Messages of God's Love: 1960

On getting better acquainted with Ronald, and inquiring about his conversion, a simple and stirring incident he related. Along with two of his companions he was in the habit of attending gospel services in a place not far from his father’s house. Little by little the three boys became interested in the good news of salvation. More than that, they were anxious about being saved, and knowing their sins forgiven. One night they waited for the after-meeting.

“Well, boys, are you saved?” kindly inquired the preacher.

“No, sir, we are not, but we would like to be.”

As the hour was late, and the boys had to be home at a certain time, the preacher thought a moment, then said, “Well, boys, go home and find the snow prayer in Psalm 51:7. Read it, kneel down and pray it honestly, then come and let me hear how you fare.”

The next night they were all at the meeting in good time. As the preacher spoke of the love of God in giving “His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” he noticed the deepening interest on each face. Going up to them at the close of the address, he said, “Well, boys, are you saved yet?”

At once they replied cheerfully, “Yes, sir.”

“How did it happen?”

Ronald first, then the others in turn, told how they had done as he had suggested — they had turned to Psalm 51:7 in the Bible, read the snow prayer, and on bended knee each one had cried, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

At the same time they looked to the Lord Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and found the promise of God to be true: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isa. 45:22). Looking unto Jesus they lived.

Did conversion make them miserable and unable to play or enjoy the fun in the snow? No, indeed; rather it made them enjoy it better. They are all grown up now, and each can still say:

“Years have passed away

Since I began to pray,

And I love the Lord today,

Bless His name!”

Whether your name be Ronald or Ruthie, George, or Gracie, or anything else, let me ask, Have you prayed the snow prayer? Are you cleansed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you know your sins forgiven? If not, get your Bible and find some of the precious promises of God, such as Isaiah 1:18: “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.”

“WHOSO HEARKENETH UNTO ME SHALL DWELL SAFELY.”

PROV. 1:33.

ML-01/03/1960

"God Is in the Thunder"

O NE day a party sailed down the harbor in a boat. The weather was fine when they started. In the afternoon a black cloud arose; the thunder rolled and the lightning flashed, occasioning great alarm among the ladies. One lady was more frightened than the rest. Her little daughter nestled against her, taking her hand, and looking up into her mother’s face with a look of pity and surprise, she said, “Mother, God is in the thunder; can’t we trust Him when He speaks loud, as well as when He speaks easy?”

“Yes, my child,” replied the rebuked mother, with a tear in her eye. “And pray, Mary, that I may have the perfect trust of a little child.”

How precious was little Mary’s faith! “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psa. 56:3.

ML-01/03/1960

Turning Over a New Leaf

HOW many people there are who, knowing that their lives are not what they should be, talk about turning over a new leaf at the first of the year. They hope to start off with a clean slate. They want to forget all that has gone before and think they can start out and live the way they think they should in the future.

This reminds us of the story of a man who owed $100.00 to a grocer by the name of Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown was pressing him for payment of his debt, but one day he sent Mr. Brown a message saying, “I’m sorry to have made you wait for your money, but I’m going to turn over a new leaf. From here on I’m going to pay cash for everything I get from you. I can assure you, Mr. Brown,” said he, “that in the future I will never charge anything.”

“But,” replied Mr. Brown, “what about the $100.00 you already owe me? I expect to be paid. I want every dime of what you owe me in the past. If you pay cash in the future, that won’t rove your old debt one bit.”

So it is with the poor sinner. If it were possible for him to turn over a new leaf and never sin again, that would not remove one single sin that he has committed in the past. The whole debt would remain just as great as it ever was, and “God requireth that which is past.” Eccles. 3:15.

A man is helpless to remove a single sin that has stained his record before God. And yet just one sin would send us to hell, so awful is sin in His holy eyes. Nothing but the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross, in those three hours of darkness when He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, can remove our guilt. How wonderful is the message of the gospel which God is sending out telling of the Saviour that He has provided for sinners, and that the precious blood of Jesus avails to wash away the sins of all who will come and put their trust in Him. It reminds us of the lines of the poet:

“The trembling sinner feareth

That God can ne’er forget;

But one full payment cleareth

His memory of all debt.

When naught beside could free us,

Or set our souls at large,

Thy holy work, Lord Jesus,

Secured a full discharge.

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.... But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Heb. 10:12.

“For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” Heb. 10:14.

ML-01/03/1960

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

1. Is the author of eternal salvation perfect in every way?

2. Does the whole earth receive blessing from the hood of God?

3. Are we saved to the uttermost when we come unto God through Christ?

4. Is the blood of Christ able to purge our conscience from dead works?

5. Is it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God?

6. Does God reward them that diligently seek Him?

7. If we know Christ as Saviour, what sacrifice should be offered to God continually?

The Young People’s Class

1. Did the Lord want Saul to spare any of the Amalekites in his judgment against them? 1 Sam. 15.

2. Is a Christian to make any provision for the flesh in his pathway? Rom. 13.

3. Had the Lord pronounced the total judgment of the Amalekites at an earlier date? Ex. 17.

4. Why were the Kenites allowed to escape the impending judgment? 1 Sam.

5. Does God notice when kindness is shown to His people in this day? Heb. 6.

6. Did Soul fulfill the commandment of the Lord? 1 Sam.

7. What can be said of them that know the way of righteousness and then turn from the holy commandment? 2 Peter.

ML-01/03/1960

Bible Talks: Job

THE book of Job is the first of what are called the poetical books of the Bible; that is, it was written in the form of poetry. There are five of these poetical books—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. In Luke 24:44 when the Lord spoke to His disciples telling them that all the Scriptures concerning Himself must be fulfilled, He referred to them under three headings: the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms. (The poetical books were always referred to by the Jews under the general heading of the Psalms.)

The book of Job gives us God’s dealings with him as an individual, and does not refer to God’s promises to Abraham, or His dealings with the nation of Israel as a result of these promises. It may have been the first book of the Bible to have been written by Moses, before He led the people out of Egypt. In the controversies of Job and his friends there is no mention of Israel or the law. They do not seem to know anything other than that God dealt with individuals in His governmental ways.

It is difficult to determine at what period of time Job lived, but certain things in the language of the book would seem to indicate he lived in the times of the patriarchs, after the flood. There is no mention of idolatry before the flood, but the earliest form of it is referred to by Job (chap. 31:26-28); that is, the worship of heavenly bodies which he condemns as a denial of the God who is above.

Then it is said that Job lived after his trial and restoration 140 years, and since he and his friends are referred to as being very old, his age may probably have been about the same as Abraham’s father Terah, that is, over 200 years.

Another similarity we notice is that in Genesis the patriarchs acted as priests over their households and in Job we read of his offering burnt offerings for his children. We do not have sin offerings mentioned until after the law was given.

Job and his friends, when speaking of God, often use the patriarchal title, “the Almighty"; in fact, this title appears more often in this book than in any other book of Scripture.

There have been those who have died this book a place in the Scriptures. It is said the Jews did not like it because they could not think of a man outside Israel that God would regard so highly. But Job is referred to elsewhere in the Word of God. Ezekiel speaks of Job as an intercessor along with Noah and Daniel (Ezek. 14:14, 20). James refers to the patience of Job (chap. 5:11), and Paul quotes from the book (1 Cor. 3:19), using the same expression, “It is written,” as he does in quoting from the other Scriptures.

The book of Job is invaluable in that it gives the moral government of God, and since no date is attached to it, it is neither historical nor dispensational. Job does not appear in any of the genealogies of the line of faith, so it simply shows God’s sovereign grace in taking up one who was a stranger to Israel, even as Elihu says (Job 34:21), “For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Proverbs 15:3 also tells us, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

ML-01/03/1960

Saved From a Snake

ONCE when we were down on the plains of Venezuela, we met a lady who told this interesting story. When she was young, she and her husband were on their honeymoon and they stayed overnight at a cattle ranch.

In the morning, as they sat outside having their breakfast, she noticed something very strange going on. A young heifer seemed to be pulling away from a rope attached to its nose, and then it seemed to be drawn back again. As she looked more carefully she saw that it was a great snake. Some of the water snakes there grow to twenty feet long. This snake had its teeth fastened in the muzzle of the heifer and was gradually exhausting the poor creature. Finally it would have crushed the animal and swallowed it.

The lady called the rancher at once and he hurriedly sent two men to the rescue. With their long knives they soon made short work of the snake, for they cut it in pieces and so saved the heifer.

This is another reminder of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can deliver us from the power of “that old serpent, called the Devil,... Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). Men and women, and boys and girls, are taken captive by him at his will, as we read in 2 Timothy 2:26, and only the Lord Jesus can set us free. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.

Satan is a real person—the enemy of God and man. He would not be more real if you saw him. Though defeated he is still at large in this world and goes about ever seeking to destroy the souls of men. But to faith he is a defeated foe, and the Christian is told to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas. 4:7. Satan cannot harm a soul that is safe in Christ.

“FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.” 1 John 3:8.

ML-01/10/1960

Two Salvations

A LITTLE girl I knew went for a walk in the country with her father one morning. Presently she ran on ahead to the side of a pond. Leaning over, she lost her balance and fell into the water!

“Quick, Daddy, I’m sinking!” she screamed, and her father rushed up and pulled her out.

She cried to one who loved her, and was able and willing to save. And Jesus loves you, and is able and willing to save you this moment if you will believe in Him.

I remember the day well when that child, grown into a big girl of fourteen, was led to accept the gospel of her salvation, so she has known two salvations you see.

Have you believed the gospel? Are you saved? Don’t shirk the solemn question. Face it bravely and get this matter settled, and DO IT NOW!!

Then don’t be ashamed to own your Lord and Saviour. A little girl of five showed me her toys once, and then got on a chair, and whispered in my ear, “Mr. Spiers, Jesus has washed all my sins away.”

Can you say that?

ML-01/10/1960

The King of Kings

AN English missionary who has spent many years in China was anticipating a furlough. He had told his children, who had never been away from China before, the wonders of the western civilization, and of the many delightful things to be seen abroad. And quite naturally the children were enthused about their anticipated pleasure; but none, however, were so alluring as the fact they were going to get a sight of the Royal family at Buckingham Palace. This was their supreme anticipation!

Their furlough was filled with delightful journeys and sights, but owing to crowds and unavoidable circumstances they were not able to realize their great desire and thus were profoundly disappointed.

So great was their disappointment that finally the father wrote to the Secretary of State. He received a gracious reply to the effect that they should be at the gate of Buckingham Palace on a certain morning at a certain time. With great excitement they took their places, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the royal carriage, but it failed to appear. Suddenly they saw a uniformed gentleman who came to them and showed them the grounds of the palace. After doing so he led them into the conservatory and then into a certain room where they were introduced to none other than King George the Fifth himself.

At last in parting the King placed his hands on the shoulders of the children and said, “So you were anxious to see your King, and you love him? Well, you know I want to see a King too, and I love this King who is the very one your father and mother are serving in far-off China—He is the King of kings.”

ML-01/10/1960

Bells Ringing

“MOTHER, please let us sit up to hear the bells tonight,” said little Jane.

“No, dear, it would be much too late —they don’t ring till midnight. Go to bed like good children, and you can get up as early as you like in the morning,” her mother replied.

Jane lay awake a long time, thinking of the bells that would ring in the New Year. She heard the wind whistling about the house and then there was a slight lull in the noise, and Jane was sure she heard a low cry. Again she listened and again she heard the cry. “That was the voice of a child, I’m sure,” she exclaimed as she ran to look out of the window. All was dark, but presently she thought she could see a tiny dark figure crouching on the doorstep below her window.

Together with her mother Jane went to the door and there was a little girl, sobbing and crying as if her heart would break. They placed her by a comfortable fire and when warmed, little Sue, for that was her name, told them her story.

Her mother was dead, and her father, who was a traveling peddler, cared little for his small daughter. He had met another man that night as they were leaving the town, and he had told her to run on, and he would soon overtake her. But she had run on very fast, afraid that her father would be drunk; then he was always cross and sometimes beat her for nothing. The poor little girl went a long way in the darkness and storm, but at last she was so tired that when she saw the light in the window, she went to it and managed to reach the doorway. There she fell down crying on the step.

“Oh, Mother,” said Jane, “we can keep her tonight, can’t we? Tomorrow is New Year’s day, you know.”

“Yes, dear, we couldn’t send the poor child away from our door in such weather and at this hour of the night.”

“And, Mother,” said Jane again, “won’t the Lord Jesus take any kindness we do for her as if it was done to Him?”

“Ye Jane, we’ll do it for His sake,” replied her mother.

Next morning Sue woke early and could not remember where she was. But when she was dressed in some of Jane’s clothes, no one would have known her for the little girl who had lain crying on the steps the night before.

Jane and her little brother Harry weren’t long in finding out that their little friend knew nothing of the Lord Jesus and His love for her. So they told her all they knew. Little Sue listened carefully.

“But if Jesus was so happy in heaven,” she asked, “why did he come here to be a baby? It’s not pleasant to be a child—I don’t like it.”

“But it wasn’t to please Himself He came,” answered Jane. “It was because He loved us He came to die on Calvary’s cross. And He wants us to give Him our hearts and He will wash them whiter than snow in His precious blood. Then we can go to be with Him in His beautiful home above the sky.”

“And He went through all that,” said Sue, “and gave up His life at last that we might go to live in heaven? I want to see Jesus, because He did so much for me, and He knows what it is to be a child.”

Sue’s father was glad to leave her with her new friends and he left that town saying she could stay there.

Sue was very happy and her heart was full of love to her kind friends and most of all to the Lord Jesus. But she never grew strong and well. When another New Year’s eve came, little Sue was dying. Jane and her mother watched beside her.

“Why was she sent to us just for one year, until we grew so fond of her?” Jane asked her mother.

“I think you can answer that question, dear,” replied her mother.

“Yes, I know,” said Jane, “she had never heard of Jesus and God sent her to us so that we might tell her. Don’t you think that’s it, Mother?”

“I do, and we could not hold her back from Him when we remember that He gave us His own Son,” replied Mother.

Suddenly a loud and joyous peel of bells broke the stillness. The sound roused the dying child and opening her eyes, she gazed upward with a smile and said, “They’re ringing for me. I must go.”

Then she quietly fell asleep to awaken in the presence of the One she loved, for “He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

ML-01/10/1960

Bible Talks: Job 1:1-5

JOB lived in the land of Uz, which may have derived its name from Uz grandson of Shem, the son of Noah. It says that Job in his day was the greatest of all the men of the East, which would be east of the land of Canaan.

In Lamentations 4:21 Edom is spoken of as being in the land of Uz, or southeast of Canaan, and we see how that this country would have been subject to the attacks of the Sabeans and Chaldeans.

The first verse is very remarkable in its description of Job, for it tells us he was “perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed [abstained from] evil.” This divine comment is again repeated in verse 8 where it is also added, “there is none like him in the earth.” We need always to look at the way expressions are used in Scripture in order to discern what is meant. It is evident that the use of the word “perfect” is not used here in its complete sense, as it is used elsewhere in the Scriptures. For instance we get a different sense of the word in Colossians 1:27, 28 which reads: “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” It is very evident that Job was not one to whom this scripture would apply for the great trial he was to pass through was to teach him what was in his heart, and this lesson he finally learned in the last chapter.

We must also bear in mind, when reading this book and in fact all the Old Testament books, that they were written long before “the truth [as it] is in Jesus,” (Eph. 4:21), could be revealed. That could not be before “the fullness of the time was come” (Gal. 4:4), for Him to come into this world, when He could bring that “so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.” Heb 2:3. So God spoke only according to what knowledge was commonly known at that time. The things spoken of in the book of Job were evidently all before any part of the Word of God was written. What knowledge they had was what had been hand down to them during the interval since the flood. And man is prone to add to or take away from what God has given, even when he has the written Word to go by.

It would seem that what God says of Job in verses 1 and 8 that He was comparing him to others in the world at that time. And this is all the more remarkable when we consider that he was a very wealthy and influential man, for we are told in Proverbs 18:11 That “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.”

Job had been richly blessed of God with earthly blessings in earthly places. The believer now is blessed “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Eph. 1:3. We have an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Pet. 1:4.

Job had seven sons and three daughters. They feasted every day, and Job was afraid they might have sinned and cursed God in their hearts, so he offered burnt offerings for each of them. But it does not seem to allude to his own need of such offerings; which lesson he has yet to learn—the lesson of his own vileness before God. (Chapter 40:4.)

ML-01/10/1960

Little Plum-Blossom

PLUM-BLOSSOM was a little Japanese girl ten or eleven years of age. Her parents had died when she was very young and she had gone to live with a married sister and her husband. They were not very kind to her, and as soon as she was old enough, she did nearly all the work of the house, and almost always had her fat, heavy, two-year-old nephew upon her back. In Japan babies usually spend many of their waking and sleeping hours strapped on the back of their mother, or an aunt, elder sister or nurse.

It was Lord’s day afternoon, but it brought no rest or joy to poor Plum-blossom, for she had never heard of the one true God or of the Lord Jesus Christ. As she walked along, her feet ached, and her face looked tired and sad. Suddenly she stopped, attracted by music. It was not a native instrument, but an American organ. There was singing too, and as the voices came through the open windows of the mission bungalow, she could hear every word.

“Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong.”

Jesus! She had never heard that name before. Who was He, and where did He live? Why did He love some people? No one loved her, except perhaps the baby. As she stood there, the door opened, and the boys and girls came out. Among them she saw her friend, Pine-leaf, and asked her, “What has been your honorable employment? Is it a school, and are you forced to go?”

Pine-leaf replied: “Honorable Plum-blossom, it is a school, but we do not write and work sums; we sing, and Miss White, the English lady, tells us such beautiful stories from the Bible. We do not pay anything, for the class is free. Won’t you come next week with me?”

Plum-blossom did not tell her sister and brother-in-law, but when the next Lord’s day came, and her sister told her to take the baby out in the sun, she needed no second bidding. She was at the appointed place, and Pine-leaf was waiting for her. There were about twenty children present, and they all sat on soft mats. The hymn was:

“I am so glad that our Father in heaven

Tells of His love in the Book He has given;

Wonderful things in the Bible I see,

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.”

“All about Jesus and love again, what can it all mean?” thought Plum-blossom. Then the children covered their faces with their hands, for Miss White was speaking to Someone they could not see, and Plum-blossom thought the lady seemed so sure that He could hear. After the prayer came the Bible lesson, a talk about the love of God in the gift of His Son, and though Plum-blossom did not understand all that was said, her heart opened to the gospel message, and before many months had passed she was able to say: “Now I have found a Friend, Jesus is mine!”

The missionary took a great interest in her new pupil, and went to see her sister, but her visit was not welcomed. She did not think she should go again, for it would only make Plum-blossom’s life more trying and difficult.

Then when Plum-blossom was fourteen there came a sad day when her brother-in-law told her he did not intend to keep her any longer, and she was not to go to school or see her missionary friends again. In a few days he would make her marry an old man, who was a heathen and a drunkard. She knew that as a Christian she could never be happy as the wife of such a man, and after prayer for light and guidance, she left her home, never to return to it. She went to her friends at the mission station, and after telling her story, begged them to shelter her. A few hours later she was engaged by the wife of a missionary as nurse to her children.

There, loved and valued, she found a really happy home, and when four years later she left it, it was to be the wife of a native Christian schoolmaster, and with him she began to work for the Lord in the capital of Japan. There she has her own Sunday school class, and loves to tell others the glad tidings that brought joy and peace to her own soul.

Now may you too, dear reader, come to trust the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, like little Plum-blossom did. He died on the cross and shed His precious blood to redeem you. Through Him God now offers eternal life as a free gift, and you can have peace, pardon, happiness and the assurance of one day going to heaven to be with Jesus forever. But you must accept Him by faith into your heart, or all is in vain.

“AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, WHOM THOU HAST SENT.” John 17:3.

ML-01/17/1960

Changed Willie

THERE were three young men and the youngest was a lawyer’s son, named Willie. He was seventeen and I well remember the night he accepted Christ as his own dear Saviour. He had been so unhappy before, and was often rather rough and unkind to his little brother and sister, eight and six. But a few days after he decided for Christ, his mother overheard the following conversation between the two little children: “I say, Freddy, what has made Willie so awful kind lately?”

“I don’t know, Gladys, but he does seem much nicer.”

“Yes, Freddy, and he mended my broken toy this morning.”

“Oh, well, Gladys, I expect it is because he has been to those meetings, and given his heart to Jesus.”

What a lovely thing it was that those children should see such a change in their big brother.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and the lusts.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-01/17/1960

I Must Be Born Again

SOME years ago God awakened me to anxiety about my soul. I tried different churches and chapels, but without finding Christ. A preacher came to our village while I was in this state, and I went regularly to hear him. He used to press us very closely as to whether we could say we were saved, which I, in common with others, much disliked.

A man said to me, “When he comes next time, if you answer him, ‘Yes, I am saved,’ he will go straight away and not trouble you again.” So when the preacher asked me, “Are you saved? Are you happy?” I promptly replied, “Yes!” and he went to someone else. This was a victory for the devil.

However, though I had deceived the preacher, I could not feel before God that I was saved, and I went back once more to my old religion and ways, hastening downwards to hell.

But God again spoke to my uneasy conscience, which I tried to quiet by all kinds of good works, such as signing the pledge and inducing others to do the same, also by giving away tracts, and by frequent prayer, hoping by such means to fit myself for His presence. All was in vain, and I continued in this state until another servant of God preached Christ in the village. He was the means of opening my eyes to see that praying, morality, religion, Bible-reading, and saying “Yes” because others did so, was not God’s way of saving me, but that I must be “born again.”

God now graciously showed me that I was lost, that Christ had died for such, and that in coming to Him there is forgiveness of sins. Joy and peace filled my soul, and I found how different was my former state of uncertainty from the blessedness of knowing present salvation through the blood of Christ.

Friend! if unsaved, I beseech you to inquire whether you are honestly submitting yourself to God’s testimony concerning His Son, for “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” than the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12.)

ML-01/17/1960

Bible Talks: Job 1:6-12

IN THIS first chapter of Job the veil is drawn aside, as it were, and we get a glimpse of the unseen world which surrounds us. We can only find these things out in truth from God’s Word. People like to give their thoughts on this subject, but we have to learn that our thoughts are not God’s thoughts. (Isa. 55:8). It is sad that the great majority of people prefer to go on with their own thoughts and remain in ignorance of what God has to say to them.

What we have here brought before us is that there is an unseen world, and Satan, the great enemy of God and man, is very actively seeking to frustrate God’s purposes, and to prevent man from laying hold of what He has so plainly given us in His Word. Satan is a real person—he would be no more real if we saw him—and though we may little realize it, filled with hatred he is watching the child of God, even as he did Job whom God had blessed. Satan has limited access into heaven, but not where God dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). But he has some access and is called the accuser of the brethren. By and by he will be cast down out of heaven to the earth (Rev. 12:9, 10), and finally into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). But God uses his accusations for the final blessing of His people in the end.

There is another who has passed through the heavens, our Lord Jesus Christ, to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 4:14). He has accomplished our redemption, and bears His people upon His heart and upon His shoulders of strength.

Scripture speaks of the heavens (plural) in several places. Deuteronomy 10:14 tells us, “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORDS’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” Solomon in his prayer at the dedication of the temple recognized that there was more than one heaven, sang, “Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house that I have build.” 1 Kings 8:27. Then in the New Testament Paul speaks of being caught up to the “third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2).

Some have wondered at this remarkable scene where the sons of God (or evidently the angels) came to present themselves before God, Satan being among them. But we have seen from the scriptures referred to that there are different spheres of the heavens. We also learn this from Luke 16 where Lazarus, when he died, was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. But the rich man found himself in hades — a part of the unseen world—a great way off, and yet there was a conversation carried on between them. The rich man was in torments, but Lazarus was at peace in the place of blessing. There could be no changing of place—it was too late. Sometimes we hear some one say of another who has departed this life, that he is better off. But the rich man found himself in torments because he was a rejecter of God’s Word. So if we want to be better off after death, we must beware not to reject in life the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God saw that while Job was a wonderful man in almost every way, yet he had need of a great lesson. There was something there that needed correcting and Job was entirely ignorant of it. So God allowed Satan to send some great calamities into Job’s life, to sift him. If we are sifted of Satan, there is always a needs be, but there is also this precious comfort for the believer that God is making all things work together for his good. He ever acts in grace with His own, that we might be conformed to the image of His beloved Son.

ML-01/17/1960

Greyfriars' Bobby

ACROSS from the gateway of the old Greyfriars’ Cemetery, Edinburgh, there stands a monument in memory of a little Skye terrier.

Many stories have been told illustrating the fidelity of dogs to their masters, but few have been charged with such pathos as the story of Greyfriars’ Bobby.

His master, a Midlothian farmer named Gray, was in the habit of attending the market in the city every Wednesday, and as regularly as the gun boomed one o’clock from the castle, Mr. Gray entered a restaurant for his midday meal. On these occasions, he was always accompanied by his constant companion, Bobby, who never failed to get a bun or two for dinner. Thus the dog was as well-known in the dining rooms as was Mr. Gray himself.

The waiters were greatly surprised one day when Bobby entered the restaurant at one o’clock looking woebegone in the extreme. They knew that his master had died and had been buried three days previously, and greatly touched by the pathetic appearance of the dog, they gave him one of his favorite buns. Bobby looked as if he had been starving, but instead of eating the bun, he snatched it up and ran out of the restaurant. This was repeated on the following two or three days, until at length Mr. Traill, the proprietor, made up his mind to go after Bobby and find out where he went. His feelings may be imagined as he hurried along closely behind the small dog to Greyfriars’ Churchyard. Without hesitation, Bobby ran across to his master’s grave, and there lay down and ate up his bun.

Then began a vigil which the faithful little terrier was to keep up night and day for the next fourteen years.

The only luxury which Bobby allowed himself was his daily run to the restaurant for his food at one o’clock. Many attempts were made to wean him away from this spot—to him so sacred —but all were unavailing. Some thoughtful person erected a rough little shelter against the side of a tombstone where Bobby could go in stormy weather.

“Faithful unto death!” Such was Greyfriars’ Bobby. Laden with years, and love for his master’s memory his one bright thing in life, Bobby lingered on until 1872, when his disconsolate spark of vitality flickered out.

Respected in life, Bobby was honored in death, and was buried in Greyfriars’ Churchyard, where his grave may still be seen.

On the memorial fountain which was erected near the place of his inconsolable vigil, these words were inscribed:

Greyfriars’ Bobby

From the life, just before his death.

In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars’ Churchyard, and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.

A Tribute

To the Affectionate Fidelity of

Greyfriars’ Bobby.

1872

Perhaps it would be well to remark here that animals do not possess an immortal soul like human beings. When they die, that is the end of them. Their bodies return to dust. But it is not so with you and me. We have souls that will live forever—as long as God lives—either in heaven or in hell. God sent His beloved Son into this world to die for sinners that we might be saved and not come into judgment.

The body of Bobby’s master still rests in the churchyard, but it is not so with our blessed Lord Jesus. The angels could say to those who came to the tomb on that resurrection morning, “He is not here, but is risen,” Luke 24:2, and shortly after He ascended to heaven where He now sits on the right hand of the Father. Soon He is coming and will utter the assembling shout that will call all His redeemed, both dead and living, to meet Him in the clouds, and they will be forever with Him in the Father’s house.

But those who spurn His love and never come to know Him in this life as their Saviour, will not hear that shout. They will be left behind to face Him as their Judge at the great white throne. They will be sentenced for their sins to the lake of fire forever. (Rev. 20:11-15.)

O that you, dear reader, old or young, might be found among the redeemed company who, pardoned, saved and happy, await His return, for “unto them that look for Him shall He appear without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28.

May we who love His name, take the example of little Bobby, and seek grace to be faithful to the memory of our blessed Lord and Master.

“WHOM HAVING NOT SEEN, YE LOVE; IN WHOM, THOUGH NOW YE SEE HIM NOT, YET BELIEVING, YE REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY.” 1 Peter 1:8.

ML-01/24/1960

"Pray Without Ceasing"

IN 1 Thess. 5:17 it says, “Pray without ceasing.” Talk to Jesus about everything. Nothing is too small for Him to care about.

I knew a little girl who lived in a very fine home, and I often saw her galloping about the grounds on her own white pony while I was there. But she had a very bad memory, and often got into trouble with the teacher because she could not say her lessons.

However, when she was twelve there came a great change, and she got on splendidly at school. One day her father asked how it was? So she said, “Well, father, I asked Jesus to help me, and He did. Then I thanked Him, and begged Him to help me again, and He did so. Since I found that He helped me with my lessons, I go and ask Him about everything.”

“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:17, 18.

ML-01/24/1960

James

FOLLOWING the Received Version and order of the New Testament, brings us to James as the next of its authors or writers.

That there were three disciples of the same name seems clear:

1. James (and John), son of Salome and Zebedee, called the greater.

2. James (and Joses), son of Mary and Cleopas, called the less.

3. James (and Joses, Simon, Judas), the Lord’s brother, called the Just.

It is with the last named that we have to do here, inasmuch as he is the author of the epistle called after him. He was not one of the twelve apostles. In John 7:5, we read, “Neither did His brethren believe on Him,” showing that James was not among the followers of Jesus at that time. Many think that he only became a disciple after the crucifixion; perhaps, indeed, he is the James to whom the Lord appeared (1 Cor. 15:7) after His resurrection, an interview of which we have no other record.

That the Lord’s brethren had witnessed some of His mighty works (see Matt. 12:46; 13:55; Luke 8:19; John 2), and that they were at last really converted, is evident from the fact that they were gathered with the apostles at Jerusalem, awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit.

In the upper room then we start with James (Acts 1:14), and he seems to have made Jerusalem his abode until his death or martyrdom, which took place shortly before the seige of Titus. Perhaps James 5:6 is his own way of speaking of it. Josephus tells us that he was stoned to death by the Jews, and adds that this crime was punished by the destruction of the city. Others say that he was thrown down from the temple and afterward slain—so it seems clear that he was martyred.

James certainly occupied a place of power in the early Church in that city, and hence he has often been styled its bishop, or overseer. After the great persecution at Stephen’s death, believers were scattered from Jerusalem, except the apostles, among whom the Lord’s brother was chief. A great company of priests there were obedient to the faith, and thousands of Jews believed, but were still under the law of Moses, and had not given up frequenting the temple and the synagogue. It was a moment of transition or change, and it required time for a Jew to comprehend that Christ was the end of the law, and that God was no longer dwelling in their beautiful temple made with hands, and still standing.

Paul went to Jerusalem after his conversion, to visit Peter, and only saw James besides (Gal. 1). At the conference there later on, at which Paul and Barnabas were delegates, James could say, “My sentence is...,” etc. (Acts 15.) Paul calls him a pillar, and refers to his influence over Peter (Gal. 2). Then when Paul went again to Jerusalem (Acts 21), he declared to James what God had wrought by him, and received advice from him which may be questioned; but we must remember the influence the temple and Jewish observances exercised over the dwellers in that city.

These facts show us the place James occupied, and it is from this standpoint that he writes his epistle. His subject is — “The practical life of the poor of the flock, who still frequented the synagogue; the denunciations against the rich unbelievers.” He desires that the “external practical life should correspond with the inner divine life of the Christian,” which, indeed, we ought all to seek after. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” James writes to the whole people of Israel, to whom the promises of God were being presented in the gospel.

ML-01/24/1960

Bible Talks: Job 1:13-2:10

IN ONE day four great calamities fell upon Job sweeping away almost everything he had. First, his servants were plowing with the oxen, and the asses were feeding by them, when the Sabeans, a band of robbers from the south, fell upon them, carrying away all the animals and slaying all the servants but one, who escaped to tell the tale. Next, the fire of God fell upon Job’s vast flocks of sheep and consumed them, including the shepherds, except one who brought the evil tidings to him. Then another servant came to tell Job the Chaldean bands from the east had carried off the camels, and had slain the servants, except himself who alone escaped.

Terrible as these trials were, the worst was yet to come. While his sons and daughters were feasting in their eldest brother’s house, there came a whirlwind from the wilderness, which attacked the house from the four sides. The house was destroyed and all inside killed but the one who escaped to carry the sad news. To lose his whole family was indeed a terrible blow to an affectionate father like Job.

Satan had brought all this upon Job in his attempt to cause Job to curse God. But Job acted in a way that very few would have done. He arose and rent his clothes—a sign of mourning; he shaved his head, and fell down on the ground and worshiped, saying, “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Then we have this added by the divine historian, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

Satan was unable to shake Job’s faith, but later on when his friends came to see him, it is brought out that he had not as yet learned the pride that was in his heart.

In chapter 2 we have another glimpse of the unseen world. The sons of God again come to present themselves before the Lord and Satan comes also. God again calls his attention to Job saying that there was none like him in all the earth—a perfect and upright man, Satan, now having been proved wrong in his previous accusations of Job, is still ready to bring up more accusations. He infers that Job was faithful only because God had limited his trials and would not allow him to touch Job’s body. He claims that Job could bear the loss of his property, his wealth and even his children, but if his body were afflicted, then he would curse God. So the Lord allowed Satan to go further this time saying, “Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” Satan then went out and smote Job with boils from head to foot,—a terrible affliction.

Poor Job scraped himself with a potsherd (a broken piece of pottery) and sat down among the ashes. His wife, who seemed to be under Satan’s influence, suggested to him that he “curse God, and die.” But Job’s reply was, “Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” Again there is the divine comment, “In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” He was no hypocrite. Satan, defeated, disappears, and is heard of no more in the book.

ML-01/24/1960

The Colonel's Word Will Stand

“I HAD in my regiment a little bugler named Willie Holt. I had often noticed him as being too delate for the life he had to lead; but he was born in the regiment, and we were bound to make the best of him. His father had been killed in action, and his mother drooped and died six months later.

“As several acts of insubordination had been brought to my notice I determined to make an example of the very next offense by having the culprit flogged.

“One morning it was reported that, during the night, the targets had been thrown down and otherwise mutated. On investigation the rascally act was traced to a man or men in the very tent where Willie Holt was billeted. The whole lot were instantly put under arrest, to be tried by court martial. In vain were they appealed to to produce the men, and at last I spoke:

" ‘If any one of you who slept in No. 4 tent last night will come forward and take his punishment like a man, the rest will get off free; but if not, there remains no alternative but to punish you all—each man in turn to receive ten strokes of the cat.’

“For the space of a couple of minutes dead silence followed; then from the midst of the prisoners, where his slight form had been completely hidden, Willie Holt came forward.

“He advanced to within a couple of yards from where I sat; his face was very pale; a fixed intensity of purpose stamped on every line of it.

" ‘Colonel,’ said he, ‘you have passed your word that if any one of those who slept in No. 4 last night comes forward to take his punishment the rest shall get off scot-free. I am ready, sir; and please may I take it now?’

“For a moment I was speechless, so utterly was I taken by surprise: then in a fury of anger and disgust turned upon the prisoners.

" ‘Is there no man among you worthy of the name? Are you all cowards enough to let this lad suffer for your sins? for that he is guiltless, you know as well as I.’ But sullen and silent they stood, with never a word.

“Never in all my life have I found myself so painfully situated. I knew my word must stand, and the lad knew it too. Sick at heart I gave the order, and he was led away for punishment “Bravely he stood, with back bared, as one—two—three—strokes descended. At the fourth a faint moan escaped his white lips, and ere the fifth fell, a cry burst from the group of prisoners who had been forced to witness the scene, and, with one bound, Jim Sykes, the black sheep of the regiment, seized the cat, as, with choking, gasping utterances he shouted, " ‘Stop it, Colonel, stop it, and tie me up instead. He didn’t do it, I did,’ and with convulsed and anguished face he flung his arms around the boy.

“Fainting and almost speechless, Willie lifted his eyes to the man’s face and smiled—such a smile.

" ‘No, Jim,’ he whispered, ‘you are safe now; the Colonel’s word will stand.’ His head fell forward—he had fainted.

“The next day as I was making for the hospital tent where the boy lay I met the doctor.

" ‘How is the lad?’ I asked.

" ‘Sinking, Colonel,’ he said quietly. " ‘What!’ I ejaculated, horrified bond words.

" ‘Yes, the shock of yesterday was too much for his feeble strength.’

“The dying lad lay propped up on the pillows and, half-kneeling, half-crouching at his side was Jim Sykes. The change in the boy’s face startled me; it was deathly white, but his great eyes were shining with a wonderful light, strangely sweet. He was talking earnestly, but neither of them saw me.

“At that moment the kneeling man lifted his head, and I saw drops of sweat standing on his brow as he muttered brokenly, " ‘Why did ye do it, lad? Why did ye do it?’

" ‘Because I wanted to take it for you, Jim,’ Willie’s weak voice answered tenderly. ‘I thought if I did it it might help you to understand a little bit why Christ died for you.’

" ‘Christ has naught to do with such as me, lad. I’m one of the bad ‘uns.’

" ‘But He died to save bad ones—just them. He says, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners,” and “Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow.” ‘Dear Jim,’ the earnest voice pleaded patiently, ‘shall the Lord have died in vain? He has poured out His precious life-blood for you. He is knocking at the door of your heart; won’t you let Him in?’

“The lad’s voice was failing him, but he laid his hand gently on the man’s bowed head, as he sang:

‘Just as I am without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me.

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God—I come.’

thrilling the heart of every man who heard it. Then gradually the weak arms dropped, the light faded from the shining eyes, and the brave spirit of the dear boy had fled to God.”

—COLONEL H.

Dear reader, need I add anything to this little story? Do you not see in it a wonderful illustration of what Christ has done?

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.... With His stripes we are healed. 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. 53:5, 6.

“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Pet. 2:22.

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

ML-01/31/1960

"The Children Rejoiced"

IN Nehemiah’s day this sentence was written: “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” and we read there how full of happiness God’s people were in his time. On eight different occasions we are told that “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 even afar off.” Neh. 12:43.

Dear young friends, I want to make you think of the “joy” we can have in the Lord Jesus. We are told that at His “right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psa. 16. Not only something which will please for a moment, or an hour, or a day, but a joy which will go on getting brighter and brighter, until we hear our Saviour saying, “Enter thou into the ‘joy’ of thy Lord.”

There was, a little while ago, a great storm at sea. The waves were running mountains high. A little girl, just six years old, was going with her mother on a long voyage, when the ship in which they sailed was caught in this storm, and all hope was abandoned. The mother drew her little girl to her side, and said, “Edie, darling, the captain says the ship is going down; will my little girl be brave and not afraid?”

Looking up into her mother’s face, little Edith answered, “Mamma, God has promised to keep us safe wherever we are. I am not afraid; it is so nice to be safe with Him.”

Dear little girl! “Safe with Him,” and so she could rejoice. Her bright, happy face put hope in the passengers’ hearts, and we are glad to tell you that by God’s grace the ship weathered the storm. “The joy of the Lord” was indeed her “strength,” though she was only a little child. Like the children in Nehemiah’s time, she “rejoiced” because she “understood” the words of the Lord.

Let us see whom we have to rejoice in. “Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). And when? “Always"! This is an abiding joy; not only when everything seems right and happy, but even when all is dark, when unkind words are spoken of you, evil deeds done to you, even then “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” (Matt. 5:12.)

Oh! if there were more happy-looking Christians, how much they could do. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” ought to be written on every heart. No long, sad faces, but calm, happy ones, because we understand the words Jesus has said to us.

Ask God to give you this joy (Eccles. 2:26), and, if you have it already in your heart, may it shine forth in your daily life, so that,

“When others see your happy face,

And ask what makes you glad;

What makes you love the Saviour, Why you are seldom sad;

Oh! happy, laughing children,

May this your answer be:

‘I love my Saviour and I know

His wondrous love for me!’ "

ML-01/31/1960

Bible Talks: Job 2:11-3:26

SATAN had been defeated, but still Job had not learned the lesson which God had for him. What the storm Satan had brought against him failed to do, is brought about through the appearance of Job’s three friends. His uprightness, and even his patience, had been manifested, and Satan had no more to say. But God alone can search out what the heart really is before Him. This He did with Job, at the same time revealing that He acts in grace for the good of the one He loves.

Job had three devoted friends who lived at a distance. Having heard, of his affliction, and being much concerned for their friend, they made an appointment to visit him. Their desire was to comfort him, but finding his condition so shocking and so much worse than they at first thought, they did not know him, and all they could do was to rend their clothes, sprinkle dust on their heads, and weep. “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”

The presence of his friends, who were well acquainted with his former greatness, their seeing him in such a sad plight, was more than Job could bear. Their inability to say anything arouses his feelings and reveals that there had been with Job a self-satisfaction in his former state and manner of life. What follows throughout the book indicates, we believe, that while Job had a new nature, he did not know what was in his heart and had never really been in the presence of God. He had never learned to say, “I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.”

But if such was the case with Job, his three friends knew far less of God’s ways in His dealings with man than he. They all believed that God acted in government in this world, but theirs was such a cold reasoning on the matter, for they inferred that what befell men here could be taken as an exact outline of God’s ways with man. As they gazed upon the terribleness of Job’s sufferings, they began to allow in their hearts the thought that he must be guilty of something terrible, which was not the case at all. Therefore they accuse him wrongfully of many things, which we shall see as we proceed through this book.

The lack of pity, the absence of any consolation from those from whom Job had expected sympathy, was too much for his spirit. One might bear grief and suffering alone and bow under it, but if others from whom he expects sympathy come and withhold it and perhaps distrust him, it often brings but a different spirit. In Job’s case it caused him to break out, mourning over his terrible lot in having to come into such suffering. He had refused to curse God, but he does curse the day he was born. He wishes he had never been born or that he had been born dead. In death, he says, he would have been with the small and great, where those were who had caused trouble for the oppressed, but could do so no more. It must be remembered that in Job, as in all the Old Testament, the truth of what takes place after death is not revealed. This comes out only in the New Testament. Life and incorruptibility have been brought to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:10).

