boys and girls and men and women, and then call them His very own jewels! Isn’t that wonderful? Listen to what He tells us.

“And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.” Malachi 3:17.

“Little children, little children,

Who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His bright crown adorning,

They shall shine in His beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.”

ML 02/08/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 5:8-15

The believer has a new life with new desires and a new Object, but circumcision was a painful thing, especially at first, and so when we seek to put the sentence of death upon the flesh, it suffers. We are told of this in 1 Peter 4:1, for it says, “He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” The old nature does and it suffers when we cease from sin. We notice, however, that after this painful operation at Gilgal, there was the mighty victory at Jericho. Indeed the children of Israel had to return to Gilgal before they moved forward in other conquests, and so it is only as we get into the place of self-judgment after each victory that we will be able to gain others. If we neglect this, then pride and self-confidence are sure to come in, and we will soon go down to defeat. This happened to Israel, as we shall see later.

The children of Israel then kept the Passover on the plains of Jericho. How needful to consistently reminded of what the Lord Jesus did for us upon the cross, as typified in the keeping of the Passover.

After this they ate of the old corn of the land, and the manna ceased the next day. The manna tells us of Christ in His life here, as the bread of God who came down from heaven, while the old corn of the land speaks to us of Christ in resurrection, and so we might say that the truth typified to us here is very important. It is what is brought before us in 2 Corinthians 5:16, 17. There we read, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We find so much in Christendom today about the life of Christ, forgetting that His perfect life only condemned us. It showed how far short we came, and when Christ was at last rejected and put upon a cross, man’s trial was over Christ’s death and resurrection are the only ground of blessing, and so Christianity begins will, Christ in glory. We who are saved are in Him, in resurrection life, in new creation. In that sense we do not know Him after the flesh, but are united to Him in glory. All this is beautifully typified in the manna ceasing, and the people, from then on, eating of the old corn of the land.

When they came near to Jericho, Joshua saw a Man with a drawn sword in His hand and so he asked Him, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” The Man (who was the Lord) then replied, “Nay; but as Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” Joshua immediately fell upon his face and said, “What saith my Lord unto His servant?” It is beautiful to see that the enjoyment of our portion comes first, as typified in the feeding upon the passover and the old corn of dry land, before that which speaks of the conflict which will surely follow. And when the soul is in the enjoyment of these things it is ready to own the absolute authority of the Lord and follow with reverence and obedience. This is most important, for while earnestly contending for the faith, we must remember that it is not our beliefs, but the truth of God and His authority which we are ever to maintain.

ML 02/08/1953

The Fight in the Valley

A mountain on this side and a mountain on that side, and a valley between them. It makes one think of the story of David and Goliath, doesn’t it? Perhaps you haven’t heard that story, so I’ll tell you about it.

Goliath was bigger than you are: a huge man, about nine feet tall, all shining with heavy armor, and shouting with a loud voice, too. He strode along in the valley between the two mountains.

David was a keeper of sheep, a rosy youth. He had no armor and no weapons but a sling and smooth stones from the brook, yet he would out to meet the giant in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.

I am sure you boys, who read this story, have often heard that name taken in vain and His glory dragged in the dust. How often men have tried to lie about the holiness of God, and the glories God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Beware, young reader, for a greater giant than Goliath is going about, ready to attack you. Indeed if unsaved, you are already under his power the power of Satan, and there is no way of victory but through Christ.

Goliath lifted up his voice and challenged David, saying he would give his flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the, beasts of the field. He had confidence in himself that he could do it; but David’s confidence was in God, who gave him a perfect aim with his sling. The very first stone he hurled sank into the giant’s forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth.

Triumphant David them ran and cut off the giant’s head with the giant’s own sword. There cheering and pursuing on the one side, but what consternation and flight on the other! And oh the joy in the heart of God when his beloved Son triumphed over all Satan’s power at the cross! Now risen again. He is seated at the right hand of the majesty on high. Through death He robbed death of its power, like David using Goliath’s own sword to kill him, and now all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ can shout and rejoice, for His victory is ours.

Dear young reader, there is no hope for you, none at all, if you will go on without Christ. Death and Satan’s power are too much for you. But oh the victory which is ours in the name of Christ, because He has defeated Satan for us!

WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.” Romans 8:37.

ML 02/15/1953

"When, Mother?"

How old must I be Mother, before I can be a Christian?” Little Bertie looked on into his mother’s face. He had been in Sunday school and heard there of the love of Jesus and of the need of being saved. He knew that his teacher was a Christian, and some of the other children too, and he wanted to belong to Jesus.

Mother replied, “How old must you be before you love me, Bertie?”

“Why, Mother, I love you right now.” And suiting his action to his words, he gave her a big hug and a kiss.

“I’m glad you love me now my boy. Now another question, How old must you be before you can trust me and leave yourself to me to care for you and keep you?”

“Right now, Mother dear, right now. I trust you and I love you. But you haven’t told me yet when I may become a Christian. When, Mother?”

“You can be a Christian now, Bertie boy, right now. Jesus loves boys and girls. And He wants to wash away your sins and make you one of His own, right now.”

“Can we tell Him right now, that I want to be a Christian?”

They both knelt together and each one prayed, and I am sure God in heaven heard those prayers. The dear mother thanked the Lord Jesus for giving little Bertie to them, and for opening his little heart to a Saviour’s love. Then little Berne prayed and thanked God for sending Jesus to die for his sins. And he told Jesus that he wanted to be saved and be a Christian “right now.”

“Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14.

ML 02/15/1953

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

As I stepped onto the platform of the Cleveland railway station many years ago, a hand was laid upon my arm, and a voice said, “Norman! is it you?” I turned and looked at the speaker. It was an old classmate, Richard, with whom I had been invited to spend a few weeks, and whom I had not seen for some years. After we had pushed our way through the noisy crowd and were on our way to his home, I looked at him again and again and exclaimed, “Richard! how you have changed! 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 reply, which brought forth no reply.

That evening as he, his wife, and I were walking in the conservory 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 I was not, 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 her 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 out for a drive, and a delightful one we had. Little Bessie was as 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 did not reply, but motioned me to look at little Bessie. In look at little Bessie. She was gazing at 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 I did not then know the difference between religion and knowing Christ as Saviour. As I glanced 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 her presence, 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 righteousness was creeping over me, a sort of longing to be like her. Suddenly the little maid was at my side. I was startled as I saw her, and met the tender gaze of love and pity in her face. Her little hand was laid upon my arm, and for a moment we were both silent. Then the silence was broken by the words, “Won’t you love my Jesus?” and she was gone.

ML 02/15/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 5:15-6:2

When Joshua had inquired, “What saith my Lord unto His servant?” the Lord replied telling him, “Loose thy shoe from off they foot, for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” The first thing Joshua had to learn was to acknowledge the Lord’s absolute authority as the Captain of His host, and then the holiness that became His presence. This we must ever remember, for if we are to be used of the Lord there cannot be any lightness as to sin. In a practical way there cannot be any progress in the things of God, in victory in our Christian life, it we are careless in our walk. May the Lord help each one of us who seek to serve Him to remember these things, so that we may “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28.

God had waited in patience over Jericho and the other cities of Canaan, but at last their wickedness had risen to such heights that He could not delay any longer—He must judge. Judgment is God’s “strange work” (Isaiah 28:21) and He always warns and gives space to repent, but when iniquity comes to the full, then He judges, and how solemn and awful are His judgments. (See Revelation 18:5, 6). Oh how patiently God has waited with Christendom two thousand years— but it will not always be so. The day of grace is fast coming to a close, and just as the people of Jericho heard that Israel had crossed the Jordan, and saw them pitch their tents outside the city before the judgement fell, so we see a great deal taking place in the world today that shows us the day of judgment is near for Christendom.

The people of Jericho decided to shut the gates of their great city to keep the judgment out, and so with the world today. As trouble increases daily, they build larger warships and better airplanes, and increase their armies; but it is all of no avail, for “God ... .hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world to righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He has raised Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31. Judgment is coming, just as God has warned, and the only way of escape is through accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, through taking shelter under His blood, just as Rehab and all their house were safe because of the scarlet line in her window. Dear reader, how is it with you? Are you safe in Christ, or are you still outside, exposed to God’s righteous judgement? Why not flee for refuge to Christ today?

God then told Joshua that He had delivered Jericho and all its mighty men into his hand. It was not through Israel’s mighty army that they were victorious, however, but because “salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). It is a lesson we are all slow to learn, that God alone can remove difficulties or give success. All our efforts are useless apart from Him, but when He comes in, “the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” Isaiah 40:4. How often our efforts to serve the Lord prove useless because we have sought to go forward in our own strength instead of waiting upon the Lord, while on the other hand only a word or a little act of kindness done in communion with Him, has been the means of much blessing. As another has said, “Little is much if God is in it.”

ML 02/15/1953

A Narrow Escape

Little John did not know much about danger for he was only seven years old. He had taken his toy truck out to play and was pulling it across the railway track when a big freight train appeared, speeding along at about forty-five miles per hour. It was hard pulling for John across the big tracks, and he did not want to leave his truck behind. He pulled a little harder when the train appeared, but meanwhile, the freight train was getting nearer and nearer every second, and soon both John and his truck were going to be smashed to pieces—unless help came. Mr. Kucy was watching from the cab of his truck and he knew little John did not realize his danger, and also that he could not save himself from almost certain death. He saw that he needed someone to save him in his great danger, and so, leaping from his truck, and not thinking of his own life, he reached the lad and roughly pulled him off the track—just in time. John’s little truck was smashed to matchwood, but John was safe! Yes, John’s life was saved, all through the kindness of Mr. Kucy. How grateful his parents must have been for the kindness of the man who risked his life to save their boy.

This little story is surely a fine illustration of what God has done. We were just as foolish as little John, for while taken up with the things of the world, how often the sinner forgets the danger he is in. Yes, dear unsaved reader, judgment is about to overtake you, but there is One who sees you in your great need, and lie is mighty to save. He may have allowed some great trouble in your life that has seemed “rough” to you, just like Mr. Kucy roughly pulling John off the track, but it is for your good. If it brings you to feel your need of salvation, and to find refuge in Christ, you will some day rejoice and thank God for it. Even if you lose your belongings, as little John lost his toy truck, it is far better than losing your precious soul in the lake of fire, under God’s judgment forever. Oh, let the mighty arm of the Lord Jesus, the One who died and rose again that you might be saved, reach out and save you today. Mr. Kucy risked his life to save John, but the Lord Jesus gave His life FOR YOU. Why not come to Him now?

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

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML 02/22/1953

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

I could not ridicule that lovely spirit, and yet something within 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 during the day did she refer 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.

But one morning she did not come. I waited a long time, but in vain. No little feet came pattering along the hall. No little hand was clasped in mine. No word of instruction were lisped in my ear. Presently there came a hurried knock at my door it was opened without waiting for permission and her father was with me. “Norman,” said he, “she has just awakened from a long and heavy sleep, and is fearfully ill. Will you come? Tell me if you know what it is.”

I went. There lay the little one, with eyes closed, and in a sort of stupor. I knew at a glance. It was scarlet fever. How I told these two aching hearts I know not, but they were wonderfully calm in their anguish. The doctor soon confirmed my statement, but there was so painfully little to be done for the dear sufferer that these two days almost passed in silence as we three watched over the precious form.

At the end of the second day her life seemed partially to return; and she opened her large, beautiful eyes, and smiling a little, said, “Dear mamma, dear papa!” and then looking around, “Dear uncle Norman, won’t you love my Jesus? Mamma loves Him! Papa loves Him!—and I am going to Him, and I want to tell Him that you love Him. Won’t you love Him?”

“Bessie! little Bessie!” said I, “tell Him my heart and life are His for evermore.”

“Mamma! papa! O my Jesus! I am so happy now! Now I have all I want! Now I come, come, come! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” And the little spirit, made fit through the blood of Jesus, returned whence it came. God’s little messenger had fulfilled her mission to the earth, had been the means of turning a soul to righteousness, and was called home!

Dear reader, have some of “God’s little messengers” visited your household and spoken to your heart, ere they were called to a better land? How have you responded to the gentle call?

Is Christ still saying to you, “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life?” John 5:40. If no little messenger has been permitted to nestle in your bosom, and tell you, in the sweet accents of childhood, of the love of Jesus, let, oh! 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 lodgment in your heart, and lead you to “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

ML 02/22/1953

"Saviour"

Let an African missionary tell us a story of how he learned the word for “Saviour” in the language of the African savages.

“When I went to a certain part of Africa where I wished to tell the story of the love of God in sending a Saviour, I found that the natives had no written language. I had to listen to their conversations with one another, and try to find in this way the words that I could use to tell them of Jesus. One word I listened for, and never heard. Two and a half years went by, and it seemed as though I would never make the people understand my message until I found out the word I wanted. That word was ‘Saviour.’

“One night, I heard some of the men telling stories of adventures. One related how his master had rescued him from a lion. I listened eagerly, hoping to catch the word — the long-sought word. The story was finished and the word was not spoken. Eagerly I went up to the man when he had finished and asked him what he called the master when he had saved him from the lion. At once he gave me the longed for word, the word that means Saviour in that part of Africa. With joy I told him that God had sent a ‘Saviour’ and that Jesus would be His Saviour from sin, if he would accept Him.

“With joy on his face he caught the message at once, and cried out, ‘Is that what you have been trying to tell us all this time?’

“I spent four years in Africa. For fourteen months I never saw bread. For months I have lived on African beans and sour milk. I have eaten everything from ants to rhinoceros’ flesh. But I would go through it all again for the joy of that moment when I heard the word ‘Saviour’ and saw the light on that man’s face when the message touched his heart!”

My young friend, do you know in your heart the meaning of that word—SAVIOUR?

“The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14. Is He your Saviour?

ML 02/22/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 6:3-4

God told Joshua that they were to march around Jericho with all the men of war, each day for six days. All were to take part in the march, for we have need of one another. Each has his place and part, but alas, sometimes we leave others to do it all, not feeling our own responsibility. Then too, it is a fine thing to learn to “keep rank” (1 Chron. 19:38) and to work together for the Lord in the path of obedience to His Word. Of course we are not to follow those who step out of rank—who do not walk in obedience to the Word of God—but we will always find those who have the interests of Christ at heart, and with whom we can strive “together for the faith of the gospel.” Phil. 1:27.

God did not explain to Joshua why He planned to take the city in this way, for he was simply to obey. This is a great lesson for us all. Some of the people might have thought they could do more in a day than to just go around the city once, while others might have thought it was too much, but the important thing was that the Lord had said they were to do it once, and that was enough for faith. It is a fine thing in the Christian life to learn simple, unquestioning obedience to the Word of God.

Moreover, the priests bearing the ark were to go between the men of war, and those people who formed the rereward. There was that lovely ark, typifying Christ, going with them, but covered over with a covering of blue. It was, as it were, the center. But only faith can see in Christ (the One who came down from heaven) those hidden glories, and when we think of who He is, the blessed Son of God, we delight to give Him the place of honor—to acknowledge His presence in the midst of His gathered saints, He alone is worthy!

After these six days of patient marching, when nothing seemed to happen, on the seventh day they were told to march around the city seven times. After marching the seventh time, the priests were to blow with the trumpets, and the people were all to shout with is great shout. The Lord told then that this was the moment of victory. He said the wall of the city would thin fall down flat and each man was to go up straight before him and take the city.

These seven days were a real test of patience; and so it is with us. This is oar time of patient laboring, and even if we do not seem to see fruit for our labors, let us go on faithfully. For six long days the children of Israel marched around Jericho and nothing seemed to take fruit for our labors, let us go on faithfully. For six long days the children of Israel marched around Jericho and nothing seemed to take place, but they were doing what God had told them, and it was not in vain. Anything done in obedience to the Word of God is not in vain, and we are exhorted in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

The extra effort of the children of Israel, marching around the city seven times on the seventh day just before the judgment fell, makes one all of how the Lord’s coming is now drawing near. There is, therefore and urgency and extra effort required in getting people out to the gospel in these closing days, and indeed in seeking to bring the gospel to them where they are. Oh may our hearts be stirred up to more energy in the gospel, while the day of grace lasts!

ML 02/22/1953

The Apple Story

When I was a little fellow, my mother took Mc to a Sunday school where I was taught to learn verses from the Bible, and was told over and over about the love of Jesus. My teacher’s name was Mr. Hyland, and he never tired of telling us boys each week about Jesus, and His wondrous love in dying for sinful boys and girls. I do not know if all the boys in the class were truly saved or not, for many of them have moved away from that city, and so have I. And I know that at least one of the boys in the class is already in eternity.

One Sunday we had a special visitor, and so all the classes wore gathered together, and this visitor stood up in front of us and put a nice rosy apple, like the ones Mr. Smith is picking in our picture, on a table. Then he put his Bible down beside the apple, and we sang a hymn. But all the time we sang the hymn we kept wondering what that apple was for. Was he going to eat it while he talked to us, or was he going to give it to someone for answering, a hard question?

Soon he opetted his Bible of Jeremiah, chapter 17 and verse 9, and read these words, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Then he picked up the apple, and what a beauty it was! He took out his handkerchief and polished it while we watched him it while we watched him, and asked us what we thought of it. We told him that we were sure it was just one of the finest apples that had even seen. So red and shiny—we could just about taste its lovely juice as we looked at it.

coat pocket, and opened up the blade. Whatever did all this have to do with his text? Slowly he cut the apple in half, and then held it up for us in see. We all gasped with disappointment, for the apple was terribly rotten on the inside that we could hardly believe it—yet we could even see worms busily crawling around, for they didn’t like being disturbed.

“I was pretty sure this apple would be bad on the inside,” said the speaker, “for I saw a little hole through the skin and I thought there must be busy worms in there.”

“Is that hole where the worm got in?” asked Freddie.

“No, that’s where he gets out!”

“I don’t understand. Then how did he get in?”

“I am afraid Mr. Worm was right in there when the apple grew on the tree! You see, bugs and insects are often to be found on the beautiful pink, apple blossoms, and them when the apple forms, there is the busy destroyer right inside, and he works his way our from the inside.”

“Now boys and girls, let me read the text again.” So he read the text to us, and then he went on to tell us that boys and girls are born in sin. That we all had within us a sinful and deceitful heart, and although we all looked clean and well-behaved to him, yet as he was speaking to us, God was looking right inside us and timid see our hearts. No amount of polishing could turn that rotten apple into a good one, and so no amount of improving and doing good could change a sinful heart into a clean heart. How could it be done?

He went on to tell us the familiar story of God seeing our sinful hearts, and sending the Lord Jesus, who shed His precious blood to wash those sins away. We all had to repeat after him the seventh verse of Psalm 51, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” He told us that only the blood of Jesus could wash away those stains and then God would give us a new life.

Dear reader, you may be just about the finest boy or girl on your street, or in your school. But when God looks right through those clothes and into your heart, how does His eye see it? Is your heart washed clean in the blood of Jesus?

“THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 03/01/1953

A Tender Conscience

There was a family in the interior of China who had learned to trust in the Lord Jesus, and knew He loved and cared for them. Every day two hours before breakfast, they would all get up and read the Bible, sing, and pray to God.

Suddenly a dark cloud of trouble gathered over them. They were accused of not being loyal subjects because they had lodged a passing foreign missionary. They continued their morning prayers, even more earnestly, pouring out their heart Father, for they knew they before God their Father, for they knew they might lose their home and all they possessed.

The very morning when they should appear before the judge, while they were still on their knees, a hen came into their courtyard, cackling loudly. The mother went out and found that the strange hen had laid an egg in their yard. What could they do about it, as they did not know the owner? They did a wise thing. They took a small piece of silver, wrapped it in paper, on which they had written that it was the money for the egg the hen had laid in their yard. They then tied the little parcel to the foot of the hen which ran away. The wife of an innkeeper saw her hen coming home with something tied on her foot. When she found the money and had read the message, she laughed, and could not stop laughing. The judge was lodging at her inn, and he asked her why she was laughing. The woman said: “These Christians are stupid people, they even pay for an egg which was laid in their yard by a strange hen.” The judge thought to himself. If the Christians have such a tender conscience, then they cannot he had people. He took the accusation, crossed it out, and wrote under it, “finished.”

So these dear children of God experienced what is written in Psalm 50: 15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

ML 03/01/1953

Bible Question for March

1. When the Lord Jesus “came into Galilee” what did He tell the people to do?

2. Who has “power on earth to forgive sins?”

3. Can we keep anything “secret” so that it will not come out some day?

4. What did the Lord Jesus tell the man out of whom He had cast the devils to do?

5. What did the Lord Jesus do before He “brake the loaves” for the multitude?

6. Do the evil things that defile come from without or from within us?

7. What did the Lord Jesus say of those who were ashamed of Him?

The Young People’s Class

1. What verse shows that the devil is a real person? Revelation 12.

2. Is Satan able to accuse the Lord’s people before God? Job 1.

3. Can he do any more than God allows him to do? Job 1.

4. With what did the Lord Jesus answer Satan’s three temptations? Matthew.

5. Has Satan’s power been destroyed (or “annulled,” J.N.D. Trans.) for the believer? Hebrews 2.

6. How are we to act when the devil comes against us as a “roaring lion”? 1 Peter.

7. What other form does Satan take in order to deceive? 2 Corinthians 11.

ML 03/01/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 6:5-16

The blowing of the trumpets was the signal for the children of Israel to go up and take the city of Jericho, which was to be their possession. And so when the Lord comes with a show, and with the sound of the trumpet, we will go up to be forever with Him in our heavenly home; but what terrible judgments will then begin to fall upon this world, just as they fell upon Jericho long ago.

After listening to all these instructions, Joshua and the people prepared to do as the Lord had told them. This is so beautiful to see. First we are to listen to what God tells us in His Word, and then we are to obey. To run before Him and try to serve the Lord before we know what He wants us to do, is a great mistake. And then it is also a great mistake to know what He wants us to do, and not to do it. May we all learn more of that quiet waiting before the Lord, and then of willing service. The ark was, as we have remarked, the center, the men of war going before, and the people forming the rereward. We are ever to guard the Person of Christ, like the men of war here, and then to be exercised to be where He is in the midst. “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst” (Matthew 18:20), is His precious promise. The priests who were bearing the ark were blowing the trumpets as they went, as though to proclaim the victory which was sure to follow. Now we, as priests, are to proclaim the victory which was won for us at Calvary. The people, however, were not to shout or talk. They were not even to say a word, but remain perfectly quiet until the moment the Lord told them to shout, and then they were to shout.

This speaks to us of how we do not seek our rights in this world. We are not to attempt to set it right, for we cannot do this—it is a judged scene—and we are to follow a rejected Christ. Then, when He comes in glory to set things right, we will come with Him, and what shouts of victory there will be!

This, therefore, is the time of being, like John, “companions in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 1:9. Now we are to go on quietly in our service to the Lord, like the children of Israel here, who compassed the city once, the priests blowing the trumpets, and then ruined to the camp. Again they rose up the second day and did the same thing, and so on, till the end of the sixth day. The trumpets were blown continually by the priests, all the time they were marching, but nothing happened to the city. Perhaps the people of Jericho laughed at this strange kind of warfare, just as when we stand up on the street corner to proclaim the wonderful work of Christ, we receive the taunts and jeers of the world. But let us keep on, unmoved by this scornful treatment, for our day of victory is soon coming.

At last the seventh day came, and they got up very early, at about daybreak, and started around the city. They went around once, twice, three times, and kept on until they had gone all around the city seven times. Then, when the priests gave the signal blast with the trumpets, Joshua told the people to shout—the moment of victory had come at last.

ML 03/01/1953

Katie's Love

Just a few weeks ago I saw a wondrous sight. It probably didn’t seem very wonderful to the people who live nearby and see it all the time. But it was a sight which I don’t see very often. I stood on the top of a huge cliff, and watched the ocean waves dashing in foaming spray against the shore. It was in Lorneville, New Brunswick, and I can still close my eyes and hear the roar and splash of the waves.

Katie lived near the sea, but it was not in New Brunswick. It was in far away Australia. I think you would like to hear her story. Katie had two very little sisters, and they were very poor. Her mother often sent all three of them out through the fields and to the cliffs in search of fire wood. One day Katie and her sisters went out later in the day than usual, and they had to wander a long way to find firewood. Before Katie’s arms were full, the sun went down, and her two sisters began to cry. Poor Katie didn’t know what to do, for she couldn’t carry them both, and what is worse, she looked about and found that she was lost!

What would you have done if you had been in Katie’s place? She searched about for a sheltered corner among the rocks, and there she laid her little sisters. Then she gathered a great heap of seaweed, and covered them lovingly and carefully; then laying her own coat over them, she sat down to watch till the morning.

As soon as darkness began to come, and the little ones had not returned home, the parents and neighbors began to search for the lost ones. All night long they searched, and in the morning they were found. The two little ones were cozy and warm and still sound asleep. But poor Katie. She was cold—and dead. Yes, poor Katie had tried so hard to save her little sisters. And she had tried to sit up, I suppose, and watch all night, but she gave her own life for her sisters.

I am sure Katie did not intend to die that night, though she loved her sisters, and I want to tell you of Someone who loves you much more.

I can tell you of One who intended to die for you, and that not because you were His friend, nor because you loved Him. The blessed Lord Jesus, the Son of God, died for those who hated Him. He stretched out His loving hands and allowed cruel men to nail Him to a cross, and then God laid our sins upon Him and punished Him even to death.

Now He is risen again, and offers salvation to you today. Have your sins been borne by Jesus? Do you know Him as your living Saviour?

“HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE.” 1 Peter 2:24.

ML 03/08/1953

The Debt Paid

On the island of Fernando, oft the west coast of Africa, lived a poor colored man. He led a reckless, wild life, but, one day, without any preaching, he felt the burden of his sins and had a longing desire for forgiveness. He went to the heathen priest, but he could not help him, and so the poor colored man became very sad. One day an English ship came to the island to get fresh water. A sailor boy found the poor colored man sitting on a tree trunk weeping, and said to him, “Hello, what is the matter?” The poor man answered, “I cannot find forgivness of my sins.” The sailor told him that if he would go to England he would hear about the God of the Christians who has paid the debt.

When the next ship landed, the colored man begged to be taken to England. After his arrival he walked through the streets, asking the passerby where he could find the God who has paid the debt. Nobody could tell him, some even laughed at him. One day he was leaning against a fence, tired and distressed, when somebody asked him,

“Dear friend, are you in great trouble?”

“Yes,” he said. “My misery is great.”

“Here is something which will satisfy your hunger today,” said the gentleman, giving him some money.

“O massa, it is not that. I have come to England from my island to find the God of the Christians who has paid the debt, and I cannot find Him.” The gentleman listened with interest to the whole sad story, and then showed him a gospel hall and told him to come there in the evening.

The poor colored man could hardly wait for the evening to come, but when the time came he was there, listening eagerly to the words of the preacher who spoke about “the Lamb of God taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. The preacher was the gentleman who had invited him. He took care of him and instructed him in the way of salvation. The once sad colored man became a very happy and eager pupil, and soon he trusted in the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. After he was baptized he went back to his native island and told his own people, with a burning heart, about the Lord Jesus who has paid the great debt of sin for all who believe in Him, “(Jesus) ... Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“And when they had nothing to pay, He frankly forgave them.” Luke 7:42.

ML 03/08/1953

One Little Sin

Jeannie loved to hear stories, And Mother loved to tell stories, so they spent many happy times together with that best of all books, the Bible. It was Saturday night, and little Jeannie had time for just one more story before she went to bed. Mother opened the Bible, and Jeannie curled up on her lap to listen. Now many grown-up folks don’t bother to read the book of Revelation for they think it is too hard to understand. But Mother opened at the twenty-second chapter and began to read.

“And He spewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

And as each verse was read, the picture of that beautiful city grew more and more glorious to the little listening child, “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign forever and ever.”

Jeannie sat breathlessly, with clasped hands, as her little mind pictured that wondrous and eternal home.

“Beheld, I come quickly.”

She looked out the window as if expecting Jesus to come right away.

Suddenly Mother read, “For without ...” Jeannie listened to the awful list. “And whosoever loveth and math a lie.”

“Oh, Mother!”, exclaimed the little one as she jumped to her feet. “I shall be left outside, for I know I have told more than one lie.” Poor little Jeannie burst into tears.

“Yes, my dear, it is true that nothing that defileth will ever be allowed to enter that beautiful home, and if you have just one little sin on your heart, you will be left outside.”

“What shall I do, Mother? Do you think Jesus might forgive me?”

Very tenderly the mother told little Jeannie again the wondrous story of the Lord Jesus who bore our own guilty sins and took all their punishment. “And here, Jeannie, is a verse that will answer your question. Let us read 1 John 1:7. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’”

At once the truth dawned upon the little heart and she slipped to her knees and thanked Jesus for dying to wash away the stain of her sins. Jeannie was cleansed from all sins and ready to enter that beautiful city. Are you ready too?

ML 03/08/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 6:17-7:1

When the people gave the shout, as the Lord commanded, the walls of Jericho fell down flat—all except one small piece. It was that spot where Rehab lived, for her house was upon the wall. Her house was perfectly safe, but it surely was not because she was a good woman—for she was a notable sinner—but she had placed her faith in Jehovah, the god of Israel, and so she and all those in her house were saved. The scarlet line in the window—a beautiful figure of the blood of Christ—marked out her home and made it safe, when all the rest of the wall fell. How wonderful is the grace of god! How different to the thoughts of men!

There was one thing the people were to remember in their hour of victory, and that was that the city was cursed. They were not to take anything out of it for themselves, for it they did they would bring trouble upon themselves and upon the people of God. The silver and the gold belonged to the Lord, and these things were to come into His treasury. There is undoubtedly an important lesson for us to learn here. We are not to seek anything for ourselves in this judged scene. Abraham would not take anything from the king of Sodom that would make him indebted to him (Genesis 14:21-23), and so, just as surely as we look to the world for something, we become indebted to them, and we lose in our souls. The silver and gold, however, where be the Lord’s, and so we can use what we have for the Lord, but to seek anything here, or to make any compromise or alliance with the world in order to get something from it, is not of God. Jericho was under judgment, and everything that breathed was to be put to death, except Rehab and those in her house. The city, was to be burned with fire.

Little do we realize the awful judgement that is to fall upon this dark scene. All those who are outside of Christ will find their portion in the lake of fire, while all those who tire cleansed from their sins in the precious blood of Christ will, like Rehab and her house, he delivered unto eternal blessing. Dear reader, how is it with you?

Again there was another warning issued. A curse was put upon the one who rebuilt Jericho. As we look about in the world today, this is just what is hiking place. Men are working harder than they ever did before to make this world beautiful and gigantic improvement scheme are under way as though they would forget entirely the awful judgments that are about to fall. It could he written across every one of these projects, great or small, the solemn words of God, “reserved unto fire.” 2 Peter 3:7. How solemn this is! How little heeded or believed by the great men of the world!

But, alas, the children of Israel did the very thing that God had forbidden. How quickly they forgot or ignored due commandment of God; and how easily we too, become attached to this world, and things here. Like Achan we covet its “goodly Babylonish garments,” and its gold, to our own trouble, sorrow, and loss. And there is remember, and that is that our sins affect others. We may say, “Oh, that is my business!” but do we realize that others are affected by what we do, so that we are affected by what we do, so that we are either a help or a hindrance? Let us remember that “now of us liveth to himself” (Romans 14:7), and seek to be a help.

ML 03/08/1953

The Milk Man's Troubles

A great many milkmen nowadays, have never milked a cow in all their lives, but my story today is of Mick, an Irish milkman, who not only milked his own cows, but pulled his own wagon tool He was an honest man, but he made just enough money to live on. One day, poor Mick fell ill. He now had to hire someone to care for his little dairy, and, what with the worry of it all, the pain of his illness, and the distress of his soul, poor Mick was very miserable indeed. He thought himself likely to die, and all the good words he had heard in “church,” and from his neighbors did not comfort him at all. They said he was an honest man, but what did God say? He must meet God.

Somehow Mick got a Bible and read it earnestly. Its message, however, was not much like what he had heard before, God’s Word told him he was a sinner, and it told him, oh so simply and lovingly, of the Saviour of sinners who had met his need exactly, and this made him full of joy. He grew strong in body again too, and was soon able to take charge of his cows as before, and build up the business which had sadly fallen off during his illness.

His seat, however, was still empty at that church building where he had never once heard the gospel message, and soon a visitor called to ask why he did not return. Mick told him of the treasure he had found in the Holy Scriptures, and what peace and joy it had given him.

“But,” said the visitor, “you are as ignorant in such matters as a newborn babe. You need ‘the sincere milk of the Word’ and where can you get this but from the church?”

“Yes indeed,” answered Mick. “That is just what I want. When I was ill, I hired a mall in milk my cows and he mixed the milk with water that he might have more for himself. That won’t do. I want my milk straight from the cow, and I want God’s way of salvation straight from the Holy Scriptures.”

Mick’s visitor departed. Will you not, my dear reader, make sure that you have God’s way of salvation straight from the Holy Scriptures? Nor will you be left alone, if you do. You will soon find others whose salvation rests upon God’s Word too, and the Lord will lead you, through that same Word, to the place where He would have you gather to His precious name.

“AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY.” 1 Peter 2:2.

ML 03/15/1953

The Girl Who Didn't Knock

Two little girls were walking home from school one day. They had never walked together before, because Jane was a new girl who had just moved into the little house at the and of the road. Suddenly Priscilla, the older girl, stopped in front of a large house, a very large one, a real mansion with beautiful grounds around it.

“Good-bye, Jane,” she said, “This is where I live.”

Jane’s eyes opened wide. “I don’t believe it,” she said

“Of course I do,” answered Priscilla.

“That’s my father’s house.”

“If you go right up to that front door, and walk in without knocking, then believe you,” said Jane.

And that’s just what Priscilla did. Her words were true, and she was quite at home there.

When your time comes, my friend, to say “good-by” to all your friends, have you got a home in heaven where you can go right in “without knocking,” because it is your Father’s house? Maybe you have often called God “our Father,” but the time is coming when your words will be put to the proof. Will God let you come right in to His home without knocking?

The Lord Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. He has a perfect right to all the glories of heaven. But He hung on the cross long ago, bearing God’s righteous judgment against sin, in order that you might be able to come to His heaven too. Now he is risen and glorified at God’s right hand, and you are welcome because He died for you, but not for any other reason. It is so easy to come to the Saviour of sinners.

Many, many souls are saying “good-by” to earth each day, but they cannot enter the gate of heaven. Why not? They bring other names and other reasons for their entry there, but no other name but the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will do. Only those who belong to Him can enter heaven “without knocking.”

Those who leave the question of their soul’s salvation until, too late are sure to be refused. “Outer darkness” will be their eternal doom. It is too late then for anyone to seek salvation, for God’s Word says, “Ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go ye cannot come.” John 8:21.

Janie went her way to her own little house. She couldn’t live in the big house with Priscilla. But she could put her trust in the Lord, Jesus, and enter heaven as one of God’s children, and so can you. Then you will be one of those to whom the Apostle Paul wrote: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26.

ML 03/15/1953

At Home with Jesus

Do you ever get a birthday present ready a long time ahead of the date? If you love someone dearly, perhaps you start thinking of what would be nice to give them long before the day arrives. I heard of a Christian lady who had one little girl, Jean, who also knew the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. Jean’s mother loved her greatly. The mother put away carefully a sum of money which she planned to give her young daughter on her tenth birthday.

However, God had planned differently for young Jean, and before she reached the age of ten, the Lord took her to Himself, beyond the reach of earthly treasures.

Not long before she died she said, “Oh, Mother, I wish I could take one little child home with me to Jesus, if it were only a baby. I would be so thankful if it were a beggar child, and I would be so glad if I could take it home with me to Jesus. Mother, tell every child I know, that it is my last wish that they would all come home to Jesus.”

Her parting words on earth were, “Jesus, Jesus,” and with that precious name on her lips she breathed her last. She was at home with the Lord Jesus, whom she had received as her own personal Saviour down here; at home with the One who loved her and died for her.

After Jean’s death, her kind mother did not consider that birthday money she had been keeping her own, but thought, “How shall I spend this money, as my dear Jean would wish?”

As Jean’s parting wish had been that every child she knew would come home to heaven also, her mother decided to buy some Bibles, and to give one to each of Jean’s young friends. Wasn’t that a lovely way to fulfill the last wish of her departed daughter! I am sure she prayed for Jean’s young friends, that God’s precious Word would be used in richest blessing to the salvation of their never-dying souls. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Hebrews 4:12. I trust that those who received the Bibles were soon able to say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Romans 1:16.

May you too, dear reader, prove the power of God’s Word unto the salvation of your soul, and then you also will spend eternity “at home with Jesus,”

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

ML 03/15/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 7:1-7

How little Achan thought when he took that goodly Babylonish garment, the silver, and the wedge of gold, and hid it in his tent, that he was to be the cause of a shameful defeat among the people of God. “I want that garment, and I need that gold,” he might have said to himself, but it was a sin against God, and God must deal in His government. Let us never think that we can hide anything from God, for He secs and knows all.

Achan had sinned, as we have just noticed, but up to this point no one knew it but God, and perhaps some of his household. It was all “hushed up.”

Very soon after this Joshua sent men to look at the city of Ai, planning to take possession of it as they had Jericho. They had captured Jericho so easily that the men suggested they could take the little city of Ai without any difficulty. They said that only two or three thousand men of war could take it very easily, and so Joshua sent up three thousand men, expecting certain victory. We see here how Achan’s sin was affecting all the people of God. They were becoming self-confident. They bad not asked the Lord what to do, but were making their own plans. If they had gone back to Gilgal, the place of self-judgment (in figure), and there asked the Lord what they should do, He would have told them. Achan’s sin would have been brought to light there, for the presence of God brings things to light. But they didn’t, and soon the three thousand men were put to flight by the men of Ai.

The Israel were brokenhearted, and Joshua rent his clothes showing his great disappointment and sorrow. Joshua, however, and the elders of Israel look their disappointment front the Lord. They acknowledged that He had allowed this, and that their place was to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand. They fell down before the ark of the Lord and put dust upon their heads, remaining there until evening. They asked the Lord why all this had come upon them.

Then a feeling of doubt and unbelief came into Joshua’s heart, and he said, “Would God we had been content and dwelt on the other side Jordan!” They would have escaped all this conflict if they had only remained there, and, for a moment, Joshua wished they had. Perhaps some of us have had similar thoughts at times. Surely the Word of God lays bare the inmost thoughts of our hearts, making us realize we have to do with One who knows all about us. And there is no place like the assembly of God to test the flesh, and to bring to light its activities. There were conflicts on the other side of Jordan, but nothing like the exercises and conflicts of the land of Canaan. And so if we settle down in a position where the flesh is given a place, and not put under the sentence of death, there will be less conflict than in a place where we seek to act upon the scripture, “The flesh profiteth nothing.” John 6:63. To seek to set aside the flesh altogether is sure to produce conflict, but it is the only way to enter into the enjoyment of our heavenly blessings, for the Spirit and the flesh are always opposed. This we learn from Galatians 5:17. “The flesh lusted, against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” May we allow the Spirit of God to lead us into all truth!

ML 03/15/1953

"Left Behind"

At two o’clock in the morning most boys and girls are fast asleep. But the morning of my story, we were all wide awake, for we had just flown across the Atlantic Ocean in a big plane, and were coming in to land at a place called Gander, Newfoundland. We had been away from home for a long time, and it seemed good to think that we were soon to be back in our own beds.

“Please have all passports and vaccination certificates ready for inspection.”

The plane had come to a stop and all the passengers were hurried into the Immigration office to have their papers checked, “Your passports, sir.”

I handed in the passports and they were carefully checked. “All in order, sir, and may I see your vaccination certificate?”

These were handed over too, but something seemed to be wrong, “Something wrong here, sir. There are just four certificates and there are five in your family.”

“But officer, our baby is just a year old, and doctor at home told us that he didn’t need a certificate.”

“I’m sorry, but the regulations say that not one person is permitted to enter Canada without a vaccination certificate. The plane must go on without you.”

What could we do? Just one little thing wrong with my papers, and there we were about 2,000 miles from home. We thought everything was in order. We hoped it was in order, but we were wrong! The regulations of the land would not let us in, and so we watched while our suitcases were taken off the plane, and away it went towards home and left us there alone!

Now, boys and girls, before I finish this story, let me tell you what it brought to my mind. Right now you and I are on a journey that will lead us to eternity. And that journey may be just about over for you or for me. Is everything ready for us to enter heaven? Thank God I can say it is so with me. The Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross of Calvary is my only passport to glory, and I know it will get me in! Have you that passport? Is Jesus your Saviour too? And if you found the door of heaven closed against you, what would you do? It would be too late then to come to Jesus—you would be cast into an eternal hell.

I am glad to tell you that our story ended happily. A doctor came to see us, and soon little Danny was vaccinated—but still that was not enough. The officer had to send a telegram to Ottawa, and at last the message came back. What did it say? Oh how eager we were to know! It was good news—we were allowed to start for home. You may be sure we thanked the Lord for taking care of us, and it was not too many hours before we were safely amongst our loved ones again.

Now let me ask you once again. Are you ready to meet God? Don’t wait another day, but be sure that you are cleansed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

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

ML 03/22/1953

The Soldier and the Lion

I suppose you have often heard the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, and you could tell me all about it. I think it is a wonderful story, and we have a little boy of our own whom we call Daniel, and we hope and pray that he may be as strong and true to God as brave Daniel of old. But I don’t think you ever heard of William in the lion’s den. No, I’m sure this is a new story to you, but it is true, William Stephens was a careless young man who never read his Bible and laughed at anyone who tried to interest him in his soul. He was journeying with a group of soldiers through a wild part of Africa when somehow he became separated from the rest of them. He was in a thick part of the jungle, and he tried and tried in vain to find the way out. On and on he wandered, hoping that he would soon hear the voices of those soldiers, but darkness came, and he was lost.

He could not see to go any further so he crept into a cave and laid down to rest. He was so weary that he fell asleep, and towards morning he was awakened by a fearful roar. Looking out the entrance of the cave, he saw a huge lion coming towards him. The truth flashed upon his mind—he had been sleeping in a lion’s bedroom!

Quicker than I can write the words, he decided what to do. The lion was too close for him to run away, so he just laid down and pretended to be asleep. The quiet footsteps of the lion came closer and closer until poor Stephens could feel the hot breath upon his cheeks. The lion gave him a few licks, and then stretched out beside him. Apparently the big fellow had just had plenty to eat and wasn’t very hungry. But just to be sure that his next meal would still be waiting when he woke up, the lion stretched his big paw right over Stephens’ chest and pinned him down. I’m sure you have never been in such a position, and wouldn’t want to be.

Stephens lay still, scarcely daring to breathe, for he knew that one snap from those jaws, which were right beside his ear, and he would be dead. What do you think he thought about in those terrible moments? He thought about the many times that he had been spoken to about his sins. And now it was too late, for he was sure he would soon be dead. But in his awful agony he cried to God silently and owned his sin and stubbornness of his heart. He asked God to make that big monster sleep soundly so that he might get away.

Then slowly and carefully, oh so carefully, he moved one arm and took hold of that giant paw. His heart was beating so that he could almost hear it. Silently he raised the paw from his chest and began to squirm away. Had God heard his prayer? In a few moments he set the paw down again, and he was free! But now he had to slip out of the cave without waking the lion. Again God helped him and he made his escape.

I am sure the lion must have roared with rage that morning when he woke and found his captive had gone. But by that time Stephens was a long way from the cave, and had found the camp from which they had set out the day before.

Many times God has delivered those who have called upon Him, and often they forget all about God as soon as they are delivered. But Stephens didn’t forget God. He told those soldiers all about what had happened, and then before them all he bowed his head and thanked God for the deliverance, He then slipped away to be alone with God. What do you think he wanted to be alone with God about? His sins! Have you ever been in the presence of God about your sins?

When he was alone at last he knelt, and with many tears he again owned his rebellion in turning his back on the love of God. With deep thankfulness he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour.

As soon as he returned to England he began to plead with all his old friends to accept Christ. Will you listen to that message too? God had to bring Willman Stephens to within a hair’s bread! of eternity to save his soul. He offers you salvation now—not tomorrow.

“He, that being often reproved hardneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, arid that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1.

What do you hope, poor sinner,

To gain by a further delay?

There’s no one to save you but Jesus,

There’s no other wily but His way.

Why not, why not?

Why not come to Him NOW?

How foolish to go on in your sins another day. You may not have another warning—this may be your last! Many will find themselves in hell who fully intended to be saved someday, but they put it off too long. God’s time is now!

ML 03/22/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 7:8-19

Just as Achan’s sin hindered victory for Israel, so if the flesh is allowed among the people of God, the Spirit is hindered in bringing our souls into the enjoyment of our portion in Christ. Then when trouble comes, as it did here, the first thought of our natural hearts is to try to escape the. This, we believe, is the reason why, when trouble comes into an assembly, some are turned aside, while others fear to act in faithfulness.

