Messages of God's Love: 1959

Mr. Lane, who was deeply interested in the young people of his town, had returned home after an absence of several years. He had visited many foreign lands, and had brought with him a large number of rare and curious things.

He had collections of strange looking insects and a nim al s, stuffed birds, shells, corals, mosses, and seaweed. He had besides the costumes of the people of various countries; dresses from China, India, Russia, and Turkey, and many articles of wonderful design.

He invited the children on a certain day, and at a certain hour, and he promised to give them “a little lecture” and to tell them many interesting stories.

Mr. Lane made one condition: “I do not wish to be interrupted,” said he, “after you are all in the hall, and therefore I wish you to be there before two o’clock. At that hour the door will be closed, and no one can be admitted afterward.”

The day came. Many a dinner was hurried through that there might be no danger of missing such a treat. When the clock struck two and the door closed, there was a large and merry party gatred together.

Time passed — five, ten, fifteen minutes after two by the village clock, when a boy panting and heated from hard running came to the door. He looked up as he raised his hand to open the door. His eyes fell upon some lines in large handwriting on a paper fastened there:

“Closed at 2. No Admittance.”

Poor Richard! Too late! The sound of merry voices reached his ear from the happy company within, but in their joy he could have no part. He knew it was no use to knock or try to open the door. His disappointment was bitter indeed, and with difficulty keeping back the tears and sobs that struggled to come up in his bosom, he slowly walked home. His mother looked up as he entered.

“Why, Richard, how is this?” she asked. “I thought you had gone to Mr. Lane’s exhibition. You have been talng about it for a week.”

Poor Richard now broke down, and covering his face with his hands, he sobbed, “I couldn’t get in, Mother; the door was shut.” Then he confessed that though he left home in good time, he had stopped at the blacksmith’s to see the men work on an anchor, and after that he had played by the river with Diver, his uncle’s dog; he did not think of the time till he heard the clock strike two, and then he ran all the way and tried to get in, but failed.

Mr. Lane made one condition — the children must be in the hall before two. Now God has promised to the children of this world a free pardon for their sins and a glorious home forever with never-ending joys, and such sights as human eyes have not seen, and such sweet sounds as human ears have not heard.

But there is one condition. Pardon must be sought now; a right to enter there must be obtained now. When the Lord Jesus shuts the door none can open it; no one can enter then.

Dear young friends, if you have not yet come to Christ, we plead with you not to put it off any longer; tomorrow may be too late.

“They that were ready went in with him... and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10. The door that shuts the reemed of the Lord in in safety will shut the unbelieving world outside for judgment. And on what side of the door will you be then?

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

“WATCH THEREFORE; FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH.” Matt 25:13.

ML 01/04/1959

The Lord's Day

“A Sunday well spent

Brings a week of content,

And health for the toils of the morrow:

But a Sunday profaned, Whatsoe’er may be gained,

Is a certain forerunner of sorrow.”

“Them that honor Me I will hour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” I Samuel 2:30.

Blue Eyes

Just a tiny little child

Three years old,

And a mother with a heart

All of gold.

Often did that mother say,

Jesus hears us when we pray,

For He’s never far away;

And He always answers.

Now that tiny little child

Had brown eyes,

And she wanted blue instead,

Like the skies,

For her mother’s eyes were blue

Like forget-me-nots; she knew

All her mother said was true;

Jesus always answered.

So she prayed for two blue eyes,

Said “Good night,”

Went to sleep in deep content

And delight.

Woke up early, climbed a chair

By a mirror.

Where, oh where

Could the blue eyes be?

Not there!

Jesus hadn’t answered.

Hadn’t answered her at all;

Never more

Could she pray; her eyes were brown

As before.

Did a little soft wind blow?

Came a whisper soft and low—

“Jesus answered—He said, No:

Isn’t No an answer?”

ML 01/04/1959

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

1. Is God’s power shown forth in the gospel of Christ?

2. Who have sinned and come short of God’s glory?

3. Did Christ die for us while we were yet sinners?

4.If the wages of sin is death, what is the gift of God?

5.Does any good thing dwell in us?

6.Can we please God in the flesh?

7. If God spared not His own Son but gave Him for us, will He also give us all things?

The Young People’s Class

1. When Saul departed from Samuel, what was his first encounter to be? 1 Samuel 10.

2. Is death associated with our walk as children of God? Romans 6.

3. How many men was Saul told he would find going up to God at the plain of Tabor? 1 Samuel.

4. Does the Lord assure us of His presence if only three are gathered together in His name? Matthew 18.

5. When Saul came to the hill of God, which was the garrison of the enemy, what was he to see in the hands of the prophets? 1 Samuel.

6. Need we be dismayed because of the strength or position of evil spirits and false prophets? 1 John 4.

7. What was Saul to learn when these signs were come unto him? 1 Samuel.

ML 01/04/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 33:20-34:7.

“When Manasseh died he was buried in his own house and Amon his son became king. He was a wicked king and reigned only two years. He refused to humble himself as his father had done, but sacrificed unto the carved images which his father had made. It is said of him that he multiplied his trespasses. Then his servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house. But the people of the land had these servants put to death, and they made his son Josiah king.

Josiah was only eight years old when he became king and he reigned for thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah. It does not say who his counselor was, but we are told that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand nor to the left. It was in the eighth year of his reign when he was sixteen, that he began to seek after the God of David his father. He was the last king who did so.

It was in the twelfth year of his reign that he began to remove the high places and the groves and the carved images. They broke them down in his presence and made dust of them, and strawed it on the graves of those who had sacrificed unto them. Not merely did he cast these things out, but he completely destroyed them. Then he burned the bones of the priests on these altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

Josiah’s reforms even carried him into the land of Israel, into the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon and Naphtali. He did not know when he started out that he was fulfilling a prophecy. We do not read of it here but it is recorded in 2 Kings 23. Two hundred and fifty years before, a prophet from Judah had been sent to Jeroboam, the first king over the ten tribes, who had made a golden calf and set up an altar there. The prophet foretold of a king, Josiah by name, who would come and burn the bones of the idolatrous priests upon that same altar. It was while Josiah was carrying out this very act that he spied an inscription on one of the graves and asked what that was. He was told that it was “the sepulcher of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done.”

This makes us think of the words of the Lord Jesus: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:35. At the time this prophecy was made, there seemed little likelihood that it would ever be fulfilled, for Jeroboam was a powerful king. But we see that it was fulfilled in the Lord’s own time. How many today treat the Word of God lightly as though it was but the word of man. But men will one day have to answer to God for the way they have treated His Word. We are reminded of what the Lord said in Matthew 7:24-27: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock.” The storms might beat against it but it stood firm for it was founded upon a rock. On the other hand, not to obey the Word of God was like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; when the storms beat against it, it fell and was destroyed. In reading the Word of God we need to remember that if we find ourselves in disobedience to it, we do well to heed what it has to say to us, so that we will not miss the Lord’s blessings which He has for us, and come under His judgments.

ML 01/04/1959

Sokonyi

Sokonyi lived in the “bush” in south central Africa. He had had little or no schooling, but was well taught by his parents to worship and appease evil spirits. Some of these were supposed to be spirits of dead relatives who returned to the village bringing harm and disaster. All the villagers were in constant fear, as you can imagine. Besides this, every one was superstitious. Charms of various kinds were worn by them and hung in their houses to keep them safe from harm.

It was that kind of background Sokonyi had. But one day a little Book was placed in his hands. It was the Gospel of Mark translated into his own tribal tongue. He read it with difficulty, but what it contained so attracted him he couldn’t let it alone. It told of One who walked on this earth healing the sick, cleansing lepers, casting out demons, helping the poor. Never had he known anyone like that! Then later on he read how wicked men nailed Him to a tree.

The Lord Jesus spoke to Sokonyi’s conscience, showing him he was a sinner. He accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. The heathen practices dropped off one by one, for he was a new creature in Christ.

“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.

We urge you who read this paper to do as Sokonyi did; that is, take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour.

Do you think he kept all the precious truth he read in Mark’s Gospel to himself? No, he didn’t. They made him so happy that he wanted to pass them on to others. First of all he gathered the men, women and children of his village and read the Word to them. Then he walked to the surrounding villages and did the same thing there. Sometimes he walked great distances to carry the glad tidings to his people, though he was weak in body.

It was while visiting one of these villages that a remarkable incident took place. While he was preaching a young married woman raised her hand, indicating she believed. The meeting ended; Sokonyi returned home. A couple of hours later this woman’s husband came running, very excited but happy. He told how his wife went about her duties after the gospel meeting with such a strange feeling in her throat. She discovered she was able to talk. You see, she had been dumb — without the power of speech. The Lord Jesus had loosed her tongue when she believed! That really was a day of rejoicing. She, too, came later on, at which time Sokonyi called the people together to thank the Lord for His goodness to this woman.

Quite a temptation came to Sokonyi a few years later. When the government officials learned that he was so well thought of among his people and such a leader, they offered to send him away to school to get an education. But this he refused, deciding it would be more pleasing to the Lord Jesus to remain among his people to help them.

“FOR THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS IS TO THEM THAT PERISH FOOLISHNESS; BUT UNTO US WHICH ARE SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.” 1 Cor. 1:18.

ML 01/11/1959

The Apple Sermon

A few years ago I spent part of the winter in a village among the mountains, and I was staying in a rooming house there. Apples were very scarce and expensive that winter, and especially so in that out-of-the-way village. One morning my landlady bought six apples, which she had placed in a dish, and that afternoon when she came back from a short walk, she found only five left.

“Lizzie! Lizzie! where are you?” called the mother to her little girl. “I’m upstairs, Mother.”

“Come down, I want you at once. When I went out, Lizzie, I left six apples in the dish, but now there are only five, and I am afraid you have taken one.”

“No, Mother, it was not me.”

“But, my child, who else could have taken it? You were left alone to mind the house, and I am sadly afraid you stole the apple.”

“No, indeed, Mother, I would not think of stealing it.”

But that night poor Lizzie could not sleep. She heard the clock strike ten, then eleven, — twelve, — one, — two, and still she could find no sleep. All was so quiet, except for the tick, tick, tick, of the grandfather clock on the stairs; and Lizzie was so miserable, for the clock seemed to be talking to her, and saying: “Lizzie! Lizzie! Lizzie! Thief! thief! thief! Tick! tick! tick! Lizzie! Lizzie! Lizzie! Thief! thief! thief! Lizzie, thief! Lizzie, liar! Lizzie, thief!!” She had very little sleep that night, poor child.

The next evening I had to take a service in a little hamlet two-and-a-half miles away, and walked back in the drenching rain pretty tired out. After supper I got into the easy chair to rest, when I heard tap, tap, at the door. “Come in,” I cried, and in walked Lizzie, followed by a neighbor friend called Mary.

“Well, Lizzie, what do you want?”

“Please, sir, I did steal the apple, and I could not sleep last night because I am a thief and a liar: will you talk to me, and pray for me? And Mary wants you to talk to her too.”

So I was very glad to talk with her, as the Holy Spirit had shown her what a sinner she was, and I pointed her to several passages of Scripture, among others Rev. 21:8, where it says so solemnly that “ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone”; and then I showed her 1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin.” Tears flowed down Lizzie’s cheeks and we all knelt down, and had a time of earnest prayer.

That was a night of salvation. I had no doubt that Lizzie and Mary both decided for Christ, and became new creatures in Christ Jesus.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

“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.

ML 01/11/1959

The Effect of a Tear

An Indian guide in the American Revolutionary War was fatally wounded. A Christian friend went to see him, and said, “Do you know anything about Jesus Christ?” “O yes,” replied the Indian. “Me know much ‘bout Him. Long time ago — very young — me go see Indian missionary, Brainerd. In little log house, all alone, white man look sick — meet Indian — pray with him — make much prayer — talk out of spirit book. Many times he look on Indian and say, ‘Poor friend,’ and his eyes all run down with tears.”

“Do you think you will meet him in heaven?” asked his friend again.

“O yes,” was the answer. “Me certain Jesus Christ never forget poor Indian. Me never forget Him one day. Me hope see Him, before morning. Me no fear. Inside eyes all open. Inside heart all smooth.”

And so the poor Indian passed away to be with Christ. But when he said, so expressively, “Inside eyes all open,” he was only saying in different words what dear old Simeon uttered eighteen hundred years before, when he held the infant Jesus in his arms: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,... For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.” Luke 2:29, 30.

ML 01/11/1959

In the Same Room

What strange things were going on in that room! One was as far off from Christ as a sinner can possibly be. Another was nearer to Him than an angel. And yet both were in the same room with Christ.

One had a devil, the other was leaning on the Lord’s bosom. And yet, as to space, an arm’s length did not separate them from one another or from Jesus.

It is not so now? The true and the false are side by side in everything yea, at the same table, at the same footstool in prayer. Both in the place where Christ meets His people. And yet one is as far off as a sinner can be; the other nearer than an archangel!

Reader, how is it with you?

ML 01/11/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 34:8-22.

In Josiah we see displayed one of the grand principles of Scripture, “that unto every one which hath shall be given” (Luke 19:26), and again, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Josiah had begun well; we read that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov. 1:7. In the eighth year of his reign, at the age of sixteen, he began to seek after the God of David his father. Then in the twelfth year, when he was twenty, “he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem” of the idols, the groves, and the accumulated rubbish of generations, so hateful to God. Now in the eighteenth year of his reign he sends Shaphan, his scribe, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord. And it was while they were thus engaged that they discovered the book of the law which apparently had long been neglected and lost sight of. Also in this same year they kept the passover, another remarkable event, for it tells us that “there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept.”

As has been previously remarked there were two great revivals in the history of the last kings of Judah—one under Hezekiah, the other under Josiah. We learn that the special feature of Hezekiah’s reign was the celebration of the Passover, while in Josiah’s reign it was the reestablishment of the value and authority of the Word of God. God would instruct both the king and his people that His Word was the true and only guide in their worship of Himself and in the every day affairs of life as well. And He would have us, His people now, to learn this same precious lesson: that His Word is the infallible guide in everything that pertains to our Christian pathway. To the neglect of the Word of God can be traced the decay and ruin of Judah and Israel of old, and of the Church now. If we heed the word of God and seek grace to walk in it, it will bring light and happiness to our pathway. To refuse to bow to its claims can only end in sorrow and judgment. “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “The Word of the Lord endureth forever.” (Psa. 119:89; 1 Peter 1:25.)

The discovery of the book of the law was an extraordinary event and had far-reaching effects. Hilkiah the priest gave it to Shaphan the scribe who carried it to Josiah; and read out of it to the King. When Josiah heard the words of the law, he rent his clothes — a sign of his great sorrow and distress of soul. It is lovely to see that Josiah had a tender conscience; he was one of those who tremble at the Word of God (Isa. 66:5). “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12), and it pierced Josiah through and through. He saw that because they had not kept the words of the law, great wrath from the Lord was to be poured out upon them. So he sent Hilkiah, Shaphan and others, to inquire of the Lord, and they went to see Huldah, the prophetess. That God should use a woman to communicate His mind was humbling evidence indeed of the weakness in Judah, but whatever might be the means used, Josiah was prepared to hear and obey. We learn from Psalm 25:9, “The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way.” God took note of Josiah’s tears, for he escaped the judgment that was soon to roll over the land, and he was used in the delivence of others also.

ML 01/11/1959

How a Beautiful Hymn was Written

One day Mr. Charles Wesley was sitting by an open window looking out over the bright and beautiful fields in summer time. Presently a little bird, flitting about in the sunshine, attracted his attention. Just then a hawk came sweeping down toward the little bird. The poor thing, very much frightened, was darting here and there, trying to find some place of refuge. In the bright sunny air, in the leafy trees, or green fields, there was no hiding place from the fierce grasp of the hawk. But, seeing the open window and a man sitting by it, the bird flew in its extreme terror towards it, and with a beating heart and quivering wing found refuge in Mr. Wesley’s bosom. He sheltered it from the threatening danger, and saved it from a cruel death.

Mr. Wesley was at that time suffering from severe trials, and was feeling the need of a refuge in his own time of trouble, as much as the trembling little bird did that nestled so safely in his bosom. So he took up his pen and wrote that sweet hymn:

‘Jesus, lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high.’

That prayer grew into one of the most beautiful hymns in our language, and multitudes of people, when in sorrow and danger, have found comfort while they have repeated or sung these lines:

‘All my trust on Thee is stayed;

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenceless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.’

The story of the hawk and the bird would remind us of the solemn judgment of God that is going to fall upon this world and upon “them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” 2 Thess. 8, 9. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” Rom. 1:18.

But God Himself has provided a refuge in His beloved Son for all those who come and put their trust in Him. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. The wrath of God will never touch a soul that has fled to Jesus for refuge, for He has Himself born the judgment against his sins upon the cross. Dear young reader, we urge you now to “Flee from the wrath to come.” Luke 3:7.

“THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER: THE RIGHTEOUS RUNNETH INTO IT, AND IS SAFE.” Prov. 18:10.

ML 01/18/1959

Fire!

Years ago, a friend of mine was awakened in the middle of the night by the cry of “FIRE!”

Hastily dressing, he ran out to help, and found a neighbor’s house in flames, all the inmates being rescued, except one little girl, who was fast asleep in a top room.

Oh, what agony the mother was in! My friend determined to try and save her, even though he might lose his life in the attempt.

So he rushed up the burning staircase, the flames catching his face and hurting him a good deal.

The child was sleeping, quite unconscious of her danger, so my good friend caught her up hastily, fastened his big great coat all over her, and then made a dash down the stairs, the fire burning him badly, twisting up one of his fingers.

The dear child was not hurt at all, but my friend suffered very much to save her, and whenever I shake hands with him, the twisted finger seems to whisper softly over again the story of the house on fire.

About five minutes after he had dropped the girl into her mother’s arms, the roof fell in with a crash, so you see that she was saved only just in time.

Perhaps you, like that little girl, have not known your danger, but have been sleeping on in sin, not thinking that at any moment you might die and your soul be forever lost. Only listen to the good news that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” It is a faithful saying, a true saying, and worthy of all acceptation. Will YOU accept this great salvation now? Will YOU send up the earnest prayer, “Lord, save me,” “God be merciful to ME a sinner?”

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

ML 01/18/1959

I Know Him to Talk to

A boy ten years of age, who had found Jesus as his Saviour, was walking home from school with his special friend, Charlie.

“Charlie, do you know Jesus?” he asked.

“Of course, I have often read of Jesus, and heard a great deal about him.”

“I don’t mean that, Charlie. I mean, do you know Him?”

“Know Jesus! why, how can anyone know Him when He is away in heaven?”

“I do, Charlie,” returned his friend. “I know Him to talk to.”

ML 01/18/1959

All Are Welcome

Coming rather late one stormy afternoon to the place where a Sunday school was to be held, I was surprised to find a group of little children standing outside of the door in the heavy rain, apparently waiting for something. They were strangers to me, but as I came up three of them ran to me asking eagerly, “Is there anything to pay to get in?”

“Nothing, my dears,” I said; and in the three ran at once.

But two little ragged ones, with bare feet, still lingered outside, till one of them shyly asked me, “Can the likes of us get in?”

How glad I was to be able to say, “Oh, yes; all are welcome”; and we went in together.

But I had learned a lesson from the children, which I hope I shall never forget. They had all been invited to come. They were cold and weary outside, and wanted to get in. The door was open, and a kind welcome waited them inside. They kept, themselves out by thinking the invitation could not be meant for them — that they were not fit to come in.

Here then is my lesson. God has, in His great love, provided a rich feast, to which He freely and fully invites all. Before God could give you and me guilty sinners — this full and free invitation, His only begotten Son had to suffer and to die in the sinner’s stead, in order that He might take away the great barrier of guilt that blocked the way to heaven.

Now there is “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,” Heb. 10:19, 20; and in every sinner who enters, the Lord Jesus sees of the travail of His soul, and is satisfied. The Lord Jesus then wants YOU to come. The Father is waiting to welcome you. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Him and live. The Holy Ghost saith, “Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” And God’s messengers are sent out to say, “All things are ready, Come.” “Whosoever will, let him come.” “Whosoever” — that means you: you will never get a fuller invitation.

You are cold and weary outside, are you not? Deep down in your heart there is a wish to have the peace and joy of the people of God. Perhaps the heavy rain of sorrow is falling in great drops upon you just now. The world seems to you very dark and lonely, and you wish you had a shelter. You wish you could find something that would satisfy your heart. Thank God if He is making it dreary for you outside. It is His love that wants to drive you into His own house. Stay no longer exposed, shelterless, in the storm. Flee to Christ to hide you.

Do not think the invitation is not meant for “the likes of you.” Do not let any such thought as that you are not fit to come in keep you out. “The likes of you” may come in. Jesus came not “to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matt. 9:13.

Nobody ever yet came to God in answer to this invitation and found it was not meant for him. But many, many have come and found it true. And even now, as you stand outside, you can hear the testimony of the children of God within, as they tell their glad experience:

“I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.”

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

ML 01/18/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 34:23-33.

The word of the Lord through Huldah the prophetess to the messengers of Josiah was: “Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken Me, and have burned incense unto other gods... therefore My wrath shall be poured out upon this place.” v. 24, 25. But she had a special message from the Lord for the king himself, that because his heart was tender and because he had humbled himself, the Lord had heard him. Therefore the evil would not come in his days, and he should die in peace.

The mercy the Lord had shown to him had a profound effect upon Josiah. Not content with being occupied with his own safety, he set about to seek the deliverance of others also. And this is one of the bright characteristics of faith at all times. When one who realizes his lost condition turns to the Lord for salvation, having tasted of His mercy and goodness, he has a desire that others might be brought to enjoy it too. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” Heb 11:7. And in like faith, Rahab in her day, knowing that the doom of Jericho was near, labored effectually to bring her father’s household under the shelter of the scarlet line. Surely we who know the Lord as our Saviour in these closing days of grace, with the judgment of God about to fall upon a world that rejected and crucified His Son, ought to be zealous in proclaiming the gospel of His grace, and seeking to lead souls to the Saviour, where they will find peace and safety under the shelter of His precious blood.

Josiah gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem, and they went up into the house of the Lord with all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, both great and small. And the king read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord. Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord to walk after Him and to keep His commandments, and to perform the words of the covenant which were written in the book of the law. Also he caused all Judah and Benjamin to stand to it.

Like Hezekiah, Josiah’s faith and energy led him to think of the ten tribes as well, for we read that he took away all the abominations out of all the countries that belonged to the children of Israel and made them serve the Lord their God. We are also told that all the days of Josiah they departed not from following the Lord God of their fathers.

Through all the evil into which he was born, and in spite of the hostile influences that surrounded him, Josiah maintained a devoted heart, and an earnest spirit. And it is this which through grace will lift us up above things and enable us to press on in the path of true discipleship. May we know more of what it is to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,” and to “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1, 2), the One who could say, “My heart is fixed, O God”; “My soul followeth hard after Thee.” (Psa. 57:7; 63:8.)

ML 01/18/1959

The Crocodile

Malipini, an African lad, had been absent from school several days. No one actually knew why, but it was supposed that while fishing a crocodile had pulled him under the water.

What a sad thing! But every now and again children, and older folks too, are eaten by these sly, dangerous reptiles. And this is how it usually happens. The stream is calm and quiet. The crocodile lies motionless under the water. Suddenly he swishes his tail and splashes water on to his unsuspecting victim. Instead of hurrying to get away, the person turns around to see how he got wet. The reptile takes advantage of the delay, rushes up, catches him by the leg and quickly drags him under the stream to his food cupboard. The crocodile holds on with such a strong grip that seldom does a person escape from him.

That’s probably how Malipini was taken. He was no match for the crocodile. However, had he been watchful and on the lookout, he might have gotten away unharmed.

Does not the cunning, crafty crocodile make you think of the devil and his wiles? Are you on the lookout so that he doesn’t take you? He is a crafty, powerful enemy, and he seeks only to destroy you and your soul. There is but one that is stronger than he, and that is Jesus, the Son of God.

In Ephesians 6:11 we are told to “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” But we must know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour first before we can do this.

The happy side of this story is that we believe Malipini had already trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and for him sudden death meant sudden glory. But how about you who read this paper? Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour? He loves you just as He loved Malipini and wants to save you too. “Now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

By storing up the Word of God in our hearts and looking to the Lord Jesus for help, we are able to resist “that old serpent, which is the Devil” (Rev. 20: 2). A verse of Scripture is the very best weapon.

“FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD.” Heb. 4:12.

ML 01/25/1959

Riddles

Who doesn’t enjoy riddles! I do, and I’m sure you do, too. Even the Word of God contains riddles. Have you ever tried to find out the answer to Samson’s riddle in Judges 14:12, 13 and 14? It has a very wonderful answer.

Well, here is a “riddle” story. One day in early summer a teacher, through the open window, heard some little girls asking riddles. They were about different things and often had queer and amusing answers. At last one girl named Mary asked a riddle no one could answer — not even the teacher, listening in, could think what could be the solution. Now here is the riddle. “What is whiter than snow?”

“I know,” said one, “it is a fleecy white cloud.”

But that was not the answer. Then another girl said it was the white of an egg beaten up; still another said a pure white linen handkerchief and another a pile of fleecy white wool, but no one could give Mary the answer she wanted.

Now, when you cannot guess the answer to a riddle you “give up,” don’t you? And that is what the girls and the teacher had to do.

“Tell us the answer, Mary,” they all cried.

And this was dear Mary’s answer — “A sinner, washed in Jesus’ blood, is made whiter than snow.”

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

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

"Because I Love Jesus!"

I asked a little girl why it was she I wanted to do what is right.

“Because I love Jesus,” she replied. That was a good answer. How many people are trying to do right because they think that is the way to get to heaven. But they are making a great mistake, for doing good deeds has never earned salvation for any one yet. The Lord Jesus finished the work of redemption when He died upon the cross; now there is nothing left for the sinner to do but to come confessing his sins, and believe that Jesus has accounted for them all at Calvary, washing them all away in His own precious blood.

When we know Him as our Saviour, it will be our delight to please and serve Him by seeking to do what is right and good. Like the little girl we will wanted to do good because we love Him.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

“How much more shall the blood of Christ,... purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Heb. 9:14.

ML 01/25/1959

The New Testament

In Matthew’s Gospel see the I King,

By God to Israel sent,

In MARK, God’s faithful Servant is

In willing service spent.

In LUKE we get a wondrous Man,

This scene below who trod,

Whilst JOHN presents to all who gaze,

The Eternal Son of God.

Luke then the book of ACTS compiles

Though he was not a Jew,

The history of the Church, he writes,

Of Paul and Peter too.

In ROMANS the Apostle Paul

God’s gospel us doth give,

In striking contrast to the law,

Which said “this do and live.”

Then next to the CORINTHIAN saints,

There are epistles two,

In which are seen how saints should walk,

Who have the cross in view.

GALATIANS is the next at hand,

A treatise sharp and grave,

In which the law and gospel due

Consideration have.

EPHESIANS gives the highest truths,

Which to the saints are known,

As blessed with every blessing they

Are in God’s favor shown.

In PHILIPPIANS see the saint

With Christ identified,

And walking as the Christian should

His joy is magnified.

COLOSSIANS is the next in view,

From prison Paul did write,

The Person of the glorious Head

He brings before their sight.

The THESSALONIANS are the first

Epistles from his pen,

And comfort to the saints he brings,

For “Christ shall come again.”

To TIMOTHY he writeth twice

A Christian young and bright,

And solemnly he charges him

The fight of faith to fight.

Then TITUS and PHILEMON next,

Epistles brief do get,

The former he had left in Crete

To “things in order set.”

The HEBREW saints are next addressed.

Paul warns them to beware,

And calls on them to leave the camp,

And Christ’s reproach to bear.

Religion pure and undefiled

Is next the theme of JAMES.

Where faith is proved by works, ‘tis well,

And where it’s not he blames.

Two letters to the Hebrew saints

From PETER’S pen we reach,

God’s government toward saints

And sinners, he doth teach.

Then JOHN, the loved disciple, writes

In three epistles short,

To walk in love, whilst here below,

He doth the saints exhort.

The latter days the Apostle JUDE

In colors dark doth paint,

And calls on those who faith possess

To fight, and not to faint.

The book of “REVELATION” last

The sacred volume ends,

And happy is the one who reads

And keeps what it commends.

W. J. Nesbitt, Montreal, May, 1910

ML 01/25/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 35.

Next we read that Josiah kept a Passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem on the fourteenth day of the first month. This was taking higher ground than even Hezekiah, who had taken advantage of the provision of grace in case of defilement and had kept the Passover on the second month. Also Josiah told the Levites to put the holy ark back into the house which Solomon had built. Apparently it had been removed from the house of the Lord, and it seems that the Levites were carrying it on their shoulders. The king desired that it should be taken back so that they could be occupied with their service for the Lord, which David and Solomon had arranged for them long before. He told them to kill the Passover, according to the word of the Lord through Moses, and with real devotion and largeness of heart he gave to the people lambs and kids for the offerings, out of his own substance. Also the singers, the sons of Asaph, were there in their place to sing praises unto the Lord. Furthermore, in connection with the Passover, they kept the feast of unleaned bread seven days. It is lovely to see here Josiah leading his people into the enjoyment of their high and holy privileges that God had given them. The Spirit of God tells us that there was no passover like that kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover. What made it so remarkable was that this wonderful celebration took place just before the judgment of God fell upon the guilty nation, for it was only a few short years later that they were all carried away to Babylon. Surely this was God’s grace to Israel, and shows that no matter how dark the day, faith can rise to enjoy the privileges and blessings that God has given us in Christ. “Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7), and in the midst of a scene fast ripening for judgment, we can sit around His table in peace and feast upon that love that went into death for us, while we wait the moment of His coming to take us away to be with Himself forever.

Several years after this, Josiah seemed to lose his simplicity of faith. Necho king of Egypt had come up to fight against Carchemish, an Assyrian city on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him, just why we do not know. Necho warned him against entering into the war, lest he be destroyed. We read that Josiah “hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God,” but disguised himself and went into the battle where he was mortally wounded. They brought him back to Jerusalem where he died, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. Jeremiah is mentioned as one that lamented for him. Still we can see God’s hand in these circumstances for He used this occasion of Josiah’s failure to take him away from the evil to come.

Josiah had started out for the Lord very beautifully. He loved and valued the Word of God and was richly blessed for it. But apparently he became satisfied with the way he had walked as though the victory was won, and neglected to seek guidance from the Lord in his later years. It is native to our hearts to take credit for the way we have gone on, and losing the sense of dependence, we can make shipwreck of our lives and bring dishonor upon the Lord. We need to cry to Him that it might not be so with us.

ML 01/25/1959

Creator

In her lesson one day a Japanese girl, named Tashee, came to the word “creator.” She did not know its meaning so looked in a dictionary and found: “creator — one who creates.” Still she could not understand. On looking in a larger dictionary she read: “creator — one who creates. A name given to God who made all things.”

This startled her — who was God? She could think of nothing else, and as she looked around she said, “God made the trees, the mountains and the stars.” She went to the temple and looking at the image of Buddha she said to herself, “It was not you, Buddha, for I never heard you made anything.”

Soon after, an old woman in the same house said to her, “I am going to a meeting, come with me.”

“What meeting?”

“A meeting to hear about God.”

“Oh, no, I don’t want any of your gods. I have a God of my own if I only knew where He is.”

But she did go to the meeting and when the missionary opened his Bible and read: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” Gen. 1:1, the girl was amazed. “Why,” she said to herself, “this is the God I am looking for,” and she could scarcely keep her seat, so eager was she to ask, “WHERE is He?”

When the meeting was over she rushed to the missionary and asked, “Is this the God that made the heaven and the earth?” She was assured that this God created everything, including ourselves, and not only did He make us, but He loved us and sent His Son down here to die for us.

Everyone born into this world is a sinner and unfit for God’s presence. But Jesus, God’s Son, bore the punishment we deserved from the hand of God, and each one that in simple faith accepts Him as his or her Saviour becomes a child of God. Have you done so, dear reader?

This was all news to the Japanese girl — a God of LOVE! Her gods were gods of hate, of revenge and of anger. This God gave His Son. All the gods she had heard of never gave anything, and the people had to give them offerings.

And so the love of God in sending His Son melted her heart, and she became a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26.)

“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.

“Who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Eph. 3:9.

ML 02/01/1959

What Then Shall I Do?

Richard Warren was a prize fighter. One night he was lying on his bed and thinking about a fight that was to come off in a day or two. Just then Richard’s brother came into the house. He had been to a gospel meeting and Richard’s wife asked him what the speaker had preached on. In reply he quoted to her the text:

“What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when He visiteth, what shall I answer Him?” Job 31:14.

Richard overheard the brief conversation, and applying the text to his ovvn case, he asked himself, “What then shall I do when God riseth up in judgment against me?” And pondering it over, he thought, “If I die now, hell will be my doom.”

That night he passed in misery of soul. Sleep fled from him and he found no comfort. A day of wretchedness and another wakeful night followed. Finally he decided he could bear it no longer, and thought he would try to drive away the impression by drink. So getting up, he went to a village four miles from where he lived, and sought to carry out his desire. This, however, was but a vain hope. As he returned home, words which he had heard years before were brought to his mind, and seemed to sound in his ear: “Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Isa. 33:14. Fear of hell, which seemed to open to receive him, led him to cry to God for mercy.

The next morning he again left the house and hiding himself in a sandpit, he told out all his misery into the ear of God. His whole evil past life came before him, and he frankly confessed his sins and guilt to Him. In childlike faith he trusted that the blood of Christ, which washes whiter than snow, could cleanse him from every stain; the storm which had raged over him the past two days was hushed and poor Richard’s weary soul found rest and peace in Jesus and His love.

The prizefight never came off. Richard had entered another conflict—”The good fight of faith”—which henceforth he sought through grace to win.

Dear reader, will you ask yourself these questions?

“What shall I do when God riseth up? and when He visiteth, what shall I awer Him?” Job 31:14

ML 02/01/1959

God Loves Bad Children

“What kind of children does God love?” said a teacher one day to his class.

“Good children!” — “Good children!” was the answer of several voices.

The teacher was silent. The children saw that he did not think the answer correct and knew not what to say.

“My dear children,” said he, “the Bible teaches us that “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Rom. 3:12.) This applies to children as well as to grown people. No one then, young or old, can God love or will God save because of their being good.”

“Then how can we be saved?” asked a little girl in his class.

“We can be saved,” said the teacher, “as bad children, as sinners. Remember that Jesus Christ — “came not to call the righteous” — those who think themselves good — “but sinners” those who know and feel themselves bad — “to repentance,” and salvation. Remember, too, that “Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom. 5:6.) What the Bible teaches is, that God loves bad children, and will save them if they believe in Jesus.”

“O! I’m so glad,” said one little girl, as she burst into tears. “I know I’m bad.” And so she first began to learn the lesson of God’s love for sinners. The Lord Jesus said,

“I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32. Again, “it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”; but now the righteousness of God is “unto all and upon all them that believe.” Rom. 3:10, 22.

ML 02/01/1959

Bible Questions for February

The Children’s Class

1.Whom should we confess and what should we believe in order to be saved?

2.Can we begin to understand the wisdom and knowledge of God?

3.Should our lives be conformed to this world?

4.What armor should the Christian put on?

5.To Whom must every knee bow?

6.Who is able to fill us with joy and peace?

7.Are we to be wise or simple concerning things that are evil?

Young People’s Class

1.Did God provide Soul with another heart for his coming responsibilities as king? I Samuel 10.

2.What does God send into the believer’s heart so that he might enjoy his new relationship with Him? Galatians 4.

3.What is the natural state of the human heart? Jeremiah 17.

4.Whose Spirit came upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy with the prophets? 1 Samuel.

5.How does the Spirit of God dwell with believers? I Corinthians 3.

6.What did the people cry when Samuel presented Saul to them as their king? I Samuel.

7.What did the people cry when Pilate presented Jesus to them as their King? Mark 15.

ML 02/01/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:1-6.

Josiah’s faithfulness had not changed the heart of the people, rather it overruled the state of things for the time, for if we would learn further the true moral condition of the people we should read the prophecy of Jeremiah. In his pleadings and tears we see the heart of God yearning over His erring people, seeking to recall them to their first love. He told them, “I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.” Jer. 2:2. But sad to say, these pleadings were in vain; they had forsaken the Lord. They preferred their own cisterns — the work of men’s hands — to the Lord who is the fountain of living waters. Josiah’s Passover, as another has remarked, “was like the last glimmering of the lamp which God had lighted among His people in the house of David. It was soon extinguished in the daress of the nation which knew not God.” “Light accepted bringeth light, light rejected bringeth night.”

This has its sad counterpart in the history of the church. Christendom, so blessed through the light of the gospel for nearly two thousand years, is fast going back into the darkness of unbelief and superstition. That light first shone on men in Him, who, when here, was “the light of the world.” But men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil, and sought to get rid of that light at the cross. Now it shines from the glory in Him, the risen and ascended Man at the Father’s right hand, and is reflected in His redeemed ones down here. “For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6. “Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.” Eph. 5:8.

The giving up of truth, which we see on every hand, is only preparing the way for the great apostasy, upon which the judgment of God will fall first (1 Peter 4:17). But faith will shine the brighter as the darkness deepens, as we see in Josiah. May we seek grace to walk in the light, as children of light, with our lamps trimmed, and ready for the heavenly Bridegroom when He shall appear.

After the death of Josiah, the people of the land made Jehoahaz his son king in Jerusalem. He reigned only three months and did evil in the sight of the Lord. Necho, king of Egypt, put him in chains and then put the land under tribute. Jehoahaz died in Egypt.

Then Necho made Eliakim, another son of Josiah, king, but changed his name to Jehoiakim. He was twenty-three years old and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem, but he too did evil in the sight of the Lord. But the king of Egypt was not the one to carry out God’s judgment on the nation; they were to be carried to Babylon. Accordingly in the days of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem and Jehoiakim became his servant. But after three years he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Then the Lord sent bands of the Chaldeans, the Syrians, the Moabites, and the Ammonites against Judah to destroy it, because of their disobedience. Finally Nebuchadnezzar came and carried Jehoiakim in chains to Babylon.

ML 02/01/1959

A Skating Story

“I say, boys, I vote we have a good skate this afternoon after Sunday school. My brother was on the ice this morning, and he says it’s splendid!”

So spoke Harry Smith to a group of three boys on their way to Sunday school.

“But what will your father say, if he catches you?” asked one of the boys.

“Oh, I am not such a fool as to let him see me! I have got my skates hidden under my jacket.”

“Well, I don’t believe it is right, and I for one am not going,” said the eldest of the four.

“Well, we can do without you, Mr. Goody-goody,” said Harry, and the three made up their minds for a skate before the day was out. So they entered the Sunday school and made their plans for the afternoon.

The teacher almost startled the boys when he began by saying, “I am going to say a few words to you this afternoon, boys, about skating on Sunday.”

He then went on to show the boys, amid their breathless attention, how displeasing it was to God to leave Him out and to use the Lord’s day merely for our own pleasure. He went on to point out that we are not under law, but how much better it would be to spend His day in some little service for Him, or in reading our Bibles or some good Christian books. The teacher never seemed so earnest before in his life. Two of the boys made up their minds that they would not go skating after all, but Harry Smith was determined as ever. He didn’t see why his teacher should interfere with what he wanted to do. He was going to have his skate, come what may.

That afternoon there was a meeting for Sunday school teachers, and so Hay’s teacher stayed behind with the rest. About four o’clock they all left the school to go home. The way home took him past the skating pond.

Right away, on the other side of the pond, he thought he recognized his scholar, Harry Smith, by his red scarf and flat hat. He climbed up on the bank, hoping his eyes had deceived him. No, it was Harry Smith.

Sorrowfully he was about to turn away, when Harry came skating right up to the place where he was standing.

Hoping to be able to speak to him, he stood still. With laughing enjoyment, and a strange sense of guilt combined, on came Harry, as swift as the wind. In a moment he was only about ten yards from the spot where his teacher stood. A crash! a splash! and Harry was struggling in the icy water. He had gone on to ice that had been broken the day before, and only slightly frozen over. The last eye Harry saw as he sank in the water was his teacher’s.

Immediately his teacher plunged in. The people crowded around, as near to the spot as they dared. He came to the surface, but without the boy. Hardly pausing for breath, he dove in again, for he was a good swimmer. Then there was a shout. Hurray! He had got him, and the excited crowd saw Harry pushed up to the surface. Eagerly a dozen men joined hands and snatching hold of Harry, they pulled him safely on shore. His teacher’s hands were seen; they tried to grasp them, but failed; he sank, and was seen no more. Next day they broke the ice all around there, and fished for his dead body with grappling irons, and after some time it was brought up.

A sorrowful group gathered around the grave. The most sorrowful of all was Harry Smith, who never forgot the lesson he learned that day.

Dear young friends, that Sunday school teacher lost his life in saving Harry Smith. How lovely to think, though, that his spirit went to be with the Lord Jesus whom he loved and sought to serve on earth.

But this only reminds us of a greater love, and of a greater sacrifice: the love of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ and of His death upon Calvary’s cross for sinners like you and me. He gave His life upon the cross in order that we might be saved. What has been your return for His wonderful love to you? Now the risen, ascended Saviour, He lives in the glory at God’s right hand, and He wants your heart, and He wants you to live your life for Him down here. If you trust Him as your Saviour now, one day soon when He comes in the clouds to call all His redeemed ones home to heaven, He will take you to be with Himself forever.

“GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” Rom. 5:8.

ML 02/08/1959

The Jewel Box

Marie was the only child of a wealthy business man. He loved her very dearly and delighted in giving his young daughter gifts upon every occasion. Especially did he do this on his return from trips abroad and Marie could show her young friends many curious and beautiful presents brought from faraway lands.

On one occasion Marie’s father was called to a distant city on business. Before leaving he told her that if he were successful in his dealings she might expect a very special gift.

Having prospered greatly in his venture he came home with the promised present. It was daintily wrapped and when Marie undid the ribbons and papers there lay a golden jewel box. On lifting the lid she found that there were many smaller boxes inside and in each one lay a glittering diamond! She lifted each gem out carefully, and exclaiming with pleasure and excitement as she did so, for each jewel seemed more beautiful than the one before. In all there were enough to make a diamond necklace. Wonderingly, she replaced each gem and, as she closed the lid upon the last one, her eye was caught by the box itself. It was more beautiful than all the jewels it contained. The lid and sides were studded with many precious stones and the carving of the gold was exquisite.

“Why, Daddy,” said the girl, “the box is lovelier than all the diamonds! What can I ever say to thank you for such a gift!”

It was indeed a costly gift and we trust the daughter realized something of the love her father had for her in giving her such a treasure.

This story makes one think of what God the Father has done for those who know His blessed Son as their Saviour. He has given us every blessing His love could devise but all these gifts are “in Christ” His beloved Son, who is “the chiefest among ten thousand... yea, He is altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. Yes, the Lord Jesus is the “Jewel Box” who is more lovely than all the blessings He brings.

To the poor woman in Luke 7, “which was a sinner,” He was the “altogether lovely” One for she saw in Him the Saviour of sinners. And the dying thief, as he gazed upon that blessed Man on the center cross, spoke of Him as the One who had “done nothing amiss”; he saw in Him the suffering Saviour, the One who would come one day in the glory of His kingdom, and he wanted to be with Him. Dear reader, do you know this “altogether lovely” One?

You may find some of the jewels He brings in the first chapters of the epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Eph. 1:3.

ML 02/08/1959

Too Little

Said a precious little laddie

To his father one bright day,

“May I give myself to Jesus,

Let Him wash my sins away?”

“Oh, my son, but you’re too little,

Wait until you older grow,

Bigger folks, ‘tis true, do need Him,

But little folks are safe you know.”

Said a father to his laddie,

As a storm was coming on,

“Are the sheep all safely sheltered,

Safe within the fold, my son?”

“All the big ones are, my

Father, But the lambs, I let them go.

For I didn’t think it mattered,

Little ones are safe you know.”

Oh, my brother! Oh, my sister!

Have you too, made this mistake?

Little hearts that now are yielding,

May be hardened then—too late.

E’er the evil days come nigh them,

“Let the children come to Me.

And forbid them not,” said Jesus,

“For of such My kingdom be.”

— Selected

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” Mark 10:14.

ML 02/08/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:7, 8

The Lord had been gracious to His people. Since the time their fatrs came forth out of the land of Egypt, He had sent them prophets, “daily rising up early and sending them.” But they did not listen to His voice; instead they hardened their hearts against Him, and in the end they did worse than their fathers (Jer. 7:25, 26). At last there was no remedy. Those bright reformation days of Josiah were His last intervention in mercy to His people; with the death of Josiah His forbearance ceased, and the judgment began to fall.

But we see that the hearts of men are the same today as then. God in grace is still sending out the gospel to a world under judgment, for He is long-suffeng to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). But “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Eccl. 8:11. Men take advantage of the delay that grace gives in order to sin the more. The sons of the godly Josiah all “did evil in the sight of the Lord” and in their folly they led the kingdom on to its destruction.

It seems that the king of Babylon allowed Jehoiakim to return, for it says he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He was warned many times, but he resented these admonitions and put Urijah the prophet to death (Jer. 26: 20-23). In the fourth year of his reign, after hearing read the book Jeremiah had written, he ordered it to be cut into pieces and burned. He also ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and his friend, Baruch, but the Lord hid them. Jehoiakim’s end is not recorded, but God had declared He would punish him, saying, “He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.”

When Nebuchadnezzar came and carried away Jehoiakim, he also took with him to Babylon many of the vessels from the house of the Lord, and many captives among whom were Daniel and his companions. This was in the year 606 B.C. and is called the first captivity. Jeremiah refers to this date (Jer. 25:9-12) as we read in verse 21 of our chapter: “until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, to fulfill threescore and ten years.” Years later Daniel learned from reading this prophecy of Jeremiah that the time of their captivity was almost up. It caused him to set his face unto the Lord God to seek by prayers and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes, that the Lord would let His anger and fury be turned from Jerusalem and cause His face to shine upon His sanctuary. The Lord awered him in a beautiful way not only in the ending of the captivity, but in giving him a revelation of the coming of the Messiah. (Dan. 9.)

The Lord referred to this date, 606 B.C., in Luke 21:24 when He said, “And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” The Jews have not yet been able to get full control of the city. “The times of the Gentiles” began with Nebuchadnezzar to whom it was said: “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.” Three other empires succeeded that of Babylon, and “the times of the Gentiles” run on until God in His own time shall restore supremacy in the earth to His ancient people, Israel.

ML 02/08/1959

Leida

Down in the Dominican Republic, in a little two-room house in a jungle, lived nine-year old Leida, with her parents and sister and brothers. At one time they were not a very happy family. Mother and father were always quarreling, and when father would be away, sometimes for many days, they would have to get along as best they could without him. Often they had only bananas, mangoes and oranges that they could pick from the trees near their home.

One day father came back so excited and happy about something he had heard in the village. He had been to a gospel meeting there, where he had heard that Jesus loved them and had died for them on the cross of Calvary; now there was nothing left for sinners to do to be saved and go to heaven but to believe that He died for their sins, and rose again. Eternal life was a free gift from God. He kept saying over and over again, “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.

At last Leida could say the verse too, and started to teach the other children to say it.

The next time father came back from the village he brought a Bible and a hymn book. He asked Leida to read to them, because when he was a little boy there were no schools for him to go to, so he could not read very well. Now he wanted Leida to help him learn to read, because he wanted to read the Bible for himself, and oh, what joy it was to sit together with mother and the rest of the family, reading the lovely stories about the Lord Jesus.

Leida and her brothers and sister had to go a long way to school through jungle country. They would start out about 6:30 in the morning, with one little donkey for the younger children to ride on. Usually they met other children on their way to school, and they had a happy time together.

Leida was very anxious to learn to read better herself so she could learn more about the Lord Jesus.

Father and mother didn’t quarrel as they used to, and father was home more too, working in the fields most of the time, so that they always had something to eat.

One thing they had learned from the Bible was that having trusted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, they belonged to the Lord Jesus, and that they were not of the world even though they were in it; they didn’t want to go to the places or do many of the things that they used to. Even the songs they once sang did not please them any more. They were now new creatures in Christ Jesus; old things had passed away, and behold, all things had become new (2 Cor. 5:17). But oh, how they loved to sing the hymns and choruses from their little hymn book. Father would go to the village every Sunday morning, and come back Monday morning with new tunes for the hymns until they knew nearly all of them by heart.

One day father came home very happy. It was because the missionary and his wife were coming to their house for a few days to have gospel meetings, so their neighbors could hear about the Lord Jesus too! Father and the boys went around inviting their neighbors right away.

What a happy busy time it was, trng to clean up their little house, to make one of the rooms nice and comfortable for the missionaries to put their cots up in. Mother and father and the two younger children would use the other room. But the two older children and Leida were to sleep on the floor at their grandmother’s home.

“YE TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS TO SERVE THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD; AND TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

ML 02/15/1959

Clocks Converted

In Geneva, a visitor saw this nice in a watchmaker’s shop window: “CLOCKS CONVERTED TO CHIMING.”

By this he supposed that the watchmaker could take an ordinary clock, add certain mechanism and change it into a clock that chimed.

This reminds us that it is only after a sinner has been CONVERTED that he can sing a song of praise unto the Lord. And that song is first learned when in true repentance he turns to the Saviour and finds the burden of his sins taken away and himself brought to God.

The first singing we read of in the Bible was when the children of Israel, just redeemed out of Egypt, were standing on the banks of the Red Sea. When they saw their enemies dead on the sea shore, they burst forth into that wonderful song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Well might they sing in the joy and gladness of their hearts, for they had been delivered from Pharaoh’s power, God had brought them to Himself, and they stood, as it were, on redemption ground. Dear reader, have you been redeemed from this Egypt world? Are you too standing on redemption ground?

Truly, “Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust.” Ps. 40:4. Have you trusted in Jesus? Can you sing the new song? Only those who learn to sing that song on earth will be among that heavenly company who will sing the pew song to the Lamb who has redeemed them to God by His blood. (Rev. 5:9, 10).

Dr Laws, of Livingstonia, in his missionary talk, told the pupils gathered in a classroom of the great change that has come to many children of Central Africa. Before the gospel came, they were filled with dread and fear of evil spirits. Now, the sweet story of salvation through faith in Jesus has given them a new song. Thousands of native children delight in singing gospel hymns and choruses, because they believe in the Saviour.

In a leper asylum in the Far East, a lady missionary was addressing the leper women. Before closing, she asked for their favorite hymn. At once the ruest came: “Sing that hymn,

“‘I feel like singing all the time,

My tears are wiped away;

For Jesus is a Friend of mine;

I’ll praise Him every day.’”

These poor believing leper women could sing the new song. Can you?

ML 02/15/1959

The Gospel Alphabet

All men have sinned, God’s Word declares, and thus come short of heaven;

But ‘twas for sinners vile and base that God’s own Son was given.

Christ died for the ungodly ones, for those whose strength is gone;

Delivers them from hell’s deep pit, and brings them to a throne.

Eternal life He gives to all who bow to Him, the Lord.

Forgiveness free they know e’en now who trust His faithful word.

Grace brings salvation to the lost; no sinner need despair -

How then shall we escape unless we to the Lord repair?

In Christ all condemnation’s gone, and God is glorified;

Justly He pardons all who come and trust in Him who died.

Kings they are made and priests to God, their sins are washed away;

Loved with a Father’s love, they know Christ as their strength and stay.

Mercy and truth can now agree, and peace and justice meet;

Now God can gladly welcome man before the mercy seat.

Oh wondrous love! Oh, matchless grace! the plan devised by God;

Pardon and peace are now revealed through faith in Jesus’ blood.

Quickened by God the Holy Ghost, and newborn from above.

Redemption now is known in Christ, fruit of the Father’s love.

Salvation is of God alone, to Him all praise is due;

There’s nothing wanted, blessed thought, for we could nothing do.

