Messages of God's Love: 1958

MANY years ago, on the forks of the Delaware River, a tribe of Indians were brought under the sound of the gospel, and many of them were truly converted. Their greatest enemies were a band of soldiers, who at that time held part of the country. They very cruelly treated the Indians, especially those who had been saved.

One day an Indian Christian with his wife and only son, were traveling from one camp to another, when they were met by a company of these soldiers. These men began to torture the harmless pair, and at last shot the husband. While they were hiding her husband's body, the wife escaped on foot into the forest, with her little boy on her back. All that day, and all through the night she hurried on although her feet were torn and bleeding. At last she arrived at the camp of a friendly tribe the following day. She watched while they fed her hungry little boy, and put him to rest, and then she fell down unconscious. Every effort was made to restore the noble mother, but in a few hours she was gone.

That Indian boy owed his life to his mother. She died that he might live. When in after years he became chief of his people, he caused a monument to be set up on his mother's grave in memory of her dying love.

Have you ever expressed your thanks to the Lord Jesus for dying to save you? Yes, He truly laid down His own life that you and I might be saved from our sins, and that we might have everlasting life. Do accept Him now as your own Saviour, and thank Him for that mighty love.

Memory Verse: "GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US." Romans 5:8.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

Angry Tom

TOM stepped carefully out onto the street carrying a big bowl. He tried to walk carefully, and yet he seemed to wish to hurry. A delightful steam came from the bowl, and the smell of it seemed to make Tom want to hurry, for the bowl contained a delicious dinner for his father and mother and himself. All at once, just as Tom turned the corner, a gentleman who was in a greater hurry than Tom, collided with him, and in a moment the bowl was broken to pieces on the sidewalk, and the fine hot dinner was scattered on the ground!

Tom stood silent for just a moment and then he began to cry. In a moment, the gentleman told him how very sorry he was, and then put into his hand enough money to buy a brand new bowl, and to fill it again with hot dinner, and then a little more money still for the trouble he had caused him. Then he hurried on his way.

What do you suppose Tom did next? You would hardly believe it. He Was so angry that he threw the money away! Two people who had seen the whole accident, gathered it up and tried to make him take it, but he stubbornly put his hands in his pockets and walked away home without any dinner and without any money. I think it was his own fault if he were hungry that night, don't you?

But wait a moment, I have a question to ask you. Your life has been marred by sin, and your heart has been stained with guilt. This means more than an empty stomach, for it means being banished in hell forever. The Lord Jesus was not at all responsible for your sins, and yet He shed His blood on the cross of Calvary in order that He might be able to offer you more than you lost. He offers you eternal life, the forgiveness of all your sins, and a home in glory. Have you accepted His gift? You are much more foolish than Tom if you have not done so.

"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.

"Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish." Acts 13:41.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

The Sinner's Friend

Are you weary of your sin? Christ can give you peace within If you trust His precious blood Christ, the Sacrifice of God.

"Come," He says, "I'll give you rest, You'll be happy, glad and blest. If you trust Me you will be

Pardoned, cleansed, forever free."

Time is short and soon the door Will be closed forevermore. Come to Christ, believe His Word. Own this Saviour as your Lord.

"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.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

Jackie's Hymn

-A little child of seven,

Or even three or four,

May enter into heaven,

Through Christ the Open Door.

For when the heart believeth

On Christ the Son of God,

'Tis then the soul receiveth

Salvation through His blood."

The children in Jackie's class often sang this little hymn, and it was usually Jackie who asked for it, so the children called it "Jackie's hymn."

One week his seat was empty. Jackie had been knocked down by a car while out hiking. So seriously was he injured that he lived only a few hours, and all the children felt it very keenly as they looked at the empty seat.

His classmates were present at the funeral, and after the service was over they paused a moment and all stood together while they sang "Jackie's hymn." With bowed heads the relatives and friends listened to the sweet refrain, telling of God's full and free salvation — free even to a "child of seven, or even three or four."

Yes, the Lord Jesus is the "Open Door" and He waits to receive all who will come to Him. The Word C-O-M-E is for everyone who will receive the invitation.

Children
Older People
Middle aged
Everyone.

The Lord Jesus said, "I am the door, by Me if any man enter in he shall be saved." John 10:9.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Mark, chapters 9-16.

1. What did the voice out of the cloud say to the disciples on the mount?

2. What did blind Bartimaeus do when he received his sight?

3. What did the Lord say of those who do not forgive others?

4. Does anyone know the day or the hour of the Lord's comina?

5. What should we do, so that we do not enter into temptation?

6. When Pilate asked the mob why they wished Jesus crucified, how did they answer?

7. To whom did the Lord Jesus send out His disciples to preach the aosoel?

Young People's Class

Types and Shadows

1. Did Boaz instruct Ruth where to glean and where not to glean? Ruth.

2. Is one crowned in the Christian race if he does not strive lawfully? 2 Timothy.

3. Did Ruth, who was a stranger, feel she deserved the kindness shown her by Boaz? Ruth.

4. How have we, who were once far off, been made nigh? Ephesians.

5. Did Boaz know what it cost Ruth to leave her father and mother and her land, to be where the true God was known? Ruth.

6. What did the Lord Jesus say of those who leave father and mother for His sake? Mark 10.

7. Who promises to be a Father to us when we come out in separation for His sake? 2 Corinthians.

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 17:21-27.

DAVID marveled first at the grace of God to himself, then to his household, and now to the whole nation of Israel. This is the proper order, for if we lay hold of this grace for ourselves and our families, we think of the blessing of others too. The spirit of finding fault with others is always the result of not realizing, as we should, that we ourselves are objects of God's free grace. The man who forgot the great debt which had been forgiven him was very hard on his fellow servant who owed him a small amount. (Matt. 18:23-35.) May we, like David, praise the Lord more for His matchless grace to us, who deserved nothing but His wrath and judgment. He delights to hear our feeble expressions of praise.

This praise is followed by a note of confidence, as David laid claim to all that the Lord had spoken. God delights to have us take Him at His word, and to have us tell Him that we are counting upon Him for the future, according to His promises. When we have really judged self in the presence of God it is a grand thing to be done with it, for while in communion we are not occupied with self at all — either good or bad — but with Christ.

We see David here subduing his enemies and extending the borders of Israel all the way to the river Euphrates; we know this is the northeasterly boundary of the land as given to Abraham long before (Genesis 15:18-21). They will possess the full extent of the land given them of God in the millennial day, and these battles by which David won it, form a picture of the time when the Lord leads His people to victory then. All those nations which occupy the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates will be put in subjection under Israel, as they were here in the time of David. It is instructive to notice that Saul could not subdue these enemies, and Israel to though back in their land, have only: very small part of what God gave to them. They would like to possess it all, but will not be able to do so by their own strength, nor by the help of the western powers, but they will when the antichrist (of whom Saul was a type) has been judged. This will be when the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, comes out of heaven upon the white horse as King of kings and Lord of lords. How vain are all their at. tempts to bring about peace in the land now, while they remain in unbelief about their true Messiah, whom they crucified!

Not only did David subdue his enemies, but we then see their wealth flowing up to Jerusalem, and this will also be fulfilled in a future day. Psalm 45 speaks of this time: "the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favor." We read about this often throughout the Word of God, as in Isaiah 60:5, 6: "The forces of the Gentiles shall come to thee. . . . they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord." How little the world realizes, in its quest for peace and prosperity today, that God has already declared in His Word how it will be brought about. Judgment must first fall upon all those who reject the gospel, and then the despised little nation of Israel will be come the place on earth where the Lord will spread His glorious throne and reign from "sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Psalm 72:8. We who are saved now in this present church period, will them reign with Christ over the earth. What a portion is ours!

Messages of the Love of God 1/5/1958

The World

THIS great stone globe may be seen at Swanage in southern England, and we can imagine the amount of work it took to make it. Yet as we compare it with the great globe on which we live it is small indeed.

We would never think of questioning that this stone globe was made by someone, or perhaps many people worked on it, especially to put it in its place. Yet there are those who question the fact that God made this world in which we live. They do not even believe in a Creator, though the Bible tells us,

"When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou art mindful of him?" How very small we are upon this mighty planet as it sweeps through space, and how dependent we are upon God for the breath we draw. If He took our breath from us this very moment, we would die, every one of us. Man may be able to invent some wonderful things; he can even shoot a satellite into space, but he has never discovered the secret of life. He has never created any new force, but has only discovered what God has placed in the universe — and how little he really knows about God's wonders!

But the greatest of all wonders is not the creation of this world, nor of the things that we see. There is something far more wonderful than all that. It is told out in John 3:16: "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." What a marvelous fact that God should look down upon this world which has been ruined by sin, and love the very ones who have ruined it, enough to give His Son to die to save them. The Lord Jesus is the Son of God and He is the Creator of all things, yet He became a man and walked through this world to show out the heart of God in love. Creation shows God's power and wisdom, but it is at the cross of Calvary we learn that "God is love."

The Bible also tells us that "God is light," and this shows us that He cannot have sin in His presence. Sin has spoiled this world, and it would spoil heaven if God were to allow it to enter there, but He will not. "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth." Revelation 21:27. It was at the cross that "righteousness and peace met together," for there the Lord Jesus was made sin for us, dying as the Sin-bearer that we might be saved. What wonderful love! The question of sin has now been settled to God's glory, and He has come out in the riches of His grace offering salvation to "whosoever will." Have you, dear reader, accepted the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour?

Memory Verse: "THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 1 Timothy 1:15.

Messages of the Love of God 1/12/1958

Sold

In a city of South China, there lived a family called Chung. When I first knew them, there were two little boys and two little girls. One little girl was named Grace, and the other Happy. When the time came for Grace to go to school she spent all her time studying and she was soon at the top of the class. But Happy was quite different. She was full of fun and mischief. She didn't want to study, but she was a real help to her mother at home, looking after the baby and running errands.

When little Happy was about six years old, her father died. Then the poor mother was in real trouble. There were six children by this time, and very soon there was no money corning in at all.

In China, when a family is in money difficulty, the way out is very often to sell one of their girls. Isn't that a terrible thing to do? You ought to be thankful that you do not live in a heathen country where so few people have ever heard of the one true God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Poor Mrs. Chung did not want to sell one of her little girls, for she loved them very much. But how could she see the whole family starve? There seemed to be no other way out, and at last it was arranged to sell little Happy. Because she was a healthy little girl, and so bright and cheerful, she was sold for ninety dollars.

Poor little girl. I think her name ought to have been changed right away, for she was not happy any more. How would you like to be a slave with nobody to love you and care for you, having to work hard all day for someone who was always scolding and ready to beat you? I am sure you are thinking to yourself, "I'm glad I am not a slave

like that.), And yet I wonder if you are really as free as you think. If you will look at Romans 7:14, you will see that the Bible says that we are "sold under sin." And in chapter 6, verse 16, it says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are?"

Now, whose servant are you? You know that you belong to God. God made you. But if you have not yet accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, then you are a slave of Satan, and you cannot free yourself.

Poor little Happy would very much have liked to run away home again, but she was a slave and could not help herself at all. Every day she grew thinner and sadder. All her pretty, merry ways were gone, and every night she cried herself to sleep.

But there was someone else very sad too. That was Happy's mother. She also got thinner and sadder every day, and I think she often cried too, as she thought of her dear little Happy. She wanted to ransom her daughter, but she had no money, and she didn't know what to do. But then something wonderful happened. A relative of hers left her a piece of land, and she found that by selling the land, she could get exactly ninety dollars. Eagerly she got the money, and set out to buy Happy back again. But alas, her mistress would not sell her back for ninety dollars; she decided one hundred and ten dollars! At at this time, a missionary called at the home, and heard the whole story. This missionary had just received a letter from Canada, in which twenty dollars had been enclosed. Gladly the money was given to Mrs. Chung, and she went right back to buy her dear daughter once more. The money was paid, and dear little Happy was once again in her mother's arms. Not a slave any more, but set free to live with her mother and brothers and sisters! What a happy time that was. She still worked hard, but it was so different now, for she was with her own dear mother who loved her, and it is so easy to work for someone you love.

Do you know, dear boy or girl, that there is Someone who loves you very much, and wishes to deliver you from the slavery of sin? The Lord Jesus Christ died On the cross in order that He might rescue boys and girls, and men and women, and bring them to His own happy home in heaven. It cost Him a lot more than one hundred and ten dollars to deliver me, but He loved me so very much, that He was willing to die in order that He might deliver me. And He will deliver you too, right now if you will but trust Him.

"The Son of Man came . . . to give His life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:28.

Messages of the Love of God 1/12/1958

Time - Eternity

In a little mission hall in a city in Canada there are two words hanging on the wall, side by side, printed in large letters. One of the wards is "TIME" and the other is "ETERNITY." In that little hall they tell of God's way of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and we know of some who have put their trust in Him as their Saviour. Such can face eternity with a quiet peace and confidence, but what of those who are not ready?

"Oh, the clanging bells of time! Night and day they never cease; And thy shores are drawing near, Eternity! Eternity!"

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Hebrews 3:15.

Messages of the Love of God 1/12/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 19:1-19.

We have spoken of the blessings of the kingdom established under David as typical of the time when Christ will come as the true Son of David to set up His kingdom in power on the earth. We know, that then, judgment will fall upon all who will not own Christ as king, and Israel as the center of earthly glory (Isaiah 60:12). Our chapter forms a picture of this, as we shall see. King David heard of the death of Nahash, the king of the children of Ammon, so he sent messengers to comfort Hanun his son in his sorrow. Their princes, however, despised David's kindness and misused the messengers, sending them back to him in a disgraceful manner. In a similar way the Lord will send out messengers, after the Church has been taken to glory at His coming, to announce the gospel of the kingdom which will be established in the millennial day. Those who receive the messengers, believing their message of the grace and goodness of God which will be displayed when the kingdom is established, will be brought into blessing (Matt. 25:3140), while those who despise them will be sent into everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:41-46).

Knowing that the judgment will be so solemn upon those who refuse the gospel of the kingdom, how serious it is for those who despise the gospel of the grace of God which we preach now. Little do some think of what a terrible sin they are committing when they turn away and despise the free grace of God. The Scripture says, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Hebrews 2:3. If one should be reading these lines who has not yet accepted God's free offer of pardon through the Lord Jesus Christ, we would warn you of the judgment that

is coming upon you. You may be "good' living," as people say, but if you reject the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour you have committed the greatest sin of all. You have rejected the only way of escape from judgment and there is 110 other. Why not turn to Him now, before it is too late?

When the children of Ammon realized how they had displeased David, they gathered together a number of their allies and came out to fight against him. Joab then went out with an army of mighty men, and the Lord put Israel's enemies to flight before them. When the Syrians saw that they had been defeated, instead of acknowledging their wrong, they gathered a fresh army together and fought against Israel again, only to be defeated the second time. We know that at the end of the tribulation period when the Lord Jesus appears on the white horse, as the true Son of David, the nations will be gathered together against Him, and His people Israel (Revelation 19:11-21, Zech. 14:1-5). Even though great alliances have then been formed (and we see the beginning of these alliances today), they will have no strength at all against the King of kings and Lord of lords. He will then judge the world in righteousness as God has said (Acts 17:31).

Whether it is individuals or nations it is a tremendously serious thing to oppose the rights of Christ in the earth. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." Psalm 24:1. All the peace conferences in the world will never bring about peace until the rights of Christ are owned, but sad to say men and nations go on as though all depended upon their efforts. Judgment hangs over this world which has crucified God's Son, and the only way of peace now is "through the blood of His cross.'

Messages of the Love of God 1/12/1958

From Poorhouse to Heaven

An old lady was dying in the poorhouse. The doctor leaned over and heard her whisper, "Praise the Lord."

"Why, auntie, how can you praise the Lord when you are dying in a poorhouse?" he asked.

"Oh, doctor," she replied, "it's wonderful to go from the poorhouse to a mansion in the skies!"

What a grand reply! She was poor in this world's goods, but she had a home above and it made her happy as she faced eternity. I wonder if you, dear reader, have such sweet assurance in the presence of death. You may have a fine home and plenty of things to make you happy here, but sooner or later you must leave them all behind. Do you have a mansion in the skies like this poor woman had? You can.

The Lord Jesus left His bright home in heaven and came down into this sin-ruined world that we might be saved. He died upon the cross of Calvary for sinners like you and me, and now the only way we can enter heaven is through faith in Him and His finished work. There is no other way. If you trust in your own works, prayers, church-going, or the like, they will all prove of no avail when you stand before God, for only those who are washed in the precious blood of Christ can stand in the presence of a thrice-holy God.

He waits to save you, and then when He comes, or when death overtakes you, it will matter little whether it is a poorhouse or a mansion you are leaving behind, for you will be able to face the future saying, "Praise the Lord, all is well."

"Precious is the blood that healed us,

Perfect is the grace that sealed us,

Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,

All must be well."

Memory Verse: "YE KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT, THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YE THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BE RICH." 2 Cor. 8:9.

Messages of the Love of God 1/19/1958

Betty's Request

“Please, may I go to Sunday school with Linda, Mother?" Betty came running into the house bursting with eagerness.

"What a strange request, Betty. Whatever makes you want to go to Sunday school?"

"Linda has just been telling me about it, and she says they have such a nice time,. and I would be in the same class with her if I can go. Please, can I go, Mother?"

"We must wait till your father comes home, Betty. I don't know what he will think of it."

And so Betty ran out to tell her friend that she must wait a bit before she could give her answer. I hope the reader of this paper goes to Sunday school, and enjoys it as much as Linda did. And I hope you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, and are trying to bring others to know Him too.

Betty's father came home that evening, and it was not long before he heard of Betty's eager question. He wasn't very pleased about it, for he paid no attention to such matters at all, and was not anxious for his daughter to grow up to be "religious." But Betty seemed so very anxious to try it that he finally agreed to let her go.

A few more days and Sunday came. and Linda and Betty could be seen going off to Sunday school together. It was all new and wonderful to Betty. She wasn't able to join in the singing very well, for she had never heard those lovely choruses before in her life.

But the story she heard in her class went right to her heart. She heard the story of the cross of Calvary, and marveled to the depth of her young soul, as the love of Jesus was unfolded in the story of His sufferings and death. At times she was pretty sure there were tears in the eyes of the teacher, and she knew there were tears in her own eyes too as she was told that it was for her sins that the Lord Jesus shed His blood. The whole class repeated slowly and reverently together.

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

Before many Sundays had passed, Betty accepted the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour, and she joyfully came home and told her mother and father all about it. At first there was much opposition, and they insisted that she must never go back to that Sunday school again. But the Lord heard Betty's prayer and the prayers of her friend Linda and of her teacher, and before long, her own dear mother had also accepted the Lord as her own Saviour. wish I could say that her father was 5oved too, but I am afraid he continued to live without Christ.

More than likely the one who is reading this story has been to Sunday school and has heard about the Lord Jesus. It may be that you have seen tears in your teacher's eyes too, as you were warned of your need of the Saviour. Have you come to Him yet? When I was a boy, I well remember how eagerly and lovingly my teacher used to speak to us of our need of a Saviour, and I am so very glad that He has saved me.

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20.

Messages of the Love of God 1/19/1958

Philip the Shoemaker

“What," said his old friend, " are you at work so early in the morning? I thought you always slept until noon."

"Not any more," said Philip the shoemaker. He was smiling in a quiet way as he worked. The hammer kept up a merry tapping on the unfinished shoe as he told his story.

"It was one afternoon, after I had spent the previous evening in drinking and sin. I still had a headache. A visitor came into my shop, with a pedlar's pack. He opened it right there, and spread a whole row of nice Bibles along my bench. He did not open his Bibles, and he did not say a word. But I did. I ordered him out. He packed up all his Bibles and left me, without a single word.

"No sermon, and a closed Book. I tried to work, but I was miserable. Even drinking did not make me forget my troubles. Did God have no message for me? Not a word for my poor soul?

"I wanted to hear the gospel somewhere, but I was afraid to be seen at a gospel meeting. Then I remembered it was New Year's eve, and there would be such a crowd at the meeting, that I would probably not be noticed. So I went in just as the preacher was standing up to preach.

"And who do you suppose he was? Why, the very man who brought the Bibles to my shop, and when I saw him, he saw me, and I think he preached his whole sermon straight to me..

"God did have a message for me, and God had mercy on my poor soul. The Lord Jesus bore the punishment for my sins on Calvary's cross, and I am not a slave to sin any longer.

"See," continued the shoemaker, "this shoe is for the man who brought God's message to my soul. I go to bed early now and I work early. I serve a good Master. Will you not serve my Master too?"

And now may I add a word to Philip's story? My reader may be a good little girl, or a bad old drunkard, or anywhere in between, but God has a message for you. Jesus died to save you, because you area poor lost sinner. Will you receive God's message, taking Jesus as your Saviour and your Lord and Master?

"I have a message from God unto thee." Judges 3:20.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Act 13:38,39.

Messages of the Love of God 1/19/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 20:1-8.

Joab the captain of David's host continued the war with the children of Ammon and took Rabbah and destroyed it. David took the crown from their king, which weighed a talent of gold and was adorned with precious stones, and it was set upon his head. The people of Rabbah were put to death in the most horrible way, and all this because they had refused the kindness of David.

This crown from the head of a Gentile king being placed on the head of David, reminds us of that verse: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 11:15. What a time that will be for His own when He who was once despise 1 and crucified, as David was despised and hunted by Saul, becomes the King over all the nations. How we delight to look forward to that day when He will have His rightful place, and blessng will come to this poor, sin-ruined world! But all this is like the little book which John was given to eat (Rev. 10:9, 10). In his mouth it was sweet, but it was bitter inwardly. And so when the Lord Jesus takes His place of headship, the most terrible judgments will roll over this world, as He removes from His kingdom "all things that offend, and them that do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 13:41, 42. This is pictured in our chapter in the judgment which fell upon the city of Rabbah, after the crown had been placed upon David's head. We would warn any unsaved reader of this paper to "flee from the wrath to come." Matt. 3:7.

After this we have the death of the three remaining giants among the Philistines, including the brother of Goliath In looking at the death of Goliath some time ago in our "Talks" on 1 Samuel we noticed that his being put to death by David is a picture of the Lord Jesus defeating all the power of Satan at the cross (Hebrews 2:14, 15), in order that we who are His, might be delivered

We can now speak of Satan as a defeat, ed foe, and can rejoice in the might\ deliverance that has been won for us. as Israel did when Goliath was slain. But Satan is still the god and prince of this world. The world as such, has rejected the mighty Victor, the Lord Jesus Christ, and still remains under Satan's power. And so after the Church has been called home at the Lord's con,. ing, the world will worship the dragon (Satan) and will follow the "beast" (the head of the revived Roman Empire) and the "antichrist" (the head of apostate Israel). When the Lord Jesus comes out of heaven in power to set up His kingdom, Satan will be bound, and the "beast" and the "antichrist" will be cast alive into the lake of fire. Then the three "giants" who have sought to usurp the earth as their own, will be judged, just as the three giants of the Philistines, Sibbechai, Lahmi, and the great giant of Gath were slain in our chapter.

No matter how great he boasts of men and the mighty stockpiles of weapons and bombs they are able to amass, judgment cannot be averted. Some of the nations have escaped in a measure in the recent wars, but then there will be no escape to those who have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ. Dear reader, the moment of judgment is drawing near. Are you ready?

Messages of the Love of God 1/19/1958

Under the Shadow of the Almighty

It was in the late afternoon of a cold winter day. Snow covered the ground. Tom, the little boy from Savoy, still went from door to door offering the contents of his basket for sale; there were mousetraps, wooden spoons and many other useful things. But people were too busy with their own affairs and hardly looked at the pale young boy. He had not earned enough that day to buy a hot supper and to pay for a bed. He went to a sheltered place and ate the dry crust which he had in his pocket, thanking God for the food and asking Him to provide a warm place for the night. His mother had taught him to pray and had told him to always tell the Lord his troubles.

Tom went on, till he came to the last house of the village, and there he noticed a barn behind it. He thought nobody would mind if he went in there to lie down on the hay. He opened the door softly and said, "May I come in here?" All he heard was the breathing of an animal. He groped forward in the dark and touched the thick fur of an animal. "May I lie down beside you?" he asked. It was very cosy and warm and he was soon fast asleep. Early in the morning he left for his day's work and at night he returned to get warm with the big animal. This went on for a week. Then the mayor of the village noticed the boy and asked him where he stayed overnight. When Tom told him about it, the mayor's wife exclaimed:

"That animal is the fierce dancing bear which the keeper has put there, because it was too cold to continue the journey. It is very dangerous to get near the bear without its keeper. It is God alone who has kept the boy." She was very much touched and took the boy into her house and gave him a warm bed and took care of him as long as he was in that village.

Memory Verse: "IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD." Philippians 4:6.

Messages of the Love of God 1/26/1958

I Know I Can Trust Him

A DEAR old Christian had been serving the Lord faithfully for many years, when one day a friend said to him, "After keeping the faith for so long, you must feel pretty confident of holding out to the end."

"I reckon it's not a question of my holding out; it's a question of whether the Lord can hold onto me, and I know I can trust Him," he replied.

What a lovely answer! And yet we meet many who think their eternal salvation depends on whether they can hold on to Christ. They will acknowledge that they could not save them. selves in the first place, but that it Was through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, yet feel they must do the rest. How grand it is to know that the work ni Christ upon the cross is a finished work, We were lost, ruined, and helpless, unable to do anything to save ourselves, but the Lord Jesus has done it all. As believers we know that all the punishment due to our sins was put upon the head of the Lord Jesus, and we can say, "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24. When He said, "It is finished," we know He spoke the truth, and faith rests upon that. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1. There is no salvation apart from Him.

The Scripture is full of the sweetest and most precious assurance for the believer, and it tells us of the One who is now holding on to us. It is not the sheep that holds on to the shepherd, but the shepherd that holds on to the sheep, and so the Lord Jesus who is the Good Shepherd, has given us these assuring words,

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:27, 28.

Messages of the Love of God 1/26/1958

A Dog's Faithfulness

IF you had traveled through Fort Benton, Montana, a few years ago, you might have seen a shepherd dog pacing up and down the station platform. If you had asked any of the trainmen about "Old Shep," as he was called, they would have told you that the dog had met every train for three years.

Old Shep was once owned by a man who went to Montana looking for relief from a dreaded disease. The man took a job herding sheep and he needed a good dog. A shepherd gave him the dog, at that time a puppy, and lent him an older dog to teach the young one to watch the sheep during the day and round them up at night.

The young dog soon learned to handle sheep without the aid of the older dog, but as time went on, disease took the life of the dog's master. The people of the community saw that the body of the herder was sent back to his old home in an eastern state. The dog followed the body of his master to the railway station and saw it loaded on the train.

The faithful dog remained at the station, meeting every train — day and night — in the hope that the next train would return his master to him. He refused to make up with anyone and was seldom seen except at train time. After each train had departed, he would crawl back under the station to patiently await the next train. The section foreman tried to coax the dog to stay in the section house but the dog refused to leave the spot where he last saw his master.

We can learn a lesson from Old Shep. He was faithful to his master who had died. Those of us who know the Lord Jesus as our own Saviour and Master can seek to be faithful to Him and look for His coming. He has promised,

"I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3.

"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Hebrews 10:37.

"Behold, I come quickly." Revelation 22:7.

Messages of the Love of God 1/26/1958

A Rabbit Chase

CYRUS and Joel were two boys who lived more than one hundred years ago in New England. Cyrus was an earnest Christian but Joel was an unbeliever. Cyrus would often plead with his friend to accept the Saviour but Joel would scoff and argue about God's great salvation.

One day Cyrus was in the hayfield, watching the men as they were mowing. Suddenly a rabbit darted in among the men who threw down their scythes and started to chase the little animal. The boy too, joined in the chase and, carried away by the excitement, he set his bare heel on one of the sharp scythes. Help was immediately called, but poor Cyrus lost so much blood from the wound that the doctors gave no hope of recovery.

Joel called on his companion and in the apparently dying lad he saw the power of that faith he had so often ridiculed. The calm confidence in the Lord Jesus, the lively hope and the great joy of his friend so near death, melted Joel's heart. He knelt by the bedside and put his trust in the Saviour and found joy and peace in believing.

Cyrus, however, recovered but was a cripple for the rest of his life. He wanted to tell others about the Lord Jesus and became a much loved missionary to the Choctaw Indians. His friend, Joel, also preached the gospel and many were won to the Lord.

Will you too come to that Saviour who has made so many happy? Accept Him NOW and know the blessed assurance of sins forgiven.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Romans 1:16.

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

"Prepare to meet thy God." Amos 4:12.

Messages of the Love of God 1/26/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 21:1, 2.

We have been speaking of the awful judgments which fell upon me nations about Israel because of their sin, and there was no escape. But here in our chapter we have the sword of judgment lifted upon Israel themselves, and how could they escape? Were they not sinners too, like the Gentile nations about them? Indeed they were. As we speak of the judgment which is soon to fall upon this guilty world, we are reminded that we are no better than others, and how can we escape? It is only on the ground of pure sovereign grace, through the blood of a "Sacrifice," like Israel in our chapter. How wonderful is the grace of God, and it removes from us every thought of pride or boasting — "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. And so before the judgments begin to fall upon this guilty world in a coming day, the redeemed are seen in heaven singing, "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Revelation 5:9. The earthly company too at that time are only delivered from the judgment because they "have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

All this is in keeping with the subject in Chronicles, where we have the grace of God brought before us, rather than His dealing hand in government as in the Kings. David had failed in the matter of Uriah the Hittite, but this is not recorded here, though his failure in numbering the people is now before us, being brought in to magnify the grace of God.

It was Satan, the adversary, who stood up against Israel and provoked David to number the people. We must never forget that Satan is a real person with very real power. He is always opposed to God and Christ, and is the enemy of the people of God. Sometimes he comes as an angel of light, and sorne, times as a roaring lion, and he is more than a match for any of us. We are only safe from his attacks and wiles, as vv'e walk in obedience and dependence, having on the whole armor of God. The enemy knows whom to use as an instrument, and generally picks up some great leader among the people of God, like David in our chapter, to accomplish his ends, and how helpless we are unless the Lord keeps us. Our daily prayer ought to be, "Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust."

David doubtless did not realize that it was Satan who was moving him to number Israel, but forgetting his recent failure, he would tend to boast of the increase of the nation during his reign. Surely "pride goeth before destruction. and a haughty spirit before a fall." Peter boasted of his devotedness to the Lord, but how soon after this he was denying Him with oaths and curses. Those on board the ship in Acts 27 ought to have been very humble as they realized their danger, but instead of this they numbered themselves and hoisted the mainsail to the wind, and what a terrible wreck followed. We do well to remember the words of the Apostle, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." Galatians 6:14. As we look back upon the failures of our Christian life, how often we must confess that our hearts were lifted up in pride, and that we had forgotten the cost of our redemption, and that it was all of grace. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31.

Messages of the Love of God 1/26/1958

Which Road?

An old Indian chief was told of the Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour of sinners, but he said, "the 'Jesus road' is good, but I have followed the old Indian road all my life, and I will follow it to the end."

A year after this the Indian chief took very ill and death stared him in the face. He called for the missionary and said, "Can I turn to the 'Jesus road' now? My road stops here!"

How many there are like the old chief, who are following roads of their own choosing, hoping that they will reach heaven in the end. They do not see their need of Christ as their Saviour, and do not like to be spoken to of these things. Yet the Bible says, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16: 25 .

Indeed, the Bible tells us of two ways; the broad way and the narrow way. Sad to say, the majority choose the broad way, where they can live in their sins; as long as they have their health and strength they have little thought of God and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But oh how terrible it is for them when death comes in view, and "after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27. The road of sin and of "religion without Christ" ends at death. There is no peace or joy at such a time for those who have walked the broad road — and then a lost eternity. How solemn!

But the Indian asked if he could turn to Jesus where his road ended. Oh how wonderful the grace of God that He will receive all who come to Him through Christ. It is not too late yet, for the door of mercy stands wide open, and "whosoever will" may enter now. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2. You may not have a deathbed like the Indian chief, however, for death may overtake you suddenly, or the Lord Jesus may come for His own this very day. Why put it off? The work necessary for your salvation and mine was all finished at Calvary, and now as a risen and glorified Saviour at God's right hand, the Lord Jesus waits to save you. Tomorrow may be too late.

Memory Verse: "THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMETH RIGHT UNTO A MAN; BUT THE END THEREOF ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH." Proverbs 16:25.

Messages of the Love of God 2/2/1958

Patrick's New Testament

I HAVE several old books on my bookshelf that were published in the last century. In looking over them the other day, I found a true story of Patrick, an Irish boy, who valued the Word of God more than anything else in the world.

In the year 1811 Patrick, who worked as a linen weaver, found a New Testament lying dusty and neglected in his master's house. In his spare time he would constantly read the book. When his apprenticeship was finished, he asked his master if he could keep the New Testament as no one else ever read the book.

"Yes, you may have it," the master said, "but you must serve me for six more months if you want it." Patrick thought he might be able to obtain a New Testament on easier terms so went to the main city in the county. He diligently inquired at every shop but was unable to find one. New Testaments were scarce in Ireland in those days.

Patrick found that he could not live without the book! It was never absent from his thoughts; he dreamed of nothing else, and it was more to him than his necessary food. (See Job 23:12.)

Finding no rest, Patrick returned to his master and agreed to work for him for the Testament for six more months. We can imagine his joy and happiness when he finally owned the precious book. A gentleman who wrote a letter about Patrick later, added that the boy became an earnest Christian and lived a happy, godly life.

Nothing in this world is such a treasure as the Word of God — the Bible. We can easily purchase a Bible today for a small amount of money. Do you value the Word of God and read it? We hope each one can say,

"Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jer. 15:16.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119: 105.

"Holy Bible, Book divine

Precious treasure! thou art mine!"

Messages of the Love of God 2/2/1958

A Mother's Prayers Answered

RICHARD was a little boy who had a drunken father. His mother was Christian and each time her husband would make her miserable by his cruel treatment, she would lead Richard and his little brother to a quiet spot wider a hillside. Kneeling there, she would commend them to God and plead with Him ‘ to save her boys. Richard's mother did not live very long, as hardship and her husband's cruelty brought her to her grave.

After the death of his mother, whom he loved very much, Richard left home and by the time he reached the age of twenty-one, he was vicious, hardened and wicked.

One day, he found himself near the borne of his boyhood and he felt an urge to take another look at the little hollow under the hill where his mother had prayed. There it was just as he left it; the grass looked as if no foot had ever touched it since the loving mother had died. Richard sat down and he seemed to hear again her voice pleading to the Lord for him. All his bad habits and refusals of Christ came over him and crushed him down. He did not leave the spot until he had knelt down and asked the Lord to pardon him and received Christ as his own precious Saviour. His mother's prayers were answered and there was joy that day in the presence of the angels of God over that repentant sinner.

The Lord Jesus is longing to have you come to Him, too, dear reader. Why not trust Him today?

"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.

"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.

Messages of the Love of God 2/2/1958

Bible Questions for February

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Luke, chapters 1-8.

1. Is anything impossible with God?

2. Who is the Saviour who was born in the city of David?

3. Who is the only One whom we should worship and serve?

4. Whom did the Lord Jesus come- to call to repentance?

5. What does the Lord say of those who are hated and reproached for His Name's sake?

6. When the two debtors had nothing to pay, what did their creditor do?

7. Why did the Lord send the man, out of whom the devils were cast, back to his own house?

The Young People's Class

Types and Shadows

1. Where did Ruth lie till the morning? Ruth.

2. What kind of woman wept at Jesus' feet as she kissed and anointed them? Luke.

3, Where did Mary sit to hear and learn? Luke 10.

4. Was Ruth told to sit still and wait for Boaz to finish what he had beaun? Ruth.

5. What were Israel to stand still and see? Exodus 14.

6. Is our complete salvation (that of our bodies) nearer than when we believed? Rom. 13.

7. Will the Lord finish what He has begun in us? Philippians.

Messages of the Love of God 2/2/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 21:3-13.

IT IS striking to notice here that Joab saw the pride of David in numbering the people, and tried to persuade him not to do so. This shows us that God sometimes uses unbelievers, or perhaps fleshly Christians, to point out our mistakes, and we ought to receive the correction, even though it is humbling. It does not always require spirituality to see the old nature acting in another, but it does require spirituality to know how to meet these failures in a way that is for God's glory, and the blessing of the erring one. Joab was utterly unable to do this. He could see David's pride in numbering the people, but he did not point out to him that the Lord had said they were to give the ransom money when they were numbered, so that there would not be any plague a:Jong them (Exodus 30: 11-16). This would have been to maintain the Lord's glory, for the people of Israel were His, and not David's. Moreover if Joab had mentioned the redemption money, who can tell that it might have touched a chord in David's heart and brought him to see his mistake. I believe all this has a lesson for us, for it is often easier to be "a ruler and a judge" than "a ruler and a deliverer" among the Lord's people, and we need to be walking close to the Lord to be the latter. (See Acts 7:27,35.) But there was a bad state of soul with David, and with the people too, and the Lord was about to deal in His government with them. Satan too was acting as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12: 10) , a thing he likes to do when we are away from the Lord in our souls. How important it is that we watch against the first signs of departure, for the enemy knows just when to bring his attacks.

Joab did as David said, and numbered the people (though in an incomplete manner), bringing the total to David. But the Lord was displeased with all this, and He now brought David to see his sin. How often we are self-willed in a course, and continue in it in spite of all warnings, only to realize Afterward our mistakes. Perhaps it is because we will not take correction from someone we do not like, as David would net take correction from Joab, but this is only our pride, which we ought to judge. The fact that Joab did not point out the matter to David in the right way, did not make it right for David to go ahead in his self-willed course. He ought to have taken the correction from the Lord.

However, it is beautiful to see David humbling himself before the Lord when he realized what he had done, and owning his sin in such a real way. He said, "I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech Thee, do away the iniquity of Thy servant; for I have done very foolishly." Here is true repentance, but in spite of all this, the government of God must fall. Even though we own our failures as believers, there is a reaping of what we have sown, which we cannot escape. David had to experience this in the ways of God.

The Lord therefore sent His prophet to David to tell him that He must deal with him, and to give David the choice of three things; three years of famine, three months to be destroyed before his enemies, or three days under the sword of the Lord in the land. David answered so beautifully: "Let me fall into the hand of the Lord; for very great are His mercies; but let me not fall into the hands of man." This was truly an answer of faith!

Messages of the Love of God 2/2/1958

Please Lead Me

IT was a busy day in a large city, IL. and the traffic was bustling about in a bewildering way. At least, it seemed so to a visitor from a small town. At one of the very busiest intersections, there stood a man alone and silent. But there was one thing about that man which was different from others. He was slowly tapping his white cane against the curb. Yes, he was blind!

"May I help you, sir?"

"Yes, please lead me. I want to cross the street, and the traffic sounds so busy today."

"Indeed it is busy, but I will be glad to help you."

He at once slipped his arm through mine, and we started out to cross the street. I was surprised at how confident his step was, for he could see nothing at all, and could not tell night from day. I think some of the drivers were especially kind to us, for they saw his white cane, and we had no trouble at all reaching the other side.

As soon as he was safely on the sidewalk, he turned to me and said, "Thank you, my friend, and may God lead you to heaven."

"By what way?" I asked him.

"By faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

Wasn't that a grand answer! I thrilled at the sound of that precious name, though I have heard it from my youth. Yes indeed, there is only one way to heaven. After a few more words, he passed on his way, and I went mine, but I know we shall meet again in heaven.

I am sure you would be surprised if you saw a blind man start out across a busy street with nobody to guide him. You wouldn't call him brave, you would call him foolish! And yet many boys and girls are going carelessly along the journey of life, surrounded by dangers of every kind, and they do not yet know Jesus as their Saviour and their Guide. I am sure you would not like to be blind, but it is far worse to be lost for eternity than to be blind for time.

Memory Verse: "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME." John 14:6.

Messages of the Love of God 2/9/1958

Little Sins

MOTHER," said Lucy one evening, "are there any little sins?"

"Why do you ask that question?" said her mother.

"When we were leaving school this afternoon, I came through the school-yard with Robert and Jean. The teacher passed us, and, as he pulled his handkerchief from his pocket, a pencil fell out with it, and rolled close to our feet. After the teacher had passed, Robert picked it up and said, 'Look at this dandy pencil. I wanted one just his, this!'

" 'But,' I said, 'that pencil belongs to the teacher. You must not keep it. It would be a big sin.'

" 'How silly,' replied Robert. 'The teacher can have all the pencils wants, and besides, this cost only a few cents. It's just a little sin.' "

"Mother, was Robert right?"

Lucy's mother thought a moment before replying.

"How is it that God can forgive your sins?"

"Because the Lord Jesus died on the cross," answered Lucy.

"Is there any sin too great to be cleansed by the blood of Christ?" "No," said the child.

"And can we ask God to pardon our little sins in some other way?"

"There is no other way, Mother," said Lucy.

"Then, my child, we cannot consider a sin a little one if the Lord Jesus had to die to put them away."

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

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thess. 5:22.

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

"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! So that not one spot remains? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Messages of the Love of God 2/9/1958

Aunt Stella's Beans

WHAT a monstrous bean this is," I said, pointing to a large pod still clinging to some drooping vines in Aunt Stella's back yard.

"Yes," she agreed, "I don't know the name of them, but I think the seed was brought from Switzerland. Here, I'll give you this pod to keep for seed in the garden at home. Wait, here's another one; I hardly think the frost has damaged them yet. They are tender and delicious, with hardly any strings either."

I took special care to see that the beans were tucked away in my suitcase to bring home. And so it was, that several months later when Uncle Jon, who took great interest in gardening, came to pay us a visit, I brought out the shriveled bean pods to see if he could tell me the name of them. His curiosity was aroused, because he had never seen such beans either.

"Here," I said, "you take this one, and we'll both plant some, and see what they do."

When planted the next spring, they reminded me of the Jack and the Beanstalk story. How they did grow! They should have had poles to climb on, but in the rush of spring work, no poles were forthcoming. I propped them up "temporarily" on broom handles and sticks; but they soon topped them, and were growing back down their own stems. They rambled along the ground, and then along the fence. Cows pasturing on the other side were particularly fond of them. We enjoyed a few servings, and I gleaned a good supply to plant again the next year, but on the whole my bean patch was not a glowing success.

On the other hand Uncle Jon wrote that his beans had climbed ten feet high, and he had to climb a stepladder to pick them! He had all he wanted, kept the neighbors supplied, and had some left over to sell.

In Luke's Gospel chapter 20 we read the parable of the certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, "Occupy till I come."

Each of these servants was entrusted with a like portion to use profitably. One gained ten times as much as he started with; another, five times as much; and one, sad to say, did not even try to use his. It was to his great loss, for he lost even that which he had, and it was given to the man that had gained the ten pounds.

The Lord has given to each of us a life, a mouth to speak, hands to work with, ears to hear, and eyes to read His Word. If we are saved, He wants us to be lights in a dark world, and to use our time and means for Him. Are we careless or indifferent how we use these talents? Let us take fresh courage and bestir ourselves, while it is yet today, for soon He will return and the opportunities will be forever past!

This spring as I looked down the neat rows of beans, and checked over the closely strung patch to see that each vine would have support, I was glad that I had spoken in time for the men to get the poles up, and that I had been persistent in getting the wire and string ready in time for the first tendrils to twine around. Diligence and real interest made the difference.

We read in Proverbs 13:4 that "The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing." We would all like to hear the Lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" in that day, but let us remember to "redeem the time" now. Have we spoken to our friends about eternity? Have we tried to support the weak in faith, and encourage ones that are discouraged in the way? Charity begins at home. Have we been patient and helpful to brothers and sisters in ways that are pleasing to the Lord? Many small things that escape even the eyes of mother and father are written down in His book of remembrance.

"He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much." Luke 16:10.

Messages of the Love of God 2/9/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 21:13-18.

SOMETIMES we, like David, are faced with a difficult choice, and we do not know what to do. It may be that through our own failure we are in such a situation too, but faith can always count upon the Lord. This is far better than trying to work our own way out, for we will probably only make more mistakes. We should own our failure, as David did, and then commit our way unto the Lord, as David said, "Great are His mercies."

The government of God must fall, as we have remarked previously, for David and the people of Israel had to reap what they had sown in departure from the Lord, and seventy thousand were slain in the pestilence which the Lord sent upon them. But the grace of God always goes along with His government upon His people, and so here, when the angel lifted up his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord said, "It is enough, stay now thine hand." On the ground of the sacrifice which David offered at this time, the sword of judgment was sheathed, and Jerusalem was spared. Although God may, and does, deal with His own in government now, we know Him as our Father and He will never deal with us as Judge. It is the world which will be judged in that way, but for us the judgment is past because the Lord Jesus, our Sacrifice, bore our judgment fully and completely at the cross. It says in 1 Corinthians 11:32, when speaking of the Lord dealing with His own, that "when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." What a wonderful comfort this is in times of trial, though it ought to humble us before the Lord, as it did David in our chapter. We must be careful not to despise nor faint under the chastening hand of the Lord, but should rather be "exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:5, 11. If we take it from Him there will always be a blessing in it.

The offering of the sacrifice here in the floor of Oman the Jebusite is a beautiful picture of the cross of Calvary, for this is the righteous ground upon which God can bless Israel as a nation, and also ourselves who now form part of the church of God, the body of Christ. David saw the sword of judgment up lifted over Jerusalem, and he and the elders of Israel fell upon their faces. David then took the blame for everything, asking the Lord to punish him that the people might go free. Of course we know that in this case David was guilty, but when we think of the true David, the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that He was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners," Hebrews 7:26, yet He took our place and confessed our sins as His own, bearing all the judgment for them in our place. What unbounded love! How our hearts should praise Him as we think of it.

It is important to notice here that even though David confessed his sin, the Lord said there must be a sacrifice, because although God delights in mercy He must have a righteous basis for mercy and truth to meet together (Psalm 85:10). He cannot pass over sin — it must be punished. I must bear my own sin, or accept Christ as my Substitute. And all this is so beautifully brought out here in type, as it was in its fullness at Calvary, where the Lord Jesus became the Substitute for sinners. It is an empty thing to speak of trusting the mercy of God, and yet to reject the Sacrifice He has provided. It was a fine thing for David to confess his sin, but it was only through the sacrifice he offered (a figure of the finished work of Christ) that the sword of judgment could be sheathed.

Messages of the Love of God 2/9/1958

Danny's Rabbits

THE last rays of the sun were slipping away over the top of the mountains. Night was settling down upon the valley. Little Daniel had just one more task to do, and it was perhaps the best one of all.

By the kitchen door lay a basket of vegetable scraps and peelings, and it was his duty and pleasure to carry this to his cage of rabbits, out beyond the barn.

Little Danny left his school books without regret, and climbed the hill with his basket. The rabbits scurried about their cage with excitement at the sight of their little master, and their expected food. Why then did Danny sit down on a stone and look so sad, instead of feeding his pets?

The truth was, the cage door was locked, the key was not on its proper nail, and the darkness was fast gathering about him. What could a troubled little boy do?

He knelt down in front of the cage to ask God to help him, but it hurt to kneel. Something sharp pricked his knee. He rubbed the hurt spot, and right there was the lost key! He knelt again in the same spot and thanked God for His speedy answer to his prayer.

Danny fed his pets, and climbed down the hill with a warm feeling in his heart. God was near in his trouble, and had answered even before he prayed. He wanted God near to him. Do you?

"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18.

It is a fine thing to call upon the Lord as little Daniel did, in times of trouble and sickness, but there is a need far greater than any other. We are sinners and this is the cause of all the trouble and sorrow in the world. Unless our sins have been washed away in the precious blood of Christ we will be in trouble forever in a lost eternity.

Why not call upon the Lord today, dear reader, like the publican of old, for He will hear your cry now and pardon you.

Memory Verse: "GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER." Luke 18:13

Messages of the Love of God 2/16/1958

The Runaway

LORD'S day afternoon Steve and Teddie were down by the barn, when they heard a clop, clop, clop on the road. They peered around the corner, and to their surprise they saw a strange horse all alone, trotting toward the crossroads. There it paused, as if reading the sign posts and wondering which turn to take.

The boys slipped under the fence and headed her off to one side, and then chased her into the corral. She was hungry and thirsty, but almost too nervous to eat, even though the boys tried hard to get her interested. It wasn't till the next day that Teddie tried to get on her. What a skittish creature! She gave him a wild ride that he would not soon forget. He was glad to get off again.

After a week or so of waiting for someone to claim her, or run an ad in the paper, Daddy sent for the brand inspector to come to try to identify her brand mark. It turned out to have two marks — one on top of the other. This horse had some kind of a shady background. At any rate the owner was notified and drove out one day to get his horse.

He was rather disgruntled. "She's a runaway; nothing but a runaway. I can't keep her fenced up, and neither could the man I got her from. Would you just keep her here till spring and I'll pay you board for keeping her?"

Daddy rubbed his chin, "Well we're short on feed this year, and I have all these cattle to winter, I'd rather you just took her back with you."

But the man prevailed upon Daddy to try and keep her, and left with the parting warning that she'd probably make a break in a fence and get away again anyway. Silver, our horse, and Pet were soon on good terms. Silver was such a pet and loved to be fed special bits from the children's hands. Pet, however, refused to let anyone get very close, and always shied away when Daddy tried to catch her to put a bridle on her.

It was Beth, who took a special fancy to this shy, high-strung creature. She frequently slipped unobserved down to the corral, and would sit on the top bar of the rail enclosure and talk gently to the horse. Pet would snort and run to a far corner with a frightened bloodshot look in her eyes. If Beth would approach a few slow steps, she would quiver all over. Even a pan full of oats was no bait for friendship as long as anyone was watching. So she would set it down and withdraw. But after a few weeks of these daily visits, Beth felt rewarded when she saw Pet take a few hesitant steps toward the pan and start nibbling, so long as she sat patiently on her perch atop the rails.

What kind of master are you serving? Maybe you do not realize that you are serving any kind of master, but you are. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." Romans 6:16. If we think that we do as we please, we deceive ourselves, for we are gradually being brought into the bondage — hard bondage of sin and Satan. His victims do not realize they are in his toils until they struggle to free themselves and discover they are enslaved. The beginning is small and gradual; pleasures. small liberties, habits that grow, tempting advantages, and sin that lures unsuspecting souls on, and hardens the conscience. And when all is over and the end is come, Satan will leave you as he did Judas, with a "see thou to that."

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

Messages of the Love of God 2/16/1958

Not Wanted

I HAVE just been looking at a very I strange picture. Part of a brick wall can be seen in it, and three very large Chinese characters are written on the wall. Underneath the Chinese writing there is a great drawer which can be pulled out. I would have no idea what all this means, except that someone has translated the strange Chinese words, and I find that they mean, "RECEIVE BABY PLACE."

Now can you guess what this place is used for? When any father or mother has a baby that they do not want, they may take it to this drawer in the wall, put in the baby, and go away and leave it. Nov you must not think the little baby is just left to die, for in a big house on the other side of that wall, there are Christian men and women who take those dear babies and care for them.

Sad to say, out in China, there are many thousands of darling little babies that are not wanted. I suppose nobody but God actually knows how many of these dear children are drowned every year, but we know that they go to heaven to be with the Lord. (Matt. 18:10, 11.) Out there, one can buy a baby very, very cheap. A boy baby costs more than a girl baby, and the older they become, the more expensive they are.