Job then reveals that he had harbored a secret fear that all his wealth and position could be swept away from him, and now it had come to pass. He had not been in safety nor in quietness, nor at peace. He had not the confidence in God Abraham had while he walked in faith before Him.

ML-01/31/1960

The Mother Elephant

A FRIEND of mine used to delight in telling the story of a good mother elephant that he saw in a picture. The scene was by some water in Africa, and a number of black men had hunted her and her baby calf into the lake, where she was protecting her child by standing between it and the shore. The shore was lined with black men, who hurled spears, meant for the young elephant. But as the mother stood in front, and was much bigger, the spears all wounded her, while her little one was untouched. My friend said the picture made him think of his Saviour.

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:4.

Because of our sin, God must smite us; but His beloved Son became “our shield.” He came from heaven and died instead of us, bearing the punishment that was our due, and now all who believe this wonderful fact and put their he thought of his family’s surprise to discover his disappearance. So he wrote a few lines and put the note on the kitchen table. He wrote:

“Dear Father: I go West tonight with Tom Jones taking nothing with me but a few things of my own and the clothes on my back... Paul.”

Soon Paul and Tom were on their way to the West. After walking until midnight they came to a log hut, and Tom said, “Here is the first station on our route, and we will camp here for the night.” To Paul this first night out seemed wonderfully romantic, as they made a campfire. After eating a few potatoes, they went to sleep in the hut.

I need not go back to Paul’s home to tell of the sorrow and anxiety there when his family discovered that their dear boy had run away. Paul didn’t realize how much they all loved him, and now that he was gone it seemed their love went out to him more than ever.

It so happened that an officer of a small town where the boys were camping saw smoke coming out of the chimney of the hut and went over to see who was there. He arrived just as Tom and Paul were about to take up their march again. That was the end of their trip to the wild West. The boys were restored to their parents, and we can well imagine their joy in seeing the young prodigals back home again. Paul had learned his lesson and never again did he run away from home.

How many boys and girls, and older folks too, are trying to run away from God. They know not how great and fathomless is that love that goes out to them, nor do they realize how His heart yearns over the wanderers and how He longs to receive them back and make them His dear children. The Lord Jesus told His disciples in John 16:27, “The Father Himself loveth you.” But the poor prodigal we read about in Luke 15 did not appreciate his father’s love and goodness. Not until he had gone to the far country where he wasted his substance with riotous living, not until there’ arose a mighty famine and he began to be in want, did he begin to think of his father’s house. But when he arose and came to his father, O what a welcome he got! and what a feast was spread for him!

If the reader of this little paper is still a wanderer from the Father’s face, we plead with you to get back to God right now. You will be surprised at the welcome you will get from Him who loves you, who sent His beloved Son to die on the cross for your sins, to make you fit for the presence of His glory.

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

“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.” — 1 John 4:9.

ML-02/07/1960

Blooming Virtue

I SUPPOSE you must wonder what the strange title to this story must mean! I wondered too, when I first read it, and I was very much surprised to find that it was the name of a boy. Yes, Blooming Virtue was the name of a dear boy who was born to Christian Chinese parents, in the faraway land of China.

One day when his father was not at home, a band of robbers came into the village and began to steal the belongings of the people, and also took away with them a number of the boys of the village. Among them was Blooming Virtue. When their evil work was done, they started along the road to the next village. About half way to the village, they met Blooming Virtue’s father, returning from his work in the fields.

“Father, do help me,” cried the boy. “They have robbed our home, and are taking me away. Please help me.”

The poor father was quite helpless against those wild armed men, and with a breaking heart, he just stood by the side of the road and allowed his son to be taken away. Then he hurried to his own village, and was soon on his knees, with his dear wife, in prayer for their dear son, Blooming Virtue.

The robber band kept moving from place to place, and for a long time nothing was heard of Blooming Virtue, but still his father and mother kept praying for him, that he might be delivered and returned to them.

One day a friend was out hunting wild ducks, and he spied some of the robbers. Quickly he notified the boy’s father, and together they set out to see if they could find the stolen lad. Sure enough they met some of the robbers, and were able to follow them secretly without being discovered. At last they came upon the robber’s hiding place. Was their prayer going to be answered? Keeping themselves from sight as best they could, they eagerly watched till at last they caught sight of Blooming Virtue. But how he had changed! He looked so frightened, and seemed quite unable to smile at all. With the Lord’s help, they were able to rescue the stolen boy, and hurried away among the trees bore anyone else saw them.

What joy there was in that home when Blooming Virtue was once more back among them. Quickly they all fell on their knees and thanked the Lord for answering their prayer in caring for their boy, and in helping them to rescue him. When the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world, He said that He had come to “preach deliverance to the captives.” What did He mean by this? Did He mean that He would go to all the prisons and set the captives free? No, I believe there are a good many people who have never been inside a prison, or stolen by a band of robbers, but they are captives just the same. Perhaps you are one of them. Yes, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are most certainly a captive to sin and Satan, and the Lord is able and willing to set you free right now. You cannot set yourself free. “A man shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” The Lord Jesus loved you and me, much more than Blooming Virtue’s father loved his son. He loved you so much that He went to the cross and died in order that He might set you free.

ML-02/07/1960

"I'm Going to Jesus!"

IZZIE drew the bed clothes ‘round her little sister and left her alone. Annia had been ill for a long time, and she often grew weary lying there. She wanted something to look at, for she was only seven years old. So slipping out of bed, she glanced ‘round the room, and seeing a paper on the table, she took it up and began to read. It was about a wicked man who did not believe in God, and when he died, he said, “I’m going, I’m going, I don’t know where!” He did not believe in the Home, nor in the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.

Annia did believe, so she softly repeated his words, altering them to suit herself: “I’m going, I’m going, I do know where! I’m going to Jesus; His home I shall share.”

The poor man, who had thought himself so wise, “by wisdom knew not God” (1 Cor. 1:21). The child did not understand all about God, but she had learned that He loved her, and knew Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6.)

Dear young reader, where are you going?

ML-02/07/1960

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 3:8-32.

IN this account of the building of the wall, it is interesting to note that some of the sons and daughters are mentioned as engaged in the work. It is a wonderful thing when the grace of God has so worked in the hearts of all the family, that the sons and daughters seek grace and strength to carry on the work of the Lord. Moses had told the children of Israel in Deut. 6: “And these words which I command you this day shalt be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way...” How good it is to see the children respond and carry on in what the Lord would have them do. Teaching these things in the family corresponds to the exercise shown here, for of some it is said, he repaired “over against his house.” This would remind us that testimony and service for the Lord should begin at home.

Another who is singled out for special notice is Meshullam the son of Berechiah who, it is said, repaired “over against his chamber.” It would seem that he did not have a house, only a room, but though his quarters were small, yet he was found faithful. And this is a comfort if our sphere of service may seem to be small, for faithfulness in the place in which the Lord has placed us is that which He values and commends.

Then we read about Uzziel, the goldsmith, and Hananiah, the son of an apothecary, working together in repairing and fortifying Jerusalem. It is lovely to see this happy spirit that united these men of profession—they were not too proud to labor amid rough stones and rubbish if the work of the Lord called for it.

Baruch the son of Zabbai gets a nice commendation here for it says he “earnestly repaired.” v. 20. Later on we read that “he was a faithful ma and feared God above many” The Lord takes note of how we labor. Here was one who labored whole-heartedly in the work, which is quite a contrast to what is said in chapter 4: “And 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.” In everything that the Lord has committed to man, there has always been much failure, so we shall always find rubbish. The enemy would have us to be discouraged by pointing out the failures of others, but the faith which the Lord has committed to us is a holy faith, and the failures of many cannot touch that. The Lord knew all about the failures which would be brought in, before He went to the cross, as He shows us in the parables. Some would profess His name without their being reality, nevertheless He endured the cross, despising the shame, that such poor creatures as we are might be saved. So we are to heed His word which says: “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed.” Heb. 12:12, 13.

Revivals have often begun with the faith and energy of one individual! Nehemiah’s zeal had drawn out others and the chapter closes with the happy picture of all working together in service for the Lord. And this should encourage us today that we too might “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Phil. 1:27.

ML-02/07/1960

Frisky, The Missionary's Goat

THE goat, although not quite so attractive as the sheep, is nevertheless a very interesting creature. It belonged to the flock of the Orient, and its milk was always esteemed more than any other in Eastern countries; hence the promise to the careful and diligent man: “Thou shalt have goat’s milk enough for thy food.” Prov. 27:27.

Goats are very frequently spoken of in the Bible. You remember Joseph’s brethren dipped “his coat of many colors in the blood of a kid of the goats.” This animal was also frequently sacrificed as an offering unto the Lord, and as a sin offering on behalf of the people.

But, did you ever hear of a goat becoming so fond of her master as to follow him about just in the same manner as a dog follows his master? That is what Frisky did, the timid creature shown in our picture. She belonged to a missionary in the far away island of Lewis in the north of Scotland. She was called Frisky because when just a kid, she loved to frolic and play with her master. Frisky grew up and gave “milk enough for food.”

There was one very noticeable thing about interesting Frisky, she would not obey, nor yet follow, any other person but her own master, who cared for her, supplied all her wants, and when chilly winds blew, made her comfortable in the little house at the end of the garden. And how she loved him in return, bleating her thankfulness timidly the while, and rubbing her little white head against his hand. She knew a stranger immediately and scampered away terrified. Goats are like sheep in this respect. Sheep only hear the shepherd’s voice, and Frisky only heard the voice of the one who was kind to her.

We love to study the habits of animals. They have so many characteristics peculiar to boys and girls, and I am sure there are many young folks just like the missionary’s goat, who return their love because of what they get. The Bible says “For if ye love them which love you what thank have ye?” Luke 6:32. Think of God’s love for sinful creatures: “God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

How sad it is that “God is not in all [our] thoughts,” Psa. 10:4. Yet He attends to all our needs; “Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psa. 145:16. His gentle rain from heaven falls upon the just and the unjust; the genial rays of the sun carry joy to all, good and bad alike, but the love of God as manifested in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the highest and grandest manifestation of love ever known.

God loved you and me without a cause. We were His enemies, separated from Him because of sin, but by the offering of Jesus Christ once for all (of whom the sacrificial goat was a shadow), God can now pardon every sinner.

“It is not possible that the blood of... goats should take away sin.” (Heb. 10:4), but “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin.” 1 John 1:5.

Dear reader, can you say, “Jesus loved ME and gave Himself for ME"?

“BY THE WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFENG OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL.” Heb. 10:10.

ML-02/14/1960

God Is

THE following is a remarkable proof for any who may need one, of the fact that, as the Apostle says: “God is, and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6.

There was a missionary in Calcutta who spent his time in preparing translations of the Gospel of John into all the different dialects spoken by native tribes. These Gospels were sent all over the country, wherever there were no missionaries, and wherever they were needed.

One day, while at work in his room, his servant announced the arrival of a man whose language even he did not understand, but who insisted on seeing the Sahib (master). When the man was brought in, he laid a little book on the table and pointed to it, while talking volubly in a tongue the missionary did not know.

On taking the book up, he at once recognized one of his own little Gospels, and noticed something written on the back page. It was a language he could not read, expert though he was in Indian dialects. So he sent out into the bazaars and Indian quarters of the city to find a man who could interpret the strange writing. At last one was found, and he read the words, “White man, come!”

It appeared that the man who brought the book, had been sent by the chief of a tribe from the far North West of India, beyond the border, where a white man had never been, but where the little book had in some way been carried, and where a desire for the Word of God had been awakened.

But what was to be done? The missionary could not leave his work, and he had not the means to send even a native Christian. As usual, man’s extremity is God’s opportunity; He had already foreseen the need. That very day the missionary got a letter from an unknown man in California, saying he had heard of his work for the Lord, and felt compelled to send him some money at once, to meet the expense of a missionary for any special mission he had in mind, and accordingly enclosed a draft for $1500!

Verily, God is!

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is upright toward Him.” 2 Chron. 16:9.

ML-02/14/1960

Charlie and the Apples

LITTLE Charlie had one great fault, which much grieved his God-fearing father, who sought to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Charlie often spent his play hours with boys his father did not wish him to be with. He enjoyed their games and fun, and could not believe this scripture, “Evil communications corrupt good manners.”

One afternoon his father, instead of punishing him for being with the naughty boys, told him to go into the garden and pick three of the very best apples he could find. Charlie was not long before he came back with three fine rosy ones.

“Put them down upon the table, my son,” said his father, “and now fetch me the worst apple you can find; and, mind it must be quite rotten.”

Away ran Charlie, and soon came back with the bad apple, wondering what his father could mean.

“Now take the three good apples, my boy, and put the bad apple close to them on the shelf in the cupboard.”

“No, father,” cried Charlie, “it will spoil the others — don’t say so,” for it grieved him to think of the three beautiful apples being spoiled that way.

“Do as I tell you, my boy,” said his father, so Charlie obeyed.

A few days later Charlie’s father called him and told him to open the cupboard and look at the apples, and there, just as the little boy had thought, were the four apples quite rotten and only fit to be thrown away.

Before his little son had time to exclaim and say as children often do, “I said it would be so, father,” the good man explained to Charlie his parable.

One bad apple placed by the side of three good apples had first tainted them, and then corrupted them all. The three good apples had not made the bad one good, but they had all caught its badness and become like it. And if one bad apple could spoil three good apples, what effect would many bad boys have upon his little son? Indeed, had there not been in little Charlie already something bad, he would never have played with children whom his father wished him not to play with.

He showed Charlie that it is the pride of our hearts which makes us say, the bad boys cannot do me any harm. There is something in our hearts which soon makes us as bad as the worst if we go near the evil. This something is sin. There is sin in our hearts, and it loves the sin which is in other people’s hearts.

God is a holy God and hates sin; and God must punish sin. But God is love and He told out His love by sending the Lord Jesus into the world to die for sinners and to bear the punishment against sin which we deserved. He is full of love and is waiting for you to come to Him and have all your sins washed away.

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

ML-02/14/1960

Bible Talks: Job 6 & 7

JOB speaks next but he does not directly answer Eliphaz, whose reasonings he knew had quite missed the mark. He says, “Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea.” Theirs was a one-sided judgment, for they judged only from what they saw on the surface, and he longed for a just judgment of his case. He desires that God would grant to him the thing he longed for — death, which-would have meant the end of his sufferings. He did not have then the comfort of the hope revealed to us now in the New Testament that for the believer “to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21. We know now that death is but a door into the presence of the Saviour who loved and gave Himself for us. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5). He could say to the dying thief on the cross, “To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.

Job speaks of the arrows of the Almighty being within him, and the terrors of God being arrayed against him. All this shows that while he had been a God-fearing and a righteous man, he had not really been one who continually brought God into his circumstances. He was not like Enoch who habitually walked with God. Much less was he like that perfect One who when in this world suffered without a murmur and who always bowed submissively to His Father’s will. He could say, “Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight;” again, “not My will, but Thine be done.” Job could not see why his friends could not understand his case. They understood less of God’s ways than Job did, yet at the same time they felt capable of pointing out what was wrong in Job’s life that would bring about such a condition of things.

Job says that his brethren had dealt deceitfully as a brook, which had water in it in the winter time, but when the troops of Tema and Sheba sought for it in summer, the waters had vanished. Time was when he would have got comfort from his friends, but now there was nothing but a lurking suspicion which had no real foundation at all. They were, he says, only digging a pit for their friend.

It is interesting to see how in the Old Testament Scriptures the different ways in which “man” is spelled in the original writings. It was not possible to show all these distinctions in English. Sometimes it refers to man as a race, sometimes as a strong man, at other times as mortal man, etc. We will try to point out some of these differences as we go through the book of Job. In chapter 7:1 Job says, “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth?” There it is mortal man—he has death before him.

Then he says he is as an hireling watching for the shadows of evening to see when his day was done. But when Job compared his days with his long nights of suffering, they were like a weaver’s shuttle, moving swiftly back and forth.

From verse 11 to the end of the chapter Job seems to be addressing God. He had confidence in God but he could not understand what God somehow or other had against him. He says “Thou scarest me with dreams and terrifiest me with visions.” ‘O Thou [Observer] of men? why hast Thou set me as a mark against Thee,... And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?” When we think of the sufferings, the exercises and sorrows of those of old, how thankful we should be that now we can rejoice in the work of Christ, “Who was delivered for our offenses and was raid for our justification.” Rom. 4:25.

ML-02/14/1960

Mulenankambi

IT WAS a great day when the African chief, proud, arrogant and seated upon a chair, was to be publicly proclaimed ruler in the stead of his deceased father. A big beer drink had been arranged in the capital and all the people were to be present to greet and flatter him with carefully chosen words and to enlarge upon his importance.

The head men and common folk would all in turn drink beer poured into the bottom half of a small calabash, which makes an excellent cup. The chief, however, must drink out of the skull of a person killed for the purpose.

A man unnamed was chosen as the victim, but very cleverly Mulenankambi discovered that he was that man, and as both his father and mother had died at the hands of the chief’s family, he decided to save his skull by running away before the great day. Thus he escaped and it became necessary to fall upon another person in the stead of Mulenankambi.

The second section of the story is also remarkable. It is called

“A Saved Soul”

Mulenankambi became more or less a wanderer for over a year, and then one day he appeared on a mission station. He remained there and daily listened to the gospel preached by missionaries. Nothing seemed to affect him but one thing. He said he heard nothing but sin, sin, sin. It seemed as if the preaching was all against him. “The wages of sin is death,” was a text which clung to him as an octopus clings to its victim. “Death, and after this the judgment,” these words followed him as a hunter follows the animal’s track. He feared exceedingly the thought of judgment far more than death at the hand of his chief. To save his skull he ran away and now he longed to save his soul; but where could he run? The African forests, numerous and vast, could afford him protection from the chief, but not from the eyes of his Holy Creator.

He continued to listen to the preaching, and having been convicted of sin, which is absolutely necessary ere one can appreciate the saving work of Christ, he next was delighted to learn that Another had died in his stead. A year or so before that day a man, at the chief’s orders, had died because Mulenankambi had escaped. Now he heard that when there was not any possible escape from the guilt of his sin, Christ, the Son of God, died on his behalf. How thankful he was, and how he reveled in the grand gospel text,

“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. Mulenankambi saved his skull; but Christ, by His death, saved Mulenankambi’s soul.

May I inquire of the reader whether he or she has a saved soul? It is possible to be saved and to know it here and now. The Scripture saith, “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.

“Done is the work that saves.”

“HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, WHO KNEW NO SIN; THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.” 2 Cor. 5:21.

ML-02/21/1960

The Whipping Boy

MANY, many years ago, it was the custom in a royal household to have a “whipping boy.” Whenever a prince had been so troublesome that he deserved punishment, this unfortunate little fellow had to take the whipping! It was thought too degrading for a prince to be whipped, but the naughtiness had to be punished and that was how it was done! Very often it made a naughty prince so unhappy to see another suffering for his sake that he gave no more trouble for fear of hurting the “whipping boy.”

That is just a faint picture of what true belief in the Lord Jesus Christ will do for you. It will make you hate sin, that ugly thing which caused the blessed Redeemer so much suffering, and which grieves Him even now in heaven, and your life will proclaim Christ as Lord.

ML-02/21/1960

Two Letters

WOULD you like to hear about two letters I received last week? I think you would. One of them was from a boy like some of our readers. He is about 8 years old and goes to Sunday school every week, unless he is sick. He also reads these papers like you do. He will be surprised to find his name here. His name is Paul.

Well, the other day I had a letter from him which made me very happy. He wrote and said, “I was saved the other night; now I know the Lord is my Saviour.” Wasn’t that good news to tell!

This dear boy knew that he had sinned and was lost, but he believed that the Lord Jesus died on the cross to put his slits away. Now he can say that he is saved.

There are a lot of people who are not saved, and some of them are troubled about their sins and wish they were saved. If they would just do as Paul did, they also could say they are saved and know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. It is very simple and easy. I am sure that Paul could tell others how to be saved. He could say, Just believe on the Lord Jesus as I did—believe that He died on the cross and suffered for sinners so their sins could be put away. He died for me.

The other letter I received was one that told about a man who, instead of being about eight years old, was nearly nine times that old—he was about 70. He was very ill, for he had had a stroke. He was in the hospital for a long time, and his friends and relatives thought that he was going to die. But some Christian friends were praying to the Lord that this man might not die yet, because they were afraid that he was not saved. And you know if he died unsaved, he would be lost for all eternity—banished from God forever because of his sins. These people prayed that this dear man might live long enough and get well enough to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour. And, wonderful to tell, that is just what happened.

The letter was from his sister-in-law and said that he had been very, very sick; but one day lately he was free from pain and his mind was quite clear for a while. During that little time he said to this Christian lady, “I have accepted the Lord, and I do believe in Him.” He also said, “I love the Lord.” When he spoke of this, the tears rolled down his face—not because he was sad, but because he was happy to know the Lord. His tears were tears of joy and peace which came from believing on the Lord Jesus.

Then one day when he was able to speak, he said, “There is just one thing about it; it ought to have been a long time ago.” How true that is! He might have died before he got saved and then he would have been a lost man forever. But how gracious the Lord was to spare him long enough to get saved. I have never heard yet of anyone who was sorry he was saved early in life, but many regret that they were not saved while they were young. Our dear young friend Paul may have the joy of living to please the Lord, but this man cannot have much longer to live. He is saved and knows it, but he has missed much by not coming to the Lord Jesus as a needy sinner a long time ago.

These two letters have given a number of believers cause to praise and thank the Lord. We are all happy because both a boy of eight and a man of seventy got saved. May you boys and girls who read this paper find the Lord Jesus as your Saviour while you are young. But if you who read this happen to be old and are still unsaved, do not wait any longer, but believe on Him NOW as your Saviour. He will save you NOW.

ML-02/21/1960

What Shall We Read

A MAN in India, as he was searching for a book, felt a pain in his finger, like the prick of a pin. He took little notice of it; but soon his arm began to swell, and in a short time he was dead. A small, but deadly serpent was found among the books.

There are many who receive in a book, a bad wound that may seem slight, but proves fatal to the soul. Be careful what you read.

“It [the Word of God] shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the Lord his God.” Deut. 17:19.

ML-02/21/1960

Bible Talks: Job 8

BILDAD now attempts to answer Job and the basis of his remarks seem to be founded on traditions hand down from a former age. The Authority of wise and learned men of the past might seem to carry more weight than one’s individual experience as set forth by Eliphaz, but traditions were not what God had communicated to man. They were what man by his own reasoning had considered was truth. 1 Corinthians 1:21 tells us: “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.”

Bildad says, “If thy children have sinned against Him, and He have cast them away for their transgression;... If thou wert pure and upright;...” Like Eliphaz he reasoned purely from what he saw of the moral government of God in this world, but he knew not God’s ways with His own. These men were saying it was impossible that God would cause grief to a really righteous man and cast him down—except there be some sin or fault found in him. But we know there was One who came into this world “who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth,” One whom God gave up to sufferings infinitely bond those of Job. “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” These men did not know these things, for Christ had not come.

Bildad’s intimations that God had cast away Job’s children for their sins and that he was not “pure and upright,” were false and cruel, and deeply wounded poor Job. He speaks of Job as a hypocrite, and says God will not destroy a perfect man, nor will he help evil doers. Had not God spoken of Job as a perfect man, and that there was none like him in the earth?

Bildad then proceeds and calls on Job to prepare himself to the search of the fathers. “Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?” They did not apply to Job at all. We are exhorted in 2 Timothy 3:14, “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” This refers to the New Testament Scriptures. Job’s friends evidently had not paid much attention to the other source of knowledge which was known in that day—that which God had communicated to man. Romans 1:21 tells us, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” It is apparent that Job’s friends had not received their information from men of faith.

When a believer is really passing through these deep waters, how few there are that thoroughly understand his case. But there is One who understands fully and enters into his sorrow with tenderest sympathy. The Spirit of God will always direct the eye of faith upward, away from self and circumstances to see in Christ our righteousness and God as our justifier. Human innocence was lost through sin, but divine righteousness is won in Christ. The earthly paradise was lost, but heaven is gained.

Job did not realize it then, but he learned afterward that God was as much for him in the hour of his deepest suffering and trial, as He was in the brightest days of his prosperity. How much comfort and encouragement there is for us in the Word of God!

ML-02/21/1960

The Story of a Tiger

PROBABLY most young folks who read this magazine have been to the zoo and have seen the great beasts of prey, such as the lion and tiger. The two tigers shown in the photo, are quite young ones or cubs, but although they are young they have all the fierceness of older ones.

Many years ago an African traveler managed to capture a tiger cub similar to those in the picture. He determined to tame the animal. He gave it no meat to eat, and he would speak to it and stroke it, until the young tiger gradually became used to him. After a time the man allowed it to walk about loose and it would follow him like a dog, until at last he began to think that his kindness had completely overcome the animal’s natural tendencies.

One day, however, as he was walking through the garden, he scratched his hand slightly against a thorn. He thought nothing of it, and a moment later bent down to stroke the pet tiger. To his surprise, the animal commenced to display symptoms of uneasy excitement and refused to be quieted. He allowed it to lick his hand as he had often done before, but no sooner had the tiger touched the scratch than it pounced upon him and bore him to the ground. The smell and taste of the blood had awakened the beast’s nature, and had it not been for the quick thought and courage of a servant, the man would have lost his life. As it was, he was badly mauled and bore the marks to the end of his life.

All that man’s efforts to change the tiger’s nature had been unsuccessful. It had not been altered one whit.

Hundreds of people, and even boys and girls, are making the same mistake. The Bible tells us that we have a sinful nature and a heart which is desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9), but some boys and girls seem to forget that. They think that by always being good and obedient, by going to Sunday school regularly, and by trying not to do wrong, they will be quite sure of going to heaven when the Lord Jesus comes. All these things are good and we are always glad to see them put into practice, but none of these things will save anyone. None of these things will change our sinful nature or make us any the less sinners. Only one thing will do that, and that is the power of the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He died in order that you might be saved and given a new nature, and that He might make you a new creation in Himself.

“THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE; OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-02/28/1960

Love Unto Death

THERE was once a farmer who had a carriage and two splendid horses, of which he was very proud. This was before the days of automobiles. One day the horses were frightened by something and bolted. Though they were headed for the fields where no one could have been injured, the farmer jumped out and tried to catch them, but he was fatally injured before he stopped them.

As he lay dying, his brother said to him, “Oh, Jack, how foolish you were to stop the horses.”

“Look in the back” was all the dying man could say. There in the back of the carriage, fast asleep, lay his little son. The father had given his life to save him.

Does not this remind us of One who laid down His life to save us from a far greater danger — the loss of our souls? Is your soul in His safe keeping, dear young friend?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.... For if, when we were enemies, we were recoiled to God by the death of His Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:8, 10.

ML-02/28/1960

The Comfort of the Blood

“THE blood was my first comfort, and I believe it will be my last comfort... I feel as though the Lord were leading me from earth to heaven, by the steps of the twenty-third Psalm: ‘The Lord is my shepherd,... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ "

The words came slowly from the lips of a dying man—a doctor—passing away from a loving wife and children, in the prime of life, with a rest and joy in the Lord I have never seen surpassed. A few days later he passed away, with “Bless the Lord” on his lips.

Many physicians are infidels. Why, I cannot say. I would that all such could have seen this dear friend of mine patiently pass through months of weakness, always rejoicing in Christ, and then at the last bear witness to the comfort of the despised blood of Jesus.

Ah! there is no real foundation for the soul apart from the blood of Christ. That blood cleanseth from all sin, removes every stain, purges the conscience, purifies the soul, relieves the distressed and sin-burdened heart, and sets the one who trusts it perfectly free in the presence of God. Death is robbed of its sting, the grave of its victory, and “judgment to come” has no meaning for the one who rests only on that which the Holy Ghost calls “the precious blood of Christ.”

What folly can exceed that which despises God’s only way of salvation—Jesus’ blood? No solid real comfort is found apart from Christ and His blood.

What a portion is the Christian’s! He has a title without a flaw, and a prospect without a cloud.

Friend, what comfort will you have on your deathbed?

ML-02/28/1960

New Testament Men: Peter

PETER’S history is very interesting, but much too full of detail to enter upon except in part.

Simon, and Andrew his brother, were among the first called to follow the Lord. They were fishermen, partners with James and John, and plied their boats on the Sea of Galilee. To Simon the Lord gave the name Cephas, which means a stone, as does also Peter. He was foremost among the twelve Apostles. His name always comes first in the lists of them, and it is believed that he was older than the others.

Peter, James and John were occasionally singled out by the Lord: they alone saw Him raise the daughter of Jairus; and they were asked to watch with Him in Gethsemane, and, alas! they slept instead. We may feel inclined to be angry with Peter when we think of this and other events in his life, and yet it was to such as he that the Lord said, “Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations.” Would we say that to one that we knew would forsake us at the sorest moment of trial? But. Jesus, who knows all, knew that they loved Him, and what it may have cost them to follow Him so far. That Peter was not afraid of the Lord is evident from the frequency of his remarks to Him, and it is interesting to notice how often he is addressed by name by Him.

In thinking of failing Peter and his denial of the One he loved, we must remember that he had not the Holy Ghost dwelling in him as he had after the day of Pentecost and that hence he was weak. The Lord said, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me” (Acts 1). When Peter was so undaunted in the presence of the persecuting Jews in Acts, he was asked “by what power or by what name, have ye done this?” and filled with the Holy Ghost (the power), he replied, “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead has this been done.” Ah! he was not ashamed to confess Him then; neither ought we to be who have the Holy Ghost.

Peter was the Apostle to the Jews, or of the circumcision, and he wrote to them. We have no scriptural proof that he was ever at Rome, but church history asserts that he suffered a violent death there during the reign of Nero. Certain it is that he knew he was to end his life thus; “even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me,” he says. Moreover, the description of his end (John 21:18) seems to point to crucifixion—any way, he glorified God in it (v. 19).

To Peter were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven—to open or shut, to bind or loose. You may notice in Acts how remarkably he used them. He opened the door by baptism on the day of Pentecost to 3,000 Jews; he wrought the first miracle by “loosing” the lame man; he “bound” Ananias and Sappha; he opened the door to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, and explained to the Apostles how God had granted the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles. Of his subsequent life we have few details.

ML-02/28/1960

Bible Talks: Job 9

BILDAD had said that God would not cast away a perfect man. Job then raises the important question: “How should [mortal] man be just with God?” v. 2, and he adds, “If he will contend with Him he cannot answer Him, one of a thousand.” This was the great difficulty of the Old Testament saint. Job believed in God’s faithfulness to His own, but the ground of it all was not revealed; thus far it was only a hope. Job believed his Redeemer would come, but he did not know that Christ would become the believer’s righteousness. It is when Christ is brought in that we find the fullest and complete answer to his question. And what a blessed thing it is to learn that Christ has answered to God for all that stood against us, that He was “delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification,” “that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Job then talks about the great power of God shaking the earth and commanding storms. In his wonderful discourse Job speaks of the majesty of God as the Creator of the stars. He mentions the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades. These great things, says he, “are past finding out; and wonders without number.” It is wonderful the understanding they had of creation in those patriarchal days, of things both in the heavens and in the earth, but when it came to God’s ways with him, Job could not understand them. He says, “Lo, He goeth by me, and I see Him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive Him not.” He could see that God was in his trial, and he knew something of the goodness of God, but what was He doing, and where was He going? This he knew not. But we know that God had a blessed end in view for Job. He was going to teach him that his uprightness was no ground at all to stand on before God, that in His presence “he was vile,” and that all goodness was found alone in God. God purposed that when Job had learned this lesson he would be a far happier man and brighter in his soul than ever before. And so it came about.

Job then speaks of God’s ways with him, of how He crushed him without a cause, but he adds, “If I justify myself mine own mouth would condemn me.” He contends that God destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. He could see that sometimes the righteous were taken away and seemingly the unrighteous were left alone. Often in a calamity it does happen that innocent people perish with the wicked: sometimes the righteous suffer, while the guilty escape, yet no one can hinder it. We need to remember that “all the foundations of the earth are out of course,” and will be so until that glorious day when the Lord will come Himself, and set all things right.

Then Job says: “If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt Thou plunge me in the ditch, and my own clothes shall abhor me.” It seems that Job was slowly beginning to have some misgivings as to his own righteousness, and rightly so. If we rest upon ourselves, we rest upon a ground that is not approved before God. Isaiah the prophet, writing many years later, tells us that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Job had not as yet found this out, but he seems to be slowly realizing that everything is not well. The only solid ground upon which we can rest our souls in safety is Christ.

ML-02/28/1960

Resting Stones

IN SOME parts of India, stones are often put by the roadside on which people can rest their burdens, which in that country often have to be carried long distances. A missionary one day saw some poor Hindus resting by the roadside, all of them having heavy loads to carry. He asked them if they had any other burdens.

One said, Yes, he had; the taxes were a heavy burden to him. Another said his wife and children were a burden to him; he often did not know how to get enough food for them.

The missionary told them of the burden of sin, which each of them had, though they could not see it. He also told them of the Saviour who invited them to bring to Him that burden.

Several months afterward a man sent to ask the missionary to speak to him. At first the missionary did not recognize him, but he found he was one of the men he had spoken to by the roadside. This poor Hindoo had discovered that he was carrying the burden of sin, and he wanted to hear more of the Saviour, of whom he had also heard. In various ways of his own he had tried to get rid of his burden, but all had failed. Soon he took it to Jesus, and then, freed from his load, he joyfully “followed Jesus in the way.”

It was not long before some of his dusky countrymen came to him, wanting to know about his new religion, and he had the joy of telling them of the Saviour, who, as he did to the blind man in Mark 10:46-52, first “called” him, then “made him whole,” and whom he was now following.

This Hindoo rested his burden on the Rock of Ages. The Lord Jesus is spoken of in 1 Peter 2:6 as the chief corner Stone and “he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” In Isaiah it was prophesied that the Lord Jesus would be “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”

Jesus invites the weary and burdened, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

Why ‘neath the load of your sins do ye toil?

Christ giveth rest.

Why be in slavery, why Satan’s spoil?

You may be blest.

Christ now invites you sweet rest to receive,

Heavy’s your burden, but He can relieve,

If but this moment in Him you believe,

You shall have rest.

Why go ye onward, so weary and worn?

Christ giveth rest.

Why are ye hopelessly sad and forlorn?

You may be blest.

Jesus the burden did bear on the tree,

He was afflicted for sinners like thee;

If you there Christ as your Substitute see,

You shall have rest.

“HE GIVETH POWER TO THE FAINT; AND TO THEM THAT HAVE NO MIGHT HE INCREASETH STRENGTH.” Isa. 40:29.

ML-03/06/1960

The Bird's Nest

THREE boys were to be seen walking toward a woods one day, talking eagerly. One whose name was Philip was begging another to climb an especially high tree in search of a bird’s nest. But Fred knew his father had told him to stay away from those trees.

“No, Philip,” he said, “I’m sorry but I couldn’t do that for you.”

“Yes, you could,” said Phil, “for you are the best climber about here.”

“Not today! Perhaps some other time,” Fred answered.

“I thought you were a plucky fellow,” said Tom, the third boy, “that would do what no one else could; but if you’re afraid you needn’t go up.”

“Oh, I’m not afraid, Phil, it’s not the climbing I mind. Show me the tree, and I’ll soon show you whether I’m a coward or not.”

Fred knew he was doing wrong. Yet the fear of his friends overcame him and made him more of a coward than if he had refused to climb the dangerous tree.

The Word of God says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Prov. 29:25. The Lord Jesus is the only One who can keep us safe when we are tempted to disobey our parents or to do anything not pleasing to Him.

So Fred climbed the high tree and was about to throw down the bird’s nest to his friends, when Tom’s father called the boys to come at once, and they had to go, leaving Fred in the tree. But he was a prisoner, unable to get down, for the branch on which he sat was so small that it was impossible to change his position without danger.

“I must stay where I am until the boys have had their dinner, and when they come back ask them to bring a ladder to help me down.”

However, evening came on and Fred grew tired of his uncomfortable position. He shouted as loudly as he could, but no one heard him. Must he spend the night in the tree? Oh, how he wished he had had courage enough to do what was right. He remembered the words, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Prov. 18:10.

At last he tried to let himself down to a stronger bough beneath him. How the small branch shook and bent and swayed as he clung to it and wildly searched for a footing below. With a sudden crack it gave way under the strain of his weight.

Then a long silence followed. The birds, frightened from their nests, fluttered to the nearest tree, still keeping watch over their young. But Fred lay stunned and motionless on the hard ground below.

Here his sister found him in the twilight and ran to the farmhouse for help. Phil and Tom felt a little uneasy as she led them to the spot. Seeing Fred they exclaimed, “Oh, he has fallen from the tree! He’s killed; we’ve done it all.”

Fred was not killed but seriously injured, and he spent many weary months of suffering before he was well again. During that time he turned to the Lord Jesus, truly sorry for his ways and learned to love and trust the One who first loved him.

Let us not forget this word, dear children, “The fear of man bringeth a snare,” Prov. 29:25. We are likely to fall into very unhappy ways if we have this fear before us.

On the other hand, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way,... do I hate.” Prov. 8:13.

ML-03/06/1960

Bible Questions for March

The Children’s Class

See how many verses you can find in Psalms and Proverbs containing the words, “The fear of the Lord.”

1. Whose word endureth forever?

2. By whose stripes are we healed?

3. Whose ears are open to the prayers of the righteous?

4. Should we rejoice if called to suffer for Christ’s sake?

5. Do we have an adversary who seeks to devour us?

6. Can the Lord deliver His own out of temptations?

7. Is the Lord willing that ALL should come to repentance?

The Young People’s Class

1. Whom did Saul ask to pardon his sin? 1 Samuel 15.

2. If he truly wanted forgiveness, to whom should he have confessed his transgression? Psalm 32.

3. Should we as Christians confess our sins? I John.

4. Since Saul’s actions proved his rejection of the Lord, how did the Lord reject Saul? I Samuel.

5. Does anyone ever escape if he refuses Him that speaketh from Heaven? Hebrews 12.

6. What was the fate of Agog even though he approached Samuel delicately? I Samuel.

7. Are “woes” pronounced against those that seek to cover their iniquities with a righteous appearance? Matthew 23.

ML-03/06/1960

Bible Talks: Job 9:32-10:22

JOB now says that God is not a (strong) man, as he is, so that they could come together in judgment. Job has yet to find out that God is much more than merely a strong man. He longs for a daysman — an umpire or mediator — “that might lay His hand upon us both.” We know this longing of Job has found an answer far beyond Job’s fondest hopes, in the coming into this world of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the one and only mediator between God and men (1 Tim. 2:5). He had to die upon the cross and be made a sin-offering before He could be that mediator for the sins of His people. But now God can justify and His righteousness rests upon the sinner that believes in Jesus.

Job’s three friends’ unjust treatment of him caused him to break out in this longing for a daysman who could and would plead his cause before God, and “lay His hand upon us both.” But he did not understand what this meant, for God was waiting for Job to realize that it was the pride in his heart that was the root of all his troubles. God was for Job, but He was not for his self-righteousness.

Then in chapter 10 Job goes on to speak in the bitterness of his soul—because he had not yet learned what God was doing with him. He received not one word of sympathy from his friends, so he says, “I will leave my complaint upon myself.” “I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; show me where Thou contendest with me.” We know that God did show Job this very thing. Then he says, “Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of Thine hand.” This was true, but it was satisfaction in his own righteousness, which is no ground to stand on before God. It is sad that even now, when we have the whole Word of God and the complete record of His dealings with His people, that there are Christians who complain as bitterly as Job did, when they ought rather to see the goodness of God in all His ways with us. It is said in Romans 2:4, especially in connection with the unconverted: “despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” How often has a sorrow or trial that has come into one’s life proved to be “the goodness of God” that led to ultimate blessing, though it appeared to be anything but that at the time.

Job says God has made and fashioned him, yet Thou does destroy me.” He was filled with confusion and he gets to feel as if God were against him like a fierce lion. He was humbled and broken, yet still he saw no hope for himself but to look forward to death, “the land of darkness” as he calls it. But he was ignorant of all that, and later on he says that he was uttering things that he knew not. How little did they enter into the bright future that waits the children of God — that blessed future with Christ, in that new and heavenly scene of glory, beyond death and the grave, into which He has already entered and into which He is soon to bring all His own.

ML-03/06/1960

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

MRS. HILL went into town one day on some errands. On the way back, as she passed a bake shop, she saw some fine big loaves of freshly baked bread which looked very appetizing. Mrs. Hill did not like the bread from the country store very much, so she bought a big loaf and started for home. But soon she found the loaf very heavy to carry with her other packages. Then it started to rain and it was difficult now to hold her umbrella.

At last she got very tired, but she still had quite a long walk to her home. As she passed a house, there was a lady standing at the door. Mrs. Hill approached her and asked, “Please, Ma’am, may I rest a little while in your house?”

“Certainly,” was the glad response and the lady opened the door. It was a very humble abode, but so clean and tidy. The table was spread, but not a morsel of food ‘was to be seen. Then Mrs. Hill spoke, “May I leave this loaf of bread here? I do not want it; it is too heavy for me to carry all the way home.”

“Who gave you my name and address?” asked the other lady.

“Nobody,” said Mrs. Hill. “I do not know anything about you.”

Then the lady said with tears: “Oh, how good is God to give me this nice bread when I have no crust left in the house; and such a big loaf, which will last me for many days. I had asked the Lord to give me my daily bread, and then went outside my door to wait until He would send me something.”