Unto His name, the Saviour God, be ceaseless praises given.

Vast is His love! boundless His grace, the triumph song of heaven.

Worthy of homage and of praise, worthy to be adored;

‘Xalted on the Father’s throne, we hail Thee, Saviour Lord.

Yes, blessed Lord, Thy claims we own, for Thine alone are we;

Zealously would we serve Thee here until Thy face we see.

ML 02/15/1959

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:9-23.

After the coming of Nebuchadnezzar the people were no longer free, but were servants of the king of Babylon and their kings subject to him. Furthermore the Lord had said through Jeremiah that the nation that would not submit to Nebuchadnezzar He would punish, but the nations that would submit and serve him He would let remain in their own land. (Jer. 27: 6-11.) Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim, and his successor, reigned only three months and ten days. But his reign was an evil one; apparently, he too rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Hover, when. Nebuchadnezzar came and beseiged Jerusalem, Jehoiachin, with his princes, his servants and his officers, went out to him. Nebuchadnezzar took him captive to Babylon along with many thousands of the people. This was the second captivity. Jehoiachin spent thirty-six years in the prison at Babylon, and then he tasted of the mercy of God, for when Evil-Merodach came to the throne in B.C. 561 The king released him from prison and spake kindly unto him. He exalted him above the other captive kings, and he ate bread before the king all the days of his life. (Jer. 52: 31-34.)

Then Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah (2 Kings 24:17), son of Josiah, king and changed his name to Zedekiah; he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the Lord and did not humble himself before Jeremiah speaking from the mouth of the Lord. At times he seemed willing to listen to Jeremiah but he really lacked purpose of heart to obey the word of the Lord. He was one who feared man more than he feared God. Nebuchadnezzar had made him swear by Jehovah his God that he would serve him; but later he rebelled against the king the Lord had set over him and sent to Egypt for help. He despised the holy covenant and the oath so solemnly taken and thus made the name Jehovah as nothing. This filled up the cup of his iniquity and brought on him fearful judgment. Jeremiah had warned Zedekiah many times against his course, advising him to submit to Babylon, but it is said he hardened his heart from turning to the Lord. Two remarkable things were prophesied of him: one that he should speak with the king of Babylon, and “his eyes shall behold his eyes” (Jer. 32:4); and “he shall be brought to Babylon, yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.” Ezek. 12:13. When the city was taken, he was captured while trying to escape and brought to Nebuchadnezzar, who ordered his sons slain before his eyes; then his eyes were put out and he was taken to Babylon where he died.

The Babylonians broke down the wall of Jerusalem, they burned the house of God and all the palaces. They broke up the two brazen pillars Solomon had made for the house of the Lord, also the brazen sea, and carried them and all the vessels that were left to Babylon.

This is a very sad ending of the history of the kings of Judah, and of the family of David, to whom the Lord had made such wonderful promises and blessings. But as we have pointed out before, “God is not mocked, and whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6: 7). But we must not think that our hearts are any better than the hearts of these people of old. For there are now those who have been brought up in homes where the Word of God has been read, loved and obeyed, but they have never allowed it to lay hold of their hearts.

ML 02/15/1959

The Negro and the Blood

Many years ago, in the days of slavery, a poor negro, who had offended his master, was locked up in a small cabin, there to await the punishment he was to receive on the morrow.

As the shades of night wrapped everywhere in silence, the poor slave fell into a troubled sleep and dreamed that the awful moment had come for the dreaded lash. There above him stood a strong negro, whip in hand. So terrible was his fear of the cruel whip that he awoke and determined to find, if possible, a way of escape. Gazing up and around the cabin he saw a star shining through a small hole in the roof! Moving very quietly he found he could push over the rafter and the covering from the old rotten roof and thus make a hole large enough to climb through. Dropping to the ground he began to run, fear lending wings to his feet. All night, through fields and tangled bushes and swollen streams and bogs, he pressed on. After a time, exhausted, he lay in a sheltered place and snatched a few moments of quiet sleep.

But now, the eastern sky is gilded by the rising sun and he must press on. Though weary and hungry he knows that in a few more miles he will reach British soil where freedom awaits him.

All at once a fearful sound reaches his ears. What is it? Ah, the hounds are on his track! and he knows they will not rest until they have his blood. Wildly he runs, but, alas! with terror at his heart, he realizes they are gaining on him and, ere he reaches the stream across which there is safety, they must surely overtake him!

A desperate plan now enters his mind. Seizing a knife he had concealed on his person he holds out his left arm and makes a deep gash. The blood spurts to the ground in a little pool. Then, binding up his wound with a piece of his tattered clothing, he runs madly on. And now, the hounds, their master at their heels, have come to the patch of blood. Greedily they gather around it, yelping and snarling. Nor can their master, either by coaxing or beating, compel them to leave the spot. Blood they want and blood they have found.

In the meantime, the pause has given the slave the time he needs. With thankful heart he plunges into the stream and reaches the farther shore. Loving hands and kind hearts minister to him and forever he is free from the cruel slaver and his blood-thirsty hounds. The blood had saved him!

The precious blood of Christ has been shed that we might be set free from the most terrible of all slavers — Satan and sin.

Nothing but blood could free us but now, those who have fled to the Saviour for refuge can say, “We have redemption through His blood,” Eph. 1:7; and “redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19; for “Without shedding of blood is no remission (of sin).” Heb. 9:22.

It was the blood of the passover lamb that sheltered the Israelites from the destroying angel, that dark night in Egypt long ago; and so it is the blood of Christ now that shelters a believer from the judgment of God against his sins. Dear young reader, have you taken shelter in the blood of Christ from this coming judgment?

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

“FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS, AS SILVER AND GOLD,... BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

ML 02/22/1959

Still Believing

In a little town, a children’s meeting was being held. The room was full and the children listened atteively as the preacher told them of Jesus and His love.

“I wonder,” he said, at the close of the address, “how many children in this room will trust Jesus, and believe in Him as their Saviour?”

Many little hands were lifted in awer to his appeal, and after a few more words the children left the hall to go to their homes.

Among them were little Frances, aged five, and her brother Herbert, nine years old. “Mother,” said the little girl, as they went into the house, “Mr. Penny asked us tonight how many of us would believe in Jesus, so I held up my hand.”

“Did you, dear?” said her mother; “and what about you, Herbert, did you hold up your hand too?”

“No, Mother.”

“And how was that, my boy?”

“Why, Mother, I thought he meant who would trust Him for the first time tonight, and I trusted Him years ago,” was the child’s reply.

Little Frances was not able to write, but she very much wanted to send a letter to the preacher after he had gone home. Her mother asked what she would like to say to him.

“Tell him I am still believing in Jesus.”

Perhaps some of you who read this are older than these little ones. Can you say, “I trusted Jesus years ago”? Are you “still believing”?

“Oh,” you say, “I should like to be a Christian, but I am afraid I shouldn’t be able to keep on.”

It is not you who have to keep hold of Jesus, but Jesus who will keep hold of you. The Lord said to His Father in John 17, “Those that Thou gavest Me, I have kept.”

If the Father gives you to Jesus, you are safe for eternity. He who loved you, and died for you, will never let you go.

ML 02/22/1959

More About Leida

Leida will never forget that next week when the missionaries came. Every night people could be heard coming through the jungle to their home, talking and singing. Some carried lanterns which were put up in the biggest room in the house. Some even carried chairs, and others carried boards to put across the chairs so more people could sit down. Every night the room was full, and many stood outside the doors and windows.

Their grandmother and grandfather and one of their aunts accepted the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour. After the missionaries left they continued having meetings in grandfather’s house nearly every night, and one of Leida’s older cousins helped to read the Bible.

Leida had a very sweet voice and the children loved to hear her sing. One day her school teacher asked her to sing a popular dance song. Leida’s heart beat fast, as she quietly answered, “I am sorry, Miss Perez, I can’t sing that song.” Her teacher was surprised and asked if she knew it. Leida clutched her hands tight, and quickly asked the Lord Jesus for courage, then she answered, “Yes, I know it!” Her teacher said, “Then you must sing it for me or I will have to punish you.” Leida stood up ready to take the punishment whatever it might be, and quietly said, “I am sorry, Miss Perez, I can’t sing that song, because it is a worldly song, and it belongs to the world. I am a Christian; I belong to Christ.”

The class held their breath, wondering what would happen to poor Leida, but the Lord had heard her prayer and had touched the heart of her teacher. Though she was not a Christian, to the surprise of all she said, “Leida, if you can’t sing what I told you then you must sing something you can.”

Leida thought for awhile, then sweetly and quietly she started to sing,

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam

To shine for Him each day,

In every way try to please Him,

At home, at school, at play.

“A sunbeam, a sunbeam,

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;

A sunbeam, a sunbeam,

I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.”

She sang it all through. Some of the children joined her in the chorus, which gave her more courage. As she sat down the teacher quietly said, “Thank you, Leida!”

Dear young friends, Jesus is the same loving Saviour today as He was yesterday, and will be forever. He has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us. Are we willing to confess Him as our Saviour; are we willing to tell our friends that we belong to Him and that we are not of this world any more?

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

Soon He is coming in the clouds to call His own to be with Him in heaven forever. Oh, that we might be a bright testimony for Him in this dark world, and tell others of His love as long as we are left down here.

ML 02/22/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 1:1-4.

In the closing chapters of 2 Chronicles we witnessed the sad end of the house of David and of the kingdom of Judah. The royal family and the people had been carried away into captivity; Jerusalem, along with its beautiful temple and palaces, had all been destroyed, and its treasured and sacred vessels taken to Babylon. All was lost as far as man was concerned. Seventy long years rolled by, and now we come to a fresh point in God’s dealings with His people—the intervention in grace toward a remnant whom He brings back from captivity into the land.

The book of Ezra, from a historical point of view, has a most interesting account of which there was never the like in the history of the world. God had a very special interest in the return of the Jews to their own land; He brings back a little remnant in order that the true King might be presented to them. In the bright days of their earlier history they were numbered in the millions, but it was only about 60,000 that returned after the captivity. They were a weak little company, but God devotes two whole books in His Word to telling us about them.

More than one hundred years earlier Isaiah had prophesied of a king whom God would raise up and who would send His people back to their own land. He even gave his name, Cyrus, His shepherd, His anointed, who would say to Jerusalem, “Thou shalt be built, and to the temple, thy foundation shalt be laid.” (Isa. 44, 45.) This Cyrus, founder of the Persian empire, conqueror of Babylon and deliverer of God’s ancient people, is a type of Christ, who will judge the world (Babylon) and restore Judah to their land in the last days.

The book of Ezra opens with Cyrus making a proclamation throughout all his kingdom with respect to this return of the Jews to Jerusalem. But before this something else of deep interest and importance had also taken place. A young man of the royal family of David, Daniel by name, had been taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. He was a godly, devoted young man and because of his excellent spirit, his faithfullness and God-given knowledge, he was highly respected and held important positions under the various Babylonian kings. Daniel was also a student of the Scriptures and from reading the writings of Jeremiah, he understood that the captivity was to be seventy years. The seventy years were not yet up, but Daniel felt that there should be prayer, confession and fasting on the part of his people. In Daniel 9 we read his very remarkable prayer in which he confessed the sins of his pele, that they had failed grievously and departed from that which had been entrusted to them. The Lord sent him an angel with a message from Himself and called him a man greatly beloved. The angel gave him to understand that the Lord would fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah, and then the Lord gave him a revelation of the coming of the Messiah and of His rejection by His people.

One of the things we would learn from this is that the Lord not only wants us to know about His Word in our heads, but to have it also in our hearts. Two things distinguished Daniel: an intense love for the place where God’s honor had dwelt, and an underlying affection for God’s people. It is lovely to see him identifying himself with the state of his people, confessing their sins, and interceding for their forgiveness and restoration. The need today is for devoted souls, divinely taught and filled with the Spirit, who can, like Epaphras (Col. 1:7; 4: 12), labor fervently for the saints in prayer.

ML 02/22/1959

Mary's Trust

Years ago, in a very lonely, out-of-the-way part of England, there lived a God-fearing farmer. He was in the habit of driving every Sunday with his family to the village church, leaving only one person in charge of the house. The people all around were noted for their honesty, and such a thing as a robbery had scarcely ever been heard of in the district.

One bright summer morning he set out as usual, leaving his little daughter to keep house. It was the first time Mary had been considered old enough to be left, but she felt neither lonely nor afraid. Had she not her dumb friends in the farmyard for companions, and good old Rover, the dog, for protector?

She watched the wagon out of sight over a neighboring hill; then went indoors, and reaching down the big Bible, spent quite an hour in reading its wonderful stories. Presently she rose and went out into the garden, closing the gate securely against Rover, who was following her, as he had a bad habit of scratching up the beds. After walking up and down the paths for some time, she sat down in the arbor, and, tired with the heat, fell fast asleep.

It was late when she awoke, past dinnertime, and feeling hungry, she hastened back to the house and arranging her dinner on a little table, had just begun to eat when she saw two men coming through the yard toward the house. They were dirty, untidy, and haggard-looking, not at all like Sunday guests. But Mary only gathered from this that they were poor and hungry; so with the ready hospitality which she had always seen her father exercise towards strangers, she hurried to the door, and throwing it open invited them to enter. The men seemed both surprised and amused at her innocence and simplicity, for they looked at each other and laughed as they accepted the invitation.

“So you’re all alone, little ‘un?” said the younger of the two, as they seated themselves.

“Yes, sir; me and Rover are keeping house.”

“Who’s Rover?”

“Oh, he is the big dog. Didn’t you see him in the yard? I wonder he did not bark.”

“Dogs never hurt us. We don’t let ‘em,” said the other man surlily. “And your Rover...”

“Never mind Rover,” interposed his companion, hastily. “You don’t know what we’ve come for, do you, little ‘un?”

“No, sir; but I dare say you would like something to eat and drink.”

“I should think so; and you had better get it quick,” said the surly man.

“Don’t frighten the girl!” again interposed the other sharply. “What’s the use? Never mind him, little ‘un; he’s cross because he’s so hungry.”

Reassured, for she had been rather startled, Mary hurried to the pantry, and soon a bountiful meal was spread before her unexpected guests, and she seated herself at the table with them.

The younger man began to hack away at the large joint, when Mary said gently, “Won’t you ask a blessing first?”

“I forgot that,” he said winking at his companion, “and it isn’t much in my line. You ask one.”

Mary looked surprised, but immeately stood up and repeated the familiar prayer, “For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful, for Jesus Christ’s sake.”

When the men had somewhat satisfied their hunger, they began to ask Mary a number of questions. What time did she expect her father to return? Was he not at market the day before? and so on.

“And aren’t you afraid to be left here all alone?” concluded the younger of the men. “Suppose any bad people should come—robbers for instance?”

“I’m not at all afraid, sir,” said the child, raising her clear blue eyes to his face. “God would take care of me.”

“THE ANGEL OF THE LORD ENCAMPETH ROUND ABOUT THEM THAT FEAR HIM, AND DELIVERETH THEM.” Psa. 34:7.

ML 03/01/1959

The Happy Shepherd Boy

A shepherd boy, though in very humble circumstances, had come to know and love the Lord. His hope was in heaven, and that, of course, made him happy. He was watching his sheep one beautiful morning in spring. The sheep were feeding in a lovely valley between wooded mountains, and the shepherd boy was singing for very joy. It so happened that the prince of that country was hunting in the neighborhood, and after watching the boy for awhile, he called him to him and said, “What makes you so happy, my good fellow?”

The boy did not know the prince, and he replied, “Why shouldn’t I be happy? No king is richer than I am.”

“Ah, indeed. I’m glad to hear you are so well off. Now be pleased to tell me what it is that makes you so rich.”

“Well, you see, sir, the sun up yonder shines as brightly for me as it does for any king; and the mountains and the valleys look as beautiful to me as they could do to a king. I would not give these two hands for all the gold and silver, nor these two eyes for all the brightest jewels owned by any king. Besides, I have everything I really need. I have enough to eat every day, good warm clothing to wear, and I earn money enough every year from my work to meet all my wants. And then, better than all, I know the Lord as my Saviour, and He has prepared for me a home in heaven, better than any that can be found in this world. Don’t you think, sir, I ought to be happy?”

“Certainly you ought, my boy,” replied the prince. “No king can be richer than you are.”

It does one good just to think of such happiness as this. And yet this is what our Lord Jesus Christ gives to all those that love Him. This is the refreshment we may find if we come and sit under His shadow.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Tim. 6:6-10.

ML 03/01/1959

Bible Questions for March

The Children’s Class

1.Can anyone understand the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him?

2.Who is spoken of as a “foundation that is laid”?

3.Who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness?

4.Was Christ our passover sacrificed for us?

5.Is the power which hath raised up the Lord able to raise us up also?

6.Will the fashion of this world pass away?

7.Is there just one God the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ?

The Young People’s Class

1.What did the people of Gibeah do when they heard that Nahash wanted to make all Israel a reproach? 1 Samuel 11.

2.Can a Christian be happy if he is reproached for the name of Christ? 1 Peter 4.

3.What fell on the people when the call came to go forth after Saul and Samuel? 1 Sam.

4.Does the fear of the Lord give strong confidence? Proverbs 14.

5.Who did Saul say wrought salvation for Israel after the Ammonites were defeated? 1 Samuel.

6.Is the day coming when Israel shall be saved with an everlasting salvation? Isa. 45.

7.Are the Jews the only ones that shall see the salvation of God? Luke 3.

ML 03/01/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 1:5-2:1-63.

How Cyrus, king of Persia, came to know the Lord God of heaven, we do not know; but God has His own ways of bringing His Word before such a man. It is all very remarkable for the heathen conquerors thought their gods were superior to the gods of the conquered. But the Word of God is unlike any other word in this world. It can find its way into the heart of kings who never heard of it before, and when it does, what a wonderful change it makes.

When we read Cyrus’ proclamation in Ezra 1, we are made to feel that he was one who had come to know the Lord, and this is remarkable, for evidently he had started out as a heathen king. We learn from this proclamation that the house of the Lord was to be built in Jerusalem, that any one of the Jews was at liberty to go back there; also those who did not go were to help their brethren with silver and gold, with beasts and freewill offerings for the house of God at Jerusalem. The effect of this was that many of the Jews, including some of the priests and Lites desired to go, “With all those whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem.”

Another remarkable thing Cyrus did was to bring forth the 5,400 vessels of the house of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem. These he turned over to a prince of Judah named Sheshbazzar, whom he made governor. Surely it was the overruling hand of God that caused the previous kings to keep these precious vessels separate, so that at the proper time they could be returned to Jerusalem. Sheshbazzar is evidently a Chaldean or Persian name given to Zeruababel, of whom we read in chapter 2.

In chapter 2 we have a register of the names of the remnant who returned with Zerubbabel to Judah and Jerusalem. We can learn from this that whatever the response His grace produces in our hearts, it is precious to God, and the very names of His people are given as an encouragement to all to walk in His ways, to be identified with His interests, and to be faithful in an evil day.

The Lord had caused this list to be preserved because of His promises to His people who must prove that they were the children of Abraham. The priests must be of the house of Aaron, and the Levites must be of the tribe of Levi. Some of the priests had married into a prominent family of Judah and because they took the name of that family, they had lost their identity as priests. They sought to regain it now, but were unable to by the registry, so they were put out of the priesthood as polluted. They could not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummin. These two words meaning “lights and perfections,” refer to something in the high priest’s garments which had been lost and never recovered on their return from Babylon. Evidently they answered questions from the Lord by these. What was said really meant that only the Lord could reveal the true status of these priests. Where there has been failure in what the Lord has entrusted to man, He does not restore it completely as it was at the first, but He does restore sufficiently for faith to go on. The ark was never mentioned after their return from captivity; evidently it was not the Lord’s mind to restore it to them.

ML 03/01/1959

"Shrimp," the Bugle Boy

Pipers and buglers are always noticed. Shrimp was the name by which Walter Cameron was generally known. He was only fourteen years old, and being small he did not look even as much as that. But what could he do? Well, perhaps I should hardly have called him a soldier, for his work was not to fight, but to blow the bugle; however, he was in the army, and I doubt if in all the ranks there was one more faithful, more obedient than little Walter Cameron. His father had died when he was quite young, leaving him “the only child of his mother, and she was a widow.” (Luke 7:12.)

You might think it was not much to do; but you know there are vaous bugle calls, and with only a few notes difference between them, so that unless the bugler is very particular there might easily be mistakes and confusion. And that was just what Walter was; his calls were so clear that the soldiers were always quite sure what they meant, and what they ought to do. So his mother, though she grieved to part with him, felt proud that her little son was so worthy to be trusted. And her best confidence was that Walter was a soldier of the Cross as well as of the Queen. He had believed on the Lord Jesus in early days, and his earnest wish was that he might still be His faithful soldier and servant right on to the end of his earthly journey.

The little bugler went out to Cyprus, and from thence in the year following to the war in Egypt. He did his duty at Kassassin; he was there to meet the troops after the return from Tel-el-kebir. Now he saw something of the real horrors of war, and the sight of the dead and dying haunted the boy’s tender spirit night and day. At last came the homeward voyage, the welcome, and Mother’s arms about his neck.

Next came the review of the troops before the Queen. As the youngest who had served in the Egyptian army, Walter understood he was to have the honor of receiving a medal from the hands of Her Majesty. But two days before the time he was seized with fever, the result of fatigue and exposure, and was carried to the Woolwich hospital. It was very touching to hear the wanderings of his mind as he asked repeatedly after the much-desired medal.

For seven weeks he lay ill, his mother watching beside him, till, as the year waned away, it became too evident that his young life was waning too.

“Mother,” he said to her one night, when his consciousness had returned, “Mother, I have something to say to you. Mother, I am dying.”

“Are you afraid, my darling?” she asked.

“Oh, no! no! not afraid. Mother, Jesus knows about you, but I am going to tell Him a lot more.”

As the last moments of the year rolled away, the spirit of the little bugler entered into that better country where there is no more war, no bloodshed, but where “Jesus is in the midst,” and His servants shall serve Him and His name shall be in their foreheads.”

Soon after, when the Prince visited the patients in the hospital, the mother of Walter Cameron said, “His comrades have seen the Prince; but my boy has seen the King in His beauty.”

Dear young friends, do not delay; enlist in the army of the Lord Jesus now. Make Him, the Captain of your salvation, by receiving Him by faith into your heart. The Scripture says: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

“BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY: AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE.” Rev. 22:12.

ML 03/08/1959

Mary's Trust

“I suppose you know the hymn about His taking care of them that trust Him, don’t you?” continued Mary.

“I can’t say I do. What is it?” asked the young man.

“This is one verse,” said Mary:

“The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Protection He affords to all
Who make His name their trust.”

“And what’s the next?” inquired the man, ignoring the angry impatience of his companion.

The child continued the hymn, and when she reached the last verse,

“While hungry lions lack their prey,
The Lord will food provide,
For such as put their trust in Him,
And see their wants supplied”;

the man moved uneasily in his chair, his face showing evident signs of disturbance; then he got up, and turned to the window. His companion quickly joined him, and a whispered conversation began, their voices gradually rising in evident anger, until the younger exclaimed aloud:

“I tell you no, Tom. I won’t have it, and if you try it, we’ll see which is the best man, you or me!”

Mary did not hear any more, for on this the men walked out into the yard. Presently the younger one reentered.

“I want you to tell me your name,” he said. Mary told him.

“Ah, I shan’t forget it. I’ve just come back to say good-by. We won’t wait till your father comes; perhaps we’ll call again another day. Good-by, Mary,” and giving her hand a hearty shake, he turned away.

“I wonder where Rover has been all this time?” said Mary, when the men had gone, and ran to call him; but as he neither came nor answered, she returned to the house.

When her parents came home Mary told them of her visitors; but, although surprised at such an unusual event, their suspicions were not aroused until later in the evening, when poor Rover was found dead in the yard, evidently poisoned. Then the real character of Mary’s guests was discovered. They were robbers, who having found out the defenseless condition of the house, had come with the intention of possessing themselves of a large sum of money which the farmer was known to have brought home with him from Saturday’s market; but they had been kept from accomplishing their purpose by the influence which Mary’s simple piety and trust in God’s care had exercised upon the younger of them.

It appeared that, although prevented from carrying out this particular crime, the men did not forsake their evil ways, and soon afterward, being convicted of a burglary, they were sentenced to transportation to Australia. The elder died on the voyage out, but Jim Smith, the younger, landed in Australia, and through good behavior, was ultimately assigned to a large sheep-farmer to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Being steady and better educated than most of the convicts, he gained the favor of his master, and one day obtained permission to break the monotony of his life by attending a service at a neighboring station. The first hymn given out was:

“Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.”

When the minister reached the verse,

“The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just;...”

Jim’s attention was riveted; a throng of old memories and strange, disturbing thoughts rushed in upon him. After the service he asked the minister if he might copy the hymn; but the good man gave him the book itself, and having taken his name and address, sent him soon afterward a Bible and some tracts. These, in the softened and thoughtful frame of mind aroused by the hymn, were diligently studied, and proved, through the blessing of God, the means of his conversion.

He continued with his kind master until the expiration of his sentence, then took a farm on his own account and soon became a prosperous man, looked up to and respected by all around for his Christian character and consistent life.

Some years afterward he revisited England, and made his way to the lonely farmhouse where the seed was sown, which though long buried had at length sprung up and borne fruit. To his great joy he found the old farmer still living with Mary, now grown-up and keeping house for him, and it was to them he told the story of his life and how God had used Mary’s simple faith and the hymn, repeated with such childlike trust, to open his heart to receive the blessed words of eternal life.

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength..., that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Psa. 8:2.

ML 03/08/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 2.

In reading the register of names in this chapter we are reminded that the children of God in New Testament times do not depend on an earthly registry, for they are a heavenly people and their names are written in heaven, having from their hearts confessed the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Furthermore they have His promise in Rev. 3:5, “He that overcometh,... I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.” However, we are told in 1 Peter 3:15 to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

Then there are two interesting classes mentioned in this chapter — the Nethinim, and “the children of Solomon’s servants.” The former would seem to have been descendants of the Gibeonites who deceived Israel in the days of Joshua, but who were made slaves; or they may have been descendants of the Midianites taken captive by Israel (Numbers 31), some of whom were given to the Levites. The latter may have been the Amorites who had been left in the land and whom Solomon had made landservants. Both being strangers they had no title to Israel’s blessings, but like Rahab saw that it was a thing of value to be associated with God and His people; through grace they had returned, of their own desire, their hearts touched in being counted among those who could aid in building the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. They are a type of us as believers now who being Gentiles had no claim on God’s mercies (Eph. 2:11-21) but have a place now through that blessed One to whom both Joshua and Solomon pointed.

Then in verse 68 we are told that some of the chief of the fathers, “when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem,” offered freely. The Spirit of God credits them with coming to the house of God when it really was in ruins, showing how God honored their faith in coming to the place where it had been, and where it was to be rebuilt.

The number of those who returned at this time was 42,360, and they dwelt in all Israel and their cities. We are not told how long it took them to make the journey across the desert, but a later company took four months. There was nothing of that glory which in an earlier day marked their exodus out of Egypt — no cloudy pillar, no rod of power to do its wonders, no fresh supplies from heaven each day. But there was energy of faith on the journey, and their spirits were awake to the presence of God, His mind, His glory, and His sufficiency for them. And we may be encouraged as well as instructed by these captives for while the ancient glory and strength are not seen among them, yet there was more energy and light, and a deeper exercise of spirit in the returned from Babylon, than in the redeemed from Egypt.

ML 03/08/1959

The King and the Stable Boy

During King George the Third’s visits to the royal stables one of the stable boys attracted his attention. Something about the boy won his master’s favor, and the King treated him kindly in many ways.

But a time of temptation came, and the poor lad fell into disgrace. He had stolen some oats from the royal bins, and being detected, the head groom had him discharged. There seemed to be no idea of speaking to the poor lad about the sin of stealing the oats, and abusing the confidence of his master, but only a dermination to treat him as he deserved, and dismiss him. How good that God “hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities,” Psa. 103:10, or He would have turned us from His presence forever, and consigned us to everlasting judgment, for we “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23).

Not long afterward, when the King again visited his stables, he noticed that the boy was absent, and asked one of the men what had become of him. The man, fearing to tell the truth, yet not liking to tell a falsehood, said he had left. His Majesty was not satisfied with the groom’s reply, and, suspecting something wrong, called the head groom to him, and made the inquiry again.

“I have discharged the boy, sir,” answered he.

“For what reason?” asked the King.

“He was discovered stealing the oats from one of the bins,” was his reply, “and I sent him away.”

The King felt sorry for the poor boy who had disgraced himself thus, but determined not to give him up, and ordered him to be sent for immediately. The order was obeyed; without loss of time the boy was brought to the king. What a scene that was! Face to face with Britain’s King stood the boy, a convicted thief!

“Well, my boy,” said his Majesty, when the poor lad, not knowing what awaited him, stood before him, trembling and looking very pale; “is this true that I hear of you?”

The lad could not look up into the King’s face, but, with his head bent down, his only answer to the kind inquiry was a flood of tears. His mouth was stopped, for he knew he was guilty; he stood condemned, without excuse.

We read in Rom. 3:19: “that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God.”

The King, seeing the stable boy was truly sorry on account of his sin, spoke to him of the evil, how he had not only taken what was not his own, but abused the confidence reposed in him.

“Well, my lad,” said his Majesty, putting his hand kindly upon the boy’s head, “I FORGIVE YOU.” Then, turning to the head groom, he said, “Let the boy have his former place, and let him be cared for.”

What a thrill of joy the lad’s heart felt as the King uttered those three words, “I FORGIVE YOU.” Instead of being ordered off to prison and punished and disgraced, he was restored to favor, and reinstated in the place he had lost.

As his Majesty was leaving, he turned round, looking steadfastly at the boy, and in the hearing of the grooms and servants about him said, “If any one says a word to you about those oats, TELL ME!” Now this was a double assurance to the boy. Not only was he forgiven, and that publicly, but not a word was to be said to him about his past sin; it was to be forgotten. Who would incur the royal displeasure by telling the boy of his fault? This act of grace had a greater effect upon the boy than any punishment would have had. How, after such kindness and forgiveness, could he again wrong so gracious a master who had so deeply interested himself on his behalf? Nay, rather would it call forth devotedness of heart in his service, and a fear of grieving him any more.

Is not this a beautiful illustration of divine grace, of God’s ways with sinners like ourselves? It may be, like the poor stable boy, we are thoroughly conscious of our guilt, and with a broken heart, finding no words to tell out its contrion and godly sorrow. Now God frany and freely forgives all who believe on His Son, who died for sinners. Saation, free and full is offered to all.

Just as the King said to the boy as he left the stables, “If any one says a word to you about those oats, tell me!” so God speaks to His children. He says (Born. 8): “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?” God who justified? No! Christ who died? No! They can say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

If Satan distresses me about what I have been or what I have done, I go to the Lord and tell Him about it. It’s all true perhaps what he says about me, but then, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

The King restored the stable boy to his position. God has done far more than this. He has united us to Christ by a link that never can be broken, and we not only have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins, through the riches of His grace, but He says we shall in a little while be taken away to be forever with the Lord Jesus, where there will be none to tell us of our past sins, but every tongue will be employed in the praise of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

“BEING JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE THROUGH THE REMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.” Rom. 3:24.

ML 03/15/1959

For Me!

When I was in Ireland, one Sunday afternoon I was invited to speak to some children. Such a crowd of children came that we had some difficulty in packing them in the seats and on the benches.

After the service commenced, I noticed the door open and two little mites dressed in white walk in, holding each other by the hand.

They came slowly along the middle aisle, looking into each row of seats, but the people only shook their heads, which meant “no room,” “no room.”

At last they had walked right up to the front, and could not find a seat, so I paused a minute and asked for some hassocks. The dear little sisters then sat down just at my feet.

At the close of the service, a well-known writer to children talked to these little ones in the after meeting. Presently the smaller of the two, who was only four years old, looked up so brightly and said to the lady,

“I know what Jesus will say if I come to Him.”

“Well, dear, what will He say?”

“He will say, ‘Come along little one, I am so glad to see you.’ “

Yes, that is what Jesus will say to any poor sinner, reading this little paper, who comes to Him. “I am so glad to see you,” for “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10).

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me (Mark 10:14); “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28); “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37.)

Do you feel a desire to come? Do you feel a secret drawing towards the Reemer? It is surely the Holy Spirit drawing your heart to look to Jesus and be saved.

Look at once and live!
Trust Him and be saved!

ML 03/15/1959

"Are There Any Liars in Heaven?"

One day a little girl who lived in a beautiful house was out walking with her teacher. She was very quiet and sad that morning, and presently said to her teacher, “Are there any liars in Heaven?”

“No, my dear; the Bible says that ‘all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.’ (Rev. 21:8.) But why do you ask me?”

The child burst into tears, and sobbed, “Because I have told Mother a lie, and am afraid I shall never get to heaven now.” But her kind teacher, who was a Christian, was able to tell her how Jesus died for sinners; how He took the punishment our sins deserved; and His precious blood cleanseth from all sin. And the little girl came to her mother and confessed her sin; she received forgiveness for Christ’s sake, and from that time she was a new child altogether.

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. 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.” Is. 55:6, 7.

ML 03/15/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 3.

In the seventh month we find the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities gathering themselves to Jerusalem “as one man.” Only a work of the Spirit of God could produce such unity and gather them together to the one place to worship the Lord. Furthermore, it was in the seventh month that Israel were to celebrate the feast of trumpets (Numb. 29:1), which prefigures the restoration of Israel in the last days. It shows how the people and their leaders were taught of God and were under the power of His Word.

“Then stood up Jeshua... and his brethren the priests, Zerubbabel,... and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God.” Israel had no altar in Egypt — they must go three days journey into the wilderness to keep a feast unto the Lord. Nor did they have one in Babylon; but soon after they get back to Jerusalem, we find the altar is built and worship is restored. Thus two things which God has joined together, the glory of His name and the blessing of His people, are seen in this returned remnant.

It seems that one of their motives in setting up the altar of the Lord, and offering burnt offerings thereon morning and evening, was on account of their fear of their enemies. This is very impressive for they evidently remembered the promise in the Psalms that God was their refuge and strength (Ps. 46); so in giving Him His true place they could count upon Him for protection.

After this we read they began to prepare to rebuild the temple and in the second year and the second month they laid the foundation. This was celebrated by their singing, praising and giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and mercy to Israel. However, the ancient men who had seen the first temple wept when they saw the foundation laid; it was so insignificant compared to what they remembered of the first house. But those who had not seen the first house shouted aloud for joy so that one could not discern the noise of the shout from the weeping. But we believe both were acceptable to the Lord because there was reality in each. Because of their failure, the Lord could not restore the glory of the old order of things, but He was ging them a house where they could worship Him.

When the Lord Himself was here there had been great failure again. Having been rejected, He told the people, “Behold your house is left unto you desolate.” But in John 4 He also told the woman of Samaria: “The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” In this dispensation He dwelleth not in temples made with hands, but “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. God will honor the faith of those who honor Him in seeking to carry out His Word.

ML 03/15/1959

Joe, the Indian

Joe was an Indian, and an Indian with a very bad character, so bad that in his own country a price was set upon his head for the murders and outrages he had committed.

War had been his delight, but the neighborhood having become too hot for him, he determined to go to a far-distant tribe. A company of missionaries happened to be passing the place where he was, and Joe obtained the post of driver of one of their wagons as they went to the country of the Cree and Salteaux Indians.

However, being in the company of Christians did not make Joe a saint. He hated religion, and if he saw a hymnbook he would scowl at it as if it were a serpent. Of the Bible he had even a greater horror, and whenever one was opened he always went away. On the Lord’s Day, not bng required to drive, he would go off with his gun and spend the hours in shooting what game he could find, so that he might be well out of hearing of the preaching.

As the party pursued their way, in the middle of July there came a Sunday so hot that even Joe did not care to take his usual ramble, and he laid himself down in the shadow of one of the wagons, artfully selecting that of the missionary who was not expected to conduct the service.

But he had made a mistake, for the preacher whose turn it was to preach was so overcome by the heat that he had to beg to be excused, and the owner of the wagon under whose shadow Joe was sheltering offered to take his place. Hence the little company gathered about the wagon, and the meeting began. Joe was lying in the long grass half asleep, and was not a little annoyed at being thus disturbed; but to lie still while hymns were sung, and to see the hated Bible opened, was too much for him; he would move. So, rising to his feet, he stretched his fine limbs; but the heat was great, and he was too lazy to move off. Again he threw himself upon the grass; and there he lay, right in front of the preacher, his angry eyes flashing defiance at him.

“Lord, help me to preach to Joe,” prayed the man of God inwardly, as he saw the opportunity before him. Forgetting everybody else, in simple speech he set forth the love of God to all His creatures. He told his hearers that though God gave them rain and sunshine, flesh and fowl, corn and fruit, yet they did not love Him in return, and that instead of loving Him they hated Him, and His servants, and His Book. But did He send the lightning to strike them down for their enmity? No; He had given His Son to die, so as to put away their sins. He had shown His love to them, to the worst of them, even to the murderers, and if they would only believe in His Son, He would foive them and make them His dear children.

Joe’s eyes were fixed earnestly on the speaker, who, as he went on, watched the anger fading out of them, and hoped the Holy Ghost was casting out the evil spirit from the Indian. Shortly afterward the party broke up.

Joe did not forget that sermon. One day, walking beside another missionary, he said: “Didn’t the preacher tell awful lies that hot Sunday?”

“Lies, Joe? I did not hear any.”

“He said the Great Spirit loved poor, wicked Indians. Wasn’t that a lie?”

“Not at all, Joe; it is in the Book. ‘God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins.’” (Eph. 2:4, 5.)

“But was not that an awful lie that the Great Father gave His Son?”

“No, Joe; it is in the Book. ‘In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’” (1 John 4:9, 10.)

Then Joe said, “But it must be a lie, that He was preparing the beautiful country for them.”

“No,” he answered; “that too is blessedly true. It is in the Book. Jesus, the Son of God, said to sinful men whom He loved and had saved, ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’” (John 14:2.)

The end of the conversation was that Joe said, “If all this is true, missionary, I’ll stay with you, and never again go on the warpath.”

When they reached the station Joe did not want to go farther, but stayed to chop wood and work. Time showed the change that had come over him. His consistent life proved that he was a truly converted man.

How wonderful are the ways of God in grace! Surely it was His ordering that Joe’s path should cross that of the missionaries, so that he might hear the wonderful words of life which brought such light and peace to his poor darned soul. But how about you, dear reader, who live in this favored land of the open Bible? Have you listened to the voice of the Saviour saying to you, “Come unto Me,... and be ye saved?” And have you come and told Him you are a sinner and that you want to be saved? You do not know what a loving welcome you will get from Him who loves to say, “Thy sins are forgiven... go in peace.”

Oh, how sad if you should refuse to come, but stay away, and be forever lost. The Lord Jesus told those that refused to come when He was here on earth: “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness.” Matt. 8:11. 12.

“LOOK UNTO ME, AND BE YE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: FOR I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE ELSE.” Isa. 45:22.

ML 03/22/1959

"Jesus, Come in!"

One day when I was invited out to supper, I sat next to a small girl five years old. Her mother told me afterward, that a few days before she had been very naughty and obstinate, and presently she began smiting her breast like the publican we read of in Luke 18:13, and said, “Satan, go out!” Then looking up to the ceiling she threw up her little arms and said, “Jesus, come in!”

A boy, ten years old, once said, “Jesus always comes wherever He is wanted.”

“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.

ML 03/22/1959

Preaching the Gospel

A Christian boy, nine years old, was praying by his bedside one evening, and his mother heard him saying: “Oh, Lord, you know I very much want to be an engine-driver when I’m grown up, but Mother says that she wants me to preach the gospel; so if you would rather that I should be a preacher,—well, — I don’t mind. Amen.”

Now perhaps some of you boys who read this may preach the gospel some day, and tell the glad tidings of salvation to others far and wide. But don’t wait till you are grown up. Right now, while you are young, both boys and girls, you can tell out by your lives, and with your lips, the story of the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus to sinners, and of what He has done for you.

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

ML 03/22/1959

"I'm Glad it is Settled!"

Tom came to some of our gospel services not long ago. One night Tom stopped behind to the “after meeting,” and found Christ. When he went home he did not run into the parlor and tell his dear mother, but went upstairs in the dark without any supper and went to bed.

About eleven o’clock, when his father and mother went up to bed, the lady said to her husband, “I will just look in Tom’s room and see if he is comfortable.” So she crept in softly not to wake him, and he looked very happy in his sleep, but she noticed by the candlight that his lips were moving, and she heard him whisper, “I am so glad that it is settled”; then a pause like snoring — “Jesus has taken all my sins away” — another pause — “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”

When Tom ran down to breakfast in the morning, his mother told him what he had said in his sleep.

Sinner, heed the warning voice;
Make the Lord your happy choice,
Then all heaven will rejoice;
Be in time!
Come from darkness into light,
From the way that seemeth right;
Come and start for heaven tonight;
Be in time.

ML 03/22/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 4:1-16.

Whenever there is a work of the Spirit of God, the enemy is not slow in seeking to oppose it. No sooner had the foundation of the temple been laid than certain men of the inhabitants of the land came to Jeshua and Zerubbabel. Pretending to be friends, they said: “Let us build with you, for we seek your God, as ye do.” But God who knew their hearts and purpose calls them adversaries. They said that Essar-haddon, king of Assyria, had brought them there and that they had sacrificed unto the Lord ever since. However, we read in 2 Kings 17 that while they feared the Lord in a way, they served their own graven images at the same time. They were the fathers of the Samaritans, and their worship was a mixture which had never been owned of the Lord.

Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the chief of the fathers, perceived who these men were and replied, “Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” In refusing the subtle offers of these would be helpers, the men of Israel might seem to some to have taken a narrow position, but they had the Lord’s mind in what they did, and they acted on a divine principle, namely, that only the Lord’s people can be engaged in the work of His house. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world,” the Lord Jesus has said (John 17:16), and any alliance made with the world is to deny our character and to misrepresent Him “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.” Gal. 1:4. Furthermore, to accept the world’s help in building in the house of God is only to build in “wood, hay, and stubble,” which will be consumed in that day when “the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1 Cor. 3:13.)

After this these adversaries changed their ways, for they “weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building.” They also hired counselors in the courts of the kings of Persia to frustrate their purpose, but they were not able to accomplish anything in the days of Cyrus nor in the days of Ahasuerus, his son. In the days of Artaxerxes, who was a usurper and who pretended to be a son of Cyrus, these men, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, wrote a letter to the king. They accused the Jews of building Jerusalem, calling it the rebellious and bad city, saying they had set up the walls and joined the foundations. They further said, “If this city be builded and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt en-damage the revenue of the king.” They requested that a search be made and it would be found that Jerusalem had been a rebellious city. The accusation was mainly false for they were not seing up the walls of the city but only building the temple. However, it was true that in the days of Zedekiah they had rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. It is one of the ways of the great enemy of God’s people to mix up what is false with what has some truth in it. We see also that in the government of God their sin of past years bore its sorrowful fruit.

ML 03/22/1959

The Lightning

“He made... a way for the lightning of the thunder.” Job 28:26.

A gentleman rode one day to a distant town on horseback, and while returning in the evening was overtaken by a very severe storm. The rain poured down in torrents, and it got very dark; then in crossing the fields he lost his way.

After going some miles in the fierce storm, with not a single star to be seen, and no friendly light in a window, suddenly he was startled by a vivid flash of lightning. For a moment the whole countryside was lighted up. But what was his horror to find that he was galloping along upon the edge of a steep precipice, and both horse and rider might any moment have been dashed to pieces below! Quickly he turned and dashed back to safe ground.

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

Perhaps this story may come to some readers like the lightning came to the man, and startle them, but that will not matter so long as it shows them their danger, and leads them to flee to a place of safety. The wicked jailer in Acts 16 was dreadfully startled by the earthquake, and came trembling and cried out, “What must I do to be saved?” He too was on a fearful brink — the brink of a lost eternity. But he turned back just in time, and found the only place of safety; for when the Apostle Paul told him to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” he believed, and was saved.

In Acts 24 we read that as Paul “reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,” that “Felix trembled”; but, foolish man! he put off coming to Christ till a “convenient season” — which never came. How many there have been like him since, who put off the matter of their soul’s salvation until it was too late — and they were eternally lost!

I was holding a meeting some years ago in a big building with a sloping roof, and it was the depth of winter. The snow was deep, but hundreds came through it night after night, and many were coming to the Saviour.

One night, in the middle of the address, the snow came down from the sloping roof with such a crash, and made some of the children jump! No doubt it sounded all the louder because of the great hush over the meeting. That night there was a wonderful work done for eternity, especially among big boys from thirteen to fifteen years old. I remember well two of them who were the worst boys in the place. Both these boys were converted, and both became preachers of the gospel. Years afterward I saw one of them in London, and he told me that it was the snow falling off the roof that night that started him thinking about his soul; he thought the judgment day had come, and he was not ready.

“Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 24:44.

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

ML 03/29/1959

Susie's Conversion

Mr. Strong was a colporteur who sold Bibles and gospel literature from door to door in England several years ago. He knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and earnestly wanted others to know of Him too.

At one door, while speaking to a woman, her daughter came out and rudely interrupted them.

“What nonsense you are talking. There is no God and no resurrection,” she said. “Mother, how can you listen to him?”

“Susie,” said her mother, “I want to hear what he has to say. If there’s no God and no resurrection, what good is it to live at all? Maybe he can tell me something better.”

“You say there is no God, Susie?” said Mr. Strong. “How do you account for all this loveliness around?” He pointed to the beautiful landscape of woods, hills and corn fields, and the riant sun above.

“Oh, it just came,” she replied.

“Did it?” said Mr. Strong. “I read in this Book, the Bible, that it was in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. There is no suggestion that it ‘just came’ in the way you mean. Perhaps we might say reverently that it just came in obedience to God’s command.”

Susie was a little uncomfortable, but said, “That’s only the Bible after all.”

“Only the Bible. See what it says of you,” and Mr. Strong showed her Psalm 53: 1, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”

Susie stared at Mr. Strong a moment, and then cried, “I don’t want to hear any more,” and went away. But her mother wanted to hear more, and Mr. Strong told her of the Lord Jesus Christ and left a text and New Testament with her.

Some time later Mr. Strong went through Susie’s village again, but when he knocked on the door, she slammed the door in his face.

A few months later, he called again, and Susie appeared. “Well?” she asked ungraciously, “what is it? You won’t get me like you have Mother. She is all your way of thinking. She says she is saved.”

“Saved!” said Mr. Strong. “I thank God. Is she happy now?”

“Happy! Yes. Gone out to tell somne else about it.”

Before leaving he gave her a gospel booklet, which she promised to read.

Next time he called, he felt convinced a change was taking place in Susie’s heart. But it was slow, for she did not like to give up her infidel views.

Again he called, and when she saw him coming, she went to meet him, and to his joy she said, “Mr. Strong, I have given myself to the Lord Jesus at last. How could I ever have treated Him as I did?” She was radiantly happy.

The last time he visited Susie’s home, she was ill in bed, but he and her motr went upstairs to see her. The three of them had a time of joy in the Lord, into whose presence the young girl was so soon to enter. A few days later he called again, only to find that Susie had passed away, but she had left him a message. “Tell Mr. Strong that I have gone to be with the Lord. Tell him it was bright for me all the way.”

And this was from a girl whose first words to him had been, “There is no God and no resurrection.” What a wonderful testimony to the almighty power of God.

How is it with you, dear reader?

ML 03/29/1959

Joe, the Indian

The following year the smallpox broke out among the Indians in the station where Joe was, and caused the death of many of them. Three daughters of one of the missionaries died also, and there was no one but their bereaved father to conduct the funeral.

The missionary with whom Joe had had the conversation came over to see the sorrowing parent and to speak words of comfort. While doing so a message came that a poor Indian was dying under the fence, and wanted to speak to him. He at once went to the spot, and found there a man in the last stage of the terrible plague of small pox. His face was so disfigured that it was almost impossible to recognize the sufferer.

“Who are you?” said the missionary. “Are you Joe?”

“Yes, I’m Joe.”

“Is there anything you want to say to me, my poor friend?”

“I’m nearly gone, but it is all right. Only I would like you to take a message.”

“What is it, Joe?”

“I can’t see you, but I can see Jesus. You know that young man who preached that hot Sunday afternoon; and you know that my life has been a changed one since then. If ever you meet him, tell him that after that sermon he preached I became a Christian. I’ll soon be with Jesus; and one day I’m going to meet him in heaven.”

So died Joe, the once-wicked but now saved Indian, believing that God loved him, and had given His Son to die in his stead, so that through faith in Jesus he was forgiven, and made fit for the mansion the Lord had prepared for him.

So will any sinner who believes that gospel, that God loved him and that Christ died for him, be saved and satisfied in life, sure of heaven should he come to die, and be with Christ in glory Forever and ever. Oh, dear unsaved reader, believe the “glad and glorious” message now.

ML 03/29/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 4:17-5.

Artaxerxes had the search made and found that it was true that there had been rebellion in Jerusalem in times past. Therefore he gave commandment to these men who had accused the Jews that they should cause the building to cease. But it is evident from what we find in the prophet Haggai that the work of building had stopped long before this command from the king came. It was want of faith, and not the king’s authority that stopped the work. Is it not so that when blessing ceases among God’s people it is not the work of the enemy without, but want of faith and faithfulness within? And this is important for us to bear in mind for we are so apt to lay the blame on circumstances. God would have been with His people then had their faith looked up to Him, and He would have preserved them from ceasing that work. But instead of looking to God according to that good beginning when they set the altar upon its base, instead of crying to Him they listened to their adversaries, and stopped their work; and their adversaries managed to get the king’s authority to seal what had already been done.

Next we learn that when the way was opened again for them to begin to build the temple, it was not by the king’s authority but by the intervention of the power of the Spirit of God through His prophets. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were greatly exercised about their stopping the work, and it seems that soon after the command to stop building was received, they began exhorting the Jews as to their neglect, indifference and lack of faith in not going on with the work. They showed them that the Lord had been dealing with them because of their indifference, for He had called for a drought upon all their activities. This resulted in their leaders starting afresh with the work, without waiting for permission from the king.

Their enemies evidently were keeping watch on their activities and soon appeared on the scene in another attempt to stop the work again. But in the providence of God it was a different governor and a different Persian king to whom they complained this time. The usurper had gone, and another king was in power who had great admiration for Cyrus and the interest he had taken in the affairs of the kinom. We are told that the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease till the matter came before Darius.

It is nice to see the faith of the elders of the Jews in their reply to the challenge as to what authority they had in taking up the building again. They took the place of being servants of the God of heaven and earth, and they were building a house which a great king of Israel had built many years ago. But on account of the evil ways of their fathers, they had provoked the God of heaven. He had given them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar who had destroyed this house, and carried the pele to Babylon. But Cyrus had made a decree that the house was to be rebuilt; he had even given them the golden vessels which Nebuchadnezzar had taken away. They were to take these back to Jerusalem and build the house of God there. They were acting then upon the edict of Cyrus. So Tatnai asked king Darius to have a search made and see if such a decree by Cyrus had been made.

ML 03/29/1959

The Spider

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

Once I was having my dinner at a nice house with a large party, but what was my surprise on looking up at the ceiling to see a fine big spider. I hoped the lady of the house would not notice it!

I was staying at another large house, where there were three little children, and one bright morning took them for a walk before dinner, but when we returned we found a spider in the entrance hall!

In hundreds of cottages you might see a spider, and very likely in some room even in the king’s palace you could find one!

Some folks are very frightened of spiders, and there are others who call them nasty, ugly creatures! But they are really very wonderful and clever; and if you examine their webs you cannot help being astonished.