Isn't it wonderful to know that the Lord Jesus loves every boy and every girl, and even though there are some that are not wanted, yet He loves them and wants them! Not only does the Lord Jesus love boys and girls, but He has paid a mighty price in order that He might have them for His own. The price could not be measured in dollars, no, not in millions. The price the Lord Jesus paid, was His own life's blood. Perhaps you have heard all this before, and you well know the story of the cross

Calvary. It may be that you have a father and mother who love you very much. But what does it mean to you to know that the Lord Jesus loves you and that He wants you? Yes, He wants you! Right now as you read this Sunday school paper, the Lord Jesus is watching you, and He wants you to know His love. He died in order that your sins might be washed away, so that He might be able to welcome you as one of His own dear children.

"And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God . . . And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16.

Jesus

'Twas God who gave the precious Name

Of Jesus to His Son,

Because for all His people's sin

and guilt He should atone.

The Name of Jesus, Saviour means,

And such He is indeed,

To all who know the weight of sin,

And peace and pardon need.

His Name was Jesus when on earth,

His Name is Jesus now;+

And God declares that to that Name

All heaven and earth shall bow.

And truly happy is the child

Who loves that precious Name;

He soon shall Him in glory see,

Who once in mercy came.

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

Messages of the Love of God 2/16/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 21:19-30.

DAVID then went up to the threshing floor of Oman to offer the sacrifice, as the Lord had said. When Oman saw him coming he fell upon his face before him, and I believe this is a picture of the faith of those who saw in the Lord Jesus, when He walked as man here upon earth, the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. He was the true David, the Offerer, and the Sacrifice, all in Himself.

David said he would buy Oman's threshing floor from him at full price, but Oman wanted to give it to David along with oxen, threshing instruments, and wheat for the meal offering — all without charge. David refused this offer, however, and paid full price for the threshing floor, saying he would not offer burnt offerings to the Lord without cost. This makes us think of how the blessed Lord Jesus paid the price of our redemption in full at Calvary. No other could have any part in that — He must bear it all alone, the awful judgment of sin. But blessed be His name, He has said, "It is finished." The sword of judgment has now been sheathed and we can sing,

"Death and judgment are behind us,

Grace and glory are before;

All the billows rolled o'er Jesus,

There they spent their utmost power."

There is also a very important lesson here in connection with what worship really is. King David offering the sacrifice and paying the price in full is a picture of the Lord Jesus, but I believe we could say that Oman is a picture of ourselves as worshipers. Oman offered David the four things; the threshing floor, the oxen, the threshing instruments, and the wheat. And so in our worship we are brought to Calvary where the rod of judgment was lifted up upon Christ, the perfect Sacrifice who "offered Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet. smelling savor." Eph. 5:2. Then We think of how it was our sins (the "threshing instruments" as it were) that made the "fire" of judgment, which He bore in His own body (the perfect meal offering) on the tree. I believe if we realized more of the presence of the Lord in the midst, and the emblems there of His death, as We gather to remember Him, our worship would have more of that character.

When David had built the altar and prepared the sacrifice, the Lord answered by fire from heaven, and how blessed it is for us to know that the work is all finished now. Our sins are gone, just as the threshing instruments here were all burned up, and David and all Israel knew that the sword had been sheathed so they could "stand where the fire had been" and rejoice.

After this David sacrificed in this spot instead of at Gibeon, where the tabernacle which Moses made was pitched. And so when we have learned what the Lord Jesus did for us upon the cross, the perfection of His work before God, and the place we have been brought into through it, we see the end of the old order of things in Judaism altogether. How can we return to "the worldly sanctuary" (Hebrews 9:1), when we see what the Lord Jesus accomplished for us "outside the camp"? Instead of the tabernacle with all its ritual, David went out to the place where there was nothing to attract the natural man — only a charred threshing floor—but that spot where the Lord had met him was precious to his heart. To go to the tabernacle was as though there were some good in the flesh, but at Oman's threshing floor he must own it was all of grace.

Messages of the Love of God 2/16/1958

The Last Stage Coach

WE were traveling through the state of Wyoming and the train stopped at Cheyenne for about thirty minutes. We decided to get out and walk around for awhile..

When we went into the lobby of the station we noticed this old stage coach on display. Near the stage coach a sign stated that this was the last stage coach to enter the city of Cheyenne from Colorado, and made its last trip in December 1866. After that date, the new railroads served this same territory and the stage coach was no longer used.

Once this stage coach was shiny and new and no doubt the driver was proud to guide it over the rough trails with several passengers — but the day finally came when the last trip was made.

This is like our lives, dear boys and girls. We go on from day to day but the time comes when we must leave this world. We may never see the end of 1958, which we have just begun. This may be your last day and you may be reading your last Sunday school paper. This may be your last offer of pardon.

If you know the blessed Lord Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, you need not fear if this is your last day for you will go to be with Him, if He should call you away in death.

"With Christ; which is far better." Philippians 1:23.

What a terrible thing to die without Christ! Your precious soul would be lost for all eternity in hell! If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, won't you trust Him NOW? Tomorrow may be too late.

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Memory Verse: "SEEK YE THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL YE UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR." Isaiah 55:6.

Messages of the Love of God 2/23/1958

The Runaway

(Continued from February 16, 1958)

THE first time Beth tried to get Pet to accept some oats from her hand, the horse reared up in terror, and pawed with her front hoofs. Beth managed to soothe her by talking quietly. Gradually she began to pet her a bit, and then after a few more days started to groom her a little with a curry comb. The wild tangle of her mane was gently unsnarled and smoothed, and the burrs were trimmed out. The rest of the family were quite unaware of what was going on. Pet was no rare beauty when she came, and probably never would be, but even her owner was surprised when he drove in the next spring, pulling a trailer in which to haul her, to see her looking so sleek and well-groomed.

Either Pet's memory prodded her, or she was simply terrified at being loaded into the trailer, for she stood trembling and nickering to Silver, who, in turn whinnied shrilly from the other side of the fence and ran back and forth as if distressed to see her friend going away.

While the man dickered over the price he had agreed to pay for her board during the winter months, Beth slipped up close into the trailer with her, and put her arms around Pet's neck trying to soothe the sensitive animal and ease the ache in her own throat at the same time.

Daddy was arguing, "No, I don't need another horse."

"Well, all right then, here." The man turned on his heel, and nearly stumbled over the huddle of children who had gathered closely around the trailer. They all hated to see her go, somehow. Beth's eyes welled up when she said, "Please, Daddy," but she could not put her appeal into further words, and had to anchor her lower lip between her teeth. It simply would tremble.

Daddy was baffled. "Why all this fuss over a stray horse that's half wild?"

"She isn't wild, she isn't wild a bit. She has been mistreated, and is afraid, I know. She is just frightened, really," pleaded Beth.

"But we don't need —" began Daddy.

"Two horses are much nicer than just one," interposed Bruce. The rest chimed in to voice their appeals in her behalf.

Pet didn't understand why the trailer gate was opened again, so she could back down to the ground. She did not know she had been bought by a new master. But there she stood, right out in the open. She looked at the faces around her. She looked at the road open ahead of her, and then with a shake of her head, she trotted to the fence where Silver was and waited to get in. Nor did she ever run away again.

Are you unhappy? Would you like to start over? There is a new beginning for you, a new birth, and a new life to all who come to the Lord Jesus, and own their lost condition and the ruin that sin has brought into their lives.

The Lord Jesus has paid the price to redeem your soul from hell. Won't you come to Him and learn of Him, who loved us and gave Himself for us? To flow Him is to love Him. His invitation is, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28.

Beth spent happy hours that summer riding Pet, grooming her till she was sleek and shining. She taught her to lift each hoof in turn so she could pick out any rocks and sharp gravel lodged in the soft frogs of her feet. Even Daddy had to smile when he saw her hold up the bridle one afternoon, and Pet came running right up as if to say, "At your service."

Some think they can serve two masters. They would have the pleasure of sin for a season, and heaven too. But again they deceive themselves. "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." Matt. 6:24. "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15.

Messages of the Love of God 2/23/1958

The Shoemaker and the Bible

MANY years ago a Christian man named Mr. James, living in the city of Gibraltar, traveled into Spain for the purpose of distributing a few Bibles and Testaments among the people. In those days, one could be severely punished or even killed for distributing the gospel.

One day Mr. James visited the home of a shoemaker who was very unhappy and sad. He said he met every week with a group of friends to discuss the affairs of their country but the meetings always ended with everyone being more miserable than before.

Mr. James suggested that if the shoemaker and his friends would get a Bible and read it, their meetings would be more profitable. He found that the shoemaker desired to own a Bible more than anything else, so the Christian gave him one and also gave him several copies for his friends. He then gave him his address and left for his home in Gibraltar.

Several weeks later, while Mr. James was sitting in his room, someone knocked at the door. He found that it was the Spanish shoemaker who had come many miles to tell him how much happiness and joy the Bibles had brought to him and his friends. Through reading their Bibles they had found that Christ was the One who could help them and many had trusted Him as their Saviour. The shoemaker then opened a package which contained a pair of shoes for his friend.

"It is very kind of you to bring the shoes," Mr. James said, "but I am afraid they will not fit me."

The shoemaker assured him that the shoes would fit and when he tried them on, they fitted perfectly. On being asked how he had guessed the size so accurately, the shoemaker replied,

"I knew, sir, that you had risked your own life in order to bring me the Bibles — so after you left my house I knew that you had to pass over some soft clay, so I followed you and from your footprints I took the size of your foot which enabled me to make the shoes for you. I want you to wear them as a mark of my gratitude for the wonderful Book you gave me."

This dear man was thankful to be able to own a Bible and to learn of the Lord Jesus through reading it. Those who know the Lord Jesus may be encouraged to sow the good seed and speak a word for the Saviour.

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

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10: 17.

Messages of the Love of God 2/23/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 22:1-16.

IT WAS sovereign grace alone that had delivered Jerusalem from the sword of judgment, and that through the sacrifice David offered. Jerusalem was therefore chosen as the place where the house of the Lord was to be built indeed it was built in the very spot where the plague was stayed, in the floor of Oman the Jebusite (2 Chron. 3:1). Jerusalem, as we know, was also the place where the Lord was crucified, and the work He accomplished is the ground of all our blessings. That city is to be the center of earthly glory in the millennial day. Solomon's temple is a picture of this time, and David said that it was to be "exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all calm-tries." Jerusalem is spoken of in Psalm 48:2: "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." What a glorious day of blessing awaits Israel, after judgment has removed all that offends.

David, however, was not able to build the house of the Lord, because he had shed much blood; but his son Solomon was to build it. This is a figure of how the Lord Jesus comes first in judgment and sheds "much blood" (Rev. 14:20; 19:11-16), before He establishes the millennial kingdom in peace on the earth. But even though David could not build the house of the Lord himself, he prepared vast supplies of all that was needed for Solomon. We notice the brass was "without weight," and this would figure to us what the Lord Jesus had to go through in Calvary's dark hours to bring blessing to ruined man, for brass in the Scripture is a figure of the righteousness of God in judgment. We will never know, even in eternity, what it meant to His holy soul to be "made sin " for us, but we do know that He has borne all the judgment for us.

David then charged Solomon his son to build the house of the Lord, using the wisdom the Lord would give to him. He also charged him to walk in obelience to the Word of God and this, in a practical way, would give him the courage for this great work. He told Solomon the amounts of silver and gold he had provided, along with other things, and then He said, "and thou mayest add thereto." The full fruits of Christ's redemptive work have not yet been manifested, though the work is all cornplete. What a wonderful display of His complete triumph over all the power of sin and Satan will yet be seen in the millennium, and above all in the eternal state when "all taint of sin shall be removed." How wonderful those words in Ephesians 2:7: "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus."

I believe there is also a little word for us in connection with worship, in those words, "Thou mayest add thereto." We might feel that the few words we speak, or a hymn we give out to be sung, is so small in comparison to what the Lord has done for us, that we hesitate. We perhaps leave all this to others. But can we not hear those words "Thou mayest add thereto" sounding as an encouragement to follow the Spirit's leading at such times? His Word says, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me." Psalm 50:23. Not that we can take any credit to ourselves, for after the people had offered freely David said, "All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee." 1 Chron. 29:14.

Messages of the Love of God 2/23/1958

Rock of Ages

NO DOUBT many of our readers have heard that lovely hymn,

"Rock of ages cleft for me,

Grace hath hid me safe in Thee;

For the water and the blood

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Are of sin the double cure

Cleansing from its guilt and power."

It might be of interest to hear about why the hymn was written, for often a hymn means more to us when we know a little about its writer.

Augustus Toplady was saved when a boy of sixteen, by listening to a man preaching in a barn in Ireland. He was arrested by that verse, "Ye, who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ," Eph. 2: 13, and there and then he put his trust in the Lord Jesus as his Saviour.

Some years later he was in England, and while walking through a rocky part of the country a terrible thunderstorm came up. He sought a shelter from the storm and saw an opening in the rock shown in our picture today, and there he ran for shelter. It proved a splendid hiding place from the wind and rain, and made him think of the Lord Jesus, the true Rock of Ages, who had sheltered him from the storms of judgment which are coming upon the unsaved. He therefore wrote the lovely hymn above, which has been a cheer and comfort to so many.

Yes, Mr. Toplady had found a place of shelter from the storm, but I wonder if all our readers have found a shelter from God's holy judgment against sin. The storm broke in all its fury upon the rock where Mr. Toplady was hiding, but he was fully sheltered. And so we can tell you of how the Lord Jesus bore the storm of God's judgment in the three hours of darkness on the cross that you and I might have a place of shelter. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. But Mr. Top-lady had to take advantage of the hiding place for himself, and so you, dear reader, must come to the Lord Jesus in all your need, and personally put your trust in Him as your Saviour, or you will be lost forever. If Mr. Toplady had not taken shelter in the rock, the storm would have beaten upon him. And if you refuse God's free offer of salvation and pardon, you must bear your own judgment in hell forever. Why not flee for refuge to Christ today?

Memory Verse: "TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOR EVER: FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH." Isaiah 26:4.

Messages of the Love of God 3/2/1958

Can He Hear a Little Child Like Me?

MARGARET recounted the coins in her hand, and said reflectively, "If we had one more penny, we could buy another loaf of bread for supper tonight." She knew they would need it too, in order to satisfy the appetites of fourteen hungry children, after the good swim they'd just had.

One little girl spoke up, "Well, let's pray about it — that's what you've been teaching us these past few days at Bible class."

Yes, they had talked about it, and even sung about taking everything to God in prayer. This was a good time to put the words into practice. Margaret hesitated. What if they prayed and no direct answer came — how could she explain that sometimes He answers in ways that we do not expect? But then she felt somewhat ashamed at her own doubts, and knelt together with the little girls.

The petitions were simple, "Father, Thou knowest we lack bread; please supply our need this day, in Jesus' name, Amen."

They rose from their knees and started down the path to the little general store and post office. They had gone a very few steps, when the little girl who had requested prayer exclaimed happily, "Here it is!"

She stooped down and picked up a penny lying right at her feet.

God would not, could not, disappoint genuine faith, even of a little child. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22.

Let us never forget to say, "Thank you," to Him for all His goodness and mercy in supplying our needs. That is what it means in Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Here it does not say we shall get an immediate answer, but we shall have wonderful peace in knowing that He hears and answers in the way and time that is best for His children.

Messages of the Love of God 3/2/1958

Sowing in the Morning

Two teenage boys were on their way home from school. Both were ambitious young lads, full of health and high hopes, in the bright morning of oath. One was ambitious to be a doctor, and the other longed to win souls for Christ.

Like many another young Christian, the schoolboy did not know what to say. Besides this his companion was not interested and soon forgot all he had said to him. What was the use?

But there was one thing the would be-doctor never forgot — the unmistakable earnestness and sincerity of his friend's manner when he spoke of the Word of God.

The years passed by and he was successful in his studies and graduated with honors, but was attacked by an inflammation of the eyes. It was so serious and painful that for eighteen months he could not read or write. He went to Switzerland to recover his health, and here the Word sown long before in his young heart began to spring up. He remembered that the Word of God had somehow brought joy and peace to his school friend long ago, and he now wanted to search that same Word for himself. As soon as he was able to read, he obtained a New Testament.

"The Holy Spirit," said he, "made the words good to my soul, and I was converted to God while in Switzerland, at the age of twenty-four." He returned to his home town, where no gospel light was shining, and there he shone brightly for his Saviour for many years.

"In the morning sow thy seed." Eccl. 11:6.

Messages of the Love of God 3/2/1958

Bible Questions for March

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Luke, chapters 9-16.

1. What did the Lord say of those who were ashamed of Him and His words?

2. What did the Lord Jesus say when He rejoiced in spirit?

3. What will the Lord do for those who "ask," "seek," and "knock"?

4. Whom did the Lord forwarn us to fear?

5. When the Master of the house has shut the door, will He open it again for those who knock?

6. When we have a feast, should we ask only those who can ask us back?

7. What did the Lord say of those who hear not Moses and the prophets?

The Young People's Class

Types and Shadows

1. Could the first kinsman, who came by in the presence of the ten elders of the city, redeem Ruth the stranger? Ruth.

2. Did the law with its ten commandments redeem us, or curse us as sinners? Galatians.

3. Who redeemed and purchased Ruth the Moabitess? Ruth.

4. Who redeemed us from the curse of the law? Galatians.

5. When the first vessel was marred, what did the potter do? Jeremiah 18.

6. Whose wife did Ruth become when she was redeemed? Ruth.

7. What will "desolate" and "forsaken" Israel be called when they are brought into blessing on the ground of sovereign grace? Isaiah 62.

Messages of the Love of God 3/2/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 22:17-23:30.

DAVID commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon in building the house of the Lord. He brought before them the goodness of God that had given them rest on every side, and encouraged them to set their hearts and souls to serve the Lord in this work. And so it is with us. It is when we think of all the Lord has done for us, and are constrained by His love that we are diligent in our service to His name. If we are lax and careless, it is because we have forgotten His goodness and love toward us. This is why the Lord had to say to the saints at Ephesus, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Revelation 2:4. May we who are His be drawn after Him!

It is interesting and instructive here to see that David ordered everything in connection with the temple, and the new order of things. The tabernacle made by Moses in the wilderness is here set aside, for the temple built by Solomon is, as we have remarked previously, a figure of the millennial scene of glory. Each of the Levites was given his place and service by David. What a wonderful time it will be for Israel when they serve the Lord their God with glad and willing hearts. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness." Psalm 110:3. The work of the Levites in the wilderness was to carry the tabernacle from place to place, but now this service was over. David therefore appointed their service from twenty years old, instead of thirty, "in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the -purifying of all the holy things."

Perhaps there is a lesson here for us even now, in all this. In Christianity every believer is a priest, both a "holy priest" to worship and a "royal priest', to serve (1 Peter 2:5, 9). We can now come into the very presence of God as purged worshipers, whether young or old, and the Spirit of God would lead us, if we wait upon Him, as to the part He would have us take in the meetings. It says in 1 Corinthians 14:26, "Every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doc. trine." How precious it is to meet in the liberty of the Spirit, as worshipers around the Lord. Then too the Lord will appoint our service if, like Saul of Tarsus, we ask, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Acts 9:6.

It is very touching here to see that the service of the Levites in the house of the Lord was "for all manner of measure and size." There may be those who have gone on with the Lord for years, and they have a larger "measure" of enjoyment of His love. They perhaps appreciate His work in a fuller way, but the Lord values the small measure too, and the worship and service of those who have a smaller measure is ordered of the Lord as well, and is acceptable to Him. The Lord Jesus valued the two mites cast into the treasury by the poor widow, for He looks on the heart.

We notice too that the Levites were to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even. It is so easy for us in the rush and bustle of life today, to neglect the reading of the Word and prayer. If we do, it is a distinct loss to our own souls, and we should remember that the Lord misses it too. He likes to hear our voices praising and thanking Him for all He has done for us.

Messages of the Love of God 3/2/1958

The Closed Door Opened

A MISSIONARY in the interior of Africa longed to visit the neighboring tribe, which was a very fierce one, with the gospel. The chief, however, was much opposed, and each time the missionary asked permission to enter his territory, he was definitely refused.

One day the missionary was walking toward that hill beyond which the chief lived. He was carrying his gun over his shoulder as usual, as a defense against wild beasts which were plentiful in the jungles. Suddenly he heard voices and then he saw the chief and his men talking excitedly and pointing to a vulture's nest on a little hill. A giant serpent was approaching and wanted the young birds.

"I will kill the serpent," said the chief, and he climbed up with his spear in hand. These men are very good hunters. The chief aimed at the head of the serpent, but at that moment the mother bird came swooping down to frighten the enemy away. This changed the position of the serpent and the spear fell into space. In another moment the serpent had begun to wind itself around the man who was now helpless without a weapon and unable to run away. The grip of the serpent became tighter and tighter and the chief cried out for help. He was desperate, for his death seemed certain.

The missionary sprang forward and crying to God for help, aimed his gun at the head of the serpent and hit it. He shot four more bullets hitting the head of the serpent each time. The grip of the serpent loosened and it soon fell down, dead. The chief came running to the missionary and bowed down and thanked him for saving his life.

"May I come into your village now?" asked the missionary. The chief gladly gave his permission and was one of the first who accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. This was the beginning of a work among them, and others were saved too.

Memory Verse: "BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD." Romans 12:21.

Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958

Not Satisfied

661 HAVE traveled from one end of this country to the other, seeing all that is to be seen, and still I am not satisfied," said a young tourist who sat beside me on a bus. He was well-dressed, and carried an expensive camera with him, but his unhappy face showed that he spoke the truth.

"I do not wonder at it," I remarked, "for that is exactly what a wealthy and wise king said three thousand years ago, after he had seen a great deal more than you or I have ever seen."

"Is that so?" he exclaimed, quite astonished.

"Yes, let's read his words. 'All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' Ecclesiastes 1:8, 14.

"You will never be truly satisfied until you 'behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' This is the greatest sight of all. It is greater than anything in this world, and all who see Him are both saved and satisfied."

Soon the young fellow rose from his seat to leave, but he turned to say, "I wish that were so with me."

And you, dear reader, will never be truly satisfied until you know that your sins are borne away forever by the Lamb of God.
"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22.

Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958

Sukumari, the Girl Priest

SUKUMARI, a little girl in India, was not allowed to play nor was she allowed to work, because she was the girl priest of the village. She wore a leather necklace, the sign of her priesthood. Her hair, hanging in great disorder around her face and large, dark, sad eyes, was considered holy. Yet she envied her sisters with their neatly done hair and the other children who could play and laugh and help with the housework. Sukumari was only ten years old when she became the priest of the village. Her chief duty was to keep the goddess of cholera in good humor so that that terrible disease would not come into the village. Day after day she went to the rock outside the village from which she could see the whole area, and talked to the goddess. But she never got a reply.

One day, instead of the slow pace which is becoming to a girl priest, she was seen running to the rock. There she knelt down, and raising her hands she cried desperately: "What have I done that you have sent the cholera into the village?" She cried bitterly and called the goddess to help her. She was thinking especially of her beloved mother and grandmother. Would they also die as so many had already? A great fear took hold of her. Those were dreadful days, when so many died from the awful disease . Sukumari wept much. But the cholera did not stay very long and the villagers ascribed it to Sukumari's prayers. But Sukumari became more and more sad. It seemed unbearable to her to be a girl priest. She tore at the leather necklace, she tore her holy hair; but it was of no use, for from birth she was destined to be a girl priest.

Late one afternoon when she was sitting on the rock, she heard strange voices and then saw two men with white faces coming toward her. They looked astonished at that little sad face and the long uncombed hair. Sukumari was afraid and began to tremble. But the men with such kind voices asked her her name, where she lived and what she was doing there on the rock.

She answered their questions and looking into their kind eyes took confidence and told them all her misery and her longing for a better land. They asked her to come with them and show them where she lived. When they came to the market they stood still and began to preach to the people who were gradually gathering around.

They talked about a better land and about a Father in heaven who loves sinners. Sukumari listened to every word. That night she forgot to pray to the goddess of the cholera and talked with confidence to the Father in heaven. Each day the missionaries preached on the market place and Sukumari could not hear enough about the love of God who gave His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem sinful men. Even the grandmother listened to the preaching.

When the missionaries were about to leave they asked if they could take Sukumari with them into a mission school where she could learn more about the Word of God. Her grandmother said, "No." And the mother said: "We need a girl priest." But the father asked: "Sukumari, do you want to go?" She did not answer, but her eyes were shining like stars with joy. Oh, to go where there is no cholera goddess, to play and sing like other children and above all to hear more about the true God of love. She went about as though she were in a dream. The leather necklace was gone, the wild hair was neatly combed and she came to the mission school and drank in the Word of God. She found out that though she was a sinner, the Lord Jesus had borne the punishment in her place on the cross, and by believing in Him she was now a child of God. Her sins were washed away in His precious )load. When she was baptized, she changed her name to "Jesus' pearl." Her life now belonged to the Saviour who had bought her with such a price. To follow, love and serve Him was now her happiness.

Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958

Johnny's Faithfulness

In England one time a circus came to town and everybody knows how the music and the grand tent and horses set all the little boys a-going. Sixpences and shillings are in great demand, and many a choice bit of money have the circus owners carried away which was meant for better purposes.

A little boy was seen looking around the premises with a great deal of curiosity.

"Hello, Johnny," said a man who knew him, "going to the circus?"

"No, sir," answered Johnny, "father don't like them."

"Oh, well! I'll give you money to go, Johnny," said the man.

"Father don't approve of them," answered Johnny.

"Well, go for once, and I'll pay for you."

"No, sir," said Johnny; "my father would give me the money if he thought it was best. Besides, I've got a shilling in my box—twice enough to go."

"I'd go, Johnny, for once. It is wonderful the way the horses do," said the man. "Your father needn't know it."

"I won't," said the boy.

"Now why?" asked the man.

"'Cause," said Johnny, twirling his bare toes in the sand, "after I've been I could not look my father right in the eye, and I can now."

The man gave up and didn't try any more. Brave little Johnnie! He was brave because he was obedient, and we believe with all our heart that he was the happier for it.

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

"Them that honor Me I will honor." 1 Samuel 2:30.

Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 23:31-25:31.

WE NOTICE here that the morning and evening praise to the Lord comes before the offering of burnt offerings in the sabbaths, and other appointed times. It also comes before keeping the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation and other things about the service of the house of the Lord. If we neglect the reading of the Word and prayer, and are not walking in communion during the week, there will not be praise in our hearts when we gather around Himself on Lord's day. Nor will we be able to meet the difficulties that arise among the children of God, for there will be no wisdom, or power to act, apart from communion with the Lord. One fears we do not realize how weak we are, apart from walking close to the Lord, and that is why we are so often. overcome by the difficulties of the way. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10.

David then appointed the various courses of priesthood, twenty-four of them, for service in the house of the Lord. The choice was not made because of some personal qualifications in themselves, but by lot, reminding us that it was all of sovereign grace. As we think of the place that we have been brought into through grace, we surely realize that it is nothing of ourselves. It is interesting in this connection to notice that in Revelation 4 and 5 we have twenty-four seats in the heavenly company of the redeemed. They are all of one mind in ascribing honor, praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and sing redemption's song together: "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign over the earth." Rev. 5:9, 10. I believe the twenty-four courses of priesthood in Solomon's temple form a picture of this time when all the redeemed enter their full place and privilege as worshiping priests.

"Our joy unhindered then with Thee,

Our eyes undimmed Thy glory see,

Whilst worthy praise we give.

Through that eternal cloudless day,

Our burning hearts with rapture say

He died that we might live."

How we rejoice to look forward to that day! There will be no silent voices or empty seats then, for every "cup" will be full and every "harp" sounding.

So we see David appointing the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, to be over the singing and musical instruments, in the house of the Lord. There were also twenty-four courses of these, and it is interesting to notice the special mention of Heman who had fourteen sons and three daughters, and that they were all under the hand of their father for song. No doubt this is something of the "greater joy," spoken of by John, when our children walk in the truth. How happy Heman must have been as he sang in the house of the Lord to see all his children doing the same. What an encouragement to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! It is not easy in a day like this, but here is a large family all going on for the Lord, so we know the Lord is able.

Could we also think of this as an encouragement for us as Christian parents to sing praises to the Lord in our homes? I feel sure Heman did this at home with his family, and thus the desire was produced in their hearts to sing in the house of the Lord. If we neglect singing in our homes we may not know hymns and tunes sung in the assembly.

Messages of the Love of God 3/9/1958

Faith in a Snake

NEAR the city of Yangchow, in faraway China, there is a famous temple to which thousands of pilgrims come every year. Nearly all the people in China worship idols of some kind, and whenever they are in trouble, or their crops are poor, they flock to these temples and offer gifts and incense to the priest and to the idols.

One summer there was great danger that their city might be flooded, as the river nearby was rising higher and higher. The priests in this beautiful temple got a great long snake and said to the people, "This is the god who can care for you. You worship this snake and you will be quite safe from the flood. Trust yourselves to him and you will have nothing to fear."

The people believed these priests and they prayed and offered their gifts to that horrible snake. But that very night, the river burst its banks and the water swept right through the city, and through the temple itself. The priests, the snake, and a great number of the people were swept away and drowned in the flood.

These people had faith — real faith. But it was in the wrong object! The Bible tells us of judgment that is coming upon this poor world, a judgment more sure and certain than the flood that swept Yangchow. And the Bible also tells of One who is able to save you and me from that awful coming storm of judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left His home in glory and came down into this world that He might be the Saviour. He bowed His own holy head under the storm of God's wrath against sin, in order that He might become our Hiding-place.

I am afraid there are many who read this paper who have never yet accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and Hiding-place. It may be that you have faith, but perhaps it is in the wrong thing. Oh, I know you do not pray to a snake; you are not so foolish as that. But perhaps you think that because you go to church or Sunday school, and have a Bible of your own, that you are safe from the coming judgment. I must warn you that unless you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, you are not yet saved. Nothing but faith in Christ will do.

Memory Verse: "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.

Messages of the Love of God 3/16/1958

The Rain Storm

IOHN and I were walking through the village of Brighton together. We were walking rather quickly, as the sky was getting darker and darker, and we wanted to get home before it began to rain. But it came suddenly and in great sheets. The only thing we could do was to rush for shelter under the very scanty porch of one of the little cottages near at hand. We tried to squeeze up against the door to keep dry, but we couldn't help getting wet, for the wind was driving the rain in great slanting torrents. My friend John got up so tight against the door that the latch gave way, and he tumbled right into the house.

The noise brought an old lady out from the kitchen to see what we wanted. Her face was wrinkled with care, but there was a faraway look in her dim gray eyes, as if she were thinking of something other than the rain and the unexpected visitors. She seemed quite sad, and had very little to say, but John and I felt sure that the Lord Jesus had sent the rain, and had sent John tumbling through the front door, in order that we might be able to tell her of Jesus, who could make her happy.

Now dear old Mrs. Webster had heard a great deal about the Lord Jesus, and she knew that some day she must leave this world, and slip out into eternity. I really think this was what made her look so sad, for she didn't know where she was going, and yet she knew she couldn't stay here. It may be that a boy or girl is reading this story, and you think that you are too young to be concerned about these matters yet. But boys and girls don't always grow up. You may step out into eternity before this day is over. Do you know where you are going?

We had a good long talk with old Mrs. Webster, and I really believe she learned the wonderful truth that Jesus loved her and died to put her sins away. In fact when we went to leave, after the sun came out again, she said,

"Good-by, and I am so glad the rain drove you into my house today."

I like to think that the Lord Jesus saw that dear old lady with her sad face and her burdened heart, and wanted her to know the happiness of the forgiveness of sins. And I am sure that He sees you too, and wants you to know that your sins are gone. He wants you to know of His love, and of His wonderful home in heaven. And so He has come all the way down from heaven to die for you, and He has put this paper in your hands too, to remind you once again that He loves you and waits to forgive you.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.

Messages of the Love of God 3/16/1958

Marie and Her Rabbits

MARIE lived a long time ago in a small village up in the mountains of Aveyron, in the south of France. Just how it came about I do not know, but somehow, Marie had heard some of the wonderful stories in the Bible, and had learned a little about the Lord Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. Very earnestly, she asked everyone she met in her own village, if they had ever seen a Bible, or knew where she could get one. Among them all, there was just one old man who had seen a Bible, and he was sure he had seen a store in Nimes, where they actually sold Bibles. That was sad news for Marie, for Nimes was 70 miles from her home, and she had no money.

But the more she thought about it, the more she decided that she just must have a Bible to read. She had two pet rabbits that she loved very much, and she planned to sell her pets, or exchange them for a Bible.

It must have taken Marie a very long time to reach Nimes, for she walked all the way, with her two rabbits in a basket over her arm. But at last she arrived at the big city, and asked for the shop where they sold Bibles. There she offered her two rabbits in exchange for a Bible, and was delighted when the offer was accepted, and she was given a Bible of her own.

When Marie at last reached her home up in the mountains, she was able to share her treasure with others, and she could often be seen reading aloud from her precious Book, to the neighbors.

Do you wonder why I have told you this story? I'm sure you wouldn't have to walk 140 miles to have a Bible of your own. More than likely, you have one of your very own right now, or at least there is one in your home. But it will do you no good to have a Bible, unless you read it and believe its wonderful message. The message of the Bible tells you and me that we are sinners, and that we can do nothing at all to put away our own sins. It also tells us that we must meet God someday, and that He knows all about our sins. But oh, the wonderful news is this. God loved you and me so very much that He gave His own dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in order that those- sins might be blotted out forever.

"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.

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

Messages of the Love of God 3/16/1958

Lightly and Tightly

Let me hold lightly
Things of this earth;
Transient treasures,
What are they worth?

Let me hold tightly
Things that are Thine
Lord, Thou hast giv'n me
All that is Thine.

Messages of the Love of God 3/16/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 26:1-27:34.

WE HAVE noticed how David appointed those who had the charge of the house of the Lord, and those who were over the singing; now in our chapter he appointed the porters. It reminds us of that verse "to every man his work," Mark 13:34, and that the Lord has appointed each to his or her service, as David did here for "the small as well as the great." There is particular mention here of the ones who were placed over the spoils won in the various battles, and over all the things dedicated to the Lord. It is very easy to lose the things we have wrought (2 John 8), if we are not watchful, for we are living in days of giving up and compromise. Let us be diligent in maintaining the precious truth committed to us, remembering what it cost those who have gone before to "buy" it. The Scripture says, "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." Proverbs 23:23. It is all too easy to let the truth slip through our fingers, but we, like the porters in our chapter, have been charged to keep it.

There were also those who were appointed for the king's "outward business," and these were men of valor. This is important, for in our contact with those who are outside, there needs to be much grace and faithfulness. The lack of this among the saints of God has often caused sorrow. We will recall the case of the Gibeonites who came to Joshua with a very good-sounding story, and how they deceived him and the princes of Israel. They did not ask the Lord what to do, but acted on their own wisdom, and failed grievously in this "outward business." (See Joshua 9.) The results of it lasted for centuries, for the Gibeonites were a real "thorn" in the sides of the children of Israel. The Lord has raised up those among His own who seek to be watchful in these matters, and we need to take heed to these "doorkeepers in the house of the Lord."

In chapter 27 it is interesting to see those men who had shared David's rejection placed as captains over his host. If we seek to share the Lord's rejection now, there is a day coming when the Lord will reward such faithfulness, and our place in the kingdom when He reigns will be according to this. (Luke 19:17.) Those among the godly remnant of Israel who have been faithful during the tribulation period will then hear the Lord say to them, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matt. 25:34. They will reign on the earth, while we reign over it with Christ.

David also appointed men over the fields, the vineyards, and the olive trees, also choosing men as scribes or counselors and for other work. All this is very instructive, and no doubt if we were more exercised as to the work the Lord had for us to do, and sought grace from the Lord to do it, there would be more blessing even today. Sometimes we all want to do the same things, and can even be jealous of others who seem to have a more important work than we have. It is instructive in this connection to notice that Paul's great desire was to fulfill what the Lord had given him to do. He said, "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24.

Messages of the Love of God 3/16/1958

The Miller's Text

LITTLE Arlene was a bright, lively little lass. She and her friends could often be found on Saturday afternoons, wading in a stream near the old mill at the edge of the quiet village where she lived, It was many years ago, and the mills were not run by powerful motors as they are today.

The miller was a kind old man, and he often asked the children in to see the great millstones by which the grain was ground. He had a big pair of scales too, which he used for weighing sacks of grain, and Arlene and her friends used to delight to step on those scales and have the old man tell each one how much she weighed. Then, in his quaint and quiet way, he used to say,

"And now, girls, remember that the Bible says, 'Thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting.' I hope you may not be found wanting when you stand before God."

I don't think the little ones really knew what he meant, but Arlene remembered the text and she thought of it often. She knew that she would have to stand before God some day, and she felt somehow, that she was not ready. One day, all alone, she went to the old miller with her question.

"Please, Mr. Miller, can you tell me what that text means about the balances?"

"Yes, my dear, I think I can tell you. You see, God has been watching you and me, and all the other boys and girls all the time, and He has written down all the things we have done, and all the words we have said. They make a heavy load of sins, Arlene, and there is nothing that you or I can do to take away those sins. If we were weighed in God's balances, we would surely find ourselves guilty before Him."

"Oh, Mr. Miller, what can we do? I do want to be ready to meet God. I do want to go to heaven someday."

The old man smiled. "Yes, little girl, and the Lord Jesus wants to have you in heaven too. And because He loves you, He came all the way down from heaven to suffer for those very sins on the cross. Before He died, He said, 'It is finished, and His precious blood was shed to wash all those sins away. When I was a young boy, I came to Him with the burden of my own sins, and He has saved me, and now I know that all that terrible load of sins is gone forever."

Not much more was said, but Arlene just sat quietly thinking. Presently she got up and walked slowly home. But the very next day she was back at the mill, with a shining happy face.

"Oh, Mr. Miller," she cried, "I have accepted the Lord Jesus as my Saviour and I know my sins are gone. I am not afraid of God's scales now, for Jesus is my Saviour."

"Thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting." Daniel 5:27.

Memory Verse: "WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." Romans 5:6.

Messages of the Love of God 3/23/1958

Reverence

BILL BAKER was walking slowly along a forest path in faraway India. It was a Sunday afternoon, and Bill, who was a bright Christian, was thinking of the Lord Jesus, and of the happy times that he had often shared with his Christian friends back in England.

All at once he came to a little clearing in the bush, and there he found a group of children, all sitting on the ground and diligently repeating words that a teacher was saying to them. Presently, the teacher held a wooden idol in front of the children, and at once every head was bowed to the ground, and there was complete silence. Not one child stirred, and not even a whisper broke the stillness. They had been taught that this was one of their gods, and they must worship it.

Bill turned away sad at heart. "All that reverence for nothing but a piece of wood," he said to himself.

Some months later, Bill Baker was back home in England, and again he was taking a walk on a warm Sunday afternoon. His walk took him to Sunday school, where he had often had the joy of telling the dear boys and girls of the love of the Lord Jesus. He was delighted to find a good crowd of lively boys and girls, and they joined heartily in the singing of some hymns and choruses. Then a gentleman stood up and said, "Let us pray."

What do you suppose happened? Some of the children bowed their heads and were silent at once. Others closed their eyes for a moment, and then when they thought nobody was looking, they opened them again, and a bit of whispering began. Before the prayer was over, there were very few children who were still sitting silently with their eyes closed.

Mr. Baker had noticed all this, and when the gentleman said "Amen," he stood up and called for silence.

"Boys and girls," he began, "a few months ago I was walking along a path in India . . ." Then he told them just what he had seen and of the silent reverence of those boys and girls in the presence of their wooden idol. "And I am afraid," he went on, "that you have forgotten that God is watching every boy and girl here this afternoon. Many of you were looking around and whispering while this gentleman was praying, and this was not at all reverent. The Bible tells us 'Thou God seest me' and I want you to remember that always."

Then the children went to their classes, and with sober faces and silent lips, they sat and heard once again the precious story of God's wondrous love. For remember, that although God sees you and me, and knows everything that we have said and done, He loves us more than we can ever know. He hates our sins, but He waits to wash away every sin by the precious blood of His own dear Son.

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

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

Messages of the Love of God 3/23/1958

I Have No Hands

MR. CRAWFORD was sitting in the railway coach, quietly looking out the window and enjoying the scenery as the train rolled swiftly along. He had an unusually happy look, for he was a Christian man, and was silently enjoying thoughts of God's love as he looked at the wonders of His mighty creation.

Presently the train stopped, and three men came down the aisle, and took three vacant seats right by Mr. Crawford. He looked up at them and greeted them pleasantly, and then turned to look out the window again. Before long, one of the men pulled out a pack of cards, and soon a game was in progress. Apparently they thought the game would be more interesting if they had another player, so they turned to Mr. Crawford.

"Join us in- a game of cards, will you? We need one more to make a good game."

"I can't play cards. I have no hands."

The three men looked at him astonished. They could easily see that he had hands just as well as they did, and asked him to explain.

"Well, what I mean is, my hands are not my own."

This didn't seem to be much easier to understand, so they asked him again what he meant.

"My hands," he said with a wonderful smile, "belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for me on the cross, and I am bought at the cost of His own blood. I am not my own, and cannot use these hands for anything that would not please Him to whom I now belong."

Wasn't that a fine answer? Do you know what it is to belong to the Lord Jesus Christ?

If you have truly accepted the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, then you belong to Him — every bit of you.

"Two little eyes to look to God,

Two little ears to hear His Word;

Two little feet to walk His ways,

Two hands to work for Him all my days.

One little tongue to speak His truth,

One little heart for Him now in my youth;

Take them, Lord Jesus, and let them be

Always obedient and true to Thee."

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20.

Messages of the Love of God 3/23/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 28:1-29:5.

DAVID then assembled all the princes of Israel together, and the captains, and spoke to them of the house he had wanted to build for the Lord. He told them the Lord had not allowed him to do so because he had been a man of war, but that He had chosen Solomon his son to sit upon the throne of the Lord over Israel, and that he would build Him a house of rest. David acknowledged that it was all of grace that he himself had been chosen from among all his brothers, and that it was also sovereign grace that had chosen Solomon from among all his sons.

David then exhorted all the people, and especially Solomon, to walk in obedience to the Lord. He said to Solomon: "Know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts." What a serious thing this is to consider. We may deceive others, but we can never deceive the Lord. We may be misunderstood by others, but never by the Lord. He knows what we do and why we do it, and if we desire to please Him, He can overrule all the false accusations of others. Let us learn to count upon the Lord and leave all with Him.

We learn here that just as the Lord gave Moses the pattern for the tabernacle, so He gave to David, by the Spirit, the pattern for the temple. David then gave it to Solomon his son, and encouraged him to be strong and build the house, and all its furniture. David not only gave Solomon the style and pattern, but the actual weight of gold and silver required for each of the vessels. We know that all these things have their typical meaning, and so nothing

was left to human prudence. This would show us that when we speak of divine things we must not allow our own minds to work, for the Spirit of God who gave David all the pattern for the house of the Lord, has written down the truth for us. Let us keep closely to the written Word, for it says in 1 Corinthians 2: 13, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." In speaking of the things of God we need to watch carefully the very words of Scripture.

David spoke of how his son was still young and tender, and of how great the work was to build a house for the Lord. He mentioned again the abundant provision he had made for it, and of how he had set his heart upon this service for the Lord. Truly "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," Matt. 12:34, and if our hearts are set upon the things of the Lord we will be speaking about Him to others. The fact that so little is said about heavenly things, and so much about earthly things shows all too clearly where our hearts are. May the Lord give us more of a vision of the coming glory that awaits us, for His coming must be near. Then we shall leave earthly things behind, to be in the full enjoyment of what is ours above.

After telling of his heart's desire for the house of the Lord, David asked an important question. He asked, "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" It is beautiful to see the ready response here from the leaders of Israel, but the question still rings in our ears today. Are we willing? Am I willing?

Messages of the Love of God 3/23/1958

A Captive

MR. BAKER was on his way to visit an old man. As he walked along, he prayed that the Lord would give him the right words to say to the old man, for he didn't intend to visit just to cheer him up, but rather to speak to him about the need of his soul.

When he finally reached the little house in which the poor old man lived, he found him sick in bed. He sat down beside him, and they began to chat in a friendly way about this and that.

Presently the old man began to talk about his boyhood days, when he used to take care of sheep for his father.

One night when he brought his sheep home and counted them, he found that one was missing. He was sure his father would feel bad about it, so he decided he would not tell him at all. He just sat down to his supper, and then went off to bed. But he could not go to sleep. He kept thinking of that lost sheep, wondering where it might be. Without saying a word to anyone, he quietly slipped out the back door, and started off by the light of the moon to try to find the sheep.

He wandered about for hours, until at last he was sure he heard the sound of bleating. Eagerly he followed the noise, and soon found his sheep, tied by its leg to a strong pole. Ah, the sheep was not only lost, it was a captive! Right near at hand, he could see a gypsy camp. He knew that the gypsies had probably stolen his sheep, and intended to have mutton for their dinner the next day!

Quickly he cut the cord and led the sheep home to be placed safely with the others.

It took the old man a long time to tell that story, for he seemed to be living again all the details, and when the story was finished he had a faraway look in his eyes.

Slowly and lovingly, Mr. Baker began to tell him that he -was just like that lost captive sheep. "All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way." Isaiah 53:6. The old man knew it was true. He knew that he was a sinner, and I think he knew too that Satan had tried hard to keep him as his slave. But the rest of the story was just what he needed. Mr. Baker reminded him that the lost sheep was a hopeless captive, and could never have returned home by itself. If a rescuer had not come along, the sheep would have lost its life.

And then he had the joy of telling the dear old man that the Lord Jesus had come all the way down from heaven to seek and to save lost sinners. "And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Yes, that is the rest of the verse. It cost the Lord Jesus His own life to save us! What a wonderful story. It seemed to be just what the old man needed. Eagerly he listened, and at last he owned that he was just like that lost and captive sheep. Gladly he accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, and another captive was set free.

Perhaps it is hard for boys and girls to realize that they are lost, but it is true just the same, for it is the lost whom Jesus came to save. And perhaps it is harder still for them to realize that they are captives of sin and. Satan, but that is just as true. Only the Lord Jesus can save and deliver you, and He is waiting to do it now.

Memory Verse: "THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST." Luke 19:10.

Messages of the Love of God 3/30/1958

The Pirate and the Doves

“I KNEW a man," said Mr. Audubon, "who had been connected with a band of pirates for some years. At the time to which I refer he was an honest, useful man, at the head of a happy family. In a conversation which I had with him on one occasion, he gave me this account of the way in which he was led to give up being a pirate and lead a different sort of life:

" 'Our vessel was anchored once for some time in a snug little harbor on a good-sized island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida. We had several tents pitched on shore, and spent most of our time there. We used to get our supply of drinking water from a fountain that flowed out from a beautiful grove of trees not far from our camp. In the grove surrounding that fountain a number of doves had their nests. The gentle cooing of these doves used to have a strange effect on me. One day, having nothing to do, I went and took a seat by that fountain, and spent some time there in watching the motions of those doves and listening to their voices. The soft, gentle, peaceful tones in which they were cooing seemed to awaken my conscience. I thought of the quiet, peaceful lives they were living, and of the violence and wrong-doing that marked my own life. While thinking thus, the sense of my sinfulness overwhelmed me. Then I threw myself on the ground, and, bursting into tears, confessed my sins unto God, and asked Him to forgive me and help me to turn round and lead a different life. Then I determined to take the first opportunity of leaving my wicked companions and getting back to my family and friends. It was a hard thing to do, but with the help of God I succeeded in doing it; and now I am seeking to lead an honest, useful, happy life. And I thank God for making use of the gentle, peaceful voice of the dove to bring about this change.' "

In the gospels we read that the Lord Jesus "when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him," and John "saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matt. 3:16, 17. The dove in Scripture speaks of that new nature, which is Christ. It is also the bird of love and sorrow; and this was the character that the blessed Son of God was pleased to take when as a Man He went through this world.

Love in Thy lonely life Of sorrow here below. . . .

Dear young reader, do you know Him as your Saviour? and is His love, "which passeth knowledge," working in your heart, and mine?

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Galatians 5:22, 23.

Messages of the Love of God 3/30/1958

Confusion

A MOUSE'S tiny teeth were blamed for plunging a whole county in Ohio into darkness for an hour and a half recently and causing a tremendous traffic jam on a busy highway.

The mouse is said to have chewed through a wire at the light plant. The superintendent said there were teeth marks on the wire, which snapped and caused a short circuit that set fire to insulation on main cables. More than 6,500 homes and business places lost their electric power. Traffic lights went out and policemen and schoolboy traffic patrols were called out to direct motorists as the main highway runs through the heart of the town.

What a scene of confusion this town was in for an hour and a half! And all caused by a tiny mouse!

We thought as we read this, of a time coming on this world which is not far off. The Lord Jesus is coming soon to take all those who love Him to be with Himself forever. We truly believe this is soon to take place for we read:

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. 4:16.

For those who are trusting in the Lord Jesus, this will indeed be a blessed and happy time, and one to which we look forward.

But what about those who are left behind? All those who have rejected the Lord and neglected the great salvation which He has offered freely will be plunged into darkness and confusion, far worse than that which took place in this Ohio town. It will be a time of trouble such as this world has never known. No ray of hope will pierce that gloom.

We warn you, dear reader, to take the Lord Jesus now and "flee from the wrath to come." Matthew 3:7.

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

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Messages of the Love of God 3/30/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 29:6-17.

THE leaders of Israel came forward in response to David's question and willingly gave to the Lord. All that they gave is recorded here, for the Lord will not forget anything done for Him (Hebrews 6:10). Even such a small measure as the number of drams is mentioned, for it says in 2 Corinthians 8:12, "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." Nor did the people give grudgingly, but they rejoiced and offered willingly and with a perfect heart to the Lord. "God loveeth a cheerful giver," 2 Cor. 9:7, and if we give in this way we will be happy too. We notice here that David rejoiced with great joy too, when the people gave so generously, and it is encouraging to think that we can give joy to the heart of the true David, the Lord Jesus Christ, when we joyfully acknowledge His claims over us, and over what we have.

In the midst of this generous giving, David acknowledged that all that was good came from the Lord. How often in the world, and even among Christians, a list of names and amounts is published, and the glory is given to man instead of to the Lord; but here David acknowledged that the greatness, the power, the glory, and the victory were all the Lord's. He said too, that "All that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine . . both riches and honor come of Thee." He did not take any credit to himself as a man, nor give any honor to the people, but all to the Lord. Sad to say, our natural hearts like to get the credit for giving and doing great things, and we see so much of that sort of thing in the Christian world about us, but how distasteful it is to the Lord. David said, "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine owl.' have we given Thee." If we are able to give, it is the Lord who has entrusted us with the money, and we are stewards for Him. We ought to count it a privilege to be able to give to the Lord, and not think of our own generosity, but that it is really His. Is it not wonderful that the Lord should give us the credit when the money and the desire to give are all from Him? But such is His grace!

David then went back to the very beginning of Israel's history as a nation, recalling that they were only strangers and sojourners, not having any claim even upon the land itself, apart from the goodness of God. The Lord had given them the land. Our lives are so short too, for "our days upon earth are as a shadow, and there is nothing abiding." When we think of this it makes us realize the importance of spending today for the Lord. We do not know if we will be here tomorrow, so if the Lord gives us something to do today, we should do it, and not put it off. We often press this upon the unsaved, and would urge any unsaved reader of this little paper to decide for Christ today, but I believe we who are Christians need to be exercised too, about putting off till tomorrow what we can do for the Lord today.

David had spoken of the people's generous giving, and how all belonged to the Lord; then he added a very searching word, "I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness." We can sometimes put on an outward display of generosity, but we should ever remember that the Lord knows the heart.