At this point, therefore, God spoke to Joshua saying, “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies.” It was a fine thing for Joshua and the elders of Israel to humble themselves before God, but when unbelief came in as to the path God had chosen for them, and when they thought more of themselves than of what was due to God, God had to rebuke Joshua. We hear much about the importance of prayer, and this indeed a necessary and important thing, but when action has to be taken according to the Word of God, and we refuse or hold back, then prayer k of no avail. The word then is, “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?” Unless prayer is the expression of our dependence and confidence in God and in accordance with His revealed mind and will, it is only a repetition of words, and may even become a wish on our part that God would acknowledge our wills instead of His own perfect will. This is deeply solemn.

Israel had sinned. Although it was only one man who had done the evil act, God says “they,” and tells Joshua in detail all that had taken place, sometimes we would like to blame some other person when difficulties arise, thus justifying ourselves, but when failure comes in among the people of God, God would have us confess our part in it, for “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” 1 Corinthians 5:6. We all have our part in these things, and we ought to own this to God, for the whole testimony is weakened, and God is publicly dishonored by sin among His people, We are all affected and ought to all own it.

And so God told Joshua that this was the cause of their shameful defeat at Ai, and moreover, He said He would not be with them any more if they did not deal with the evil that was among them. There is no easy way out of trouble. Sin must be dealt with according to God or we cannot stand before our enemies, whether it be the children of Israel in Canaan or ourselves today. God has told us that holiness becomes His house forever. (Psalms 93:5.)

God then told Joshua what was to be done. There was to be no delay, now that God had made the evil manifest. Sometimes we have to wait upon God to bring things to light, but when He does we ought to act at once for His glory. The next morning, therefore, God said all the children were to be brought together, and to pass before Joshua tribe by tribe. God then manifested that it was in the tribe of Judah, and so they were taken family by family. God showed Joshua that the evil was in the household of Achan, and so Joshua asked Achan to confess what he had done to the Lord and to him, and he did so.

ML 03/22/1953

"A Treasure"

I have found a treasure, and I have come to tell you where you may find it, too.”

Thelma looked up astonished. She had been spending the evening alone, reading a novel. Her best friend, Lois, suddenly had entered the room and burst out with this surprising news. “A treasure! Whatever do you mean, Lois?”

“Thelma, my dear friend, I have just now come from a gospel meeting, and I have taken Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and I am so happy that I just had to come right here to tell you what a treasure it is to me.” Then began the thrilling story of the saving of a soul.

Lois and Thelma were school friends, and had many good times together. But deep beneath all the fun and good times, there were occasions when they had serious talks, and especially so after one of their classmates, Allan Peterson, had suddenly taken ill and died. Both Lois and Thelma went regularly to a place of worship, and they had been taught in their Sunday school to do good and try hard in the hope of reaching heaven.

One of the girls in their class, Helen Foster, seemed very different. She didn’t seem to find her pleasures in the same amusements as the rest of the girls, and yet she always seemed so happy. She had often told them that she was a “Christian,” and that she belonged to Jesus—but they told her that they were all Christians. Just this very day, Helen had quietly asked Lois to come to a gospel meeting with her. There wasn’t anything very special to do that evening, so Lois went along. The message was just what was needed for her heart. She found out from the Word of God that she was a guilty sinner, and that no amount of trying could ever make her fit for God’s presence.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. She found the whole burden of her sins had been borne by the Lord Jesus and that a full and free salvation was offered to her, by faith in that Saviour. With a deep sense of her of guilt, she bowed her head and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour.

The peace of God filled her soul, and when the service was over, she joyfully confessed Christ to her happy school friend, Helen, and then she hurried to tell Thelma the good news too.

The end of the story is better still, Thelma tried to appear quite indifferent to all this news. She even opened her novel again and tried to pretend that she was reading, but really she could not see for tears. Lois stood beside her, praying silently that God would save her friend, and so He did. In a few minutes the novel slipped to the floor and Thelma looked up at her friend.

“Lois, you and I have had our good times together, but we knew that there was something missing and I believe you have found it. I know deep down in my own heart that I am a sinner too, and I am not ready to meet God. Will you kneel with me and we shall pray together about it?”

Reverently the two girls knelt down, and first Lois thanked God for the wondrous gift of Jesus, and then prayed for the salvation of her friend. There was a minute or two of silence, and then Thelma quietly owned herself to be a guilty sinner before God, and claimed the blood of Jesus Christ in all its wondrous value to the saving of her soul.

Dear young reader, has this wondrous event ever taken place in your life? You may have a fine reputation as a Sunday school pupil or even as a Sunday school teacher, but unless you have bowed as a guilty sinner before God, mid accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are lost. There is a wondrous treasure awaiting you; if you will only come,

“THEIR SINS AND INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.” Hebrews 10:17.

ML 03/29/1953

Honor God's Word

Florence was the daughter of Christian parents and was about eleven years old at the time of our story. Her home was a comfortable one, with all the advantages which a child’s heart could wish. Yet, richly blessed as Florence had been, she was of happy in the most important way, for as yet the precious name of Jesus was not sweet in her ear. Not only was this so, but Florence really disliked the mention of the things of God.

One morning, while in the schoolroom, her private teacher asked her to bring her Bible and read aloud to her the usual daily chapter. Something raised Florence’s passionate temper, for, seizing the Word of God hastily, and uttering these terrible words, “Oh, I’m so tired of this dull, stupid book. I hate it!” she dashed it violently to the floor and stamped her foot upon it.

Her teacher, in silent horror at the terrible act, went for Florence’s mother, who returned at once. With equal horror her mother stood for a moment almost overwhelmed by the thought, rising above all other, that her blessed Lord and Saviour had been dishonored, and His holy Word had had the grossest dishonor cast upon it, and that by her own dearly loved and carefully taught daughter. She bade her child to follow her at once to her room.

When there, the poor grieved mother strove to point out to Florence the exceeding sinfulness of her act, adding that she had a firm conviction that God would not in righteousness suffer such a willful slight cast upon His most holy Word to be unmarked and unpunished.

Her mother went on to say that this fact did not in any way free her from her own responsibility toward God, and from her duty towards her child. So, taking a small whip, she punished Florence for her sinful conduct. After this she knelt before the Lord, with her child by her side, confessing the sin, owning the Lord’s perfect right to deal with her child Himself about it, if He saw fit, only entreating with many tears that her precious soul might be saved for His name’s sake alone.

Florence was greatly changed from that day, and her mother believed that God the Holy Spirit had indeed begun to show her herself, as a lost sinner before God, and one who needed just such a precious Saviour as the Lord Jesus, who is ever “mighty to save.”

Not long after, Florence and her mother were near a bad explosion one night, and dear Florence was missing. She was at length found lying under a hedge, where she had been thrown by the force of the explosion. Her mother anxiously bent over her, and Florence calmly told her that her foot seemed badly hurt. She added in an awed whisper, as she fixed her eyes upon her mother’s face, “Oh, Mother, it is the very foot that dared to trample upon God’s holy Word!”

Very patiently and bravely poor Florence bore the suffering of her hopelessly shattered and burnt foot, which eventually had to be taken off. The great trial, however, proved a lasting blessing to her soul. Florence took the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour, and could now rejoice in the knowledge that not only that one dreadful sin of hers, but all her sins had been washed away in the precious blood of Christ. The Bible too, once so hated, she had now learned to love and enjoy. May God send this story home with His own power to the heart of each young rear, teaching them to revere, honor, and love His most holy Word.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6: 7.

What a solemn thing it will be for those who have despised the Word of God, to find that in a coming day they will be judged by it.

ML 03/29/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 7:20-26

The Lord made Achan willing to confess what he had done, for His presence brings out the secrets of the heart. Some of us, even as parents, have found the importance of getting our children on their knees before God when a question arises as to their guilt in some matter, and the presence of God brings out a confession, just as it did here, and as it does in the assembly, where there is power. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13.

Achan told the whole story, the coveting, the taking, and the hiding of the goodly Babylonish garment, the silver and the gold. There are always steps to sin, and if Achan had judged that covetous thought, he would never have taken those things, and if he had admitted the sin of taking them at once instead of hiding them, it would have been far better. But one sin unjudged always lends to another until we are far from God in our souls. Now, since Achan had been asked to confess it, was he to go free? No, any thief is sorry when he is found out, but that is not “repentance toward God” at all. (Compare Acts 20:21 with Hebrews 12:17).

Achan must be dealt with, and seeing it was under law the consequences were serious indeed, as we can see, he was taken with the “goodly” things he had stolen, along with all those who had been accomplices with him in his sin, and all Israel stoned him with stones until he died. And all was then burned with fire—typical of the judgment of God. It is important to notice here that all Israel stoned Achan. When evil manifests itself in the assembly of God, all are responsible, and the discipline is not to be carried out by just two or three of the gathering, but by the whole assembly (1 car, 5).

We might ask, Is sin as serious as that? Yes, it is have God’s thoughts about sin changed today? Not at all! While it is true that we are living in the day of God’s grace, yet even today Christian discipline should be carried out for the Lord’s glory by putting away the guilty one from the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 5:13). There is, however, an important difference between what we have here in our chapter in Joshua and Christian discipline, for the latter is to be carried out with a view to the restoration of the one who is dealt with. Surely this is grace!

Let us never forget at the same time, that it is just as serious, and in one sense more serious today than in Achan’s day, because the one who sins Christendom sins against greater light, and is therefore more responsible. It is only the grace of God, founded upon the work of the cross, that has now made provision for our restoration when we have sinned, because “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The valley where Achan was stoned was called, and is still called, the valley of Achan. It means the valley of trouble. It is beautiful to see the Spirit of God speaking of this valley in Isaiah 65:10, and 10 Hosea 2:15, as a place of rest and hope. We never need to fear trouble in our lives, or in the assembly, if we go through it with God, and seek to act for Him in it. Blessing, rest, and hope are sure to follow when we do, for sin allowed is always a hindrance to blessing, but sin judged opens the way to blessing from the One who delights in the blessing of His people.

ML 03/29/1953

"Promise Me, Daddy!"

Jimmie hadn’t been to Sunday school for quite a few weeks, for he was very sick. I think if you had seen him it would have brought tears to your eyes, for he was so thin, and pale.

Jimmie’s father had stayed home from work that day, as his little boy was so sick, and he had no mother—she had gone to be with Jesus two years before.

The little sufferer never complained. Suddenly he raised up in his bed and said, “Daddy, I am going to be with Jesus soon, and I shall have no pain there.”

“Yes, Jimmie my boy, you’ll be happy there, but I shall be miserable without you.”

“But we’ll all be happy when we meet together in heaven. Will you promise to meet me there?”

The father was a kind and loving man. He was honest and sober too, but he was not a Christian, and he knew he was not ready to die. He bowed his head silently a moment, and then he said, “I’ll try, Jimmie, I’ll try.”

“No, no, Daddy, I want you to promise to meet me there. You must promise. You must say, ‘I will.’”

“All right, my boy. I promise I will meet you in heaven.”

Jimmie settled contentedly back on his pillows, and before many hours, his happy spirit had departed to be with Jesus.

His poor father paced up and down in his grief. He had promised his boy that he would meet him in heaven, and he truly wished to be there. But his sins weighed heavily upon him, and he felt he could never be sure that he was ready for that place of light and holiness.

The very day after little Jimmie was buried, his father picked up his neglected Testament, and his eyes were directed to a most wonderful verse.

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

Over and over again he read that verse. Then silently, and with flowing tears, he knelt and bowed his head. Every little while he would raise his eyes and read that verse again. At last he prayed aloud, “O Lord, I am ungodly, but I thank Thee for dying for me.”

He arose from his knees a forgiven and saved man and on his way to heaven. He had kept his promise to his boy.

Will you be in heaven too? Come to the Lord Jesus now, and take Him as your own Saviour. He is waiting and He is willing. Will you come?

“BOAST NOT THYSELF OF TOMORROW; FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH.” Proverbs 27:1.

ML 04/05/1953

"Will He Hear Me?"

It was a warm, sunny afternoon in the city of Toronto, Canada. A car came to a stop in front of a large, but not very pleasant looking, house and the driver paused for a few moments with bowed head behind the wheel. He was praying! Yes, Mr. Leslie had a very special reason for visiting this big old house—he was going to talk about Jesus and his love to the boys who were inside.

Perhaps you wonder why the boys were not out playing on such a fine day. They just were not allowed out. side, for they were in jail! Yes, that big old house was really a “detention home” for bad boys under sixteen years of age. When I say “bad boys” I mean boys who have been arrested by the, police; but let us remember that God’s Word says “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:12.

Mr. Leslie rang the bell and was at once admitted by a stern looking, but kind-hearted man. He entered a large room and sat down at a table with a group of boys around him.

They sang a few hymns, had prayer together, and then Mr. Leslie opened his Bible and began to read. What should he tell them? Would it be right to tell them to try hard to be good so that they might earn their way to heaven? No! Not one sin shall ever enter heaven, and all our trying will never get rid of even one sin. I am so glad that Mr. Leslie knew just the very message that Jesus wanted those boys to hear. He told them that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” 1 Timothy 1:15, and “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. He told them that if they would just own themselves as sinners, and accept the Lord Jesus by faith as their own Saviour, they would be cleansed from all their sins and be saved.

Jimmy seemed to be listening eagerly. Suddenly he asked a question,

“Sir, how do you know Jesus would hear me? Maybe when I meet Him, He would tell me He was too busy and didn’t hear me at all.”

What is the answer to that question? Mr. Leslie opened his Bible to John 1, verse 48, and told Jimmy the story of Nathaniel. This young man, Nathaniel, was sitting under a fig tree, one day, and suddenly Philip came and invited him to come to Jesus. Was Jesus too busy to see him? Not at all! Jesus even told Nathaniel that He had seen him under the fig tree, although Jesus was a long way off.

Yes, Jesus could see and hear young Jimmy in the detention home, and He can see and hear you all the time. He is watching you read this paper, and He wants you right now to turn and take Him as your Saviour. Will you do it? He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,

Come to Jesus, just now,

Just now, come to Jesus,

Come to Jesus, just now.

He will save you, He will save you,

He will save you, just now.

Just now, He will save you,

He will save you, just now.

ML 04/05/1953

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

1.What did the voice out of the cloud say?

2.How should we give a cup of cold water?

3.Did the Lord Jesus went the little children to come to Him?

4.What did the Sadducees not know that caused them to err?”

5.Will the Word of God ever “pass away?”

6.What did the centurion say when he saw how Jesus “gave up the ghost?”

7.Where did the Lord Jesus tell His disciples to go and preach the gospel?

The Young People’s Class

1.What is necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God? John 3.

2.What does the Scripture say the kingdom at God is internally? Romans 14.

3.What verse shows that the Lord Jesus within of “among” (margin) them was the kingdom of God? Luke 17.

4.Did Paul in this way preach the kingdom of God? Acts 28.

5.Do little children have a place in the kingdom of God? Luke 18.

6.When will the kingdom be established on earth? Matthew 25.

7.To what did the Lord Jesus lien the kingdom during His absence?

ML 04/05/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 8:1-27

After all this time of trouble and sorrow because of Achan’s sin, the Lord said to Joshua, “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.” The enemy of our souls has many different weans, and one of them is discouragement. Often when we have sought to act faithfully for God’s glory, he then tries to get us upset and discouraged, using the time of temporary occupation with evil to get our eyes off the Lord, and then we are weak and unable to go forward in Christian conflict. Let us be ever watchful against discouragement, for the enemy often uses it as his tool, and we do not realize he is doing it. We defend ourselves, and think the conflict is too great, with so many difficulties in the way. Oh how subtle the enemy is, and then, since the flesh likes an easy path, his suggestions seem very plausible. But Joshua hearkened to the Lord instead of to the enemy, we are thankful to see. He was encouraged by the Lord instead of allowing himself to be discouraged by Satan.

But the people of God were in a weakened state, and two or three thousand could not take Ai, so all the people had to go up. What a humbling thing this was. A little city, but it took all Israel’s men of war to take it! Surely sin makes us weak and feeble, but still, when judged, Israel need not be discouraged, for God said He would be with them and that victory was certain, Joshua then sent five thousand men of war at night to hide near Ai. Then he and all the people came up in the daytime, and when the people of Ai came out against them they pretended they were running away from them. When all the people of Ai had come out of their city, as well as all those from Bethel, a city nearby, Joshua raised his spear, and the men who were hiding came out of their hiding place and ran into the city, setting it on fire. When the people of Ai looked back and saw their city on fire, everything fell into confusion among them, and the Israelites who were fleeing turned back on them and put them all to death—not one escaped, Joshua did not lower his spear until the victory was complete, for faith knows that there are no half-measures in the things of God.

Another thing we learn here, is not to pay too much attention to what others think, as long as we are in the path of obedience. The children of Israel had once been defeated before the men of Ai, and so now the enemy thought they were fleeing again, but they were really acting in obedience, as it was soon seen. Too often we are afraid what others will say, but let us rather ask, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6, and then leave what others think, or say, or do, with the Lord. He will make things come out all right if we are acting obedience to His Word. Sometimes, too, we have to endure misunderstandings because of past failures, but let us not resent this, for God allows it in His government, and whatever humbles us is, in the end, good for us, if we bow to the hand of God in it. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6.

ML 04/05/1953

The Indian's Gift to Jesus

A great many years ago, the busy countries of Canada and the United States were almost unknown. If you had taken a boat from Europe, you would have found, instead of big cities like New York and Montreal, huge forests, and roaming bands of Indians.

Not long after these lands were discovered by white men, some brave Christians came over with a desire to tell the Red Indians of North America about the Lord Jesus Christ. Isn’t it a wonderful thing, that the same precious Saviour is ready and willing to save folks from every land under the sun? We sometimes sing in Sunday School,

“Jesus loves the little children.

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Most of these wild Indians didn’t like to see the white men coming to their land, for they wanted to roam freely wherever they wished, and so they often fought and killed any who were found on their property.

But these Christians were fearless men, and they studied hard to learn the Indian language so that they might tell them of the Saviour. One day, a great crowd of Indians met together in the forest to hear, for the first time, the story that the white preacher had to tell.

You have heard that story so often that it perhaps means very little to you. But I want you to picture the meeting watch with me while the story is told. First the preacher tells them of placed on this earth, and then how it was all spoiled by sin. But God loved men, even though they were sinful, and so He sent His only Son to come down into the world to be their Saviour. How surprised the Indians were to hear of such love, and even more surprised when they were told that sinful men didn’t want the Saviour, but beat Him and spit upon Him, and nailed Him to a cross where He died. But the part of the story that was so wonderful was this. While God’s only Son was hanging on the cross, God looked down and laid our wicked sins upon Him and then punished Him instead of us. Then God raised Him from the dead.

“Now,” said the missionary, “if anyone will accept this Saviour, the Lord Jesus, God will forgive him all his sins and take him to heaven to be with Him forever.”

Just at this moment, a tall, fierce chief rose and came forward. Reverently he laid his tomahawk down at the feet of the preacher, saying as he did so, “Indian chief gives his tomahawk to Jesus.”

Still the preacher went on with the story, and presently the same Indian came forward again, and quietly laid his beautiful blanket beside his tomahawk.

“Indian chief gives his blanket to the Lord Jesus.”

The preacher came near to the end of the message and told them that Jesus the Saviour was waiting to save any who would come to Him just as they were.

Silently and with bowed head, the Indian walked slowly forward. Then with tears streaming down his bronze face he said, “Indian gives himself to the Lord Jesus. Will Jesus have him?”

My dear young reader, the story of Jesus is not new to you. You have often heard of His wondrous birth, and of His shameful death. Perhaps you, like the chief, have thought that Jesus wanted you to give Him something. Perhaps you thought He might take you to heaven if you did a lot of good deeds. But I want you to know that Jesus died in save you and He wants you, and He wants you now.

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 04/12/1953

Restless Robert

“Sit still, Robert, do sit still!” Robert was a merry bright-eyed boy. His greatest difficulty was to be obedient, especially if asked to sit still. He was just so full of energy that he wanted to keep moving all the time.

Mr. Scott was visiting at Robert’s home, and he thought he could make Robert sit still.

“Come here, Robert. Would you like to earn fifty cents?”

“I certainly would. Do you want me to run a message for you?”

“No, Robert, but this fifty-cent piece is yours if you can sit still for just ten minutes.”

“Oh, thank you. That’ll be easy. When can I start?”

“Right now. Just sit right here, and I’ll tell you when the time is up. And here is the fifty-cent piece right on the table before you.”

What a time it seemed, but Robert sat still as a mouse, and then asked, “Isn’t the ten minutes up yet?”

“No, Robert, it’s just been one mite. Now just sit still and be quiet.”

Soon Robert bent over to scratch his foot, but Mr. Scott pretended he didn’t see him. Next he wiggled his feet, and then he squirmed sideways in his chair. By the time five minutes was gone, he had been in about fifteen different positions, and he had lost all right to the fifty cents.

“I’m sorry, Robert my boy, but you have lost all your right to that money. Isn’t that true?”

“Yes, sir, I didn’t know ten minutes could be so long, and I just couldn’t seem to stay still.”

Now, although Robert hadn’t deserved the money at all, Mr. Scott wanted him to have it so he just offered it to him as a gift. Robert was honest enough to admit that he didn’t deserve it, but he was told that he could now have it as a gift.

“Thank you, thank you. I’ll take it as a gift, even though I couldn’t earn it.”

“Now, Robert my boy, let me tell you something. God wants you and me to be with Him in heaven. He loves us, but we are sinners and have lost all right to be there by our disobedience. In fact our very disobedience had to be punished, so God sent His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear our punishment, and now He is in the glory above, offering to you and to me the gift of eternal life. We can’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it, but it is offered to us as God’s free gift.”

Isn’t that a wonderful gift, boys and girls? It is the best gift that was ever offered to you, and God wants you to take it from Him right now.

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

ML 04/12/1953

Medicine for the Face

One day a Tibetan came to the mission station and asked for medicine for his face. The missionary looked at him, but could not find any trace of sickness on his face. He said to the man: “You are all right, why do you want medicine for your face?”

“I want to have my face as white as yours,” said the dirty Tibetan.

The missionary then understood and gave him a piece of soap, explaining the use of it. The man had never seen such a thing. The missionary said: “It will help to make your face much lighter, although not as white as mine.”

Then the servant of God went on and told the heathen Tibetan that he needed something to make his black heart white, and spoke about the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which cleanses us from all sin.

“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.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML 04/12/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 8:28-9:3

Ai was never built again. It became a perpetual reminder of what a solemn thing it is to oppose the people of God. The most fearful judgments of God will fall upon those nations who have heard the wondrous gospel of the grace of God and rejected, it, for while calling themselves “Christian,” they have opposed God’s messengers who were seeking to spread the glad tidings. Thus the curse, (the dead body of the king of Ai) was over the enemy, but then it was taken down at sunset, for the land now belonged to the people of God. How precious to know that we who believe are no longer under the curse, but “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3.

Joshua then built an altar to the Lord on Mt. Ebal and wrote the law upon stones as the Lord had commanded Moses. We notice, however, that the Lord had said these things were to be done “on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Deut. 27:2, but they had not done them at once. How often it is so with us. We are so anxious to receive our blessings that we forget the necessity of first turning to God, and giving Him what is due to His holy Name, and of allowing His voice to speak to us. We, like the children of Israel, have to be brought to this point through the experiences of the way, and yet God is faithful and leads us, sometimes using the “bit and bridle” of unpleasant circumstances to that end, when we are not walking near enough to be guided by His eye. (Psalm 32:8, 9.) Oh how important it is that we wait on the Lord, and not run before Him to our own sorrow and loss.

We notice here that the children of Israel took possession of the land according to then responsibility under the law, which promised blessing if they were obedient, and cursed them if they were disobedient.

Alas, we know only too well that they earned the curses instead of the blessings, until at last God allowed them to be carried away captive out or the good land He had given them. How good to be able to look on to a future day when they will fully enjoy the land, because of those unconditional promises made to Abraham, and made sure to them through the work of Christ upon the cross.

As soon as the words of the law had been read, however, and the people had been reminded of the willingness of God to bless them in the land, the enemy was stirred up. The people of the land did not want to see Israel possess it. They had tried to meet them in conflict and had been defeated, and so now some of them tried a new plan seeking to deceive Israel by their wiles. This is how Satan always works. If we resist him when he comes as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), he then seeks to deliver us as “an angel of light,” (2 Corinthians 11:14) and too often he is successful. Indeed he is more to be feared as an angel of light than as a roaring lion, for we do not realize that it is his attack and we are off guard, as Israel was in our chapter.

All this ought to have cast the people upon the Lord and made them dependent upon the Lord and made them dependent upon Him for every step, but alas, they were slow to learn their own weakness. We, too, think, sometimes, that we have learned a lesson, but even is often self-confidence. “The flesh profiteth nothing.” John 6:63. It cannot be trusted for a moment.

ML 04/12/1953

"God's Garden"

Like most children, little Biddy was very curious. A short walk from her Auntie’s brought her to the village churchyard, and Biddy peeped through the bars of the churchyard gate. “What a funny garden,”, she murmured to herself. “I’d like to go inside.”

But the gate was hard to open. However, after a few moments, an old man came along with a shovel in his hand, and as he opened the gate Biddy followed him. “Good morning,” she said politely. “Does this funny garden belong to you?”

The old man started, lifted his hat and rubbed his head before he replied, “No, little Missie. I s’pose, now I come to think of it, it is God’s Garden.”

Biddy’s face glowed. “What does God plant here?”

“ ‘Tis folks that are dead that are put in here,” the old man told her.

“Then if the bodies are planted here, they’ll come up some day—like my seeds did.”

The old gravedigger felt uncomfortable at the child’s remarks, and said, “I’m going to be busy now, you run away and play.”

People don’t like to be reminded that when this life is over and their bodies are planted that they will come up some day.

Our picture today was taken at Rockland, Ontario, and the French words above the entrance “PENSEZ Y BIEN” mean “THINK WELL.” How important, dear children, to “Think Well” about being fit for God’s presence. Only those whose sins are washed away in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus (1 John 1:7), can live in God’s happy home in heaven.

“PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD.” Amos. 4:12.

ML 04/19/1953

Sathemma

Sathemma was a young woman in India who lived happily in her little village with her husband. She had a little daughter who was the joy of her heart. But this happy state did not last long, for Sathemma began to show symptoms of leprosy in her feet. Her husband did not want to turn her out of the home, but his parents forced him to do so, for they feared this terrible disease. So Sathemma had to go away with a broken heart. She walked and walked for many days until she came to a temple where she prayed to the idols and bathed in the holy waters of the river, but she did not get any help. Gradually she became too weak to walk, so she started to crawl along on her hands and feet. By this time her clothes were only rags.

One day somebody told her to go to a certain place where there was a missionary hospital where people like her were cared for. This gave her new strength and hope. When at last she entered the gate of the hospital, the missionary nurse, seeing the terrible state she was in, thought that she had only come to die. With loving hands she was taken in, bathed, all her many wounds bound up, and then she was laid in a clean bed with good food set before her. Sathemma thought she was dreaming. She also saw the happy faces of the other women patients who were already Christians. Their singing touched her heart deeply. She listened with great interest while the Word of God was read and explained to her. She never had heard anything like it. Soon she believed God’s love to her, and as a sinner she accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

Her condition was not hopeless. In a short time she was so much better that she could go home for a visit. Her family had thought she was dead and now she came to tell them of the Saviour who had “come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Sathemma was completely healed and became an earnest disciple of the Lord Jesus. She delighted to tell of God’s way of salvation, and many women and children heard it from her lips, for she herself had come out of death into life.

Dear reader, whether you realize it or not you have a far worse disease than leprosy, if you are still unsaved. You have the awful disease of sin which has filled this poor world with so much sorrow and trouble. There is no man on earth who can cure this disease or take away your sins, but God can. At great cost to Himself, He has provided a remedy, and now He is able and willing to save you. His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, went to Calvary’s cross and there He bore all the punishment due to our sins when He died in our stead. If you, as a sinner, will receive Him as your Saviour, you will be saved, and cleansed from your sins in His most precious blood. Why not come to Him today? Remember, delay is dangerous.

“HE, THAT BEING OFTEN RROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK, SHALL SUDDENLY BE DESTROYED AND THAT WITHOUT REMEDY.” Proverbs 29:1.

ML 04/19/1953

Discovered

Mr. Johnstone was tired after a hard day’s work and decided he would go to bed early. It wasn’t long before he was sound asleep —and he didn’t wake up till the sun shone in his bedroom window in the morning.

He started to get ready for another day’s work when he noticed something very strange. His clothes had been moved, and some of them were missing! Quickly he looked about the house and found that a burglar had entered while he was asleep, and a lot of his belongings were missing. His watch was gone, his purse was gone, and a lot of other valuable things too. Mr. Johnstone just couldn’t understand it, for he had locked the doors so carefully. But all at once he made a discovery. One of the back windows was smashed. Quickly he went outside and there amidst the broken pieces of glass, he could see blood stains. Drop by drop the stains led out into the street. There he met a policeman who asked him what he was looking for.

“Sir,” he said, “someone has broken into my house during the night, and I believe he must have hurt himself, for there is blood under my window, and here I can see it leads up this street.”

The two of them set off together to try to find the thief. At last they followed the tell-tale drops of blood up a flight of stairs to the door of a room. The policeman knocked loudly and there was no answer. He knocked again, and there was still no answer. Then he pushed the door open, and there he found in the corner of the room, a man with a bleeding hand! The big policeman asked him a lot of questions, but he said he didn’t know anything about the burglary. Presently the officer spied a big bag under the bed and pulled it out. There were the stolen goods? There was the purse, and the watch and all the missing things! The guilty man turned pale and hadn’t a word to say—he was found out.

The Bible says “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. I don’t suppose you have ever broken a widow and stolen from anyone else. And I suppose you can walk along and pass the policeman without any fear at all. But God has been watching you all the time, and you don’t have to be a thief to be a sinner. God’s Word tells us that “all have sinned.” Romans 3:23. And when God says “all” he means you —and me. He looks at your heart right now as you read this paper, and His eye can see the very marks of sin which you may try to deny.

The thief of our story was put in a jail for his crime. But we have good news for you. Although you and I are sinners, God offers us forgiveness, for His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has suffered the punishment of sins for us, so that now we can go free. Isn’t that wonderful news? All those who believe in Him are “justified from all things.” Acts 13:39.

Don’t try to hide your guilt from God any longer. Confess your guilt to Him, and trust His Word which says, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17.

ML 04/19/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 9:4-27

The man of Gibeon a wily nine. They took old sacks, old wine bullies, old garments, nod old mended shoes, along with dry and moldy bread, and came to the camp of Israel. They told Joshua and the elders of Israel that they had come from a far country because they had heard of the fame of the Lord. They said they knew what the Lord had done to the two kings of the Amorites on the other side of Jordan, and of His wonders in the land of Egypt, and now they wanted to make a league with Israel. They acknowledged that the Israelites were the people of God and said they were willing to become their servants. All this pleased the elders of the congregation, and Joshua too, and they were fully persuaded that what these men said was rue. They looked at their old clothes and their moldy bread and decided that it would be a wise plan to make this agreement; so they did. They entered into a solemn covenant with them.

But they forgot one thing, and it was the most important thing of all. They forgot to ask the Lord about it. It all looked so good and so true, that they never thought it was necessary to inquire of Him. Surely they could trust their own eyes —they had seen the old clothes and the moldy bread—it must be true.

Alas, they were deceived. The men were from among the people of the land, with whom the Lord had told them they were not to make any agreements. But we might ask, How could they tell? They could not, but the Lord knew, and His Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. It would have been so much better to have just told the men to wait until they had inquired of the Lord, but they thought they knew. They were impatient, as we often are. We often do not wait on the Lord but, instead act according to our own wisdom, only to find out how foolish we really are apart from Lord’s guidance. Let us not forget His Word, “Without Me ye can do nothing.”

It did not take long for the children of Israel to find out their mistake. Within three days they discovered that they had been deceived, and that these men were Gibeonites who dwelt in the land, right near to them. When they came to the part of the land where they lived, the people of Israel wanted to attack them and possess their land, but the princes of the congregation told them they could not, because of the oath they had made at this time. The mistake had been made, the harm was done! The people murmured against their leaders, but all they could do was to make the Gibeonites hewers of wood and drawers of water—they could not possess their land. The sad results of this mistake continued for centuries (2 Samuel 21:1-9), but yet when the people turned to the Lord, even in their mistake (which could not be undone), He undertook for them. Even in the conflict which followed later on in this book of Joshua, caused by this mistaken agreement, we find the Lord manifesting His power on behalf of His people a n d giving them victory.

Surely many of us can look back upon a mistake in our lives which has brought some sorrow with it which we feel even to this day. Do we need to be discouraged and give up? Oh no! God’s grace is greater than all our failure, and while owning it, let us not “fail of the grace of God.”

ML 04/19/1953

The Story of a Teddybear

A lady missionary on furlough told, in a children’s meeting, that the children in China had no toys, no dolls, no teddybears, etc. A little boy took it to heart and sacrificed his much-loved teddybear to be sent to the children in China. The teddybear was packed, with many other things, into a big box and went on its long journey to China. After many weeks it arrived at the destination, which was a mission hospital far within the interior of China. Soon after this, a rich Chinese gentleman, with his wife, came to the hospital, asking them to take in their little boy, their only son, who was very sick. He would not eat, nor speak, and had no interest whatever in anything. The medicine of the Chinese doctors had not helped him, nor the sacrifices to the idols, and the family did not know the Lord Jesus.

The little boy was received into the hospital. When the missionary nurse saw him lying in his bed, so pale and motionless, she went for the teddybear and held it out to him. A light came into his little black eyes at once, and he stretched out his thin arms and took the teddybear into his arms. He stroked it gently and talked to it. When his food was brought, he willingly took it, and from that hour on quickly recovered. The parents were overwhelmed when they saw the change in their child. Soon the little boy was quite well and was allowed to take the teddy bear home. But best of all the family had heard about the Lord Jesus in the hospital, and they accepted Him as their Saviour and did not sacrifice to idols any more.

The Lord used the kindness of that little boy, who was willing to give up his teddybear, in blessing to a whole family in far away China. If we who are saved, are willing to give what we have to the Lord He will use it, and some day in heaven, He will show us how He valued our love to His Name shown out in this way.

“GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.

ML 04/26/1953

"What Did They Do?"

The Sunday school lesson for the day was Mark 10:17. The boys were listening to the story of the young man who came to Jesus with the question. “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” And I am sorry to tell you that the young man went away without the blessing. The teacher told his boys that the Lord had a wonderful blessing for them. He had eternal life, and the forgiveness of all their sins, and a home in glory.

“Now,” said the teacher, “let us read the four verses that come just before our lesson.” So they read aloud verses 13, 14, 15 and 16—about the young children who had been brought to Jesus.

“Can you tell me did the children get the blessing?”

“Yes,” said the boys, “they got the blessing.”

“And what did they do to get it?”

“They just let themselves be brought to Jesus,” said one of the lads.

“Did they do anything more?”

There was a pause, and then another little fellow spoke up. “Yes, they let Jesus bless them.

What a simple truthful answer. They let themselves be brought to Jesus, and they let Jesus bless them.

Have you been brought to Jesus? I think perhaps you have. I believe you have heard again and again of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, in coming into this world to die for our sins. And perhaps your mother, or your father, or your Sunday school teacher has pressed upon you the need of taking Jesus as your Saviour. Will you let Him bless you?

We don’t hear of any of those little ones in Mark 10 running away and hiding from Jesus. Will you not bow to Him and let Him bless you and save you?

“And He took them up in His arms, and put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:16.

And they let Him do it!

ML 04/26/1953

In Father's Arms

The gypsies had pitched their tents on the meadow close by the woods. Around one of them you night have seen four little children playing. Every few minutes they stopped their play and ran up to the top of the neighboring hill, to look for off in the direction of the city. Father was coming soon. He had been away for three days, and this was the promised day of his return.

Just at sunset, the four little watchers caught sight of him, and how they did crowd around! The big tall man stooped and lifted the youngest child into his arms.

But the next little one wanted to be loved too. “Come, sister,” said the little fellow, “You’ve been there long enough. It’s my turn now.”

The little girl only clasped her arms tighter around her father’s neck as she answered, “Yes, take me out of Father’s arms if you can.”

“I can’t,” he answered, “but there’s room for me in there, as well as you.”

Father understood. He stooped and the little brother sprang into his strong arms, which now encircled both his dear ones, and held them close.

Wouldn’t you like to be held close like that, close to the heart of the strong One who loves you? God wants to receive you close in His loving arms, and never let you go. There’s room for you, if you will come. There is a welcome for you, if you come in the name of the Lord Jesus. God Himself is ready to be a Father to you, and you shall be His sons and daughters. You have sinned, but He has a pardon for you. You may have known sorrow and loneliness and pain, that is but God’s purpose to draw you to Himself. Come as a poor sinner for whom Christ died, and trust in His finished work today.

“The eternal God is thy refuge; and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33:27.

ML 04/26/1953

"A Heavy Load"

Did you ever carry a heavy parcel for mother? Perhaps you can remember seeing a strong man carrying a big bag of potatoes on his shoulder, and you wondered if you would ever be strong enough to do anything like that.

But I want to tell you of a load far bigger than a bag of groceries or a sack of potatoes. This load was a five-story brick building! Yes, there was a big red building in the city of New York that had to be either torn down, or moved away. A clever-looking man came along, looked at the building, measured it and then said, “Don’t tear this building down. I can carry it away for you.” Do you think he was joking? No, he really meant it, and after a few days he came along with a great load of all kinds of strong machines to start moving the big building. Mind you, it was big and heavy, and it weighed 3,000 tons!

This big building just had to be moved 75 feet, but how long do you think it took to take it there? It took 17 days! The best distance that they moved it one day was 9 feet 8 inches.

But I can tell you of another load that was even greater. It is your load of sin, and mine. It is far more difficult to remove just one sin before the eye of God, than it would be to move that big building ten miles. Have you any stains of sin on your heart? How can you get rid of them? All the soap and water in the world won’t help at all. And all your efforts to do good won’t help either. To remove the stain of sin took the Lord Jesus that long journey from the heights of glory to the cross of shame to die, for “Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22.

And now there is good news. The work has all been done by Jesus, the Son of God, and now one look of faith to Him and the burden and stain of sin is gone forever before God.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL SIN.” I John 1:7.

ML 04/26/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 10:1-39

When the people of the land found out that the Gibeonites had made peace with the children of Israel after their victories at Jericho and Ai, they feared greatly. They now seemed to realize that it was useless to attack the people of God, so they decided to unite and make an attack upon the Gibeonities and destroy them. This, Joshua could see, was but an attempt to weaken their hands, and so, when called upon by the Gibeonites to help, he went out from Gilgal, against this great force. This time, however, it was not without a word from the Lord, for the Lord said to him, “Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.” He went out with confidence, therefore, being assured of victory. How different this was to the uncertainty with which they spoke when they made the agreement with the Gibeonites. (Joshua 9:7.) There is always uncertainty when acting upon our own wisdom, but what joyful confidence when we can say, “Thus saith the Lord.”

How marvelously the Lord undertook in this battle. It was His battle and He rained hailstones from heaven upon the enemy, so that there were more killed by the hailstones than were slain by the Israelites. Usually the battles ended with the end of the day, but when God undertakes to deliver His people He manifests that all power is His. How often we forget this! The Lord Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth,” Matthew 28:18, and yet, many times, we act as though everything depended upon us. May we never forget that we “trust in the living God.” 1 Timothy 4:10. And so here, something that had never taken place before nor since, took place that day. Joshua called upon the sun and the moon to stand still, and the Lord heard his voice, so that the sun did not go down for almost a whole day, until their victory was complete. Surely we can say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. Let us never look at the difficulties, but at God who is always above them. “He is able.”

While the children of Israel were chasing their enemies, the five kings who were leading them hid in a cave, and Joshua heard of it. He therefore told the people to roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and continue the pursuit of the enemy until they were defeated.

It is a great thing to continue in conflict until there is victory. There is always a tendency to stop short in our efforts as soon as we begin to see some results, but let us not forget the exhortation, “Continue thou.” 2 Tim. 3:14. As soon, therefore, as the children of Israel had put their enemies down, they came back and took the five kings out of the cave, and Joshua hanged them upon a tree. Then, at the going down of the sun, he took their bodies down and put them back in the cave where they had been hiding, again rolling the great stones over the mouth of it which are there until this day. The very devices of the enemy but turn against them when we, as the people of God, go forward in obedience to the Word.

No longer confident in themselves, but in the Lord, the people go forward, having one victory after another. They fulfilled the Word of God too, in utterly destroying their enemies, as they took each city. How good it is when we learn to “trust and obey” at all times.

ML 04/26/1953

A Locomotive

Our picture today is of a huge locomotive which has been built at great cost, to carry people from place to place. I think we can learn quite a few things from it about God’s great salvation, which has been provided at a far greater cost, to carry sinners from earth to heaven. The cost to God was the giving up of His beloved Son to die upon Calvary’s cross, bearing the judgment there, which we deserved. Oh what a great salvation God has provided!

This locomotive is controlled by a skillful pair of hands, and so the Lord Jesus’ mighty hands are able to guide us safely through this life to our eternal home above. Tracks too have been laid, over which the train runs safely through mountains and valleys, over land and rivers, and so the Word of God is to be the believer’s guide throughout all life’s journey.

Power is also needed, and so as the fuel burns it heats the water, making steam to drive the mighty locomotive. Therefore as we read the Word of God, our hearts are warmed by the love of Christ, and the Spirit of God, who indwells all believers, is the power for our pathway day by day. The oil, too, keeps everything running smoothly, and so it is only as we are enjoying the love of Christ in our souls, and showing His love to others, that things go on smoothly and happily, even when crossing “mountains” of trouble.

The great headlight of the locomotive lights up the tracks in the darkness, and there are many signals and colored lights to warn of danger too, just as the Word of God gives light for our pathway, as well as warning us of many dangers by the way.

If the locomotive should need repairs, the company has set up a repair shop, and so when we fail as believers “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. If we come to Him, confessing our sin and failure, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1: 9, so that we may go on faithfully for Him again.

Oh, what abundant provision has been made for us in all our need, and it is all free! You would have to pay to ride on the railroad, but you can come to the Lord Jesus and put your trust in Him today, and He will give you eternal life and a home in heaven. He will undertake to bring you safely there too, and He has never yet lost one who has trusted in Him, and He never will, for all such are

“KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH UNTO SALATVION READY TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME.” 1 Peter 1:5.

ML 05/03/1953

"I Doesn't See Him Nowheres!"

Joe liked to come to Sunday school with the other children. He could not learn lessons or read, for he was a poor idiot boy, but he did love to hear the children sing hymns. The kind teacher tried to teach him something about God, and how He sent His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and shed His precious blood to wash our sins away.

Poor Joe couldn’t understand very much but he did put his trust in the Lord Jesus and loved Him dearly. Joe learned that when he died, Jesus would take him up beyond the blue sky, where no little boys or girls would ever make fun of him for his foolish words and ways, and there he would be happy forever.

One day the teacher was surprised to see poor little Joe with his fingers made into the shape of glasses, staring through them very hard all over the room and up at the ceiling.

“Joe, my boy! What are you looking for?” he asked kindly.

“I doesn’t see Him! I doesn’t see Him nowhere!” Joe murmured to himself.

“Whom are you looking for, Joe?” “Him as you said — God! I doesn’t see Him nowhere!”

The poor boy was looking for God, who the teacher had told him was everywhere. It was very hard for him to understand that he couldn’t see God, but God could see him. “Thou God seest me,” Genesis 16:13, is a text small children often learn, and the following chorus is often a favorite,

“For He sees what we do,
And He hears what we say
My God is watching
All the time, time, time!”

So it is not surprising that Joe, as well as many small boys and girls, have tried very hard to see God too!

If we wish to “see His face with joy” someday, we must see Jesus as our Saviour now. Our faith must see the Lord Jesus hanging on the cross for our sins and rising again for our justification, and we must take Him as our own precious Saviour. It is not only wise or grown-up people who can be saved. Poor Joe was not very wise nor very big, but he knew enough to trust in the Lord Jesus, and He saved him. Joe is seeing his blessed Saviour now in heaven; and you shall see and praise Him too, if you will trust Jesus as your Saviour as he did. Oh, why not trust Him now! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML 05/03/1953

Bible Questions for May

1.Whose “Son” is the Lord Jesus to be called?

2.Was the blessed Lord Jesus, when a little boy, “subject” to His parents?

3.What did the Lord Jesus say we needed more than “bread alone”?

4.What did Peter say when he fell down at Jesus’ knees?

5.How should we feel when we ore hated “for the Son of Man’s sake”?

6.What did the Lord Jesus say about the “many sins” of the woman who anointed His feet?

7.Where was the man found sitting, out of whom the devils were departed?

The Young People’s Class

1.What verse most fully tells out God’s love to the world? John 3.

2.How did Christ tell out His love to His Church? Ephesians.

3.Can we know and enjoy that love personally? Galatians 2.

4.Does God our Father love us, as He loves His Son? John 17.

5.Can anything, present or future, separate us from the love of God? Romans.

6.What does the love of Christ constrain us to do? 2 Corinthians 5.

7.“If God so loved us” what ought we to do? 1 John.