A spider was once the means of saving a man’s life. He was a baker, a good Christian man, but the wicked soldiers were hunting for him, and wanted to kill him during one of the fearful massacres of the Christians. The baker got into his big oven, which was not heated that day, and closed the door upon himself, hoping his enemies would not find him. As soon as he did so, God sent one of His little servants in the form of a spider, which wove its web all over the oven door. When the soldiers searched the bakehouse, one suggested that he might be hidden away in the oven, but another said, “No, man, he is not there; don’t you see a spider’s web all over the door?” So they went away, and the baker’s life was spared.

But now let us look at the text again. “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.” What do you think it means?

The spider is little, weak, and perhaps rather ugly, certainly not of much value, but the Scripture says she is “exceeding wise.” With her hands she climbs to a place of safety, even in kings’ palaces, where she would least likely to be. Now just change the word spider to SINNER. Is not the sinner little, and weak, and ugly too in the sight of God? But God loves the sinner in spite of that and has prepared a mansion in the skies for all those who by faith lay hold of His promise, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Those who come and lay hold of His great salvation by simply trusting in the Lord Jesus, His beloved Son, Who gave Himself for sinners upon the cross, will one day be found in the Father’s house.

So, dear friends, learn wisdom from the spider: lay hold of the Lord Jesus and make Him your Saviour now while He still offers Himself to you.

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UN-DERSTANDING.” Prov. 9:10.

ML 04/05/1959

"I Know That He Loves Me!"

Among the regular attendants at our Sunday school was John, a boy of eleven years of age, whose earnest attention and serious behavior made those interested in him hope that the good seed of the Word was finding a place in his heart. He had attended, without missing, for about two years.

One day a message was brought to his Sunday school teacher saying that John was ill, and wanted much to see him. Arriving at the cottage his teacher found Johnny in great suffering and after sympathizing awhile with him, he spoke of the love of Christ.

“I know that He loves me,” exclaimed the child confidently, though his pain was so intense that speaking was difficult.

“How do you know that, Johnny, seeing that He allows you to lie here all day so very ill?”

“Because He died for me on the cross, and put away my sins; and now I am going to be with Him in heaven,” was the glad reply.

Many others visited Johnny in this his last illness, to all of whom he spoke of Jesus, telling them that He alone could save, and nothing but His blood could wash away sins. His knowledge of the Bible, and great confidence in God, seemed so wonderful in one so young, that on one occasion a lady, who was visiting him, remarked on it with surprise, and Johnny replied,

“Oh, yes, I am going to heaven, and shall see Abraham, and Moses, and all the prophets.”

His illness continued many weeks, during which time he was constantly praying for the different members of his family, and exhorting them to rest in Jesus and His finished work, so as to join him in heaven; and the little hymn,

“Oh Jesus, He is kindness,
Jesus the Lord is love,”

was frequently on his lips.

One day, seeing him very ill, hi s mother, who was a Christian, said, “When you are too weak to speak, Johnny, and I ask if you are happy, I want you to point with your finger.”

As his end drew near, the sorrowing mother bent down and asked, “Are you happy?” when the little finger was raised slowly, and the lips moved. Those who listened caught the words, “Jesus, precious Jesus!” and his spirit passed away.

Little friends, has the story of God’s love, so often told out at Sunday school, become a reality to you? and can you say with Johnny, “He died for me, and put away all my sins?”

ML 04/05/1959

The Eleventh Hour

A preacher speaking from the text, Matt. 20:6, “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle,” warned the people of the danger of delay, and told them how it was possible to put off the soul’s salvation till it was too late. “Perhaps there is a man here,” said he, “who has left it until the eleventh hour.”

One man who heard him was very angry, and went away in a rage; but he could not get rid of the thought. The words came back again and again, and he could not shake them off — “THE ELEVENTH HOUR,” “THE ELEVENTH HOUR,” you have put it off till the eleventh hour! He became very uncomfortable, and fell down on his knees and prayed hard that he might be saved before it was too late.

At last the Spirit of God flashed the thought into his mind, “The eleventh hour is not the twelfth!” Thank God, he thought, there is an hour left! And he looked to Jesus and was saved.

“But if you still this call refuse,

And all His wondrous love abuse,

Soon will He sadly from you turn,

Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn:

Too late! too late! will be the cry—

Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.”

ML 04/05/1959

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

1.Ought we to give glory to God in what we eat or drink?

2.Can any man say that Jesus is the Lord except by the Holy Ghost?

3.Is to understand all knowledge worth anything if we do not have charity (love)?

4.Is God the author of confusion or of peace?

5.Who do the Scriptures say has died for our sins?

6.Can flesh and blood inherit the kingdom of God?

7.What things should be done with charity (love)?

Young People’s Class

1.What did Samuel invite Saul and the people to do at Gilgal after their victory over the Ammonites? 1 Samuel 11.

2.What are Christians exhorted to renew besides not being conformed to this world? Romans 12.

3.What are we to mortify when once we have Christ who is our life? Colossians.

4.Did Samuel prove to the people that they sinned in asking for a king? 1 Samuel.

5.Do we often ask amiss when praying for some things. James.

6.Why did Samuel say the Lord would not forsake His people after their failure? I Samuel.

7. For what reason have our sins been forgiven? 1 John.

ML 04/05/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 6:1-15.

We were noticing last week that the adversaries of the Jews, appealed to Darius, requesting that a search be made for the decree of Cyrus on which the Jews had acted. But in this Satan once more overreached himself, and was used to further the work he hated. Darius had the greatest respect and regard for Cyrus as the founder of the empire and he was always disposed to act upon what he had done. Accordingly he had a search made and the decree was found. We learn from this chapter that this remarkable decree went into detail, even giving the dimensions of the house to be built at Jerusalem. It also commanded that “the expenses be given out of the king’s house.”

The result was that Darius rebuked Tatnai and his companions, telling them, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.” Instead of listening to their adversaries he put honor on the builders and made fresh commands carrying out still more fully what had already been proclaimed by Cyrus. He ordered Tatnai and his friends to take the expenses out of the tribute due to the king from the territories beyond the river (Euphrates) and to give it to these men, the Jews, so that they would not be hindered. Furthermore they were to supply them with animals for burnt offerings for the God of heaven, as well as provisions according to what the priests at Jerusalem should require daily; for the king desired that offerings should be made to the God of heaven, and prayers for the life of the king and his sons.

Darius also proclaimed that if any one altered his word in this connection, his house was to be torn down and a gallows made from it, on which he should be hanged. Furthermore he pronounced a curse on all kings and people who should at any time seek to destroy the house of God at Jerusalem. Then he ordered that what he had commanded should be done with speed.

Thus the adversaries were completely stopped in their evil work, and the Jews, helped by the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah, finished the temple on the third day of the last month in the sixth year of Darius.

We can be encouraged by this interesting record in seeing how that God works behind the scenes, using the power of the enemy for the accomplishment of His purposes, causing all things to work together for good to them that love Him. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prow. 16:7); and faith can say, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them.” The little remnant of Jews, while bowing to the authority of their Gentile masters, nevertheless refused any unholy alliance with the world, and God honored them for it.

It is instructive to note the two classes — the builders and the prophets — ever the witness of the grace of God to His people. It says, “they prospered through the prophesying” of Haggai and Zechariah. And if we, in our daily walk and service for the Lord, are attentive to the word of those who unfold and apply the mind of God as revealed in the Scriptures, we too shall prosper and be blessed in our souls.

ML 04/05/1959

When the Bee Stung Mother

A young boy was once asked how long he had known the Lord as his Saviour, and if he knew that all his sins were forgiven.

“O, yes,” he replied; “I know that they are all forgiven; I am sure of that.”

“When did you first come to know and understand that?” he was asked again.

“When the bee stung Mother,” said the boy quickly.

“When the bee stung Mother? Tell me what you mean, my boy.”

“Sir,” said the boy, “I have a mother, who for some years told me what Jesus had done for me; but I never really understood and realized how He had taken my place, and died in my stead, until one summer’s afternoon, when playing at the door of our cottage. Mother was ironing in the kitchen, at the door, with her sleeves rolled up. Suddenly, while I was playing around the doorstep, a large and much-excited bee came buzzing round and round my head. It no doubt had been hurt, and seemed determined to sting. I was frightened, and tried once or twice to flap it away with my handkerchief; but round and round my head it came, closer each time. At last, in despair, I ran inside to get rid of it, and made for my mother, who had been watching me try to free myself from my enemy; with a cry I hid myself under her long white apron.

“Amused at my fear, but with motherly care, she put her iron down, and, with a smile, put her arms outside, as it were to assure me that I had full protection.

“This was hardly done, when the bee settled upon one of her bare arms, and stung her so deeply that the poor thing was unable to draw out its sting, and, quite exhausted, it crawled down her arm.

“My mother, who felt the sting sharply, was taken aback; but looking at the bee crawling down her arm, a thought struck her which was the means of my salvation.

“She said to me, ‘There, you may come out now; the bee has stung Mother instead of you; come out and look at it crawling on Mother’s arm. It cannot hurt you now.’

“Timidly I lifted the apron, and put my head out to see. There was the bee crawling still slowly down my mother’s arm; and my mother, pointing to the sting higher up, said, ‘There it is; it has stung Mother instead of you. You may play with it now; it cannot sting again; see its sting in Mother’s arm. Poor creature, it has only one sting!’

“Half afraid and a little sorrowful for my mother, I looked at the sting. My mother then went on to explain to me how I might play with the bee now, and even take it in my hand, as it could not sting twice, and therefore could not sting me now. She well applied the lesson, explaining to me how it was a picture of what for long she had told me, about Jesus having taken my place, and been punished in my stead.

“I had learned and often repeated that verse, ‘with His stripes we are healed’ (Isa. 53:5), but I never understood until then, with the bee and the sting before us, that it was just a picture of what Jesus had permitted to be done to Himself — to be punished instead of us, who deserved to be punished; and how, if we claimed that He had taken our place and had been punished in our stead, we could not be punished. God having punished Him in our stead, He is powerless now to punish us.

‘Payment God will not twice demand;
First at my bleeding Surety’s hand,
And then again at mine.’

“That moment of realization! I shall never forget it. It was all so clear then. I saw and understood for the first time, what Mother had for long taught me, how that God would not punish me, because He had punished Jesus in my stead.”

“HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES: THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.” Isa. 53:5.

ML 04/12/1959

Ivy's Wish

Quietly the old barge drifted down the canal. Little Ivy was standing gazing at the pretty meadows all bespangled with daisies and buttercups; a sweet smile overspread the delicate, flowerlike face which looked too fragile for the rough life on a barge.

“Mummy, do come here,” she called in to the dark, stuffy, little cabin that formed their living room. “It’s such a lovely place; I do wish we could always stay here, and then I could pick the pretty flowers and make chains of them like the other little girls.” Ivy was eagerly watching some rosy-cheeked country children engaged in their favorite pursuit of “hare and tortoise” with mother’s clothes baskets. Ivy’s life was an unnatural one for a child; in all her nine years she had not spent one day at school — the barge never stopped long enough in any one place for this to be possible. The poor child was very ignorant; neither she nor her mother could read or write.

Sixteen months later the barge was again passing through that same village, but this time no childish form was to be seen on board. Poor little Ivy was lying on a meagre bed in the close living room. For some time her health, always fragile, had been declining, and now the hectic flush of consumption glowed on her cheeks. For business reasons the barge was to stay a week near the village. The mother, taking advantage of this opportunity of doing a little shopping, was one morning in the village buying a little fruit for the sick child at the grocer.

As she put the pears into her basket she said to the woman who sold them, “My little girl is dreadfully bad; we shan’t keep her long, seems to me.”

There was a lady also in the shop, who, hearing these words, turned to the mother and in a sweet voice asked, “Would you like me to come and see your little girl? I believe you are living in the barge now on the canal. It is quite close to our garden, and if you think your poor, little, sick child would care to see me I should be pleased to come.”

The woman at first stared in astonishment, and then she said, “Come if you like; ‘taint a nice place for a lady like you, but Ivy would like to see you, if only to look at your pretty dress.”

So that afternoon Mrs. Howard might have been seen on the barge sitting beside the little invalid. The child was propped up in bed, and her eyes were sparkling with delight over the treasure the lady had brought — a doll! Ivy had never had one in all her life, and such a beauty! It was dressed in pink muslin, with a lovely rose-colored red sash! After a little talk, Mrs. Howard asked, “Can you read, dear?”

“No,” answered the child: and then on questioning her she found out how ignorant she was. She had never heard of the Lord Jesus, and almost all she knew of God was that He would punish her if she were naughty.

Mrs. Howard felt appalled at such ignorance. Taking the child’s feverish hand in hers she began to talk to her of Jesus the Friend of little children. Ivy drank it in; it was all so new to her to think that some One loved her enough to die for her. Her little heart responded to such wonderful love. She had had so little shown her in her short life.

Mrs. Howard visited the barge every day; Ivy eagerly welcomed her — there was always some little delicacy brought to tempt her failing appetite. And then there were quiet talks about the loving Saviour, and the Home to which Ivy was soon going. There was no fear in the child’s heart, for the “children’s Friend” was her Friend now, and when she left the old barge it would be to go and live in the beautiful Home where Jesus lived. At the end of the week the last visit was paid, for the barge was to move on, and as Mrs. Howard stooped over the little one and kissed her fair forehead, she knew that she should see her no more down here. But they would meet to part no more in the Glory Land.

ML 05/12/1959

"Lord, Open My Eyes!"

A little girl of nine years old, told a lady that she always prayed, “Lord, open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law,” before reading her Scripture portion. “But, dear, do you always understand it when you have read it.” “Not always.” “And what do you do then?” “Oh, I say, Please, Lord, open my eyes a little wider.”

And that is what we all should pray, that the eyes of our understanding might be enlightened (Eph. 1:18) a little more each day.

ML 04/12/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 6:16-7:6.

Their building now completed, the children of Israel came together with joy to the dedication of the house of God. It was for this that they had been brought back from Babylon. They had sown in tears, now they could reap in joy. Accordingly they offered 100 bullocks, 200 rams and 400 lambs, a small offering indeed compared to that of Solomon, who had slain 22,000 oxen and 124,000 sheep at the dedication of the first house. But the little remnant, like the poor widow who cast but two mites into the treasury (Luke 21), did what they could; and they could rejoice in knowing that the Lord was no less mighty and no less merciful for them than Solomon. In a day of small things it is precious to know that Christ remains the same for His people, and this gives courage to press on whatever the difficulties of the path might be.

Then they offered a sin offering of twelve he-goats according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is nice to see that though they were but a small remnant of the two tribes, their faith took in all Israel. The Lord would have us in faith to take in the whole Church of God, though it be ever so divided up and in ruins.

Next they kept the Passover, the sweet remembrance of their redemption out of the land of Egypt. As believers, we ever need to remind ourselves that the only ground on which we stand before God, the foundation of all our blessings and of His actings in grace toward us, is the precious blood of Christ, the slain Lamb. They also kept the feast of unleavened bread, which followed the Passover, seven days. This would remind us too that the moment we are redeemed, we are not our own; we belong to God. If by His grace we have been washed in the precious blood of Christ, He surely looks for us to walk in holy separation unto Himself, and that we should keep our garments undefiled. Seven days would speak of that whole period of our lives.

It shows how all this was a real work of God for their consciences were aroused because of the defilement which had crept in from the heathen around, and they separated themselves from the filthiness of the heathen of the land. The feast of unleavened bread was not one in which nature would delight, but here, it says, they kept it “with joy,” for there was much rejoicing because the Lord had turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God. It was indeed a wonderful deliverance that the king of Assyria should recognize the God of Israel and desire prayers for himself and for his sons.

In the opening of chapter 7, after an interval of about 50 years, we have the record of the second exodus from Babylon. The name of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, is mentioned, but he is a different king from the one who stopped the building in chapter 4.

Then we are introduced for the first time to Ezra who wrote the account which we have in this book. Very likely the decree of Cyrus went forth either before he was born or while he was very young. Some thirty years later, we find him still serving the Lord with Nehemiah, so it appears that he devoted his whole life to the Lord.

ML 04/12/1959

How Captain John Coutts was Saved

An ungodly sea captain named John Coutts, lay in his cabin in midocean, death staring him in the face. He shrank back, in the presence of “the King of terrors,” and the dread of eternity took fast hold upon him.

Captain Coutts sent for his first mate, and said: “Williams, get down on your knees and pray for a fellow. I have been very wicked, as you know, and I expect I shall go this time.”

“I am not a praying man, you know, Captain, so I can’t pray. I would if I could.”

“Well, then, bring a Bible and read me a bit, for my rope is about run out.”

“I have no Bible, Captain; you know I am not a religious man.”

“Then send for Thomas, the second mate; perhaps he can pray a bit.”

The second mate was soon in the presence of his dying captain, when he said to him: “I say, Thomas, I am afraid I am bound for eternity this trip. Get down and pray for me. Ask God to have mercy upon my poor soul.”

“I’d gladly do it to oblige you, Captain, if I could; but I have not prayed since I was a lad.”

“Have you a Bible, then, to read to me?”

“No, Captain, I have no Bible.”

Alas for the dying sinner! How awful his condition. On the brink of eternity, and without Christ!

They searched the ship over for a man who could pray, but they searched in vain: and for a Bible, but none could be found, until one of the sailors told the captain he had seen a book that looked like a Bible in the hands of the cook’s boy, a little fellow named Willie Platt.

“Send at once,” said Captain Coutts, “and see if the boy has a Bible.”

The sailor hurried off to the boy and said to him, “Sonny, have you a Bible?”

“Yes, sir, but I only read it in my own time.”

“Oh, that is all right, my lad; take the Bible and go to the captain’s cabin. He is very sick and wants a Bible. He thinks he is going to die.”

Away went Willie Platt with his Bible to the captain’s cabin.

“Have you a Bible, my boy?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Then sit down, and find something in it that will help me, for I am afraid I am going to die. Find something about God having mercy on a sinner like me, and read it to me.”

Poor boy! He did not know where to read, but he remembered that his mother had him read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah just before he left home for that voyage.

Willie turned to that blessed chapter that so fully sets forth the love and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ in dying for poor sinners such as John Coutts, and commenced to read. When William got to the fifth verse, “He was wounded for our transgreions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed,” the captain, who was listening for his very life, realizing that he was surely having his last chance of being saved, said: “Stop, my lad! That sounds like it! read it again.”

Once more the boy read over the blessed words.

“Aye, my lad, that’s good — that’s it, sure.”

These words from the captain encouraged Willie, and he said: “Captain, when I was reading that verse at home, Mother made me put my name in it. May I put it in now just where Mother told me?”

“Certainly, Sonny; put your name in just where your mother told you, and read it again.”

Reverently and slowly the boy read the verse:

“He — Jesus — was wounded for Willie Platt’s transgressions. He was bruised for Willie Platt’s iniquities; the chastisement of Willie Platt’s peace was upon Him, and with His stripes Willie Platt is healed.”

When Willie had finished, the captain was half-way over the side of his bed, reaching toward the lad, and said: “My boy, put your captain’s name in the verse and read it again — John Coutts, John Coutts.”

Then the lad slowly read the verse again: “He was wounded for John Coutts’ transgressions, He was bruised for John Coutts’ iniquities, the chastisement of John Coutts’ peace was upon Him, and with His stripes John Coutts is healed.”

When the boy had finished, the caain said: “That will do, my lad; you may go now.”

Then the captain lay back upon his pillow and repeated over and over again those precious words of Isaiah 53:5, putting in his own name each time, and as he did so, the joy of heaven filled his soul. He was saved? Yes, praise the Lord, reader, he was saved! Another poor sinner for whom Christ died “had received Him” (John 1:12).

Before John Coutts fell asleep in Jesus, he had witnessed to everyone on his vessel that the Christ of God — the man of Calvary—was wounded for his transgressions, bruised for his iniquities, that the chastisement that he rightfully deserved had fallen on his blessed Substitute, and with His stripes — the stripes that fell on Jesus — He had been healed!

Beloved reader, do you know anything about this salvation? Have you taken your true place as a poor “ungodly sinner” before God and trusted in Christ for pardon?

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

“I HAVE BLOTTED OUT, AS A THICK CLOUD, THY TRANSGRESSIONS, AND, AS A CLOUD, THY SINS:... FOR I HAVE REDEEMED THEE.” Isa. 44:22.

ML 04/19/1959

An African Woman's Confession

“I threw my baby into the river!” This was the confession of a Christian African woman. This horrible act troubled her conscience after she was saved. She asked if God would forgive such a crime as that. She was told He would, for He “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Rev. 1:5.

While still an unbeliever she was not burdened before God; she sorrowed only because she missed her dear little one. But after accepting the Lord Jesus as her Saviour she realized how awful this deed was in the sight of a holy God.

You may say, “What a wicked woman! Didn’t she love her child?” Oh, yes, she did. She would not have thrown her baby into the river unless she had been forced to do so. The reason she did so was because its first teeth grew on its upper jaw instead of the lower. The unwritten tribal law demands that such a child should be disposed of, otherwise it will grow up to be a very undesirable person, causing sickness, death and other dreadful calamities. Now if the mother refuses to keep this heathen custom, others will steal the child and destroy it.

We naturally think some heathen practices are very bad. So they are. But let us stop to consider what an awful act it is to refuse God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom He sent into the world to die for sinful man! “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. Truly it is unspeakable love on God’s part to give His Son to die in our stead.

God’s gracious invitation is, “All things are ready; come.” Matt. 22:4. How good it would be if you who are unsaved would accept this invitation and thus possess eternal life in Christ Jesus. “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.

ML 04/19/1959

A Child's Hymn

What a happy child am I!

Now I know my sins forgiven,

And beyond the far-off sky

Have a happy home in heaven.

God, my Father, dwells above,

Jesus, too, whom I adore;

Once He died for me in love,

Now He lives for evermore.

While I live I want to be

Like a candle shining bright.

As His strength He gives to me,

Those around shall see the light.

All that I may do or say,

I would do it for His sake;

Follow Him each passing day,

Till in glory I awake.

ML 04/19/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 7:7-28.

Ezra was of the priestly family, and his genealogy is traced back to Aaron, the first high priest. But though he became a priest by birth, and consecration, he only became “a ready scribe in the law of Moses” through personal study of the Word of God. It is nice to read also of him that he had prepared his heart not only to seek the law of the Lord but to do it; he was a true teacher. In a later day the faithful Apostle could point to his own example, and say, “Ye know,... after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,... but have showed you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house.” (Acts 20:18-20.) It is good for us to remember his exhortation to Timothy: “Till I come, give attendence to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.... Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” 1 Tim. 4:13, 15.

There was no miracle, no display of glory or of power in Ezra’s day; he moved in ordinary circumstances. His resources were only what ours are today — the Word and the presence of God. But he was a man of God; and so great were his exercises that he went to the king to get his permission to go to Jerusalem that he might teach there the commandments and statutes of the Lord. We are told that the king granted all his request, according to the hand of his God upon him.

This second exodus from Babylon took place in the seventh year of Artarxerxes. There went up with Ezra a company of the children of Israel, priests, Levites, singers, and the Nethinim. The king had given Ezra a letter acknowledging him as a priest, and oa scribe of the God of heaven. He desired for him peace in his undertaking. In examining the contents of this remarkable letter we read: (1) It called upon all those in Israel who of their own free will desired to go back to Jerusalem to go up with Ezra. (2) All who read this letter would know that Ezra was sent of the king and his counselors. (3) The king and his counselors were freely offering silver and gold to the God of Israel whose habitation was at Jerusalem. (4) Ezra was empowered to collect from the people of Israel in all the province of Babylon a freewill offering for the house of their God. (5) Ezra was to use this money to buy speedily animals and all that was necessary for the offerings to be offered upon the altar of the house of God at Jerusalem. (6) He was given liberty to use the rest of this money as seemed good to him after the will of God. (7) Certain vessels were to be given for the service of the Lord at Jerusalem. (8) If more funds were needed, they were to be supplied out of the king’s treasures. (9) The treasurers beyond the Euphrates were to give Ezra all that he required up to 100 talents of silver, as well as wheat, wine and oil. (10) Whatsoever was commanded by the God of heaven was to be done speedily, for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? (11) It was unlawful to impose tribute or custom upon the priests or Levites. (12) The penalty of death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment was to be imposed on any who obeyed not the law of his God.

We can well appreciate how Ezra’s heart was filled with praise unto God for all the wonders of His love and mercy to His people.

ML 04/19/1959

The Mouse and the Cake

A friend of mine, who was a student, and was staying in a boarding house, received one day in the mail a little box containing a good slice of wedding cake. When he came home at night, he put it on the mantlepiece, intending to eat some of it in the morning.

However, he forgot all about it for about a week. Then he remembered it again, and took down the box expecting to eat his cake. What was his surprise to find only a few crumbs left!

So he rang the bell, and his landlady appeared, and he told her what had happened.

“Oh, I am afraid it must be my little Nelly, as she comes here before breakfast to dust your room, sir.”

When Nelly, who was ten years old, came back from school, her mother spoke to her about the cake, and said: “I am so sorry, my child; I fear you must have stolen the cake.”

“Oh, no, Mother,” said the naughty girl, “it must have been a mouse that took it.”

However, on Sunday morning there was a tap at the door, and my friend called out “Come in.” There little Nelly stood in the doorway, looking very much ashamed, and, with the tears trickling down her cheeks, she said: “Please, Sir, I was the mouse that took the cake.” And then she confessed how she opened the box, and took just a very little bit, but the next morning a bigger piece, and so on, till at last it was nearly all gone. My friend, who was a goodhearted fellow, forgave Nelly for she was quite sorry and repentant, and after a little talk together they had a word of prayer. I don’t think Nelly will forget the talk and prayer that morning.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8, 9.

“HE THAT COVERETH HIS SINS SHALL NOT PROSPER: BUT WHOSO CONFESSETH AND FORSAKETH THEM SHALL HAVE MERCY.” Prov. 28:13.

ML 04/26/1959

Shimbi

School was over for the year. That made it possible for us to trek to out-lying areas with the “good news.” It was such a happy time going from village to village telling the Africans that

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

During the day we visited with the people while at work, and then at night a very large fire was lighted near the tent, around which men, women and children would sit. First they sang hymns; after that they listened to an African Christian man read and speak from God’s Word.

Shimbi, a bright lad about 10 or 12 years of age, either did not know about the evening meeting near his village, or else had a reason for not coming. Once when he had been on a long journey with his father he had heard about the Lord Jesus. He hadn’t forgotten what he heard.

Early the next morning after the meeting around the big camp fire, he came all by himself to say, “I want to believe.”

Wasn’t he a wise lad in God’s eyes? We read “The wise shall inherit glory.” Prov. 3:35. Wouldn’t it be a wise act on the part of any girl or boy to believe on the Lord Jesus? “Believe on the Lord Jesus. Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

To read God’s Word was now Shimbi’s earnest desire. There was no school nearby, nor was there a school bus to take him to the mission about 150 miles away. He would have to walk that long distance, then remain there some months in order to learn to read. To leave home and friends and to live with strange boys and white people would be a different life for him. But now that he was a Christian he set his heart to follow the Lord Jesus. We might add that the Lord Jesus helped him, as He does all who put their trust in Him.

That same afternoon he brought his father to the tent to talk over the school problem. His father’s words were few: “If my son wants to go to school to learn to read and write, that is his affair. I will not hinder him.”

Our caravan moved on to other villages and finally returned to the mission in time to re-open school. You may wonder whether Shimbi ever got to the mission. Yes, he was present the day school opened. He had found some black men traveling the same journey, so walked with them. In school he settled right down to learning. He committed Scripture verses to memory. It wasn’t too long before his desire was fulfilled: he could read God’s Word!

When vacation time came he went back home. Before he left the mission he had said he was going to gather together the village people to tell them something of what he had learned. This he did. But what do you think happened when they heard the gospel? They scattered saying, “Those are just the fables of the white man; we won’t listen to them.” You can be sure he was discouraged. When telling about the incident he hung his head as though he had failed.

But the Lord Jesus had something good in store for him which encouraged his heart and brought true happiness. His older sister visited him while at school. His changed life had made quite an impression upon her. Every morning for a week she came to the house to listen to the reading of God’s Word. This is what she said: “Shimbi has believed and I do not want to be left out.”

Each day she would repeat what she remembered from the day before, showing how attentive and earnest she was. The last morning she was asked what effect the Word of God had upon her. She replied, “I want the Lord Jesus to wash my heart white and clean.” We know He did cleanse her from all sin, for Isa. 1:18 tells us, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

ML 04/26/1959

Edward's Sermon

Though he was only fifteen, and had been ill but a few weeks, consumption was rapidly doing its work with Edward.

Sad to say he knew nothing of his desperate need, or of the Saviour’s love. He was totally ignorant of the precious Gospel, which most of those who read this paper have heard so often.

But the Good Shepherd’s eye rested on this lost sheep. He set out to find him, for He wanted him in His bright home above, and so put it into the heart of one of His servants to go and see the poor lad, and tell him of His wonderful love.

He was found sitting up near a small table, resting his head on a pillow that had been placed upon it; his large eyes unusually bright, his cheeks flushed, and his face thin and worn. He told his visitor he knew he was going to die as his two brothers had before him, and was then asked if he knew anything about Jesus.

“Well,” he answered, “I think I’ve heard tell of Him, but I know nothing about Him.”

So he was told in simple words as one would to a little child “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” Again and again the visitor called upon the lad and repeated the same tale, till at last his need of a Saviour seemed to dawn on the poor boy’s soul, and he began to see what was the value of Christ’s death on the Cross to put away sins.

The last Sunday he was alive, upon his saying he was going to be with Christ, he was asked why he thought he was going to be with Him. With great difficulty he raised himself up and said, “Jesus Christ loved me, died for me, rose again, and saves me,” and fell back never to speak again; but in a short time was with that blessed Saviour of whom a few weeks before he knew nothing.

It was indeed a wonderful sermon in a very few words. The Holy Spirit had taught this poor ignorant boy; and I could wish that every one of you who has read this true story might be able to say with Edward, “He loved me, died for me, rose again, and saves me.” Dear friend, make His love your own today, and you too will get the blessing.

ML 04/26/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 8:1-23.

In chapter 8 we have the list of names of those that went up with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. How precious to God are those who respond to His call! On the way they encamped for three days at the river Ahava which evidently was near the Euphrates. The purpose of this was to check over the names and families represented. Ezra, devoted man that he was, was deeply burdened to see that there was a response on the part of all. God had graciously moved the heart of the king and his counselors; how had the people responded when so great a privilege had been granted them? Ezra found that while the priests were represented, there were no Levites in the company. It was the Levites who were called of God to teach the law to the people, and to care for the holy things. Therefore it was necessary that they should be represented so that he could employ them to carry out what was so much on his heart. Sometimes those who have enjoyed the greatest privileges do not value them as they should, and being attracted by what the world offers, they fail to respond to that which faith demands.

Ezra then sent for nine chief men, two of whom are called men of understanding. It is encouraging to note how in the Word of God, in times of great trial for His people, He raises up some of understanding. When David was in rejection, we read that there were gathered unto him, “men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Then in the New Testament we have mentioned among the gifts, “helps, governments” (1 Cor. 12:28). All are not gifted alike, but we can be thankful for the various gifts the Lord has given to the Church. Ezra sent these men back to Iddo, the chief, and the result was that by the good hand of God they brought back Sherebiah, a Levite, “a man of understanding,” with his sons and his brethern. Also another company of 20 Levites and 220 Nethinim responded to the call.

When these all arrived, Ezra proclaimed a fast by the river Ahava, as he says, “that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” It is instructive to note that the purpose of this fast was not to ask God for power but “that we might afflict ourselves before. God.” Surely what we need today is the spirit of self-judgment and a seeking to carry the truth of God in lowliness of mind, and in love, with a deep sense of our shortcomings and low estate. It is humiliation of spirit before the Lord that becomes us, so that He may be able to entrust us with a blessing.

It was an act of real faith on the part of Ezra to undertake that long journey across the desert where bands of robbers waited to prey upon the travelers. Ezra’s company, with all the treasure entrusted to them by the king, would have been a rich prize to such bands. But Ezra had boasted of the God of Iael to the king so he says here, “I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way.” He knew that God’s protection was better and that He delights to respond to the confidence of His people. So Ezra could say, “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him, but His power and wrath is against all them that forsake Him.”

ML 04/26/1959

Nellie Black

Nellie Black was one of the brightest girls in the village school. A general favorite with her brothers at home, and with the girls in in her class, sunshine seemed to ripple perpetually on her brow. To see her in her happy home, with her kitten playmates, made a sight for any artist’s eye. And yet Nellie was not always happy. Favored with a converted preacher in the little chapel near, and, still more unusual, a converted teacher in the day school, who not merely sought the mental and moral, but higher spiritual welfare of the pupils under his charge, Nellie had learned that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Hence after the day’s fun was past she might have been found with the tear in her eye, and the burden on her heart, wondering how she might get the great question of sin settled. I hope you have felt the same, for only those who realize that they are lost can be saved. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Again and again the teacher had placed the way of salvation before his earnest pupil. Nellie read that “the just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). She knew that the Bible said, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephes. 2:8); that Jesus Himself had said, “Believe, and be saved” (Luke 8:12). But it seemed such a big thing for a simple, sinful girl to commit her soul to the Saviour’s keeping, and be “saved with an everlasting salvation” (Isa. 45:17). Great though it was, she did it. Shall I tell you how? Her mother sent Nellie to make a few purchases at the village shop on the road from school, giving her some silver coins to pay for the goods. Not being accustomed to handle so much money, Nellie thought it best to ask the teacher to take charge of it till school hours were past. Approaching the teacher’s desk, and laying down the money, she made her request.

“But, Nellie,” said the teacher: “can you trust me with so much?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Had you not better get two of the other girls to witliess that I have received the money?”

“No, sir, I can trust you with it.”

“Then, Nellie, if Jesus had been your Teacher, would you also have trusted Him?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Well, Nellie, if you could trust Him with the silver coins, could you not trust Him with your soul?”

“Yes, sir, I could.”

“Now, Nellie,” continued the soul-winning teacher, “as you have trusted me just now with your money, will you not trust the great Saviour, who loved you and gave Himself for you, with your precious soul? Will you do it just now?”

A moment’s pause, then the anxious girl quietly replied, “Yes, sir, I could trust Him; I will trust Him.”

A little more conversation, then a routine of lessons, then home; but Nellie never forgot the real joy of that night, as again and again she hummed to herself the little verse:

“Jesus, I will trust Thee!
Trust Thee with my soul;
Guilty, lost, and helpless,
Thou cant make me whole.”

Perhaps your name is not Nellie, but you are a sinner and need salvation. Think of Jesus dying on the cross of Calvary in agony and shame for you; hear His triumphant cry at last, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Finished for you. In view of such love, such agony, and such a mighty triumph, will you just now say, “I will trust, and not be afraid?”

Remember, “None perish who trust Him.” Hundreds of boys and girls have accepted the invitation of the Lord Jesus: “Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28); found His promise true: “Him that cometh to ME, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37), and are saved and living happy lives. Hundreds more have lived happy lives on earth, and landed safely on the golden shore. Will you trust Him now and be happy?

“WHOSO PUTTETH HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE SAFE.” Prov. 29:25.

ML 05/03/1959

Charlie's Dream

Charlie’s was a big boy, between 12 and 13, and went one night to a gospel meeting, bent on mischief, and making fun of what was said. He laughed and talked, and disturbed the speaker, so that he had to be reproved; but that night he had a dream that diurbed him dreadfully!

He thought that he saw the word

ETERNITY

upon the wall at the foot of his bed, not in black letters, but in letters of fire like gas jets flaring upon the wall.

The boy woke up in a great fright, trembling very much, and could not get off to sleep again. Surely it was God speaking to Charlie, and he felt what a wicked boy he was, and that if he died in that state he could not possibly spend eternity with the Lord Jesus in heaven!

He could scarcely swallow any breakfast in the morning, and had the most wretched time at school.

After school he ran home, went up to his room, fell upon his knees weeping, and asked God to have mercy on him for Christ’s sake, and wash all his sins away. That was the day of his salvation, and Charlie has been a changed character ever since, and he has told many boys and girls of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ML 05/03/1959

Too Late

The other day, as I was standing at the door of a hall, where a friend of mine was preaching the gospel, a little boy came up and said: “Please, sir, may I go in?”

“No, my boy,” I replied; “impossible to let you in, there is no more room.”

“But I was in there last Friday evening, and the Friday before. I am a regular one.”

“Very likely, my boy; but today you cannot go in.”

“But you said last Friday afternoon, ‘There will be a meeting for boys and girls at the hall on Friday evening, at seven.’ Why can’t I go in?”

“Look here, my boy,” I said, showing him my watch, “it is twenty mites past seven, so you are too late. The room is full, and your being there last Friday does not take you in tonight.”

Now, dear young friends, who read this paper, I would have you remember that soon the last seat in God’s house will be occupied, and it will then be too late for you to come and knock.

“Now,” God says, “is the day of salvation.”

If you still refuse God’s invitation you may, like this little boy, be found at the door, knocking; but it will be of no avail. There is only one thing that can cleanse you from your sins, and that is the blood of Christ, for we read, “The blood of Jesus Christ His (God’s) Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7.)

ML 05/03/1959

Bible Questions for May

The Children’s Class

1.Who is the God of all comfort and the Father of mercies?

2.Who causeth us to triumph in Christ?

3.Does the god of this world (Satan) blind the minds of them which believe not the gospel of Christ?

4.How many must appear before the judgment seat of Christ?

5.If any one be in Christ, has he become a new creature?

6.When is the day of salvation?

7.What is it that worketh repentance to salvation?

Young People’s Class

1.Was it Saul with 2,000 men or Jonathan with 1,000 which had the faith to smite the garrison of the Philistines? 1 Samuel 13.

2.Who is it that increaseth strength to them that have no might? Isaiah 40.

3.What did Saul (who was only a natural man) say after blowing the trumpet to announce this victory? 1 Samuel.

4.Did David (called a man after God’s own heart) refer to the people as Hebrews? 1 Samuel 17.

5.Was the name Israel originally given in connection with blessing? Genesis 32 & 35.

6.Can the natural man understand the things of God? 1 Cor. 2.

7. Can anyone without faith please God? Heb. 11.

ML 05/03/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 8:23-9:3.

Before leaving the river, Ezra chose twelve chief priests, Sheremiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren and weighed unto them the silver and the gold and the vessels, charging them to keep them safely. When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were to weigh them again in the presence of their brethren in the house of the Lord. In this Ezra was acting on the principles laid down in Deuteronomy 19:15 where it is stated all must be done in the presence of two or three witnesses. It is the principle of righteousness and something to be remembered at all times. In 2 Cor. 8:21 The faithful Apostle speaks of “providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

On the twelfth day they left the river Ahava and started on their journey across the desert. Having trusted God for His protection, Ezra’s faith was answered, for he adds, “the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and of such that lay in wait by the way. And we came to Jerusalem.” On the fourth day after their arrival they offered offerings unto the Lord — an expression of their grateful hearts for His mercy to them. Then Ezra delivered the king’s commissions unto the lieutenants and governors on the west of the Euphrates, and it is said, “they furthered the people, and the house of God.”

While it is not mentioned here, surely Ezra and his company must have rejoiced now that their journey was completed and they could now appear before the Lord at His house in Jerusalem.

But this has no sooner taken place than Ezra is overwhelmed by the sad news concerning the conduct of those who, a few years earlier, had preceded them in coming back to the land. It appears that some of the people had been saddened by what had taken place, but were either unable to do anything about it, or feeling themselves to be so much in the minority, they were afraid to say anything. Whatever may have been the cause for their silence, they see in Ezra’s life and devotion to the Lord that which encourages them to confide in him, and tell him their shame and sorrow over the real state of the people.

The cause of the sorrow was that the people as a whole had disregarded the word of the Lord and had not separated themselves from the people of the lands, but did according to their abominations. They had intermarried with those nations which thing God had forbidden saying that it would bring in the worship of their gods. The princes and rulers had been leaders in this trespass, and the priests and Levites having fallen by their example, the rest of the people followed them. This always results in bringing down to the level of the world that which God has instituted. In the New Testament we are told, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Cor. 6:14. There has to be first a lowering of conduct before the Lord for one to contelate such a step. May the Lord help each of us who are His own ever to remember that our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20), and that in Scripture the Church is presented “as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2).

ML 05/03/1959

How Jack Was Made Happy

It was Sunday afternoon and a little ragged boy was slowly wending his way along one of the less frequented streets of the big city. His eyes were fixed upon the ground, and presently he came to a stop, attracted by the sight of something pretty. It was a card that had been dropped from the Bible of a Sunday school girl. The boy picked it up carefully, holding it at the edges lest his dirty fingers should spoil it. It was pretty, he thought. The colors of the border were so bright, and the gold letters shone in the sunshine. How he wished he could read those words; but that was impossible, for the poor child had never been taught. Fearing some of his companions would come and take his pretty card away from him, the ragged boy put it into his pocket, saying to himself, “I’ll get old Molly to read them words to me tonight. I bet they’re something good, or they wouldn’t have taken the trouble to make ‘em so pretty.”

So saying, the boy walked on, and being soon after joined by some of his companions, he forgot the card for a time. But in the evening, before he returned to his home, he went to a house in the same court, felt his way up a dark staircase, and opening a door called out, “I say, Molly, are you there?”

“Yes, come in, Jack,” answered a shaky voice. So he went in, and there, by a rickety table, on which stood a rush candle, sat an old woman trying to read.

“Now, Molly,” said Jack, “I want you to read these gold words to me, I don’t know anyone else as can.”

“All right, my boy,” answered the old woman, “I’d do more nor that for you, Jack, for you be always ready to do a kind turn for me.”

She took the card in her hand, and after admiring it for a minute, read slowly, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

“What does that mean, Molly?” asked Jack.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you, boy. I don’t know much about them things.”

“But who is the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“I have heard say that He is the Son of God, who lives up in the sky.”

“I wonder what ‘thou shalt be saved means; what are we to be saved from?”

“I think I can tell you that, Jack,” said Molly. “When I was a child like you I used to go to Sunday school, and I used to learn a few things there, but I have nearly lost them now. I do remember that they used to tell us sometimes that everyone who was wicked and didn’t serve God as they ought, would be put into a big fire when they died — a fire called hell, and I expect it is that we want to be saved from.”

“Well,” said Jack, “I wish I knew more about that Lord Jesus Christ, that I might believe on Him, ‘cause I shouldn’t like to be put into that fire at all. Good night, Molly.” And putting his card into his pocket again, he went home to bed. But it was a long time before he slept, his mind was so full of the verse on his card.

The next day, he made up his mind to try and find someone who would tell him something about Jesus Christ, and when he was going out of the court, seeing Molly in front of him, he asked her if she knew how he could find anyone who knew anything about Him? She said there was a gentleman that lived at one of the houses where she sold oranges, who she guessed would tell him all he wanted to know, and showing Jack where the house was, she went on her way.

It was some time before Jack could get courage to knock at the door, but he did at last, and it was opened by a servent, who thought he was a beggar, and wanted to send him away. But the geleman passing near the door, saw him, and asked him what he wanted. Jack pulled out his card, and asked him if he would be so kind as to tell him what those words meant. The gentleman smiled kindly, and taking Jack by the hand, led him into a room, and bade him sit down while he explained the verse.

“My boy,” said the kind man, “God made everything. He made this world. He made us. God is a holy God and hates sin. All the bad things we do are sin. And God must punish sin. You cannot hide your bad doings from God, and He knows all your thoughts. But God is love. And He sent His own Son into this world. Jesus is His name. Jesus came here from heaven about 1900 years ago. He came to tell man that God is love. He came also to die for man, and to bear the punishment against sin which we deserve. It was a cruel death, Jack, that Jesus died. Wicked men nailed Him to a cross of wood and hung Him up to die. In those last three dark hours, hanging there, He was bearing our punishment. God laid our sins upon Him. When He was dead Jesus was put into a tomb, but God raised Him up from the dead, and Jesus is now in heaven. He is full of love, my boy, and waiting to receive you. He will forgive all your sins and make you ready for heaven. ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ “

Jack did believe, and his face was radiant with happiness, for he felt he had found a Friend who would never leave nor forsake him, and when he left the house he felt that he had begun a new life. And now, dear young friends, which of you will believe in Jesus as Jack believed, and be saved?

“HE SATISFIETH THE LONGING SOUL, AND FILLETH THE HUNGRY SOUL WITH GOODNESS.” Psa. 107:9.

ML 05/10/1959

A Bird That Gave the Gospel

Frank and Jim, two of the city’s garbage collectors, were busy at their usual work one morning when they heard a strange sound coming from a container nearby.

“Here it is! Imagine that!” smiled Jim, as he lifted the cover. Yes, there among the refuse sat a beautiful green and yellow parakeet. “It’s a talking parakeet, Frank. Let’s have some fun with him.”

To the men’s amazement the little bird immediately began to plainly speak these words, “Precious Lord Jesus, precious Lord Jesus.”

“Listen to that. I’ve never heard a bird talk words like those before.”

“It’s an unusual message for sure, Jim. He’s been taught a sweet lesson the name of Jesus.”

Jim appeared to feel uneasy. “H-m. Let’s take him to the house and get on with our work.”

At the house a delighted little old lady greeted them. “Oh,” she exclaimed, “there’s my Timmy. Where did you find him?”

As the men began to answer her, Timmy interrupted them by perching on the lady’s shoulder repeating, “Precious Lord Jesus, precious Lord Jesus.”

“Ah, Timmy, I’ve always told you that some day you might tell others of Jesus, and now you’ve spoken to these men. You see,” she explained, “the Lord Jesus is precious to me. Is He precious to you?” she asked her visitors.

Frank showed some interest. “I heard of Jesus when I was a boy. No one has told me of Him since.”

“Let me tell you. He’s taken away all my sin. No one else could do that, and God could never look at me when I was full of sin. He can remove all of your guilt if you put your trust in Him.” She told how the Lord Jesus came to this world as a Babe, how He lived a life of rejection and sorrow, and how He died on Calvary’s cross to cleanse from sin every one who will believe on Him.

Not many days after this, our friend read in the newspaper of the sudden accidental death of Frank and Jim while at their tasks. They had heard the gospel story.

Dear young friends, this story is unusual but true. Have you received into your hearts the message of “Precious Lord Jesus,” that sweetest name? If not receive it today, this very hour, before it is too late. When we love Him our strength, talents, our every possession, even a parakeet, can be used in some way to glorify our Saviour.

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

ML 05/10/1959

I will in no Wise Cast Out

I would like to tell you how a little boy only four years old, who attended an infant class in a Sunday school, preached the gospel to his mother. He had a kind teacher who believed that little children could come to Jesus and be saved. One Sunday morning, she wrote on the blackboard the words of Jesus, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

When they were having their dinner that day, the little fellow all at once put his knife and fork on the plate, and looking up into his mother’s face said, “Mamma, don’t you want to have all your sins washed away? You have only to come to Jesus, for He says, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’” The mother turned very pale, and I believe that these words made a deep impression upon her.

ML 05/10/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 9:3-15.

So painful to the heart of Ezra was the sorrowful news of the conduct of the people, that he rent his clothes and plucked off his hair. Then he sat down overwhelmed, so intense was his grief. That those who had been the objects of the special grace of God should turn His grace into that which was so dishonoring to Him, was indeed a blow to a godly man like Ezra. But such is the heart of man! and our hearts are no better if we are not walking in communion with the Lord and in obedience to His Word. Still He is unchangeable in His mercy and grace toward His people. “If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Tim. 2:13, J.N.D. Trans. “The gifts and calling of God are without repentence,” Rom. 11:29, and this alone is the security of His people.

It does not appear that Ezra said anything at this time, but the result of his grief was that everyone that trembled at the words of the God of Israel were gathered to him. Had He not said long before by the mouth of His prophet Isaiah that He would take up the cause of “him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word?” Isa. 66:2, 5.

Heartbroken, Ezra sat in the dust until the time of the evening sacrifice; then he arose and spread out his hands unto the Lord. Humbled by the people’s sin, nevertheless he saw in the burnt offering — type of what Christ was to God in His death — his own acceptance. Realizing this he proceeded to make intercession for his guilty people, ocnfessing their sins as his own, even though he had not taken part in their failure. He spoke of their former guiltiness whereby they had been carried away captive for a spoil for their enemies, which resulted in their confusion of face. But now for them to act as they had done, after the Lord had granted them a little reviving by allowing a remnant to escape, and to give them a nail in God’s holy place — all Ezra could say was, “What shall we say after this for we have forsaken Thy commandments.”

Ezra then exhorted the people not to do as they had done, and not to seek the peace or wealth of the surrounding nations. Then he reminded them that God had punished them less than their iniquities deserved. After this Ezra ocntinued his intercession before the Lord, expressing fear that they should again break His commandments, and that they would be consumed so there would not be a remnant left to escape.

From first to last Ezra justifies God, and lays bare the sins of his people. This is truly the work of the Spirit of God; and it is also a promise of blessing, for the place of confession is the place of restoration.

It is well for us to read and consider often the words of Moses to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8, where he says with respect to the Lord’s dealings with His people, it was “that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end.” v. 16. In order that He might do so it is necessary for Him to humble us, for “a proud look” is one of those seven things which the Word tells us are an abomination unto Him. (Prov. 6:16-19.)

ML 05/10/1959

"I Want to See Them Again!"

The old man sat in an easy chair on the wide porch of his niece’s home enjoying the warmth of the early summer. It was one of a terrace of houses in a quiet little street not far from the center of the town.

Tripping gaily along the road came Brenda Grant, and when she saw the old man she stopped. She thought that she knew everyone who lived in the terrace, but this elderly man was a stranger to her. Brenda was a friendly soul, and she felt that she simply must speak to him.

“Good morning, Gramps, I have not seen you before.”

“My name is Brown, and I have come to live with my niece.”

“Did you want to come?” asked the child.

“No, I cannot say that I did, but I have been ill, and the doctor insisted on my coming to someone who could look after me.”

“I am sorry; are you going to live here always?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Then we must be friends.”

Friends they certainly became, and often the child would carry a little stool, take up her position close to her elderly friend, and carry on an animated conversation.

One Saturday morning Brenda appeared carrying her little stool. “Mr. Brown,” she said as she seated herself, “tomorrow is a special day at our mission, will you come with us?”

The old man’s face hardened. “No, I gave up all that sort of thing long ago.”

“But why?”

“I had a bitter experience. I lost my wife and child in six months, and I have never been to church since. It was hard to lose all I’d got.”

“Then you used to go?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Did they go with you?”

“Certainly they did; my wife was a lovely Christian, and my Mary was a sweet child.”

Brenda thought for a moment, and then said with her childish frankness: “Mr. Brown, it’s not much good your giving up God, is it? Your wife and Mary are with Jesus, but you will go to hell.”

Mr. Brown took this downright statent very quietly, simply replying: “I had not thought of it like that.”

“Well, you want to see them again, don’t you?”

“Yes, very badly.”

“Then why not come with us tomorrow, and make a fresh start?”

“I’ll think about it. I used to play a number of hymns on my concertina.” “Have you still got it?”

“Yes, it’s inside.”

“Play a tune on it for me, please, Mr. Brown.”

“Come along, then; we’ll go and find it.”

The old man took the instrument out of its case, adjusted it, and soon the tender strains of “What a Friend we have in Jesus” filled the room.

Mr. Brown could not get rid of the child’s words. “They are with Jesus — you will go to hell.” They rang in his ears all the remainder of the day, and came to him when he awoke during the night.

“If Brenda comes for me tomorrow, I will go with her,” he at length decided.

Brenda did come for him, and he sat by her in the gospel meeting, her mother and father on her other side.

The hearty singing of the once familiar hymns brought tears to his eyes. His heart melted as the simple message of the love of God was told out by the speaker. His hardness and bitterness disappeared, and the joy of having a living Saviour filled his soul, and he found peace and forgiveness in Him who loved him and gave Himself for him.