Messages of the Love of God 3/30/1958

Christian Courage

ON BOARD a vessel at sea, there was a young Christian sailor, who, in spite of the mockings of his companions, was in the habit of praying each evening on his knees. The other sailors were determined to make him stop, and began throwing various things at his bowed head.

The commotion in the sailors' quarters attracted the attention of an officer, who reported the whole unruly crowd to the captain of the vessel. The captain ordered them all to be brought before him. He began his inquiry by asking the young Christian what complaints he had.

"Sir," answered the sailor, "I have nothing to complain of."

"You need not be afraid to tell me," said the captain. But the young man insisted that he had no complaints to make.

The captain therefore dismissed them all.

Again the young man knelt down as usual, and this time he heard a quiet step behind him. He expected another blow from close-up, but the next moment the youngest sailor on board was kneeling beside him. Then came another, and another, until fourteen of those ungodly men were on their knees before God. What a grand result from a little quiet patient suffering for Christ's sake!

Memory Verse: "IF, WHEN YE DO WELL, AND SUFFER FOR IT, YE TAKE IT PATIENTLY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE WITH GOD." I Peter 2:20.

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

The Peace-Making Boy

TWO BOYS, named Willie and Charley, the sons of Christian parents, had a violent quarrel one day over a game of marbles, and separated in great anger with each other. But in a little while one of them got somewhat cooler, as he thought of the Bible verse, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Eph. 4:26. Then just before sunset he went to the house of his friend and knocked at the door. Charley opened the door, and seeing Willie there, started back in surprise and anger.

"Charley," said Willie, "the sun will soon set. The Bible says we mustn't let it go down on our wrath." And reaching out his hand cordially to his friend, he said, "I'm very sorry that I got so angry; let us make peace, Charley."

This touched Charley's heart, and with his eyes full of tears he took hold of his friend's hand and shook it warmly, as he said, "I thank you, Willie dear, with all my heart for this visit."

And so their anger was put away, peace was restored between them, and they became warmer friends than they had ever been before.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

"And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:31, 32.

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

Daily Food

I WAS brought to Christ while working on a farm. My employer was a Christian man who took a deep interest in the blessing of his family, and those working for him. He had family reading each day and we were expected to be there, and I believe he spoke to each one separately as well, when he had the opportunity.

The Lord used his testimony in blessing to my soul, and I found joy and peace in believing. I knew my sins were all gone, washed away in the precious blood of Christ, and great was my joy when my employer gave me a lovely pocket Bible with my name written on the fly-leaf. Under this the text was written,

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them." Jeremiah 15:16. As he handed it to me, he said:

"Now, John, if you are to grow in grace and be a healthy and happy Christian, you will have to 'eat' Your daily portion out of this Book. The new life that you have received cannot get on without food, and what it feeds on is all found in God's precious Word. My advice to you is, to get a portion out of it each morning before you go out to your work, and be sure you do not neglect prayer and the Word of God. They are as necessary to your soul as your daily food is to your body."

I have never forgotten that dear man's advice. I regret to confess that some days I have neglected to read my Bible, and they have been unhappy days, for when the soul is not right, things go wrong. I have proved in my experience the blessing of "feeding on Christ" as He is set forth in the Word, getting something fresh about Him each day, as the manna came fresh from heaven, and was gathered and eaten by the Israelites in the desert.

Never allow any service, any company, or even any good book to hinder you from reading and meditating on a portion of God's Word daily. This is the secret of all spiritual strength and progress heavenward.

It is only those who read God's Book who are of use in His service.

"I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

"The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live forever." Psalm 22:26.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

A Child of the King

HE WAS wearing a pair of old coveralls, with a faded brown jacket, and an ancient cap,— this old man on my door step. Drying my hands on my apron, I listened as he asked, "Do you have any knives or shears or a mower that I could sharpen today, ma'am?"

I felt impatient, but then . . . he was old, houses were few out in the country, and I did have some scissors that were dull; yes, and some knives too. I fetched them, and without much further ado, he sat down on the steps and carefully set to work on them with a little emery wheel and some files.

Before long, another gentle rap on the door indicated he must have them ready. "Fifty cents, ma'am," he said handing them to me. I went to my purse and counted out the money, and then reached for a gospel tract to give him at the same time.

He pocketed the money with a murmur of thanks, but turned the tract over several times curiously, obviously trying to discover the nature of the message and who the publisher was. He struggled for words:

"I beg your pardon, but I can't see very well without my glasses — it's a religious paper I know — but — but if it's anything but the precious blood of Jesus Christ, I don't want it!"

"Oh it is!" I responded with warmth. "It is! The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

"Amen," he added fervently.

Yes, here was a child of the King. In every guise, in every walk of life, we rejoice to find those who have been "born again" into the family of God. And some day very soon, He'll change these bodies of humiliation, that they may be fashioned like unto His glorious body (Phil. 3:21). "He is not ashamed to call them brethren." Heb. 2:11.

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Luke, chapters 17-24

1. What were the people doing when Noah entered into the ark and the flood came?

2. Which one, the Pharisee or the publican, went down to his house justified?

3. Whom did the Lord come to seek and to save?

4. What will never pass away, even when heaven and earth do?

5. When the Lord Jesus prayed to His Father, whose will did He desire should be done?

6. How soon did the repentant thief reach paradise?

7. While the disciples going to Emmaus were talking together, who drew near and went with them?

The Young People's Class

Types and Shadows

1. Did Eli the high priest misunderstand Hannah in her trial and infirmity? 1 Samuel.

2. Is the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest, touched with the feeling of our infirmities? Hebrews.

3. For how long did Hannah lend Samuel her son to the Lord? 1 Samuel.

4. Should we bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Ephesians.

5. Does the Lord weigh our actions? 1 Samuel.

6. Should we ask the Lord to search our hearts and thoughts? Psalm 139.

7. Will the counsels of our hearts be manifested in a coming day? 1 Corinthians.

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

Bible Talks

1 Chron. 29:17-30.

WE HAVE noticed that David spoke of how the Lord has pleasure in uprightness of heart. He does not want us to pretend to be what we are not. Our natural hearts tend to deception, but though others cannot see our motives we need to remember that the Lord can. He knows if we are doing what we do for Him, or for the eye of others. Sometimes our hearts deceive us (Jer. 17:9), and we need the Word of God to search us out and to discover "the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. David therefore prayed that the Lord would keep "the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and prepare their hearts unto Thee." How much we need this keeping grace, for our lives are the outcome of our thoughts. The Scripture says, "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he," Proverbs 23:7, and we are prone to forget how important it is that we guard our thoughts. Nothing is right unless the heart is right.

David then prayed for Solomon that he would walk in obedience to the Word of God, and build the house of the Lord, for which he had made provision. How we desire that our children too, who have been taught in the right ways of the Lord, might walk in the truth they know, and follow and serve the Lord. This is the "greater joy" of which John spoke (3 John 4), and it is a very real thing.

After this the congregation "blessed the Lord God of their fathers" and offered sacrifices to Him. They offered "a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel." This is, no doubt, a picture of the time when Israel as a nation will be blessed on the earth in the millennium, and will enter into the value of the work of Christ upon the cross. We read of this time in the prophet Ezekiel when Israel will offer their sacrifices in a commemorative way (Ezekiel 46:9-15).

The people then ate and drank before the Lord and made Solomon the son of David king "the second time." David had first made him king after the sacrifice at Oman's threshing floor, but now the people willingly made him king. And so the Lord Jesus is now crowned with glory and honor at God's right hand (Hebrews 2:7, 8), and faith gladly owns Him as Lord and Christ.

"Christ of God, our souls confess Thee

King and Sovereign even now!"

He is there as the One who accomplished the mighty sacrifice for sin at Calvary, but in a soon-coming day He will be acclaimed by Israel as their King (Psalm 110), and it is this day of glory that is shadowed forth in our chapter. What a day of rejoicing that will be, as it was here in our chapter, when Solomon was made king "the second time." Solomon then sat upon "the throne- of the Lord" and all submitted themselves to him, as they will to Christ when He takes His rightful place. The world will never have settled peace until then.

This brings us to the end of this interesting and instructive first book of Chronicles. We can clearly see that the whole subject of it is the grace of God, when the nation had failed utterly, in raising up David to be their deliverer, and in choosing Zion to be the center from which God could bless them according to His own purposes, and not according to what they deserved. Surely "God's grace will to the end, clearer and brighter shine."

Messages of the Love of God 4/6/1958

A Donkey's Gratitude

AN ENGLISH farmer had three fine horses and a donkey on his farm. These animals were often put to graze together in the same field. Now it generally happens that horses do not like to have a donkey near them, and they will show their dislike by kicking him and trying to drive him away.

But it was not so with those English horses. They treated the donkey kindly, and let him share with them the best grass to be found in the field. The donkey seemed to feel their kindness to him, and he showed his gratitude to them for it in the following way.

One day the donkey was put by himself into a field which had a remarkable growth of the very finest grass, and he was enjoying it greatly. His three friends, the horses, were in an adjoining field, where the grass was very poor and scanty.

There was a high, thick hedge of hawthorn-bushes separating those two fields. The horses came and looked over the hedge to see their friend, the donkey, having such a good time enjoying that green grass. He knew from the way they looked at him that they wanted to come into his field and share the pleasure which he felt in eating that excellent grass. Then the donkey went to a gate nearby, which led into the field where he was grazing. That gate was fastened by a round piece of wood, which was put through an iron staple in the post of the gate. He had often seen his master unfasten that gate by pulling out that piece of wood. So he took hold of it with his teeth, and tried to pull it out. It was very tight, and he had to keep on trying for a good while; but finally he got it out. Then the gate swung wide open, and the horses came in, leaping about joyfully, as if to thank their donkey friend for his kindness in letting them in.

Here we see the gratitude of that donkey to his friends the horses for the kindness they had showed to him. And when we think of all that our blessed Saviour has done for us, what a debt of gratitude we owe to Him, and how gladly we should seek every opportunity of showing it.

When David looked back and thought of all that the Lord had done for him, he asked,

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" Psa. 116:12. Then in the next verse we get his answer:

"I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."

Oh, that each of our dear young readers might do the same! For this is the first thing that any of us (for we are all sinners and need His salvation) can do for the Lord — to take the cup of His salvation, to accept the mercy and pardon He so freely offers. For Him that was a cup of untold shame, suffering and death, when He died upon the cross for sin; but for us now it is a cup of joy and blessing.

"Death and the curse were in our cup;

O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!

But Thou has drained the last dark drop,

'Tis empty now for me.

That bitter cup — love drank it up,

Left but the love for me.

But that cup of blessing is only for those who reach out by faith and take it for themselves. Dear reader, you must own yourself, a lost, needy sinner and trust in Christ and His finished work upon the cross for you; it is this alone which will set you free from the chains of sin and death, to love and serve Him with a true and happy heart.

Then — but not until then — you will be able to say with David:

"0 Lord, truly I am Thy servant:

. . . Thou has loosed my bonds. I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psa. 116:16-19.

Memory Verse: "O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD: BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN HIM." Psalm 34:8.

Messages of the Love of God 4/13/1958

The Eagle's Lesson to a King

THERE was once a king who ruled over a large and powerful nation, and who was very rich. But the burden of cares connected with his kingdom made him so unhappy that his riches gave him very little comfort. He had heard of an old man, famous for his wisdom and piety, who lived as a hermit, all alone by himself, in a cave on the borders of a forest some miles distant from the king's palace. The king went to see him one day, and found him in his cave.

"Holy man," said the king, "I have come to see you, and to ask if you can tell me how I may be happy."

Without making any reply, the wise old man led the king along a rough path till he brought him in front of a very high perpendicular rock, on the top of which an eagle had built her nest.

Pointing to it, he asked, "Do you know why the eagle builds her nest so high?"

"Certainly," said the king: "she does it in order to be safe from harm and danger."

"Then imitate that bird," said the wise old man. "Build your home in heaven; let your treasure and your heart be there, and then you will be safe and happy."

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt. 6:19-21.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Col. 3:1.

Messages of the Love of God 4/13/1958

How a Sunday School Boy Followed Jesus

A POOR old mother was going to visit her daughter in the city of London, one evening, just about dark. She was carrying a bundle which was rather heavy for her. As she went on, a little boy came up to her and said, "Please, ma'am, may I carry that bundle for a penny? I'm trying to earn a little money, for we have nothing to eat at home."

She let him carry it, and when they reached her daughter's house it was quite dark. All the money she had in her pocket was half-a-crown and two pennies. A penny and a half-crown piece are both about the same size, and so by mistake the old mother gave the boy the half-crown piece instead of the penny.

Going into the house, she found that her daughter had nothing for themselves or the children to eat. She gave her daughter the two pennies to get some bread for the children, and went to bed herself without any supper, but praying that God would send them something for the morrow.

Early the next morning there was a knock at the door. The daughter opened the door, and found a little boy standing there, who asked,

"Didn't I bring a bundle here last night for an old lady?"

"Yes, you did."

"Where is she?"

"Upstairs."

"Please ask her to come down, for I want to see her."

The old mother soon made her appearance, and the boy said,

"Please, ma'am, do you know that you gave me a half-crown last night instead of a penny? Because you did, and here it is."

"Well, my boy, I did just as you say; and I am very much obliged to you for bringing it back. But I would like to know how you came to do this, for I thought you had nothing to eat at home."

"Yes, we are very bad off," said the boy, brightening as he spoke; "but you see, I go to Sunday school, and I love Jesus, and am trying to follow Him, so you see I can't be dishonest."

That dear boy had really heard the voice of the Good Shepherd, and was trying to follow Him. And may you, dear reader, hear His gentle voice calling you to trust Him as your Saviour; and then seek to follow Him who "leadeth . . . in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:3.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:27, 28.

Messages of the Love of God 4/13/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chron. 1:1-12.

WE HAVE noticed that it is grace which will bring in blessing to Israel, and that Solomon is a figure of the time when Christ will reign as king over Israel and the earth. The second book of Chronicles therefore, begins with Solomon's being magnified exceedingly, and the temple he built forms a picture of the glory of the kingdom established under Christ in that day.

Before any mention is made of the temple, however, it is very beautiful to see Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, going to Gibeon where the tabernacle built by Moses was pitched. There Solomon offered sacrifices at the brazen altar, at which the sacrifices were offered in the wilderness when the Lord brought His people out of Egypt. It is true the ark was not there, because of Israel's unfaithfulness, but that is not the subject here. It is rather the grace of God which, upon the ground of the sacrifices (a figure of the one sacrifice of Christ), could bring the people from their position of slavery, through the wilderness and into such blessing in the land. Solomon therefore offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the brazen altar, acknowledging this grace of God.

That very night the Lord appeared to Solomon saying, "Ask what I shall give thee." What a challenge this was to Solomon, and to each of our hearts! If the Lord were to appear to us this very night and ask us what we desired, what would we request? How often our lives show that the great desire of our hearts is earthly success. We seem to live as though the things of earth were the most important of all, and the Lord's things are given second place. But listen to the answer of Solomon: "Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me reign in his stead . . . Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people." As king over Israel he desired to have wisdom from the Lord to act for His glory and their blessing. He did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, and the Lord was pleased with this, and so He not only granted him the wisdom and knowledge he asked, but also the riches, wealth, and honor, for which he had not asked. This is most beautiful and instructive, for often when we strive after earthly things we do not get them, or if we do, we have much sorrow with them, but if we seek to please the Lord and follow the wisdom of His Word, He blesses us with many temporal things beside. His Word says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33.

If there should be an unsaved one reading these lines how important that you should first consider the salvation of your soul. How often people will tell us they have no time for these things, but yet they have plenty of time for the world, its business and its entertainment. All these earthly things will soon pass away, and "what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36. Dear unsaved reader, flee for refuge to Christ today, while it is still the day of His grace. Tomorrow may be too late. The Lord's coming is drawing very near, and what will all your earthly possessions mean to you if you should be left behind when the Lord comes, or if He should say to you even now, "This night thy soul shall be required of thee." Luke 12:20.

Messages of the Love of God 4/13/1958

Who Is He?

UNCLE Herb was so busy up in the tractor shed plying the grease gun to various parts of the tractor, that he hadn't noticed the crunch of approaching footsteps on the gravel road.

"Hello —," said a strange voice.

He whirled about to see a husky negro wearing flight uniform, framed in the doorway.

"Hello," he responded; "looks like you're minus your wings."

"Yes, I'm grounded for a spell. Injured my lungs flying too high without proper equipment, so I'm supposed to walk so many miles each day — but I guess I've walked too far this time; I don't think I can make it back to the air base."

"I've got my car right over here; would you like a lift?"

"I'd be much obliged, suh."

So it was, while riding along, they had opportunity for a little conversation. Uncle Herb soon brought up this subject:

"Are you a Christian, Frank?" "Yes, I am."

"Well, what I really mean is, are you born again?"

Again he answered positively and emphatically, "Yes, I am."

"Well then, let me ask you another question, Who was Jesus Christ?"

Frank's face radiated the conviction of his words, "He was Almighty God, manifest in flesh!"

Here was one who could give a reason for the hope that was in him, and could speak with certainty, "I know Whom I have believed . . ." 2 Tim. 1:12.

Some weeks later, I answered the ring of the telephone, and heard his voice, "Are you happy in Jesus today? I just called to tell you folks I'm being transferred again — but we don't have to say good-by; it's just 'till He come.' "

The Lord Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 10:32, 33.

Memory Verse: "WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION." Romans 10:10.

Messages of the Love of God 4/20/1958

A Peaceful Spirit Doing Good

A POOR, crippled beggar in a street of a large city was trying to pick up some old clothes that had been thrown to him from a window, when a crowd of rude boys gathered round him. They mocked his awkward motions, and made fun of him, in his rags and helplessness.

Presently a noble little fellow came up, who had a really peaceful spirit, and pushing aside the crowd, he helped the poor crippled man to pick up his gifts, and bound them in a bundle. And then, placing a piece of silver in the poor man's hand, he was hastening away, when a voice from an upper window was heard saying, "Little boy with the straw hat, look up."

He did so, and a lady leaning out from an open window said earnestly, "God bless you, my little fellow, and I am sure that He will bless you, for your kindness to that poor man."

Then she asked his name, and wrote it down, with his address. This lady was the wife of a very distinguished man, and any boy would have felt proud to have her speak so favorably of him. And when that kind-hearted boy thought of the poor beggar's grateful look, then of the lady's smile and her words of kind approval, and especially when he remembered the passages in the Bible in which God says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me," and again, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy," we can imagine how glad and happy he was in his own heart through having shown kindness to another.

Not long after this, the lady just spoken of heard that this kind-hearted boy had applied for a situation to a merchant who was a particular friend of hers. She went at once to see him,

and spoke of the boy in such a warmhearted way, that he at once obtained the situation he desired, and that was the beginning of a successful business life to him.

Dear young friends, it is lovely to see a boy or girl seeking to show kindness to others. And how the Lord delights to reward such! But let us remember that it is only as we belong to Him and seek to please Him in what we do that we can have His approval and enjoy His blessing.

David, when he was made king, inquired, "Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him?" 2 Sam. 9:3. And what kindness he showed to poor, lame Mephibosheth!

The blessed Lord Jesus, it tells us in Acts 10:38, "went about doing good . . . for God was with Him." He could say, "The Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. And what kindness He has shown to us poor sinners, for He came down from the glory to where we were in this sad world with all our sin, misery and death. He went to Calvary's cross as the Lamb of God to die for sin; but He rose again from the dead, and now He has left this world and gone back to the Father. Now the "new and living way" to heaven is open for all who will believe in Him by faith. Dear young reader, have you trusted Him yet? Are you on that heavenly road that leads to His Father's house of "many mansions"?

Messages of the Love of God 4/20/1958

A Tale From China

IT WAS a warm summer evening in China. The flame of a smoky lamp cast tall flickering shadows on the wall as four heads were bent solemnly over a Chinese Bible. They were reading aloud the story of Peter's escape from prison, as recorded in the twelfth chapter of Acts.

Unknown to them, a young boy from the street, a little Chinese lad, crept in through the open door and crouched in the shadows, listening. The story interested him greatly. He listened until he heard that Peter was safely at the house of John Mark, and then he slipped away into the darkness unnoticed.

Years passed. The little boy grew and married. He became a Chinese bandit, a terror to his wife and children, a thief and an opium-smoker, and a burden to his own unhappy self.

Then came a day when the soldiers caught him, along with a number of others. They were bound with rusty chains and thrust into a cave, waiting in darkness and hunger, for the day of their execution. The only sounds to be heard were the groans of his companions and the clanking of their horrible chains.

As the slow hours passed, there came back to the man's soul the memory of that summer evening long ago, when he heard of the God who could open prison doors. And right there in his desperate need he called upon the name of the Lord. He believed that since the Lord Jesus had delivered Peter from prison He could deliver him too. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10: 13.

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17.

There in the darkness of the cave, the poor thief prayed. "Jesus," he said, "save me from this prison as You saved the man I heard about when I was a boy."

He repeated this prayer many times until the plight of his poor fellow-sufferers began to press upon his soul. Then he changed his prayer like this, "Jesus, perhaps it would not be right to save just me. We are all afraid of dying. Save these men with me, I pray thee!"

Soon other difficulties presented themselves to him. His home was many miles away, and he was a well-known bandit. Surely he would be slain along the way. "Jesus," he prayed, "please tell the judge to give us a 'safe-conduct' to our homes."

Then, as he looked forward to a safe journey over the hills to his home, the need of food began to trouble him. Surely they would all die of starvation along the way! "0 Jesus," he prayed, "when You have told the judge to give us liberty, please incline his heart to give us money for the journey, that we perish not by the way!"

Happy soul! How much more he had learned in that dark cave than many of us learn during years in the light of a Christian land. Salvation for ourselves and for others ! Grace and strength for each step of the way home! Do you think that his faith was disappointed? No! for God delights to hear the prayer of faith.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

Simply Trusting

"Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,

Satisfies my heart;

Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets, supplies its every need,

Showers me with richest blessings;

Thine is love indeed."

"Blessed . . . with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Eph. 1:3.

Messages of the Love of God 4/20/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chron. 1:13-2:18.

THE GREAT prosperity and abundance of silver and gold during the reign of Solomon is a picture of the abundance of things, and the luxury in which Israel will live, during the millennial reign of Christ. This is prophetically described in Psalm 45, for Israel will then be the head and not the tail among the nations. (Deut. 28:13.)

However, looked at in regard to Solomon's personal life, he should not have multiplied horses from Egypt, nor silver and gold. This was contrary to the Word of the Lord in Deuteronomy 17: 14-20, and the Lord said that if he did these things, his heart would tend to be lifted up and he himself turned aside from the path of obedience. This we know did take place with Solomon in his later life. It was true that the Lord had said He would give him riches, for this was the proof of the Lord's blessing upon an Israelite (Deut. 28:8-12), but it was quite another thing to Seek after it as an object, as Solomon did. Even a thing which is right in its place can become a snare, and surely the life of Solomon is a warning to us in this. We know that in the millennial kingdom, of which we have spoken, Israel will not have to go after the riches of the Gentiles, but the Lord will bring it to them in abundance. (See Isaiah 60.)

Solomon then prepared to build the house of the Lord, and a house for his kingdom. He had thousands of men bearing burdens, cutting trees and stones, and overseers over them. He also sent to Huram the king of Tyre, a Gentile, to help in this work, for in the day of Israel's blessing, the Gentiles will own them as the head and help them in every possible way. All the nations of the earth will come up to Jerusalem to worship each year, for it will then be "the city of the great King." (Psalm 48:2; Zech. 14:16-21.)

Solomon told Huram of the greatness of this house, and above all of the greatness of the One for whom it was to be built. He said, "But who am I to build a house, seeing the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? who am I then, that I should build Him a house, save only to burn incense before Him?" Solomon also told Huram that he would give him, and the workers he sent, wheat, barley, wine, and oil for their services. All this is very beautiful, for it shows us that the Lord will not forget to reward anything that is done for Him. Even though it is only what we ought to do, yet "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Hebrews 6:10.

Huram answered Solomon in writing, for it was not just a passing thing with him as is too often the case today, and he spoke of how he honored the Lord too, and rejoiced in Israel's blessing. Huram sent a cunning workman to Solomon, whose father was a man of Tyre and his mother of the daughters of Dan, showing how the Jew and Gentile will be blessed together in the millennium. Solomon also numbered all the strangers in the land of Israel and they helped in the work of building the house of the Lord. It was indeed a time of blessing such as had never been before in any kingdom of earth, yet it is but a feeble picture of the glory of Christ's kingdom, when "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9.

Messages of the Love of God 4/20/1958

The Dying Boy's Borrowed Shilling

DEAN Stanley, while addressing a number of children in England, told the following story:

Not long ago two gentlemen were standing at the door of a hotel one very cold day, when a little boy, with a poor, thin, blue face, his feet bare and red with the cold, and with nothing to cover him but a bundle of rags, came and said, "Please, sir, buy some matches."

"No; I don't want any," the gentleman said.

"But they are only a penny a box," the poor little fellow pleaded.

"Yes, but you see we don't want a box," the gentleman said again.

"Then I will give you two boxes for a penny," the boy said at last.

So to get rid of him, the gentleman who tells the story says, I bought a box; but then I found I had no change, so I said, "I will buy a box tomorrow."

"Oh, do buy them tonight, if you please!" the boy pleaded again. "I will run and get you the change," and he started away.

I waited for him, but no boy came. Then I thought I had lost my shilling: still there was that in the boy's face I trusted, and I did not like to think bad of him. Late in the evening I was told a little boy wanted to see me. When he was brought in, I found he was a smaller brother of the boy that got my shilling, but, if possible, still more ragged and poor and thin.

He stood a moment diving into his rags, as if he were seeking something, and then said, "Are you the gentleman that bought the matches from Sandie?"

"Yes."

"Well then, here's fourpence out o' yer shilling. Sandie cannot come; he's very ill. A cart run over him and knocked him down, and he lost his cap, and his matches and your sevenpenve, and both his legs are broken, and the doctor says he'll die; and that's all."

And then, putting the fourpence on the table, the child broke down into great sobs. So I fed the little man, and I went with him to see Sandie. I found that the two little things lived alone, their father and mother being dead.

Poor Sandie was lying on a bundle of shavings. He knew me as soon as I came in, and said,

"I got the change, sir, and was coming back; and then the horse knocked me down, and both my legs were broken; and — O Reuby! little Reuby! I am sure I am dying, and who will take care of you when I am gone? What will ye do, Reuby?" Then I took his hand, and said I would always take care of Reuby. He understood me, and had just strength to look up at me as if to thank me. The light went out of his blue eyes. In a moment

He lay within the light of God,

Like a babe upon the breast,

Where the wicked cease from troubling,

And the weary are at rest.

"HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM." — Isaiah 40:11.

"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 18:10.

Dear boys and girls, whenever you are tempted to tell what is not true, or to be unkind to other little boys and girls, or to take what does not belong to you, remember little Sandie. This poor little man, lying on a bundle of shavings, dying and starving, was tender, trusty and true; so God told the gentlemen to take care of poor little friendless Reuby. And Sandie heard him say he would; then the dark room, the bundle of shavings, the weary, broken little limbs, all faded away, and Sandie was with the Lord.

May that same blessed Shepherd who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me," draw you to Himself, teach you to trust Him as your Saviour, and then help you to live for Him, until that day when He shall come and take all His own out of this world, to be with Himself forever.

Messages of the Love of God 4/27/1958

Alone with Jesus

I have been alone with Jesus,

With my head upon His breast,

or I was so very weary,

That I wanted there to rest;

have been alone with Jesus,

And He bade me stay awhile;

And I felt it very precious,

In the sunshine of His smile.

With a trembling heart I told Him,

While with joy I lingered there,

All the burden of my sorrow,

And my heavy weight of care;

How the voice of Satan's whisperings

Often called me into sin;

And I asked Him if I might not

Stay forever there with Him.

Shall I tell you what He told me,

While I still was waiting there;

For it took away my trouble,

And it took away my care;

O, He told me that He loved me

Tho' a wayward, erring child;

And I looked so very happy

As He looked on me and smiled.

Then He told me I was welcome

Evermore with Him to stay,

And He said that He would never

Cast His loving one away;

Lo, He said, I am thy Saviour,

As a rock I firmly stand;

Come and rest beneath My shadow

In this weary, thirsty land.

Messages of the Love of God 4/27/1958

Let Your Light Shine

SOMETIMES young Christians feel that there is very little they can do for the Lord Jesus. They often think that because they cannot do great things, there is nothing they can do at all.

Some years ago a Christian man was traveling to India by boat. He had never been on a ship before, and feeling rather seasick, he spent most of his time in his own cabin. One dark night, he heard a cry, "Man overboard," and there was a sound of tramping feet overhead.

At first he thought he would hurry up on deck and see what was taking place, but then on second thought, he felt sure he would just be in the way. But he did wish that there was something he could do to help. Quickly he seized his trusty flashlight and held it to the window of his cabin. Although he could see nothing at all, he held it there till at last he heard the cry, "Safe on board."

Next morning he was told that the beam of his light fell right on the poor man in the water, and had enabled others to rescue him.

Perhaps there is not much that you can do, but you can let your light shine for the Lord Jesus. First of all, you can confess Him as your Lord and Saviour, and then you can seek, with His help, to be true to Him by your words and your ways. At school, at work, or wherever you may be, let your light shine for Jesus.

"Holding forth the word of life." Phil. 2:16.

Messages of the Love of God 4/27/1958

A Tale From China

AT LAST the dreaded day arrived. Armed soldiers entered the cave and roughly ordered the prisoners to arise. With a harsh clanking of chains, they straightened their cramped limbs and staggered into the sunlight. They were commanded to line up before the judge. Surely at any moment the sword of justice would sweep down upon their defenseless heads!

"Men," said the judge, "I am happy to announce that you are pardoned, and you are at liberty to return to your homes."

Everyone was amazed. No one moved.

"Here," cried the judge to his soldiers, "Come, you lazy ones, strike off their chains, and let it be speedily done."

"Oh," he added, "there is one thing I forgot. Go to my secretary. He will give each of you a 'safe-conduct' for the journey. You will need it."

When each man had obtained the precious little square of gray paper, he inquired, "How many of you have more than a day's journey to your homes?"

"Treasurer," he called out, "give each of these men sufficient money for two days."

Our friend thought, like Peter, that he was dreaming, until he actually found himself upon the road, with all his needs supplied. "Jesus is really living," he said to himself. "It is wonderful indeed."

He amazed his family by suddenly bursting in upon them with the words, "Jesus is God. I will pray to Him only. Do away with all these useless idols. I was condemned. Jesus set me free. He alone is God."

This was but the beginning of a new and happy life for our Chinese friend. He learned from the missionaries of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, and he became an earnest preacher of the gospel in his home town until the Lord took him Home.

We who are Christians can say that He has delivered us from a far greater bondage than being chained in a cave. Ought we not then to live for Him who died for us and rose again? His wonderful love ought now to be like a chain to bind us to Him — a chain of loving obedience.

"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 Corinthians 5:15.

Messages of the Love of God 4/27/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chron. 3:1-14.

SOLOMON built the temple upon mount Moriah, the place where David had offered the sacrifice and the plague was stayed from Israel. It was also the place where Abraham had offered up Isaac long before. It is surely a picture of Calvary's cross, for there the heart of God was told out when He offered up His only begotten Son (Hebrews 11:17), and where the judgment which ought to have fallen upon us was stayed, because He bore it in our place (Romans 4:23-25). This is now, like the temple on mount Moriah, the ground of all our worship, as the Scripture says, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." Hebrews 10:19.

We notice that the measurements of the house are all in multiples of ten, for ten speaks of responsibility Godward (for there were ten commandments), and so in this future time, the law will be written upon the hearts of Israel (Hebrews 10:16). The porch of the house was overlaid within with pure gold, and so what characterizes that millennial kingdom will be that, "A King shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment." We notice, however, that it is overlaid within for the thought in Chronicles is more particularly approach to God, and the grace that could bless Israel and the Gentiles. The cherubim graved upon the walls of the house and the palm trees on the ceiling would symbolize that righteous government and fruitfulness from above. The chains would tell us of the continuance of it, for "it shall stand for ever." Daniel 2:44.

Solomon made the most holy place twenty cubits square, and overlaid it with fine gold amounting to six hundred talents. Six in the Scripture is man's number (Revelation 13:18). Alas the man of sin, the antichrist, will attempt to set himself up as God, and to bring blessing to Israel through his own efforts. He will be in agreement with the head of the revived Roman Empire and be under Satan's power, but when the Lord Jesus appears He will bring him and his whole plan under judgment. Then He, the Lord Jesus Christ, will reign as man, fulfilling the eighth Psalm: "What is man, that Thou art mindful of Him? and the Son of man, that Thou visitest Him? For Thou hast made Him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned Him with glory and honor. Thou madest Him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under His feet." Man, God's Man, will then be exalted. The cherubim stretched their wings from one wall of the most holy place to the other, each wing being five cubits, for five is the number of human weakness, and the One who took the lowly place in weakness, and died as man at Calvary (2 Cor. 13:4), is the very One who will bring blessing to the earth in that wonderful millennial day. As we now see the darkness and evil increasing on every hand, we who belong to the Lord, look forward with joy to the time when Christ will have His rightful place. Surely the moment of His coming for His own must be near at hand.

We notice that there is a veil here in the temple, for even in the millennium, when Israel will be so wonderfully blessed on the earth, they will not have the nearness which we enjoy now. We can now enter through the rent veil, as purged worshipers, and in heaven there will be no temple at all (Rev. 21:22), for there will be perfect nearness then. What a privilege it is to enjoy this nearness now by faith! (Ephesians 3:12.)

Messages of the Love of God 4/27/1958

Two Rabbits

JOHN was nine years old and lived on a cattle ranch in the western part of Texas. There were many coyotes on the prairies, so John's father bought a beautiful, thoroughbred greyhound to protect the calves. When "Blackie," as they named the dog, was not chasing coyotes, he liked to chase rabbits.

John would often throw his hat in the air and shout until he was hoarse as he watched the dog chase a jack rabbit. The rabbit would lay back both ears and run for his life with the dog at his heels. John noticed that a jack rabbit would never run into a place of safety; there were many badger holes, haystacks, granaries, and even hollow logs he could have hidden in — but he never did. It seemed as if his proud and haughty spirit would not admit that he needed any help or any refuge. Too proud to hide, too self-confident to run to shelter, spurning the hole in the ground or a ledge of rock, the jack rabbit depended on his strong hind legs and lost! The jack rabbit was a wonderful runner but he couldn't outrun a greyhound.

One day Blackie noticed a little cottontail rabbit in the brush of the river bottom and started to chase the tiny animal. He was only about a third the size of the jack rabbit. John thought to himself, "Too bad, little rabbit. You don't have a chance."

Suddenly, Blackie's bark changed in tone. At first John wondered if the dog were hurt but when he pushed his way through the brush he found him howling and scratching at a rock half as big as a house. Into a hole under the overhanging ledge of this rock, not more than four inches above the ground, the little cottontail rabbit had run and was perfectly safe. The helpless little rabbit could not depend upon its own tiny legs but it had the good sense to run to a place of safety in the rock.

John is a man now and a believer in the Lord Jesus. He says that he has often thought of these two rabbits the long-legged, proud, independent jack rabbit that never seeks a place of safety, and the timid little cottontail, who immediately runs to a safe hiding place at the first alarm — as a picture of the two attitudes of sinners. Some people say, "I'll take my chance. I am not afraid." So they try to outrun sin and Satan themselves. They depend on reform and on their good deeds, and their pride keeps them from running to the place of safety in the Lord Jesus Christ. They do not want to think that their sins will find them out, but God's Word says,

"Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23; and also, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7.

We hope, dear reader, that you have seen your danger and have run to Christ the Rock, for mercy and salvation. If not, He waits to receive you today with outstretched arms. Of Him we read,

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

Memory Verse: "I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS: MY GOD; IN HIM WILL I TRUST." Psalm 91:2.

Messages of the Love of God 5/4/1958

Saved From a Lion

ONE day while traveling through Arabia, Sir John Gaynor was separated from his companions, and was obliged to travel alone. As he was walking along, to his great alarm he saw a huge, fierce-looking lion coming toward him. He had no gun with which to defend himself, and felt sure that the time had come for him to die, unless it should please God to protect and save him.

In a moment he kneeled down and engaged in earnest prayer. He asked the Lord mercifully to spare his life, and deliver him from the jaws of that hungry lion. While he was thus praying, the lion walked close up to him, and went prowling round him several times. Then quietly he turned round and went away, without doing the slightest injury to that man of prayer.

How can we account for this? Just in the same way in which Daniel accounted for his preservation from the lions in the den in his day. God sent His angel and shut the mouth of that Arabian lion, and he did not hurt that praying man.

Dear young friends, there is another lion, still more fierce, who stalks through the land today. He is an enemy of God and man; his name is Satan. Peter warns us: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

If you have not Christ as your Saviour, he can destroy your soul in hell. Even if we are saved, though he cannot touch that eternal life which we have in Christ, yet he can ruin our testimony for Him, if we are not watchful. We need to have on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." (Eph. 6:11, 18.)

Christian, walk carefully, danger is near

On in thy journey with trembling and fear.

Snares from without and temptations within,

Seek to entice thee once more into sin.

Christian, walk prayerfully; oft wilt thou fall,

If thou forget on thy Saviour to call;

Safe thou shalt walk through each trial and care,

If thou art clad in the armor of prayer.

Messages of the Love of God 5/4/1958

A Wild Little Donkey

“And it came to pass, when He was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt TIED, whereon yet never man sat; loose him and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as He had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: And they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon." Luke 19:29-35.

There once was a wild little donkey,

He had to be tied to a tree,

But Jesus was thinking about him,

He said, "Go and fetch him to Me."

And when they had brought him to Jesus,

As quickly as ever they could,

That restless, that wild little donkey,

Became quiet, obedient and good.

When Jesus was riding upon him,

He went just the way that he should,

A patient, submissive wee donkey,

Made so by the blest Son of God.

And Jesus is able to make you

Just what He wants you to be,

He loves you, and longs to forgive you,

And make you both happy and free.

So come now, dear child, unto Jesus,

Let Him make you a child of His love,

He will teach you and guide you and bless you,

Till with joy you shall see Him above.

Messages of the Love of God 5/4/1958

Bible Questions for May

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in John, chapters 1-6.

1. Upon whom was John looking when he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"?

2. Did Jesus approve of those that sold doves in the temple?

3. Can we see the kingdom of God if we are not born again?

4. Will anyone thirst again after drinking of the water that Jesus gives?

5. How soon after Jesus said to the nobleman, "Thy son liveth," was he made whole?

6. What kind of life is promised to him that "heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me?"

7. Was the manna in the desert the true bread from heaven?

The Young People's Class

1. Will the Lord keep the feet of His saints? 1 Samuel 2.

2. Should others see in our walk that which would commend the aosoel? Eahesians 6.

3. Were the sons of Eli the high priest God-fearing or lawless men (sons of Belial)? 1 Samuel.

4. Does the fact that our parents are the Lord's make us sons or children of God? John 1.

5. Did Samuel when a child answer the Lord when He woke to him? 1 Samuel 3.

6. Had Timothy known the Holy Scriptures from a child? 2 Timothy.

7. How old was the Lord when it became known to His natural parents that he wished to be about His Father's business? Luke.

Messages of the Love of God 5/4/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 3:15-4:2.

AFTER the hanging of the veil, we read that Solomon made two great pillars which he placed at the door of the temple. One was called Jachin, meaning He will establish; the other Boaz, which means, in Him is strength. It is the Lord who will establish the kingdom in that day, and its strength will be in Himself, when He comes in power to reign on the earth as the true Son of David, in glory far greater than Solomon's. He will not come then in the likeness of sinful flesh, as He came before to be crucified in weakness, when He "was once offered to bear the sins of many"; but "unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Heb. 9:28. What a privilege for Israel, His chosen people on earth, to be associated with Him as their Messiah in the glory of His reign.

Israel's race shall now behold Him Full of grace and majesty;

Though they set at naught and sold Him,

Pierced and nailed Him to the tree, Now in glory

Shall their great Messiah see.

Yet how much richer is the heavenly blessing of those whom the Lord addresses in Philadelphia. "Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name . . . Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out." Rev. 3:8-12. What an encouragement to go on for Him in a day of weakness and discouragement; to know the value He sets on those who by His grace seek strength to stand in the evil day! (Eph. 6:13.)

The next thing Solomon made was an altar of brass, afterward called the brazen altar. Its dimensions were twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. The length and breadth were the same as that of the porch before the house, and also of that which is called here the "most holy house," in which were the ark and the cherubim. The brazen altar here represents the cross of Christ, for the cross is equal to all the claims of God in holiness and righteousness.

But the porch comes in between the altar and the holiest, and we read that "the length of it was according to the breadth of the house." From this we learn that as the holy house symbolized the presence of God, so the way into it (the porch) is according to the divine presence itself. A priest coming from the altar and stopping at the laver or brazen sea, must cross the porch, which would remind him that there was no change in all that was suited to God.

Next we have the brazen sea or that which answered to the laver of the tabernacle.

The brazen altar would speak of the worshipers having once been made perfect forever by the cross of Christ. But what provision is there for failure? Does failure in a believer interrupt his communion with God? Indeed it does. Then how is it met?

We were saying that the brazen altar spoke of the cross of Christ. There it was that the soldier's spear thrust into His side brought forth blood and water. The water signifies cleansing, the washing of water by the Word, as administered by our great High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Blessed be His name forever!

Messages of the Love of God 5/4/1958

How Johnny Saved the Train

JOHNNY Tompkins was a little fellow about eight years old. His father was a conductor on one of our great railroads. Johnny was a Christian boy and was trying to make himself useful.

In talking with his mother one day he said,

"I don't suppose, Mother, that young folks like me can ever be of much use."

"Why, yes," said his mother; "if little folks only try to be useful, and ask God to help them, they may do a great deal of good."

That evening Johnny was sent to meet his father at the station, near which they lived. The train in which Mr. Tompkins had arrived was at the end of its journey, and was to stay there all night.

As soon as Mr. Tompkins saw Johnny he took him by the hand and led him into the last coach of the train which had just arrived, and giving him a seat near the stove, told him to wait there a few moments and then he would come and take him home.

Now it happened that by some mistake one of the brakemen had unhooked the coach in which Johnny was sitting, from the train to which it belonged. Just beyond the station where the train was standing there was a down grade on the track. As Johnny's father was leaving the train a locomotive struck the other end of his train. This pushed the coach that Johnny was in off the level ground where it had been standing, and started it down the descending grade.

When Johnny found that the coach was in motion and no one in it but himself, he was very much frightened. And as he looked out of the front door of the coach he saw a light far down along the track. He knew at once that it was another train approaching from the opposite direction. Something must be done at once, or there would be a wreck in which he would be killed, and many more in the approaching train.

What should he do? He thought of his mother's words. Then he dropped on his knees and asked God to help a little boy in a runaway coach.

As soon as he rose from his knees he saw his father's red signal lantern, lighted, and standing near the stove. In a moment he picked it up, and went out and stood on the front platform, swinging the red lantern up and down. The fireman on the express train saw it, and shouted to the conductor, "Danger ahead!" Then the steam was shut off, the air-brakes were put on, the engine was reversed, and the train stopped. As Johnny's coach came near, it was switched off on a side track, and all danger was over.

When the passengers came out of the express train and saw a little fellow with a red light on the platform of the runaway coach, and heard how he had saved their train from destruction, they raised cheer after cheer for him in the stillness of the night.

A purse of money was quickly made up for him; but that was little to Johnny compared with the happiness he found in thinking that God had made him useful in saving so many lives.

Johnny's life was spared, but it was not so with Johnny's Saviour. As He hung there and suffered upon that awful cross, as the sinner's Substitute, they mocked Him, saying, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save." Matt. 27:42. They did not realize how true that was.

Himself He could not save,

He on the cross must die,

Or mercy cannot come

To ruined sinners nigh;

Yes, Christ, the Son of God, must bleed

That sinners might from sin be freed.

Yes, dear young friends, "He saved others," but has He saved you yet? Have you ever got down on your knees and told Him that you were a sinner, and that you wanted to be saved and go to heaven? Perhaps your father and mother are saved but you haven't yet trusted the Lord Jesus for your salvation. Then why not ask Him now to give you the faith to trust Him and confess Him as your Saviour, for

Memory Verse: "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"? Rom. 10:9.

Messages of the Love of God 5/11/1958

Singing

SOME African soldiers from Nigeria were sent to the Far East on duty — very far from their dear native land. They had to put up with very hard conditions but were so patient and cheerful that some of the folk among whom they lived asked, "Why are you so happy when you are so far from home?"

One man answered for the rest. "Here," he said, touching his tunic pocket, "we have a wonderful Book it is God's Book. We read it together every night. It speaks to us in our own language. It is music to our own hearts. It tells of the Lord Jesus who died because of our sins so that we are forgiven. Now we belong to Him and He cares for us always." And as if he could say more by singing he, joined by his companions, sang this lovely song:

"O happy day! that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Saviour and my God!

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day! happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day.

Happy day! happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away."

Can you sing this song from your heart, dear young reader? May you not rest until you can surely sing, "Thou hast redeemed me to God by Thy blood."

"They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy . . . for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Rev. 5:9.

Messages of the Love of God 5/11/1958

What a Little Girl Did

A GOOD many years ago, a little girl twelve years old, named Linda Gilbert, was passing the old brick prison in the city of Chicago on her way to school, when she saw a hand beckoning to her from a cell window, and heard the weary voice of a prisoner asking her to please bring him something to read.

The next Sunday she went to the prison, and carried that poor prisoner a book to read from her father's library. And then she kept on doing this every week. Several months after this she was sent for to go and see that poor prisoner on his death-bed.

When she entered his room, he said to her, "Little girl, you have been the means of my soul being saved. And now, before I die, I want you to promise me that you will keep on visiting the prison, and try to do for the other poor people in prison the good you have done for me."

Linda promised to do so; and she kept her promise. She was for many years the steadfast friend of the prisoners. And how very useful she was in carrying on this work it is impossible to tell. She was the means of establishing good libraries in many prisons. She visited and helped great numbers of prisoners. From among these she had a certain knowledge of not less than six hundred who lived honest and useful lives. Men who were once prisoners in all parts of the country knew her and loved her for the help she had been to them. And this life of usefulness all grew out of that little girl hearing the prisoner's call, and trying to help him in his need.

This story of Linda Gilbert makes us think of another little girl who through her faithful testimony was also a means of great blessing to another. She lived in the days of Elisha the prophet, and although she was only a little captive maid, she was the means of her master, Naaman the Syrian general, being cleansed of his leprosy and becoming a worshiper of the true God. The following little poem will tell this story in its own simple yet blessed way.

To Israel's land, when Israel sinned,

A band of Syrians came,

Took captive thence a little maid

Who knew God's holy name.

She waited upon Naaman's wife:

A mighty captain he,

But, sad to tell, all covered o'er

With dreadful leprosy.

The little captive soon makes known

What wonders may be wrought

By God's own prophet, in her land,

And begs he may be sought.

Proud Naaman left his native land,

Commended by his lord,

And carried in his leprous hand

A present and reward.

With horses and with chariot grand,

The warrior soon is seen,

Before Elisha's door, to stand

With high and haughty mien.

"Go, wash in Jordan, and be clean,"

The prophet's message given;

But this ill suits the warrior's mind

His chariot back is driven.

The servants now draw near, and say

In words both wise and kind,

"If some great thing thou hadst to do,

Wouldst thou have been behind?"

Then Naaman yielded, spite of pride;

He washed and he was clean;

And all who now in Christ confide

Are washed from every sin.

Messages of the Love of God 5/11/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 4:7-5:14.

THE Lord by His Spirit applies the Word of God to our hearts in such a way that we know He is speaking to us by it. Our hearts must be in submission to His Word: "He that hath an ear, let him hear." It is quite possible to turn a deaf ear to the voice of God's Word, and sometimes we do not want the Word of God to speak to us. We like to go in our own ways, and if we are not enjoying the love of the Lord Jesus we will be careless about going to Him when we need cleansing. But the Lord never gives up His desire toward us, and He may have to speak quite plainly to us. His Word is sharper than a two-edged sword which cuts on every side, so that we cannot escape from it, for nothing is hidden from Him.

We read that Solomon made all the vessels which were for the inside of the temple, of fine gold, which speaks of divine righteousness. Those things which were to be used outside were of fine brass, which is a type of righteousness demanded of man. The Gentile king furnished a skillful man who did this work for Solomon, and this is a figure of the happy relationship with all nations in the future kingdom.

All the vessels that David had dedicated beforehand, Solomon put among the treasures of the house of God. Then the last thing to be brought into the temple was the ark with the mercy seat where God had His throne. It was an occasion celebrated with much devotion and rejoicing. We read in chapter five how Solomon assembled the chief of the people that all might join and be of one mind in bringing up the ark of the Lord out of the city of David. It is a beautiful scene of heavenly joy upon earth.

They all came to the king in the seventh month and offered sacrifices to the Lord. Their offerings were not counted or measured as the law commanded, for they were beyond counting and measure; such was the sense of their blessings under Solomon, their king. This was the feast of tabernacles, when they made tents from the branches of trees. It celebrates the coming day of rest and blessedness for the earth and the Jewish people. The reason why the Lord called for their dwelling in booths during the seven days of the feast, was that His people might remember how He had made them dwell in tents when He brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

It does not appear that the people remembered this part of the feast of tabernacles here. It is just like our hearts to forget the Word of God, even while rejoicing before Him in a wonderful moment like this when their praises were as one sound going up to Him — the music, the singing, the praise, and thanksgiving, saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." Yet, we read, "that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."

The feast of tabernacles, which was the last, has not had its fulfillment yet; for it sets forth the end of God's ways with Israel, and this has not yet been reached. Christ is now hidden, but when the fulfillment of the feast of tabernacles arrives, He will show Himself to the world. (John 7.) What joy will it be for us, His heavenly people, when safe home in the glory with Christ — the wilderness forever past we shall enjoy the rest of God through all eternity!

Messages of the Love of God 5/11/1958

A Bear Pit

A GENTLEMAN was once making inquiries in Russia about the method of catching bears in that country.

He was told that to trap them, a pit was dug several feet deep, and after covering it over with turf, leaves, etc., some food was placed on the top. The bear, if tempted by the bait, easily fell into the snare; but he added,

"If four or five happen to get in together, they all get out again."

"How is that?" asked the gentleman.

"Well, they form a sort of ladder by stepping on each other's shoulders, and thus make their escape."

"But how does the last one get out?"

Ah! these bears, though not possessing a mind and soul such as God has given us, can yet feel gratitude, and they won't forget the one who has been the chief means of procuring their liberty.

"Scampering off, they bring the branch of a tree, which they let down to their poor brother, enabling him speedily to join them in the freedom in which they rejoice."

Sensible bears, we should say; they act a great deal better than some people we hear about, who seldom help anyone but themselves.

The bear pit makes us think of another pit — the pit into which man fell through sin. We all were once in that pit, and as guilty before God we came under His sentence of judgment. "For all have sinned"; . . . "the wages of sin is death" . . . and "after this the judgment." (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Heb. 9:27.)

We should all perish in that pit were it not for the love of Jesus, "yon lovely Man" at God's right hand. We did not love Him, but He loved us and came down from the glory to save us.

In the story of Joseph we read that he was put into a pit by his brothers, but it says, "there was no water in it."