Truly God does take care of those who put their trust in Him, even as the Apostle in prison at Rome could write to those poor saints at Philippi: “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19. And even a little child can experience this.

He first proved His love in sending His beloved Son into this world to die upon the cross for our sins, and now He delights to minister to the needs of His own redeemed ones along the way home to the glory. Sometimes He tests our faith and allows us to come to the end of ourselves and our resources, but it is that we might learn the lesson of complete dependence upon Him for everything. He would have us not to be satisfied until we lean no more upon self, this world, or what we possess, but wholly upon His arm of love and power.

And this is the first lesson a sinner learns who comes to God: that he can do nothing to save himself, that he is bound for death and hell, but that he must give himself up to the mercy of God, and learn as Jonah did that “Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah 2:9.

Has our dear reader learned this lesson yet? Do you know the rest, the peace and the joy of simple trust in Him “that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think"? Eph. 3:20.

“HE THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” Rom. 8:32.

ML-03/13/1960

Wise Counsel

In every face there is a door

Through which a thousand words, or more,

Go rushing every day,

While you’re at work or play.

If kindly ones would come tiptoe,

Throw wide the door; they’re needed so.

But when cross words would scramble out,

And take with them a frown and pout,

Then quickly turn the key,

And very quiet be.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“Behold, also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

“Who is a wise man and endued with wisdom among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” Jas. 3:3-5, 13.

ML-03/13/1960

Captain Owen's Hymn

IT WAS a fearful storm. The sea ran mountains high, and thick banks of gray clouds in the sky above darned and blackened as night drew on. The waters of the English Channel throbbed and heaved under their garment of white foam, and upon their uneasy bosom many a gallant ship rode to its doom.

Among others — driven like a snowflake before the wind — rushed a coasting vessel. The “Ocean Queen” looked anything but regal with her torn sails — gleaming a ghostly white in spite of their red ochre color — water-swept decks, and streaming pennon. Poor “Ocean Queen,” with her figure-head often buried in the green embrace of a monstrous wave, and her mast even dipping its head into the drifting spray.

On the upper deck stood Captain Owen, issuing commands in a calm, strong voice. He and his crew had often weathered a storm such as this, but the wind blew “on” shore this time, and there was little hope for the poor “Ocean Queen.”

At last nothing was left but to abandon her to her fate.

“Lower the boats!” shouted Captain Owen, for one instant covering his eyes with his brown hands, and then directing again with quiet dignity.

Lowered they were — in almost less time than it takes me to write these words — and then one and all took places in them.

The last to swing over the vessel’s side was Captain Owen. It was a hard wrench for him. He had commanded on board the “Ocean Queen” for many a long year, and he loved every plank of her. Still his sailors’ lives were in his hands, and he could not jeopardize them.

If only he had known it, Captain Owen and his crew would have been saved if they had clung to the wreck.

She was cast up by a huge wave upon the rocks, and when the wind lulled, the ebbing tide left her there high and dry.

The little boats that left the vessel were never seen again. In the waters of the deep ocean, Captain Owen and his men found a sailor’s grave.

All that day and night the fisher population on the coast of Cornwall had kept a sharp look out. In many places a welcome light had guided a vessel into a safe port, and willing hands had helped to save the crews of many a doomed ship.

As the sun rose calmly on the morning after the great storm, it showed the shore here and there strewn with the timbers of some wrecked vessel; but it shone also upon the living faces and forms of many “cast up by the sea,” and tended into strength again by the kindly Cornish folks.

In one small bay, girt about with terrible rocks, the sun revealed the hull and bulwarks of the “Ocean Queen,” resting high and dry on their rocky bed. Quickly the coastguard were apprised of the fact, and they hurried to make a search within her.

In the Captain’s cabin a hymn book was found lying on the table. It was open at a particular page, and the pencil that had marked the favorite lines of the sailor still lay in it.

Yes! Captain Owen had been called to his death as he was penciling a line down one page. The words he had marked were ones of glorious cheer to the man just entering the jaws of death. They accounted for his calmness in the hour of danger, and, as they were read solemnly and slowly in that deserted cabin, they spoke a wondrous sermon on “faith” to the assembled searchers.

“Jesus, Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the billows near me roll,

While the tempest still is high;

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide

Till the storm of life is past!

Safe into the haven guide:

Oh, receive my soul at last.”

And, though by a stormy path, we are sure that He, whose footsteps are on the deep waters, did receive the soul of His servant.

Dear reader, may there be as blessed a certainty as to your being safe on the Rock of Ages, when your time comes, as there is to Captain Owen’s hiding place being in the bosom of the Saviour.

ML-03/13/1960

Bible Talks: Job 11

ZOPHAR, the youngest of the three friends, now attempts to answer Job, and he treats Job with contempt. It is sad when we fail to treat with due respect those who are older than we are. According to Zophar whatever God allows now in this world is really the judgment of God. He would make Job out to be a bad man, inferring that Job’s calamities are God’s judgment on him. But as we have seen from the first, this was not the case; in fact it was the very opposite of God’s thoughts about Job. Ignorant of God’s ways with His children, Zophar accuses Job very unjustly and declares that he is full of talk and fictions.

“Should not the multitude of words be answered?” he says; “and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace?” How far he went in his unmerciful treatment of Job! He seemed to feel that it was his duty to make Job feel ashamed. This is often done today, but now that God’s ways are fully revealed in His Word, such a one will have more to answer for than Job’s friends had, as we shall see. Not only did they unjustly accuse God’s servant Job, but they misrepresented God in speaking of His ways with His people. God’s anger would have fallen upon them had Job not prayed for them, as instructed by Him.

Zophar says, “Oh that God would speak, and open His lips against thee.” He would show Job how his iniquity called for double of what he had suffered. Well, God in His own due time did speak, and it was not to the credit of Zophar, or any of the three friends.

However, Zophar does say some things which were true, but they did not fit Job’s case at all. He asks, “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?” We know now that if God was to be known, then He must reveal Himself. We see Him revealed in part in creation; and He made known His ways unto Moses and His acts unto the children of Israel. (Psa. 103: 7). But in the Person of His beloved Son we find Him revealed in all His glory and grace. The Lord Jesus could say, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” John 14.9.

Zophar says, “It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell” (Sheol—the unseen world); “what canst thou know?” Which was really true, as man must receive the testimony which God has given. It is evident that Job’s three friends had not fully received the testimony of God which was in the world at the time. In Acts 17 the Apostle in speaking to the Athenian philosophers of how they were attempting to search out God, he adds, “Though He be not far from every one of us.” Man, in neglecting what testimony God has given, only drifts farther away from God by his reasonings.

Zophar tells Job to let not iniquity dwell in his tabernacles, “For then thou shalt lift up thy face without spot... and then thou shalt take thy rest in safety.” But he also says that the wicked shall not escape, their refuge shall vanish, and their hope shall be as the giving up of life. Zophar did not know that his reasonings were only taking him farther and farther from God’s truth.

ML-03/13/1960

The Light of the World

SANTI was a little girl who lived in far-away China. She was very delicate, and she was blind. Her elder brother Fong was very fond of her, and spent all his spare time amusing her. He told her all he saw and was careful to explain everything. He often told her, “Little sister, do not worry, I am your eye.”

She would say, “Oh, Fong, I wish I could see something which you do not see, and then I would tell you all about it.”

“That will never be, little sister,” he said softly.

When Fong was ten years old, he had to go away during the summer months to help his uncle with the harvest. Time was passing very slowly for poor little Santi. Mother was busy and Father was away at work all day long. Santi often sighed, “Oh, if something would happen that I could tell Fong about when he comes home.”

One afternoon, when she was sitting as usual on the doorstep, she heard a strange voice. Then she heard her mother’s voice saying, “Santi, there is a visitor for you today.”

The little girl was a bit shy at first, but the kind voice of the stranger soon made her feel quite at home.

“I am a missionary,” said the stranger, “and I have come from a very far country to tell you and others about the Saviour, whose name is Jesus. He is the Son of the living God, and He came down from heaven to die on the cross to save sinners. You know, we are all sinners, little Santi, and yet God loves us.”

This was all new to Santi and she listened very eagerly. When the lady rose to leave, Santi begged her to come again. She came every day through the summer, and told Santi the wonderful stories of Jesus and His love. When Santi was alone, she would think about those stories, and one day, she lifted her sightless eyes up to heaven and thanked God for His love to her, and thanked the Lord Jesus for coming into the world to die for her. Have you ever done this, dear young reader? God has given you sight, and many other blessings; He waits for you to come to Him and accept His dear Son as your Saviour.

In the fall, Fong came home, and the very first day he sat with his little sister for hours telling her all that he had done and what he had seen. Then he asked her, “Little sister, what have you done all summer?”

He quite expected her to say, “I have done nothing. I have been sitting here all the time waiting for you.”

But to his great surprise she said, “Oh, Fong, I have had a wonderful time. A foreign lady came every day and told me so much about the Saviour, Jesus.” And then she went on to tell her brother many of the wonderful stories that she had heard, and best of all, she told him that she had trusted the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, as her own Saviour. Fong at once opened his heart to receive this wonderful news, for although he was only ten years old, he knew that he was a sinner. He took the face of his dear sister in his strong hands and said, “Santi, my dear little sister, now you have seen what I have never seen. What you wished for has happened. With your inner eye you have seen the One who is the Saviour.”

Santi was so happy. She had seen Jesus, the Light of the world. She was no more useless in this world, but could be a little shining light for her Saviour. May it be so with all who read this little paper.

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

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46.

“I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT SHALL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12.

ML-03/20/1960

Crooked Sentences

A SCHOOLBOY once said to me, when I was speaking to him about praying for some special thing about which we had been talking: “Do write a prayer out for me about that; it is not mentioned in any of my books of prayers, and I don’t know how to word a prayer unless it is written out or printed.”

I told him of a sailor of whom I had just heard, who had been a very bad character, but whose heart God changed, and who became a true and loyal servant of the Lord Jesus. Speaking of his difficulties at the time of his conversion, the sailor said: “I tried to pray, and could only put together a few crooked sentences, but the Lord Jesus took and straightened them all out.”

My schoolboy friend seized the idea at once and said, “Anyway, I can pray the ‘crooked sentences,’ so I’ll be content to begin with them at first.” I know that boy has never repented of his resolve to use his own words in prayer. He now knows what it is, like Hannah, to “pour out his soul before the Lord,” and can say with Jonah, “My prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple.”

“The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered.

“And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Rom. 8:26, 27.

ML-03/20/1960

"That Blessed Hope"

DO YOU ever think, dear young reader, about the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? As surely as He came once into this world to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself on Calvary, so surely will He come back again to take His believing children home! You see it is called in Titus 2:13 “that blessed hope.” And the Apostle in writing to the Thessalonians says, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:18. A little girl was reading that, and she said, “Mother, it says COMFORT, not FRIGHTEN, one another with these words.”

Dear Christian, whatever sorrows, and trials, and persecutions you may have to suffer, look up, for the Lord Jesus is coming again!

“The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore COMFORT ONE ANOTHER with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

ML-03/20/1960

What Says the Clock?

What says the clock when it strikes ONE?

“God loved the world and gave His Son.”

What says the clock when it strikes TWO?

“O glad, good news—He died for you!”

What does it say to sinners at THREE?

“Friend, can you say, He died for me?”

“Come now to Christ,” it says at FOUR;

“Enter at once the open door.”

“To enter life’s strait gate now strive,”

It urges you as it strikes FIVE.

It speaks at SIX of your fading day;

“Your life’s a vapor that passeth away.”

What says the clock as it now strikes SEVEN?

“Born again you must be, to enter Heaven.”

Hear its solemn chimes when striking EIGHT,

“If you longer wait, you may come too late.”

Then louder still it warns at NINE,

“No longer slight God’s love divine.”

With pleading voice it now strikes TEN.

“Why will ye die, ye sons of men?”

Sad words it utters as it tolls ELEVEN,

“Almost too late to enter Heaven.”

Now it’s TWELVE, and midnight—the die is cast,

‘Tis Heaven or Hell for your soul at last.

Each tick of the clock, says, “Come to Me,

Your soul will be soon in ETERNITY.”

—Hugh Kane

ML-03/20/1960

Bible Talks: Job 12

The taunts and accusations of Job’s three friends so provoked him that he answers them much in the same taunting manner. No doubt they deserved to be rebuked, but his way was not that of a man of faith. We are reminded of the scripture, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

Job says, “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you.” He does not take the place of being superior to them, but adds, “yea, who knoweth not such things as these?” Any one with any acquaintance with God at all knew the things they were saying; they did not shed any light whatever on the hard question why a God-fearing man should come into such affliction. Job goes on: “I am as one mocked of his neighbor, who calleth upon God,” and He would answer him. It is nice to see that in the midst of all his discouragements he at times does rise above them and clings to the thought that God would answer him. There are things in God’s ways with man that he cannot understand, because after all man is only a creature, even though he be the highest order of the created things of this world. Faith would lead one to cling to the Lord, even though one does not understand. “He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.” His three friends were as men at ease; they were not in trouble like he, poor Job who felt he was ready to slip.

Job did not understand that God in His dealings with men often allows them to go on for what seems to man a long time, because God is long-suffering. Job did not realize this and in looking at the houses of robbers seemed to feel that God was indifferent to these things. But in Isaiah 55:8 the Lord says: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Job then refers them to the things of creation and they would see how the hand of the Lord wrought in all these things. “Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air and they shall tell thee.” The beasts and fowls knew more than they did: “and the fishes of the sea” which know not how to talk “shall declare unto thee.” They prey upon one another and the great devour the small. And so it is with men upon this earth, and the Lord allows it for a time. But there is a day of judgment coming when everything will be set right; righteousness suffers now, but in the millennium righteousness shall dwell in the earth.

Job goes on to mention how that God withholds the rain and the things dry up on the earth. But He also sends storms and the waters overturn everything in their path. Then he speaks of how God overturns governments and all connected with them, so that men grope in the dark and stagger like a drunken man. We see here how that though Job was discouraged, nevertheless when he considered all these things he realized that God was not indifferent. How often even now many get discouraged because their prayers seemingly go unanswered! But we see in the Old Testament how that certain ones were tried for a long time before their prayers were answered, and we are reminded of the scripture: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4.

ML-03/20/1960

"Milk Without Money"

DURING a great rail strike in a large city, the government made special arrangements to safeguard supplies of food, and with great success. The milk supply was so ample that a request was made that householders should take rather more than usual, to use up the surplus!

A stream of trucks brought great loads of milk cans from the country all around. They were stacked in the central park and from there distributed to the different districts.

The blessing that we all need for our souls is likened to milk in the Holy Scriptures. Wine is used as an emblem of joy, and milk stands for that which satisfies. There is a well-known text that runs like this: “He, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and MILK WITHOUT MONEY and without price.” Isaiah 55:1.

It is not much that we get without payment, but the blessing of salvation that God offers is absolutely free. How thankful we should be that this is so, for we are all so poverty-stricken, spiritually, that not one of us could pay even a part of any price demanded. We have not to contribute even a prayer, a vow, a resolution, a pledge, an effort. The gift is free, and is for the sinner to accept by a simple act of faith.

Yet the Scriptures use the word “buy,” and the invitation is to “come and buy wine and milk.” Why is this?

The word “buy,” as used in the Bible, does not necessarily mean purchase. It implies that there must be a personal transaction. Though salvation is free, the gracious gift of God, paid for in full by the Lord Jesus when He suffered on the cross, yet it is not bestowed indiscriminately.

Only those receive it who come personally to the Saviour and put their trust in Him. It is not enough to believe true things about Him, such as that He died for sinners and therefore died for you. This, thank God, is true. But nowhere does it say in the Bible, “Believe things about Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” It says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” Acts 16:31, and this is a very different thing. It means that there must be personal faith in Christ as Saviour.

We read of a great number at Antioch who believed the gospel. But they did more; they “believed and turned unto the Lord.” Acts 11:21. If they had not turned to the Lord as the result of their believing, their believing would have been in vain.

Have you thus “turned unto the Lord"? Have you been to Him to buy the milk that satisfies the soul? You have thirsted, I am sure, sometimes for things more satisfying than the things of the world. In Christ both salvation and satisfaction are to be found. God grant that you may prove for yourself how well worth having is the MILK WITHOUT MONEY of which the gospel speaks!

“HO, EVERY ONE THAT THRISTH, COME YE TO THE WATERS, AND HE THAT HATH NO MONEY; COME YE, BUY AND EAT; YEA, COME, BUY WINE AND MILK WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE.” Isa. 55:1

ML-03/27/1960

Precious

FATHER was reading 1 Peter 2 at the family prayers one morning, when all his children were assembled. When he read the 7th verse, he asked the children the meaning of the word precious. The youngest child, four years old, gave such a nice answer. She said: “Mother is precious, we can’t do without her.”

And so the Lord Jesus is precious; we can’t do without Him. How could you die without Jesus? Put your soul in His safe-keeping just now.

ML-03/27/1960

The Best News

WHAT is the best news you ever heard? This was the question of a teacher as she looked around her Sunday school class of girls and boys. Bright eyes sparkled, and intelligence beamed on many faces. At last several hands were held up, and many and varied were the answers given. One said, “That father was coming home from a long trip.” Another replied, “That I was to have a new dress.” A third, “That I had won a prize at school,” and so on. At last a little girl, with a happy, sunny face said, “Teacher! The best news I ever heard was that Jesus came to save sinners.”

Can each of you, my readers, say this? The Apostle Paul counted it “a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Do not be satisfied until you have made this good news your own. A piece of good news which has come to a stranger does not affect you, but here is good tidings—a message straight to you. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. You cannot be too young, or too old, too rich or too poor—for Christ adds the best news of all, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

ML-03/27/1960

"Whatsoever Ye Do"

I REMEMBER a friend once took me through his orchard, and fine large gardens. He showed me such a small apple tree, but there was the most lovely large apple on it. There was only one, but it was a perfect picture! It seemed as though the tree had said, “I know I am very small, but I will do my very best and will throw all my strength into that one apple!”

“And whatsoever ye do, do it hearty, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Col. 3:23.

ML-03/27/1960

New Testament Men: Jude

THERE are many men spoken of in the New Testament named Jude or Judas, and of two of these it is difficult to determine which was the author of the Epistle of Jude.

“Judas said unto Him, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself to us?” John 14:22. This is probably the apostle called “Judas... of James” in two of the lists of the twelve (Luke 6: 16, Acts 1:13). In the other lists he is called either Lebbaeus or Simon the Canaanite.

Another Judas was the Lord’s brother. (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3).

But, you will say, the Jude who wrote the epistle was the “brother of James.” Yes, but both these men answer to the description. The Lord’s brethren were “James, Joses, Simon and Judas,” and the other Judas being also “of James” may have been brother or son to the other James. It is, however, generally believed that the writer of the epistle was brother to the Lord and to the James of Jerusalem.

In any case, we are glad he wrote us a letter, and that God has preserved it for us till now. Think of a letter more than 1800 years old—a letter too which speaks of events which occurred 4000 years before it was written! It tells us, too, of terrible things that are to happen in the future, so that it spans an intense space of time. It is all very well for so-called clever men to say nowadays that they do not rely on the Old Testament, and for scoffers to assert that they do not believe in the Lord’s coming. Here is a man who was alive on the earth with Jesus, and who puts his seal on the Old Testament and quotes the words of a saint about the Lord’s coming, who lived 4000 years before him.

It is wonderful how many inspired histories Jude refers to: the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the burial of Moses, and the stories of Cain, Balaam and Korah. He even knows the genealogy from Adam to Enoch! Could any better proof of the inspiration of the Bible be wanted? Would any man’s word have lived so long? Would a human pen reach our hearts and consciences in the same way? God says His Word is like a hammer. (Jer. 23:29.)

Jude wrote to people who were in danger of forgetting (v. 5) what they had learned of God’s Word. So are we; therefore verse 21 is applicable to us all: “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” Though we are “preserved [kept] in Jesus Christ” (v. 1) yet there is the other side. We are to watch and pray and read, making use of the helps God has given us, and so be ready to praise “Him who is able to keep us from falling” (v. 24).

The mention of the fallen angels is interesting, as also the allusion to the dispute concerning the body of Moses. Peter and Jude tell us that there were long ago angels who sinned, and sought to be something more than God had made them, and that now they are in chains, awaiting judgment. We know that everlasting fire is prepared for such.

ML-03/27/1960

Bible Talks: Job 13

JOB continues his reply and again he says, “I am not inferior to you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.” This shows how little he knew of Him, as he afterward confesses, though he knew more than his friends. He was occupied with his own righteousness before men, not knowing how far short it came bore God. He had yet to learn that it was only by His grace that he could stand before Him. The righteousness which men can see is one thing, but how different it is to be brought before the all-seeing eye of God, who knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart. The psalmist declared, “If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand.” Psa. 130:3. In our day it is only because the Lord Jesus came into this world, and on account of what He accomplished on the cross, that we can find grace and have a standing before God accepted in Him.

Job was confident that he was not guilty of what his friends accused him, but he did not realize that this would not do in the Lord’s presence. He says, “Ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” He feels that they were secretly accepting men’s persons and going by outward appearances, thus they condemned him. He had sunk so low in their sight that he was nothing but an object of God’s judgment. But we are reminded of how the Lord told the Jews in John 7:24, “Judge not according to appearance but judge righteous judgment.” His friends’ arguments were all founded on man’s thoughts, his experiences and things that happen in this world. But all that a believer stands on is what God Himself gives and reveals—and this we find in Christ.

Twice in this chapter Job asks His friends to be silent and he would plead his cause. Often it is wisdom to sit quiet and say nothing. “Hear now my reasonings, and hearken to the pleading of my lips.” If he could only find God out and get into His presence, he knew he would find in Him a faithful God. He prays to God and asks Him to show him his iniquities and his sins, to make him to know his transgressions. He felt as though his feet were in the stocks, but the Lord was very patient with him.

There was deeper faith with Job than with his three friends. He declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him:... He also shall be my salvation.” He was ready to bear whatever God would send, even death; and he had a feeling it would be better after this life, for God would be for him; He would be His salvation. “I know that I shall be justified,” but he did not realize that this would be in a far different way than he supposed. As remarked before, we know now this blessed truth, since Christ has come and died on the cross, that sinners are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

“Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face, and holdest me for Thine enemy? Wilt Thou break a leaf driven to and fro? Wilt Thou pursue the dry stubble? For Thou writest bitter things against me."... Like many of God’s dear people since his day, when brought into deep trial and suffering, Job seemed to feel that God was against him, when the whole truth of the matter was his sorrows and afflictions were only God’s way of leading him into greater happiness and blessing than he had ever known before.

ML-03/27/1960

Whosoever

“IF there is any boy or girl here .1 who will come and take this watch, they can have it.” The speaker was talking to a large company of children, telling them of God’s love and the meaning of the word “whosoever.”

Putting his hand into his vest pocket he took out a watch and held it up to the view of the children. No one came forward, and again he made the offer, impressing the fact that they could have it if they would come and take it.

After a pause one little boy in the middle of the hall stood up and asked, “Do you really mean it, Guv’nor?” Like many others he did not think the spear really meant what he said.

“Yes,” was the reply, “I really mean what I say: If you come to me you can have the watch.”

Another slight pause, and then the boy rose to his feet, pushed his way to the front and mounting the platform, held out his hand for the watch. The speaker put it into the boy’s hand. The little fellow said, “Thank you,” and returned with the watch, which had really been given to him. How disappointed the other children looked. Several remarked, “I would have taken it if I thought he really meant it.”

How like many of us this is. God has promised a gift to “whosoever,” a gift of salvation through Christ Jesus, His own beloved Son.

“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.

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

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

God means just what He says, and faith is simply taking God at His word.

Who does WHOSOEVER include? Who doesn’t it include? WHOSOEVER includes you, dear young reader, and God says that if you take Him at His word, and come to Him confessing your sins but believing that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7), then you will receive His gift of eternal life. You cannot have this priceless treasure any other way than by accepting it as a gift. It costs you nothing, but it cost God’s dear Son everything. He gave Himself up to those awful sufferings on the cross and laid down His life in order to make it free to you.

“WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREY.” Rev. 22:17.

However, there is another WHOSVER and a most solemn one, which we must not forget. “WHOSOEVER was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15.

ML-04/03/1960

Captain Baines of Pendeen

THERE was in England once a little band of men who were “great chums” and in a good position in society; they were, in fact, regarded as influential men in the parish.

One evening they were all together in a hotel, drinking and talking all kinds of nonsense and profanity. One happed to say, “I wonder what the people are doing just now over at Pendeen.”

Another replied, “I suppose they are all getting converted as fast as possible.”

“I say, Captain Baines,” said a third, “when I see you converted, I will begin to think there is something in it.”

There was a roar of laughter from the whole company at the thought of Captain Baines being converted! The captain was a mine agent, occupying a very influential position, and a large employer of labor. As the laughter died away he rose from his seat. His companions did not notice how pale was his cheek. A thought had flashed across his mind when he heard his friend’s remark, and the roar of laughter which it provoked. It was this, “Is my salvation so utterly hopeless that these worldly men can afford to regard me as they do? Do my companions think me altogether lost for time and eternity?”

He started up and darted out of the room. The company thought they had offended him. Another moment, and he was outside.

He drove home as fast as he could. His wife could not understand what was wrong with him, he seemed so agitated. He ate nothing, but immediately set out for the place at which gospel meetings were being held. He was the last man we expected to see there. He came boldly forward and took his seat in the front of the congregation, in full view of many of his employees. He had overcome his moral cowardice.

The gospel preacher gave out those lines of Wesley’s:

“Is here a soul that knows Thee not,

Nor feels his want of Thee?

A stranger to the blood which bought

His pardon on the tree?

Convince him now of unbelief,

His desperate state explain.”

As the preacher uttered these last words, “His desperate state explain,” we heard a cry. Captain Baines was prostrate on his knees, and was sending up the thrilling prayer, before the eyes and ears of all, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

I need hardly tell you that Captain Baines went home rejoicing! His conversion moved the whole neighborhood, and was the beginning of the most remarkable work of God’s grace that has ever occurred in those parts.

“Repent ye therefore AND BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19.

ML-04/03/1960

"Go, and Sin No More"

John 8:1-8

Her accusers gathered around Him,

And pointed at her in scorn.

Her head was bowed with its weight of sin;

With shame her heart was torn.

The Saviour stooped and wrote in the sand,

“Let the first man cast a stone—

That is without sin.” He raised His eyes;

The woman stood there alone.

In pity He saw her standing there;

Then He spoke in accents low,

“Are there none left to condemn thee?”

“None, Lord.” How her tears did flow!

Those wonderful words of Jesus,

We have heard them o’er and o’er;

“Neither do I condemn thee,

Go, child, and sin no more.”

“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25.

ML-04/03/1960

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

1. If we love the world, is the love of the Father in us?

2. What commandment has God given us that we should do?

3. How did God manifest (make known) His love toward us?

4. What promise do we have when we believe on the name of the Son of God?

5. Is one a deceiver if he confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?

6. Should we follow that which is good or that which is evil?

7. Are there certain men that deny God and our Lord Jesus Christ?

The Young People’s Class

1. After Saul proved incapable of ruling Israel, did the Lord provide someone else as their king? 1 Samuel 16.

2. Do we as Christians have assurance that God will provide all our needs? Phil. 4.

3. Did Samuel think that Eliab was the Lord’s anointed? I Sam. 16.

4. Are our thoughts always in agreement with the Lord’s thoughts? Isa. 55.

5. How does God’s viewpoint of a man differ from man’s viewpoint? I Sam.

6. What came upon David when Samuel anointed him? I Sam.

7. Have we been anointed and given the earnest of the Spirit? 2 Cor. 7.

ML-04/03/1960

Bible Talks: Job 14:1-12

IN this remarkable chapter Job looks at mankind as a race — man since the fall—and he describes the exercises of a man when he considers the approach of death. He uses four different words for man in describing his various activities, and in verse 1 it is simply man as a son of Adam. Job says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”

Scripture also distinguishes another class or race, those that are born “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God” (John 1:13), those who have been redeemed from the fall and have resurrection life in Christ, the risen and glorified Man at God’s right hand. How different then is the outlook on life of the redeemed from that of the natural man. A life full of blessing and joy and peace is before the one who goes on with the Lord, with glory as his reward at the end; even as the Apostle could say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Job goes on to say of man, that “He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” It is well that we consider this aspect of life. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psa. 90:12. Job cannot understand how God can take notice of such a one who is only here for such a brief time.

Then he asks an important question: “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?” Zophar had said that senseless man would be bold though born like a wild ass’s colt (chapter 11;12). It would seem then that both Job and Zophar recognized man’s condition before God. We know there had been in Noah’s day a distinction made between the clean and the unclean animals, when it came to the question of taking them into the ark. Job takes up this thought that man is unclean in the sight of God when he raised the above question. But this could not be answered until the coming of the Lord Jesus into the world to accomplish redemption. Now since the cross, life and incorruptibility have been brought to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:9, 10).

In verse 10 another question is raised: “But man [a chief man] dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?” This is a question that has been asked ever since. The chief men of this world would like the answer, but though this remained unanswered for thousands of years, yet we find the true answer in the gospel, where we learn that when a child of God dies, he is absent from the body and present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5.)

Then in verse 12 Job makes another remarkable statement. “So man [a strong man] lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.” The natural thing for Job to say would be “till the earth be no more.” But it seems here he is speaking of something which is beyond man to understand. Long before the flood Enoch had spoken of how the Lord would come with all His saints to judge the earth (Jude 14, 15). We know the Lord will come in judgment on the earth before the millennium, but Job is here speaking of a time coming when heaven and earth shall flee away from the face of the Lord sitting upon the great white throne, when men (the wicked dead) are raised for judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). From the New Testament we learn that this will take place after the millennium, but it is one of the wonders of the Word of God that this solemn event is foretold in what is perhaps the oldest book of Scripture.

ML-04/03/1960

The Lord Is Thy Keeper

A TERRIBLE storm raged in the bay causing the water of the river to rise in such a degree that the lower part of Petersburg was under water. That morning a man and his wife had to go out to work for a few hours. They asked God to take care of their two little children, four and five years old, whom they had to leave alone in the house. Their work was in a higher part of the city so they were not aware of the rising of the water. Hover when they left for home, they soon found the water became so deep that they could not get through to their house and no boat was available. Unspeakable anguish filled their hearts, but they cried to God to save their little ones.

Finally they were able to get through to their house, and in breathless suspense they opened the door. What do you think they saw? On the table the two children were lying asleep, embracing each other. Overwhelmed with joy the parents thanked God for having kept their darlings alive and safe. They woke the children who were oh so happy to see them, and the little ones asked for something to eat. Then they told their parents what had happened.

They were playing in the room, when they noticed water running in under the door. With glee they got out their little boats and had fun sailing them. When the water rose higher, they were afraid and got on the chairs. Then they got up onto the big round table where they continued to play. The water did not come there, they said. After a while they got tired and fell asleep.

From the marks in the room it was evident that the water had risen much higher than the table, but the table itself was dry. The water had lifted up the table like a boat and set it down again when the flood retreated. Surely the angels of the Lord were there to keep those little ones from danger in answer to the prayers of their parents.

Of the angels the Scripture saith: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb. 1:14.

“He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psa. 91:11.

O how good it is to know God as our Father and His beloved Son as our Saviour! To be able to commit ourselves and our loved ones into His care and safe-keeping! This is the portion of those who trust in Him who came into this world and went to Calvary’s cross to save sinners by the sacrifice of Himself.

“O Lord... Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will still be praising Thee... Blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” Psa. 84:3, 4, 12.

Does our dear reader have this confidence, this hope, this joy? God grant that you may through simple faith in His Word.

“FOR THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD:... NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THEM THAT WALK UPRIGHTLY.” Psa. 84:11.

ML-04/10/1960

Better Than Gold

WALTER had toiled for wealth in many ways, but had failed; and now broken, disappointed, on the borders of despair, he sought money in gambling. The hollow eyes, the sunken cheeks, the ragged clothes all bore witness to his failure in the pursuit of gold.

At the corner of the alley where he occupied a single room, a little company gathered night after night to preach the gospel. They had to endure ridicule and scoffing, and among those who taunted them with laughter was Walter. He often tried to break up the gathering, but the preacher always answered with a kind word and a smile, and this angered Walter more than ever.

One night as he slouched along the dim street, his eye fell on a roll of paper in the gutter outside a jeweler’s shop. Money! Someone had dropped a roll of bills! He picked it up and, slipping it into his pocket, hurried home, overjoyed by his discovery.

Reaching his room, he drew out the roll, but great was his surprise to find it was a bundle of tracts! Angry beyond words, he threw them into the grate and put a match to them, and then left to go to the familiar bar with its company and song.

An hour later he returned to his room, and as he sat down, his eye rested a moment on the blackened papers. Some were only partially charred, and out of curiosity he picked up a piece with printing on it. He read these words, “My God shall supply all your need.”

“All my need!” exclaimed Walter. “Then let Him give me money!” and he threw the paper back into the grate. But the words would not leave him, and they went over and over again in his mind. He walked down to the riverside, thinking it might put a possible end to his misery, but a sudden urge compelled him to go home. He wondered if the man preaching at the corner could help him, and going up to the little group, listened to the gospel message. After it was over, he went up to the preacher and said, “Pardon me, sir. I have often tried to interrupt your preaching. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, that’s all right,” replied the preacher. “We expect it, you know. Many don’t understand, or they would I welcome our message. It is the secret of real happiness and peace.”

“I think it’s something like that I want,” said Walter. “I’ve spent my life searching for gold, and I’ve failed. Can you help me? I read on a slip of paper the words, ‘My God shall supply all: your need.’ Is it true? What does it mean?”

“Mean? Why, that’s just the great truth,” replied the preacher. “God and God alone can give us perfect happiness. He offers it to us all in Jesus Christ. The Saviour died on Calvary to take away our sin, and when sin and guilt are gone, life becomes full of joy.”

The preacher went with the gambler to his cheerless room, and drawing the Gospel of John from his pocket, he said, “It’s all here about God’s love for the lost and lonely, for sad and sinful men.”

They talked long and earnestly, and after awhile they knelt down and prayed, and in that room Walter trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. “I want to work and make an honest living,” he said later. “I feel as if a dark cloud had passed, a great burden lifted, as if I were really beginning a new life.”

“And you will find,” said the preacher, “that God will supply, or help you to gain, all you need. In His strength you will be able to triumph over every temptation and win through in a happy and useful life; and what God gives is better, far better than gold.”

Perhaps, dear reader, you have been pursuing the things of this world, neglecting your precious, never-dying soul and the gospel of God’s grace? May you not rest until you too, like Walter, have believed and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour and Lord. The joys and pleasures of this life will end some day, and then where will your soul be?

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

“And whosoever was not found wrien in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15.

The Lord Jesus has told us, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

“Thou wilt show Me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11.

ML-04/10/1960

Joint Tenancy

A DYING judge said to a pastor, “Do you know enough about law to understand what is meant by joint tenancy?”

“No,” was the reply; “I know nothing about the law; I know a little about grace, and that satisfies me.”

“Well,” said the judge, “if you and I were joint tenants on a farm, I could not say to you, ‘That is your hill of corn, and this is mine; that is your blade of grass, and this mine,’ but we should share alike in everything on the place. I have just been lying here and thinking with unspeakable joy that Christ Jesus has nothing apart from me; that everything He has is mine, and that we will share alike through all eternity.”

“The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them.” John 17:22.

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne.” Rev. 3:21.

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

ML-04/10/1960

Bible Talks: Job 14:13-22

LATER on in chapter 19 Job does speak of something which seems to imply resurrection. There he tells of a latter day upon the earth when, after his body should have gone into corruption, that he should stand and see God. It would seem that Abraham had more light than Job in this for it says, “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and Maker is God.” He was one of those who “desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.” Heb. 11:10, 16. The full truth of the heavenly portion of the saints of God could not be revealed until after our blessed Lord had risen from the dead.

In Hebrews 11:17-19 we read: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,... Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” Job was a man of faith and knew something of the truth of resurrection, but he still had to know the power of it in his own soul. And this is the principle of that new life of faith in which the believer is called to walk through this world by the power of the Spirit of God, “the power that worketh in us.” Eph. 3:20. The Apostle could say: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2: 20.

In verse 14 Job raises another question: “If a man (chief man) die, shall he live again?” We know this cannot be answered apart from the New Testament Scriptures which tell of an accomplished redemption.

In verse 19 Job addresses God: “The waters wear the stones: Thou washeth away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and Thou destroyest the hope of man [mortal man]. Thou prevailest forever against him, and he passeth: Thou changest his countenance and sendest him away.” God in His government over the earth has to so deal with man.

From the book of Genesis we learn that God first allowed men to live long lives—over 900 years—but afterward the span of life was shortened. At the time of the flood a shortening of man’s days took place. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually.” Gen. 6:5. So the flood came and swept away all except righteous Noah and his family. Then after the flood we have a new beginning. After Noah no one lived to reach 900 years, and after Noah’s son Shem, the life span of man was only half what it was prior to the flood. Again, after the attempt to build the tower of Babel, with the confusion of tongues as God’s judgment on them, the lives of men were cut in half again. After a few more generations we find a gradual shortening of the life span of man to 70 years, as we are told in Psalm 90. It would seem that perhaps Job lived during this period of the gradual shortening of life’s span; but Job did not understand all this. He was speaking here of some things that were beyond him—which men are prone to do, and for which they will be held accountable in the day of reckoning. Job had to own afterward that he had spoken of things that he understood not.

ML-04/10/1960

Duncan Finds His Way

DUNCAN was one of a good ship’s crew that put in and were paid off at port after a long voyage.

At once he took the train to a town a few miles distant, intending to go to see his only sister. He knew that during his absence she had married and settled there, but he did not know her address.

“Still, I’ll find her somehow,” he said, as he left the station; and he smiled as he pictured the surprise his visit would be to her. And he planned how that directly after he left her, he would also go to another city to see his widowed mother.

“Can you tell me where Mrs. Rawlingson lives?” Duncan asked a man on the road.

“Yes,” he answered; “you must take the path through that field, and at the top of the hill ask directions at one of the cottages.”

Off started the sailor, and noticing gathering clouds, and hearing distant peals of thunder, he quickened his steps. By the time he reached the brow of the hill big drops were beginning to fall, and he hastily knocked at the door of the nearest cottage. An old lady came to the door.

“Rawlingson!” said she in answer to his inquiry. “Yes, she lives five minutes’ walk from here. But do come in out of the storm,” and as she spoke a flash of lightning nearly blinded them.

Gladly Duncan went into the old-fashioned cottage. He told the woman of his long voyage, and she in turn spoke of her son who was in India.

“You see,” said she, “he isn’t a Christian, that’s what makes me unhappy about him. He’s living only for this world, and it’s but a poor shut-in sort of life when the soul has no bright hope of one beyond. He’s a fine fellow, my boy, and if he were living for Jesus, what a happy life he might have!”

Duncan made no reply, but her bright earnestness struck him, and he listened to her. The storm over, she pointed out the path, and once more he sallied forth. He soon arrived at the cottage, but alas, the Mrs. Rawlingson little volume was, he felt sure, unlike any he had ever seen. He must make one more attempt to secure it.

Drawing a fine, white handkerchief from his pocket, he offered it, and the offer was accepted. They parted, and Alfredo, crossing a field and reaching a lonely spot, began to read. He soon became so absorbed in the book that time and place were forgotten as he read on and on the wondrous, and to him, the new story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He did not close the book until he read it all, and surprised at the lateness of the hour, hurried home.

“Those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

“For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

From that day the book was his constant companion, and the more he read, the better he loved it. The Saviour’s words, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28), seemed to him a living voice, full of compassion and tenderness, calling him, and though he did not then see God’s way of salvation quite clearly, he was reaching toward the light. He soon longed to share with others the glad tidings of the gospel, so daily he would make his way alone to the riverside, where the village women washed their clothes. While they washed, Alfredo would read to them, and soon several began to listen, and to love the Book too. Things went on for some weeks, till one day some men came along, and finding the boy with the gospel, took it away and reproved him sharply for reading it.

Alfredo felt the loss of his treasured book keenly, but made up his mind that he would try to buy another. He had in some way found that the gospel was part of a much larger Book, called “The Bible,” and he saved every coin he could earn. When he had almost the require sum, a colporteur passed through the village, and finding that Alfredo really longed for the Word of God, gave him a copy in exchange for his savings.

How glad the boy was! How he love the Book, and pored over its pages! It was not long before he found peace believing. He still lives, and loves to tell others of the One Who sought and saved him.

Has the Word of God brought peace and joy to your soul, dear friend? Do you know the Lord Jesus, the One whom God sent into this world to die on the cross to save you, and do you value God’s Word as Alfredo did? If you turn to Him now, like Alfredo, you will receive a new life, eternal life, and then what peace and happiness you will have! One day too you will go and dwell with Jesus in heaven forever.

“FROM A CHILD THOU HAS KNOWN THE HOLY SCRIPTURE; WHICH ARE ABLE TO MAKE THE WISE UNTO SALVATION THROUGI FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. 2 Tim. 3:15.

ML-04/17/1960

A Cure for Fear

CHILDREN are sometimes afraid of the dark. Jimmy was four years old, and so much afraid in the dark, he always wanted a light to be let in his room when he went to bed.

One night, as he was about to retire his mother said, “Jimmy, you ha’ nothing to fear, for God takes care His little ones in the dark as well as the light.”

“I know it,” said Jimmy, “but I can’t help being afraid.”

“Do you ask God to help you, so that you may not be afraid?”