ML 05/03/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 10:40-11:14

When the children of Israel had put down their enemies in the south part of the land, they returned to Gilgal where the camp was. In figure Gilgal (the place of circumcision) is the place where self is put in the place of death, and so they must be continually reminded that victory is of the Lord. This is a most important lesson for us. There is always a tendency to think of past victories and become self confident. How often when some of us have been used of the Lord in His work, we then begin to think we are something, instead of getting before the Lord in self judgment. I suppose there is no time when we are in greater danger than after a victory for the Lord, for then pride is so likely to come in, and this the Lord hates. (Proverbs 6:16, 17; 16:18.) Let us not forget to get “back to Gilgal” after each victory, and then the Lord can continue to use us for His glory, and not for our own, as He used Joshua and the children of Israel in chapter 11.

As we have been noticing in considering the tenth chapter, the confederacies which the enemies formed only hastened their defeat, but blinded by Satan they did not see it. They planned a still greater confederacy, gathering together a mighty force, with many horses and chariots, and with armies like the sand of the sea for multitude. How this reminds us of the nations of the world today. They are trying to form a mighty confederacy of the so-called “Free Nations,” but little do they realize that their mighty armies are to meet their doom from the hand of the Lord Himself when He comes out of heaven upon the white horse, followed by the armies of the saints. (Revelation 19:11-21.) And so they were defeated here, for when this vast army had been gathered together, the Lord said to Joshua, “Be not afraid of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel.” Joshua then came out against them and defeated them utterly, so that there were none left to oppose the people of God.

Applying this in its spiritual aspect, Joshua is a type of Christ in the power of the Spirit, leading us into the enjoyment of our heavenly portion. The victory has been won for us at the cross, and now the Spirit of God would give us to realize that every spiritual blessing is ours, just as God gave all the land to His people Israel, only they must enter in and possess it. And so we need the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil for he is now the god and prince of this world, seeking to hinder us from enjoying our portion in Christ. He will use every means possible to keep us from our “possessions,” but if we meet him in the power of the Spirit of God, victory is certain, as it was with the children of Israel in our chapter.

The city of Hazor was the center and head of all those kingdoms which had formed this confederacy, and so Joshua burned the whole city with fire. This shows us that we are not to imitate the world, or copy its greatness. Naturally we might have thought that as Hazor had once been for the world, so now it should be for God, but “in Christ... all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. In this new creation “all things are of God”—not copied from the world. God must be all in all.

ML 05/03/1953

Richard

It is Richard! I think, by the cup at his side, that he has just had a nice drink of water. He is standing on a big rock too, so, although he is a heavy boy, he has found a firm place for his feet.

We all like a good drink of cold water when we are thirsty, don’t we? And in marshy ground, as it appears to be here, we look for a firm place to stand. Perhaps that is why Richard has such a big smile for us today. He has had a drink of water and he is standing on a rock.

And now, dear reader, we want to tell you about the “water of life,” which is more refreshing than the clearest and best water upon earth. Richard will soon be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water the Lord Jesus gives shall never thirst again, for He says, “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4: 14. Would you like to have a drink of that water? Well, dear friend, you may, for the Lord Jesus says, “Whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22: 17. At great cost to Himself, even the awful suffering for sin in those dark hours of Calvary, He has provided it for you and for me. Why not come and drink today?

Then, like Richard, you will also find a solid rock upon which to stand. The Lord Jesus is the Rock, for the Bible says, “That Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4. If you are resting upon Him you are safe, perfectly safe, for all eternity. Many people are resting upon their own good works, their fine characters, their church going, and other things, but this is like marshy ground. God says, “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. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save you. Have you come to Him?

If you will come, as I believe Richard has, then you will have reason to be happy. When you have trusted in Him as your Saviour, you need not fear. The Lord Jesus will care for you in life, and then bring you safely to His home above, where all will sing forever of the blood that has cleansed them and fitted them to be there.

“OTHER FOUNDATION CAN NO MAN LAY THAN THAT IS LAID, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.” 1 Cor. 3:11.

ML 05/10/1953

A Chinese Wedding

In old China, girls were often engaged to be married when they were only little children. The parents make all the arrangements. So Hsiao-mei was engaged while very young to a little boy and both of the families were heathen. After some time, hover, the parents of Hsiao-mei heard the gospel, believed it, and were saved, and each one in their household was saved too.

Hsiao-mei grew up to be a bright Christian girl and the parents were so sorry over the engagement, but it was binding and could not be annulled. The elder brother was very grieved also that his beloved sister should go into a heathen home.

At last the marriage day came, and Hsiao-mei had strengthened her heart through prayer. She stepped into the bridal chair, sent by the bridegroom. Her brother accompanied her a little while, but then had to turn back with a heavy heart. The Chinese custom is that the bride has to enter her new home alone. After her arrival she was carried, as it was the custom, over the threshold. On entering the guest hall, she bowed low before her future mother-in-law, the chief person of the house. Then she was placed at the side of the bridegroom before the ancestral shrine where the ancestors and idols were worshiped, and the marriage ceremony began. The chief point was to bow down before the shrine three times, which the bridegroom did, but the young bride held herself quite erect, even when she was told to bow. A murmur arose amongst the guests and relatives, and threatenings were heard, becoming louder and louder. When they saw she would not yield, they wanted to beat her and drag her down, but the mother-in-law spoke with a firm voice: “Let her alone. She has bowed down to me very respectfully, and that is enough for me. Let her go into her room.”

The next day the mother-in-law asked Hsiao-mei why she had bowed down only before her, and not before the idol shrine. Then Hsiao-mei told her about the only true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has given a commandment to honor Father and Mother, and who had sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world. The old woman was very interested.

Hsiao-mei opened her Bible and read to her. She listened attentively, and the young husband also showed great interest.

After the Chinese custom, the young bride could be visited by her relations on the third day. The parents and the brother had prayed much for Hsiao-mei. It was with a trembling heart that the brother came to the new home of his beloved sister. What would they have done with her? Had they beaten her? Had they killed her? How great was his amazement when he entered the house to find Hsiao-mei, with beaming face, reading aloud to her mother-in-law out of her Bible.

Through the bright testimony of this young woman the whole household was soon converted “to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” James 1:12.

ML 05/10/1953

"The Flood"

Every boy and girl has heard the story of Noah’s ark. And perhaps some boys and girls have seen a flood too. I don’t mean a big flood like in Noah’s day, but a flood that makes the river near your home flow over its banks. When I was a boy, the Rideau River near our home used to flood every spring, and we always considered it great fun to watch the swirling waters carrying along huge chunks of ice.

A friend of mine that lives in England wrote to tell me of a terrible flood that swept through the little town of Lynmouth. It was in the month of August, and many visitors were enjoying the beautiful little town. But the sun doesn’t shine every day, even in England, and one day it rained and rained and rained. By evening the rain had stopped, and many of the visitors came down to High Street to see the river rushing headlong to the sea. Higher and higher the water rose. Many were the worried faces, and then all at once the lights went out. Soon the roaring rising water burst open doors and windows, and rapidly swept all before it. Even huge trees were soon being carried along by the torrent.

What would you have done? Many boys and girls, and fathers and mothers crouched in fear in their homes. How they wished for a safe shelter, but none could be found!

All through the night the roar of the waters and the crashing of houses echoed through the town, telling its sorrowful tale of souls being swept into eternity.

When the sun rose on Lynmouth, it was a sad town. The waters were going down rapidly, but the whole course of the river was altered and many whole houses were missing. Fathers and mothers, boys and girls, who were healthy and happy a day before, were gone—where? They were in eternity!

That little river had flowed through Lynmouth for centuries, and had caused no trouble. So it is, I fear, with many who read this paper. God has given you many blessings, and yet I am sure you have been warned too, of coming judgment. All those who have not accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, will meet the awful judgment of God, and it will be too late then to take shelter.

The only place of shelter to be found is in Christ, and the time is now. When that storm breaks, there will be no shelter at hand.

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.

ML 05/10/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 11:15-14:5

Joshua did not stop to recount his victories until he had fulfilled the Word of the Lord, and executed His judgment upon all the people of the land. This was not an easy task, however, for there was war for a long time with all the kings of the land, and Joshua did not make peace with the enemies of the Lord, except in the case already mentioned with the Gibeonites. All too often we settle down to recount our victories, instead of pressing on. We weary of the strife, thinking the power of the enemy is too great for us—and indeed so it is, if we try to meet it in our own strength. But we may be well assured that anything we allow to remain that is not according to God, will only cause us trouble later.

The end of the conflict was by no means the easiest part of it, for last of all Joshua encountered the giants who dwelt in the land. The spies who had seen these giants said they felt like grasshoppers before them, but in the strength of the Lord, Joshua destroyed them utterly. Sometimes we think that as we grow older our battles have been won, and now we can relax a little, but alas it is not so. The giants were the last enemies Joshua overcame. We need to walk in dependence upon the Lord all the way. Our time of resting is yet to come, as with Joshua in our chapter.

How precious it will be when we get home to glory to be able to rest, and look back upon all the way the Lord has led us, just as we find Joshua recounting all the victories the Lord had given them from their victory over Sihon king of the Amorites, till the very last one. Joshua was now old, and although he had been mightily used of the Lord, there still remained much land to be possessed. And so it is with us. We may enter into and enjoy many of our blessings in Christ, but our apprehension is feeble at best. Indeed the more we enter into them, the more we will feel how small our measure really is, just as Joshua realized more than any of the people, how much of the land there still was to conquer.

In dividing the land we first read of the possessions of the two and a half tribes who had their inheritance on the other side of Jordan. They received theirs first, but being removed from God’s center which was in the land, they were soon suspected of departure, and, later on were the first to go into idolatry. They received their portion from Moses too, while those in the land received it from Joshua, who, as we remarked before, typifies Christ in the power of the Spirit who seeks to lead our souls into the enjoyment of our heavenly portion. Many dear Christians are like those of the two and a half tribes, who, while rejoicing in the fact that they are the people of God, do not want the conflict with walking as heavenly men on earth.

We now come to the dividing of the land to the other nine and a half tribes. First we notice that the Levites did not have any inheritance, except their cities and suburbs, for the Lord was their inheritance. How good it is, when serving the Lord, to know that He undertakes to care for the needs of His servants, through His people, but we are not to set our hearts upon things here. The Lord is our inheritance—precious portion! May we heed the exhortation of Paul, written from the Roman prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4.

ML 05/10/1953

Cuff

A True Story of the Cotton Fields

Cuff was a Negro slave who lived in the South many years ago. He was a happy Christian and a faithful servant. However, one day his master was short of money and sold Cuff to a plantation owner, a young man who didn’t believe in God. In parting with Cuff, his old master said to the young man, “You will find Cuff a good worker and you can trust him; however, he has one fault.... He will pray and you can not break him of it.”

“I’ll soon whip that out of him,” remarked the new owner.

Cuff proved as faithful to his new master as he had to the old. But soon the man got word that Cuff had been praying, and calling him, said to him, “Cuff, you must not pray anymore; we can’t have any praying around here; never let me hear again of this nonsense.”

“Oh, Massa,” Cuff replied, “I has to pray to Jesus and when I pray I loves you and Missus al de more, and I can work all de harder.”

His master still forbad him to pray, however, and threatened him with a severe whipping if he continued. Nevertheless, that evening when the day’s work was done, Cuff knelt down and prayed to God as he always did. Next morning his master called him in and demanded why he had disobeyed.

“Oh, Massa, I has to pray,” replied Cuff, “I cannot live without it.”

At this his master flew into a terrible rage and ordered Cuff to be tied to a whipping post with his shirt off. Then with a rawhide whip, he lashed him as hard as he could until his wife ran out in tears and begged him to stop. This only infuriated him the more and he continued to whip the poor slave until he himself had no breath or strength left. Then he ordered Cuff’s bleeding back to be washed in salt water, his shirt put on, and the poor slave sent back to work. Though groaning and in great pain, Cuff went away singing, “My suffering time will soon be o’er,

When I shall sigh and weep no more.”

As the blood oozed from the furrows in his back, Cuff worked away all day. But God was working in the heart of his cruel master. He saw the wicdness and cruelty to his poor slave and at night, in great distress of mind, he went to bed — but not to sleep! At midnight, in great agony he awoke his wife and told her he was dying.

“Is there anyone on the plantation who can pray for me? I am afraid I am going to hell.”

“I don’t know of anyone,” she replied, “except Cuff.”

“Do you think he would pray for me?”

“Yes, I think he would.”

“Well, send for him quickly.”

They found Cuff on his knees in prayer, and when they called him, the poor fellow supposed he was to be punished again. Arriving at his master’s room, he found him writhing in agony.

“Oh, Cuff,” groaned his master, “can you pray for me?”

“Yes, bress de Lord, Massa; I’se been prayin’ for you all de night.” And at this he dropped on his knees and eaestly asked God to save the soul of his master. Before day break, Cuff saw both his master and mistress confess the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. His master and he embraced each other and both wept tears of joy. All the past was swept away by the mighty love of God.

Cuff was immediately set free to work no more on the plantation. His master took him and together they went out and preached the gospel all over the South. They witnessed to all the power of Christ to save the worst of sinners.

Dear young reader, do you know the power of that love of Christ in your own heart? Perhaps you may never have acted so cruel as Cuff’s master, yet before God you have a heart just as wicked and black if you have never come with that heart to Jesus and asked Him to wash your sins away in His precious blood. May you do so now while He is still waiting to receive you.

“HE IS ABLE TO SAVE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM.” Hebrews 7:25.

ML 05/17/1953

"Jack the Sailor"

Many years ago, a gospel meeting was held in the city of Brighton. A hymn was sung, a prayer was made, asking the blessing of God on the message, and then, before the speaker could announce his text, a big man in sailor’s uniform stood up and asked if he could tell a story. Then he turned and faced the crowd and told this tale.

“There was once a sailor who lived a very wicked life. I suppose he neither knew, nor cared to know, anything about God. He was often drunk, and his words and ways were very wicked. He had one little boy called Jack. Poor little Jack! When his father was drunk he didn’t care whether his boy was hungry or not, and so it often happened that his boy went without food, while his father spent his money in drink.

“One evening they were walking together on the wharf; the father drunk as usual, and the poor little fellow crying for bread. ‘I want bread,’ he wailed again and again. The cruel father told him to be quiet and slapped him so hard he nearly fell into the water. But poor little Jack was really hungry, and soon he began crying again, ‘I want bread.’

“At last, thoroughly angry, the hardhearted father picked up the crying boy, raised him over his head and dashed him out into the sea, and then turned away in his drunken fury and laid down to sleep. After a few hours’ sleep, he awakened and thought of his boy. Then his awful deed came back to him. He was a murderer! Yes, his conscience told him that he had murdered his boy. Here we must leave the father as he paces up and down the wharf in anguish, and we shall see what became of the boy.

“When he fell into the cold deep sea, there was a boat full of sailors on their way out to their ship which was anchored at some distance off shore. The sailors heard the splash and were able to fish out the poor little half-drowned boy.

“What could they do with him? Their ship was ordered abroad and they had no time to spare, so they decided to take him on board. Soon Jack found himself fixed up with dry, warm clothes and a good hot meal in front of him. As he ate hungrily, the sailors asked him, “‘What is your name?’

“‘Jack.’

“‘Jack what?’

“‘Just Jack. I don’t think I have any other name.’

“The sailors were rough men, but they were kind-hearted, and treated Jack very well, so that he felt quite happy in his new ship-board home.

“As he grew older, he was taken into the cabin to wait on the officers, and there they taught him to read and write. It was not all quiet work on board, though, for it was a time of war, and several times they met with enemy ships.

“One time the ship had been attacked by the enemy, and many of the sailors were wounded and some were killed. Jack was sent below to do what he could to take care of the wounded seamen. He quickly went from one to the other, doing everything possible to make them comfortable. Some of the men were new to Jack, as they had just added some new sailors to their crew at the last port.”

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 05/17/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 14:6-15:19

Caleb, who was one of the spies who had been sent to spy the land by Moses, now asks for his inheritance. The Lord delights to have us take Him at His Word, as Caleb did here. The Lord had promised him a portion, and so he claimed it. And the Lord has given you and me a portion in Christ—a rich and abundant portion—and He delights to have us remind Him of what He has promised, and to see us rejoicing in it already by faith. Caleb’s portion was in the mountain where the giants dwelt, but he was not afraid of them because he counted upon the Lord. May we be more like Caleb, and ever be willing to wholly follow the Lord.

How carefully the borders of the possessions of each tribe were marked out, showing us that God knows all about us. He knows all about our neighbors and those with whom we work, and every detail about our existence. It is always comforting to the heart of those who seek to please the Lord to know that the Lord has put them in the very spot where He wants them. And He will enable us in those circumstances to live for His glory, if we only look to Him for grace and strength. This we learn especially in the case of Caleb, who was of the tribe of Judah, and who is brought before us again here. He drove out the giants from the city of Hebron, and then said that he would give his daughter to the man who would take Kirjath-sepher. Othniel took up the challenge and smote the city, so Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, became his wife.

Perhaps there is a little lesson here for those who are young and thinking of a partner in life. Too much attention is often paid to good looks and fine clothes, and other natural advantages, but one feels it would be a good thing if more consideration were given to the matter of devotedness to Christ. If young men and young women looked to see what there was of devoted service to Christ in their friendships, as with Othniel in our chapter, there would undoubtedly be more happy Christian homes, where Christ was given His rightful place.

We notice, too, that Achsah moved her husband to ask her father to give them a field, showing that she valued the inheritance her father had received through his devotedness. Perhaps this has a lesson for young married women too. They have a great influence over their husbands, and “move” them to seek certain things. Sometimes, alas, they move them to seek after earthly ease or position, but what a splendid thing it is when they encourage their husbands to seek after the things of the Lord. Such requests for “the true riches” are sure to be granted, but how often the acquiring of the things of earth has brought sorrow and trouble with it.

When Caleb had granted Achsah’s request, then she asked for more! She asked for springs of water, so he gave her the upper and the nether springs to go with the land. It is not just the knowledge of the truth that is needed, but that our souls should be fed and refreshed by it, like the water which makes the ground fruitful. May we be careful that there is the enjoyment of that which we possess in Christ—let us seek this as Achsah did. Perhaps the upper springs would speak to us of Christ in glory, and the nether springs of Christ in His pathway here, for surely as we think of Him in either way our thirsty souls are refreshed.

ML 05/17/1953

Saved from the Falls

Who He has not heard of the Falls of Niagara? They are one of God’s great wonders in the earth. With great force and rapidity, the mighty waters rush along towards the edge of the precipice, and hurl themselves over its brink. Far away up the river, the water is quiet and slower; but even there it is not safe to row into the middle of the stream.

A young man named Bolivar, one who loved to have his own way, and who heeded not the advice of those older than himself, came to prove the power of those dangerous waters. Young Bolivar did not know the love of God. He had heard of it, but did not believe the truth about it. But now he was to learn what the Lord Jesus had done, and what trouble God will take to save a helpless sinner.

Aware of the danger, but trusting in his own strength, he one day went out on the river in a boat. For a time all seemed to be going well; but suddenly he woke up to the startling fact that his boat was floating away—away! He tried hard to row back to a place of safety; but strong as he was, the stream was stronger, and he was surely drifting down towards those terrible Falls.

A little distance above the Falls, the river is spanned by a bridge. As the news spread that a boat was coming on the flood, a crowd gathered on the bridge, and white faces were turned towards the point where the poor man would soon appear.

But who is this earnestly pushing through the crowd to the rails at the side of the bridge? He is “a man of God.” He knows himself to be saved through the precious blood of Christ. He is determined to try, with God’s help, to save the man now coming swiftly down in the power of the mighty waters.

He fastens one end of a rope securely to the bridge, and the other end he binds round his body. As the little boat nears him, he lowers himself almost to the water’s edge. Bolivar sees the hand outstretched to save him, and grasps it with all his strength. His boat passes on, is carried over the Falls and dashed to pieces; but he and his brave rescuer are drawn up by willing hands into a place of safety on the bridge.

How Bolivar thanked God for His goodness! Through that experience he was brought to know the grace of God which brings salvation; to confess what a sinner he was; and to believe that, though a sinner, Christ died for him.

The experience of that young man is a picture of all who do not love the Lord Jesus. If you seek to do your own will, are you not in Satan’s power? Our blessed Saviour did only His Father’s will; and then He died in the place of sinners at Calvary’s cross.

If you do not know Him, ask God to show you the danger you are in, and to give you faith in His beloved Son. Then you will not perish, but have everlasting life.

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASNG LIFE.” John 3:16.

ML 05/24/1953

"Jack the Sailor"

“Suddenly there was a terrific crash on deck, and in a short time four badly wounded sailors were brought down below. One of them was dying, and he knew it. When Jack came to take care of him, he said,

“ ‘Read me something from the Bible, lad, for I’m going soon, I am dying.’

“Gladly Jack read to him and when he was through, the man said, “‘Through reading that book I was saved from sin, and although I am dying, I am not afraid, for the blood of Jesus has cleansed away all my sins.’

“This was new to Jack, for he had not read the Bible and knew nothing about the forgiveness of sins. With great interest he knelt beside the dying man and began asking many questions. He found that there was one deep sorrow that was ever with him. There was some dreadful crime which he had committed which gave him sorrow, although he knew God had forgiven him.

“‘I feel I must tell you, though I know it is pardoned, that I murdered my son.’

“Jack asked more questions, and with eager ears he heard the story—here in this dying Christian sailor, he had met his own father!

“I will not attempt to describe the happiness of the man, nor the feelings of poor Jack as he watched his father die.

“The father died, and his body was lowered into the sea, there to wait till the Lord Jesus shall raise it up again to be with and like Him at His coming.

“When it was all over, Jack crept down below, and took out the Bible, his father’s own Bible, and began to read it. God’s grace taught him his need as a lost sinner, and God’s grace led him to the feet of the sinner’s Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Jack was saved. Yes, saved through faith in the Lord Jesus, and what a comfort to his heart that someday soon he will be in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. And there too, Jack is going to meet his father again.”

“And,” said the sailor, “the wonderful news of salvation that Jack found in his father’s Bible is for you, too.”

As the stranger told this wondrous tale to the people at the meeting at Brighton, you may well imagine how interested they all were. As he came to the end of the story, he said, “And the story is perfectly true, friends, for I am sailor Jack.”

Perhaps the reader of this tale has been brought up in a home where the Bible is read and honored. And perhaps you have never had to beg your pants for a piece of bread. No, your story is probably not much like the story of Jack the sailor. But you must take she same Saviour as your very own or you will be lost eternally.

ML 05/24/1953

Silent but Happy

We don’t very often see silent, little girls, do we? I mean little girls who never say a word, for they are usually regular little chatterboxes! However, I want to tell you the story of a little colored girl who was deaf and dumb, for she could neither hear a word, nor speak one. She lived in far-away Demerara, and one day she came to Mrs. Higgins’ school because she wanted to learn to read!

The teacher was greatly puzzled, and thought it would be impossible for her to teach the child. She herself could not speak by signs with her fingers, so she shook her head, and made motions for the dear little colored girl to go back home. The little girl was not easily discouraged, however, and refused to leave the school. So Mrs. Higgins sent at once to England for the deaf and dumb finger alphabet.

When the alphabet arrived, the teacher was astonished to see how quickly the child learned, and before long she was learning to read the New Testament, God’s precious Word. As she read, her little heart was opened to receive God’s message to her. She learned that she was a sinner, and needed a Saviour. More blessed still, she found that the Lord Jesus had died on the cross, and shed His precious blood to wash away all her naughty sins, for “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. She let the Lord Jesus come into her heart, accepting Him as her own precious Saviour.

One day, using her fingers, this dear little girl said to her kind teacher, “Missie, me so happy. You would think when me walk out, that there were two people in the road. It is Jesus and me! He talk and me talk, and we two are so happy together.”

Dear reader, is the Lord Jesus your precious Saviour, too? He longs to be your Companion on the road of life, as He was to that dear little deaf and dumb girl in Demarara.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6.

ML 05/23/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 15:20-18:1

As we go through these chapters, outlining to us the possessions of each tribe, how often we read words like these, “The children of Judah could not drive them out,” and “they drove not out the Canaanites.” These are sad reminders that, although God had given them large possessions, they did not dwell in the full extent of them. And how often we have to confess that a similar remark could be made about us, as to our spiritual possessions. We have not had the energy of faith to get rid of some of those little things in our lives that are a hindrance to blessing, and so we, like the children of Israel, have settled down in our self-limited circle. But we cannot stand still, for if there is not spiritual progress we soon begin to lose what we have. This is exactly what happened with the children of Israel, for as soon as the fresh energy which was first seen, began to wane, then the enemy began to narrow down their portion still more.

The Lord delights to record the devotedness manifested in the lives of His people, and it is touching to find the daughters of Zelophehad brought before us again, as they were on two occasions in the book of Numbers. Not having any brothers, they valued the inheritance of their father, and asked that it might be given to them. One feels this brings before us the devotedness of many young women today, who would rather suffer than give up their spiritual inheritance. They value it, and God has been pleased to show us that He values their desire after His things.

When the children of Joseph received their portion, they were not satisfied. They said that since they were such a great people they ought to have more land, and so Joshua told them that since they were so great they could go up to the wood country and clear the land. The children of Joseph then said that the Canaanites who dwelt in the valley had chariots of iron, but Joshua told them that if they wished more, they could have it, but they would have to clear more land and drive out more iron chariots. No doubt there is a lesson here for us. Sometimes we feel that if we only had the portion in life of some other person we would be much better off, and much happier, but this is a great mistake. The Lord has put us where He wants us, and where we can honor Him the most. There may be many “trees” to cut down, and a great deal of land to be “cleared” in the place He has put us, but He will give us the strength for this. He will help us to drive out the “chariots of iron,” and enlarge our coast abundantly, if we look to Him, but let us not seek an easy path through this world. Our blessed Lord and Master did not have an easy path, and should we expect one? Let us remember the exhortation to Timothy, “Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8.

We now come to a very important point in connection with the possession of the land. The Lord had told the people that He would choose a place out of all their tribes where He would place His Name, and that this was to be the place where they were to offer their sacrifices and rejoice before Him. (Deut. 12: 11-14.) This place was Shiloh at the first (Jeremiah 7: 12), and so the whole congregation, in the freshness of their energy for the Lord, assembled there and set up the tabernacle.

ML 05/24/1953

An Ammer to Prayer

“You cannot go on that steamer trip with the other children, Oscar,” said his mother.

“But, Mother dear, I want to go, so much.”

“Your trousers are in such a bad shape, patched all over, you cannot go like that. And I have nothing from which to make you another pair.”

“Let us ask the Lord to give me a pair of trousers,” said Oscar, “but we both must pray, and then God will hear.”

So Mother and son kneeled down to ask God for that much-needed garment, Oscar was very happy again and told another boy that he was coming on the trip, but that he was waiting for his trousers. Edmund laughed and said, “Where shall those come from?” “The Lord is going to give them to me,” said Oscar.

It was now two days before the excursion and Oscar’s heart trembled a little. He had gone to a hill to pick some wild roses for his mother when he found two children” there who had already picked all the roses, except the top ones which they could not reach. Oscar offered to get them for the children, so he climbed up the hill and picked them. The girl was very thankful. Oscar saw that her younger brother, who was the same height as himself, had torn a small hole in his beautiful brown velvet trousers with one of the thorns. Oscar was very much concerned about it, but the girl said, “Never mind, he has others.” Then she noticed Oscar’s poor trousers. Presently she saw her mother at the gate of the garden and she ran to her, asking her to give her brother’s trousers to the boy who helped them pick the roses. The lady called Oscar and asked him: “Do you need a pair of trousers?” “O yes, very much, I have asked the Lord to give me a pair.” The lady was very happy to fill a box with garments for both Oscar and his mother, and told Oscar that his mother could come and sew for her.

Oscar ran home, his heart leaping for joy. He gave his mother the box of clothes and said: “These are the trousers the Lord gave me, and there is something for you too, and the lady said you could come and work for her.” With tears in her eyes the poor widow said softly: “How good is the Lord.”

There was a happy crowd of children on that steamer, but the happiest was Oscar in his beautiful brown velvet trousers which the dear mother had quickly mended. Edmund asked Oscar where he got the nice trousers. Oscar said: “The Lord gave them to me instead of roses,” and he told him the whole story. Edmund never laughed about prayer again.

Isn’t it wonderful, children, that God knows all our needs? He is the One who gives us all our blessings, and He delights to have us thank Him for them. But I wonder who can tell me what is the best Gift He ever gave? It was when He gave His own Son to die for sinners on the cross. Have you, dear reader, ever realized that YOU are one of the sinners for whom the Lord Jesus died? Have you thanked Him like Paul of old, who said,

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

If Oscar had missed that lovely steamer trip he would have felt bad indeed, but if you, dear reader, should miss the joy of heaven and find yourself in hell, your sorrow will NEVER end. Do not delay; come to the Saviour today.

ML 05/31/1953

"Love as Strong as Death"

Long years ago, there was a fierce battle outside the city of Nancy in France. Charles the Bold, the Duke of Burgany, was trying to lead his army into the city, but the brave people of the city just closed the gates and said “No.”

But the attacker would not take “No” for an answer, and so he and his men battered at the strong walls and tried hard to capture the city. At last they were able to break through, and with a shout of triumph they rushed into the streets with their swords drawn. Charles was so angry at the people of Nancy that he ordered them all lined up and every tenth one was to be killed with the sword.

The news spread quickly, and many of them tried to hide, but there was no escape. Soldiers were everywhere, waving their gleaming swords and driving men, women, and children into the streets to be lined up. Let me tell you that there is a more fearful judgment coming upon sinners which shall not only fall upon every tenth man and woman, boy and girl. God has said, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” Revelation 6:15. Why are all these people going to hide like that? The next two verses tell us that the Lamb of God is going to act in judgment, and these are they who have not taken shelter under His precious blood. None shall escape.

But let me finish the story. It was a terrible day for the doomed city. At a word from the Duke, the long line was formed in the streets, and then with a fearful certainty he waved his hand up and down, counting along the line as he did so. His soldiers followed him, and at the count of “ten” there was a flash of the sword and the poor victim was dead. Boy or girl, man or woman—it made no difference! The brave governor of the city, and his only daughter Telesile, were near the head of the line. Eagerly the girl watched the count, and she could soon see that the count of ten would fall upon her father. Silently she waited, and nearer came the soldiers. One, two, three, four...” Suddenly she slipped behind her father and slipped on the other side so that the count of ten would fall upon her. “.... five, six, seven, eight, nine, TEN!” Telesile was chosen, and the sword was raised.

“Stop! Justice, Justice!” cried her father.

“What is wrong?”

“The count is wrong. I am sure that number ten should have been mine. There is a mistake. Not her—oh not her!”

“Not so,” said Telesile calmly. “You all saw that the number came to me.”

“She put herself in my way—she took my place—let the blow fall on me.”

The soldiers were amazed. Never had they seen two people arguing to take the other’s place in death. Charles the Bold stood and listened in great surprise.

Here let us leave them for a moment while we speak of an act of devoted love which surpasses that of the young girl of Nancy. Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God, stepped into the guilty sinner’s place on the cross of Calvary, and there allowed the stroke of Divine wrath and judgment to fall on His head, instead of mine. The judgment was to fall—not on every tenth person, but upon all for “All have sinned.” Romans 3:23. Now God can justly forgive everyone who takes shelter in that blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now to finish our story. In spite of his proud and wicked heart, Charles the Bold was filled with pity at the sight of the father and daughter. Eagerly they plead with him, each one in turn, to “take my life.”

“Neither shall die! Old man, fair maiden, I spare your lives, and for your sakes I spare also the lives of all these people.”

Great was the rejoicing of the doomed people, and in their thanksgiving, they did not forget what they owed to Telesile.

And great was my joy when I found that Jesus had truly taken my guilty place. But there was no escape for Him. His precious life-blood was shed for me, and the Word of God tells me that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Your sins must meet the punishment of God, either upon your own guilty head in an eternal hell, or upon the person of God’s Son upon the cross of Calvary.

I hope you too can sing,

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!

My load was laid on Thee;

Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead—

To bear all ill for me.

A victim led, Thy blood was shed;

Now there’s no load for me.

ML 05/31/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 18:1-19:51

How important it is that we recognize that God has a center for His people! In Israel’s day it was a geographical center which, alas, they neglected until they hardly knew where it was (Judges 21:19), but today it is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. How precious it is when we see Him as the gathering center for His own, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. But is this not often forgotten today when the names of organizations of men are put before the all-sufficient Name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Christians will gather in such and such a place because they like the preacher, instead of being exercised to be gathered by the Holy Spirit to Christ alone, in accordance with His precious Word. May we, like the disciples of old, ask, “Where wilt Thou?” Luke 22:9. We will find the answer in the Scriptures of truth.

There in Shiloh, God’s center, the people were reminded that there was much of the land yet to be possessed, and Joshua sent out spies to see it, so that it might be divided among the seven remaining tribes. One feels that this too, has its application to us. It is when gathered in God’s appointed way, where His Spirit has liberty, that we learn what is ours in Christ. An ascended Christ has given gifts for the edification of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7-16) and it is in the assembly, gathered as members of the body of Christ, that these precious truths are ministered. It is important that we recognize this, for while we ought to read the Word at home each day as food for our souls, this will not take the place of gathering together with the saints of God in the meetings.

It is beautiful to see that, since the children of Judah had a portion that was too large for them, they shared it with the children of Simeon. Surely this reminds us of our enjoyment of the things of God. Sometimes when meditating upon the precious things of Christ we find a portion that is too large for us. We just cannot contain it, and so we tell it to others, so that they may enjoy it with us. How lovely it would be if, when we came together with the saints of God, we all had a portion which we could share with our brethren in Christ. Let us not keep the good things God has given us to ourselves—though we do well to keep the faults of our brethren to ourselves, telling them to the Lord alone in prayer. Too often it works the other way, and we share the things that will do harm rather than good, and then fail to share the things which will make others “rejoice in the Lord.”

The children of Dan had a portion that was too small for them, we are told, so they went out to battle and fought against their enemies and took more land. It is a fine thing to see this energy of faith that claims the inheritance God has given. The sons of Joseph had complained because they had too little, and yet we do not read of their fighting for more, as Joshua told them to do. But here we do not read of the children of Dan complaining at all, but rather acting for God in the place He put them. How much better this was than complaining!

All this took place in God’s center at Shiloh. What lessons of faith and patience we learn there!

ML 05/31/1953

"God Is Calling yet"

Baby Sharon sat on the porch steps and watched her big sister walk down the country road to the schoolhouse. Mother went into the house for a moment and when she came out, little Sharon was nowhere to be seen.

Mother called and called, and then ran to the road and there was the baby running after big sister. The more Mother called and ran, the farther the baby would run away from her. She was a naughty girl and would not come, but finally Mother caught up to Sharon and carried her safely home.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden they tried to get away from God too, but God said, “Where art thou?” Genesis 3:9. God was looking for Adam, as the mother in our story was looking for little Sharon. God is looking for you too, dear unsaved boy or girl.

Don’t try and run away from God, for He loves you and has sent His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for you so that you can be one of His dear children and live in His home above.

“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.

“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17.

Why not say in the words of the little poem,

“God is calling yet! I cannot stay;

My heart I yield without delay.

Vain world, farewell, from thee I part;

The voice of God has reached my heart.”

“JESUS CALLED THEM UNTO HIM, AND SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME. AND FORBID THEM NOT: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” Luke 18:16.

ML 06/07/1953

The Greatest Treasure in the World

What can it be? It is not made of gold or silver, for the Bible says they are “corruptible things”; that is, they will not last forever.

As I sit writing this story, I can see many things, some of them pretty and valuable, and others just about worn out and ready to be thrown away. But I must tell you about the world’s greatest treasure.

It is the Word of God! Yes, of all the things that your eyes or mine have ever seen or ever will see on this earth, nothing is such a treasure as the Bible. A few months ago, there was a story in this paper about the crown jewels, safely guarded in the Tower of London.

Last Tuesday, June 2, these beautiful crowns and jewels were used in the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. What a dazzling sight! But after the crown was placed on her head, she was handed a Bible and was told, in the presence of that great multitude, that the Bible is “the most valuable thing that this world affords.”

But it would be very foolish to have a treasure and never use it. If a boy is given a new bicycle, he doesn’t leave it in the shed to gather dust. If a girl receives a fine new watch, she doesn’t leave it at home in a box. And what of that treasure that God has given you and me—the Bible? Do you value it and read it? It is filled with things that God wants you to know. Here are some things He tells you:

1.He has a home in heaven. The Lord Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions.” John 14:2.

2.He wants you to come and share that home with Himself. “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

3.He can have no sin at all in heaven. “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:27.

4.You are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

5.He has a remedy for sin. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

6.He wants to save you today. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Open now God’s treasure, the Bible, read these verses, and be saved forever.

ML 06/07/1953

What Is a Saviour?

A baker is a man who sells bread. A watchmaker is a man who fixes watches.

A doctor is a man who helps sick people.

What is a saviour?

A saviour is one who saves! And yet I know of many boys and girls who look so surprised when we speak about being SAVED. “But we never hear about being SAVED at our Sunday School,” they tell us. Don’t you think that it is very strange when the Bible speaks so very much about the Lord Jesus as the Saviour, and so very often about being saved, yet so many boys and girls don’t seem to know whether they are saved or not?

The baker will sell you bread—if he has the bread.

The watchmaker will fix your watch —if it isn’t too badly broken.

The doctor will make you well—if he can.

The Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, can save you, and will save you; there is no “if” to it at all.

Why then are there so many boys and girls who are not yet saved? Because a great many boys and girls won’t let Jesus save them—that’s why. The Lord Jesus loves boys and girls, and He stretches His arms and invites them to come and accept Him as their Saviour. Every boy that I know who has ever come to Jesus has been very, very glad he came, and I want to ask you once more, while you read this paper, Will you let Jesus save you?

“Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

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

ML 06/07/1953

Bible Questions for June

1.Did the multitude begin to eat before the Lord blessed the food?

2.What does the Lord say of those who are ashamed of Him?

3.What did the Lord say to Martha when she grumbled because she had to serve alone?

4.What else should we do besides “hear the Word of God”?

5.Whom did the Lord say should be feared?

6.What will the Lord say to those who knock at the door of mercy once it has been shut?

7.What causes joy in the presence of the angels of God?

The Young People’s Class

1. Who has taught us to love one another? 1 Thessalonians.

2. How much are we to love one another? John 15.

3. What is the “message that ye have heard from the beginning”? 1 John.

4. Did the fact that the Corinthian believers loved Paul the less for his faithfulness, change his love to them? 2 Corinthians 12.

5. What could be said of the charity (love) of the Thessalonians towards each other? 2 Thessalonians.

6. Does charity (divine love) seek her own? 1 Corinthians.

7. How will all men know that we are Christ’s disciples? John 13.

ML 06/07/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 20:1-9

We have spoken of the meaning of the cities of refuge already in our “Talks” on Numbers 35, but since the Spirit of God has been pleased to mention them again here, we may be sure they have a special importance.

It is a good thing to bear in mind that. “the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.” 1 Samuel 2:3. He knew all about Israel and He knows all about us—our past, present, and future (Psalm 139). He knew that Israel would never enter into the fullness of their blessings—and indeed that they would never merit one of them through their own faithfulness. He therefore made provision beforehand for their failures. The cities of refuge show us in a figurative way what God is doing now. He is preserving His people Israel who killed their Messiah, and they, like the manslayer who fled to the city of refuge, will be brought into blessing in a future day. We notice in our chapter that it was only the one who had killed his neighbor “at unawares” who could find shelter in the cities of refuge; and so when the Lord Jesus was on the cross, put there by the nation of Israel who rejected Him, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. He called their awful act of crucifying Him a sin of ignorance — done “at unawares” — so that refuge and future blessing would be assured to them. What grace!

Now in the present day, all, whether Jew or Gentile, who own their guilt and accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are sheltered from the judgment that is coming upon the world. Christ is the true city of Refuge, and just as the avenger of blood could not harm the man who was hiding in the city of refuge, so those who are “in Christ” can say, “Death and judgment are behind us, Grace and glory are before.”

We are “safe in Christ,” and our “life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3.

These six cities of refuge were conveniently located on both sides of the Jordan so that no one was too far away to reach one of them. So now, how precious is the word, “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6. He is not far from the sinner, if he will but turn to Christ, owning his guilt and taking shelter in Him. Dear reader, have you done it? Why not “flee from the wrath to come” now?

In applying this beautiful type to the nation of Israel, it is instructive to notice that those who found shelter in the cities of refuge were to remain there until the death of the high priest. They could then return to their own city. Thus the Lord Jesus is now carrying on His priestly work for us in heaven, but when He comes back and calls us home to be with Himself, this priestly work will be ended, and then He will begin His dealings with Israel again. Israel therefore cannot get the right of possession to their city, Jerusalem now, nor will they until after the Church is called home to glory. Then through the awful judgments of the tribulation they will be brought to repentance for their guilt, and God will give them Jerusalem and their land in peaceful possession. These six cities of refuge were one short of seven (which typifies perfection), and would perhaps remind us that all the types fall short of the perfect One—the Lord Jesus Christ—the true city of Refuge. How blessed to know Him!

ML 06/07/1953

The Hole in the Box

During the Crimean War, supplies for wounded soldiers were very much needed. Boxes were constantly arriving at Constantinople, and were speedily sent on to the crowded hospital at Scutari.

It is not surprising that one box, addressed to a missionary in Turkey, was left in the store-house for months and months, since the war needs were so pressing that no one bothered about it.

At last, a curious Turk began to wonder what was in this box but he did not dare to open it. One day he saw a large rat scuttling away from the spot. “There must be something good in there,” he said to himself—and so there was! When he stooped down, he found that the rat had gnawed a hole large enough for him to put his hand in. Very cautiously he reached in, and what do you think he drew out? A Turkish Bible!

He read the Book, and the more he read it, the more beautiful it seemed, for God taught him to receive the Word into his heart. Soon he thought it too good to keep to himself, so he lent it to a friend in the next town.

Gradually the box was emptied, and the precious Word of God was sent from village to village to be a light shining in many a dark place where perhaps no Christian had ever been. How these poor Turks must have wondered when they saw such words as these— “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14. It was a new thing to a poor Mohaedan to learn that God so loved siers that He spared not His own Son, and that the Son of God loved them and gave Himself for them.

You, who can read the English Bible, do you rejoice in it, as the Turks did? Have you ever thanked God for His great love?

“THE FATHER SENT THE SON TO BE THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.” 1 John 4:14.

ML 06/14/1953

Speaking for Jesus

“Do you ever speak a word for Jesus, Fred?” “Not very often. I just don’t seem to have the courage.”

“Do the other lads at your shop know that you are a Christian and on your way to heaven?”

“I think they do, but I have really never told them.”

Fred hung his head in shame. Some months before, he had remained behind at a gospel meeting and had accepted the Lord Jesus as His Saviour, and I was anxious to know if he had found the joy of confessing his Lord at the shop.

“Well, it does seem rather strange to think that you are saved yourself and on your way to heaven, and yet you have never told those other young men that you work with every day.

Remember, Fred, they too have souls and they need the Saviour.”

We walked along together in silence for a while, and then Fred spoke, “I wish you would pray for me, Jim, for I do want to confess my Lord, and I would like to confess Him to my work-mates.”

The following Sunday afternoon, we had an open-air meeting right in front of the shop where Fred worked. Quite a number of his work-mates were standing around, and I could see that they were quite surprised to see Fred standing with us in the circle, and bravely singing gospel hymns.

One after another of our little circle of young Christians stood out and gave a short, clear gospel appeal. It looked as though Fred was going to be last, and I could see that a real struggle was going on, for the devil hates to hear the name of the Lord Jesus reverently confessed, and he was trying to keep Fred from speaking.

At last he stepped forward, and in a few broken sentences told how the Lord had saved him and cleansed him from all his sins, and urged those who were listening to accept the Saviour too. It was a pretty feeble effort, and I saw his shop-mates smiling at his embarrassment and emotion. But he had confessed his Lord and Saviour! And it was not the last time, for many times after that, Fred freely and eagerly spoke to souls about their need of the Saviour.

This is my message to young Christians who read this paper. Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour! Begin with those nearest you—in your own home. Tell your schoolmates and your work-mates of that wonderful Saviour who died to put away your sins. And to any who read this paper and are not yet saved, I urge you to turn now to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour, and accept Him now.

“With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10.

ML 06/14/1953

Johnny the Newsboy

“Paper. Paper. Morning paper, sir?”

There was nothing new in the words. Most of us have often seen and heard these boys selling papers on the streets, but this time it was a little different, and it was the beginning of a story which I shall never forget. I was sitting in a railway train, just waiting for it to start, when I heard the little newsboy’s voice. There was something about that voice that made me look up at once, and there he stood looking at me and holding out the morning paper. The dear lad looked just so much like my own little boy who had gone to be with Jesus that I could hardly keep back the tears.

“What is your name, my boy?” “Johnny.”

“Can you read?”

“Oh, yes, sir; I’ve been to school a little.” Here Johnny glanced out of the window to see if he ought to jump off. Just at that moment the whistle blew and I knew Johnny was going to run for the door. There was no time to lose. Quickly I reached into my pocket and took out my own little leather-bound Testament and put it in Johnny’s hand.