Ah, it was not so with the blessed Lord. In those dark hours on Calvary, when He was bearing that judgment our sins deserved, He cried:

"Save Me, 0 God; for the waters are come in unto My soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow Me." "All thy billows and Thy waves passed over Me." (Psalms 69, 42; Jonah 2.)

When He died upon the cross, His work of redemption was done. Now the sinner who trusts in Jesus can go free.

And now, dear reader, have you been delivered from the pit? Are your sins gone? Are you on the Rock? Are you safe in Christ? Can you point to Jesus and say, He died for me?

"Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit . . . for thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back." Isaiah 38:17.

Memory Verse: "HE BROUGHT ME UP ALSO OUT OF A HORRIBLE PIT, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY, AND SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK." Psalm 40:2.

Messages of the Love of God 5/18/1958

A Story from Guatemala

HERE is the story of how a Guatemalan senior school girl was saved.

One day a drunken peddler came to the school. Among many things he had to sell was a Bible. Never before having seen a Bible the girl of our story bought it. She read the book with great interest. When she came to Exodus 20, verses 4 and 5, she was filled with wonder. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image . . . Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them . . ." Surely something must be wrong, for the place where she worshiped was full of images, and she had been taught to bow down to them! And yet God had commanded, "Thou shalt not make .. . thou shalt not bow down."

She could not rest — she must find out the truth. In His goodness God led her to a Christian who was able to tell her the true way of salvation through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone and in the work that He did on the Cross. She believed the Word and is now a happy Christian, no more bowing to images but to Him alone to whom, in a coming day, every knee must bow.

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:10, 11.

Messages of the Love of God 5/18/1958

That Marble

MR. SMITH was quite troubled. He did not know the way to heaven and yet he wanted to go there when the time came for him to leave this earth.

One night, as he lay down to rest, his anxiety was very great. He lay awake for some time, then fell into a troubled sleep. After a time he had a dream. In his dream he thought he was nearing the gate of heaven and was about to walk into that holy place. But before he stepped in a voice plainly said, "Stop! you cannot enter here! What about THAT MARBLE you stole when you were a little boy?" He turned away trembling, for truly, he had stolen a marble — and how terrible seemed that sin! Then he recalled thousands of sins he had committed during his life and he realized he was a very great sinner indeed. But in his dream he soon saw another gate and over this one, written in shining letters of gold were the words, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

He at once believed these wonderful words and his burden of sin was gone. Boldly he entered that gate, for not even the sin of stealing the marble remained!

When Mr. Smith awoke he remembered his dream and the beautiful verse, and that very day he was saved, by believing that the blood of Jesus Christ had put away his sin. ,

In Rev. 21:27 we read, "There shall in no wise enter into it [the heavenly city] anything that defileth."

Messages of the Love of God 5/18/1958

Elizabeth's Refuge

IF YOU look at the map of Scotland you will find to the north the Shetland Islands, lying between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

It was from Grutness Harbor in the largest of these islands that a small vessel the Columbine set sail on January 30th, 1886 intending to make the voyage, which was rough at all times, along the coast to the chief town of Lerwick. There was only one passenger on board the ship, a Christian lady named Elizabeth Mouat, who was going to Lerwick to see a doctor as she had been ill for several months.

The vessel had traveled only about four miles when the captain was knocked overboard by a sudden jerk of the sail. The two men who formed the crew of the Columbine quickly lowered a smaller boat and rowed hard to save their captain, but sad to say, all their efforts were in vain and they had to give up the attempt as hopeless. They were about to return to the ship, when to their dismay, they saw that she had drifted out to sea with the helpless passenger on board and was now far beyond their reach. The men pulled on the oars with all their strength but the sea was so heavy and the Columbine drifted so fast, that the distance between them rapidly increased and at last they had to turn and make for the shore.

And what became of Elizabeth Mouat, the sick and lonely passenger, who shared the fate of the abandoned ship?

Below in the little cabin, weak from ill-health and very seasick from the rolling of the vessel, Elizabeth heard the alarm on deck caused by the accident to the captain, but didn't know what had happened. She heard the smaller boat suddenly lowered and a terrible fear took possession of her.

"I am deserted!" she said. "The men have gone off and left me alone in the ship."

She left her berth and tried to get on deck, but just as she was about to mount the ladder, it fell down and she was too weak to lift it and put it back again. She was just tall enough to look out of the open hatchway, and as she looked this way and that, and saw only the little boat which the Columbine was fast leaving behind, she knew that her worst fears were realized: she was indeed left alone.

As night came on, the vessel still drifted, and if Elizabeth had not known how to "cry unto the Lord" in her trouble, how terrible her feelings would have been! She stood with her head just above the hatchway, ever keeping her anxious watch and searching the horizon in vain for a sail. The wild seas dashing over the vessel often drenched her through and through. She knew that her cries could not reach any mortal ear but Elizabeth had a strong Refuge. She quietly committed herself and the ship to the Lord, who is "the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea." Psalm 65:5.

(To be continued May 25, 1958)

Messages of the Love of God 5/18/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 4:2-6.

IT MIGHT be well to notice here that these chapters show us the counsels of God with respect to the glory of Christ more than man's side, or his approach to God. This will explain why the dimensions of these things are greater than those of the tabernacle as given in Exodus, where it was viewed more from man's standpoint.

The laver or molten sea was placed between the altar and the house, and the priests were to wash their hands and feet at it before entering the temple for service. The sea was ten cubits in diameter. It might be asked why was it so much smaller than the brazen altar? Because nothing can compare in value before God with the cross of Christ. It has also been remarked that the fact that it was round shows that this service of the Lord for His people had neither beginning nor end. It was first instituted that same night in which He was betrayed, when He "took a towel and girded Himself. After that He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." John 13:4, 5.

Looking further at the brazen sea we notice that it rested on twelve large oxen. These were set in rows, three facing toward the north, three toward the west, three toward the south, and three toward the east. Patience and strength are signified by the oxen, and their facing in each direction shows that not a temptation can come against us, but the eye of our patient and mighty Saviour sees and knows it before it comes. Perhaps one might say, This may apply to the great temptations, but what about the little worrying trials of life, "the little foxes that spoil the vines"? We notice in the description of the sea that there are also mentioned little oxen, ten in a cubit, under the brim. Would this not tell us of that patient. watchful care of our tender great High Priest, in His preserving, restoring service over all, or in all the little trials of our wilderness path, even though there be "ten in a cubit"? There were also "flowers of lilies" engraved on the brim of this brazen sea. In all this does not our blessed great High Priest tell us, as it were, "I must wash your feet according to what you are in My sight. or according to what I have made you"?

The Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the conscience in such a way that the believer knows what is unclean in the sight of God, and thus he gets separated in heart from it. The. Lord Jesus said to Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me." John 13:8. Peter could not have communion with the Lord he loved so much, if his feet were not washed and he himself cleansed from the defilements of the way.

A priest's happy office was to be always worshiping Jehovah and for this he had to be constantly cleansed. If he touched any soiled thing it made him unclean. If he touched a dead body by accident, he became unclean. A believer now is nearer to God than any priest of Israel ever was. The Lord Jesus makes it His work to cleanse us from the defilements we contract while walking through this defiled scene, and by His Word to keep us in communion with Himself, for He wants us to have part with Him. We are before Him as purged worshipers, "having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Heb. 10:22.

Messages of the Love of God 5/18/1958

The Robber's Cave

HENRY and his father were walking along a lonely road one night. They had to pass a large rock with a cave in it, known as "The Robber's Cave." It was said that many years before, robbers would hide themselves there and spring out to rob travelers as they passed along. Very few people cared to pass that way after dark.

As Henry and his father journeyed along, Henry asked if there would be any danger in passing the Robber's Cave.

"Not a bit, my boy," said his father who was a Christian. "I do not think there are any robbers here now and if there were, God would preserve us from harm."

Henry said very little but he held his father's hand tightly as they passed the cave.

They had hardly turned the corner of the road when a footstep was heard behind and as Henry looked around he saw a rough-looking man following them.

"Oh, father, here is one of the robbers coming after us," said Henry.

His father smiled and quietly said, "God will take care of us, Henry," and at the same time he lifted his heart to the Lord in prayer for preservation, if the man meant to harm them.

In a short time the man had overtaken them but before he had time to speak, Henry's father crossed over to the other side of the road where the man walked, and taking out his wallet, gave him a gospel tract, saying,

"I hope you will read this when you have time."

The man held out his hand and as he took the tract he murmured something about wanting bread.

"I shall be glad to share what I have with you," said Henry's father, taking out his purse, which the man eyed with a suspicious look. The next moment, several coins fell into the man's hand and the father said,

"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

The rough-looking man touched his cap and said, "Thank you, sir!" and sat down by the roadside. Henry and his father went on, the boy now and then looking around to see if the man followed. They soon reached home safely and thanked the Lord for His protecting care.

Many years passed away and Henry was a tall young man. He had put his trust in the Lord Jesus and diligently sought to tell others about the Saviour. He worked among the poor and one day while visiting he entered a cottage where a sickly-looking man sat by the fireside.

"Come and sit down, sir," said the man, "I am always thankful to get a tract, especially now that I am unable to go out. It was a gospel tract that by God's blessing, led me to the Saviour and changed my life."

There was something about the man that at once arrested Henry's attention. He had seen that face before but he could not think where it was. A few more sentences solved the mystery and sent the tears down the cheeks of both of them.

"I was a robber," said the man in a low voice; "except for God's mercy, I might have been a murderer. I meant to rob a gentleman who walked along a country road with a little boy one night, but by the means of a gospel tract which he gave me, I was unable to do it, and God used that tract to the saving of my soul."

Henry seized the trembling hand of the repentant and converted robber, now a humble follower of Christ and said,

"I am that boy; my father gave you that tract and he will praise God from his heart for His saving grace to you."

The old robber was a rich trophy of grace and in his own humble sphere shone for Christ. Dear reader, the same grace that met and saved that robber, is now ready to save you.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.

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

Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1958

Elizabeth's Refuge

(Continued from May 18)

During the seven days and nights which followed, Elizabeth never lost hope. When she later told the story of those days, she simply said that she put her trust in the Lord and that she believed He would bring her safely to land. She had only a bottle of milk and two crackers in her cabin and she carefully hoarded them. There was plenty of food on board but it was impossible for her to reach it. For a week she never slept but every now and then stood up and looked around for the sail which never appeared. At last, becoming too weak to keep her constant watch, she tied herself close to the hatchway, fearing lest she might roll away from her post of observation, and be unable to get back to it.

On the eighth day the vessel beached among the rocks near Aalesund, Norway. A crowd of Norwegian villagers noticed the vessel as she drifted in and a brave young fisherman thought he saw someone in the boat. Taking a rope with him, he swam out and found Elizabeth tied to the hatchway, still alive and still confident in her trust in the Lord. She was drawn ashore by the rope and thus her long voyage to Norway was ended. She found herself among strangers who spoke a different language, but was kindly cared for at a farmhouse until she was strong enough to be sent home to the Shetland Islands. She received a letter from Queen Victoria containing a gift of twenty pounds.

A Norwegian gentleman, writing about the place where the unpiloted vessel drifted ashore, said that if the Columbine had not been steered by an almighty Hand, she never would have been able to get clear of the thousands of rocks along the Norwegian shore and chosen the only place where she could have beached!

Elizabeth did not see the Lord Jesus walking upon the waves and drawing near to her in the dark night, as the disciples did in the Gospel of John, chapter 6; but surely she heard His voice through the storm, hushing her spirit and saying to her as He did to them,

"It is I; be not afraid." John 6:20.

The same blessed One who was Elizabeth's strong refuge can guide your life too, dear reader. Trust in the Lord Jesus today and then you will be able to say:

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour." 2 Samuel 22:2, 3.

Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1958

The Gospel in the Pocket

THERE was a little town in India that had many idol temples. One day some friends in a distant land sent a large box of used clothing to help the poor people as they were badly in need of clothes. A large group of people came to watch the opening of the box. One special garment was a warm coat which had a big pocket.

"There's something in the pocket!" someone cried. "What is it?"

"Why, it's reading — it's a book!" said Another.

The book was a Gospel of John that was printed in their own language. One of the men who was better educated than the rest, began to read the book aloud.

Oh, what a wonderful story it was! It told them of a great God who loved them. It told them of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to save each one of them from his sins — who rose again and who lives forever. How this thrilled their hearts, and these dear people accepted God's salvation at once.

Have you accepted it, dear reader?

Some years later, a gentleman was walking through the little village and noticed that it was full of idol temples, but they were all in ruins! Greatly interested, he made inquiries and was told the story of the precious box of clothing and the Gospel in the pocket and how they had "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven." 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

Dear reader, you probably do not worship idols made of wood and stone but if you do not know the Lord Jesus as your own precious Saviour and Friend, you are as much in the dark as these people in India were before the light of the gospel came to them. Look up and trust Him today!

"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to their that believe on His name." John 1:12.

"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.

Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1958

An Obedient Boy

A LITTLE boy about twelve years old was tempted one day to pick some cherries from a tree which his father had told him not to touch.

"You needn't be afraid," said his companion, who was standing near him. "Your father is not here, and won't know anything about it; and if he should find it out, he is too good to hurt you."

"Yes," said the brave little fellow, "I know it, and that's the very reason why I won't take any. He wouldn't hurt me, but it would hurt him to know that I didn't mind him."

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother . . . that it may be well with thee." Eph. 6:1, 2.

Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 6:1-40.

WE HAD the song of praise and thanksgiving which accompanied the bringing in of the ark into the temple in the last chapter. The next chapter opens with Solomon's address and his prayer on this occasion. He had caused a brazen platform to be made and on this he stood. Its size, given in cubits, according to our measurements would be about nine feet square by five feet high. Evidently the purpose of this was that all might hear and see him when he spoke. In a much later day, on the return from the captivity, Ezra, when reading from the book of the law, stood on a stage of wood. It shows how far removed things were from the glorious time of Solomon.

Solomon first mentions that the Lord had said He would dwell in the thick darkness. But, he adds, I have built Him an house of habitation, and a place for His dwelling forever. Then Solomon turned his face and blessed the whole congregation of Israel, and the whole congregation stood. He praised the Lord God of Israel for fulfilling all that He had promised to David his father in the building of the temple. He told them how the Lord had said that since the day He brought forth His people out of Egypt, He had chosen no city in Israel to build a house there, nor had He chosen any man to be king. But He had now chosen Jerusalem that His name might be there; and He had chosen David to be over His people Israel. Furthermore, Solomon told how it was on the heart of David his father to build a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. Nevertheless, the Lord had said to David that he could not build the house, but that his son should build a house for His name. Solomon went on to say, that he, having risen up and now seated on the throne of David his father, had built the house and had brought into it the ark, in which were the tables of the law of the covenant, which the Lord had made with Israel.

Then Solomon kneeled down on the brazen platform, spreading his hands toward heaven, and addressed Jehovah in a very remarkable prayer. He was not all taken up with the glory of Israel in his own day, but made provision for the future when they would so fail as to be scattered among the nations. If at such a time they would confess their sins and pray toward this house, he requested of the Lord that He would hear their prayer and answer from heaven. We know that Daniel, several hundred years later, when in far off Babylon, availed himself of the privilege of praying toward Jerusalem, even though the house was then in ruins, and how pleasing it was to the Lord that he did so.

Only the wisdom God had given to Solomon in the midst of their splendor and glory could foresee the need of God's people, after He had come in and had scattered them because they forsook Him. Solomon spoke of God's dwelling with man, in such a way as to show how he appreciated His grace in doing so. He mentioned that the heaven of heavens could not contain Him, how much less the house that he had built. He requested of the Lord, "That Thine eyes may be open upon this house .day and night, upon the place where Thou hast said that Thou wouldest put Thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which Thy servant prayeth toward this place." Solomon also made provision for the stranger "which is not of Thy people Israel." He desired that all the people of the earth might know Jehovah's name and fear Him as did His people Israel.

Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1958

The Old Rocking Chair

WHEN we drive along the highways we see many farmhouses which look clean and white in the sunshine. There are many houses too that are vacant and desolate-looking. The owners have gone and the houses are abandoned — perhaps the porch steps are sagging and the windows are broken.

It was at one of these forlorn looking farmhouses that two brothers, Tom and James, met one day. They had driven from distant cities to meet at the old homestead. Their Christian parents had long since gone to be with the Lord and, as the farmhouse needed many repairs, the two brothers had decided to have the place torn down.

Tom and James walked about the old home and went into each room.

Memories of happy, bygone days flooded their hearts. Tom stood in the doorway of the parlor and said to his brother,

"James, we can't tear down this house — there are too many memories here."

"Yes, Tom, I was just, thinking the same thing," said James. "Just look at that old rocking chair by the fireplace. That is where Father would read to us from the Bible and also where Mother and Father would kneel in prayer."

Although Tom and James had loving Christian parents, they were not saved themselves. Many prayers had gone up to the Lord for the salvation of the two boys. Now that they were back in the old parlor they seemed to hear again the voices of their beloved parents pleading to the Lord for them, and their hearts were touched.

Both Tom and James knelt by the old rocking chair and cried unto the Lord for mercy and told Him how sorry they were because they had neglected Him and His great salvation. When they arose from their knees, their faces were tear-stained, but they were both rejoicing in the knowledge that their sins were forgiven and their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Have you found this wonderful Saviour that Tom and James found that day?

Memory Verse: "HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT." John 6:37.

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

The Hen and the Egg

A YOUNG man from a town in England went over to Paris to learn the French language and to finish his education. He spent several years there, and became acquainted with a number of gentlemen who were infidels. At home he had been taught by his mother to read the Bible, and to believe its teachings. But after hearing what those Frenchmen had to say about it, he gave away his Bible and became an infidel.

Shortly after his return home, he was invited to spend an evening with an intelligent family in the neighborhood. There was a large company present, and different sets of them were amusing themselves in various ways.

As this young man was walking through the parlor he saw two young girls — one about twelve and the other about fifteen or sixteen years old sitting in a bay window, earnestly engaged in reading. Going up to them he said, "Well, young ladies, what novel is that you are reading?"

"It is not a novel, sir," said the elder girl. "We are reading God's book, the Bible."

"Oh, then do you believe there is a God?" asked the young man.

The girls looked at each other in astonishment. Then the elder girl said to him, "And is it possible, sir, that you don't believe it too?"

"I used to believe it once," he said; "but after living in Paris, and studying science, and philosophy, and mathematics, I learned that this is all a mistake. There is no God!"

"I never was in Paris," said the younger girl, "and never studied those things that you speak of. I only know my Sunday school lesson and my Bible. But since you are so learned, may I ask you a question?"

"Certainly; just as many as you please."

"You say there is no God. Now, suppose there was an egg here, could you tell me where it came from?"

"What a funny question! Why, of course, the egg comes from a hen."

"And which of them existed first, the egg or the hen?"

"I really don't know what you mean by this question. I suppose, of course, the hen existed first."

"Well, that must have been a hen that did not come from an egg. Can you tell me where that hen came from?"

"Beg your pardon, miss; I was mistaken. Of course the egg existed first."

"Then that must have been an egg that did not come from a hen. Well, where did that first egg come from?"

The young man got excited, and said, "What's the use of asking such questions as these?"

"The use is just this," said the girl. "If the first hen did not come from an egg, as other hens do, then somebody must have made it. That somebody must be God. If you cannot explain how the first hen or the first egg existed without God, can you explain how the world existed without God?"

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Heb. 11:3.

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; . . .

"That no flesh should glory in His presence.

"That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

An Indian's Message

AN OLD Indian who had been a very wicked man was saved and was asked to tell about his conversion. He was accustomed to chase deer and bears over mountains and through swamps so he described how he was led to Christ in this manner:

"I was in the mire of sin. I tried to get out and could not. I tried harder, but the harder I tried, the deeper I sank. I put forth all my strength, but only went down deeper and deeper. I found I was completely down in the mire — I gave the death yell, and found myself in the arms of Jesus Christ."

How is it with you, dear reader? Have you come to the place where you find you cannot do anything to save yourself? Have you given the death yell, like the old Indian? Have you, like the publican of old said,

"God be merciful to me a sinner"? Luke 18:13.

This is just the place where you will find the loving Saviour standing with outstretched arms, waiting to save you. Won't you trust Him now?

"Only trust Him, only trust Him, Only trust Him now.

He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now.

"He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

Unaccepted

"God has a glorious pardon;
'Twas purchased at infinite cost;
That pardon left unaccepted
Leaves men eternally lost."

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

Bible Questions for June

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSCUTIVE ORDER in John, chapters 7-12.

1. Are the works of the world good or evil?

2. Whom must we follow if we would not walk in darkness?

3. What three words did the man that was born blind say before he worshiped Jesus?

4. Are those that "believe not" among the sheep that belong to the Lord Jesus?

5. Who did Martha believe Jesus was?

6. What happened when Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth"?

7. Did certain Greeks desire to see the One who could raise the dead?

The Young People's Class

1. How did the Lord reveal Himself to Samuel at Shiloh? I Samuel 3.

2. By what means is a soul born again? I Peter.

3. When Israel was smitten in battle by the Philistines, did they realize their defeat was at the hand of the Lord? I Samuel.

4. Does God work in us in our daily circumstances? Philippians 2.

5. Should we give thanks unto God for only the good things that He orders? Eohesians.

6. Did Israel turn to the Lord in their calamity or seek help in a mere ritual? I Samuel.

7. Can we leave the Lord out of our plans and expect victory? Psalm 127.

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 6:41-7:22.

THE prayer of Solomon closes in a very similar way to the prayer of David his father (Psalm 132), when he brought the ark to Jerusalem after it had been neglected by Israel for so many years. "Now therefore arise, 0 LORD God, into Thy resting place, Thou and the ark of Thy strength: let Thy priests, 0 LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy saints rejoice in goodness. 0 LORD God, turn not away the face of Thine anointed: remember the mercies of David Thy servant." There is a difference, however, between this prayer and that of David. David had requested that the priests might be clothed with righteousness (Psa. 132:9). But the Lord knew that the priests could not stand before Him in righteousness alone, because they would fail, so He answered David saying that they would be clothed with salvation. vs. 16. So we see here, Solomon asks that the priests be clothed with salvation. Years later Jeremiah said: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His corn-passions fail not." Lam. 3:22.

In the beginning of chapter 7 we read that when Solomon made an end of praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. Also the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

The appearance of the fire and the glory showed that the Lord accepted what Solomon had done in building the house, and that He had also accepted his prayer. The effect of all this upon the people was that they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever."

Whenever the glory and power of God are manifested, it causes man to be overwhelmed by it. Here it was in grace, so the people fall down and worship. But what will it be for those who are brought before the great white throne (Rev. 20), when heaven and earth flee away from the presence of God, as manifested in Him who sits upon that throne! then to hear the sentence of judgment which comes forth from that throne, when their names are not found written in the book of life!

Man is often very bold now in his accusations against the Lord, but when actually brought face to face with that glory, he will be found like the man who did not have on the wedding garment (Matt. 22:11-13). "He was speechless," and was ordered to be bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness.

Those who had despised the words and ways of David were not allowed to enter into Solomon's kingdom; so those who now slight the gracious words and appeal of our Lord Jesus will be left behind when He comes for His own whom He has redeemed by His death on the cross. And if left behind in that day, they will not be permitted to enter into His kingdom when He comes in power and glory. For if they have accepted the deceptions of Satan in this day of grace, they will be completely overcome by him, when the Holy Spirit is no longer present on earth to hold his operations in check. So we see what wisdom and love God has told out to us. "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1958

The Indian Boy's Treasure

A MISSIONARY went to see a little Indian boy who was dying. He found him in an old hut with a few leaves for his bed and a soiled blanket for his covering.

"What can I do for you, my poor boy; to relieve your wants?" he asked.

"Nothing, sir," said the boy. "I want but little; I am very happy. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, died for my sins and I trust only in Him."

"Do you find comfort in your Bible?" asked the missionary.

"That, sir, is my dear friend," said the dying boy, raising himself on his elbow and pressing the Book to his heart. "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 around and I was tossed about in my canoe for nine days on the lake before I reached the house. I got my treasure at last and I never mean to part with it as long as I live. When I am gone, sir, I want you to give it away, so that it may do good to others."

Boys and girls, do you have a well-worn Bible or one that is covered with dust? A man once offered a little boy the choice of twenty-five dollars or a Bible. The little boy said,

"My mother told me that the law of the Lord was better than thousands of gold and silver (see Psalm 119:72). If you please, sir, I will take the Bible." This boy made a wise choice.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.

Memory Verse: "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.

Messages of the Love of God 6/8/1958

Not Too Young

BOYS and girls sometimes think they are too small to come to the Lord Jesus and be saved but it is good to know that He too was once a child on this earth. The Lord Jesus knows a child's trials, temptations, and fears. Do not be afraid to come to Him for He said,

"Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16.

Messages of the Love of God 6/8/1958

A Story From India

ONE day a missionary was walking along, not very far from the river Ganges in India. The Hindoos worship this river as a god. They think it the most blessed of all things to die on the banks of the Ganges, and within the reach of its waters. When a person is sick, his friends, or the members of his family, carry him to the brink of this river, and put an end to his illness and his life together, by stopping his mouth and nose with the mud of the river, and then leaving him on the bank with his feet and limbs in the water of what they consider a sacred stream. The missionary of whom I am speaking, as he walked on, met a company of Hindoos. They were carrying a sick man to the Ganges to leave him there to die, or to put him to death in the way just spoken of. But the man was unwilling to go. He struggled hard against it, and kept saying, "I don't want to go to the Ganges! I am not a heathen; I am a Christian. I won't have any Saviour but Jesus."

At this point the missionary interfered and stopped the men from carrying out their purpose. He had the sick man carried to the mission station, where he was nursed and taken care of. When he came to talk to this man, and to ask how he came to be a Christion, he gave this account of himself.

"One day," said he, " a number of years ago I heard a missionary preaching from the Bible. When he had finished, I went up to him and asked him to give me a copy of that Book. He said he had none with him but the one out of which he was preaching, and that he could not part with it. I told him I must know something more about that Book. Then he tore a blank leaf out of the Book, and wrote one verse on it. He handed the leaf to me, and told me that if I made a right use of it, that verse would lead me to heaven. These were the words of the verse:

Memory Verse: "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.

"This one verse," said the man, "led me to Jesus, and I became a Christian."

Have you, dear reader, believed John 3:16 yet?

Messages of the Love of God 6/15/1958

A Word of Encouragement

A GENTLEMAN traveling in the northern part of Ireland, heard the voices of children, and stopped to listen.

Finding the sound came from a small building used as a schoolhouse, he drew near. As the door was open he went in, and listened to the words the boys were spelling.

One little fellow stood apart, looking very sad.

"Why does that boy stand there?" asked the gentleman.

"Oh, he is good for nothing," replied the teacher. "There's nothing in him. I can make nothing of him. He is the most stupid boy in the school."

The gentleman was surprised at his answer. He saw the teacher was so stern and rough that the younger and more timid were nearly crushed. After a few words to them, he placed his hand on the noble brow of the little fellow who stood apart, and said, "One of these days you may be a fine scholar. Don't give up; try, my boy, try." The boy's soul was aroused. His sleeping mind awoke. A new purpose was formed. From that hour he became anxious to succeed, and he became a fine scholar.

But best of all he came to know the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and he grew up to be a Christian man, beloved and honored.

We read in Proverbs 16:24:

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." The blessed Lord could say,

"The Lord God bath given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Isaiah 50:4.

May He give each of us grace to be more like Himself.

Messages of the Love of God 6/15/1958

Bill the Harvester

0UR little story took place many years ago in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The waving fields of golden grain were falling under scythes of the busy harvesters on Knockhills farm, for this was long before the days of harvesting machines.

Bill was hard at work along with many other men. But there was something different about Bill — he was always singing. Apparently he wasn't very musical, for no one could recognize the tune, and it was even difficult to make out the words. But whatever it was, it was sung with a mighty smile, for Bill seemed happy from morning till night. At first farmer Maconnachie thought Bill was a little queer, and some of the other hired men were of the same opinion. But as the days went by, and Bill's singing continued, they decided that he was not at all "weak-minded," but just a lot happier than the rest of them. The words he seemed to like the best, and sang most frequently, were these:

"I feel like singing all the time;
My tears are wiped away.
For Jesus is a Friend of mine;
I'll serve Him every day."

One day, farmer Maconnachie passed close to Bill as he worked and sang, and he quietly said,

"Your religion seems to make you happy, Bill. Sunday is the dullest day in the week for me, and I find no joy in religion at all."

Bill smiled and simply answered, "It's grand to have Jesus. He saves and He satisfies."

That strange remark stuck with the farmer, for although he was a religious man, and was always at church on Sundays, yet he had never been born again. In fact he had no notion that he needed to be, for he thought he was just as good as his neighbors, perhaps a little better than most of them.

One day, he invited Bill in to have dinner with the family, and when the meal was over, he handed the big family Bible to him, and asked him to read a chapter. Bill gladly read a few verses, and then began to speak of the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus, and of His precious blood that cleanses from all sin. He told how he had been brought up in the North of Ireland, and of the time of his conversion to God. It seems that although he had been taught "religion" from his earliest days, and had "joined the church" along with the rest of the family, he had not found out that he was really lost until he was 16 years old. Then by faith he came as a guilty sinner to the feet of the Lord Jesus, and was cleansed by that precious blood.

The farmer and his family listened eagerly, and two of the children were immediately made aware of their own need of the Saviour, and in a few days they brightly confessed Him as their own. It was much harder for Mr. Maconnachie himself, for he still felt that all his church-going and religion were of some value in fitting him for heaven. But before long, he too realized that he was lost and that there was no salvation to be found apart from the Lord Jesus. Gladly he also accepted Christ and joined heartily in Bill's songs of praise.

Has the reader of this paper ever found out that he was lost? Bill found it out when he was 16 years old. Perhaps you have not yet reached that age, but whatever your age may be, you are lost right now unless the Lord Jesus Christ has saved your soul. It is true that all the church-going and all the religion in all the world cannot fit you for heaven. You must come to the Lord Jesus Christ as a lost guilty sinner, and His own precious blood can and will wash away those sins, and make you fit for heaven. Then, thank God, you will find that the Lord Jesus saves and satisfies.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

Messages of the Love of God 6/15/1958

The Soldier's Strength

A YOUNG soldier came to the chaplain of his regiment, and told him that the first night he was in the barracks, before going to bed, he kneeled down to say his prayers, as he was accustomed to do. But the other soldiers all laughed, and made fun of him, and threw their boots at him. "And now," he asked, "what would you advise me to do?"

The chaplain advised him to say his prayers in bed, without kneeling down.

The next time the chaplain met the soldier, he asked him if he had tried his plan, and if it had succeeded.

"I tried it for a night or two," said the soldier; "but then I thought it seemed like being ashamed of Jesus, who is my Captain. So I asked Him to give me strength to do what was right. Since then, I have kneeled down every night to say my prayers. And now the men don't laugh at me anymore; but a good many of them kneel down themselves and say their own prayers."

Now here we see how God gave that young soldier courage, and what a blessing his example was to his comrades.

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deut. 31:6.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart." Psalm 27:14

Messages of the Love of God 6/15/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 9:1-9.

IN CHAPTER 9 we have another of the Gentiles coming from afar, because the fame of Solomon had spread to distant lands. In a later day the Lord Jesus Himself spoke of this stranger as "the queen of the south," who came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; but a greater than Solomon was there then and His own people were indifferent to it. So we learn according to 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2 That our natural hearts do not appreciate the wisdom of God, even when it is given out by the Lord Himself.

The Queen of Sheba came with hard questions to prove King Solomon, for she doubted that he was really as wise and great as he was said to be in the report she had heard. She came with a very great company, with camels that bore spices, gold and precious stones, as a gift for King Solomon. But Solomon was able to answer all her questions, and even hidden things he was able to explain. Then after hearing his wisdom, after seeing the house he had built and the deportment of his attendants and servants, and the ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord (for it must have been something wonderful in what he had provided for this service), it tells us that there was no more spirit left in her.

She told King Solomon that it was a true report she had heard in her own land of his affairs and wisdom, but she had not believed it. However, now that she been there and had seen and heard such wonderful things, she said, that one half of all his greatness had not been told her; for he exceeded the fame she had heard.

Furthermore, she told the king how happy were his servants and his people, and what a wonderful thing it was for the Lord to give them such a king. She was sure that God loved Israel and wanted to establish them forever, and that He had given them such a king to do justice and judgment for them.

This story of the visit of the Queen of Sheba is given to us no doubt to shove that we by nature cannot receive the story of God's wonderful love in providing such a wonderful Saviour in our Lord Jesus Christ. But when once this story finds an entrance into our hearts, we realize that it is far more wonderful than we were able to believe at first. Furthermore, the wonderful love and promises of God concerning those who do believe this message, be-, come all the more wonderful as long as the Lord leaves us here.

Then we are told that the Queen of Sheba presented Solomon with a large gift of gold, precious stones and spices; there was no such spice as those which she gave to Solomon. And this reminds us of what took place in those first days of the Church, when the early Christians sold their possessions and gave all they had to the Lord. It would also remind us that we are not our own, for we have been bought with a price; therefore we are to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits, "Which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). Everything we have belongs to the Lord.

King Solomon was at home in the midst of the display of glory that surrounded him, but the Queen was overwhelmed by it; "there was no more spirit in her." Surely we ought to be bowed in wonder, love and praise in the presence of the revealed glories of Christ, our Solomon, whom the Spirit of God would ever bring before our hearts in His Word.

Messages of the Love of God 6/15/1958

Death Valley

IN southeastern California there is a low, desolate, desert region noted for its terrific heat, named Death Valley. This name was given to this section by the survivors of a group of "forty-niners" who went to California in 1849 searching for gold. The group of gold seekers wandered into the valley and named it "Death Valley" in grim memory of their terrible sufferings from thirst, hunger, and intense heat. Out of the group of thirty, only twelve survived.

Death Valley is over 130 miles long and 20 miles wide and is the lowest point in the United States. The highest point, Mount Whitney, is less than one hundred miles away. At the extreme northwest end of the valley stands "Last Chance Canyon."

What a picture this desolate valley is of this world in which we live! All around us, on every hand, we see sorrow, trouble and death — all the results of sin. If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we can say with the psalmist,

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psa. 23:4.

The poor men who perished in Death Valley so many years ago were searching for gold but found death instead. So, dear boy or girl, if you are searching for riches and happiness in this poor world, you will never find them, for true riches, happiness and joy, are found alone in Christ.

"O yes, O yes, there's something more,

Something more than gold;

To know your sins are all forgiven,

Is better far than gold."

Just as Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States, is not far from Death Valley, so the path to glory through the Lord Jesus Christ is near for He has said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6.

"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18.

The name "Last Chance Canyon" reminds us that this might be your very last opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus, so trust Him NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.

Memory Verse: "BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION." 2 Cor. 6:2.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

Love One Another

IT WAS Saturday night and two small children sat on the stairs in the lighted hall.

Vexed and troubled and sore perplexed
To learn for Sunday the memory text:
Only three words on a gilded card; "
Love, that is easy—it means, why this
(A warm embrace and a loving kiss);
But 'one another' I don't see who
Is meant by 'another,' now, May, do you?"

Very grandly she raised her head,
Our thoughtful darling, and slowly said,
As she fondly gazed at her dear little brother:

"Why, I am one, and you are another.
"And this is the meaning, don't you see?
That I must love you, and you must love me."
Wise little preacher! could any sage
Interpret better the sacred page?

"Love one another." John 15:12.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

The Ten Commandments

I THINK most of our readers know what the Ten Commandments are. Perhaps you could not repeat them all by heart, but at least you have heard the story of how God gave them to Moses on Mount Sinai.

One Sunday afternoon a Christian man stood up at the opening of the Sunday school, and laid four beautiful books in a row on the front table.

"I believe that most of the children in this Sunday school expect to reach heaven by keeping the law. Is that right?"

"Yes, sir."

"I have tried it myself, and I know that it is very hard work. It seems to me that any boy or girl who honestly keeps the law should have a prize down here on this earth, without waiting to reach heaven."

The children all looked greatly interested while he continued. "So I have brought four prizes, and any boy or girl, big or small, who can truly say that he or she has kept the Ten Commandments shall have one of these books. But first of all, I want you to tell me what the Ten Commandments are." Now they were in trouble. One boy started off with, "Thou shalt not boast." Between them all, they could only find about five instead of ten. At last, the gentleman himself had to help them out, and finally all Ten Commandments were repeated.

"Now," he said, "I wish to give out the prizes. First of all, let any one of the big boys who has kept those Ten Commandments perfectly, come forward." There was a long silence, as the boys looked rather guiltily at one another. Then a boy of about fourteen stood up.

"Have you always kept the Ten Commandments?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then the book is yours, come and get it."

Slowly the boy came forward, but he didn't look too sure of himself. There was a whispering and a murmuring all over the room, and one little boy was heard to say, "And he stole my Sunday school ticket last week."

There were still three more prizes on the table but nobody else would come forward to accept one. I am sure that the boy who did receive one, wasn't telling the truth.

At last the Christian man began to speak slowly and solemnly:

"Boys and girls, you can never, never get to heaven by keeping the law. You know that you are all sinners, and every one of you is guilty of breaking

God's holy law. If you cannot come forward and honestly claim one of these books, then most surely you cannot enter heaven. But the wonderful news of God's Word is this. God saw that we were all sinners, and He knew that we could never keep His holy law. And so He sent down here into this world, His own dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus took my guilty place and died for me on the cross of Calvary. He wants you, dear boys and girls, to know that He loves you and wishes to cleanse you from all your sins. Although you have all failed to keep the law, yet you may be cleansed from your guilt by accepting the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour."

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Galatians 3:13.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

What is Faith?

FOR his birthday a little boy's grandmother promised him a stamp album. The day came, but there was no album. However when naming over his gifts to his playmates his mother was astonished to hear him say, "And a stamp album from Grandmother."

"Oh, Georgie, but you did not get the album. Why do you say that?"

A wondering look came over his face as if he thought it strange that Mother should ask that question.

"Well, Mother. Grandma SAID, so it is the same AS."

A month went by and there was still no word of the album. As if to test his faith his mother suggested, "Maybe Grandma has forgotten."

"Oh, no," he quickly and firmly replied, "she hasn't."

The dear trusting face became very sober but at length a bright smile came over it.

"Mother, do you think it would do any good to write and thank Grandma?"

When she said he might try, a letter was prepared and mailed. In a short time a reply came from Grandma saying she had not at all forgotten but had tried several times to get the right kind and had even sent to New York. She enclosed three dollars, telling Georgie to see if he could get the kind he desired at home.

"Now, Mamma, didn't I tell you?" triumphantly cried the little lad. "Grandma has kept her word!"

Faith is simply taking God at His Werd. He cannot lie and He cannot fail.

When He gives us such a promise as, "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, then we take Him at His Word, and we HAVE everlasting life.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

Enter Into Thy Closet

THE mother of a little boy about six years of age, some time ago went in search of a house, taking her son along with her. Having taken but a single room, on their way home the little boy burst into tears. His mother inquired what was the matter.

"Because you have taken that house," said the child.

"My dear," replied the mother, "is it not a better place than the one we now have?"

"Yes," said the little boy, sobbing, "but there is no closet for prayers in it."

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:6.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 9:10-31.

THE story of the visit of the queen of Sheba closes with king Solomon's giving to the queen all her desire, beside that which she had brought unto the king. Then she returned to her own land, evidently carrying the report of the wonderful God of Israel.

Most of our readers will have read in Acts 8 the story of a distinguished man from Ethiopia, the treasurer under Candace the queen, who in a much later day had come up to Jerusalem to worship. Now he was returning to his native land, and having acquired a copy of the book of Isaiah the prophet, he was reading it in his chariot as he rode along. The passage he read was the fifty-third chapter, but he could not understand of whom the prophet was speaking. It tells us that Philip, who had been preaching with much blessing in Samaria, had been told by the angel to go down to Gaza in the desert. There he found this Ethiopian sitting in his chariot reading.

The Spirit told Philip to go near, so Philip ran and heard him reading this wonderful passage. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading and, great man though he was, he replied, "How can I except someone should guide me?" So Philip was invited to join him in the chariot, and he preached unto him Jesus. The Ethiopian believed what Philip told him about Jesus, and when they came to a place where there was water he asked to be baptized. So after commanding his chariot to stop, he was baptized; and the last we hear of him is that "he went on his way rejoicing."

It is evident that the message which the queen of Sheba had brought back concerning the Lord God of Israel had been preserved through several hundred years, and this Ethiopian man had become a worshiper. The passage which he was reading shows us that the Lord Jesus was the theme of the Old Testament Scriptures.

Returning to our chapter in 2 Chronicles, it closes in telling us something of the wealth, the glory and dominion of king Solomon. During the first part of his reign he acted wisely and was devoted to the Lord, but in 1 Kings we are told that he married strange wives and they turned his heart from the Lord; then he followed their gods.

Solomon's kingdom extended from the river Euphrates on the east to the land of the Philistines on the west, and to the border of Egypt on the south. It evidently included part of Syria on the north, for David had put garrisons in Damascus. We read that he passed all the kings of the earth in wisdom and riches. They all sought the presence of king Solomon and they brought him many gifts of different kinds.

Furthermore Solomon made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. It had six steps and a footstool of pure gold. Two lions stood beside the arms and twelve lions stood on the steps on either side of the throne. There was none made like it in any kingdom.

Then in the house of the forest of Lebanon all the drinking vessels were of pure gold; none were of silver, for silver was not accounted to be worth anything of special value in the days of Solomon. It tells us that silver was like stones in Jerusalem in his days. He also had many horses and chariots, and horsemen whom he put in special chariot cities as well as in Jerusalem.

Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. But his long reign of glory and splendor came to an end; he died and was buried in the city of David his father.

Messages of the Love of God 6/22/1958

From Coal Mine to Heaven

The Story of Dear Willie

THERE was a young boy in England named Willie, whose parents were miners. They lived in a little cottage, near the entrance to the mine. It was in the old days of mining and Willie had to stay down in the damp, dark mine all week long. The only time when he came out was Saturday-night. He always spent Sunday at home, and that was a bright and happy day to him. Then he could see the green fields, the trees, the flowers, and the beautiful sky; and he could bask in the bright beams of the glorious sun. How he enjoyed those Sundays! Everything seemed pleasant to him; but the Sunday school, to which he always went, was the most pleasant of all. There he had learned to know and love the Lord Jesus as the bright and morning Star; and what a blessed hope this gave him!

One day while the miners were blasting, a stream of water burst out, and soon it began to fill up the passageway where they were working. They all fled for their lives to the main shaft, or the opening of the mine. Among those who met there, were Willie's father and mother, for they both worked in the mine. They looked around for their little boy, but he was not there. They called out, "Willie! oh, Willie!" but there was no answer. He worked in a little chamber in a far-off part of the mine.

His mother started to look for him; but the narrow passageway was already filled with water. Nobody could get through it — she found it was impossible to reach her boy. They were obliged to go up and leave him behind, separated from them by that flood of cold, dark water. Oh, how hard this was! But there was no help for it. Nobody could get at poor Willie in that dark and distant corner of the mine.

The great steam-pump was immediately set to work to try to get the water out. It was kept going night and day, but it took several days before the water was low enough to allow anyone to enter the mine. Willie's father was the first to enter. He knew where to look for his boy. With a miner's lamp in his hand, he waded through the passage, which was still half-full of water. Presently he came to the chamber where Willie used to work. Here he held up his lamp, and looked around. Over there, stretched out on an upper ledge of the coal, lay the body of poor Willie, cold and dead. He had not been drowned, but had crept up there out of reach of the water, and had died from the want of fresh air and food.

The poor sorrowing father held up the lamp to let its light fall on the face of his dear, dead boy. There was no look of pain upon it; a sweet happy smile seemed to be resting on every feature, just as if he had been seeing something beautiful when he was dying all alone in that dark corner of the mine. On looking a little further the father saw that Willie had died with his pocketknife in his right hand. He wondered why, but soon found out.

Holding up his lamp, and looking around him, he saw some letters cut in the smooth surface of the wall of soft coal under which Willie had died. The letters were big and rough, for they had been cut in the dark, and the dear fellow had been obliged to feel his way with his fingers as well as he could. It took the poor father some time to spell them out, for his hand trembled so that he could hardly hold the lamp steady, and his eyes were so full of tears that it was hard for him to see at all. But at last he managed to spell them out, and then he found that his dear boy had busied himself during his last hours in cutting this sweet text from the 27th Psalm, in that wall of coal:

"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

How beautiful this was! Yes, Jesus, "the bright and morning Star," was then shining sweetly on that dear boy as he lay down to die in that dark corner of the mine; and His shining gave Willie hope — the hope of a brighter and better home in heaven. And soon He came and took dear Willie to be with Himself forever.

We wonder if each dear boy or girl, who reads these lines, if suddenly called to leave this world, could face death with the same quiet confidence and peace that Willie had. You too can have this peace for the Lord Jesus has said: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." 1 John 1:9. And "being justified by faith," we can have "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Rom. 5:1, for He has "made peace through the blood of His cross." Col. 1:20.

Then we can enjoy "the peace of God" (Phil. 4:7) in the daily circumstances of our lives. And lastly, if we seek to walk with God we shall learn to know Him as "the God of peace" (Phil. 4:9). And all this by simply receiving Jesus into our hearts.

Memory Verse: "NOW THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE,IN BELIEVING.", Rom. 15:13.

Messages of the Love of God 6/29/1958

An African Boy's Testimony

HERE is a story about what took place at a mission school in South Africa. It shows how even young children may be drawn to Jesus themselves, and then be used to draw others to Him. A wicked man, who cared nothing about God, was persuaded to send two of his children to the mission school. One of these was a boy of eight, and the other a girl six years old. As the station was some distance from their home, the children had to board at the house of the missionary. After they had been there some time, however, the father wanted the boy to help him in taking care of the cattle; so he went to the school to take him away. But the little fellow had learned to love his teachers. He had become very fond of the lessons he was learning; and above all, he was feeling his heart drawn to the Lord Jesus, and was beginning to love Him. He told his father he did not wish to go home, and begged that he might be allowed to stay. When asked why he wished to stay, he replied, "Because I can't learn anything good at home."

"And what good can such a child as you learn here?" asked his father.

"Father," said the boy, "I have learned something good here already."

"What have you learned?" demanded the father.

"I have learned this beautiful text, `This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' And, Father, I have learned who Jesus Christ is. He is the Son of God. Yes, Father, and I have learned who sinners are. We are all sinners."

These words of his little boy had such an effect on the father, that he left his boy at school and went home alone. And in a few weeks he came back to the school a changed man. That one verse had drawn his heart to Jesus. He became a Christian, and was baptized.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16.

Messages of the Love of God 6/29/1958

Her Hand in Christ's

A LITTLE girl lay on her dying bed. She had been suffering from a sad and painful disease. The doctors had done all they could for her, but in vain; and now they had given her up. Not long before, this dear child's step had been as light, and her face as bright, and her heart as joyous, as those of any of her companions. But now her body was racked with pain; death was laying its cold hand upon her, and she was soon to enter into eternity.

Her loving father sat by her bedside, watching the look of pain on the pale face of his suffering child.

"Nannie dear," he said with quivering lip, and his eyes filled with tears, "do you feel sad at the thought of dying?"

"No, dear papa," she replied, as a sweet smile lighted up her face. "My hand is all the while in the hand of Jesus, and He will not let it go."

How beautiful this was! And how tender and loving it was of Jesus to come near in this way to the dear child when she was dying, to take away all her fear, and make her feel as if He were holding her hand in His, and would not let it go.

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

"Underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut. 33:27.

Messages of the Love of God 6/29/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 10:1-15.

THE passing of King Solomon reminds us that all the earthly glory which men are able to build up passes away. But we, as children of God who by faith have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, have been promised a kingdom which cannot be moved. "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." Heb. 12:28, 29.

We read in the book of Daniel, chapter 2:44: "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." No doubt our readers have read of the coming of the Lord who shall call forth from their graves those who have died in faith, and catch up with them the living ones to meet Him in the air, and they shall live and reign with Him in His kingdom. So a much more glorious time awaits them than the glorious days of Solomon's wonderful reign. It is our privilege to follow Him now in this time of His rejection, and to suffer something of the reproach of Christ on account of having received into our hearts the gospel of His grace to a lost and perishing world.

From verse nine of our chapter we learn that in the last days of king Solomon all was not as it should have been. We read in 1 Kings 11:31 That God had told Ahijah the prophet to tell Jeroboam, "Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee." 1 Kings 11:31. Solomon had resisted this word of the Lord and sought to kill Jeroboam; therefore Jeroboam had fled and gone down to Egypt.

After the death of Solomon, Rehoboam went to Shechem and all Israel went there to make him king. When Jeroboam heard that Solomon was dead, he returned out of Egypt. The people called Jeroboam to be their leader to go to Rehoboam and seek relief from some of the heavy burdens that his father Solomon had placed upon them. Rehoboam told them to come back after three days, and so the people departed.

Rehoboam consulted with the old men who had been in his father's counsel, and they advised him to be kind to the people and speak good words to them; then they would be his servants forever. But Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, and turned to the young men which had been brought up with him. These young men gave him very poor advice. They advised him to tell the people that instead of making their yoke lighter, he would really make it heavier; also his father had chastised them with whips, but he would use scorpions. The king took the counsel of the young men and answered the people roughly. He heartened not unto them, "for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform His word, which He spake by the hand of Ahijah . . . to Jeroboam."

Well had it been for Rehoboam if, like his father Solomon when he came to the throne, he had prayed: "O LORD my God, . . . I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. . . . Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?" 1 Kings 3:7, 9.

Messages of the Love of God 6/29/1958

A Dog's Faithfulness

THERE was once a farmer who had a dog that had been very useful to him. But the dog was getting old, and sad to relate, his ungrateful master made up his mind to get rid of him by drowning him. So one day he took the dog with him to a large stream near his farm, and getting into a boat, rowed out to the deepest part of the river. He had brought along a heavy stone which he had tied to a cord and this he fastened around the dog's neck. Then he threw him into the water. The poor dog sank, but the cord broke, and as he rose to the surface, with a whine he tried to get into the boat again. Unmoved, his pitiless master pushed him off a number of times with an oar.

At last the heartless man stood up in the boat with the oar in his hands, intending to strike the dog a blow that would send him to the bottom. However, in the attempt he lost his balance and fell into the water himself. He could not swim and would have drowned, but when the noble dog saw his master struggling in the water, in spite of the cruel treatment he had just received from him, he swam up to him, caught hold of his clothes and brought him safe to land.

Cruel, heartless, wretch! we exclaim, to treat the noble dog so; he deserved himself to drown. At any rate we surely hope he had a change of heart and well repaid his faithful friend for his devotion by showering him with kindness for the rest of his days.

But stop a moment, my young friend; and consider if you yourself have not been guilty of a far worse breach of the laws of kindness and uprightness. Let us go back nineteen hundred years ago to the time when Jesus the Son of God came into this world. Though He was God Himself, the truth and the light, yet in His hands He brought nothing but love and blessing for poor ruined man. He went about doing good — healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, feeding the hungry, and bringing joy to the weary and sad. And yet what did men do with Him? They cried out, "Away with Him," and nailed Him on a cross of wood. 0 the wretchedness, the wickedness, the enmity of man's heart. But that is your heart, and mine, too. The Bible says, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9. We will take His blessing from His hands one moment, but will get rid of Him the next if His will crosses the path of our own.

But now let us look at that blessed Man on the center cross, and see the heart of God told out. Not a word of scorn or resentment, not a finger raised in opposition; "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and like a sheep before her shearers is dumb." It is all love going out to a world of guilty sinners.