“DESPISEST THOU THE RICHES OF HIS GOODNESS...; NOT KNOWING THAT THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADETH THEE TO REPENTANCE?” Rom. 2:4.

ML 05/17/1959

"Give My Love to Him!"

A little boy, four years old, ran into his mother’s bedroom one morning to tell her something, but found her upon her knees engaged in prayer. His mother said, “Go away, my dear, for I am talking to Jesus.”

This obedient child at once went towards the door, but just then something came into his heart. He crept softly back on tiptoe, and putting his little hand on his mother’s shoulder, whispered, “Mamma, please give my love to Him.”

ML 05/17/1959

The Australian Prodigal

Philip was a young man who had been brought up in a Christian home, but he had never trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour as those in his family had done. Many prayers had gone up for his salvation, for he was at that time the family prodigal in the far off country of Australia.

Philip was the favorite of the family, and being a great letter writer, wrote of his pleasures and fun in long letters every week.

In spite of many prayers, these letters still continued, and the family began to fear their prayers were unheard, when suddenly the miracle took place. Philip lived twenty miles from the post office, and when he had written his weekly letter he used to ride through the bush to mail it, returning the next day.

One afternoon they had just got their weekly letter from him, full of racing news, and were regretting the lack of any change in the boy, when they saw another letter on the table. It read:

“While riding yesterday through the bush, like Saul going to Damascus, I was suddenly arrested by a wonderful vision. Like a lightning flash I got an intense conviction that I was a lost man, riding down to destruction. I reined up my horse, burst out into a violent perspiration, and was so weak that I had to dismount. After awhile I returned slowly home, my one desire being to relieve my agony.

“I found the Bible you gave me at the bottom of my box, but could not seem to get comfort from it; so next day I went to see the bishop. Somehow I got no peace or rest from him, and now, dear Mother, do tell me how I am to be saved from this awful condition. I am suffering, and long for your reply.”

The intervening weeks seemed endless, so great was Philip’s distress of mind. The pleasures of sin were forgotten. Conscience had awakened him and there was one great problem— how to get rid of his sins. He counted the weeks and wondered how soon the reply could reach him.

The family decided a telegram should be sent, but what words to send, they did not know. So once again they knelt to pray, and then into their minds there came the verse: “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.”

Without a moment’s delay they sent this message to the prodigal son. When he received it he says he saw in a moment that he was freely forgiven through the merits of Christ, his Saour, for, of course, he knew the gospel story from which the words were taken.

The prodigal, having come to himself, now “arose and returned to his father.” He wrote home saying that he was coming back to England on the first boat to leave.

How wonderful are the ways of God! Dear friend, you too may have this Saviour by simply putting your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are unsaved, you are like the prodigal, but God is waiting to receive you with open arms. His Word says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

The Lord Jesus has paid the price of our redemption. His work was finished on the cross, and if you will come to Him with all your heavy burden of sins, He will wash them away in His precious blood.

“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.

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

ML 05/17/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 10:1-9.

In the last chapter Ezra was seen owning before the Lord his people’s guilt. Now we see him dealing with the sin he had confessed and not resting until it had been put away. The result of his prayer, his confession and his tears, was that there was gathered unto him a great congregation of men, women and children, “who wept very sore.” We can understand their weeping since for many of them the act of separating from their former sins meant the breaking of the most affectionate ties. How hard it is to retrace our steps sometimes, and the fruits of our unfaithfulness often remain for the rest of our lives.

But there were some who realized that they must act at once in the matter, at all cost to themselves, if necessary, knowing that the Lord could not bless or prosper them as long as they were living in violation of His commandments. One of their number, Shechaniah, who owned the authority of the Word of the Lord, spoke up for them all and acknowledged that “we have trespassed against our God,...” but he also expressed faith that “yet now is there hope in Israel concerning this thing.” Doubtless Ezra’s grief and humiliation, and the way they all joined him in weeping before the Lord, led him to speak thus. He proposed that they make a covenant with God to put away their strange wives and children, “according to the counsel of my lord,” for they seemed to realize that Ezra came armed with the king’s authority. Shechaniah then called upon Ezra to act with courage, saying, “we also will be with thee.” What a comfort this must have been to Ezra in his grief! So he made them all swear that they would do according to this word.

After this Ezra went into the chamber of Johanan, a Levite, where he fasted and mourned, for as long as the people had not separated themselves from their sin, the burden remained on his heart.

Then according to the counsel of the princes and elders, a proclamation was made that all should gather themselves to Jerusalem within three days. If anyone refused to come, all his goods should be forfeited and himself separated from the congregation. We are told that all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together within three days. It was the twentieth of the ninth month, which would correspond to our December, so it was wintertime. The people gathered together trembling, in the street of the house of God, because of the seriousness of the matter and because of the pouring rain. Their physical discomforts only added to the sorrow of their hearts.

It might be well to remark here that whereas under the law those of Israel who had married wives of the nations, had to put away both wives and children born to them as unclean, now under grace all is changed. Scripture solemnly warns the child of God against marrying an unbeliever; but in the case of husbands or wives brought to the Lord after marriage, if a believer finds himself linked with an unbelieving wife, “and she be pleased to dwell with him,” the word is “let him not put her away.” Likewise “the woman which ha th a husband that believeth not,” “if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.” (1 Cor 7: 10-16.) It may be that the saved one might win the unbelieving companion for Christ, and then through it perhaps the children may be blessed and brought to know the Saviour too.

ML 05/17/1959

The Stolen Apples

“We lived in the country. Our garden led into a large field, and the gentleman who owned the field gave us permission to play there. On the further side of the field was a hedge, and beyond that a market-garden, where our parents bought fruit and vegetables. A few yards over the hedge was a young apple tree, bearing several fine apples.

These had such rosy cheeks, and looked so nice! How I should like to have some, I thought; and, little boy as I was, I reasoned thus: There are not many on the tree; perhaps the gardener will not miss them, or mind much, or if he should, my father knows him, so there cannot be much harm in my taking them.

So confiding in the little daughter of a neighbor living near, we crossed the field and came to the hedge over which the apples could be seen. Clambering over a weak part of the hedge, I was soon up the tree, and transferring the coveted apples to my pockets, all the while peeping timidly about to see if anyone was looking.

Had anyone detected? No eye but that of the all-seeing God, who has said, “Thou shalt not steal.”

But no sooner were the coveted apples in my pocket than they had lost their charm. I was as anxious to be rid of them as before I had been to get them, and fearful and wretched ran back home trembling across the field. I dared not taste one of them, but gave them all to the little girl, hoping never to see or hear more about them. Nor did I, but I could not forget my sin, as you will read by-and-by.

Years passed by, and the sin just rated was but one of many others. But I was not happy; I had a guilty conscience knowing that I was a condemned sinner. At length I tried to reform so that God might accept me, and in anxiety to make amends for all wrong doing of which I could think, one Sunday I remembered stealing the apples. I found out the gardener, and told him what had happened years before, and paid him for them. He was perfectly satisfied, as you may believe, but I had to learn that paying the price of apples to my neighbor in no way relieved me from the weight of the sin as in the sight of God.

It was some time after this that I found from the Word of God that what Jesus did upon the cross satisfied God about sin. Jesus by His blood paid the penalty for the sins which we have committed. And the Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” And by Jesus there is forgiveness of sins, and all who believe are justified from all things.

Now I know that all my efforts in striving to obtain peace with God are unavailing, for all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and what we never could do, God has done by giving His dear Son to die for sinners on Calvary, when He made peace through the blood of His cross (Col. 1:20); when, though sinners with sin in us, we simply believe in God’s own Word about the value of the death of His Son, God no longer reckons sin against us, but justifies us from all things. The blood of Jesus has paid the penalty, which no efforts of ours could ever pay, and from which no tears of ours could ever save us.

“MUCH MORE THEN, BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM.” Rom. 5:9.

ML 05/24/1959

Rubbed Out

Rosie was a clever girl, but she had a cross temper and many naughty ways. Had the truth been told she would never have received one of those presents which aunties used to bring, marked “For a Good Girl.” Without being extremely bad, still she was a sinner; for “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. But do not think that you are any better than she was. Next to a doll—the delight of every girl’s heart—her favorite pleasure was to draw. She would spend hours sketching houses, men and women, cats, motor cars, and other things on blackboard, slate, paper, or any conceivable thing.

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

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

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

Then came the use of a simple event which had happened only a few evenings before. Rosie could not work out an arithmetic problem on her blackboard, but got the figures all wrong. Mother finding it all wrong crossed it out with many crosses. Such a looking slate made the little girl cry. What was to be done? “Oh, Mother, do rub it out, take the sponge and clean it off.” This done, Rosie dried her tears, and exclaimed, “Now, Mother, you cannot see it, I cannot see it, and no one can see it.” Then the visitor explained that her heart and life were all wrong, but that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1: 7), and that if she would just own up she was a sinner and let the Lord Jesus Christ save her, cleanse her, and keep her, all would be put right.

Kneeling down with the little girl the visitor asked the Lord to make the way of salvation simple and plain to her little friend. Then she asked Rosie to speak to the Lord, which she did in the following simple words,

“Dear Lord ‘Jesus, do cleanse my wicked heart, give me a new heart; let the blood You shed on the cross wash my sins away now. Amen.” Some time after this Rosie said, “I know all my sins are gone; Jesus did rub them all out. Now, He cannot see them, the angels cannot see them, I cannot see them, and no one will see them any more” (Isa. 38:17; Heb. 8:12). In all honesty of heart Rosie owned her lost condition, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her own personal Saviour, and was saved.

ML 05/24/1959

Salvation, "Then" Service

“How were you led to Christ?” I asked a young Scotchman.

“Well,” he replied, “I was a Sunday school teacher, and for a considerable time I got on well enough teaching historical parts of the Old Testament. But I began to teach from the New Testament, and I found that I was attempting to teach the boys what I did not know myself. I saw that I must first become a Christian myself before I could lead others to Christ. In this way I became interested about my own soul, and in a short time found the Saviour.”

Alas! how many take part in Sunday school and other Christian work who, like this young man, are still strangers to Christ themselves. This is a serious error, and shows plainly that such individuals know not their lost, ruined, helpless condition as sinners. Were that condition known the inconsistency of the position would be realized. How can one care rightly for the souls of others while yet his own soul is unsaved? Our doings can never be acceptable to God while as yet our hearts are alienated from Him.

Love for Christ alone should lead any to engage in the sweet and precious work of the gospel. We well remember the words of an aged Christian to us when we were first entering on the work.

“It is,” he said, “a very blessed work, but a work which calls for much grace, and very much earnest prayer and waiting upon God.”

ML 05/24/1959

Bible Talks: Ezra 10:10-44.

Ezra then stood up and told the people how that they had sinned and increased the trespass of Israel; now they should make a confession unto the Lord God of their fathers, and do His pleasure, and separate from the people of the land. Whereupon the congregation answered with a loud voice, “As thou hast said, so must we do. But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two, for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.” They suggested that all those of every city, who had transgressed in the matter, should come at appointed times with the elders and judges, until the fierce anger of their God should be turned away from them.

This plea and suggestion was accepted and then we have the names of those who were employed in the matter. Also we are told that “Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives,” the work being completed in two months.

The rest of the chapter gives the list of names of those who had transgressed but who agreed to put away their strange wives and to offer a trespass offering for their guilt. Those mentioned first are “the sons of Jeshua,” who had been associated in the grace of God in the building of His house years before. The leaders then had been first in this departure from God, but it is precious to see how Scripture records their restoration.

This record reminds us of the word in Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” And again the closing verse of that chapter, “For our God is a consuming fire.” We are also reminded that a record is being kept on high of all the activities of the Lord’s people. The apostle Paul seemed to ever have this before him, for he could say, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 1:12. There is then a day coming when every one shall give account. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body,... whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.” 2 Cor. 5:10, 11.

In closing we might remark how that the story of these returned captives, and of Ezra, his exercises and his example, might well edify our hearts in this our day, for surely we are among those to whom these words are addressed. How much there is to instruct, to encourage, to warn and to humble us therein! May the Lord make His Word more precious to our hearts as we journey on midst the ever-increasing dangers that beset the path of faith in this world.

“How precious is the Book divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide us on to heaven.”

ML 05/24/1959

A Life Saved by a Lamb

On the front of a church in the north of England a lamb is carved, and there is a true story connected with it.

Many years ago when that church was being built, a workman stepped back on the scaffold to look at the effect of his work; unfortunately, he stepped back too far, and fell from a great height. His fellow workmen, at a little distance, saw him fall, and gave him up for dead, thinking he must have been killed on the spot. After a few minutes, however, to their great astonishment, they saw him rise and walk away, apparently unhurt. One of these workmen, who was a friend, went after him, and, putting his arm in his, led him home.

“Now, Tom,” he said, when they were inside the house, “tell me what it was that saved your life?”

“Why that lamb, to be sure,” he answered.

And this was true: just where the accident occurred some sheep were lying down, and lie had fallen upon a little lamb — the lamb was killed on the spot, but the man’s life was saved.

“Tom,” said his friend, “if you had not fallen on that lamb — if you had been killed — where would you have been now?”

“Ah,” said the man, “what has happened today has opened my eyes; I see that I deserve nothing but wrath!”

Then said his friend, “You may thank God there is another Lamb. All the wrath your sins deserved fell upon Christ, the Lamb of God, when He suffered death upon the cross; He has died that you may live.”

A lamb was carved in stone outside the church in remembrance of this circumstance, and for many years after, whenever the man looked at that lamb, it reminded him of the day on which he had been twice saved from death. By the mercy of God he was enabled to see that the way in which he had been saved from that accident was but a picture of the only way in which he could be saved from eternal death. From that day he trusted in Christ, the true Lamb of God, as his Saviour, and could say, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20).

I wonder how many who read this story today can say that they too have had their eyes opened to see that they deserve nothing but wrath, and that there is only one way of escape from eternal death, that is, by the “Lamb slain.”

“He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Matt. 27:42.

Himself He could not save;
For justice must be done
And sin’s full weight must fall
Upon a sinless One;
For nothing else could God accept
In payment for the fearful debt.

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.” John 1:29.

ML 05/31/1959

The Good Shepherd

Thousands of children were assembling in a great hall one Surday afternoon, where there was to be a children’s meeting. Outside the door stood a boy whose ragged clothes and bare feet made him feel that there was no place for him among the rows of neatly dressed children that he could get a glimpse of through the doorway. He longed to go in, for it looked so comfortable inside, and he wanted to find out what all those children were going there for. A lady, when passing in, noticed his eager little face, and asked him if he would like to go to the meeting. He said he would, but that he wasn’t fit.

“Oh, never mind your clothes,” said the lady, “come with me, and I will find you a seat.”

She took him in, and placed him in a corner where he would be able to see the speaker, and yet could scarcely be seen himself. He was full of curiosity, wondering what was going to be done, when presently two gentlemen came onto the platform at the end of the room, and then the business of the afternoon began. One of the gentlemen, coming forward, said, “Let us pray,” and then spoke some words the little fellow could not understand; but the child wondered why all bowed their heads and covered their faces. After a time the heads were raised, and the gentleman read some words from the Bible. After that, the other who had come in with him, sang a beautiful hymn about a sheep that had strayed away from its shepherd, and, as he listened to the hymn, this ragged boy could not help crying, though he could not have told any one why he cried.

Presently the speaker gave out the text for his address: “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” And then he spoke to the children simply and earnestly about Jesus — of that great love of His that brought Him from His home in heaven, to suffer and die on earth for sinful creatures like ourselves — to give Himself for us, that we might be His own forever. He told them Jesus was like a loving shepherd, caring for and watching over His sheep and lambs, and going in search of those who had strayed away. He ended by asking which of the children were willing to be lambs of His fold, and to have Him for their Shepherd; he then waited for an answer.

One and another answered “I am” from all parts of the building. Then he asked all those who had answered to stand up, and amongst them the poor little ragged boy stood up. He had been too shy to answer but he did not mind standing up. The lady who had taken him in, saw him, and as soon as the service was over she went to him, and talked to him.

“So you wish to be one of Jesus’ little lambs?” she said.

“Yes,” he answered; “But I am not quite sure that I know the way.”

“You heard all the gentleman said about Jesus; did you believe it?”

“Yes,” said the child.

“Do you believe He loves you?” “Yes, I do.”

“Do you believe that He died to save you?”

“Yes,” answered the boy, after being silent a minute.

“Then you may believe that you are one of His little lambs now? Jesus will not cast you out.”

This lady was very kind to the poor boy; she found out where he lived, got him some regular work to do, took him to a class in the Sunday school, and helped him in many ways. Now he is living to serve Jesus, and trying to bring more lambs into His fold.

ML 05/31/1959

Honesty

Once a faithful preacher, during one of the persecutions in France, was fleeing from his enemies. He came to a forest, and in it, almost buried among the trees, was a woodman’s cottage. “Here I may be safe,” thought he; and going up to the door, knocked, and begged the woodman to hide him away somewhere, as he was in danger of his life.

“But remember,” said the fugitive, “if the soldiers come to the house and ask if I am here, tell the truth at once. I will not save my life by a lie.”

The woodman promised, and showed the preacher a safe place where he might hide, under his own bed.

Presently a knocking was heard at the door. It was a party of soldiers. Without a word they pushed in, looked about rather hurriedly, in the kitchen and out-houses, but did not go upstairs, to the woodman’s extreme relief. They were just departing, when one of them turned and said, “I suppose you haven’t got the fellow we’re looking for hidden anywhere here, have you?”

“What fellow?” asked the woodman.

“A preacher,” answered the soldier.

“Oh,” said the woodman remembeng the injunction, “he’s under my bed.”

The soldiers burst out laughing. “Oh no, he isn’t,” they exclaimed, “or you wouldn’t stand there and say so.” And with that they walked off, leaving the preacher to thank God for his wonderful escape.

Surely, when all is said and done, a noble death is better, a thousand times, than life bought by a cowardly lie.

The Lord honored this man’s desire to be honest, and his life was spared. We read in Proverbs 13:5, “A righteous man hateth lying,” and again in Psalm 31:6, “I have hated them that regard lying vanities; but I trust in the Lord.”

ML 05/31/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 1:1-6.

In the book of Ezra we had brought before us first of all how that God raised up Zerubbabel, of the house of David, to lead the captives of Judah back to their own land and to rebuild the temple. That was in B.C. 536. Then years later, in B.C. 468, He raised up another servant, Ezra, of the priestly family, to teach His people the law and the other Old Testament Scriptures. Now, about 12 years later, when He would send His people another revival, He takes up another vessel of blessing, Nehemiah, a man of the common people, but one who held a position of responsibility under Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer — a position sometimes spoken of as the king’s butler — and thus stood in neast intimacy with his royal master. It was his responsibility to procure and serve the food for the royal household. He must make sure that no attempt was made to poison the king or his family, so in this way he had the king’s life in his hand. Nehemiah walked with God and apparently had the confidence of his master, who it seems did not interfere with his conscience. However, like Moses of old in the court of Pharaoh, Nehemiah’s heart was with the people of God. He loved God, and he loved His people. He felt for them at the very time when they had lost their title as His people (God does not address them in this book as His people), and they were being punished for their sins against Him. By faith Nehemiah looked on to the final restoration of his people, when God would gather them again in His grace back to their own land and bless them there. He knew that it was in the land of Israel that Messiah should be born, and though Jerusalem was in ruins, still it was to there his heart turned. Nevertheless He had a sense that in chastening His people, God was acting according to His own glory, and this was the only way of blessing for them.

Nehemiah was serving in Shushan the palace in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, when a report reached him of the sad condition of those who had returned to Jerusalem. His brother, Hanani, with others of Judah, had evidently been to Jerusalem, and on their return had visited Nehemiah. They reported that those who had returned to Jerusalem were in great affliction and reproach, and that the wall of Jerusalem was in ruins and its gates burned with fire. Nehemiah’s grief is shown in that he “sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” In James 5:13 we read, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”

In his confession that follows, it is beautiful to see how he identifies himself with his people’s sins and casts himself on the mercies of God. He says, “both I and my fathers have sinned.” His was the grief of love, of love according to God. He loved the people of God, but he also felt keenly the way that they were falling short of that which was due to His glory here below.

ML 05/31/1959

"Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out"

An old man had in his cottage a starling which he had taught to say a few words. When Mr. Maurice would call out, “Where is the little starling?” the bird would answer, “Here I am.”

Next door to Mr. Maurice’s cottage lived a little boy named Charles, who was very fond of coming in to see the bird and hear it talk.

One day Charles came into the cabin and found the old man was out. Going over to the cage he quickly took out the starling and put it into his pocket meaning to run away with it, but just at that moment Mr. Maurice appeared! Wishing to make the bird talk to please his little friend, yet unaware that he was gone from his cage, the old man said, “Where is the little starling?” Directly the poor bird, hidden in Charles’ pocket, cried out as loudly as it could, “Here I am!”

How ashamed Charles was to have his sin exposed! I do not know what Mr. Maurice said to him but Charles learned that day the truth of God’s Word in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.”

What a terrible thing sin is! We learn from Scripture that all sin is against God. “Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight.” Psa. 51:4.

Again it says, “ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

But, dear friends, here is another verse, and a wonderful one too:

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. If we own we are sinners, and come to the Lord Jesus by faith, believing that HE died for our sins, then we can truly know that His blood has washed all our sins away.

“WASH ME, AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW.”—Psa. 51:7.

ML 06/07/1959

George's Dream

George was a boy about twelve years of age. One night he dreamed that he saw a bright light in the sky with many stars around it. As he looked, the sky opened, and the Lord came out and took all true believers up to be with Himself, and the rest were left behind. The people in the street where he lived were filled with astonishment, and could not think where their neighbors had gone.

It was only a dream, but God sometimes speaks to people by dreams, as you will see if you get your Bibles and read Job 33:14-30. Well, He certainly spoke to George that night, and I am glad to tell you that George listened to His voice.

Do you listen, dear reader, when God speaks to you? It may be by a dream, the death of a loved companion, or, as He most certainly has spoken to you, by His Word.

But to resume my story, George ban to think, Would he be left behind if the Lord were to come? Feeling he was not ready, he became so sad, that he could get no rest about the matter all the remainder of that week.

Saturday night came, but no rest nor peace came to his troubled soul. Then on Sunday he was left alone with his mother in the evening, and still burdened, he said to her, “Mother, how can I know that I am saved?”

“You must receive the message, George. That dream was a message from God to you, you must receive it,” she replied.

The following morning he told his mother that he was saved, that he had received the message.

George, like so many of those who read these pages, knew the plan of salvation in his head. He had been brought up by Christian parents, who had taught him from his earliest days about the blessed Saviour, who came to die and suffer for sinners on the cross. But though he knew all about it, he had not yet laid hold of it by simple faith until God sent him this message in a dream to teach him the necessity of being “ready.”

Now, dear young friends, will you let this be a message from God to you? Jesus is coming. What George dreamed will surely take place one day, and that soon, for He says, “Behold, I come quickly.” (Rev. 22:9-12.)

He will not take all. Which of you will go? God tells us in His Word, “They that were ready went in with Him (Jesus) to the marriage, and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). Oh! while there is yet time, come to the Lord Jesus, trust in Him, and you will be saved from the judgments that are coming on this poor world.

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

I was reading in the newspaper a few years ago the account of a sleeping car taking fire, and of poor Dr. Arthur, who was traveling to Aberdeen, being burned to death.

At the inquest, one of the porters gave evidence that he thought all the passengers were rescued from the burning coach, for he looked in and could not see anybody. But for fear there should be anyone asleep, he cried out loudly at the door: “Is there anybody in here? If so, save yourself.” The Doctor was evidently in a deep sleep, perhaps rendered unconscious by the smoke, and quite unable to save himself. And so he perished.

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not treat us thus. He did not call out to us from His glorious throne in heaven, “Poor sinners, you are in great danger. Save yourselves.” No, He came into the world to SAVE sinners, “He loved us and gave Himself for us.”

“He died, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”

ML 06/07/1959

How Old Are You?

“Dear Mother,” said a little maid,

“Please whisper it to me.

Before I am a Christian,

How old ought I to be?”

“How old ought you to be, dear child,

Before you can love me?”

“Why, I always loved you, Mother dear,

Since I was tiny wee.

“I love you now, and always will,”

The little daughter said,

And on her mother’s shoulder

Laid her golden, curly head.

“How old, my girlie, must you be

Before you trust my care?”

“Oh, Mother dear, I do! I do!

I trust you everywhere!”

“How old ought you to be my child

To do the things I say?”

The little girl looked up and said,

“I can do that... today!”

“Then you can be a Christian, too;

Don’t wait until you’re grown.

Tell Jesus now you come to Him

To be His very own.”

Then, as the little maid knelt down

And said, “Lord, if I may,

I’d like to be a Christian now.”

Christ answered, “Yes, today!”

ML 06/07/1959

Bible Questions for June

The Children’s Class

1.Whose poverty has made us rich?

2.Should we provide for honest things in the sight of man alone?

3.Does God love a cheerful giver?

4.Should we be obedient to Christ even in our thoughts?

5.Could Satan ever appear as an angel of light?

6.Can those who are in weakness receive the Lord’s strength?

7.By whose power was Christ made alive after being crucified through weakness?

Young People’s Class

1.Was King Saul able to encourage or strengthen the people when they came together at Gilgal? 1 Samuel 13.

2.Who is able to encourage and strengthen the heart? Psalm 27.

3.After Samuel delayed his coming, what did Saul do in his impatience? 1 Samuel.

4.Was this contrary to Samuel’s instructions to Saul? 1 Samuel 10.

5.For whom are we to wait patiently? 2 Thessalonians.

6.What three excuses did Saul give for not heeding Samuel’s words?

7. Is there any excuse for not recognizing the authority of God in our lives? Romans 1.

ML 06/07/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 1:7-2:3.

In Nehemiah we see one who had a deep and constant sense of the ruined state of God’s people; but he was content to be among that little remnant that had returned to Jerusalem and share their sorrows and reproach rather than to settle down amid the ease and luxuries of the palace of the king of Persia.

Surely if we would enter into the feelings of Christ our affections would go out to all His people; for “Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25), and though all be divided and in ruins, still it is the object of His care even now. He is sanctifying and cleansing it with the washing of water by the Word, and one day He is going to present it to Himself the Church glorious, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. (Eph. 5:27).

Nehemiah confessed that they had dealt very corruptly against the Lord, and had not kept the law as it had been given to them by His servant Moses. He refers to what Moses had foretold, how that on account of their disobedience they would be scattered abroad among the nations. But he also pleads the Lord’s promise through Moses that if they turned to Him, He would gather them back to that place where He had chosen to set His name. Then he sets Israel, sinners though they were, before God on the ground of redemption, and reminds Him of His purposes of grace toward them. At the close he desires that his prayer and the prayers of others might be heard, and that he might be granted favor in the sight of “this man” — the king. Nehemiah understood well the position that he and his people were in being subjected to Gentile authority, yet before God, who is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and who ruleth in the kingdoms of men (Dan. 4:25), the head of the most powerful kingdom in the world was but a man. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Prov. 21:1.

It was in the month Chisleu (our November), of the year B.C. 456 that this report had reached Nehemiah, and chapter 2 opens with his appearing before the king in the month Nisan (our March), in the year B.C. 455. His grief of heart during those four months over the condition of Jerusalem showed out in Nehemiah’s countenance. The king noticed at once that he was sad and demanded to know the reason for it, adding, “This is nothing else than sorrow of heart.” Then Nehemiah tells us how afraid he was. We suppose the reason for his fear was that the king might think his servant was plotting against, him and had a bad conscience. He might have ordered him to immediate execusion, not an uncommon thing for a despot to do in those times. However, sustained of the Lord, Nehemiah replied, “Let the king live forever,” thus assuring his royal master that his servent had the best wishes for his life.

He then tells him the simple truth: “Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?” Well might a godly man be sad as he thought of what God had been to His people, what they had once been to Him, and what they were now. Still he had confidence in God, but he felt the ruin that had come in.

ML 06/07/1959

The Last Sacrifice

On the island of Formosa in some of the mountain regions live a group of people called the Aborigines. As late as 1932 These mountain people had hunted human heads which were offered in pagan sacrifices to their heathen gods.

Gow Hong was a little Chinese merchant from the lowlands of Formosa. He first contacted these head-hunters for the purpose of doing business with them. He sold them salt and other products they could not produce for themselves in their terraced rice fields. He came to trade, but then he settled down and began to live among them.

Gow Hong was, I believe, a Christian. As the people came to know him more and more, they discovered there was something different about this man. He had a glow, a love, and a tenderness they did not have in their own lives. The Chinese man persuaded his new friends to put an end to their habit of head-hunting.

After living with them for several years he called the people together and said, “There is one thing you must stop, completely and forever. You must stop the practice of taking life in order to obtain heads for sacrifice to your gods.”

The people did not respond particularly to his arguments, but they were sorry that their friend was displeased with them. Finally the leaders of the tribe said to him, “We’ll take only a few heads this year.”

Gow Hong answered, “You must not take even a few.”

The leaders talked together, and returned. “We have made our decision,” they said. “This year, because we areciate all the things you have done for us, we have decided to take only one head.”

Gow Hong tried to persuade them to give up the thought, but the leaders’ hearts were made up. They would take only one more head. The Chinese man was very sad, but he finally said, “What night is it this month that you have your rites and where will you go for your victim?” Trusting him, they told him. Then he returned to his home, glad that at last he had their promise to stop head-hunting forever after this one last sacrifice.

Great were the preparations for the big feast. It was a very dark night, and the hunters sharpened their knives and went to the appointed spot where they would await their victim. In the deep darkness of a jungle trail they listened for a traveler’s footsteps.

Soon after midnight they heard someone approaching. The natives crouched for the attack; then the shadowy shape of their victim was seen. There was the swing of a heavy knife, and all was over. The young men raced back to the village in the darkness, so that the ceremony could begin. Everyone crowded around to see the victim, but the people fell back in stunned amazement, for it was their Chinese friend—the only man who had ever been concerned about them or loved them enough to care what happened to them. Now he was dead, and they had killed him.

In the silence that followed, they all realized that their Chinese friend must have knowingly become their sacrifice. They had promised him they would take only one more life — then he had become the sacrifice. “We shall never forget that promise,” the leaders said. Never again did they sacrifice, and some of them have since found the Saviour who also laid down His life for them.

Gow Hong, the Chinese merchant, laid down his life to stamp out headhunting among the aborigines in Foosa. The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, laid down His life that sinners through Him might be saved.

Dear friend, have you accepted this wonderful Saviour who has done,so much for you? Can you go on heedless of His gracious call, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest?” Matt. 11:28. His sacrifice on Calvary was to put away your sins, and if you by faith accept His finished work and take Him now as your Saviour, you will be the possessor of everlasting life. His Word says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16.

“He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Heb. 9:26.

“BUT THIS MAN, AFTER HE HAD OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS Forever, SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD.” Heb. 10:12.

ML 06/14/1959

"My Mother's Been Praying!"

A terrible gale raged along the sea coast. In one bay it wrecked eighty-one vessels. While the storm was at its height, the Rising Sun, a stout brig, struck on Longrear Rock, a reef extending a mile from one side of the bay. She sank, leaving only her topmasts above the foaming waves.

The shore lifeboats were away rescuing wrecked crews. The only means of saving the men clinging to the swaying masts was the rocket apparatus. Before it could be adjusted one mast fell. Just as the rocket, bearing the life-line, went whizzing through the air, the other mast toppled over.

Sadly the rocket men began to draw in their line, when suddenly they felt that something was attached to it, and in a few minutes hauled on to the beach the apparently lifeless body of a sailor boy. Trained and tender hands worked, and in a short time he became conscious.

With wild amazement he gazed around on the crowd of kind and sympathizing friends. They raised him to his feet. He looked up into the weather-beaten face of the old fisherman near him and asked, “Where am I?”

“Thou art here, my boy.”

“Where’s the cap’n?”

“Drowned, my boy!”

“The mate then?”

“He’s drowned, too.”

“The crew?”

“They are lost, my boy; you are the only one saved.”

The boy stood overwhelmed for a few moments; then he raised both his hands and cried in a loud voice, “My mother’s been praying for me! My mother’s been praying for me!”

And then he dropped on his knees on the wet sand and hid his sobbing face in his hands.

Hundreds heard that day this tribute to a mother’s love, and to God’s faitullness in listening to a mother’s prayers.

The little fellow was taken to a house nearby, and in a few days was sent home to his mother’s cottage.

In 1 Thess. 5:17, we are encouraged to “Pray without ceasing”; and again to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving,” Col. 4:2. We learn from James 5:16 that the eectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.

ML 06/14/1959

Jesus Loved Me First

Some years ago, a very little girl stayed to the after-meeting, and a kind teacher had a little talk with her, teaching her to say the text, “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Then she sent her home. The next morning she met the little one in the streets, and asked her if she could remember the text.

“No, teacher, I have forgotten the words, but I know what it was about.”

“Tell me what it was about, then, dear.”

“It was about,” the little one replied, “Jesus loved me first, and then I loved Him afterward!”

ML 06/14/1959

Remember Calvary

“See Him dying on the tree,

Shed His precious blood for me.

O remember Calvary.

See the soldiers pierce His side,

See the heavens open wide.

O remember Calvary.

See my Saviour risen now,

Every knee to Jesus bow.

O remember Calvary.”

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 2:4-10.

In telling the king the reason for A. his sorrowful countenance, Nehemiah spoke of Jerusalem as “the place of my fathers’ sepulchres.” It shows the deep affection there was in his heart for that place where the Lord had chosen to place His name.

Then the king graciously encouraged Nehemiah to make known his desires. And here it is beautiful to see that before he makes his answer he lifts up his heart in silent prayer to God. When there is a desire to do the Lord’s will, there will be much looking to Him, to know what the desire of His heart for His servant is. Nehemiah brought God in first, and then he answered the king. Humbly he requested the king that if he had found favor in his sight that he would send him to rebuild the waste places of Jerusalem.

The king, with the queen sitting by him, wished to know how long this would take, so when Nehemiah saw that he was pleased to send him, he set him a time. It seems Nehemiah was used to dealing in matters with the king wherein it was his custom to ask how long it would take to perform the different ferent things proposed, which Nehemiah in his official capacity would bring before him. No doubt lie had pondered over these things during those previous months of exercise. Evidently Nehemiah was what the book of Proverbs calls a “prudent” man; “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge.” Prov. 13:6. He was able to give the king an answer, after crying to the Lord for guidance. It shows that all was the result of deep exercise, and not something done rashly. We are told in Eccles. 5:2: “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven and thou upon earth: the fore let thy words be few.”

Then Nehemiah also asked for letters to be given to the governors beyond the river (Euphrates) so that they would give him a safe journey to the land of Judah. Also he asked for a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, requesting timber and beams for the palace and for the wall of the city. Then we get God’s answer to his prayer: the king granted him his request.

Next he tells us of the king giving him an escort of captains and horsemen. We do not see here, perhaps, the same simplicity of faith that we saw in Ezra who in earlier days had declined to guard of the king’s soldiers. However we esteem Nehemiah nevertheless, for though he held a high position in the realm, still he was a humble, devoted man, and his heart was with the little despised remnant of his people. Evidently he was used to arrangements like this kind in his daily life of serving the king, so this did not appear to him to be inconsistent. We can understand how it would have been inconsistent to Ezra in his office as priest and scribe where dependence on the Lord was constantly taught.

Thus prospered, Nehemiah came into Jerusalem. But whenever there is a work of God, Satan has an agent to of oppose it. We read that when the Samanitan, Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite, heard of his coming, “it grieved them exceedingly then there was come a man to seek the we fare of the children of Israel.” That which filled the heart of Nehemiah with joy and thankfulness, only grieve the enemies of the people of God. He sad it is that some who take the name of Christ in our day, are found among the opposers of the work of the Spirit of God!

ML 06/14/1959

Saved from a Lion

A missionary who spent fifty years in Africa told the story of a native boy who had attended the gospel meetings they had held in his village.

One day along with some of his companions he was out hunting. They were in full and eager pursuit of some animal when suddenly and unexpectedly the boy found himself face to face with a great lion, and almost touching him. His black face seemed as if it would turn white with fear, and his companions were almost as frightened as himself. They were a little farther off and saw his danger, but they were unable to help him. What could the poor boy do? What would the reader do in such a circumstance?

In that awful moment the poor boy thought of Jesus, the mighty Saviour, whose love is as great as His power, and of whom he had heard the missionary speak so often. In his terrible danger and distress he cried out, in the hearing of his companions: “O Jesus! save me now, and I will serve Thee forever!”

Soon after he had prayed, the King of beasts turned around and, without touching the boy, walked quietly off into the jungle, and disappeared.

The African lad never forgot that hour. Wherever he went the thought followed him, “Jesus saved me from that lion.” And he thought of another lion he had heard spoken of in the Bible, who though not seen with the natural eye, nevertheless is a real person, even Satan, who “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. Then he prayed earnestly to the Lord Jesus to deliver him from this lion, too, and the Saviour answered his prayer. Our little African found rest and peace in believing, and he became an earnest follower of the Saviour, who loves and gave Himself for sinners. He learned that the Lord Jesus by His death and resurrection had both saved him from the judgment of God against his sins and had overcome the power of Satan.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1. Furthermore, Satan cannot harm those that are “in Christ,” who have passed from death unto life, for they shall never perish and none can pluck them out of His hand (John 10: 27-29).

No condemnation! — No separation! Nothing shall be able to separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:35-39.)

Safe in Christ, the weakest child

Stands in all God’s favor;

All in Christ are reconciled

Through that only Saviour.

Once their sins on every side,

Seemed to tower o’er them;

Christ has stemmed the angry tide,

Been through death before them.

In His death they’ve crossed the sea,

Passed through condemnation;

Well they may triumphant be;

Saved through God’s salvation.

“THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS.”— Rom. 8:1.

ML 06/21/1959

"My Saviour Makes No Mistakes"

Mrs. Dennis entered the big hospital, and paused for a moment just inside the door. She dosed her eyes, and once more asked the Lord for the wisdom needed to carry on her work. She carried with her some portions of the Word of God, and she intended to visit among some of the sick ones, with the good news of the gospel.

After a few bedside visits, she stopped to chat with a young woman sitting in a wheel chair. She had two artificial legs, and yet her face was filled with contentment and sunshine. She was a Ukrainian, and Mrs. Dennis began to sympathize with her in the terrible accident she had endured in losing both her legs.

“My Saviour makes no mistake’s,” said the young lady. “My Saviour does nothing unkind. He gave His life for me. I will bless Him at all times.”

Then she explained that the accident had happened the very day before she and her husband were to sail for Canada. For months she lay in the hospital, between life and death. She often gazed at a picture of the Lord which hung near her bed. “Does He know, — does He care?” she would ask herself. But a picture can give no comfort, nor answer any questions. She knew that her questions must be answered by the Word of God, and so she asked the nurse to bring her a Bible.

For many days, she spent her time reading the blessed Word of God, and in it she found the wondrous story of the love of God in sending the Lord Jesus to die for sinners. Humbly and thankfully she received the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

She will never be able to follow out her plan to move to Canada, but she knows now that she has a home in heaven, and she is filled with joy in the knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is her Saviour.

It may be that the Lord has blessed you with health and strength, and yet you have never thanked Him for the best gift of all — Himself. Can you say, with the Apostle Paul, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

ML 06/21/1959

"Jesus Has Saved Me!"

A city missionary in going his rounds was one day led to visit the attic of an old house, which he had previously believed to be uninhabited.

He was attracted there by the sound of a weak little voice, making an attempt at singing. He opened the door, and in a corner of the room saw a little boy lying upon a heap of rags, so thin and pale that the missionary saw in a moment that he was dying. He went to his side and knelt down, for there was no chair, and asked the child what he had been singing.

The boy told him he was trying to remember a hymn that he had heard in a Sunday school to which he had been but once, but all he could remember was—

“There is a happy land, far, far away.”

The kind missionary knew the hymn, and sang it through, much to the child’s delight, and then asked the poor boy if he were going to that “happy land.”

The child’s eyes filled with tears as he said, “Oh, I should like to go, if only I knew the way, but I am afraid I am too wicked. I have been a bad boy; I am not fit to go to that beautiful place. But, oh! sir, is there anything that I can do that I may go there?”

“No, my boy, nothing; all that was necessary to be done, was done for you long ago.”

Then the poor boy looked up with wondering eyes, and the missionary continued: “As you say, you are not fit for heaven. You have sinned against God, broken His laws, disobeyed Him, every day of your life. But, my boy, have you ever heard how Jesus, the Son of God, left His home above, to come and live here as a poor man? He died a cruel death, that He might bear the punishment for poor lost sinners, such as you feel yourself to be! He bore the punishment instead of them, that they might by believing in Him have eveasting life. So there is everlasting life for you, my child, if you believe in Jesus, and trust Him as your Saviour.” Then the missionary took out his Bible and read, “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 turning again to the boy he said, “You see, it was the world that Jesus died to save, the world of sinners, and you are one of that number, are you not?”

“Yes,” answered the boy, “did He really die to save me?”

“Yes, and if you believe on Him you shall be saved.” The boy lay still with his eyes closed for a few minutes, but presently looked up with a happy smile.

“Yes, I do believe; oh, how could He love me so much, when I was so bad?”

The missionary stayed with the little fellow for some time, and read to him about Jesus, for the child had heard but little of His life and death. Then the missionary left him, promising to return the next day. He kept his word, but he found only a lifeless body on the heap of rags. The boy’s mother was there, and she told him how she had returned home the night before, finding her child full of joy, and that he kept saying over to himself all the time, “Jesus has saved me, Jesus has saved me!” Then he fell asleep towards morning, to wake in heaven.

Dear young reader, can you say, “Jesus has saved ME?” You know He died to save sinners; can you say, “He has saved me”; if not, will you not believe on Him today?

ML 06/21/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 2:11-18.

Three days after his arrival in Jerusalem Nehemiah rose up at night, and taking a few men with him, he made an inspection of the walls of Jerusalem on horseback. He would acquaint himself with the nature of the work which lay before him. But as yet he had not told any man what God had put into his heart to do there. Thus far he was alone with God in it. There was no pomp or show, no bringing a number of engineers and other skilled workmen to see what was to be done. He went out by night in order that he might take a view at once without attracting attention, and he saw it all in the depth of sadness. Do we, in our day, in the same spirit view the ruin outwardly of that which is nearest and dearest to the heart of Christ — the Church, for which He gave Himself?

Nehemiah inspected several gates and found them burned with fire and in ruins. He mentions the fountain gate and the king’s pool, but there was so much rubbish in the way that his horse could not pass. Then he went up by the brook to view the wall, and turning back, he entered by the same gate by which he had started out.

The fountain gate, we believe, was that through which the water flowed into the city, and perhaps this would speak to us of the precious truths of salvation and redemption, first made known by the blessed Saviour Himself, who is “the way, the truth, and the life,” John 14:6, and then by His apostles and prophets. But how these precious truths have been corrupted and the fountain stopped in many places in Christendom today! Such are the things we find in and around the Church in ruins. This is the Church as seen in the hands of men. Nehemiah and his helpers were used of God to clear away the rubbish and to restore the gates. In the history of the Church God has raised up His servants through whom these precious truths have been recovered to us, from underneath the accumulated rubbish of the ages, and how thankful we ought to be that salvation by grace alone, through the blood of Jesus, is clearly preached so that thirsty souls can now come and drink of those pure streams of the water of life, that flow down from the throne of God!

The sight of the ruins did not cause Nehemiah to give up in despair. On the contrary he called together some of the Jews, the priests, the nobles and rulers, and said to them: “Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem.” He went on to tell them how that the good hand of God was upon him, and that the king had given him authority. Then we see the effect of one man’s devotion and zeal on others. Their answer was all encouragement, for they said, “Let us rise up and build.” And he tells us that “they strengthened their hands for this good work.”

So it is that when a man of faith goes forward, he goes forward not in his own strength, but with a humble spirit and in dependence on God; and the hands of the feeble are strengthened for the work. It is God that prospers; He gets the glory, and His people the blessing.

ML 06/21/1959

The Story of a Bird's Nest

In the city of Hamilton, Ontario, I once, a gang of men were busy putting in a new sewer down one of the main streets. In the course of breaking up the pavement, a big tree had to come down. A workman spied a bird’s nest in one of the branches, so he climbed up to see if there was anything in it. Sure enough there were four little eggs inside.

The foreman decided not to touch the tree for the time being. The workmen were astounded to think that the construction job should be held up for the sake of a bird’s nest. But the foreman said, “No! We can’t disturb that little bird.”

So they went to the other end of the street and started to work back from there, hoping the eggs would be hatched and the little birds gone, by the time they reached the tree again.

After some days the construction crew again arrived at the spot where the tree stood. The nest was still there, so one of the men climbed up to take a look inside. Sure enough, the little birds were gone. He called down to say that only a few broken eggshells were left. The foreman called back up and told him to bring the nest down. So he did, and you know how curious people are! They took the nest apart to see what the bird had used to build it with, and what was their surprise to find at the bottom a small piece of paper with the picture of a sparrow on it. It was a Sunday school paper, and the sweet verse printed on it was, “I will trust, and not be afraid.” Isa. 12:2.

How lovely that was! We believe that God used this little circumstance to speak to the hearts of those men, reminding them that He was their Creator, that He loves all His creatures, and that happy are all they that put their trust in Him. (Psa. 2:12.)

But we cannot expect to have His protection and blessing if we continue to live at a distance from Him, and go on in our sins and worldly ways. For while the Bible surely tells us that “God is Love” (1 John 4:16), it also teaches us that “God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5; “and what communion hath light with daress?” 1 Cor. 6:14.

What He wants us to do first of all is seek His beloved Son as our Saviour, and then “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:1. Not only will He fill our hearts with joy and peace, but He will give us the power to overcome temptation and the power of Satan, and to fulfill His word: “Cease to do evil; learn to do well.” Isa. 1:16, 17. Then in faith we can say: “BEHOLD, GOD IS MY SALVION; I WILL TRUST, AND NOT BE AFRAID.” Isa. 12:2.

ML 06/28/1959

Song of the Sparrow

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

“Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7.

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

My life is of little value,

But the dear Lord cares for me.

He gives me a coat of feathers—

It is very plain, I know;

Without a speck of crimson;

For it was not made for show.

But it keeps me warm in winter,

And it shields me from the rain;

Were it bordered with gold and purple,

Perhaps it would make me vain.

And now that the spring time cometh,

I will build me a little nest,

With many a chirp of pleasure—

In the spot I like the best.

I have no barn nor storehouse,

I neither sow nor reap;

God gives me a sparrow’s portion,

And never a seed to keep.

If my meat is sometimes scanty,

Close pecking makes it sweet;

I have always enough to feed me—

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows—

All over the world they are found—

But our heavenly Father knoweth

When one of us falls to the ground.

The’ small, we are never forgotten,

The’ weak we are not afraid;

For we know that the dear Lord keepeth

The life of the creatures He made.

I fly thro’ the thickest forest,

I alight on many a spray;

I have no chart nor compass,

But I never lose my way.

I just fold my wings at nightfall,

Wherever I happen to be;

For the Father is always watching,

And no harm can happen to me.

I am only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

But I know that the Father loves me,

Dost thou know His love for thee?

ML 06/28/1959

Just in Time

Mrs. Griffin looked at her watch. She just had time to put her two babies in their pram and hurry to the station to meet their Daddy when he arrived on the train. Little Kevin was two years old and he smiled happily as they started out. Stephen was ten months old and he was just about asleep by the time they reached the station. Mother looked down at her two boys with love and thankfulness, and thought how very glad her husband would be to see them all at the station to meet him. There was just one more minute to wait, in fact she could already see the train in the distance. The eager crowd was gathering closer, when all at once there was just a little push, and the pram went over the platform and down it fell on the tracks — right in the path of the train. Mr. Booman, the station-master saw it happen, but it was too late to stop the train. But it was not too late for Mrs. Griffin’s mother-love. In a flash she was over the platform and was tossing her two boys back up to the astonished passengers, and then scrambled back up herself, just as the train roared in and crushed the empty pram.

I am sure you would have remembered the sight for the rest of your life, if you had seen it happen. I think you know why Mrs. Griffin so bravely risked her life for those two little boys. Because she loved them! And I believe that they will be told about their mother’s brave deed when they are a little older, and they will thank her for saving their lives.

Have you ever heard the wonderful story of the love of God in sending His own dear Son into this world to save lost boys and girls? I think it is a much more wonderful story than the one I have just told you. It is all told in one wonderful verse.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosver believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

I am so glad that verse is in the Bible, and that the word “whosoever” is found in it. That word means you, and it means me. It means every boy and girl who will put his trust in the Lord Jesus.

ML 06/28/1959

"Pump and Pray, Pray and Pump"

A sea captain once stood up in a prayer meeting to tell of God’s goodness to him and his crew and of how He answers the cry of His own. Said he:

“We were overtaken by a severe gale, and were in very great danger. The wind blew a perfect hurricane, and in the midst of this our ship sprung a leak. The water was rushing in on us rapidly. It seemed as if we must certainly go down in a short time. The men worked hard at the pumps. Still the water gained on us. Death stared us in the face. I ran down into the cabin, and offered a short prayer to Jesus to save us. The Bible was lying on my table. I opened it to see if I could find something to comfort me. My eye rested on these words:

“‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ Isaiah 41:10.

“I closed the Bible, and said, ‘Thank God. That’s enough.’ I ran up on deck and told the men what I had been doing, and the sweet words I had just read in God’s blessed Book. I said, ‘Men, I don’t think we are going down this time. I feel sure God will help us. Now, my lads, let’s pump and pray, and pray and pump.’

“And they did it with a will. And, by God’s help, we got our vessel safe into Cork harbor.”

ML 06/28/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 2:19-3:1.

In building the wall Nehemiah and his people had to dig down through much rubbish to get to the old foundation on which they built. And in like manner much rubbish has accumulated in the church down through the ages — ecclesiastical forms, etc. But the Spirit of God would ever lead us back to that simplicity of worship, order and service which marked the early Church in the beginning — to that order of things which has been laid down for our guidance today in the Word of God.

The wall, as elsewhere in Scripture, speaks not only of protection, but of separation. Thus the child of God, bought with the precious blood of Christ, is called to a holy walk with Him within, in separation from all evil and worldly associations without. And it is this that gives both happiness and moral power.

But this arouses the opposition of the enemy. Sanballat and Tobiah now have a third associated with them, Geshem, the Arabian, and the weapon they use in seeking to hinder the building is ridicule. “They laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king?” To the men of this world, for that poor little remnant to attempt to restore the wall, did look like a foolish thing. How many have given up the path of faithfulness to Christ because of scorn and reproach. But not so with Nehemiah. He had been much before the Lord about this matter and he gives them this decided answer: “The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.” To be in the path of obedience gives courage to withstand the enemy. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” we read in James 4:7 Again, “If God be for us, who can be against us.”

In chapter 3 we have the different ones that took part in the rebuilding of the wall, where, and sometimes how, they labored. Some were from other cities; they came from all walks of life. Those of high degree mingled with those of a lower station in life. Women as well as men were engaged in the work, which would ordinarily have been too strenuous for some of those engaged. But where there is a work of the Spirit of God, class distinctions largely disappear and the necessary strength is given for the task that is at the moment engaging the attention of the Lord’s people for His glory.

It is an encouragement to know that the Lord has a work for each of His own. We may feel our weakness and lack of ability, yet the Spirit of God fits each for his or her particular service, and that work can be done best by the one to whom the Lord gives it.

First mentioned are Eliashib the high priest and his brethren. They built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it. Doubtless the sheep gate was that through which the sheep entered, and this makes us think of the words of the Lord Jesus: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture... I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” The Good Shepherd calls His own sheep by name and when brought into His own company they have perfect security, liberty, and sustenance. (John 10.)

ML 06/28/1959

Bad Company

A famer loaded up his shotgun and slipped out along the fence to make it warm for the crows that were pulling up his young corn.