“Will you read it, Johnny?”

“I will, sir; I will.”

A quick dash, and he was gone. I looked eagerly out the window as the train gained speed, but I could not see him. So I just closed my eyes and asked the Lord to use that Word of Life in blessing to Johnny.

Two months later I was again on the train as it pulled into the same station, and I was thinking about Johnny and wondering if I would see him again.

“Paper. Paper. Morning paper, sir?”

“Hello, Johnny!”

“Oh, hello, sir. I wondered if I would ever see you again. I wanted to tell you that it’s all in that little book.”

“What’s all in the little book, Johnny?”

“Oh, things are just so different now, and I know it’s that little book that has done it. I took it home that day you gave it to me. Father was out of work then, and Mother cried when she read it. Uncle lives with us, and he was quite frightened when he saw Father and Mother both crying as they read it. I thought at first that it must be a wicked book to make them cry like that and I asked them what was wrong. They told me that they were sinners. But then one day they were singing instead of crying, and they told me that Jesus had washed their sins away. And, sir, He is my Saviour too, and my sins are washed away too, in His precious blood.”

Dear little Johnny. He had to talk so fast, and he kept his sparkling eyes looking out the window so that he might know when to jump off. All too soon the whistle blew, and Johnny reached out to shake my hand.

“Thanks again for that wonderful Book, sir.”

Another moment and he was away with a bound, and I have not seen him since.

Dear reader, it is a wonderful Book. It has told me that I was a sinner, so that I felt like the poor sinful woman who said, “Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did.” John 4:29. But that wonderful Book not only tells us that “all have sinned” but it also tells us the glorious news that “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” I John 1:7.

Read that wonderful Book for yourself. Believe its truthful message, and you will have the joy of knowing that your sins are gone.

ML 06/14/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 21:1-22:12

Here we read of the Levites being given their cities and suburbs among the children of Israel. They were not given any inheritance themselves, because the Lord was to be their inheritance, and He looked after their needs. Each of the families of priests were given a different place to dwell in; and so with our service to the Lord. We are now royal priests to serve (1 Peter 2:9), and the Lord has put each one of us in the place where He wants us, and where we can serve Him the best. Let us not be troubled because He has put us in some difficult spot, but rather seek grace to live for Him where we are. We sometimes look around and think that if we lived in some different place or with some different people we could be more useful, but this is a great mistake. “As for God, His way is perfect.” Psalm 18:30. Let us rather look up, and ask grace to shine for the Lord in our own peculiar and difficult circumstances, for “He giveth more grace.” James 4:6.

How sweet and precious at the end of this chapter to find these words, “There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45. We are often slow to take, in obedience, the steps of faith, because we see the “chariots of iron,” the “giants,” and the “great walls” of difficulty in the way, as the children of Israel did. But when we just go forward in simple faith and obedience, counting upon God, we find the difficulties often disappear, or if not, the Lord turns them into blessing.

“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.”

Oh how rich and abundant the blessing of the Lord which He delights to shower upon us, causing our hearts to rejoice and praise Him for all His goodness!

Joshua then called together the men of the two and a half tribes who had taken their inheritance on the other side of the river Jordan. They had been faithful in coming over and fighting with their brethren for the possession of Canaan, and now, since God had given them victory and rest, Joshua blessed them and told them they could return to their inheritance. All this is beautiful to see, showing how God ever worked to keep the hearts of His people as one. He said the people were to all fight together until they possessed the land, and so the two and a half tribes could not return to their possessions until the land had peace.

When the men were returning they came to the borders of Jordan, and there they decided to build a great altar. They did not, however, build it for the offering of sacrifices, for the Lord had said they were only to offer their sacrifices in the place where He would put His name. (Deut. 12:13, 14.) This altar was built simply as a witness that they were one nation, and although separated from the rest of their brethren they were one with them, and they wanted their children to remember this.

The building of this altar, however, caused the other nine and a half tribes to be very much concerned. No explanation had been given them as to why this altar had been built, and they feared it was a step in departure and that it would bring down the government of God upon them.

ML 06/14/1953

Green Lights and Red

The engineer was looking out of his window, his eyes fixed on the signal lights. There was a long trainload of precious souls behind him, and he was taking no chances. The light was red.

He waited another moment and then he shouted, “Green!” The fireman, who also checked the light, echoed “Green!” The great wheels slowly set themselves in motion, and the long line of precious lives moved safely away.

Are you sure, doubly sure, dear reader, that you have God’s green light on your way to heaven? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. The way to heaven is opened through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. The awful debt of our sins was paid in His blood. Believing in Him, the risen Saviour, we have everlasting life, just as surely as God is true. Dear reader, will you come to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? The fare is paid. The light is green. Come, oh come now, before your opportunity is forever past.

I once saw a picture of a train wreck with its twisted coaches and injured passengers, too sad to describe. When I asked the cause, I was told simply, “Went through a red light!”

It is seldom indeed that a man is foolish enough to risk such a thing, but oh, how many are planning to reach heaven right through God’s red light. The Lord Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. There are many who are coming to God in the name of their religion or their good deeds. If you are coming to God with any such words on your lips, you are coming right through God’s red light, and the misery of a train wreck is as nothing compared with the eternal sorrow of the lake of fire. Jesus said,

“I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.” John 14:6.

ML 06/21/1953

Little Ing

A missionary was teaching a group of Chinese children who were, for the most part, very poor and had never gone to a school. They had plenty of time, therefore, to themselves, and liked to come to the gospel hall.

For some time a little girl, just over ten years old, made it very difficult for the missionary. She seemed to just come in to disturb the class, for she would scream out and leave the hall in the middle of the teaching, banging the door and calling the other children to follow her. The missionary had only one resource and that was to look to the Lord in prayer.

The girl came to nearly every meeting and gradually ceased to be so wild. One day the children were told the story of the birth of our Saviour, and of how there was no room for Him in the inn when He came to this earth which He had made. The children were told that the Saviour is still seeking a place now and is often rejected. Then the children were asked, “Where does the Lord Jesus want a place now?” There was no answer. After a pause Little Ing said reverently, “The Lord Jesus wants to come into my heart.” And Little Ing received the Lord Jesus into her heart that day. After that she always listened attentively and reverently, and memorized scripture texts very quickly. She even helped in the singing with her clear voice.

Dear reader, have you given the Lord Jesus a place in your heart? He stands at the door today, and knocks. He died to save you, and now, at the right hand of God, He is mighty to save. Why not be like Little Ing and receive Him into your heart today? He says, “My son, give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26.

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

ML 06/21/1953

Miguel and the Orange

Miguel was hungry. In fact he was often hungry, but then his mother was poor, and she did the best she could to keep him clothed and fed. Best of all, Miguel’s mother loved the Lord Jesus, and although they did not always have quite enough to eat, they always had the Lord Jesus to turn to, and they thanked Him for what He gave them. And they never forgot to thank Him for the best of all gifts, Himself. Don’t we sometimes feel thankful for the bright sunshine and all the good things that are ours, and yet give no thought to the Lord Jesus Christ — the Saviour — through whom all these blessings come to us?

Miguel had a strange job. Right near his home there was a big market place, and he used to go there every market day and empty the big garbage cans for the farmers who came to sell their fruits and vegetables. In this way he made a few cents; and then, too, he sometimes found some fruit or vegetables which had been thrown away but were still good enough to eat.

This particular morning Miguel was really hungry. As he went about his work one of the other boys met him and quietly told him how he could get a nice juicy orange. “Do you see that stern old lady over there with the big pile of oranges for sale? Let’s walk past her, and I’ll kick the pile and then you grab two or three that roll away and slip them in your pockets.”

The plan succeeded, and Miguel and his friend each had a fine orange. Then Miguel went about his work. When he came home that evening, his mother had their little supper ready. Miguel sat down, but he was rather quiet.

“Now, my boy, please thank God for our supper and we shall eat.”

Silence.

“Please, Miguel, thank God for our supper as you always do.”

Silence,—followed by a burst of tears. “Whatever is wrong, Miguel?”

“If I told you, you would spank me!” “No, I won’t. What’s wrong?”

Between his sobs, poor Miguel told his story of stealing to his mother. What should the mother do? Was it really very wrong that a hungry boy should steal an orange? God’s Word says it is very wrong to steal, and God saw just what Miguel had done. And God has seen everything that you and I have done today too. Right away, Miguel and his mother knelt down and told God all about what had happened, and Miguel confessed that sin with many tears.

“Now,” said his mother. “We must go right back and see if we can find the lady from whom you stole that orange.”

Poor Miguel. That was going to be hard to do. But back they went, and were soon standing before the stern face of the orange seller.

“Do you want to buy some oranges?” “No, but my boy has something to tell you.”

Miguel started bravely, “I’m very sorry... but...” Then he began to cry. But his mother wisely waited, and the orange lady waited too, for she had no idea what was wrong. “I’m sorry, but I stole an orange from you today, and I’m very sorry. I want to pay for it. I’m a Christian, and I want to please Jesus.”

The stern face of the, orange seller changed remarkably.

“But, my boy, that happens to me every day, and you were hungry. You should have asked me for it, but I suppose I would have said no! You say you are a Christian, but I think I am too. I go to church every Sunday and say my prayers. But you must have some different religion to make you come to me like this!”

Miguel turned to his mother and in a moment she had her Testament out of her bag and joyfully told the story that was so very dear to her. She told of the love of Jesus in coming down into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. I can’t tell you just whether that orange seller accepted Jesus or not, but I know she gave Miguel all the oranges he could carry home.

Do you know Miguel’s Saviour as your own? Are you trying to please your Saviour and to walk in the remembrance that His eye is watching you at all times?

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

ML 06/21/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 22:12-20

The nine and a half tribes had not forgotten what took place because of Achan’s sin, and they feared God would have to deal with them again because of the altar which had been built by the two and a half tribes. They all gathered together at Shiloh, therefore, and were ready to go to war about it. But first of all they sent Phinehas the priest, and ten princes of the people, to tell their brethren how badly they felt about the altar they had built.

When the men of the two and a half tribes had listened patiently to all they had to say, they immediately took the humble place and gave a full explanation of everything. They said that if it was really departure from the Lord, they realized the seriousness of it, and they did not seem to resent the feelings of their brethren about it. The result was a most happy settlement, and the Lord was glorified in it all. There was no feeling or bitterness left among them either, for now that all was explained the thing pleased the nine and a half tribes, too.

Perhaps we can learn at least three lessons from all this, for we may be sure that when God gives us such detail as we have here, it has its application to us today (Romans 15:4).

First of all, the two and a half tribes had asked for their inheritance on the other side of Jordan without waiting on the Lord to give it to them in His time and place. It is true that God had granted it to them there, but sometimes God gives us the thing we want, even though it is not for our good, if we are very anxious to have our own way. One feels that sometimes in this way dear children of God make their homes in some isolated spot, away from their brethren in Christ, and then it leads to misunderstanding and departure, as with the two and a half tribes in our chapter. Let us wait on the Lord always, realizing that He knows every need, and unless we are separated from our brethren by circumstances over which we have no control, or for the Lord’s service, we are in a dangerous position.

The next step of the two and a half tribes was the outcome of the first, and it gives us the second lesson. Being separated from their brethren they did not ask their advice at all. They did a right thing in a wrong way. It was a fine thing to have an altar to remind their children that they were one with the other nine and a half tribes, but it would have been much better to have built it together with them instead of by themselves. There would have been no misunderstanding if things had been done in this way, but alas, the spirit of independency began so soon, and yet it was expressed by building an altar to say they were one with those whom they had failed to acknowledge. How often we are like the children of Israel, and go about things in the wrong way all because we do not inquire of the Lord.

The third thing we learn here is that the enemy delights to use these things, which so often come up among the people of God to cause strife and division. The nine and a half tribes did not ask the Lord how to meet this unusual situation. They took a very righteous attitude, and thought to set it right according to their own understanding of it, and only the Lord’s goodness hindered a very sad warfare from taking place among them over it. How needful the scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.

ML 06/21/1953

The Sailor's Trust

Have you ever been sick in the hospital? I suppose many of our readers have known what it is like to lie in suffering and pain, even though you may be young, for suffering is not only for old folks. Still there are nearly always kind folks to bring you flowers, and to visit you, but my story today is about a poor young sailor who lay dying of fever in a foreign port, far away from all his loved ones.

Anthony was so sick that his shipmates had to leave him behind and sail away without him. All his loved ones were in another land, thousands of miles away, and Anthony was dying. Every Sunday, a tall man in a black suit came through the hospital and tried to cheer up some of the sick folks. When he saw that Anthony was so very, very sick, he turned aside to chat with him.

“How are you feeling today?”

“I’m not at all well, and the doctor tells me I shall soon be gone.”

The stranger looked very solemn, and then he took from his pocket a black book.

“Let me give you,” said he, “the consolation of religion, and read to you a prayer from my book.”

The dying sailor smiled.

“Thank God, sir, I already have the ‘strong consolation’ that God speaks about in His Word. I have the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work for me on the cross as the anchor of my soul, and I am quite happy to go to be with Him.”

Wasn’t that a grand testimony! How good it was to be able to rejoice in the face of death, far away from home and loved ones, for the Friend and Saviour of sinners was close by.

And what about the stranger? He looked long and silently at the happy face of the dying sailor and turned and walked away without a word.

Oh, dear boys and girls, let me tell you that there are many religions in this poor world, but none of them can save your soul or take you to heaven. Do not trust in religion but in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He only can save sinners.

“THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED.” Acts 4:12.

ML 06/28/1953

"You'll Wear Out Someday"

“Come here, Rosemary, and look at Auntie’s pretty box.” Little Rosemary needed no second call, for she was always eager to see anything new.

“Now lift the lid and look inside.”

Gently but eagerly the girl lifted the lid and then smiled up at her aunt. She didn’t even look in the box for as soon as she lifted the lid a pretty tune began to play.

“Oh, Auntie, how pretty!”

“Yes, Rosemary. It’s what is called a music box.”

Rosemary was a busy little lady with lots to do and toys to play with too—but this seemed better than all her toys. Every time she passed Auntie’s bedroom, she just had to slip in and lift the lid, and then she would stand ever so still while the little box tinkled its tune.

“Rosemary, what are you doing? Are you listening to that music again? Don’t you know you’ll wear it out and then it won’t play anymore!”

Rosemary turned to find her big uncle looking in the door at her. He looked half serious and half smiling.

“Will it really wear out, Uncle?”

“Yes, of course it will. Everything wears out you know. You’ll wear out too some day and then there just won’t be any more little Rosemary.”

“No, I won’t wear out.” “Yes, you will.”

“No, I’m sure I won’t, because I believe in Jesus and I have everlasting life; so I know I won’t wear out!”

What a beautiful answer! I am sure Rosemary’s father and mother both love Jesus and have told their little girl of His precious blood that cleanses from all sin. And I believe little Rosemary has really accepted Jesus as her own Saviour, for He loves to have little boys and girls come to Him.

Now, it’s true that Rosemary may grow up and “wear out,” of course; even saved folks get old and gray headed. But Rosemary has everlasting life, and so have I, and although we may wear out a bit, we have that life which is given of God to everyone who trusts in His dear Son, and so we shall be forever in heaven some day. Will you be there too? Your soul will never die, we know, but will you live in heaven with the Lord Jesus?

“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 06/28/1953

The Half Way House

One bright spring day, a middle-aged man strode at a good pace along an English highway. He stopped for his breath at the top of a hill, and found himself sprinkled with the first big drops of a coming storm. The man was not dressed for rain, so he quickly made his way to a small inn, “The Half Way House,” which he espied close to the hill-top.

As he entered, he met there a traveler who was preparing to set out into the storm. “Are you going farther today?” asked the traveler.

“That depends upon the weather,” answered the new-comer.

“My journey,” said the traveler, “depends upon the will of God.”

He buttoned up his clothing for the storm, and then paused a moment at the door. “My friend,” he said earnestly. “This is called the Half Way House, and I think you and I are both at least halfway on our journey through this world. May I remind you that the Word of God says, ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.’” Proverbs 14:12.

The stranger then set out into the rain and wind, and our friend watched him struggling on towards the town.

Since it seemed impossible now to continue his journey, our friend decided to return to his own home, before dark, and very unwillingly set out to retrace his steps. He was very weary, and the sun had already set, when he noticed an old cart track which formed a shorter road than the highway. He followed this, but it was overgrown with long grass, and pitted with holes, so that complete darkness settled down upon him before he had gone far.

Thunder and rain added to his discomfort, and now he struggled up a small hill in the path, and stood for a moment almost blinded by a sudden flash of lightning. What was his horror to see, at his very feet, the steep and sudden pit of an old stone quarry! Another step in the dark would have probably meant instant death.

He sank trembling to the ground, as the words of the traveler flashed into his mind. “The end thereof are the ways of death.” He thought he was all right, but God mercifully showed him the end of his chosen way. Not only on that wild night, but all through his life he had walked the way of his own choosing, and there was death before him, death and eternal hell.

He struggled to his feet and found the old cart track, winding along the sides of the pit and rejoining the highway not far from his own village. It was very late when he reached home, but not too late, for that very night he hunted up the old Book, the Bible. The traveler had told him that the words were in Proverbs, and he searched until he found them in the fourteenth chapter, and was surprised to find them repeated in the sixteenth chapter.

Why does God repeat these solemn words twice? Because the “way that seemeth right” is so common, so crowded, so constantly chosen, and so pitifully certain to end in death. My reader, do you hope to go to Heaven? Is it your own way, or God’s way that you are following? That verse is like a light from heaven to show you the end of your road. Does your assurance of salvation and eternal life rest upon the word of the eternal God? Every other way but God’s way, ends in death.

Jesus said, “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.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

ML 06/28/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 22:21-23:16

The nine and a half tribes had accused their brethren of a false motive altogether, but here we see the Lord intervening in His grace — and that through grace working in the hearts of the two and a half tribes. They did not get angry because of the false accusations, but simply and quietly explained things, saying, “The Lord... He knoweth.” They admitted that if it was what those of the nine and a half tribes had thought—a departure from the Lord and His center—they had surely given cause for Their brethren to be concerned about it. The result was, as we have remarked before, Satan was defeated, strife and division were avoided, and all was settled for God’s glory and the blessing of His people.

Dear fellow Christian, let us not resent criticism, but be ready to take the humble place. If we are wrong let us admit it, and if we are not, let us be ready to explain without being angry. This is the only way to settle things according to God and with resultant blessing. Moreover it is a fine thing for even children to learn this, for often the habits of our childhood carry into later life. How many quarrels among the people of God have remained unsettled for years, because one or both parties were unwilling to talk the matter over in the fear of God and seek to understand why the other felt as he did. Remember there was wrong on both sides here in our chapter, but two wrongs never make a right, and yet the grace of God can set anything right. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6.

Joshua then called for the elders of Israel and told them that he was nearing the end of his earthly journey. He told of how the Lord had been faithful in giving them the land, but reminded them that their possession of it, and blessing in it, depended on their obedience to the law. He therefore exhorted them to be very courageous in keeping the law of Moses as the ground of their blessings. He warned them that if they married among the nations of the land that remained, God would not drive them out as He had promised, but would allow them to remain as thorns in their eyes and scourges in their sides.

Joshua reminded them of how all the good things God had promised had been fulfilled to the letter, but that if they departed from the Lord and worshiped other gods, then the curses which God had pronounced upon them for disobedience would also be fulfilled to the very letter. This is deeply solemn. Many today would like to claim the blessings of heaven without Christ as their Saviour, but let us remember that the fearful judgments of eternal hell are just as real and true for Christ-rejectors, as are the glories of heaven for those who believe.

Dear reader, how is it with you? Are you rejoicing in the blessed knowledge of Christ as your Saviour, or are you still rejecting Him? We most solemnly warn you that to reject Christ will bring upon you an eternity in the lake of fire, but if you will accept Him all the joys of eternal glory are yours. Do not delay, we beseech you, for God does not offer you salvation tomorrow, but TODAY. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7.

ML 06/28/1953

A Strange Drink

It was a hot afternoon in January. Does that sound strange? I think most of the readers of this paper think of January as a wintry month, but this story is about the Island of St. Vincent, and it is hot there all the year round.

We were walking along the road to visit a very old and very sick man, and I was thirsty. By my side was a young boy named Enos, and he knew just the right thing for a thirsty traveler. Quicker than I can write this, he ran to the nearest coconut palm, and up he went. Now you may have some pictures of coconut palms, and you will remember that they have no branches except at the very top. But somehow Enos was able to get up the tree, and without any shoes on his feet either! He hadn’t been up there very long before something fell to the ground with a loud thump. No, it wasn’t Enos; it was a big coconut! Even more quickly than he had gone up, the lithe, young boy was down again. Then with a stroke or two of his big cutlass, the end of the coconut was open, and he offered me a drink of coconut water. How good it tasted! Enos smiled with pleasure as he watched me drink it. I have often thought of the refreshing drinks of coconut water I had down there, and I hope I may have some more one day.

But why am I writing this story? Because the Bible tells of something far more wonderful that God is offering you to drink. Enos climbed up that tree to get my drink, or I should have gone thirsty, for I am sure I never could have climbed it myself. But God tells us that there is an awful place called hell, where there is not one drop of water to be found to quench the thirst of the sufferers there. And God doesn’t want you to go there. He loves you, and He sent His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ down into the world to die on the cross to meet your need. He became our sin bearer, and now that the work is all done, He says,

“LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.” Revelation 22:17.

ML 07/05/1953

Brave Kund

I have met boys with names like Charlie and Tommy and Raymond, but I never met a boy named Kund! Still I read a story about Kund, and I think you would like to hear it.

Mr. and Mrs. Iverson lived near the big city of Chicago, and they had one dear boy whom they called Kund. Kund’s father and mother loved the Lord Jesus and they often told their boy about Jesus and His love. When he was just seven years old, Kund accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, and his sins were all washed away in the precious blood that “cleanseth us from all sin.”

One afternoon in August, his father sent him off to the pasture to bring home the cow. The happy boy walked along singing and enjoying the bright sunshine. Suddenly he came upon a group of boys standing by the fence and looking at the neighbor’s orchard. When they saw little Kund, they called him over to them, but he would not go. Two of the bigger boys came over to him, and caught him by the arms.

“We want some of those apples, and you must go over the fence and get them for us. You are small and you won’t be seen.”

Kund promptly replied, “No, I cannot steal.”

“But you have to. If you say ‘no,’ we’ll duck you in the stream.” The boys meant it, too, for they had often stopped smaller boys before, and made them do wicked things for them by frightening and threatening them.

“No, I am a Christian and I will not steal.”

Quickly they grabbed him and ducked him in the stream. When he tried to climb out, they stopped him and asked him again to steal those apples. “No, I won’t do it.”

This only made them more angry, so they pushed him back in. Each time he tried to climb out, they pushed him in again. Poor Kund struggled and called, but there was no one near to see the wicked boys and to deliver brave Kund. Slowly his cries grew weaker and weaker, but the cruel boys would not let him out unless he would promise to steal. Soon his brave strokes stopped and he disappeared. He could die, but he would not steal.

When Kund did not return home with the cow, his father and mother went to search for him. They could see marks of a struggle at the bank of the stream, but they could not find their dear boy. It was not till next morning that they found his lifeless body down the stream. Who shall describe their feelings as they clasped the lifeless form? The wicked boys who had done the deed were found out, and the story of Kund’s brave stand was known. I can’t tell you what happened to those boys, for I never did hear. But I can tell you where Kund is now — he is in heaven with Jesus.

Dear Kund didn’t know when he said goodbye to his mother that he would never come home again. But he did know that his sins were all forgiven, and that if anything happened to him, he would be at home with Jesus. What if something happened to you today, and you were dead bore tomorrow? Where would you be? Oh, dear young reader, come to the Lord Jesus right now, and let His most precious blood wash away all your sins.

And, dear Christian boys and girls, let us not be afraid to stand up for Jesus. He is watching us all the time, and He wants you and me to live to please Him every day. He tells us in His Word, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

ML 07/05/1953

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

1.What did the Samaritan leper do when he was healed?

2.Did the Lord Jesus say He came “to seek and to save” good people?

3.What did the Lord say of those who desired to walk in long robes?

4.What will not pass away, even when heaven and earth do?

5.What did the Lord say when He broke the bread with His disciples?

6.When did the thief who owned Jesus as Lord, go to paradise?

7.Was the Lord Jesus only a spirit after His resurrection, or a real Person with flesh and bones?

The Young People’s Class

1.Is God’s knowledge too wonderful for us? Psalm 139.

2.Should we “imagine” or “reason” (margin) about these things? 2 Corinthians.

3.Should we ever question God’s electing grace? Romans 9.

4.Does the preaching of the cross appeal to man’s wisdom? 1 Corinthians.

5.Did David exercise himself in these things that were too high for him? Psalm 131.

6.Does God give an account of “His matters” to us? Job 33.

7.Will we have to give an account of ourselves to God? Romans 14.

ML 07/05/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 24:1-31.

Joshua then gathered all the people together and reminded them of the faithful goodness of God from the very time He had called Abram out from Ur of the Chaldees. They could never say they had obtained blessing on the ground of their own faithfulness, for they had been most unfaithful. But God had been faithful; He had made known His power on their behalf, and had now given them their land. While they had been in Egypt they had slipped back into idolatry, and now, being surrounded with it in Canaan, they were in danger of doing so again.

Joshua therefore asked them to make their choice that day of whom they would serve, and we are thankful to say they chose to serve the Lord rather than idols.

And today the same word comes afresh to you, dear reader: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Have you decided for Christ? Do you wish to serve Him? Has He truly won your heart? When we think of all He has done for us upon that cross of Calvary, we can surely say that He has done all that love could do to win our hearts and to give us a motive to live for Him.

Joshua reminded them that it was a solemn thing to serve the Lord, for He would have to deal with them if they were disobedient, because He is holy. Of course, with Israel as we have remarked before, their blessings were made conditional, because they were under the first covenant — the covenant of law — and so before long they lost their good land. How good to know that God will bring His people Israel into blessing in a future day, not because of their faithfulness at all, but through the work of Christ! This alone is the ground of all blessing to fallen men.

We might say, however, that it is well to remember that if we are going to serve and follow the Lord, it will not be easy. There are difficulties in the path, as Joshua warned, and only the Lord can sustain and keep us faithful to Him. This He will surely do if we look to Him and count upon Him at all times.

Joshua then wrote the words of the law upon a great stone, telling the people that it would be a stone of witness to them. They were so liable to forget it, just as we find ourselves so prone to forget the precious instruction of the Word of God which we need day by day. We may be well assured that we cannot be wiser than God, and if we ever choose a path contrary to His truth, it will be to our own sorrow and loss; nevertheless while walking in the truth there is peace and joy in the soul. May we cleave to the Lord with true purpose of heart (Acts 11:23).

Alas, the children of Israel looked to Joshua instead of to the Lord. He had been a great leader; they had respect for him and confidence in him, but they lost sight of the Lord. What a common thing this is! How many in Christendom today have their eyes upon man instead of upon the Lord. They go on steadily for a time, but when the man or men on whom they were leaning fails, or is removed, it is soon manifest that their eyes were upon man instead of upon the Lord. They become discouraged and give up the path of devotedness. There is only One who never fails. Let us look to Him.

ML 07/05/1953

"Don't You Know Him?"

Alfred Woodward was a Christian. I don’t mean that Alfred had “joined the church,” or started to say prayers, or had given up some of his bad habits, for these things don’t make a real Christian out of anyone.

But young Alfred had found himself to be a sinner in God’s sight and had accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. I admit there was a great change in his ways and in his talk, too, for he always spoke reverently and fearlessly about the Lord Jesus, his Saviour; but it wasn’t the change that saved him — it was the Lord Jesus Himself.

Alf and some other young Christians were traveling together and they stopped at a small town for dinner. Then he stepped into the local post office to mail a letter. What a sight! The place was filled with a haze of smoke, and men and boys loitered about arguing, chatting and telling stories. From every side he could hear the precious name of his Saviour taken in vain. It pained him, and he felt he must show his colors. Just at that moment, a young lad about fifteen eered, and began to chat in a loud voice with the postal clerk behind the wicket.

They talked of the weather and other things, and the lad used the precious name of Jesus Christ in every sentence.

When the boy turned to leave, Alf. was standing between him and the door so he could not pass.

“By the way,” he said, looking squarely into the boy’s eyes. “Who is the Person you talk so much about?”

“Me! I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean who is this Jesus Christ that you speak of so much?” The boy gasped and started, —

“Don’t you know Him? You mean you don’t know who Jesus Christ is? Why He...”

Alf. waited but no more words came out. By now everyone in the Post Office was listening.

“Yes, I believe I do know Him. Is He the Son of God?”

“Sure, that’s right; that’s right.”

“Then excuse me, young lad. If He is the eternal Son of Almighty God, who came down from heaven and died on the cross for sinners; if He rose again from the dead; if He is now at God’s right hand and is coming again someday — if that’s who you mean, then you ought not to use His precious name the way you do.”

There was a silence — a long silence. Then Alf. spoke.

“Men, the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed His precious blood to wash away my sins. He is my Saviour, and He wants to be your Saviour, too. His Word says, ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’” 1 Timothy 1:15.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?” Hebrews 2:3.

ML 07/12/1953

Sunshine Through the Storm

Just a short time ago, I stood alongside a great battleship and watched the sailors going about their duties. Some were getting settled in their hammocks for the night, and others seemed to have lots of work to do. There is always something fascinating to most boys about sea stories, so I shall tell you a story that happened in the China Sea.

It happened a long time ago. The ship with its crew of brave sailors was homeward bound when she ran into a fearful tempest. The men who were not on duty were in their berths below, but they were not sleeping, for it looked as though they were never going to see the light of another day. The angry scream of the wind and crashing of the waves on deck made the bravest of them tremble for their lives. Many a boy and many a man can talk bravely and act quite carelessly when all goes well, but when eternity seems to be right at hand then serious thoughts come crowding in. And so it was the night of the tempest. Many of the sailors were crowded into a room below, when into the group walked a young officer.

“Well, men, I’ve come down to read to you. The Word of God is the same in a storm as in a calm, and always does us good.”

The men could see that his heart was filled with peace and his face was filled with joy. They listened eagerly while he read to them, and told them of the love of the Lord Jesus in shedding His precious blood on the cross to meet the need of poor sinners. He talked and sang and prayed, and all the time his face was filled with sunshine and joy.

Toward morning the storm abated, the wind lessened and the sun came out. The danger was over, and no serious harm had been done. And I am sorry to say that the very men who were so solemn the night before, seemed as careless as ever now that the sun was shining.

Some years later, that same happy officer was walking along the streets of Singapore, when a man stopped him.

“Sir,” he said “Do you remember the night of the fearful tempest at sea when you read and prayed with the sailors below decks?”

“Yes, I do remember.”

“I was lying in my hammock in fear and trembling. I could not hear a word you said or read, but I could see your face, sir. And when I saw the sunshine of your happiness through the storm, I knew you had something that I needed. For though I have been a sailor for many years, I couldn’t smile that night. Thank God, I was able to get a Bible, and now I too am a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Saviour.”

Dear young reader, it may be that the Lord has not yet passed you through anything as terrifying as a tempest at sea. But He is speaking to your soul right now as you read this paper, and He wants to save you.

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

ML 07/12/1953

William's Promise

William was a fine, upright boy and kind and loving to his mother. Many prayers had gone up to the Lord for William, but as yet he had never come to the Lord Jesus as a lost sinner and taken Him as his own precious Saviour.

The time drew near for William to go away to the city to find work, and when he had his suitcase packed to leave home, his dear Christian mother gave him a Bible. She asked him if he would promise to read a portion of God’s Word every day. William loved his mother very much and wanted to please her, so he promised faithfully that he would read the Bible every day.

When William was riding on the train he cautiously looked about to see if anyone was watching. No one noticed him as he took the Bible from his pocket and read a chapter. The words meant nothing to him but he must keep his promise to his mother. Later when he found work in the city, he would go back to his little room and always, before retiring, he would read a portion of God’s Word. At first the verses didn’t mean much to him, but as he read on and on in the Bible, the Lord touched his heart, and there in his little room he turned to the Saviour. He took his true place as a sinner, and claimed the sinner’s Saviour as his own.

William was so happy and joyful in the Lord that he decided to go back home and tell his dear mother the good news that her prayers had been answered. When he arrived home he found that his mother was very ill — so ill that she thought she was going to die. When William told her that he was saved, she was very happy and said, “Oh, William dear, now I can say like Simeon — ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.’” (Luke 2:29, 30.)

William’s mother recovered from her illness and both Mother and son rejoiced in the Lord together.

William was always glad he had accepted the Lord Jesus as his own precious Saviour — and you will be glad too, dear unsaved reader, if you take Him today.

ML 07/12/1953

Bible Talks

Joshua 24:31-33.

As soon as Joshua, and all the elders of Israel who outlived Joshua, had died, then the people departed from the Lord. They soon forgot all that the Lord had done for them. Sooner or later, as we have remarked, the human “props” upon which we are prone to lean give way, and unless we are really leaning upon the Lord we go down with them. There is only One who has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us, only One in whom we will find perfection, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The Psalmist said, “I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy commandment is exceeding broad.” Psalm 119:96. Let us not expect perfection from any man or woman and then we will not be disappointed. But the Word of God, as our verse tells us, is “broad” enough to meet every situation and to guide us through every difficulty. May we test everything by this perfect standard, and seek to walk with our eyes upon the Lord until that day when faith will be changed to sight. This is the only safe and happy path.

God has been pleased to tell us here of how they buried the bones of Joseph. Joseph had died in faith long before, but he had requested that he should not be buried in Egypt. He wanted to be buried in the land of Canaan when God brought His people back there again. How good it is when faith takes God at His Word, and dies in that confidence that we have a better home, than this “Egypt world” with all its glory could ever give us — we have a home with Christ in glory. Although Joseph did not know all that we know of the wonderful future of the children of God, He trusted in God according to the light he had. It is beautiful to see how his bones were carried through the Red Sea (Exodus 13:19) — a figure of the death of Christ — and then brought to Canaan to await the better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). The death of Christ has not only met our need, but also declared God’s “righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25. The sin and guilt of all those who died in faith before the cross was met there, as well as the sins of all who have been, and will be, saved since. It is only through the work of Calvary that there can be any blessing to ruined man, whether Joseph or ourselves. Dear reader, are you safe under the blood?

This brings us to the end of the book of Joshua with all its conflicts, and how instructive it is for us. The enemy of our souls will surely do all he can to hinder us from possessing our portion in Christ, and we will have plenty of conflict, too, as Israel did, if we seek to live by faith in the enjoyment of our heavenly blessings. It requires the whole armor of God to stand against the enemy’s wiles, but may we be found faithful. Let us seek grace to go forward in the conflict, possessing more and more of our spiritual inheritance, while holding fast the faithful word” as we have been taught (Titus 1:9).

One feels that the instruction of this book of Joshua is specially needed today, answering as it does to the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament. These things have been written for our learning, for the enemy is using the same tactics with us as he did with Israel. May the Lord keep us.

ML 07/12/1953

A Very Old Tree

In one of the forests in California stands the “General Sherman” tree, estimated to be almost four thousand years old. This tree is still growing, and is known as the oldest and largest living thing on earth.

We know that this tree will not stand forever. Some day it will come down, “in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” Eccl. 11:3. Four thousand years seems like a long time, but it is nothing compared with ETERNITY.

Every boy and girl, and every man and woman, must live forever and ever, either in heaven or in, the lake of fire. Think of it — forever and ever, through endless ages! No one will be able to stop living then, even if he wanted to.

If you have put your trust in the Lord Jesus, you will someday spend eternity in heaven with Him. Of that wonderful place we read: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4.

How sad that all those who have neglected to think of eternal things and have rejected the Lord Jesus, will spend their eternity with Satan in the lake of fire forever. Millions of years will pass, and millions more, but there will be no escape, and no end of their anguish. God says, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment.” Matt. 25:46. It will be too late then to accept the Lord Jesus.

Dear reader, where will you be in ETERNITY? Settle the question NOW and receive Christ today and you will spend your eternity with Him in untold bliss. Don’t let your games, toys, books or programs keep you from accepting that dear loving Saviour who says,

“HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT.” John 6:37.

ML 07/19/1953

A Race with Death

It was one of those perfect summer days which we all love so well. The scent of wild flowers filled the Devon lanes and the drone of the bees as they moved from flower to flower seemed to rest and satisfy the ear. Further away the calm waters of the Channel, unruffled by a breath of wind, reflected the deep blue of the cloudless sky.

Passing through delightful country we came to Start Point — the site of the famous Start Lighthouse. The lighthouse is built near the Point, and below the lighthouse the cliffs fall steeply to the sea.

To the northeast the eye was held by the beautiful sweep of the Devon coastline fading into the summer haze away past the mouth of the river Dart. Near at hand was a group of cottages at the water’s edge, whilst about three miles away the village of Torcross lay flooded in the sunshine of that calm summer afternoon.

Off Torcross we noticed a few small ships. One had a white sail set, but not a breath of wind came to fill it.

The scene was one of almost perfect peace — I say almost, because close off Start Point was an area of raging, roaring water. The strong Channel tide ebbing to the south, and deflected somewhat by the Point as it rushed at accelerated speed over the shallows off the shore, became a cauldron of breakers in which no small open boat could live, and where no man could swim. They rose with foaming crests and fell over in a smother of white water. Some moved in uncertain directions and collided with others in a burst of spray, while all the time the noise of their tumult could be heard on the cliff top — a strange contrast to the peaceful conditions all around.

Looking up the coast at the calm and windless sea, who would have thought of the great ebb-tide moving silently, invisibly, but irresistibly towards the death trap at Start Point? Certainly the thoughts of the young man in the little open, white-sailed boat off Tor-cross were far from danger.

From our stand high up on the cliff, through glasses we could see him as he occasionally roused himself from slumber to turn to a more comfortable position in the boat. And so he drifted, like many another — perhaps like you — all unthinking, downward on the tide of life.

We could see him better now as his little boat floated quietly down the coast. He seemed to be awake but quite heedless as he lay sunning himself, enjoying the present moment, but with no thought of all that lay ahead.

The increasing danger of his position became very evident to us. What could be done for him? Could our voices reach him in warning? Impossible, at such a distance, and there was no time in which to summon aid. How helpless we felt!

But his peril had been seen by some who had both the will and the power to help. From away up the coast a motorboat emerged — driven at full speed with white waves curling from its bow. Three stood in it; with the glasses we could see them standing tense and anxious as they urged their craft after the drifting boat. The three knew well that it was a race with death.

Fifteen minutes passed. The little sailing boat drifted nearer and nearer to the “overfalls.” In the motorboat one of the three could be seen making a trumpet of his hands as he continually shouted a warning. The young man, however, still lay motionless, unheeding, drifting. The solemn warnings of the Spirit of God often go unheeded until it is too late.

Suddenly the young fellow seemed to hear the roar of the breakers ahead. He jumped up and looked for a brief moment at the raging “tide-rip” into which he was being carried at ever increasing speed. He realized his danger.

Now he was all for action. He could save himself — he could row. Quickly he got out the oars and with strong strokes endeavored to draw away from the breakers, but he soon realized that he was in the grip of a power far greater than his own.

Have you found this out?

Doing your own will rather than God’s will is sin. Sin holds you with° a power you cannot break and carries you down to a doom from which your own efforts and all your good resolutions cannot by any means deliver you.

He heard a voice calling. Looking round he saw the motorboat drawing near and realized that it had come to save him.

He threw down his useless oars. Would God that you too might follow his example as you hear the gracious voice of the Saviour calling to you and saying, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

ML 07/19/1953

What God Can't See

“The inspector will be here today boys, and I want you all to be on your best behavior.”

Mr. Hamilton was just a bit afraid of the inspector, and he didn’t want his class to be unruly.

Sharp at two o’clock there was a knock at the door and in walked Mr. Watchorn, the inspector.

The boys were questioned on various subjects, and Mr. Hamilton was feeling quite pleased that they were answering so well. Then the inspector suddenly asked, “Is there anything God can’t see?” Murray waved his hand to answer. “Yes, sir, there is.”

“And what is that, my lad?”

“Sir, God can’t see my sins.”

“And why not?”

“Because the Bible says, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’”

And Murray was right too! Yes, God can’t see my sins either, for they are all washed away. Are yours?

Dear reader, your sins are either “in the light of (His) countenance” (Psalm 90:8), and “before (God’s) face” (Hosea 7:2), at this moment, or they are remembered no more (Hebrews 10: 17). Which?

“What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. So that not one spot remains? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

ML 07/19/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 1:1-4.

The book of Judges is of great importance to us today, for it shows the early departure that came in among the people of God after the death of Joshua, similar to what has taken place in the Church’s history. Israel wandered farther and farther away from the Lord, and yet He was ever faithful and raised up judges to deliver them from their enemies, when they cried to Him. Just as the book of Joshua brings before us in type our spiritual conflict in connection with our heavenly blessings, so the book of Judges shows us figuratively the sad loss of power in the Church of God when the enemy gets in through unfaithfulness. Yet “God is faithful” (1 Cor. 10:13), and has granted many revivals in the Church’s history, as He did with Israel. Those of Israel are recorded in Judges. But still, after these remarkable deliverances wherein God manifested His goodness on behalf of His people of old, they soon slipped back into carelessness again, and drifted still farther away. And surely the Church’s history has been the same, as we have remarked. May we profit by our meditations on this deeply interesting book, so that we may be delivered from the enemy who lies in wait by the way. Deliverance is only by “looking unto Jesus,” yet these warnings have been written for our learning that we may be on guard, always wearing the whole armor of God, without which we cannot stand in the Christian conflict.

The book of Judges begins, however, with an energy on the part of Judah and Simeon to go up and possess more of the promised land. This reminds us of how, after the death of some servant whom God has mightily used, there is often a fresh stirring up, but unless the eye is upon the Lord this energy soon passes away. If all the people had joined together in these conflicts they might have continued for a longer time, but there seemed to be a leaning upon one another instead of the Lord. Judah asked Simeon to fight with him and so they made a mutual agreement together, but when the other tribes, with the exception of the sons of Joseph, were content to settle down and become lax in their efforts, this fresh energy soon passed away and they all followed the easy path of “peace at any price.”

One feels this is a very serious lesson for us in the day in which we live. What is so much needed today is personal communion with the Lord. There is a great desire to agree together instead of quietly seeking the Lord’s approval for what we do. If each one of us desired to please the Lord individually, our hearts would soon go out to our brethren in the true unity of the Spirit — otherwise any attempt at unity is only man’s unity which is not of God. In man’s unity the eye is not upon the Lord but upon one another; yet as long as all work together, everything seems fine, but as soon as the majority drops out, then everything goes. If, on the other hand, the eye is upon the Lord, we go on steadily whether we have the majority with us or not. This is seen so nicely in the life of Joshua, who went on, content to have the Lord’s approval for himself — that was enough. Others were stirred up by his zeal and much blessing resulted, while he went on steadily all the days of his life. The Word of the Lord to Abram is a needed exhortation for us all: “Walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” Genesis 17:1.

ML 07/19/1953

Help Needed

We always feel sorry when we see a wrecked automobile like the one in our picture, or one that has slipped off the highway into the ditch.

Not long ago we noticed that a car was lying in the ditch alongside the road. The driver looked so helpless with his car lying there in the mud. Nor were the people who soon gathered able to help in any way. Later when everyone had gone back home, a big strong tow truck came and gently pulled the muddy car up to the road, and then towed it away to be repaired.

This incident brought before us the wonderful love of the Saviour, and that verse,

“He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” Psalms 40:2, 3.

How good of the Lord Jesus to come and save us in our deep, deep need! We were unable to help ourselves in any way — just as the driver was unable to get his car out of the ditch under its own power. Our parents and friends are not able to help either, just as the crowd of people that gathered around the Cor.

Have you trusted this precious Saviour? If not, accept Him today as your own personal Saviour — that One Who came where we were and had compassion on us (Luke 10:33). Then you will be able to sing,

“From sinking sand He lifted me;

With tender hand He lifted me.

From shades of night to plains of light —

Oh praise His name, He lifted me!”

“NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.” Titus 3:5.

ML 07/26/1953

A Race with Death

We on the cliff top, could see all that happened. The distance between the two boats was now reduced to perhaps ten yards, and some twenty or thirty yards from the little sailing boat was the first line of breaking seas. A coil of rope skillfully thrown rose from the motorboat and fell across the little craft. It came like a ray of hope.

Quickly the young fellow seized it and attempted to tie it to his boat, as the motorboat swung round to draw it away from the overfalls, but alas for his best efforts — the knot was a false one and slipped.

So, too, you and I are allowed to learn that we can do absolutely nothing for our own salvation; the Lord Jesus Christ must do it all. “For,” says the Scripture, “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9.

On the cliff top we held our breath as we realized what had happened, and saw the boats fall apart. Death’s doors were opening, but there was still a moment of time left.

With the motor going full speed, round came the motorboat again, and as it swept past the small boat, now almost in the breakers, one of the three did the only possible thing if a precious life was to be saved. With a leap he left the safety of the motorboat, coming to the young man in his extremity, endangering his own life to save another: — and how quickly did his coming transform the situation!