O lovely attitude! He stands

With open heart and outstretched hands;

O matchless kindness! and He shows

His matchless kindness to His foes.

Then we hear Him pray, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

Though the cross was the place where men sought to get rid of Him, in His death it became the place where His saving grace flows out to all who come in repentance, confessing their sins, and own Him as their Saviour and Lord.

The faithful dog of our story turned round and saved his master's life, but Jesus saves not for time only but for all eternity; He gives eternal life to "whosoever will believe."

Dear young reader, if you do not yet know this blessed Saviour, we urge you to come to Him now, while it is the day of His grace. Soon He will come in judgment on this world, when "His anger shall burn as an oven"; and where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear in that terrible day?

Memory Verse: "HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, AND SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO THE WORLD, THAT WE MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM." John 4:10.

Messages of the Love of God 7/6/1958

Charlie and the Cake

ONE DAY Mother came home from shopping. Her little boy didn't run to meet her and throw his arms around her neck, as he was in the habit of doing, to show how glad he was to have her come home again. Instead, he seemed to be afraid to look his mother in the face, and kept out of her way as much as he could all day. His mother thought it very strange, and wondered why he acted so.

At the close of the day she found out the reason. When she was putting him to bed, he said, "Mother, can God see through the crack in the closet door?"

"Yes," said his mother.

"And can He see when it's all dark there?"

"Yes," she said, "He can see us at all times, and in all places."

"Then God saw me," said the little fellow, "and I may as well tell you all about it. When you were gone out, I got into the closet and ate up the cake. I'm sorry, very sorry. Please, forgive me"; and he laid his head on his mother's lap and cried bitterly.

Of course Mother forgave her darling boy, for he was truly repentant, but she hoped he had learned a good lesson that he would remember all his life.

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

"Thou God seest me." Gen. 16:13.

This is What I Want!

A CERTAIN man on the Malabar coast, having inquired of various heathen priests how to make atonement for his sins, was directed to drive iron spikes sufficiently blunt, through his sandals, place his naked feet thereon, and so walk four hundred and eighty miles. And if through loss of blood, or weakness of body, he should be obliged to halt, it was permitted him to wait for healing and strength.

The benighted man undertook the journey; but while he rested under a shady tree where the gospel was sometimes proclaimed, one of the missionaries in that country came and preached from the words, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

In the midst of the discourse, the man suddenly rose up, pulled off his torturing sandals, and cried out, "This is what I want!" He afterwards became a lively witness that the blood of Jesus Christ does indeed cleanse from all sin.

"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"? ROM. 10:9.

Messages of the Love of God 7/6/1958

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSCUTIVE ORDER in John, chapters 13-18

1. What new commandment did Jesus give to His disciples?

2. Who said. "I am the way"?

3. What does Jesus give which the world cannot give?

4. Of whom does the Spirit of truth testify?

5. Should we be cheered in the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world?

6. What is life eternal?

7. Was Pilate able to find fault with the Lord Jesus?

The Young People's Class

1. Did the Lord undertake for Israel after the ark of the covenant was brought into the camp with great shouting? 1 Samuel 4.

2. Does the Lord know when people seek to honor Him with their lips but whose hearts are at a distance from Him? Matthew 15.

3. What was the meaning of the name given to Eli's grandson born after Israel's defeat at the hand of the Philistines? I Samuel.

4. When Israel sinned against God at a later date, what was said about their glory? Hosea 4.

5. Will the glory to which believers are called ever fade away? 1 Peter.

6. Was the hand of the Lord heavy upon the Philistines when they kept the ark from the children of Israel? I Samuel.

7. Does the Bible sound a warning to those who might fall into the hands of the living God? Heb. 10.

Messages of the Love of God 7/6/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 10:16-11:16.

HOW sad it was that Rehoboam never seemed to think of asking counsel of the Lord in the serious matter of replying to the request of his people. Evidently he knew nothing about the book of Proverbs which his father had written and where there is much said about the fear of the Lord and of getting wisdom; for example: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: . . . Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Prov. 3:1-5. Had Rehoboam valued this book, he would have answered the people quite differently. But his father had forsaken the Lord and Rehoboam had followed him, so it was in the government of God that he should lose the greater part of the kingdom.

Then we witness a sad spectacle. When the people of Israel received the rough answer of Rehoboam, they rejected all that David had done for them and answered: "What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house." So all Israel went to their tents. However, those who dwelt in the cities of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David.

The folly of Rehoboam in answering the people so roughly was no justification for the ten tribes to revolt and refuse to own what David had done for Israel. They had many years ahead of suffering as a result of their self-will.

Still Rehoboam did not own the hand of the Lord in the trouble that had come upon him. He sent out Hadoram, who was over the tribute, to collect from those tribes in revolt and he was stoned to death. Then the king returned to Jerusalem and raised a great army in an effort to regain control of the whole kingdom by force. But the Lord sent Shimei, a man of God, with a message for the king, saying, "Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house; for this thing is done of me." So they obeyed the word of the Lord and did not go to war.

Jeroboam then became king over the ten tribes and he refused to allow the people to go up to Jerusalem to worship. Instead he instituted a worship of his own. Contrary to the law of the Lord (Numbers 18; 25:10-13; Heb. 7:5), he ordained priests, not of the tribe of Levi, but of the lowest of the people, "for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made." 2 Chron. 11:15. The children of Israel in Lev. 1 7: 7 were told not to offer sacrifices unto devils, and this was to be a statute forever throughout their generations. Satan is really the grand mover behind all idolatrous worship. But it only shows that in their hearts the people were far from the Lord to follow such a leader as Jeroboam. The Lord Jesus said in Matt. 15:8, "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

One result of setting up this false worship was that numbers of the priests and Levites from among the ten tribes left their homes and came and dwelt in Judah.

Messages of the Love of God 7/6/1958

Matt the Half-Witted Boy

A CHRISTIAN lady once spent a summer at the seaside, and she used to go about and visit the cottages in the neighborhood. In one of these she found a poor half-witted boy named Matt. He could not tell one letter from another, and seemed hardly to have sense enough to understand anything. She felt interested in him, however, and often visited him in his home. She walked with him in the fields and along the shore, trying to teach him something about God and heaven, and his own soul.

Before the summer was over, she found that the poor boy, somehow or other, had learned to know that he was a sinner, and he was greatly distressed about it. She saw that the only way to comfort him would be to teach him about Jesus, who came to "save His people from their sins." But how could she expect this poor feeble-minded boy to understand these great things? She resolved to try, however, so taking his hand kindly in hers, she said to him one day:

"My poor boy, I know that you are a sinner, and those sins are the debts you owe to God. Now when one man owes a debt to another man which he can't pay, he must be put in prison for it. God has a prison too, called hell. But though you cannot pay these debts to God, you need not go to prison, for God loves you and does not wish you to go there. God has a dear Son named Jesus, whom He sent all the way from heaven, on purpose to pay your debts for you, and so keep you from going to prison. He did this by suffering and dying on the cross for you. And so you see this God-man, the Lord Jesus, has paid all your debts for you, and you don't have to go to prison."

Matt listened with his eyes and ears wide open while the lady was talking to him, and then with great earnestness he said, "Tell it me again — tell it me again!" So she repeated what she had said. She told him over again "the old, old story of Jesus and His love"; and she told it to him slowly and simply, hoping that he might be able to take it in.

God by His blessed Spirit did help Matt to take it in. He saw and understood the great love of Jesus in dying for his sins. This took away all his fear; his sorrow was turned to joy, and his poor distressed heart was comforted. For a time he seemed to forget everything but God and His great love in Jesus Christ.

One day while his kind friend was talking to him about Jesus, as they sat by the seaside, Matt's heart seemed full of joy, and jumping to his feet he stretched out his hands toward heaven and shouted: "God and Man, who paid the debts, Matt says, thank you."

From that time Matt never lost the joy that he first found in having Jesus for his Saviour. Not long after, he was taken sick and died. The last words he was heard to speak before he passed away were, "Man that paid the debt, do come and fetch poor Matt to live with Thee."

Memory Verse: "THE SON OF GOD WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME." Gal. 2:20.

Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958

Seeing I Am Jesus' Lamb

AN infant school, made up chiefly of Jewish children, was once put in the charge of a Christian lady. Among the hymns that she taught her scholars was a sweet one beginning, "Seeing I am Jesus' lamb."

Most of the scholars learned it in a short time, and they were very fond of singing it.

One day in the middle of summer, one of the scholars met the teacher, and told her that on the day before, a little Jewish boy belonging to the school had fallen into the river, and came very near being drowned.

The next Sunday this little fellow was in school again. The teacher spoke to him kindly, and asked him how it happened that he fell into the water.

He said he was walking on a plank by the edge of the river, when he stumbled and fell into the water.

"Were you not very much frightened when you found yourself in the water?"

"No, ma'am."

"But what did you think about when the water closed over your head?"

"Why," said the little Israelite, and his eyes sparkled as he spoke, "I thought over the words of the beautiful hymn you taught us:

"Seeing I am Jesus' lamb,

He, I know, will lose me never;

When I stray, He seeketh me

Death is but new life forever;

Father, to Thy home on high

Take me, for Christ's lamb am I."

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. . . . and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand."

"My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." John 10:14, 28-30.

Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958

It's So Dark!

THE father of a little girl was once in great trouble and distress of mind on account of his sins. He lay awake, after going to bed one night, in fear and dread; he felt like a ship tossed about by a storm, and unable to find any rest or peace. The hours of the night were going slowly and wearily by. He could not sleep because of his trouble.

It happened that his little daughter was sleeping in her crib beside his bed, and presently she began to move about uneasily. Then he heard her voice speaking timidly in the darkness.

"Papa! papa!" she called.

"What is it, my darling?" he asked.

"Oh, papa, it's so dark. Take Nellie's hand." He reached out, and took her tiny little hand, clasping it firmly in his own. A sigh of relief came from her little heart. At once she was quieted and comforted; now all her loneliness and fear were gone. She felt that her loving father was near her, and in a few moments she was sound asleep again.

That father felt that his little child had taught him a valuable lesson.

"Oh, my Father in heaven, my Saviour and my God," he cried; "it is very dark in my soul! Take my hand."

As he lay there in the stillness of the night he turned to the Lord Jesus, and trusted Him as His Saviour. Then a sweet feeling of peace came over him. "This is all I need," he said. "Jesus my Saviour, keep hold of my hand."

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. 11:28, 29.

Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958

The Little African Idol

MENSAH was a little colored boy who lived in a heathen village in French West Africa a few years ago. He was born a dwarf and never grew to be over 31 inches tall.

Mensah's parents were very poor, and they took advantage of Mensah's deformity to earn their living. They kept the tiny dwarf hidden in a room, under a box with a hole in it, through which Mensah could speak to the natives. No one coming into the room could tell that there was a human being there.

For 16 years the natives worshiped Mensah in this way. From underneath the box he would tell them he had magic powers to heal and protect them from evil spirits. But they had to give him money and goats, fowl and other offerings in return.

Then a wonderful thing happened. One day a Christian missionary came to the village, telling the natives of God and His Son, the Lord Jesus, who died on the cross for their sins. Mensah's father carried him quietly one night to the missionary's home to hear more of the good news. To their surprise the missionary did not ask for money, but instead he told them of the joy and peace and happiness they could have if they would believe on Jesus and live only for Him.

Mensah and his father both received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour that night, and soon after, Mensah's mother trusted Christ. They told the natives that they would no longer be able to worship their idol, for they had found the one true God, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

How thankful we should be that we do not live in a land where idols are worshiped, but there are still many boys and girls in our own land who do not know the Lord Jesus. Perhaps you have been brought up in a Christian home where the Bible is read. Perhaps you go to Sunday school and read this little paper every week, but have you ever taken the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? How sad it would be to find yourself in a lost eternity because you refused God's free offer of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

God tells us in His Word that "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2. Dear boy or girl, the time is short, and one day salvation will no longer be offered. Come to Christ now, as Mensah and his parents did, for He wants you to live and dwell with Him forever in that home above.

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

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 11:17-13:12.

AFTER the division of his kingdom Rehoboam sought to honor the Lord for a while, and the kingdom of Judah was strengthened under him. But in a few years his heart became lifted up with pride and he forsook the Lord. Then the Lord had to send against him the king of Egypt who took away all the treasures out of the house of the Lord and out of the king's house. And "he carried away also the shields of gold which king Solomon had made." If we forsake the Lord, in His governmental dealings with us He may allow the power of the enemy to come in, who will surely rob us of our joy and the precious things which we possess in Christ. Rehoboam replaced the golden shields with shields made of brass, "and when the king entered into the house of the Loan, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber." He endeavored to keep up an outward display, but the brass shields themselves only showed what failure had come in and how far removed things were from the glorious days of Solomon.

Still we read that Rehoboam humbled himself, and "the wrath of the Lord turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well." v. 12. Rehoboam reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put His name there. But it tells us that Rehoboam did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. It was a very sad declension from the time when the temple was first built, when there seemed to be such reverence and fervor from the heart in their worship of the Lord.

The ten tribes had almost wholly forsaken the Lord and it seemed almost as bad in Judah in the latter days of Rehoboam. But we see glimpses at through this history of these various kings, that there were a few who clung to the Lord in their hearts. And there have been times in the Church's history when there seemed to be so much darkness, but the Lord sustained those who clung to Him. He has promised us in His Word that there will always be those with whom we can follow on "them that call upon the Lord out of pure heart." 2 Tim. 2:22.

In the latter part of Rehoboam' reign he made his son Abijah chief, among his brethren, for he wanted make him king after him. So when Rehoboam died Abijah became king over Judah. In 1 Kings we are told that Abijah followed in his father's steps but here nothing but what is good is told of him. He went out to meet Jeroboam with an army of chosen men, an standing upon Mount Ephraim he called Jeroboam and all Israel to heat what he had to say. He told how that Jeroboam had been the servant or Solomon and that he had rebelled" against Solomon's son; that the people worshiped the golden calves Jeroboam had made, and had done much wickedness. "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him and the priests, which minister un the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business . . . for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken Him. And, behold, God Himself is with us for our captain, and His priests with sounding trumpets to cry aloud against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper." 2 Chron. 13:10-12.

Messages of the Love of God 7/13/1958

Willie and the Kind Lady

A LITTLE boy named Willie H. used to pass by a lady's house every day as he drove a neighbor's cow to pasture and back again. Willie was a very bad boy; he used to swear dreadfully, and was very rude. The lady who lived there always called her children into the house, if they were playing on the sidewalk when Willie was going by. She didn't want them to hear the terrible oaths that he swore. One day this lady thought she would try to help this poor neglected boy. And I want you to notice what she did; how little it cost her, and yet how much good it led to.

As he was driving the cow past one morning she called him kindly to her, and said, "Willie, my boy, do you go to school?"

A gruff "No" was the only reply.

"Can you read?"

"Not much; and I don't want to."

The lady pitied the boy. He had no instruction, and no encouragement at home. His parents were not only poor, but wicked. He had no one to help him to do right.

"Will you stop here a minute on your way back, Willie?" asked the lady. "There is something I want to give you."

Willie nodded his head, with a look of wonder. He was not used to having anything given him but kicks, and knocks, and cross words. To be spoken to kindly, and have a present made to him, was something new. As soon as he was gone, the lady got a nice New Testament, and wrote his name in it. He called on his way back and got his Testament. The kindness of the lady and the interest she seemed to take in him had a great effect upon him. He promised the lady that he would try to spell out and read at least one verse every day in his Testament. He also promised her to come to Sunday school next Sunday. And he kept his promise.

A year passed away. A great change had taken place in Willie H. He had come to love the Lord Jesus. He was always in his place at Sunday school, and it was pleasant to see him sit there, with his eyes fastened on the teacher, as if he were afraid to lose a single word that he was saying. As often as Sunday came round Willie could be seen, with his little Testament in his hand, and his clothes brushed clean, on his way to Sunday school. His lesson was always well learned. And the rough, ragged, swearing boy, who was a plague to the village a year before, had become one of the nicest boys in the neighborhood.

How many there are who are quite ready to admit that a bad boy like Willie certainly needed salvation, but they do not feel themselves so bad as to be in need of God's mercy. They are much like those the Lord Jesus spoke of, "who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, . . ." But the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner." We learn that it was not the Pharisee but the publican who went down to his house justified. (Luke 181 9-15.)

Dear young reader, you may be polite, respectable, well thought of by others; and perhaps you go to church or Sunday school regularly — all very well in themselves. But none of these things will fit you for the kingdom of God. The truth is that you need to be saved just as much as poor Willie; "for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. "Ye must be born again," (John 3:7), for

Memory Verse: "EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD." John 3:5.

Messages of the Love of God 7/20/1958

Little Astril

ASTRIL was a little girl who lived' in Colombia, South America, a few years ago. She was five years old, and had been sick for some time. She had never heard about the Lord Jesus and His love for little children.

One day a missionary named Margaret visited the home of little Astril. She found Astril lying on a straw mat very ill. Margaret told her about the Lord Jesus and how He died for sinners; then later on she sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her. Astril liked teh song so much that she sang it the secand time with the missionary.

Before Margaret left, she prayed with Astril, and Astril also prayed. She trusted Christ as her Saviour and asked Him to come into her heart. Then she and the missionary sang together, "Gozo tengo en mi alma hoy," which means, "I'm so happy."

The missionary left the home with real joy in her heart. Two weeks later she stopped by the house again and she was happy to see Astril sitting on the front porch, for she was well enough to be up. Astril's mother was very friendly, but she was not willing to come to the gospel meeting.

On the missionary's next visit she found that little Astril had gone to be with Jesus. Her mother received her with open arms, and said to her, "How much Astril loved you, Dona Margarita, your song, and Jesus! She sang even though she became very ill. She asked about you, but I told her you had gone to the next town. Last night before she died she said, `Mamacita, I'm going to die but I'm going to heaven and Jesus loves me, this I know. Those were her last words to me, Dona Margarita!"

How glad the missionary was that she had been able to tell Astril about the Lord Jesus before she passed out of this world. You and I who love the Lord Jesus will meet her in heaven someday.

Astril had heard the gospel only once, but she trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour as soon as she heard it. If you have not come to Jesus, we urge you to do so right now. Astril did not have long to live in this world, and you may not either. You may be well and strong, and think you have many years yet to live, but God's Word tells us, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1. You may die tomorrow, and if you do, where will your soul be?

The Lord Jesus is willing and able to save you now, for He died on the cross that you might be saved.

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

Messages of the Love of God 7/20/1958

A Sailor Saved

THERE was a poor sailor who had lived a very wicked life. Once, while far off at sea, it pleased God to awaken his conscience and show him what a sinner he was. Then he was in great distress. The thought that he might die in his sins and be lost forever was terrible to him. There was no one on board the ship to give him any help, or tell him what to do. But he read his Bible whenever he had a chance.

One night he lay in his berth in the forecastle. His shipmates were all asleep around him. In the dim light of the feeble lamp that hung near, he was trying to read a little in the Bible. He came to the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of John:

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

He put his finger on this word "whosoever," and thought about it: "Whosoever," said he, "that means anybody: that means everybody. Why, that means me!"

That night the poor sailor found pardon and peace in believing those wonderful words of life in John 3:16.

Messages of the Love of God 7/20/1958

Not Afraid of Satan

A LITTLE boy came to his father one day, looking very much in earnest, and asked this question, "Father, is Satan stronger than I am?"

"Yes, my boy," said the father.

"Is he stronger than you, Father?" "Yes, my boy, he is stronger than your father or any other man."

"Is he stronger than Jesus, Father?"

"No, my boy," said the father. "Jesus is ever so much stronger than he is."

The little fellow, as he turned away, said with a smile, "Then I am not afraid of him."

That boy felt sure that the Lord Jesus in whom he trusted would protect him from any harm that Satan might try to do him.

"Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

"Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee." Psalm 91:9, 10.

Messages of the Love of God 7/20/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 13:13-4:3.

EROBOAM paid no heed to the words of Abijah king of Judah but set an ambush behind his army and when Judah looked back they saw the battle was before and behind. Then they cried to the Lord; the priests sounded the trumpets and the men of Judah gave a shout. It came to pass that the Lord smote Jeroboam and there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand men. Abijah and his men gained a great victory because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.

The shout and the trumpets make us think of the time when the walls of Jericho fell down flat. It was the same God, mighty in purpose, doing wonders for His people, and yet angry with the wicked every day. We read that the Lord struck Jeroboam, and he died.

Jeroboam was the first king of the ten tribes and this kingdom lasted about two hundred and fifty years. But in all that time they never had a king who fully honored the Lord in departing from the false worship that Jeroboam had set up. This shows us that it requires far more spiritual energy and devotion to depart from that which is false after it has been once set up, than to continue in the simple path of dependence. The associations formed in this way have such a hold upon our hearts.

In chapter 14 we read that Abijah died and was buried in the city of David. His son Asa became king of Judah and the land was quiet for ten years. How good to read that "Asa did that which was good and right in the sight of the Lord." He took away the altars of the strange gods and the high places and images. It seems strange that the people could worship images when they had the beautiful temple which Solomon had built. But this they did, and as we read this history it is amazing to see how a people brought so near to God in intelligence and blessing could continually turn to false gods. How often they turned aside from what God had established, a perfectly beautiful order of worship, to invent some folly for themselves. But if we know our own hearts, we shall find that we are just as prone to go after other things, or ways other than where the Lord would lead us. Riches, position, power, all can become false gods to us. Any of those things that can come between the heart and God are idols to us, if we love them and in seeking to obtain them we leave God out. The Apostle John says, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols," 1 John 5:21, which shows us that even Christians can have idols. How very sad it is to think so!

How can little children keep themselves from idols? By keeping near the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. In Psalm 16:8 it says, "I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." This is the path marked out for the Messiah as a man in the Psalms. He did not want a false object here, for his path of obedience led to something far better. It was the same with any poor Israelite. If he went up to the temple to pray, he would not want to go home and worship an image, nor would he set to work to make one for himself. But when God is forgotten, the heart of man looks around for a false object. And it is astonishing what foolish, worthless things man will be content with then, because Satan has many wiles and has had thousands of years of experience with the foolish hearts of mankind. It is pleasing to him when he sees us forgetting the Lord.

Messages of the Love of God 7/20/1958

Give Me Something to Love That Will Never Die!

CHILDREN are fond of pets. I remember well when I was a boy that my great ambition was to have a pair of white rabbits with red eyes. Then one day father gave my brother and me some money to purchase a pair, and that happy evening neither of us could sleep for joy but lay awake for hours thinking about our two rabbits with the red eyes.

A little girl was equally happy when she was given a little kitten for a pet. Her heart was filled with delight and every spare moment was spent in playing with it. But alas, for the pleasures of this earth! The little pet took sick and died, and her joy was changed to sadness.

But by and by another and far dearer pet was given, a baby brother, and now her little heart overflowed with happiness. With what joy she bent over the tiny little thing as it lay sleeping in its cradle! How she laughed when baby crowed and how delighted she was when Mother let her take care of him for a little while. But how uncertain are earth's most precious treasures! Again death stepped in and her dear little brother died. All her joy vanished; the mirth of the house was gone. With a heart overflowing with sorrow the sobbing child exclaimed to her weeping mother, "Oh Mother, Mother, GIVE ME SOMETHING TO LOVE THAT WILL NEVER DIE."

Dear children, what this dear child so pathetically asked from her mother is the very thing which God has given to man. He has given us Someone to love who can never die; "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." And that blessed Son, having died the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God, was raised up from among the dead by the glory of the Father and has entered into the power of an endless life. Here, then, is SOMEONE to love who can never die, and One who will never change through all eternity.

But it is not a gift which we can see with our eyes or handle with our hands, for Christ who once dwelt on earth and led a life of sorrow, which ended in the shameful death on the Cross, now dwells in heaven at the right hand of God; and so we can only know Him by faith.

Dear young reader, do you have this Someone to love who can never die?

Memory Verse: "WHOM HAVING NOT SEEN, YE LOVE; IN WHOM, THOUGH NOW YE SEE HIM NOT, YET BELIEVING, YE REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY." 1 Peter 1:8.

Messages of the Love of God 7/27/1958

The Red-Haired Beggar Boy

A NEW YORK merchant who taught a Sunday school class was once called on to speak at a Sunday school meeting out West. Said he, "I'll tell you a little story of a beggar boy.

"I started out one fine Sunday morning to get up some recruits for my class. At the corner of the street I met a barefooted boy, without hat or coat. His hair was fiery red, and looked as if it had never been combed. I asked him if he would come to Sunday school.

" 'No, sir,' was his sharp reply.

" 'You ought to go to Sunday school,' I said kindly.

" 'What for?' he asked.

" 'We teach boys about Jesus, and how to be good,' I said.

" 'But I don't want to be good,' he said.

" 'Why not?' I asked earnestly.

" 'Because I am hungry,' was his quick reply.

" 'It is now nine o'clock,' I said, looking at my watch; 'haven't you had any breakfast yet?'

" 'No, sir.'

" 'Where do you live?'

" 'Up the alley there with Aunty. She's sick.'

" 'Will you eat some gingerbread and crackers, if I take you home and give you some?'

" 'Yes, sir, I will, and be glad to get 'em.'

"So I got a lot and set them before him, and he ate them in a way which showed how keenly hungry he was. Then I asked him if he would like some more.

" 'A little more if you please, sir,' said the boy.

"I got a fresh supply, and set them before him. I waited till he had done eating and then I said, 'My boy, will you go with me to Sunday school now?'

" 'You've been so kind to me, sir,' said he, 'I'll go anywhere with you. Please wait till I take what's left of the gingerbread round to Aunty, and then I'll go with you.'

"The boy returned at once and went with me to the Sunday school. He had never been to one before. He thought of it as a place where boys had to hold out their hands to be slapped with a ruler, and have their hair pulled, and their ears pinched. But when he found himself in the hands of a pleasant-looking young lady, who treated him kindly, and said nothing about his shabby clothes, he was greatly surprised. He not only came regularly but he also told the boys in his neighborhood about the Sunday school and persuaded many of them to come too.

"About two years after this, a lot of boys from New York were sent out West and distributed among the farmers. My red-haired boy was sent among them. For awhile I used to hear of him, that he was getting on well, but I have lost sight of him for years now." The gentleman then said a few words about the importance of trying to get the children to come to Sunday school, and then he sat down.

In a moment a tall, fine-looking man, with red hair, stood up in the meeting and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am the red-haired beggar boy, of New York, who ate that gentleman's gingerbread. I have lived in the West for years, and the Lord has prospered me. When the meeting is over it will make me happy to welcome my old friend and take him out to my home. I belong to Jesus, and teach Sunday school myself. All that I have in this world, and all that I hope for in the next, I owe to Him and to what was taught me about Him in Sunday school."

That was a happy meeting between the former red-haired, beggar boy and his old Sunday school teacher. How they must have rejoiced together and thanked the Lord for His goodness! To Him be all the praise! For "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9.

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of His glory." 1 Sam. 2:8.

Dear young readers,

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." Eccl. 12:1.

Messages of the Love of God 7/27/1958

"Whosoever"

There were children on the floor,
Conning Bible verses o'er.

"Which word, all the Bible through,
Do you love the best?" asked Sue.

"I like 'faith' the best," said one.
" 'Jesus' is my word alone."

"I like 'hope,' " "I like 'love.' "
"I like 'heaven,' our home above."

One, more small than all the rest,
"I like 'whosoever' best.

" 'Whosoever,' that means all
Even I, who am so small.

" 'Whosoever!' Ah! I see;
That's the word for you and me."

"Whosoever will" may come;
Find a pardon and a home.

"WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

"WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"WHOSOEVER will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

BUT

"WHOSOEVER was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 21:15.

Messages of the Love of God 7/27/1958

May I Be Sure?

if MAY I be sure, Mother" said

Kitty, as the good news of God's free love was read to her, and she was told there was forgiveness for her.

"Yes, my dear, you may."

"But how, Mother?"

"Simply in believing what God has said; for God tells no lies and breaks no promises."

"And what has God said?"

"He that believeth HATH EVERLASTING LIFE."

Messages of the Love of God 7/27/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 14:3-16:14.

WE READ that king Asa also cut down the groves that were in the land. It was a heathen custom to plant trees around their idols, and in some countries today you may see at the end of a fine garden a little arbor in which there is an image. Those who worship an image like that surely do not know the wonderful story of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is a living Saviour, and of how He came down here a living Person. Though He died upon the cross, death could not hold Him; He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is now at God's right hand. His work upon the cross is a finished work, and there is nothing left for anyone to do. Even many who know about these things are taught that Jesus did only part of the work of our salvation and that they must do the rest themselves. How sad this is when Scripture is so clear on this point: "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."

Also we read that king Asa built fenced cities, and the Lord gave him rest so that there was no war for ten years. Then the Ethiopians came up against Judah. Asa cried to the Lord and the Lord helped them. God sent a message to Asa by His prophet telling him that He would be with them as long as he sought Him. Asa, encouraged by the Lord's goodness to him, was more diligent in searching out every evil that might be put away out of his kingdom. Then he called all the people to come up to Jerusalem, and not only those of Judah and Benjamin came, but a great many came out of Israel. They offered to the Lord together and made a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and with all their soul.

Then they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting and with trumpets and with music. Judah rejoiced with the oath, for they sought the Lord with their whole desire. Even the king's mother was put away from being queen, because she had an idol which Asa burned.

After this there were no more wars in Asa's reign for thirty-five years. Then the king of Israel came up against Judah and built the city of Ramah to prevent the children of Israel from going up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord and to seek king Asa. And now we read something very sad about Asa. He seemed to forget how the Lord had helped him in the past, for he made a league with the idolatrous king of Syria, and he gave him treasures out of the Lord's house to get him to go and fight against the king of Israel.

God was very displeased with Asa for his unbelief and He sent Hanani the seer to tell Asa that since he had relied upon the king of Syria and not upon the Lord, he had lost the opportunity of conquering the king of Syria. God would have helped Asa against Syria, as He had helped him before, for "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." From then on the rest God had given to Asa was gone and he had wars instead. Sad to say, Asa did not bow to the word of the Lord, but instead he flew into a rage and put the prophet in prison; also he oppressed some of the people. However, the Lord did not take His hand off him for he became diseased in his feet. Even then Asa did not ask help from the Lord but turned to the doctors. He died two years later. They buried him with great honors in the city of David, and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

Messages of the Love of God 7/27/1958

Mick, The Irish Lad

IN ONE of the crowded courts of a large city a poor Irish lad was lying on his death bed. On his windowsill were a few bright red flower-pots, and the carefully tended flowers gave their pleasant smell to the evening air. His room was very clean; all was as tidy and as comfortable as his poor mother could make it, for now that her Mick was ill she had hard work to keep the home together.

"Michael, you are very ill; perhaps you may die, are you ready? do you think you would go to Jesus?" asked a Christian friend who visited him in his illness.

"Yes, yes," said he, "I am sure I should go to heaven."

"And why are you so sure, Mick?" she asked him again.

"Oh, ma'am," was his answer, "Jesus says, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you,' (and that's Mick) 'He that heareth My words' (and I do listen to His words) `and believe on Him that sent Me' (and I believe) `HATH everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life,' (and JESUS NEVER TOLD A LIE!)"

Here was his happiness, here his peace and assurance; Jesus was true, He could not tell a lie.

Mick knew that the word of the Lord Jesus was to be depended on. If Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you," Mick believed what He said; he did not trouble himself to reason on the words of the blessed Saviour, but received them as a little child. And thus the dear Irish lad had peace and was perfectly happy.

"He who believeth not God," saith the Scripture, "hath made Him a liar." "Oh! what a beautiful thing is a little grain of simple faith! By it the soul is saved forever, Jesus is glorified, all heaven rejoices and Satan is defeated."

Have you, my friend, the Irish lad's faith in Jesus? Is it quite enough for you that He who hung on Calvary a sacrifice for sin, who for love to such sinful creatures as we, gave up His life a ransom for us? Is it enough, I say, that He says,

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My words, 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. Are these blessed words an answer to the troublings of your conscience; to the accusings of Satan? They are the words of Him who cannot lie, as He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6.

Memory Verse: "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.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

The First Strawberries

A LITTLE girl once had a bed of strawberries, and she was very anxious that they should ripen and be fit to eat.

"Now, for a feast," said her brother to her one morning, as he picked some beautiful ones for her to eat.

"I cannot eat these," said she, "for they are the first ripe fruit."

"Well," said her brother, "all the more reason for our making a feast, if they are the first ripe fruit."

"Yes, but they are the first ripe fruit."

"Well, what of that?"

"Dear father told us that he used to give God the first out of all the money he made, and that then he always felt happier in spending the rest; and I wish to give the first of my strawberries too."

"Ah, but," said her brother, "how can you give strawberries to God? And even if you could, He would not care for them."

"Oh, I have found out a way," said she; "Jesus said, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me'; and I mean to go with them to Mrs. Perkins' dying child, who never has a strawberry; they are so poor."

Away went the children to give them to the dying girl; and when they saw her put out her thin arms and take the ripe round fruit in her little shrivelled fingers, and when they saw her eyes glisten, and her little faded lips smile, they felt as if they had a richer treat than if they had kept the ripe fruit themselves; and they believed that God had accepted their little offering.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

A Child's Answer

ONE evening I was about to close up the house early, and my little three year old daughter asked permission to accompany me, and together we went through the basement, seeing that windows and doors were securely fastened. On reaching the main hall above, I bade her stand still until I had turned out the light, fearing she was toddling along after me, and might stumble and fall in the dark. The light out, I asked, "Darling, where are you?" not knowing the spot where she might be standing. The baby answer came, full of love and faith, "In de dark, papa!" And guided by her voice, I took her hand, and we went upstairs.

Sometimes it seems as if God calls to us when we are perplexed with worldly cares and troubles, and asks, "My child, where are you?" And when we answer, "In the dark, Father!" He takes us by the hand and leads us to the light.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

John Wesley and the Robber

JOHN WESLEY was once attacked by a robber who demanded his money. Mr. Wesley handed it to him, but as the man was going away he called him back and said,

"My friend, let me say a word to you. The time may come when you will be very sorry for the kind of life you are now leading. Remember then this passage from the Bible: 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleaneth us from all sin.' " He said no more, and they parted.

One day many years after, Mr. Wesley was leaving a church where he had been preaching, when a man came up to him, and asked him if he remembered being robbed once in a certain place.

"I do," said Mr. Wesley; "I remember it distinctly."

"I was the man that robbed you, sir," said the stranger. "I wish to thank you for the words you spoke to me on that occasion. That sweet verse of Scripture that you quoted then took such hold of my mind, that I could never rest till I turned to the Lord from my wicked ways in deep repentance, and I became a Christian."

"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 Tim. 1:15.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccles. 11:1.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in John, chapters 19-21 and Acts 1-3.

I. What title did Pilate write and put on Jesus' cross?

2. What did Jesus say when He received the vinegar?

3. Were the disciples glad to see the Lord after He was risen from the dead?

4. Could the world contain all the books which might be written about the things Jesus did when He was here on earth?

5. Did the disciples see the Lord taken up into heaven?

6. How is the gift of the Holy Ghost obtained?

7. In whose name did Peter command the lame man to rise up and walk?

Young People's Class

1. Did the Philistines desire to send the a•k of the Lord away from their midst? 1 Samuel 6.

2. Can unconverted man endure the presence of the Lord in judgment? Revelation 6.

3. What further judgment did Israel undergo for their lack of reverence for the ark of the Lord? 1 Samuel 6.

4. Should God be held in reverence in the assembly of the saints? Psalm 89.

5. Should our whole manner of life (conversation) reflect the holiness of the One who has called us? 1 Peter.

6. Was it a long time until Israel finally lamented after the Lord? 1 Samuel.

7. Will the Jews in a coming day mourn for the Lord Jesus whom they have rejected for nearly two thousand years? Zechariah 12.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 17-18:7.

THE first thing we read of Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, when he came to the throne, is that he strengthened himself against Israel, and the Lord was with him. It is nice to see that he realized his father had failed in turning to the Syrians, for it says, "he walked in the first ways of his father David." He discerned that it was David's first ways that he was to follow, for when David became powerful he did not seek the Lord as he had done earlier. Jehoshaphat, in the freshness of his zeal for the Lord, sent the Levites and the priests around in the cities of Judah who taught the law of the Lord to the people. Accordingly the Lord blessed him and made him to prosper. "Them that honor Me I will honor," is the word of the Lord who is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (1 Sam. 2:30; Heb. 13:8.) It tells us that "the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat," and he "waxed great exceedingly."

Alas, how sad it is to read that when Jehoshaphat had gotten riches and honor in abundance, he joined affinity with the wicked Ahab, king of Israel. Ahab was glad to have the friendship of the king of Judah for he knew Jehoshaphat was rich and powerful. Though he had no heart whatever for the Lord himself, still he saw that the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, and selfish man that he was, he felt that he stood to gain by this friendship. How often this is so: heartless and selfish, the world will use the Christian, his ability, his energies, his means, for its own ends, while it rejects Christ to whom he owes everything. A man of the world often is glad to have a man of God join him and will flatter him, as

Ahab did Jehoshaphat by making him a feast in his honor; but this always ends in the man of God coming down to the level of the other and saying, like Jehoshaphat, "I am as thou art." How we need to be on our guard against joining with the world, even in its best appearances, while ever seeking to present Christ our Saviour as the sinner's only hope.

But one wrong step leads to another;

1 Jehoshaphat is persuaded by Ahab to i go to war with him, to try to regain Ramoth-gilead which was in the hands of the Syrians. Ahab presented the fair argument that Ramoth-gilead belonged to the land of Israel and to retake it from the Syrians was a worthy cause. Jehoshaphat replied, "my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war." Still the king of Judah was uneasy and requested of Ahab that he first inquire of the Lord. To accommodate him Ahab called together four hundred prophets, all of whom said, "Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand." But Jehoshaphat was still un'satisfied, feeling no doubt how out of place he was among all these prophets who knew not the Lord. So he asked, "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?" Ahab replied that there was still another prophet, Micaiah, but he hated him because he never prophesied anything but evil against him. However, to please Jehoshaphat he would call him. How sad that Jehoshaphat should stoop so low as to acknowledge the false prophets in order to gratify Ahab! We may think to commend truth to worldly people by an effort to conform to their ways, but in reality we expose it to secret contempt and scorn.

Messages of the Love of God 8/3/1958

How a Wandering Sheep Was Made to Hear The Shepherd's Voice

SOME years ago the captain of an East India vessel was attacked by a pirate vessel, while cruising in the Indian Ocean. The attack was so sudden and unlooked-for, that the merchant vessel fell an easy prey into the hands of the pirates. The captain and several of the crew were slain in the conflict, and the rest were bound in chains and put into the pirates' boats, to be taken to their vessel. Then the captain of the pirates and some of his men were going down into the cabin to see what treasures they could find before burning the vessel.

On going down the companionway, a soft, low voice was heard in prayer. The captain motioned to his men to remain on deck while he went quietly down the stairs to find out where the voice came from. Stooping down he peeped into a room, the door of which was ajar, and there he saw a fair young mother kneeling with a beautiful boy at her side. One arm was clasped fondly around her child, and the other was lifted up in earnest supplication. And these were the words which the pirate heard her utter in a voice of melting agony, as he saw the tears rolling down her cheeks:

"O God of all mercy, save the life of my dear child, if such be thy holy will; but rather let him perish now by the assassin's knife than fall a living prey into such hands, to be trained to a life of sin and shame. Let him die now, if such be Thy decree; but oh! let him not live to dishonor Thee and perish at last eternally."

The voice ceased, choked with tears of agony. And there stood the pirate, perfectly overwhelmed by the tumult of his own feelings. His thoughts went back to the scenes of his childhood. He had had a pious mother. Her prayers and instructions, for so many years forgotten, rose up before him then; and God's Spirit sent such an arrow of conviction to his heart, that instead of carrying out his murderous designs, he sank upon his knees, and with heartbreaking agony cried out, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"

On rising from his knees he assured the lady that no harm should be done to her. Then he went on deck, unbound the captive crew, and restoring them to their ship, he returned with his men to their own vessel.

Shortly after this he surrendered himself to the British East India Government. The Government appointed a trial for him; but before the time for the trial came he was taken with fever, from which he died after a few days' sickness. Before his death he made a full confession of the crimes of his past life, with the deepest penitence, and he died humbly trusting in Jesus for the pardon of his sins and for entrance into heaven.

Memory Verse: "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 Tim. 1:15.

Messages of the Love of God 8/10/1958

Little Mary's Prayer

IN a town in one of our western states, there lived a family, consisting of the father and mother, and a little girl named Mary who was about seven years old. Neither the father nor mother attended a church, but Mary was allowed to go to Sunday school. One day the father was taken very sick.

Thinking he was going to die, and knowing he was not prepared, he became very much troubled about his sins. One night he awoke, and was in such great distress that he begged his wife to pray for him. She said she had never prayed for herself, and didn't know how to pray.

"Oh, what shall I do for my poor soul?" cried the sick man.

"Perhaps," said his wife, "our little Mary can pray; for she has been going to the Sunday school a good while."

"Go and call her at once," he said.

Her mother went upstairs to her room where Mary was fast asleep. She woke her, wrapped a shawl round her, and carried her downstairs, and seated her on her father's bed.

"Mary, my child, can you pray?" asked her father with great earnestness. "Oh, yes, Father, I can," she said. "Will you kneel down and pray for your poor father?"

"Yes, I will pray for you."

So she knelt down, and putting up her little hands, she said, "Our Father, which art in heaven . . ."; then she prayed in her own simple words. She asked God to have mercy on her father, to pardon his sins, and teach him to love Jesus, and to make him well again for Jesus' sake.

When she had finished, her father asked, "Mary, will you read me some verses from the Bible?"

"Yes, I will, Father," she said.

Then she got her Bible, and began to read the third chapter of St. John. She read on till she came to these words:

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

When her father heard this verse he said, "Oh, Mary, is that there?"

"Yes, Father, it is here; and it is just what Jesus said."

"Well, that is just what I want."

"Yes, Father, but hear the rest of it. '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.' "

"Oh! that is for me, a poor sinner like me — 'Whosoever believeth in Him' I can believe in Him; I do believe in Him."

From then on Mary's father began to get better; and he lived to be a happy, useful Christian.

"Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out." John 6:37.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

Messages of the Love of God 8/10/1958

Glory! Glory!

A BOY eight years of age was knocked down and run over, and so hurt that at first it was feared he was dead. He was carried home and laid on his bed, and when after an hour or two he opened his eyes, his poor mother was so thankful that he was spared.

However, it was not God's will that the little fellow ever should be well again. He suffered a great deal for a few days, and was scarcely able to talk, until about nine hours before his death, when the pain left him. Then he sang many hymns, and said to his Mother: "Mother, I am going to Jesus! I am going to sing, 'Glory! Glory! Glory!' in heaven. I shall stand before the throne of God! I shall see Jesus, for He shed His blood for me! Glory! Glory! Glory!"

"Glory! Glory! Glory!" These were Henry's last words. He had been taught that he was a sinner, but that the "blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanseth . . . from all sin," when dying, God in mercy and love gave him strength to assure his parents that he was going home to Jesus.

My young friend, where would your soul go, if you were suddenly to meet with an accident which should cause your death? Does the thought make you shudder? Well it may, unless you have found Jesus; for if you cannot answer, 'Whatever may happen to my body, my soul is saved, through what Jesus has done for me,' you are in awful danger of being eternally lost. THIS VERY NIGHT God may require your soul to appear before Him, and then, if not already IN CHRIST, how shall you escape punishment for your sins?

"Now is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

"Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, . . . to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Rev. 1:5, 6.

Messages of the Love of God 8/10/1958

Love Your Enemies

LOZAR was a negro teacher at Malabar in Africa. When he became a Christian, his heathen neighbors forbade him to take water from their wells. He had no well of his own and some other water was a great distance from his home. He asked the Lord to help him and he began to dig a well. Soon lovely clear water came up.

Then came a time of drought and all the wells became dry; only Lozar's well had plenty of water. The heathen neighbors came to him and asked if they might draw some water from his well. He answered cheerfully, "Take as much as you like, there is plenty of water for us all."

The kind, unrevengeful behavior of Lozar made a great impression on the heathen; and soon quite a few believed in the Saviour of Lozar whom he not only preached with his tongue but also with his Christlike conduct.

Messages of the Love of God 8/10/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 18:8-19:3.

AHAB king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were both sitting on their thrones clothed in royal robes, in the gate of Samaria, while the messenger went to bring Micaiah. The messenger sought to influence Micaiah to speak only as the other prophets had done, saying, "let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be as one of theirs, and speak thou good." But Micaiah replied, "As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak." Brave answer of faith; may we seek grace to be faithful to Him who has bought us with His own precious blood, in spite of all that may be arraigned against us. At first Micaiah told king Ahab to go up and prosper, but when he pressed him to tell the truth, then he said: "I did see all Israel, scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace." Furthermore, he declared that the LORD had put a lying spirit in the mouth of all Ahab's prophets and that He had spoken evil against the king.

Ahab fully understood the meaning of Micaiah's words, and in his anger, he ordered the prophet put in prison, to be fed with only the bread and water of affliction until he should return in peace. Then the two kings went off to battle.

The Lord allowed Satan to deceive the prophets of Ahab because He had made it known earlier what the wicked king's end would be. It was Elijah who had told Ahab that the dogs would lick his blood in the place where Naboth was killed; it was God's judgment on him for the slaying of Naboth. No doubt this was what was in Ahab's mind when he suggested to Jehoshaphat that he, the king of Judah, should put on his royal robes while he disguised himself as a common warrior and entered the battle, hoping inwardly that the Syrians would mistake Jehoshaphat for the king of Israel and kill him instead. And this nearly happened for the king of Syria had given orders to the men in his chariots to fight with no one but the king of Israel. When the chariot men saw Jehoshaphat they thought it was the king of Israel and sought to surround him. In his extremity "Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him." God caused the battle to depart from him and he escaped. Though he was in the place where he ought not to have been, still the Lord was merciful and helped him because of his past faithfulness. Yet the Lord was displeased with his servant as we shall see later.

It fared differently with Ahab, however; for "the way of transgressors is hard." Prov. 13:15. How foolish he was to think he could escape the pronounced judgment of God! One of the warriors drew a bow at a venture and it struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. Mortally wounded, he died at the going down of the sun, as Micaiah had foretold.

Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem in peace, but the Lord sent him a rebuke by the prophet Jehu who met him saying, "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God." Jehoshaphat's fall had taught him a salutary lesson: he walked more in the fear of the Lord and sought to impress this on others also. May it be so with us.

Messages of the Love of God 8/10/1958

The Dying Smuggler

A PREACHER in Scotland used to labor near the seacoast, in a wild part of the country, where the people were very much scattered.

One day, while taking a long walk to see some of his people who lived a great distance away, he saw a storm gathering. It was likely to burst upon him before he could reach the next cottage, and not wishing to get wet, he looked around for some place of shelter. Presently he saw not very far from him an old building that looked like a barn or stable. Walking very quickly he reached it before the storm burst and went in. On entering it, he found to his surprise a number of men there. It proved to be the retreat of a band of smugglers. These were men who lived by breaking the laws of their country. After he had looked round for awhile on that strange set of men, one of them came up to him and said,

"Sir, are you not a minister of the gospel?"

"I am, sir."

"Well, sir, there's one of our poor fellows up in the loft, who is very ill and near death, we fear. Will you have the goodness to go and offer a prayer with him?"

"I will, very gladly." He climbed up a ladder into the loft. There on a bed of straw lay the poor sick man. The preacher sat down upon an old stool by his side. The man was dying with consumption. He was wasted, and worn almost to a skeleton; and it was clear that he had but a very short time to live.

"My friend," said the preacher, "you and I are strangers to each other. We have never met before. We may never see each other again on earth. Of course I can have no motive to say anything to you but what I believe to be the truth. Now, if I should tell you that I had in my pocket a medicine that I was sure would cure you of your sickness and make you well again, would you believe me and take that medicine?"

"I would, most gladly," said the sick man.

"Well, my friend, I have no such medicine to heal the sickness of your body, but I have a medicine that will most certainly heal the disease which sin has brought upon your soul, and make you fit to enter heaven. I will not trouble you with any words of mine. Listen, while I tell you what God has said about this in His own blessed Book. And, while you listen, believe the words that you hear, and it will be to the salvation of your soul."

Then the preacher began slowly and clearly to quote in the hearing of the dying man, such passages of Scripture as these:

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

"The blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanseth us from all sin."

"He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him."

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

"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."

While he was repeating these precious words of God, he saw a great change pass over the face of the dying smuggler. The look of sorrow and despair passed away, and a look of calm, quiet peace, of hope and joy, took its place. Raising himself on that bed of straw, with his hand lifted up, he exclaimed, "I believe it!" and immediately fell back and died.

O the wonderful love and mercy of God who saves poor sinners who believe His blessed Word and put their trust in Jesus.

Dear young reader, do you believe? Would you have a happy death-bed like the man in our story? Or are you afraid to die because you are not saved and know you will have to meet God in your sins? Why not get it all settled now while it is still the day of His grace?

Memory Verse: "WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? . . . BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED." Acts 16:30, 31.

Messages of the Love of God 8/17/1958

The Power of Kindness

SOME years ago, a neglected, ignorant boy was brought into a Sunday school in the city of Chicago. He knew so little that he could not even find the places when called for by the teacher. The other boys found them easily. This would have made the strange boy feel awkward and ashamed, and he probably would not have gone back to the school again, had not the teacher been quick-sighted, and kind-hearted. He saw in a moment the boy's difficulty, and in a quiet way, without calling attention to it, he turned the leaves to the lesson and the references. The boy was spared from feeling ashamed. He was touched by the teacher's thoughtful kindness. He felt sure that he had a good friend in him, and he kept on going to the school. He trusted the Lord as his Saviour and became a teacher. Later on that poor ignorant boy, encouraged by the thoughtful kindness of his teacher, became a faithful evangelist who by God's grace was used in much blessing to many in this country and in distant lands as well.

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Prov. 16:24.

Messages of the Love of God 8/17/1958

Protected From a Robber

AN interesting young Christian girl was confined for several years to a sickbed. She was generally left by herself all night. On one occasion, about midnight, she was lying awake on her bed. The rest of the family were asleep in their own rooms. She saw the door of her room open, and a robber came in. He stopped a moment on entering. Her little lamp was shining on them both from the stand by her bedside. He looked at the young girl, and was surprised to find her awake and yet perfectly calm. She uttered no cry or scream; but as the robber stood there looking at her, she simply raised her hand, with her finger pointing toward heaven, and said, "Man, do you know that God is looking at you?"

The man stood still for a moment, and then, without speaking a word, quietly turned round and went out of the house.

God was the shield of that sick girl, and how safe she was under His protection.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." Psalm 28:7.

"He shall cover thee with His feathers and under His wings shalt thou trust." Psalm 91:4.

Messages of the Love of God 8/17/1958

Bible First, Papa!

ABOUT forty years ago a well-known business man sat at his fireside. Nearby him, playing on the floor, was his only child, a beautiful little boy. It was early in the morning. The day's work was not begun; and while waiting for his breakfast, the father took up the daily paper to read. The dear child came and climbed up on his father's knee, and laying his hand gently on the paper, looked lovingly up into his face, and said:

"No, no, papa! Bible first. Bible first, papa."

Very soon after the dear child was taken sick, and died. As the father stood by the coffin in which his dead darling lay, and when he laid him in the cold grave, he seemed to hear his gentle voice repeating those simple words, "No, no, papa. Bible first."