“No,” was his serious reply.

“Then I would: He hears prayer.”

A little time after this he asked his mother for an apple. She told him he could have it if he would go into the cellar and get it for himself. A few moments after, she saw him go into another room and kneel behind the door. Then she heard this little prayer: “Lord, do You love me? I love You. Don’t let me be afraid.”

Then he arose from his knees, went down into a dark cellar, and bravely got an apple from a barrel in the darkest corner.

“Weren’t you afraid?” asked Mother. “No,” replied Jimmy. “God didn’t let me be afraid.”

Dear little Jimmie! We hope he remembers this precious lesson all the rest of his days down here.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” Ps. 27:1.

ML-04/17/1960

The Coney

“THERE be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise.... The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.” Prov. 30:24, 26.

We were reading last week that the ant teaches us something about the right time. Now the coney has a lesson to teach us about

The Right Place.

The coney is an animal in appearance between a rat and a rabbit, which lives in all rocky parts of Palestine. It is a very weak, timid little thing. It is not able to contend with its enemies. It cannot even dig a hole for itself in the sand. All it can do is to run out of danger into a hole among the rocks, and the sound of a footstep or a shout is enough to send it scampering into the clefts of the rock. What a simple type of a believer! He has no strength of his own, no power to protect or save himself, but he makes his refuge in Christ — the Rock of Ages.

We find a great deal of figurative language in the Word of God. Divine truths are presented to us in figures and parables, and by similitudes which are easy to be understood, and we find the Lord Himself very often spoken of as a ROCK.

Moses says in his wonderful song (Deut. 32), “He is the ROCK.” In the Psalms David says, “The Lord is my ROCK,” and speaks of the Lord as being “the ROCK” of his salvation. A rock is the standing type of everything that is solid, secure, and steadfast, and when we have the Lord spoken of as a ROCK it makes us understand the blessed security of the one who puts his trust in Him.

The conies know that they are “a feeble folk,” and they make their refuge in a strong place. The believer rejoices in the great fact that “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” In Deut. 14:7 the coney is mentioned as an unclean animal, and in this respect is a type of an “ungodly” sinner. Our whole condition as natural boys and girls, and men and women, is thus strikingly set forth by the coney "a feeble folk” and “unclean” — or in the language of the New Testament, “without strength” and “ungodly.”

Do you believe that you are “without strength"? It is a solemn fact that nothing you have done, or are doing, or ever will be able to do, will bring you an inch nearer God, or remove the weight of a feather from the awful load of your sins. A lifetime of prayers, an ocean of tears, the combined merits of all the saints who ever lived, would utterly and eternally fail to secure the absolution of a single sin. Oh! sinner, Christ is the only and the all-sufficient refuge. The Gospel of God declares that the work of redemption has been “FINISHED” by Christ on the cross, and now guilty sinners, who cannot help themselves, receive the full blessings which are the result of that glorious work by simple faith in the Person who has done it all.

ML-04/17/1960

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 8:14-9:38

THERE is no mention here of their observing the day of atonement, which came on the tenth day of the seventh month, between the feast of trumpets and the feast of tabernacles. But we do find them here learning from the Scriptures of the feast of tabernacles which began on the 15th day and lasted a whole week, and even extended so as to include an eighth day. They learned that they were to gather branches of trees to make booths, or tents, and to dwell in them during this feast. This they did, and it was a time of great rejoicing and gladness.

The feast of tabernacles came at the end of their harvest and vintage, when they enjoyed the fruits of God’s goodness. Thus it answers to the joy of the Lord into which Israel will enter in that coming day when they are really settled in the land, and when their days of mourning are over, because the Lord has come and delivered them. Then because it lasts the whole period of seven days, this joy will continue throughout the 1000 years of the reign of our blessed Lord. The eighth day, or the first day of another week, speaks to us of the blessings of eternity which are to follow.

It says that since the days of Joshua the people had not done as they did on this occasion. Even in the peaceful, glorious reign of Solomon it appears that they had not kept the feast of tabernacles. It seems that they were so occupied with the present rest that they forgot the future. How easy it is in times of prosperity to lose sight of the coming glories with Christ and settle down to enjoy the present! In a day of small things and after much chastening, the future hopes of Israel were again restored to the little remnant; they kept the feast of tabernacles with great gladness. So it has been with the Church. The blessed hope of the Lord’s coming for His own was lost sight of soon after the apostles’ days, but now in a very low day it has been graciously restored. Does our reader know that bore the Lord Jesus comes to take up His glorious reign, all who have taken Him as their Saviour, that is, those who really have put their trust in Him, will be caught up to meet Him in the air, and will reign with Him forever?

After this feast, on the 24th day of the month, we find the people assembled together with fasting clothed in sackcloth which signified great mourning. Through the reading of the Word they had learned how greatly they had sinned in mixing with the people of the land, having made marriages with them. Accordingly they “separated themselves from all strangers.” Then several of the Levites led them in confessing to the Lord, going over their history since the days of Abram, showing how He had brought them out of Egypt and had wrought wonders in that land on their behalf. But their fathers had not hearkened and refused to obey. Then when the Lord delivered them over to their enemies, still He did not forsake them, but raised them up deliverers. Yet neither their kings, princes or priests had kept His law, and this was why they were servants of foreign kings. God had been just in all that had been brought upon them. They owned their real state, but at the same time their hearts turned to God with full confidence, and they speak of His mercy and long-suffering toward them. It would have been well for them had they rested there, upon their merciful and gracious God, but just as Israel did in an earlier day (Ex. 24), they pledged themselves to a covenant, not knowing the deceitfulness of their own hearts.

ML-04/17/1960

A Clever Puss

A TRAVELER in Morocco started on a business trip, and entering an inn one night, ordered Turkish coffee. In a few minutes a green curtain parted, and to his great astonishment, in walked a cat on its hind legs. On his front paws puss balanced a small tray on which was a cup of coffee.

When the innkeeper appeared, the traveler remarked, “Friend, you have a very clever cat. Sell it to me.”

“No,” said the owner, “I value it too highly. Besides, we are fond of it.”

The traveler persisted, “I must have that cat. I will pay a high price.”

The reluctant owner, after talking it over with his wife, consented. The money exchanged hands, puss was put into a basket, and the traveler continued his journey.

About a month later the man decided to display his cat to a group of his friends, so many people came to see it perform. First puss made a bow. Then standing on his hind legs, held a tray on his paws, waited until a cup of coffee was put on the tray, and carried it to someone at the other side of the room. Everyone was astonished.

Puss returned to his master, and a second cup of coffee was put on the tray. He was told to carry it to someone at another side of the room. The clever animal was halfway across when someone took from under his loose jacket a small box and from it released several mice. In a moment the tray and the cup of coffee crashed to the floor, as puss, on all fours, dashed after the scampering mice. In a flash all his education and special training disappeared, as the old cat nature triumphed. He was still a cat!

How many there are, boys and girls, and older folks too, who live and look and act like Christians, but they have never really owned Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. They have never been “born again.” They do not realize how sinful they are in God’s sight, and even if they do feel they are not quite what they should be, they try to improve themselves by going to Sunday school or church. They try not to do wrong, but seek rather to do good and to be kind to everyone and upright. These, along with many other good things, they practice, until by and by they acquire a very good opinion of themselves and become quite satisfied.

Now these things are all very good in themselves, but they do not bring salvation. Deep down the heart is deceitful and wicked as ever, as we read in Jer. 17:9, and the old nature, which is enmity against God, remains the same. What every son of Adam must have in order to be saved is the new birth. “Ye must be born again” are the words of the Saviour in John chapter 3. We must be born of His Spirit through His Word. And this we experience when we believe that we are sinners in His sight, but by faith trust the word of His grace which tells us He has died for us on the cross.

God does not seek to change our old nature—that is corrupt, ruined beyond repair—but He gives us a new nature and a new life which is His own; “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col. 1:27. We are made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter) which delights in holiness — in Christ and all that pleases Him.

“VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO THEE, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” John 3:3.

ML-04/24/1960

Your Father Knoweth

“YOUR Father knoweth what things ye have need of.” Matt. 6:8.

The old Chinese preacher Wang and his wife lived in a little mud house next to the chapel which was surround by a small courtyard. When persecution against the Christians arose the old couple were told not to leave the courtyard on penalty of death. They had enough rice and other grain in the house to last them for some time and Christian friends brought vegetables to their gate. But gradually their fuel was exhausted. Fuel was very scarce in the countryside where they lived, especially now in the spring when people went all over the place in search of dry grass with which to cook their rice. They could not expect any help from their friends, but they told their heavenly Father all about their need.

One morning when Mrs. Wang went into the courtyard not knowing how to prepare a hot meal, she stepped on some dry branches. With joy she gathered them up and soon had a nice fire going with which she was able to cook the breakfast. The old couple ate their meal with thankful hearts.

But where did the branches come from? God has His ministers. In the high tree which was standing in the courtyard, crows were building their nest for which they were gathering sticks. It was they who had dropped those little branches and they continued to drop them day by day until the little shed was filled with fuel. There were also green twigs with tender leaves on which Wang’s little goat could feed. When the persecution was over, Mr. and Mrs. Wang told their friends how God had provided for their need.

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” Psa. 107:1, 2.

ML-04/24/1960

New Testament Men: Timothy

FROM the writers of the New Testament, eight in number, we now turn to the addressees, or receivers of whom there are three men whose names have been taken as titles of epistles. John did write to two individuals also, but his epistles bear the name of the writer, and not of the addressee as do Paul’s.

Timothy, or Timotheus, the receiver of two epistles from Paul — the first written perhaps from Macedonia, about A.D. 65, the second, from his Roman prison—was the son of a Greek father (whose name is not given) and a Jewess called Eunice. Evidently the father died while Timothy was young, and Eunice and her mother, Lois, brought up the boy Timothy to know the Scriptures. Prophecy had already pointed him out as the receiver of a gift from on high (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6); and the elders and Paul confirmed this (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6).

Derbe and Lystra were (Acts 16) cities of Lycaonia, a province of Asia Minor. It was probably at the first-named that Paul found Timothy for the Revised Version reads (Acts 20:4) “Gaius of Derbe and Timothy"; or it may be read “Timothy of Derbe.” The brethren of the whole neighborhood knew him, and commended him to Paul as a companion in his travels, but, bore starting, Paul circumcised him according to the law of Moses, the reason given being “because of the Jews.” Perhaps he was acting on the principle of 1 Cor. 9:20, as he did on several occasions.

From Acts 16 to 20 Timothy frequently appears. He was with Paul at Berea, Athens (1 Thess. 3), and Corinth, and accompanied him to Asia. It is easy to see how Paul loved and valued him: “My work-fellow,” “my beloved son and faithful in the Lord,” “our brother and minister of God, and our fellow-laborer,” he calls him, besides all that he says to him in his leers. From them we learn that he was Paul’s son in the faith; that, in spite of his youth, he was left in charge of the church at Ephesus, that he was weak in health, and usually only a waterdrinker (would that all young Christians were as careful about strong drink as he was!), and that he was probably of a shy and retiring disposition. When so many had turned away from the aged Paul—all in Asia, Demas, Alexander, etc. — how glad Timothy must have been that God had enabled him to continue in the things he had learned, and that he could thus be a comfort to one to whom he owed so much!

In the first epistle Paul hoped to go to him “shortly” (3:14), but in the second he was in prison at Rome, and begs Timothy to come “shortly” to him, and to bring Mark and his cloak and books and parchments before winter. Timothy himself is said to have been martyred at Ephesus, in the reign of Domitian.

There is much that might be dwelt on in the lowly life, and certain personal details in the second epistle not to be found anywhere else, besides the interesting journeys of Timothy and Paul—all this must be left to our young readers to search into. But let us each ask ourselves, Am I seeking to walk in the steps of this young man? Could any servant of Christ find me of use to him in his service to the Lord? Young Christians ought to remember Paul’s words, “give attendance to reading;” See 1 Tim. 4:12-16.

ML-04/24/1960

Bible Talks: Job 16-17

IN THESE two chapters Job again takes the defense against the accusations of his friends. He calls them “miserable (or grievous) comforters,” and says that if he were in their place and they in his, he could “heap up words” against them as they were doing to him. But instead of that he would seek to comfort and encourage them, and we doubt not that Job was one who would have done so. Though he had been pouring out his grief, he felt no better for it. He complains of how God had reduced him to such straits, and that he had been made desolate of all his family. “God hath delivered me to the ungodly,” he says, “and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.”

He goes on: “I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder.” It would seem from this that Job formerly had been resting in his easy circumstances, and not in the goodness of God who had given Him such a manner of life. His thought and hope seem to have been expressed in his words, “I shall die in my nest.” But in His perfect wisdom, God was pleased to allow Job to be divested of all those comforts his nest afforded him, in order that he might be a partaker of “His holiness” (Heb. 12:9, 10), not merely the holiness of an upright or righteous man, but that which suited the call of God, of those who like Abraham were “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Heb. 11:13.)

Job felt very keenly that he who once had been a byword of the people, had now become a reproach, and an object of his friends’ mockery. All this had caused him to pour out his tears unto God. Yet even in the midst of his grief a ray of light seems to pierce the gloom for he declares, “Behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.” But he again longs for an arbitrator, or umpire, “that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor! When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.” We ought not to belittle Job in our thoughts when we remember that he had not then the Scriptures to turn to for comfort as we have. We see now how that Christ came into this world and became the answer to the longings in Job’s heart. How wonderful it is that since He accomplished all for us on the cross, that we can find our comfort in the Scriptures and know that we have a hope that reaches beyond the grave. For He is our hope, and He is coming soon to take us to be with Himself. When we hear Job saying, “My breath is corrupt [or my spirit is undone], my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me,” we are reminded of how we now look for the Saviour “Who shall change our vile body [or body of humiliation], that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body,” one that is beyond the sufferings and trials of this life.

Job says, “Are there not mockers with me?"—and certainly that is what his friends proved to be. But such is man. Love is of God, for God is love (1 John 4:7). The Lord Jesus, the perfect Man, when He was on earth was mocked, and when on the cross there were none to help. Yet on His part there was love and compassion going out to His enemies, He could say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

In spite of his having been misunderstood and so falsely accused by his friends, Job holds to his integrity, knowing that he was not guilty of what they accused him. He feels that in the end all will be made plain, so he says, “Pray come on again; and I shall not find one wise man among you.” (J.N.D. Trans.)

ML-04/24/1960

A Humble Servant

SUCH is the name an artist has given to a painting of that much despised but faithful animal, the ass. Most of you have seen an ass, and I suppose that likewise you smiled and passed a joke at the queer-looking animal with its long ears and shaggy hair. Yet, do you know, my young friends, that this same odd animal has had a wonderful part in God’s inspired Word. It is mentioned in twenty books of the Bible and referred to over fifty times.

The ass is often said to be stubborn, but do you remember that in the story of Balaam’s ass (Numbers 22), it was the prophet who was stubborn, and not the ass? Balaam wanted to go his own way, even though God had said, “No.” When God saw that Balaam would not lien to Him, He used the poor abused animal by giving her a voice with which she spoke to the prophet. She begged him to tell her the reason why he had beaten her, and reminded him of her faithful service in the past. Then it was that the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam and he saw an angel standing in the way with a drawn sword. Thus convicted, Balaam cried to God to forgive him for his stubbornness of heart. So did God thus use even a poor ass to humble a proud prophet.

Furthermore you will perhaps remember the story of how the strong man Samson killed a thousand men, enemies of Israel, with no other weapon than the jawbone of an ass. (Judges 15:14-20.)

But to us the most interesting of all stories in which the ass is mentioned is that prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, and its fulfillment in the life of the Lord Jesus. Five hundred years later the Lord came to this earth the prophet had told of how He would ride into Jerusalem upon an ass. Five centuries later He did just what the prophet said He would do. He rode into that great city of Jerusalem, sitting upon the back of one of these humble but faithful creatures, while the crowd that thronged the way cried, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (John 12; Matt. 20; Mark 11; Luke 19.)

We are told that the wild ass of the East is very wild and seldom tamed. Thus it is used in Scripture as a symbol of man’s nature by birth. In Job 11-12 Zophar says, “For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt”

In the law the Lord told His people Israel: “every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck,” Ex. 13:13. A little lamb must die in order that the little donkey might live.

From these and other scriptures we learn that in God’s sight every child of fallen Adam is born with a wild and stubborn nature—he does not want to submit to the claims of his Creator. He must be redeemed “with a lamb” or he must perish in his sins. The Lord Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away sin, and all who put their trust in Him are counted in His sight as redeemed— “not with silver and gold,” as Peter tells us, “but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18.

Now we would like to ask you, dear young reader, have you been redeemed yet?

The next time you see a donkey, think of these stories in God’s wonderful Book. Even from him we may learn these lessons—we must be redeemed, and then may we be humble and faithful servants in whatever place God may want to use us, “GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE.” Jas. 4:6.

ML-05/01/1960

Barry's Confidence

BARRY was fond of adventure. He liked playing games with the other boys, but best of all he liked to wander through the woods, exploring. I think he must have imagined that he was like some of the great explorers of the past. But one day, his wanderings got him into real trouble. He got lost! He thought he knew his way through the woods that surrounded his home, but this time he wandered a little too far, and he just could riot find his way home. Soon it grew dark, and Barry began thinking about supper, and home, and Mother. You see, Barry’s father had died when he was just a little fellow. He began to feel frightened, and then he stopped and thought: “I just know that my mother will come and find me, so there is no need to be frightened.”

Soon Barry was so very tired that he curled up on a pile of branches and went to sleep. You may imagine that there was no sleep at Barry’s home that night. Barry’s mother, and his big brother hunted and shouted, but there was no sign of Barry. When it grew dark, Mother called the local, sheriff, and he soon gathered together some of the neighbors, and they started out with lanterns to hunt for Barry. All night long they searched and called. Early in the morning, the sheriff himself found Barry. He was sitting quietly on a rock, just as though he were quite expecting someone to come along and lead him home.

The sheriff was so surprised, for he quite expected to find Barry sobbing and fearful. “Barry, aren’t you frightened? Where did you spend the night?” he asked.

“No, sir, I’m not frightened, but I’m sure hungry. I spent the night curled up on that pile of branches over there. I just woke up a while ago, and I thought I would just sit here and wait, for I knew that Mother would soon come and find me.”

Wasn’t that real confidence? And I think we can learn a lesson from it. For the Bible tells us that “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. You see, boys and girls are lost until the Lord Jesus has found and saved them.

If you will but tell the Lord Jesus that you are lost, and accept Him as your Saviour, you too can be saved right now.

“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-05/01/1960

Always Abounding

“IS YOUR father—the doctor—at home?” I asked a child.

“No, he’s away.”

“Where do you think I could find him?”

“Well,” (with a considering air) “you’ve got to look for some place where people are sick, or hurt, or something like that. I don’t know where he is, but he’s helping somewhere.”

And I turned away with this little sermon in my heart.

“Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:9, 10.

ML-05/01/1960

Bible Questions for May

The Children’s Class

1. Who is the faithful witness and the first-begotten from the dead?

2. What reward it promised to them that are faithful unto death?

3. Will the Lord Jesus come into the heart of anyone that hears His voice and opens the door to Him?

4. Do those who are redeemed to God come from every kindred and tongue and people and nation?

5. Will there be those in a coming day who will desire that the mountains hide them from the face of Hint that sitteth on the throne?

6. In those days what shall man seek and not be able to find?

7. Will Christ reign over all the kingdoms of this world?

The Young People’s Class

1. What departed from Saul after David was anointed? 1 Sam. 16.

2. Did David ever pray that this might not harmers to him? Psa. 51.

3. Does the Spirit of God indwell true believers in this Christian dispensation? 1 Cor. 3.

4. Can a Christian, it careless in his wave, grieve the Holy Spirit dwelling within him? Eph. 4.

5. What did the Lord send, in His judgment against Saul, to trouble him? 1 Sam. 16.

6. What did the servants of Saul suggest in order that it might be well with the King? 1 Sam.

7. In the early history of man’s world, were musical instruments originated by those who sought to forget the Lord? Gen. 4.

ML-05/01/1960

Bible Talks: Job 18-19:1-5

IN THIS chapter Bildad speaks and he expresses no sympathy whatever for poor Job. In fact it seems that the three friends get more severe with him each time they speak. Bildad says, “Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile (or stupid) in your sight?” In the New Testament men away from God are said to act as beasts. When the Apostle speaks of having fought with beasts at Ephesus (1 Cor, 15:32), he does not mean beasts literally, but men who had sunk so low as to merit such a term. Jude also speaks of some evil men who had crept in among the saints “as brute beasts.” Such was the character before the coming of our blessed Lord, and now, as long as the Holy Spirit is here, there is One who hinders the development of evil (2 Thess. 2:7, 8). We may see a great deal of evil in tile world now, but it is nothing compared with what, will follow after the Lord removes His people from this earth, and the Spirit of God also leaves.

Bildad makes a cruel thrust at Job when he says, “the light of the wicked shall be put out,” that death is his portion. He says, “His confidence shall be rooted out..., and it shall bring him to the king of terrors,” Then he goes on: “His remembrance shall perish from the earth,"... “He shall twit her have son nor nephew (grandson) oolong his people.... They that come after him shall be astonished at his day, as they that went before were affrighted” (evidently a reference to those whom the unrighteous man oppressed). Bildad closes with, “Surely, such are the dwellings of the unrighteous man, and such the place of him that knoweth not God.” J.N.D. Trans. It was all a mistake, and at the end of Job’s trial God called his three friends to account for the way they had so severely treated him. We cannot definitely say of anyone “that he knoweth not God,” for Scripture tells us “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 2 Tim. 2:19. He only can value rightly the thoughts and intents of the heart. There is a day coming when all men shall give account of all that they have spoken, according to the word of the Lord Jesus: “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt. 12:36. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” 2 Cor. 5:10, 11.

In chapter 19 we have Job’s answer to Bildad’s discourse, and he asks, “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me.” Actually thus far they had only spoken to him six times, but doubtless he saw on these occasions ten different ways in which they had reproached him. He had been very patient, but as his friends continued to charge him with evil, like Moses, he failed in the very thing that had characterized him. Job became very impatient. How we need Christ to sustain us in the trials of the way; “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:7.

O patient, spotless One!

Our hearts in meekness train,

To hear Thy yoke, and learn of Thee,

That we may rest obtain.

ML-05/01/1960

Little Ellie

“HE THAT covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whose confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.

Be sure you read the texts at the top of the page, because the text is always the best part of a message.

Everyone is a sinner, everyone has done wrong and been naughty; some are more naughty than others, but there is no difference about this thing—the fact that “ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

Now it is not good to cover over our sins; that will never do, for God’s Word declares it shall not prosper.

But many are foolish enough to try to cover up their sins, and Satan is always ready to help them do so. A little girl called Ellie did so; I think she was between 5 and 6 years old.

Her mother told her that some ladies were coming to visit her that afternoon and she wanted her little girl to be ready and meet them.

Mother told Ellie to put on her pretty blue silk dress and no apron. When she was ready, Ellie begged to go out in the garden for a little while before the visitors came. She was told she could walk quietly around the paths, but she must not run about and get her dress soiled.

But soon Ellie disobeyed, and began running around. Alas, her foot slipped on a stone, and she fell into one of the flower beds!

I expect the gardener had been watering the flowers, for when she jumped up, her blue silk dress was in a dreadful mess!

She cried, and then ran up to her bedroom.

Hark! there are knocks at the door; the ladies are coming! Just then Satan whispered to Ellie to put a clean apron on, and cover the dirty marks over. Naughty Ellie did so, and wiped the tears off her face.

“Ellie! Ellie! where are you?” called her mother, and soon the little girl crept downstairs, and into the living room. She shook hands with the ladies, and then she sat down on a stool.

Presently her mother said, “Why have you that apron on, Ellie? I said you were not to wear one this afternoon,”

Then Ellie turned red, and looked so ashamed. Her mother took off the apron, and the dirty silk dress was seen!

Now I must leave you to apply the rest of the message to yourself, Read both texts very carefully, and you will find that covering your own sin will never prosper, but very happy indeed is the child whose sin God has covered with the precious blood of Jesus, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.” Isa. 44:22.

“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.” Psa. 51:7.

“BLESSED IS HE WHOSE TRANRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED... UNTO WHOM THE LORD IMPUTETH NOT INUITY.” Psa. 32:1, 2.

ML-05/08/1960

On the Brink

ON THE edge of a wild moor in England, lived a poor family in a little cottage. They had a big dog named Hero, who was a faithful watch dog.

One evening the father and mother were out, and Frances and Alex, the two older children, were left in charge of the two younger ones who were already sleeping in their beds.

But Hero wasn’t content to lie quietly by the fire this evening as he usually did. He kept going to the door, whining and scratching to be let out. Alex and Frances looked out into the dark but could see nothing. Presently Hero began to bark loudly and bounded with all his strength against the closed door.

“We can’t keep him in,” exclaimed Frances. “He’ll waken the children, and yet I’m so afraid, for we don’t know what may be outside.”

“I’ll risk it,” said Alex. Hero, in his delight, almost knocked down Frances as he cleared the doorstep at one bound and was soon out of sight.

About half an hour later, Hero was heard on the outside of the door, whining and scratching, and Alex opened the door to let him in.

But the dog wasn’t satisfied to come in. He caught hold of Frances’ sleeve in his mouth, and tugged and dragged at it with all his might.

“He certainly wants us to go with him, Alex. Perhaps we had better go. A sheep may have strayed away and got lost.”

So the two children locked up the house and followed the dog who now went slowly and steadily along the narrow path that led to one of the wildest parts of the moor, only turning now and then to thrust his cold nose into their hands as if to encourage them to follow him. On they went till Hero led them to the edge of a wide swamp and then he stopped.

“I see something, Frances, close to where Hero is standing. What can it be?” said Alex.

Stooping forward, they saw the figure of a boy, lying just on the edge of the soft mud. The boy heard their voices and lifted his head.

“Don’t move,” shouted Alex, “you’re in a dangerous place. Give me your hand and help you up to firm ground.”

“I’m so very tired, and my feet are very sore,” said a faint voice. “Who are you?”

“We’re friends come to help you. Come to our cottage, it’s not far,” said Alex.

So they helped the poor fellow up and led him along the narrow path to their home.

“I’m sure you’re both cold and tired,” Frances said, as she brought the boy something to eat and then he told his story.

“Cold enough,” he replied, “but not hungry now,” as he drank the hot milk Frances had given him, and spread his cold hands out to the fire. “I’ve come a long way. I left home early and walked all day. I lost myself on the moor trying to find a short cut to the village. It’s a long distance yet, I’m afraid, to reach the sea.”

“The sea, oh yes,” replied Alex. “What do you want there? Have you no father or mother to stay with, or did they send you off alone?”

“I’ve no mother, and father wanted me to do what I did not want and would not let me go to sea, so I determined to have my own way, and start out before anyone was up this morning.”

“Oh,” exclaimed Frances, “did you disobey your father and leave home without even saying good-by? Suppose you had died tonight alone, in the swamp, and had never seen him again to ask his forgiveness. No wonder God would not direct your steps in the wrong path.”

“Was I so near death?”

“One step more and nothing could have saved you. It must have been God who sent Hero to bring us to your rescue.”

Soon all in the cottage were sleeping —all but the strange boy. Frances’ words rang in his ears— “If you had died tonight!” It was a solemn thought. He had never been in such danger bore and now he shuddered at the thought. At last sleep came but brought only troubled dreams. He imagined himself lying on a narrow ledge, the boundary between time and eternity— “the edge of the shore of death.” And just as his feet were slipping over the brink, he woke with a start and a cry which brought Alex to his side.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. I’ve had dreadful dreams. My head is burning and I feel ill.” And he was very ill. In his illness and fever, he could not tell his name or where his home was. But at last he began to rover, and his father was soon brought to his bedside. Walter tried to tell his father how sorry he was, but tears came instead.

From their kind friends in the cottage, the boy and his father learned the story of the prodigal son who left his father and at last was made to see that the only thing left for him to do was to return home and confess his wrong in running away. They learned too of God who welcomes each one who comes to Him, truly sorry for his sins.

“Come!” The Father’s house stands open,

With its love and light and song;

And returning to that Father,

All to you may now belong.

From sin’s distant land of famine,

Toiling ‘math the midday sun,

To a Father’s house of plenty,

And a Father’s welcome, “Come!”

ML-05/08/1960

Bible Talks: Job 19:6-29

JOB feels that he has been wronged at the hand of God and says, “God hath overthrown me,... Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.” He was unable to see the purpose of God in his trial, but surely one, especially a saint, ought not to think God had wronged him, no matter what the circumstances might be, “He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head,” says Job, but he does not realize that his crown and his glory had given him his self-confidence, which God must take from him in order that He might do him good at his latter end. The believer learns from the New Testament that glory and the giving of crowns await a coming day, when the Lord Himself shall give every man according as his work shall be (Rev. 22: 12). Our part now is to seek grace to walk humbly with God in self judgment.

Job says God “hath kindled His wrath against me, and He counteth me unto Him as one of His enemies.” Later on Job had to be made to feel how unjust it was for him to think this of God. Then he mentions how that God had put his brethren far from him; his acquaintances were estranged from him, and even his kinsfolk had failed him, and those of his own house counted him as a stranger. His appeal is very touching: “Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. Why do ye persecute me as God?”

After this he sighs: “Oh that my words were written! oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron style and lead they were graven in the rock forever!” J.N.D. Trans. Little did Job think that his words were being recorded above, and that they would be written in a better way than in the rock in order that they might be preserved. Afterword some of his words were called to his attention (not by his three friends) and he had to own they were wrong.

In the end of the chapter Job gives out one of the most beautiful expressions as to the resurrection, in the Old Testament. “As for me, I know that my Redeemer liveth, and the Last, He shall stand upon the earth; and if after my skin this shall be destroyed, yet from out of my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.” It is the resurrection of the righteous he sees before him here, He can speak of “my Redeemer,” the One who when all has failed will appear “upon the earth.” And though his mortal body might be destroyed, yet he looks forward to a literal resurrection, “yet with my flesh shall I see God.” “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold"— he was not afraid of the Lord (as many are and shall be in that day) but he loved to think of Him. So we see there was no doubt as to his faith as to eternity, though he sadly failed in trusting the Lord for his daily circumstances, How many of us in this favored dispensation fail in this very thing!

He closes with a word for their consciences: “But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.” He tells them God may have something to say to them for their treatment of him in his adversity. We read in Hebrews 13:3: “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”

ML-05/08/1960

A Queer Question

LAWYER named Mr. Bartlett was on his way to work, and nearing his office he stopped in the street to get a paper. Charlie, the paper boy, was no stranger to him, but this morning he was unusually silent. The lawyer missed his bright remarks, and began to joke with him, when suddenly the boy looked up in his face, and said:

“Mr. Bartlett, do you love God?”

The lawyer was honest and upright, a good-living man, but he was not a Christian. “Why do you ask me that, Charlie?” he asked.

“Well, I’ll tell you, sir,” replied the paper boy. “Me mother an’ me’s got to get out; for the place we live in ‘ll be tore down pretty soon, an’ a fellow like me can’t pay much rent. Mother does all she can, but you see there’s three of us, an’ me grandmother’s lame. I dunno what to do. Yesterday I heard two men talkin’, and one of ‘em said God would help anybody that love Him if they’d tell Him they were in trouble. I made up my mind I’d lay for somebody that knew Him well enough to ask Him.”

Mr. Bartlett was embarrassed. All he could say to the threadbare boy was that he had better ask someone else. He thrust a half-dollar into the boy’s hand and hurried away.

But all that day he found his thoughts reveling to the boy and his strange question. “A fine position for an educated man in a Christian country!” he said to himself. “Struck dumb by an ignorant street Arab! I could not answer his question! Why not?”

That evening Mr. Bartlett went, for the first time in many years, to a prayer meeting, and told the whole story without sparing himself. From that day life had a new meaning for him, for he received into his heart the Saviour, the Lord Jesus, God’s gift to sinners. For “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12.

Such an incident could not be allowed to end there. The boy was helped to better living quarters, and to work, which enabled him to provide better for his “family.” At last he had found someone who loved God: and in time he learned to love Him himself, for Charlie accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour too.

May it be so with our dear reader as it was with the well-to-do lawyer and the poor paper boy of our story. Both found Christ as their Saviour and started on their way home to heaven.

“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...; the weak things...; And base things...; and things which are despised, ... that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Cor. 26-29.

“THAT, ACCORDING AS IT IS WRITTEN, HE THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD.” 1 Cor. 1:31.

ML-05/15/1960

"Singing Phil"

PHIL ROBSON was a carpenter in a faraway New England village. His neighbors had called him “singing Phil,” for at work or at play his merry voice might always be heard. Unfortunately it was too often heard in the tavern, where he would sit for hours with wild and noisy companions. This, however, was not much to be wondered at, for in that village there were four taverns, and not one gospel hall or mission or chapel!

But God had not forgotten or forsaken even that benighted place; still less had He forgotten Phil and his gift of song.

One beautiful summer evening Phil and his companions were sitting in their usual haunt, drinking and singing, when suddenly they heard someone outside in the road singing also.

They stopped their own song to listen; then as the voice came nearer, Phil threw up the window and leaned out.

Walking up the village street was a plain-looking man with his hat in his hand, singing the refrain of the hymn: “Canaan, bright Canaan, we’re bound for the land of Canaan.”

As he came opposite the young men he looked up with a pleasant smile and said, “I am going to preach in the park, to tell you all of Jesus, and pardon, and happiness, and heaven. Come and hear the good news.”

And then he went on singing:

“Come, sinner, turn and go with me,

For Jesus waits in Canaan;

With angels bright to welcome thee

To all the joys of Canaan;

Come freely to salvation’s streams,

They sweetly flow in Canaan;

There everlasting spring abides

Around His throne in Canaan.”

As Phil listened, something made him feel as he had never felt before. His heart seemed as if it would burst. He got up, took the brown jug of ale that he had paid for, emptied it all in the road, set the jug on the doorstep, and followed the preacher.

He found him standing under an oak tree, singing,

“Come, sinners, to Jesus, no longer delay,

A free, full salvation is offered today.”

Phil stood among the little crowd that had gathered, trembling and wretched. When the hymn was fished, and the preacher kneeled down and began to pray with great earnestness that God would awaken and save them, he was glad to kneel too, for he could hardly stand. Scarcely was the prayer ended when it began to rain, and the preacher asked, “Will any of you good people lend me your kitchen to preach in?” Nobody replied, except one big, rough fellow, Bob, the blacksmith, who gave a mocking laugh.

The prayer had made Phil feel worse than ever, but at last he managed to say, pointing to a wooden shed, “You may preach in my shop.”

“Thank you, friend, that will do very nicely,” said the preacher, and putting his arm through Phil’s he marched him across the grass, singing as he went:

Your friends may desert you, and leave you alone;

The joys of salvation will more than atone.

With God for your portion, and heaven for your home,

The angels in glory invite you to come.

The text chosen was, “Be ye reconciled to God.”

“And oh, sir!” said Phil, telling the story to a gentleman years afterward, “what a sermon that was! He set before us our sins as though he knew us all. And then he exclaimed, ‘But Jesus died for you — died for you, for you,’ pointing his finger so that he made us feel as though each of us had been the cause of all the Saviour’s woe. I stood beside him all the time listening for my life. So did others; aye, even Bob, the blacksmith, was broken-hearted, and when we kneeled down to pray, Bob said, " ‘Do pray for me!’

" ‘Thank God!’ said the preacher. He prayed for Bob; and then he suddenly began to pray for me. Then I prayed for myself; and as I prayed, light, freedom, peace, and joy came to me; and I cried out — I couldn’t help it ‘Lord, I am saved!’ and from that hour, sir, I have sung the sweet songs of Zion. It does me good to sing; it cheers me, and makes life pleasant.”

“What became of the preacher, Phil?” asked the gentleman.

“I took him into my house, sir, and my wife made him welcome. He stayed with us two days, and led my wife and my dear old granny to the Saviour, and then he went away. Not long after I heard that he had taken a fever, and had died rejoicing in God.”

Phil lived on for many years in his native village, and was the means of much blessing in that dark place. His joyous voice, lifted up in a psalm or hymn, found its way to many a hard, sad heart, opening it to his Master’s message.

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance,” so says the wise king in Proverbs 15:13, and later on he tells us, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22).

Dear friends, do come to the Saviour now, and let the gladness of the Lord fill your lives. You will be happy yourselves, and will be a blessing to others.

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

ML-05/15/1960

Bible Talks: Job 20-21

IN THIS chapter we hear from Zophar for the last time. Evidently he was a hasty man, so he says, “Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste,” Though he was the youngest of the three he appears to have great conference in what he had learned and in his own judgment. He thought he knew a great deal when really he knew very little, especially of the ways of God with man, and much less of His ways with His saints. He says: “I hear a reproof putting me to shame; and my spirit answereth me by mine understanding. Knowest thou not this, that of old, since mart was placed upon the earth, the exultation of the wicked is short, and the joy of the ungodly man but for a moment.” J.N.D. Trans. This is true in part, but then God does often allow evil men to prosper and flourish for a long time on the earth; their judgment awaits a future day. But in the meantime God does discipline His children here below for their good and blessing, and Job’s case was very exceptional in the severity of his trial, not for his own good only, but for ours also. For now we have this wonderful Book and are meant to profit by its lessons. Zophar knew nothing of this, however, and instead of giving his friend any sympathy whatever, all he can impute to Job is some great evil in his life.

Zophar speaks of what becomes of the wicked, of how his children have to seek the help of the poor whom he has oppressed, and finally the wrath of God falls on him and he is slain. “The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him.” Then he closes saying, “This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.” One would have to be filled with pride and completely self-satisfied, to say such things to one suffering such adversities, as poor Job was at this time.

In chapter 21 Job says, “Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.” Then he raises the question, “Wherefore do the wicked live, and become old, yea, are mighty in power?... Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them... They spend their days in wealth.” They even say unto God, “Dart’ from us; for we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways.” They even challenge Him saying, “What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?”

Job also raises the question, “How often is the lamp of the wicked put out, and cometh their calamity upon them?” Then he calls to his friends’ attention how that one dieth in his full strength, prosperous and healthy. Then another dies in bitterness of soul, never having known prosperity: both alike go together unto the grave. There is a lot more truth in the words of Job than in those of his friends. He goes on: “Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. For ye say, Where is the house of the noble, and where are the dwelling places of the wicked?” Had they not asked the passers-by these things? Did they not know “That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.” That is the reason why they flourish now. His friends looked only at present things as a proof of what God thought about men. But Job could see that this was false reasoning, for God’s judgment of men and their ways, and the setting right of all things in this world, await a future day.

ML-05/15/1960

The Deserted Lamb

A FEW summers ago I passed the night at the cottage of a shepherd friend. The next morning I set off to cross the mountains on my way to Buttermere. As I approached the summit of the pass, a little lamb was bleating in tones more sad than I had ever heard before. It seemed to say, as plain as if it were uttering human words, “Pity me! help me! SAVE ME!”

One good thing that lamb realized it was “lost” (Luke 10:10). So many boys and girls think they need to grow up, fight, drink, swear, and commit great crimes before they can be called “lost"; whereas the Scripture makes it plain that we were born lost (Psa. 58:3), and by nature are lost sinners (Eph, 2:3). Yet, thank God, not eternally lost, so we can cry like sinking Peter, “Lord, SAVE ME.” Matt. 14:30.

I stopped, and the lamb ran toward me. It was evident that it had been forsaken by its mother, for it was a mere skeleton, and its loosely-hanging skin and sharp features betokened starvation. I could not resist its appeals, so took it in my arms and carried it toward a sheep that was browsing not far off. But the sheep moved away, and the tiny lamb ran back to me, still imploring help. Again I took it in my arms, and carrying it toward another sheep farther off, put it down where some bracken would hide it from me as I rapidly stepped back. The lamb did not go toward the retreating sheep, but rained where it had been placed, and still repeated its sad cry, “Pity me! help me! save me!”

This little lamb was so far “lost” that its companions were of no avail, How like us, of whom it is said, “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Psa. 49:7. Our only Saviour must be the Lord Jesus Christ for “there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

I took it in my arms once more, and sat down meditating what I had better do. Should I carry it forward with me till I reached the first house, several miles distant? But might not such an act seem suspicious if I met the owner of the flock? At any rate, I would not, I could not, leave to perish a helpless creature which had cast itself on my protection. Just then, looking down into the valley, I saw a small object at the foot of the mountain. It came nearer. It was my shepherd friend. I at once showed him my lamb, and entrusted it to his care.

“Poor thing!” said the shepherd; “its mother has forsaken it; they sometimes do when pasture is scarce, It would have died in an hour or two; but I’ll take it down and give it some milk, and it will soon be all right again.”

Then the shepherd took in his arms the little trembling lamb, which at once nestled its head in his bosom, and hushed its pitiful cry. And as this great, strong, tender-hearted man stalked down the mountainside like a giant, bearing his tender burden, I thought of the words of the prophet concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, He shall gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

Did the lamb struggle against the kindness of the shepherd. Indeed no, for feeling itself utterly lost, it was glad to have a Saviour—willing, able, kind, and true. So it was not long till it was “found” (Luke 15:6), Come to Jesus now, and you will be among the lambs folded in His bosom, “and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” (1 Peter 5:4) reserved in heaven for you.

“HE HATH SAID, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.” Heb. 13:5.

ML-05/22/1960

Saved by a Song

SOME years ago George Charlton was traveling by train to another town. In the same coach was a drunken man, with his wife and a boy about twelve. The man was quarrelsome and was making a nuisance of himself to everyone in the car. His poor wife tried her best to keep him quiet but without avail.