With him he brought the free end of the rope, and in a moment he had made it secure with a true knot. A little picture of the saving power and grace of the Lord Jesus, who “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7: 25.

Able to save us from our sin, if in true repentance before God we put our faith in Him, because we read, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7.

Able to save from the power of sin all who confess Him as Saviour and ‘Lora., because the Word of God says of the believer, “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Romans 6:14.

Able to deliver from the fear of death all who belong to Him, as says the Scripture, “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.” Hebrews 2:14, 15.

Yes, countless thousands have found that Jesus is indeed “mighty to save.”

With what relief we watched the good rope tighten and draw the little boat away from the danger. In it we saw two men —the one who came to save and the young man who was snatched from death; there they sat together as the boats cut across the tide into the quiet eddy under the cliff.

Perhaps you can also see a picture of your life in this true incident; — drifting, drifting — held in a terrible grip, the strength of which you hardly realize until you begin to struggle against it. This is the power of sin, which is backed by the power of Satan, and it carries you down, whether careless or resisting, down on the tide which “leadeth to destruction.”

God, who loves you, has seen your helpless position — He has acted in matchless grace and at infinite cost for your salvation, deliverance and eternal blessing. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Heed the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to your conscience, perhaps in times of temptation or danger, through sickness, or even in the quiet of the night. He seeks to warn you of your soul’s danger, and of your need of the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

Believe on Him, commit your soul to Him, confess Him.

He will secure you eternally.

He will draw you into the still waters of peace with God.

HE will bring you into your desired haven.

ML 07/26/1953

"Teacher, … Are You Sure?"

School teachers know a great deal, don’t they? They can teach aritetic and spelling and history; but sometimes even a teacher finds a question he can’t answer.

Mr. Farrell was not only a school teacher, but also a Sunday school teacher. And it was in Sunday school that he met the question he could not answer.

His class was made up of little girls about nine and ten years of age, and he was seeking to tell them the way of salvation. The text was “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

“Mr. Farrell,” said Janice. “Is this sure to be? Is everyone who believes in Jesus sure to be saved?”

“Yes, Janice. Everyone who trusts in Jesus alone is surely saved. That’s what our verse tells us.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Just to be sure all day, every day — it must be wonderful.”

Suddenly she turned again with all the simplicity of a child.

“Then, teacher, you are saved, aren’t you? Are you sure too?”

“I hope so, Janice.”

“But, teacher, you just now told me that everyone who believes in Jesus is truly saved. Don’t you believe in Jesus?”

Just then there was a shuffling of feet and the classes were dismissed. All that day Mr. Farrell could see the puzzled look on Janice’s face, and hear her words, “Teacher, are you sure?” But surely being a Sunday school teacher was enough! Surely he read his Bible and believed it! Why should a child’s question so disturb him? He felt it must be answered before God, so he knelt down, and with his Bible open to Acts 16:31, he owned himself a guilty sinner, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. God’s Word assured him that he was saved, and he was sure of it too!

Bow your knees now, dear young reader, and accept God’s dear Son as your Saviour.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 07/26/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 1:5-24.

We will find the need more and more, as the Lord’s coming draws nearer, of a quiet walk with God. God has shown us that things will get weaker and weaker at the end, and even those whom we expected to continue may fail. It is then that the enemy whispers, “It is no use, you cannot do anything; you might as well take the easy path with others.” Hasn’t he already told us this? It is not new, and it is not true. We can do something; we can walk with God as Enoch did in his day. But Satan has often used these tactics, and many dear children of God have listened to his lies to their own sorrow and loss. Many boys and girls have been guided by what other children from Christian homes were doing, instead of by the Lord. Many young people have followed the other young people into paths of worldliness and ease, rather than saying, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6. As long as there is spiritual energy things may go on well for a time, and the less spiritual ones are carried along with the others; but unless you, dear boys and girls, and young people, are walking with God in your own soul, you are in danger. As soon as spiritual life wanes in the assembly and among your group of young people, you will not have the power to go on for the Lord and you will find yourself following the crowd.

“O Lamb of God, still keep us
Close to Thy pierced side;
‘Tis only there in safety
And peace we can abide.”

The only source of power is in God Himself. Let us not forget this. Joshua had learned it, and that faithfulness that caused him to go out to the Lord to the tabernacle of the congregation without the camp, while others remained in their tents, characterized his whole life. When the twelve spies returned from viewing the land, he and Caleb were the only ones who counted upon the power of God. Thus he was sustained in his walk of faith, and God was with him.

But many of the children of Israel were leaning upon Joshua. Then when Joshua was gone they leaned upon other godly leaders, but not having learned the secret of walking with God for themselves, everything soon broke down when these godly men were taken. Nevertheless God honored any faithfulness there was, as He always does, and blessed His people while they acknowledged Him. But alas the sources of weakness soon manifested themselves, as we shall see in going through this most interesting book of Judges.

Adoni-bezek is brought before us here to show that we most surely reap what we sow (Gal. 6: 7). He had humbled seventy other kings by cutting off their great toes and their thumbs, and making them eat under his table, and now it came back upon him. We cannot escape this reaping which comes into the lives of both saved and unsaved. It is deeply solemn.

Another little point we notice in our chapter is about the children of Joseph fighting against Beth-el. It says here “and the Lord was with them”; yet when they came near to the city they seemed to forget this and turned to a man coming out, asking his help. This, we shall see, was another case of reaping what they had sown in seeking help from the enemies of the Lord.

ML 07/26/1953

The Boy in the Barrel

Cyril can’t get out! He’s down in the barrel, but the sides reach up too high, and he can’t get out.

This little boy reminds me of a mouse that was caught like that. Shall I tell you about it?

I had a metal wastepaper basket in my room. Somehow I left a few crumbs in it one evening, and the next morning, sure enough, there was a mouse in my basket. I heard him as soon as I came in. He scratched and scurried around, but the sides were straight up, and slippery. He didn’t like my basket and he didn’t like me, but he couldn’t get out.

Isn’t that like the little boy in our picture, and isn’t that just like a poor lost sinner? Yes, dear unsaved one, you have been nibbling Satan’s bait; you have sinned and you know it: and now you are caught in his trap. You are a sinner—a poor helpless sinner—doomed to die. You may scurry the whole world around, but you are doomed to die, and you know it. “Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12.

Would you like to hear what happened to my poor little mouse? There was a doctor’s office near my room, so I just took basket and mouse to him, and he gave it a pretty strong smell of chloroform, and that was the end of that. My mouse was a nuisance; he nibbled and spoiled my good food whenever he could get it, and I was glad to be rid of him.

Isn’t it a good thing, a very good thing, that God doesn’t regard poor sinners like that, for death would not be the end of us. True enough, we have spoiled and damaged the beautiful earth He created, we have quarreled and fought and blasphemed His name. When He looks down from His glorious heaven, and sees us scurrying around His earth He could sweep us all off in a moment. Why doesn’t He?

Ah, poor sinner, it is almost too good to be true. God became a Man in the Person of the Lord Jesus, and walked this sin-stained earth among other men. But He was holy and sinless, yet He died a cruel death of suffering and shame. Now He is a risen and gloried Man in heaven, wanting to save a poor sinner like you, and give you a home in heaven. Yes, it is true God is beseeching you to be reconciled to Him. He can do it righteously too, because the Lord Jesus has borne the load of the sinner’s guilt on Calvary.

That is why God does not sweep us all off His earth. He will one day cleanse this whole earth by judgment, but today He waits. Will you come? Poor doomed sinner, how can you stay away any longer?

“WE PRAY YOU, IN CHRIST’S STEAD, BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

ML 08/02/1953

"Jesus Alone Gives Peace and Salvation"

Sometime ago I was told of a Jewish family who were in great want. The grandfather, an old man eighty-two years of age, was ill, and covered with rags. He lay in a corner of the room on a sack of straw. The room, a miserable hovel, was quite cold.

Five children and four grandchildren of the old man, all alike thin and pale from hunger and cold, lived together with him.

I sought to comfort him by bringing the divine promises of the Old Testament to his memory. He listened to me with great reverence, and at last said in a voice trembling with emotion,

“I thank you, sir, for reminding me, a poor Jew, of these glorious words from our holy books. I perceive thereby that the salvation of my soul lies on your heart; but I know another and still better means, that is able to heal the wounds of the soul, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. That blood cleanses from all sin.”

Surprised in the highest degree, I asked how he came to this knowledge. A smile passed over the sunken cheeks of the old man, and his dim eyes began to brighten. With a trembling hand, he drew a much worn New Testament from under the rags which covered him, saying,

“In this little book my soul has found light and consolation. In it the voice of Emmanuel, ‘God with us,’ speaks to our hearts. Moses and the Psalmist have often encouraged me and done good to my soul; but Jesus alone gives peace and salvation.”

“How came you to possess this New Testament?” I asked further. He smiled again as he answered,

“The Lord sent it to me. Two years ago I went to Renton with my eldest son, Saul, to the burial of one of my brothers who lived there. On the way we spent a night in an inn. We were taken to a place in the barn, and there among the hay my son found this New Testament.

“On the following morning we took the book which we had found to the landlord, but when he saw it, he said, “‘That is a Hebrew book. I cannot read it. Perhaps old Simeon who lived in the barn for three weeks has left it there. He will not be here again; take it with you if you care to have it.’

“So we kept the treasure. We read much of it together, and through it my son Saul died in peace, though he left behind four helpless children. His last words were,

“‘Lord Jesus, remember me! Thou hast said to the thief on the cross, “To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise,” and Thou wilt not reject me.’

“He then turned to me and said,

“‘Father, dear father, I am going to Jesus. Be sure that you go there also, you and your children, and mine!’

“His lips moved, but I understood no more. At the last I heard his whisper, ‘Jesus! Jesus!’ and then his breath ceased.”

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

“Hear His blest voice calling,
Blessings rich are falling,
Jesus alone, Jesus alone,
Jesus alone can save.”

ML 08/02/1953

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

1. Did the world know its Maker when He came into it?

2.Did the Lord commit Himself to those who only believed because they saw His miracles?

3.Give a verse which shows that those who believe “have everlasting life.”

4.Will one who believes come into condemnation?

5.If we are willing to DO God’s will, shall we know it?

6.Who can make us free?

7.Can one of Christ’s sheep ever perish?

The Young People’s Class

1.From how many things has the believer been justified? Acts 13.

2.In how many things should we desire that God may be glorified in our lives? 1 Peter.

3.How many of the things in our lives work together for good? Romans 8.

4.Can we say that all things are ours even now? 1 Corinthians.

5.How should all things be done? 1 Corinthians 14.

6.Of how many things is Christ the head to His Church? Ephesians.

7.Under whom are all things to be gathered in a coming day? Ephesians.

ML 08/02/1953

Bilbe Talks

Judges 1:24-2:1

The house of Joseph promised to spare the life of this man of Bethel, with his family, if he would show them the entrance into the city. This he did, and then they captured the city, sparing his life as they had promised. This, however, was contrary to the word of God, who had told them to let none escape. Since the Lord was with them, could He not have shown them the entrance to the city? Did He not know where it was without the help of an enemy? And yet how often we are like the children of Joseph! Even in our work for the Lord we sometimes lean upon an “arm of flesh” to our own sorrow and loss. And so here. What was the sad result of this foolish action? The man went away and built another city! He helped them to take Bethel, it is true, but then he built another city in the land of the Hittites which only strengthened the enemies of the Lord. We may be sure that if we spare the enemy, or seek help from them, it will only serve to strengthen their position against us in the end. We need to be reminded that full and complete confidence in the Lord, and obedience to Him, is the only way of fighting the Lord’s battles.

Then some of the children of Israel tried another plan. They made the people of the land whom they were unable to drive out, pay tribute to them. Others of the Israelites were forced to live in the mountains while their enemies possessed the fruitful valleys. It may seem very well for a time to let the enemy pay tribute to us, or dwell among us, but such things cannot continue. The enemy will only wait his opportunity to get the upper hand and rob us of our possessions. What a lesson for those in Christendom who still seek help from the world to carry on the work of the Lord! How different it was with the early disciples of whom we read, “For His name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” 3 John 7.

At the first Gilgal had been the place of the camp of Israel, where they inquired (or should have inquired) of the Lord before going out to fight His battles. There had been no victories or evidence of power seen at Gilgal, but instead a very painful work — that of circumcision — but Gilgal was, nevertheless, the place of power and victory. This the children of Israel began to realize when they neglected it. It typies to us self-judgment — a hidden work which is all too often forgotten or neglected, because of its painfulness. But oh how needful it is! It is to get into God’s presence and learn there that “the flesh profiteth nothing.” John 6:63. We need this every day of our lives, as His Word tells us, “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:10. There can be no real victory without it. We are ever in a hurry, naturally, to rush forward in self-confidence, and alas, the hidden work of self-judgment is too often forgotten, to our own shame and defeat.

But God is patient with us, as He was with Israel. The angel of the Lord did not leave Gilgal at once; He was there to meet the people if they would but come before Him in brokenness. But Gilgal was forgotten; and yet the people did not consider the cause of their weakness. Have we failed to realize it today?

ML 08/02/1953

The Little Evangelist

The shortest sermon I ever heard was preached by the shortest preacher I ever saw. And it was not on a Sunday, but on a Monday — and it was on a boat that I heard it.

The boat had just left the city of Toronto and was steaming out toward Center Island. Many of the passengers were amused by hearing a shrill little voice asking endless questions. The little owner of that shrill voice was not content to talk only to his mother but wandered from passenger to passenger asking all sorts of questions. All at once he found himself standing before a big policeman. But nothing could stop that busy voice — not even a policeman.

“Are you a policeman?” “Yes.”

“Why are you a policeman?”

There was a puzzled laugh, for the man didn’t seem to have any answer ready. But there was another question to follow.

“Is it because you like to be a policeman?”

“Yes, I guess that’s it.” Then as if afraid of too many more questions, especially with everyone else watching, the policeman took out his handcuffs and a key and began to explain that they were to put on bad boys when they were taken to jail.

“You won’t take me away, will you?”

“No, I won’t take you away. Whom do you belong to?”

“I belong to Jesus. Do you belong to Jesus too?”

There was no answers. The handcuffs were silently put away and the policeman turned and left the lad to ask his questions of someone else.

Friend, do you belong to Jesus?

“YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN, FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE.” — 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

ML 08/09/1953

Shelter at Hand

We were tired and hungry and it was already quite dark. We had never traveled this road before, and we were eagerly watching for a place where we could buy some supper and find a place to sleep.

Our car was old, and noisy, and all of a sudden our lights went out.

“What shall we do now, Art?”

“Perhaps you could sit out on the front fender and hold a flashlight!”

This was tried for another few miles but at last we had to stop. No supper and no bed! But we were young and were soon lying asleep by the side of the road. However, young fellows don’t sleep too well on an empty stomach, and we were up again at early dawn. And now we were really hungry!

Then came the big surprise! Just down the road, and in plain sight was a big sign.

“REFRESHMENTS, MEALS, HOT COFFEE, OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATION.”

Art and I looked at one another in astonishment. We had slept by the roadside within a few feet of food and shelter!

Many a boy and girl, many a man and woman is going blindly along life’s journey, and some day they will come to the end of the way. Where will it end? Our journey ended in hunger and darkness, but we wakened to find food and shelter at hand.

But the end of our life’s journey is very important. Will it end in glory? Perhaps you say, “I hope so.” That won’t do. Right at hand is the “shelter and food” you need. It is the Lord Jesus Christ you need.

He said, “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35.

Again He said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

If you reach the end of the journey without the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, it will mean eternal darkness and sorrow. You will not wake up to find another chance waiting for you.

While there is yet time, turn to Jesus and accept Him as your Saviour. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.

ML 08/09/1953

Thirty-One Pairs of Shoes

A red truck drove slowly through the streets of our village. On one side of the truck was a large wooden display board. Nailed to the board were thirty-one pairs of shoes of various sizes, and the following words were printed above in large letters: “These shoes were emptied this year in our county by careless drivers.”

Some officials were hoping that this display would help motorists to drive more carefully.

As we looked at this sad display of emptied shoes we noticed that many had belonged to men and women, and some were boys’ and girls’ shoes. There were a few small shoes too, that had belonged to tiny tots. Their owners had all met sudden death.

We can see that life is very brief and eternity is just ahead. We thought as we looked at this display, “Where have their precious souls gone?” For those trusting the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, they went suddenly into His presence.

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

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

How sad for those who died without Christ — they are in an eternity of woe. Of such we read, “And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.” Luke 16:23.

Are you ready to meet God, dear reader? Have you come as a lost, guilty sinner to the Saviour and been cleansed by His precious blood?

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

“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

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

ML 08/09/1953

The Young Brahman

When I was a boy at school, I remember reading a story about a Brahman, but I have never seen one, for they live in far away India. They are very religious people, but they know nothing at all about the Lord Jesus, and of His precious blood that cleanses from all sin.

There is a mighty river in India called the Ganges, and these religious people like to bathe in that river to purify themselves from sin, and to dedicate themselves anew to their idols. Many true Christians from our lands have gone to India to tell them of the true and only Saviour, the Lord Jesus, and to tell them of the folly of washing in sacred rivers, and worshiping idols.

A young Brahman had tried in vain to find peace and comfort for his weary heart in doing all that his religion demanded of him. He carefully bathed in the Ganges, and faithfully worshiped idols but still his heart was troubled and burdened. One day he heard a man preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he became so much interested that he bought a Testament in the Telugu language, and began to read. The Spirit of God convinced him of his sinfulness, and showed him the way of salvation through faith in Christ alone. When he openly confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, he was cast out and disowned by all his relatives and friends. But he still rejoiced in his Saviour.

Some time later he came to visit in a land like ours — a land that is called Christian, and where everyone has heard of the Lord Jesus Christ, and nearly every home has a Bible. He thought it was going to be just fine to meet happy Christians everywhere, but he was amazed. He found that they were not much more enlightened than those idolaters in India. Some were trusting in their baptism to take them to heaven, some to the work of their own hands, and others were even denying the truth of the very Bible that God had used to save his soul.

On one occasion he found himself in a company of people who were pressing Christians, but who did not seem to love his Saviour at all. He lifted up his voice and fearlessly told them all:

“I want to tell you that I was once a Brahman and an idolater, I trusted in my religion and all that I could do to give me peace and forgiveness, but I have been cleansed and saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing else can bring peace and forgiveness to your heart but that precious blood.”

Wasn’t that a fine testimony from a young Christian! What is your trust?

ML 08/09/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 2:1-23

At last the angel of the Lord left Gilgal and came to Bochim, the place of weeping. God had not failed His people — He still loved them and sought their blessing, but they had failed to lay hold of His way of blessing for them. There were tears, but the tears were for their own losses and sorrows, not because they had failed to give the Lord His place. How often it is so with us: many tears are shed for the sorrows we bring upon ourselves by our own self-will. The Lord feels for us in these sorrows too, for His Word tells us, “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9. Yet we must suffer in His government for our folly, but when we turn to the Lord how good He is! Let us not question His goodness, remembering that it always honors Him to have us count upon His grace, but let us always be real before Him. Let us acknowledge that He is faithful even in afflicting us, and own our failures and shortcomings in His presence.

So here the angel of the Lord reminded the people that He had been faithful, but they had not obeyed His voice, and because of this their enemies who remained in the land were now thorns in their sides. The people then wept and sacrificed to the Lord. But alas, it was not long until they turned away from the Lord again, for our tears mean little unless there is true repentance toward God. In spite of their tears the people of Israel had lost the sense of what was due to the Lord and began to worship false gods, Baal and Ashtaroth.

This brought down the government of God upon them and “He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them.” As we read these things they ought to be a voice to us, for too often when trouble comes we take it as a matter of course or blame others. Let us look to the Lord in our troubles and sorrows and see His hand in them. We may find there is some carelessness or some “idol” that has come between our souls and Him which is the cause for which He has sent them. It is very easy for us to fall into idolatry today, just as Israel did, only our idols may be new clothes, a new car, a beautiful home, or anything that comes between our souls and the Lord. Then the Lord has to send “spoilers” among us too, as He did here with Israel. They spoil our nice things, or at least our enjoyment of them, and then how empty they all seem. Oh, may the Lord keep us from setting our hearts on anything here, for if we do, we will surely be disappointed.

When the children of Israel felt the sting of the spoilers and were greatly distressed, then they cried unto the Lord and He raised up judges among them. These judges, as we have remarked before, were used of the Lord to remind the people of their sin and to deliver them from their enemies who oppressed them. But, alas, as soon as they were delivered they forgot the Lord and refused to listen to the judges who spoke to them in His Name. How often it is so with us. We cry to the Lord in our troubles, but when He does deliver us then we forget His goodness and go back to our old ways. There is always a “needs be” in every trial and it will result in blessing to “them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11.

ML 08/09/1953

A Mountain Story

This picture of the beautiful Rocky Mountains at Banff, Canada, brings to mind one of the many mountain stories of the Bible. It is about Abraham. (See Genesis 22.)

Abraham lived many hundreds of years ago in the land of Canaan. He was a man who feared the Lord and sought to please Him. When Abraham and his wife were quite old the Lord promised them a little son, and after waiting about fourteen years God finally gave them the promised boy. They named him Isaac and loved him very dearly.

One day the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him to take his son and offer him for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which he said He would show him. This was a very hard thing for Abraham to do, but since God had said it, Abraham prepared to obey at once. He got up very early in the morning, took a knife, some wood, and fire to light it, and started out to the appointed place with Isaac. Two of Abraham’s servants went along too, with an ass, which is like a young donkey. They all traveled on together until the third day, when Abraham saw the chosen place in the distance. He then left the servants with the ass, while he and Isaac started out on foot for Mount Moriah which God had chosen.

Poor Isaac wondered what kind of sacrifice his father was going to offer, and so he said, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” What simple and touching faith this was, as they both traveled together to Mount Moriah.

When they arrived there Abraham built the altar, and when he had placed the wood in order he bound Isaac upon it. Then he lifted up his knife to kill him, but just at that moment the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from Me.”

Abraham then turned around and found a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. This he offered up to the Lord instead of his son. He then called the place “Jehovah-jireh,” which means “The Lord will provide.”

This touching story is a picture of something far more wonderful. It is a picture of God, who had only one Son whom He loved greatly. And yet He loved poor sinners like you and me too, and so He gave His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die as a sacrifice for in on the cruel cross of Calvary. Abraham’s son was spared that awful death upon the altar, but God’s Son was not spared. There was no lamb to take His place. He Himself was the Lamb of God. He was the sinner’s Substitute. If you and I were to be saved from our sins and from judgment, He must die. Sin must be punished, and so the Lord Jesus took the sinner’s place and died in our stead. All who believe in Him are saved — forever free from the righteous judgment of sin, because all such are made the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21.)

Dear reader, do you know this Saviour? Are you trusting Him? If you are not sheltered by His precious blood, then judgment is before you, but if you will only trust Him, you will be saved today.

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!” — John 1:29.

ML 08/16/1953

Saved by a Little Bird

In the year 1900 the Christians in China were terribly persecuted. Many lost their lives, being faithful unto death. In a small far away village lived a Christian couple by the name of Wang. The persecution spread to their village and so they asked the Lord what they should do. They were led to seek refuge in a cave, high up in the mountain. After some days, when their provisions had come to an end, they again asked the Lord for guidance. In the front of the cave was a tree and the woman was sitting under it praying, when suddenly a bird flew into the tree. It was a bird which sings a song in autumn which sounds like this: “Kwai, kwai thong ku.” That means: “Quick, bring the harvest in.” But the woman heard the bird distinctly sing: “Kwai, hwei chic chu,” which means “Quick, go home.” The woman called her husband and the bird also told him, “Quick, go home.” They took it as a message from the Lord, and decided to go home right away, and they asked the Lord which way to take, the northern or the southern route. They felt led to return by the northern way, and the bird called after them: “Quick, go home.” They found their house in very bad condition. The persecutors had turned everything upside down, seeking for the Christians, and had searched the whole village for them. Then someone had told them that they were in the cave, and a man led them to it by the southern way. When he arrived there the cave was empty, and a bird was singing in the tree: “Quick, bring the harvest in.”

Soon after this the persecution ceased, and some of the villagers, after hearing the wonderful story which the Wangs had to tell, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved.

This was a wonderful deliverance indeed from a terrible death, but we want to tell you, like Mr. and Mrs. Wang told the villagers, the far more wonderful story of God’s way of saving us from eternal judgment. He sent His only begotten Son to die in our place upon Calvary’s cross, that we might be saved from the awful punishment our sins deserved. In those hours of darkness God dealt with His Son in our room and stead, so that we might never come into judgment. Now He calls to sinners from heaven, telling them to take their true place in repentance, as lost sinners, and accept His great salvation.

If your life were in great danger, as Mr. and Mrs. Wang’s lives were, you would be glad to find a way of escape, would you not? But, dear reader, what about coming judgment? Have you accepted Christ as your own personal Saviour? Are you one who can say, “I know I am saved — because I have received the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart?”

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

“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 08/16/1953

The Unlighted Lighthouse

An abandoned lighthouse stands silently on one of the Charity Islands in Lake Huron. Many years ago this lighthouse was built to guide ships through a very rocky region where storms often drove them to their doom.

This unlighted lighthouse rises white against the sky on the wild wooded island, but it is only a landmark now because a lighted buoy a mile to the west marks a narrow, safe channel through the treacherous waters.

We are living in a dangerous world too, boys and girls, and there is sin and sorrow on every hand. Many are on the downward road leading to destruction. The Lord Jesus has asked those who love Him to

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

It is very easy for a Christian boy or girl to become like this unlighted lighthouse. Perhaps a young believer in the Lord Jesus shines for Him at home and at school for a time, but then because he fails to watch and pray his light is hidden behind a careless walk.

The lighted buoy a mile to the west of this lighthouse would make us think too, that if one Christian fails in his testimony, the Lord will raise up another who will be faithful, and that one will also be rewarded in a future day.

Soon the blessed Lord Jesus will come and He has said,

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord.” Luke 12:35, 36.

“Trim your lamps and be ready, For the Bridegroom’s nigh.”

ML 08/16/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 3:1-26

The Lord did not drive out Israel’s enemies any more, as He had done at first, but left certain ones to prove His people whether they would walk in His ways. Instead of feeling the hand of God in this, as they ought to have done, and being cast upon the Lord, they began to marry among these nations and worshiped their gods.

This brought down the government of God upon His people, and we now come to the record of their conflicts, and of the judges whom God used for their deliverance. As we trace it through, we can see the utter weakness of the flesh. Things became weaker and weaker, until at the end of the book we read, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25. Such is man! Such are our hearts too, by nature. How little we respond to the unfailing grace of God. And yet if it had not been for this unfailing grace of God, Israel would have been cut off altogether. Nor has the history of the professing Church been any better, for if it had not been for those whom God graciously raised up, the dark ages would have continued to this day, and with ever-increasing spiritual darkness. Man’s so-called progress, morally, has been away from God and not to Him, as we well know.

The first judge of whom we read is Othniel. The Lord delivered His people into the hand of the king of Mesopotamia because of their idolatry, and they served him for eight years. At last his bondage became so unbearable that they cried unto the Lord, who heard them and raised up Othniel to be their deliverer. He gathered together an army and went out to battle against the king of Mespotamia and defeated him. Thus the Lord used him to save His people from their enemies. After this they had rest and liberty for forty years until the death of Othniel. But they did not appreciate what the Lord had done for them, and as soon as Othniel died they departed from the Lord again, forgetting all His goodness to them.

Then the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel and he gathered together the Ammonites and the Amalekites to battle. The Lord did not come to the help of His people who had departed from Him, and on this occasion He allowed Israel to be utterly defeated before their enemies, and so they had to serve king Eglon for eighteen years. Oh, what unhappy years they were!

At last, when they turned to the Lord again, He raised up another deliverer. He was not, however, of the same character as Othniel, for Ehud was a left-handed man (the right hand is the hand of strength in Scripture), and he did not have the boldness against the enemy as Othniel had. The children of Israel did not wish to provoke war against King Eglon, but instead they planned to send him a present to keep peace at any price. But this was not God’s peace, as Ehud knew, and so he made a dagger instead. He had been chosen to bring this present to King Eglon and so when he had given it to him he asked that everyone be sent away, for he had a secret errand from the Lord. He then killed King Eglon with his dagger and fled for his life. Although we, as Christians, do not carry real swords or daggers, we ought to carry “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), and we ought to use it too.

ML 08/16/1953

How Far?

A rich young man once visited a mine, and a miner was given him as a guide so that he could see through it. The deeper they went down into the mine, the hotter it became. At last they were both bathed in perspiration.

“O,” cried the young man with a curse, “it is terribly hot here. I would like to know how far it is from here to hell.” “I cannot tell you the exact distance,” said the miner, “but if the rope of the shaft in which we are traveling breaks, then you will be there in one minute!”

This unexpected answer became the means, in the goodness of God, of that young man being saved. He saw that judgment was before him, and ne turned to God in repentance and received Christ as His Saviour.

Perhaps you, dear reader, have spoken lightly about hell. It has become a common thing today to hear people joke about it, as this young man did. But we warn you that hell is a solemn reality, and those who now find themselves in that awful place have put aside their laughing and joking forever, for there is only “weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth” to be heard there.

You may have heard it said, and even preached, that there is no hell, but God says there is, and He knows. Do not be deceived by the modern false prophets who are prophesying “smooth things” to please their hearers. God warns you in love because He does not want you to go to that place of eternal torment. He has provided a Saviour for you — the very Saviour you need. His blood can wash away all your sin, and His Word will remove all fear of coming judgment if you will come to Him — the blessed Lord Jesus Christ — today, and be saved.

Do not go on blindly laughing about hell, nor trying to forget or deny it, but accept Christ as your Saviour now, and you will be saved from hell and saved for heaven, this very moment. Your portion will then be “everlasting life” instead of “everlasting punishment.”

“These shall go away into everlasting punishment.” Matt. 25:46.

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

ML 08/25/1953

The Words of David

I suppose most of you have read about David, the shepherd boy, and how he killed the giant, Goliath. But did you know that this same David became a mighty king, and was used of the Lord to write the greater part of one of the books of the Bible? That book is called the “Psalms.”

I am going to tell you a story about some men who read the words of David in the Psalms, and loved them so well that they were eager to learn more about the blessed Lord of whom David spoke.

Mr. Ellis was sitting reading in his little house in the far away island of Madagascar. A gentle knock came at the door, and there he found two dark and weary-looking natives. They had heard that he was a missionary, and so they had come to him that they might hear more about God’s Book and the Saviour of whom that Book speaks. And how far do you think these two weary travelers had come to have a visit with the Lord’s servant? They had walked one hundred miles through bush and trackless wild, where all sorts of perils abound. How far do you walk to Sunday school? I know there are some folks who tell us that they bong to Jesus, but they don’t like to walk even one mile to hear about Jesus, especially if it happens to be hot or cold, or raining. Yet those two men, who had once been heathen idol worshipers, had walked one hundred miles to see and talk with a Christian.

Mr. Ellis asked them if they had ever seen a Bible.

“We have seen it and heard it read, but we have only some of the words of David, and they do not belong to us. They belong to the whole tribe.

“Do you have the words of David with you now?”

The men looked at each other and did not answer. Perhaps they were afraid to say yes, for at that time there was a great persecution against anyone who carried a Bible, and many had been put to death. But Mr. Ellis encouraged them, and at last one of the men put his hand into his robe, and drew out a roll of cloth. He unrolled the cloth till he came to some wrappers, and then, having opened these, he showed Mr. Ellis a few torn leaves of the Psalms, dingy with age and almost worn out!

These precious pages were regularly passed around from one family to the other until they were almost impossible to read any more. Tears came to the eyes of Mr. Ellis when he saw these leaves, and he asked the men whether they had ever seen the words of the Lord Jesus, or of Paul, or of John.

“Yes, we have seen and heard them, but we have never owned them.”

The missionary then went and brought out a New Testament and Psalms, and showed it to them.

“Now,” he said, “if you will give me your few words of David, I will give you all his words, and all the words of Jesus Christ, and John and Paul and Peter besides. It is all God’s Word.”

You may guess how delighted and astonished the poor men were. And yet they clung to those worn pages and would not give them up until they had compared them carefully with the words of the new Book. When at last they found that the words were the same, and that there were thousands more of the same sort, their joy knew no bounds. They willingly gave up their tattered pages and started for home with that best of all books The Word of God.

These men had once been worshipers of gods of wood and stone. But the light of God had shone into their dark hearts, and discovered to them that they were sinners and that their dead idols could do them no good. The love of God had shone into their hearts too, telling them that the blood of Jesus, the Son of God could cleanse their hearts and give them life. Gladly they bowed to the true God whom they could not see, and accepted Jesus as their Saviour. And then how they loved His wondrous Book. Do you? I know some people who own lovely Bibles, and they look at the nice cover and the gilt pages, but they do not love the Saviour who gave them the Book.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 08/26/1953

God is Our Help

The two Chinese evangelists, Wang and Song, were on a long trip, carrying Bibles and hymnbooks. One day, just before dark, they were stopped by robbers who took their money from them. They only had a few coppers left, far too little to pay for their supper, a bed, and breakfast, so they kneeled down at the wayside asking God to undertake for them.

When they reached the next inn, the innkeeper said he could take them in for he had room for them for the night. But they wondered how they could pay for it. Then they heard quick footsteps, and a young man came in calling out to them, “Peace be with you.” The two men were very astonished to find a Christian in those parts. The young man invited them to come into his house and stay there overnight, which invitation they thankfully accepted. The young man told hem how he had seen from a distance that they were robbed. He was unable to help them then, but he had asked a little boy who was near the spot about them. This boy had heard the men say that they were preachers of the gospel, and he had seen that their money was taken from them. The young man went back to his work, but the Lord told him to go after the men and iite them into his house. So he had come running after them, and just met them in time. Again he said, “Will you come into my house, we are a Christian family?” Surely the Lord had wonderfully undertaken for them, and when they left the next morning, they were given a gift of money for the expenses of the day.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8.

ML 08/23/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 3:27-4:24

When Ehud came to the mountain of Ephraim he blew a trumpet and gathered the children of Israel together and fought against the Moabites. The Lord then delivered them into the hand of His people who utterly defeated them, so that they had rest for eighty years. After Ehud came Shamgar, whom the Lord used to deliver His people from the Philistines. He killed six hundred of them with an ox goad and subdued them.

It was not long, however, until the children of Israel forgot what the Lord had done for them and departed from Him again. This time the Lord allowed Jabin the king of Canaan to oppress mightily His people for twenty years. Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron and the children of Israel realized how powerless they were against them, and so they cried unto the Lord. Things had now become very weak in Israel. Ehud, whom the Lord had used previously, was a left-handed man, figuring weakness, but now things had become weaker still. A woman named Deborah, the prophetess, was the one to whom the people went for judgment. Surely all this reminds us of the Church’s history, and of the weakness which is seen on every hand today!

Deborah received a message from the Lord that Barak was to go out and fight against Sisera, the captain of King Jabin’s army. But Barak was afraid. He was not walking near enough to the Lord to depend upon Him only. He said he would go if Deborah would go with him, and so she said she would go, but that it would not be for his honor, because the Lord would deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman. I believe this is often the case today. Men are called to do the work of the Lord, but there is not that quiet conference to lean upon the Lord alone, and they are found leaning upon a woman. Nevertheless God used Barak, but he could not honor him in such a path. It was not godly order, and though God in His infinite goodness often comes in and blesses His people outside of the established order, when great weakness exists, He does not change His order, and cannot place His approval on such things. How perfect are the ways of God! How much greater is His grace than all our weakness! Nor is it any use for us to labor beyond our faith, for God wants reality. Let us therefore seek grace to walk with Him, so that when difficulties arise we may be near the Lord, and find strength from Him to meet them according to His mind.

Barak acted according to his faith, and God used him. He gathered together an army of ten thousand men and went out in confidence in the Lord, and the Lord put the whole host of Sisera to flight. Sisera himself fled and took shelter in the tent of Jael the wife of Heber who was of the kindred of Moses’ father-in-law. Sisera did not know that Heber had cut himself off from the Kenites and made friends with the children of Israel. Jael, however, received Sisera into the tent and gave him milk to drink and then left him to rest. At last when he fell asleep she drove a nail through his temples and killed him. She then went out and told Barak that his enemy was slain. Thus the Lord subdued the enemies of Israel and gave them relief from their oppression for forty years. May we learn from all this to depend upon the Lord in every difficulty. He alone can deliver.

ML 08/23/1953

A New Ship

Old ships wear out and new ones have to be built to take their place, and so here we have a picture of the beautiful new “Empress of Scotland.” It is surely a fine ship.

But we wish to tell you today about an old ship which had been condemned and was soon to be destroyed. It was not seaworthy, and since there was nothing good left on it, it was of no use to anyone. Before it was destroyed, however, a dear Christian man was asked to hold a gospel meeting on its deck. A gangway was fixed up and quite a number came together.

As he stood on the deck of the old condemned ship it reminded him of our condition as sinners in God’s sight. We are utterly ruined by Adam’s fall in the garden of Eden, and now, since the Lord Jesus has been rejected and crucified, the world is condemned. It would be useless to patch up or paint up the old ship—it was only fit for destruction. And so the sinner must own that he is ruined and only fit for judgment. If you are still in your sins, dear reader, it is no use trying to improve or “clean up,” for God’s Word says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9. Just as a new ship was needed to replace this old one, so when a sinner owns his lost and helpless condition and receives the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, he becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus.

Can you imagine yourself sitting on the deck of that old ship which was soon to be destroyed and hearing the Glad Tidings? Think of yourself as being just like that old ship, and consider what God offers to you—salvation, pardon, a new life, and a home above. “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. If you reject Christ or try to “patch up” your life to make it acceptable to God, you will go down, down, down, even with all your patching up, to a lost eternity.

Why not give up all your own efforts and come to the Lord Jesus today. He is just the Saviour you need. Do not spurn His offer of grace any longer —this may be your last opportunity.

“HE, THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK, SHALL SUDDENLY BE DESTROYED, AND THAT WITHOUT REMEDY.” Proverbs 29:1.

ML 08/30/1953

"He Don't Want the Likes of Me There!"

When I first knew Ned he was ringleader of all the bad boys in the neighborhood. He was an orphan who had been brought up from his birth by people who did not love him, and who took no trouble to teach him about anything good, or about the Word of God. I was much interested in his sad life, and determined, with God’s help, to try to teach him and lead him to the Saviour. It was a difficult task, but I knew that “there is nothing too hard for the Lord,” so I did not despair. At last I found Ned alone, and after talking kindly to him for sometime, I asked him if he would come to my class on Sunday afternoon.

Ned laughed, and said I need not expect to catch him inside the Sunday school, for he would never go there. Before I could say another word, he had jumped over the fence, and was gone.

Early one morning, some time after, I went for a walk through a near-by woods. I thought I heard a groan, and turning to one side I saw a boy lying upon the ground. Upon going to him I found a crushed bird’s nest in his hand, and guessed what had happened to him. The injured boy was poor Ned. I found that I could not carry him, so I called a working man from a nearby field to help me. We took him to the cottage of dear old Matty, a Christian woman, who I knew would nurse him kindly, and then I went for a doctor.

Ned was very badly injured, and it was a long time before he was well enough to talk, or even listen to me. I was, however, with him a great deal, and often sat up with him all night to rest old Matty.

One night, after long being unconscious, Ned opened his eyes. He recognized me, and was only strong enough to ask me how I came to be there. The next day when I went in to see him, he said old Matty had been telling him what I had done for him. Poor Ned could not understand why I should do so much for a bad boy like him.

I told him there was One who had done far more for him than I had.

“Who is that?” Ned asked.

“It is God. You have been lying at death’s door for the past few weeks,” I replied, “and God has been very gracious to you. He knew you were not prepared to die, so He has spared you yet a season that you may turn to Him.”

“Yes,” Ned answered. “That was good of Him.”

“But He has done more than that,” I replied.

“What?” asked Ned, as he looked at me wonderingly.

“He has given His only Son to die for sinners, to bear their punishment, that they may be forgiven, and go to live with Him in His own bright home in heaven.”

“No, surely that’s a mistake! He don’t want the likes of me there!” Ned exclaimed.

As a reply, I took my Bible and read one precious passage after another to prove what I had said. When I had finished, Ned’s eyes were full of tears, and he had evidently understood it all.

“Can you not believe that God loves you?” I asked. As there was no answer I continued to read.

When I stopped again, he said, “It seems too good that Jesus should do so much for a fellow like me!”

“I never knew before, all that you have been telling!” Right then and there Ned gave his heart to the Lord Jesus, and accepted Him as his own precious Saviour. Won’t you take the same step now, too, dear young reader?

“Only a step to Jesus!
Then why not take it now?
Come, and, thy sin confessing,
To Him, thy Saviour, bow.”

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

ML 08/30/1953

Gundi

Gundi was a young girl in a village in Indo-China. She had a sweet face with sparkling black eyes, and she had pleasant ways too. A missionary and his wife had come into her village to hold meetings in the home of the chief, who was a Christian. Gundi went to all the meetings. Before they left, the missionary lady asked her if she would like to come with her into the mission school to learn there with other girls. Gundi was delighted. Her parents gave their permission, but the old grandmother objected. Her heart was full of heathen darkness, for she was a sorceress and wanted Gundi, whom she loved very much, to be her successor. Gundi at last promised not to become a Christian, and then she was allowed to go on the long journey to the mission school. The grandmother had given her a small basket which was filled with all sorts of amulets which should protect the child.

Gundi was very happy at the mission school. She learned very quickly to read and to write, and soon joined in the singing of the Christian hymns. She listened very attentively to the story of Jesus and His love.

After a year she came home for a visit, and the whole family and neighbors gathered round her. They found her looking well, and they admired the handkerchief she had hemmed and embroidered. Then Gundi opened a book and read all the verses of “Jesus loves me.” Then she began to sing the first verse. The grandmother cried out in terror: “Have you become a Christian?” “No,” said Gundi quietly. Then she took the little basket and gave it back to the grandmother, saying: “I do not need them any more. The Lord Jesus is the mightiest, I do not need to fear anything while I am trusting Him, and I will become a Christian.” All the cursings and threatenings of the grandmother and heathen neighbors did not avail anything. Gundi remained steadfast. She returned to the mission school, learned more about the Lord Jesus, and was baptized and became a bright Christian.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12.

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

ML 08/30/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 5:1-6:10

Deborah and Barak then began to sing praises to the Lord for the wonderful deliverance He had wrought for Israel. We learn in this song more of the weakness that existed among the people of God. They had been walking in the byways instead of the highways, for there was fear on every hand—the fear of man. Now they rejoiced in the Lord’s mighty deliverance.

Some of the people had offered themselves willingly and hazarded their lives to fight the Lord’s battles, and this was not forgotten. Others, like the children of Reuben, were divided, and so did not come forward to help. Dan abode in his ships and Asher remained by the seashore. A curse came upon Meroz who would not come forward to help at all. Undoubtedly all these things have a voice for us, for it is a serious thing to refuse to help in the work of the Lord, or to be so busily engaged in other interests that we do not offer ourselves willingly. How many of God’s children there are like this today, who just leave everything to others. They show wonderful ability when it comes to the things of this world, and often have beautiful homes, but they have no time or energy to do any work for the Lord. They say it is a day of weakness, so have settled down to do little or nothing. What a solemn thing this is! And one feels we do well to have “searchings of heart,” as with Reuben in our chapter, (verse 16) concerning our part in the weak and divided state of the Church of God today. Is it not our laxity that is part of the cause? One feels it is.

The part that Jael, the wife of Heber, had in the victory was not forgotten, for many a woman remaining at home is fighting the Lord’s battles in her home and at the front door! What an effective testimony a mother can have, by speaking of the Lord to her children, her neighbors, and to the tradesmen who call. God does not fail to notice all that is done for Him, no matter how unnoticed we may be by others.

We now come to the very interesting and instructive story of Gideon. The children of Israel had departed from the Lord in spite of the wonderful deliverance through Deborah and Barak, and so the Lord gave them over into the hands of the Midianites, who oppressed them for seven years. When the children of Israel sowed their crops, then the enemy came up and destroyed them, so that they had no food for themselves or their cattle. At last the children of Israel cried to the Lord. When all was going well they worshiped their idols, but when trouble came they turned to the Lord. How often this is the case! Perhaps some unsaved one is reading these lines and you have good health and many blessings, but you are forgetting the Lord. Are you going to make it necessary for Him to bring trouble into your life before you will listen to His voice? Why not turn to Him now, dear reader, and, owning your sin and guilt, receive Him as your Saviour? He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Here we are told that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel who reminded them of how good the Lord had been to them, in bringing them out of Egypt and giving them the land of Canaan, but they had not obeyed His voice. Dear reader, if you are unsaved, God is speaking to you today. Will you hear His voice?

ML 08/30/1953

One Life for Many

Down in the valley lay a snug little village. Up from its busy homes struggled the new railway line, past a lonely little station, up to the dam, where many years ago, the waters of the mountain stream turned the great turbines generating electric power.