The farmer had a very sociable parrot who, discovering the crows pulling up the corn, flew over and joined them. The farmer saw the crows, but did not see the parrot. He fired among them, and then climbed over the fence to see the execution done. There lay three dead crows, and his pet parrot with ruffled feathers and a broken leg!

When the bird was taken home, the children asked:

“What did it, Papa? Who hurt our Polly?”

“Bad company! Bad company!” answered the parrot in solemn voice.

“Ah, that it was,” said Father. “Polly was with those crows when I fired, and received a shot intended for them. Remember the parrot’s fate, children. Beware of bad company, for the old proverb is true, the ‘Birds of a feather flock together.’”

It is never safe for us to do anything just because many are doing it. God makes a clear statement on this point: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” Ex. 23:2.

We must be careful to know that the thing we want to do is right, and a good thing to do, rather than that there are many or few others doing it.

A writer in “The Scientific American” tells an interesting story about how an alligator sometimes gets his food. The alligator is a lazy beast and instead of hunting for something to eat he lets his victuals hunt him. That is, he lies with his great mouth open, apparently dead, like the possum. Soon an insect crawls into it, then a fly, then several gnats, and a colony of mosquitoes. The alligator does not shut his mouth yet. He is waiting for a whole drove of things.

A little later a lizard will cool himself under the shade of the upper jaw. Then a few frogs will hop up to catch the mosquitoes. Then more mosquitoes and gnats will light on the frogs. Finally the whole village of insects and reptiles settles down for an afternoon picnic.

Then all at once. there is an earthquake. The big jaw falls, the alligator blinks one eye, gulps down the entire menagerie, and opens his great front door again for more visitors.

That is like the trap that so unexpectedly closes upon pleasure seekers who choose the wrong company. “Be not deceived”; sooner or later, “evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Cor. 15:33.

Dear friends, don’t go with the crowd. The Saviour tells us: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.”

“BECAUSE STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.” Matt. 7:14.

ML 06/05/1959

The Unseen Home

“I wish had someone to visit me, L. nurse!”

Leonard Daker raised weary, suffering eyes to the kind-faced nurse who was bending over him.

“Well, you never know,” site returned brightly, “you might even have some one to see you this afternoon.”

Five minutes later a visitor was chatting to Leonard as if they were old friends, and some of the burden of pain was lifted from the sufferer’s face as he realized that for the time being somebody else cared about him.

“I felt so lonely before you came,” he said, after a time, “and it sometimes seems as if the long days will never end, yet the nights are longer,” he added wearily.

“But it is worth putting up with all that to know that one day you will be well and strong again, is it not?”

“Well and strong!” The boy’s eyes closed, and there was a world of weary bitterness in his voice as he said quietly:

“No! I shall never be strong and well in this life, sir.”

“But what about the next?”

“The next? Oh, I don’t know about that.”

“My friend,” said the visitor, with a sudden change of voice, “as you look around this ward, what do you see?”

“Pain and suffering,” was the short reply.

“Yes, so do I. But I can see something more too, for there are kind nurses preparing all sorts of good things for you to enjoy when we have gone. You can see that now too, can’t you?”

“Yes,” replied Leonard wonderingly.

“And I,” continued the gentleman quietly, “can see beyond your pain to where the Lord Jesus Christ is preparing a Home for His children—those whom He has bought with His blood. Can you see that too, my friend?”

There was silence for a minute, then

the soldier, ignoring the question, spoke two words.

“Go on,” he said.

“But He is only preparing these joys for His children,” continued the visitor, “those who by faith have laid hold of His promises, and have accepted His gift of eternal life. He paid a heavy price in order to offer you this free gift. I wonder, laddie, have you accepted it?”

Again a silence, and before it was broken the bell rang, and visiting hours were over. The visitor rose to go, and as he rose his hand was suddenly grasped.

“Oh, if I never see you again, thank God you came here today, sir.”

They never did meet again, but surely they will know each other in that Home which Christ has prepared for those who love Him.

There was no mistaking what Leonard meant, for his face told the tale.

ML 07/05/1959

Just to Please Jesus

Praying a visit to sorrow’s abode,

Helping a burdened one o’er a rough road,

This the sweet thought making duty delight,

Turning the shadows of gloom into light,—

Just to please Jesus.

Staying at home with the children, perchance,

Watching the sick one’s oft-wandering glance,

Sweeping, and dusting, and tidying home,

Deeds not recorded ‘neath Fame’s painted dome,—

Just to please Jesus.

Turning the eye from the vanity show,

Sparkling and flashing with glittering glow,

Turning away to the quiet and calm,

Singing in secret a Thanksgiving Psalm,—

Just to please Jesus.

Swinging the hammer if duty demands,

Plying the needle with quick, willing hands,

Using the pencil, the pick, or the pen,

Serving my Lord and my own fellow-men,—

Just to please Jesus.

Giving a smile or taking a hand,

Leading lost feet to the fair better Land,

Doing and thinking, and hearing and seeing,

Eating and drinking, and working and being,—

Just to please Jesus.

ML 07/05/1959

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

1.Is it the will of God that we should be delivered from this present evil world?

2.For whom did the Son of God give Himself?

3.When Abraham believed God, what was accounted to him?

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

5.Are Christians also the children of prose as Isaac of old was?

6.What are the fruits of the Spirit?

7.To what must we sow if we are to reap life everlasting?

The Young People’s Class

1.What was Saul about to lose for not keeping the commandment of the Lord? 1 Samuel 13.

2.Are Christians expected to keep any commandments? 1 John.

3.What did the Philistines send into the cities of Israel? 1 Samuel.

4.Is it the strength of the enemy, or the Lord’s dealing with His people that permits the spoilers to come in? Judges 2.

5.What was entirely lacking in the hand of the people when the day of battle came? 1 Samuel.

6.What armor are Christians exhorted to have on so they may be able to withstand in the evil day? Ephesians 6.

7. Are the weapons of our warfare weak or mighty? 2 Corinthians 10.

ML 07/05/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 3:1-7.

Eliashib the high priest and his brethren built the sheep gate but there is one thing absent here which we find mentioned with the building of others; that is, locks and bars for the doors. We have seen in the past history of Israel that sometimes it was the king and sometimes those of the priesthood who were leaders in forsaking the Lord. Here it seems the priests had not been faithful, for later on we learn that Eliashib was allied to Tobiah the Ammonite, and his grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite. They were not so much in earnest for the work of separation, so while he and his brethren professed to know that there was a separation between them and the nations around, they did not care to have this carried out too far. If one really desires to walk in the truth of God, he will have a place for the wall, and locks and bars.

After this we have mentioned the sons of Hassenah who built the fish gate; they “laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.” The beams gave stability and the locks and bars made it secure against the efforts of the enemy to get in. In the New Testament fish are spoken of in connection with the gospel (Matt. 13:47, 48; Luke 5:1-11); and perhaps the mention of the fish gate here would remind us that in our going forth with the precious gospel of the grace of God to the world about us, we should be diligent to maintain that loyalty to Christ and to the truth He has called us to walk in. He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” as He tells us in John 14:6, and these three are never separated in Scripture.

When we come to the Tekoites we read that they repaired part of the wall and then later they “repaired another piece.” Evidently they were willing servants; “but their nobles put not their necks to the work of the Lord.” With Him there is no respect of persons. “Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low; because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.” James 1:9, 10. We are reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus: “How hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:24. These nobles were not humble before the Lord. Their pride kept them from stooping low enough to engage in that lowly work for Him, and thus they lost the blessing and that reward He delights to give to those that serve Him. In 1 Cor. 1:26, 27, we read 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.” Still we can rejoice in that there have been and are some from the ranks of “the wise... the mighty... and the noble” who have sacrificed much and for whose labors and devotions to the Lord we can give thanks.

In the case of Nicodemus (John 3), no doubt it was his prominent position and his wealth, for he was a ruler of the Jews and a member of the Saedrin, that caused him to come to the Lord Jesus by night. Still it was a wonderful thing for Nicodemus that he even came by night. The Spirit of God had begun a work in his soul that was to bring him into the fullest blessing—a blessing he is enjoying now, and will enjoy through all eternity. May God grant it may be so with the reader also.

ML 07/05/1959

The Runaway Boy

Paul was a boy of twelve who lived with his family in Illinois several years ago. Although devoted to his studies at school, he was fond of adventure.

One bright morning three schoolboys decided to go fishing instead of going to classes, and they succeeded in persuading Paul to join them. Paul had never played hooky in his life, and he knew it was wrong, but he finally decided to go. They had a good time swimming and fishing until the day was almost over. Paul’s mind was very uneasy, for how could he meet his father’s eye again with the honest, frank look he had always given him? He looked forward to it with dread, for he knew that he would not only be punished severely, but he would lose his father’s confidence. He knew that his brother Charlie must have told his parents that he was not at school that day.

Before leaving his friends, a boy named Tom Jones suggested Paul go home and get some of his clothes and other articles to go on a tramp trip to the “wild West,” the land of the cowboys and the “home of the buffalo.” When Paul got home he slipped cautiously through a window and into his room, where he packed up a few articles. His heart almost failed him when and for no other reason.

The boy was not much the worse for his experience, and soon got up and hurried home to change his wet clothes. I do not know whether he thanked the kind, good dog or not: I am inclined to believe he never stopped to think of that, but just got home as quickly as he could.

Ah! that reminds us of some little boys and girls who never stop to think about One who did more to save them than this good dog did for the boy —One who came from heaven itself, plunged into untold sorrows and sufferings down here, and then went to the cross, and there died, yes, died, to save both old and young, by bearing on. His own blessed head the judgment due to them as sinners!

Of course you know Who I mean! Who is it “who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree”? Who came to “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself,” and then rose again and “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high”? It was God’s eternal Son, the blessed Jesus. Do you know Him? I hope you do. If you do not love Him, I am sure it is because you do not know Him, for none can know without loving One so precious. But if you have indeed believed in the Lord Jesus Christ unto everlasting life, then you can say, “We love Him because He first loved us.”

None ever asked Him to come and save us. “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world,” and He “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father.” You see it was all love that did it, and “God is love.” We were perishing, but “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

“FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.” Romans 10:17.

ML 07/12/1959

Words

Keep a watch on your words, my, darling,

For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet like the bees’ fresh honey—

Like the bees they have terrible stings.

They can bless like the warm glad sunshine

And brighten a lonely life,

They can cut in the strife of anger,

Like an open, two-edged knife.

It is recorded of the Lord Jesus in Luke 4:22 That “all bare Him witness; and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” Again the officers who were sent to take Jesus (John 7:45, 46) came back with. out Him, saying, “Never man spoke like this Man.”

ML 07/12/1959

Satan and Martin Luther

Martin Luther once had a remarkable dream. He dreamed that Satan approached him with a scroll, broad and long, and closy written, which he proceeded to unroll before the reformer’s eyes, and bade him read therein. Luther did so, and perceived that it contained the record of his sins. In vain he sought to find one sin recorded there of which he had not been guilty; so far from doing so, it rather brought back the recollection of many a long-forgotten one. When he had thoroughly scanned the scroll, he asked of Satan, “Are these all my sins?

“Nay,” replied Satan.

“Then let me,” said Luther, “see, them all.”

Satan departed, and shortly returned with another scroll equally broad and long and again Luther scanned the damning evidence of his guilt. Satisfies at length with the correctness of the record, he again asked of Satan, “And is that all?”

“Yea,” replied Satan, “it is all.”

“Then,” said Luther, “take thy pen, and write in red across the scrolls, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleasenth me from all sin.’ “

Reader, can you thank God for the blood?

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

ML 07/12/1959

John

John was one of the twelve apostles. He and James (called the greater) were the sons of Zebedee and his wife Salome, who was sister to Mary, the mother of our Lord. Zebedee was a well-to-do fisherman, owning boats and nets, and hired servants. Of him we hear little, whereas his wife is often mentioned. John, who was thus nearly related to Jesus, had been a fisherman, and he and his brother were surnamed by Him “sons of thunder” — they were fearless, impulsive characters.

A good deal may be learned of the daily life of John. Let us take Mark’s account of him. It was from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, from mending nets, that John was called to follow Jesus, and then his name appears in the list of the apostles. He was one of the three who were suffered to follow Jesus when He raised the twelve-year-old daughter of the ruler; and he was of the same three when they beheld a very different scene — the Lord’s transfiguration, a sample of the kingdom of God coming with power. “We were eye witnesses of His majesty,” one of them wrote later on.

It was John who told the Master that they had seen one casting out devils in His name, and had forbidden him so to do; and again, John and his brother came asking to sit on either side of Him in glory. Both these occasions called forth memorable words from the Lord, but James and John earned the displeasure of the other disciples the last time. John was of the four who asked Jesus in private the question to which Matt. 24 and 25 give us so interesting an answer as to future events.

The rest of John’s history may be filled up with his own gospel, where we learn that during the last supper, which he had been sent with Peter to prepare (Luke 22), he was lying on Jesus’ breast, and near enough to inquire who it was who should betray Him. We also learn that John was an acquaintance of Caiaphas, and thus gained entrance into the palace of the high priest where Jesus was; he brought in Peter too. The touching scene on the cross when the Lord committed His mother to John will never be forgotten, nor that after the resurrection he was the first disciple who arrived at the sepulcher, though Peter entered it before him.

At the Sea of Tiberias, whence John had been called to follow the Master, he is betrayed into following Peter “a fishing” again, but John first recognized the Lord on the shore, and was then a witness of His closing hours on earth. He was one of the 120 who awaited the coming of the Holy Ghost in an upper room at Jerusalem (Acts 1), and later on with Peter he cured the lame man, and was imprisoned in consequence. Then when Samaria received the word, he was sent thither with Peter to ensure for Gentiles the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In Revelation John describes visions at Patmos, an island in the Grecian Archipelago, whither he was banished “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ,” and where it is believed that that book was written. His three epistles may have been sent from Ephesus, which again became his abode after his exile, and was possibly the place of his death, A.D. 100.

ML 07/12/1959

Bible Talks" Esther 5:9-6:10

Haman, lifted up with pride at Esther’s invitation to the banquet where no one else came but the king himself, “went forth that day joyful and with a glad heart.” But when he saw Mordecai, who did not stand up or move for him, he was full of indignation against the Jew. Nevertheless he refrained from doing anything to him then.

When Haman came home he told his wife and friends of the glory of his riches, of the multitude of his children, of the honor the king had bestowed on him. And now this special invitation to the banquet, which none other had received, was the crown of all. There was one thorn, however — Mordecai the Jew. “Yet all this availeth me nothing” — such was the bitterness and hatred of his heart — “so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting in the gate.” His wife and friends then suggested that the gallows be made 50 cubits high (about 75 feet) and on the morrow Haman should speak to the king and have Mordecai hanged on it, after which he could go merrily to the banquet. The thing pleased Haman, and he caused the gallows to be made.

Haman and his friends were truly among those of whom Scripture speaks: “Their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes.” Rom. 3:14-18. Such is the nature of fallen man, unless the Lord touches the heart with a sense of His love. And this is why it was necessary for the Lord Jesus to go to Calvary’s cross for us.

The foe of God’s people had made his plans, but all unseen, God was at work on behalf of His people. That night, the king could not sleep. In his wakefulness, he called for the records of the kingdom, and as they read to him from them, it was found written that Mordecai had told of the treachery of the two chamberlains who had sought to slay the king. The king asked his servants, “What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this?” and they replied that nothing had been done for him.

It was now early in the morning and Haman was on his way into the court to request of the king that Mordecai be slain. How little did he know of what was in the king’s heart! Hearing that Haman was in the court, the king had him called in, and before Haman had time to make his terrible request, the king asked him, “What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor?” Haman, in his pride, had no thought of any one but himself, and was thus caught in his own snare. He answered the king at once, asking the highest honors. He suggested that the man whom the king delighted to honor be arrayed in the king’s own royal apparel, with the king’s own crown upon his head, and that he ride on the king’s own horse, that the noblest of the princes lead him about through the streets on horseback and proclaim before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor.”

What horror must have filled Haman’s heart when the king ordered him to “Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew... let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.”

ML 07/12/1959

Roger's Deliverance

Roger was a good swimmer and. deliver. In fact he was the swimming instructor at a large college for men.

One night he could not sleep and dided to slip into the swimming pool and have a swim, thinking that the exercise might later put him to sleep.

“I did not put on the lights in the pool,” he says, “for I knew every inch of the place, and the roof was made of glass. The moon shone through, throwing the shadow of my body on the wall at the other end, making a perfect cross. I cannot explain why I did not dive at that moment. As I stood looking at the shadow of the cross, I began to think of the Cross of Christ and its meaning. I was not a Christian, but I found myself repeating the words of a hymn I had learned as a boy.

“He died that we might be forgiven,

He died to do us good,

That we might go at last to heaven,

Saved by His precious blood.

“I cannot say how long I stood poised on the diving board, or why I did not dive. I came down from the board and walked along the pool to the steps that I knew led to the bottom of the pool and began to descend. I reached the bottom and my feet touched the cold, smooth floor of the pool. The night before, the caretaker had drained the pool dry, and I knew nothing about it. I realized then that had I dived, I would have dived to my death.

“The cross on the wall saved me that night. I was so thankful to God for His mercy in sparing my life that I knelt on the cold bricks and asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save my soul. I experienced a two-fold deliverance that night, for the Lord heard my cry and gave me peace and the joy of knowing that my sins were forgiven. I knew I I was saved.”

Roger was not only delivered from physical death, but from eternal death as well. Though a clean living fellow, nevertheless he was unprepared for eternity, and had he been killed his soul would have gone to hell. But God in His mercy spared him.

And now, dear friend, how is it with you? Are you prepared for eternity, or no? Are you on your way to heaven, or to hell? This may be the last “Messages of the Love of God” you will ever read; this may be your last opportunity to be saved. We plead with you to make the Lord Jesus your Savi our NOW; then you will have a new life in Christ, you will have peace with God, and come what may, you will be able to look forward to spending eternity with Christ, in heaven—the home of the redeemed.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

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

“NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.” Titus 3:5.

ML 07/19/1959

"Let Your Light so Shine"

“Jesus loves me, He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let a little child come in.

“Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
The Bible tells me so.”

A young Mexican boy, standing at the door of his adobe hut, saw the singer as she moved toward him down the street. She didn’t appear to be in any particular haste, and she had time to sing more than one stanza of the song in her clear Spanish before she reached the boy.

“Where did you learn that?” he called to her.

“At Sunday school,” she answered, rather surprised. “Here is someone who wants a Friend. Poor boy, he looks troubled. He needs Jesus,” she thought.

“I’d like to learn that song. How can I do it?”

“Just go to Sunday school, that’s all. The teacher there will show you how to sing it.”

The boy’s face saddened. “Oh, I can’t do that. The teacher wouldn’t want me there.”

“Oh, yes, he would. He’s right in that building yonder. You knock on the door and ask him.”

The girl’s twinkling brown eyes and cheery voice encouraged little Jose. That’s just what he’d do — he’d go that very minute.

Of course the teacher welcomed him and extended a special invitation to the Sunday school the following Lord’s day. It was a memorable day for Jose. He heard the children singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” and you may be sure it did not require many repetitions for him to memorize the entire hymn in both Spanish and English. Best of all, the words that Jose sang penetrated his very being and he believed them in his heart and soul.

“Yes, Jesus loves Jose, the bad schoolboy,” he breathed, “for the Bible tells me so. I wish my mother could come to this place and learn ‘Jesus Loves Me.’”

“May I bring my mother next time?” he asked the teacher.

“We’d be delighted to have her come.”

Jose raced home. “Mother, you may go with me to the next meeting,” he beamed. “The teacher said he’d be delighted; and, Mother, you’ll hear about Jesus. I’ve never been so happy before.”

“I won’t be there,” she contradicted with a frown. “I’m glad you enjoyed the class, but I’ve no time for it.”

No time! Jose had felt that of course everyone would respond to his joy, but here was real opposition. On Lord’s day he tearfully told his sorrow to the teacher. “Mother won’t come,” he sobbed. “Will you pray for her?”

“The Scripture tells us to cast all our care upon the Lord, Jose. When the children come, we shall all kneel and tell the Lord about it.” If anyone had looked in upon that room a few minutes later, he would have seen many little girls, their bowed heads covered with kerchiefs, and many little boys all kneeling beside rough-hewn benches while the faithful teacher made Jose’s request known to God. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10.

It was not long before the prayers were answered, and Mother accompaed Jose. She heard the teacher speak to the children about their sins and their need of a Saviour, and how Jesus could meet that need. She learned that Jesus died on Calvary’s cross to save her from eternal darkness. She believed that He died for her and confessed Him as her personal Saviour. Peace, joy, and rest took possession of her soul. After being baptized, she took her place with the other believers.

Jose was very thankful to the Lord, but now there was his father. Would his father, the city policeman, go to Sunday school?

“No, that’s not for me,” was the disappointing reply. “It’s all right for you and Mother but not for me.” Again the boy was cast upon the Lord and asked his dear friends to pray with him.

On a certain Lord’s day after weeks of pleading, poor Jose was brokenhearted. “I cannot go without my father. He is not saved; he does not know Jesus; he is lost.”

“Why don’t you get off to your Sunday school, boy? Be off.”

“I’m waiting for you, Daddy. I will not go without you.”

“I told you it isn’t for me, son. Run along or you’ll be tardy.”

Several minutes elapsed, but the lad was adamant. He couldn’t leave his father.

“Aren’t you going?”

“Yes, Father, but when I go, you’re going with me.”

It was a wonderful moment for Jose when he and his policeman father entered the Sunday school to hear the story of Jesus, the only One who can forgive sin. The heart of this proud, sinful man was touched by the Spirit of God, and he bowed his head over the Word he held in his hands.

The little girl who was first heard singing, “Jesus Loves Me,” had let her light shine. “I will always sing as I go home from Sunday school,” she said to herself. “Maybe others will hear and learn to love Jesus.”

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

ML 07/19/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 4:1-9.

Sanballat and his friends, in O their attempts to hinder the building of the wall, had ridiculed and sought to intimidate the builders. But now, when they heard that the wall was being built, they were very-angry and showed great indignation. If one weapon doesn’t work, the enemy will try another. This time they tried mockery. Sanballat said: “What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?” Also Tobiah remarked: “Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.”

These men knew that there were not many of the Jews, and to attempt to build that wall was a great undertaking. Certainly the little remnant were a feeble company in themselves, and they could never have accomplished what they set out to do had not the Lord been with them and made the hearts of the people willing. It is lovely to see how that Nehemiah spread the matter before the Lord, saying, “Hear, O our God; for we are despised.” Instead of being provoked to anger, and meeting flesh with flesh, he quietly took the revilings of the enemy to God and left them there. And in him we see something of the spirit of our blessed Lord, Who suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps; “Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23, 24. Nehemiah knew that that little remnant of the Jews were precious in God’s sight, and to despise them was to despise Him.

So he encouraged the people to claim the promises made to their fathers, telling them that they were doing a great, work, for it was of the Lord. They kept on building the wall, for it is said, the people had a mind to work. When we read of their labors, it should encourage us in such trying times like these, knowing that the Lord is always for His people. He exhorts us therefore to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Co 15:58.

Now when the enemy saw that the work was rapidly progressing, and that the openings in the wall were being closed up, they were very angry. Now they were ready to fight. The closing of the breaches in the wall meant the shutting out of evil, and this fully arouses the opposition of Satan who would ever seek to break down the distinction between the people of God and the world. At first we heard of just a few enemies, now there are numbers—Arabians, Ammonites and Ashdodites — determined to use force, if necessary, to cause the building to cease. In the face of this new threat Nehemiah tells us that they did two things— “we prayed unto our God, and we set a watch against them day and night.” The Lord helped. His people and brought the enemies’ efforts to naught. To meet the power of Satan the Lord Jesus would teach us to “Watch and pray,” (Matt. 26:41); again in Eph. 6:18, it says: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.”

ML 07/19/1959

The Story of Laddie

Laddie was the most wonderful pup in the whole world. To anyone else he might seem very ordinary, but since the day Bobby ws eight years old and Daddy had brought home the playful black and white puppy, new worlds seemed to have opened up to Bobby.

Bobbie and Laddie were soon almost inseparable. Even running eands for Mother was fun when Laddie was at his heels. When Bobby came home from school, Laddie was always at the gate to meet him. But the day came when Laddie was not waiting at the gate when Bobby came home from school.

“Where’s Laddie?” he asked Mother. “He’s probably curled up in a corner sleeping somewhere,” she replied. “He’ll likely be back soon.”

When Daddy came home, however, Laddie had still not returned. “Where did you last see him?” he asked Bobby.

“He followed me part way to school this morning,” said Bobby. “Do you suppose he got lost and couldn’t find his way home?”

“We’ll go out and look for him after supper,” his father promised. But when bedtime came, Laddie had still

Bobbie and Laddie were soon almost sleep. Long, lonesome days followed, and still no trace could be found of the little dog.

“I’m afraid a car has run over him, son,” Daddy said at last. “But never mind, we’ll get another pup for you.”

“Another pup?” Bobby felt as if his heart would break. There would never be another pup like Laddie.

Several weeks later, when all hope seemed gone, Bobby was delivering a message for his mother, when he was suddenly attracted by a low whimper that came from the other side of a hedge. Peeping through the gate, what should he see but Laddie, straining on a cord that was tied to his collar. With one bound Bobby was through the gate and fumbling at the knot that held Laddie a prisoner.

“What are you doing to my dog?” asked an angry voice. Bobby looked up and saw a boy several years older and a lot bigger than himself.

“But this is my pup,” answered Bobby. “I lost him a few weeks ago. How did you get him?”

“Your dog, is it?” scoffed the older boy. “Well, he’s mine now. Just try to get him.”

Bobby could hardly keep back the tears. Surely he didn’t have to leave Laddie here. Suddenly he had an idea. “Say,” he said, “would you sell him to me?”

For a while the older boy considered. “How much will you give me?” he asked finally.

“Well, I’ve got only three dollars. But you can have it all.”

“Tell you what,” said the boy, “you give me the three dollars. Then I’ll untie the dog, and if he wants to go home with you, you can have him. If he wants to stay with me, he’s mine.”

Bobby dashed home. Fear gnawed at his heart. What if Laddie had forgotten him? What if he stayed with the big boy? Minutes later he was back with his purse, placing all his money in the hands of the boy.

“O. K., pup, it’s up to you,” said the boy, as the knot was untied. With one glad bark, Laddie bounded through the gate toward Bobby, and together they ran to their home.

“You know, son,” said Daddy, “that reminds me of what the Lord Jesus did for us. We were really His because He made us. But we were lost, just like your dog was, and bound by sin. But the Lord Jesus loved us so much that He came and paid the price to redeem us. It cost Him all that He had—He gave His life to buy us back. And now, those whom He has purchased with His precious blood, He has set free to follow Him, to be His forever.”

Whenever Bobby thinks of the time that Laddie was lost, he remembers that he himself was once a lost sinner, that he was bought with a great price, and that now he belongs to Jesus.

Yes, dear friends, the Lord Jesus saw us in our sin, and came down here to redeem us from hell. All who put their trust in Him and take Him into their hearts as their Saviour, will be among that happy company who in heaven will sing,

“Thou wart slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9.

“NONE... CAN BY ANY MEANS REDEEM HIS BROTHER, NOR GIVE TO GOD A RANSOM FOR HIM.” Psa. 49:7.

“Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33:24.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” I Peter 1:18, 19.

ML 07/26/1959

A Child's Reply

A little girl, just seven years old, was questioned once by a lady, who, we may suppose, wished to test her.

“Tell me, my dear,” she inquired, “who is Jesus?”

“The Son of God,” was the reply. “But we do not see Him here; is He in the world?”

“Oh no, He is not in the world now;” answered the child. “He was once, but He is now in heaven, up above the sky, and God is there too. If we believe in Him, then when we die, we will see who He is, and where He is, and where God is and where heaven is too.”

“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou host perfected praise.” Matt. 21:16.

“And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever.” Rev. 22:4, 5.

ML 07/26/1959

The Shelter

“Come, little brother, come with me,

The chickens must be fed;

And you shall give them all they need,

And throw them crumbs of bread.

“How eagerly they run about

To catch each tiny crumb;

And see — their happy chirp has made

The watchful mother come.

“She guards the little ones with care,

Lest mischief should befall;

And if some danger were at hand

She would protect them all.

“Beneath the shadow of her wings

The helpless chicks would hide,

And harm could never come to them

While sheltering at her side.”

Now, who is He, with tender care,

That guards and watches still

The little ones who trust in Him,

And shields them from all ill?

It is the Lord who lives to bless;

And, from His throne above,

Is watching over all His own,

To keep them in His love.

No harm can touch them underneath

The shadow of His wings,

For every helpless child is strong

While he to Jesus clings.

ML 07/26/1959

Sammy Jones

Sammy Jones was a little colored boy just six years old. He was very sick, so his father had placed him in the children’s ward of a large hospital in our city.

I was visiting the children there one day, and as I passed Sammy’s bed he looked up. Thinking I was a doctor he asked, “Doctor, what kind of medicine do you have?”

I paused for a moment and then replied, “Sammy, I only have heart medicine! It is medicine to make your heart happy now and keep it happy forever.”

A smile came over Sammy’s face and he said, “Doctor, please give me a dose of your heart medicine.”

So I opened my Bible and slowly read: “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.

Then I asked little Sammy, “Do you know that the Lord Jesus died for you on the cross?”

“I know that He died on the cross,” Sammy replied, “but will He have me?”

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

“Well, Doctor, I know that Jesus never told a lie,” said Sammy, “so I will come to Him right now.” And he did come to the Lord Jesus. Happy boy!

Jesus died for little children,

All the children of the world;

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight;

Jesus died for all the children of the

world.

Dear young reader, do you too want some of God’s heart medicine? If so, then simply obey the words of the Lord Jesus: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 07/26/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 4:10-17

Discouragement and fears within added to the burden of builders of the wall, but faith in the power of God was there and enabled them to overcome these obstacles. Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.” They had forgotten that the Lord was the strength of His people, and that if He gives us a work to do for Him He will always give the strength needed for it. We get this strength to go on by keeping in communion with Him.

Then it appears that there were some Jews who were under the power of enemies; “they dwelt by them,” and were in their secrets. Ten times they came to Nehemiah saying that the enemy threatened to come upon them from any direction before they would be aware of it. We see how unwearying is the enemy who by threats and discouragements of one kind and another, seeks to cause us to abandon our service for the Lord.

However, Nehemiah, unwearied in his watchfulness, set part of the people to watch, and had them armed with swords, spears and bows. Then he encouraged the rest, saying, “Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daugers, your wives, and your houses.” When God is brought in, by the exercise of faith, there is courage for the conflict, and “If God be for us, who can be against us.” When the enemy heard that their plans were known, and that God had brought their counsel to naught, it appears they retreated for the time being. The Word tells us to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Then every one was able to return to his work on the wall. Neverthess Nehemiah made preparation for defense in case of attack and divided up his servants, the one half engaged in the actual work of building, the rest holding spears, shields, and bows. Even those who worked each had a sword girded by his side.

We can see in Nehemiah and his builders a picture of those who labor in the Church of God. It is the Lord who appoints and qualifies for the work and how happy it is when each finds his appointed place and seeks to occupy it for Him. There are some who are especially fitted for conflict; they are awake to the attack of the enemy on the truth of God. Others are better qualified to teach, and occupy themselves with souls, seeking to build them up in Christ. But all are exhorted by Jude in his epistle to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” v. 3; again in verse 20: “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

Some were called to be burden-bearers. What a privilege to be a burden-bearer — for others — if the Lord has given us that to do for Him! The word in Galatians 6:2 is, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

“Every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand he held a weapon.” v. 17. While seeking to go on diligently with our work, we need to be armed and ready for conflict with the enemy at all times.

ML 07/26/1959

A Boy's Gratitude

At an auction about a year ago in Washington, D.C., the police auctioned off about one hundred unclaimed bicycles.

“One dollar,” said an eleven-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike.

The bidding, however, went much higher.

“One dollar,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up.

The auctioneer, Mr. Weschler, who had been auctioning for forty-three years, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar highest whenever a racer was up. There was one more racer. The bidding mounted to $8.

“Sold to that boy over there for $9,” said Mr. Weschler. He took $8 from his pocket, and asked the boy for his dollar.

The boy turned it over — in nickels, dimes and quarters — took his bike, and started to leave. But he went only a few feet, and stopped. Carefully parking his new possession, he went back, gratefully threw his arms around Mr. Weschler’s neck and cried.

In Luke 17 we read the story of how the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers but only one of them returned to fall at His feet and thank Him. The Lord said, “Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine?”

Now God gave His only begotten Son in love to be the Saviour of sinners; and the Lord Jesus gave Himself upon the cross to die to put away sin, and to give eternal life to all who will believe. But we wonder how many who read this little paper have ever turned to Him and thanked Him for dying for them on Calvary. Is the reader like one of those nine lepers who went on their way forgetful of the One who had compassion on them? or is he like the little fellow of our story who returned with a thankful heart and expressed his gratitude with tears? Surely the blessed Saviour, and the Father who sent Him, are worthy of all homage and of praise!

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

“THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” Rom. 6:23.

ML 08/02/1959

Johnnie Leary

While visiting in a country district in the north of Ireland, a friend of mine came to a cottage where there lived a poor boy about twelve years old, just recovering from a severe attack of fever. In the course of conversation my friend asked if he attended school when he was well.

“Yes, sir,” was the reply.

“What do you read at school, Johnnie?”

“The Testament, sir.”

“What does the Testament speak about?”

“About Jesus, sir.”

“What did Jesus come into the world to do?”

“To die, sir.”

“For whom did Jesus die?”

“For GOOD PEOPLE, sir.”

“Good people, Johnnie?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And are you good?”

Shaking his head, the little fellow replied, “No, sir.”

Opening his Bible at 1 Tim. 1:15, my friend asked him to read it. Taking the book in his hand, the boy slowly read the grand old verse, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save...”; then, pausing, he looked more closely at the scripture, and then gazed in astonishment into my friend’s face.

“Well, Johnnie, was it good people that Jesus came to save?” The tears started in the boy’s eyes, his face brightened up, and he replied, “No, sir; SINNERS, sir.”

“Yes,” said the servant of God, “the Good One died for us, the bad ones.” Thus Johnnie Leary was led to see that it was for his SINS that Jesus had bled, and died; and by believing on Him he had everlasting life. (John 3:16, 36.)

Dear young reader, have you been under the impression that God only loves good people? Perhaps you have been told that God would not love you if you were bad, and that it was only “good people” He loves. As you have grown older you have not got rid of the thought, and even now, it may be you believe that it is only “good people” who are the objects of His love. If so, dear young friend, do not be deceived. GOD LOVES YOU AS YOU ARE, AND WHERE YOU ARE. While hang your sin with a perfect hatred, He loves your soul. Does a mother love her boy when he is disobedient and naughty? To be sure she does. Notwithstanding God loved you so MUCH that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you. The Lord Jesus loved you so much that He GAVE HIMSELF a ransom for your soul’s deliverance (1 Tim. 2:4-6). It was not for “good people” Jesus died. It was for SINNERS.

“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. Could anything be simpler than that?

ML 08/02/1959

Where God Is

“Doctor, I want you to get me well by Sunday,” said a little fellow not yet five years old, suddenly stricken with a fatal disease.

“Why, my boy?” asked the doctor.

“Well, you know, my Sunday school teacher showed us the tabernacle last Sunday. We saw all the outside, but there was a curtain, and my teacher said the High Priest went in behind it once a year to speak to God. She is going to show us about it next Sunday. Oh, Doctor, will I not be able to go? I do so want to see the inside where God was.”

The doctor had walked to the window while the little fellow was talking, but now he came back and laid a caressing hand on his feverish brow, as he said softly, “Next Sunday, dear, you may see the place where God is!”

And so it was, for the next Sunday the little fellow had entered his bright home in heaven, into those mansions of love, where God is, and where Jesus dwells. The little white crib was empty. The little sufferer was “absent from the body... present with the Lord,” now to await the resurrection of that precious tabernacle of clay.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Cor. 5:1.

For the child who has trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, death is a happy release. It is but a door that opens into that bright glory with Christ. The Apostle could say: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” Phil. 1:21, 23.

We read in Mark 10:13-16, that the Lord Jesus, when He was on earth, took the little children up in His arms and blessed them, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

ML 08/02/1959

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

1.With what are we sealed after we believe the word of truth?

2.Are we saved by grace or by works?

3.Does the love of Christ surpass our knowledge?

4.How should we forgive one another?

5.What did Christ give as an offering and a sacrifice to God for us?

6.Should the melody in our hearts be pleasing to the Lord?

7.What shield can we take which will quench the fiery darts of the wicked?

The Young People’s Class

1.Did Jonathan consider his own weakness when contemplating an attack on the Philistines’ garrison? 1 Samuel 14.

2.Whose strength is made perfect in us when we own our weakness? 2 Corinthians 12.

3.When Jonathan and his armor bearer went forth to fight the Philistines, what were King Saul and his men doing at the time? 1 Samuel.

4.Is it needful for us as Christians to be exhorted to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints? Jude.

5.To what should we take heed if we would set an example for others? 1 Timothy 4.

6.Was the passage that led to the Philistines’ garrison a difficult or an easy one? 1 Samuel.

7. Can we expect persecution if we seek to live godly in Christ Jesus? 2 Timothy.

ML 08/02/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 4:18-5:5

The trumpeter is next mentioned. Nehemiah tells us that “he that sounded the trumpet was by me.” From Numbers 10 we learn that the trumpet was blown to call the assembly together and for the journeyings of the camps. Also in times of war, an alarm was to be blown. Only the priests should blow the trumpet, only one who was in that place of nearness to the Lord so that He might know His mind. In verse 12 we read of those Jews who were in the secret of the Samaritans; here the trumpeter was in the secret of God. And this is what the holders and blowers of trumpets represent. The trumpet would not only call the people together, but it also would bring God in, who would fight for His people. Nehemiah then told the people: “The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.”

So they labored in the work from the rising of the sun until the stars appeared. Nehemiah tells us that neither he nor his servants nor the guard put off their clothes at night, except for washing. Those serving the Lord needed to be kept free from all defilement and must wash themselves, as was also required of the priests. This corresponds to what we have in New Testament times — the cleansing which we receive by the washing of the water by the Word. The Word being brought before us, we realize that the Lord is speaking to us, to keep us from going on in a way that is not pleasing to Him. We are not called to build walls of stone nor to fight with the weapons of this world, but the Lord would have us know that He wants His people separated from this world. (John 17: 14-17.)

Many of God’s people have made a mistake in not realizing that when the Lord Jesus came into this world, there came also a change in the ways of God with His own. In answer to Pilate’s question, “What hast Thou done?” the Lord Jesus gave the answer: “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence.” John 18:36. The Lord no longer has a nation for a people, but He is calling His people out of all nations. (Acts 15:14.)

Chapter 5 gives us a glimpse of conditions among the people during the activity of building the wall. There are always those who in heart are not up to the spiritual devotedness of those who have made and are making sacrifices of personal gain and comforts for the Lord’s glory. If we do not judge ourselves we can all fall to this level, and instead of our bearing the infirmities of the weak, the old nature takes advantage of them. Such was the case of some whose ways were brought before Nehemiah at this time.

Those engaged in building the wall did so at personal sacrifices to themselves. They could not provide for themselves while engaged in such work; furthermore, at this time there was a dearth in the land. Then too each one had to pay the king’s tribute levied on them. The result was they had to borrow money from some of their brethen for these things, who instead of acting according to the law, charged them interest. When this could not be paid, it allowed their creditors to take over their lands. They even took away their children as slaves to satisfy these debts. How different the spirit among those early saints, whom we read about in Acts 4:32-37!

ML 08/02/1959

Saved by a Friend

Venezuela is the sixth largest country in South America, and it lies just north of the equator. A great variety of wild animals and birds are found in its forests and on its plains, while its rivers abound with reptiles and fish. A missionary and his wife from Venezuela visited us the other day, and they told us some interesting stories.

Once when they were up in the hills of the backwoods, they met a hunter who had with him the skin of a cougar, or mountain lion. The hunter told them he had been out hunting with his dog one day when they came upon the track of the lion. The lion went into a hole in a great pile of stones, and the dog went in after him. To save the life of his dog, who was nailed down by the lion’s powerful claws, the hunter crawled into the dark hole underneath that pile of stones, with his knife in his mouth, to the spot where he was hidden, and he killed that lion all alone. The missionary bought the lion’s skin from the hunter and brought it home.

That hunter saved the life of his dog at the risk of his own! And this is but a faint picture of the Lord Jesus going into death, even the death of the cross, to save you and me from the grip of that roaring lion, the devil, who wields the power of death. The Lord Jesus went down into the very jaws of death to set us free. It was our sins that took Him there, for “the wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23. Such was His love for sinners, that though He, the holy, spotless Son of God, could have gone back to heaven without dying, yet He would not turn back from going to the cross. He laid down His life that we might have eternal life instead of eternal death. Now “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In Ephesians 4 we read that He who descended into the lower parts of the earth, is the same One who ascended far above all heavens, “Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive.” He triumphed over Satan and has led him captive. But here He is seen as bringing with Him the Church also, His redeemed whom He has set free from Satan’s chains, and these He will display as trophies of His victory in that soon-coming day. They will be in that same glory with Himself, when He rides out of heaven in triumph and in power, to reign over the earth. Will our dear reader be among that number? We hope you too can sing:

He died for all; He died for me;
And when He died, He set me free.

The poor dog in our story was in a desperate case. No doubt it was his pitiful whines and howls of distress that brought his brave, faithful friend to his side in that dark hole in the rocks. But if you are without Christ, you are in a far worse case; for you are still under Satan’s power, and because of your sins, death and judgment stare you in the face. What the Lord Jesus wants to hear is your cry of faith, like Peter of old, “Lord, save me,” and He will save you in a moment’s time. “For whosver shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” John 15:13.

ML 08/09/1959

How the Lord Taught a Bedridden Chinawoman

“Old Mrs. Fan calls you to come to her,” was the unceremonious request made by a child to a lady as she was coming out of the house of an old blind Christian man.

Fearing that Mrs. Fan might only wish to look at her out of curiosity and not listen to what she had to say, the lady said to the child: “Where is Mrs. Fan? cannot she come and see me here?”

“Oh, no, she cannot walk, she is lying on the bed.” The child went on to explain that Mrs. Fan could only use her arms, and had been bed-ridden for many years.

“But I am not a doctor,” said the lady; “I can do nothing to cure the old woman.”

“She does not want medicine, she wants to hear the book,” was the reply.

Led by her little guide, the lady found Mrs. Fan lying on the bed, both herself and the bed repulsively dirty. The old woman was suffering from ophthalmia, and was so deaf that she could only hear what was spoken into her ear. She was far from a pleasant object to look at, much less to come into close contact with. But the lady took her dirty, bony hand in hers and said a few words of sympathy for her sufferings. She then told her of One who could heal the sin-sick soul, and who was full of pity for her.

She could not help asking herself as she came away: “Is it any use? Can one so deaf and dull understand the gospel?” However, she promised to return ather time, and meanwhile asked the Lord in earnest prayer to lighten the poor woman’s darkness.

When she went again, she found the old woman desirous of hearing “more of those good words”; she had been anxiously looking forward to the lady’s coming. She now understood readily, and listened breathlessly to the story of the Lord Jesus.

Then she wanted to learn at least one little sentence out of the Book. The lady taught her: The Saviour “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

A fortnight later, when the lady called, Mrs. Fan astonished her by words something like these: “My Saviour! my Saviour! He has been talking to me and telling me how He loved me, and died for me on the cross; He is always with me, beside me here, and He is so good. I tell Him when I am in pain, and He eases me. I tell Him when I am thirsty, and immediately He sends some one to give me drink. How He loves me! I could not do without my Saviour!”

Mrs. Fan lived two or three years, and grew in grace. The reality of the personal presence of the Saviour with her was the great feature of her life as a Christian, and her every desire seemed satisfied. In spite of her sufferings, joyfulness in all circumstances was henceforth hers.

One dark night, she told the visitor, her husband had lost his way on the hills and cried to the God of his wife. A man was soon sent to put him on the right road. “Now,” said poor Mrs. Fan joyfully, “my husband believes that the true God answers prayer, and he will give up all false gods.”

And so the ‘blessed Spirit of God, is still leading souls to the Saviour, to obtain the forgiveness of sins, and to wait for His coming from heaven.

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

ML 08/09/1959

Trusted a Million Times

“Here’s your medicine.” So said Mr. Neal the druggist as he handed me a package. As I paid him I also gave him a little red “Salvation Bible.”

“I don’t think I can trust the Bible,” was the druggist’s comment.

After pausing for a moment I looked up, and asked, “How many packages of medicine have you sold since you first started in the drug business?” He leaned back, expanded his chest, and replied, “Oscar, I have been trusted over a million times.”

Poor foolish man! He had been trusted by his customers a million times, but he was afraid to trust God only once. How much wiser and happier is the simple, trusting soul who turns to the Lord and believes His precious Word!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Prov. 3:5. Again we read,

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Prov. 28:26. But, “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20.

ML 08/09/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 5:6-13

We were noticing last week the sad conduct of some of the remnant that had returned from Babylon. We read that “there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.” “The people and their wives” were evidently the poor, while “their brethren the Jews” were the rich. Forgetting that they were all on the same ground before God as descendants of Abraham, and neglecting their responsibility toward each other, the rich had taken advantage of their poorer brethren in order to enrich themselves the more. The prophet Malachi had to rebuke them a few years later for this same evil, saying, “Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers,” Mal. 2:10. This same evil was prevalent in the days when our Lord was on earth, and James condemns it in his epistle, chapter 1:9, 10; also chapters 2 and 5. The Spirit of God would ever seek to keep us from slipping into the ways of men and of this world, and remind us that, rich and poor, we are all on the same ground of redemption before Him, and as members of the body of Christ we should have the same care one for another (1 Cor. 12:25). “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.

When Nehemiah heard of what was going on, he was very angry and rebuked the nobles and the rulers for exacting usury of their brethren. It was righteous indignation. He called together a great assembly of the people, where these things were told before all. He convicted the nobles and rulers of their sin, telling them how that some, at great cost to themselves, had redeemed some of their brethren from the heathen; “and will ye,” he asked, “even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us?” Unable to find an answer to justify what had been going on, they held their peace.

Then Nehemiah told them that they should have walked in the fear of their God, because of the reproach of the heathen, their enemies. And this reminds us that whenever one who knows the Lord stoops to the practices of the world, it brings reproach upon His name and His truth. It causes the way of the Lord to be evil spoken of.

Nehemiah commanded the offenders to restore to their brethren their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, their houses and the produce of their lands also. They promised to restore all. Then Nehemiah called the priests and made them promise by an oath that they would do as they had promised. After this he shook out his lap, saying, “So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that peormeth not this promise.” And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord.

It is instructive for us to see how the faithful heart of Nehemiah entered into the sorrows of his poor brethren. And this same spirit worked in the heart of the faithful apostle in a later day. He could say, “Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?” 2 Cor. 11:29. It was the Spirit of Christ; and how lovely it is to see reflected in His own, even now, something of the heart of God Himself!

ML 08/09/1959

Lionardo and the Birds

Many of you will be familiar with the name of Lionardo da Vinci. You will remember he was painter, sculptor, and carver, and that his works still delight thousands. Perhaps you may have seen photographs and prints of some of his famous pictures.

The painter lived in Milan, one of the grand old cities of Italian story; the peasants there still tell the tale of his life among them. In his time one corner of the quaint market-place was occupied by dealers selling cages of beautiful birds, caught in the wide forests of Italy, or freshly stolen from the nest. Day by day Lionardo walked down the street to the market-place, and might be found in that corner, buying from the dark-eyed peasant lads their frightened, fluering prisoners.

These ragged, bare-footed boys used to watch for his coming, and nudge one another, as the “crazy painter” came in sight, certain of a ready sale for their birds. No matter how many he bought one day, the next he always wanted more.

“What can he want them for?” they asked, and perhaps so do you.

Let us follow him, as he makes his way through the thronged marketplace, with his arms full of cages, and cages slung on his back. The chattering peasants smile and point after him, as he passes out of sight. On he goes, until he reaches the pleasant fields, and hedgerows, and then, oh! so tenderly, so gently! with a beautiful, joy shining on his face, he opens every cage and sets the birds free!

The summer air is filled with happy trilling, and bird-music, as the birds, wild with delight at their freedom, mount upward in the blue sky. Lionardo da Vinci stands watching them with pleasure, and an echo of their joy is in his own heart.

We cannot help admiring the great painter in this lowly work of love to God’s creatures.

We may see in his act a picture of God’s wonderful gospel. God Himself is the Great Artist and Sculptor of the Universe. He sees poor souls caught in the snares of Satan, and caged by sin, and pities them with a great pity. The Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, died to redeem these souls. Now He says, “Ye are bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20); and that price was His own life, laid down for them. And what He loves is to set prisoned souls free.

“He came, to break the captive’s chains, To set the prisoners free.”

Weary young heart, are you tied and bound with the chain of your sins? Do you long to be free from the power of sin and Satan? The Lord Jesus can set you free! He, and He alone, can open your prison door! Listen!

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32.

Believe that Jesus has died to purchase you; let Him undo your chains; then let your heart sing out His praises in the sunshine of His love, as the birds caroled in the bright, blue heavens. A saved soul is a happy soul!

“Who would not live for Jesus,

Rejoicing, glad, and free?

The music of a ransomed life,

Is what He asks of Thee!”

“IF THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED.” John 8:36.

ML 08/16/1959

Paid in Full

Mr. Shooks worked in a hardware store in a small town. He loved children and knew nearly all the little folks that came into the store.

He soon noticed that little Bobby was coming in unusually often. He would stand on his tip toes and take down a toy truck and examine it very carefully. There were many other toy trucks there, but Bobby always looked at the same one. Then he would put it back in its place, turn and walk thoughtfully out of the store.

Then one day Bobby bounded into the store and went straight to the toy trucks. He reached for his chosen one, then skipped to the counter where Mr. Shooks stood watching him. Joyfully Bobby placed the truck on the counter and then laid a white handkerchief beside it with some money tied tightly inside. Mr. Shooks untied the knots and carefully counted out the change. But he had to tell Bobby that he didn’t have quite enough. He needed ten cents more.

Poor little Bobby. The tears came to his eyes as he said, “I’ve been saving all my money to buy that truck for my little brother. He would like so much to have it and I thought I had enough.” Mr. Shooks felt sorry for the little fellow, and reaching into his own pocket he pulled out ten cents and laid it with Bobby’s money. There, now there was enough.

“Oh thank you, Mr. Shooks. Thank you so much!” he exclaimed. So saying, he picked up the truck and skipped gaily out of the store.

Bobby was only ten cents short, but still he was short. And the Bible tells us, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

It didn’t cost Mr. Shooks much to reach in his pocket and pull out that bit of money, but it cost God a great deal to save you and me from our sins. It cost Him His beloved Son. Bobby could pay part of the price of his toy truck, but we could not pay anything on our debt of sin. Bobby might have been able to save up ten cents more if he had tried a little harder, but we can’t save up good deeds to pay our sins’ debt, for God says even our best is but filthy rags to Him. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isah 64:6. It is only by His grace that we can be saved.

“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.

ML 08/16/1959

Take the Lantern

Job was a young boy, and one afternoon his father told him to take two empty sacks to the miller, who lived in the next village.

“Be sure you take the right road, Job,” said his father, “and, as it will be quite dark before you can get back, you had better take the lantern with you.”

“O,” said Job, “I can find my way back in the dark with my eyes shut; there is no fear of my taking the wrong road.”

So off Job went with the sacks, and reached the village in daylight; but on coming back it began to get dark. There was neither moon nor stars visible, and it became quite dark. Job now wished he had brought the lantern, but on he went. He, however, became bewildered, and was at last quite at a loss as to where he was going. He stood still, not knowing what to do.