Noting the embarrassment of the woman, and wanting to help the poor drunken man if he could, Mr. Charlton asked the man if he might sing to him. The man readily agreed.

Mr. Chariton sang two well-known hymns, and the effect on the drunken man was noticeable to all in the car, for he calmed down at once. The train soon reached its destination, and the woman thanked Mr. Charlton heartily.

It was many years afterward that Mr. Charlton was invited to speak at a meeting in a town in that district. A fine-looking gentleman met him at the station before the meeting began, and escorted him. After the meeting there was a tea, and an English lady loaded his plate with the good things that had been provided. He also noticed that the gentleman who had met him at the station was paying much attention to his wants. This naturally aroused his curiosity and he called the lady to his side, asking, “Who is that gentleman?”

“He is my husband,” she replied. “Mr. Charlton, do you remember many years ago, singing for a drunken man to keep him quiet?”

“Why, yes, I do,” answered Mr. Charlton.

“Well, sir, that is the man and I am the poor woman who thanked you for singing those hymns. It led him to see the error of his ways. He gave his heart to Christ, and so did I, sir, because of the impression that singing made on us. We now have the happiest home and we owe it all to God, and you and the hymns.”

Mr. Charlton, rejoiced with the happy couple, and then inquired further about their son.

“When my husband was saved,” said the woman, “we soon had a nice home, and Joe, our boy, was anxious to get an education and so we sent him to school. Today he is a preacher of the gospel.”

Yes, there is wonderful power in song, to restore a sin-sick soul to the Saviour, whose own birth was heralded with angel voices, and whose shed blood makes it possible for “whosoever will” to sing the words of that beautiful hymn:

“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

Why ‘neath the load of your sins do ye toil?

Christ giveth rest.

Why be in slavery, why Satan’s spoil?

You may be blest.

Christ now invites you sweet rest to receive,

Heavy’s your burden, but He can relieve,

If but this moment in Him you believe,

You shall have rest.

ML-05/22/1960

Confess the Lord

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

If any of our dear young friends who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, have been timid about confessing Him before others, I beg of you to do so now.

Go to the Lord alone first, and tell Him all the truth, then go to others. Like the man in Mark 5, begin at home.

“Go home to thy friends,” and tell them first. Also write to your friends, and tell them of what the Leo has done for you.

Confession of Christ will often meet a difficulty felt by many young converts, a difficulty which was once expressed to me by a young man in these words, "I do want to follow Jesus, but how shall I get rid of my old companions in sin, for they seek to draw me aside?”

I advised him to tell them gently and lovingly of the Saviour, and invite them, in the spirit of the hymn, to come to Him, “O that my Saviour were your ‘Saviour too!”

“You may be sure,” I said, “the result will be this: you will either win them to Christ, or they will leave you entirely.”

He promised to adopt this plan.

Now I would like to have you try the same thing, and you will find that those who care nothing for the Lord will drop off like autumn leaves.

How sweet, on the other hand, if you should thus be the means of leading a companion to Christ. You will find, as I have found, that if a bold, decided confession of Christ in your home, school or business is unhesitatingly made, it will give glory to Him, and save you a great deal of sorrow and remorse.

ML-05/22/1960

Bible Talks: Job 22

OPHAR never speaks again, and now we hear Eliphaz for the last time. It seems strange to us that he should raise such questions as he does in these first few verses, concerning the way of man before God. He does not appear to have much sense of what is due to Him. He asks, “Can a man be profitable unto God?” and then adds, “surely it is unto himself that the wise man is profitable,” “Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to Him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?” he continues. Had Eliphaz never considered some of those godly men of old, such as Noah, to whom God had said, “for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation"? Gen. 7:1. Did not God value this? We see from the story of the ark and the flood that God did value Noah’s faithful walk before Him. And God was pleased with Job also, the very man they were reproaching so, as we read in the opening verses of the book.

Eliphaz then turns on Job and makes more false accusations. He says, “Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?” He was pursuing the same line—evil surmisings and false reasonings. “For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for naught, and stripped the naked of their clothing. Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.... Thou hast sent widows away empty.” Therefore, he says, these things have come upon Job, and he points him to the paths of the ancient evil men who were carried away before their time. The righteous see these things happening to evil men, says Eliphaz, and the innocent laugh them to scorn.

After this Eliphaz counsels Job. “Acquaint [reconcile] now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from His mouth, and lay up words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity from thy tabernacles."...

All this was good advice, only it applied more to Eliphaz himself than to Job. It is sad that through the deceitfulness of the heart one can be really blind to his own need before God, and yet attempt to counsel others. But such counsel never gets to the root of the difficulty, None of the three friends had been able to discover the real reason why God dealt with Job as He did, and all their reasonings only showed how very satisfied they were with themselves. They only saw things from man’s moral viewpoint, and could see no other reason for Job’s trials than that he deserved God’s chastening on account of his evil ways. They were unable to see that it was a refining process which Job refers to in the next chapter.

Eliphaz continues: “If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, ... Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defense, and thou shalt have plenty of silver,” Job’s return and restoration came sooner and in a way Eliphaz and his friends had not expected, and it turned to their shame. “Even him that is not innocent shall He deliver; yea, he shall be delivered by the pureness of thy hands.” There was more truth in this than Eliphaz realized, for he and his two friends were certainly not innocent, and it was they who were delivered later on only through the intercession of Job, who was more righteous than they.

ML-05/22/1960

The Snake Charmer

IN A CERTAIN town, a snake I charmer was exhibiting an unusual type of snake which was causing a great deal of interest and excitement. Many people were going to see his performance.

One night the snake charmer was about to start his act. Some assistants brought and placed a large wicker basket in one corner of the stage, while the snake charmer informed his audience of what they were about to witness. The snake was a rare species which he had kept since a boy; in fact, it had grown up with him, and he regarded it as a friend who would always obey him. As he walked over to where the basket had been placed, every eye was upon him. With a small bamboo cane he began to strike the basket, and suddenly there issued a sound of hissing. The onlookers turned to each other and asked, “Is he trying to deceive us?” In a few moments their question was answered, as a strange reptile moved across the stage toward the snake charmer. The audience was alarmed, fearing the man would lose his life; but having reached his knees, the snake retraced its way back to the basket.

The people were relieved. Some wanted to leave, but the snake charmer assured them that the act was not yet finished, and as for the snake, it would hurt no one.

Again and again the man played with the snake which had been his pet since childhood, till alas, it reared its head above his body, and struck him. Within a few minutes the snake charmer was dead.

God’s Word tells us, “The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23. It is true, we can play with sin for a time until it seems part of us, but its wages are death. Thank God, that precious verse goes on to say, “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Have you thought, dear reader, that you could go on your own way, still in your sins, and reject God’s way of salvation. The Scriptures declare that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12. If you are unsaved, turn to the Lord Jesus now and accept by faith His finished work on Calvary’s cross for all your sins, for He is able and willing to save.

“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.

“Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezk. 33:11.

“BUT NOW ONCE IN THE END OF THE WORLD HATH HE AEARED TO PUT AWAY SIN BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF.” Heb. 9:26,

ML-05/29/1960

The Dying Soldier's Comfort

ON THE battlefield once, during the war, a wounded soldier fell to the ground crying, “One drop, one drop.” “Not a drop of drink in my canteen,” said a comrade, “What can I do for you?”

“Bill, open my knapsack and get it —my Bible—and let me have a drop from that.”

Opening the knapsack Bill opened the Bible and began to read some of its sacred, peace-giving words.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph 1: 7 ... “But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace,” Eph. 2:13, 14 ... “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.... “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:13....

“That’s it. It’s the blood of Christ which heals our wounds. The blond of Christ makes peace. I shall never get home to England again; but, blessed be God, I shall get to a better country through Christ the living Way. Ah! Bill, if ever the Bible was written for any man it was written for the soldier.”

The dying soldier was trusting the blood of the Lord Jesus for his salvation, and are you doing the same, dear reader? Works and deeds of merit will never obtain eternal life in heaven, for it is “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5, There is only one way to heaven, and that is by trusting the Lord Jesus and His finished work on Calvary.

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

ML-05/29/1960

He Is Calling Thee

A LITTLE girl was singing—

“Lo, a loving Friend is waiting,

He is calling thee.”

When she came to the verse—

“Soon that voice will cease its calling:

Wilt thou still delay?”

she thought, “What a dreadful thing it would be if that voice should cease to call me before I came to Him"; and as she said, in speaking of it afterward, “So I came to Him just then.”

ML-05/29/1960

New Testament Men: Titus

TO TITUS, Paul wrote one epistle. An epistle is simply a letter—in this case a letter from God— for the men who wrote these Bible-letters were inspired of God, and what they wrote is a revelation from Him to us. Now, when we receive a letter from a friend, we begin at the beginning and we read it through to the end, even though we may be interrupted in the middle. If we value it we read it again, and even many times, perhaps. Certainly we aught not to treat God’s letters less well.

“How do you read your Bible?” is a question sometimes addressed to young people, and the answer often received is, “Oh, I just open and read anywhere.” Now, though it may be very nice, and even profitable to do this sometimes, because all the Bible is good, yet it is far better to study a book or an epistle as a whole, and to read it straight through. Thus we may gain some idea of its contents, and are more likely to discover what God had in view in preserving for us such a letter or book. We know, for instance, that each Gospel presents Christ in a different character, that in Ephesians Paul tells us about the body of Christ, in Philippians he instructs us what the life of a Christian here should be like, Colossians is about Christ the Head of the Body, and so on. Let us try and read God’s letters in this way, and learn His thoughts in this evil day, when men are making much of themselves, and trying to ignore His book and His ways.

But to return to Titus; who was he? He is not named in Acts, but chapter 15 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to consult the apostles about circumcision, “certain others” went with them, and from Galatians 2 we learn that among these “others” was Titus. He was a Greek, and he was not circumcised. Timothy had been circumcised, perhaps because his mother was a Jewess; but Titus was purely Gentile, and Paul would not give up his liberty in Christ Jesus, and be brought into bondage to law to please anybody.

It is in Corinthians that we hear the most of Titus. It appears that he was sent to Corinth to find out how Paul’s first. Epistle, containing some sharp reproofs, had been received, and that then he was again sent there with the second letter. All this was a source of great anxiety and also great joy, both to the messenger and the writer (2 Cor. 7). Titus was also commissioned to incite them to liberality, and to distribution for the needs of others.

The Epistle to Titus somewhat resembles 1 Timothy, and was probably written about the same time; but though Titus was converted (1:4) through Paul, he does not seem to regard him with quite the same affection and confidence as Timothy. He left him, however, in Crete, in a position of responsibility (chapter 1), and then he begged him to meet him at Nicopolis (Macedonia), and spend the winter with him, but whether this was accomplished is not known.

From 2 Timothy 4:10, we learn that when Paul was almost alone at Rome, Titus had departed to Dalmatia, whether rightly or wrongly we cannot say. It is said that he went from Dalmatia to Crete, where he died at an advanced age.

ML-05/29/1960

Bible Talks: Job 23 and 24

IN THESE two chapters we have Job’s answer to Eliphaz. “Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.” No doubt Job’s sufferings were becoming inure bitter to him, under the constant proddings of his friends.

“Oh that I knew where I might find Him! ... I would order my cause before Him.” Like the needle on the compass which may waver but always returns to the pole, so true faith may waver under trial and suffering, but will always return to God as its center. So it was with Job. He seems to feel that God did not know all that he was passing through, and if he could only find Him, and lay his cause before Him, he believes He would deliver him. “Would He plead against me with His great power?” That is how his friends thought God would deal with him, but “No,” Job says, “He would give heed unto me,” Job feels that as an upright man, he could reason with Him. But while Job was not guilty of what his friends charged him with, he had not really taken to heart what he had said earlier as to God’s ways with him, in making his own clothes to abhor him (Job 9:31).

Sometimes it seemed as though the light was about to break through as in verse 10: “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” And after all, that was what God was doing with Job—He was burning out the dross, as gold is refined.

Looking back Job says: “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.” vv. 11, 12. Perhaps this was so, but it is not the expression of the faith of one whose heart has been laid bare in the Lord’s presence and who is conscious of his own nothingness. For if by grace we have in any measure been able to follow the Lord, we ought not to find satisfaction in that, but rather we ought to glory in His grace which has picked us up and gone on with us.

In verse 12 also Job seems to refer to something that had been handed down from Noah. “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Then in the last few verses he seems to lose some of his self-confidence, and says, “I am troubled at His presence.” It had searched his heart that God had not cut him off suddenly.

In chapter 24 Job asks, “Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know Him not see His days?” Evidently he is referring to the fact that his three friends did not understand more of God’s ways. Then follows a discourse on the evil doings of men, how seemingly they go on without God interfering with their wicked ways. But he concludes that God’s eyes are upon their ways, even though He has allowed them to go so far unpunished. “They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?” There is nothing in what Job says here about repentance and redemption which the gospel proclaims, no looking on to Christ who would bring salvation. How thankful we can be that though “all have sinned,” “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” and His precious blood cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7.)

ML-05/29/1960

Edward the Conqueror

EDWARD Norton was a Christian boy, but he had a bad temper, A little thing would often make him very angry. He was fond of reading about the great conquerors in history. His mother tried to show him how he might become a greater conqueror than they. Every morning, for a whole week, she made him repeat this verse: “He that ruleth his own spirit is greater than he that taketh a city.”

At the same time she taught him to pray to God for grace to help him to resist the temptation to get angry, and for power to rule his own spirit.

One day Edward was playing with some boys, when a dispute arose between them. One of them called Edward a fool, laughed at him, and made fun of him. In a moment Edward grew red in the face. The fire began to flash from his eyes. He was just doubling up his fist, and raising his hand to strike a blow, when suddenly he stopped. He thought of what his mother had said about conquering his spirit. In a moment the silent prayer went up from his heart, “Lord, help me to overcome this angry spirit.” God heard that prayer. No angry blow was struck. No angry word was spoken. For with help, Edward ruled his own spirit. And when he went home and told his mother about it, she threw her arms round his neck, and kissed him, and told him that he had gained a more glorious victory that day than any that Alexander, or Caesar, or Napoleon ever won. This is true! And above all God was glorified through it. To Him be all the praise!

“HE THAT IS SLOW TO ANGER IS BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY; AND HE THAT RULETH HIS SPIRIT THAN HE THAT TAKETH A CITY.” Prov. 16:32

ML-06/05/1960

Just in Time

MR. HUNT was walking home one day, when a young man caught up with him, and they walked on together. Mr. Hunt loved to tell others of the Lord Jesus and His great salvation, and before they had gene far, he spoke to Bill about his Saviour. As they parted, he gave the young man a gospel booklet, hoping he would read it.

Two months went by, but Mr. Hunt often thought of Bill, and wished he could see him. Mr. Hunt often called on homes in that vicinity and gave out gospel tracts to the occupants. One day he came to a little wayside cottage, and pushing the gate open, went up to the door and knocked.

“Nothing wanted,” said the woman as she almost closed the door.

Mr. Hunt smiled. “Happy people!” he said.

“How do you know we’re happy?” she asked, interested in spite of herself.

“By your answer — ‘Nothing wanted.’ " smiled Mr. Hunt. “Surely that is a happy state of affairs!”

“But I want plenty of things,” she said.

“That changes the whole matter,” said Mr. Hunt. “I can show you how you can obtain all things, both for time and eternity.”

“I’ll call the lady of the house,” she said, and calling Mrs. Barter, they both came to the door to listen.

“First, you want life to have and enjoy things. And if you want to enjoy things for eternity you must have everlasting life. Listen,” and he 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,” Then from the Bible he went on to show them how the believer possesses all things in Christ without Him, though they had all the world could give, they have nothing.

They did not answer, but he could see that they were impressed by the necessity of accepting the Saviour. He handed them a little gospel booklet, but before he could speak, Mrs. Barter exclaimed, "That is the book poor Bill read after he was hurt, and it was such a blessing to him before he died. Bill was my son.”

“How long ago did he die?” asked Mr. Hunt.

“Two weeks. He had a bad accident falling from a hay stack. They brought him home to die.”

“When did he get that little book?” said Mr. Hunt.

“Two days before the accident. He got it from someone on the road, he said. He used to read it again and again.

“Well, I think I gave Bill that book,” said Mr. Hunt. And he related the incident and described Bill.

“That’s him!” exclaimed Bill’s mother. “Oh, sir, I am glad and thankful to make your acquaintance. He told us what you said to him, and that, and the little book were a real blessing. What a mercy you met him then. He was ill for several weeks.”

“Your boy is with the Lord, and you can go there too, when the time comes, if you find his Saviour,” said Mr. Hunt.

He left, leaving the little book and a Bible, which they both promised to read. They asked him to come again soon, and when he did, they told him they had trusted Christ as their Saviour, and were now praying for the conversion of their husbands.

Dear boy or girl, if you were to die tonight, where would your soul be? Bill received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, but he did not know that he would soon be in eternity. If the Lord Jesus came tonight, and you were still unsaved, you would be left behind.

God’s salvation is free, and you may have everlasting life by simply trusting His finished work on Calvary.

ML-06/05/1960

A Single Leaf

THERE was once a caravan crossing to the north of India, and numbering in its company a devout Christian missionary. As it passed along, a poor old man was overcome by the heat and labors of the journey, and sinking down, was left to perish on the road. The missionary saw him, and, kneeling down at his side when the rest had passed along, whispered into his ear: “Brother, what is your hope?” The dying man raised himself a little to reply, and with a great effort succeeded in answering: “The blood of Jesus Christ... cleanseth us from all sin,” and immediately expired with the effort.

The missionary was greatly astonished with the answer, and at the calm and peaceful assurance of the man; he felt assured he had died in Christ. How, or when, he thought, could this man, seemingly a heathen, have obtained the knowledge of this salvation? As he thought of it, he observed a piece of paper grasped tightly in the hand of the dead man. What do you think was his surprise and delight when he found it was a single leaf of the Bible, containing the first chapter of the First Epistle of John! On that page the man had found the Word of Life!

Many of us reading these lines have Bibles of our own, but do you value the Word of God like this poor man? Have you ever put your trust in the Lord Jesus and His shed blood on Calvary? If you haven’t, why delay longer? Come to Him now and know with assurance that He has washed your sins all away in His own precious blood.

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

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

ML-06/05/1960

Bible Questions for June

The Children’s Class

1. What different names are given to the one which deceiveth the whole world?

2. Who is the One to whom all nations shall came and worship?

3. What will happen to those that will not repent to give God glory?

4. Does He that is called Faithful and True judge in righteousness?

5. Who will be cast into the lake of fire after the judgment of the great white throne?

6. Are the former things, tears, sorrow, pain and death, going to pass away?

7. Who is invited to take freely of the water of life?

The Young People’s Class

1. What qualities did Saul’s servants see in David when seeking a man to stand before the King? 1 Sam. 16.

2. What did the natural man foil to see in the Lord Jesus when He was here on earth? Isa. 53.

3. What occupation was David given to help preserve the King’s life? 1 Sam.

4. What mission did the Lord fulfill? Heb. 2.

5. What did Saul soy to Jesse concerning David? 1 Sam.

6. With whom else did David find favor? Acts 7.

7. How can we find favor in the eight of God and man? Prov. 3.

ML-06/05/1960

Bible Talks: Job 25-26:6

WE NOW come to the last of the speeches of Job’s friends. It is Bildad who speaks and he is very brief. He speaks of the glory of God, and what he says is true, but it does not apply to Job’s case. He says, “How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” Job had raised this same question long before, and with far more spiritual insight. Evidently Bildad feels that Job is trying to justify himself with God, but it was his friends that had driven Job to this, though this did not justify him in doing so. Nevertheless the Lord was going to have to say to Job about this very thing.

Bildad states a remarkable fact: “Behold, even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in His sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?” Here there is an evident allusion to the created heaven having been contaminated by that being who caused the fall of man.

This is the last we hear from Job’s three friends. It is not that they were convinced they were wrong, but they had nothing more to say. Now in chapter 26 Job answers and it shows that he entered far more into God’s glory and dominion than Bildad did. He asks his friends as to the purpose of all their sayings. They had been no help to him in all his afflictions and he had been cast down and burdened by them. But how could they be of help since they knew not what God had said of man’s heart, that “the imaginations of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Neither had they taken to heart that God had spoken of acting in mercy to man at the time when Noah, coming forth from the ark, built an altar and offered sacrifices to God. (See Gen. 8:20-22.)

Job asks, “For whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?” His last question reveals a certain knowledge that man did not have control over his own spirit, and seems to imply that sometimes man uttered things while under the power of the evil one. Verses 5 and 6 refer to the unseen evil powers. They are not translated quite correctly in the Authorized Version, but should read, “The shades [the unseen evil powers] tremble beneath the water, and the inhabitants thereof. Sheol [the unseen world, including the spirits of the departed] is naked before Him, and destruction (Abaddon, see Rev. 9:11) hath no covering,” J.N.D. Trans.

We see in the things Job speaks of in this chapter that the knowledge of God and of the unseen world had not as yet been corrupted by man. Job had some knowledge of these things, but he was very ignorant of God’s ways with man, but not as ignorant as his friends were. His attention had to be called to this very thing later on, and God in His dealings with him was trying to teach him something of the pride of his own heart. It was then Job was forced to confess that he had been speaking of things he understood not; “things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” (Job 42:3.)

O God, how wide Thy glory shines,

How high Thy wonders rise!

Known thro’ the earth by thousand signs

By thousands through the skies.

Those mighty orbs proclaim Thy power

Their motions speak Thy skill;

And on the wings of every hour,

We read Thy patience still.

ML-06/05/1960

"Let Me Take It!"

LITTLE Martha was very naughty at school one day, and her teacher had to send her out of the class for the rest of the morning. She went out with a proud step, slamming the door after her. Her teacher, Miss Andrews, was sad to see her little Martha’s heart so full of anger, and looking around on the faces before her, she could see someone else as sad as she was. It was her sister Sarah.

Soon Sarah came up to her teacher, and Miss Andrews asked her if she had been too hard on her little sister. “No,” said Sarah, “I think she ought to be punished, but—”

“But what, dear, don’t be afraid to speak out.”

“I wanted to ask, if you would let me change with Martha,” said Sarah. “She has a cough, and the other room is cold; I can bear it better.”

“But Sarah,” said Miss Andrews, “everyone passing through and seeing you there will think you are in disgrace, so you will get the blame as well as the punislunent, and you have always been good in class. How will you like to lose your good name?”

“But I would not care about that; do let me go to her, and send her in,” said Sarah, and the tears which she could no longer keep back, told how much she loved her naughty sister. Her teacher could not deny her.

Sarah’s face brightened, and she left the room. A moment after, the door opened, and Martha was gently pushed inside and the door closed again. Half unwillingly, and with a look of shame, the little girl went to her seat, and her teacher was glad to see the angry little face softened into tears, as she bent her head over her desk.

The morning’s work went on but the teacher, who was a Christian, thought of that sister’s love, and the story it told to her heart. She thought of the punishment that once hung over her head, for she knew she was a sinner, and she thought of the love of the Lord Jesus who had changed places with her, and who on Calvary’s cross had borne that punishment in her stead.

“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 Pet. 2:24, “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Pet. 3:18.

Dear reader, do you know the Lord Jesus as the One who bore your sins on Calvary’s cross? He bore the punishment of your sin and guilt in order that you might never have to bear it; He died that you might live, and be with Him in the glory, if by faith you claim Him as your Saviour, you will never have to come into judgment. But if you refuse Him, then you yourself will surely have to bear the awful judgment of God against your sin. Trust Him now and be saved for both time and eternity.

“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.

“BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME.” John 1:12.

ML-06/12/1960

A Living Testimony

IN A Bible conference one evening the speaker was late in arriving. Someone suggested that the waiting time be spent with a few words from anyone who wished to speak. After a long pause, a boy stood up and slowly and very thoughtfully repeated the words:

“Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow Thee;

Destitute, despised, forsaken,

Thou, from hence, my all shall be.”

He then sat down. The people were deeply moved and sought to learn his story. He was a Jewish boy who, because he had taken Christ as his Messiah and Saviour, was cast out of his home. He was disinherited, with his name erased from the family record. What little he possessed was taken from him. His parents said that they never wanted to see his face again. The boy had left all— “destitute, despised, forsaken!”

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Phil. 1:29.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall rile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” Matt. 5:11, 12.

ML-06/12/1960

Too Late!

YOUNG man was deeply convicted of his sins. A Christian asked him to receive Christ that hour, hot the young man replied, “No, I will attend to that matter when I am through hauling lugs. I have exactly one month of work yet.” Exactly one month later, this young man got a tramp while swimming, screamed for help, and sank to the bottom. He went into eternity a lost soul. He was one month too late!

A Scottish woman was greatly distressed about her soul. She could not sleep, but paced up and down her room. Finally, she wrote in her diary, “Next week, I will attend to the salvation of my soul.” Just two days later, she became very ill, and shortly before her death, she uttered these tragic words, “I am one week too late! I am lost!”

At a gospel meeting, a worldly young woman was spoken to about her soul’s salvation. But she answered, “I will seek the Lord tomorrow night.” The next night came, but the young lady prepared to go to a dance, despite her mother’s objections. She told her mother, “I will go if I die.” When the young lady’s escort came to call for her, the mother found her daughter before the mirror, but she was dead! One night too late!

Years ago, at a revival meeting, a Christian aunt spoke to her niece about accepting Christ. The young lady refused the kind invitation. On the way home from the meeting, the vehicle, in which the young lady was riding, overturned. She was instantly killed. Another lost soul went into a dark eternity. She was one hour too late.

These are true stories which show that the day of salvation is not at some future time, but NOW. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts,” Heb. 3:15.

Every heartbeat, deity reader, brings you nearer to eternity. You cannot escape. Where will you spend eternity? Whether you accept or reject Christ will decide the destiny of your soul.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. Satan says, “Tomorrow.” God says, “Today.” What will your decision be? Don’t be even one hour too late. Make this your hour of decision for Christ.

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

ML-06/12/1960

The Book With Two Leaves

“WHAT book are you reading?” asked a man of his neighbor one day.

“I am reading a book that has two leaves,” was the reply.

“Then it won’t take you long to read it,” said the other.

Months passed away, and they met again. “Well, what are you doing now?”

“I am still reading my little book,”

“What! and only two leaves in it?”

“Yes, a white leaf and a red one. The white leaf is the holiness of God, and the red leaf is the blood of Jesus Christ His Son. When I study the white leaf, and see my sin in the light of God’s holiness, I am glad to turn to the red leaf, and rest my eye on the blood of Jesus. And when I realize the preciousness of the Saviour’s blood, I feel a longing for His righteousness, and turn again to the white leaf. The little book will occupy me all my life, and I expect it will be my joyful meditation through eternity.”

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Rev. 1:5, 6.

ML-06/12/1960

Bible Talks: Job 26:7-28:6

AS JOB proceeds he says some remarkable things about the wonders of creation. These things were true, but they were lost sight of by man later on, thus bearing out the truth of the Scriptures (Romans 1) where we read that men, professing themselves to be wise, became fools.

In verse 7 he says, “He stretcheth out the north over the empty space,” and it is remarkable how few stars there are in the north compared with the myriads visible in the southern sky. Then he speaks of the earth as a sphere ("He hath traced a fixed circle over the waters,” v. 10, J.N.D. Trans.), though men did not make this discovery until only a few centuries ago. “He hangeth the earth upon nothing.” How sublime is the testimony of Scripture to the power of God in creation, as compared to the wild notions of the heathen who had lost the knowledge of God. But at the same time Job speaks of “the pillars of heaven.” v. 11. Then in verse 13 he attributes to God the furnishing of the heavens. “His hand hath formed the fleeing serpent,” evidently a reference to one of the constellations.

Job’s concluding remarks at the end of this chapter are also remarkable. “Lo, these are the borders of His ways; but what a whisper of a word do we hear of Him! And the thunder of His power, who can understand?” J.N.D. Trans. Job had a desire to know more of God and His ways with man, but he did not have the precious Book we possess, the Bible, which is the full revelation of the mind of God. According to Romans 1:20, God holds man responsible for not allowing creation to speak to him of God’s eternal power and Godhead; but now those who do not desire to know more from His written Word are held under greater responsibility (Rom. 1:16-18).

In chapter 27 Job drops back into pleading his own righteousness; he complains that God had taken away his right and embittered his soul. Still he says, “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: ray heart will not reproach me as long as I live.” This is self-vindication, showing up what is so natural to the heart of man. It was found in the heart of Adam when God asked him, “Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” Gen. 3:11. Job had to learn that there was something else in his ways before God for which He was dealing with him.

In the latter part of this chapter Job attempts to show his friends that though the ungodly man does go on for a time, as if God were indifferent to what he was doing, yet God would eventually bring him to account for it all.

In chapter 28 Job seems to forget his own troubles and speaks in a remarkable way of the wisdom of God which is far beyond man’s ability to find out. He sets forth in this chapter something of the great activity of man in his search for the treasures that lie deep in the earth, and it is remarkable the knowledge they had of these things in those early times. Job describes in vivid language the path of the miner, and speaks of how he overturns mountains by the roots and turns rivers out of their courses in the process of bringing out the precious stones and metals. Though the miner has the ability and wisdom to do all these things, yet Job shows that in all this he cannot find out the wisdom of God. It cannot be gotten for gold, nor precious stones; the price thereof is far above rubies. True wisdom is not found in the earth; it comes down from heaven. We know now that it is found alone in Christ.

ML-06/12/1960

Tippy the Hero

JIMMY WAS spending a day at Muskrat Like, north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He brought his dog Tippy along, for both were good companions, and he knew that Tippy was a good protector.

Suddenly, Jimmy and Tippy saw a rattlesnake in the grass. It was about to strike at Jim, when Tippy attacked the snake, and instead of biting Jim, the snake bit the dog. Soon after the snake was killed by neighbors.

How thankful Jimmy was that Tippy had saved his life. He rushed the dog to a veterinary, who helped him recover from his wound. Tippy is fine now, and no master is more pleased with his dog than Jimmy. Tippy even had his picture in the newspaper, with Jimmy looking on!

How thankful we should he loo, that the Lord Jesus took our punishment on the cross. He suffered there for your sins and mine so that we wouldn’t have to bear our punishment in hell. What a wonderful Saviour He is! “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.

I hope that everyone reading this little paper can say, “The Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20. It is not enough to say that the Lord Jesus died for everyone, but can you say He died for me? We must make it a personal matter, for Christ is a personal Saviour. It is true He died for the ungodly, but we must make Him our own.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

“ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT GATE: FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION.” Matt. 7:13.

ML-06/19/1960

Wonder-Working Books

IN BURMA, as two men were looking over a colporteur’s stock of Gospels, one warned the other not to buy them.

“What harm can there be?” asked the first man.

“There is certainly great harm,” replied his friend. “I know a large number of Burmans and Karens who have bought these books, and they nearly always end by becoming Christians.”

“Well, that is true,” answered the first; “but I have some friends who were once notoriously bad men, and since they became Christians they are honest and good. This is why I want to read these books.” Then he chose and paid for the Gospels in Burmese.

ML-06/19/1960

Little Ada

IT WAS little Ada’s third birthday, and scampering into her mother’s room, she showed her the presents she had already received from her brothers and sisters and her nurse.

One by one she laid them on the table, and then suddenly she knelt down and said, “O Lord Jesus, I do thank You for all the nice things what You have given me. I thank You for my doll, and my little workbox, and for all my things. And oh, Lord Jesus, I thank You, that You was punished instead of me. Amen.”

Then she got up and looked gravely at her mother and said, “You see I ‘membered about His being punished.”

She had often spoken of Him before, but from this time she spoke of Him continually, to those in the house, to playmates, and neighbors. To her mother she said sometimes, “I am going to be with Jesus. Soon I shall be gone; you will look for me, but there will be no Ada, but you mustn’t mind, for shall be with Jesus,”

“Lovers of pleasure,” rather than “lovers of God,” tell me — Where?

Prayerless, careless, pleasure seeker —Where?

Neglecters of so great salvation — Where?

Rejecters of the grace of a Saviour God — Where?

“Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 8:12.

“Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” Luke 22:40.

And so it was. Nine months later the Lord Jesus took His little lamb to be with Himself. What she had said was a comfort to her mother.

The story of little Ada was printed and translated into other languages, and found its way into many strange places. The Lord had taken His little servant home, but He still meant to work by her down here.

“Out of the mouth of babes, and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” Matt. 21:16.

One day the story of Ada was given to an old lady who had always been kind and religious, but she was frightened when she thought of dying, “God must punish sin, and I have many sins to remember,” she said. After reading the story, her fears and doubts passed away forever. “For now,” she said, “I see that Jesus has been punished instead of me, and while I was once afraid of dying, I now look forward to it; for I’m going to be with Jesus, and am very happy.”

Soon came the glad tidings too, that others had found joy and peace through the words of the little child — some in the slums of London, another the daughter of a thief; some in homes which the world would call bright and beautiful. In one wealthy home in a faraway land, a young man was dying after years of suffering, “You will be glad to hear,” a friend wrote to Ada’s mother, “that little Ada’s words seemed to come to him from heaven, and to bring him perfect peace and joy. He passed away, saying that he would be happy forever with Jesus, who had died for him.”

Someone who had read the little story wrote a poem about it, and each verse ended: “Jesus was punished instead of me.” About twenty years after that birthday, a little boy learned these verses. This little boy’s uncle did not care for the things of God and boasted that he never troubled himself about “religious nonsense.” But one day he became ill, and when the little boy visited him, he said, “Say me some of your poetry.” The little boy began to repeat the verses he liked so much, about little Ada.

“What is that?” his uncle said, stopping him suddenly. “Jesus was pushed instead of me? What does it mean? Why did Ada say that?”

“She said it because it really happened,” the little boy answered. “Jesus was punished instead. It’s in the Bible.”

His uncle could not believe it was in the Bible, but told the little fellow to get his mother to show it to him. She came and read, “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. “Christ also hash once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3;18, “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. She read him many more Scriptures, and then the uncle exclaimed, “If this really happened, I am saved!”

“It did really happen, and if you will believe it, you are saved,” the mother replied. And from that moment the scoffing unbeliever was a new creature in Christ Jesus. Four years later he was dying, but he said, “I am going to Him who died for me. Bring me the little book, and put it into my hand. I want to die with that story in my hand, because it was Ada who led me to Jesus.”

May it be with the reader as it was with those in our story. Believe the message that Jesus died for you; then you’ll be saved and know that you are on your way to heaven.

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

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that, look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:27, 28.

ML-06/19/1960

Bible Talks: Job 28:7-28

IN VERSE 7 Job shows how that the path of the miner is hidden from the fowls of the air. The birds of prey are noted for their keenness of vision. In soaring far above the earth they can see things on earth which they come down to prey upon, but they cannot discern the path of the miner underneath the earth. The path of faith trodden by those who seek to walk in the wisdom of God cannot be seen by those of this world who, though they may possess great wisdom and discernment in the natural things of this life, nevertheless may be in great ignorance of that which is of God by faith. In 1 Corinthians 2 we have the wisdom of this world and the princes of this world contrasted with the wisdom of God. Had they known this wisdom of God they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor 2:8.)

Twice in this chapter Job raises the question as to how this wisdom is found, and then he comes to the conclusion that “God understandeth the way thereof, and He knoweth the place thereof.” Then He declares what God says to man: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” These two things should go together. If the Lord through His Word reveals to us something in our path that is evil, we should seek grace, strength and purpose of heart to depart from it. It is good for us to remember the Apostle’s exhortation to Timothy: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.”

Toward the end of the chapter Job makes a remarkable scientific statement. Speaking of God he says, “He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; to make a weight for the winds; and He weigheth the waters by measure.” These true facts of creation were evidently lost sight of by men, for an Italian, who lived 2,000 years after Job, has been credited with the discovery that the atmosphere had weight. Then, too, scientists have stated that there is the proper division of land and water on the earth in order to sustain life. The rain falls upon the earth and’ the rivers run into the seas, but the power of the sun acts upon the water, drawing it up in vast quantities in the form of vapor. Thus there was a measure for everything, in the mind of God.

Job also declares that God “made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder"; all is ordered and controlled by a divine Creator.

Job tells us it was all His doing, but how much greater is the work of redemption. In creation is manifested the power and skill of God. “All things were made by Him, and for Him,” we read in Colossians 1:16; but God finds His chiefest delight in the work of His beloved Son upon the cross, when He made atonement for sin. There God’s righteousness in dealing with sin was fully vindicated and the basis laid for the eternal blessing of poor ruined sinners, such as we. For as one has remarked, the glory of His grace is the highest aspect of His glory; therefore the Apostle speaks of the gospel as “the gospel of the glory” (2 Cor. 4). Redemption was not fully accomplished and brought down to man until Christ had gone into that glory. But now the glory of God is shining in the face of Jesus Christ, the effect of His having glorified God, and therefore God has glorified Him; and every ray of that glory is the proof that the believer’s sins are gone.

ML-06/19/1960

The Spider Web

I WAS standing at my window one morning when I heard a loud buzzing noise. Looking around to see where it came from, I saw a very excited honey bee caught in a spider’s web, The web was large and the threads were strong, and as I watched, the spider crept out of his den in the dark corner and made for the bee. I think the poor bee saw him corning for his struggles were terrible to see. But the more he twisted himself about to escape, the closer he wound the fine web about him.

This poor bee was one that had spent his life in gathering honey from the flowers — a busy, useful little fellow, but alas, he was now fast in a snare! How was he to get out? Could his own efforts save him? No! Very soon the spider would have bitten him, and sucked out his lifeblood. Then he would have wound him up and dragged him into his den, had I not arrived on the scene in time.

The bee had beautiful shiny wings, but they were caught in the web and he could not us them. However, he did more than struggle — he buzzed very loudly, and his cry of terror reached my ear and touched my heart; it drew me to his desperate need. Should he be sucked to death there, and I not save him? No! Though he should sting me in his terror, still I would set him free. When the spider saw me move, he stopped just an inch or so from his prey; but when my hand broke up his gossemer web, he fled back to his den. Just a touch of my hand, and the poor prisoner was free again. In a moment he was winging his way back to his hive and back to his friends who would soon clear away the bits of web that still hung about him.

That poor bee made me think of poor sinners caught in the web of sin that Satan has spun to catch them. There is only One who can deliver from the chains of sin and from the power of Satan, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ who came into this world to save sinners. Satan has captured countless millions and is dragging them down to death and hell, but the Lord Jesus has gone to Calvary’s cross and died, “that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Heb. 2:14, 15.

Dear young friend, I ask you, Do you feel wretched and sad, guilty and afraid to meet God because of your sins? Then cease your struggles and let your cry go up in faith to that Saviour who alone is able but willing to save you. David could say, “In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me.” Psa. 120:1.

“MY HELP COMETH FROM THE LORD, WHICH MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.” Psa. 121:2.

ML-06/26/1960

The Sawdust Pie

NOT long ago a man was walking down the street of a big city. He was hungry and tired and as he passed a restaurant, he smelled the savory odors coming through the open door and saw in the window what he thought to be a pie. The temptation was great; he could satisfy his hunger, and if he were caught, what would a short term of imprisonment mean? He would at least be fed. So he broke the glass and seized the pie.

To his unutterable disgust he found that he had stolen an imitation china dish filled with sawdust!

What a lesson lies hidden in this incident! Are there not many who, weary and hungry, eagerly seize upon one thing and another in order to appease the cravings of their souls, only to find them as unsatisfying as the sawdust pie?

Have you ever had such an experience? Have you tried to stifle the cries of your soul by trying what the world has to offer? Have you turned to some form of religion, vainly hoping to find in that direction something that would relieve your unrest of heart? Whatever it may be, you have been disappointed. This we may affirm with certainty. You have laid hands on the object of your pursuit and lo! it is nothing but a sawdust pie!

We can tell you of something that can really satisfy the deep longings of your soul. Rather, we can tell you of Someone. JESUS is His name. His love, strong and tender, is better than all that earth can offer you. To have Him as your Saviour and Friend is to have joy and peace without end.

It is not hard to see the reason why the sawdust pie was eagerly seized. The man sincerely believed it to be something other than it really was. In the same way, people have no real idea of the value of what God offers them. They have exaggerated notions as to the world’s ability to satisfy. They grasp at this and that, and lay themselves out for pleasure and enjoyment, only to discover that they have been pursuing an object of no value.

Let me urge you, reader, to go in for the thing of real value. Not religion, but Christ is the object we would set before you. He died to make atonement for you, and His precious blood can cleanse all your sins away from God’s sight. Put your trust in Him. He is mighty to save, and freely forgives every sinner who confides in Him.

ML-06/26/1960

Bringing to Jesus

A LITTLE girl had heard her father give an address on the text, “He brought him to Jesus,” (John 1:42). She told him afterward how much she enjoyed it.

“Well,” said her father, “whom are you going to bring to Jesus?”

“I think, Daddy,” was her earnest reply, “that I will just bring myself to Him.”

ML-06/26/1960

New Testament Men: Philemon

THIS is Paul’s shortest letter, and strictly speaking, his only private one. The others, even to individuals, all deal with church questions or doctrine, while Philemon only relates to domestic matters, and was written with his own hand. The occasion of it was as follows: Philemon, apparently a man of some wealth and influence, dwelt at Colosse. He had a slave Onesimus who, after committing some misdemeanor (possibly theft), ran away and eventually arrived at Home. There, during the time of Paul’s first imprisonment, he met Paul, and was brought to repentance and salvation by his instrumentality; probably they were in prison together.