In that lonely little station on the mountain side, sat a young lady, whose business it was to listen to the constant ticking of the telegraph needle, to receive and to send messages. She was a faithful girl, and each time she looked up her eyes fell upon the words of a text fastened to her wall, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Mark 15:31.

This text was a gift from her Sunday school teacher. I am sure she must have loved it, to hang it there. What do those words mean to you, my reader? To me, they mean that my Saviour could not save Himself from the awful death of Calvary’s cross, because He had come to save me from the eternal hell that I deserved. God must punish sin, and unless the Lord Jesus bore the judgment for me, then I must bear it myself. Do you love those words too? Himself He could not save, but He saved me. Dear reader, has He saved you?

Through a long day’s rain the telegraph girl sat faithfully at work, as the tempest increased in fury, and the wind made her little cabin tremble. Then came a crash, and she knew in a moment that the upper dam had burst.

Would it be possible for her to flee out of reach of the swirling waters? Very likely, but what of the village, resting snugly down, the glen? Only one girl, between all those souls and death! In an instant, she was at her post again, clicking out a message of warning to the village below. Only a few moments more and then she fled for safety, but in those few moments came the rush of waters. Her body was not found, but her reward is with God.

Her warning was not in vain. There were many, warned in time, who escaped. Oh, my reader, you are warned in time, this very day. Judgment comes nearer every moment. The Lord Jesus did not die in vain, for He has saved many. Have you trusted Him as your Saviour?

“HE SAVED OTHERS; HIMSELF HE CANNOT SAVE.” Mark 15:31.

ML 09/06/1953

The Third Finger of the Left Hand

A little girl was on a visit to her aunt, who, being a real Christian, sought to instruct the child in the knowledge of Christ. She asked the little one, “What are the first words of the 23rd Psalm?” Promptly the answer came, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

“Well, these words, dear, just answer to your five fingers.”

THE—putting the finger on the thumb of the left hand;

LORD—touching the first finger;

IS—touching the second;

MY—touching the third;

SHEPHERD—touching the fourth.

“Now,” asked the aunt, “which of these five words do you like best?” And on her little fingers she went over and over the words till at last she paused; her mind was made up—it was the one that stood for the MY. This is just what faith does. It is taking Jesus as MY own Saviour, it is believing that He loved me and gave Himself for me. Faith believes that, “He was wounded for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:5) and then says, “for my transgressions.” It says, “He gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6) and therefore “He gave Himself a ransom for me.” Thus faith takes all that Jesus did as done for me personally, and all His love and care and faithfulness are my very own.

The little girl went home again after the visit to her aunt, and it was not very long before she had a stroke of paralysis which so affected her speech that she could not make herself understood. As the end drew near her mother asked her if she had really found peace through faith in the Lord Jesus, and the only response was the moving of the right hand and clasping the third finger of the left—and thus she died. The parents could not understand it, though they marked the movements of the little hands and wondered what it might mean. Sometime after they told the aunt about the death of the child and how she passed away holding the third finger of her left hand.

“Oh, I know what it meant,” said the aunt; and she told the sorrowing parents about the lesson on the first five words of the 23rd Psalm, and all was plain.

Can you say, dear reader, “He loved me and gave Himself for me?”

ML 09/06/1953

The Heavenly Man

MR. Chang is a Chinese Christian, and a fervent servant of the Lord Jesus. His wife also loved the Lord and they had a nice family of six children, among whom were twin girls. One day they all went to visit the old parents in Manchuria. Mr. Chang returned home ahead of the others, leaving his family a little longer with the parents. When the young mother with her six children was on her way home to join her husband, the ship struck a mine (it was wartime) and the whole family went down to the bottom of the sea. When Mr. Chang received the news, it was a great sorrow indeed, but he was not overcome by it, for his Christian name was “Tien-Ren” which means “Heavenly Man” and he behaved himself like that. His elder children, who were already responsible, had all accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and so Mr. Chang knew that his dear wife and all his children were safe and happy with the Lord in glory. The peace of God which passes all understanding filled his heart and shone on his face.

Perhaps you who are reading this story, have had some great sorrow in your life, and the devil is trying to tell you that God does not love you. This is not true. God has allowed it for your blessing, and, if you are unsaved, He wants to bring you to Himself to put your trust in the Saviour of sinners before it is too late.

ML 09/06/1953

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

1.Where does the Lord Jesus want His seants to be?

2.How are we to love one another?

3.Can a man come to the Father in any other way but through Christ?

4.Are we to expect the world to hate and persecute us? (Two verses)

5.Where did the Lord tell His disciples they would have peace, and where tribulation?

6.Is Christ’s kingdom “of this world” now?

7.What did the Lord show His disciples when He appeared to them in the room where the doors were shut?

The Young People’s Class

1.What is the Church? Ephesians 1.

2.Who is the builder of this Church? Matthew 16.

3. Who is the Head of this Church? Colossians.

4. What is the Church called? Acts 20.

5. Do we join this Church, or who adds us to it and when? Acts2.

6. What did Christ give for the Church? Ephesians 5.

7. Where are the names of the “Church of the Firstborn” written? Hebrews.

ML 09/06/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 6:11-22.

One day an angel of the Lord appeared to a young man named Gideon who was threshing wheat by a winepress. In spite of all the destruction the Midianites had brought about, here was one who valued the wheat of the land, and he had the energy to thresh it in a hidden place. The winepress would figure to us that there is joy to be found in gathering and “threshing out” our precious portion of spiritual food from God’s Word. Do we value this as we should? Do we put ourselves out to get our portion each day, not only reading it, but feeding upon Christ in the Scriptures like Jeremiah of old, who said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jeremiah 15:16.

Gideon was one whom God could use; not because he came from a very influential family, or anything of that, for it was the very opposite: but he was feeding upon the Word. God can only use those who are willing to listen and obey. And so the Lord said to Gideon, “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.” What encouging words! Gideon immediately associated himself with all the people of God and said, “If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?” This is the heart of the true servant. He takes his part with others of God’s children and is concerned about all they pass through. Divine love is always unselfish and thinks of the needs of the people of God. Are you and I seeking the good of all the household of faith? Alas, how easily we become narrow and self-centered in our thoughts!

How different with Gideon, and because of this, the Lord turned and looked upon him, saying, “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” The Lord looked upon him, the Lord said He would use him to save Israel, and the Lord sent him. What fine qualifications! What more was needed than those three things? Surely this was enough.

But poor Gideon began to think of himself. His family was poor and he was the least of his father’s house. And so the Lord said, “Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” When the Lord sends one out to serve Him there is always a sense of one’s own insufficiency, but when accompanied with the knowledge that the Lord is with us, all is well. Before God can use any of us, He must empty us of self, for it is His work and He must have all the glory. He takes empty vessels and fills them with Himself.

Gideon then asked the angel of the Lord who had appeared to him, to remain while he prepared a present—an offering to the Lord. Gideon then prepared a kid and unleavened cakes, with the broth, and brought them out to the angel who was sitting under the oak tree. The angel told him to put the flesh and unleavened cakes on a rock and to pour out the broth. Then the angel put forth the end of his staff and fire came out of the rock and consumed the offering.

This undoubtedly strengthened Gideon’s faith, for now he knew that it was really the Lord who had appeared to him. At the same time it made him feel afresh his own nothingness, and so he said, “Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.”

ML 09/06/1953

Fifty Cents a Pair

“Mother, may I have a puppy for my very own?”

Little George had often asked this question, for he loved dogs. But George’s mother had very little money, and had never been able to buy one for him.

“Perhaps some day, George.”

“But I saw the nicest ones today in Dr. Graham’s yard, and I thought I might earn enough money to buy one myself.”

Mother smiled, for she knew that Dr. Graham’s puppies were worth a great deal of money, but she didn’t like to discourage her boy, so she just smiled at him and said nothing.

Every little job that George could find, he did diligently so that he might earn enough money to buy a puppy.

He told his plan to his little friend Bob, and together they worked and saved until they thought they had enough to buy two puppies.

One day, just as the doctor had been taking care of his pups, two little heads appeared at the gate.

“Good-morning, Doctor, may we come in?”

“Certainly, boys; did you want to come and look at these fine puppies of mine?”

In a moment both the boys were in the yard, and were quickly surrounded by lively, friendly, little dogs.

“Please, Doctor, we brought along fifty cents that we have earned, and we would like to buy two of your best pups.”

The good-hearted man smiled at the boys. His dogs were worth many times that amount, but the eager faces of those boys touched his heart, and he carefully picked two of the very liveliest and friendliest of his puppies. One was put in George’s arms, and the other in Bob’s, and I wish you could have seen the picture. The dogs wriggled and licked the faces of the happy boys, while the lads just beamed with delight. One thing was left to be done.

“Here’s your money, Doctor, and thank you very much.”

“No, I don’t sell puppies for fifty cents a pair, but sometimes I give them away. You just take these dogs home and be good to them.”

Now let me tell you of a gift that is of far more value than George’s and Bob’s puppies. And it cannot be bought with fifty cents or fifty dollars, although many people have tried to buy it. It is worth so much that nobody could bring enough to buy it, so it is offered as a free gift from God.

“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.

God saw and knew just what you and I needed most, and He knew that we could not buy eternal life so He has offered it to you as a gift of His love. His own beloved Son paid the price with His precious blood at Calvary. Accept God’s gift now and you will be saved forever.

“THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” Romans 6:23.

ML 09/13/1953

The Iron Safe

In a town called Lerida in Spain, there lived a banker named John Ness. This banker had a very large safe, or strong room, in which he kept his treasures. It was only now and then that he had occasion to go to it, as he had another safe for daily use. Several days might pass without anyone going to the strong room. It happened, however, one day that the cashier had to get something out of the strong room, and when he went he was astonished and frightened to find a key in the lock! Some one had evidently been there before him. He knew it was not his employer, and no one else had any business there. Greatly alarmed, he ran to tell the banker, who was not a little startled, especially as the greatest part of his property was kept there, and if stolen he would be a ruined man.

The banker and his cashier hurried together to the strong room, and upon opening the door, a shocking sight met their view. Just inside the door lay the dead body of a man whose wasted features were recognized as those of a former employee in the bank. He knew about the strong room and of its rich contents, and managed somehow to get a key. You can fancy how silently he had unlocked the great iron door, and how stealthily he must have stolen in. He had closed the door behind him while he filled his pockets and tied up the bags he meant to carry off. How he must have searched for the most valuable treasures, and listened cautiously lest anyone should be coming! Little did he think that one was approaching whom he could not escape, that Death itself was at hand, and “after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27. When he had heaped together all he could carry, he had apparently turned to steal away, but ah, it was too late. The door which he had closed behind him would not open! It closed by a spring, and nothing but the key, which he had left outside, would open it again.

The door and the walls were a mass of iron, and the lock was well secured to resist the strongest tools of the housebreaker. No doubt the poor man had tried everything he could think of to try to work his way out, but all in vain. I am sure the coveted gold was all forgotten, as he now wished that someone would come and discover his wicked deed. He was alone with death in a living tomb, and the Lord alone knows if the dying man turned to Him in his last hours. The poor man died a shocking death, yet such a death would not atone for even one sin that he had ever committed. No, nothing but the death of the sinless One, the Lamb of God, could put away sin. And He has done it, “done it all, long, long ago.”

The poor burglar’s sin had found him out. Grievous as the sufferings must have been, they were as nothing when compared with what awaited him if he died in his sins. Alas, the same future awaits you, dear reader, if you have not accepted the Saviour as your own! How many hear of “the second death” and take no heed to escape while they may. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.

The things that are in the world may look very bright and tempting, like the silver and gold in the banker’s strong room; but how shocking, for their sake, to go into “outer darkness,” where there is “wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 13:42. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15. And “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML 09/13/1953

A Thousand Pounds

I once had a very little friend. She was so very little that she must have thought me much bigger and more important than I really am.

One day she said to me, “I’m saving up a thousand pounds to give to you.”

“And how much have you got already?” I asked.

“I have a halfpenny,” she answered. I smiled, but I could not help thinking how many people plan just as foolishly to pay God the debt that we owe Him. In all our lives we could not pay anything, toward that great debt of sin, for it cannot be paid with silver and gold. A million dollars is no better than a halfpenny to settle that debt.

The debt of our sins is so great that no works or merits of our own could ever settle it either. The precious blood of Jesus alone can blot out all that is against us. God is satisfied with the payment His beloved Son made when He suffered for sins at Calvary, and He offers His pardon freely to all who will come, without money and without price, and receive it.

“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28.

ML 09/13/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 6:23-27.

Gideon’s first thought in the presence of God was fear. It is indeed a solemn awakening for a sinner when he sees himself as God sees him in all his sins, but oh what peace follows when faith looks to Christ as the One who bore the full judgment of sin for us, and who is now seated at God’s right hand. This we see typified in Gideon’s offering. And it is also a serious thing for a true child of God, when called to some service for the Lord, to see himself in all his weakness. But this is most necessary if we are to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28. Then what peace fills the heart when we hear His words, “Peace be unto thee; fear not.” So it was with John when he saw the Lord as a Judge in the isle of Patmos. He fell at His feet as dead, but then he heard those wondrous words, “Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore.” Revelation 1:17, 18. We may shrink from such an experience, as Gideon did, and John, and many others, but the excellency of the power must be of God and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:7.) God must be all in all.

Gideon then built an altar—he became a worshiper—and called the altar “Jehovah-shalom” which means, “the Lord send peace.” Worship ought to come before service. We must never allow our service to the Lord to take all our time so that we do not have time to spend in His presence and sitting at His feet.

That very night the Lord told Gideon to take his father’s young bullock and throw down his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the grove by it. Then he was to build a new altar to the Lord and offer this second bullock upon it.

Perhaps the first bullock had been offered to Baal, we are not told, but at least the second bullock was there and Gideon could offer it to the Lord. It had been there for seven years too, just the number of years of their bondage to Midian! Perhaps there have been some wasted years in our lives too, as there were in Israel’s history. Perhaps up to this moment some “idol” has been taking the place that belongs to Christ in our hearts. Thank God it is not too late to “throw down the altar” and present our bodies “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) to the Lord today. Gideon was not told to do this the next night, but the same night. Oh, may we realize that it is our privilege to give our young lives to the Lord now.

We notice here that there was a complete break at this time with everything connected with the worship of Baal. The altar was to be thrown down and the groves cut down (these groves are where the idea of the Christmas tree originated!) and the wood taken and burned upon the new altar which was to be built to the Lord in the ordered place.

All this was very difficult to do. It was not easy to take a stand in his father’s house against the idolatry there. But it was the command of God and obedience to God must come first. Gideon was, however, afraid to do these things in the day time, so he chose ten men of the city and did what the Lord had commanded at night. Surely it was far better to do it by night than not to do it at all, and God honored his faithfulness. His Word says, “Them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Samuel 2:30.

ML 09/13/1953

Three Questions

Johnny Sutherland was a husky young fellow who worked hard all day on Mr. Weston’s farm. We had been holding meetings in a tent nearby, and Johnny was present each night.

I went one day to Mr. Weston’s farm, and saw Johnny working in the garden. I decided to work with him for a while, and we chatted as we worked.

“Johnny, there are three questions I want to ask you.”

“All right, sir.”

“There is something that has come into this world and ruined everybody. What is it?”

“Sin.”

“And there is only one thing that can put away sin. What is it?”

“The blood of Jesus.”

“And there is just one thing needed in order that our sins may be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. What is it?”

“Faith.”

How simple, and yet how precious! Just three little words—”sin,” “blood,” “faith”—and yet it tells us of the ruin of man, the remedy of God, and the wondrous link that makes salvation ours.

We worked together for a while, as I silently asked God to bless Johnny’s soul. At last I ventured one more question.

“Johnny, have you that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“Yes, sir, I have!”

Now I ask the reader this question: Have your sins been cleansed forever by the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus?

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

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

“BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.” Ephesians 2:8.

ML 09/20/1953

The Magnifying Glass

One of the boys at school had a big magnifying glass, which he had borrowed from his father. He let us see all kinds of wonderful things through it—big black print on our old familiar books, huge pores on the skin of our hands, and tiny crawling insects on a leaf, which looked, as we said, like baby elephants!

We looked at each other’s faces too, and oh how the blemishes showed up! Even as children there were faults enough, and the marks of time would show far more plainly on older faces. We human beings can’t stand being magnified. We are bad enough as we are.

The telescope has a powerful magnifying glass in it too, but its purpose is not to make things look bigger than they really are, but rather to make faraway things look closer to us. It makes me think of that beautiful verse, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3.

Where must we go, to find the God of heaven magnified most of all? Surely, to Calvary’s cross. There the high and holy One has come nearer to us, to offer Himself a sacrifice for sin. Here we may see the Infinite One who humbled Himself even unto death to save ruined man. Oh, how the heart of God was magnified, to our little minds, in the work His beloved Son accomplished on Calvary.

Stop, dear reader, and learn, through the Holy Scriptures, of that blessed One who suffered and died because He loved you and me. We cannot bear to be magnified. The “life size” picture of our hearts shows us as lost ruined sinners, whereas no honor is too great for that holy, sinless One who has “come near” to us. Every glory is His right. Will you not take your true place as a sinner and receive the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? Then you will exclaim with all who love Him: “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34: 3.

ML 09/20/1953

"Officer Robert"

I believe that some of the boys and girls who read this paper are real Christians and belong to Jesus. You want to please Him, don’t you? Let me tell you the story of a young Christian boy named Robert.

Robert had a cold which kept him in the house, so he flattened his nose against the glass, and watched a military parade pass by. They were in very gay uniform, with very bright buttons, and kept step beautifully.

Robert watched until the last glitter of their brightness disappeared round a corner; then he turned with a sigh to watch his mother place pies in the oven, and said to her, “I would like to be a soldier.”

“Very well,” said his mother, “then you may be one.”

Robert stared at her a few minutes, and then said, “May be what?”

“Why, a soldier. Wasn’t that what you said you wanted to be?”

“Well, but how could I be?”

“Easy enough; that is, if you ask God for His grace and put your mind to it. A soldier’s life is never an easy one, of course.”

“But, Mother, I don’t know what you mean,” Robert said.

Don’t? You haven’t forgotten the verses we spoke and prayed about this morning— ‘Better... is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city?’ Proverbs 16:32. It takes real soldier-like strength to rule the spirit, I can tell you.

“Oh,” said Robert, and he flattened his nose against the glass again.

“But, Mother,” he said at last, “I didn’t mean that kind. I would like to be an officer, and have some soldiers under me.”

“Nothing easier by God’s grace,” said the mother. “There are your ten fingers, and your eyes, and that troublesome tongue that hates to obey. I am sure you have soldiers enough to control. I pity any officer who has as troublesome ones!”

Robert laughed. He had had so many talks with his mother that he understood her very well; yet this was a new way of putting it. He stood awhile thinking about it; then he said to himself, “With the help of Jesus, I will be an officer in God’s army.” And then lifting up his heart to God, he prayed that he might indeed be “a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” and that his soldiers under him might do God’s will. Then he wondered what orders he should have to give them first.

Poor fellow! In less than ten minutes from that time he knew.

He went to the sitting room to find that baby Carrie had been there before him. There lay his birthday book on the floor, some of the loveliest pictures in it torn into bits. His photograph album was on the sofa; but chubby fingers had tugged at Mother’s picture until it lay loose and ruined, and Daddy’s page was gone entirely.

Oh! how angry was “Officer Robert.” He wanted to run after Carrie and slap her naughty fingers; she was almost two years old and ought to know better! He wanted to run to his mother, and with red face and angry voice tell his story of wrong, and demand that Carrie be whipped. He wanted to bury his head in the sofa cushions, and cry just as loud as he could roar. Why did he not do any of these things? Just because he remembered in time that he was an officer in the Lord’s army, and had soldiers that must obey. And, moreover, that he had a Captain— “The captain of (our) salvation,” Hebrews 2:10—whom he must obey, and who had told him to be forgiving and patient, and “slow to anger.”

“Halt!” he said to his feet, as they were about to rush away; and they instantly obeyed. “Stop!” he said to the tears, as they began to rush in torrents up to his eyes; and back they all went, but one little straggler who rolled down his nose and was instantly wiped out of existence. In short, the boy, by God’s grace, proved himself a good soldier for that time at least. He even sent his feet presently with a rosy-cheeked apple for Carrie, and told his arms to give her a loving hug, which they did.

Mother found out all about it, as mothers almost always do; and when Daddy came home at night, what did he do but say, “Officer Robert, I salute you. I hear you have fought a battle and won.” Then gravely he added, “Thank God, my boy, that you have taken your stand as ‘a good soldier of Jesus Christ!’ Trust Him at all times, and He will enable you and your soldiers to win every battle.”

ML 09/20/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 6:27-40.

Gideon threw down his father’s altar with fear and trembling, for he could have lost his life for daring to do such a thing. But Gideon knew that God was able to deliver him and he must obey God. It was his father’s household he feared most of all too, but to the surprise of everyone, when the morning came, and the men of the city were going to kill Gideon for what he had done, his father spoke up and protected him. How often the difficulties we fear the most in the path of devotedness to Christ, completely disappear when we act in confidence in the Lord. May we have more of that “virtue” (moral courage) in our faith, in these difficult days. (2 Peter 1:5.)

Now that the altar to Baal had been thrown down, and an altar to the Lord erected in its place, the enemy began to get busy. It is most necessary that the hindrances to blessing should be removed in our lives, but at the same time the enemy is sure to be stirred up if we try to give up anything for the Lord. Satan hates to see loyalty to Christ, and will do all he can to make things difficult for us. But then we read, “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” (Nehemiah 8:10), and when we have the sense of His love in our hearts it gives strength, and we do not fear the enemy.

And so here, Gideon blew a trumpet and many gathered together. He then sent messengers among the people of God telling them to come out against the enemy, and God moved their hearts to respond. There is a beautiful order here. First the call of God to Gideon, which was followed by his own exercise and a realization of the definite leading of the Lord. Now his brethren recognize it and are willing to go forth to battle with him. The call of God to the individual comes first. It is not majority choice and human appointment. It is God who calls, and then He causes others to recognize His leading.

Gideon asked for further assurance for his path. God wants us to be real before Him, and not to pretend to be what we are not. And so here Gideon wanted to be sure that the Lord was calling him, and that it was not any self-confidence on his part. It was not unbelief here, or the Lord would have had to rebuke Gideon, but his faith was weak and he wanted assurance from the Lord. It is a blessed thing to remember that the Lord knows all about us and every motive of our hearts. Others may misjudge at times, but the Lord never makes any mistakes.

Gideon therefore asked the Lord that if he put out a fleece of wool the Lord would make the dew fall upon the fleece only, and not upon the ground at all. This would be a miracle, as we all know, and Gideon would accept it, he said, as a sign that the Lord would deliver Israel through him. The Lord did as Gideon requested, and when he arose in the morning the fleece was so wet that he was able to wring out a bowlful of water from it, and yet the ground was absolutely dry all around.

Gideon then asked that the order be reversed the next night. He asked that this time the fleece would be dry and all the ground wet with dew. The Lord fulfilled this request of Gideon also, thus giving him (if such were needed) further assurance that He would use Gideon for the deliverance of His people.

ML 09/20/1953

No Room

“I wish it would rain.” Mr. O’Hara anxiously looked up, but a blazing sun shone from a cloudless sky. Just the right day for swimming or for picnics, but Mr. O’Hara was worried. It hadn’t rained for many days, and he was afraid of a forest fire. There were many homes, and cottages near the lake where Mr. O’Hara stood, and he knew a fire would bring a terrible disaster.

The very next day it happened. Mr. O’Hara and his brother were repairing a fence when they spied a cloud of smoke in the distance. With sickening fear they watched for a moment, and then they knew the awful truth. A forest fire was sweeping down upon them.

Their sturdy boat was right at hand, and they could easily row out into the lake and be perfectly safe. But they didn’t! They ran from cottage to cottage and warned everyone they met. Wouldn’t you do the same?

And this paper is a warning to you. The judgment of God is soon to fall on this poor world, and we would warn you to flee for shelter to Jesus Christ the only Saviour.

Some of the people were very much alarmed and ran quickly down to the water just as they were. Others didn’t seem to be worried very much and even smiled at those who left their homes and ran for the lake.

Soon the waves of smoke began to roll in and the roar of the flames could be heard closing in. Mr. O’Hara and his brother climbed into their boat and helped others in. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven! Just room for one more —eight—then, no room!

With careful strokes they rowed out into the lake, for their boat was so full they hardly dared to move. By this time there were other boats and some of them tipped over. Back on the shore the sight was even worse. The flames were sweeping everything before them, and the poor folks who had failed to heed the warning were trapped.

Now came the hardest task of all. Some were swimming in the water, and they tried to climb into Mr. O’Hara’s boat. But there was no room! What could he do? With an ache in his heart, he raised his oar and pushed away the despairing hands off the side and watched them slip down. Several times, through those awful hours, he had to turn away those who begged for rescue—there was no room!

Next morning, when the fire had burned itself out, they brought their boat to shore and looked about them. I cannot describe the picture but I can tell you that Mr. O’Hara, who now lives in Kingston, Ontario, says that the most awful part of the whole sad night was to push away those eager drowning hands from the boat.

The judgment of God is going to fall on this world soon. Have you a shelter? Your church—your own good deeds—your Christian parents? None of these will do. The only shelter is the Lord Jesus Christ.

“A Man shall be as a hiding 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.

Yes, the shelter you need is the Lord Jesus Christ while there is still room. If you wait till the judgment falls it will be too late. The door of mercy will then be shut.

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

“SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR.” Isaiah 55:6.

ML 09/27/1953

Evelyn's Doubts

When Evelyn was just a little girl, she loved to sing of Jesus, and was so happy when her father or mother told her stories of Jesus and His love.

As soon as she was old enough, she went to Sunday school and there she learned many Bible verses. Often she came home singing some new chorus she had learned.

But you would be surprised if you could hear Evelyn talking with her mother. Let us listen.

“Mother, I do wish I really knew I was forgiven and saved. I do wish I could be just perfectly sure that Jesus will take me to heaven when He comes. I don’t want to be left behind.”

Mother didn’t know what to say, for her dear girl really believed all she heard of Jesus and His love. Many talks they had together, and still Evelyn wasn’t really sure.

The month of June came along, and Evelyn came running home from school.

“Mother, I passed, and my teacher says I made 85%.”

To her disappointment, her mother just smiled and said nothing. Evelyn repeated her statement, and then her mother replied,

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, mother, of course I’m sure.” “But how am I to know you are telling me the truth?”

Evelyn’s eyes opened wide and the tears began to come.

“Mother, it’s true. Why do you doubt me?”

“You don’t like me to doubt your word, do you, dear? And I do believe you. But I want you to see that you have been doubting One who never told a lie. Do you believe that Jesus left heaven and came down here into the world to die for you? Do you bieve that He bore your sins and that He is risen and gone back to heaven?”

“Yes, mother, I surely do.”

“And do you believe you are saved and that your sins are all forgiven?”

“I think I see it now. I am doubting God if I can’t say ‘Yes.’ “

Silently Evelyn knelt by her mother, and after a few minutes she looked up with a radiant smile.

“Mother, I believe!”

“Believe what, dear?”

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

ML 09/27/1953

Mr. Spider Makes Good

Close by the orchard stood an old tool shed. It had one window at the back which was bright and warm in the afternoon sunshine, and buzzing with dozens of stupid flies. Young Mr. Spider, who was just setting out to make his own way in life, spied that sunny window at once. It was a perfect harvest field for a nimble young spider —a place to work hard and feast well —an excellent spot for success. “Why not?

Well, spiders are just spiders you know, and their wits are not very big, though it is true that they have eight legs growing out of their heads. As for the spider’s heart, he really has none at all. So Mr. Spider made his web with all the wisdom God had given him, and a fine web it was. Then he hid in a corner, after the manner of his kind for thousands of years past.

You, my friend, have a head and a heart, and God requires that you should look before you and consider what the end of your life will be. You plan to succeed, and do well for yourself, no doubt, but after that, what? Where will you spend eternity? Many a man with this world’s wisdom has been no more far-sighted than a spider as to eternal things. If you are not saved God wants you to stop now and consider this question: Where will you spend eternity?

That young spider caught a house fly first, then a fat bluebottle, and then half a dozen others. He was doing well, very well indeed, but just at that moment, a bluebird in the orchard spied him and chose him for her dinner. He was gone, quite gone, and the gardener came and swept down the cobwebs.

What next? Oh, another spider came and built there, and the same story was repeated. Spiders never learn, and they never care. Alas, the same story is repeated too, over and over among men and women, only the results are far more sad and solemn. They seek their own success, and leave God out until they are cut off and lost—lost for all eternity.

Reader, will you learn? You have been told that God must punish sin, and that death and hell are the end of a Christless life. Will you turn this moment, and seek most earnestly to know the way of escape which God, through Christ, has provided for you?

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” —Deut. 32:29.

ML 09/27/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 6:36-7:7

We can see, in this incident about the fleece of wool, a beautiful and touching picture of the life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, for this is the ground of all true service.

The dew, in the first instance, falling in such abundance upon the fleece only, would tell us of the Lord Jesus, the true Lamb of God, in His pathway through this world. The “dew of heaven” rested upon Him in every step of His blessed pathway here, for He was the only man who ever walked on earth, in whom heaven could find its fullest delight. All the rest of the ground was dry, for the world had no heart for Him—only enmity against Him and the Father who sent Him. “The first man” must be set aside entirely as dry and fruitless.

The next night, however, the fleece alone was dry, while the dew fell upon the ground instead. This pictures to us the cross. There we see the blessed spotless Lamb of God forsaken for us. God must turn His face away, and that awful cry came out of the darkness at Calvary, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” The “dew of heaven” was withdrawn, as it were, that we might be blessed, and so now, because of what He accomplished there, blessing comes to us. He was forsaken for our sins, that all who believe in Him might never be forsaken, and now the favor of heaven rests upon us, like the dew upon the ground, for we have been brought to God in Christ— “holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:4. What grace! Surely it overwhelms our hearts as we think of it, and it is true of the youngest believer! It is not by attainment, but through simple faith in Christ.

The next morning, without further hesitation, Gideon went out and pitched his camp, with thirty-two thousand men, by the well Harod, over against the armies of the Midianites. Now the Lord was about to test Gideon again. He had asked further assurance that the Lord was with him, but now there was a danger of trusting to numbers. If the children of Israel had won the battle with thirty-two thousand men, they might have boasted of what they had done, and that would never do. The Lord told Gideon, therefore, to send back all those who were faint-hearted, and twenty-two thousand men returned. The Lord then told Gideon that there were still too many, and that he was to bring the ten thousand men who remained with him down to the water’s edge to drink. There the Lord said He would show him which ones He had chosen.

Gideon therefore brought them down, and set all those who went down on their knees to drink on one side, and those who put their hands into the water and took it up to their mouths to drink on the other side. There were nine thousand seven hundred who went down on their knees, and only three hundred who took the water up in their hands to drink. The Lord told Gideon to send the nine thousand seven hundred home, and to keep the three hundred men only. This was surely a real test for Gideon to see his army reduced from thirty-two thousand to three hundred. What a very real sense of the Lord’s presence was necessary to sustain him now! If he had not been very sure the Lord had sent him, he would have turned back now. And so, dear Christian reader, unless you and I have a very real sense of the Lord being with us, we will never be able to meet the storms of life and continue faithfully.

ML 09/27/1953

Janie's Letter

Janie’s letter was a secret. She had written it all herself, addressed the envelope carefully, and slipped it into the mail box without telling anyone. That is no small task for a little girl of seven years old. Now she waited impatiently for the answer.

But no answer came. Do you know how she felt? Perhaps you have sent a message, a very important message, to someone, and no answer came. There must be something wrong. Would you like to find out why Janie’s letter was not answered?

Well, she let Mother into the secret, told her all about the letter, and Mother said, “Did you put a stamp on it?”

“No,” said Janie. “I forgot that it needed one.”

“Perhaps that is why you did not get an answer,” said her mother.

That was very disappointing for a little girl. But Mother helped her to write another, and to fix the proper stamp in the corner to show that its delivery was paid for. Someone must pay it, you know. Then all kinds of wheels and bags and men and machines got busy taking care of little Janie’s letter.

Do you know, little one, that you ought to add something to your prayer, to carry it up to God? You should say “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The Lord Jesus has provided a way of blessing for you. He has paid, with His own precious blood, that you a poor sinner might be able to come to God in His Name. If you refuse that Saviour, your prayers are not acceptable to God at all.

Janie licked the stamp with her tongue. But your tongue is not enough to say the precious Name of Jesus. Your heart must say it too, and you must own Him as your Lord and Saviour. How God loves to have a poor sinner come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ, owning his guilt, and believing in what His Son accomplished on the cross. Then, after we are saved, we can come with our requests, asking for what we need in the Name of the Lord Jesus. His answer is always right, though sometimes it is not what we expected.

“WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME, THAT WILL I DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON.” John 14:13.

ML 10/04/1953

The Watchful Beaver

The beaver is a very interesting little animal and also a very busy one. Sometimes twenty-five or more beavers live in a beaver pond and all work hard to prepare for winter.

Beavers usually work at night and build their houses of trees, branches and mud near the middle of the pond or in the river bank. They also work to gather food and put it away in their “cupboard.”

While the beavers work steadily, one of them sits on a log for a long, long time and watches and listens carefully. What do you think he is listening for? He is listening to hear the sound of an enemy—perhaps a wolf is walking through the woods looking for something to eat. As soon as the watchful beaver hears a sound he gives a danger signal to all the other beavers. He makes a loud “Whack! Whack! Whack!” sound with his tail by slapping it on the water. As soon as the busy beavers hear this signal they immediately dive into the water of the pond and some swim under the water to their home in the bank and others swim to the house near the middle of the pond where they are quite safe.

This watchful beaver teaches us a lesson, doesn’t he? We also have a fierce enemy, the devil, and we read, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8, 9.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4: 7.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matt. 26:41. So by prayer and reading of the Word and trusting the Lord, believers are shielded against this enemy.

“Kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.

ML 10/04/1953

"That, Sir, Is My Dear Friend"

A little Indian boy, in the last stages of tuberculosis, was visited by a Christian. The poor boy was lying on a few leaves and covered with a dirty blanket. The visitor looked at him with deep pity and asked if there was anything he could do to relieve his wants. The poor boy replied,

“Nothing, sir. I am very happy. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, died for my sins; and I trust only in Him.”

When asked if he found comfort in his Bible, he replied, “That, sir, is my dear friend. Last year I went to visit my sister, two hundred miles up the lake. When I was halfway back, I remembered I had left my Bible. I turned directly around; and myself and my canoe were nine days tossing on the lake before I reached the house. But I got my friend at last; and I never mean to part with it till I am dead. Then, sir, I want you to give it away, so that it may do good to others.”

I wonder how many of our little readers can say, with this dear little Indian boy, that the Bible “IS MY DEAR FRIEND.” We like to have a dear friend near us, and to hear that one speak to us, and if the Bible is “MY DEAR FRIEND,” will I not read it often to hear God speaking to me? It is God’s message concerning His beloved Son, and the more we realize the love of Christ for us, the greater will be our love for that Bible which the little Indian boy could call “MY DEAR FRIEND.”

“His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law Both he meditate day and night.” Psa. 1:2.

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.

ML 10/04/1953

Bible Question for October

1.What was said to the men who were gazing up into heaven?

2.Whom does the Lord add to the Church?

3.Is there salvation any other way or by any other Name but Christ?

4.Whom did Peter say we ought to obey rather than men?

5.Whom did Stephen see standing on the right hand of God?

6.What was said to the man who thought the gift of God could be purchased with money?

7.What “great things” did the Lord skew to Saul?

The Young People’s Class

1.Where did the church (assembly) gather in the place where Aquila and Priscilla lived? Romans 16.

2.Does the Scripture speak of the church having ears? Acts 11.

3.When Paul was writing to the Corinthians, did he address the church, or churches, there? 1 Corinthians 1.

4.Does the Scripture tell women to be silent in the church (assembly)? 1 Corinthians.

5.Should the woman have her head covered during prayer or ministry? 1 Corinthians.

6.Is there liberty for any brother, as led of the Lord, to take part in the assembly? 1 Corinthians 14.

7.What verse shows that the church (assembly) is responsible to be the pillar and ground of the truth? 1 Timothy.

ML 10/04/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 7:3-17

Undoubtedly there is a further lesson for us in this great reduction of Gideon’s army. The twenty-two thousand faint-hearted ones had helped to swell the crowd all right, but had they gone to the battle they would only have weakened the hands of the others. And so it always is. There is no use getting a crowd together to serve the Lord, if there are those among them who are always afraid to go forward. They will only discourage others. Far better to have less, and all be wholehearted.

The three hundred men who were finally picked out of the ten thousand who remained, were those who had clean hands, and could therefore take the water in them to drink. Then too, they did not take time to kneel and drink, but drank quickly and then went on, ready for the battle. We notice, also, that Gideon did not choose the three hundred men; the Lord did that: and so if we look to the Lord He leads us to a separated company which, though small, seek to apply the Word of God, like the water, to the path they have taken. (See Eph. 5:26.) How important it is that we not only read the Word, but apply it to our own hands (what we do) and then, after drinking it, seek to go forward according to it, for the Lord’s glory.

After everyone had gone home but the three hundred men, the Lord told Gideon that He would save Israel by this little band. How humbling this would be to the natural man who likes to boast of large numbers and big armies, but it was the Lord who was going to save Israel, and though He was going to use Gideon, He would not give him any cause to boast in himself.

The little band prepared food, and took trumpets, and empty pitchers, putting lamps inside them. All this time the great host of Midian, with its vast numbers, were stretched out in the valley below, ready for the battle. During the night the Lord told Gideon to arise and go down into the host of the Midianites, for He said, He had delivered them into his hand. Knowing that Gideon might feel afraid, He told him to go down with his servant silently, and listen to what they were saying. When Gideon got to the camp of the Midianites, he heard a man tell a dream he had had to his friend, about a cake of barley bread falling into a tent and knocking it down. His friend said that this meant that God had delivered their whole army into the hand of Gideon. When Gideon heard this he was strengthened, and prepared his men for the attack. To be compared to a cake of barley bread would keep Gideon humble, but at the same time the incident would strengthen his confidence in the Lord. The world may put on a bold front, like the Midianites in our chapter, but in their hearts they are afraid of the Christian and his Bible. Indeed they are far more afraid of us than we ever need to be of them. Let us now trace the way of victory which follows, with all its wonderful lessons.

Gideon set his men in three bands of one hundred men each. Then each man put his trumpet in his right hand, and his lamp placed inside a pitcher in the left hand. Gideon then told them to keep their eyes upon him and to do as he did. This is a great thing. Let us keep our eyes upon “the Captain of our salvation,” the Lord Jesus, and do as He has told us in His Word. He is our blessed Object and Example.

ML 10/04/1953

Afternoon in the Park

One Sunday afternoon, a young mother was walking through the park with her only son, a child of six years. She kept very close to the boy, for she was totally blind, a poor widow too, with scarcely any comfort in life. She had lived outwardly a good life and felt that she did not have enough sins to worry about. She did not know the Saviour who brings joy and satisfaction to troubled hearts.

In the park she heard the sound of preaching, and so with the help of her little son, she came nearer to the spot. She heard a loud voice proclaiming that Jesus Christ was only a man, and that the blood of Christ was utterly useless for salvation. The poor woman immediately turned away. Although she was trusting to her own good life, she did believe that Christ died upon the cross, but now, without Him, all her sins rose up before her. For the first time in her life, she felt herself to be a great sinner in the sight of a holy God, and she cried out in agony, “I must be lost! If there is no salvation in the blood of Christ, I must be lost!”

As she wandered miserably over the park, she heard the voice of another preacher, and again drew near, longing for a little comfort. This time she heard, not just another man’s opinion, but the Word of God. “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. This verse was slowly repeated three times over, and these words were used of God to give the poor woman liberty. She heard and believed, and she received everlasting life. She knew now that Christ is the sent One of God, and that His precious blood had washed away her many sins.

That was three years ago, and ever since, she and her little son have been rejoicing in the love of God. Her trials are many, but she does rejoice in the Lord, and looks forward with joy to being with Him forever.

“HE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE CONFOUNDED.” 1 Peter 2:6.

ML 10/11/1953

Cecil and the Bible

(Part 1)

It had been an unusually warm day and the windows stood wide open to let in the cool evening air. It was an old fashioned room, with low ceilings and quaint furniture. Carved bookcases filled with big books lined the walls, and polished oaken boards took the place of carpets.

In strong contrast to the surroundings a little boy with golden curls and earnest gray eyes, lay full length upon the floor, one arm over a favorite dog, and the other resting on a large book opened before him, which he was intently reading.

Now and again a sigh escaped his lips, but beyond that, nothing broke the stillness that reigned over everything. Presently closing the book, he laid it down beside him on the floor, and remained very thoughtful.

The door opened softly and a tall fine-looking young man entered the room. Catching sight of the little boy curled up on the floor, he came to him.

“Cecil,” he said, “I can’t have you hiding yourself away like this. I have been searching for you everywhere. What! more fairy tales!” he said, glancing carelessly at the volume on the floor. “So much reading is not good for you, my boy.”

The little boy jumped and ran into the arms held out to him; but the look of wistful sadness still lingered on his face.

“Father,” he said, putting his arms around the young man’s neck and resting his head against his shoulder, “Are they fairy tales or true stories in that big book?”

“What is the book, my boy?” asked the father, stooping down and taking up the heavy volume. “Why, Cecil,” he said, turning over the pages, while a dark frown crossed his handsome face, “it is a—a—it is a Bible. What were you doing with this book? There is nothing in it to interest a little boy like you.”

And he arose and put it back upon the shelf, from whence it had been taken.

But Cecil was not to be silenced.

“It is about a man,” he continued, “who was beaten and spit on, and thorns put on His head, and nailed to a cross!”

“Well, Cecil, what of that?” replied his father, not knowing what answer to make, and turning his eyes uneasily away from the earnest, pleading eyes of his little son.

“Well, I want to know if it is true, and why they hanged Him on the cross. Was He a very wicked man?”

For a moment the father did not reply. A feeling of restlessness stole over him at these strange questions. It was a subject he had never allowed his mind to dwell upon, and one which filled him with hard, rebellious thoughts.

Well he knew the story of a Saviour’s love; well he knew that Christ had suffered for guilty sinners, for often had his gentle wife (whom God had taken to Himself) spoken of the Saviour, who was all in all to her.

Alas! like many others, Cecil’s father had never found out that he was a sinner before God. He was moral, respectable, upright in all his ways towards men, but he was sadly ignorant of God. He never thought of Him as holy and righteous, and that He takes account of man as a sinner. If he thought of God, it was to judge Him as a hard master. A heavy, crushing blow had fallen upon him in the early death of his beloved wife, and without definitely knowing why, he blamed his sorrow on God. He saw nothing beyond his own selfish sorrow.

To his ignorant, rebellious heart, God was not a God of love: but One who had robbed him of all he held dearest in the world, leaving nothing in its place but darkness, upon which the light would never more shine.

With a dark frown upon his brow he put the boy down. “No! it is not true, Cecil,” he said slowly— “Now run away and play, and don’t ask any more questions.”

This was easily, thoughtlessly said. In spite of apparent calmness, it left a sting in a conscience that was ill at rest. But little did that father think what a second bitter sorrow lay in his path.

“God speaketh once, yet twice, yet man perceiveth it not.” Job 33:14.

ML 10/11/1953

The Question

Mr. Taylor had faithfully taught his Sunday school class of girls for three years. Now they were to be promoted.

The last lesson with them was nearly over. Mr. Taylor had just marked the attendance, and then he grew silent and thoughtful.

“I’m going to ask each one of you a question,” said he, “and I’m going to write your answer in my book.”

“Jean, are you saved?”

“Yes, Mr. Taylor, I accepted Jesus as my Saviour one year ago.”

“Sylvia, are you saved?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Then I shall have to write ‘Lost’ after your name.”

So he faithfully asked each one, and wrote their answer in his book. Then he went on to tell them that God had His own book, and although they might not answer him correctly, they could not deceive God.

Sylvia could not forget that solemn talk, nor the anxious look in Mr. Taylor’s eyes as he wrote “Lost” after her name. That very night, Sylvia knelt in the Lord’s presence and opened her Bible at Luke 19:10. Over and over she read those precious words, and at last with many tears, she bowed her head and accepted Jesus as her Saviour.

She could not wait till morning, but at once phoned Mr. Taylor to tell him the good news.

“Please,” she said, “change that word ‘Lost’ and write ‘Saved’ instead. I have just taken Jesus as my Saviour.”

There was much joy in Sylvia’s heart, and in Mr. Taylor’s too. But there was even more joy in heaven where yet another name was added to those redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

ML 10/11/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 7:18-8:3

Gideon’s men were not to run ahead of him, nor to lag behind. We are in danger of extremes in either one way or another, and extremes are always dangerous. There is no substitute for divine guidance, and we can only have this guidance as we walk in communion with the Lord.