At length he heard a footstep, some one was approaching. It might be an enemy, but what could he do? It turned out to be a man on his way home. Though afraid, Job mustered courage to ask his way to his father’s house. He was told he had taken the wrong road, and was quite out of the way.

The man was going the same road, and showed him the way, and at length he reached home — a sadder, if not a wiser boy, for having neglected his father’s advice.

How many there are in this world like Job. They not only try to find their way about in the earth, but even think they can find their way to heaven. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12. How foolish then to think of finding the way without that lamp. I hope you all know that I mean the Bible. God Himself calls it a lamp. Be sure then you take the Lamp.

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

Also the Lord Jesus tells us in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”

ML 08/16/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 5:14-6:4

From the rest of this chapter we learn something of Nehemiah’s conduct while he was governor. He had taken no pay for all his services, and not only had he provided for himself, but also for 150 others, Jews and rulers, who ate at his table, besides some of the heathen who came there. Nehemiah was given to hospitality and was not forgetful to entertain strangers. (1 Tim. 3:2.)

In his prayer Nehemiah says, “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” This prayer might seem unusual to us, but we must remember that the Lord Jesus had not yet come into this world and revealed to us salvation, according to the riches of His grace. We do not read in the New Testament of any of the apostles or servants of the Lord praying like this. Nevertheless in Nehemiah we see a rare devotedness to the Lord and His people, an upright conscience, and a forgetfulness of self, so that he had this simple confidence in God that he would not lose his reward.

In chapter 6 the enemies adopt a new method to attempt to hinder the building of the wall. First they had laughed the Jews to scorn; then they mocked them; then they became very angry and conspired to overcome them by force. But now they try to entice Nehemiah to leave the work on the pretense of having him confer and hold a counsel with them.

In the New Testament we learn that Satan works principally in either of two ways — by subtlety, or openly as a “roaring lion.” Ephesians 6:11, 12, tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” But in 1 Peter 5:8, the word is, “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.” But the Lord Jesus overcame him when He was here, so now he is a defeated foe. Therefore it says in James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Here the enemy works subtly and seeks to get Nehemiah to compromise. When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, and the rest, saw that the wall was built, and that the breaches were stopped, though at that time the doors had not been set up, they feigned themselves as friends, and sent a message to Nehemiah. “Come,” they said, “Let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of One.” But Nehemiah perceived that this was an attempt only to do him mischief, so he sent a message back saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you.” The enemy often seeks to get the child of God to leave the ground of truth to which grace has called him and to come down to the level of the world. Nehemiah knew there could be no communion of light with darkness and so the attempt of the enemy to stop the work was, again thwarted.

Though the work he was doing might seem small and despised in the eyes of men, nevertheless Nehemiah saw that the Lord’s glory was connected with it so he could speak of it as a “great work.” Furthermore the Lord’s work was not something to be taken up and laid down at will, so he refuses to turn aside from pursuing the path the Lord had called him to.

ML 08/16/1959

Almost a Martyr

He was converted to Christ at the age of sixteen, and within six months shipped on board a vessel with a crew of twelve. He was the only Christian on board, and had previously promised his mother that in prayer he would meet her three times a day at the throne of grace.

To do this, he would go below, and feeling that he was not making satisfactory prayer unless it was audible, he made it a point always to pray aloud. This brought terrible persecution upon him from the sailors. They tried to get him to desist praying, but he would not. They sang and danced around him while he was engaged in his devotions, but he would pray.

They threw things at him, and bruised him, and poured buckets of water on him, but could not put out the fire in his soul. Then they tied him to the mast and laid thirty-nine stripes upon his back, the marks of which he carries today, but he still prayed. Finally, they tied a rope around his body under his arms, and threw him overboard. He struggled and swam as best he could, and when he would take hold of the side of the ship to climb up, they would push him off with a long pole. At last his strength gave way, and supposing they really meant to kill him, he made a final effort, prayed that God would forgive them, and called to the sailors: “Send my body to my mother and tell her I died for Jesus.”

He then sank into the deep and the water closed over him, but he was pulled out and up on the deck, and after being worked with for some time he came to. Conviction then began to seize hold upon those sailors. Before night two of them were gloriously converted to Christ, and while they were praying down below with the young martyr, the others thought they were up to their persecutions again and called to them to desist, saying they had persecuted the boy enough. Inside of a week everyone on board the vessel including the caain was blessedly saved.

In a little while the ship put into Provincetown Harbor, near Cape Cod, on account of an approaching storm. Other ships gathered in to the amount of nearly three hundred. The boy had been conducting meetings every Sunday on board the ship. Unknown to him, when the ships were lying at anchor, the captain sent word around that at ten o’clock Sunday there would be meetings on his ship and a boy would give his experience of how he was persecuted and nearly killed for Jesus’ sake. While the boy was down below preparing something to say in the meeting as usual, the people began to gather in. They filled the ship’s deck, climbed into the rigging, filled every available space, and also sat in boats all around the ship. When the young man came on deck this was the sight that met him. The crew formed a ring around him and they sang and he prayed and then took for his text, “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” There was a remarkable work of the Spirit of God, and with it a great wave of blessing. After the message many came together for prayer, and that day a great number made the young man’s Saviour their Saviour too.

It did not stop there, for after that, while the ships lay in the harbor and out on the ocean, boats would come to us and those on board tell us of someone being saved. Other ships soon began having little gospel meetings, and for the few weeks we remained in that haor word continued coming in of those who had come to know the Lord Jesus Christ who is mighty and able to save.

“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERYONE THAT BELIEVETH.” Rom. 1:16.

ML 08/23/1959

The Stolen Rose

Seven-year-old Janet lived in an apartment house which was rather cheerless, for there were no flowers or bushes to brighten up the small yard where she played.

One day when she and her friend Elaine were coming home from school, they observed some beautiful roses growing on a trellis on the side of a house. Janet and Elaine eyed them enviously.

“I don’t think the people who live there would mind if we took only one rose,” said Elaine. “They are so beautiful.”

Janet was a Christian girl, but the temptation was too great, and cautiously she and Elaine tiptoed up to the trellis and each girl picked off a rose. Then they hurried away, hoping the owners would not see them.

Janet felt very guilty the rest of the way home, and although she enjoyed the rose and loved the smell of it, she knew she had sinned, and she knew that God had seen her steal. Just before she reached home, she slipped the rose into her coat pocket, hoping her mother would not find it.

Yes, God had seen the girls steal. We read in His Word, “Thou God seest me.” A few days later when her mother was brushing off Janet’s coat, she noticed the wilting rose in her pocket.

“Where did this come from?” she asked. “We don’t have any red roses like that around here.”

Poor Janet broke into tears and finay told her mother that she had stolen it. Her mother had to punish her for it, but I am quite sure that Janet learned her lesson after that. She got down on her knees and confessed her sinfulness to the Lord.

The Bible tells us, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23.

Although we are all sinners, the precious message of the gospel is that God Himself, the holy and the Just, has in mercy provided a way whereby any repentant sinner who comes to Him may have his or her sins washed away. And that is through the atoning death of the Lord Jesus on the cross. The precious blood of Christ, His beloved Son, cleanseth from all sin. “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.” Is. 1:18.

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.” Is. 44:22.

ML 08/23/1959

Today!

Five days of the special gospel services had passed by. The preacher had chosen his subjects from the life of our Lord, and traced Him from the cradle to the judgment hall.

“That last night,” Mr. Moody afterward wrote, “I made the greatest mistake of my life. If I could recall the act, I would give my right hand.”

The meetings had been held in the old Farwell Hall in Chicago. A mournful October wind surged round the old hall while the preacher spoke, and on that last night the wind ran high.

In the middle of the sermon the fire-bell at the Court House began to clang, but it sounded so often that neither preacher nor congregation noticed it.

“What shall I do with Jesus?” asked the preacher. “That is the important question for you to ask yourself.” He paused, and the bell filled up the interval until he spoke again.

“Now, I want you to take the question with you, and think over it, and next Sunday I want you to come back and tell me what you are going to do with it.”

What a mistake!

“It seems now,” he afterward told a friend, “as if Satan prompted the words. Since then I have never dared to give an audience a week to think of their salvation.”

As the speaker and his friends went downstairs to another meeting held in the same building, he heard in the diance a voice singing:

“Today the Saviour calls;
For refuge fly.
The storm of justice falls,
And death is nigh.”

On their way home the red glare of the great fire of Chicago shone in the sky and turned night into day.

“This means ruin to Chicago,” said Mr. Moody.

About one o’clock Farwell Hall caught fire, and immediately afterward the building where Mr. Moody had preached went down before the devouring flames. The special gospel meetings ceased. Everyone was scattered. He never saw that audience again.

“My friends,” wrote the evangelist, “we don’t know what may happen tomorrow. NOW is the accepted time!”

There can be no better time for such a decision, for deciding for Christ, than NOW — at this very moment.

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

The Holy Ghost saith, “To-day.” Dare you say “Tomorrow”?

ML 08/23/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 6:5-14

Four times the enemy proposed to Nehemiah that he meet with them in the plains of One, but each time his answer was the same. Faithful man that he was, he refused to be influenced by them. The fifth time they sent a man with an open letter in his hand. An open letter is one which everyone can read and is sent for the purpose of influencing others. The enemy often uses this means to spread false reports, as he did about the Christians in the early days of the Church. The Apostle Paul could say that he labored both “by evil report and good report” (2 Cor. 6:8). When, after arriving at Rome, he sought to bring the gospel before the Jews, they told him, “for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” Acts 28:22.

The letter Nehemiah received stated, “It is reported among the heathen,... that thou and the Jews think to rebel”: and “thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king.” Also it accused Nehemiah of appointing prophets to preach of himself saying, “there is a king in Judah,” and that if these reports got back to the king it would endanger Nehemiah’s life. Perhaps Nehemiah had encouraged his people to look for their promised Messiah, but he had no such personal ambitions himself.

So he sent a message back saying, “There are no such things done as thou sagest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.” We can learn from this that though we may repel the false accusations of the tempter, we ought not to reason with him, else, like Eve, we shall surely be overcome. Nehemiah perceived that the enemy, by constant harassing, sought to make them afraid and to weaken their hands. Pressed en every side, he cried to God to strengthen his hands, and the effort of the enemy again failed. The power of Satan cannot avail against one who makes God his refuge and strength. (Psa. 46:1.)

But the enemy was not content to let the matter rest, so his next attempt was through a conspiracy within the city. Nehemiah went to see a man named Shemaiah, who was shut up as though he were sick. This man pro. fessed to be a friend, and seemingly was concerned for Nehemiah’s life. He sought to persuade him to meet with him in the house of God and to shut the doors of the temple against their enemies, “for,” said he, “in the night will they come to slay thee.” But again Nehemiah perceived the enemy was behind this, and that this man had been hired by Sanballat, who sought to make him afraid in order that he might get out an evil report against Nehemiah. So he refused, saying, “Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life. I will not go in.” All seemed to depend on the faithfulness of Nehemiah; therefore he was the object of the enemy’s hatred and fiercest assaults. But how instructive it is to see him habitually turning to God in his difficulties, and this is what each true servant of the Lord should do, except that now we should cry unto God our Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 08/23/1959

Jesus Our Only Refuge

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

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

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

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

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

This was just what the boy wanted, a refuge — and he learned the truth in the words of this hymn. He saw that Buddha could not be a refuge, for it did not even have a life in itself; and could do him no good. He therefore became a Christian. He found a true refuge in Christ, the living Saviour.

Later on he was a teacher and preacher on the island, and his joy was exceeding great in being able to preach the gospel to his countrymen. His highest delight was to point them — not to Buddha for sympathy, consolation, or salvation — but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the right and only refuge and defense for all lost and burdened sinners.

Yes, dear children, Jesus is our only refuge, and it is when we know Him, that the words of the prophet are fulfilled in us; “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.

“I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS: MY GOD; IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” Psa. 91:2.

ML 08/30/1959

Joy in Heaven

A little girl about seven years old named Joan used to go to hear the gospel preached every Sunday night with her Christian parents. She did not want to take the Lord as her Saviour then, for she felt that salvation wasn’t for her, and besides, she thought she would get saved after a few years went by when she had had her fun. She thought she would remain undecided for awhile.

The preacher often told the listeners that there was no middle ground for salvation — everyone was either on the road to heaven, or on the road to hell.

All who believed on Him would be taken up to heaven when He comes, and all the others would be left behind for judgment.

One day when Joan came home from school she found that her mother and her two little sisters were gone, and then she began to think that perhaps the Lord had come, and she was left behind. How relieved she was to see them coming home a little later, for they had just come back from shopping. But after that Joan began to worry — perhaps she wasn’t saved, and she didn’t want to be left behind if the Lord came.

One night she thought of that verse she had learned in Sunday school — “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10. “Oh,” she thought, “the angels will rejoice if I trust in the Lord Jesus.” So kneeling down, and looking out of the window at the big full moon in the sky, she prayed that the Lord Jesus would save her soul, saying over and over again, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

Then she looked up to the sky and said to herself, “The angels are rejoicing over me in heaven, because I have trusted Jesus. How happy they will be!” And the Lord Jesus was happy that night too, for a little child had taken Him as her Saviour.

And won’t you too, dear young friend, give joy to the Lord Jesus by taking Him into your heart as your Saviour? We hope you can sing,

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come into today, come in to stay; Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

O may He never have to say to you in a coming day, “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”

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

ML 08/30/1959

Matthew

Matthew was one of the twelve apostles. His Gospel was probably the first written, though the order of the books of the Bible does not always correspond with their date. Matthew’s is not the longest gospel, in spite of its containing the most chapters.

Perhaps you do not all know that chapters and verses are comparatively recent divisions; they are not in the Hebrew and Greek originals, and it were well had man not introduced them. In the year A.D. 1240, however, Cardinal Hugo separated the books into chapters, and this was seen for the first time in Wycliffe’s Bible, in A.D. 1380. Three hundred years later, in A.D. 1560, the chapters were subdivided into verses by Robert Stephens on his way from Paris to Lyons, and they so appeared in the Geneva Bible then being printed.

Matthew’s own account of his call is contained in one verse (9:9), and he alone styles himself “Matthew the publican,” in the lists of the apostles. Considering how the publicans were hated by the Jews, it would have been natural had he omitted this, but if Jesus was not ashamed to call him to follow Him, Matthew is not ashamed of the truth about his previous life, and afterward never mentions himself, nor does he even add that he made Jesus a “great feast” — he sought not honor from men. This is a good lesson for us. The more we know of Jesus, the less we shall find to say of ourselves. Mark and Luke call him Levi, son of Alphaeus.

Judea was a Roman province, and taxed like one. A publican was a person who fanned the taxes — i.e., he paid a certain fixed sum to the government, and what he collected was then his own. These men often employed others to collect, who, in turn, extorted what they could over and above for themselves; they were generally Jews, lightly esteemed by their brethren, and classed with “sinners” — with such the Lord sat at meat in Matthew’s house.

Every gospel has its own character, and each writer presents the Lord to us in a different aspect. Matthew sets Him forth as Son of Abraham and David, and in connection with His people Israel. His genealogy through Joseph is given, for by law He was accounted his son. He is the King who comes to reign, but withal Emmanuel the Saviour, the Jehovah-Jesus who should forgive His people’s sins and heal their diseases. (Isa. 53:4, Psa. 103:3.) He came to fuill this to Israel: He touched the leper, He healed the sick, he raised the dead, He cast out devils, He calmed the sea, He forgave sins, He gave sight to the blind; the dumb spake, and to the poor the gospel was preached (chaps. 8, 9). He did all that would prove Him to be the expected Messiah. He was more than a prophet, greater than John, greater than Jonas or Solomon (chaps. 11, 12). Yet they refused Him (11:19, 12:10, 14, 24, 34-45). Rejected by those to whom He came, He goes outside to “whosoever” will (12:50, 13:1, 2), and teaches by parables. The kingdom of heaven is one of Matthew’s great subjects; the King who was refused on earth would rule from heaven, and all that goes on in His name down here during His absence is within the kingdom of the heavens.

The Lord’s last journey to Jerusalem begins at chapter 20:29, and ends in the cross where He gave His life a ransom for many. The ascension is not mentioned by Matthew. Let these few words about this beautiful Gospel eourage us to read it afresh for ourselves.

ML 08/30/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 6:15-7:4

Nehemiah tells us that the wall was finished in fifty-two days, and even their enemies were forced to own that it was a work wrought by God. Indeed it was a very remarkable work to build such a wall about three miles around with so few to work at it.

Nehemiah had much to cast himself on the Lord in those days. He tells us there were many letters exchanged between the nobles of Judah and Tobiah the Ammonite with whom they were linked through marriage. They continually reported Tobiah’s good deeds to Nehemiah, and uttered Nehemiah’s words to him. Like many today, they would seek to prove that there is no difference between the Lord’s people and the men of this world, that the actions of both alike are good; but in reality they have no thought of what is suited to God, or to those whom He has redeemed unto Himself. How trying this must have been to so separated a man as Nehemiah!

It is sad when the Lord’s people do not see how they are called out in separation from this world and seek the world’s friendship, and try to make out that some of the worst enemies of the truth are not so bad after all. But that is really not the question: rather, do they have faith in the Lord who came to redeem us? So many do not discern the two aspects of the work of Christ as they are brought before us in Galatians 1:4. There we read that He gave Himself “for our sins,” and also “that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father.” In God’s sight this world is always the same — “this present evil world.” James tells us in his epistle: “Know ye not that the frienhip of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Jas. 4:4.

In chapter? we learn something of the government of Jerusalem. Nehemiah appointed doorkeepers, singers and Levites; and then he put his brother Han. ani in charge of the city; for, he says, “he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.” Faithfulness to the Lord does not go unnoticed of Him and will surely bring its reward sooner or later.

Nehemiah gave instructions that the gates of the city must not be opened until the sun was hot, and at night the doors not only to be shut but barred also. Furthermore watchers were to be appointed of the inhabitants of the city, “every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.” It shows us how the Lord would have each to’ feel his responsibility in watching over and caring for the assembly as well as for the families of His people. At night the enemy would be most active and this would remind us that it is during the night of this world when “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” are especially busy. The Apostle Peter exhorts us, saying: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” And this makes us think of the blessed contrast we have in Revelation 21, where we read of the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, that “the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.” v. 25.

All taint of sin shall be removed,
All evil done away;
And we shall dwell with
God’s Beloved
Through God’s eternal day.

ML 08/30/1959

God is with Me

A little girl named Susan who loved the Lord Jesus, was one day sent out to pay a bill for her grandmother. The distance from home was quite far, and the way somewhat lonely. After she had paid the money, she turned to go home, but it became dark before she reached there.

As she passed along, a man met her in the dark, and surprised at finding a little girl like her alone, he asked, “Little girl! aren’t you afraid to go in this lonely place in the dark?”

“Oh, no!” she answered, “for God is with me.”

They parted, and the little girl soon forgot the incident. But God made use of it, for her words were to be used in blessing to the man she had met. Soon after Susan was sent to Sunday school. She became very fond of her teacher, and her teacher became very fond of her. One day her teacher told her that her husband wished to see her, so she went with the lady to her home, and after eating dinner there, the teacher’s husband said to Susan, “Do you remember meeting a man many months ago on the road in the evening, who asked you if you were not afraid?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered, “I do.”

“Well,” he said, “I was that man. I was drunk at the time; but your answer, that God was with you, clung to me, and I thought it over when I became sober, and the Lord used it to lead me to Himself. I became one of His children by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to thank you, and let you know that the Lord used you in my salvation, not only from drunkenness, but from hell.” How happy it made the little girl to hear this.

Susan is grown up now and suffers greatly from a bodily affliction, but she is still able to say, “I am not afraid, for God is with me.”

It is a very precious thing to be able to say that, and the reader may be able to say it too, through simply believing what God tells us of His Son and of His love for us, and resting on His work on the cross for salvation. We can have peace with God not only about our sins, but about everything else that happens to us in our lives, by casting all our care upon Him, knowing that in everything He cares for us.

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

ML 09/06/1959

Just as You Are

“Jake, the Captain wants you!” Jack was at work in the smith’s shop making shoes for some of the horses of the army regiment. His comrade who had called him to go to the officer was clean and smart, fresh from the parade.

Jack looked at his dirty clothes and grimy hands, thinking for a moment that he could not go to the Captain as he was. But his mate cut his deliberations short with the words, “Jack, the Captain wants you NOW!”

The hammer was thrown down at once and the soldier — untidy though he was — started off to meet his officer. It so happened that the Captain was a Christian.

“I’m glad you can obey orders, Jack!” said the Captain kindly, when he saw him. “You came as you were, and that is just how you must come to Christ, Jack, just as you are.” Jack was not a little surprised at this unusual inteiew, but we believe it came home to him then that salvation was an urgent matter.

Have you had the thought that you must make yourself fit before coming to the Saviour? As a needy sinner you are fit, and you need not tarry. Food is provided for the hungry, water is prided for the thirsty, medicine is prided for the sick, and hospitals are pro vided for the diseased. The Saviour is provided for sinners. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32.

Christ calls you NOW. I trust you will say to Him,

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

Oh, Lamb of God, I come.”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 09/08/1959

Your Race is Run. Prepare to Meet Thy God.

The above words were put up by an earnest Christian man at a race track. Perhaps he never knew the result of his humble service, but a day is coming when it and every effort for Christ’s glory will have its reward.

The message reached the conscience of a young prodigal. Giddy and careless, he pursued the path of pleasure and sin, and eternity was something he did not care to think about. But amid the gay scene with its noise and excitement, the plain solemn words of warning did their work, and the young man left the crowd to go its way. He could go on no longer on the road of death.

Earnestly he tried to make himself fit for God, but all his efforts at reformation did not meet the demands of his conscience.

How could he prepare to meet God, was the question in his mind. After all his endeavors and failures, his feelings could be well expressed by the words of the hymn, as he cast himself on Christ for salvation:

“No preparation can I make,

My best resolves I only break,

Then save me for Thine own name’s sake,

And take me as I am.

“Helpless I am and full of guilt,

And yet for me Thy blood was spilt;

And Thou canst make me what Thou wilt,

And take me as I am.

“Behold me, Saviour, at Thy feet,

Deal with me as Thou seest meet;

Thy work begin, Thy work complete,

But take me as I am.”

Thus at last he found joy and peace in believing. He rested on Christ, and knew that his many sins were blotted out and that He was now on the way to heaven. Soon after, he became a proclaimer of the grace of God which had rescued him.

Some people think that there are many ways to heaven, but the Bible speaks of only one way, the Lord Jesus Christ. He says, “I am the Way... no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. Church-going, trying to keep the Ten Commandments, doing works of charity and good deeds will never gain entrance to heaven, 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.

ML 09/06/1959

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

1.At whose name should every knee bow?

2.Are there any who are the enemies of the cross of Christ?

3.How should our requests be made known unto God?

4.Whom are we to thank for our inheritance with saints in light?

5.Can our lives be spoiled by giving heed to the traditions of men?

6.Is it right to worship angels?

7.Is the Lord pleased when children obey their parents?

The Young People’s Class

1.Did the armor-bearer try to help or hinder Jonathan when he purposed to attack the Philistines’ garrison? 1 Samuel 14.

2.Who were the helpers the Apostle Paul was thankful to have in his work? Romans 16.

3.Could our actions be such as to hinder the gospel of Christ? I Corinthians 9.

4.Did Jonathan wait for the Lord to open the way before commencing the attack? I Samuel.

5.Will the Lord strengthen those that wait on Him? Psalm 27.

6.Was the Lord able to cause the entire host of the Philistines to tremble at the presence of these two men? 1 Samuel.

7.Will men tremble and desire to hide from the face of the Lord in a coming day? Revelation.

ML 09/06/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 7:5-8:1

The wall was complete, and provision made for securing it against the enemy; now we read that “the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.” It was a testimony of failure, for how few had heeded the gracious call of God through Nehemiah. So we have a fresh work of grace on the part of God who put it into the heart of Nehemiah to gather the people together that they might be reckoned according to genealogy. This was to prove if all those within the walls, as well as those who might seek to enter, were of Israel, for only true descendants of Abraham had a right to the promises. Nehemiah says he found a register of those who had come up from Babylon almost 100 years before. This list we get in Ezra 2 and it is repeated in our chapter. The whole congregation numbered 42,360, besides 7337 servants, and 245 singing men and women.

As remarked earlier, we do not have to prove our genealogies in this way, but we do have to make sure that we are truly “born again” (John 3:3,6), the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).

Nehemiah found among the priests some who could not prove their claims therefore he told them they could not serve as priests or eat of the most holy things until there stood up a priest with Urim. and Thummim. The name signiales “lights” and “perfections” and they seem to have formed part of the high priest’s garment. By them he received answers from the Lord. However, they were not returned when they came back from Babylon, and this great privilege has never yet been restored. But when Israel is brought back in the coming day, Christ Himself will take the place of the Urim. and Thummim of old.

In the rest of the chapter we read of the gifts that some, including Nehemiah, gave to the work of the Lord, and then we have the people placed in their own cities.

In chapter 8 we see the authority of the Word of God established. It is only when we are in a right position before Him that His Word can have its fun place. It was the first day of the seventh month, when according to the books of Exodus and Numbers, they were to celebrate the feast of trumpets, with a holy assembly and offering of sacrifices. Also they were to do no servile work. It was a figure of Israel’s restoration in the last days.

It is here that Ezra is mentioned for the first time in this book. He had arrived in Jerusalem in 468 B.C. and Nehemiah came in 455 B.C. Each had a special exercise before the Lord about a different condition of the people, Ezra’s great concern had been that the captives who had returned from Babylon should be taught the law of God. We remember that he had prepared his own heart to know the law and to do it, and though he is lost sight of while Nehemiah is leading the people in rebuilding the wall, no doubt he had been going quietly on with his work. As another has remarked, Happy is the servant who, thinking nothing of himself, can retire when he is not needed, and come forth when once again desired, willing to be anything or nothing. known or unknown, if he can but serve the Lord’s beloved people.

ML 09/06/1959

A Little Girl's Prayer Answered

In May, 1889 a terrible flood swept across much of Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas, known in history as the “Johnstown Flood.” Many lost their lives, but many acts of heroism were performed by brave men and women in rescuing victims of the flood. A little girl ten years of age named Alice was alone with her baby brother in their home which was already floating away in the surging waters. Her parents were not home, for perhaps they had already lost their lives in the flood. Alice knew that the Lord would take care of her, and kneeling beside her bed, prayed to Him to save her and little Robert from the fury of the flood.

It happened that a train was going slowly by on a high hill near the flood. The passengers crowded to see the terrible havoc of the flood, when they saw Alice’s house floating, and heard the baby’s cries coming from it. A schoolboy of seventeen, Charles Hepenthal, determined to save the baby from a watery grave, although those on the train urged him not to do so, for it would be impossible to survive in the surging waters.

But Charles was resolved, and out into the whirling gulf he went. He got to the house, and secured the infant, returning through the waters with baby Robert in his arms. A shout went up from the passengers on the train. “Wait!” he cried, “there is still another in the house. I must save her!” Seizing a plank to use as a support, he plunged again into the waters, but his struggle this time was harder.

“God has answered my prayer,” said Alice, as she saw Charles enter the door. He took her and fought his way back to land. Had he waited another minute, it is likely she would have been drowned.

Does not this thrilling story remind us of a greater deliverance — the death of the Lord Jesus who saves all those who trust Him by faith in His precious blood? We were helpless, lost in sin, and without hope, until He came to seek and save us, and to “give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:28.

Dear reader, has the Saviour found you yet? or are you still drifting with the current of this world, that is going on to judgment and eternal woe? Awake! The Saviour calls to you again, “Come unto Me.” Dare you put Him off another moment? If you do, He may turn away and never call again; then your last hope of being saved will be gone forever.

O what emptiness without the Saviour,

‘Mid the sins and sorrows here below!

And eternity, how dark without Him—

Only night and tears and endless woe!

What though I might live without the Saviour,

When I come to die, how would it be?

O to face the Valley’s gloom without Him!

And without Him for eternity!

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?” Heb. 2:3.

ML 09/13/1959

Fred's Birthday

It was Fred’s birthday. He was ten years old, and got up early that morning, as it was much on his mind that he could now write his age with two figures. But what do you think he spied when he got out of bed? Ah, he saw some one had been up earlier than he, and put a package on his table. It was addressed to Fred in large handwriting. He soon saw that it was for him, and quickly opened it and there he found two beautiful books. One was a Bible, and the other a text book.

It did not take him long to get dressed that morning, and he was off to his mother’s room with the two books under his arm. Then he learned his first lesson from his birthday Bible. We do not know what the lesson was, but we know a good one to begin with: “THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING.” Prov. 9: 10.

Then another one is, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105.

These are two very important portions. If we think of the holiness of God, then we are afraid to do anything contrary to His will, knowing He cannot allow sin to go unpunished; so, to have the fear of Him before us, will make us wise, and keep us out of many evils.

The second verse shows us how we may get proper guidance for all our path down here — it must be by the Word of God. It is the lamp that gives out the light for our whole path, and shows us where we should go and what we should do. May you, dear reader, consider these portions well.

ML 09/13/1959

The Ants

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:... The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.” Prov. 30:24, 25.

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

The ant is “exceeding wise” in attending to things at THE RIGHT TIME. An unerring instinct warns her that winter is coming — the time of frosts and storms; she knows that it will be useless then to attempt to provide for herself, and she shows her wisdom by laying in a supply for all her wants during the time of abundance. When the sun shines, and the days are long and bright, you don’t find her idling an hour away. She takes advaage of her opportunity, and labors to improve each shining hour of the glorus summer time. She teaches a fine lesson — GOD says she is “exceeding wise” — listen to her! She says, “Attend to things at THE RIGHT TIME.”

See what God has said about the time of salvation: “God... NOW commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30.

“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you TODAY.” Exodus 14:13.

“TODAY if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 3:15.

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

These scriptures bring before us very definitely the time of salvation. It is NOW that God commands men to repent. It is TODAY that the Lord will show you His salvation. While it is called TODAY He beseeches you not to harden your heart against the entrance of His life-giving word; and the last passage declares with unmistakable simplicity that NOW is the accepted time, and TODAY the day of salvation.

If this question has never been raised and settled between your soul and God, NOW is the time. The ant is “exceeding wise,” because she attends to things at the right time. Imitate her wisdom. You need not close your eyes in sleep tonight without knowing that your sins are forgiven and your soul is saved. Do you know yourself to be “guilty before God?” Have you felt something of the hatefulness of your sins? God says, “Come NOW, and let us reason together,... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crion, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.

God is ready to save you. He says, “Come, for all things are NOW ready.” Come just as you are by faith to Christ; believe on Him and thou shalt be saved. Blessed be God, it is still the summertime of grace; the sun of His mercy and love still shines upon a guilty world. This moment I can assure you, on the testimony of the Word of God, that there is salvation for you in Christ if you will accept Him. His precious blood will cleanse you from all sin.

God says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Tomorrow may be forever too late. Today is the day of grace, the time of salvation and blessing.

Remember! the winter is coming, the stormy winter of God’s wrath. The summer of His grace will soon be past.

How sad if you trifle with the grace of God until it is too late, and you have to cry in bitterness of soul, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer. 8:20.

ML 09/13/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 8:2-13

On the first day of the seventh month, we read, “all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate,” and they requested of Ezra that he bring out the book of the law of God and read to them. Water in Scripture often speaks of the Word of God, Himself the source and fountain of all true blessing, and we are reminded of how when Israel were in the wilderness He had said to Moses, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” Numb. 21:16. It is His desire to bless His people. We are not told just how the people came to be gathered together on this occasion. It may have been the result of Ezra’s quiet, patient work among them in bringing before them the law of the Lord. But whatever the reason, it is nice to see them gathering together with the desire to hear the Word of God, and to have it explained to them. Surely it should be our desire too, to know more of the hidden treasures of wisdom found in His precious Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,” is the Apostle’s exhortation in Colossians 3:16.

We have then the congregation gathered together and Ezra standing on a platform above the people, reading out of the book from morning until midday. What a privilege to be under the ministry of the Word of God! Ezra prayed and blessed the Lord. The people in turn blessed the Lord, and belong their heads they worshiped. As Ezra read, the Levites explained the Word to the people, giving them the sense and causing them to understand it.

Hearing the Word of God read to them caused all the people to weep, fot we suppose that they realized in some measure that they had neglected and returned from what the Lord had given them. But there is a time to rejoice as well as to mourn (Eccl. 3:4) and there was a time when they were not to weep. Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites said unto the people: “This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not not weep... Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of Lord is your strength.” So the people went their way, to eat and drink and rejoice, and to send portions to others. When we enjoy the truth of God, our hearts cannot contain the joy; it over flows, and there is the desire that othe might enjoy the precious things of Christ too.

The next day the chiefs of the fathers the priests and the Levites came to Ezra to hear more of the words of the law. Do we in our hearts turn to the Lord desiring to hear more of His Word?

This feast on the first day of the seventh month, ushered in by the blowing of trumpets, as already remarked pre-figures Israel’s being awakened to the Lord in a time yet future. It will be a time of great mourning for they will realize that they have crucified their Messiah. However, we do not find this mourning among the Jews who are gathering back to the land at this present time.

ML 09/13/1959

Alfredo

It was a beautiful day in early spring, and the sun shone brightly upon the smiling faces and gay dresses of the crowd of men, women, and children who thronged the streets of the old Portuguese town of Figueira de Foz. A festival was being held, so shops and schools were closed, as it was a general holiday.

Two schoolboys had been for some time walking together. When they got outside the town, one drew his friend into a shady nook, whispering as he did so, “Alfredo, I have something to show you. See!” And he drew a small thin book in paper covers from his pocket. Alfredo’s love of reading was well known among his schoolmates, and his friend noticed the look of delight that came into his face as he turned the pages of the Gospel of Matthew.

“Where did you get it, Pablo?” Alfredo asked after some time spent in a still further examination of the book.

“At the fair,” replied Pablo. “I won it in a raffle.”

“Will you sell it?” Alfredo asked eagerly.

“I don’t care to. But what do you have to offer?” said Pablo.

Alfredo drew a small silver coin from his pocket, but Pablo shook his head. A pocket-knife was next offered and refused. Alfredo felt that he really wanted the book, for again and again as he turned the pages, his eyes had rested on the words “Jesus Christ,” and the trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, are saved for all eternity:

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

Love led the mother to protect her child. And
Oh, ‘twas love, ‘twas wondrous love!
The love of God to me:
It brought my Saviour from above,
To die on Calvary.

Did the young elephant love its saviour? And do you, dear reader, love the Saviour of sinners?

“CHRIST ALSO HATH ONCE SUFFERED FOR SINS, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, THAT HE MIGHT BRING US TO GOD.” 1 Pet. 3:18.

ML 09/20/1959

The Lord's Deliverance

Two hundred believers, Otomi Indians living in Mexico, were being persecuted for their faith. They had been herded together on a barren hilltop across from the town of San Nicolas, where their persecutors lived. A Christian man named Venancio, the leader of the little band of Christians, was away from home, and there was a plot to kill all the Christians on the hilltop.

Venancio’s wife Isidra went from one little corn-stalk hut or shack to another, encouraging the Christians, telling them not to be afraid, but to pray that the Lord would help them. The flock of Christians was apprehensive in the absense of her husband, and their fear was not without foundation, for most of them had been driven from their their villages at the point of a gun for their faith in Christ. Feeling was running high in the town, and the believers were aware that something was going to happen that night.

Isidra called all of the Christians to prayer. In simple faith they pleaded with God to hedge them about and show His glory. Then they went to bed, all fear gone, and slept undisturbed.

The next day on the streets of the big town they saw people looking at them and talking in little clusters. Just what was afoot now? Little by little they pieced together this testimony from the mouths of the people who were in on the plot the night before.

Several hundred enemies of the Christians had gathered on the backside of the hill, carrying dynamite, machetes, and other weapons. At a given signal they started up the hill. But what was that glaring light over the hilltop? The little gospel hall stood out in bold relief. Even every cactus could be seen in plain outline, plainer than midday. And who were those soldiers encircling the hilltop? And listen to those trumpets playing so loudly! The opponents tried to get up the hill, but couldn’t get past the guards. Their plans and those of the Greater Enemy had been utterly foiled. “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psa. 34:7. Yes, God had delivered His people as they had knelt and prayed for their deliverance that night.

“The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.” Deut. 33:12.

Not long after this, the Christian Indians worked a year or two voluntarily on a road, charging the government nothing. Government officials were very impressed, and the Christians’ reply was, “We want a road so that we can go over to the other Indians and preach Christ.”

Vanencio walks about the town of San Nicolas fearlessly. He has started a Bible class in town, and fifty have been saved through his efforts.

“But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Prov. 1:33.

“Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer. 33:3.

ML 09/20/1959

How the Fine Was Paid

“Four shillings fine, or else four days,”

Such was the law’s exacting ways;

But as the man had bread to win,

They gave him time to bring it in.

Thrown out of work, in vain he sought

To bring the money into court.

And so a second summons came,

To urge the magistrate’s just claim.

The fine unpaid, no longer he

Could leave the court made justly free.

The constable in charge was one,

Who having thus his duty done,

Stated the case:—without a wife,

The man was handicapped in life;

And if he must to prison go,

What would his little children do?

So the kind constables whipped around,

And soon the needed shillings found:

Thus law upholders came to be

The power that set the guilty free.

We cannot thus redeem our brother,

Or pay a ransom for another:

Nor can a man by working win,

Enough to pay the fine of sin:

But in the Court of Heaven is One,

The Father’s well-beloved Son,

Who, not with silver, nor with gold,

But with His blood of price untold,

Paid the full sum for you and me,

To set the lawful prisoner free.

Thus law the law doth satisfy,

And sinners live once doomed to die.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.” Gal. 3: 13.

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

ML 09/20/1959

Bible Talks: Job 4-5

Thus far Job’s friends, it would appear, had remained in silence, too astonished to speak. Their seeing him in that plight and their failure to speak one word of sympathy, seem to have drawn forth his mournful outbreak in the third chapter. Why would not God allow him to die? Death would have put an end to his trial, but then he never would have learned the precious lesson God was seeking to teach His beloved servant. Job said: “My foot hath held His steps; His way have I kept, and not declined; neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips,” and again: “Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast and will not let it go.” Great in life and prosperity, he would be great in adversity and death. Dear child of God that he was, he had not yet learned to say, “I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.”

Job loved God, and he knew God loved him; he also knew He could have prevented this great calamity. But why should He allow him to come into such suffering? This he could not understand. He could not see what God was doing in and through it all. He did not understand that it was with a hand of love God was dealing with him and making all things work together for his good. But Job lived to see “the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Jas. 5:11, and this is only experienced by those who are broken and humbled in His presence.

Eliphaz, apparently the elder of the three, attempts to answer Job. His reasoning is based on his own experience and what he has observed in others. He says, “Even as I have seen...” This he feels is a sure guide and he feels himself to be fully qualified to decide on the question as to why Job had suffered these calamities. But it is a mistake to found a general rule upon individual experience. Eliphaz asks, “Whoever perished being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of His nostrils are they consumed.” But what false reasoning this was! What about Abel? Was he slain because of his evil doings? Certainly not according to the divine record we have of him in 1 John 3:12. “Not as Cain who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” Was Cain slain by the breath of God? No, he wasn’t. If we read the account in Genesis 4:8-15, we see there the long-suffering of God, pleading with him. Eliphaz would imply that Job was guilty of some great sin and that he was reaping the fruit of it. But this was not the case with Job at all, and Job knew it. Eliphaz also speaks of “thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways.” But he was only reasoning from the limited amount of light they had in those days. We who now have the complete Word of God and have leard something of the teaching of the New Testament know that uprightness of our ways is not the ground of our confidence. Christ is our ground and hope and only He can give confidence before God. Thus Eliphaz’ reasonings were faulty and they were a great scourge to poor suffering Job.

ML 09/20/1959

I'll Be a Christian When I Grow up

A merry child was little Katie. There was not a girl in the school who had such a merry laugh, or was so full of fun. She was a general favorite, too, for she had such winning ways, yet she cost her widowed mother many an anxious thought. Katie’s mother was an earnest Christian, and it was her one great desire, her most fervent prayer, that her little Katie might early learn to know the Saviour. Many were the quiet talks between mother and child, but they usually ended by Katie saying, “I’ll be a Christian when I grow up, Mother; that will be quite time enough.” So months went by until Katie was nearly twelve years old, and still the mother’s prayers for her were unanswered.

One summer day it was arranged that Katie, with one of her school friends, should go for a long ramble in the woods. Since the evenings were warm and light, they took their supper with them, so they need not hurry home. They had a pleasant time together, and were thinking it would soon be time to turn homeward, when they were startled by a distant peal of thunder. They had been so busy picking flowers in the woods and weaving them into necklaces, that they had not noticed the heavy clouds that had been gathering for some time. Now they found that it would be impossible for them to reach their homes, or, indeed, any place of shelter, before the storm came on, for they were far from the nearest cottage. They hurried out of the wood, but they had some distance to go to reach the road. The rain pelted down, the thunder pealed loudly, and the lightning flashes filled them with terror. As they neared the road Katie begged her companion to seek shelter under a massive tree till the storm was over. But Mary insisted on their leaving it at once, saying that her father had told her it was very dangerous to go under a tree in a storm. Katie still lingered on, but finally Mary had to take her hand and almost drag her to the road. Scarcely had they reached it when suddenly they heard a terrific crash. Looking back, they saw that lightning had struck the tree, and shivered its enormous trunk.

The children were awe-struck, to think how nearly they had lost their lives, for had they stayed two minutes longer they would have been killed. In spite of the drenching rain they stood still, with pale faces, looking at the place where the grand old tree had stood. Then they started on their way again in terror, lest they themselves should be struck before they reached home. However, they were preserved, but there was an impression made on their young minds which lasted throughout their lifetime.

Katie did not soon recover from the shock, and having taken a severe cold from the soaking they got, she had to stay in bed some days. One evening she said, “Oh, Mother, what would have become of me if I had stayed under that tree? It would have served me right if God had killed me then for saying I would not be a Christian till I grew up.”

“I think you learned a lesson that night, Katie,” said her mother. “Do you really desire to be a Christian now?”

“Yes, Mother, if Jesus will have me after keeping Him waiting so long,” was her reply.

“‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,’” answered Mother, quoting the words of the Lord Jesus.

“Then I will come,” said Katie. “But Mother, how shall I come?”

“‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Chri and thou shalt be saved.’”

“But I do believe on Him, Mother. I have believed on Him all my life.”

“Ah, but not in your heart, or in such a way as to make you love Him. Do you believe He died to save you?”

“Oh, I see it now, Mother. Jesus, saved me; He has saved me. Yes, I believe; but how could He be so good as to die for such a wicked thing as I have been?”

“Because He loves you, Katie. Shall I kneel down and thank Him for all that He has done for us both?” And the mother knelt beside the bed, and pour out her heart in thankfulness to to God who was no stranger to her.

Dear young reader, have you learned to know Jesus as your Saviour? Can ye say, “He is my Saviour, He has saved me?”

“I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME; AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME.” Prov. 8:17.

ML 09/27/1959

The Greek Prisoner

In the year 1929 a Greek Christian living at Corfu used to visit the prison and speak to the inmates. During one visit, he had a two hours’ talk with a condemned man whose hands had more than once been stained with human blood. After a long talk the man asked in despair, “Is it possible for me to be saved?”

“Yes,” answered the Christian, “for Christ is the Saviour of sinners.”

“Oh,” said the prisoner, “I do want to be saved.” A most solemn conversation followed, and the Christian left a New Testament with him, with several gospel verses marked.

The execution took place three days after the conversation, and the Christian was among the crowd. The prisoner was quite calm, and when asked if he had anything to say, he replied, “As soon as I die, I will be with Christ.”

Human law had executed the lawless malefactor, but heaven had opened to welcome the redeemed sinner. What a marvelous Saviour is the Lord Jesus! Yes, there is no one too bad to be saved, for it was sinners that Christ came to save. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32.

ML 09/27/1959

Mark

Mark was not one of the twelve apostles. John, surnamed Mark (Acts 12:12, 25) — called also Marcus — was the son of Mary, sister to Joses Barnabas. Both he and Mary were of the tribe of Levi, but natives of Cyprus.. She was now probably a widow, dwelng at Jerusalem, and opening her house for the disciples to meet in. This was Mark’s home, and it is here that, tradition informs us, the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost took place. Of this, however, we have no scripture evidence.

Peter calls Mark “my son” (1 Pet. 5:13), so we may conclude that he had been the means of his conversion from Judaism to Christ, and that Mark was with him perhaps at Babylon just then.

Early Christian writers also tell us that Mark wrote his Gospel under Peter’s superintendence, or call him Peter’s amanuensis (letter writer). Be that as it may, Mark, who was not apparently one who had companied with the Lord, does record details which may have been recounted by Peter, always remembering, however, that Mark and other writers of the Bible wrote “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” and that God often inspired them to relate what they had not seen.

Of Mark’s conversion or death, Scripture tells us nothing, nor does church history enlighten us thereon. His Gospel was written after most of the epistles, about A.D. 68 — possibly after the deaths of Peter and Paul. He comes upon the scene first, in Acts, at Jerusem, which city he left in the company of Saul and Barnabas (12:25). He seems to have remained with them as their servant (13:5) and to have accompanied them to Cyprus, and thence to Perga, in Asia Minor (13:13), where for some reason he left them and returned to Jerusalem. One false step may lead to sad consequences, as will be seen in Acts 15, for Mark lost the blessing of the company of Paul and the prayers of the brethren, and went instead with his uncle to their native island of Cyprus. It is, however, encouraging to learn that God restored the soul of His servant and again called John Mark into happy fellowship and service with Paul, who, when in prison at Rome, with Mark near to him, expressed his approval of his desire to visit Colosse (Col. 4:10, Philem. 24). And again when Paul was in prison a second time he wrote to Timothy to bring Mark with him (2 Tim. 4:11), alleging that he valued him for his service.

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest, but the one which records many details in the life of the Lord, who is here presented to us as the Servant proclaiming the Word, and the Teacher instructing. His birth is not mentioned, but we may follow Him from the time He was 30 years old to His ascension, observing, as we do so, the rapidity which characterizes Mark in passing from one event to ather, and yet the detail; “straightway,” “immediately,” strike us, and he tells us of a “pillow,” and “green grass,” etc. The events and testimony resemble those in another Gospel, but in Mark we have more Christ the Prophet, who is serving and who is rejected. At the end we have a complete, though brief, picture of the close of the Lord’s life on earth. Let us read it and learn of Him!

ML 09/27/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 10

These chapters remind us of how it is revealed in the Scriptures that God is jealous over His people. We have that wonderful passage in Hebrews 12:28, 29, “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.” This is His character in righteous judgment of evil. His hatred of sin He has proved in the cross of Christ. Sometimes He may pass us through the fire in order to purge away the dross in our lives. Notwithstanding He is our Father and loves us with a perfect love.

We also read that “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:12, 13.

In chapter 10 we have a list of those who put their names to the covenant which they had made before the Lord. Just as their fathers had done long before when they came to Mount Sinai (Exodus 24), so now they place themselves under a curse and an oath, to walk in the law of God. They pledged themselves not to give their daughters to those of the nations around, nor to take their daughters for their sons; not to profane the Sabbath by buying food or other things from the heathen on that day, or any holy day; to keep the seventh year, when they were to let the land rest, and not to demand payment of debts from the poor; to bring in their first fruits to the house of the Lord; and to observe the law in respect to redeeming the firstborn of their own sons or of their cattle. But in iheir zeal they went beyond that which the law required, for they charged themselves with the yearly payment of a third of a shekel for the service of the house of God, and cast lots to bring wood for the altar of God at appointed seasons. Finally they resolved “not to forsake the house of our God.”

That the people were sincere in making this covenant, we do not doubt, but it only shows that they had not learned the lesson of the deceitfulness of their own hearts. Had not the prophet Jeemriah told them years before that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer. 17:9. Only the Lord could know it as it really is in His sight. There were some individuals, like David, who seemed to have learned this, but the nation as a whole never really did so. We do not find Ezra’s name as one of the signers of this covenant, but we may be sure that it was not because he did not agree to the things which they pledged themselves to carry out.

The trial of man as to his being able to keep and carry out the requirements of God’s law ended at the cross. So it is in the New Testament where we learn what is our true state before the Lord. We must accept the counsel of God against ourselves (Luke 7:29, 30), and receive the Lord Jesus by faith into our hearts to be acceptable to God. Then we are truly born again, we have eternal life, and shall never perish. (John 3:3, 5; 10:27-30.)

ML 09/27/1959

"Call Upon Me"

William, the youngest son of a sea captain, born in Daig, East Prussia, August 1857, lived with his widowed mother, who toiled constantly to give him a college education. Besides attending day school, William went to the neighborhood Sunday school. One of the scripture verses that he learned at this time clung to his memory, and through it God was surely speaking to him in “a still small voice”: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15.

But to William there seemed no “day of trouble” then, so he felt no need of calling on God. For he had not as yet realized that he was a sinner in God’s sight, that “aehave sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23); “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). Surely to have “the wrath of God” abiding on one, would make it a “day of trouble,” but William was unconscious of this. The years slipped by quietly and peacefully as he was happy in the lowing care and companionship of his fond mother whose tender love he returned with all the ardor of his young heart.

William was now seventeen years of age, and he had entered the university when a sudden change came. His devoted mother died, leaving him sad, desolate, and inconsolable. It seemed as though the light of his life had gone out, and he was plunged into darkness and despair. In his grief, he lost interest in his studies, and seemed unable to apply himself to anything. Surely God was again speaking to him, this time in louder tones, though with a voice of tenderest sympathy and love. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” But he heeded not the gracious invitation.

Just at this time, his sea captain brother returned from a long voyage, bringing his sailing vessel into port. It was decided that William should go with him on his next trip. He was cheered by the prospect of a free life on the ocean wave, thinking to drown the sorrow of his aching heart in the excitement of this new, venturous life. Little did the poor young man realize at this time that the eye of God was continually looking down upon him in pity and love, guiding his every move.

It was the month of November when the vessel set sail; and for a time all went well. But one morning, as their vessel was plowing the waters of the Baltic Sea, the clouds began to gather, and the wind blew stronger and stronger as the hours wore away, until at last the storm burst upon them in all its fury. The great waves rose mountain high, carrying the little vessel in their arms, curling over it, and then dashing it down into the foaming abyss below, threatening each time to crush it like an egg shell. These giant arms of wind-tossed waves tore away the sail and rigging, splintered the masts, and finally, as in fiendish glee, battered a hole in the hold of the vessel letting the water push its way in. Every available man was called to the pumps, but in vain; for the vessel was filling faster than the frantic efforts of the sailors could pump the water out. All the time the cruel wind was driving the helpless vessel toward the rocks. Darkness had now settled down upon the scene, and the fury of the storm was unabated. The hopeless horror of the situation filled every heart with sickening terror and despair.

Truly God was once again calling to William. Clearly His voice might be heard above the mighty roar of the wind and waves, louder even than the peals of thunder that rolled across the face of the angry heavens. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

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

ML 10/04/1959

Isaiah 53

In a Canadian city a Christian man named Mr. Glass was able to witness to a very bright Jewish youth who bitterly opposed him, and even ordered him out of the house. But when Mr. Glass read to him the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, he could not reply.

Soon after, the young man went to, hear special lectures given by a learned rabbi, who was speaking to counteract the influence of the missionaries. The young man asked the rabbi, “Rabbi, the missionaries here always point us to the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, saying it is a perfect picture of the suffering Messiah, and that the Messiah described is none other than Jesus Christ. As far as I can see, it certainly resembles the crucifixion of Jesus. What can you tell me so that I can refute these missionaries and silence them?”