He never forgot those words. They were ringing in his ears all the time. He made them the rule of his life. He put the Bible first in his heart, in his home, in his business, in everything. He became a Sunday school teacher, and the Lord blessed him, and made him a blessing to many.

And how lovely it is to think that it was these words from the lips of his dear little boy, whom the Good Shepherd took to be with Himself, that proved to be such an important link in this chain of blessing. May the Lord encourage you, dear children, to seek to shine for Him and to be a blessing at home, at school, at play, or wherever you go.

Jesus bids us shine

With a clear, pure light,

Like a little candle

Burning in the night;

In this world of darkness

So we must shine,

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.

Messages of the Love of God 8/17/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 19:4-20:30.

AFTER his return to Jerusalem in peace, Jehoshaphat visited throughout all his kingdom and set about to bring back his people to the Lord God of their fathers. He charged the judges and the Levites to do their duty faithfully saying, "Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with you."

Then we are told that after this other enemies — the Moabites, the Ammonites, and others — came against Jehoshaphat to battle. The Lord who orders all our pathway knows when trial is needed, for "He knoweth best, who loveth best"; He tempers our blessing with trial, our joy with sorrow, according to His perfect wisdom. It is the same hand of love that sends both.

Whether joy, or whether trial, All can only work for good;

For He healeth all — who loves us And has bought us with His blood.

The psalmist could say: "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept Thy word." Again, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Psa. 119:67, 71, 72.

We read that "Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." And all the people came together to ask the Lord's help, even bringing their little ones, their wives and their children. Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord asking Him to do for them as He had always done, to hear their cry and help them. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon a Levite, one of the sons of Asaph, who said, "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go ye down against them: . . . Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD . . . for the Lord will be with you." And Jehoshaphat bowed his head, and all the people worshiped the Lord. Also the Levites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel.

Early the next morning they all rose up and went out to battle. But first Jehoshaphat addressed the people saying, "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe ye His prophets, so shall ye prosper." Then he appointed singers who went before the army, praising as they went and saying, "Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever." When they began to sing and praise, the Lord fought for His people, and the children of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir were smitten, for they slew one another; and when the men of Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness and looked out, they saw the vast multitude of their enemies lying dead all around. None had escaped. All that Jehoshaphat and Judah had to do was to come and carry away the spoil. They were three days gathering it up; there was so much.

On the fourth day they all met together in the valley called Berachah, which means blessing, and there they blessed and praised the Lord together. Then, with Jehoshaphat in the lead, they all returned to Jerusalem with joy, amid the sound of psalteries, harps and trumpets, unto the house of God, for He had made them to rejoice over their enemies. After this the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries round about Judah when they heard how the Lord had fought against their enemies, and God gave Jehoshaphai rest in his realm.

Messages of the Love of God 8/17/1958

Jane's Reward

A preacher was once traveling through the country holding gospel meetings. One day he stopped at a village where he had some business, and went to an inn to get his dinner. A pleasant-looking girl, about fifteen years of age, waited on him at the table. Now whenever this preacher met strangers, he liked to point out to them the way to heaven, or tell them something from God's Word that would help them. So before leaving the inn he said to this young girl,

"What is your name, my friend?" "Jane, sir."

"Well, Jane, do you ever pray?"

"Oh no, sir: I've no time for anything like that. Why, I hardly have time to eat."

"Now, Jane, I want to make a bargain with you. I expect to be back here in about two months. I'll teach you a little prayer, of only three words, which I want you to say every morning. It needn't take any time; for you can say it, if you like, while you are getting dressed. And when I come back, if you tell me you have said it every day, I'll give you half a dollar."

"I'll do it," said Jane, "I'll do it."

"Well, be sure and keep your promise."

"Yes, you may depend on that, for I always keep my promise," said Jane. "And now tell me what the prayer is."

"This is it," said the minister. "Lord, save me."

Then he shook hands with Jane, and said good-by.

After two months, he came back to that village. On going to the inn for his dinner, Jane was not there, and another girl waited on him in her place. After dinner, he spoke to the man who kept the house, and asked where Jane was.

"Oh, she took to going to meetings, and left here, and now she's living at the pastor's down the road."

Then he went to the pastor's home. He knocked at the door, and who should open it but Jane herself. As soon as she saw the preacher, she lifted up her hands and said,

"You blessed man! I'm so glad to see you again, and to thank you for teaching me that prayer. But I don't want your half dollar, because I've got enough already."

"Well, well, let me know what you've got. Come, tell me all about it."

"You see, sir, after you went away, I used to say that prayer every morning. At first I said it carelessly, while I was getting dressed, without thinking anything about it. But, one morning after I had said it, these two questions came into my mind: What did that gentleman want me to say this prayer for? What does 'save' mean? I thought the Bible would tell me something about it, so I borrowed one, and read in it a little every morning. Pretty soon, I read one verse, which said, 'The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,' and another which said, 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' Then I saw that I was a lost sinner. This frightened me. I began to pray in earnest. I asked Jesus to pardon my sins, to save my soul, and teach me to love and serve Him. He heard my prayer. He has done all this for me, and more; and now I'm just as happy as the day is long. And so I thank you for teaching me that prayer, but I won't take your half dollar."

That was a happy experience for Jane, one that she will never cease to thank the Lord Jesus for through time and eternity. Has the reader yet come to know this blessed Saviour, "whose love is as great as His power and knows neither measure nor end"? Have you ever prayed the prayer of the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner"? Luke 18:13. Perhaps you are quite ready to admit that you are a sinner, but have you felt your need of the Saviour? The first thing needful is "repentance toward God," and next, "faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). Apart from Christ there is no hope of salvation. "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. The sinner is shut up to the grace of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8. Take heed, and despise not His grace!

Memory Verse: "BECAUSE THERE IS WRATH, BEWARE LEST HE TAKE THEE AWAY WITH HIS STROKE: THEN A GREAT RANSOM CANNOT DELIVER THEE." Job 36:18.

Messages of the Love of God 8/24/1958

Why the Little Boy Was Born Deaf and Dumb

A Christian once paid a visit to a deaf and dumb asylum in London, for the purpose of examining the children to see what knowledge they possessed of God's Word.

A little boy on this occasion was asked in writing, "Who made the world?"

The boy took up the chalk and wrote underneath the question, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

The Christian then inquired in a similar manner, "Why did Jesus Christ come into the world?"

A smile of delight and gratitude rested on the countenance of the little fellow as he wrote, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

A third question was then proposed, calculated to call his deepest feelings into exercise: "Why were you born deaf and dumb, while I can hear and speak?"

"Never," said an eyewitness, "shall I forget the look of calm resignation, and chastened sorrow which sat on his countenance as he took up the chalk and wrote, 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' "

These are truly beautiful answers, especially the last. Many of us, I fear, think much more of our tiny troubles, than that boy of his not being able to join in talking with those around, and hearing what was said.

Oh! let us remember that nothing happens by chance to those who can call God their Father, and if trouble fall to our lot, say, like the deaf and dumb boy, "for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Matt. 11:26.)

Messages of the Love of God 8/24/1958

The Lion and Moderation

NOTVITHSTANDING the great strength of the lion, when he gets enough to eat he is satisfied, and does not go on killing either men or beasts for the mere love of killing. But it is very different with some other animals. The wolf and the tiger, for example, are unlike the lion in this respect; they have no moderation. When they have had as much as they want to eat they are not satisfied, but go on killing just because they love to kill.

A soldier who was stationed at the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, had made up his mind to take a trip into the interior. Before going, however, he was careful to get a big bag filled with bread and meat, as his food for the journey, which would last for several days. In that part of Africa lions are very numerous. At night, when the soldier lay down to sleep on the ground, he put the bag which contained his provisions under his head for a pillow. On the second night of his journey he lay down to sleep with his head on his bag of provisions.

During that night, while he was fast asleep, a great lion came prowling around him. When the lion came near him, and smelled the provisions in the bag, he put forth his huge paw, and pulling the bag from under the soldier's head, carried it off, and made a good supper for himself of its contents. When he had done this he was satisfied. He might have gone back and sprung upon the sleeping soldier, and torn him to pieces; but he had gotten something to eat, and that was enough for him.

In acting as he did that lion was giving a good illustration of the lesson of moderation. If a lion acts with moderation, how much more so ought a Christian.

The Bible surely teaches us moderation. In Proverbs 23:1, 2, we read: "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite."

Again in 1 Tim. 6:8 we read, "Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content."

Messages of the Love of God 8/24/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 20:35-21:15.

AFTER this we read that king Jehoshaphat failed again in joining himself with king Ahaziah, the wicked son of Ahab, who reigned over Israel. This time it was to build ships to go to Tarshish to trade. But God sent a message to him through his servant Eliezer, saying, "Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD bath broken thy works." The ships were broken; God put an end to this venture.

In spite of his failures there was that in the course of Jehoshaphat that refreshes the spirit; there were some "good things found in him." God by His Spirit has faithfully recorded both for our admonition and encouragement. His snare was worldly association. May we seek grace from the Lord to profit from the history of His devoted servant, and to beware of this evil. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.

Jehoshaphat reigned for twenty-five years in Jerusalem; and it tells us "he slept with his fathers." He was at last beyond the labors and conflicts of the path of faith, and too, beyond the temptations and snares of the enemy.

It would appear that before Jehoshaphat died, he made his eldest son Jehoram to reign with him. It seems strange to us that such a godly, devoted king could not see that Jehoram was not a man of faith. Jehoram reigned for eight years in Jerusalem and became very wicked in the eyes of the Lord. He followed in the ways of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, and married his daughter, Athaliah. This was one of the sorrowful results of Jehoshaphat's league with Ahab, an effect from which his house never fully recovered. We learn in the government of God that our unfaithfulness has far-reaching results. How solemn this is! Often have Christian parents who have been drawn into the world and perhaps mercifully restored by the Lord in later years, passed through the bitter experience of seeing their children lost in the world. May the Lord help us to "make straight paths for [our] feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way" (Heb. 12:13), and to pray daily the prayer of the godly man in Psalm 16:1: "Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust."

As soon as the kingdom was established under him, Jehoram caused his six brothers to be slain. Though he did not escape the judgment of God, still God would not destroy his whole family on account of His covenant with king David, the man after His own heart. A letter came to the king from Elijah the prophet who, as we learned from the book of the Kings, lived and witnessed against the sins of the house of Ahab in Israel. Elijah foresaw the results in Judah of this unholy alliance with Ahab and had written this letter. Elijah was translated to heaven about the time of Jehoshaphat's death, but evidently the letter was not delivered to Jehoram until after he had committed his wicked acts. The letter rebuked him for following the idolatrous ways of the heathen and for slaying his brethren; then followed the solemn pronouncement that with a great plague the Lord would smite him, his people, his wives and his goods, and that terrible disease would come upon him.

Messages of the Love of God 8/24/1958

The Happy Skipper

THIS word "skipper" is what sailors generally use for the captain of their vessel.

Not long ago there lived a Christian fisherman in the village of St. Monans on the coast of Fife, in Scotland. His name was Andrew Davidson, and he was the owner and captain of a fishing boat called "The Rose in June." The herring season came, and Andrew Davidson and his little crew prepared to go to sea. He had but lately been married, and before leaving home he knelt down with his young wife and asked God to keep her safe while he was away; but she noticed—and her heart sank within her at the thought—that he said not a word about his own safety.

The night after "The Rose in June" sailed, with a fleet of other vessels, a terrible storm raged all along the coast. Early the next morning a crowd of women and children, made up of the families of the absent fishermen, gathered on the beach. Every eye was strained across the waters, to catch the first glimpse of the returning boats. One by one they struggled in; and shouts of joy and thankfulness arose from one and another, as a husband, a brother, a father, or a son, sprang ashore. But "The Rose in June" did not come. Driven by the storm and dashed upon the rocks, she had become a total wreck. She was turned bottom upward, while her crew of six men clung to her sides with desperate energy. No other boat was near to help or save them, and all around the wild waves were rolling and roaring, threatening every moment to tear each man from his hold, and dash him to pieces on the sharp rocks. Andrew Davidson thought of his Saviour in that hour of peril; and, in the face of certain death, that thought did for him what nothing else in the world could have done—it made him happy. It may have been that he remembered how Paul and Silas glorified God in the prison of Philippi; for he shouted, "Now, boys, let's sing a hymn of praise to God!" and at once he began and sang this verse:

"My God, I am Thine:

What a comfort divine,

What a blessing to know

That Jesus is mine!"

These were his last words. He had hardly finished the verse, when a huge wave dashed over him with great force, and in an instant he was swept far away

"From every stormy wind that blows," into the haven of eternal rest.

A sad silence fell upon the men who had been trying to join in that song of praise. For awhile no one spoke. At last, John Allan, the mate of the little vessel, who was also a believer in the Lord Jesus, exclaimed,

"Come, my lads, let us go on with the hymn that our skipper is now finishing in heaven." And then those brave men, rocking on their wrecked boat, with the waves dashing and the wild winds wailing around them, sang on till they had finished the hymn. The last verse reads thus:

"And this I shall prove,

Till with joy I remove

To the heaven of heavens,

In Jesus' own love."

Just as they were finishing these last words, another huge wave burst over the boat, and the young mate was carried away to join his friend and shipmate in that blessed world above:

"Where, anchored safe, his weary soul

Shall find eternal rest,

And not a wave of trouble roll

Across his peaceful breast."

The rest of the crew of that wrecked boat escaped with their lives. But they never forgot the scene they had witnessed during that terrible storm. And no sermon ever preached about the preciousness of Jesus could make such an impression on their minds as was made by that memorable scene. They felt, deep down in their very souls, that the truth in Jesus is the best of all truth, because it satisfies our hearts and makes us happy.

Does our reader love this same blessed Saviour? Can you speak of Him as "the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me"?

Memory Verse: "UNTO YOU THEREFORE WHICH BELIEVE. HE IS PRECIOUS." 1 Peter 2:7.

Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1958

A Noble Answer

SOME years before England abolished slavery in her dominions, a negro who was a slave, but who had come to know and love the Lord Jesus, was put up for sale in one of the West India Islands. A kind master, who pitied his condition, and did not want him to fall into the hands of a cruel owner, went up to him and said, "Sambo, if I buy you, will you be honest?"

With a look that I have no power to describe, says the gentleman, the boy replied,

"Massa, I will be honest, whether you buy me or not."

That was a noble answer.

"The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment." Proverbs 12:19.

Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1958

Nine Years Old

WHILE waiting on the platform for my train, a little boy came near me whistling away very merrily. "Well, my little man," I said to him, "what makes you so happy this morning? Do you know your sins are put away?"

"Yes, sir," was the prompt reply; "they are all put away by the precious blood of Jesus."

"Where did you learn that?" I asked; not expecting so ready and so happy an answer from a little schoolboy of nine years old.

"Mr. W. taught me that from the word of God, and I know they are all washed away in the blood of Jesus."

"And are you really happy through that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Are your parents Christians?" "Mother is, sir; my father ran away, and we are left alone."

The train was coming up, so I took leave of the boy praising God for His grace in making a little heart happy through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and what He had done upon the cross.

I could see it was not the lesson learned by heart, as is often the case, but the child had life, divine life, for he had Christ. The word of God was believed in with all a child's simplicity, and again God was honored; He had a place in a boy's heart and affections which is denied Him by many a man, many a woman.

It is refreshing to one's heart to get so happy, so clear an answer to such a question. How rarely it is, even among professing Christians, we meet one who can say their sins are all washed away in the precious blood of Jesus; and yet how clear is the scripture on such a point, "He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life"; that his sins are forgiven, for him there is no judgment, no wrath, no condemnation, because the One he believes in has atoned for sin, has taken the cup of wrath and drunk every drop, so that the believer is privileged to say, "There is therefore NOW no condemnation." Rom. 8:1.

Oh! for more real simple faith in the living God, who has done such great things for us, who, in order that we might not perish, but have everlasting life, gave up His only begotten Son to death, even the death of the cross!

Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1958

Christ Has Got Me

ONE day a poor old man, crippled in both legs, came hobbling with two sticks into a shop that was kept by a Christian, and began telling him about his sufferings. After he had gone on for some time, the latter replied, "You have been telling me about your sufferings in the present, now let me ask you about the future; what have you in relation to that? Have you got Christ?"

"What have I got?" replied the old man earnestly, the tears trickling down his cheeks, "Why, CHRIST HAS GOT ME!"

Blessed answer; can you, dear reader, say the same: "Christ has got ME"? He came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10.) Has He found and saved you? If once you are His, He will never let you go. He holds His own in His hand, and none shall pluck you out. (John 10:28.)

Perhaps the question is troubling you, how you may know you are His, how you may know Christ has got you. Let the Word of God answer.

"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.

Do you believe? If you can honestly from your heart answer, yes, then eternal life is yours; and you shall never perish. (John 10:28.)

Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 21:16-22:12.

THE next thing we read about Jehoram king of Judah is that the Lord stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians against him. They invaded Judah and carried away all they found in the king's house, even all his wives and his sons, with the exception of the youngest, named Jehoahaz. After all this the Lord smote the king with an incurable disease, and two years later, amid great suffering, he died. It says he "departed without being regretted" (J.N.D. Trans.). His people did not bury him with honors, as they did his fathers, the kings that were before him.

Jehoram's history is the sad story of a son of a very godly father, turning from the ways of the Lord whom his father loved and sought to follow in the path of His Word. No matter how familiar the Word of God may be to us, if we are not touched by it, if we are not born again, we will not care to follow in the way of the Lord. It reminds us that no matter how well we may have been brought up, our hearts are "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Jer. 17:9. It also reminds us of the word in Galatians 6:7,8: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption." May we seek grace to sow to the Spirit, for "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

After this the inhabitants of Jerusalem took Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz, 2 Chron. 21:17; and Azariah, 2 Chron. 22:6), the youngest son of Jehoram and made him king. He was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, the age given him in 2 Kings 8:26, and also given here in 2 Chron. 22:2 in other translations. Ahaziah's mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, and we read that he walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother counseled him to do wickedly.

Ahaziah went with his uncle Jehoram (also called Joram) king of Israel, to war against the Syrians. Joram was wounded and went to be healed of his wounds in Jezreel. "While he was there Ahaziah came to visit him. But just at this time the judgment of God pronounced against the house of Ahab by Elisha was being carried out by John, and both Joram and Ahaziah were slain, as well as others of the princes of Judah that were with them. We are told that this destruction of Ahaziah was of God because he went out with Joram against Jehu whom the Lord had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

There was now no one in the house of Ahaziah who was able to hold the kingdom, and when Athaliah saw that her son was dead, she destroyed the king's sons, her own grandchildren, and seized the throne. However, Jehoshabeath, sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada, the high priest, stole little Joash, youngest son of Ahaziah, from among the king's sons that were slain, and hid him and his nurse in a bedchamber in the house of the Lord. God did not allow the cruel usurper to slay the last remaining heir to the throne because He was watching over the house of Judah and would not allow it to be destroyed because of the promise that He had sworn unto David.

Athaliah reigned over the land six years, during which time Joash remained hidden in the house of the Lord. She is a type of Satan who reigns over this world in the absence of Him who is soon to come forth out of heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1958

Because I Axes Him

A gentleman who teaches a class of boys on Sunday evening, was once sent for to visit one of his class, a newsboy named Billy, who was very ill.

As he entered the room, Billy said, "Oh, captain, I'm mighty glad to see yer."

"What can I do for you, my dear fellow? Shall I get you a nurse, or some medicine, or something nice to eat?" asked the teacher.

"No, captain, it wasn't that I wanted yer for. I wanted to axe yer two questions. The first is this: Did you tell us the other night as how Jesus Christ died for every feller?"

"Yes, I did; for the Bible says that Jesus Christ tasted death for every man."

"Good!" said Billy; "I thought so. Now I've another question. Did you tell us as how Jesus Christ saves every feller that axes Him?"

"Yes," said his friend, "for the Bible says, 'Every one that asketh receiveth.' "

"Then I know," said Billy, with a feeble but happy voice, "that He saves me, because I axes Him."

The teacher paused to wipe away a tear from his eye. Then he stooped down to speak again to the boy. But Billy's head had dropped back on his pillow; his happy spirit had gone to be with Jesus.

Oh, how the blessed Saviour delights to answer the simplest request of faith! All His mighty power (for He is God) is present to save a poor sinner who looks to Him in faith and takes Him at His Word.

Memory Verse: "WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Rom. 10:13.

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

The Priceless Treasure

A little girl about eight years of age went to a class where she was taught about the Lord Jesus. She believed the simple truth about the blessed Lord, and knowing that she had found Him she went home and said to her mother, in the joy of her heart, "Oh, Mother! I have found a priceless treasure!" Her mother wondered what was the matter with her little girl, and said, "What do you mean, child? Where is the treasure you have found?"

The child answered, "In heaven, Mother; it is Jesus I have found, and He has made me happy." She went on telling of the love of her Saviour in bringing her to the knowledge of Himself.

Dear child, do you know the loving Saviour as this little girl did? Is He the priceless treasure of your heart? Jesus loves little children still, even as on the day when He took them up in His arms and blessed them. Will you trust Him? He has died on the shameful cross to save you from eternal woe. The blessed God had no other way whereby

He might save poor sinners such as we but by sending His only begotten Son to suffer and die in our stead.

I beseech you not to rest until you know that the Priceless Treasure is yours.

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

The Unhappy Man

A young man, a South Sea Islander, came loitering about my house in an unusual way. Knowing him to be one of the baser sort, I said, "Friend, have you any business with me?" Tears gushed into his eyes, and he could hardly speak at first; at length he said:

"You know I am a wicked man. Shame covers my face and holds me back. Today I have broke through all fear. I want to know if there is room for me? Can I expect mercy?"

When asked how such thoughts came into his mind, he replied,

"I was at work putting up my garden fence. I was greatly wearied and sat down on a little hill bank to rest, and said within myself, 'All this great garden, and death for my soul. Oh, what shall I do.' "

This made him unhappy, and he resolved he would go to the missionary, that he might learn how he could find the way to a better world, where there is no death. From this time on he listened to God's Word. The Spirit of God wrought in him "repentance toward God"; he had faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and became a Christian.

Dear reader, you may have many things in this world for your body, but what have you got for your soul for eternity? The Lord Jesus asks you what will it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul (Mark 8:36). It is a terrible exchange to take the things of this world and refuse God's greatest and best gift. Have you accepted Him as your Saviour?

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

The Heavenly Home

A LITTLE boy about four or five years old, was returning from school one day. He bounded into the house, exclaiming as he hung his hat up in the hall, "This is my home, this is my home!"

A lady was then on a visit to his mother, and was sitting in the parlor. She said to him,

"Willie, the house next door is just the same as this; suppose you go in there and hang your hat up in the lobby; wouldn't that be your home as well as this?"

"No, ma'am," said Willie, very earnestly. "It would not."

"Why not? what makes this house your home more than that?" asked the lady.

Willie had never thought of this before. But after a moment's pause he ran up to his mother, throwing his arms around her neck, and said,

"Because my dear mother lives here!"

Wasn't that a lovely answer from such a little boy? It is the presence and company of those we love which make "home, sweet home" on earth; and it is just so with our heavenly home — the Father's house of "many mansions" which our Saviour went to prepare for those that love Him. He said to the dying thief, "To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise." Luke 23:43.

"In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2, 3.

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECTUTIVE ORDER in Acts 4-10.

1. Is the name of Jesus Christ the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved?

2. Whom did the apostles believe they should obey—God or man?

3. What man is spoken of as being full of faith and power?

4. What did Stephen see as he gazed steadfastly into heaven?

5. Can the gift of God be purchased with money?

6. After Saul's conversion, what did he preach in the synagogues?

7. Is God a respecter of persons?

Young People's Class

1. When Israel desired to return to the Lord, did Samuel warn the people against a mixed worship? I Samuel 7.

2. What answer did the Lord give when Satan suggested He should worship him? Matt. 4.

3. What did the people say when they poured out water before the Lord? I Samuel.

4. Will the Lord hear those that call upon Him in truth? Psalm 145.

5. Did the Lord undertake for Israel in their next battle with the Philistines? I Samuel.

6. What name did Samuel give to the stone commemorating Israel's victory? I Samuel.

7. Do Christians today have a source of help in time of need? Hebrews 4.

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 23:1-15.

THE house of David had failed completely; but the faithfulness of God remained. He will not suffer His faithfulness to fail (Psa. 89:33). How precious this is! When things were at their lowest ebb, He raised up a man of faith, Jehoiada the high priest, who restored the kingdom to the family of David. Jehoiada was a godly man who valued the Word of God and knew that He would not suffer the wicked Athaliah to continue her course. Being high priest he knew all that sought the Lord, and evidently more and more of the people turned away from Athaliah and her wicked ways. In the seventh year he made a covenant with several captains of the army, who went about the land of Judah and gathered the Levites and the chief of the fathers of Israel to Jerusalem. These came unto the house of the Lord, and Jehoiada showed them the king's son, and they made a covenant with him. Jehoiada said unto them, "Behold the king's son shall reign as the Lord hath said of the sons of David."

Jehoiada divided them into three parts. A third part were to come in on the Sabbath. The priests and Levites were to keep watch at the doors. A third part were to be at the king's house, and the other third were to be in the courts of the house of the Lord. But none but the priests and Levites were to come into the house of the Lord. The Levites were to stand around the king with weapons in their hands, and anyone who came into the house was to be put to death. Jehoiada was able to give them weapons, spears and shields which had been put into the house of the Lord by King David. When everything was ready, they brought forth little Joash and put the crown upon him. Then they shouted,

"God save the king."

When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came into the house of the Lord. There she saw the young king standing crowned on a platform with the princes standing by him, and all the people were rejoicing amid the blowing of trumpets and other instruments of music, while others were sing. ing praises. Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried out, "Treason, treason!" but her power and authority were gone forever. Jehoiada gave orders to have her taken out of the house of the Lord. She went out through the entrance of the horse gate and was slain.

We learn from this that when the Lord's appointed time comes, the power of the usurper vanishes, and what seemed so mighty in the ordinary ways of man is soon wiped away. So it will be at the end of this age. Satan has usurped power and authority from the Lord, but in His own time He will bring it all to nothing. When He comes to rule over the earth, those who have wielded the power and authority Satan has given them will be taken and cast into the lake of fire, and those who followed them will be slain by the sword which proceeded out of His mouth.

Those who were privileged to see Joash before he was publicly crowned as king, are a type of those who are privileged even now to look up by faith and see the Lord Jesus at the Father's right hand, during this time when He is hid from the eyes of the world. "We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor." Heb. 2:9. What will it be to be suddenly called to meet Him in the air, and to be with Him when He is manifested to this world in His glory and power!

Messages of the Love of God 9/7/1958

The Boy at the Dike

IN Holland there are large parts of the country that lie below the level of the sea. The people in those parts build great walls, or banks of earth, to keep the water from overflowing the country. These banks are called dikes. Sometimes these dikes give way, and then the water rushes in and overflows the country, destroying much property and many lives.

One night a little boy in Holland was returning home from a village to which he had been sent by his father on an errand. As he was walking along he saw a little hole in the dike, through which the water was beginning to run. The hole was so small that he could just cover it with his hand. He knew that if it was left till morning the bank would be washed away, and the sea would rush through and perhaps drown all the village. He was even afraid that, if he left it till he ran to the village and back again, the opening made might be too great to stop till much damage had been done. So he resolved to stay there and keep his hand over the hole till somebody came by whom he could send to tell the villagers of their danger. Then he took his stand on the dike, and kept his hand over the place, and waited patiently for somebody to come.

But no one came. The shades of evening gathered round; the darkness of night settled upon him: still no one came. Hour after hour rolled slowly away, and there the brave boy stood manfully at his post. In cold and darkness, wet, tired, and shivering, he remained there, stoutly pressing his hand against the dangerous place. All night he remained in that position. At last the morning broke. A preacher walking on the dike heard a groan, and looked around to see where it came from.

"What are you doing there, my child?" he asked, seeing the boy, surprised at his strange position.

"I am keeping the water back, sir, and saving the village from being drowned," said the boy, with lips so benumbed with cold that he could hardly speak. The astonished preacher took the boy's place, and sent him to tell the villagers. They came and stopped the breach. The village was saved.

The boy at the dike was willing to suffer all night to protect his friends and neighbors and to save them from being drowned. It was a noble sacrifice he made; and the people of the village never forgot their little hero.

History records the names and heroic deeds of many who made noble sacrifices of one kind or another for loved ones, for their people, or for their country. In the Bible we read of many who by faith wrought for God and whom He has written up as His worthy ones. But like the stars disappear before the bright beams of the glorious sun, so these all disappear before that one supreme sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He went to Calvary's cross and there died for the glory of God and for the redemption of lost, hell-bound sinners.

Love that no tongue can teach, Love that no thought can reach,—No love like His.

God is its blessed source, Death ne'er can stop its course, Nothing can stay its force; Matchless it is.

Dear young reader, does this love of the dying Saviour not move your heart? Is it nothing to you that He came into this world to die for sin? You may not be aware of it, but you have a vital interest in Calvary's cross and in Him who died there; because you are a sin. ner, and "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." You cannot escape. Sooner or later you will have to do with Him, either in grace now, , or in judgment; either as your Saviour now, or as your Judge in that awful day. 0 that it might be now for you, while it is still the day of His grace!

Admit Him, ere His anger burn,

Lest He depart and ne'er return;

Admit Him, or the hour's at hand

When at His door denied you'll stand.

Memory Verse: "BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME." Rev. 3:20.

Messages of the Love of God 9/14/1958

What a Stone Brought Down

HURRYING to his home through the public square of a town in the country of Brazil, a careless and utterly godless young man spied a little red book resting on the branch of a leafy tree. Now in this very hot country it is not unusual for young people to climb up into big, shady trees to read, being thus protected from the sun's fierce heat.

The young man picked up a stone and with careful aim knocked down the little volume. It was a copy of the New Testament in the Spanish language. He had never before seen such a book. As he glanced through the pages he was so impressed that he decided to read the book from the beginning. The good seed of God's Word slipped into his mind and heart and he was truly saved. Now it is his greatest joy to preach the gospel that others in that faraway land may know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, too.

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

Messages of the Love of God 9/14/1958

No Treasure in Heaven

TWO Christian friends called on a wealthy farmer in Illinois one day. He took them up to the cupola, on the top of his house, and showed them farm after farm, stretching far away, on the right hand and on the left, and told them that all that land belonged to him. Then he took them to another cupola, and showed them great herds of horses, and sheep, and cattle, saying, as he did so,

"Those are all mine too. I came out here a poor boy, and have earned all this property myself."

One of his friends pointed up to heaven, and said, "And how much treasure have you laid up yonder?"

After a pause, the farmer said as he heaved a sigh, "I'm afraid I haven't got anything there."

"And isn't it a great mistake," said his friend, "that a man of your ability and judgment should spend all your days in laying up so much treasure on earth, and not laying up any in heaven?"

The tears trickled down the farmer's cheeks as he said, "It does look foolish, doesn't it?"

Soon after this, that farmer died. He left all his property for others to use, and went into the presence of God only to find that his love of money, and the wrong use he had made of it, had caused him to lose not merely the reward which he might have had in heaven, but his own soul as well. Death, like the big policeman laid his strong hand upon the rich farmer, and took him away. It is solemn to think that in hell he now waits that terrible judgment day, when he will be called before the great white throne and a holy God to be sentenced to the lake of fire forever.

"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul." Mark 8:36.

Messages of the Love of God 9/14/1958

The Clock

A tall clock stands in its niche on the stair landing of our old homestead. It is an eight-day clock run by three heavy weights that hang on brass chains from the works. These weights run the clock, but they have to be lifted from time to time by the owner—a power outside of the clock.

So it is with the Christian. God uses the very weights of life to keep us running, but He must lift the weights from time to time to give us strength and courage to carry on for Him.

The sweet chimes of this clock ring through the home every quarter-hour, but they are especially homely and comforting when we wake and hear them in the still hours of the night. They remind us that the night is passing: morning will come. Then on the hour, the tolling of the clock tells the time. We may be like this clock, observing the time, making melody in our hearts to the Lord, and watching for His coming as the Morning Star, just before the break of day.

"I Jesus . . . am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and Morning Star." Rev. 22:16.

Messages of the Love of God 9/14/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 23:16-24:19.

AFTER the crowning of king Joash and the death of Athaliah, Jehoiada the priest made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king, that they should be the people of the Lord. Then the people went to the house of Baal, the false god that Athaliah had introduced among the people of Judah, and they broke it down. They destroyed the altars and the images and slew the priests of Baal. Then Jehoiada ordered again the worship in the house of the Lord according to that which David had instituted, and according to the law of Moses, for evidently during the reign of Athaliah this had been largely set aside. So when all this was done, we read that "all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet."

Joash was only seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. We can see how he was guided all those years by the faithful priest who had saved his life and preserved him. Typically this looks on to that time when the Lord Jesus Christ will reign in His millennial kingdom, when He will be both King and Priest upon His throne. (Zech. 6:13.)

It was when he was about in the middle of his long reign that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord. So he called the priests and Levites and told them to go out into the cities of Judah and gather money to repair the house of the Lord from year to year. Also at the king's command they made a chest and set it at the gate of the house of the Lord. Then they made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.

The princes and all the people rejoiced and brought in the money and cast it into the chest. The response was such that the chest had to be emptied each day. Then the king and Jehoiada gave the money to those who had charge of the service of the house, and they hired masons, carpenters and men who worked in brass and iron, to make the repairs. When the work was finished, there remained a large amount over and above what was needed, so they made vessels of gold and silver for the house of the Lord. We also read that they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada.

Then we read of failure coming in. Jehoiada grew old. The Lord granted him a long life for he lived to be one hundred and thirty years old, longer than anyone since the days of Moses' parents. I do not doubt that this was the Lord rewarding him for his faithful service in preserving the life of the young king and for guiding him in His ways. When he died they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel both toward God and toward His house.

After Jehoiada's death the princes of Judah came to the king and made obeisance to him. It was really flattery, but we read that Joash hearkened to them. Sad to say, the purpose of their coming was to get him to allow them to forsake the Lord and to worship idols. We may wonder how it could be so with them after all the blessing they had received from the Lord's hand. But it was because their hearts were not touched by the ministry of the Word among them, and when this is the case, there is chafing and rebellion at being restrained. When we are born again we have a new nature which delights in the things of God.

Messages of the Love of God 9/14/1958

How Sam Was Changed

SAM was a negro boy who, with some refugees, had been taken in by a missionary when war broke out between rival tribes. The missionary saw that Sam was a very intelligent boy; therefore he chose him to carry messages and to do other little jobs. But the missionary was soon warned by others to be careful, for Sam was a thief. It was not long before he found some of his things missing, and quite valuable ones, too. The missionary did not know what to do. During the Bible hours Sam sat there with a look of indifference, not paying any attention.

The missionary prayed earnestly for Sam. Then one day he called him and said to him, "I know you are a very clever boy; I want you to help me." Sam looked very pleased.

The missionary continued: "I have lost quite a few things and I want you to find them and also find the one who has taken them."

The next day Sam brought one article and said, "I have found this, but I have not found the one who has taken it." The following day he brought something else and said the same words. Then he added, "How can one get forgiveness?"

The missionary replied: "Do you not know, that if we confess our sins, God is willing to forgive us because the Lord Jesus has died for our sins on the cross?"

Then he added: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.

The missionary also quoted to Sam Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

The following day Sam came to his master with his arm full of valuables and asked him to see whether he had got all his missing things back. Then Sam said with tears: "Forgive me, I am the thief." The missionary gladly forgave him and both knelt down to ask the forgiveness of God. There and then Sam gave his heart to the Lord Jesus. From then on not another thing was missing and Sam did his work with singing. For him old things had passed away, and behold, all things had become new. His load of guilt was gone, for his sins were all washed away in the blood of Jesus; he was now a new creature in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17.)

When Sam grew up he became a missionary to his own people, and it was his delight to go about telling what great things the Lord had done for him.

Does our reader yet know the cleansing value of the blood of Christ? It makes no difference whether we were born in Africa or North America, we are all born in sin. Furthermore, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. All who are not washed in the blood of Christ, shall perish one day in the judgment of God. But God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. It is He who provided a Saviour, His own beloved Son, to die upon the cross for sin, and what He did for

Sam in our story He is willing and waiting to do for you.

Memory Verse: "THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW." 2 Cor. 5:17.

Messages of the Love of God 9/21/1958

Unsearchable Riches

“I MUST be rich! I will be rich!"

The speaker was Jean Barri, a young silk weaver, who lived in France years ago. As he bent over his loom, his mind was busy with one question, "How can I be rich?"

Finally he decided to leave his native land and go to Africa, for he had heard of some who had made large fortunes with the plentiful gold there. He would go, he thought, and in a few years would return to France a wealthy man.

When Barri arrived in Africa, he found it was not the land of gold he had expected it to be. No one seemed to want the kind of work he could do. His money was soon spent; he was poor and friendless, and he could hardly get food. He decided to go to England, for he had heard that weavers were needed there.

Barri was a stranger in England, but the Lord raised up a friend for the sad, lonely man. A kindhearted English woman offered him a room in her home, and he gladly accepted the offer. He soon obtained employment, but still the riches he longed for seemed as far away as ever, and he often felt sad and lonely.

One night as Barri was in his room, the door opened, and a fair-haired, bright-faced little boy of three entered. Pushing the weaver into a chair, he said, "Mother's out. Pimpy wants to say prayers. 'Ou hear Pimpy." Kneeling by his side, the child lisped in baby words a prayer. "Please, dear Lord, bless Barri," he added. The weaver caught the little boy in his arms, kissed him, and gave him a lump of sugar.

Before an hour had passed, Mrs. Mortimer, Pimpy's mother, appeared. Timpy can talk of nothing else but you and the sugar. God bless you, Mr. Barri," she said.

"Stop a moment!" cried Barri in broken English. "Twice this evening God has been asked to bless me, first by a little child, then by you. If there is a God, surely He will hear such prayers, and send me the gold and riches I long for."

"Yes, there is a God," Mrs. Mortimer said, "and there are two kinds of riches; one kind you must work for and you may or may not get them. But even if you do, you must leave them all behind you when you die. The other kind is a free gift, and it can never be taken away, and I have it."

Barri did not understand all that was said, but new thoughts were in his mind. He had failed to get worldly riches, and perhaps it would be better to seek those which Mrs. Mortimer had.

(To be continued September 28, 1958)

Messages of the Love of God 9/21/1958

A Lesson From the Gardener

A FAITHFUL preacher called one day to visit a Christian friend who had lately met with a great trial. He was very impatient under it, and complained of being hardly dealt with. The preacher found his friend in the garden engaged in trimming a vine, the leaves and branches of which had grown too thick and close. After speaking a few kind words to him, the preacher asked him what he was doing.

"I find," said he, "that owing to the late rains, the branches and leaves of this vine have grown so much as to prevent the sun's rays from reaching and ripening the grapes. So I am pruning the vine, and taking away these leaves, so that the rays of the sun can reach and ripen the grapes that are growing on it."

"Very good," said the preacher. "And now, my friend," he went on to say, "don't you know that we Christians are all vines in God's garden, and that when He sends trials or afflictions upon us, as He has lately done to you, He is only doing for us just what you are doing for that vine? He is pruning us, and taking away unnecessary leaves, in order that the fruits of the Spirit may ripen better in our hearts and lives."

"Thank you, Sir, for this lesson," said his friend. "I never thought of that before. I'll try to not complain of God's dealings with me anymore."

"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.”

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Heb. 12:5, 6, 11.

Messages of the Love of God 9/21/1958

A Dialogue

Who came from heaven to bleed and die?

Jesus, the Son of God mast high.

But why did Jesus suffer thus? He suffered, bled and died for us.

Were our sins, then, on Jesus laid? They were. He bore them in our stead.

Will God forgive what we have done? Yes, if we ask through Christ His Son.

But will He hear what children say? He will, if with our hearts we pray.

Is Jesus still the children's Friend? His love to children knows no end.

Does Jesus still the children bless? He does, with truest happiness.

Messages of the Love of God 9/21/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 24:20-25:2.

IT WOULD seem that Joash walked more by the faith of the godly Jehoiada than by his own, for after the death of that faithful servant of the Lord we noticed a sudden, sad decline in the king and in the princes of Judah. Who can tell what a power for good and what a blessing to their generation has been the godly walk of those who have sought to go on for the Lord. Perhaps we have not appreciated such as we should while they lived, but after they were gone we felt the loss of that spiritual power in which they walked, that which helped to keep out evil and to sustain our own weak faith. May the Lord give us more of that spirit which would enable us now to value rightly those whose godly walk commends the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10).

Joash, after Jehoiada's death, appeared to lean more on his nobles whose hearts were set on idolatry. We read that "they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols." But God in His faithfulness did not allow them to go on without sending them prophets who warned the people and sought to turn them again to the Lord. But they would not listen so His wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada, who protested to them about forsaking the commandment of the Lord and warned them that they would not prosper on account of it. But sad to say, they conspired against him and at the commandment of Joash himself they stoned him to death. When he died he said, "The Lord look upon it and require it." So we are told that the king thus remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada the father of Zechariah had done unto him.

The judgment of God did not fail to come, however. At the end of the year the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered into their hand a great host of the men of Judah, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. The Syrians destroyed all the princes from among the people and sent the spoil of them unto their king. They left Joash himself in the midst of great diseases, and after they departed his own servants slew him, because he had slain the sons of the faithful Jehoiada. We are told that he was buried in the city of David but not in the sepulchres of the kings. It was a sad end for one who had begun so well and who had gone on so well in his earlier days.

After the death of Joash the people of Judah made Amaziah his son king, He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. We read, "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart."

This tells us that the Lord is keeping a faithful record on high of all our acts and ways down here. The actions of these kings, as recorded here, may look foolish as their lives are set out before us. But one day we shall learn what the notes are that are written down as to our actions and they will be just as foolish to us then. The Lord would have to weigh our actions in the light of His Word so that we might realize now what He thinks of them.

Messages of the Love of God 9/21/1958

Armed With the Bible

SOME years ago, there lived in North Carolina, an elderly man who was marked for his piety, for his strong faith in the Bible, and in the merciful Saviour who has given us this blessed Book. He believed that those who trusted in the Lord were sheltered and safe wherever they went.

He made up his mind once to take a journey on horseback through a part of the country which, at that time, was very much infested with bands of robbers. The old man knew this well enough; but when his friends urged him to take a pair of revolvers with him he declined, saying he would take no other weapon with him than his pocket Bible. So he started out. After traveling for some time he reached Missouri, and he found himself in the neighborhood of one of the worst bands of robbers in all the country. The band was headed by a desperate man, named Jim Stevens.

Toward the close of the day the old man met another gentleman traveling, like himself, alone, and who had thus far escaped the robbers. The first question this gentleman put to him was, "Sir, are you armed?"

"Yes," said the aged Christian drawing his little Bible out of his pocket. "This is my weapon."

The gentleman, who was almost loaded down with pistols and bowie knives, laughed loudly at what he considered the old man's folly. And then, in a sneering sort of way, he said,

"My friend, if that is all the weapon you have, you had better be saying your prayers pretty quick. The den of Jim Stevens is only about ten miles from here. You will get there before dark; and he cares no more for Bibles than he does for rattlesnakes."

They talked together awhile, then each told the other his name, and they separated.

Presently night came on, and it grew dark. The traveler saw a light in a house far down a glen, a short distance from the road. He supposed it was the home of the robbers. But he must have shelter and rest, so he went up and knocked at the door. The door opened and in a very rough way he was asked in. Sure enough it was the robbers' home, and a desperate-looking set of men they were.

But, not at all afraid, he took the seat they offered him, and asked for something to eat. This they gave him. Then he sat and talked with them about the country around. By-and-by the captain of the band, the famous Jim Stevens, came in. Seeing a stranger present, he walked up to him, and said,

"Old man, aren't you afraid to travel in this part of the country, among robbers, alone and unarmed?"

"No, sir," was the old man's fearless reply, as he again drew out his Bible, saying: "This is my weapon of defense. I always read a chapter, and pray too, before going to bed. I know you are robbers; but I'm going to read and pray here tonight, and shall be glad to have you join me." The whole band burst out into a loud laugh on hearing this, but not minding them at all, the old man began to read. Gradually they all became silent; and when he knelt to pray, every knee was bowed. It was a strange sight to see that band of robbers and murderers kneeling and listening attentively to the old man's prayer. When he had finished, they showed him a bed on the floor, where he lay down and slept soundly.

Early the next morning he arose, and read and prayed before breakfast. They refused to take any pay for his food and lodging, but thanked him for the interest he had shown in them.

When he arrived at the next settlement, he was told of the death of the gentleman he had met the day before, who had trusted in his own weapons, and who had made such mockery of the old man's trust in the Bible.

The Bible says, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man."

Memory Verse: "THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD: . . . BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN THEE." Psalm 84:11-12.

Messages of the Love of God 9/28/1958

Victory to Jesus!

HOOMESH Baboo, a Christian native of India, was dying, when a friend asked, "Do you pray for your recovery?"

He replied, "I pray saying, 'Lord, let Thy will be done.' "

"Are you prepared for death?"

He replied, "What do you mean by preparation? Jesus Christ is my only preparation."

While he was ill and near death, he cried out, "Victory to Jesus, victory to Jesus! Let it be said everywhere in the world, victory to Jesus!"

Yes! Victory to Him who died and rose again, to HIM who is in glory, having finished the work His Father gave Him to do. Are you, dear young reader, prepared to meet God? Have you Christ as your Saviour?

Messages of the Love of God 9/28/1958

Unsearchable Riches

(Continued from September 21, 1958)

AFTER that the weaver spent many evenings with Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer, who having themselves found the true riches, sought to lead him to the Saviour they loved. He bought a French Bible and some happy hours were spent with his friends, reading the Word of God together.

One night Barri went to hear the gospel preached, and after the meeting an old man took him by the hand, saying kindly, "My friend, have you found the unsearchable riches?"

Barri repeated sadly, "Ah, I went to Africa to seek for riches, but I had to return without them. I have not yet found them."

"And I, when young, went to Australia on the same errand," said the old man, "but in finding Christ I found the true riches; and you may have them too, for 'whosoever will may come.' " Before many weeks had passed, a seeking Saviour and a long sought sinner met; peace, too deep for words, filled the soul of the French weaver.

While still at his trade, Barri spent all his spare time doing gospel work, and later went back to France as a missionary to his own people, "for," he said, "I can return to my native land, as I have found better riches than those I left it to seek."

How many people today are seeking pleasure, riches, and happiness in this poor world. They do not know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who can give true joy and peace to all who come to Him for salvation.

Dear friend, you will never have real happiness here until you trust Christ as your own Saviour. The pleasures, riches, and entertainment here are but for a moment, and you will have to leave them all behind some day. But the joy of salvation in the Lord Jesus is forever and ever, and no one can take it from you. Oh, trust Him now, as Jean Barri did, and you will find in Him everlasting joy and unsearchable riches.

"He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psa. 107:9.

"In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psa. 16:11.

"The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth, the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:17.

Messages of the Love of God 9/28/1958

Jesus Loves You

YES, Jesus loves little children, and loves to have them put their trust in Him.

Permit me, my dear little friends, to speak to you a few moments about His great love. Doubtless you have often heard the wondrous story of the cross, and perhaps have wept as you heard of the sufferings of Christ. But suppose now you had stood by that cross, and had seen that Saviour bleed and die, and had been told that it was all for your sins; what do you think would have been your feelings? I am sure your hearts would have been filled with the deepest sorrow, though at the same time with love and gratitude to such a Friend.

Yes, dear children, do you not feel a great love to earthly friends who are kind to you, to tender parents, and to your brothers and sisters, and to kind teachers who would do anything for your welfare? But oh, no earthly friend, however kind, can love you half as much as the Lord Jesus does! Jesus has died for you. He came to this earth, and lived a life of suffering and sorrow, and died a shameful death, that you might live forever, and be forever happy in His presence.

Messages of the Love of God 9/28/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 25:3-22.

WE SHALL soon see why it was said of Amaziah, king of Judah, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, "but not with a perfect heart." v. 2. When his kingdom was established he slew those servants who had killed his father Joash; but he spared their children, according to the law of Moses (Deut. 24:16) .

Then he gathered together the army out of Judah and Benjamin to go to fight against Edom. He had three hundred thousand choice men who could handle the spear and the sword. But evidently he was not satisfied for he also hired out of Israel another one hundred thousand mighty men of valor for one hundred talents of silver. But he had not asked the Lord's counsel in this, and so there came to him a man of God who told him not to take the army of Israel with him, for the Lord was not with Israel. He warned the king that if he took them, the Lord would make him fall before the enemy. Then Amaziah asked what he should do about the hundred talents of silver he had already given to Israel; and the man of God answered, "The LORD is able to give thee much more than this." The path of faithfulness to the Lord often leads to sacrifice, but He will never be any one's debtor. Those who separate themselves unto Him will be the special objects of His care. Amaziah sent the men of Israel back, but they were greatly offended and went home in great anger.

Amaziah then went forth with his army and they smote the children of Edom with a great slaughter. They took ten thousand captives whom they brought to the top of a rock and threw them down headlong to their death below. This was sheer cruelty; Amaziah did not have the word of the Lord for this. Not walking in faith, he reaped what he sowed. The army of Israel which he had sent back fell upon the cities of Judah on their way home, smote three thousand and carried away much spoil.

After this we read that Amaziah brought back from Edom some of the gods of the children of Seir; he set them up to be his gods and worshiped them. How foolish he was to forsake the Lord who had given him victory and to turn to these false gods which could not save those who worshiped them!

The anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah and He sent a prophet who charged him with his sin. Amaziah said to him, "Art thou made of the king's counsel?" He told him to forbear, for why should he be smitten. The prophet did forbear to say anything more except this: "I know that God hath determined to destroy thee."

After this we read that Amaziah took advice (it does not say, of the Lord) before going to make war with Israel. He sent a message to Joash king of Israel to this effect. Joash warned him to be careful, and not to allow his heart to be lifted up with pride because of his victory over Edom. He counseled him to remain at home, for why should he fall and Judah fall with him. But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God that he might be delivered into the hand of his enemies, because he and his people had sought after the gods of Edom. And so it came to pass that when they came to battle, Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and fled. Amaziah was taken prisoner. "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Prov. 16:18.

Messages of the Love of God 9/28/1958

A Sailor's Experience

A Swedish sailor attended a noonday prayer meeting in New York. When the meeting was opened, our Swedish friend, the sailor, stood up to say a few words. He was not in the habit of speaking in public, nor could he speak English very well; but he said he wanted to tell what Jesus had done for his soul.

"Once, on a long voyage," said he, "Jesus by His blessed Spirit showed me that I was a great sinner. Then my heart was full of sorrow. I said to myself. 'What must I do to be saved?'

But there was no one near to tell me what to do. I was thinking about my sins all the time, and was in great distress.

"One dark night I was standing at the wheel steering the ship, when I thought of Jesus. I tried to remember all that I had heard about Him, and lifted up my heart in prayer to Him for help. All at once it seemed as if Jesus heard my prayer, and met me at the wheel. He spoke sweet words of love and mercy. As I stood at the wheel in the middle of that dark night, I heard Him whispering to me words like these:

" 'Come to Me, weary, burdened one,
I will give you rest;
I cast none out who come to Me;
I am meek, and lowly of heart;
learn of Me; take My yoke—it is easy;
take My burden—My grace will make it light!'

"There at the wheel, in the dark and stormy night, Jesus came to me; He showed me how willing He is to receive poor sinners. I love Him because He first loved me. I cannot speak your language very well; but Jesus understands me, and I understand Him. And ever since I met Him at the wheel as the poor sinner's Friend, I want to tell everybody how willing the Lord Jesus is to save."