The household at Colossae consisted of Philemon, his wife Apphia (such she is believed to have been), and Archippus, who had already fought the Lord’s bales with Paul (Col, 4:17); here it was that “others” were wont to assemble, and were known as the “church” in Philemon’s house. Paul had aforetime been the means of Philemon’s conversion, and now faraway his slave, who had wronged him, was also by his means changed into “a brother beloved in the Lord,”

But the conversion of Onesimus did not render him less the slave who had duties toward his master, according to the existing laws of that country, where slavery was an everyday matter: and Paul, much as he loved Onesimus, and useful as he had found him in prison, knew that he ought to return to Philon. He sends him, therefore, as the bearer of the touching letter we have before us, and which it would be hard for any one to resist. Though the blood of Christ washes away all and every sin, yet the consequences of sins often remain, and this, no doubt, gave Onesimus an anxious heart as he pursued his long journey from Rome to Phrygia, the province of Asia Minor, in which Colossae was situated. It is possible that Paul had never been there when he wrote, but he evidently cherished the thought of regaining his liberty and visiting the saints there, and asks Philemon to prepare him a lodging. It is believed that Onesimus also carried the Epistle to the Colossians at the same lime (Col. 4:7-12); he and Epaphras Were natives of Colossae, “who is one of you” being said of both. A comparison of Colossians 4, and Philemon, has led to the belief that the house of Philemon was at Colossae. We cannot visit it now, because history says that an earthquake destroyed the old town shortly after New Testament times. The epistles to Colossae and Philemon were written from Home about A.D. 61-63.

The name Onesimus means useful or profitable, and Paul alludes to this in writing about him.

Paul’s Roman prison was indeed a place of great blessing. Not only were souls born again there, but many letters issued thence which have been watched over by God to this day for our edification. Probably 2 Timothy was written during a second imprisonment, but we know no details concerning Paul’s liberation, nor ultimate incarceration and death.

Some day we may be able to ask him about it! (1 Cor. 13:12.)

ML-06/26/1960

Bible Talks: Job 29

IN THIS chapter Job looks back over his former way of life, to those days of his prosperity— “When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil,” which is figurative language, of course. “When His candle shined upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness.” He attributed all his privileges and blessings to God rightly enough, as the One who preserved him and gave him wisdom for his pathway. Nevertheless it is evident that there was pride in what grace had wrought in him. There was a spirit of self-complacency in Job; he felt secure in his prosperity and thought that this state of things would continue.

“Oh that I were in months past,” says Job. It is not a good thing for a child of God to dwell too much on the past, yet how many look back on their conversion to God or some former experience as the brightest thing in their Christian life. Surely we ought never to forget the wonderful grace that picked us up and brought us to Christ, but then there is “this grace in which we stand” (Rom. 5:2). Scripture supposes in a normal Christian life a growing enjoyment of Christ and of the Father’s love, even as the Apostle Peter exhorts us to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Job speaks of how when he sat in the gate, “The young men saw me and hid themselves; and the aged arose and stood up.” When he spoke even “the princes refrained from talking and the nobles held their peace.” All sought his counsel. Truly he had been a benefactor to the poor and afflicted, the widows and the fatherless. He had borne an admirable character, but then Job admired himself and this is where he failed. How much better had he been occupied with Him who was the Source of all his blessings and made Him alone his boast. “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth,” the Lord has told us (Matt. 6:3). If through grace we have been able to do something for the Lord, for others, we ought not to think about it; it is done as unto Him alone.

Job speaks of his former glory, of how his root was spread out by the waters (v. 19), but he did not understand that pride was behind all his glorying in the position his wealth gave him. He did not realize that this pride was hateful to the Lord. He went too far in his glorying, not knowing that in this great affliction the Lord was speaking to him about that very thing.

Psalm 1 tells us of One who was to come and who would be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.” His leaf also should not wither and whatsoever He did would prosper. The coming of the Lord Jesus into this world brought the fulfillment of this. The work He wrought upon the cross was in its season, in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4). The effect of that work has never faded nor withered. It is still as efficacious as it was when it was wrought upon the cross, and its effects will last throughout eternity. Oh that there were more hearts ready to receive the gospel concerning Him and the counsel of God against themselves (Luke 7:30), that they might be justified by faith and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

ML-06/26/1960

The Moth Collector

ONCE while spending a short vacation near the seashore, I was much interested in an account of how a certain moth was collected by a city collector. He made a special journey to the coast to collect some specimens of a species which is said to be found in no other part of the country.

Shortly after sunset the moth collector proceeded along the top of the cliff, armed with a pot of syrup and a brush. Whenever he came to a thistle, he just daubed it slightly with the syrup and passed on. About midnight he returned along the same path, but this time provided with a lantern. As he stepped from thistle to thistle, his innocent victims were found clustering row id the syrup, and fell, an easy prey, into the collector’s hands.

What a solemn picture this is of how Satan catches his victims! He too stalks through the land with his pot of syrup, daubing the pleasures of sin with a delusive sweetness, and soon after his victims, hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, forget about their terrible danger.

How many there are like the night moths. They love darkness rather than light, and do not want to be exposed to the searching light of God’s holy Word, which tells them that their deeds are evil, even as the Lord Jesus said “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” John 3:19, 20.

Dear young friends, if you are yet unsaved, don’t let sin, that sweet morsel upon which you have fed so long, take you into a lost eternity. Turn to the Lord Jesus now, and be saved. You will find in Him a Saviour who will wash away all your sins in His own precious blood and bring you safe home to heaven.

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

“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.

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

ML-07/03/1960

A Free Gift

IN ONE of his meetings an evangelist was explaining the freeness of salvation. A man in the audience jumped to his feet and, oblivious to his surroundings, cried out, “Oh, it is beautiful! I always had the thought that I had something to. DO, but now I see I have something to TAKE!” Yes, eternal life is a FREE GIFT.

ML-07/03/1960

A Father's Gift

MR. BARR’S work took him away from home quite a lot. On his return he always had a present in his suitcase for his young son Ronnie. “What have you got for me, Daddy?” the little boy would always ask excitedly.

Soon Mr. Barr began to see that Ron was thinking more of the gift than of him, the giver, so one day, when Ron demanded, “What have you got for me?” his father showed him the empty suitcase and said, “I have brought you—MYSELF!”

How wonderful it is to remember that when the Lord Jesus came to earth to die for our salvation, He not only brought gifts of love and life and lasting joy, but He, Himself, is God’s Gift to sinners, Have you, dear reader, ever thanked Him for dying for you on the cross and for giving His life so that you might have everlasting life?

ML-07/03/1960

Why the Ball Dress Was Put off

I HAD learned that Christ had died for my sins according to the Scriptures. But though I had the sense of pardon, I had not deliverance from this present evil world; but was mixed up with its pleasures, its dancing and concerts, when the Lord put a stop to it all. I was all dressed for a large party. Mother and our servant girl had pronounced the word “perfection,” when it was found that I had half an hour to spare before the auto would arrive.

Thanks be to God for that half hour! I dismissed my assistant, and having locked my door, knelt down in prayer. Rising from my knees I stood before the mirror, and felt ashamed before the Lord. I took up my Bible; it opened at Romans 8, and my eye caught these words, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” I again stood before the mirror, when in an instant every part of my costly attire—each ornament, each piece of jewelry—seemed to speak—all joined in one common chorus, “After the flesh! after the flesh!”

For a moment there was a conflict. The coming scene, the brilliant ballroom, the gay, cheery companions—all had their charms, and at that moment they pressed strongly on my heart. Again I turned to my Bible.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.”

All the love, the grace, the forgiveness, the kindness of God, seemed wrapped up in that little word, “no condemnation"; and all that it cost His own Son to secure for me that “no condemnation": His death of agony, His being forsaken of God, seemed all to unfold from that little word, "in Christ Jesus,” and filled my soul with such a sense of God and His grace, that the conflict was over in a moment.

With a quiet joy, impossible to describe, I began to disrobe. I put off every ornament and all my costly attire. I put them off before the Lord—I put them off forever. When my relatives came in, they found me robed in a simple evening dress! I told them how God had spoken to me through His Word, and read the Scripture to them. It was a sore blow to my friends; but from that hour my whole life was changed; and, through grace, I seek now to live not unto myself but unto Him “who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

“The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4.

Perhaps you may say, dear young Christian, “I do not go to dances,” but stop and think over your daily life. Are there not ways that you my following, which you know are not pleasing to the Lord, which if weighed in His presence, you would be ashamed of? We beg of you, to lay aside everything that is not in keeping with Him and His glory. The one walking with the Lord only has a happy path, and the prospect of hearing His “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

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

Is He not worthy?

ML-07/03/1960

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

1. What name was given to the One who should save His people from their sins?

2. What descended upon Jesus when He was baptized?

3. Is there something more than broad (food) by which man should live?

4. Does the Lord Jesus want us to love our enemies or to hate them?

5. Where can we lay up treasure so that neither moth nor rust will corrupt it nor thieves break through and steal it?

6. Is the way which leadeth unto life a broad way or a narrow way?

7. Did the Lord Jesus come into this scene to call the righteous or sinners to repentance?

The Young People’s Class

1. Who stood before the armies of Israel and defied them morning and evening for forty days? 1 Sam. 17.

2. Who stands before God even now accusing His people day and night? Rev. 12.

2. What did Goliath seek from the Israelites? 1 Sam.

4. What is our adversary seeking? 1 Peter

5. If an Israelite succumbed to Goliath, what would be the result? 1 Sam.

6. If we yield ourselves to sin (and Satan), whose servants do we become? Rom. 6.

7. Can we arm ourselves to stand against the wiles of the enemy? Eph. 6.

ML-07/03/1960

Bible Talks: Job 30 & 31

IN THE last chapter Job had been glorying in what he was in the former days of his prosperity, but now in the days of his calamity he complains that “they that are younger than I have me in derision.” He has become a byword of those he considered useless men, “whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.” It was very unbecoming of a saint of God to speak thus of his fellow-men, no matter how low and disreputable they might be. They were those who would not follow any means of earning a steady living, and he calls them children of fools. “And now,” says he, “am I their song, yea, I am their byword. They abhor me, they flee far from me” —they could not bear to look at him in his agony and with all his sores— “and spare not to spit in my face,” “Upon my right hand rise up the youth; they push away my feet,” as if to trip him and make him fall. Beside his bodily agonies it must have been terribly crushing to Job’s spirit to have to endure these tauntings and disrespect after having commanded such respect and lived for so long in the high opinions others had of him.

But what grieved the heart of Job most of all was the feeling that it was God who had brought him into this. “He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes¨ I cry unto Thee, and Thou dolt not hear me,” he complains bitterly. But God did hear Job, though He did not answer him just then. “Thou art become cruel to me,” he says, “For I know that Thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.” Here he was quite wrong again, for God had a wonderful blessing in store for Job. But he could not understand it all until Elihu introduces a different ministry and shows Job that there was something else neither he nor his friends had considered with respect to that which had come upon him.

In chapter 31 Job rehearses some of the things the wicked do, and he knows that he has not done them for he feared God. “For destruction from God was a terror to me,” he says. Then he speaks of that which is a snare to many. He had not made gold his hope, nor had he rejoiced because his wealth was great, “because mine hand hath gotten much” —even though he had worked for it. Neither had he shown any adoration for the sun or the moon, which was the earliest form of idolatry. “This also,” he says, “were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.” But Job did not understand the deceitfulness of his heart for in going over his former days of ease and wealth, he did not realize that there was a secret spirit of pride beneath it all.

This last lengthy discourse of Job was one of self-justification from beginning to end. Finally he comes to the point where he can say no more, so he concludes: “Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.”

Apparently all the while the discussions between Job and his friends had been going on, another man, much younger than the rest, had been sitting with them. We hear nothing of Elihu until chapter 32 but now he comes forward. It is evident he had been an attentive listener; he heard both sides patiently and found them both wrong. Job was wrong in seeking to defend himself, and his friends were wrong in seeking to condemn him. Elihu was entirely on God’s side.

ML-07/03/1960

What Jim Learned

JIM was a poor boy and lived in a part of the country where they did not own tractors as up-to-date farmers drive today. But the lesson he learned was a good one for us all, both young and old.

Jim’s father was dead and he lived with Ilk mother, who worked very hard to make both ends meet. As he grew older he could not bear to see her work so hard. He determined to help her all he could and this he did right manfully. But weeding, watering, and digging in the garden was hard work, and then he had also many weary journeys to try and sell the vegetables from the garden.

It so happened that a neighbor had a donkey that gazed in the lane, and knowing the neighbor was willing to sell it, Jim told his mother that he could sell many more vegetables if he had a donkey to haul them around. He suggested trying to save some money to buy the one that grazed in the lane. His mother was willing; so together they toiled and lived as plainly and cheaply as possible, and little by little they were saving up the necessary amount. Then something happened that postponed the purchase of the donkey, which was a great disappointment to Jim, but by which he learned a lesson he never forgot.

One evening when his mother was out, Jim was at work in his garden, when some of his schoolmates came along, and began coaxing him to come and play a game for money on the green. Poor Jim did not have the courage to say, No, and at last he was persuaded; He went with them, quite forgetting to fasten the garden gate. The game resulted in Jim winning a few pennies, but then his tempters said he must buy drinks all around, which end in Jim’s going home without a penny in his pocket. With a heavy weight of shame upon his heart, he feared to meet his mother, and wondered what he should say if she asked him any questions.

As Jim drew near home he saw the garden gate wide open, and looking inside he beheld the donkey making short work of his precious peas and cabbages. The damage and loss was sufficient to postpone the purchase of the donkey. Jim was crestfallen. He knew that he alone was to blame. With a heavy heart he drove out the donkey, fastened the gate, and went into the house miserable and ashamed. But the lesson he had learned was a cheap one, in spite of what it had cost, for it cured him of following evil company in gambling and drinking, and therefore he never ceased to be thankful for it.

Beware of the tempter. It was the ruin of Eve when she listened to the serpent in the garden of Eden. All the misery that has ever been known in this world came through thus yielding to the tempter.

Our great safeguard is in being kept by the Lord—for those whom He keeps are well and safely kept. To have His holy fear implanted in our hearts will make us say when tempted, as Joseph did, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Gen. 39:9. We need the power of God, keep us from the power of Satan who lays snares for our feet, and this we prove when we take the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. Not only does He put away our sins and our guilt, but He gives us strength to resist temptation and to walk in a way pleasing to Him in this world. Read your Bible and be much in prayer, dear young Christian.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Cor, 15:33.

“THOU SHALT NOT FOLLOW A MULTITUDE TO DO EVIL,” Ex. 23:2.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas. 4:7,

Yield not to temptation,

For yielding is sin;

Each victory will help you

Some other to win;

Fight manfully onward,

Dark passions subdue,

Look ever to Jesus,

He will carry you through.

Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen and keep you,

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.

Shun evil companions,

Bad language disdain,

God’s name hold in reverence,

Nor take it in vain;

Be thoughtful and earnest,

Kindhearted and true;

Look ever to Jesus,

He will carry you through.

ML-07/10/1960

Will Your Last Flight Be up or Down?

RIDING the train one day during World War II, a Christian man named Mr. Mott asked a young man in uniform, “Do you fly?”

“Yes, I’m a Navy flier,” he replied. “Will your last flight be up or down?” asked Mr. Mott.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean your very last flight.” “Well,” the young man replied, “I hope it will be up.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know it will be up?” the Christian asked.

The flier became serious. “Is it possible for me to know NOW where I will spend eternity?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Mr. Mott, “according to the Word of God, it is possible for you to know now.” The flier listened eagerly as he talked to him from the Bible.

Opening his Bible from Luke 23, Mr. Mott read to him the story of the dying thief, and how he came to Christ in his last moments. The flier took in every word.

“Now,” continued Mr. Matt, “how was this man saved? Did he quit his evil deeds and begin to live right? Did he join the church? Did he go and pay back what he had stolen?”

The young flier shook his head. “No,” continued the Christian, “he didn’t have time to do any of those things. I think we can find the answer here in. Romans 10:9, Read it for me.”

The flier read: “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.”

“That’s the answer,” said Mr. Mott, “The thief on the cross believed; he made it a personal matter by calling Him Lord. Now will you read John 5:24?”

The flier 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.”

“Now,” said Mr. Mott, “that verb ‘hath’ is in the present tense. Is it possible to know now whether your last flight will be up or down?”

“Yes,” he replied.

The result was that the young flier believed God’s Word. He claimed there and then the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. “Now,” said Mr. Mott, “will your last flight be up or down?”

“Up!” he exclaimed, “because Jesus died for me, and I dm trusting in Him.”

Yes, glorious truth! His load of sin was lifted; he was saved. He had passed from death unto life, from darkness to light, from the power of Satan into the glorious liberty of God’s dear children; out from the place of condemnation into the sunshine of God’s love and favor. Now he had a new life — eternal life, he had a new nature, and a new hope that went beyond this life, with a new joy and satisfaction. Old things had passed away, and behold, all things had become new (2 Cor. 5:17). From thenceforth he could look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus to take him with all His redeemed ones to be with Himself in that bright glory forever.

Now may we ask you, dear reader, Will your last flight be up or down? If you do not come to know Christ as your Saviour, it certainly will not be up, but DOWN. Only those who are “born again” (John 3) have everlasting life and enter into the kingdom of God. In Rev. 20:15, we read, that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

“If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout ... and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:14-17.

ML-07/10/1960

Bible Talks: Job 32-33:8

“So these three men ceased to answer Job,” and Job himself had no more to say. Now Elihu comes in and he is truly one put forward by God to bring down the pride of the older men who had not spoken in a way that was worthy of Himself. Elihu belonged to the family of Nahor, the brother of Abraham. He is a young man, and had listened attentively all through the unsatisfactory discussion, which proved to be unprofitable to man and not to God’s honor. He felt reluctantly forced to speak in the presence of those older men from whom he would gladly have learned the mind of God if they had taught it. Elihu had learned that spiritual wisdom is from God Himself, and not from age, experience or tradition. The believer is taught of God not to depend upon the wisdom or experience be has accumulated, valuable as that may be, but that there is the need of constant dependence upon Himself for every circumstance. Elihu’s wrath was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God, and against his three friends because they had condemned him though they had not understood his case. The object of Elihu’s address is to show that God acts in grace and blessing to deliver man from evil, and to chastise him and break him down. Job was a righteous man but he needed God’s discipline.

Elihu begins by saying, “I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid,” to speak. “I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.” But now since there was no answer in the mouth of these men, he would speak. So he goes on to say, “But there is a spirit in [mortal] man.” It is the higher part of man which he did not lose at the fall, and by which the breath of the Almighty giveth him understanding. But man could not reach this understanding by his reasoning, for, said he, “Great men are not always wise, neither do the aged understand judgment.” We learn from 1 Corinthians 1:21, how that “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.” It is a sad thing that Satan has so stolen the hearts of men and so filled them with pride in their own wisdom, that the communication of God’s thoughts to them are received as foolishness. Elihu feels that they could not answer Job because they would have said they had found wisdom. He had listened to their reasonings and says, “God will make him yield, not man.” Furthermore he goes on to say, Job had not directed his words against him, and he would not answer him with their speeches. They were all amazed at what Job had spoken, and he had waited for them to speak, but words failed them. Then he says, “Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither will I give flattery to man; for I know not how to flatter; my Maker would soon take me away.”

Job had asked for a mediator to stand between him and God. Now he has one speaking to him on God’s behalf, and thus Elihu becomes a type of the Lord Jesus who is the “one Mediator between God and men.” 1 Tim. 2:5.

Elihu begins, in chapter 33 by addressing his words to Job, He requests of Job that he hearken to him and if he can answer him to set his words in order. Elihu takes a very humble place, saying “I also am formed out of the clay,” the same as Job. He would not attempt to add terror or make Job afraid.

ML-07/10/1960

Pearl Diving

DEEP down below the surface of the sea the pearl divers perform their difficult toil. Exposed to many dangers, and often risking their lives, they gather the oysters, in some of which the precious pearls are found, and bring them to the surface.

Some divers descend without the diver’s dress, and these cannot remain below much more than a minute or so; others put on their air-tight diving suits and they can stay down for a much longer time. In both cases the result is most serious, and the health of pearl divers speedily becomes impaired. Many of them lose their lives by accident.

Have you thought how our Lord Jesus Christ came from heaven in order that He might find that “one pearl of great price” — the Church, His bride?

He became man, and after His blessed life of love He went down under all the waves and billows of judgment at the cross, and suffered there for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.

There was no other way in which He could save us from our lost, hopeless condition “under sin,” and so in love He gave His life that He might deliver us and have us for His own special treasure.

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matt. 13:46, 46.

Well may we praise Him for His great grace in that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, so that we through His poverty might be rich. (2 Cor. 8:9.)

Are you, dear reader, part of the treasure which He has found down here in this sea a death and judgment? If you are, may you seek to be for His pleasure and His glory now and always.

“WHO, WHEN HE HAD FOUND ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, WENT AND SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD AND BOUGHT IT.” Matt. 13:46.

ML-07/17/1960

How Robert Gained the Reward

ROBERT was a merry, bright-eyed boy with rosy cheeks like cherries. His great difficulty was to be obedient, and especially when told to sit still.

One day a gentleman offered him a quarter if he would remain perfectly quiet for fifteen minutes; but, would you believe it? though the prize was held up before his eyes, Robert could not rest. There was a power within him which, try as he would, set his arms and legs and his tongue in motion. So as Robert failed to keep still he lost the reward.

But suppose restless Robert, looking at the gentleman said to himself, “He looks smiling and kind; I will ask him to give me the money.” Then the reward would not be of works but of grace. It would not be of Robert’s keeping still, but of the gentleman’s giving. And so it happened, for, seeing that Robert had lost the prize by his restlessness, his kind friend gave it to the little boy because he loved him.

Now, God holds out a priceless reward for lost sinners, young or old. How is it to be had? What are the conditions? If by works then you must do all that He bids you, and not transgress the least of His commandments. Robert lost his reward by not sitting still for one quarter of an hour, and if you have ever had one wicked thought, or said one wicked word, or done one wicked thing you have already lost heaven. If your mother bade you go upstairs, and you went with a sulky feeling, if your sister or brother wanted your book or ball and you were too selfish to let them have it, then you have broken the commandments of God, and upon the ground of works you have lost the reward. Obedience must be perfect or the prize forfeited.

We commit sin because sin is in us; and this shows that we are without strength to keep God’s commandments. Many foolish people will try to win the prize, although they have broken the commandments. Also there are many who think they are better than others, and worthy of heaven.

But will you be wise? Robert knew that he did not deserve the money, so he began to think whether his friend, who was smiling and kind, would not give it to him. He looked trustingly at his friend, and the money was in his hands at once!

Now, dear children, there is One who is a Friend above all others. His heart is most kind, most dear, and He loves you. It is Jesus, the beloved Son of God, who showed God’s love and His own to sinners, old and young, by coming into the world and suffering for us upon the cross, so that whosoever believes in Him may have the prize. As by faith you look up into the loving face of Jesus you will learn God’s willingness to bless you, and you will rejoice in the possession of the reward which comes to us by grace, and not by works — by the gift of God and not by our doings.

“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-07/17/1960

A Child That Once in a Hopfield Played

A little child in a hopfield played:

A little child from a hopfield strayed.

I wonder what was that child’s intent,

As forth from the pickers alone she went.

Only two years and a few odd weeks,

What is the fortune the darling seeks?

Is it the home she has left behind?

Is it the flowers she hopes to find?

Nobody saw her! so time went on.

Nobody knew that the child was gone:

Then she was missed, and they searched around;

But not a trace could be anywhere found.

They called through the hopfield, looked under the bine,

Tried hedges and ditches; but not a sign

Could anyone find; for no one had seen,

Or could tell where the wanderer’s feet had been.

“The river,” one whispered in accents low!

Could it be she had gone where its waters flow?

They went: but the waters in silence sealed,

No trace of the missing one revealed.

Soon night came on and its curtain drew,

Riding sought and seekers alike from view.

The police were told, and from far and near,

Were summoned to search for the tiny dear.

They peered and questioned and sought again

Through field and woodland, but all in vain.

The child that once in the hopfield played,

Was “lost” beyond human help and aid.

Oh terrible word! and yet children grown,

Are “lost” today in the great unknown,

They have wandered far from the fields of grace,

And who, their wandering steps can trace?

The weeks passed by! was the child forgot?

Oh! no, but the searchers found her not:

Until some women, while working, found,

Her body out in the mangold ground,

‘Twas covered with leaves, where the darling fell,

With no one near of her fate to tell.

God grant the Seeker Divine today,

May find the souls that have gone astray:

May find them living, before too late,

And death forever has sealed their fate;

Like the child that once in a hopfield played.

The child that far from that hopfield strayed,

Wm. Luff

We are sure from Scripture that the Lord Jesus took the lost little tot in our story to be with Himself in heaven, for though She was born with a fallen nature, she was yet a babe and had not as yet wandered afar in the fields of sin. The Lord Jesus died for all such on the cross, so when speaking of the so young, Scripture simply states, “The Son of mart is come to save that which was lost.” Matt. 18:11.

But when boys and girls grow older they reach an age of responsibility and must realize that they are lost in their sins. The Saviour comes to seek them and they must have to do with Him personally about their sins. They must receive Him by faith into their hearts as their own Saviour. Therefore it says, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Has He found you yet, dear young reader?

ML-07/17/1960

Bible Talks: Job 33:9-33

THERE were two great faults in what Job had said. He had thought too well of himself, and he had found fault with God. Elihu points this out to Job when he recalls how he had said: “I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, He findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for His enemy; He putteth my feet in the stocks,” “Behold,” says Elihu, “in this thou art not just,” for “God is greater than [mortal] man.” Why did Job strive against Him? God does not give to man an accounting of any of His matters or His ways. But He was speaking to Job in all these things that had come upon him.

Then in the following words of Elihu we have a beautiful unfolding of the ways of God in grace with man, showing that even in those days before the gospel as we now know it, was preached, in the midst of all the ruin of this world, where the power of Satan triumphed, God was seeking in mercy to turn lost man from going down to destruction. God, says Elihu, speaks often in visions and dreams to open men’s ears, to turn man from his purpose and to hide pride from man. In so doing, God held back man’s soul from the pit. It is sad that even today, God speaks once, yea twice, to man, but he does not hear His voice speaking to him in love, and so often goes on in his own way. For this he will have to give an account to God in that day to come. In this present time God would turn the hearts of men to Christ who has said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:28, 29.

Elihu shows that the purpose of God was to warn man of his danger and turn him from his path away from God. He desires to be gracious unto him, and would say, “Deliver him from, going down to the pit. I have found a ransom.” We know that He has found that ransom in the work of the Lord Jesus who gave Himself in love for us upon the cross. We also know from Romans 3:26 that God was looking on to that work of the cross, when He would be able to show that He could be just in passing over the sins of those who in Old Testament times had faith in Him. In Hebrews 11 we have a long list of some of these saints of old, and we are told that they are waiting for that time when they shall be made perfect along with us who are saved in this dispensation; that is, they are waiting for the resurrection. Now this is the special hope of those who have put their trust in Christ.

It isn’t that the sinner has found a ransom, but it is God. Himself who has found a ransom. Thus the believer is no longer a trembling sinner before! God as a Judge, but before Him as his Justifier. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Rom. 8:33, 34.

Thus in his ministry Elihu speaks of the mercy and goodness of God to man, while not sparing his pride and sin. And so he says, “Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me; hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.”

ML-07/17/1960

"Found Wanting"

“ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.” Rom. 3:23.

LITTLE FLUFF doesn’t know what it’s all about, but, as you see, someone has put her on the scale. If you look closely, you will notice that she weighs just one ounce short of two pounds.

Our story this week is about a king over a vast empire who was put into God’s scales and, great man though he was, he was “found wanting.” His name was Belshazzar, king of Babylon, and we read about him in Daniel 5.

“Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.” Belshazzar was a heathen, and as the wine excited his passions, he dared to insult the one and only true God. He commanded his servants to bring forth the sacred vessels which his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple of God, which he captured Jerusalem many years before. Belshazzar and his guests drank wine out of the sacred vessels, and “they praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.”

But in the midst of their drunkenness the feast was suddenly interrupted. There appeared the fingers of a man’s hand and wrote upon the wall of the palace, over against the candlestick. Though Belshazzar understood it not, God had entered the scene and was about to put an end to his sinful ways. The king was terrified, his countenance changed and he shook with fear. He cried aloud to bring in his wise men, who hastily appeared, but not one of them could make known the meaning of the writing on the wall.

Then the queen mother, who it would seem, had had no part in the feast, entered the banquet hall. She told the king of one named Daniel who could interpret dreams. Daniel had served God faithfully since the days of Nebuchadnezzar and he was an old man now. When he was brought in, the king promised him royal honors if he could interpret the mysterious writing. Daniel told the king that his wisdom was not from himself but from God whom he served and whom Belshazzar had dared to insult. Furthermore Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for his wicked behavior. He reminded him of how his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar, having been lifted up in pride, had been humbled by God, until he confessed that the Most High God rules in the kingdoms of men. Nebuchadnezzar then had honored God and God had restored him. But Belshazzar had not profited by this lesson. He cared not to know the Lord, and instead of paying Him honor, he had openly insulted Him. Now it was TOO LATE! The handwriting on the wall spelled out the solemn word of judgment.

“This,” said Daniel, “is the interpretation of the thing.”

“MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it.

“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting.

“PERES; Thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Thus it happened. The night of the feast, while the king and his people were drunk with wine, the victorious armies of their enemies broke into the city. “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.”

What a solemn warning! Belshazzar was “weighed in the balances and found wanting.” But how about you, dear reader; will you be “found wanting” in the day of judgment? God’s Word declares that “He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness.” Acts 17:31.

“Oh,” you say, “I know I’m a sinner; but we can’t be perfect.” It is true, as Scripture says, “All have sinned,” and “all come short of the glory of God,” but God has provided a righteousness of His own that perfectly fits a sinner for His presence and His righteousness is “unto all” and "upon all” that believe (Rom. 3:22). He has provided a remedy for sin — “The blood, of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin”; and when we have Christ as our Saviour, God accepts us in all the perfection of His Person and His work upon the cross.

Going back to the thought of the scales again: God demands righteousness. If I put the claims of His righteousness on the one side, and my sinful life on the other, how far short I come. But if the Lord Jesus has borne all my sins away, that makes all the difference. If I have Christ, God accepts me for His own dear Son’s sake, and I’ll not be “found wanting,”

Death can come very swiftly these days, both to old and young. O do not put off your salvation until, like Belshazzar, it is TOO LATE! But come to the Saviour now while it is yet the day of grace. Then you will not be “found wanting,” but you will be found “in Christ.” For “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1.

ML-07/24/1960

Noruega

NORUEGA lives in the Dominican Republic. She was sixteen when she heard the gospel for the first time. She was an attractive young lady with dark smiling eyes and long wavy dark hair. Although she was so young, much of her time was spent in the pleasures of this world—which are only for a season—and the things of the Lord were not in ally of her thoughts.

One day she was helping her grandmother in the kitchen. They were talking about a little meeting room that had recently opened near the school where she attended. Just then one of her school friends, who lived near the missionary, came in and told her that the missionary often allowed the boys and girls who attended the gospel meetings to use his bicycle. Then she said, “He has a new bicycle now; why don’t you go to the gospel meetings, Noruega? Maybe he will let you ride it!”

The next night Noruega did go to the gospel meeting with her grandmother, and she enjoyed the stories of the Lord Jesus very much. However, she could not understand why the missionary so often referred to the “Lamb.” Neither could she understand how the death of a Lamb could save us from our sins, as the missionary told them so many times.

Some weeks after she had started to attend the meetings, she was to celebrate her seventeenth birthday. The same day was to be the centennial of the independence of her country. Plans were being made to have a grand celebration all over the land. Noruega was very excited, because she had received an invitation to a big dance in the Capital, and for many days she was busy making a dress, with the help of her aunt, for this special occasion. She was anxiously awaiting the day when she would attend that dance. But the Lord had His eye on Noruega, and in His love for her He desired to keep her from the evil of this world.

The night before her country’s great celebration, Noruega’s mother had a dream that upset her very much. She dreamed she heard Noruega screaming because of the crowds of people arriving in the Capital. They came not only from the many towns and villages in her own country, but from many friendly nations all over the world, to take part in this great festival. It was only a simple dream, but the Lord used it to keep Noruega from getting too occupied with the things of this world. Her mother learned that if she went to the Capitol she would meet with some terrible accident, and insisted that Noruega should not go. Because of her mother’s distress, Noruega’s father would not give her the money for the bus fare to the Capital.

Noruega was very disappointed and sad, but to her surprise, although many of her friends were going to celebrate in her own town that Sunday night, she did not have any desire to go with them, but went with her grandmother to the gospel meeting instead. That night was the most marvelous night in her life. For the first time she truly understood the preaching of the gospel. The preacher spoke from John 8, and told of how Jesus was “the Light of the world,” She still remembers so well his words, “This day the Dominican Republic is celebrating the first centennial of its independence; and so I desire that the souls here present will he free front their sins.”

From that moment the life of Noruega was changed. Now she understands that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us front all sin,” and that He is the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” A few days after that she confessed the Lord Jesus as her own personal Saviour according In Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Since then Noruega has been used of the Lord in blessing to many of her own people. She has joy in telling others of the grace of God.

ML-07/24/1960

Bible Talks: Job 34

IN THIS chapter Elihu appeals to Job again, and calls on all the wise men (the three friends evidently) to hear him. “Give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge,” says he. “For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meal. Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good.” Then he takes up some of the statements Job had made. “Job hath said, I am righteous,” declares Elihu. So he was before men, but he was not righteous in finding fault with God. Again Job had said, “God hath taken away my judgment ... my wound is incurable without transgression"; in other words, he had been afflicted when he had not transgressed.

Then Elihu asks: “What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?”

In effect he was saying that in spite of all the abuse that had been heaped on Job, he could not he made to feel that there was something in him that called for it. The truth was that there was in Job a good deal of pride of heart and this came out in the testing God passed him through.

Elihu reminds Job that he had said, “It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself in God,” and he declares that some of Job’s remarks had put him “in company with the workers of iniquity, and wicked men.” It was bad enough for them to say such things but how much worse for a child of God, To this Elihu answers: “Far be wickedness from God, and wrong from the Almighty!... Yea, surely, God acteth not wickedly, and the Almighty perverteth not judgment” Then he appeals to Job again and asks: “Who hath entrusted to Him the earth? and who hath disposed the whole world?” Who has done that for God? Then comes a remarkable statement: “If He [God] only thought of Himself, and gathered Him His Spirit and His breath, all flesh would expire together and man would return unto the dust.” In Acts 17:28 the Apostle makes a similar statement: “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” Man is dependent upon God for the every breath he draws, and yet how little regard is given to the truth of Scripture by man himself with regard to these things. Scripture also say that our life is but a vapor, “that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” How much attention then a man ought to pay to what God has to say to him in His Word.

Elihu goes on with his appeal to Job: “Shall even he that hateth right govern and wilt thou condemn Him that is most Just?” It was a terrible thing to find fault with God. Why, says he, “Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked?” A king may have his faults but his position demands reverence. The Word exhorts us to fear God and honor the king. (1 Pet. 2:17).

Elihu in his discourse speaks of the restless wickedness in this world, ha then he shows that God is above ma and the power of evil. “When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?” “Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement. I will not offend any more. That which I see not teach Thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.” But Job had refused His judgment, Elihu says so that men of understanding would say, “Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.”

ML-07/24/1960

Giving and Receiving

O LIVE was a little girl who had everything she could wish for, but she soon grew tired of all her books and toys. One day she was gazing discontentedly out of the window at the rain which was pouring down as if it would never stop. Presently her uncle came into the room and seeing Olive’s unhappy face, called to her to put on her coat and hat and come out with him.

“But it is pouring rain, Uncle,” said Olive.

“Never mind, we’ll ride,” he replied.

He drove her through the back streets of the town where she had never been before, “Where are we going, Uncle?” asked Olive. “You’ll see,” he replied.

“But I don’t like waiting. Won’t you tell me now?”

“What you need to learn is patience, Olive—patience to wait for things you want, patience to bear whatever God sends in your life,” her uncle said.

At this point the car stopped at a large building and Olive and her uncle got out and entered it. Olive found it was a hospital. Her uncle led her up the wide stairs and into a room full of beds. There were many children there, some reading hooks, some sitting up in bed looking at pictures, some lying very ill. They passed along to the end of the room to a bed where a pale, sick looking child was lying. Olive’s uncle spoke to the little girl kindly and asked her how she was. He told her of the Lord Jesus Who loved her so much that He gave up all He had in His beautiful home, and came into this world to die for her. He told her she could speak to the Lord Jesus, as she lay in her little bed, and tell Him she wanted Him to come into her heart and wash it dean in His own precious blood. The little girl looked up with a bright smile and said, “I want Him to come and live in my heart. I love Him because He loved me first.”

Olive listened to the little girl and she also opened her heart to the Lord Jesus and came to know and love Him too. Now she is happy in His love and she loves to visit the poor, little sick children in the hospital, take them books and toys, and tell them about the Lord Jesus and His love. And she is happy because she does it for His sake.

“REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS, HOW HE SAID, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.” Acts 20:35.

ML-07/31/1960

God Uses a Bee

A YOUNG Japanese lady came to the missionary to seek some comfort because her life was made miserable by her husband. He had a high position, but was a drunkard and often treated his wife cruelly. The lady missionary spoke to her about the Lord Jesus and His love to sinful men. The young woman took it all in and came daily to hear more about this wonderful Saviour. Very soon she surrendered her heart and life to Him and found peace and joy in her soul. She taught her five children about the only true God and His Son Jesus Christ.

One evening when she was reading the Bible with her children, the husband came in in a drunken state and took a very heavy iron lid to throw at his wife. At this moment a bee stung his hand so that he dropped the lid. The eldest boy said: “Father, you see that mother belongs now to the living God and He protects her; you can no more do harm to mother. And if you still try to do so something more dreadful will happen to you.”

Ashamed the father left the room. Next day his hand was badly swollen and he did not make his appearance at the breakfast table. In the evening he brought a present to his wife and began to treat her with kindness and the whole household gave up the worship of the idols.

“Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

ML-07/31/1960

Rasalama

MADAGASCAR is that big island on the east coast of Africa and is twice the size of Britain, The British first visited there in 1816 during the reign of a good king, Radama I. The people were idolaters, but in 1818 Christian missionaries came to the land, and in ten years’ time there were 30,000 people who could read.

During the reign of Radama I, the preaching of the gospel went on rapidly, but when he died in 1827, a wicked queen, Ranavalona put a stop to the missionaries’ work. She ordered all missionaries to leave the country, but before leaving, they left seventy Bibles for the Christians. Those who had them used to put them into boxes, bake them in the oven, or bury them in the ground. One of these native Christians wrote to a missionary: “Tt is thought that we shall forget the Word of God as we have no teachers now. The queen does not understand that the best teacher is with us still, the Holy Spirit.”

There was a brave young Christian girl of high degree named Rasalama. One day officers from the queen came to her house, bearing a long silver spear with the queen’s name on it. She knew she was to be imprisoned for being a Christian, but she was not afraid; rather she rejoiced to suffer for the name of Christ. We read that the apostles rejoiced. “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41. She was taken to the town prison where other Christians were.

The prison officers wanted to find out the names of everyone who met for prayer and Bible reading, and after trying several Christians they came to Basalama, and told her that they already knew the names, so it was no use for her to refuse to tell. Poor, deceived Rasalama spoke of seven of her friends, thinking they were already arrested. They were not, however, but the information enabled the officers to find them.

Rasalama was very, very sad over that, and she spoke about it to the other prisoners, and said she could not understand why people who behaved so well and so quietly, who never stole, and never spoke evil of any, should be arrested. This was overheard by an officer, and Rasalama, who was singing hymns nearly always, was put into irons and beaten.

At last they carried her away, on Aug. 14, 1837, and as they went she was singing and saying how joyful she was that she had heard and obeyed the gospel.

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Pet. 4:14.

On the way they passed the place she had often attended, and she cried, “Oh, there I heard the words of the Saviour!” A mile farther they came to a kind of dry moat, but Rasalama’s eyes of faith were looking at the Land that is far off, and the Saviour ready to receive her.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:10.

The executioners gave her permission to pray, so she knelt down, and, like Stephen, the first martyr, she said, “Lord Jesus, into Thy hands I commit my spirit.” In a few moments she was in the presence of her Lord. What would the bystanders have said if they could have seen her happy spirit on its Homeward flight. Even the heathen executioners said: “There is some charm in this Christian religion which takes the fear of death away.” Yes, for God has said He will ransom them from the power of the grave, and the believer can say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor. 15:55. The Lord Jesus has conquered death. And this was how Rasalama, the first martyr of Madagascar, glorified Him.

Dear reader, are you ready to meet the Lord?

ML-07/31/1960

Side Winds

I HAVE heard that a full wind behind a ship drives her not so fast forward, as a side wind that seems as much against her as for her. The reason is, that a full wind behind fills but some of her sails, which keep it from the rest, but a side wind fills them all.

Now our affections are our sails. If the Lord gives us a full wind and continued gale of mercies, it would fill some of our affections—joy, delight, and the like. But when He comes with a side wind—a dispensation that seems almost as much against us as for us—then He takes up all our affections, and we are carried faster to the haven where we would be.

ML-07/31/1960

Bible Talks: Job 35-36:15

IN this chapter Elihu goes on to show Job that by reason of some questions he had raised, he was practically saying, “My righteousness is more than God’s.” “For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?”

“I will answer thee,” says Elihu, “and thy companions with thee.” Then he seeks to make Job feel his nothingness, saying, “Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.” He could not but realize they were far beyond him; how much more so God who was above the heavens.