The rabbi answered, “This chapter refers to the nation Israel as the suffering servant of Jehovah as she suffers for the other nations.”

“In that case,” replied the Jewish lad, “what does the Prophet mean by the statement, ‘For the transgression of MY PEOPLE was He stricken’? If Israel is meant here as the suffering servant, whom does he mean by My PEOPLE, and who is the ‘HE’ that was stricken?”

The rabbi crimsoned and colored, but could produce no reasonable or logical answer.

The young man said, “I see, Rabbi, you have no answer”; and having said that, the young man turned on his heel and left. He forthwith accepted Christ as his Saviour, and has been living for Him ever since.

ML 10/04/1959

A Home in the Sky

The blest Saviour, Jesus, has gone to prepare

Such a beautiful home in the sky.

And He says He will come,

And lead to that home,

Every sinner that’s born from on high.

How sweetly their voices shall praise

Him up there

For the blessings His hand has bestowed,

They’ll shine there so bright

In their robes of white

For they all have been washed in His blood.

And crowns they shall wear of the purest gold,

And a wonderful song they shall sing,

And each shall cast down His glittering crown,

At the feet of the heavenly King.

And happy, amid this bright, joyous

throng,

Shall many a little one sing.

How happy for me

Among them to be,

With the Giver of every good thing!

ML 10/04/1959

Bible Questions for October

The Children’s Class

1. Who hath delivered us from the wrath to come?

2. How are those who have been called unto God’s kingdom and glory expected to walk?

3. What is it that the Lord causes to increase and abound in us toward others.

4. When the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, who is it that shall rise first to meet Him?

5. What is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us?

6. Is vengeance reserved for those who obey not the aosoel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

7. Who is able to direct our hearts into the love of God?

Young People’s Class

1. Did Saul rejoice that the Philistines were beaten down, or was he more concerned with who had started the battle? 1 Samuel 14.

2. Could the Apostle Paul rejoice at the preaching of Christ, even though it might be done to add to his afflictions? Philippians.

3. Was Saul quick to join the battle when it became obvious that the Lord was working?

4. Should Christians be ready to every good work? Titus.

5. How can we help in the gospel if we are not preachers? 1 Corinthians 1.

6. What commandment had Saul given which distressed the men of Israel? 1 Samuel.

7. Are the commandments of God grievous? 1 John.

ML 10/04/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 11-12

We read in chapter 7, verse 4, that “the city was large and great: but the people were few therein.” Now in our chapter we find them casting lots so that one out of ten should dwell in Jerusalem, while the rest dwelt elsewhere. It is lovely to see here too that some willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem, doubtless out of love for the holy city that the Lord had chosen for His habitation. Jerusalem might be in ruins, yet faith could see that she was destined to arise out of the dust to be “the joy of the whole earth,... the city of the great King.” (Psa. 48:82). And in Psalm 122 we read: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.”

It further says that the people blessed those who offered themselves willingly. There are those even now who admire devotion to Christ in others but who do not have the heart or courage to follow the same path themselves.

Following this we have a list given of those who dwelt in Jerusalem, and those who dwelt in other cities. This reminds us that the Lord keeps a record of all that is done for Him, and not one thing is forgotten. But we must be born again (John 3) before anything can be acceptable to Him. This list is continued in chapter 12 where we have also the dedication of the wall. Two companies were appointed to go upon the wall, to give thanks and to sing praises unto the Lord. Ezra led one company in one direction, while Nehiah led the other company in the other direction, and it would seem that both made a circuit of the walls until they met before the house of God. There, we read, they rejoiced: “for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” Even the children took part in praising God, and this should be an encouragement to even little ones, for “Children’s praise He loves to hear, Children’s songs delight His ear.”

At that time there were those ap-i pointed who should look after the offerings, the firstfruits and the tithes, while others led in the singing and praises unto God, according to the commandment of David and Solomon.

This rejoicing and praise, after the building of the wall, reminds us of Isaiah 26:1-3, which speaks also of the future blessing of Israel: “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because He trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength.”

We know that in Revelation 5 the song of praise begins with the redeemed in heaven. Then it is carried on don to earth and embraces all creation. But it is only the redeemed who are caught up there who sing that new song of glory to the Lamb that was slain. All who refuse to own Him as Saviour nowt will be left behind on earth for Hisi judgments.

ML 10/04/1959

Lost for Seven Days

Carol was a little girl of eleven years of age who lived with her Christian family on a farm in northwestern Ontario. It was a Saturday evening in May, 1958, and Carol decided to surprise her father and bring the cows in.

Finding a set of tracks she thought were calves’ tracks, she followed them, but before she knew it, darkness began to fall, and a cold wind was blowing. Suddenly she realized she did not know her way back to the farm, so she lay down and went to sleep.

When Carol did not come home for supper, her family became alarmed, and her father and other men set out to look for her. With aching heart her mother got down on her knees with two Christian neighbors and earnestly they asked the Lord to bring her safely back again.

Sunday morning Carol woke up, and started walking toward the sun to see if she might find her way home. It was a beautiful day but she was hungry, and finding some grass she ate it, and then she had a drink of water. She walked what seemed many miles, and when night came again, she prayed to the Lord for safety before she went to sleep. She did not know that 300 men were out looking for her.

Monday morning she drank some water from a swamp and ate more grass, but it did not help the empty feeling in her stomach. On Tuesday she heard the roar of an airplane motor which came over low, and she tried to flag it, but she thought the trees were too thick for them to see her.

Wednesday morning Carol was sick from hunger, but felt strong enough to go on. She remembered it was her brother Donald’s seventh birthday, and how she wished she could be there to share in some of the treats.

Meanwhile, at home and throughout the countryside the vast search for her continued. Her parents doubted if she could still be alive in such cold weather, but they kept praying to the Lord that He would find their daughter for them.

On Thursday morning Carol felt very sore and it seemed hard to walk. For the first time she began to wonder if she would ever be found. She wondered what her brothers and sisters were doing now, and if they would be bigger by now. Night came, and it began to rain, and she was soaked through.

Friday morning Carol was wet and cold and sometimes she cried because she felt so lonely. Sometimes she prayed out loud that the Lord would bring her home. Friday night there was lightning, and it gave her something to watch. She was glad she had learned to call upon the Lord, and now she prayed extra hard for someone to find her before falling asleep.

Saturday morning she awoke to the sound of voices and looked up to see a group of men hurrying to the log where she was sleeping. Those many prayers had been answered; the searchers had found her.

“Oh, I’m so glad you found me!” she cried. The men looked as though they wanted to weep, and hurriedly carried her to the nearest farm, where she was put in dry clothes and taken to the hospital, still alive and fairly well.

We can imagine the family’s happiness in seeing their dear girl alive and well again, and they poured out their hearts to the One who had so graciously restored her to them. Her near-tragedy had become a certain miracle, through the mighty power and goodness of God.

The Lord Jesus has told us in His Word, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye shall reive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. So He graciously answered the family’s prayers and brought Carol safely back home again.

How wonderful it is to be a Christian and to belong to the Lord Jesus; to be able to say, “My times are in Thy hand,” Psa. 31:15, and to know that come what may, all is well! So it was with Carol; and so it can be with you, dear reader, if you will but put your trust in that same blessed Saviour.

But we cannot claim His promise or expect Him to answer our prayers if we close our heart’s door to Him and go on through life without Him. We need to pray the prayer of the poor publican of whom we read in the Gospels: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5: 16.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psa. 118:8.

“THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN UNTO THEIR CRY.” Psa. 34:15.

ML 10/11/1959

"Call Upon Me"

Suddenly there came a shock! The vessel had struck and fastened itself on a sand bar. Amid the darkness and tempest, the anchors were hastily cast. The boats were lowered, but they were crushed to pieces by the violence of the waves the instant they came within their grasp. Now the last hope of being saved was gone, for the ship would soon be broken to pieces by the pitiless waves that pounded her decks.

Sick at heart, faint from exhaustion, and trembling with terror, William came dragging himself up from the pumps in the hold, hopeless and helpless; nothing was before him but a grave in the black icy waters of the deep. But fiercer than his bodily suffering was the anguish of his heart as he thought of his never dying soul, which would then be lost eternally. Suddenly, like a flash, above the roar of the elements, there sounded in his ears the voice of his God, reverberating down into the depths of his inmost being: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Crawling into the cabin, he fell on his face, crying to God in all his misery, weakness and fear, pleading to be “delivered” in his “day of trouble.” Even as he called, a great calm stole over his tempest-tossed heart, and simultaneously, a great calm settled over the raging waters of)he angry deep. It was almost a repetition of the scene of old, when the Master’s voice rang out over the storm-tossed sea: “Peace, be still, and there was a great calm.”

That long night of storm and suffering in the ship and on the sea was drawing to a close, and the day was beginning to dawn. One of the sailors, climbing a spar still standing, lighted his shirt dipped in the oil of the binnacle lamp and waved a final signal of distress to the distant shore. This was seen by the watchers, and soon the lifeboats were alongside to rescue the poor exhausted, half-frozen crew as they dropped one by one into the life boats. At last it was William’s turn, and though he had scarcely strength enough to move, he managed to climb out and drop to safety. Though his shivering body was full of pain and misery, yet his heart was filled with deep, sweet peace, joy and gratitude to his God, who had so graciously answered his “call” and “delivered” him from a watery grave. The strong arms and kind hearts of the rescuers soon bore them to a place of warmth and safety, and took care of their bodily needs.

Later William found a company of Christians from whom he heard the sweet story of the love of God and of His provision for the salvation of the souls of poor lost sinners, through simple faith in the atoning death and blood of His beloved Son. With the faith of a little child, he eagerly and joyfully accepted God’s priceless “gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thus his soul, like his body, was saved from perishing, 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.

William loved to tell to saint and sinner the thrilling story of the marvelous goodness of God in so miraculously saving him, body and soul, from the very jaws of death. He went home to be with the Lord at the age of eighty-seven years rejoicing in his Saviour.

If you, dear reader, have not yet heeded His call, let this story be a voice from God to you. For God hath spoken unto us by His Son, Christ Jesus. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glory Me.” Ps. 50:15.

ML 10/11/1959

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 13

After this Nehemiah had to return to the king as his time was up. But about twelve years later he obtained another leave of absence and came back to Jerusalem. A sorrowful state of things confronted him, for the enemy had been at work while he was away. Eliashib the high priest had allied himself to Tobiah, the Ammonite, and had even prepared for him a great chamber in the courts of the house of God. There was nothing so serious as this when Nehemiah came the first time. It is sad when the Lord having sent his people a revival with much blessing, that through lack of watchfulness, and because of unfaithfulness, declension comes in. In the parable of the tares the Lord Jesus told how that while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. (Matt. 13.)

The word of the Lord in Deut. 23:3 was that “the Ammonite... shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.” Eliashib was like one of those dignitaries in Christendom today who put themselves above the Scriptures. But to Nehemiah, Eliashib was nothing when the Word of God spoke, so he cast out all Tobiah’s household stuff and ordered the chamber cleansed.

Nehemiah also learned that the Levites had been neglected, so that they had to work in the fields for a living. We ought not to forget those whom the Lord has sent forth to labor in His harvest. Others were profaning the Sabbath, and merchants of Tyre were allowed to sell their goods to the people on this holy day. Then, sad to say, there were some who still were marrying among the heathen round about. It must have been a bitter trial to Nehemiah. Still his resource was in God.

Three times in this chapter we find him crying to God about these evils. Then with fresh energy and purpose of heaven amid opposition and reproach, he was seen still seeking the Lord’s honor to the end, and setting things right among his people.

We have now come to the end of what are called the historical books of the Old Testament. There is but one other book of later date and that is Malachi. The declension which Nehemiah bore witness to with such sorrowful spirit continued, but the Lord in His grace preserved a remnant until He came. This has its parallel in the history of the church. The apostasy is hastening on with rapid strides, but the Lord will preserve a remnant until He comes to take the Church, His bride, out of this scene to be with Himself forever.

The prophet Malachi in his day bore testimony to the evil he saw coming in, but he also tells us: “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to ather: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Thus when the Messiah came, He found a little remnant waiting for the consolation of Irsael (Luke 2:25). And now may our blessed Lord when He comes again, find us waiting and watching for Him, who is to our hearts the heavenly Bridroom, the bright and Morning Star. (Rev. 22: 16.)

ML 10/11/1959

Mwaluko, the African Chief

Mwaluko was a wealthy African chief who had great herds of cattle, a big house, and seven wives. Yet he was a heathen and had never heard of God who created the heavens and the earth. One of his wives had just become a Christian, and the other wives laughed at her when she went to hear the Word of God in a little mud hut in the next village.

It was about this time that began to notice mists before his eyes, and as the days passed his sight grew dimmer and dimmer until he could not see. So he decided to go to the witch-doctor, and after looking at his eyes, the witch-doctor said, “Yes, I can make your eyes better, but it will be a difficult medicine. You will see again if you give me that big bull of yours. Then I will dig you medicines, cook them, and you shall drink them, and in a few days light will return to your eyes.”

“I will certainly give the bull,” said Mwaluko, and he sent a herdman to bring the biggest bull immediately. The witch-doctor prepared a medicine of leaves, roots, honey, and a liver from a white rooster and cooked them for an hour. He made Mwaluko drink it all, but he soon became very sick. “What does it matter though,” said Mwaluko, “if only I receive sight again?”

But the days passed, and no sight came, so he knew he had been deceived. Then someone told him of a wise medine-man in a distant village, so he went to see him.

“Give me that spear and those shoes you are wearing, and I will make your eyes better,” said he. So Mwaluko gave him his fine, long, shiny spear; it had belonged to his father, and was one of his most prized possessions. He took off his shoes, which he had bought from a white man for a great deal of money, and gave them to the medicine-man.

The medicine-man put something on his eyes, which made them burn, but did not heal them. Then Mwaluko realized that he had been deceived again.

He went to another witch-doctor who told him that if he gave him his beautiful donkey, he would put some charms around his neck and wrists, saying, “These charms have great power in them. Wear them, and in a few days your sight will be restored.”

Mwaluko was deceived for the third time. His eyes were no better, and he had lost his bull, his donkey, his spear and his shoes.

One Lord’s day, Mwamvula, his Christian wife, came home from hearing the Word of God preached, and told him of a hospital at Mvumi where there were Christians who would heal his eyes. “They cure many diseases, and even blind men have gone there and found their sight again,” she said.

After weary days of travel, Mwaluko arrived at the hospital with his wives and counselors. After being admitted, he rested in a comfortable bed such as he had never slept in before. Three times a day James, a Christian African boy, came and rubbed ointment around his eyes and poured blue medicine into them. “You need not be afraid,” said James, “for tomorrow the Bwana (the missionary doctor) will cut your eyes, and then you will be able to see.”

Mwaluko was afraid, but he promised to do what the Bwana said, for he wanted more than anything else to see again. James prayed, and asked the Lord to help the Bwana.

Next day pain-killing drugs were put into his eyes, and after the operation, Mwaluko was able to see again, but he had to have bandages on his eyes for a few days. Each day James came and talked to him about the true God and the Lord Jesus, who had died on the cross for Mwaluko’s sins. Finally the bandages were taken off, and then, oh what joy to Mwaluko! He could see again!

But what gave Mwaluko his greatest joy was that during his stay in the hospital, through the Word of God read to him, he had found in Jesus the true Light. That precious light had shone into his poor darkened heart, and had shown him all the folly and wickedness of his past life, but it had also pointed Him to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. Mwaluko believed and was saved; he passed from his heathen darkness into God’s marvelous light.

Some time after he told the Bwana and James: “When the bandages came off, I said, Now I know that only the people of God speak the truth. Three times I have been deceived by bad men, and gave them of my riches without getting better. But I came here to the hospital, and they restored my sight. Yes, I know these words which I have heard about God and about Jesus are true. I know that Jesus is my Saviour, and that I have eternal life through Him.”

When Mwaluko returned home, he went to hear the Word of God each Lord’s day with Mwamvula.

Has our reader, like Mwaluko, seen in Jesus the true Light? And have you found in Him your Saviour? Or are you still like so many in these favored so-called Christian lands, who have often heard the story of God’s love to sinners, but have never received it by faith into their hearts? Thus they are still in nature’s blindness. Mwaluko had never heard of the Lord Jesus before, but when he did he gladly received Him. God grant that you may have the faith to do so too, and be able to say,

“ONE THING I KNOW, THAT, WHEREAS I WAS BLIND, NOW I SEE.” John 9:25.

ML 10/11/1959

Come Now!

This story is about two little girls, six and eight years old, who went with their mother to spend their summer vacation at the seaside.

One morning they went for a walk along the top of the cliffs. The mother got tired and wanted to rest, so sat down ander the shade of a tree while the children ran over the field picking buttercups and daisies.

Before the little ones went to pick the flowers, their mother made them promise to come back to her as soon as ever she called out the one word COME!

“I will not call you a minute before I want you, but you must come at once the moment I do call you.”

These children were trained to do what they were told, and not allowed to have their own way, as so many children are now. After a time, as the youngest was just stooping to pick a flower, such a lovely butterfly flew off it, and she said, “Oh, I’ll catch you, Mr. Butterfly!” But the butterfly flitted about just above her head, and seemed to be teasing her. He did not want to be caught, and when she said, “I’ll have you,” I almost fancy he must have laughed at her and said, “But you can’t catch me, little girl!” So she took off her sun bonnet and chased him up and down the field, and many times nearly caught him, but he always managed to escape! On, on, on went the little girl, till her sister noticed that she was very near the edge of the precipice, and ran frightened to her mother with such a startled look upon her face. Words failed her, and she was white and trembling.

The mother jumped up, and seeing her darling child close to the edge of the precipice, she cried out loudly the one word COME!! The child turned round immediately, and ran to her mother: “Oh, Mother, I nearly caught such a pretty butterfly; if you had not called me so soon I believe I should have had him, but I knew that I must come the moment you called.”

Her mother led her to the edge of the precipice, and said, “If my darling had not come at once when she heard me call COME, she would now have been dashed to pieces on the rocks below.”

Dear children, Jesus is calling you to come and be saved, for all things are now ready, and He wants you to come NOW! He promises to wash all your sins away, and make you as white as snow.

But how many there are who are running after the butterfly pleasures of the world; things that cannot possibly satisfy their souls; and they forget that any moment they may fall over the precipice from time into eternity, and be lost forever!

ML 10/18/1959

The Low Knocker

One day I called to see the matron at a little private orphanage. Some of the children there had been attending our gospel services. I walked up the steps, but could not see the knocker! I looked all about, and at last noticed that it was very low down near the bottom of the door. So of course I had to stoop down to knock. I asked the lady why she had the knocker in the wrong place, and she explained that some of her orphans were very small, and could not reach it if it had been put in the usual place higher up on the door.

“Oh, that is beautiful,” I said, “to think that the smallest child can reach the knocker because it is so low down!”

And, dear young friends, the knocker is very low down on God’s door of mercy, so that any little child can easily get in. Have you knocked yet? The blessed Saviour has told us,

“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

Bible Talks: Esther 1

In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah we read of the captives of Judah who, after the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, had returned to Jerusalem. The book of Esther, on the other hand, tells us what happened to those Jews who did not go back to Jerusalem, who did not value the liberty to go up to the land where God’s eye rested, and where He yet means to exalt His name, but remained in the land of their captivity.

Jerusalem had a place in God’s dealings with men that no other city had. The Jewish captives in Babylon had said: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth: if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Psa. 1 3 7: 5,6. Elsewhere Jerusalem has been called the “city of the great King” (Matt. 5:35); “the city of the Lord” (Isa. 60:14); “the city of truth” (Zech. 8:3); and “the city called by My name” (Jer. 25:29).

Most of the Jews living at this time had been born during the captivity, and so many of them seemed quite satisfied to remain in the lands to which their parents had been carried, even while others were returning to Jerusalem. They had been taught only vaguely the promises of God connected with the land of Canaan.

I do not doubt that in their bondage in these far off heathen lands, in the midst of strange customs and restrictions, that it was very hard to get together so that they might be taught out of the Scriptures. In those days books had to be copied by hand, and since paper was very costly, copies of the Scriptures were very scarce and expensive. One had to be very much in earnest and travel long distances to be present where the Scriptures were read and explained. I wonder if children in our day realize what a wonderful privilege it is for a child, as soon as he learns to read, to have a Bible for himself. How many children, whose priv. ilege it is to read the Scriptures them. selves, or have parents to teach theut, or can go to Sunday school where they can hear about the Lord Jesus, really have a desire for these things. Often we find children who have not been so highly favored, more delighted to hear about the Lord Jesus than those who have been taught these things from their youth up.

We can understand that many of the Jews in captivity knew very little about the land which God had given to them; so they had little or no desire to return to a country with its ruined cities any villages. Since the first return of the captives, king Cyrus had died and several other kings had reigned. Some were favorable to the Jews and some were not.

The book of Esther is remarkable in that the name of God is not mentioned in it, neither is His Word nor prayer mentioned. I do not doubt, however that many prayers were offered at this time, but it is not the purpose the Lord to bring it out prominently where there was so much indifference to Hi call to go back to the land of promise This book shows us that even when these had lost their sense of relationship to Him, when He could not own them in any way, still He was working wonderfully but secretly in favor of His people. The knowledge of this of confidence, and draws out our heart in praise, for Israel’s God is ours.

ML 10/18/1959

A Sailor's Escape

A small ship was once sailing down the coast of Africa on its way to the Cape of Good Hope. The vessel was manned by a crew of two white men and nine Negroes. One morning the breeze died away suddenly, and the crew had to drop anchor within, a quarter of a mile from the shore. They remained there for three days.

The men wanted to go swimming, but the mate told them it would be too dangerous, as there were alligators in the mouth of the Congo River where they were. However, one of the white seamen, named Campbell, who had been drinking, regardless of all entreaties, jumped into the water, and swam some distance away from the ship. All of a sudden those on board saw an alligator coming towards him from behind a rock which was close to the shore. Poor fellow! His death seemed close at hand, and all means of escape impossible. The mate shot at the fast-approaching alligator, but it had no effect, for the bullets glided over his scaly surface. The noise of the gun and the cries of the men made Campbell acquainted with his danger, and turning around he saw the huge alligator gaining on him. With all the strength he possessed, he made for the shore.

Campbell was almost at the shore approaching a spot where some canes and shrubs grew down from the bank. Even as he was closely pursued by the alligator, a ferocious tiger sprang from the shrubs and stood waiting for him, while the jaws of the hungry reptile were also opened wide to devour him. At this awful moment, Campbell was saved! The eager tiger gave one wild bound, but overleaped him, and falling into the water, he was seized by the alligator. A terrible struggle went on between them, but as the alligator had the advantage of keeping his prey under water, he gained the victory. It sank to the bottom, dragging the dying tiger with it. No more was seen of the alligator, for it ate the tiger instead of Campbell.

Campbell was rescued and taken by a small boat to his ship. As soon as he leaped on deck he fell on his knees and thanked God for his wonderful preservation. Up to that time he had lived a very wicked life, but the thought of the Lord’s mercy to Him and that remarkable deliverance, had a profound effect on him. I have no doubt he trusted the Lord as his Saviour from thenceforth, for he was a changed man. We read in the Scriptures:

“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.

Dear young friends, we have a far worse foe than either an alligator or a tiger. He is the devil, Satan, the enemy of our souls, who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour,” 1 Peter 5:8; and he is dragging countless souls down to hell. He seeks to make people forget that they have precious, never-dying souls, and causes them to either reject or neglect the wonderful offer of salvation that God offers to all through Christ Jesus.

If there is one reading this story who has not put his trust in the Lord Jesus, do not let Satan deceive you any longer, but come to the Saviour while it is yet the day of salvation.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” Prov. 18:10.

“BLESSED IS THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD WILL NOT IMPUTE SIN.’ Rom. 4:8.

ML 10/25/1959

Oh! What Shall I Do?

For several weeks a Christian lady had been in the habit of visiting a young girl of about thirteen years of age, whose name was Kate. She was very sick, and as the doctor told her she would soon die, her friends were anxious that she should come to Jesus, and trust Him as her Saviour. But when they spoke to her of the blessed Son of God coming down from heaven to this world because He loved little children, she would turn her head, and look out of the window. Though she was always ready to talk about her books, or the weather, or her playthings, yet the moment the loving Saviour’s name was mentioned, she did not care to hear anything about Him. She seemed quite indifferent to the story of Christ being nailed to the cross for her sins, and not a single tear did she shed, and not a single “thanks” came from her lips to Jesus, the Friend, the Shepherd, and Saviour of all those who trust in Him.

One Lord’s day the lady went to ask how little Kate was, and her old nurse told her in tears, “Oh, she’s gone.” “What!” said the lady. “Is Kate dead?” “Yes, she died this morning about two hours ago.” “Well,” said the lady, “was her heart melted by the Saviour’s love?” “No, no, indeed: there was nothing happy in her death; it was an awful scene; her last words were, as she threw up her thin hands, ‘Oh! What shall I do? What shall I do?’”

Such were the dying words of little Kate, and yet how often had she been told that there was nothing for her to do, for Jesus had done it all — He had Led for her on Calvary’s cross. But she had refused Him.

How is it with you, dear reader? You may think you have many years ahead of you yet, and expect to trust Jesus sometime later, but His Word says, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. May you take Him now as your own personal Saviour today.

“If in sin you longer wait, you may find no open gate,
And your cry be just too late.
BE IN TIME!”

ML 10/25/1959

Luke

The “most excellent Theophilus,” to whom Luke wrote two lengthy epistles, his Gospel, and the Acts, is totally unknown to us in any other way. It would be interesting indeed could we unravel his history, or ask him to relate us further details about his friend. That Luke was a Gentile, we may gather from the fact that Paul’s mention of those who “are of the circumcision” (Jews) excludes Luke, of whom he speaks directly after as “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:10, 11, 14). But for this verse, we should not have guessed he was a doctor! Twice more Paul writes of him from his Roman prison. “Lucas, my fellow laborer” (Philem. 24), and “only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:11). Some years, be it remarked, elapsed between these two mentions of him, and Paul had been set at liberty during that time.

But there is another way of learning about Luke. In reading Acts, we may notice the change of pronoun. It first occurs in chapter 16. In v. 8 it is, “they” came to Troas: there Luke must have joined Paul, for he continues “we” and “us” for some verses. By noting these changes carefully, we may infer when Luke was of the company and when not, as e.g., he was not imprisoned at Philippi, but six or seven years later he rejoined Paul in the same place. He also accompanied him to Jerusalem, and then to Rome, where he seems to have remained near him, probably to the end. He is said to have suffered martyrdom himself at an advanced age.

He was not one of the twelve apostles, yet he writes as vividly as if he had been an eye-witness of the Lord’s life, and, inasmuch as he had “perfect understanding of all things from the very first,” we might expect to find in his Gospel a full account of the blessed One, whom he describes “as He was, a man on the earth — the Person whom we should have met every day had we lived, at that time, in Judea or in Galilee.” Such lovely stories as Luke tells us too! Where besides can we read any like those of Zacchaeus, Lazarus and the rich man, the ten lepers, the walk to Emmaus, and many more?

In this Gospel the lineage of the Lord is traced back to Adam, as if to remind us that, though Adam had failed when placed down here in the garden of God, the last Adam would not, could not, even though in a world of sin, and tempted by the devil. Adam brought in sin; Jesus would deliver from its power. The Lord’s genealogy given here is through Mary.

If Luke describes in his Gospel the life of the Son of man, in his second book he relates the acts of the Holy Ghost, that second divine Person who was to take His place down here, and, it may be added, who is still here. It was in His power that Peter, and Philip, and Stephen, and Paul were enabled to preach, and suffer, and die, as described in Acts, and it was all done for the glory of the One whose life and death Luke related in his Gospel. May the same motive govern our lives too!

ML 10/25/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 1

The book of Esther opens by presenting to us a glimpse of the Persian empire then in power. Ahasuerus reigned “from India even unto Ethiopa,” over 127 provinces. He is thought by some to have been the king Xerxes who invaded Greece and suffered an inglorious defeat. He was a man of enormous resources, unbounded wealth, luxury and vanity — a man who lived to please himself. We see in this Persian monarch a haughtiness and pride that went beyond that of Nebuchadnezzar. It was man showing himself to be as God as we notice in three outstanding Persian ordinances. 1) No one was to appear in the presence of the king unbidden. If one did, life and death hung on the pleasure of the king. 2) No one was to be sad before the king. 3) No decree of his realm could be canceled: it stood forever.

Ahasuerus had made a feast for 180 days, to show the princes and nobles the whole power of his realm, “the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty.” On the last day of the feast he commanded Vashti the queen to be brought before all that they might see her beauty, but she refused to come. The king became angry and sought the counsel of his wise men and nobles in the matter, and one of them recommended that Vashti be dismissed. They told the king that Vashti had not only offended the king, but that she had set a bad example to all the ladies, and that wrong had been done to all the princes and people of the realm. The result was that the king issued a royal commanent and sent letters throughout his kingdom stating, “That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.”

Though His name is not mentioned, still we see God moving through these circumstances. The enemy was plotting to destroy all the Jews in the king’s realm, even those who had returned to Jerusalem. But God was going to use two of the Jews, the only two whose names are mentioned in the book, to inform the king of how terrible it was, and thus to frustrate the enemy’s plans. The two were Esther and Mordecai, her older cousin who had brought her up since her parents died. Mordecai apparently held a position of honor under the king, for he sat in the gate. Just why he should hold such a position we are not told. Certainly Esther and Mordecai, in their exalted places with the king, could not know the joy of obeying the call of the Lord, as did those who returned to their land. This reminds us that even now there are those who are making sacrifices of what this world has to offer in order to have the joy of going on in obedience to the Word of God. We never find Mordecai or Esther referring to God’s Word, though they seemed to haye learned something from it. Still God was going to use them.

The setting aside of the Gentile wife and the bringing of the Jewish bride into honor is typical of the dealings of God that are yet to be in this world. The Gentiles now have a certain responaibility before God, but have failed in displaying the beauty that should be in the testimony of God before the world. According to Romans 11, the branches of the wild olive — the Geile — will be broken off, and the Jew will be grafted in again.

ML 10/25/1959

The Sicilian Brigand

The bright autumn day was drawing to a close. A narrow white road ran toward the setting sun over the wide plain in the center of Sicily — the island that looks, on the map, like a football at the toe of Italy. Along this road came a solitary traveler, carrying a bag. He was very tired, for he had been at work in a town ten miles away. He still had a few miles to travel, and he knew that it would be dark before he arrived, for in Sicily the night falls as soon as the sun sets.

A horse came cantering along the road behind this traveler. The rider was a tall, dark man with fierce eyes, upturned mustaches and a black beard. He wore a wide felt hat and long boots with spurs. A big black cloak shrouded his figure.

When he reached the traveler, he reined in his horse.

“Buona sera, signore” (Good evening, sir), said the man on foot.

The horseman did not reply immediately. He leaped to the ground, and looked closely into the traveler’s face. Then he asked, “What is your business? What have you in that bag?”

“Books, signore.”

“Ah, then I’ve caught you at last. You are the man that goes about selling these pestilential books which corrupt the morals of simple people. Thank God, I have got you now. See, I am going first of all to burn your books and then to shoot you.”

So saying, he threw open his cloak, showing that he carried two ugly pistols in his belt.

“Put your bag down here and then go and gather sticks to light a fire. Don’t try to run away or I shall shoot you at once.”

He pulled out a pistol and shook it in the colporteur’s face.

The colporteur knew that he had fallen into the hands of a brigand—one of the bandits who were then numerous in Sicily. Thinking it best to keep a silent tongue in his head, he made no reply. He went off and presently returned with a big armful of brushwood.

By the time the fire was lighted night had come and the stars shone brightly overhead. Then at last the colporteur spoke. “Sir,” he said, “I will ask one thing before you burn my books and shoot me. Allow me to read you some passages from them.”

“Yes,” said the brigand, “that is fair. Sit down.”

The brigand sat on one side of the fire with the pistol in his hand. The colporteur took his place opposite and selected a little paper-covered book, the Gospel of St. Luke. He began to read: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves...

Now that was bringing it home rather closely to the brigand. The colporteur was bold — this is not the passage which most of us would have chosen. But the brigand did not show any resentment. He listened while the colporteur went on reading. The Italian language is extremely musical, and the parable of the Good Samaritan sounded very beautiful in the silence of that evening under the stars.

“I like that story,” said the brigand. “We won’t burn this book. Put it down here.”

The colporteur then took up the Gospel of Matthew, and turning to the fifth chapter began to read: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill;...” He read on until the brigand interrupted him. “That is good. There is nothing bad about that book, at any rate. Read an. other.”

The colporteur then took up a New Testament and read chapter 13 of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians— the great hymn of Christian love. It sounds even more musical in. Italian than in English. The brigand went into raptures. “What beauty!” he exclaimed. “What truth! Love is kind... love envieth not... doth not behave itself unseemly... taketh not account of evil... Eccellentissimo (very, very fine). Certainly we cannot burn that book. Put it here, and read another.”

The colporteur went on reading from book after book and the brigand went on saying: “We won’t burn that one.” Finally the colporteur said: “That is the end.”

The brigand said sharply: “Nonsense, fetch out the bad books. I want to see the stuff you sell the village folk— the books that corrupt their morals.”

“But, sir, I have no others.”

“My friend,” said the brigand, “do not lie to me. It is dangerous.”

He got up and came to where the colporteur’s bag was lying. It was empty. He felt in the colporteur’s pockets and found no books.

Then he laughed.

“Bravo!” he said. “You can go, but, remember, if ever I catch you selling evil books I shall shoot you like a dog.”

So saying he called his horse and rode off. The colporteur took his bag and went on his way, thanking God for his escape. He reached the village, found an inn, and went to bed.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psa. 4:8.

“THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT; IT GIVETH UNDETANDING UNTO THE SIMPLE.” Psa. 119:130.

ML 11/01/1959

"One Shall be Taken, and the Other Left"

Two young girls, eleven years old, who were schoolmates a n d friends, went to meeting one Sunday evening, and a dear old man preached a very solemn sermon from the words, “One shall be taken, and the other left.”

There was a great hush over the hall, and the Holy Spirit was bringing the earnest words of the preacher home to many hearts. As the two children came down the steps to go home, Janie said, “Nellie, if Jesus came back tonight, shall you be the one taken, or the one left?” Matt. 24:40.

“I am afraid that I should be left behind, Janie.”

“I should not,” replied Janie, “for I have given myself to Jesus a long time ago, and He knows it.”

Can you say that, dear reader, or not?

ML 11/01/1959

O Precious Words!

O precious words that Jesus said:

“The soul that comes to Me

I will in no wise cast him out,

Whoever he may be!”

O precious words that Jesus said:

“Behold, I am the Door;

And all who enter in by Me

Have life forevermore!”

O precious words that Jesus said:

“Come, weary souls oppressed;

Come, take My yoke and learn of Me,

And I will give you rest!”

O precious words that Jesus said:

“The world I overcame;

And they who follow where I lead

Shall conquer in My name!”

ML 11/01/1959

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

1. What faithful saying is worthy of all acceptation?

2. Who is the mediator between God and man?

3. Is godliness more profitable than bodily exercise?

4. What is a root of all evil?

5. Are we saved according to our works or according to God’s purpose and grace?

6. What is able to make us wise unto salvation?

7. Who will receive a crown of righteousness in a coming day?

The Young People’s Class

1. What happened when Jonathan ate of an honeycomb which King Saul had forbidden? 1 Samuel 14.

2. What happens when someone is turned from the power of Satan unto God? Acts 26.

3. Did Jonathan recognize that his father’s oath was not for the good of the people? 1 Samuel.

4. Did the apostles recognize that obedience to God was more important than obedience to man? Acts 5.

5. Should we give heed to the commandments of men that turn from the truth? Titus.

6. What did the people eat when they were free of the king’s oath and were very faint? 1 Samuel.

7. Was this disobedience to God’s commandment? Deuteronomy 12.

ML 11/01/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 2

After the dismissal of queen Vashti, when the king’s wrath had subsided, one of his servants came forward with the suggestion that the fairest young maidens from all parts of the kingdom be presented to the king, from whom he should select a new queen. The king was pleased with this suggestion, and he sent forth a commandment that it should be done.

When Mordecai the Jew, who sat in the king’s gate, heard of the commandment, he thought of Esther who was so fair and beautiful, and so it came about that she was among those who were to be presented to the king. When her turn came, we read that “the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight... so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti,” who was never restored.

We can see in all this how that God was working out His promises concerning His people. Not only were they to return to their land, but they were also to be preserved, because their Messiah was to be born there in a time yet to come. Perhaps Mordecai and Esther knew little of this, but God was watching all that was happening in this kingdom. Mordecai had told Esther not to tell the king or any one else in the palace that she was of the Jewish captives. He was deeply burdened about her all the while she was in the palace and he walked every day before the court to try to find out what had become of her, until he learned that she had been chosen as queen.

One thing we notice in Esther is that she was faithful in carrying out Mordecai’s wishes, for he had been to her like a father. And this makes us think of a scripture in Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee in the land which the Lord thy God giyeth thee.”

When the king chose Esther as his new queen, he made a great feast; he called it Esther’s feast, and invited all his princes. Does not this remind us of the feast the Lord Jesus has told us about in Matthew 22, where the king made a feast for the marriage of his son? That is what God is doing now, He is inviting all to come to the feast of His Son. We do not read that any refused to come to Esther’s feast, but it is sad how many refuse to come to the feast that God has spread for sinners.

One thing we notice in the story of Esther is the way the king honored Mordecai. Not only does he sit in the king’s gate, but he becomes the means of making known to the great king an attempt to take his life. One day he learned that two of the chamberlains had planned to murder the king. Mordecai made it known to Esther, who sent a message to the king in Mordecai name. The king immediately ordered an investigation; the report was found to be true, and the two men were hanged. This has marked the history of the world since the voice of the tempter was listened to in the garden of Eden. Man is a fallen creature, his heart is desperately wicked, and deeds of this kind are thought of and carried out. We know that day is coming where “a King shall reign in righteousness.” Those that lift up their hands against the Lord then will be discovered, and immediately punished.

ML 11/01/1959

Seized by an Alligator

This week we want to tell you ather alligator story, as it was told to us by a missionary from South America. This happened down on the plains of Venezuela.

There was a boy down there who knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and he had confessed Him fearlessly before others. One day he went down to the river in the early morning to get water for the house. Unknown to him an alligator was lying in the water observing him. Watching his opportunity, the alligator suddenly leaped on the boy and gripping him by the leg, carried him into the river.

There was no one nearby to help the poor boy, and in his desperation he cried out, “Lord Jesus, save me!” The alligator, for some outwardly unexplainable reason, dropped the boy. The little fellow clambered out of the river and ran to the house, with the marks of the alligator’s teeth on his thigh.

We know why the alligator dropped him; for surely it was God who answered the prayer of the poor boy in his desperate need. His Word tells us, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” Psa. 34:15. He also says in Psalm 50:15, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

What a wonderful thing it is, dear young friends, to belong to Christ. Those who come to Him as guilty sinners, desiring to be saved, have their sins put away forever. He makes them His own, for they are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20); and nothing can happen to them but what He allows for their good and blessing. He might have allowed the alligator to carry off that dear boy, but then for him “sudden death would be sudden glory.” He tells us in His Word that for the child of God, “to die is gain,” and “to depart, and to be with Christ;... is far better.” Phil. 1:21, 23. Again, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in. Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1. But He had other plans for His young servant, and so He spared him that he might live and witness for Him to others.

O to be just a sign-post pointing to Christ! If you, who read these lines, do not yet know this precious Saviour, we would point you to Him dying for you on the cross of Calvary.

There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Emmanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

Oh then come, and drink the refreshing streams of God’s grace. Rejoice in the sunshine of His love, and set out today on the road to heaven.

A Christian soldier was once asked how he was converted, and he answered: “God seemed to say to me, ‘Halt! Attention! Right about face! March!’ And so I did just what He told me. I turned around, and ever since I have been marching on to glory.”

“THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN UNTO THEIR CRY.” Psa. 34:15.

ML 11/08/1959

The Sicilian Brigand

Next morning after breakfast the young colporteur went out into the marketplace, carrying his bag. He walked quietly up to one group of men gathered round a donkey that was for sale.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” he said. “Let me read to you about our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“With great pleasure,” replied the men, and they turned away from the donkey.

The colporteur read how Jesus sent two of the disciples to fetch an ass and how He rode on it into Jerusalem. The story interested the men and one of them asked the price of the book.

“One halfpenny,” said the colporteur. “That is cheap. I will take it.”

But before he could get the money out of his pocket a voice shouted: “Bare, friends, this man is a rogue! His books are not fit to read!”

Then a tumult began. Some of the people took the colporteur’s part, but most of them were against him. “Down with the heretic!” they shouted. “Death to the blasphemer! Stone him!” Men and women left their wares and crowd around, yelling and threatening. Things began to look ugly.

Then in the nick of time a horseman came galloping across the marketplace and pushed his way into the mob. He was a tall, dark man with black, upturned mustaches and a black beard. He wore a big cloak, long boots, and spurs. Everybody in that village knew him — most of them were afraid of him.

“Hold!” he cried. “Let that man alone.”

“But, sir, he is trying to sell evil books. He deserves to be stoned.”

The brigand sat there on his horse in the middle of the crowd and talked. He told them what had happened the night before. “The books are good,” he concluded. “Let the man alone. Anyone who hurts him will have to deal with me! Years afterward the colporteur was surprised at receiving a letter from America. It read like this: “My dear friend, You remember the brigand who stopped you one night on the road? I am he, but a brigand no longer. I have never forgotten you nor the words you read to me. They were blessed to my own soul, and they saved me from an evil life, thank God!”

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word.”

“I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy word.”

“Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psa. 119:9, 101, 133.

ML 11/08/1959

Mary's Penny

A lady had a class of small girls in a Sunday school, and one Sunday afternoon she made them all very sad by telling them that she was going away to live in another town, and that was the last Sunday she would teach them.

So the little girls decided each to buy some small keepsake to give to their kind teacher. But Mary, who was only eight years old, was very poor, and had only one penny of her own. So she looked in the shops to see if there was anything she could buy for a penny. She found at a toy shop some dolls’ mugs ticketed a penny a piece. So she went in and bought one. Then she went to the house and said, “Teacher, I have brought you a little keepsake. It only cost a penny; but that was all the money I had!”

To be sure her teacher was very pleased, and said she would take such care of it. Now it was not worth much, but it was a real gift of love! Our hearts are not worth much, and yet Jesus wants them! Have you given your heart to Him?

I gave My life for thee,

My precious blood I shed,

That thou mightest ransomed be,

And quickened from the dead.

I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou given for Me?

And I have brought to thee,

Down from My home above,

Salvation full and free,

My pardon and My love.

I bring rich gifts to thee;

What hast thou brought to Me?

ML 11/08/1959

"Not as a Prince, but as a Sinner"

It is said that when the Duke of Kent, the father of Queen Victoria, was expressing, in the prospect of death, some concern about the state of his soul, his physician endeavored to soothe his mind by referring to his high respectability, his honorable conduct in the distinguished situation in which Providence had placed him, when he stopped him short, saying —

“No; remember if I am to be saved, it is not as a prince, but as a sinner.”

It is well for both princes and people to understand that they are but men, that they are but dust, and that in the presence of God, kings and peasants, princes and paupers, millionaires and beggars, wise men and ignorant men, stand on a common footing. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

All need forgiveness, pardon, and salvation; and all, if saved at all, must be saved by the mercy of Him who loved the lost, and who came into the world to save sinners. Publicans and Pharisees, wise men and ignorant, all must meet upon the same level, and, as it were, cry, in the language of the publican, “God be merciful to me a sinner!”

ML 11/08/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 3

We have seen how the Jew had become important to the king. Mordecai became his protector, and Esther had become his wife. In spite of his greatness he, like Nebuchadnezzar and other succeeding Gentile kings, became a debtor to the captives of Judah. But at the very time the Jew was being brought into favor, we see also an enemy, Haman, the Amalekite, also promoted to the highest place; for the king had made him his chief officer, or prime minister. Just why the king had done so, we do not know; but in dignity, office and power Haman was next to the king. The Amalekites were among the oldest enemies of the children of Israel, and in his exalted position Haman saw the opportunity to gratify all the enmity of his heart.

Evidently Mordecai remembered that it was written in the books of Moses that when Israel came out of Egypt, Amalek met them “and smote the hindmost... even all that were feeble... and he feared not God.” Therefore God had said, “thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.” Deut. 25:18,19. (We learn from this scripture that if we lag behind in the Lord’s things, we are sure to be attacked by Satan.) Therefore we do not find Mordecai bowing down and giving reverence to Haman, as did all the king’s servants that were in the gate, according to the commandment of the king. Mordecai knew that God’s word must be obeyed before that of the king. When the king’s servants reproached Mordecai saying, “Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?” he still paid no heed; “for he had told them that he was a Jew.” So they told Haman; “then was Haman full of wrath.” He scorned to lay hands on Mordecai alone, but “sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus,” and this would include those who had returned to the land of Judah. Accordingly he had his officers cast lots to find out at what time he should carry out his purpose, and the date set was the 13th day of the last month of the year. Then Haman reported to the king that there was “a certain people scattered abroad among the peoples in all the provinces... their laws are diverse from all people, neither keep they the king’s laws; therefore, it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.” He proposed that they be destroyed and if the king would send out a letter to this effect, he would himself give to the king’s treasury a sum that would amount to millions of dollars in our money. The king ought to have suspected from the immensity of this sum that Haman had some wicked end in view, but he did not fear God who, had he asked. Him, could have revealed to him how terrible a thing it was, Changeable and despotic man that he was, he made a small difficulty of this enormous request; and having such confidence in Haman, he allowed him to write the letter and seal it with his own seal. He even told Haman to keep his money. So the letters went out by special messengers to all places of the kingdom, saying that all the Jews were to be slain on the 13th day of the last month, and their houses and lands were to be taken by their enemies.

We see in this attempt to destroy all the Jews another effort of Satan to frustrate the purposes of God to bring into this world Him that should be born King of the Jews (Matt. 2:2) — Christ, the Saviour of the world. But God was working unseen through these circumctances and turned this effort of the enemy to his own confusion and defeat.

ML 11/08/1959

Moody and His Little Willie

I said to my little family one morning, a few weeks before the Chicago fire, “I am coming home this afternoon to give you a ride.” My little boy, Willie, clapped his hands.

“O, Papa, will you take me to see the bears in Lincoln Park?”

“Yes.” You know boys are very fond of seeing bears. I had not been gone long when my little boy said, “Mamma, I wish you would get me ready.”

“O, she said, “it will be a long time before Papa comes.”

“But I want to get ready, Mamma.” At last he was ready to have the ride, face washed, and clothes all nice and clean. “Now, you must take good care and not get yourself dirty again,” said Mamma. Of course, he was going to take care; he wasn’t going to get dirty. So off he ran to watch for me. However, it was a long time until the afternoon, and after a little he began to play. When I got home, I found him outside, with his face all covered with dirt.

“I can’t take you to the park that way, Willie.”

“Why, Papa. You said you would take me.”

“Ah, but I can’t; you’re mud all over. I couldn’t be seen with such a dirty little boy.”

“Why, I’se clean, Papa. Mamma washed me.”

“Well, you’ve got dirty since.” But he began to cry, and I could not convince him that he was dirty.

“I’se clean; Mamma washed me,” he cried. Do you think I argued with him? No. I just took him up in my arms, and carried him into the house, and showed him his face in the looking glass. He had not a word to say. He could not take my word for it; but one look at the glass was enough; he saw it for himself. He didn’t say then he wasn’t dirty.

Now the looking glass showed him that his face was dirty. But I did not take the looking glass to wash it: of course not. Yet that is just what thousands of people do. The law is the loong glass to see ourselves in, to show us how vile and worthless we are in the sight of God. But many take the law and try to wash themselves with it.

“WHOSOEVER SHALL KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, AND YET OFFEND IN ONE POINT, HE IS GUILTY OF ALL.” James 2:10.

“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.

“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Rom. 6:20.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,... To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

ML 11/15/1959

Speak the Truth

“No one will think that I broke the window,” said Freddy to himself, as, with a look of dismay on his countenance, he stood gazing at the mischief which his new football had just wrought. “I really am very sorry, too. Mother will return from her visit to Uncle George’s this evening, and I wanted her to see how careful I had been in her absence.”

“Old Mary is busy upstairs, and, besides, she is so deaf at the best of times, I’m sure she couldn’t have heard the noise the glass made in falling. If they were to ask me if I did it, of course, I should not tell a lie about it. But if no one asks me — and I don’t think they will — there is no need for me to say anything about it.”

“Father would be angry too,” he said, half aloud. “Perhaps, even, I should have to pay for the window, out of my pocket-money, and I want all that, to buy a present for Mother’s birthday. There is no reason why I should say anything, unless I am really asked about the matter.”

Suddenly some words which had been spoken by his Sunday school teacher had recurred vividly to his memory.

“Boys,” his teacher had said, towards the close of the past Sunday’s lesson (and Freddy almost seemed to hear again the solemn earnest tone in which he had spoken). “Boys, truth is a thing which we can never prize too highly, and the importance of which is iensely greater than some among us imagine. We have been looking this afternoon at the judgment of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, in Acts 5. I trust we shall learn from it God’s estimate of their sin. Yes, boys, a lie is an awful thing, and very frequently is but the commencement of other vices. And let us also remember, that an acted lie is as bad as a spoken lie. Some day, perhaps, one of you may be tempted in this very manner. Fear of the consequences may lead you to attempt to hide a fault by silence, if not by an actual falsehood. But remember, that in God’s sight the sin is the same. Rather, when tempted to deceive in such a manner, ask God to help you to speak the truth, and to confess your faults with courage. He will help you and give you strength to do what is right and pleasing to Him, if you only ask Him to do so.”

With a rapid step he ran down the lane to meet his father, who had just appeared in the distance; and as he did so, he silently asked for courage to tell his father exactly how the accident had happened.

“You’re quite out of breath, my boy,” said Mr. Brown, as his little son drew up by his side. “One would think you had something very important to tell me,” and Freddy’s father gazed in surprise at his eager face.

“Yes, Father; I’m in a hurry to tell you something,” responded Freddy, in a quick, eager tone; and his voice trembled a little as he spoke. “I’m very sorry, but I have broken the back window. I was tossing my ball, without thinking of any danger, and, all at once, it struck the window. I’m very sorry, Father.”

“That is right, my boy,” said his father, kindly, as he took his little son by the hand, and walked on toward home. “Always come directly, and tell of any mischief you have done. I would rather have every window in my house broken, than that my boy should tell a falsehood to hide his carelessness, or act a lie in order to save himself from deserved blame.”

Then as he walked by his father’s side, Freddy told him how he had been tempted to keep silence about the broken window, as well as the way in which his teacher’s words recurred to his recollection.

“My dear boy,” said his father, as, with a light, joyful step, Freddy sprang to open the gate for him to enter, “I am so thankful that you have been taught to see how easily we may be guilty of the sin of falsehood, even without uttering a single word. I trust, also, that you have learned another lesson by this little incident. Never trust in your own strength, but, when tempted to do wrong, ask God to give you grace to resist the temptation.

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

ML 11/15/1959

The Wretch Delivered

A story is told, which, whether true or not, illustrates very forcibly the way of salvation.

The Prince of Wales made a visit to the king of another country. To honor him, the king told him to go into the prison, and set at liberty any prisoner whom he might choose. As he went from one to another, he asked, “How came you in here?” One replied, “I was sworn falsely against, but I am innocent.” Another answered, “I was in bad company, but I committed no crime myself.” As he passed down the line of cells each prisoner pleaded his innocence.

By and by he came to a cell, where was confined a horrid-looking wretch, and the Prince asked the same question, “How came you to be in here?” The criminal replied, “It was through the mercy of the government; I deserved to have been hung.”