Yes, our Swedish sailor friend was right. The Lord Jesus is both willing and able to save. But we must first feel our need of Him. We must realize that we are but lost, guilty sinners, "having no hope, and without God in the world." Eph. 2:12. We can never be saved except we first realize we are lost. Nor can we save ourselves, for there is nothing we can do to merit God's salvation. Our best efforts are in vain. In His sight "we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isa. 64:6.

It is when a poor sinner finds that his case is hopeless and cries to God for mercy, that the Lord Jesus draws near with words of love and peace. "For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption," and He will redeem the sinner from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130:7, 8.) Dear young reader, have you ever realized your need of this Saviour and experienced His saving power?

Memory Verse: "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.

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

The Miser

DO you know what a miser is? It is one who heaps up money for the sake of having it.

The other day an old woman died who had seemed to be very poor. She had hardly any clothes, she bought very little food, and lived in one bare room. After she died a large sum of money was found hidden in different places in her room. She was a miser. She loved money and made it her idol. But she died and left it, and what use is it to her now?

You may say, I am not a miser; I like to spend my money or give it away. But have you the one thing that the poor old woman had not? Do you have Christ dwelling in your heart? Do you know His love to you and do you love Him in return?

"Were the vast world our own With all its varied store,

And Thou, Lord Jesus, wert unknown, We still were poor."

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

Perhaps you say, Oh, I don't aspire to gain the whole world. No, but you want just a little of it, and it may be just that little bit that is keeping you from deciding for Christ. Mark it well, dear young reader, "that little bit" may in the end prove to be the price of your soul. How unspeakably solemn it would be to wake up one day in hell, to experience those everlasting torments, and amid the bitterness of remorse to cry, "I could have been saved, and I intended to be saved, but that little bit of the world kept me from Christ."

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

"All Things Work Together for Good"

IN England Bernard Gilpin was sentenced, under Queen Mary Tudor to die for his faith. During his imprisonment he repeated one text morning and night:

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God."

On his way to execution he fell and broke his leg. He was ordered back to prison, and while he moaned in pain, the jailer twitted him with his text.

"Ah!" the good man replied, "but it's true all the same. It's all working together for good!" And sure enough it was. For, while he lay there, Mary died, Elizabeth ascended the throne, and Bernard Gilpin was set at liberty.

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

Telling Others

"O, help me, Lord, to always be

A witness of Thy love to me.

Help me to tell to those around

The glorious, blessed gospel sound.

"Lord, give me words that

I may speak To those, for whom Thou cam'st to seek,

How Thou didst die that men might be

Saved from their sins—forever free.

"Lord, if by word or tract or pen,

Thy truth can reach poor sinful men,

May I be ever faithful here

To tell of Thee, with love and fear."

"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few." Matt. 9:37.

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

Bible Questions for October

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Acts, chapters 11-16.

1. Who granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles?

2. When Peter was in prison, what was made without ceasing for him?

3. Are those that believe justified from all things?

4. Did the apostles preach that men should turn from vanities unto the living God?

5. Who knoweth the hearts of men?

6. Who opened Lydia's heart?

7. What is the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?"

Young People's Class

1. What did Israel desire that would make them as other nations? 1 Samuel 8.

2. What reason did Gideon give in an earlier day when he refused to be their king? Judges 8.

3. What did Samuel do when he heard the people's reauest? 1 Samuel.

4. What should be our attitude toward prayer? Romans 12.

5. In wanting a king, did the people reject Samuel or the Lord? 1 Samuel.

6. Was the Lord rejected when He was here on earth? Mark 8.

7. What has become of the One who was rejected of men? Matthew 21.

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 25:23-26:15.

THE king of Israel took Jerusalem and broke down the wall for three hundred cubits, so that his army came through and took away all the gold and silver that was found in the house of God, and also the treasures of the king.

After this a conspiracy was made against king Amaziah, and he fled out of the country. But they sent after him and slew him, and brought him back -Lo be buried in the city of David.

The history of Amaziah reminds us of the solemn word of Scripture: "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Prov. 16:18. We are also told in Proverbs 6 that a proud look is one of the things the Lord hates. Then in 2 Timothy 3 it is a sign of perilous days to come. We should realize that we have nothing but what the Lord has given us to use for Him. We are told in 1 Cor. 4:6, 7, "That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why doest thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" Also in 1 John 2 we are told that the pride of life is not of the Father but of the world, which hated both Him and His Son. The world is a system which Satan planted among fallen men to blot out the memory of a lost paradise. It has gone on enlarging, bedecking itself and progressing ever since, in spite of the awful judgment of the flood, until it rose up in rebellion against the Son of God and crucified Him. But God's sentence of death is upon it. How then can a Christian love or entertain in his heart that which God is soon going to destroy?

After the death of Amaziah the people took his son, Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king. He is called Azariah in 2 Kings. He had a long reign of fifty-two years; there was only one other king, Manasseh, who reigned longer than he. We are told that Uzziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord according to all that David his father had done. The Lord values it when there is a searching His Word to find out what has gone before.

We also read that Uzziah sought the Lord in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God, "and as long as He sought the LORD, God made him to prosper." It is certainly to the credit of the king that he heeded the voice of the prophet. We do not know how long this prophet lived, for he is not the one who wrote the book that bears this name; the latter lived after the captivity, about three hundred years later.

God helped Uzziah against his enemies, among them the Philistines, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and his name spread abroad even to Egypt. He built towers in the desert and digged wells; he placed vinedressers in the mountains, for he loved husbandry. Moreover, he strengthened the fortifications of Jerusalem and placed upon the bulwarks wonderful engines of war that could shoot arrows and great stones; these were designed by cunning men. Uzziah was marvelously helped "until he was strong." But if the people trusted in these fortifications, as it seems they did, it was to forget to trust in the Lord. We read in Psalm 127, "Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Messages of the Love of God 10/5/1958

The Lost Sheep

YEARS ago there was a man who had a sheep of which he was very fond. In fact it was quite a pet with him. Then one day he missed it from the little fold where he used to keep it in a field adjoining his house. After making inquiries, he found that one of his neighbors had the missing sheep in his field. He asked his neighbor to return it to him, but this the man refused to do, saying that the sheep was his.

Then the owner went to see the judge, and brought a charge against his neighbor for stealing his sheep. The judge had the two men brought into court for trial, and the sheep was also brought along with them. Each man declared the sheep belonged to him. But how could it be proved which of those two men was the real owner of the sheep.

After thinking over the matter for a little while, the judge concluded that the best way of settling the question would be by appealing to the sheep itself, and making use of the knowledge which those animals have of the voice of their shepherd or keeper. So he told one of his officers to take the sheep into an adjoining room, and leave it there with the door ajar, so that it could hear when called. Then he told the man who was charged with stealing the sheep to call it.

The man called again and again, but the sheep took no notice of him.

Then the judge told the other man, the real owner of the sheep, to call it. He called it by the name he had given to it, and which the sheep knew very well. In a moment it pricked up its ears and began to cry, "Baa! baa!" as if it wanted to say, "Here I am." Then it ran toward the door of the room, pushed it open, and went straight up to its owner, bleating as it went.

This settled the matter at once. The judge told the man to take his sheep as it was certainly his. Then he fined the other man for stealing and lying.

This sheep is a picture of what we are by nature — lost, stolen, strayed, and led captive by the devil at his will — held under his sway. The incident also strikingly illustrates the passage of Scripture, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27). We needed to be set free from Satan's power, and this the Lord Jesus came to do. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8.

The Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, when He died on the cross, laid down His life for the sheep. Are you one of His sheep, dear young reader? Have you heard His voice calling you to Himself, and have you obeyed His voice? It is possible to close one's ears and refuse to listen, but we hope it is not so with you. He wants to save you, and to make you one of His own; He wants you to follow Him down here, and to spend eternity with Him up there in that bright home He has gone to prepare. How sad if you should refuse to listen to His voice, and go your own way, preferring to remain in your sins and under the power of Satan, which can only end in death and hell forever!

Memory Verse: "MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME: AND I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH." John 10:27, 28.

Messages of the Love of God 10/12/1958

True Riches Amidst Poverty

AN aged man was sitting by the fire in a poorhouse. He was poor and deaf, and his limbs were shaking with palsy.

"What are you doing?" said a friend who called to see him.

"I am waiting," he replied.

"And what are you waiting for?" "I am waiting for the coming of my Saviour!"

"And why do you wait for His coming?"

"Because I expect great things when He comes."

"What do you expect He will give you?"

"I know He will give me, because He has promised it, 'a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' In His presence there is fulness of joy: and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore. I am waiting for these."

How well that man might feel happy! He was living in the poorhouse indeed; and he was deaf, and shaking with the palsy, yet he was better off than the richest man in the world, or the mightiest king on his throne, who has no share in the things that God has prepared for them that love Him (1 Cor. 2: 9).

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

Messages of the Love of God 10/12/1958

Andrew and Peter

Two men one day were mending nets,

As fishers often do,

When Jesus came along that way

To give them life anew.

The holy One sent down from heaven,

The Lamb of God was He,

That men might hear and follow Him,

God's love and grace to see.

One man named Andrew heard the Word —

It was too good to keep.

So finding Peter casting down

His net into the deep,

"Messiah's come!" and joyously

He told him of the One

Whom God had sent to save the world—

God's own begotten Son.

They left their nets and hurried to

The place where Jesus stood

Proclaiming life to all who'd come

Believing. And each would

Become a fisher of men's souls

To lead them to the light,

So they'd be born again and fit

For heaven in God's sight.

So Andrew and his brother left

Their former life behind;

They gave up all to follow Him

That other souls might find

Jesus, the One, who e'en today,

Gives life and peace to all.

Dear friend, have you like these two men responded to His call?

"And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." Matt. 4:19, 20.

Messages of the Love of God 10/12/1958

An Anchor to the Soul

IN a gale off the coast, a vessel was driving ashore. Her anchors were gone, and she refused to obey the helm. A few moments more and she would strike. If any were saved, they must be tossed by the waves onto the beach. In the midst of the general consternation that prevailed, there was one man who was calm. He had done all that man could do to prepare for the worst, when the wreck was inevitable; and now that death was apparently near, he was quietly waiting the event. A friend of his demanded the occasion of his calmness in the midst of danger so imminent. "Do you not know that the anchor is gone, and we are drifting upon the coast?"

"Certainly I do; but I have an anchor to the soul."

In the Lord was his trust. He was the ground of his confidence in the storm and enabled him to ride securely in view of instant and awful death.

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even JESUS." Heb. 6:19, 20.

This anchor every man should have who goes to sea. Life is a sea. It is often stormy. The soul needs an anchor in the hour of danger. Reader, is Christ your anchor of hope?

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,

When the waters cold chill your latest breath?

On the rising tide you can never fail

While your anchor holds within the veil.

Thank God, the believer can say:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.

Messages of the Love of God 10/12/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 26:16-23.

UZZIAH had been marvelously helped, but when he was strong pride came in to his ruin. He thought he could assume the duties of a priest, but this was in positive disobedience to the word of the Lord, for that office belonged only to the family of Levi, whereas Uzziah was of the tribe of Judah. He had taken a censer and was about to burn incense before the Lord in the temple, but he was withstood by Azariah, the chief priest, and fourscore other priests. They told the king that only the sons of Aaron were consecrated to burn incense and that he should go out of the sanctuary for he had trespassed against the Lord. Not walking in faith but in pride of heart, Uzziah was angered by this rebuke and resistance, but even as he sought to burn incense, the plague of leprosy rose up in his forehead. When the priests saw the leprosy they thrust him out, and he himself hastened to go out for the Lord had smitten him. For the rest of his days he lived in a separate house and died a leper.

Uzziah is a solemn instance of one walking well "until he was strong," and of one not chosen of God attempting to exercise priestly service. His history would warn a Christian that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb. 10:31.

The pride of Uzziah showed up in a different way than it did in his father Amaziah. But it is evident that he had not learned the lesson from the Lord that he should have, or it would have humbled him and made him very careful as to what he did in seeking to serve the Lord. Leprosy in the forehead was the worst type of leprosy. Every leper was pronounced unclean but he who had it in his forehead was pronounced utterly unclean. Leprosy being a type of sin, when in the forehead it is typical of self-will, the mind of a man not being subject to the word of God but rather reasoning about it. When Samuel charged king Saul with disobeying the word of the Lord, he told him: "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry, Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king." 1 Sam. 15:23.

We see how true this was of Uzziah. His son Jotham became ruler while his father was still living, and then became king at his father's death. In the latter part of our chapter the prophet Isaiah is mentioned. The Lord began to use him during Uzziah's reign. In the first chapter of Isaiah we get a picture of Israel's true condition before the Lord. It is the description of a man who had been smitten of the Lord and was afflicted from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Such was that which their sin and disobedience had brought upon them.

Still if the Lord was faithful in exposing their true condition before Him, we find in these pleadings of His Spirit the heart of God going out in love to His erring people. He tells them in Isaiah 1:16, 17: "Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well." And then we have that wonderful verse: "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." If the reader is yet unsaved, God still says to you, "Come now, . . ."

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

Messages of the Love of God 10/12/1958

Ching the Chinese Boy

A WEALTHY Virginia planter was lying very ill in the city of Richmond. He had a dangerous and infectious fever, and his physician thought that he was dying.

He had no knowledge of the Bible, having lived without any thought of God or the need of his soul. When the doctor told him that he had not long to live, he swore about it. "It's too bad," said he, "so young as I am, with so much to live for, to think of dying now! But it's always been so. Everything is against me." At length the nurse was afraid of catching the fever, and she left him. Then the doctor asked him if he might get a Chinese lad to wait on him.

"Oh, it makes no difference," said the sick man; "you may as well let me die like a dog. It will soon be over, anyhow."

In another part of the city there was a large Chinese laundry, and one of the boys who worked there was named Ching. Ching was a native of China, but he had learned to read and love the Bible, and had become a Christian. The love of Jesus in his heart, and the hope of going to heaven when his time

came to leave this world, had made him very happy. Now the great desire of his heart was to get an education, and then go back to China and tell his countrymen about Jesus and His great salvation. But he was poor and he saw no way yet of getting an education.

The doctor knew Ching, and stopping at the laundry one day, he asked him if he would be willing to wait on a patient of his who was sick with a dangerous fever. "He is a rich man, and will pay you well," he said. Ching expressed his willingness to go, for he felt sure that God would take care of him. Then the doctor took him and introduced him to his patient.

A few days later, the sick man lay dozing on his bed, while Ching was sitting in the corner opposite to him reading his Bible. Presently the sick man opened his eyes, and seeing what Ching was reading, he demanded, "What confounded book is that you are always reading?"

This hurt Ching's gentle spirit; but he meekly replied, "This no confound book; this my Jesus' book; this my passport."

"Ha! your passport — what do you mean by that?"

In reply Ching merely read these two short verses:

" 'There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved,' but the name of Jesus.

" 'The blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanseth us from all sin.' "

"Did you say 'all sin,' Ching? Read that again. Would it cleanse my sin?"

Ching read it again, and then added, "Yes, sir, it will cleanse your sin, and satisfy all your hopes and longings."

And then, at the sick man's request, Ching knelt down by the planter's bedside, and prayed that God would pardon his sins, give him a new heart, and make him a happy Christian.

This was repeated day by day for some time; and then a great change came over the sick man. He learned that God in His great love had sent His Son into this world to die upon the cross for sinners, and that though he was a great sinner, the Lord Jesus was a greater Saviour. He received into his heart this glorious truth, and resting his weary soul upon the finished work of Christ, he found pardon and peace in believing.

But a great change came over the planter's sick body as well, for his fever broke, and in the mercy of God he got quite well again. He became known as a devoted Christian, using his energies and means to spread the gospel of Christ in the South.

As for Ching, when the planter learned that he was anxious to get an education so that he could go back to China and preach the gospel to his countrymen, he gave him enough money to put him through school. And so Ching became an honored missionary to his own people, and amid many perils and persecutions he labored faithfully to make Christ known in that far off land.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Rom. 11:33.

Memory Verse: "HE IS ABLE ALSO TO SAVE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM." Heb. 7:25.

Dear young reader, have you experienced the power of the love of Christ in your own heart? What He did for poor Ching, and for the rich but godless planter, He will do for you, if you will only receive Him by faith into your heart.

Messages of the Love of God 10/19/1958

Food

NOT long ago a young Christian said, "My Bible is getting so intensely interesting, I find it hard to put it down when I need rest."

The Word of God is food for our souls. The more we read it, the more we will grow in grace. Bread and meat make us strong physically; the Word of God makes us strong spiritually.

May we feed more and more upon Jesus, the Bread of Life, that we may become strong in the Lord.

"I am the bread of life: he that corneth to Me shall never hunger; and He that believeth on Me shall never thirst." John 6:35.

Messages of the Love of God 10/19/1958

My Master is Always In

A MAN walked into a store one day where a Christian boy worked whom he knew. Seeing the boy alone at the time, he said to him, "Johnnie, you must give me extra measure. Your master isn't in."

Johnnie looked up into the man's face very seriously and said, "My Master is always in."

Faithful Johnnie! His Master was the all-seeing God. When tempted to do wrong, may we all adopt Johnnie's motto: "My Master is always in." It will save us from many a sin, and so from much sorrow.

"Thou God seest me." Gen. 16:13.

Messages of the Love of God 10/19/1958

No Rocks for Him

You take your Christian faith far too much for granted, you know," said a friend to the Christian captain of a steamship. "Have you ever read any of the great opponents of Christianity — Voltaire, Ingersoll, Paine?"

"No," replied the captain.

"Well, you should. You can't fairly turn down their argument until you have thoroughly investigated for yourself," argued the captain's boyhood friend.

"I've been captain of this ship for a long time, John," returned the captain. "The chart that was given me pointed out the deep water that would carry the ship safely into port. As a young captain, I never considered it advisable to investigate the rocks; the experience I've known other chaps to have with the rocks has been sufficient warning for me. So the Bible I learned at my mother's knee, in my Sunday school, and from a faithful teacher, is my chart for the sea of life.

"The Bible brings me a knowledge of the fathomless sea of God's love and mercy, which, if I cast myself upon it, will carry me safely into the heavenly port.

"Look at our classmates, John. There's poor Harry, with every prospect; no finer specimen of manhood could be found anywhere, until he threw away the chart — his faith in the Bible. Then, little by little he lost his grip on the finer things of life, dying at last in a gambling hall.

"No, John, others have tampered with the rocks of infidelity to their sorrow; the shores of time are strewn with such wrecks. I shall continue to steer my boat for the 'deep water' that has landed millions upon the heavenly shore. I shall hide in my heart the Holy Scriptures. For as David said, `By them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.' As an experienced sea-captain, I know that it is more important for me to know where the rocks are not, and to keep my ship in the clear channel."

Messages of the Love of God 10/19/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 27:1-9.

UZZIAH, cut off by his leprosy from the temple and forced to dwell in a separate house, is a symbol of Judah now, cut off from God in His government. But the day is coming when the nation shall be restored, and their sin, the moral leprosy, be washed away. The house of David which first led the way into sin and idolatry, is first named as cleansed by the waters of the fountain in that day; for we read, "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness." Zech. 12:1. "And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall be no more remembered." v. 2. "The Lord shall be King over all the earth," Zech. 14:9, and the once idolatrous Jerusalem shall be the capital of His earthly kingdom. Then the story of Solomon's glory and of his golden city will lose its place of wonder in the presence of the greater millennial glory which the Lord will surely bring to Israel.

While Israel's cleansing as a nation awaits a future day, the blood of Christ avails to cleanse away the sins of all those who come to God in repentance now, through faith in the Lord Jesus. For "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7), fitting us not merely to enter His earthly kingdom, but the Father's house in heaven.

Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and his prophecy sets forth the true state of the people. It was in the year that king Uzziah died that Isaiah saw in a vision the glory of the Lord, and when he thought of the terrible moral condition of the people, the king himself a leper, he gave sad expression to the feelings of his own heart, saying, "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips." Isa. 6:5. Nor did there seem to be any repentance in Judah, in spite of God's patience, and of the several godly kings He gave them in those days as a channel of blessing to His people. They only seemed to harden in hypocrisy, and we hear Him say: "this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have removed their heart from Me." Isa. 29:13.

Jotham became king of Judah when he was twenty-five years old and he reigned sixteen years. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Uzziah did, but he did not attempt to enter into the temple of the Lord. It is nice to see that he realized when his father was smitten that it was from the Lord, and he did not blame the priests. How often those who are warned as to an evil course are inclined to put the blame on others.

Jotham erected the high gate of the house of the Lord, and built much on Ophel; also in the mountains of Judah he built cities, castles, and towers. He conquered the Ammonites, and for three years they paid him tribute. He was a prosperous king and evidently did much for Jerusalem and Judah. It is good to read this comment of Scripture: "Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God."

Messages of the Love of God 10/191958

A Donkey's Good Sense

IN Kansas City years ago, an old horse and an old donkey were kept together in a stable. Both had served their master faithfully and were well taken care of. They became well acquainted, and got to be quite fond of each other.

One day they were both turned into a field near the stable to feed on the grass. In the middle of this field was a large pond, which was sometimes filled with water, but at other times with deep mud. One day in trying to cross the pond, the old horse sank down into the mud, and stuck so fast that he could not get out.

As soon as the donkey saw the trouble his friend was in, he started off for the stable. Putting his head in the office door, he brayed as loudly as he could. Then he started to run back to the pond, waving his tail in the air. Looking around he saw that no one was following him, so returning to the office, he put his head in the door and brayed again, longer and louder than before. Again he started for the pond, and again he stopped and looked back to see if anybody was coming. The stable keeper had been watching him, and feeling sure that there was something wrong, he told one of the stable-boys to see what was the matter. The boy followed the donkey to the pond, and there he saw the trouble the poor old horse was in. He returned at once and reported the danger and, immediately three men were sent to the rescue. Soon the horse was delivered from his predicament.

Now the donkey not only showed good sense, but love and kindness as well, in the way he sought help to save the life of his friend. We could not have acted better ourselves under the circumstances.

The donkey's concern for his friend reminds us of those four men in the gospel story (Mark 2), who brought a poor man, sick with palsy, to the Lord Jesus to be healed. When they could not get into the house where Jesus was on account of the crowd, they went up on the housetop, and making a hole in the roof, they let their sick friend down through into the very presence of Jesus. The faith of those men delighted the heart of the Saviour; and the sick man received far more than he expected. Not only was he healed of his palsy, but he got salvation as well; for the Lord Jesus said unto him, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."

The old donkey could not save his friend, but he did the best he could for him. Nor could those four men heal their sick friend, but they too did the best thing they could do — they brought him to Jesus.

Perhaps at times we too are anxious to see our sick friends healed, but are we anxious to see them delivered from the worst predicament of all — from the terrible mire of sin. We are all sinners; and only Jesus can deliver from the power of sin. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our

Lord." Rom. 6:23. He came into this world and died on the cross to put away the sins of all those who would have Him.

Dear young reader, has He saved you yet? If not, will you have Him? Will you let Him save you now?

The old horse would have perished had he refused the help that was sent to him and tried to save himself. And all those who refuse to let Jesus the Son of God be their Saviour, who try to save themselves, will perish in their sins under the just judgment of God.

Memory Verse: "TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS." Heb. 3:7, 8.

Messages of the Love of God 10/26/1958

A Child's Faith

IN a town in Holland there once lived a poor Christian widow. One night her hungry children asked her for something to eat, and with the tears streaming down her cheeks she had to tell them, "My darling children, how gladly I would do this if I could, but there is not a morsel of bread in the house."

Still she knew that God is good and that He has promised to help His people when they are in trouble. So she gathered the children around her, and read a part of Psalm 50, ending with verse 15, in which is found the sweet promise, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee." Then she prayed with them, telling the Lord of their need and earnestly asking Him to help and deliver them.

On rising from their knees, her eldest child, a little fellow about eight years old, said to her, "Mother, dear, doesn't the Bible tell us about one of God's prophets, who had food brought to him by the ravens?"

"Yes, my son, but that was a very long time ago," she replied.

"But, Mother, what God has done once, can He not do again? Now I will go and open the door so the birds can and bring us something to come in to eat."

Then the dear little fellow went and set the front door wide open, so that the light of their lamp shone out upon the sidewalk.

Now it happened just then, that the burgomaster, a kind-hearted Christian man, was going by. Seeing the door open, and the light shining out from the room, he thought it very strange and stopped a moment. Then he entered the house, and asked why they left their door open on such a cold night as that?

"My little boy did it, sir," said the mother, "so that the ravens might come in, and bring some bread for the hungry children, for we have nothing to eat."

"Indeed," said the burgomaster, "then here is the raven already. Come with me, my boy, and you will soon see where the bread is to come from."

So he quickly led the boy to his own house, and sent him home with a basket full of bread and butter, meat and potatoes, and lots of nice things. What a happy supper they had there that night! And after supper the little boy opened the front door again, and looking up to heaven, he said, "Many thanks, dear Father in heaven, for all the good things Thou hast sent us."

That happened years ago, but the Lord is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb. 13:8. He loves to answer the cry of faith, and still says,

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." Psalm 50:5.

"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19.

Messages of the Love of God 10/26/1958

The Invitation Accepted

A little face on a pillow,

The hospital nurse close by,

Watching a little sufferer,

Who, the doctor says, must die

"What will he say?" thus she ponders,

"When he learns the sad, sad truth,

That death, with its icy finger,

Will bear him away in his youth?"

"But I must tell him now, dear lamb!"

And low she bends o'er the bed;

Soft and tender her tone of voice,

While the dreaded words are said:

"You are not so well today, dear,

And soon you'll not need our love,

Home to Jesus you are going

To His own bright home above."

And she gazed on the fair young face,

But she read no sorrow there!

Only a look of glad surprise,

Relieving her heart of care.

"Oh! that will be so nice," he cried;

"And what do you think I'll say

To the Lord who loved the children

And would not send them away?"

"Lord Jesus! when You were on earth,

You bid little children come,

And so I'm coming, coming soon,

To live in Your own bright home!"

Dear little ones, who read this tale

Do you know the love of God?

And have your sins been washed away

In the Saviour's precious blood?

Only that blood can make you clean,

And fit for heaven above,

For all is pure and holy there,

In that home of light and love.

Messages of the Love of God 10/26/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 28:1-23.

In spite of Jotham's upright walk and faithfulness, which procured for him blessing and prosperity from the Lord, we read that "the people did yet corruptly." This shows that there was no real work of the Lord in their hearts. It is sad that some who have heard the Word of the Lord from their youth up have never heeded it.

In dealing with His people during this present time, God does not promise them blessings as a nation, as He did to Israel, because He is taking out a people for Himself out of all nations. His promises are heavenly blessings, though He may, and often does, grant temporal blessings. But the tendency of our hearts is to become lifted up and to credit ourselves with these mercies. Deuteronomy chapter 8 contains some very instructive verses in this connection and it would be well to read them often.

When Jotham died his son Ahaz became king. His age, when he came to the throne, and the length of his reign, were the same as those of his father. But how different in God's sight was his reign. "He did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord." He chose to follow the kings of Israel and gave himself up to open idolatry. He built images for Baalim and burned his own children in the fire, just as those nations did whom the Lord cast out of the land in the days of Joshua.

The Lord delivered Ahaz into the hand of Rezin, king of Syria, who smote Judah and carried away many captives. Also Pekah king of Israel invaded Judah and slew 120,000 men, "because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers." Furthermore, the children of Israel took 200,000 captives, women and children, to make them

slaves. But the Lord in mercy raised up a prophet Oded who rebuked the men of Israel for taking the captives; also four influential princes of Israel remonstrated with the men of War, saying, "Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the Lord already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel." v. 13. It would seem that "our trespass" was their great trespass in rebelling against the house of David under Rehoboam, to which they confessed. Apparently the men of Israel were more open to correction than Judah, for they treated the captives with the utmost kindness and returned them all to their brethren safely.

The goodness of God in the return of the captives seemed to have no effect on the hearts of Ahaz and the men of Judah, for next we hear of him seeking help from the king of Assyria, and purchasing it with the gold of the temple and of his palace. However, the king of Assyria helped him not, but distressed him more. Also the Edomites invaded Judah and took away captives, and the Philistines came and dwelt in many of the villages in the south. "For the Lord brought Judah low because of king Ahaz." Yet did he sin more, for he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus that smote him; and he said, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me." But they were his ruin. "As righteousness tendeth to life; so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death." Prov. 11:19.

Messages of the Love of God 10/26/1958

The Man Who Bought Himself

IT is many years ago now since slavery was abolished in the United States. But before that date slaves were sold in the marketplaces by auction, just as though they had been sheep or horses! General Fisk gives the following interesting account of the sale of a dear old Christian negro, who for long years had been saving up money with which to buy his own freedom.

"How much for this old man?" said the glib auctioneer. "Here is a fine man, honest, faithful, a good preacher: how much? how much? Gentlemen, bid something! Twenty-five dollars is bid; twenty-five only, for this excellent servant? Thirty is bid; thirty, thirty, forty: do I hear forty? Forty; fifty, fifty; sixty, sixty; sixty-five, sixty-five!"

The old man's heart beat quick: his eyes were flooded with tears. He had laid up some money, hoping to buy himself and die free; his fortune was already nearly reached, the bids were running him up beyond his own means. In a clear voice, dictated by hope, he cried aloud "Seventy!" The slave buyers stood aghast: the moral effect stilled the crowd. "Seventy, seventy," cried the auctioneer; "seventy, seventy, and done!" Precious purchase! he was free, who had always been a slave.

And he, you will remember, had purchased his own freedom by the accumulated savings of a lifetime! But those who have been slaves of sin and Satan cannot buy themselves free. Some try to do so, and that is why they do not come to Jesus and be made happy, for they are always trying to pay for their own freedom, as it were, by good resolutions, by going to church, by trying to become religious, and by doing good deeds.

Salvation cannot be purchased that way for we learn from the Bible that it is all of grace, and not of works. "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." Eph. 2:8, 9. Again, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

Now the Lord Jesus has bought the freedom of all those who trust in Him, for their salvation, and this He did at the cost of His own life upon the cross of Calvary; for "The Son of man came . . . to give His life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:28. And are you, dear young reader, among "the many"? In 1 Peter 1:18 we read, "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ." Have you been redeemed yet?

The Saviour says to each one of us,

Memory Verse: "IF THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED." John 8:36.

Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1958

An Elephant's Gentleness

IN India a large elephant showed by the constant twitching of his huge body, that he was much annoyed by his persecutors, the mosquitoes. Just at that time his keeper brought a tiny Indian baby, as round as a ball, and laying it down before the huge animal, uttered two words in Hindostanee, "Watch it." Then he walked away into the town.

The elephant immediately broke off a large bough of a tree so as to make a whisk, and directed his whole attention to the child, gently fanning the tiny thing and driving away every mosquito which came near it. This he continued for upward of two hours, regardless of himself, until the keeper returned.

It was really a touching sight, causing much reflection. Here was an immense creature, whose weight exceeded that of the infant by at least a thousand times, silently proving the truth of sacred Scripture, that God has given to man dominion over the beasts of the field (Gen. 1:26). And here too, was a brute animal setting an example of devotion and self-denial that few, none indeed perhaps but a mother, would have shown.

When we think of the immensity of this elephant and his gentleness, it carries our thoughts on to Him who is the elephant's Maker, the Son of God, the Creator of the universe, whose greatness and power is infinitely beyond the elephant's, but whose love and gentleness exceeds even that of a mother. We read of Him as the One that "sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers"; before whom the nations are as a drop in the bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales. Yet it is He who "shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." (Isaiah 40.)

When He was here on earth He took the little children up in His arms and blessed them, saying, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14.

Who can conceive the joy and happiness of being in heaven forever with such a blessed Man! And yet, dear young friends, we can know Him and enjoy His love down here, if we come and trust Him as our Saviour.

The Saviour is loving, the Saviour is kind,

He came down from heaven the lost ones to find;

He never refuseth, nor turneth aside

The soul that looks to Him, and for whom He died.

How many dear children have leaned on His breast;

How many dear children His name have confessed;

Believing are happy, His goodness they prove,

And now in the glory, rejoice in His love.

Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1958

Sin

SIN leaves a trail behind it. It has a more slimy track than the snail. Give sin liberty, and it will soil your soul. And when you have judged yourself for the sin, and confessed it to God, only He can cleanse you from its unrighteousness.

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

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

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1958

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be count IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Acts, chapters 17-22.

1. Can those who seek the Lord be assured that He is not for from every one of us?

2. By what means did Apollos convince the Jews that Jails was Christ?

3. What did Paul tell the people of Asia about nods which are made with hands?

4. Who is able to give us an inheritance among all them which are sanctified?

5. To what lengths was Paul ready to go for the name of the Lord Jesus?

6. Had Paul, before his conversion, persecuted unto the death both men and women?

7. Who made this change in Paul, that he should see the Just One and hear the voice of His mouth?

Young People's Class

1. Did the people of Israel believe Samuel when he told them the truth as to the manner of king that was to reign over them? 1 Samuel 8.

2. Will the people of the earth be deceived in a coming day and actually believe a lie of antichrist? 2 Thessalonians.

3. Who is the father of lies? John 8.

4. Did comeliness and height characterize Saul. Israel's first king? 1 Samuel.

5. Did the Lord Jesus have form or comeliness that any should desire Him? Isaiah 53.

6. Why was Saul to be anointed captain over the people of Israel? 1 Samuel.

7. What was prophetic about the name given to Jesus? Matthew 1.

Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 28:24-29:2.

AHAZ seems to have been one of those special tools of Satan to seek to destroy every trace, if possible, of Israel being the people of God. He took the vessels out of the house of God and cut them into pieces; he shut up the doors of the house of the Lord and made altars in every corner of Jerusalem. Also he made high places in the cities of Judah for the people to burn incense unto other gods, and he provoked the anger of the Lord God of his fathers. The more he was smitten, the more he sinned against Him.

As if in utmost contempt, because of his evil ways, the Spirit of God comments, "This is that king Ahaz." When he died, he was not buried in the sepulchers of his fathers.

God was cutting Judah short, but His mercy still lingered over His people. His promises concerning them must be fulfilled. It was to Ahaz that the sign was given, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isa. 7:14. Though all was failing in Judah as well as in Israel, God had One in prospect through whom the blessing would be finally secured, and the succeeding reign of Hezekiah was a faint shadow of the coming glory.

Isaiah 1:9 tells us, "Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah." Though Satan and men led on by him become more violent and deceitful, we are assured that the Lord will always have a people for His name here until He comes. We should seek grace, wisdom and strength from the Lord that we might be found going on in the path of His will until that day.

We now come to one of the bright spots in the history of God's dealings with His people in the land of Judah. Hezekiah, a godly son of a wicked father, began to reign at the age of twenty-five years, and he reigned for twenty-nine years. Surrounded with idolatry in his youth, wherever Hezekiah looked an idol met his eye. How burdened his heart must have been during the last years of his father's reign! Yet we see in him a remarkable in. stance of the power of God over sur. rounding influences, for we read that "he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done." We read in 2 Kings 18 that "he clave unto the Lord and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments which the Lord commanded Moses." Hezekiah, in his youthful energy and godliness, is an encouragement and example for all who seek to follow the Lord. In a later day Timothy was exhorted to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12. Hezekiah searched the Scriptures to find out how the Lord would have him and his people walk so as to please Him. He had been preparing his heart beforehand so that he was ready the first day to act for the Lord.

If we look at the ten commandments we find that the first four have to do with man's responsibility toward God; the fifth sets forth man's responsibility toward father and mother, and the last five, man's responsibility toward his fellowman. To begin right, we need to read the Scriptures and there we learn that we have to do with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate asked in his day, "What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?" Everyone is held accountable as to how they answer this question.

Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1958

Saved By a Sheep

A SHIP of war called the Boyne, a vessel of ninety-eight guns, was once anchored off Portsmouth. One day the people on the shore were startled by a terrible report, and looking out toward the Boyne they could see that an explosion had occurred on board. In a few minutes the whole ship was in flames and those on board were seeking the best means of escape. A large number lost their lives in the explosion and many others were drowned trying to swim ashore.

At the time of the explosion a young marine was on board the Boyne with his wife and child, a dear little boy just eighteen months old. The lifeboats were useless and he saw clearly that if they remained on board the burning ship they would all perish. In the midst of the terrible danger the marine suddenly thought of a way of escape. He hastened to the pens where the cattle were kept which provided food for the crew. The animals were wild with excitement and fear, but seizing a full-grown sheep, he carried it onto the deck, and tied his little boy securely to the animal's back. Then dropping them both overboard, he said, "There; turn to the land, and God be with you!"

The marine's first thought was of DANGER, and knowing all other hope of escape to be gone, he resolved to trust his precious child to the back of the sheep. This makes us think of that verse in the Scriptures, "He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him." Psa. 22:8. The margin reads, "He rolled Himself on the Lord." The father simply rolled his child on the sheep. He thought, if it sinks, my boy sinks. If it survives, he survives too. What a beautiful picture of Faith and Trust!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22.

Now for the rest of our story. The sheep struck out for land with its precious burden and finally reached the shallow water. There it was rescued by spectators on the shore who rushed forward to meet it and released the child, safe and sound. In the meantime the marine and his wife had leaped into the sea, where he helped her keep afloat for some time. At length they were both picked up by a boat that had been sent to rescue survivors. The little boy was soon restored to his rejoicing parents, apparently little the worse for his strange experience and narrow escape.

Can anyone reading this story fail to see in it a picture of a more wonderful deliverance — the deliverance the Lord Jesus has wrought for all those who trust Him for their souls' salvation. In the hour of peril the harmless sheep was entrusted with the salvation of that little child; it was "rolled" upon its deliverer and brought safe to shore. And so God entrusted to Jesus, His own beloved Son, the eternal safety of all those whose sins He bore upon the Cross. Alone, for them, He went through death's dark, raging flood; alone, for them, He bore the storm of God's wrath against their sins upon the cross. The sheep in our story reached shore alive; but Jesus had to die. He gave up His life, that we might live, He shed His precious blood to Wash away our sins, for "without the shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22. But in His death and resurrection He opened the way to heaven, and now as the risen and glorified Saviour at God's right hand, He proclaims to all, "Come unto Me." Matt. 11:28.

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

Had the waves beat high, the sheep and its precious burden might both have perished. But all those who have put their trust in Jesus are safe forevermore. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand," we hear Him say in John 10:28. Again in John 3:16: "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."

But all those who spurn His love and refuse His way — the only way — of salvation, shall one day perish in their sins; for God is going to bring everything into judgment.

Memory Verse: "WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE." Rev. 20:15.

Messages of the Love of God 11/9/1958

Giving Thanks

BONNELL was a very bright little fellow, about eight years old. But his father was not a Christian, and they never had a blessing asked at their meals.

"Pa," said Bonnell one day, "Ma says that God made you. Did He, Pa?" "Yes, He made me."

"Well, Pa, are you glad He made you?"

"Why, Bonnell, of course I am; what strange questions you do ask!"

The little fellow was evidently thinking about something which he could not exactly make out.

Not long after this, Bonnell went on a visit to his Uncle Sam's. Uncle Sam was an earnest Christian, and he always asked a blessing at their meals. Besides they had family prayers, and the reading of the Scriptures every day. This led Bonnell to think very seriously about these things, and to wonder why his father didn't do as his uncle did.

After his return home, the first time they were all sitting around the table at breakfast, he asked, "Pa, what does Uncle Sam ask a blessing at table for?"

"I reckon it's because he wants to."

"He says he wants to thank God for his dinner, but I told him you worked for your dinner, and made it. God does not give it to you, does He, Pa?"

"Well, yes; I suppose He gives me mine too."

Bonnell looked in astonishment, and then he went vigorously to work with his knife and fork. Presently he looked up again and asked, "Pa, does God want Uncle Sam to thank Him?"

"Yes, child; I suppose He does."

Then the little fellow was silent again.

After awhile he said, "Pa, I'm mighty glad that God is not like you, for if He was we should never get anything more to eat, and then we'd starve."

"Why, Bonnell, what do you mean?"

"I was just thinking that you would not let sister have that apple the other day because she wouldn't say, please; and if God was that sort of way, He never would give us anything more, because we don't thank Him, as Uncle Sam does, and say, please."

"Be quiet, Bonnell; you don't know what you are talking about." Bonnell was quiet. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence.

Bonnell's father went to his office, to attend to the business of the day. But he could not forget what his little boy had said. It led him to see that he was not doing right, in not thanking God for His many mercies. And to the surprise of his family, when they sat down to supper that night, he gave thanks. He thanked God for their food, and asked His blessing upon it. But the change did not end there. Bonnell's father could not rest until he had come to know the Lord as his Saviour. He became a happy Christian, and how often he must have thanked the Lord for little Bonnell's questions and for Uncle Sam's faithfulness.

When the Lord Jesus fed the multitude in the wilderness (Matt. 14:15-21; Matt. 15:32-38), we read that He gave thanks for the loaves and fishes. If He the Creator and the Giver, when here on earth gave thanks for the food, how much more so ought we, who are dependent upon Him for all things.

We read in 1 Timothy 4:3-5 that our food is that which "God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe."

Messages of the Love of God 11/9/1958

The Little Things

I cannot do great things for Him

Who did so much for me;

But I would like to show my love,

Lord Jesus, unto Thee.

There are small crosses I may take,

Small burdens I may bear;

Small acts of faith and deeds of love,

Small sorrows I may share.

There are small things in daily life

In which I may obey;

And thus may show my love to Thee,

At all times — every day!

I ask Thee, Lord, to give me grace

My little place to fill;

That I may ever walk with Thee,

And seek to do Thy will.

Messages of the Love of God 11/9/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 29:3-29.

HEZEKIAH, in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. For years, during his father's wicked reign, the house of the Lord had been closed, and no attention had been paid to it. Hezekiah then gathered the priests and Levites into the east street and said unto them: "Sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place." He confessed that "Our fathers have trespassed and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God," and had turned their backs on the habitation of the Lord. For their neglect of the Lord's house His wrath was upon Judah and Jerusalem and for this reason their enemies had been allowed to overcome them, to slay them and to take some captive. It was upon the king's heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel that His fierce anger might turn away from them.

Then the Levites and the priests arose and began the work of cleansing the house of the Lord and carrying forth all the defilement which they found in it. They began the first day of the first month and by the eighth day they had gotten to the porch. On the sixteenth day they had completed the task. They were able to find all the vessels which king Ahaz had cast away and had cleansed and brought them back before the altar of the Lord. Hezekiah must have anxiously awaited this word for he rose early and gathering together the rulers of the city, he went up to the house of the Lord. Then they brought animals which they sacrificed for a sin-offering. It is interesting to note that here the sin-offering is mentioned first, whereas when Solomon dedicated the temple, the burnt offering and peace offerings are mentioned. Th,,, reason for this is evident: there had been great failure in departing from the Lord, and it was only proper to bring forward first that which the law told them was necessary for sin. Under the law, if a priest, or a ruler, or the whole congregation, or one of the cornmon people sinned, it called for a different sacrifice for each; but here they offered bullocks, rams, lambs and goats for they had all sinned.

We learn an important lesson from the sin offerings. When there has been failure, this should be owned, judged and departed from in every way. There are some things in which there has been failure but which is only between us individually before the Lord, and so private confession to Him is sufficient. But there are other things which require confession before others as well as to the Lord. We see here that Hezekiah and the people were publicly confessing their failures in departing from the Lord. The priest decided then for the people by the word of God as to how serious the offense was. But now we have no official priests in the New Testament, the Lord has provided other means of ruling in the assembly. So in Hebrews 13:17, we are told, "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves . . ."

Here it is said the sin-offerings were for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. Judah which had professed to cleave to the Lord had failed more than all of Israel.

Messages of the Love of God 11/9/1958

A Night With a Lion

A WILD and careless young fellow named William Stephens had enlisted as a soldier. After a time he was ordered off to Africa with his regiment, and while there had a strange and dreadful experience.

One afternoon as a few of the soldiers were going through a forest, William somehow got separated from his companions, and could not find them. On, on, on, he wandered, vainly trying to get out of the forest, but every step seemed to entangle him more and more in its mazes. At last the day began to wear away, and the shadows crept on the scene. Poor William was getting very tired and hungry, and wished himself safely among his comrades at the camp. But still he toiled on, hoping against hope that he might escape from his dangerous position, until at length the dark night came on, and with it the cries of wild beasts seeking their prey.

At length our soldier friend was quite exhausted, and feeling unable to walk any further, crept into a cave and lay down to rest.

We could wish that he slept peacefully in his strange bedroom!

But no! William was not to get any sleep that night, for before many minutes had passed, he was startled by a roar, and soon afterwards another and louder one made his blood run cold. Looking out of the entrance of his cave, he saw by the moonlight an immense lion coming towards him; and then the truth flashed into his mind that he was resting in a lion's bedroom!

Quicker than I can write he decided what to do; he must pretend to be asleep, as this was the only chance of the wild beast sparing him. So he lay perfectly still with his eyes closed, and presently with a terrific roar, that seemed to make the very ground shake, the lion bounded in. William felt his hot breath upon his face, the lion licking him all over, as the poor fellow feared, preparatory to tearing him in pieces.

Then William cried out to God in real earnest, and begged that he might be delivered from the paw of the lion, and promised that if his life were spared, he would become a Christian, return to England, and preach the gospel.

Perhaps poor William thought of that verse of Scripture: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." Psa. 50:15. At any rate God heard his cry and in mercy shut the lion's mouth. The king of beasts laid quietly down by the side of the man, having probably eaten a heavy supper, and soon went off to sleep; but before doing so he put his paw on William's chest, and gripped his shoulder with his claws as though in a vice, seeming by this act to say, "I'll have you for my breakfast in the morning, and will take good care you don't run away in the night."

Oh, what a time of suspense and agony this was for the soldier, and he did plead to the Lord with all his heart that he might get away from the powerful beast! At last, when the lion appeared to be sleeping very soundly, William managed to extricate one arm, and gently unlocked the claws from their terrible grip, his heart beating very fast, as may be imagined. Would the movement wake the monster? If so, one stroke from that great paw would instantly dash his brains out. But no! his strange bedfellow did not wake, so he slowly tried to move the heavy paw from his chest, and at last laid it down on the ground. The next thing was to creep out of the cave without making the slightest noise, and this God enabled him to do, and thus to make his escape.

I am glad that none of my readers were near enough to hear the lion roaring with rage in the morning, when he found to his mortification and disappointment that his breakfast was gone, but we can well believe that he made all the little birds tremble in their nests.

But did William forget the promise he made to God in the time of his distress? No, indeed, not like many do; for he returned to England as soon as he was able to do so, and at a little prayer meeting in his native village, told the thrilling story of his adventure, and how he had promised to be a Christian, concluding by asking them to plead that he might have all his sins forgiven.

You can imagine what joy this gave the good people, and what earnest prayers followed; how some gathered round him and told him the old, old story of the Saviour's love; how He came from Heaven on purpose to seek and to save lost sinners — how He lived a life of sorrow; how He, who made the world, had not where to lay His head; how He was falsely accused, insulted, spat upon, ridiculed, crowned with thorns, mocked, cruelly beaten, and at last nailed to the cross between two thieves. They told him how He prayed for His murderers, saved the repentant thief, bore the jeerings of the mob, and at last cried, "it is finished"; how He was laid in the grave, but rose again, and went back to Heaven, after He had told His disciples to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15); and how those who trust in His name shall receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). They told him how he was really under the paw of Satan, the roaring lion of hell, a more terrible monster by far than the sleeping one in the cave, but that Christ had come to destroy the works of the devil, and would deliver him, if he only trusted in Him.

So William fell down on his knees in that little schoolroom and cried to the Lord to save his soul, just as he had cried for deliverance from the African lion, and he heard the Lord say, "Yes. Go in peace; thy sins are forgiven."

From that time he became a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and witnessed to others of the wonderful grace of God, until at a good old age he went home to see Him who loved and gave Himself for him, and to receive His reward. He was buried in the little village where he had lived and labored for Christ, and I have stood beside his grave surrounded by a crowd of children, who were delighted to hear the story of his encounter with the lion.

Memory Verse: "CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: I WILL DELIVER THEE, AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME." Psalm 50:15.

Messages of the Love of God 11/16/1958

Not Yet

“REMEMBER now thy Creator" was once said to a little boy. "Not yet," said the boy, as he busied himself with his bat and ball; "When I grow older I will think about it."

The little boy grew to be a young man.

"Remember now thy Creator," his conscience said to him.

"Not yet," said the young man; "I am now about to begin my trade; when I see my business prosper, I shall have more time than I can command now."

His business did prosper.

"Remember now thy Creator," conscience whispered to him.

"Not yet," said the business man. "My children must now have my care; when they are settled in life, I shall be better able to attend to the claims of religion."

He lived to be a gray-headed old man.

"Remember now thy Creator," was the voice which conscience once more addressed to him.

"Not yet," was still his cry. "I shall soon retire from business, and then I shall have nothing else to do but read and pray."

Soon after this he died — without turning to the Lord. He put off to another time, what he should have attended to when young, and that caused the loss of his soul. Those two little words, "Not yet," were his ruin.

Dear young friends, we plead with you not to put off salvation's day any longer. Come now to the Saviour while He is still seeking you. His word is, "They that seek Me early shall find Me." Prov. 8:17. He does not promise He will save you tomorrow, or next week, or next month, but His word is: "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:15.

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

"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 abide on him." John 3:36.

Messages of the Love of God 11/16/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 29:30-30:4.

WE WERE noticing earlier that Jotham's faith and energy had led to building cities, castles and towers in the forests and mountains of Judah. But in Hezekiah we see a young man whose course began in the presence of the Lord. The first day of his reign he opened the doors of the Lord's house, which had been closed during his father's evil reign. Hezekiah seemed to value the Lord's presence and Jerusalem as His earthly center. Surely this was written for our learning; we read, "Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God." Psa. 92:13. Again, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33.

Hezekiah had laid a good foundation. Of what use were castles and towers as long as the doors of the Lord's house were shut up? And of what value are the works of our hands if God does not have the full homage of our hearts? How many are ready to do acts of outward service apparently for God, but have little desire for private communion with Him. And yet communion is the secret of true spiritual power; it is the only thing that can maintain us in effective service for Him.

After the offering of the sacrifices, Hezekiah commanded the Levites to praise with psalteries and harps according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet. Then they offered burnt offerings; the congregation worshiped; the singers sang; and the trumpeters sounded until the burnt offering was finished. Then the king and all present bowed themselves and worshiped. After this they brought in thank offerings, and as many as were of a free heart brought burnt offerings. So "Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly." v 36.

The sense of the Lord's goodness and grace to him and his people seemed to enlarge the heart of Hezekiah, for he thought not only of Jerusalem and Judah but of all Israel as well. The blood that could cleanse Judah, could cleanse the ten tribes also, and both stood in need of it. Hezekiah's desire was to gather the scattered tribes around the one altar at Jerusalem, and the blood of the lamb was God's basis for the union of all. If we are walking in the truth and enjoying the Lord's presence, our heart's affections too shall go out to the whole family of God, and to the perishing all around us. We shall desire that they too might find in Jesus alone the One who can satisfy, whose blessed Person is the true Center for faith.

Hezekiah, his princes and the congregation had taken counsel to keep the Passover in the second month. They could not keep it in the first month because of the defilement in the house of the Lord which had to be taken away first. In Numbers 9 the law made provision for keeping it in the second month if they were unclean at the time or were on a journey. Well, they certainly had become unclean, and they could not have kept the Passover in such a condition without bringing judgment on themselves. But we see how that the Lord directed Hezekiah firs[ to "repent," and then to do "the first works." (Rev. 2:5.)