Elihu speaks of how when one sinned, it affected his fellow man through the oppression that resulted from such a course. These oppressions caused man to cry out. But none cried unto God, who could and does give “songs in the night” to those who cry to Him in faith in the midst of all their sorrow.

“Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?” declares Elihu. God had given men a wisdom which was far beyond that of beasts or the fowls of heaven. These cry out by reason of the oppression of evil men, says Elihu, and God does not answer because of the pride of evil men. “Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.”

“Although thou sayest thou shalt not see Him,” continues Elihu, yet God would act in justice toward Job. Therefore he tells Job to trust in Him. It was because he had not done so, that God had to continue his trial.

We learn from the Word that it is not only the words spoken that the Lord holds us responsible for, but also for that which is said in the heart, as in Luke 12:45; For it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45.) It is the desire of the Lord to revive the spirit of the humble and the heart of the contrite ones. (See Isaiah 57:15.) So we only lengthen our trial if we are rebellious in our hearts.

In chapter 36 Elihu still has something to say on God’s behalf. Yet he will not use the reasonings of man but, says he, “I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe greatness to my Creator.” “Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength and wisdom.” This is a wonderful truth. Men are liable to despise their fellowmen when they think they have risen above their level, but not so with God. God does see that the afflicted get justice and He does not save the wicked. His eyes are ever upon the righteous.

Elihu continues: It is God that confirms kings upon their throne. But if they have done evil, He would show them the error of their ways. If they hearken and serve Him, He will give them prosperity, and allow them length of life. But if they do not hear Him, they will be cut off. The godless in heart, or hypocrites, heap up His wrath upon themselves. They do not turn to Him when He binds them. But what God has pleasure in is this: “He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.”

ML-07/31/1960

Trying to See the President

THE story is told of an old man, who years ago was seen sitting just outside the White House. His clothes were threadbare and covered with dust. His face was sad, tears were in his eyes, and he looked a pathetic figure. A little boy, rolling a hoop, stopped to ask him what was the matter. What a sad story the old man told. His son in the Army had been arrested for desertion and condemned to die. He had tried to appeal to the President but the guards would not let him pass.

“I can take you to the President,” cried the boy.

“You?”

“Yes, he is my father,” said the boy. “He lets me come in any time,” Thus the old man found the way in to President Lincoln who graciously granted a pardon to his son.

What a picture this is of ourselves as poor sinners, in all our need, unable to enter into the presence of God, who alone can help. “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your Sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear,” was the word of the Lord to His people in Isaiah 59:2.

In the temple of old there hung a veil that separated man from the “most holy place” where God dwelt. The sinner could not enter there. But when the Lord Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for sin, all was changed, God Himself rent that veil—“from the top to the bottom,” Matt. 27:51. God could now come out in all His grace to the sinner, and the sinner could go in to God, And so we read: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness, to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way,... Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb. 10:19-22.

It is unlikely the old man of our story would have got to see the President had he not met one who was next to Mr. Lincoln in affection. Nor is there hope of a sinner coming to God and gaining His free pardon except he first have to do with His dear Son, Christ Jesus the Saviour, who has told us in His Word, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

“FOR THERE IS ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS.” 1 Tim. 2:5.

Dear sinner friend, have you entered in “by the blood of Jesus” or are you still waiting outside?

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

ML-08/07/1960

Love Unto Death

SOMETIMES an incident in the life of man, fallen and faraway from God seems sent to shadow forth something more intense, something eternal, and to point us to “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” (Eph. 3:19.)

In the autumn of the year a pilot boat was sailing outside an Australian port. She was “looking out” for a large ship, which, from the date she was known to have left London, then was due.

Suddenly a heavy squall was seen approaching, and one of the crew climbed the mast into the rigging to take in sail. He was too late. Before he could succeed, the little boat was caught by the wind and lay over on her side.

The man in the rigging knew the danger, and shouted to the crew below, “Cut away the mast.”

They hesitated. It was sending him to instant death. But they obeyed his command, and in less time than we have taken to tell it the boat righted, and the crew were saved.

But the man in the rigging, where was he? Gone! into death. To save the others he had sacrificed his own life, Brave, noble man!

To deliver us from “so great a death,” Christ died (1 Peter 3:18). Does not this great love of the Lord Jesus, this love unto death, “even the death of the cross,” (Phil. 2:8), move the heart of the reader to accept it?

“The Saviour left the realms above,

Left the bright world on high,

And came on earth for man to die.”

Was ever love like this?

ML-08/07/1960

Light in the Valley

A BLIND Hindu boy, when dying, said joyfully:—“I see! I see! I have light now. I see the King in His beauty. Tell the missionary the blind boy sees. I glory in Jesus.”

A wounded soldier, when asked if he were ready to depart, said, “O yes; my Saviour, in Whom I have long trusted, is with me now. The dark valley is lighted up by His smile.”

A young man, who had lately found Jesus, was laid upon his dying bed. A friend, who stood near him, asked, “Is it dark?” In speaking of it afterward, this friend said, “I shall never forget his reply to my questions. “No, no,” he exclaimed, “it’s light, it’s light, it’s all light!” And thus, in the joy which this light gives, he entered into heaven.

“Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:30, 31, 32.

ML-08/07/1960

The Mite Song

Only a drop in the bucket,

But every drop will tell:

The bucket would soon be empty

Without the drops in the well.

Only a poor little penny,

It was all I had to give;

But as pennies make the quarters,

It may help some cause to live.

A few little bits of ribbon,

And some toys—they were not new,

But they made the sick child happy

And that made me happy too.

Only some outgrown garments;

They were all I had to spare;

But they’ll help to clothe the needy,

And the poor are everywhere.

A word now and then of comfort,

That cost me nothing to say;

But the poor old man died happy,

And it cheered him on the way.

God loveth the cheerful giver,

Though the gifts be poor and small:

May we seek to be, Lord, more like Thee

Who gave for us Thine all.

“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.”

ML-08/07/1960

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

1. Will our names be confessed before God the. Father if we confess the name of the Lord Jesus Christ before men?

2. Are there some things that are hidden from the wise and prudent of this world?

3. Must we give account in the day of judgment for every idle word we speak?

4. Will the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word sown in the heart?

5. Is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lots his own sous?

6. What did the yoke out of the cloud say concerning) the Lord Jesus Christ?

7. Must we become as little children before we can enter into the kingdom of heaven?

The Young People’s Class

1. Where was David when Goliath defied the Israelites in the valley of Elah? 1 Sam. 17.

2. Where was Moses when God told him he was to be the instrument for delivering His people from Egypt? Ex. 3.

3. Does God hare a purpose in preparing His servants In the secret of His presence? Psa. 31.

4. Did David consider the Israelites — even though they were sore afraid of the enemy—as only “servants to Saul"? 1 Sam.

5. Is the assembly, though weak and failing, actually the Church of the living God? 1 Tim. 3.

6. What answer did David give to his brother’s accusation which showed he was ready to deliver Israel from the Philistines? 1 Sam.

7. Did the Lord Jesus have before Him the cause for which He came into this world? John 12.

ML-08/07/1960

Bible Talks: Job 36:16-37:13

ELIHU had declared that God does deliver the poor in his affliction, curd that He opens the ears of the afflicted in their trials so that they might turn to Him. Now he applies this to Job telling him that God would have removed him “out of the jaws of distress into a broad place,” and brought him into a place of blessing; “the supply of thy table would be full of fatness.” This was exactly what happened, but Job was not yet right in his soul, He was still full of questions as to God’s judgment and justice in dealing with him the way He had, Now Elihu says, “judgment and justice take hold on thee,” and he warns Job: “Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke; then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Will He esteem thy riches? No, not gold, nor all the forces [resources] of strength.” And in the New Testament God sets forth through the Apostle Peter this same truth: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. It is only in this life that a soul can prepare to meet God. Redemption is only to be had in Christ, and to die without Him is to be taken away to certain judgment.

Elihu goes on and tells Job to take heed and not to turn to iniquity as in his spirit he had done by not taking his affliction from the hand of God. Then he calls on Job to consider God’s greatness and to magnify His works. “Lo, God is exalted in His power; who teacheth as He?” He is infinitely above our thoughts. “He maketh small the drops of water.” If He is so interested in the little things of His creation, how much more so great a thing as the soul of man, into whom He had breathed the breath of life.

Elihu speaks of how God supplied man with rain, and this passage as given, in J.N.D.’s Translation is very remarkable, “For He draweth up the drops chi, water: they distil in rain from the vapor which He formeth, which the skies pour down and drop upon man abundantly.” How marvelous are the, wonders of God’s creation when received in faith as His provision for man. “His hands He covereth with lightning, and commandeth it where it is to strike.” How few men realize that God even directs the path of the lightning, “His thundering declareth concerning] Him; the cattle even, concerning its coming.” Cattle even have more sense than some men for they are greatly concerned when there is a thunderstorm. But when God speaks to men in a voice of thunder there are those who only harden themselves against it.

In chapter 37 Elihu continues his discourse on the ways of God with man in His control of the weather. Ile dwells on the thunder, “the roar of His voice,” “He sendeth it forth under the whole heaven, and His lightning unto the end of the earth.” “God thundereth marvelously with His voice, doing great things which we do not comprehend.” He speaks of the fall of snow, the pouring rains, “and by the breath of God ice is given.” “Also with plentiful moisture He loadeth the thick clouds, His light dispels the cloud; and they are turned every way by His guidance, that they may do whatsoever He commandeth them” upon the earth, whether they be sent in mercy or in judgment.

When we read such wonderful things as these, we are reminded of the words of the Psalmist: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” (Psa. 107.)

ML-08/07/1960

The First Secret

EVELYN was a little girl who lived with her parents and brother Harry in a pretty house in the country. Her friend Mary, who lived nearby, was moving away, and Evelyn knew she would miss her very much.

Mary had a pretty little kitten which she offered to Evelyn as a parting gift, but Evelyn’s mother said that she couldn’t have it. “There are so many birds about that it would be cruel to bring a cat into the house, Evelyn,” her mother said. “We must get you some other pet.”

But Evelyn was not comforted by this promise and still thought about the little kitten she wanted so badly.

The next morning she filled a little basket with flowers and took them over to Mary. Mary was watching at the gate. “Oh, Evelyn,” she said, “You’ve brought a basket for the kitten. I’ll just take out the flowers and put Buttons in. See, she’s here all ready,”

Evelyn was tempted by the sight of the pretty little kitten and knew that she should tell Mary that her mother didn’t want her to have the pussy. But she said good-by to her friend and hurried home across the fields. On the way she met her brother Harry and showed him what she had in the basket.

“I thought I’d just show her to Mother. Perhaps she’ll change her mind,” said Evelyn.

“I’m sure she won’t,” Harry replied. He was quiet a few moments, then said, “Could you keep a secret, Evelyn?”

“Who from?”

“Everyone,” said Harry.

“Even Mother?”

“Yes, because if you could, I know a place we might hide the pussy and no one would ever know, for I’ll promise not to tell.”

But Harry and Evelyn might have thought of that verse, “He knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Psa. 44:21.

“Where, Harry?” asked Evelyn.

“In the large store room at the top of the house, You can make a nice bed behind the pile of old boxes and we can easily bring up food when no one is looking.”

“Would it be very wrong, Harry?” asked Evelyn.

“Well, I don’t see much harm,” answered Harry. “Mother was only worried about the birds and we must take great care to keep the door shut.”

When they reached the house, they found their mother was out and though the kitten mewed and made quite a commotion in the basket, the two children managed to get her upstairs and into the store room.

But though Evelyn had her wish she was not happy. She was always afraid someone would find out her secret, and deep down in her heart she knew there was an all seeing eye from whom no secrets are hidden, and this made her uncomfortable.

All went on smoothly for a few weeks and Evelyn and Harry were careful to keep the door shut.

At last an invitation came for Evelyn to visit her cousins for a few days, This was usually a great pleasure, but this time she seemed anxious to stay at home. However, her mother said she was to go, and Harry promised to take care of the little kitten. And so she went to pay her visit.

Harry faithfully looked after the kitten, but one day he met the maid, just as he was leaving the store room. The maid asked him what he was doing there and told him she had heard something moving in the old store room. Harry told her it must be rats and so frightened the girl that she wouldn’t go near the door.

When Evelyn came home again, she wanted to see her pet kitten and started up the stairs. But the maid met her and warned her not to go near the store room as she had set a trap just inside the door, to catch any rats that might be there.

Now Evelyn was really afraid for the kitten and soon found Harry and told him her trouble. Together they went up to the store room. Alas, there was their dear little kitten, lying stiff and perfectly still, caught in the rat trap, Poor Evelyn! All she could do was to run to her mother and sob out the story of her secret, confessing all. But best of all, she and Harry went to the Lord Jesus, and on their knees, told Him all about it and asked His forgiveness. They asked Him to forgive all their sins and to wash their hearts clean in His precious blood, which He did, for they were truly repentant.

“FOR WITH THE LORD THERE IS MERCY, AND WITH HIM IS PLENTEOUS REDEMPTION.” Psa. 130:7

ML-08/14/1960

An Icelandic Story

EIRIK was an Icelandic fisherman who had been brought to knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour when he was a boy. This had made a great change in his life, and his longing dire was that others might share his joy. Because of this the other young men did not wish to be near him very much, for fear he would speak to them of his Lord and Saviour.

He earned his livelihood by fishing, but as motor boats were being introduced at that time, there was a difficulty for him and those like him to make a living.

One day after a long unsuccessful spell of fishing, the news flew round that the fjord was teeming with codfish. Unfortunately His fishermen had no bait, as they usually used small pieces of herring, and they had caught no herring for some time. This was most tantalizing as many of them were in real need.

However, news was received from the nest port that a trawler had just been in there with a load of herring. The fishermen clubbed together and hired a motor boat and each gave his order for the herring he could afford.

Now Eirik’s cottage did not overlook the harbor, and the men played a cruel trick on him. They did not tell him about the chance to buy some herring until it was too late for him to order any.

When the motor boat returned all the fishermen were busy with their hooks and lines except Eirik, and no one would sell or lend him any hair. Feeling very sad he made his way up the steep cliff path. It almost seemed as if God had forgotten him, but all at once the verse flashed into his mind, “CAST THY BURDEN UPON THE LORD.”

So he went into his little hut and unburdened his heart to the Lord. It then occurred to him that there might be a few odd herring in his old patched up net. Naturally speaking this was most unlikely, as there had been no herring in the fjord for weeks.

When the fishermen heard what he was going to do, they went with him to see fair play, as they themselves would have been quite equal to taking the contents of a neighbor’s net. It was a good thing they did.

One net after another was drawn up empty, only to be thrown back in disgust, until they came to Eirik’s. This one did not come up very easily and when at last it came up it was full of herring. Hurriedly they drew up the rest of the nets but there was not a single herring in them.

The men were dumbfounded. But Eirik praised his faithful God, who had supplied him with even more than he needed, and saved him the expense of buying. Now he saw his opportunity of showing good for evil. He refused to sell any of his haul, but freely gave to any who had not been able to buy sufficient. There was a splendid catch of codfish that day and in no home was there greater joy than in Eirik’s little hut. It was not surprising that when the missionary visited Eirik’s, some time later, the hall was crowded with Icelanders, eager to hear the gospel of the grace of God, to whom Eirik had borne such a faithful testimony.

ML-08/14/1960

A Little Girl's Prayer

Blessed Saviour, by Thy grace,

Ever let me seek Thy face;

Always may I fly from sin,

Trust Thy Word and walk therein.

Righteous Father give me power

In Christ’s blood to trust each hour;

Call me Thy dear child to be,

Ever living, Lord, for Thee.

Lines in the Bible of a young Sunday school

ML-08/14/1960

Bible Talks: Job 37:14-24

ELIHU’S appeal to Job draws to a close. “Hearken unto this, O Job,” he says; “stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.” Did Job know when God did all these wonders? “Dust thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge?” “Teach us what we shall say unto Him,” he says to Job; “for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.” Even now, we ourselves but “know in part"; “now we see through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:9, 11.). “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out,” says Elihu, which is true for it is only by revelation that man is able to understand God in His ways. “He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: He will not afflict. Men do therefore fear Him: He respecteth not any that are wise of heart,"—that is naturally. In the cross we see the end of man’s wisdom; “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent... hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” 1 Cor. 1:19, 20.

Elihu ends here. He has answered to Job’s desire for a daysman, the messenger of God, one in a thousand, to show unto man his real place before God, which is the place of humility and self-judgment. It is remarkable to find such a one taught of God, as Elihu was, in that day when all around man was giving up the knowledge of God, as we learn from Romans 1. Elihu did not have the written Word out of which he could read that which God has caused to be written for our learning. Yet even now there are many professing the name of Christ who have the Bible in their hands, but who do not understand the ways of God and of how He is working things out for our eternal welfare.

It is instructive to notice that all through the speech of Elihu Job remained silent. It seems he had a sense’ that unlike the speeches of his three friends, Elihu’s ministry was from God Himself; it entered his heart and conscience, subduing the strivings of the flesh in him. And well it is for us when we discern the voice of the Spirit of God speaking to us through another, and bow to it, no matter who the vessel might be that He is pleased to use. Job might not yet be humbled, he may not as yet have confessed himself to be vile, yet under Elihu there was a work going on in his soul, a work of God, a work of grace, which was designed to bring Job into such happiness of soul as he had never known before. And all this was not merely for Job’s blessing, but for the instruction and profit of God’s people through all ages. For how prone we are to forget that “God truth the righteous.” “He withdraweth not His eyes from them.” We are in His hands and under His eye continually. We are the objects of His deep, tender, and un changing loves but we are also the subjects of His wise moral government. Clouds may darken our pathway but to use the language of the poet, “God rides upon the storm,” and “Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face,” May we remember the word of the Apostle, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6

ML-08/14/1960

He Refused the Rope

JIM and John had been close companions for several years and this summer they decided to take their vacations together. They went to Western Wyoming and attended a mountaineering school in the Grand Teton Mountains. Then they decided to climb an 8,000-foot southwest ridge of Storm Point near Jenny Lake.

As they began the descent down from the ridge, John was ahead. He noticed that Jim would need a rope to help him get safely down one dangerous slope. He offered Jim the rope, but no! Jim decided he didn’t need it. He would descend by himself.

Alas, a few minutes later poor Jim disappeared down the slope. He fell 400 feet to his death. Sadly John made his way safely down the mountainside and, making his way to the nearest phone, he had to break the tragic news to Jim’s parents.

Had Jim accepted the rope, there is no doubt it would have saved his life. But he refused it and through self-confidence he lost his life. Some will say, How foolish to refuse the rope. But how much more foolish are they who reject God’s wonderful salvation through Christ, and go on their way down the slippery slopes of this world, hoping that by some effort of their own they will someday merit salvation. They think that trying to live a good life, doing good deeds, attending church or Sunday school, giving to charity, and the young Count kicked the Bible away far from him into a corner.

“I will have nothing to do with the Word of a God who permits injustice,” said he in his wrath.

So the weary days passed on, the Count alternately pacing up and down, and throwing himself on his straw pallet to rest, while in the corner lay the Book, full, from cover to cover, of sweet messages that teach patience, resignation, and trust.

One day he picked up the Bible and opened it, and the first words that met his eye were, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

But he shut the Book, impatient at having been for a moment touched by this precious promise.

He soon, however, opened it again, and read more. Quietly the pages of this wonderful volume seemed to gain a subtle influence over him, and he read on until it became his constant companion. He had certainly never seen such words as this Book contained, and now he was so eager to read, that the nights seemed even too long till daylight should come and enable him to get at its pages again.

The question was once asked at a meeting of learned Frenchmen: Supposing a man were condemned to solitary confinement for life, what book would you recommend for his companion in solitude?

Unbelievers were at that meeting in full force, yet what do you suppose their answer was? Walter Scott’s novels? Victor Hugo’s works? No! unanimous was the voice which gave out the one book only—THE BIBLE! Truly, “Their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges,” Deut. 32:31.

The Count, certainly, found it true. He learned whole chapters by heart, and I need not stay to tell you how the soft dews of the Holy Spirit, through the Word, melted the proud, impatient heart, and brought him a penitent sinner to the feet of Jesus.

“Ask that good clergyman to come and see me again,” was his request of the jailer one day, and the aged minister hastened to his cell with gladness.

“Oh, sir!” he said, “how can I thank you enough for that precious Book?”

His face, once puckered up with frowns and scornful gestures, was wreathed in smiles, and peace reigned now where anger had held sway. Yes, Jesus Christ had come to dwell, and there is “peace on all sides round about Him” where He reigns.

“At first I felt it a great injustice and misfortune, my being put here,” said he, “but now I see why it was, and I thank God for it. If I had continued in my prosperity I should, perhaps, never have read this holy Book, which has by God’s grace led me to Jesus.”

His trial came on, and he was found gaiety, and sentenced to die! But when the verdict was given he received it calmly, only asking that he might he allowed to write to his relations. Permission was granted, and he sent to his aunt and sister a sweet letter, telling of his newfound joy and peace in Jesus, and his sure and certain hope of eternal life through His precious blood.

At length the day appointed for the count’s execution arrived, and his quiet sleep was disturbed by noises in the passage leading to his cell, and steps were heard approaching.

“They come early to take me to the gallows,” thought he, and his heart beat faster, though he was prepared to die. Suddenly the door of the cell was thrown back, and a fine, noble form stood before him.

It was the Emperor himself!

“My brave fellow, a few hours more, and I should have lost in you one of my best friends. Forgive my unconscious error, and accept from me in remembrance of this day the rank of general in my army, and with it your castle, where I hope you may live to enjoy many happy years.”

What did it really all mean? Was he not to die? Was it a dream? No; there was the emperor, and his hand-grasp was sufficient evidence! Just in time the mistake had been discovered; a man had been arrested, and on his person was a paper which said, “We have done all we could to enroll William, but in vain. He declares he will remain true to his sovereign till death.” This paper was handed to Nicholas, who had come himself to release the nobleman who had been so unjustly accused.

The liberated young nobleman traveled as rapidly as possible to the house of his aunt, where he found his friends sitting in a room hung with deep folds of crape.

Oh, what tears of joy and hates of praise intermingled as they heard his story of the wondrous deliverance God had wrought for him! Sorrow was indeed turned into joy, and together they poured out their souls in glad thankfulness to the Deliverer.

That precious Bible, just as he had it in the prison, was put in a rich case, and kept in the best place in his rooms as one of his most valued possessions.

Dear young friends, your condemnation is no mistake! If you have not accepted the salvation which Jesus Christ has procured for you, you are condemned already, and justly, too! For the Lord has declared: “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because He hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” John 3:18.

Yet there is deliverance for you if you will look to Him. See, the King Himself stands before you, and asks you to trust Him! His royal pardon is in His hand. Will you not stretch out your hand of faith and take it, and be free today?

“IF THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED.” John 8:36.

ML-08/21/1960

Obedient Charlie

A group of boys were playing ball. One of them named Charlie, heard his name called. “That’s Mother,” he cried, instantly throwing down his bat, and picking up his cap and jacket.

“Don’t go yet, Charlie,” said one of the boys. “Let’s finish the game.”

“I must go right now, this minute—I told Mother I’d come whenever she called.”

“Make believe you didn’t hear!” the boys exclaimed,

“But I did hear!”

“She’ll never know you did.”

“But I’d know, and I’m not going to act a lie.”

“Let him go,” said another of the boys; “you can’t do anything with him. He’s tied to his mother’s apron-strings.”

“I wouldn’t be such a baby as to run the minute I was called,” called out another of the boys.

“I don’t call it babyish to keep one’s word,” said Charlie, with a beautiful light glowing in his eyes. “I call it manly for a fellow to keep his word with his mother; and if he doesn’t keep his word to her, you see if he keeps it to anyone else.”

This was noble in Charlie, wasn’t it?

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” Eph. 6:1, 2.

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

ML-08/21/1960

Bible Talks: Job 38:8-15

THEN the Lord goes on to speak of the sea, and He asks Job, “Who shut up the sea with doors?... When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it... and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?” Does not this make us think of the majesty of the Creator who has determined its boundaries, its depths and its springs?

When the Lord Jesus was here on earth, he could speak to the wild waves and say, “Peace, be still"; and they obeyed. It was that same blessed One who was here speaking to Job, Men would like very much to control the waves, but it is through them that the Lord speaks to man. (See Psalm 39:4.) Just recently a ship was designed and built for the special duty of withstanding the polar ice and seas. Returning from its maiden voyage it went down in the heavy waves of the sea, with great loss of life. The remark was made in a news item: “Once again the cruel sea did its deadly work and made a mockery of the vanity of man.”

Elihu had already told Job that God in His ways with man sought to hide pride from man, and to keep back his soul from going down to the pit (chapter 33). Psalm 107 speaks of God’s ways with mariners: “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to heaven, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble,” Then when they are at their wit’s end, they cry unto the Lord who calms the tempest and brings them to their desired haven. Then it is added: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” The Lord wants not only individual thanksgiving and worship, but also collective worship in the assembly of His people. In the New Testament we have repeatedly stressed our responsibility to go on with others in lowliness, in meekness, in love and long-suffering, for the glory of the Lord.

Next, God asks Job: “Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days and caused the dayspring [dawn] to know his place; that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?” Whatever might be the infidel thoughts of men, faith knows that it is God who set all these things in motion. It is He who causes the sun to rise and shed its beams to the ends of the earth, dispelling the darkness which evil mull lake advantage of more than any other lime, in order to carry out their acts of wickedness and violence.

“It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.” When the earth is in darkness there is nothing to be seen, but when the light shines on it the beauty of God is seen traced upon it, like the impression made on the signet clay. “And from the wicked their light [their light was darkness] is withholden, and the uplifted arm is broken.”

ML-08/21/1960

The Russian Nobleman's Conversion

IT WAS not the mere fact of his being a prisoner that made Count William pace angrily to and fro within the four walls of his cell. It was that he had been imprisoned on a false accusation which made it so hard to bear.

The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had discovered some plots against his throne and life, and suspected this young nobleman of taking part in them, and at once he was arrested, and was now awaiting his trial.

Pacing up and down like a caged lion, the count raged, stamping on the ground in his fierce anger. He not only cursed his royal master, but he upbraid God also, for having allowed him to be thus unjustly accused.

A week passed away in angry solitude, but the days seemed months to the impetuous young man.

One day a Christian minister, who had obtained leave to visit the cells, came to see him and comfort him, hoping to lead him to trust in the living Saviour for help. He got scant courtesy from the prisoner, who cared for none of these things.

“Why does He not set me free?” was the angry thought in reply to all the loving invitations.

“I will leave you this book,” said his visitor, giving him a Bible. “Will you not read it? It will be a comfort in in your loneliness.”

But as soon as the minister had left, the young Count kicked the Bible away from him into a corner.

“I will have nothing to do with the Word of a God who permits injustice,” said he in his wrath.

One day he picked up the Bible and opened it, and the first words that met his eye were, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

But he shut the Book, impatient at having been for a moment touched by this precious promise.

The question was once asked at a meeting of learned Frenchmen: Supposing a man were condemned to solitary confinement for life, what book would you recommend for his companion in solitude?

“Ask that good clergyman to come and see me again,” was his request of the jailer one day, and the aged minister hastened to his cell with gladness.

“Oh, sir!” he said, “how can I thank you enough for that precious Book?”

His trial came on, and he was found guilty, and sentenced to die! But when the verdict was given he received it calmly, only asking that he might be allowed to write to his relations. Permission was granted, and he sent to his aunt and sister a sweet letter, telling of his newfound joy and peace in Jesus, and his sure and certain hope of eternal life through His precious blood.

At length the day appointed for the count’s execution arrived, and his quiet sleep was disturbed by noises in the passage leading to his cell, and steps were heard approaching.

It was the Emperor himself!

The liberated young nobleman traveled as rapidly as possible to the house of his aunt, where he found his friends sitting in a room hung with deep folds of crape.

Oh, what tears of joy and notes of praise intermingled as they heard his story of the wondrous deliverance God had wrought for him! Sorrow was indeed turned into joy, and together they poured out their souls in glad thankfulness to the Deliverer.

That precious Bible, just as he had it in the prison, was put in a rich case, and kept in the best place in his rooms as one of his most valued possessions.

“IF THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED.” John 8:36.

ML-08/28/1960

Obedient Charlie

A group of boys were playing ball. One of them named Charlie, heard his name called. “That’s Mother,” he cried, instantly throwing down his bat, and picking up his cap and jacket.

“Don’t go yet, Charlie,” said one of the boys. “Let’s finish the game.”

“I must go right now, this minute—I told Mother I’d come whenever she called.”

“Make believe you didn’t hear!” the boys exclaimed.

“But I did hear!”

“She’ll never know you did.”

“But I’d know, and I’m not going to act a lie.”

“Let him go,” said another of the boys; “you can’t do anything with him. He’s tied to his mother’s apron-strings.”

“I wouldn’t be such a baby as to run the minute I was called,” called out another of the boys.

This was noble in Charlie, wasn’t it?

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” Eph. 6:1, 2.

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

ML-08/28/1960

Bible Talks

Job 38:8-15

THEN the Lord goes on to speak of the sea, and He asks Job, “Who shut up the sea with doors?... When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it,... and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?” Does not this make us think of the majesty of the Creator who has determined its boundaries, its depths and its springs?

When the Lord Jesus was here on earth, he could speak to the wild waves and say, “Peace, be still"; and they obeyed. It was that same blessed One who was here speaking to Job.

Men would like very much to control the waves, but it is through them that the Lord speaks to man. (See Psalm 39:4.) Just recently a ship was designed and built for the special duty of withstanding the polar ice and seas. Returning from its maiden voyage it went down in the heavy waves of the sea, with great loss of life. The remark was made in a news item: “Once again the cruel sea did its deadly work and made a mockery of the vanity of man.”

Elihu had already told Job that God in His ways with man sought to hide pride from man, and to keep back his soul from going down to the pit (chapter 33). Psalm 107 speaks of God’s ways with mariners: “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to heaven, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble.” Then when they are at their wit’s end, they cry unto the Lord who calms the tempest and brings them to their desired haven. Then it is added: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” The Lord wants not only individual thanksgiving and worship, but also collective worship in the assembly of His people. In the New Testament we have repeatedly stressed our responsibility to go on with others in lowliness, in meekness, in love and long-suffering, for the glory of the Lord.

Next, God asks Job: “Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring [dawn] to know his place; that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?” Whatever might be the infidel thoughts of men, faith knows that it is God who set all these things in motion. It is He who causes the sun to rise and shed its beams to the ends of the earth, dispelling the darkness which evil men take advantage of more than any other time, in order to carry out their acts of wickedness and violence.

ML-08/28/1960

"No Children Allowed"

GEORGIE and his mother lived in a couple of rooms in a busy section of the big city. They were very happy together until one day they were told that the house in which they lived was to be sold, and they would have to move. And so the poor mother began her weary round of going about from place to place, trying to find rooms where they could live. But over and over again she was asked, “Do you have any children?” And when she replied that she had one boy, she would receive the same answer, “Sorry, no children allowed here.”

So the days passed away and the time was drawing very near when Georgie and his mother would have to move out. Still nothing was found.

One day, Georgie came home from school and found his mother in tears. She was sad and worried and didn’t know what to do. Georgie thought things over in his mind and soon decided what he would do.

The next morning his mother went off to work and Georgie got ready for school as usual. But before going out, he wrote a note to his mother and left it on the kitchen table. It read:

“Dear Mother: I’m going away from home, not because I don’t love you, but because you can’t find a place to live while you have me. I’ll come back to you when I’m grown up, and I’ll work hard and we’ll have a nice house to live in. Love, George.”

Then little Georgie started out. But he didn’t get very far. In crossing a busy street, he was knocked down by a car and seriously injured. They took him to the hospital and called his mother. She came hurrying to his side, but Georgie was so badly hurt that he was dying.

Just before he died, he said, "‘Mother, I’m going to the best Home of all—a home where they never say, ‘No children allowed,’ because Jesus said: " ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.’" Mark 10:14.

“IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS: IF IT WERE NOT SO, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU.” John 14:2.

ML-09/04/1960

The Children's Friend

There’s a Friend for little children,

Above the bright blue sky—

A Friend who never changeth,

Whose love can never die.

Unlike our friends by nature,

Who change with changing years,

This Friend is always worthy

The precious name He bears.

There’s a rest for little children,

Above the bright blue sky;

Who love the blessed Saviour,

And “Abba, Father,” cry;

A rest from every turmoil,

From sin and danger free;

Where every little pilgrim

Shall rest eternally.

There’s a home for little children,

Above the bright blue sky;

Where Jesus reigns in glory,

A home of peace and joy.

No home on earth is like it,

Or can with it compare;

For every one is happy,

Nor could be happier there.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML-09/04/1960

Johnnie's Honesty

“JOHNNY,” said a farmer to his little boy, “it’s time to go the pasture and drive the cows home,” Johnny was playing ball, and the pasture was a long way off. But he was accustomed to obey promptly, so he started without a word, as fast as he could go.

Being in a hurry to get back to play, he only half let down the bars, and then hurried the cattle through. One fine cow, in trying to get over, stumbled and broke her leg.

Johnny stood by the poor suffering creature, and said to himself, “Nov, what shall I do? That is the best cow Father has; it will have to be killed, and that will be a great loss to Father. What shall I tell him? "

“Tell him,” whispered the tempter, —the same tempter that came to the Lord Jesus—“tell him you found the bars half down, and the cow lying there.”

“No, I can’t say that, for that would be a lie.”

“Tell him,” whispered the tempter again, “that while you were driving the cows that big boy of farmer Brown’s threw stones, and hurried the cow so that she fell.”

“No, no,” said Johnny. “I’ll tell Father the truth. It was all my fault. I was in a hurry; I frightened the poor creature, and she fell and broke her leg.”

As soon as he had made this brave resolution, he ran home as fast as he could, as if he was afraid the tempter would catch him. He went straight to his father and told the whole truth. And what did his father do?

He laid his hand on Johnny’s head, and said: “I’m very sorry to lose that cow; but I would rather lose every cow I own than have my dear boy tell an untruth!” O, how happy Johnny felt that God had given him grace to do the right thing! He had been tried, but he had “come forth as gold.” Truth is golden, and Johnny had told the truth. Honesty is golden, and Johnny had acted honestly. Honor is a golden thing, and Johnny had behaved honorably tard his father. And he felt in his own heart the reward God gives to those who get the victory over temptation.

ML-09/04/1960

The Antidote

THERE is a tree found in the West Indies, called the manchineel. It is a good-looking tree. The fruit that bears looks like the golden pippin. It is beautiful to the eye, and has a fragrant smell; but when eaten, it produces certain death. The juice of this fruit is so deadly that the Indians dip their arrows in it, for the purpose of poisoning their enemies when they wound them. It is remarkable that wherever this tree grows, there is always found not far from it a plant, the juice of which counteracts and cures the poison of the manchineel.

How well this poison may represent the sad effect of sin! And then, in the effect produced by this healing plant, we see illustrated the influence exerted by God’s blessed Word on souls that are poisoned by sin. “He sent His word, and healed them.” (Psa. 107:20.)

ML-09/04/1960

Home

WHAT does the carrier pigeon care for broad seas or towering hills? It knows its home, and the moment it is set free, it rises to an immense height in the air, and starts at once for the place. Nor does it stop to rest, until it folds its faithful wings at its dearly-loved abode. Well would it be for us, dear reader, whose home is in heaven, if we never paused in our flight till we reached the glory.

ML-09/04/1960

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

1. Are all things possible with God?

2. Did Jesus, the Son of man, come into the world to give His life a ransom for many?

3, What promise is given to the one that will humble himself?

4. Does anyone know the day or the hour when Jesus will come for His own?

5. In what way can we be kept from entering into temptation?

6. What did the centurion say as he was watching Jesus on the cross?

7. What did the disciples do when Jesus met them after being raised from the dead?

The Young People’s Class

1. What did David the men of faith say to Saul as he contemplated fighting the champion of the Philistines. 1 Sam. 17.

2. How did Saul, who thought only as a natural man, reply? 1 Sam.

3. In whose strength was David relying? Psa. 71.

4. Did Saul believe that the Lord would be sufficient For David, or did he seek to add human means? 1 Sam.

5. For what reason does God give His people sufficiency in all things? 2 Cor. 9.

6. What reason did David give for putting off Saul’s armor? 1 Sam.

7. What incidents did David relate to show that he had proved the Lord’s sufficiency? 1 Sam.

ML-09/04/1960

Bible Talks: Job 38:16-23

IN the previous verses God had IL asked Job, “Hast thou commanded the morning... and caused the dawn to know its place?” We know it is God Himself the Creator who controls the movements of day and night, but science tells us that these things follow the fixed rules of nature. Nevertheless there have been times in God’s ways with men when He who ordained these fixed laws has also set them, aside, when it suited His purpose.

When the plague of darkness came upon the land of Egypt (Ex. 10), it was called a “thick darkness,” one that could be felt. They could not see one another for three days, but the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Then in the days of Joshua we read that “the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before or after it, that the LORD hearkened to the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.” Josh. 10:13, 14. But the most outstanding instance that we have in the New Testament was when the Lord Jesus was hanging upon the cross, bearing the punishment for our sins, that is, the sins of all those who trust in Him. Then it was that God caused a darkness to cover the whole land for the space of three hours. Some would make out that this was an eclipse of the sun, but this was not so. We are told that an eclipse could not last more than seven and a half minutes and none have been known to last that long. God would not allow any one to see His beloved Son suffering at His hand for sin upon the cross. This should make us feel what a terrible thing sin is in the sight of God, and how solemn it will be in the day of judgment for those who refuse the Lord Jesus as the Saviour. They will have before thetn11 The awful prospect of suffering at God’s hand when cast into outer darkness, In Luke 22:53 the Lord, when brought before the chief priests and elders, said to them, “This is your hour and tile power of darkness.” He spoke of what is called moral darkness, which conies upon those who have been the objects of so much grace but turn from Him to the power of darkness. In Colossians 1:12, 13 it says, “Giving thanks unto the Father,... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness"; that is, those who have been brought to the Lord.

In verse 16 of our chapter the Lord goes back to the sea again and looks at it in another way. “Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in search of the depth?"—that is, the abyss? Then He goes lower still and asks a more searching question. “Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or host thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?” Sheol, or Hades, was the place of departed spirits and God was bringing before Job that he knew nothing of the unseen world or what takes place after death.

From the depths of the sea the Lord comes back to the earth again and says to Job, “Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.” Job did not know. Then the Lord passes on to speak of “the treasures of the snow” and of “the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war.” And God, was pleased to use the elements in judgment upon men; for instance, when He rained down hailstones on the Amorites (Josh. 10:11), and fire and brimstone on the cities of the plain (Gen. 19:24, 25).

ML-09/04/1960

A Shark Story

YEARS ago when pirates roamed over the seas between the Southern States and the Spanish Main, the brig Nancy was pursued by H.M.S. Sparrow. The Nancy was strongly suspected of being engaged in illegal trade and piracy, but when captured not a scrap of evidence could be found among her papers. It was thought that she would have to be released, but the question was referred to the authorities at Kingston, Jamaica, into which port she was brought.

Meanwhile, another vessel called the Abergavenny had been cruising in the same waters. One day, off the coast of Haiti, the officer in charge noticed a dead bullock surrounded by sharks. He gave orders for the bullock to be towed alongside the boat, and by this means men succeeded in catching one of the sharks. It proved to be an unusually large one, and where opened, a parcel of papers, tied around with string, was discovered in its stomach.

These papers were found to relate to the ship called the Nancy, and thinking that they might serve a useful purpose, the officer preserved them until he reached Kingston, which was his next port of call. He arrived there just as the case of the Nancy came before the authorities.

Imagine the surprise of the Nancy’s captain and crew, when, jubilant at the prospect of release, they were suddenly confronted by papers containing indisputable evidence of their misdeeds, papers which they had thrown overboard when pursued by the ship of war, and which they fancied were buried in the depths of the sea. These papers are to be seen to this day in a glass frame in the Institute of Jamaica, in the city of Kingston. The head of the shark, which swallowed the papers, lies in the United Service Museum, London, England.

Imagine likewise the consternation of an unsaved sinner, when sins, committed long ago and forgotten, as well as sins concealed but unforgotten, find him out and confront him!

Does not the thought of it urge you, dear reader, to flee for refuge to the Saviour? The sins of those who trust in Him will never be brought up again, and will never he charged to their account. God has not only forgiven them but has declared that He will remember them no more. They were laid upon the Saviour. He bore them on Calvary’s cross, and willingly took them and answered for them beneath the rod of the sin-hating God.

But for those who neglect God’s great salvation, what remains? In God’s Word we read: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:12, 15.

O, dear friend, “Flee from the wrath to come!” Luke 3:7. Flee to Christ for refuge and safety, and for the salvation of your precious, never-dying soul!

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Well it is for the believer if he or she can say to the Lord,

“THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE AND MY SHIELD: I HOPE IN THY WORD.” Psa. 119:114.

ML-09/11/1960

Barney and the Barrel

BARNEY was a poor street arab who lived years ago in one of the large cities of England. His father and mother had died and Barney had to get along as best as he could. At times he earned a penny or two in one way or another, and he slept behind a store in a big barrel that was turned on its side. He was all right in the warm weather, but when the winter came it was cold and Barney often shivered in his barrel wrapped only in his ragged coat.

One winter, which was very cold and windy, Barney caught a bad cold, which soon made him very ill. He could only lie in his barrel and moan with the pain until at last a policeman who was going his rounds heard him, He followed the sound of the boy’s crying and soon found Barney lying ill in his barrel. Barney was taken to a hospital where he was cared for, but he was going to a better home than any down here—a home where he would never be cold or hungry or tired anymore.