The Prince unlocked the cell, took the guilty man by the hand, led him out past all those who had pleaded their innocence, and set him free.

This is what God is doing; setting those at liberty who are willing to own their guilt, and admit that they are lost and undone. None get liberty from the bondage of sin, as long as they trust in moral excellence and self-righteousness.

ML 11/15/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 4:1-9

In his accusations against the Jews, Haman had told the king that there was a people scattered throughout his kingdom whose custoths were diverse from all people. This was then, and is still, the cause of the world’s enmity against the people of God. The Lord told His disciples: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19. It is possible for a Christian to slip through this world and to experience little of its enmity and persecutions, by conforming himself to its ways. But such a one loses the unspeakable privilege and joy of sharing the reproach of Christ, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2. The Apostle tells us in 2 Tim. 3:12, that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” It is written of Moses, when he was still a young man, that he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11:24-26.

Haman also had said that this people had their own laws and did not keep the laws of the king. This was true in part, for there were no laws like those given by the Lord God Himself to His people. But on the other hand, the Lord had told them by the mouth of Jeremiah to seek the peace of the city where He had caused them to be carried captive. They were to pray to Him for it, for in the peace of the land were they to have peace. Therefore part of Haman’s charges were false, and this is one of the ways in which Satan works. He mixes up both truth and falsehood together in order to make his deceptions more subtle.

When Mordecai heard of the king’s commandment to destroy all the Jews, he rent his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry. He even came before the king’s gate, but not within it, for none might enter the gate clothed with sackcloth. Also in every province there was great mourning, and weeping and wailing, and fasting among the Jews. And well they might, humanly speaking, for their doom was sealed, and nothing could possibly save them; so it appeared. But if God’s name does not appear here, His ear nonetheless heard the cries of His people.

Queen Esther was not aware of the king’s commandment, but she did hear Mordecai’s cries outside the gate, and she was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothes out to Mordecai, who refused them. Then she sent Hatach, one of the king’s servants to Mordecai, who told him of all that had happened, of the great sum that Haman had promised to pay, and of the destruction that awaited the Jews. He also gave him a copy of the king’s decree that he might show it to Esther, and he charged her to go in and make supplication unto the king for her people. It would seem that through it all Mordecai had faith that God’s purposes were such that He would not allow the Jews to be slain.

ML 11/15/1959

Fred, the Paper Boy

It was a very cold, stormy afternoon. The wind was howling and the air was filled with snow. Little Fred Miller was nearly frozen, but he bravely ran from house to house with the evening paper. It was the first time he had done it alone, and he was determined that he would do it well. His mother had always been with him before, but she had fallen down the stairs, and her knee was badly swollen so that she was not able to walk.

Fred had almost finished. His hands were blue with the cold, and he could hardly fight his way against the strong wind, but he would not give up. A sudden gust of wind lifted the hat off the head of an old man and tossed it high in the air. Freddie ran after it and with some difficulty caught it, and brought it back to the old man. At last he had just one more paper to deliver. He was just about to turn in at the last house, when he noticed a lady stooping and gathering up the contents of her purse from the snowy street. Fred helped her till everything was picked up and then she thanked him and started away. Just then he noticed a little leather case still lying in the snow. Quickly he picked it up and ran after her. Just as he handed it to her, the wind caught his last paper and scattered it all over the street. With a wild scramble, he ran hither and thither till at last he had gathered all the sheets together, and then he tried to smooth and arrange them with his numb hands. Then he went to the door of the last house.

“Please, sir, I’m very sorry, but the paper got wet and crushed by the storm, but nothing is missing.”

But the old man grumbled, “They shouldn’t allow careless lads like you to deliver. I’m going to complain right now.”

Poor Fred. He had tried so hard, and now there would be a complaint and he would lose his job. Tears ran down his cheeks as he turned toward home. When he met his mother, she could see at once that he had been crying and she asked him about his trouble. He told her the whole story. “And, Mother,” he said, “the man said he was going to complain, so I shall probably lose my job.”

“We must tell the Lord about it,” she said.

Fred knelt down beside his mother, and in their own quiet way they each told the Lord Jesus about the trouble, for they were very poor and were badly in need of the little bit of money they earned by delivering those papers. How good it is to be able to tell all our troubles to the Lord Jesus. He loved us so very much that He died on the cross to wash our sins away, and He delights to have us bring all our sorrows and joys to Him in prayer. Both Fred and his mother were Christians, and it was their habit to tell the Lord Jesus all that was on their hearts.

The next day was New Year’s day. The storm was over, and the sun was shining brightly, and somehow Fred felt sure that the Lord would answer his prayer.

In the afternoon, there was a knock at the door, and when Mrs. Miller opened it, a strange gentleman asked, “Does Fred Miller live here?”

“Yes, sir. Please come right in and I’ll fetch him for you, but please, sir, he’s very sorry about those papers: He was really trying his best.”

“I don’t know anything about papers, but I have come to reward him, for he has done my wife a great favor.” Then he went on to tell her about the leather case that Fred had found, which contained a very valuable ring. He left a reward of $25.00 for Fred, and told him to come to his book shop the very next day to report for work.

With very grateful hearts, they both thanked the gentleman for his great kindness, and then when he had left, they knelt down and thanked the Lord for hearing their prayer.

I wonder if the reader of this story knows the joy of being able to kneel down and talk to the Lord Jesus about his problems. First of all, the Lord wants you to own that you are a lost sinner, and to accept Him as your own Saviour. He says, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15.

“Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:28.

“GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.” Psa. 46:1.

ML 11/22/1959

"I'd Go Right up to be with Him!"

Jean was a little girl about six or seven years of e. She had never heard of the love cd the Lord Jesus, for her parents were drunkards, and often would beat her and her little sister.

Jean had a girl friend her own age who lived across the road. Linda had just trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and she loved to tell others of the Saviour she had found. She told Jean that if she would put her trust in the Lord Jesus she would be saved for all eternity, and when the Lord came, He would take her up to be with Him. It was not long after this that Jean did trust the Lord as her Saviour, and how happy she was!

It was a beautiful late afternoon. The sun was just going down in the west, and the sky was ablaze with gold, orange and yellow, making them think of that happy land where many of the redeemed have gone. As Jean and Linda sat on the grass looking up into the sky, Linda said, “Doesn’t that remind you of what heaven will be like? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jesus came out of that beautiful sky now and called us up to be with Him?”

“Oh yes,” said Jean, “and I know that I am saved, and if He came, I could go right up to be with Him! Perhaps He will come tonight.”

Not long after this Jean moved away, and Linda never heard of her again, but she was glad she had talked to her of the Saviour, and one day those two girls will meet in heaven. Dear young friend, will you meet them there?

ML 11/22/1959

She Believed His Word

An elderly lady, who had been deeply concerned about her lost condition, was invited to my mother’s home where some Christians had planned to spend the evening reading the Word of God. After the meeting was over, our aged friend spoke up.

“I want to be saved. I have to know Jesus tonight,” she said.

There was a silence for a moment, and then one of the Christians present said to her, “Do you believe that the Bible is God’s Word?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do you believe that the Lord Jesus died for you and wants to save you?”

“O yes. I do believe that He died for me; but I’m a sinner and I want to know that He is my Saviour — I want to know tonight!” She was nearly in tears.

“Do you believe that He is the Son of God?”

“Yes, yes!” she answered. “I believe all that, but I just want to know that He is my Saviour.”

The Christian then asked her to open her Bible and follow the words as he read to her John 5:24. She followed closely as the precious words were read: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

“Do you mean that I have everlasting life if I just believe?” she asked in surprise.

“That is what it says,” was the reply.

“Then I am saved!” she exclaimed, and her once sad heart was now overflowing with joy.

We were all overjoyed along with her, and thanked the Lord for giving this aged friend peace in her soul. Her happiness continued and she loved to tell others about her Saviour. But she had one regret and that was that she had not come to Jesus with her heavy load of sins when she was a young girl.

A few years after this night she passed on to be with Christ—the blessed One she loved and longed to see.

“Whom having not seen, ye love.” 1 Peter 1:8.

ML 11/22/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 4:9-5:8

When Queen Esther received Mordecai’s message, charging her to go in and plead with the king for the deliverance of her people, she sent Hatach again to Mordecai telling him of the hopelessness of the case. She told him that it was one of the laws of the Persian empire that no one could go into the king’s presence unbidden. The king must first send, and he had not sent for her for thirty days. If anyone dared to venture into the king’s presence it meant certain death. There was this provision, however, that if the king held out the golden scepter, then his life was spared.

Mordecai sent back word to Esther that she must not think that she could escape simply because she lived in the palace. “For,” said he, “if thou holdest thy peace at this time, then shall... deliverance come from another place.” He does not mention God’s name, but he must have felt that He was looking down from heaven. “Thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed,” said he, “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

This brought Esther to a right sense of the situation, and though she was the weaker vessel, she entered at once into Mordecai’s feelings and displayed a deep and tender sympathy with the burdens of her people. So she bade Mordecai gather together all the Jews in Shushan and to fast for her for three days. They were neither to eat nor drink, night or day, and she said, “I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law.” Previously she had prepared herself with perfumes to go in before the king, but this time her preparation was fasting — a sign of humiliation before God, for thoughi God’s name is not mentioned, it is evident where Esther’s heart was. Her mind was made up for she adds, “if I perish, I perish.” She was ready to hazard her life for her people.

Accordingly on the third day Esther put on her royal apparel and went and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, at the door. The king was sitting on his royal throne, and when he saw Esther, she obtained favor in his sight, for he held out to her the royal scepter, and she drew near and touched it. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,” even though He be not seen, and “He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Prov. 21:1. The king asked Esther what was her request, saying that it would be granted to her, even unto the half of the kingdom. We see that after all there was no cause for fear. Yet this is often the way with us. We have fears of doing what is according to God’s word, when we should not have, for if He asks us to do anything He will take care of us.

Esther’s answer was, “If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” She does not tell him at once what lay so heavy on her heart; and this reminds us of the scripture, “he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isa. 28:16. Faith can afford to wait on God. So the king sent word to Haman to come to the banquet at once. Then at the banquet he again asked Esther what was her petition, for he knew there was something more in her mind than merely the banquet. Esther’s request was that they might come to another banquet she was preparing, and then on the morrow she would do as the king had said. It might seem strange to us that she should put off making her request, but we shall see how it was all of God’s ordering for in the interval Mordecai was to be commended and honored by the king.

ML 11/22/1959

The Drowning Boy

A man was one day amusing hielf with his retriever, near the Southwark bridge, by throwing a stick into the water for the dog to fetch. At the same time, a little boy was playing on the steps of the bridge. Somehow he slipped and tumbled into the river. It was twelve feet deep where the poor little fellow fell in, and he was unable to swim. Nobody saw him, and no help was near, but just at that moment this gentleman threw his stick into the water again, and the dog plunged after it.

Neither the dog nor his master had seen the boy tumble, but as the dog was going after the stick he happened to catch sight of the boy struggling for his life in the deep river. Without a moment’s hesitation, quite of his own accord, he left the stick and hurried to the rescue of the drowning child. He struck out with all his might, panting and striving to reach the poor boy in time before he should sink for the last time. Just as the little fellow came up once more, the dog seized him by the collar of his jacket, and, keeping his head above water, swam away with him to the steps where he dragged, and pulled, and hauled until he got him ashore in safety.

Now, was he not a kind and noble dog? No one told him to save the boy, nor did the boy ask him to do so. It was all done of his own good will, just because he loved little children, I suppose, who opened the door was not his sister. Tired and disappointed he was retring his steps, when he met a man with some books under his arm, and asked him if he knew some Rawlingsons.

“Yes,” he answered, “I do. If you will walk on with me I can direct you.”

After some general conversation, the stranger said, “My work is tiring, but delightful. I find that people in, the scattered suburbs of the town get few opportunities of attending Bible meetings, so I call on any who will allow me, and read to them, and also lend them books. We long to do something for Christ, when our heart is full of His love to us, don’t we?”

“You alarm me,” said Duncan; “I only came ashore this morning, and this is the second time today I’ve had this kind of thing said to me. And no one ever spoke to me of such things before.”

“Perhaps God brought you here to hear them,” said his companion. “It will be well worth losing your way, if you find Christ through doing so.”

“I’m none too good,” said Duncan, “but I’m not so bad as you seem to think.”

“In this book in my pocket,” said the stranger, “it says, ‘All have sinned,’ and it tells how the very best of us need the atoning blood of Jesus. Oh, do not rest till you have true peace in Him. He longs to give it to you. Now we must part, for yonder is the cottage.”

Duncan found himself at the right door this time, and most hearty was his sister’s welcome. She told him that their mother was staying with her, and would very soon be in. Before long the old woman returned, and great was her joy on seeing her son. And when Duncan’s brother-in-law joined them, they were indeed a happy party.

“We have something to tell you, Duncan,” said his sister. “John and I are Christians. We are so happy to be serving the Lord Jesus, and grateful to the one who pointed us to Him.” Then she told him all about it and added, “We long to lead others to Him. Won’t you join us, brother? Oh, don’t let us have to leave you out in the cold. Won’t you decide for Christ and become one of His followers?”

“Well,” answered her brother, “how strange this is. It is the third time today I’ve had like words said to me. I lost my bearings looking for your house, and two people I inquired of spoke to me of the Saviour. Here I fancied myself safe, and now you begin! Give me time, and I promise to think about it.”

That night and the whole of the next day Duncan’s mind was full of strange new thoughts. To his amazement, he discovered that he was questioning himself about the safety of his soul. And the result of the inquiry was far from satisfactory. He saw that he was all wrong — in fact, that he was a sinner — and that he needed a Saviour.

Several days passed, but no human eye saw the deep repentance that the Holy Spirit was working in his heart.

One afternoon he was alone in the little garden. His sister came up unobserved, and said, quietly, “Where are your thoughts, Duncan?”

“With Christ,” he answered, earnesy, “for, praise God, I’ve come to Him. Oh, I shall always thank the Lord that I had to hunt for your house the day I landed, for it is through His blessing on words spoken to me during the search that my soul has been led to the Saviour of sinners.”

Never had Duncan had such a true holiday; he was full of joy in his newfound Saviour.

When Duncan rejoined his ship all noticed the difference in him. He had “passed from death unto life.” No wonder then that his mates found him a nobler, braver, and happier man.

“AS YE HAVE THEREFORE RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK YE IN HIM.” Col. 2:6.

ML 11/29/1959

"Rise; He Calleth Thee."

“Oh! If Jesus would only just speak to me; if He would just say, ‘Come to Me, Lillie,’ then I should know He really meant me, and wanted me to come to Him!”

Such were the words of a little girl as she stood one night looking out on the lawn and shrubbery, so peaceful and still in the moonlight. Lillie had been reading about a child of her own age, who had come to Jesus, and whom He had made very happy. After Mother had tucked her in and had given her “good-night” kiss, Lillie thought of that child, and wished that she too loved Jesus. She could not go to sleep, so she got up and looked at the pretty moonlit garden, her mind full of busy, troubled thoughts.

God had lately been showing her that she was a sinner, and the thought of that was what made her sad this eving. Though she was quite young, she was conscious that she had a burden—the burden of sin; and she was woering whether Jesus would receive her with that burden, or whether she could get rid of it before she came to Him.

A hand was gently laid on Lillie’s shoulder. It was her mother, who had noticed her restlessness and unhappiness the last few days, and felt sure she was seeking Jesus. She had been praying for Lillie, when she heard her moving in her room, and now she had come to give her the same message as they gave to blind Bartimeus— “Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee.” Mark 10:49. Very lovingly she pointed out how the blind man believed that Jesus called him, though it was only other people who echoed the call; and how he, “casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus,” and at once received his sight.

Lillie came to Jesus that night, and He took her burden all away. Ever since then Lillie has been “following Jesus in the way.” Notice that it says “the way,” not “a way.” It is the way that leads to heaven — a safe, happy path, on which many feet—little and big—are traveling. The Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. He is the only way in which we might be saved and enter heaven.

I wonder whether your feet are safely in the way. If not, dear young friend, begin at once! “Rise; He calleth thee.”

ML 11/29/1959

Garments of Salvation

The writer was a guest at a hotel in Topeka, Kansas, years ago. The strict rule of the proprietor of the hotel was that guests should not appear in the dining room unless they wore coats. The weather had been extremely warm for many days, and in consequence nearly every guest was without his coat.

After breakfast was announced, we were told that we must have coats on, before going into the dining room. We were puzzled for a moment to know what to do, as we had no coats with us. But it was soon announced that coats would be furnished free to all guests who were without them. After putting on the coats, which were willingly furnished, we all were admitted into the dining room.

How much like the way of salvation this is! God requires sinless perfection, but no one possesses it He gives, however, a robe of righteousness freely to every one who believes on Christ who knew no sin, but who was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21.)

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:10.

ML 11/29/1959

Bible Talks: Job 15

The debate between Job and his three friends continues, and, as we have observed, the discussions became very heated at times. The fault with Job was that he had a very good opinion of himself, and he got no little pleasure in that he was so highly respected by others. How often we find ourselves allowing such thoughts as these in our own hearts! Surely we ought to profit by the lesson God was seeking to teach Job. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning...” Rom. 15:4. Job was a righteous man, for God Himself had said at the beginning that he was perfect and upright, but He would not have Job to think this of himself. How much less ought we who have the light of the gospel and have seen ourselves and all that we might boast in as men, all judged in the cross of Christ. The gospel makes nothing of man, but everything of Christ. “That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:29-31.

At times Job used very improper language in replying to his friends, and went so far as to accuse God of dealing harshly with him. No doubt his friends deserved to be rebuked, but certainly no one ought to call in question God’s dealings with him. And this is one of the lessons we ought to learn from this wonderful book: that when God sends a trial, we ought to submit to it without questioning the wisdom that allowed it, but rather seek to learn what He has for us in it, remembering that it is a hand of love that sent it; “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,” (Heb. 12:6).

In chapter 15 Eliphaz says, “Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I.” He refers to “the grayheaded and very aged men,” and still draws from his experiences and those of others in attempting to find the answer to Job’s case. He chides Job for his impatience under the hand of God and treats him as an evil-doer. He asks, “What is man (mortal man), that he should be clean?” He also says of God, “He putteth no trust in His holy ones;... How much more abominable and corrupt is man, which drinketh unrighteousness like water.” Evidently he includes Job in this class. He also refers to what wise men have said as to God’s ways with man, but all is based on the trials of the wicked. He does not consider that the righteous could have trials also in the purposes of God. How far he missed the mind of the Lord we know, when we consider the life of David, for exale. He could say, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psa. 34:19. And this proved to be the expernce of Job.

In this speech of Eliphaz we are reminded of the words of the Apostle when addressing the Athenians (Acts 17), where he speaks of men feeling after God though He be not far from every one of us. And again in 1 Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” We ought always to turn away from the reasonings of men, no matter who they may be, but rather listen for the voice of God, speaking from His Word.

ML 11/29/1959

The Torn Pages

A Chinese boy went one day to a nearby town, and while there he bought a small gift to take home to a friend. As he was traveling home he thought he would look at his purchase. It had been wrapped in a piece of paper with printing on it.

The boy had learned to read, so he smoothed out the torn paper and soon was intently reading the Chinese characters. It was a double page from a Chinese New Testament, and contained part of the Gospel of John.

The wonderful words of John 3:16, so familiar to us, were quite new to him. Over and over again he read them: “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.”

Before he reached home he knew this verse, and many others from the torn pages by heart. It was the most wonderful story he had ever heard, and he longed to know more. He treasured those two pages, always hoping he would one day possess the whole Book from which they came.

And he was not disappointed, though he had to wait a long time. One day a Christian colporteur came to the village where the boy lived, selling books. Now was his chance to see if he could get the book he longed for. Eagerly he pressed through the crowd to the colporteur’s stall, and holding up his two tattered pages he said, “Have you this book?”

The colporteur at once produced a New Testament in Chinese, and finding the third chapter of John, he showed it to the boy. It was bought at once, and the Christian was thrilled to explain to the boy the story of God’s love in the gift of Jesus. God’s Word had gone before and prepared him for the message.

He later became a missionary to his own people, and he delights to tell how the light of the gospel came to him. He often says, “I purchased a gift, but through that gift there came to me the greatest of all — eternal life through faith in Christ’s redeeming blood.”

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

Has our reader ever yet accepted God’s gift?

“TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE.” Eph. 3:19.

ML 12/06/1959

Plenty of Time yet

One evening, as I was standing at the door of a hall where the gospel was to be preached, I noticed a little girl looking at me. When the others had gone in, I said to her, “Will you come in?”

“Not yet, sir,” she replied, “I will come in presently; but there is plenty of time yet.”

About a quarter of an hour after, I was again standing outside to keep the boys quiet. The same little girl came up to me and said, “Please, sir, may I go in now?”

“No,” I said, “there is no more room, the hall is full; you are too late.”

“But I was asked in only a few minutes ago.”

“I know you were,” I replied, “but you did not want to come in then. When I invited you, you refused, and now that you would like to come in there is no room.”

Dear children who read these lines, let me ask you, Are you like this little girl? do you say, “Plenty of time yet” to believe in Christ? Oh, be wise, remember what God has said in His Word: “Because I called, and ye refused, I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh.” Prov. 1:24-26. No doubt God has invited you many times. Have you refused? He has stretched out His hand and stretches it out still. Will you look? Listen to the Saviour’s gentle voice, say. ing, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

“All things are ready, come,
Tomorrow may not be.
Oh, children, come, the Saviour
waits This hour to welcome thee.”

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

ML 12/06/1959

Napoleon and the Conscription

There is a well-known story told of an occurrence which happened in the time of Napoleon the First. In one of the conscriptions, during one of his many wars, a man was drafted as a conscript who did not wish to go, but he had a friend who offered to go in his place. His friend joined the regiment in his name, and was sent off to the war. By and by a battle came on, in which he was killed and they buried him in the battlefield. Some time after, the Emperor wanted more men, and by some mistake the first man, was drafted a second time. They went to take him, but he remonstrated, “You cannot take me.”

“Why not?”

“I am dead,” was the reply.

“You are not dead; you are alive and well.”

“But I am dead,” he said.

“Why, man, you must be mad. Where did you die?”

“At such a battlefield.”

“You talk like a mad man,” they cried, but the man stuck to his point that he had been dead and buried some months.

“You look up your books,” he said, “and see if it is not so.”

They looked and found he was right. They found the man’s name entered as drafted, sent to the war, and marked off as killed.

“Look here,” they said, “you didn’t die; you must have got some one to go for you, it must have been your substitute.”

“I know that,” he said; “he died in my stead. You cannot touch me: I died in that man, and I go free. The law has no claim against me.”

They would not recognize the doctrine of substitution, and the case was carried to the Emperor. But he said the man was right, that he was dead and buried in the eyes of the law, and that France had no claim against him. This story may, or may not, be true, but one thing I know is true: the Lord Jesus Christ suffered death for the sinner, and those who accept Him as their Substitute and Saviour are free from the law, and from the judgment of God against their sins.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Gal. 3:13.

ML 12/26/1959

Bible Questions for December

The Children’s Class

1. Can the One who has promised eternal life utter a lie?

2. What is the blessed hope we should be looking for?

3. Are we saved by works of righteousness?

4. Could believing the gospel make a runaway slave (Onesimus) profitable to the Apostle Paul?

5. Can we escape if we neglect God’s great salvation?

6. Can we become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin?

7. What is sharper than a two-edged sword?

The Young People’s Class

1. What did Saul build when he learned that the people had sinned in eating blood? 1 Sam. 14

2. Is God pleased with works of men’s hands when there is no hearkening unto Him? Jeremiah 25

3. Did God answer Saul in his attempt to display zeal before the people? 1 Sam.

4. What should characterize the hearts of them who would have the Lord draw nigh to themselves? Psa. 34

5. Who is it that searcheth our hearts and giveth according to our ways? Jer. 17

6. When Saul would have slain Jonathan for disobeying his commandment, what testimony from the people rescued him? 1 Sam.

7. Has God wrought wonders and miracles through men in making known the gospel? Acts 15

ML 12/06/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 6:11-7:5

The wicked Haman knew only too well that it was impossible for even him to alter the king’s word. And so the wretched man, caught in his own snare, was forced to hasten and pay to Mordecai, the man he hated most of all, those very honors he had sought for himself, and which he himself had suggested. Having arrayed Mordecai in the royal apparel, he led him through the streets on the king’s own horse, and made the proclamation before him, as the king had ordered. After bringing Mordecai back to the king’s gate, Haman hastened home mourning, having his head covered. There he told his wife and friends of all that had taken place that morning. Then his wise men and his wife, none of whom knew the Lord, but as sometimes occurs in the Bible, uttered a prophecy, little knowing how far it would go. Said they, “If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.” There seems to have been this secret feeling among many Gentiles as to the Jew, especially in the East, for prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the future glory of Israel had spread abroad. Balaam, wicked prophet though he was, had foretold of the Star that should arise out of Jacob (Num. 34), and after many hundreds of years had passed away there were still traces of his remarkable predictions. We believe this from the coming of the wise men to worship Him that should be born King of the Jews. Also Daniel’s prophecies must have been known, especially in view of his exalted position in the Gentile kinoms. We read in Deuteronomy 28:13, “And the Lord shall make thee (Israel) the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath”; so that when the day comes for exalting the Jew, Gentile greatness shall disappear.

This utterance of Haman’s wise men makes us think of the prophecy of Caiaphas the high priest in John 11:47-52. He wanted to get rid of the Lord Jesus and said to his council, “Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” And it is added, “this spake he not of himself; but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one all the children of God scattered abroad.”

Thus while Haman’s friends were talking with him, the king’s servants hastened to summon Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared. At the banquet, the king asked Esther the third time, her petition, assuring her that it would be granted her even to half of the kingdom. So she begins by saying, “If I have found favor in thy sight,.., let my life be given me at my petition, I and my people at my request.” It must have been an immense surprise and shock to the king that the one he loved above all in his kingdom should begin by begging for her life. But she went on: “For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish.” She said, furthermore, that had they been sold as slaves, she would have held her tongue, though it would have been impossible for the enemy to have repaid the king for the damage it would have brought upon his domain. The king was aroused! Who would dare to insult the queen he loved? and who would attempt to destroy her and her people?

ML 12/06/1959

How Jimmy was Saved

Jimmy was the grandson of a poor Scotch shepherd named Robin. The old man was nearly eighty years of age. His wife, and sons, and daughters, were all dead, and he had no one to comfort him in his declining days save little Jimmy, who during the day tended the flock, and when the evening was come, would read aloud of that Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

Robin had a dog named Watch, which had always been of great service among the sheep, and this faithful animal accompanied Jimmy every morning. Together they looked after the sheep, and very often Jimmy would play with his much-loved mate.

One day Jimmy had left the flock, and on his return found that four of the sheep were missing.

Hastening home he told his grandfather. “The sheep are probably gone to the right side of the mountain to reach the other pastures,” said the old man. “Go and look for them there, my child, and make haste, for it will snow soon; then bring home your flock quickly.”

Away the boy hastened. The snow began to fall, slowly at first, and Then more and more quickly, until almost everything was hidden from view.

At home old Robin had begun to repent of his having sent the boy alone, for he well knew that if Jimmy were to lose himself on the mountain in the snow he would probably be frozen to death before the morning. For a long while the old man sat near the window, listening anxiously for the expected foot-fall. The clock struck seven, and the darkness deepened. Then the old man fell on his knees, and prayed to God to restore his poor child.

He was about to start to call on a neighbor named Mackie, when he heard a scratching at the door. It was Watch. Poor dog! When Robin opened the door, he ran a little distance and then came back. He wanted to lead the way to where his young master was.

Robin now hastened without delay to his neighbor Mackie, who, on hearing what was the matter, started off at once to find the missing boy.

“Go on ahead, Watch,” he said to the faithful dog. “I’ll follow you,” and on they went rapidly, though not so fast as the dog would have liked. Watch was always in front. Suddenly he stopped, and Mackie heard him whining loudly and bitterly. Pressing on, Mackie saw the dog scraping furiously in the snow. A moment after he heard a feeble voice saying, “Help me; save me!” and there was little Jimmy’s head above the snow.

With some difficulty Mackie took him out, and carried him rejoicing toward his home. There Jimmy was received with a glad heart by the kindly neighbor’s wife, and at once put to bed. They rubbed his benumbed limbs, and gave him some hot porridge. Old Robin, his heart lifted up in thanksgivings to God now that his boy was found and his prayer answered, watched all the time near his bed.

The next morning Jimmy was much recovered, and while Watch lay at his feet by the breakfast table, he told the story of all that had befallen them.

Jimmy had searched for the missing sheep along the mountain side, while the snow fell ever thicker and faster. Tired and weary, he had stumbled, and then fell into the hole where he had been found. Watch at first tried to drag him out, but when this failed, he ran off to the cottage and scratched to bring help. When left all alone Jimmy had cried to God to take him out of that dreadful place.

Thus two prayers were answered — the old man praying in his cottage, and Jimmie in that mountain snowdrift. Both cried to God in their trouble, and were heard.

How it reminds us of that passage in Psa. 107:12, 13,

“They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.”

There is no sorrow, no trial, no diffulty in which the believer cannot look up to God, and count upon His loving kindness and tender care.

Does the reader enjoy this confidence in God? Have you trusted in His beloved Son as your Saviour? If not you are still lost in your sins, but the loving Shepherd is seeking you, for “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Hear His voice saying to you now,

“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD; THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” John 10:11.

ML 12/13/1959

He Heard the Children Singing

At one of the beautiful summer resorts where I was holding some gospel meetings on the sands, my dinner was interrupted by a white-haired old gentleman. The waitress told me that he seemed in great distress, and very much wanted to see me, so she had taken him into another sitting room.

Of course, I left my dinner and went to see him. I found him bowed down with sorrow. Oh! how his tears flowed as he told me that he had lived such a very careless, sinful life, and was without God, without Christ, and without hope in the world.

Now, dear children, it was not because he was poor, for I was told that he was a wealthy old gentleman, but the Spirit of God had opened his eyes to see that he was really a poor miserable sinner, and that unless God in His grace and pity had mercy upon him and saved his soul, he would be lost forever.

But what do you think he told me had awakened him to see his danger? It was all through hearing the children singing their sweet hymns on the sands. The Holy Spirit had taken them with mighty power to his heart. I quite hope that he went away believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

But how much happier it would have been if he had come to the Saviour when a boy, instead of putting it off till he was over seventy!

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” Eccles. 12:1.

David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah, could say, “O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee.” Psa. 63:1

ML 12/13/1959

God's Infallible Word

Two men, who did not believe in the Lord Jesus’ miracles or His resurrection, met together, and got into conversation.. One of them, named West, said to the other, “We cannot maintain our case against Christianity unless we disprove two things that Christians believe to be true. We must discredit the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

The other man, named Ibbotson said, “Well, I will prove that the whole story of Saul’s conversion is false.”

West replied, “I will take up the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and prove that He never rose from the dead.” The two men then separated, each intending to write a book on their findings.

After a few months, they met again. West said to Ibbotson, “Have you written your book?”

“Yes,” he replied, “I have. But as I sifted the evidence for the conversion of Saul, I became satisfied that he was really converted, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. As a result I have become a Christian and have written my book proving it. Have you written your book?”

“Yes,” said West, “I have written my book also. But as I sifted the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, I became satisfied that there is no room for honest doubt that He really did rise as the Gospels state. So I have become a Christian and have written my book to prove it.”

What a miracle of God’s grace! These men remind one of Paul, of whom it was written, “He which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” Gal. 1:23. The two men, like Paul, had wanted to destroy the faith of Christianity, but now became firm believers in the Lord Jesus.

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God: For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” I Cor. 3:19.

“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Cor. 1:21.

ML 12/13/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 7:6-10

The king’s great agitation and his demand to know who it was that would attempt the destruction of his queen and her people, encouraged Esther to declare, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.” I do not doubt that the Lord sustained her in a special way at this time. She had courage now that she did not have before.

Haman was terrified before the king and the queen—as well he might be. How often those who have so calmly plotted against the lives of others become terrified when their own life is at stake. Rising up from the banquet in his wrath, the king went out into the palace garden. Haman knew well that it was the sentence of death pronounced upon him, and so he remained before Esther to plead for his life. The king returned from the garden and found Haman fallen upon the couch where Esther was, and this sight made him still more angry. Even as he spoke the servants came and covered the face of the condemned Haman for immediate execution. One of the chamberlains suggested to the king the gallows that Haman had already prepared for Mordecai, and the king said, “Hang him thereon.” So they hanged Haman there, and the king’s wrath was pacified.

Haman’s greatness was allowed to flourish and ripen in order that he might fall in the hour of his greatest pride and daring. Such has been and still is, God’s way with men in the history of this world. The builders of the tower of Babel, Nebuchadnezzar, king Herod, and the Beast of Revelation are other examples from the pages of Scripture of this. The psalmist tells us (Psa. 37:35, 36): “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” Again in Psalm 9 we read, “The Lord is known by the judgment which He executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.” How much better to know Hint now in His love through His beloved Son, whom He sent into this world to die for lost, ruined sinners. And how much happier to go on quietly and humbly before the Lord through this world, not seeking its glory, its honors or its wealth, but seeking grace to follow in the footsteps of Him Who “made Himself of no reputation” (Phil. 2:7). It is this same precious psalm (37) that tells us to “Trust in the Lord”; “Delight thyself also in the Lord”; “Commit thy way unto the Lord”; and to “Rest in the Lord.” Then it goes on: “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” v. 16. “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” v. 37.

Haman was caught in his own trap. He fell suddenly and completely, and was destroyed. So it will be with Satan, the great enemy, and the course of this present world with him. Haman lost his life plotting against the Jews to destroy them. How foolish and vain the attempts of the enemy to frustrate the purposes of God concerning His people for they all must surely be accomplished. The Lord Jesus has Himself told us, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matt. 5:18.

ML 12/13/1959

God is Looking

There was once a little boy whose father used to steal. One day he took his little son with him intending to steal corn out of another man’s corn crib. When they came to the field where the corn was, he said to his boy, “You watch and tell me when you see anyone looking, while I go in and fill my bag with the corn.”

Now this little fellow had gone to Sunday school and had learned many things from the Word of God. Therefore he had a tender conscience about doing something wrong. So after his father had gone into the field and was stealing the corn, he called out, “Daddy, Somebody is looking!”

His father dropped the bag and ran. When he came to the spot where the lile boy was, he looked around but could see no one. “Son,” he said reproachfully, “You mustn’t call me when nobody is looking.”

“But, Daddy,” exclaimed his little son, “God is looking!”

Brave, faithful little fellow! He could not go on with a bad conscience. He had obeyed his father, but he had obeyed the Lord too, and he taught his father a lesson that day which we believe he did not forget.

Perhaps some of you dear boys and girls who read this little paper have at some time or other looked at a portrait hanging on a wall, and you have noticed how those eyes looked straight into your own. Every where you went in that room, those eyes followed you. So it is with the eyes of God. It says in Psalm 15:3:

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

There is no place you can go in this world where His eyes don’t follow you. There is nothing you do that He does not see. You may go where your father and mother cannot see you, and you may do what they never know about, but God sees and knows all. He knows all the bad things that children do and think about, and He marks them down in His book. There is only one thing that can take the awful marks of sin out of His book, and that is the precious blood of Jesus. The way to have that precious blood applied is to take the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

A little girl had learned that she was a sinner, and her sins troubled her. One day she heard about the Lord Jesus Christ and that He died for sinners. She readily believed on Him as her own Saviour and knew in her heart that He had died to put away her sins. This gave her real joy and peace. She loved to tell others about her new-found happiness.

One day a man tried to reason with her about her salvation, and asked her how she could know that her sins were forgiven. In her own simple way she explained how that God kept books. There was His book, and there was her page in it; and on that page were all the sins that she had committed. Then, said she, the blood of Jesus was wiped across that page and it covered all her sins. They were all blotted out, and now, said she, God cannot see them any more.

Wasn’t that a sweet and precious testimony to the grace of God and to the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, His dear Son? Now may He grant that each of our dear readers, both young and old, might come to know this same blessed Saviour and add their same testimony to that of this little girl.

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.” Isa. 44:22.

“THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.” Heb. 8:12.

ML 12/20/1959

Safe for Eternity

A small girl once had five dollars given to her, and her father deposited it for her in the bank.

But a few days after she said, “Father, I should like to see that five dollars in the bank.” So her father said, “Come with me then,” and off they went to the bank. The manager kindly let her go around the counter and look at the drawer full of money.

“But which is my five dollars?” asked the little one. You see she did not have full confidence.

But the Apostle could say, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 2:12. Put your soul into the care of Jesus, and it will be quite safe for eternity.

I expect some of you children have an account at the bank. Now, perhaps you go and put five dollars in one day. You return home without the money but you are perfectly comfortable, bause you have made your deposit, and know it is all right.

I remember a boy ten years old, called Robert, put his soul into the care of the Lord Jesus one night, after he got home from a meeting; and he was so happy the next morning.

“Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” 1 Peter 1:6.

ML 12/20/1959

"I Will Dance it Out!"

In the living room of a wealthy 1 suburban home, just before the close of the year; several ladies were talking together. One of the company was a young girl, the niece of the owner of the mansion. She was loved and admired by her fond uncle and aunt, who had adopted her as a daughter. There was much to love and admire in this young lady, and as she was well educated and refined, a bright future awaited her in this world.

In the course of the conversation, one of the ladies told of some who planned a get-together on New Year’s eve, to spend the closing hours of the old year in prayer, and asked the young girl if she would like to go.

To her the idea seemed absurd. To spend the last hour of the year in the dull company of Christians, and at a prayer meeting, was not her idea of pleasure. So she at once decidedly refused, and added, “No, I will dance it out.”

Every whim and fancy in which she indulged was sure to meet with instant approval from her relatives, so the dance was quickly decided on.

The last day of the year came; its last hours had been looked forward to with such eager expectation, and the evening’s festivities had been anticipated by the fair young girl who had determined to dance the old year out. Preparations, invitations, and the usual preliminaries had occupied most of her time.

The meeting for prayer began, and earnest supplications were poured forth. But I must ask you to turn with me to the mansion, where vehicles are being driven up, and the company is being ushered in. Amid the blaze and glitter, the halls resound with the gay strains of music and the sound of dancing feet.

The hour of midnight draws nigh. Suddenly, and without any warning, a deathly paleness steals over the fair young face of the gay and thoughtless author of that evening’s pleasure. A doctor who is present, a relative, is hastily at her side. The sound of the evening’s pleasure ceases as she is carried from the ballroom to her room. The physician’s skill avails not. Before the last stroke of twelve has tolled, the girl’s never dying soul has passed out of time into eternity!

Reader, if death were to steal into your room tonight, would your soul be found in the “mansions of bliss,” or in the “regions of woe”?

How did you spend the old year? Has God in grace said of your soul, “Spare it yet another year”? Will the opening of this new year find you one of whom it can be said, “Behold he prayeth,” or does heaven look down upon a creature of ingratitude turning away from a Saviour’s love, sufferings, and death?

The world in its charity may say, “Let us hope that she was saved at the last moment.” We would that it were so; but, as said one who watched the close of her brief life, “She was a good and amiable girl, but she was unprepared to die.”

Let this sudden death speak mightily to your inmost soul and inquire, had you thus been carried away, “Where would you spend eternity?”

ML 12/20/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 8

The same day that Haman was hanged, king Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the Jew’s enemy, over to Esther the queen. It must have been a large estate. “And Mordecai came before the king,” for Esther had told him that Mordecai was related to her and what he had been to her. Accordingly the king took his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Thus he was given the place that Haman had formerly held. Then Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. All this is but a faint picture of what is yet to be in this world, for earth will yet be the reflection of God’s mind and purpose. Ahasuerus, in the place of power and royal authority, is but a shadow of Christ on the throne of glory, that throne that is to rule the world in righteousness. When their last great enemy has vanished, Israel, under their Messiah, shall assume the supreme place over all nations in power and govermnent in the earth. (Rev. 12: 1.)

Esther and Mordecai had been spared, but this was not all. The edict commanding the Jews to be slain had gone forth throughout the kingdom, and the laws of the Medes and Persians could not be changed. The deliverance was not yet complete, but God would care for His people wherever they were. Esther had to go before the king again and falling down at his feet, she besought him with tears to put away the evil Haman had done. Again the king held out to her the golden scepter, and she requested that letters be written revoking those sent out by Haman to destroy her people. The king told Esther and Mordecai to write what they liked in the king’s name. The king’s secretaries were called in to write letters to all that ruled, as well as to the Jews themselves, in the 127 provinces of the empire. These letters were sent out by special messengers, some riding on horseback, some on mules, some on camels. Perhaps it will be of interest to remark here, as we are told, that the Persians were the originaters of our postal system today. The letters stated that the Jews could gather together on the 13th day of the last month, to defend themselves against all who would attempt to slay them.

These messengers could tell of how the king had discovered Haman’s plat to slay the Jews which would include the queen, of how Haman had been hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai who had saved the king’s life, and of how the king had given Haman’s place to Mordecai. Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, clothed with royal honors; “and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.” Wherever the king’s commandment came, in every province and in every city, it caused great joy and gladness among the Jews. And there came a fear upon the people of the land, and many became Jews.

All this only points on to that blessing the Lord has in store for His earthly people, the Jews, when He takes them up again. He will pass them through great tribulation, after He has taken the Church to be with Himself in the glory. They will be persecuted and many will be turned to the Lord. Messengers will go forth telling of the coming of the Messiah and many will turn to the Jews to share in their blessing. Then suddenly He will come in His glory, and joy and blessing will spread over the whole earth.

ML 12/20/1959

Fido

“Hello, Ernest! What is this?” I said to a boy I had met some time ago.

“Why, didn’t you know I had a dog?” “No, indeed I didn’t; you never told me you had one, did you?”

“Yes, I did, in a letter, nearly six months ago; but that was Nero, my old dog. He died; and the name of this one is Fido, which means ‘faithful,’ you know.”

“Yes, and do you find he deserves his name?”

“Yes, he does,” replied Ernest. “But I want him to be obedient as well, and already he will do some things I have taught him.”

Ernest proved his words by telling Fido to fetch a stick, beg and shut a gate by leaning his paws against it. He then put a piece of sugar on the ground, and I must tell you, Fido is more fond of sugar than anything else you could give him.

“Fido, don’t touch it,” said his young master.

Fido looked anxiously at the wished for sugar, and then began to push himself further from it with his front paws, going backwards in a manner which made me laugh. Back, back he went.

“What is he doing, Ernest?”

“He is not sure he can keep from snatching up the sugar if he is too near to it, and so he evidently wants to get out of danger by going as far away as he can.”

He is quiet now, but the tempting sugar is nearly out of sight. At his master’s words, “Take it now, Fido,” he springs forward, and in a moment a rapid crunch, crunch tells how the sugar is being enjoyed.

I think Fido can teach us a lesson. We are often tempted to do some naughty thing by running in its way. Just a word with the boy Father has told us not to make a friend of; just a look at the rosy apples to be kept for the winter.

Let us try and imitate Fido by keeping as far as we can out of temptation. And, dear boys and girls, if we belong to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to help us and keep us from doing wrong, He will help us.

“PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION.” Luke 22:40.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1.

ML 12/27/1959

Blanche's Difficulty

Blanche’s was a young girl about fourteen years old who lived in the Tyrol district of Europe some years ago. She was an only child, and neither she nor her parents knew of the Lord Jesus who had done so much for them.

Her first great sorrow was the death of her mother. Her death-bed had been a sad and sorrowful one, for though the parish clergyman visited her several times and assured her that the prayers, oil, and ashes that he offered for her were enough to secure her eternal happiness, she was not happy. There was no loving voice to tell her of the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“How can I know? How can I be sure I shall ever reach heaven at all?” the mother would ask Blanche. Still no gleam of light, no word of comfort brought peace to her soul.

Her mother’s death was a shock from which Blanche did not seem to recover. She grew pale and thinner, and at last was so ill that her father became alarmed. Paul, an old and faithful servant of the family, suggested she come with him to join a party of their neighbors who were going to visit their friends who were tending their flocks upon the mountains, where he hoped the fresh air would do much to restore her health and spirits.

Paul asked her what it was that was troubling her, and she said, “I am very unhappy, and cannot forget the deated of my dear mother. The clergyman’s visit gave her no comfort. I, too, must die, and the fear of that dreadful hour seems always before my mind. I can’t eat or sleep without thinking of it.”

After a pause, she continued, “Do you remember my father’s old shepherd Walter and his daughter Sophia? She was a good and gentle girl, and my mother loved her. When Sophia became ill, I visited her the day before she died, and she did not seem afraid to die, for she looked so happy. My father was very displeased when he found me there, and then he dismissed Walter from our service. I have not seen him since then, but I often wish I could ask him what made his daughter so happy.”

“Somewhere on these hills he keeps the flocks of his present master, Gaspard Pascilin,” said Paul. “These people are different, and I have known several whose lives were happy and their deaths peaceful.”

“Do take me to see Walter,” pleaded Blanche. After walking two miles they came in sight of Walter’s master’s home. Mrs. Pascilin received Blanche most kindly, and as Walter was keeping sheep on the mountains, he would not return till sunset. But before evening, Blanche had heard the wonderful story of the love of God in the gift of His Son.

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

Very simply and gladly Blanche received the truth as it is in Jesus; fear and gloom gave place to joy and peace in believing. Walter gave her his daughter Sophia’s well-worn Bible.

Two weeks later she returned to her father’s house, and her health and spirits had greatly improved. Her father found her one day reading her loved Bible, and took it from her, ordering her to leave the house and never return to it unless she gave up her faith. She obeyed in tears and trembling, and old Paul, who had also found Christ as his Saviour, guided her to the home of Gaspard Pascilin, whose service he entered. A few years later Blanche became the loving wife of his only son Frederick, so proving the truth of that word, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Psa. 27:10.

“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

ML 12/27/1959

Paul

To write a complete history of Paul in these pages would be impossible. Noted men have spent years in studying his life, and in writing most interesting volumes thereon, many of which may be read with profit.

Of Saul’s parents we only know that they must have been in a position to afford their son all the advantages of his time. He was born at Tarsus — “no mean city” (Acts 21:39); he was a Roman freedman, of the tribe of Benjamin (as was his namesake, the first King of Israel), and a strict Pharisee. He was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, the famous master of the day; but according to Jewish custom, he was also taught a trade, and learned to make the camel’s-hair tents, for which the province of Cilicia was famous.

We are introduced to Saul as a “young man” (Acts 7:58, 22:20), at whose feet the cruel murderers of the first martyr, Stephen, deposited their clothes. He gave his voice against the followers of Jesus, although he did it ignorantly (I Tim. 1:13). Saul appears as “a blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious”; and it is worthy of note that the last picture given us of his life shows us Paul, the persecuted one; he changed characters and places. “Paul, the aged,” is in a Roman prison, awaiting his summons to appear before the brutal Nero, having been once already delivered out of the mouth of the lion; he is in chains, he has only Luke with him, and asks for a cloak (winter is approaching) and his books (2 Tim.). What a scene! Who shall fill in the details of all that happened between his first appearance and his last? His own account of his life may give us some slight idea of it (read 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:21-33); and who could ever be tired of following the graphic recital of his missionary journeys by his devoted friend and companion Luke?

Paul was not one of the twelve who had companied with Jesus when on earth, though he was none the less an apostle, because when he was converted on the road to Damascus, he saw the Lord in glory as really as Peter had seen Him on earth (compare Acts 1:21 and I Cor. 9:1). An apostle evidently is one that must have seen the Lord, though the word is used very occasiolly for disciples (Acts 14:14). Paul was an apostle of the circumcision or of the Jews. After his own nation had put from them the Word of God, he turned to the Gentiles, for so, said he, hath the Lord commanded (Acts 13). His epistles, many of them written in prison, form a unique collection of letters, for which we shall always have to thank God. No human pen has produced such among any ancient writings. Their chronological order does not concur with their place in the Bible. 1 Thess. was the first written, and 2 Tim. probably the last, while something like twelve years elapsed between them. Most were written to churches or assemblies, others to individuals whom he loved. His warm heart is shown by his many greetings to absent friends.

ML 12/29/1959

Bible Talks: Esther 9

The 13th of Adar, the last month of the year, came and the Jews gathered together to defend themselves. But most of the rulers helped them, for fear of Mordecai, because “Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went throughout all the provinces.” And this will be the effect on the world of Israel’s restoration to their proper place in a coming day. Some who showed their enmity toward the Jews were slain by them, for no man could withstand them.

The king then told Esther that five hundred had been destroyed in Shushan the palace, including Haman’s ten sons, and asked if she had any further request. She requested another day of vengeance, and asked that Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows. This was done. Esther and Mordecai may not have acted well in asking this; few can have power over their enemies without abusing it. It is quite different from the way the Lord would have His people act now. In this dispensation the Church is called to be the display of the grace of God and the love of Jesus in this world. But Esther is not a type of the Church. Righteousness will characterize the reign of the kingdom in that day. In Psalm 45:4, we read: “Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O most mighty,... And in Thy majesty ride prosperously, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things.”

But for us in our day, the word is: “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.” The Lord told Peter in the Garden, “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

After this Mordecai wrote letters unto all the Jews in all the provinces saying that they should keep a feast on the 14th and 15th of the month Adar every year to commemorate their remarkable deliverance from their enemies. They were to be days of feasting and joy, during which they were to send gifts to one another and to the poor. They called these days Purim, meaning “lot” or “lots,” because of the lots that were cast against them in the days of Haman. The Jews still keep these feast days, but they are not mentioned in the New Testament.

The book closes with an account of the greatness of Ahasuerus’ kingdom and of his power, and of how he advanced Mordecai still further. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” This is a happy picture of Messiah’s future kingdom. He will no longer be rejected by His brethren, but they will find in Him the only true source of peace. The Church shall be with Him on high, and all creation shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into which man’s sin has plunged it. For “the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isa. 9:6.

ML 12/27/1959

Messages of God's Love: 1959

Table of Contents

The Closed Door

The Lord's Day

Blue Eyes

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 33:20-34:7.

Sokonyi

The Apple Sermon

The Effect of a Tear

In the Same Room

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 34:8-22.

How a Beautiful Hymn was Written

Fire!

I Know Him to Talk to

All Are Welcome

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 34:23-33.

The Crocodile

Riddles

"Because I Love Jesus!"

The New Testament

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 35.

Creator

What Then Shall I Do?

God Loves Bad Children

Bible Questions for February

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:1-6.

A Skating Story

The Jewel Box

Too Little

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:7, 8

Leida

Clocks Converted

The Gospel Alphabet

Bible Talks: 2 Chronicles 36:9-23.

The Negro and the Blood

Still Believing

More About Leida

Bible Talks: Ezra 1:1-4.

Mary's Trust

The Happy Shepherd Boy

Bible Questions for March

Bible Talks: Ezra 1:5-2:1-63.

"Shrimp," the Bugle Boy

Mary's Trust

Bible Talks: Ezra 2.

The King and the Stable Boy

For Me!

"Are There Any Liars in Heaven?"

Bible Talks: Ezra 3.

Joe, the Indian

"Jesus, Come in!"

Preaching the Gospel

"I'm Glad it is Settled!"

Bible Talks: Ezra 4:1-16.

The Lightning

Susie's Conversion

Joe, the Indian

Bible Talks: Ezra 4:17-5.

The Spider

"I Know That He Loves Me!"

The Eleventh Hour

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks: Ezra 6:1-15.

When the Bee Stung Mother

Ivy's Wish

"Lord, Open My Eyes!"

Bible Talks: Ezra 6:16-7:6.

How Captain John Coutts was Saved

An African Woman's Confession

A Child's Hymn

Bible Talks: Ezra 7:7-28.

The Mouse and the Cake

Shimbi

Edward's Sermon

Bible Talks: Ezra 8:1-23.

Nellie Black

Charlie's Dream

Too Late

Bible Questions for May