When the appointed moment came, Gideon told his men they were to stand in their places around the camp of the Midianites, and when he blew his trumpet they were all to blow too. They were then to break their pitchers so that the lights in them would shine out, while they cried, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.” The blowing of the trumpets would, I believe, figure to us a clear and definite confession of Christ, and this is most important. Dear young reader, if you are starting a new school, or a new place of employment, be sure to start by “blowing your trumpet” and letting it be known that you belong to the Lord. There will never be any clear testimony for Christ, or effectual shining for Him in our lives, unless we confess His precious Name before men.

After this came the breaking of the pitchers, as we have noticed. This shows the necessity of self being kept in the place of death. “Our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6. It is most needful that the old nature, with its old sinful desires, be kept in the place where God has put it, crucified—dead with Christ. It is this “breaking of the pitchers” that is referred to in 2 Corinthians 4:9, 10. If we do not do it ourselves, then the Lord must do it for us in His goverent, for “the life of Jesus” will not be manifested in our lives, unless self is kept in the place of death. The “pitcher” must be broken.

Then the cry “the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon,” acknowledged that victory was of the Lord. He alone can grant it, and yet He uses us in our weakness, if our eyes are upon Him and we give the glory to Him.

And so here the victory was complete. The whole host ran, and cried, and fled, even before Gideon’s sword was lifted. The Lord caused every man’s sword to be against his fellow, and the Midianites were put to utter confusion. The men of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh pursued after the Midianites also, and the men of mount Ephraim came out and took the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan, cutting off their retreat. There they killed Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of the Midianites.

But, alas, jealousy came in, as it so often does! There is nothing that causes such weakness among the people of God as jealousy, and what “roots of bitterness” can spring up from these things. May the Lord help us to judge these feelings in their very beginnings, for they are straight from the enemy to hinder the work of God. Gideon realized this at once, and with what wisdom and grace he handled the situation. When the men of Ephraim chided sharply with Gideon for not having called them to fight at the first, he spoke of how God had delivered Oreb and Zeeb into their hands, adding so graciously, “What was I able to do in comparison of you?” This caused their anger to be abated. They had not been concerned at all about fighting with the Midianites until Gideon started, but now they sought that which they could do to be recognized.

ML 10/11/1953

The Multitude Throng Thee

When a great man arrives in a great city, what mighty plans are made for him! He rides with a strong guard down the main street, which is lined by cheering crowds, kept back by the strong arms of policemen. Most of us can remember seeing a parade like that, with just a glimpse of the great man waving his hat, and then it was all over. Of course such a man could not be expected to walk the streets, to be bumped and jostled by an inquisitive crowd, just because we want to see him.

It is wonderful indeed that the greatest Man who ever lived in the world, chose that humble path. He did not ride in a chariot, but Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords walked, and the multitudes thronged Him and pressed Him. Even now I suppose there is no name so well known in all the world as the name of Jesus.

Why did He walk those narrow streets of Palestine like the one in our picture, and allow His holy Person to be jostled by men? A poor woman came one day and touched the hem of His garment. She had been sick for twelve years, and had spent her every penny on doctors, but no one could help her—no one but Jesus. There were many who touched His clothes that day, but only one who touched because she needed Him, because she had come to an end of all her own hopes and efforts, and she had no other Saviour but Jesus.

It is true that she had not much courage. She trembled to show herself before that crowd when the Lord Jesus called her, but oh the words that fell like balm from the lips of the only One who had a right to say them!

“Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Luke 8:48.

The multitudes are still using that Name of Jesus today. Some recite His Name in prayers, some sing it sweetly in hymns, some use it profanely in anger, and God still allows that blessed Name to be a common thing among men. Someone, here or there among the crowd today, may come to Jesus because He is the only Saviour. All who come as poor, lost, helpless sinners, receive at once His loving message of comfort, forgiveness, and peace. But, alas, the crowd still goes on, unforgiven and unsaved.

Are you still going on without Him? Perhaps for twelve years or longer you have been burdened with sin. Why not come to Jesus today?

“THROUGH HIS NAME WHOSVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS.” ACTS 10:43.

ML 10/18/1953

Cecil and the Bible

Part 2

A few weeks more and that sorrow burst upon him like a terrible thunder storm on a summer day.

The blinds were down, and the curtains drawn to keep out the faintest ray of light that might stray in. A silence as of death reigned in the room, and only broken now and again by the sound of restless, troubled moans. Upon a little bed, with burning cheeks and unnaturally brilliant eyes, lay little Cecil.

“Oh! the drops of blood! I see them on His forehead! Oh, father, father, why did they kill Him?” sighed the little sufferer.

“A story he was reading just before he was taken ill,” explained the father, who was standing beside the bed, in answer to the doctor’s questioning look.

“Well, well, keep him quiet,” said the grave, matter of fact doctor, taking up his hat to leave the room. “I shall call in again this afternoon.”

As soon as the door had closed behind the doctor, the young man seated himself by his little boy and watched the varying expressions on the small sad face, until the burning eyes closed, and a deep, heavy sleep fell upon the boy.

Who can know the thoughts that came crowding into the father’s mind as he sat there. With overwhelming shame he thought of the lie he had told his little son.

But this was only the starting point—one of those seemingly little things God graciously uses in bringing poor lost souls to know their real condition before Him. For the first time he thought of the guilt of this positive sin against God. It grew deeper and darker. But did that sin stand alone?

While that child lay there, as he thought, on the brink of eternity, his whole life passed before him; and now God seemed to have a connection with every thought, word, and action of that life. But it was a condemning connection. He became clearly, painfully conscious that he had left God out of every one of these thoughts, words, and actions. A crushing sense of having lived for his own pleasure, and of having completely, not only forgotten God, but in his heart despised Him, overwhelmed his soul. He knew now, that he was a sinner before God.

He was learning that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5. But that light condemned him, and he was willing to be condemned. Still ignorant of the kindness of God, he regarded and accepted this present trial, as a punishment from God for his sin and folly.

“Oh God! I have sinned against Thee,” he murmured in an agony of remorse and repentance. “And now Thou wilt take this one as Thou didst the other.”

But no—God’s ways are not as man’s ways! In an hour’s time little Cecil awoke. The fever had left his cheeks and his eyes once more assumed their natural look.

With a heart filled with thankfulness, his father bent over him, and placed his head on the little shoulder.

ML 10/18/1953

A Wordless Book!

I have a little book which is called a “Wordless book.” It is called this because it does not have a single word in it—yet it has something to tell us.

The first page of it, or perhaps I should say the first two pages of it, are all black. “Whatever could this mean?” you say. I will tell you. It is just like our black sins. They are so black and ugly in God’s sight that He could not have one of them in heaven, and since we are all sinners He cannot have us there with our sins upon us. His Word says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

The next two pages of our little book are all red, and I think perhaps some of you know already what this means. Yes, it is the precious blood of the Lord Jesus which flowed from His pierced side as He hung upon Calvary’s cross. If you and I are to get into heaven we must have our sins washed away, and there is only one thing that can wash away those horrible sins. Here again we find a verse for it in God’s holy Word which says, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1: 7.

We now come to another page—just pure white paper! Now what do we learn in the Bible about white? Can you remember? Yes, there is something that is whiter than the white page of our wordless book, and indeed it is even whiter than snow. What can it be? It is a black, dirty sinner who has been washed in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, and so the Bible says, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7. Isn’t that wonderful! Just believe in your heart that the Lord Jesus died for your sins upon the cross, and that He is risen again for your justification, and God will wash away all your sins in His precious blood. What good news this is for sinners!

Last of all, there is the gold page. I think everyone ought to know what this means. It makes us think of heaven, with its street of gold, where those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb will spend eternity. What a grand and glorious home it is, with no more sorrow or crying or pain forever. Dear reader, will you be there? If you take the Lord Jesus now as your Saviour, you will be there, for God says in His Word, “he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

ML 10/18/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 8:18-9:57

Gideon’s brethren had been slain in this battle with the Midianites, and because of this Gideon slew the two kings of the Midianites. He said, however, that he would have spared these kings if they had not killed his brothers at Tabor, and this, it appears, was the beginning of Gideon’s decline. He thought first of his own family, instead of what was due to the Lord. His heart was divided. Perhaps there is no time when we are in greater danger than after a victory, for self is so liable to come in in some form. Oh how we need self-judgment at such times!

The men of Israel asked Gideon, his son, and his son’s son, to be ruler over them, but Gideon refused, saying that the Lord must be their ruler. This was fine, as far as it went, but self soon asserted itself. Gideon requested that they would give him the golden earrings they had taken from the Ishmaelites, and from these he made an ephod which he placed in his house. This soon became a snare to him and to his household. It is always a bad thing to live on past victories, or to attract attention to ourselves or to our families as to any way in which the Lord may have used us. Gideon’s departure began by putting his family before the Lord, and we can see where it led to in the end.

Nevertheless the Lord used Gideon as a deliverer for His people and gave them quietness for forty years until Gideon’s death. After Gideon’s death, however, the children of Israel turned back to the worship of Baalim, and forgot all the Lord had done for them through Gideon. His son Abimelech, the son of a, bondmaid, was the cause of much shame and sorrow after Gideon’s death.

Abimelech went to the men of Shechem and asked them if they would like all Gideon’s sons, or just one of them (himself) to reign over them. He therefore killed all of Gideon’s sons (and there were seventy of them), except one who escaped, and then he reigned over Shechem. Jotham, the one son who escaped, then came and stood on the top of mount Gerizim. This was the mountain where the blessings had been announced for obedience, when the children of Israel entered the land of Canaan. He called to the men of Shechem and spoke of the evil they had committed in choosing a king to reign over them, and how they would surely suffer for their sin and for their ingratitude to Gideon. We ought to learn from this that we should remember kindnesses that have been shown to us. It is surprising how even Christians will entirely forget kindness that has been shown to them, even turning against the ones who were so good to them in their need. This is evil indeed, and there is sure to be reaping in such things. Gideon was not perfect, nor his family, nor has any servant of God ever been without failure, but this does not excuse us for being forgetful of how God has used them.

Abimelech, however, seemed to prosper for a time. Even when God raised up an adversary against him, Abimelech succeeded in overcoming him. But at last the government of God overtook him, and a woman dropped a stone out of the tower of Thebez upon him and he died. How foolish to think we can escape the government of God, for we most surely cannot, even though we may seem to for a long time.

ML 10/18/1953

The Hidden Snake

In Kenya, which is located on the east coast of Africa, an exciting incident took place. Would you like to hear about it?

One night just after we had finished our supper and were quietly reading in our kibanda (hut), a native servant came rushing in and cried, “Bwana, come quickly, a big snake is in our kibanda.”

Everyone became very excited and we all rushed over to the hut and cautiously went in and looked around.

After a thorough search we could discover no snake, and thought they were just playing a joke. However we could see that the native boys were still very frightened and would not return to their hut. One of the native boys then said he thought the snake had gone into a pile of roofing material nearby, which was made from palm leaves. Since it was piled in bundles, and we were afraid that the snake might escape and kill our small flock of chickens, we decided to pull the pile down piece by piece. This was done by hang everyone line up and run to the pile one at a time and remove a bundle.

Eventually the pile was reduced until it was only one foot high, and no one wanted to go to the pile again for fear the snake might really be there. We got a long pole then and slowly pried up on the bottom of the pile, and there we saw the coils of a snake. Quickly we let the pile down on the snake while one man ran for a gun. Then, while everyone watched closely, once again the pile was raised, and “BANG,” off went the gun, and three quick shots were fired. The snake had been hit and killed instantly. We pulled it out and examined it closely. It was a python, 9 feet 6 inches long. How thankful I have been since then for the Lord’s watchful care of us at that time.

We read in Revelation 12:9 of that “old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” We were almost deceived when we couldn’t locate the snake at first, but it was there all the time. So Satan tries to deceive us by hiding in seemingly innocent pleasures, but he is there just the same. He is brought to light by God’s Word, and in that same Word we find that the Lord Jesus has overcome Satan at the cross. Now He is ready and able to save you from the just punishment of your sins if only you will seek refuge in Him.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24.

In Genesis 3:14 and 15 we read of the curse that God placed upon the serpent, because Satan took that form to deceive Adam and Eve, but we also read there of God’s precious promise to provide a Saviour. The Lord Jesus is that promised Saviour and now the work is finished. Have you put your trust in Him?

“Oh trust my Saviour, my precious Saviour,

He died for you as well as me.

He’ll keep you ever, forsake you never;

He’ll make you glad eternally.”

“THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.” Matthew 1:21.

ML 10/25/1953

Cecil and the Bible

Part 3

He could not delay an instant to tell his boy the truth.

“Cecil,” he said very gently, “I think that story you were reading in the library, has been troubling you all these long weeks. It was no fairy tale, my boy!”

The child looked up eagerly.

Oh! strange that the sweet, old, old story of the cross, with its depths of infinite love and compassion, should have so laid hold of this lonely little boy, shut up in the gloomy old mansion, far away among the Scotch mountains!

“Who was it, Father?” he asked.

“It was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Cecil,” answered the anxious, heartbroken father.

What a world of meaning he had never seen before, now shone in those words, “Jesus Christ the Son of God!” If He is the Son of God, then He must be the gift of God, and if the gift of God to a ruined guilty world, then with God there must be mercy, pity, love to the poor sinner. Was Christ the expression of that love? The whole story of the cross, the Just One suffering for the unjust; Christ, the Lamb of God, the sinner’s substitute, bearing the judgment of God; these and a thousand wonderful thoughts came like a flood of blessing through the father’s soul. His heart believed, and his mouth had confessed; salvation was his.

“Jesus Christ!” echoed the boy dreamily, while his thoughts wandered back through the past. How familiar that name seemed to him! How often it had sounded in his baby ears, spoken by the one who was now with Him in the golden city—home.

“Why did they kill Him?” he asked.

“Oh Cecil!” replied his father, clasping the boy in his arms and burying his face in his curls, “He died for you, and me, that we might never taste death—that we might go to heaven.”

And there in that darkened chamber, into which the grim presence of death had so nearly entered, the father told his boy the old sweet story that brought floods of light and joy in the telling, into his own heart that had been so hard. O how precious that dear old book that had lain so long unused, became to both father and son.

Each day they learned to know more and more of the great love of Him who left the Father’s home to tread this weary world, and who died, that all who believe in Him might live.

“The Lord... is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML 10/25/1953

Becky's Two Lessons

The bell rang for writing, and at the sound the girls bent their heads over their books. Not all, however, for Miss Hall noticed one little head laid on her book with the face quite hidden.

“What is it, dear Becky?” said her teacher laying her hand on her head.

“Is it a headache, or despair about your writing?” for little Becky was almost the worst writer in the class.

“No, Miss Hall,” and the dear young face looked up earnestly in answer to the kind look bent upon her. “I’ll tell you at recess.”

The bell rang again! On looking at little Becky’s copy, her teacher noticed the very great improvement in her writing.

Surprised, she exclaimed, “Why, Becky, how well you have written! What made you do better today?”

“May I stay in at recess and tell you, Miss Hall?” was the reply.

“Surely, dear, if you would rather.”

Recess came, and when all had left the room the little girl came softly to her teacher’s side and whispered, “Jesus helped me today, Miss Hall. Was it wrong to ask Him about such a little thing?”

“No, dear child, nothing is too small to ask the Lord about. Go to Him about anything that troubles you.”

Little Becky had been learning from the Saviour, and had learned something better than her writing. She had learned that “He careth for you,” and that it is blessed just to cast all our cares upon Him. (1 Peter 5:7.) Those who know the precious Saviour can go to Him with problems, small or large. We often sing,

“Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you,

He is willing to aid you.

He will carry you through!”

May we prove the preciousness of His help!

“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6.

ML 10/25/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 8:3-17

Gideon was glad to recognize the efforts of the men of Ephraim, for faith is always glad to recognize all that is of God. He could not, however, explain everything to them, for there are things as to our service which we have to leave with God. We cannot explain that secret sense of the Lord’s call to others who are jealous of it, but we can go on in loving service to them, and to all the people of God. We can recognize all they do for the Lord, and indeed we should do this, as Gideon did here. God had told Gideon what to do and he simply did it. God had not told him to call the men of Ephraim, and so he did not call them. To put the feelings of others before obedience to God is always wrong, but, as we have remarked, we ought always to recognize all that is of God in our brethren, and commend it, especially when, as here, bad feeling has come in. Surely this is “the wisdom that is from above (which) is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17. May we walk in it more!

Just to think that this jealousy came in while Gideon and his weary men were pursuing the enemy! How dreadfully sad! Such is the heart of even God’s children, when the eye is off Christ.

As Gideon’s men passed on, another difficulty arose. Gideon asked the men of Succoth to give bread to his hungry men, but they refused, because he had not yet slain the two kings of the Midianites. With the men of Succoth it was not jealousy, but ease, that hindered the work of the Lord. They just did not care. They would rather have their ease than fight the Lord’s battles, or help those who did. Later the men of Penuel gave the same answer as the men of Succoth, when Gideon asked them for bread.

There are two great things that oppose and hinder the work of God; jealousy and ease. Some do not like to see the Lord using another instead of them, while others settle down to do nothing, refusing to help those who are willing.

Gideon warned the men of Succoth and Penuel about what he was going to do to them when he returned victorious with the two kings of the Midianites in his hands. And so with those Christians who seek ease, what do they get? Thorns of the wilderness. The men of Succoth would not learn by Gideon’s gentle request, so they had to learn by the thorns. And surely many of God’s children have learned the folly of their choice for ease, by the thorns of this wilderness world. If the love of Christ does not separate us from the world, then God will send “thorns” to teach us. It was even worse with those of Penuel, for there Gideon broke down their tower and slew the men of the city. Those who have not learned by the “thorns” have learned by the breakdown of all their big plans (their “towers”), and alas some have been taken away in death. (1 Cor. 11:30.)

These things are very solemn, dear readers, young and old, and yet sad to say, they are being re-enacted over and over again to this very day. We must take this opportunity to plead with our dear young people not to seek this world. Seek Christ. Follow Him and you will have His joy in your heart and His blessing in your life, but just as surely as you seek this world’s ease and progress, you will reap it in sorrow.

ML 10/25/1953

"Steer Straight for Me"

Sandy McDonald was a fisherman. Every evening he sailed from a small cove on the Scottish coast, in a sailboat a little larger than the one in our picture, and every morning he would return with his fish. The entrance to the cove was very dangerous, but Sandy knew every rock, and usually had no trouble.

But I am sorry to tell you that poor Sandy often drank too much, and then his wife and his son Jamie were so afraid he might crash his boat on a rock. Many mornings brave Jamie would stand at the cove holding a lantern to guide his father home, and he would call out over the waters, “Steer straight for me, Daddy.”

Again and again dear Jamie, who loved the Lord Jesus, would read the Bible to his father, and would beg him to accept Jesus as his Saviour.

When Jamie was twelve years old, he was stricken with a serious illness, and in two weeks he was dead. Those were two weeks of suffering, but even in his sufferings, Jamie spoke and sang of Jesus.

About a week after Jamie was buried, poor lonely Sandy was sitting sorrowfully thinking of his dear boy. His conscience bothered him, and his many sins burdened him. All at once he remembered the welcome light that Jamie had so often held out for him and the words that used to ring out over the dark waters, “Steer straight for me, Daddy.”

Quickly he rose from his chair, opened Jamie’s Bible, and found the verse that Jamie had so often read to him, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

With the Bible open before him, he knelt and owned himself a sinner bore God, and accepted Christ Jesus as His Saviour.

Perhaps the reader of this paper is a Christian boy or girl. Do you try to lead others to Jesus?

Perhaps the reader is the father or mother of a Christian boy or girl. Have you accepted Christ Jesus as your own Saviour? Get your Bible now and settle that question on your knees before God.

“THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.” Psalm 119:105.

ML 11/01/1953

"Not Ready"

“Hello, Tommy. Is y our mother home?”

“Yes, Mrs. Bolton. She’s upstairs—come right inside.”

Mrs. Bolton stepped inside and sat down with her Bible on her knee. Tommy went back to his chair in the corner and went on reading his book.

Very soon the two Christian women were talking eagerly and happily together about the soon return of the Lord Jesus. They had just been reading 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, a few days before, and they were rejoicing in the knowledge that soon Jesus was coming to take all His redeemed people home.

Tommy was still sitting in a corner of the room with a book. Soon his book was closed and he was listening eagerly to the wonderful news.

“But there is a dark side to it,” said Mrs. Bolton, to his mother. “What about our neighbors and those in our families who have not taken Jesus as Saviour? They are not ready and will be left behind for judgment.”

Tommy was troubled. He knew he was a sinner and he knew he was not ready. The more he thought of the coming of the Lord Jesus, the more unhappy he felt. At last, after several days, he could bear it no longer, and he told his Uncle George all about it.

“Tommy, Jesus saved me and washed me from all my sins when I was a boy,” said Uncle George. “I am happy to know He is coming soon to take me home, and if you are afraid to meet Him, it must be because you have never taken Him as your Saviour. Do it tonight my boy, you have no time to waste.”

Silently Tommy rose and reached for his cap, and slowly he walked out the door. It was dark, but the stars were shining. After a little pause, he took off his cap, looked up to the sky, and said aloud, “Lord Jesus, I accept Thee as my Saviour. I believe Thy blood can cleanse me from all my sins.”

Then Tommy ran all the way home and told his father and mother that he was saved. Are you?

“Daily nearer draws His coming,
This makes all His own rejoice;
Who are they that fear to meet Him?
Such as now love not His voice.”

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

ML 11/01/1953

The Hidden Kittens

Susie is a soft, gray cat and now she has three little baby kittens. She is very pleased with her little family and watches over them carefully in their padded box in the clothes closet.

One day little Robert came for a visit and when he saw Susie outside, he pulled her tail very hard and she screamed and ran away. Susie knew that Robert was her enemy so she hurried into her little closet to protect her kittens. She found a pile of cardboard boxes in the back of the closet and hid each baby kitten away behind them. Perhaps this would not be safe enough though, and before the next morning she had hidden them again behind some of Mrs. Carver’s shoes.

Dear young friends, Satan is a terrible enemy too, and he wants to harm boys and girls and take them down to hell where there is no escape.

The blessed Lord Jesus wants to save you and be your Hiding Place now and if you put your trust in Him, you will be safe for all eternity. Just as Susie’s kittens were hidden twice, we who are saved are also safely held in the Saviour’s hand and then in the Father’s hand for we read, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28. And also,

“No man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:29.

ML 11/01/1953

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

1.How does one receive the remission of sins?

2.What did Barnabas exhort the young believers to do with purpose of heart?

3.What did the “Church of God” do when Peter was out in prison?

4.From how many things are all who believe justified?

5.Should we expect “much tribulation?”

6.How did Paul and Silas tell the jailer at Philippi to be saved?

7.What did the believers at Ephesus do with their bad books of “curious arts?”

The Young People’s Class

1.What unity are we to endeavor to keep? Ephesians.

2.How is the unity of the body of Christ formed? 1 Corinthians 12.

3.What does the one bread (loaf) of which we partake at the Lord’s table, signify? 1 Corinthians 10.

4.What does the loaf signify when broken? 1 Corinthians 11.

5.To what does the Word of God compare the mystical body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 12.

6.Are all the members of the body of Christ needful? 1 Corinthians 12.

7.Does every member of the body of Christ have some gift or enablement? 1 Corinthians 12.

ML 11/01/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 10:1-11:31

After the death of Abimelech, Tola and Jair judged Israel, but the people still departed from the Lord and worshiped the gods of Syria, Zidon, Moab, and the other nations around them. Then the Lord allowed their enemies to trouble them, and at last the Ammonites gathered their armies together and came over Jordan to fight against Israel.

Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord and said, “We have sinned against Thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.” This confession looked fine on the surface, but it was not from the heart. Alas, how often this is so. How often the sinner forgets the Lord as long as everything goes well, but then when trouble comes he turns to Him and expects deliverance out of his trouble. Sometimes even we who are Christians do this, but the Lord reminded Israel of all He had done for them, and of how they had turned away from Him to other gods. He told them to call upon the gods whom they had been worshiping and let them deliver them out of their trouble.

Then they owned their sin again, and this time they put away their strange gods and turned to the Lord who heard their cry. They said that the man who delivered them would be their head. We can see from this that although they had turned to the Lord, they were still looking to some man to be their leader. How difficult it is for us to look to the Lord alone. How naturally, even after praying to Him, we seem to look to “an arm of flesh.”

Jephthah was the one whom God used to deliver his people at this time, but there were things about him that showed the sad state into which the people had fallen. He was the son of a harlot, and had been turned out of his father’s house. He had a following of vain men too, but he was a mighty man of valor.

The men of Gilead sent for him, therefore, and told him that they wanted him to be their captain to deliver them from the Ammonites. Jephthah said he would come and fight for them if they would make him their head, when the Lord had delivered the Ammonites into their hands. The Gileadites said they would do this. Jephah then sent messengers to the children of Ammon asking them why they had come out to fight against Israel. The Ammonites said that the land from Amon to Jabbok, and to the Jordan, belonged to them, but Jephthah told them of how the Lord had given it to Israel out of the hand of the Amorites, and that now it belonged to them, not to the Ammonites.

The king of the children of Ammon would not listen to this, and so Jephthah passed over to fight against him. Before doing so, Jephthah vowed to the Lord that if He would deliver the enemy into his hand, then whatever came out of the door of his house to meet him, he would offer up as a burnt offering to the Lord. This was a rash and unnecessary vow. The Lord does not want us to makr such promises to Him, and we can surely say the Lord took no pleasure in the fulfillment of this vow. Nevertheless God honored the faith of Jephthah, as He always does, no matter how weak and failing the instrument. How good He is!

ML 11/01/1953

Saved at Such a Cost

In the year 1827, the frigate “Orontes” was crossing the Bay of Biscay. The night was unusually dark; the middle watch had just come on deck, when there was a dull splash, and immediately the cry arose, “Man overboard!”

There was instant activity on deck. Two boats were lowered, lights flashed, signal guns were fired, and the frigate was turned around as quickly as possible. Gregory, a careless young fellow, had stumbled overboard.

The moment the lieutenant had given his orders, he flung off his coat and shoes, and leaped into the tossing sea to rescue the drowning man. The sailors, who had rushed on deck, clustered like bees in the rigging, staring and listening in the darkness. At last they heard the steady dip of the oars of the returning boat, and the captain called, “Have you got them both?”

“Yes, sir.”

Carefully borne by two strong men, Gregory was brought on deck.

“Clear the gangway. Lanterns over this side. Help the noble fellow up.”

“Noble indeed, sir,” said poor Gregory. “He dived for me as I sank, and bore me on his back until the boat came up—he saved my life.”

“Get underneath him and lift him up.” And thus was the young lieutenant borne by four strong men to the deck and tenderly laid down, the other fellows offering their jackets to cover him.

The ship’s doctor knelt by him. “How is he, doctor?”— “Speak!” cried the captain.

“Sir,” said the doctor, in a choked voice, “he’s gone, quite gone.” “Dead! You don’t mean dead!” “Yes sir, he’s quite dead.”

Then there was a gasp and a sob, and the poor saved man flung himself down by the body, and burst into a passion of grief. Saved indeed, but at the cost of the life of one whose position was far beyond his own!

“If I only knew,” he cried, “how to use for him the life that he saved. Is not my life his, and not my own?”

Ah, reader, that cry of anguish ought to be ours! It is far more true that we are saved at the cost of a life infinitely beyond our own. It is gloriously true that God’s only begotten Son laid down His life for us. But He did not die without a word to tell us how to use our lives for Him after we are saved. He has left us His will, simple enough for a child, yet deep enough for the wisest of men who bow to His Word. He has left us the Bible, that we may read it, and spend for Him the life that is His and not our own.

Yes reader, we are saved through His blood. Are you? Will you today accept Him as your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who died for our sins and is now raised again and seated at God’s right hand in glory?

“Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.

“HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US.” 1 John 3:16.

ML 11/08/1953

The Basket Maker

“The basket-maker is here.” This announcement was made in the women’s quarters of a beautiful Chinese home. Two women hastened, on their tiny crippled feet, to the large guest-hall to look over the basket-maker’s wares. It was a beautiful room with a high ceiling, where a painter was even now busy on a long ladder, brightening up the decorations. At one end stood a man, half hidden by his load of new baskets for sale.

The ladies examined his work carefully. They were well-made baskets, but not just the right shape. “We wish to buy,” they explained, “some very special baskets in which to offer incense to the gods.” The basket-maker politely refused.

“Do not be angry, ladies,” he replied simply, “but I cannot make anything for the worship of idols.”

“And pray why not?” was the astonished question.

“I am a believer in the Lord Jesus,” he answered respectfully, “a worshiper of the true and living God.” And he went on to put before these ladies, who might never hear it again, the way of pardon and peace through the Lord Jesus, the One “who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25.

The ladies grew tired of listening, and tottered away on their tiny feet, but as the man was arranging his baskets to carry them away, he was surprised to hear another voice ask, “What was that you were saying?”

“You did not see me,” went on the painter earnestly, “but I was up on that ladder. Tell me again.”

The precious words were gladly repeated, and another longing heart found rest in the Lord Jesus.

Not in China only, but all the world over this same story of God’s great salvation through the Lord Jesus is repeated. Many grow tired of listening and turn away, but there are a few who receive pardon and peace through faith in the Person and work of that blessed Saviour.

This pardon is offered today to you. Will you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12.

ML 11/08/1953

Little Hans' Letter

Since the last World War many people in the countries in Europe have found it very hard to make a living and provide for their families, and many have come to live and work in the richly blessed countries of the United States and Canada. Perhaps you have some little boys and girls in your class at school who have not been in this country long, and who are just learning to speak English. This fall I met, in a pleasant park near our house, a dear little brother and sister who could only speak German, for they had only recently come over the ocean, and could not yet speak English.

Now I would like to tell you of another little German boy who had come with his parents to live in the United States some years ago. His father was seeking work, but could not find anything to do. Dear Hans was often hungry and did not have warm clothes to wear when it was cold. So what do you think Hans did? He wrote a letter, yes, to Jesus! Perhaps you think that that was no use, because Jesus is in heaven, and a letter could not reach Him there. You are right in thinking that, but Jesus could see and read Hans’ letter as he was writing it, couldn’t He? And He could send an answer!

This is what Hans wrote in his childish way,

“Dear Jesus, I have prayed so hard to You, but I guess You could not hear me so far off, so I am going to write You a letter. We came over a big ocean when it was summer-time. My mother has been sick all the time. Can You send her something to make her well? And, dear Jesus, please send my daddy some work to do, so he can buy us some warm clothes and something to eat. Please do it quick, for we are cold and hungry. Nobody knows I am writing to You. I thought You might send us something for a surprise. Hans Brahm.”

Then he folded the letter up, and put it into a little envelope, which he addressed to “Jesus, in Heaven.”

Now I will tell you how the Lord answered Hans’ letter. In the Post Office where this letter was posted, the young lady who sorted the letters was a Christian who knew the Lord as her Saviour. When she saw the strange address, she opened the letter. As she read it, her eyes filled with tears. “The child’s letter and faith must be answered,” she thought.

That evening the young Christian spoke to some of her friends, and they were all anxious to help her send a box to little Hans. They found where to send the box, and in it they put some nice warm clothes for the family, some food, and some toys for Hans. At the very top they put a ten dollar bill!

The young lady wrote a letter to Hans to go with the box. She told him that his letter had been received, and Jesus had sent one of His servants on earth to help him, and that a box was on its way to him. Before long she received a letter of warm thanks from the little boy’s father, and soon after he wrote again saying that he had found work.

The Lord Jesus indeed answered the faith and letter of dear little Hans, for “with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7.

ML 11/08/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 11:32-13:5

The Lord delivered the Ammonites into the hand of Jephthah, and they were utterly defeated. When Jephthah returned to his house, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances, and he was very sad. He had made a promise to the Lord, and he would not go back, nor alter what he had vowed. After she had bewailed her virginity two months, then Jephthah fulfilled his vow, and great mourning followed among the daughters of Israel from year to year.

All this, teaches us a very important lesson, especially in the days in which we live. God may, and does, use whomsoever He will in His service, but He does not approve of all they do. As the days grow darker, God may pick up those whom we least expect He would use, but it is not ours to say, “What doest Thou?” Daniel 4:35. He will accomplish His purposes in His own way, and our part is simple, unquestioning obedience to His Word, leaving God to do according to His will. Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached “whether in pretense, or in truth,” Philippians 1:18—let us do the same!

The men of Ephraim, who had been jealous of Gideon in his day, were now jealous of Jephthah. They even gathered an army and came out to fight against him, but Jephthah did not show the same grace that Gideon did. He fought against them. Jealousy is a terrible thing among the people of God, and it causes untold sorrow. It is very liable to run in families too, as with the Ephraimites, but the grace of God can help us to overcome our “family weaknesses” if we look to Him. Let us not excuse ourselves for these weaknesses (which we all have), but rather seek grace from above to overcome them. A terrible judgment of God fell upon these Ephraimites because of their jealousy, and forty-two thousand of them were slain in this battle. Just think of a terrible slaughter like this over nothing else but jealousy!—surely “jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Song of Sol. 8:6.

After the death of Jephthah there were three other judges who arose, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, but the people again departed from the Lord.

Then the Lord delivered Israel into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. Up to this time their enemies, as recorded in the book of Judges, had been from outside, but the Philistines were enemies from within. They were those left in the land whom the children of Israel had not conquered. The record that follows, therefore, about Samson, is given in great detail, for it is full of important instruction for us in our day, when we feel the enemy’s power from within the professing church. The only way to overcome in such a state of things as this, is complete separation to God, called Nazariteship, as with Samson. The Lord Jesus was the true Nazarite, the truly separated One, and now He is gone up on high. We are now associated with Him up there, and should walk as separated ones here. This applies to our walk as individuals, as well as to the position of the assembly during our Lord’s absence.

When, therefore, the birth of Samson was announced to Manoah’s wife, she was told that God would give her a son who was to be a Nazarite, or a separated one, to God from the day of his birth. She herself was to be very careful as to her own conduct, too, as every parent should be.

ML 11/08/1953

The Open Door

The “news boy” in our picture is much loved, but I want to tell you about a little news boy, a lonely little fellow, that nobody seemed to care about. He should have been in bed that wild stormy night in November. He had no shoes and no hat, and his clothes were soaked by a drizzle of London rain. With a bundle of unsold papers under this arm, he huddled up on a doorstep, just where boys are not supposed to be at that hour of the night.

Poor little unloved soul. Is there anyone reading this paper who feels like that? God loved that dear boy, and He loves you too. It is true that God must sometimes bring us very low, and let us feel the bitter loss of earthly, blessings, before we will let Him bless us for all eternity.

Close to that doorstep came the big rubber-clad steps of a policeman. He stopped by the shivering child and spoke with the stern voice of duty, demanding why he did not find himself lodging.

“Spent my last shilling for papers, sir,” he sobbed, “and papers fell in the mud.”

The policeman had little ones of his own, who were tucked in their warm little beds. He noticed now that the child’s hand was cut and bleeding, and his big heart was touched. “Down that street,” he pointed, “you will find a house marked ‘The Open Door.’ Tell them I sent you. You will be welcome there.”

It was all true, as the boy found out at once. His hand was tenderly bandaged, steaming hot supper provided, and oh such a bed to sleep in, and never a cent to pay. Better, so much better, than his pennies had ever purchased before.

And better, so much better, is God’s welcome to a poor lost sinner than any welcome you have ever found on this earth before. You may enter at the Open Door. It is for you. You have God’s Word for it. Turn not from the Open Door, for it will not always be open. Don’t struggle to buy God’s salvation with any penny of your own, but come just as you are and accept His costly salvation without money and without price. The price was all paid on Calvary’s cross when the Lord Jesus Christ, the blessed Son of God, died in our guilty stead. He bore all the judgment our sins deserved, and now He is a risen and glorified Saviour, offering salvation to you. Jesus said,

“I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY MAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED.” John 10:9.

ML 11/15/1953

"Let Your Light so Shine"

Bob came in breathless from a romp with Fido and sat down in the living room where his father was explaining a verse from the Sunday school lesson to his sister.

“We were just saying,” exclaimed his father, as he handed him a Bible, “that Matthew 5:16 does not say to let your good works shine before men. Even unbelievers try to do that; and the moment we make good works the object, we put ourselves on the same ground with them in that respect. To let the Lord Jesus Christ be known is our object. That is letting our light shine. Then good works will follow, which, when men see them, will cause them to glorify God.”

He told the following story:

Years ago when bands of Indians were still roaming the country two young men were going across into the wilderness of Upper Canada. One evening, when they were encamped beside a stream for the night, in spite of keeping close watch for their dusky foes, they were overwhelmed by the sudden approach of a band of Indians.

Words were of no effect because the Indians could not understand English, and the young men were totally ignorant of the sign language of the Indians. Presently the Indians made a gesture which plainly meant “Come along.” There being no use of resisting, they went.

Soon they reached a large Indian lodge, which they entered. The Indians beckoned to them to sit down in front of a large fire in the center of the lodge. They were offered food, but appetite had been scared out of them. The Indians ate, and then got out knives and hatchets.

“Our time has come,” said one of the prisoners, and his companion thought so too.

However, instead of falling upon them with the weapons, the Indians procured strips of ash wood and began stripping, measuring, splitting, and bending the wood for making baskets.

After the Indians had worked for some time at the basket-making, their chief suddenly gave a terrible yell. The Indians threw down their materials, and formed a circle about the fire and their captives. The terrible ceremony of death was about to begin!

Then the chief sounded a note with his voice, and all the rest began to sing. The two young men looked at each other in astonishment, for the song was a hymn, the tune of which was familiar to them. After that they sang “Rock of Ages, cleft for me”—both of the songs in the Indian language, of course.

The fears of the boys were gone. They joined in their own tongue; and when the Indians had finished their devotions, all lay down, and slept soundly in the warmth of the fire.

The tribe was one which had been visited by missionaries, and the Indians had no other purpose than one of grateful hospitality in bringing these two youths to their lodge.

The next morning the guests ate with gusto the food offered them, and, expressing their thanks as best they could, went on their way.

“That was a good story for this lesson,” said Bob’s sister, “because of the unfavorable way in which the works of the Indians were manifested, and then later the way their showing forth love for the Lord Jesus removed the fears of the two young men. But do you think these Indians were really Christians, or were they just so in name, like so many today?”

“God alone knows the heart, and knows which of them really knew the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and whether with any the singing was merely a matter of ceremony. This is a very solemn matter to be settled between each soul and God.” Certain it is, they who do not have the light which comes from Christ Jesus, cannot let it shine. Those who are truly saved do have this light, and should let Christ be known by both their walk and their talk. Good works come after salvation, not before it.

Can it be that there is one among our readers who is vainly singing hymns which are not true of him because he has not yet come to Jesus to be saved? Is any trying to satisfy himself and please his neighbors with his good deeds, without a personal knowledge of Christ as his Saviour?

Do believe in Jesus now. Then it can be said of you,

“That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.

ML 11/15/1953

"Only Jesus Could Love Him"

Freddie was really mean. He teased the dogs and chased the cats and seemed happy only when he was making trouble.

The boys and girls of the neighborhood had many happy games together, but when Freddie joined them, it usually ended in an argument or a fight.

Harold and his friend Willie were pretty good friends, and they talked things over, as young boys do. One day they talked about Freddie.

“He’s a real mean pest,” said Willie. “I don’t know anybody that really likes Freddie at all.”

“I do,” said Harold. “I know he’s mean, but Jesus loves him anyway.”

Wasn’t that a good answer! And it was wonderfully true too, for Jesus doesn’t look around for kind and gentle boys and girls to love. He faithfully tells us that.

“There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:12. Then He tells us the most wonderful news you could imagine.

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

ML 11/15/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 13:6-14:3

When Manoah’s wife told her husband of how the angel had appeared to her announcing the birth of a son, he was very anxious to hear all this for himself, and to know, as a father, how they could train their child. The Lord graciously heard Manoah’s prayer, and the angel of the Lord came again and told Manoah that it was most important that his wife observe what he had told her, not to drink wine or strong drink, nor to eat any unclean thing.

This is deeply important. We are living in an evil day and it is becoming very difficult to bring up our children for the Lord, as all who are parents will freely admit. What are we to do? Are we to relax and just bring up our children in the ways of this world or can we still bring them up in separation from it? Samson’s parents were concerned about this and they received God’s answer. The mother was to be specially careful to give the example of separation from the pleasures (typified in the wine) and the evil (the unclean things) of the world. She was not to cut her son’s hair either. Now long hair, we learn from 1 Corinthians 11:14, was a shame to a man, and a sign of submission in a woman. And so as little Samson grew up he would have to bear shame before others, because his parents were bringing him up as a separated one. Perhaps he would be laughed at, but God had said that no razor was to come upon his head and that was enough. There was submission to the Word of God.

Undoubtedly this has a voice for us, for God has told us as Christian parents to bring up our children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4. They may be laughed at for it, but it is God’s way, and it is the right way. It is the way of blessing, for we read here of Samson, “and the Lord blessed him.” Then as he grew older it says, “The Spirit of the Lord began to move him.” When we, as parents, seek to bring up our children for the Lord, according to His Word, then we can count upon the Spirit of God to move them. There is a work in their hearts which only He can do, and He will, if we look to the Lord in faith.

We now come to the life of Samson with all its important lessons. Let us consider them carefully and prayerfully, for they are “written for our learning.” Romans 15:4.

After all this fine start we read here, “And Samson went down.” If we are not watchful, and neglect the reading of God’s Word and prayer, we will “go down” too. In spite of all our past training in the things of God, or the faithfulness of our parents, we will get away into a path that is not pleasing to the Lord, if we are careless in these things.

When Samson was “down” in the vineyards of Timnath, he saw a young woman among the Philistines (who were the enemies of the Lord and His people) and she was very attractive to him. He then came and told his parents about her, saying, “Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.” It was because he went down to these vineyards of the Philistines—surely a place of temptation for a separated one who was not to eat anything that was made of the vine, nor even moist grapes (Numbers 6:3, 4)—that he met this young woman at all. If he had been more careful to avoid temptation’s ways he would not have been there, and, undoubtedly, it was because his heart was away from the Lord that this enemy of God’s people could please him.

ML 11/15/1953

The Indian Chief

Many years ago a judge lived near the Indians in America. His daughter, who was a widow, lived with him and her little son, who was the pet of the family. Now the judge was very anxious to live on good terms with the Indians, for there were but few white people about them, and the Indians, when provoked, had often set fire to the houses of the settlers, and murdered all who dwelt there. Some of the tribes returned his kindness and gave him their confidence. But there was one old chief of a very powerful tribe who could not be won in any way. At last the judge sent him a message. The answer was that the chief would call at his house next morning. The judge received the old chief very courteously, and tried to be as pleasant as he could. He brought in his daughter, and her little son. Then he began to speak of his wish for peace and friendship. The chief heard what he had to say, and answered — “Brother, you ask much, and you promise much. What pledge can you give of your good faith? The white man’s word may be good to the white man, but it is empty breath to the Indian. Now if you will trust the Indian, the Indian will trust you. Here is this little lad, your daughter’s son. Let him go with me to my camp for three days. At the end of that time I will bring him back with my answer.”

If a sword had pierced the mother, she could not have felt a sharper pain than that which went to her heart. She clasped the boy in her arms and was about to rush from the room with him. The chief frowned darkly and rose to leave too.

“Stay,” cried the judge kindly, as his lip quivered. “The boy is dear to me as he is to you; I would not risk a hair of his head. He must go, God will watch over him. He must go.”

Who can tell the agony of the mother, as she kissed the little boy and made him ready for the journey, and then set him beside the chief, and buried her face in her hands.

The chief did not say a word, but took the wondering child by the hand and led him away.

Three days and nights! It seemed almost as many years to the mother. She tossed sleepless at night, or dozed only to start in her dreams at the cry of her little son calling to her for help. So the heavy hours passed away until the third day came. The morning went, but there was no sign of the chief. And now the sun was setting behind the forest trees. The mother pictured her worst fears as having come upon her boy. The judge went troubled from room to room. At last as the day had nearly closed, the chief appeared, leading the lad dressed as a young chief, with eagle feathers in his hair, and a beaver skin about his shoulders and moccasins on his feet. Looking proud and happy in his strange dress, the little fellow came on toward the house. The mother rushed out with a wild joy and pressed him to her heart.

“Now,” said the old chief, “we can be friends. You have trusted the Indian; the Indian will trust you.”

That was a great deal, a very great deal to do. But all we have ever heard of or thought about falls very, very short of this — “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Think very much about it, dear children. The little boy came back to his dear mother’s arms in peace. But this world killed God’s dear Son and cast Him out. And yet God’s wonderful love is still unchanged. Through the death of His own dear Son, He offers pardon and peace to whosoever will.

“GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD; BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.” John 3:17.

ML 11/22/1953

Little Hated

Little Fullness came into the children’s class with her new baby sister in her arms. In China the elder girls have to bring their little charges, or they would not be able to come at all. “What is your little sister’s name?” asked the missionary. “Little Hated,” was the answer. She got that name because she was only a girl and not a boy, for which her mother was wishing. But the missionary called her “Little Love.” Many Chinese girls have very pretty names, as Love, Fragrance, Pearl, or Jewel.