Messages of the Love of God 11/16/1958

All Aboard

NOT MANY years ago a man and his wife, with their one little boy, left their native land in Northern Europe, and sailed away off to America. They were very poor, and settled on the prairies in one of the Western States. Here the father took up land, and toiled so hard to get a home that he soon was taken sick and died.

Left alone with her boy, the poor mother worked and worried on till she too fell sick and died of a broken heart. Then everything was sold to pay their debts, and the little Scandinavian boy was left friendless and without a penny.

Oh, how sad he felt! He was too small to work and earn his board, so no one cared to take him in. Winter was coming on, too, and where to go or what to do he did not know.

He had an uncle in Chicago who would take him in but Chicago was a great way off. He could not walk that distance, and he could not travel by the railway either, as he had no money for a ticket.

One day, as he was standing by the little country railway station, the eastbound train pulled in, and stopped to let off and take on passengers.

"That's the train for Chicago," he heard someone say.

"Chicago," thought he to himself; "why, that's just where I want to go. If I only had a ticket now I would soon reach uncle's." But wishing for a ticket would not bring him one, so with a heavy heart he turned to go away.

Just then, however, the conductor shouted, "All aboard!"

"Why, he's telling everybody to get on," said the little fellow to himself. Yet he feared to go on board without a ticket. But as he stood undecided what to do the conductor cried again, "All aboard!"

"There," thought he, "he said it again, and I'll just do as he says"; so on the train he jumped just as it was moving off, and took his seat among the passengers.

Now there are many children who would like to go to heaven. They know that if they do not get there they must perish. But, like our little orphan boy, they have no ticket; they are sinful, and so have no title to be there. Like him, too, they cannot earn one by their works, for they have no strength to keep the holy law of God.

But Jesus says, "I am the way to heaven." He died and His precious blood was shed, and thus He became the way to God and glory. Arid He is the only way of escape from wrath to come.

All may trust in Him. God's invitation in the gospel is for "whosoever." That means all. God's faithful servants (like conductors on the railways) cry to bankrupt, helpless sinners, "All aboard!" Just believe the message, and step out in faith on Christ. Trust Him; get aboard at once. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

But our story does not end here.

When the train had started the conductor came into the car collecting fares, and crying, "Tickets!" Soon he reached the little Scandinavian boy, and asked him for his ticket.

"Oh," said he, "I have no ticket." "Pay your fare in money, then," said the conductor.

"I have no money either," said the boy.

"What did you get on the train for, then?" asked the conductor angrily.

"Because you told me to," he answered.

"I guess not," said the conductor, "and you get right off at the next station, and keep off."

Oh, how the little fellow cried with disappointment. At the next stop he got off, and with tearful eyes stood watching the passengers getting on with their tickets in their hands.

"All aboard!" suddenly cried the conductor.

"There!" said he, "he is telling everybody to get on, and he must mean me."

"All aboard!" rang out again, and once more the lad stepped on the train as it was moving off.

The conductor soon came round again to take up tickets. He frowned as his eye fell on the trembling form of our little friend. "Where's your ticket?" he asked sharply.

He was very angry when he saw that he had no ticket again.

"You little cheat, you! Didn't I tell you to get off, and to stay off?"

"Yes," sobbed the poor little fellow, "but you told me to get on again."

"I told you to get on again? When?" "Didn't you say 'All aboard' twice. and didn't you mean me?"

"Oh, I see," said the conductor in a more kindly tone. "But where do you want to go, anyway?"

His sad story was soon told. The big conductor's eyes moistened with tears as he listened.

"You shall have a free ride to Chicago," he said, "if I have to pay your fare myself."

And so the little Scandinavian boy reached his uncle's safely after all.

God in His gospel says, "All aboard!" and He means it. He does not say one thing and mean another, like the railway conductor. And He never frowns an boys and girls who take Him at His word. But He does give them a free passage to heaven. Jesus paid the fare in blood. God accepts the fare; and all who trust in Jesus safely reach the Father's house on high.

May many little ones who read, or hear this story read, obey the gospel from their hearts by trusting in the blessed Saviour.

Memory Verse: "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY ME." John 14:6.

Messages of the Love of God 11/23/1958

My Old Bible

THOUGH the cover is worn

And the pages are torn,

And though places bear traces of tears,

Yet more precious than gold

Is this Book, worn and old,

That has shattered and scattered my fears.

When I prayerfully look

In this precious old Book.

Many pleasures and treasures I see;

Many tokens of love

From the Father above,

Who is nearest and dearest to me.

This old Book is my guide,

And a friend by my side;

It will lighten and brighten my way;

And each promise I find

Gives me comfort of mind

As I read it and heed it each day.

To this Book I will cling,

For I cannot despair

Though surrounded by care

While possessing this blessing divine.

—Found in an old Bible Author unknown

Messages of the Love of God 11/23/1958

Confucius, Buddha or the Lord Jesus?

AMONG the many thousands of false gods worshiped in China, two of the principal ones are Confucius and Buddha. A Chinese, who had become a Christian, made use of this simple but interesting fable or allegory to illustrate the difference between Confucius or Buddha and the Lord Jesus Christ. Said he:

"A man had fallen into a deep, dark pit. He lay on its miry bottom wounded and bleeding, groaning piteously, and utterly unable to rise. Confucius, walking by, approached the edge of the pit, and said, 'Poor fellow! I am very sorry for you. Why were you such a fool as to get in there? Let me give you a piece of advice: if you ever get out, don't fall in again.'

" 'I can't get out,' groaned the unfortunate man.

"A Buddhist priest came by next. He leaned over and gazed awhile at the suffering man, and said: 'Poor fellow! I am very much pained to see you there. I think if you could manage to scramble up two-thirds of the way, or even half, I could reach you and lift you up the rest.'

"But the man in the pit was entirely helpless. He could not stand upon his feet, or even move a limb.

"Next Jesus came by. He heard the cries; He went down to the very bottom of the pit. He reached out His almighty arm and took hold of the poor man. He brought him up out of the horrible pit and miry clay. He healed his wounds; He set his feet upon a rock and established his goings. He put a new song into his mouth, a song of praise unto our God."

Messages of the Love of God 11/23/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 30:5-20.

HAVING offered sacrifices for all Israel, Hezekiah sent letters to the ten tribes inviting them to come to the house of the Lord to keep the Passover. He besought them to turn again unto the Lord God of Israel saying, "He will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the king of Assyria." He also told them that if they turned again unto the Lord God of their fathers, He would have compassion on them and would bring back those that had been carried away captive. This was indeed a message of hope and a promise of mercy to a people under judgment. The messengers passed from city to city; but the people laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Perhaps they did not realize it, but when they mocked the messengers the Lord, counted it as mocking Him. Nor did they realize that this was a last appeal from the Lord to them, for in 2 Kings 18:10 we read that in the sixth year of Hezekiah's reign, the king of Assyria came and carried all of the ten tribes away, and they have never been heard from since.

The rejection of Hezekiah's invitation by the people of Israel and their judgment which followed reminds us of the solemn position of those who in this day of grace reject the message of the gospel. "To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life." 2 Cor. 2:16. How solemn the word of the Lord, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man." Gen. 6:3. If the reader is yet unsaved, we urge you to come to the Saviour now, before it is too late; "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found."

Still it is nice to see that some in Asher, Manasseh, Zebulun, Ephraim and Issachar did turn to the Lord and came to Jerusalem. Perhaps you will remember that in Luke, chapter 2, 36-38 read about Anna, a widow of great age, who was of the tribe of Asher. She departed not out of the temple, and served God day and night with fastings and prayers, so that she was there and saw the Lord Jesus when as a babe He was brought in. What a reward for her faithfulness! And those who love the Lord Jesus now will be rewarded soon when He shall come as the bright and Morning Star to take them to be with Himself, just before the dawn of the millennial day. May the Lord direct our hearts "into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thess. 3:5), and help us meanwhile to speak to others of His wondrous love. of His precious death, and of His coming glory.

The result of Hezekiah's appeal was that a great company assembled at Jerusalem to keep the Passover. But many of them had not cleansed then. selves so Hezekiah prayed for them. saying, "The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers. though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary." We read that "the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the people." It was a very serious thing for one who was unclean to attempt to eat the Passover. The Lord had said that such a one was to be cut off from the congregation. But it was not indifference on the part of those who came out of the ten tribes. They had been away from the teaching of the law for so long that they were in great ignorance; so the Lord was gracious with them.

Messages of the Love of God 11/23/1958

The Pickpocket's Story

IN London some years ago a respectable-looking man introduced himself to two Christian men who were engaged in the work of distributing the Holy Scriptures free or otherwise.

"Gentlemen," said the stranger, "here is a gift for your excellent work. I thank God for what you are doing. Listen for a moment to my story, and you will see that I have reason enough to thank God for the Bible.

"Not long ago, I belonged to a company of pickpockets. About a year since, two of my companions and myself were passing by a hall that was full of people. It was a conference of your group. Seeing so many there, we thought it would be a good chance for us to get some money, by carrying on our wicked business. The hall was so crowded that we were obliged to separate from each other. I got into the middle aisle, just in front of the speakers. The Ten Commandments in large gilt letters were on the wall behind the pulpit. The first words that caught my eye were: 'Thou shalt not steal.'

"In a moment my attention was arrested. I felt as if God were speaking to me. My conscience troubled me, and my tears began to flow. My companions made signs to me to begin our work; but I took no notice of them. As soon as the meeting was over, I hurried away to a distant part of the city where no one knew me. I got a Bible, and for the first time in my life I began to read it. It showed me what a great Saviour Jesus is. I prayed to Jesus with all my heart. He heard my prayer. And now my sins are pardoned, and my soul is saved in Him. Now I am on the point of starting for America. May God bless you."

Memory Verse: "IS NOT MY WORD LIKE A FIRE? SAITH THE LORD; AND LIKE A HAMMER THAT BREAKETH THE ROCK IN PIECES?" Jer. 23:29.

Messages of the Love of God 11/30/1958

A Little Messenger

A GENTLEMAN was passing through one of the busy streets of a city, when a little boy ran up to him, and touching his arm, offered him a tract. He took it, and the boy went on giving tracts to one and another of the passers-by. Mr. Moore's attention was arrested. "I wonder who this little boy is? I will not let him off like this," thought he.

So he followed, and stopping him, asked, "My boy, why are you giving those tracts away?"

He answered, "Oh! sir, I am so happy, I cannot help it."

"But what makes you so happy? I see many happy boys and girls who are not giving tracts away."

The lad looked up with a smile, as he said, "I know I am saved. I know that the Lord Jesus died to put away my sins, and that makes me happy."

"I am glad to hear that, but how do you know it?" Mr. M. questioned again.

"Sir! the Word of God says so."

"Where does it say so? can you tell me any verse?"

The boy paused thoughtfully, and then said, "There are so many verses, I hardly know which to choose, but it says, 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.' " John 3:36.

"It was through that verse I was converted, nineteen years ago," said Mr. Moore.

Just then a lady came up, who said she was the boy's mother, adding, "And I am saved too."

Three of the Lord's loved ones were together; they had found something in common. Although never having met before, they rejoiced together there, in the crowded street.

Then Mr. Moore told his young friend that he had been asked to go that evening to speak to some boys and girls about the Lord Jesus, and that he had been hesitating a little as to what he should do.

"What would you have me do?" he asked.

"Oh! go, sir," the boy answered. "Why?"

"Jesus is coming, and it may be the last time," was the answer.

"What shall I tell them? Can you give me a message for them?"

"Yes. Tell the boys and girls to give their hearts to Jesus now."

This was the message this little servant of the Lord Jesus Christ sent to the young people at that meeting, and it is the message we would give to you, readers. We do want you to be saved, and to be saved now, and then, like our little friend, you may seek to lead others to the Saviour.

Messages of the Love of God 11/30/1958

The Blacksmith's Sacrifice

In Ragenbach, Germany, years ago, a large number of villagers were gathered together one afternoon in the large room of the inn. There was only one door to the room, and that stood open. The village blacksmith, a pious, good-natured and brave-hearted man, sat near the door, talking with some of his neighbors.

All at once a large dog appeared in the doorway. He was a great, powerful beast, with a fierce, frightful look. His head hung down, his eyes were bloodshot, his great red tongue hung half out of his mouth, and his tail drooped between his legs. As soon as the innkeeper saw him he turned pale, and cried out, "Mercy on us, the dog is mad!" The women screamed, and there was great confusion in the room. There was no way out but by the door in which the dog stood, and no one could pass him without being bitten.

"Stand back, my friends," cried the brave smith, "till I seize the dog; then hurry out while I hold him. Better for one to perish than for all."

So saying, he seized the foaming beast with an iron grasp and dashed him on the floor. Then a terrible struggle followed. The dog bit furiously on every side, in a most frightful manner. His long teeth tore the arms and thighs of the heroic smith, but he would not let go his hold. Unmindful of the pain, and the horrible death which he knew must follow, with the grasp of a giant he held down the snapping, biting, howling brute, till all his friends had escaped in safety. Then he flung the half-strangled beast from him against the wall, and dripping with blood and venomous foam, he left the room and locked the door.

The dog was shot through the window; but what was to become of the brave but unfortunate smith?

The friends whose lives he had saved at the expense of his own stood round him weeping.

"Be quiet, my friends," he said. "Don't weep for me; when I am dead, think of me with love; and now pray for me that God will not let me suffer long, or too much. I know I shall become mad, but I will take care that no harm comes to you through me."

Then he went to his shop and took a strong chain. One end of it he riveted with his own hands around his body; the other end he fastened round the anvil so strongly that no one could loose it. Then he looked around on his friends, and said,

"Now it's done. You are all safe. I can't hurt you. Bring me food while I am well, and keep out of my reach when I am mad. The rest I leave with God."

Perhaps if the brave smith had lived in our day, the doctors with modern drugs and shots could have saved his life; but nothing could be done for him then. Soon madness seized him, and after nine days of terrible sufferings he died.

What a noble fellow! What a hero he was — one who was willing to suffer terrible agonies and give up his life in order that his friends might be spared!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

The blacksmith's love for his friends was wonderful; but far more wonderful was the love of the Lord Jesus, for He died for His enemies as well. That is just what we are by nature. We read in Colossians 1:21, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works." "Yet now hath He reconciled." That is what God can now say of those who have come to Him confessing their sins, and have had them all washed away in the blood of Jesus.

The blacksmith suffered terrible agonies, but no man has ever suffered like the Lord Jesus did when alone upon the cross He was making atonement for sin. His sufferings were infinite.

And then to think of Him, in the midst of His sufferings, praying for His enemies: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Such is the love of the Saviour that still goes out to you, unsaved friend. God will still forgive your sins if you will take Him as your Saviour and Lord.

Messages of the Love of God 11/30/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 30:21-31:1.

EZEKIAH and the people kept the feast of unleavened bread, which lasted seven days. During those days they could not have leaven in their houses. Leaven is a type of evil, and this feast, as we learn from 1 Cor. 5:6-8, is typical of our sojourn here after we have been brought to the Lord. We are called upon to be in separation from evil, and to keep our feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

We read that "the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: . . . And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness." God was there, and such was the joy they experienced in carrying out His will. If we are truly seeking to please Him we shall find that "His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). Again the Lord Jesus tells us: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matt. 11:29, 30.

We are told that there had not been such great joy in Jerusalem since the time of Solomon. It is remarkable that in all those seven hundred years there had not been such a joyful time as there was now that the people were truly in heart seeking the Lord. Certainly those who had come oui of the ten tribes had never spent such happy days around the calf at Dan or while under the religious system of Jeroboam. But that which is really of God will make the soul happy, and if we want real joy of heart, we shall find it in His presence; for "in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psa. 16:11.

"Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even unto heaven." v. 27. This would teach us that if our prayers are to be heard in heaven, they must be in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23, 24.)

The joy and blessedness experienced in the presence of the Lord at Jerusalem produced a powerful moral and separating influence on all those who had come up to the feast. After it was all over we read that they went out and broke down all the idolatrous altars and images and cut down the groves not only in the cities of Judah and Benjamin, but throughout Ephraim and Manasseh as well. It does not appear that king Hezekiah had told them to do this but after such a season of worship and joy before the Lord, they felt how inconsistent it was for such things to be in their midst. This was service happily flowing out of worship. Hezekiah and the children of Israel found strength at the altar of God to pull down the altars of Satan. If one is conscious of failure or decline from God, if Satan has gotten the advantage over him, then the path to true restoration and happiness is to get before the Lord about it at once and in brokenness of spirit to confess the sin and failure; then by faith one can look up and see in Jesus the Beloved the measure of his acceptance before God. Thus the spirit is restored and strengthened, the soul is chastened yet rejoices in the love of Christ, and one can go on again for Him.

Messages of the Love of God 11/30/1958

Saved By His Friends

IT WAS in the Malay Peninsula that a traveler named Pringle joined in an elephant hunt on a large scale. During the hunt he became separated from his companions, and was pursued by a large female elephant. Seeing that he was unable to escape by flight, he turned and took aim with his gun. It, however, missed fire for a moment, and when it at length exploded the bullet only grazed the huge creature's shoulder. She at once charged upon him, and began to trample him under her feet. He remained sufficiently conscious to be able to shift his position slightly, so that her weight did not come directly on his chest; but he would certainly have succumbed to her had not his friends, who had become aware of his danger, fired at and wounded her so severely that she was obliged reluctantly to leave her foes, and flee to the forest for shelter from their guns.

Thus Pringle was saved by his friends, one of whom, Lieutenant Chishold, hazarded his life to do so, for he approached near to the savage elephant in order to take the better aim and insure, if possible, her death.

Now just as Pringle was powerless to save himself, so are you and I. We are "without strength," and have no might or ability of our own. He needed to be saved by another, and friends were at hand to help. But who could save us? Who could deliver us from the power of Satan, self, and sin? Who could set us free in the presence of God, or from the fear of judgment? There was but One—the Son of God—-and

He came into the world to save sinners, and laid down His life for us at Calvary, so that we, set free from all that was against us, and knowing our sins blotted out by His precious blood, might be able to live unto God, and be for His pleasure and service here. Surely such a Saviour calls for our sweetest, fullest praise now and forever.

Memory Verse: "FOR WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." Romans 5:6.

Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1958

Tracts and Tracks

“Well, Ben, how did you like that tract

I gave to you one day?"

The country preacher asked his man

Who kept the weeds away.

"Ah, Massa, it was jes' for me;

It sure did me some good.

I couldn't tell why call 'em 'tracks,'

But NOW I'm sure I could.

"For when I read that little book

It track me everywhere;

It track me down the cellar steps,

It track me up the stair.

"It track me right out to de barn,

'Nen to de house it come;

It track me all aroun' de farm,

At las' it track me home.

"It tracked me till I 'fessed my sins

Took dat I stole right back;

It done has tracked me to de Lawd

God bless yo' fer dat track.

"I jes' abouten wore it out.

But did yo' wan' it back?

It's trackin' Mandy! An' I knows

Jes' why yo call it 'track.' "

Amos Wells

Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1958

How Alice Found the Way to Heaven

ALICE was a young girl, about fourteen years of age. Her parents were very rich, and she was their only child. One day Alice was taken sick, and when the doctor came and examined her case, he said the disease was incurable, and that she had but a short time to live. Then she became anxious about her soul. Her parents were not Christians, and had lived with little thought of God or the needs of their souls.

"Father," she said one day, "the doctor says I have not long to live. When I die, where shall I go?" But her father could not answer the question.

Turning to her mother, Alice asked, "Mother dear, can you not tell me what I must do to get to heaven?" But her mother had nothing to say.

"Father," she exclaimed again, "is there no one who can tell me what I must do to be saved?"

"My child," said her father, "you have always been a good girl — a dutiful daughter. You have never grieved your parents. You have regularly attended church, and taken part in the services. Don't you think that is all you need?"

"Oh! no, my dear father. That will not do. I cannot rest my soul there. That is not the way to heaven. Oh, I am going to die. I know not what will become of me. Can no one show me the way to heaven?"

It so happened that Alice had a young girl to wait on her, and she was an earnest Christian. She asked permission to go and bring a preacher to answer these great questions. The preacher soon came, and sat down by the bedside of the dying girl. She raised herself on her elbow, and looking earnestly at him, said,

"Sir, can you tell me what I must do to find rest for my soul, and to die at peace with God?"

"No, my friend," he replied. "I cannot tell what you can do, but I can tell you, what has been done for you." And then he told her about the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus. "He did all this," said he, "to obtain pardon and salvation for poor sinners, such as we are. And now, this one short verse shows us the way to heaven — "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

"Yes, I believe that Jesus died for sinners," said Alice, "but how can I be sure that He died for me?"

"You may be sure of that, my young friend," he returned, "from what he said Himself, when He was on earth. These are His own sweet words. Listen to them: 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever' — this takes in you, and me, and everybody — 'that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' "

"I see it now, sir; thank you, thank you, a thousand times!" said Alice. "And now, sir, won't you please kneel down and pray that my sins may be forgiven, and that my soul may be saved for Jesus' sake?"

He kneeled down with all the family, and offered an earnest prayer in her behalf.

When the prayer was ended, she said, "Now, I feel perfectly willing to die, whenever my time shall come." Not many days after, her time did come. In perfect peace and happiness she went home to be with Jesus.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Rom. 5:1.

Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1958

Bible Questions for December

The Children’s Class

The answers to these questions will be found IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER in Acts, chapters 23-28.

1. Who was it that stood by Paul, when he was held captive, and said, "Be of good cheer"?

2. What happened to Felix when Paul reasoned before him of judgment to come?

3. Did Paul affirm Jesus to be alive who was dead?

4. Should we think it incredible that God should raise the dead?

5. When our eyes are opened, from whose power are we turned?

6. When Paul said, "Sirs, be of good cheer," was he believing God or man?

7. Did Paul teach those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with confidence?

Young People's Class

1. Did Saul understand what Samuel meant when he said that the desire of all Israel was upon him?

2. Should the name of the Lord Jesus and the remembrance of Him be the desire of our souls? Isaiah 26.

3. What did Samuel want to show Saul in Private? I Samuel.

4. Is there a blessing for us in hearing and keeping the word of God? Luke 11.

5. Are there any which by their actions corrupt the word of God? II Corinthians 2.

6. What did Samuel use to anoint the head of Saul? I Samuel.

7. In what way was Jesus of Nazareth anointed? Acts 10.

Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 31:2-32:21.

AFTER THIS Hezekiah ordered the courses of the priests and Levites according to the law of the Lord. The whole series of feasts during the entire year had so completely been set aside that it was necessary to with that all was done in accordance with the word of the Lord. They had neglected all through the former years of their departure to give tithes to the Lord, and Hezekiah had to bring these things before the people so the priests and the Levites might be encouraged in the law of the Lord. The Lord was with Hezekiah and he prospered.

But Satan is ever ready to stand up against the Lord's people and to drive or lead them from their true place before Him. So the next thing we hear of is that Sennacherib, the mighty king of Assyria, came up against Judah and Jerusalem. He had conquered Israel in Samaria and had taken them away out of their land, and he thought he could easily overcome Hezekiah as he had the king of Israel. But Hezekiah was different from most kings and captains; he had found out a strength which was quite unknown to Sennacherib. God was his refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46), and "if God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.

Hezekiah and his princes and mighty men took certain precautions; he built up the wall of Jerusalem where it had been broken down, and built another wall; also he made weapons and shields in abundance. Then he gathered the people together in the street and spoke consolingly to them, telling them that the Lord was with them. He told them that there was more with them than all the multitude of the king of Assyria, for he said, "With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." We are told that the people depended upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

The king of Assyria went first to Lachish which was west of Jerusalem near the sea coast, and laid seige to it. But in the meantime he sent messengers to Hezekiah and Judah advising them to submit to him. He said not to let Hezekiah persuade them that the Lord their God would deliver them from the king of Assyria, for the gods of other nations had not been able to deliver them. Then the messenger wrote a letter railing on the Lord God of Israel. His blasphemy so shocked king Hezekiah that he put on sackcloth and together with Isaiah the prophet he went into the temple and spread the letter out before the Lord. They both cried to the Lord for deliverance and He answered in a most remarkable way.

At night while the Assyrian army slept in their tents the angel of the Lord slew one hundred and eighty-five thousand of their mighty men. Sennacherib, thoroughly defeated, returned to his own land with shame of face, and was later slain by his own sons. What folly to think that he could defy the Lord God of Israel! And yet there are people like that today.

Hezekiah is a type of the Lord Jesus who shall come back to be the strength and defense of the remnant of His people, when the Assyrian shall again invade the land of Israel in the last days. "And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land." Micah 5:5. This will be the final overthrow of Israel's great enemy.

Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1958

I Love to Pint Him Out

A GENTLEMAN, while traveling through one of our southern states, came to a river which he had to cross in order to continue his journey. Joe Brown, a colored boatman who had charge of a ferry-boat, came and offered to take him over. The gentleman took a seat in the bow of the boat, and soon the boat was gliding swiftly out into the stream. Several other vessels were in sight going up and down the river. All at once Joe sprang to his feet, took off his ragged old straw hat, and shading his eyes with his hand, looked earnestly at some object on one of the boats in the distance.

Then he cried out, "As I'm a libbing man, dat am de captin!"

The gentleman started from his musing, and looked toward the distant vessel, but could not see anything very distinctly.

"Don't you see him, mister?" said Joe. "Dere he is — dat strong, good-looking man leaning against de mast."

"Perhaps I'll see him when the vessel gets a little nearer," said the gentleman.

"I want yer to see de captin," said Joe. "Who is the captain?" asked the gentleman.

"De captin?" said Joe with a look of surprise. "He am de man what sabed me. I can't miss seeing him while he am in sight."

"How did he save you, Joe?"

"Oh, he strip off his coat, and jumped into de ribber and cotch hole of dis chile wid his strong arm, just as he was sinking into the deep water, with the ropes around his feet. Dat am de way he sailed me," said Joe with very great feeling.

"You have not forgotten to be grateful, I see," said the gentleman.

"Grateful! Why, I'd breave ebery breff I draw for him, if I could. I tole him I would work all de rest of my days for him without pay. But he wouldn't let me. So I stay as close to him as I ken. He runs by here 'bout ebery two weeks. So I anus watches for him, and I love to pint him out. It's all dis poor fella can do."

If poor Joe felt such gratitude to his friend the captain, who plunged into the river to save him from drowning, how much more do we owe the blessed Saviour, the sinner's Friend and the captain of our salvation, who went into death, and that the death of the cross, to save our souls from perishing and to give us eternal life. Surely such love as His demands eternal praise!

Joe would have been a foolish man had he refused to let the captain rescue him, and tried to reach shore himself. After a few struggles he would have drowned, for he could not swim. But how much more foolish are those sinners who reject the Saviour, whose arm is outstretched to save them, and who are trying to reach the heavenly shore by their own efforts — by good resolutions, by good deeds, going to church, and other such means. These things can never save them, for salvation is all of grace, and not of works, and all who trust in them and refuse the Lord Jesus will one day perish in their sins under the judgment of God.

Memory Verse: "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.

Messages of the Love of God 12/14/1958

The Old Doctor's Story

“I HAVE a little story to tell you, boys," the old doctor said to the children the other evening.

"One day, when I was a boy, I met my father, on the road to town.

" 'Jim,' he said, in a hesitating way, `I wish you would take this package into the village for me.'

"I was then about twelve years old, and not very fond of work. I had just come from the hayfield, where I had been hard at work since daybreak. I was tired, and dusty, and hungry. It was two miles' walk into town. I wanted to go home and get my supper, and then wash and dress myself, and go to the sing at the school that evening.

"My first impulse was to refuse to go, for I was vexed to be asked to do this after my long day's work. If I had refused, he would have gone himself. He was a gentle, loving, kind old man. Something stopped me from doing what I was just on the point of doing. I have no doubt God ordered it so.

" 'Of course, Father, I'll take it,' I said heartily, giving my tools to one of the men. He gave me the package, saying as he did so, 'Thank you, Jim; I was going myself, but somehow I don't feel very strong today.' He walked with me to the road that turned off toward the town, and as I left him, he laid his hand on my shoulder, saying again, `Thank you, my son. You have always been a good boy to me, Jim.'

"I hurried to town, and back home again. As I came near the house, I saw a great crowd of farm hands about the door. One of them came to me, and with the tears rolling down his face, said: 'your father fell down dead just as he reached the door of his home. The last words he spoke were those he said to you in parting.'

"I am an old man now," said the doctor, who told this story, "but I have thanked God, over and over again, for the help He gave me in honoring and obeying my father on that occasion. His last words to me have been a deep satisfaction to my heart: 'Jim, you have always been a good boy to me.' "

In Eph. 6:1, 2, we read: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; that it may be well with thee."

Messages of the Love of God 12/14/1958

A Little Girl's Faith

I WOULD like to tell you how a little girl once got over a great fright, because she feared God, and trusted that He would take care of her. One day she went to visit her aunt in the country, and while there she had to sleep in a room by herself. She did not particularly like being alone at night, for at home she always slept with her sister.

One night she awoke suddenly, and saw something white at the foot of her bed. Its head, which she thought she saw as plainly as could be, was turned a little to one side, and was not looking at her.

"It's a ghost; I'm sure it is!" she exclaimed, and she hurriedly pulled the bedclothes over her head.

Presently she said to herself, "Well, what if there is a ghost here; isn't God here too? And doesn't the Bible say that nothing can harm those who trust in Him?" Then she prayed to the Lord and asked Him to take care of her. This gave her courage, and she resolved to take another look at the white thing. It did look very much like a living thing of some kind. "Well, if it is," she thought to herself, "I'll speak to it"; so she cried out, "Who's there?" But the figure did not stir nor answer. There it stood as still and white as ever.

"My father says there are no ghosts," she said to herself. "And if there are, what harm is it likely they want to do to me? I'll just put my trust in God, and He can take care of me."

This thought gave her courage, and made her feel more comfortable. Still there stood the figure.

"I will know who or what you are," said the little girl. "Mother says frights are worse in people's fancies than anywhere else."

Then she jumped out of bed, and marched straight up to the figure. How many children would have done that? I am afraid some grown people would hardly have had the courage to do so. But this little girl went straight up to it. And what do you suppose it was after all? Why, only the moonlight shining through the curtains on the wall!

"How much it did look like a head, with eyes, and nose, and mouth," and then she jumped into bed again. For a while she lay and looked at it. But it only looked like the moon shining now, and no ghost; and she wondered how she could have been so deceived. And that, I dare say, is as much as ghosts ever are — only imaginations. She kept her eye on the soft silver light till she fell into a sweet sleep again.

What courage the thought of God's presence gave to this little girl. We hope the story of her simple faith and trust may encourage others to trust Him who is the refuge and strength of all them that fear Him. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psa. 46:1.

Messages of the Love of God 12/14/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 32:22-24.

After the Lord had saved Hezekiah and his people from the hand of Sennacherib and from all his enemies, we read that "many brought gifts unto the Lord and presents to Hezekiah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations." Then he was brought very low, "even to the gates of the grave," (Isa. 38:10), for he had a severe sickness and the prophet Isaiah told him he was going to die. It was a great trial for Hezekiah, but we can see in his circumstances the hand of God dealing with him as a faithful friend. His past devotedness to the Lord, his reforms, his influence for good in both Judah and Israel, and the wonderful deliverance the Lord had given him over the great Assyrian power, all could easily act upon the pride of his heart to which Hezekiah was not immune, as we learn later. In destroying the Assyrian God was delivering him from an enemy; now we see Him delivering him from himself. He would have Hezekiah realize the breaking down of all hope in the flesh, that it must be put in the place of death, and that it was only on the ground of death and resurrection that the promised glory could come to Israel. What a good and faithful God we have who moves through all circumstances and works all things together for good to those that love Him (Rom. 8:28).

King Hezekiah, in his sorrows and exercises at this time, (Isa. 38), is a type of the Lord Jesus, the Son of David, who actually went into death and rose again in order that He might make good the "sure mercies of David" to His people. We also see here the Spirit of Christ taking up the sorrows and deliverance of His people who in the last days will pass through death and resurrection — morally — before they enter into the blessing of Messiah's reign.

The Lord had told Hezekiah, "set thine house in order; for thou shalt die and not live." Hezekiah had been diligent in setting his kingdom in order but this came closer to home. "Thine house." Surely this has a voice to us.

On his sickbed, "Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord." Had he been content to end his course at this time, it would have spared him from temptation and much sorrow later. But as a Jew he had been taught of God to regard long life as a special blessing from the God of Israel. To him death would have been the quitting of Jerusalem where Jehovah's deliverance had been manifested; with the Christian, however, it is going to be with Christ. Our desire should be that He might come and take us to be with Himself.

The Lord sent Isaiah back to Hezekiah with a message saying that He would add fifteen years to his life. Hezekiah then asked a sign as a proof and the Lord told him that the shadow of the sun dial would go backward ten degrees, instead of moving forward as it would normally. In Joshua's day He made the sun to stand still, now He makes it go back, thus showing in a remarkable way that when God intervenes in grace and power on behalf of His people, He may even reverse the very course of nature to accomplish His purpose.

Messages of the Love of God 12/14/1958

The Canadian Shepherd Boy

A GENTLEMAN was once traveling in Canada, and one day when passing through the country, he met a shepherd boy watching his sheep. He had a talk with him about his flock, and the lad told him that he loved the sheep, and would do anything for them.

Then the gentleman told him about the Lord Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd, and who gave His life for His sheep. It almost seemed as if the boy had never heard about Jesus the Good Shepherd, and he was most interested to hear how He had come down from heaven to die upon the cross for lost sinners, how He rose again from the dead and went back to heaven, and that He is there now willing to receive all who will come to Him.

Before leaving, the gentleman asked the boy to repeat the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd," and at the same time to touch the thumb and four fingers of his left hand. When he came to the word my, he told him to clasp his third finger tight with his right hand.

Arriving at the village where the boy lived, the man told his parents he had met their son and that he had spoken to him about the Good Shepherd.

Not long after this there was a great snowstorm in that district and the shepherd boy did not return home. When they found him he was lying dead in the snow, his third finger clasped tight with his right hand. In their sorrow his father and mother and friends knew that his last thoughts were about the Good Shepherd, and we can hope that the dear boy had trusted Him as his own before he died.

Ten years later the story was told at a Sunday school meeting in the north of England. There was present a man who was an infidel; but he was fond of hearing the children sing, so he had gone to the meeting. When he heard the story of the shepherd boy he was much affected; and God used it to his conversion for he turned from his unbelief and came to Jesus. Only a few days after he was taken ill, and died during an epidemic that raged in the town. He had lived by himself, but his friends missed him and when they went to see where he was, they found him dead in his bed, with the third finger of his left hand clasped tight with his right hand. They already knew of the circumstance that led to his conversion, and had not the heart to unloose the grip, so he was buried with his right hand clasping tight the third finger of his left. They had no doubt that his spirit had gone to be with the Good Shepherd, in whom he had believed.

Can you honestly say, dear young reader, "The Lord is my shepherd"? The Lord Jesus has said:

Memory Verse: "SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN." Mark 10:14, 16.

Messages of the Love of God 12/21/1958

Sambo's Love for the Bible

SAMBO was an African boy who lived with his mother on an estate in Jamaica. The planter on whose estate they worked was a kind master; and his slaves, therefore, were much happier than the slaves of many other planters.

Sambo's mother had a small part of the New Testament, which she highly valued. Sambo could read, and when his old mother came to die she bade her dear boy farewell, and with her last breath told him to read his book. Sambo loved his mother, and did not forget her dying words. He read his book every day, so that he could, in time, repeat a great deal of it by heart. He used to quote verses to his companions while they were at work together.

But with constant use, poor Sambo's book, as he called it, became less and less, until it was nearly all worn away. Although he could remember what had once been in it, his comrades would laugh when he repeated it to them, and say, "Ah! it may be all very true, Sambo; but show us in de book, show us in de book."

Now Sambo could not do this; but he heard that in Kingston, the chief town in Jamaica, there lived a missionary who kept a store of Bibles, to sell to anyone who wished to purchase them.

When Sambo got old, his kind master gave him his freedom, but allowed him still to live in a cottage on the planter's estate, and to cultivate the little garden attached to it. Kingston, where the missionary lived, was fifty miles from Sambo's home, and the negro was now an old man; yet he determined to go all that way on foot to buy a Bible. Finally he arrived at the missionary's house; and when he saw the nice looking Bibles, contrasting them in his mind with the "book" he had thought so much of, he was delighted and surprised. Eagerly he exclaimed, "O, Massa! how large! how fine! how good!" Then he expressed his wish to buy one, and inquired the price.

"A dollar and a half," replied the missionary. The negro's face fell instantly.

"What is the matter, my friend?" asked the missionary, observing the sudden change.

"O, Massa!" said poor Sambo, "dis all me hab," showing a dollar. The missionary then told him, that even at the price the book was offered, it was considerably below its cost. But the poor negro could only say, "Massa, me berry sorry, me hab no more dan dis."

The missionary then inquired of Sambo what his name was, and from whence he came; and he was greatly astonished when he found he had traveled on foot in that hot climate, in his eagerness to obtain the book of God; and knowing the negro's master, after a little consideration he said,

"Well, Sambo, you have come a long way, and I do not like to send you home empty; will you promise, if I let you have a Bible, to pay me the half-dollar as soon as you can obtain it?"

"Oh, Massa," replied the African, "me will, indeed me will!" and having received the precious volume, he set off for home.

I do not know how long Sambo was in traveling the fifty miles; but it was in the evening that he came in sight of home, just as his companions were leaving their work, who, as soon as they saw him said, "Sambo! well, Sambo!" Sambo held up his book, while he shouted, "Joy! joy!" They soon gathered around him. "Read, Sambo, read," was the general cry. The old negro, weary as he was, sat down and read a chapter; then he closed the book.

"Go on, go on!" they said. "No," answered Sambo, "me no go on; it no paid for; how much you, Jack? how much you, Tom? how much you, Betty?" and thus he went on until he had obtained from them enough to complete the payment of his Bible; and after the lapse of only one day, Sambo again set out for Kingston; so that by the time he returned home, the poor old negro had journeyed on foot two hundred miles to obtain a Bible to read to his companions.

May this story of a poor Negro's love for the Bible and his self-denying exertions to obtain one, stir up our hearts, to value this precious treasure. Many of our dear readers may have a Bible, or can get one very easily, without taking a long journey, or needing to pay such a price today as Sambo did.

Jeremiah wrote: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jer. 5:16.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15.

"I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy word." Psa. 119:16.

"The law of Thy mouth is better unto Me than thousands of gold and silver." Psalm 119:72.

Messages of the Love of God 12/21/1958

Come to Me

Jesus calls to little children,

And His words are words of love,

"Come to Me, receive My blessing,

Come to Me, and live above."

"But," you say, "He lives in heaven,

How can I approach Him there?"

Listen, then, to what He utters,

Thus His gracious words declare:

"Though in glory I am seated,

E'en the softest word I hear,

And the voice of little children

Soundeth sweetly in Mine ear.

"For My love to ruined sinners

To this wretched world I came;

Here I died to make atonement,

Justice now no more can claim.

"Sinners now in Me believing,

Everlasting life receive;

Come, in faith, to Me for pardon

I have died that thou may'st live."

Messages of the Love of God 12/21/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 32:25-31.

AFTER his recovery, "Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." But then we read, that he humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so the wrath of the Lord came not upon him in his days. It is sad that when the Lord gives us a victory, such are our hearts that pride comes in and we take credit to ourselves for what the Lord has done for us.

Then we read that God blessed Hezekiah with riches and honor and he was very prosperous. This is a faint shadow of the coming glorious reign of Christ and of the blessing He will bring His people into all through His death and resurrection.

But Hezekiah has another lesson yet to learn, not only that the flesh is worthless and must be put in the place of death, but that the friendship of the world is enmity against God. The king of Babylon, who had been under tribute to Assyria and who no doubt had heard of the great victory over Sennacherib, sent letters and a present by special ambassadors to Hezekiah, to congratulate him on his recovery, and "to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land." Sad to say we do not read of Hezekiah spreading these letters before the Lord or seeking His guidance. The expressed friendship of the world was too much for him; for he showed the ambassadors all the treasures and precious things he had instead of making known the One who had given him all these things. We learn from this that unless we are walking close to the Lord, the smile of the world will overcome us, when perhaps its frown would drive us into His presence. "The gift blindeth the wise and perverteth the words of the righteous." Ex. 23:8.

The prophet Isaiah was sent to ask Hezekiah what these men had seen in his house, and he told him he had shown them all his treasures. Then he had to hear the sad pronouncement that the very things that he had made his boast before the world, and his own sons, would be carried away to Babylon. In his prayer on his sickbed he had said: "we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord," but that must await a future day for the house of the Lord was destroyed, and we read that the captives of Judah, on their way to exile, hung their harps on the willows, for they could not sing the Lord's song in a strange land (Psalm 137). However, that day is drawing near, when the Lord shall turn the captivity of Zion, when the returning captives shall sing: "We were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: . . . the Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psa. 126, What a precious hope is set before faith in the remnant of His people in that day. A Christian, away from the Lord, cannot sing for joy of heart as he once did. But if he is humbled before the Him, he will find Him gracious. Restoring grace is a wonderful thing! "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

The secret cause of Hezekiah's failure was that "God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart." v. 31. What is the heart of man, when God leaves him to himself? "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." This is a lesson which the Lord would have each of us to learn, so that we might judge pride and seek grace to go on humbly before Him.

Messages of the Love of God 12/21/1958

A Sunday School Treat

SOME years ago I had been holding some gospel meetings in a beautiful little mountain village and had got to know most of the children there. Then I got to thinking how nice it would be to give them all a treat before going away. So I went to the school principal and told him my secret, asking him if he could give his pupils a holiday one afternoon, to which he gladly consented. So a day was fixed, and I went to the baker and asked him to make plenty of bread and buns and cake. Then we bought a lot of oranges, and some friends offered to help in getting everything ready.

The day came; the children were given a holiday that afternoon, but ALL were invited to come to the schoolhouse at four o'clock for the party. Nearly all the children in the village came. After the giving of thanks they all sat down to eat, and the piles of bread and butter, cakes and buns began to disappear. But all had enough and there was lots to spare. After this we had games first, then some singing, a short gospel message and prayer, and then all took home plenty for supper. It was a bright day for those village children who did not get many treats.

Our children's treat, I thought, is a little picture of the gospel feast that God has spread and of the wonderful salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. All the children were invited, from the little ones in the infant class to the big boys and girls (of course we could not invite the grownups, too). So God's message of salvation is, "WHOSOEVER will, let him take the water of life freely."

Rev. 22:17. Again, "the righteousness of God" is "unto ALL and upon ALL them that believe." Rom. 3:22. Again, "WHOSOEVER believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43.

When the children came they had nothing to pay, not even a penny, because the feast was paid for already. So the Lord Jesus gives us a free invitation to the gospel feast, because He has in His love paid sin's debt on Calvary's cross, when He laid down His life for us.

When the children came to the party there was plenty for them. So the Lord has provided a full salvation for all who come to Him in faith, believing that He died for them. "With the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption." Psa. 130:7. Then we gave the children a hearty welcome, and they all had a very happy time. So the Lord Jesus will give you a hearty welcome if you come to Him, and make you truly happy for both time and eternity.

When the children came they were very hungry. Some of the poorer ones had had very little dinner, and they needed a lot of bread and butter and cake to satisfy them. It is only hungry sinners that come to the Lord Jesus for the bread of life. Do you know what it means to be hungry in your heart? Do you want to be saved? Do you long to know that all your sins are forgiven? "He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psa. 107:9.

You see it is not only men and women, but children too that the dear Saviour can satisfy. When He fed the great multitude that we read of in Matthew 14, it says, "And they did all eat and were filled," that is, they all had plenty. "And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and CHILDREN." If one of His disciples had asked, "Lord, are we to give the

children any of the fish and bread?" I am sure He would have answered, "Yes, give the children as much as they need; let them all have a good supper."

I remember once I had another tea party on a mountain side; 330 climbed up, but only 50 could be served at once, because that was all the cups and saucers we could get. I am sorry to say the bread ran short; we had plenty of cakes and buns, and tarts and jam. But the Lord Jesus never runs short. He tells us,

Memory Verse: "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER; AND HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST." John 6:35.

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

Grandpa's Star

GRANDPA was sick. Little Fannie loved to be with him, and to read to him. She would sit down by his bedside and say, "Shall I read my story, Grandpa?"

And the story to which she referred was that in the New Testament, which begins with "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem." She called it "my story" because she liked it so much, and she never got tired of reading it. One day when she had finished reading she said,

"Grandpa, you are a wise man, but you didn't have to take a long journey to find Jesus, like the wise men I was reading about did, did you?"

"What makes you think I didn't?" asked the old man with a trembling voice.

"Because, Grandpa, Jesus stays right by us, all the time; so we've only got to whisper to Him, and He hears us."

The days went on and one evening, not long after this, all the family gathered round Grandpa's bed to say good-by to him before he died.

When he came to speak to little Fannie, he laid his hand gently on her head and said, "Good-by, my darling. When I get to heaven, the beautiful city, I will tell the blessed Saviour that you were my star."

"O Grandpa, why?" asked Fannie, as the tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Because, darling, you led me to Jesus, just as the star you have often read about led the wise men to Him. Your light shone so steadily that I could not lose my way."

Little Fannie was one who remembered her Creator in the days of her youth (Eccles. 12:1), and what a blessing she was to her old grandpa. We hope the story of little Fannie will be an encouragement to our little friends to seek to live and witness for the Lord Jesus where ever you are.

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

A Wise Little Prince

LET ME tell you of a wise little prince and the way in which he showed his wisdom.

One day he told his teacher that he wanted to be saved, and asked him to show him the way of salvation.

"Oh," said his careless, unconverted teacher, "you are too young to think about that now; wait till you are older."

"I'm afraid to do that," answered his princely pupil, "because I may not live much longer. Don't you know," he said, "when you took me to the cemetery for a walk the other day we saw a great many little mounds much shorter than myself: I may die soon and never live to be older, and I want to be ready."

How wise he was! Let us hope that he soon found a real Christian to tell him of the finished work of the Lord Jesus, who died for young and old, princes and paupers, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Be wise, dear children, like this youthful prince. The Lord Jesus says, "Come unto Me," and "today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

Perfectly Happy

A SOLDIER boy of nineteen lay in a crowded hospital after one of the battles of the late war. His arm had to be taken off, and he was sinking under the effects of the operation. He had been hoping to return to the loved ones at home. But now that hope was gone; he must die in the hospital.

The chaplain prayed with him, and asked him how he felt.

"Happy, perfectly happy," was the answer. "God is with me when I pray, and blesses me."

As he was dying, the, chaplain was whispering to him about Jesus.

"He is my Saviour!" came the response. "He is my Saviour! Oh, praise Him! praise Him!" and with these words on his lips, he passed out of this life into the presence of the Lord.

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

A Happy New Year

Oh, may the New Year happy be,

Dear friends, both old and new;

And may you early come to see

Flow great God's love for you.

Oh, yes, dear friends, if you believe

That Jesus died for you,

Then peace and pardon you'll receive,

And joy the whole year through.

If in the year that's past you've tried

To fit yourself for heaven,

Now trust in Christ the crucified,

And know your sins forgiven.

Christ Jesus died on Calvary,

For your sins to atone,

There is no other remedy;

He saves, and He alone.

So if this year you'd happy be,

Place faith in Christ tonight;

He saves, and saves eternally,

He'll make your New Year bright.

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

Bible Talks

2 Chronicles 32:32-33:19.

HEZEKIAH was given to see the end of his kingdom and of his house. It is nice to see him resigning himself to the will of the Lord, for he said, "Good is the word of the Lord . . . For there shall be peace and truth in my days." When we have come to the end of ourselves and have learned the humbling lesson of our own heart and its evil, when we have discovered "the end of all flesh," and of all earthly glory, how precious to know that "peace and truth" shall be the abiding portion of our hearts when we are with Christ in the Father's house forever!

When Hezekiah died he was buried in the chiefest of the sepulchers of the sons of David, and all Judah and Jerusalem did him honor.

After his death Manasseh his son came to the throne. He was born during those fifteen years which God had added to Hezekiah's life. He was only twelve years old when he began to reign and he reigned the longest of any of the kings. He was a different character from his father, for it is recorded that he did evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. He is another illustration of how one can have godly parents and be under the ministry and blessings of the Word of God and yet not have his heart touched by them.

Manasseh is like those who will be born during the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus but who will have never learned their own need as sinners. They will lend an ear to Satan, for at the close of the millennium he will gather a vast army together and encompass the beloved camp of the saints at Jerusalem, and that in the very presence of the heavenly gloiy; but all will be destroyed by fire from God out of heaven. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but they would not hear. Then the Lord sent the captains of the host of Assyria who took him captive and carried him to Babylon. It says they took him among the thorns and bound him with chains; but while he was in great affliction, he humbled himself greatly, and besought the Lord his God. How great is the mercy of God! for lie heard Manasseh's prayer and ordered that he should be brought again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then it was, that he knew "that the Lord He is God." When restored, Manasseh took away the strange gods and idols out of the house of the Lord. He took away the altars that he had built and cast them out of the city. He repaired the altar of the Lord and offered sacrifices and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. The people still sacrificed in the high places, but only to the. Lord their God, that is, they did not always come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, as commanded by Him in His Word.

In glancing at the record of Manasseh, two things stand out — the heart of man, and the heart of God. On one hand we see the evil in the heart of Manasseh fully displayed, but above it all shines the sovereign grace and mercy of God. "It is the goodness of God that leadeth to repentance." Rom. 2:4.

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy to them that fear Him." Psa. 103:10,11.

Messages of the Love of God 12/28/1958

Messages of God's Love: 1958

Table of Contents

An Indian Mother's Love

Angry Tom

The Sinner's Friend

Jackie's Hymn

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks

The World

Sold

Time - Eternity

Bible Talks

From Poorhouse to Heaven

Betty's Request

Philip the Shoemaker

Bible Talks

Under the Shadow of the Almighty

I Know I Can Trust Him

A Dog's Faithfulness

A Rabbit Chase

Bible Talks

Which Road?

Patrick's New Testament

A Mother's Prayers Answered

Bible Questions for February

Bible Talks

Please Lead Me

Little Sins

Aunt Stella's Beans

Bible Talks

Danny's Rabbits

The Runaway

Not Wanted

Jesus

Bible Talks

The Last Stage Coach

The Runaway

The Shoemaker and the Bible

Bible Talks

Rock of Ages

Can He Hear a Little Child Like Me?

Sowing in the Morning

Bible Questions for March

Bible Talks

The Closed Door Opened

Not Satisfied

Sukumari, the Girl Priest

Johnny's Faithfulness

Bible Talks

Faith in a Snake

The Rain Storm

Marie and Her Rabbits

Lightly and Tightly

Bible Talks

The Miller's Text

Reverence

I Have No Hands

Bible Talks

A Captive

The Pirate and the Doves

Confusion

Bible Talks

Christian Courage

The Peace-Making Boy

Daily Food

A Child of the King

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks

A Donkey's Gratitude

The Eagle's Lesson to a King

How a Sunday School Boy Followed Jesus

Bible Talks

Who Is He?

A Peaceful Spirit Doing Good

A Tale From China

Simply Trusting

Bible Talks

The Dying Boy's Borrowed Shilling

Alone with Jesus

Let Your Light Shine