When Little Hated was over two years old, the missionary noticed with joy that her Little Love was opening her lips to join in the chorus of the hymn “Jesus loves me.” This is the favorite hymn of the Chinese children, and Little Hated had heard it over and over again, from the very first days of her young life.

The next day Little Hated was drowned. The Good Shepherd had safely folded His little lamb to His loving heart to be with Him forever. The mother had tried to sell her little girl, but she was not wanted as she was not pretty. But the Lord Jesus wanted her. In the night a sudden flood arose, caused by a tremendous downpour of rain. The family lived in a little house in a narrow gully which rapidly filled with water. While they were leaving the house to go to a safe place, the rushing water took Little Fullness away, together with her little sister, whom she was holding by the hand.

“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 11/22/1953

"I Can't Sing It"

Joan and Emily were often together, and shared all their joys and sorrows. They were not only neighbors, but also first cousins. Both were very fond of singing and they loved to sing together, especially on Sundays.

But I am sorry to say that they paid no attention to the words of the hymns, but just enjoyed the melody.

Then came a great change. Emily accepted they Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. This made her happier than ever and turned her conversation again and again toward the Saviour who had won her heart. But it seemed to make Joan a little uncomfortable, especially as they sang together. Joan felt an ache in her heart as she saw her cousin’s deep joy, and knew that she was not saved.

“Oh, here is a lovely hymn,” said Emily, “Let’s sing it together.”

“It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

With great delight Emily started up, but Joan’s voice was silent. After listening for two or three lines, the tears began to flow down Joan’s cheeks.

“Emily, I can’t sing it in truth, and I won’t sing a lie to God.”

“Come, Joan, let us tell God about it.”

Together they knelt in silence for a few minutes and then Emily quietly thanked God for saving her soul through the precious blood of Jesus. Again there was a silence, broken at last by Joan’s trembling voice as she confessed herself a lost sinner before God, and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her own Saviour.

They rose from their knees and embraced with tears of joy.

“Shall we sing our hymn together now?”

“Yes, by all means,” said Joan.

Together their voices rose in happy thanksgiving.

“It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

May I ask you, dear reader, is it well with your soul? Have those crimson sins been washed away by the precious blood of Jesus Christ?

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML 11/22/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 14:3-9

If there should be some young believer reading these lines, and you are going “down” to some worldly place, as Samson did, may this be a voice from the Lord to you. You are in great danger, as Samson was, and your next step may be like his — you may see some nice boy or girl there in that worldly place and fall in love with him or her. Dear young reader, let us warn you now to retrace your steps before it is too late, before your heart has been taken up with some enemy of the Lord. Think of the prophet’s solemn rebuke to Jehoshaphat, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.” 2 Chron. 19:2. Samson’s course brought sorrow to him, as did Jehoshaphat’s, and many others—and yours will too, if you continue in it.

The young limp that roared against Samson when he went down to Timnath, ought to have shown him that the course he was pursuing was wrong; but when we are away ‘from the Lord we are slow to listen to God’s warnings. And yet God is patient with us, and does not allow us to be overcome all at once. He is faithful and helps us, as He delivered Samson from the lion here, so that we recognize His goodness in delivering us, and glorify Him. And yet how often we go on, “not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth ... to repentance.” Romans 2:4. Yes, we are often like Samson who, even after the lion had roared against him (typical of Satan’s power, 1 Peter 5:8), still went on down to see ‘this woman of the Philistines, and “she pleased Samson well.”

After a while he returned, intending to marry her, and as he passed the carcass of the lion he had killed, he turned aside and found there was a hive of bees with honey in it. He therefore took some of the honey in his hands and began to eat it, giving some to his father and his mother also. Again we learn a precious lesson here of how God would feed the wayward soul, so that the remembrance of His wondrous love and grace might cause the heart to go out to Him. In this way He seeks to draw us from paths of sin, and constrain us to follow Him. And yet how terribly willful we can be! We will not listen to warnings, or to love, when we have chosen our own way. This has happened over and over again with young people whom we know! God’s warnings have passed unheeded, and then they have gone to some Bible conference or Christian gathering, and their hearts have been warmed with the sweetness of the love of Christ. They have even spoken of it to others, giving us a fresh ray of hope, but alas they have not been exercised about our own way. We are slow to let it constrain us. We believe, therefore, that Samson’s killing the lion, typifies to us the Lord Jesus, the true Nazarite, who in going to the cross to bear our sins, met all Satan’s power and utterly defeated him. Now out of the their willful ways. And so here, Samson did not tell his parents where he got the honey — it would have necessitated a confession! God’s love that is greater than all the power of Satan ought ever to constrain our hearts after Christ, and yet how often, though we are thankful for that love, we still want eater (the devil who had the power of death) has come forth sweetness, and we can rejoice in the triumphs of Christ’s finished work at Calvary.

ML 11/22/1953

The Other Side

Edgar was walking home from the store. Slowly and painfully he walked, stopping every little while to rest. Edgar was not an old man; he was only nineteen, but he was very sick and he knew he had not long to live.

Little Frances walking merrily by his side, was gathering flowers and chatting merrily about everything she saw. It was getting dark when they finally came to the gate that led through the village cemetery. Edgar shuddered a bit, for he feared the thought of death, and wished to hurry away. Little Frances bravely opened the gate and turned in.

“Good-night, Edgar, and I hope you feel better in the morning.”

“Good-night, Frances. Aren’t you afraid to cross that cemetery in the dark?”

“Afraid? Not at all. Don’t you see my home is on the other side!”

Frances smiled and pointed to the light in the cottage window in the distance.

Even more slowly, Edgar walked to his own home. “My home is on the other side!” These words kept ringing in his ears. He knew he had not long to live, for the doctor had told him so. But he feared death.

That evening, he took the Bible his father had given him, and went alone to his own room. There he knelt and told God of his fear of death. He told God of the burden of his sins. Then, still on his knees, he opened his Bible. He read the story of the jailer in Acts 16, and when he came to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” his heart leaped for joy, for he knew it was just how he felt.

The answer was just what he wanted. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

With his fingers firmly resting on that wonderful verse, he closed his eyes and said, “Lord, I believe.”

That settled it. He was saved. And now the “other side” was truly home for Edgar. As death drew near, he was filled with joy and the very night he passed away, he sang “There’s a light in the valley now for me.”

His last whisper was, “I do not fear death. My home is on the other side.”

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

ML 11/29/1953

The Story of an Orphan Boy

This is the story of a little orphan boy in Germany. He was eleven years old, with a hard lonely life behind him, and a bitter look on his young face. The Lord put it into the hearts of some Christian women to take him into their orphanage, to try to teach him of Jesus.

The “little mother” in his new home, gave him the best bed she could supply, which was a straw mattress on the floor, not far from the stove. Each morning, she prepared a hot breakfast for her dear little orphans, and then gathered them around her to read a chapter from the Bible, and explain it earnestly to their hearts.

Our little friend smiled, a hard, bitter smile. He did not say anything, but the mocking look on his face, morning after morning, troubled the little mother greatly. He appreciated what was done for him, but he would have nothing to do with Christ, the Saviour of sinners.

One morning, the little mother felt she must ask that boy to go out of the room. His face troubled her so that she could scarcely tell of her precious Saviour to the other children. Just then, she noticed a strange smell from upstairs, and, rushing up, she found the room filled with smoke. That very’ boy, in disobedience, had left his straw mattress too near the stove, and it was at that moment, bursting into flame.

She shouted for the gardener, and hurried at once to carry out the two little orphan babies who were sleeping in the room. The gardener heard, and in a few moments was able to put out the flames without further damage. But the little mother’s hand was very badly and painfully burned, in saving her babies from the fire.

All the little ones gathered around their beloved little mother, and felt so sorry for her poor suffering hand, but the boy who had caused it was not there. He had gone away to pray, for the first time in his life, that the Lord Jesus would quickly heal the injured hand.

It did heal, much more quickly than anyone had expected, and the dear boy prayed again, this time for himself. And the Saviour whom he had despised, was ready to come into that sinful young heart, and cleanse it from all sin and fill it with love and joy and peace.

The same Saviour is willing to come into your heart, dear reader, no matter what your past may have been. His sufferings during those dark hours on Calvary were for sinners like you and me. God placed the sins of all who believe upon His blessed holy head and He bore the punishment in our place. Now as a risen Saviour He offers peace and pardon to “whosoever will.”

“My son, give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26.

“It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:14.

ML 11/29/1953

God Heareth Prayer

A wealthy Chinese family lived in a village far in the interior of China. They sent one of their children, a little girl, to the mission school to get a good education, but they did not want her to become a Christian. However God had His plans, and before long the young child opened her heart to the Lord Jesus and began to pray. She was ridiculed and harshly treated for this at home, and when the old grandfather found her on her knees, he beat and kicked her. But the girl, although only eight years of age, remained steadfast, praying most earnestly that the Lord would save her grandfather, whom she loved in spite of the cruel way he treated her.

One day the grandfather came ruing home very much excited. He took the little girl by the hand, put her into the inner chamber and said: “The robber soldiers are coming, they are going to rob us. You know how to pray. Pray to your God to save us,” and he shut the door upon her. Through the thin partition wall the members of the family could hear her pleading with the Lord to save them on this day of trouble, so that all the family, especially the grandfather, might see that the Lord really hears and answers prayer.

The officer of the soldiers rode at the head of his men and went straight to the house of this rich family, where he was sure to get a great loot. The gate was not closed, for they knew the robbers would have broken in just the same. But suddenly the horse stopped at the open gate. Neither whipping, nor cursing, nor coaxing availed anything; the horse would not move. At last the soldiers cried out: “This house must be full of demons, we cannot see them, but the horse sees them and is afraid. We must not enter here.” Not one soldier dared to go through that gate. The old man went into the chamber to the little girl, laid his hand tenderly on her head and said: “The Lord has heard your prayer.”

The same evening the old man went to the missionary and asked him with tears in his eyes: “Tell me more about the true God who hears prayer and teach me to pray too, for I would like to pray as my little granddaughter does.”

I cannot tell you if he was really saved after this or not, but I believe that the Lord who answered the prayers of this little girl in time of trouble, would also answer her prayers for her grandfather’s salvation.

We know, however, that many people turn to the Lord in trouble, and ask Him to deliver them, but they have never opened their hearts and received Christ as their Saviour. Perhaps the one who reads these lines has asked the Lord to make you well again in sickness, but I wonder if you have ever asked Him to cleanse away your sins in His precious blood. He invites you to come to Him and be saved, for His Word says,

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 11/29/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 14:10-19

Samson did not seem to be moved by God’s warning or His tokens of love to him. He still went on down to marry this young woman of the Philistines, and, of course, when there, he had to do as “the young men used to do.” If we want the world we will have to fit into their groove — they cannot fit into ours. They are “dead in sins” while we are “alive in Christ.” So Samson prepared his wedding feast according to the Philistines’ customs and there were many guests present, but mostly all enemies of the Lord. What a place for a Nazarite (a separated one), with thirty ungodly “companions to be with him.” And so in what a pitiful position a Christian puts himself or herself, who marries an unbeliever. They may have their father or mother at the wedding feast, but “the crowd” will always be unbelievers, for how can the people of God have any part in such a disastrous affair! Samson, however, tried to introduce into the feast something of his “secret” — something of the sweetness he had found through the Lord’s power and goodness, of which his “companions” knew absolutely nothing. He called it a riddle, for so it was to them. Let us remember that when we put ourselves among unbelievers through our own willful ways, we are like Lot in Sodom, or Samson here, and we have no power to be a testimony for Christ in such a position. What we say on such occasions will always seem like mocking, and will not be received, because our lives speak the very opposite. This is dreadfully solemn!

At last Samson’s companions were so angry that they told his wife that if she did not get Samson to tell his riddle they would burn her and her father’s household with fire. As we have remarked before, the world cannot understand the source of the believer’s joy, and they hate us for it. They may be tolerant for a time, as Samson’s companions were, but sooner or later their enmity comes out. “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4.

Samson’s wife knew how to break him down, and so she cried in front of him for seven days, saying that he did not love her. How many a child of God has been broken down by the tears of a lover, and turned aside from devotedness to Christ! Sometimes we have to choose whether we are going to cause sorrow to the heart of Christ, or sorrow to our loved ones. Who ought to come first? This is a serious matter, and we have the answer in God’s Word, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:37. Samson, however, gave in to his wife and told her the riddle, but it was like casting pearls before swine. (Matt. 7:6.) It is useless to tell of our secret enjoyment of heavenly things to those who have no heart for them. They will only trample upon the things that are precious to us, and turn again and rend us, as Samson’s friends did. As soon as Samson’s wife told his secret to them, they put him in trouble. We cannot estimate the terrible mistake of marrying an unbeliever. How disheartening for the believer in such a case, to find the whole family and friends of the unbelieving partner bitterly opposed to the gospel and the truth, and ever seeking to lead him or her into the world, from which the believer seeks to draw them away. We shall soon see the sad end of Samson’s marriage.

ML 11/29/1953

Monie, the Blind Girl

Bright and beautiful she looks, as she leans back, seemingly gazing over the blue waves with a sad but sweet smile on her face. No one would have guessed that those big brown eyes were sightless, and had been so since Monie was born.

She was growing up now into a big girl. It was difficult to know what to do with her — so her father thought, as he watched her, sitting amongst the sailors on the pier, and heard her caroling in her full, rich voice the songs they asked her to sing. Monie had a wonderful memory; perhaps a gift that in some degree made up to her for the loss of sight. Hymns and songs, or sayings, were caught up by her and stored away in the deep recesses of her busy brain for future use.

One day a stranger strolled up and down the wharf watching the boats being loaded and unloaded, and having a word here and there with an idle sailor who stood lazily by. His attention had been attracted by Monie, and he stood to listen to her singing.

Presently he led her by the hand to where a group of men stood, and asked her to sing him a hymn. The girl struck up at once a well-known one, apparently without intentionally choosing it:

“The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,

The Light of the world is Jesus:

Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,

The Light of the world is Jesus!

Come to the Light! ‘tis shining for thee:

Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me:

Once I was blind, but now I can see;

The Light of the world is Jesus!”

She sang the words with a plaintive pathos in the oft repeated chorus that no words can describe,

“Once I was blind, but now I can see; The Light of the world is Jesus!”

Tears stood in many eyes, and rolled down the cheeks of one or two.

The gentleman pulled his little well-worn Bible out of his pocket, and said as he opened it:

“My friends, we have had a sermon preached today by blind Monie, that you and I can never forget. She has sung about light and sunshine, and the glory of day; yet her eyes have beheld none of these things, they are only meaningless words to her. Are they realities to you? They are to me; I can say,

‘Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me:
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus.’”

“My dear friends,” he continued more earnestly, “do not be content with listening to words about Jesus; with talking of heavenly things; but go right to Him and get your souls’ eyes opened.”

The men listened in silence; and though no immediate effect of the little scene followed, the blind girl’s thoughts began to center round the Saviour, Jesus of whom she had so long sung unthinkingly and carelessly, and soon she learned to say in the deepest truest sense,

“Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus.”

Dear reader, have you been content with pleasant services, nice hynms, and cheerful talks? Has your tongue run glibly over sacred words and solemn hymn lines, without any of it being a reality to you? Is yours a sadder blindness than Monie’s is now — even a soul blindness?

It drew tears from the eyes of strong men to hear a blind girl singing about sight: will you be careful never to sing a hymn that you cannot say is true of your own self? Question yourself as you sing, “Can I really say, ‘I do believe,’ or, ‘I am Thine, O Lord?’” and if you cannot, do not rest till, like Monie, you have made it all a living, bright reality.

“THE GOD OF THIS WORLD (SATAN) HATH BLINDED THE MINDS OF THEM WHICH BELIEVE NOT, LEST THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WHO IS THE. IMAGE OF GOD, SHOULD SHINE UNTO THEM.” 2 Cor. 4:4.

ML 12/06/1953

Why Little Charlie Left Sunday School

Charlie was a poor little ill-fed child, with a pale pinched face and big bright eyes. He came regularly to Sunday school during the summer months, and listened gladly to the sweet story of God’s love’ in sending Jesus to die for sinners.

As the chilly days of autumn drew on, the little lad was absent for several weeks, and the teacher soon found her way to his home to inquire about him. His mother told her that Charlie was not coming back to Sunday school any more.

Do you wonder why? It was not because he thought himself too big, nor because he was too lazy to learn his verse. Little Charlie had left the Sunday school to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven.

During the short weeks of his last illness, he often asked his mother to sing

“Around the throne of God in heaven

Thousands of children stand,

Children whose sins are all forgiven

A holy, happy band.”

His little bed had been huddled up in a dark corner of a cold room, and there was not much covering for his poor wasting body, and scarcely a bit of furniture in the room, but he had died full of joy at the thought of being “around the throne.”

One day, when his mother spoke sadly of his poor shabby nightclothes, he had answered, “Oh, Mother, it’s all right. Jesus has such a clean white robe for me, and I shall soon be wearing that!” His one grief was that his father would not “come to Jesus,” and promise to meet him in heaven.

Dear boys and girls, will you come? He is waiting to welcome you, but He cannot have your sins in heaven, if you wish to be among those happy, singing, children there. Will you come to Him now? He will then wash away your sins in His precious blood.

“Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5.

ML 12/06/1953

Bible Questions for December

1.Did the Lord Jesus say it is more blessed to give, or to receive?

2.What was Paul “ready” to do at Jerusalem?

3.What did Ananias call Saul, when he said to him. “Receive thy sight?”

4.When Felix heard of judgment to come what did he say?

5.What did the Lord “send” Paul to the Gentiles to do?

6.Why did Paul tell those in the ship to be of good cheer?

7.What did Paul do when he saw the brethren who came to meet him?

The Young People’s Class

1.In whose Name are we to be gathered together? Matthew 18.

2.Does God acknowledge the action of the assembly thus gathered according to His Word? Matthew 18.

3.Is a believer responsible to judge himself before remembering the Lord? 1 Corinthians 11.

4.Is the assembly responsible to put away evil from among them? 1 Cor. 5.

5.If evil is not put away, does the allowence of it “leaven” those who remain there? 1 Cor. 5.

6.Is each individual responsible to separate from the vessels to dishonor (bad doctrine)? 2 Timothy 2.

7.Does this separation hinder one’s sphere of usefulness in God’s account? 2 Timothy 2.

ML 12/16/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 14:20-15:13

Samson fulfilled his promise of supplying thirty changes of raiment to those who told his riddle, by killing thirty Philistines to get them. It is well to notice here that when the world leads the believer away, they, too, have to suffer in the government of God. It is, as we have remarked, very wrong for a believer to marry an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:14), but when an unbeliever lures a believer away, God deals with the unbeliever too. God has said “He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of His eye.” Zech. 2:8.

And what of this unhappy marriage? After the seven days of the feast were ended, Samson did not get his wife at all, and when he returned for her he found his father-in-law had given her to his companion. Oh, what sorrows there are in the path of disobedience to God, and yet how slow we are to learn. All this ought to have been a voice to Samson, but he did not listen. Although God overruled this sad and unhappy circumstance, as He often does, Samson did not appear to learn anything from it. And how often we see this even today. Some dear young believer comes to the point of being almost married to an unbeliever, and God intervenes in His faithfulness and breaks it up. Then, instead of taking it from the Lord, the believer either tries to get together again with his friend, or finds another unbeliever to go with, as poor Samson did in the next chapter.

We find, however, that God was overruling all this, and using Samson to deal with the Philistines, the enemies of God’s people. And so Samson caught three hundred foxes, put a firebrand between their tails, and let them loose in the Philistine’s wheatfields, thus destroying their crops. The Philistines, realizing the wrong that had been done to Samson by his father-in-law, then burned his wife who had been given to another man, and also her father, with fire.

Samson was still not satisfied, however, and he went out to battle and killed a great number of Philistines. God was thus using him as the “judge” upon these enemies of the Lord. All this made the Philistines very angry, and they gathered together to battle against the men of Judah. The men of Judah asked them why they had come to fight against them, and the Philistines replied that they wanted to bind Samson because of what he had done. When we realize that the children of Israel were in bondage to the Philistines, we would think they would have been glad of a fearless deliverer, but they were not. Many of God’s children fear to do anything that excites the hatred of the world, especially the religious world (as typified in the Philistines). They want peace at any price. And what is worse still they will actually turn against those who, because of faithfulness to God, stir up the world’s enmity. They would rather try to work with the world, than take a separate or Nazarite path, like Samson.

It is not surprising, therefore, to find the men of Judah, the very people of God, coming up to the top of the rock Etam to bind Samson and deliver him over to the Philistines. They said, “Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us?” Samson was not afraid, for he did not own them as rulers over God’s people, but undoubtedly he was grieved that the men of Judah should turn against him and choose the rule of the Philistines instead.

ML 12/06/1953

The Lifeboat

The wind howled louder and fiercer all through the night. In the homes built along the sea shore, many a heart was thankful for the storm warning that had been posted the day before. Not one from the little fishing village had put out to sea.

But with the early streaks of dawn came a crash from off-shore. Brave men leaped to their feet and rushed to man the lifeboat. There, about half a mile off shore was the stricken ship, still afloat, but in grave danger.

With speed and skill, the brave fishermen launched the lifeboat from shore and made for the rescue.

The rest of the story will surprise you. The captain of the damaged ship was drunk. He stood on deck waving a revolver and uttering awful curses. He refused to leave his ship, and even threatened to shoot any of his crew who entered the lifeboat. The lifeboat crew were amazed. Never had they met any before who refused to be rescued.

Before I finish the story let me ask if you have done something even more foolish. God in His Word warns us: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27.

But you can be rescued from this doom, which is far worse than sinking in a watery grave. The very next verse gives us God’s lifeboat,

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28. If you refuse God’s remedy, you are far more foolish than the drunken captain who refused to be rescued.

In spite of the captain’s threats, two of his crew slipped unseen over the side and into the lifeboat. The rest of the poor men were afraid of the captain’s gun, and would not leave, hoping their ship might not sink. But they all perished! Just as the two rescued seamen reached the shore, a terrific crash was heard, the ship broke up, and the captain and his men were seen no more.

“Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.” Acts 13:41.

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME: BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 12/13/1953

"Do You Know 'Bout Jesus Bein' Born?"

A poor little girl was taken sick one winter day, and carried to a hospital. While there she heard the story of Jesus coming into the world to save us. It was all new to her, but very precious. She accepted this wonderful Saviour, and this made her very happy as she lay upon her little cot.

One day the nurse came round at the usual hour, and the little girl held her by the hand and whispered, “I’m havin’ real good times here—ever such good time. S’pose I shall have to go ‘way from here just as soon as I get’s well; but I’ll take the good time along with me—some of it, anyhow. Did you know ‘bout Jesus bein’ born?”

“Yes,” replied the nurse, “I know. Sh—sh? Don’t talk any more.”

“You did? I thought you looked as if you didn’t, and I was gain’ to tell you.”

“Why, how did I look?” asked the nurse, forgetting her own orders in her curiosity.

“Oh, just like most o’ folks—kind o’ glum. I shouldn’t think you’d ever look glum if you know’d ‘bout Jesus bein’ born.”

Dear children, do you know ‘bout Jesus bein’ born’? And do you know why He was born into this world?

Yes, I expect you do. And have you ever thought how this affects you? Perhaps you have imagined that as it happened such a long, long time ago, it has not much to do with your life today.

But Jesus loves boys and girls and He loves the very one who is reading this paper. He, the eternal Son of God, came into this world to die for sinners. And He wants to cleanse you from all your sins and take you to be with Him forever in heaven. Will you trust Him now?

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

ML 12/13/1953

Bread for the Hungry

It was Lord’s day in England, many years ago. Throngs of people in their Sunday clothes filled the streets.

In one very poor district, a house door opened, and a man, poor clad, downcast and wretched, came out and walked steadily down in the direction of the river. He left behind him, in his miserable home, an unhappy wife and three crying children. It was so long since they had tasted proper food! They had nothing now, not a crumb, and no more furniture worth selling. What could the poor man do?

As he walked sullenly along, he found himself among a throng of people, and almost without thinking, he followed them into a large cheerful building. As the meeting began, a man stood up with a Book in his hands, and these words riveted his attention, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17.

Very quietly, the poor man slipped out of his seat, and retraced his steps to the wretched home he had left. He had struggled through sickness and trouble to earn an honest living, but he had left God out, and now he scarcely knew how to begin.

As soon as he opened the door, he said, “Betsy, let us read together a chapter of the Bible.”

She hushed the children as he turned over the strange pages and began to read. This is what he read: “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:32, 33.

Then, after a moment’s silence, he said, “Betsy, let us pray.”

They rose from their knees with a great hunger for the Bread of Life. All the rest of that Lord’s day they feasted upon the Holy Book. God, who delights to satisfy the needs of His people, gave them joy of heart even in their deep poverty.

Can God do the same for you? Are you hungrily longing for something in this life, which God has not given you? God knows all about that. He longs to give you something better. He longs to save your soul, to fill your hungry soul with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to satisfy you with Himself forever.

Next morning the man set out again on his search for work. At the door he met the postman, who gave him a letter containing a one-pound note (about three dollars), and the suggestion that he apply for work at a certain factory in the town. He did so and was immediately employed, and never again knew unsatisfied hunger.

Dear reader, do not leave God out of your life. Begin now, as this family did, with reading and prayer, and you will find that God still fills the hungry with good things.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6.

ML 12/13/1953

Forgetting to Trust Jesus

David is just a little boy, and he had heard the story of David in the Bible who had killed the giant with only a stone from the brook. We read of him in 1 Samuel 17.

Our little David was just a tiny bit afraid of giants. Are you ever afraid of the dark? Well, one day when David was alone in his room, he called to his mother. When Mother came in he looked all around and said, “Mamma, are there any giants in here?”

“Oh, no dear, there aren’t any giants here.”

“Mamma,” said David, “I keep forgetting that Jesus is taking care of me.”

Mamma thought that this was often just the same with big folks, too, for when we look around at all the dangers on every hand we sometimes become fearful; but the Lord Jesus says to His own, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

The Psalmist said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1.

ML 12/13/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 15:14-20

When the Philistines saw that the men of Judah had bound Samson with new ropes, they shouted for joy, but Samson broke the cords with which he was bound, like flax before the fire, and then ran out and killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. While it is true that Samson had failed in his faithfulness to God (as the Church has), it is also true that as long as he remained a Nazarite, faithful in a measure, God used him against the Philistines. It is sad to see, however, as we have remarked, that the people of God, as well as the Philistines, were opposed to a separated one.

This has an important lesson for us today, for just as the Philistines remained quite peaceful as long as their rule was not questioned, so the world will accept Christianity as a moral force to build a better world. They would have received Christ if He had acknowledged their order of things, and sought to improve their world, morally and socially, but when He showed man’s true condition before God and exposed their enmity against Him; when He told of coming judgment too, they hated Him. They had no place for the true Nazarite who walked in entire separation from the whole world system of things. And so with the religious world today, they have no use for one who walks in separation from all that man has set up, and only acknowledges the claims of Christ. He meets not only the scorn of the unbeliever, but even the misunderstanding of true Christians who think the systems of men should be acknowledged, and would “bind the hands” of the one who separates from them. Nevertheless just as Samson was able to break the ropes with which he was bound, in his Nazarite strength, so there is true power in this path of faith. Oh, dear fellow Christian, may we be more willing to “go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” Hebrews 13:13. As the Lord’s coming draws nearer, and the true character of Christendom becomes more manifest, it is the more important that we be found walking for His glory here. One feels it is going to cost more and more to be faithful, as time goes on, for the great tendency today is to take the easy path. May we be found “looking unto Jesus” the One who suffered so much for us, and who never turned aside from the path of faith. He would rather die than disobey.

One victory, however, is never the assurance of another, as Samson had to learn. Unless we cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart we, are as weak as water. Indeed there is always the danger of resting on past experiences and not realizing that it is the Lord we need, for without Him, experience is of no value in divine things. After Samson’s great victory over the Philistines, he thirsted and cried to the Lord, who graciously met his need. He caused water to come out of the very jaw bone Samson had used in battle against the Philistines. The Lord will never fail in His faithfulness, but Samson’s heart was growing cold, and the God-given boldness which was so manifested at first, gave way to a secret fear of the Philistines.

The beginning of the sixteenth chapter shows where Samson’s heart really was, and his secret departure soon manifested itself before others. If our hearts are secretly cold to the Lord, it will not be long before our feet will lead us into wrong paths.

ML 12/13/1953

"Do You Love Jesus?"

In a farm house at some distance from the town, lived two dear children of God with their one little girl about three years of age. They were not rich in this world’s goods, and their house was very small, having only one bedroom in it. But they knew the Lord Jesus as their own precious Saviour and their hearts were large.

One night, quite late, a servant of the Lord knocked at the door and asked for shelter and a night’s lodging. Most gladly they took him in, and gave him the only bed there was in the house. They were very willing for the sake of the One he served, to put up with the personal inconvenience it gave them.

Their little girl was fast asleep in the cot at the bottom of the bed when they showed their guest where he was to rest. With care, so as not to waken the little sleeper, he undressed and went to bed.

In the morning he awakened quite early, and lay there thinking of God’s great love to him, a poor sinner. Suddenly a little white figure stood up in the cot at the bottom of the bed and looked over, expecting to see Daddy and Mamma. To her amazement a strange face looked at her. Their eyes met. For a moment she stood perfectly still, while a look of fear came over her face. Soon the startled look gave way to an earnest question.

“Do you love Jesus?” she lisped.

“Yes, my child, Jesus is my Master,” replied the stranger. A happy and peaceful look came over her face, and without another word she lay down on her cot again and went off to sleep.

Happy child! She had learned about the love of the Lord Jesus from her very infancy. Dear reader, how about you? Do you love Jesus? Have you learned about His love in dying for poor guilty sinners upon the cross of Calvary? If you have, then have you put your trust in Him and been eternally saved? He bore the judgment which our sins deserved so that we might be blessed. All who have received Him as their Saviour can say,

“WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 12/20/1953

Louise Rests

Charlie, Harry, Bertha, and little Jane were often hungry, but nearly always happy. They made the woods ring with their shouts of fun and laughter, but suddenly they became quiet as they neared home and saw their poor crippled sister Louise, sitting in her special chair, watching their play with weary pain-filled eyes.

Poor Louise had fallen from a tree when she was very small, and she had never been able to walk since. Her poor little body was often tortured with severe pain, and it made her so irritable and unhappy.

Her father and mother had no words of cheer for her, although they loved her dearly, for neither of them knew the comfort of the Saviour’s love and kindness. They lived in lonely isolation on the edge of a thick forest in Germany, in those long ago days when Bibles were not often seen.

One evening, as Louise was sitting outside the house, she saw a stranger coming through the wood toward the house. He was an old man, and poorly clothed. A stick and bundle were all he had with him, and as he drew near, the children crowded around their mother in alarm, for a visitor was something so unusual that they were frightened. The mother was as much surprised as they were, and wondered what had brought him there. But the old man soon explained. He had lost his way in the dark forest, and guided by the smoke that rose from the chimmey, he had made his way to the cottage to beg a night’s lodging.

The mother gladly received the old man into her house, and gave him a cup of milk and a thick slice of her bread for his supper. Before partaking of this he reverently thanked the Lord for His mercies, while the children gazed at him in silent wonder, until their mother told them to run away to play. Louise, who had for a moment forgotten her pain, called out to be taken into the house; and the kindly old man immediately said, “I will carry you in, little one; my old arms are strong enough for such a light burden.”

On the following morning the stranger prepared to depart. After thanking the woman for her kind hospitality, he said, “The Lord will bless you, but before I go let me tell your children a little story.”

All listened readily; and the good old man, leaning on poor Louise’s chair, began to tell them how God created the heaven and the earth; how He made man in His own image; how Adam fell and became a sinner; and how it was that thus “by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12.

After this he went on to tell them how the Lord Jesus Christ “came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. He told them of His compassion for the sorrowing and the afflicted; how “He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil”; how He suffered so patiently such contradiction of sinners against Himself; how at last He went to the cross, and there suffered the Just One for us the unjust ones that He might bring us to God, being made sin for us, and bearing the wrath of God in our stead, so that all who believe in Him might not perish but have eternal life; how He now waits to be gracious to all who will look to Him and believe in His name; and how “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. He quoted other scriptures from the Bible too.

ML 12/20/1953

"May I be Sure, Mamma?"

“May I be sure, Mamma?” said Kitty, as the good news of God’s love was read to her, and was told there was forgiveness for all her sins, and a happy home in heaven for all who love the Lord Jesus.

“Yes, my dear, you may.” “But how, Mamma?”

“Simply by believing what God has said; for God tells no lies and breaks no promises.”

“And what has God said?”

“He that believeth on Me, hath Everlasting Life.” John 6:47.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 12/20/1953

Obeying Orders

Willie was on his way home from work, happily whistling a familiar hymn.

“Hello, Willie, come on in and join us.” Willie stopped and turned. Two young lads of his own age were beckoning him to come into a place where he knew His Saviour’s name was only heard in blasphemy.

“No, Jake, I’m not going in there.”

“Come on. Be a man. There’s no harm in it.”

“It’s no use, Jake. I’ve got orders not to go, and I will not disobey my orders.”

By this time, several other faces were in the doorway.

“Orders?” shouted the boys. “What orders have you got? Let’s hear them.”

Bravely, Willie pulled his Bible from his pocket and read,

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Proverbs 4:14, 15.

“These are God’s orders, lads, and I mean to obey them,” said Willie with a smile.

I’m sure there are many Christian boys and girls who read this paper, and I hope you think as much of God’s orders as noble Willie.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1.

ML 12/20/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 16:1-6

Here we find Samson associating himself with a harlot at Gaza. The Philistines now thought they had Samson in their power, but again the Lord strengthened him and he took the gate of the city, bar and all, and carried it to the top of a hill. But, as we have remarked before, the inward strength was waning, and soon the link with the enemy was to become a permanent thing, through his marriage with Delilah. Then his power against them would be gone, for “no man can serve two masters.” Matthew 6:24.

What sad and solemn lessons these, and how often repeated in the lives of God’s children, giving us fresh warnings down through the years. Moreover all this has a collective lesson too, for how aptly it portrays the Church’s history, showing how the enemy is continually seeking to bring the people of God into association with the world and then into bondage to it. One feels that in this day, when so many who profess to be in separation to Christ are being lured into these worldly associations, we do well to take notice of these solemn lessons. It was when Samson loved Delilah, put his head into her lap and fell asleep there, that his downfall came. He did not intend to get so low, but we cannot retain an outward position of separation without inward communion and power.

It was Eve, who led Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit; it was because of the charm of beautiful Bathsheba that the sword never departed from David’s house, and it was through a young damsel that Peter denied his Lord. And so here, Samson’s love for this daughter of the Philistines named Delilah, led him to give up his Nazariteship. The devil knows whom to use against the Christian, and many strong men, who have been valiant for the truth, have gone down to utter defeat before the pretty face and winning smile of some young woman. Dear reader, whether boy or girl, man or woman, let us not forget to pray from our hearts the daily prayer of the dependent One, “Preserve Me, O God: for in Thee do I put My trust.” Psalm 16:1. We are not stronger than Samson or David, or Peter—indeed we are absolutely “without strength” in ourselves, and God has said, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26.

Of course Samson never intended to give up his Nazariteship—not at all. When he first loved the woman at Timnath it was to get “an occasion against the Philistines.” Since then too, he had won many victories against them and he thought he could win again. But Delilah had been offered a huge sum of money by the Philistines to deliver up Samson into their hands, and she was not going to be easily overcome. Here God gives us an insight into a home with the unequal yoke. There is no peace nor joy there, unless the believer gets down to the level of the unbeliever, for one thing is certain, the unbeliever cannot come up to the level of the believer, for he has no heart for Christ. Delilah therefore undertook to drag Samson down, asking him what would take away his Nazarite strength, for she did not like a separated husband. No worldling wants a separated partner! Oh, what sorrows we make for ourselves when we walk in disobedience to the Word of God.

ML 12/20/1953

Whiter Than Snow

Our picture today is of a little boy playing in the beautiful shining white snow, but we would like to tell you of a little girl who learned of something that is even whiter than the snow. Do you know what it is?

This dear little girl lived in a beautiful mansion. She was only six years old and her father, who was a nobleman, loved her very dearly. One day she came running to her father’s study and bounding up to him she asked this question,

“Father, do you know what is whiter than snow?”

Her father was astonished at the strange question, and hesitated to answer. His little girl soon gave the answer with great delight.

“I know,” she said, “It is a sinner washed in the blood of Jesus.”

Amazed and surprised, the father asked, “Who told you that, my child?” “My nurse.” Instantly the nurse was called in and questioned, and when she acknowledged that she had taught little Alberta about the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin, she was ordered to leave the house in an hour’s time.

A short time after, a royal prince came to visit in this beautiful mansion, and it was not long until little Alberta had made friends with him. One day she asked him the same question, “Do you know what is whiter than snow?”

The prince smiled and said, “No, I never heard of anything whiter than snow.”

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

There was complete silence for a moment. The prince received the child’s remark without opposition, and at the same time it struck conviction to the conscience of the father. Soon after this he was saved, and we need hardly tell you that he soon brought back the nurse who had first told the good news to her household. He gladly gave her full liberty to speak of Christ and His atoning blood in his home.

Dear reader, have you been made “whiter than snow” through Christ’s precious blood, or are you still going on in your sins? What a terrible thing it would be to stand before God in your sins and hear His awful words, “Depart from Me.” Why not pray the Drayer of David of old, this very day?

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

ML 12/20/1953

Louise Rests

When the old man had fished his story of the Cross, he prayed earnestly for them all, and then, bidding them good-bye, was soon lost to sight in the wide-spreading woods. All had listened with the greastest amazement and interest to the words of the stranger, but on little Louise they had fallen with power. To her the simple and wondrous tale of the Cross had a special interest. To her the words of Jesus, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28), had a special meaning. She, poor child, knew no rest. She felt a need the others in their childish joy knew nothing of. She, a constant sufferer, wondered at that patient suffering One, and yearned to know His sympathy and love.

From that hour a great change passed over her. Instead of writhing in restless irritation in her chair, she would often look up to heaven, and sometimes think she saw a Face smiling down upon her through a break in the fleecy summer clouds, while she recalled the tale of sympathy with suffering she had heard the old man tell of Jesus. Instead of gazing enviously upon games in which she could never join, or impatiently trying to find relief in trifles which could bring no balm to her weary heart, she now had an object to look upon all day long, and something to fill that aching void which once had made her so utterly wretched. Often did she wish that kind old man would come again so that she might learn more of Jesus. And He, who without doubt had first guided His aged servant’s footsteps to that lonely cottage, heard and answered the desire of her heart.

One day, to her great joy, she saw that aged man coming again, down the narrow wood-path. Once again he stood beside her chair, welcomed as an old friend by all the family. And when he found out, as he very soon did, that the Lord had blessed his words to little Louise, his joy was great indeed. Again he spoke to her of Christ and heaven and everlasting rest. He showed her how she, though a sinner, by believing in Him, was washed from her sins by the blood of Christ, and made fit for the presence of “God and the Lamb,” there in that happy home of love, where God shall wipe away all tears, where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor any more pain. The tears stood in his eyes, as he spoke, for he saw that the little sufferer’s days were numbered. He felt it was the last time he should see her on earth, and his words were solemn and full of feeling, as he pointed her to Him who gives the weary everlasting rest.

Once more he asked a blessing on her and all the household and again was lost to their view in the deep old wood. But he left Louise happy in the Lord. She knew now that she was saved; that she had a home above; that in a little while she should see Him who loved her and gave Himself for her, and rest in His love.

Ah! dear little reader, you cannot understand how wearily poor little Louise longed and waited for rest; yet she waited patiently. The love of Christ sustained her; and though her pains were sometimes hard to bear, His grace was found sufficient for her. She could even smile now, when she heard the voices of the children calling to her out of the wood, though she grew weaker day by day. At last the hour of release arrived, and at the fall of the leaf, little Louise, breathing out the name of Jesus, lay down to rest forever. The mother and the children wondered at the patience she had shown, and we may well hope that her testimony was not lost on them.

The stranger came once more, but it was to find Louise gone to that Saviour four of whom he had told her. He fixed a piece of wood upon her little grave, and with his own hands carved upon it the words, shown at the head of this little narrative, “LOUISE RESTS.”

ML 12/27/1953

"What Will Oscar Say?"

Oscar is a very good friend of mine, and he has a real love for boys and girls. He goes to their homes and tells them of Jesus and His love, and brings them to Sunday school with him.

In quite a few homes, the children are on the look out for Oscar every Sunday, and they run to meet him. In one of those homes, the mother was feeling rather unhappy. There was something in that home which was not pleasing to the Lord, and the mother wanted to get rid of it. Her dear little boy loved Jesus and she told him her trouble, and added, “What will Oscar think, when he comes on Sunday and sees it here?”

“It doesn’t only matter, Mother, what Oscar thinks. He only sees it on Sunday, but the Lord sees it all the time!”

Wasn’t that a fine answer! Yes, boys and girls, God sees you and me all the time. He hears you all the time too, even when no one else is listening.

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

And let us remember that “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men.” Psalm 14:2.

And then the wonderful news. Although He has seen all, and has heard all, He has said “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Have you received the Lord Jesus as your Saviour?

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

ML 12/27/1953

Bible Talks

Judges 16:7-21

Samson told Delilah that if he were bound with seven green cords he would become weak like others. Delilah then bound him and told him that the Philistines were going to take him, but Samson broke the cords as thread in the fire, and his strength was not known.

Delilah then told Samson that he had mocked her and lied to her, and so it was, for a believer cannot be true to Christ and to the world at the same time. In trying to show love to his partner he acts what he is not—like one of the world. What a miserable home was Samson’s—and what a miserable home every home is where there is the unequal yoke, unless the believer sinks down to the level of his or her unsaved partner, and even in that case the believer is inwardly miserable.

Delilah was not easily thwarted. She kept at Samson until he told her another plan. He suggested she bind him with new ropes, and so she did, but when she threatened him with being taken by the Philistines, he broke the new ropes like thread.

When she still persisted, he came a little closer to the real truth and told her to weave his hair with a web. She did this and fastened it with a pin, but he took the pin, web and all, with him, as soon as she told him that the Philistines were coming. And so his strength was not known, and they could not take him.

His hair, however, was the sign of his Nazariteship, which was the secret of his strength, and at last he became weary of his wife’s persistence. He could not continue refusing her requests, for she vexed him to death, and so at last he gave in. He told her all his heart — that heart that had once been given in devoted separation to the Lord, was now given to a daughter of the Philistines. How sad! How humiliating to behold! Such are our hearts when we get away from the Lord. Oh, may the Lord keep us, for let us remember that these falls do not come about all at once—they are the result of a course pursued. May any of our readers who are treading this dangerous and slippery path be warned in time, for such a course is like the dance floor, which is waxed to help those who use it to slide down the faster!

Delilah put Samson to sleep on her knees. He had given her his heart, and now he could sleep on her knees—poor Samson. She then called for a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. This long hair was the sign of his Nazariteship, as we have remarked, — the secret of his strength— and so now he becomes weak as other men. Samson did not, however, realize that the Lord had departed from him, and that his strength was really gone. He went out to shake himself as before, but only to discover to himself that he no longer had any power against the Philistines.

The Philistines did not waste any time in binding poor Samson, and then they put out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza where they made him grind in the prison house. When a believer has given up his path of separation to the Lord, he has no spiritual strength to walk for Him here, he has no spiritual eyesight to discern the path, and he often becomes worse than the world, for he actually becomes their prisoner, as Samson did. What important lessons are these and how needful for us all.

ML 12/27/1953

Messages of God's Love: 1953

Table of Contents

Cleopatra's Needle

"Je Suis la Lumiere"

A Work of Grace in a Village School

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks

Jeanette and Her Bible

Beneath an Avalanche

A Sudden Call

Bible Talks

The Troubled Sea

The Avalanche

"White Man Lost!"

Bible Talks

New Boys at Sunday School

"Does You Love God?"

"They Follow"

Bible Talks

"Come Home"

New Boys at Sunday School

Help Needed

Bible Questions for Feburary

Bible Talks

Barney's Barrel

"When He Cometh"

Bible Talks

The Fight in the Valley

"When, Mother?"

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

Bible Talks

A Narrow Escape

"Won't You Love My Jesus?"

"Saviour"

Bible Talks

The Apple Story

A Tender Conscience

Bible Question for March

Bible Talks

Katie's Love

The Debt Paid

One Little Sin

Bible Talks

The Milk Man's Troubles

The Girl Who Didn't Knock

At Home with Jesus

Bible Talks

"Left Behind"

The Soldier and the Lion

Bible Talks

"A Treasure"

Honor God's Word

Bible Talks

"Promise Me, Daddy!"

"Will He Hear Me?"

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks

The Indian's Gift to Jesus

Restless Robert

Medicine for the Face

Bible Talks

"God's Garden"

Sathemma

Discovered

Bible Talks

The Story of a Teddybear

"What Did They Do?"

In Father's Arms

"A Heavy Load"

Bible Talks

A Locomotive

"I Doesn't See Him Nowheres!"

Bible Questions for May

Bible Talks

Richard

A Chinese Wedding

"The Flood"

Bible Talks

Cuff

"Jack the Sailor"