The nurses were very good to Barney and they often asked him if there was anything he would like. His answer was always the same. He would say, “Bring me a Bible and read to me, please, and won’t you pray with me?” But none of the nurses wanted to read God’s Word or pray, and so they would put him off, only to have him ask again and again. At last, one of the nurses, when she saw that Barney hadn’t long to live, got a Bible and read to him. She read of the Lord Jesus and how kind and good He was when He was here on earth, then of how He died a cruel death on the cross for Barney, for you and me. Barney’s tears flowed at the story of His love and of His death, and he loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart, because the Lord Jesus first loved him, Before Barney died his loving trust had won two nurses and a doctor to know and love the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their own Lord and Saviour too.

Won’t you come to Him too, dear boys and girls, and thank Him for dying for you, and then go on to love and serve Him and tell others what He has done for you? Though Barney was poor yet he had great riches, greater than all the treasures of this poor world. Of such as he it is said in the Bible:

“Poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Cor. 6:10.

ML-09/11/1960

Excused

The feast has been prepared for all;

The Master of the house has sent

His servants out to call them in.

But they begin with one consent

To state why each man would decline:

“I beg of thee have me excused;

“I’ve bought a farom,” “I’ve bought a team,”

“I’ve got a wife, I cannot come.”

How trifling these excuses seem—

Like money put in bags with holes;

They make excuses just as lame

For losing their immortal souls!

They fain would think they’re not to blame,

They really think that they might try

Were there not molehills in the way

That to their eyes seem mountains high.

“Besides, I want to have some fun;

My friends the gospel have refused,

And so I guess that for a time

At least, I’d rather be excused,”

“Money is what I’m after now,

To spend old age in ease, my goal.”

But what shall profit man, if he

To gain the world, shall lose his soul?

Poor soul! Whate’er be your excuse,

Look forward to that final Day,

When you must meet the Lord as Judge,

How will you like to hear Him say:

“I know you not! I asked you once

For your acquaintance, but you know

You said you’d rather be excused,

So I excused you long ago.

“I came to earth and suffered death

That your salvation might he wrought;

But no regard to that you paid,

So now depart—I know you not.

You are excused from heaven’s bliss,

Excused to hell’s eternal woe!

You know it was your own request,

And I excused you—you may go.”

The Master of the house had guests,

A feast prepared for all who came;

He gladly sent His servants out

And quickly bade the blind, the lame;

He said of those invited first

But who so foolishly refused,

“Not one of them shall enter here:

They chose to be, and are excused.”

Although he’d rather have them saved,

His Son has fully paid the cost,

And tells us it is not His will

That anybody should be lost;

Yet if they will remain without

Amid the darkness, steeped in sin,

The poor will gladly come and share

The happiness that reigns within.

ML-09/11/1960

Ever the Same

GOD’S Word is like God, unchangeable. The progress of thought of the twentieth century may sound very great, but the everlasting truth of God and the tide of human thought are not to be confounded. Thought does not make truth. Man thinks out his own notions. The truth is, and ever is, the same. However, generally speaking, men are more concerned with the progress of human thought than with the unchangeable reality of the truth of God.

ML-09/11/1960

Bible Talks: Job 38:24-39:30

IN verses 25-28 God passes on to I speak of the rain and puts the question to Job: “Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; to cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; to satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?” Man has learned perhaps a great deal more about the rain and snow than they knew in Job’s time, but there is still a lot they do not know about how it is controlled. We know that it is God Himself who causes the rain to fall even on uninhabited parts of the earth for He ever thinks of all those things He has created.

In modern times men have even attempted to produce rain with the use of the airplane. In one of our large Southern cities, during a time of drought, they engaged the services of a rainmaker, but after two hours of futile attempts he was let go. Then after a few weeks they had a greater rain than they had had for a long time.

In verse 31 God looks at the stars in the heavens. “Canst thou fasten the bands of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion? Dost thou bring forth the constellations each in its season? or dolt thou guide the Bear with her sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of the heavens? dolt thou determine their rule over the earth?” J.N.D. Translation. There are things in the heavens which exert a great influence on the earth, either for good or ill, and God says to Job, as it were, what have you to do with that? “Who numbereth the clouds with wisdom? or who poureth out the bottles of the heavens?” It is God who controls all.

In verse 39 the Lord turns to the animate creation, “Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions?... Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God.” Whether it is the great lion or the small raven and its young, God hears their cry and provides for them.

Then we have the wild goats which live high up on the cliffs of the great mountains which as a rule are inaccessible to man, and next the wild ass which also shuns mankind. And now speaks of the unicorn or rather the wild buffalo, an animal of great strength. “Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labor to him?”

Verse 13 should read, “The wing of the ostrich beats joyously—But is it the stork’s pinion and plumage?” Here God contrasts the stork, a most affectionate bird with its young, to the ostrich “Which leaveth her eggs in the earth,” and is hardened against her young. God gives the power of affection, to one bird and withholds wisdom from another, yet who is to say to Him about what He does. Then God gives a wonderful description of the war horse. Finally He speaks of the hawk and the eagle. “Doth the hawk fly by thine intelligence?... Doth the eagle mount up at thy command?” It is marvelous how the birds fly long distances, and how they can fly in a certain definite course by day or night. Men would like to know how it is they do so, for it is only by very elaborate instruments that he himself can imitate them in any way. We know that God Himself has given these animals and birds such wonderful powers, but He would overwhelm Job with a sense of his foolishness in attempting to talk about Him.

ML-09/11/1960

The Titanic

ON April 14, 1912, the Titanic, the new ocean liner of 46,000 tons, and pride of the Cunard fleet, was on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic when she collided with an iceberg. In the dark hours of the night the great ship went down beneath the cruel waves, with the frightful loss of 1513 souls.

The Titanic had been declared unsinkable. The accumulated experience of generations of shipbuilding, the greatest of human skills and the most modern devices of man’s inventive genius, had all been employed in her construction. But, to use the words of another writing at a later day. “Once again the cruel sea did its deadly work and made a mockery of the vanity of man.”

Four years after the Titanic went down, at a meeting in Hamilton, Canada, a young Scotchman rose to his feet and told this story.

Said he: “I am a survivor of the Titanic disaster. On that awful night I was drifting alone on a spar on the ocean, when the tide brought Mr. John Harper, of Glasgow, near me. He was also on a piece of the wreck. ‘Man,’ he called out, ‘Are you saved?’ ‘No,’ I replied. ‘I am not.’ Then he called back, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’

“The waves bore him away, but, strange to say, they brought him back a little later, and he cried out again, ‘Are you saved now?’ No,’ I answered; ‘I cannot honestly say that I am.’ Then he called back, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ Shortly after, he went down.

“Drifting alone on the ocean that dark night, I asked. God to save me. I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. I was the last person John Harper ever witnessed to.”

Dear friends, God does not promise us a tomorrow, His word is, “To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 3:13. Little boys and girls, as well as big folks, may be suddenly taken away, out of time into eternity. And who knows but that God may say to you, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee.” Luke 12:20. So in love He says again to you, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

So be prepared, dear reader. Do like that young Scotchman did on that night on the ocean. Put your trust in the Lord Jesus, who loves you and gave Himself on the cross to put your sins away, and He will save your precious soul.

“WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? AND THEY SAID, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” Acts 16:30, 31.

ML-09/18/1960

The Storm

FARNHEAD was a quiet little place on the sea shore, Far from the other houses stood a poor cottage; to, ward it a little boy was struggling along against the wind which was blowing a gale. The waves were dashing themselves up on the shore, making great clouds of spray. The boy looked as if he were in danger of being blown away but he struggled on till at last he reached the cottage, panting and breathless, and ran in the door.

“What wind, Mother! Did you ever know anything like it? It’s enough to blow anybody right off his feet!”

“It’s blowing a fearful gale, and no mistake,” answered the mother, beginning to get the tea ready, while the father sat in his chair by the fire, and remarked, “There’ll be plenty of wrecks at sea tonight. I’ve never seen such a sea as this in all the years we’ve lived here.”

So they all sat down to their supper; Polly, Joe, and the father and mother. But as soon as Joe was finished, he got up from the table and went to the window to watch the sea and the storm. Presently he uttered a little shriek that made the others rise to their feet.

“What is it, Joe? Whatever is it?” they cried.

“The sea,” he shouted, pointing out. “Look! It has come up around the side of the cottage.”

It was too true. There it was, stretching over the green fields, and when they ran to look out the back, it was there also. And now they were cut off, as if they were on an island, which indeed they were, as their house stood on a little rise of land and the sea raged all about them.

It was growing dark very quickly but there was light enough for them to see the danger they were in.

“John,” said Mrs. Frost, “do you think the water will rise any higher? If it does, what will become of us?”

“It isn’t high tide yet, and won’t be for an hour or more,” he answered.

Mrs. Frost grew pale.

“And the sea will go on rising all that time?” she said. “Why, John, it will wash our cottage away and us in it.”

The poor frail little house seemed as if it would blow away at any minute, as the wind roared down the chimney and shook every window.

“Is there NOTHING we can do?” asked Mother, clasping her children to her.

Father shook his head. “If the wind goes on driving up the sea against us like this, I see no hope for us. Nothing short of a miracle can save us.”

How long they sat thus in the dark, they did not know, when suddenly in the silence and the darkness, there came a dull, heavy sound, like something falling against the door, while the whole cottage seemed to tremble.

“What is it? Whatever is it?” cried Joe in terror.

“It must have been a big wave dashing against the door,” said Father, trying to peer out into the darkness but seeing nothing. “It’s coming up fast—faster than I counted for, to be breaking up against the door like this,”

Another crash, louder than the last, roused him.

“We must try to keep the door from being dashed in, or it will soon be all over with us,” he cried, starting up with sudden energy. “Help me drag this chest of drawers and put it against the door, and all the heavy things we have in the place. And you, Polly and Joe, lift that big box and put it against the window. We can’t have that dashed in, any more than the door.”

Suddenly Pony spoke, “Rather,” she said, “don’t you think the people at Farnhead will guess the danger we are in, and maybe come in a boat to rescue us?”

He shook his head in a slow way. “It isn’t likely,” he answered, “that anyone would ever think, any more than we did, of the water coming “F’ as far as this, and even if they did, Hu boat could live in a sea like this. Besides, it’s too dark to see to steer. It’s the darkest night I ever saw.”

But there was One who knew of the lonely family in such danger — only One to whom darkness is as the light, One who never slumbers nor sleeps nor forgets one of His creatures. He kept watch and cared for them, holding the waves and the sea in His hand.

Polly went over presently to where Joe was crouched on the floor and began to talk to him in a low voice.

“Joe,” she said, “aren’t you afraid? I am, dreadfully.”

“Afraid of being drowned?” asked Joe.

“Yes, and of dying, for I’m not fit to die. I’ve been a bad girl lots of times.”

“I’ve been a bad boy too,” Joe answered thoughtfully, “I’ve never really tried to be good like teacher talks about at Sunday school, loving God and trying to please Him, and I’m afraid to die.”

“Teacher was telling us this afternoon about a man who was going to be killed next day,” said Polly. “But he wasn’t a bit afraid and went off fast asleep as quietly as any other night. It was a wicked king who meant to kill him, but God wouldn’t let him and sent an angel to take the man out of prison. So he wasn’t killed after all.”

“Oh, I wish God would send an angel to take us safely out of this house. Do you think He would if we asked Him?”

ML-09/18/1960

Bible Talks: Job 40:1-14

THE Lord had been seeking to make Job sensible of his own nothingness and now He appeals to him again: “Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct (Him)? he that reproved’ God, let him answer it.” Job had been upright, but his mistake was in making this his righteousness. Now for the first time he finds himself in the presence of God and he realizes practically that it is impossible for man to stand before God in his own person. No matter how upright and blameless outwardly one’s past life might have been, it is not until he gets into God’s presence that he learns what he really is. When Peter, after the great catch of fish (Luke 5), found he was in the presence of the Lord, it says, “He fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

So it was with Job. In the presence of God, his own righteousness, that which he had found his greatest satisfaction in, vanished, and he says to the Lord, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” This reminds us of the parable in Matthew 22, where the king made a marriage for his son. When the king came in to see the guests he saw there a man without a wedding garment, and when he asked him why he came in without one, it says, “he was speechless.” So it will be in the day of reckoning! those who neglect God’s offer of salvation in this day, who do not have Christ, will be speechless.

God then speaks to Job again out of the whirlwind and says: “Wilt thou disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn Me, that thou mayest be righteous?” And this is what Job had really done. Then the Lord goes on: "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like Him?” which of course was impossible for poor Job who was but a creature entirely dependent upon God, “Deck now thyself with majesty and excellency ... Look on every one that is proud and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.” If he could do so, then the Lord says, “Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.” The Lord was not fully satisfied with Job’s confession (vv. 4, 5) and so he has to bring before hilt more evidence of his own weakness and nothingness.

In the latter part of His discourse, the Lord speaks of two great animals—both possessed of immense strength. They were very formidable to encounter and have not been tamed and trained by man for any useful work. The first is called in the Authorized Version, “behemoth” and is believed to be the hippopotamus. The other called “leviathan” is thought to be the crocodile. Neither of these were native to the desert country where Job dwelt but lived along the Nile River in Egypt. Both were amphibious, that is they adapted themselves to either land or water. Job and his three friends had a remarkable knowledge of things far off; they had said some wonderful things about the sea, and now the Lord speaks of these creatures as if they were well acquainted with them.

ML-09/18/1960

The Miser

TWO little motherless girls lived in a small cottage in the village. Sally was about eight years old and her sister Mary was six. They were very poor. Their father was a laboring man, and he found great difficulty in supporting himself and his children.

One day these two little girls were left alone as their father had gone out to work. They had their breakfast in the morning with him before he left. But they had no dinner, nor anything to eat during the rest of the day, About the middle of the afternoon Mary said to her sister, “Sally, I’m very hungry. Is there anything in the cupboard that we can get to eat?”

“No,” said Sally; “I’ve looked all through the cupboard; but there isn’t a crust of bread, or a cold potato, or anything to eat, I wish there were something; for I’m hungry too.”

“Oh dear! What shall we do?” cried Mary; “I’m too hungry to wait till Father comes home!”

“Mary,” said her sister, “suppose we ask our Father in heaven to give us something to eat? Let us kneel down and say the Lord’s prayer. When we come to that part about “daily bread,” we’ll say it over three times, and then wait, and see if God will send us some.”

Mary agreed. They both kneeled down and Sally began: “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; give us this day our daily broad; give us this day our daily broad.” Then they waited quietly to see if anything would come.

While this was going on inside that little cottage, let me tell you what was taking place outside. Not far from this cottage lived all old man who was a miser. He had a good deal of money; but he never gave any of it to others; and never would spend a penny for himself if he could possibly help it. But that afternoon he had left home to go to the baker’s to buy a loaf of bread. He got the loaf and, as it was a stormy afternoon, he put it under his coat as he started to walk home.

Now it happened that just as he was passing the cottage in which the little girls were, a strong blast of wind blew the rain in his face, and he stepped into the porch of the cottage, and crouched down in the corner, to shelter himself from the wind and rain. In this position his ear was brought quite close to the keyhole of the door. He heard what the little girls had said, about being hungry. He heard their proposal to pray to the Father in heaven to give them bread. He heard the thrice repeated prayer— “Give us this day our daily bread.” Then came the silence, when the little ones waited, and watched for the bread. This had a strange effect on the miser. His hard, selfish heart, which had never felt a generous feeling for any one, warmed up, and grew suddenly soft in tenderness toward these helpless, hungry little ones. Tears moistened his eyes. He put his thumb on the latch of the door. The latch was gently lifted, and the door opened. He took the loaf from under his coat, and threw it into the room. The little girls, still waiting and watching on their knees, saw the loaf go bouncing over the floor. They jumped up on their feet, and clapped their hands for joy.

“Oh, Sally,” said little Mary, “how good God is to answer our prayer so soon! Did He send an angel from heaven to bring us this bread?”

“I don’t know who brought it,” answered Sally, “but I am sure that God sent it.”

And how about the miser? For the first time in his life he had given to the poor. Did the promise fail which says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you"? No; God’s promises never fail. The old man went to the baker’s, and bought another loaf for himself, and then he went home with different feelings from what he had ever had before. The warm, soft feeling that came into his hard heart, when he gave the loaf to those children, did not pass away. It grew upon him. He had found so much pleasure in doing that one kind act, Him he went on and did more. And God I blessed him in doing it. He began to pray to that God who had answered the prayer of those hungry girls for bread. He read the Bible. He found out that the Lord Jesus had met all his need as a poor lost sinner, and he was saved. Some time later he died a happy Christian. But before he passed away, as he was the owner of the cottage in which the little girls lived, he gave it to their father.

Here we have a lovely illustration of the Saviour’s words, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” Luke 6:38. The old man gave the hungry little girls a loaf of bread and a home on earth. God gave him much more. He gave him eternal life through His beloved Son and a home in heaven. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15. Does our dear reader possess this wonderful gift?

“FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.” Eph. 2:8.

ML-09/25/1960

The Storm

“Maybe,” answered Polly, “for Teacher said a lot of people were prang for this man and God heard them, and she said God would hear us just the same. She said it wasn’t only good folks like that man He listens to, but even boys and girls like us. And she said it was a very happy thing for people who love God to die, because then Jesus takes them right up to live with Him in heaven. Let’s ask Him, Joe, to take us.”

“Yes, let’s ask Him,” said the mother who had been listening to the children. “There’s no one else who can help us. Let’s ask Him to keep us safe, or if not, to have mercy on us.”

It was a simple cry the mother put up, but it came from the bottom of her heart.

When they rose from their knees, she took down a Bible from the shelf and at the first place it opened, she read: “The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.” Psalm 93:3.

The words brought comfort to their troubled hearts. And it didn’t take long for the answer to come. Turning over the leaves the mother came upon these words in Isaiah: “Thus saith the Lord, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears, behold I will heal thee.”

The father said nothing but he leaned forward with a listening look on his face, as if not willing to lose a word, while his wife read on, with a firmer voice and a calmer look on her troubled face.

Then they read about the storm of old on the sea of Galilee and the little ship in such danger, and as soon as Jesus arose, and spoke a word of command, immediately there was a great calm.

Was it imagination or was it because they had become used to the sound, that the waves seemed less boisterous? They held their breath to listen and said to each other: “I do believe the storm is going down a little! The wind certainly isn’t making such a noise around the house and down the chimney!” and the mother added a quiet “Thank God.”

So they listened and hoped and prayed and waited and there could be no doubt, the wind was going down.

It was a good hour past the time of highest tide now and the little cottage still stood its ground with the water all around it. It was too dark to see anything but the twinkle of lights at Fernhead. They fell upon their knees and gave thanks to the mighty God who had spread His sheltering arm around them.

But the father said, “The next tide is a higher one still, the highest of all.”

Yes, they had enough to keep thou anxious all night. But they had learned in their hour of danger and helplessness to lean on One who was mighty and they had a calmness and strength they had never had before.

The wind continued to go down and the next tide flowed quietly in and out again.

When the family opened their doors and windows the next morning each one felt that the lives which had been given back to them must be spent differently from the old ones.

“Please God, I won’t forget Him again and live with scarcely thought of Him as I’ve been doing all along,” said the father reverently.

It was a marvel the cottage escaped, everyone said, who came out to see the damage done by the storm. But the family who had passed the night in that cottage knew whose Hand had been over and brought them safely through the danger. They had proved the truth of that precious word: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

ML-09/25/1960

Bible Talks: Job 40:15-42:6

IN His discourse on behemoth — or the hippopotamus—the Lord speaks of having created him along with man — “which I made with thee.” He speaks of his immense strength and of how that “his bones are like bars of iron.” “He that made him gave him his sword"—or scythe, doubtless referring to his great tusks with which he cleaves the foliage, his food. “Surely the mountains bring him forth food;” he can go there if he wants to. He loves to lie “under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens...”

Then in chapter 41 The Lord gives a marvelous description of leviathan—or the crocodile — another of His great creatures. The crocodile is a formidable animal and even preys on human beings. “Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook?” the Lord asks Job. If he could find fault with God, could he “put a hook into his nose?” “Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?”

Not only is the crocodile possessed of immense strength, but also “his scales are his pride.” “Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.” Ordinary weapons of the day, and even the musket ball cannot pierce his armor.

The Lord also takes up in figurative language some of the legends about the crocodile. “By his sneezings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or cauldron.” It has been said that the sun shining upon the volumes of vapor that a crocodile sends forth out of his nostrils, have the appearance of fire. There was also a legend that he was able to kindle a fire by his breath. “He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.” Lastly God speaks of him as “king over all the proud beasts.” (J.N.D. Trans.)

In challenging Job (chapters 38-41) God had spoken only of earthly things, but this was sufficient to overwhelm Joh in his self-confidence. He was made to feel how great was his ignorance and weakness in the face of the wisdom and power of God in creation. He had been silent when Elihu finished speaking; he could not answer him. But now he has to confess to the Lord what he really was in His sight and who the Lord really was. So he says, “I know that Thou canst do everything, and that Thou canst be hindered in no thought of Thine.” How unlike this was to Job, who had been hindered in his thoughts and ways, in all that he had passed through.

Then Job goes back to the challenge the Lord had made when He first spoke in chapter 38. He is evidently referring to himself when he says, “Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” It has been said that Job now confesses he had really been a fool in God’s sight. But now he had been brought into the presence of the Lord and he confesses: “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye seeth Thee: wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

ML-09/25/1960

The Redeemed Rabbit

TED had a pair of splendid rabbits, and he was very fond of them. But one night someone opened the hutch and stole one of them. Ted felt very bad the next morning when he found that one of his prize pets was missing. After long searching he learned that his lost rabbit, along with others, was up for sale away at the other end of town. Away went Ted to claim his pet.

When he arrived at the place he saw his rabbit sure enough. He was about to carry it off, when a stern voice called out, “You can’t take that rabbit without paying for it. It’s mine!” Poor Ted ran off home again mid told his father all that had happened. His father understood and gave Ted sufficient money to redeem the captive rabbit. Away went Ted again and soon the price was paid. The rabbit was set free and restored to its original owner. How thankful and happy Ted was as Ile carried his pet in his arms back home again.

Does not this illustrate our condition as sinners? We all were far from God, lost, captives to Satan, “sold under sin” (Rom. 7:14); and had not the Lord Jesus come Himself to redeem us none would ever have been brought back to God. But this He has done, blessed be His name! He has paid redemption’s price; and O what a price!—His own precious blood. Nothing less could a holy God demand to atone for sin. “Without the shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22. Peter tells us in his epistle that we are not redeemed with silver and gold—things of great value in the eyes of men — “but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins,” Col. 1:14. Dear young reader, have you been redeemed and brought back to God?

Ted’s carrying home his rabbit in his arms makes us think of the shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15). It says: “And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Has the good Shepherd found you yet? And are you being carried home to heaven on His shoulders of strength?

“I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT LIKEWISE JOY SHALL BE IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPEETH.” Luke 15:7.

ML-10/02/1960

A Child's Sympathy

A CHRISTIAN mother used to ask her children every night what good they had done during the day. One night in answer to her question her little daughter said:

“At school this morning I found little Annie Gray crying. She had been absent for some time. I asked her what was the matter? Then she cried still more, so I couldn’t help putting my head on her neck, and crying with her. Her sobs got less, and presently she told me about her little baby brother, whom she loved so much; how sick he had been, and how much pain he had suffered, till he died. Then she hid her face in her book, and cried as if her heart would break. I could not help putting my face on the other page of the book and crying too, like she did. After a while she kissed me, and told me I had done her good. But, Mother, I don’t know how I did her good for I only cried with her!”

Nothing perhaps, apart from the love and sympathy of the Lord Jesus Himself, could have done that poor sorrowing little girl’s heart so much good as to have another little friend cry with her. In the Bible we read of how, when Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus died, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). And so He tells us in His Word to “weep with them that weep.” Rom. 12:15.

ML-10/02/1960

The Horses Knew When I Was Converted

I HAVE heard many striking testimonies to the power of the Lord Jesus to change the disposition of the sinners He saves. The following has left a deep and lasting impression on my mind, and I write it that the reader may glorify Him who alone has power,

“To change the leper’s spots

And melt the heart of stone.”

“One of the master’s horses,” said a man to me, “was a very bad-tempered animal, and none of the men could do anything with her but myself, and I am sorry to say I used her very cruelly.

“The morning after I was converted, as I entered the stable I saw everything with new eyes. The horses, indeed all that I saw, looked beautiful. The first thing I did was to go up to this bad-tempered horse, and throw my arms round her neck. I fondled and stroked her as though she had been a child. I shall never forget the way she looked at me; how she turned her head, and the surprise I could see in her eyes, I think nothing made me feel how bad I had been like this look of surprise. She seemed to understand all I meant, and all the time I had charge of the horses I never had any more trouble with her. I treated her gently, and spoke kindly to her, and I can tell you, she knew as well as my wife and children knew, that I was converted. They Is suffered from my anger, as the horse had done, and were held in fear by me; but now I am serving a new master everybody knows it, and I am sure the horses do.”

Oh, how very, very fast some are “bound in misery and iron,” in the bondage and slavery of sin! The enemy of souls just makes us do his bidding until Jesus sets us free. Then we can say and sing with David, “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.” (Psalm 124:7.)

Years ago, when I was in the enemy’s hand, I used to feel like one in an iron cage. Every year the fetters were drawn round me more closely, every sin forged the chains more firmly, but Jesus has snapped them all, and now I am free! Oh! I do thank Him that my soul is escaped, and I praise Him also for every soul that is freed. I long to know if yours has “escaped” also; and, if so, I know that not only does the Lord Jesus know it, and your loving Father knows it, but your wile, children, friends, know it also. “The snare is broken, and we are escaped.”

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17,

ML-10/02/1960

Bible Questions for October

1. When Jesus was baptized, what voice was heard from heaven?

2. What did the unclean spirit cry out when they saw Jesus and fell down before Him?

3. What happened to the sea and the wind when Jesus said, “Peace be still"?

4, What happened to the woman which had an issue of blood twelve years, after she touched the hem of Jesus garment?

5. Was Jesus moved with compassion as He saw the people as sheep without a shepherd?

6, What was said of Jesus after lie made the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak?

7. What answer did Peter give to Jesus’ question, “Whom say ye that I am?”

The Young People’s Class

1. What seemingly foolish weapons did David choose with which to fight Goliath. 1 Sam. 17.

2. Unto us which are saved, is the preaching of the cross foolishness or the power of God? 1 Cor. 1.

3, What did Goliath say that showed how contemptible David and his method of warfare were in his sight? 1 Sam. 4.

4. Were there those who reviled the Lord as He hung on the cross for not using the power He could instantly summon? Matt. 27.

5. What lesson did David seek to show his people by his meeting Goliath in weakness? 1 Sam.

6. Was there a lesson for all the earth too? 1 Sam.

7. What lesson do we learn from Christ’s being crucified through weakness? 2 Cor. 13.

ML-10/02/1960

Bible Talks: Job 42:7-9

JOB had been overwhelmed and thoroughly humbled. He had said, “I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” This was the lesson God had been teaching him all along, but he had been slow to learn it. A moral man often can go over his whole life and see little that he calls failure. But let him get into the presence of the Lord and there he learns, as Job did, what he really is, apart from his actions and doings which had blinded him bore. So when Job said, “I am vile,” “I abhor myself,” it shows that he had learned something of himself which he had overlooked before. It is a lesson we all have to learn, if we are to be useful in some way to the Lord. We who have heard the gospel of God’s grace to us and have been constrained to believe, may take a long time to learn what we really are in ourselves in God’s sight.

As soon as Job has learned his lesson and made his confession, all is settled in regards to his standing before God. God addresses not another word to him. But He now turns to Job’s three friends and reproves them, for they had misrepresented God in what they had said. Furthermore, they had not profited from God’s dealings with Job as he had. “Ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath,” the Lord said. To what was He referring? Was it Job’s fine speeches that he had made? No, for the Lord had already pronounced His judgment on all that as “words without knowledge.” Doubtless the Lord was referring to Job’s words, “Behold, I am vile; ... I will lay mine hand upon my mouth,” (chapter 40:3-5); and again, “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear,... Wherefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes,” (chap. 42:5, 6). It was his humbling himself and taking his true place.

Job’s three friends had listened, all that the Lord had said at the close but they had kept silent. They had humbled themselves; they did not confess what they were as Job had. So God has to put them in their place. The Lord addresses Eliphaz the Temanite who was evidently the oldest. He had first replied to Job and had begun the series of reproaches so wrongfully heaped on him. The Lord said to him “My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends.” We can see that it is a very serious thing not to take our true place before God and to confess what is due to Him.

Therefore the word of the Lord to the three was: “Take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go, to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly.” So they did as they were commanded. The Lord accepted Job and he did pray for his friends. Thus Job became an intercessor and high priest for his friends. He returned good for evil; and this reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus when He was here: “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:28. Then in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 we have the exhortation, “that supplications and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, . . . For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved.”

ML-10/02/1960

The Hut by the Palms

LOW moans broke on the stillness of a clear, calm evening, near Sierra Leone. The hot African sun had set, but in the evening light a hut, near a cluster of palm trees, could be seen. Again and again the moans, which evidently came from the hut, were repeated, but were only answered by the waving of the palms; all else was perfectly still.

Presently a native went to the hut, and something like the following conversation took place between him and another native, who was lying, evidently in great pain, on a crude bed.

“Why has your wife left you all day?” asked the newcomer; “and when will she return?”

“I expected her before sunset,” replied the sick man. “I asked her to go, and she has walked all the way to the white man’s house, near Waiae. I went past there some months ago, and heard him, telling the people about ‘the water of life,’ I did not need it then, for I was well and strong, and did not want life-giving water. But now this burning fever has seized me, I need it. These parched lips yearn for the water of life about which he spoke; so my wife set off to go to the missionary to beg for some. I know he gives it away, for he kept saying, ‘Let him take the water of life freely’; and that’s all I have remembered of his words.

“All, I hear steps,” said the sick man; “it is my wife come back!” And eagerly he raised himself, and anxiously gazed at the newcomer. She was an African woman, with a warm heart, for love to her husband had made her walk twenty miles, carrying her baby on her back. She sank down on the ground, evidently very tired. But her husband eagerly held out his burning hands, exclaiming, “Have you brought it? Did you carry it in the gourd you took? Was it big enough?”

The woman rose, and stooping over him, said, “The white man is good; he has sent a book to tell about the water of life. It is given by the white man’s God, and we cannot see it, but the missionary will ask Him to give it to you. And I will read you what the white man read to me about it in this book, written by the good man’s God.”

But her poor husband sank back exhausted, and bitterly disappointed that his wife had returned without what he expected. She prepared a powder, sent by the missionary for the invalid, and then holding out a little Testament to the friend sitting with him, she said, “Can you read this, at the two places where it is marked?”

“I think I can,” he answered; “I learned to read out of the white man’s Book before I left Sierra Leone.”

And with a little difficulty he read aloud the beautiful words of Christ to the woman of Samaria, in the fourth chapter of John. Attentively the sick man listened, while the weary wife, after laying the babe in its rough cradle, seemed to hang on every word, in her interest forgetting to eat the dinner she had prepared for herself.

Three times that evening the poor native went over those sacred words, and then left to get a few hours sleep. But night after night he came to the hut by the palm trees, to read to his friends out of what they called “the Book written by the white man’s God.”

God by His Holy Spirit taught those three poor natives the true meaning of “the water of life.” After several weeks, when the missionary was able to visit them, he found that the simple medicines he had sent had been blessed to the sick man’s recovery. But better still, they were all hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Before many months had passed, they were all rejoicing in a newfound Saviour.

“If any man thirst, let Him come unto Me and drink,” are the words of the Lord Jesus, Alas, too many of us are like the sick man in our story. Because we are young, and life looks bright and pleasant, we say, “I am well and strong, and do not need life-giving water.” In our minds we think that someday — when we are older and things do not look so bright and pleasant—we will come to Jesus and ask for the water of life.

We forget that godliness hath “promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come,” and that we do not know if we shall live to be older. “Boast not thyself of tomorrow"—much less of after years—“for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

“I heard the voice of Jesus say,

‘Behold I freely give

The living water, thirsty one,

Stoop down, and drink, and live.’

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him.”

“JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK,” John 7:37.

ML-10/09/1960

Unable to Sleep

FAR away from home, I was eating breakfast at a house where I was being very kindly entertained during the mission services. There were several children at the table who had attended the services on the previous day. There was one boy, eleven years old, who had been very seriously impressed, and I lad riot had by any means a good night’s sleep. He was too much concerned about his state as a sinner before God even to enjoy his breakfast, Presently the tears came into his eyes, and he could not go on any longer, so I asked permission to take him into the living room. I found out the cause of his trouble and soon had the joy of showing him from the Word of God how he could be saved.

We had a nice time together, and after a little prayer the tears were wiped away, and we returned to the dining room. I am quite sure that neither of us minded the interrupted breakfast! I do believe the dear boy trusted the Lord as His Saviour that day.

“My son, give Me thine heart.” Prov. 23:26,

ML-10/09/1960

After This - The Judgment

YOUNG preacher was confronted at the close of his service by a skeptic, Burt Olney, He told the preacher, “You did well, but you know, I don’t believe in the infallibility of the Bible.”

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” was the young man’s calm assertion.

“I can prove to you there is no such thing as a judgment after death,” declared the skeptic.

“But men do die,” the preacher declared, “for it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

“But that’s no argument,” the skeptic protested. “Let’s get down to business and discuss this matter in regular argent form.”

The preacher shook his head. “I am here to preach the Word of God—not to argue over it.”

Olney, annoyed, turned away with the remark, “I don’t believe you know enough about the Bible to argue about it.”

“Perhaps you are right,” was the calm reply, “but please remember this ‘It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.’ "

As Olney went home, the words kept going over and over in his mind, “Judgment, judgment, judgment.”

The next morning he called to see the preacher. “I’ve come to see you about that verse of Scripture that you gave me last night,” he said. “I’ve spent a terrible night with those words burning their way into me. I can’t get rid of them. Tell me what I must do to be saved. I’ve got to get rid of this torture.”

When he left, he was a child of God through faith in the finished work of Christ.

My reader may not be a skeptic: in fact, you no doubt believe there is a God, but do you know the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ? Do not rest until you know for certain that your sins are washed away in His precious blood. It is in this life only that we can prepare for that which follows after death. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,” Rom. 8:1.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

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

ML-10/09/1960

Bible Talks: Job 42:10-17

AT the close all is reversed. The strife has ceased; Job and his friends are all humbled in the dust before the Lord. Instead of justifying himself and finding fault with God Job is before Him as his Justifier, “in dust and ashes.” Instead of contending with his friends, he prays for them. And they who sat in judgment on Job and vexed him, take the place of being offenders against God and look to him to entreat for them. Instead of their human reasonings they offer up the burnt offering, that which was all for God—precious type of Christ.

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job,... also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. “Then there came to him all his kinsfolk to comfort him. They ought never to have deserted him. Nevertheless they were part of the sunshine that brightened his latter days. “So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.” He had twice as many sheep, camels, oxen and she asses. This was all earthly blessing however, and carries us on to the earthly blessing of Israel in the millennial day.

“He had also seven sons and three daughters.” It has been said that he had only the same number of sons and daughters, but since he had offered sacrifices and prayed for them, then in the sight of God he did have double the number.

“And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job.” Their names are full of meaning and evidently had something to do with the way in which God had blessed Job. Jemima means “handsome as the day;” Kezia, or Cassia, was used in the holy anointing oil and will perfume the garments of Christ as King in the coming day (Ps. 45:8); and Karen-happuch means “child of beauty or splendid, “And their father gave them inheritance among their brethren” — which was not the usual custom. The same expression used for the daughters of Job is used by the bridegroom in Song of Songs, when he speaks of bride as his “fair one,” and this figurative of the way the Lord view those whom He has redeemed at Calvary’s cross. They are precious in sight, and He has provided an inheritance for them which fadeth not away.

“So Job died, being old and full days"—an expression used concerning those men of old who died in faith, such as Abraham, Isaac and David. They walked by faith before the Lord and were accepted by Him for their faith. How different it was with Balaam, the false prophet (Numb. 22-24) who said, “Let me die the death of righteous and let my last end be 1ike his.” But he did not want to live the life of the righteous, and so he got his answer later: “I shall behold Him but not nigh.” The Lord could not accept him for he had sold himself for a reward. But the divine record of Job is that he was a man of faith, and he died in faith.

“Ye have heard of the patience Job, and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy,” James tells us (5:11). Again, “Happy is the man whom God correcteth.” Job 5:17. So may we in courage and press on.

“Hush then, impatient spirit,

Though the billows o’er thee roll;

‘Tis His loved ones whom He chastens

Love is fashioning the soul.”

ML-10/09/1960

"He Did It for Me!"

SOMEWHERE in one of the green fields that dot here and there the approaches to a big city, a group of young boys were playing ball. They played the game with all the youthful spirit and vigor that boys usually put into their favorite pastimes. It was the first half of the last inning and when the side was retired it was several runs ahead of the other. Victory seemed sure.

Then the other side went to bat for the last time and succeed in getting three men on bases. However, the last batter to face the opposing pitcher was a poor little lame boy. Alas, there seemed little hope of winning the game now that it was in the hands of so poor a batter!

It so happened, however, that another boy had been standing by and watching the game with interest. He was a stockily built lad, and seeing the odds against the poor little fellow standing timidly at the plate, he came forward and asked to be allowed to take his place. The other team, confident as well as sportsmanlike, gave their consent. So the game went on. The little fellow who had yielded his bat to his substitute lay down on the grass to watch. What was his joy and surprise when he saw his friend swing on a fast ball and send it soaring far out into the outfield over the heads of the fielders! Triumphantly the runners raced around the bases, and before the fielders could fire the ball home our friend had scored the winning run, amid the cheers of his comrades.

No sooner was the victory declared than the little lame boy who had given up his bat with great animation and declared he had won the game. “How come? they asked. Had he not been lying down doing nothing while his friend had gone to work and won the game? “Yes,” the little fellow persisted, “but he did it for me!” Of course he was opposed by the rest, but the little fellow claimed the victory as his own, because his substitute had won it for him, and the emphatic words, “He did it for me!” could not be denied.

Isn’t that what the Saviour has done in a more blessed and wonderful way? He saw the triumph of Satan, the victor, in this world of sin. Lovingly He looked down upon us, the beaten ones, and as our blessed Substitute He came to save. He took our place — that place of death and judgment; and by His own right hand and mighty arm He won the victory. Satan was defeated, sin atoned for, and salvation brought in, when Jesus died upon the cross.

Well might His people sing,

“His be the Victor’s name,

Who fought the fight alone:

Triumphant saints no honor claim,

His conquest was their own.”

Can you say, dear young friend, “He did it for me"? If not, decide for Christ today. Put your trust in Him, and you’ll be on the winning side.

How precious it is to God to see a child lay hold of the work of Christ by faith and embrace Christ with all the fervor of a warm young heart! Young folks sometimes die, and young folks need salvation. They need to be washed in the precious blood of Christ, or they will never go to heaven.

“O SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG;... HIS RIGHT HAND, AND HIS HOLY ARM HATH GOTTEN HIM THE VICTORY,” Psa. 98:1

ML-10/16/1960

A Tale From the Sea

It happened years ago at Bridlington Quay, one of the bright, favorite spots on the seacoast. It was just the time of the equinoctial gales. About midday the sky became dark and cloudy, and a fierce storm sprang up from the southeast, bringing in with it a heavy sea, and close, drifting rain. Few they were who ventured to brave the weather in order to watch the foaming sea and the huge, mountainous waves that ever anon dashed in wild fury right over the pier, and poured like a waterfall into the inner harbor.

Among the number was a young nurse, who was on her way to the pest with some letters. The tumult of the angry sea attracted her, and passing through the gardens she made her way: to the steps leading to the pier, for from here the best view of the bay was to be had. There she stood, eagerly gazing on the sight, as billow after billow strove to be the first to reach the shore. Little dreamed she of impending peril—little heeded the death knell which each deafening roar of the surging sea brought ever nearer. Scarcely a minute had she been watching there when a monster wave, suddenly rising to a tremendous height, dashed up the pier steps, curled all around, and swept her down—down into the awful turmoil below!

Is no man at hand to help? Yes! Look! Up leaps a hardy fisherman—no danger too great for him when there is a life to save. Many a one had in days gone by thanked God for those strong arms and that dauntless courage. See! he snatches up a life buoy nearby and fastening a rope around his waist plunges in to struggle with the seething surf. At length he reaches her. Seizing her head he tries to keep it above the water. Bleeding and bruised, she looks up piteously at him, and cries in agony, “Oh, fisherman, save me!”

Briefly the brave sailor answers, “I will if I can,” and strives more mightily than before to gain the welcome shore. Ere this, another (a professional swimmer) has jumped in to the rescue, and is lending his help in the terrible battle. Hurray? the steps are almost reached. A few moments more, and rescued, safe! But—that instant, the life buoy breaks. Both the girl and the gallant fisherman are again at the mercy of the furious wave. Soon he is drawn back, weary and exhausted with the fruitless struggle; soon, too, the sea yields up its prey—now a lifeless form.

Would you like to know why the life-buoy gave way? Not long after, it was discovered that it had been filled with small bits of cork, in place of the firm folds, one upon another, of which it should have been made—a wretched makeshift, which, coupled with long exposure to the weather, caused such a complete collapse at the critical moment.

Friend, what is your life buoy? When the wave of eternity washes you away —and God alone knows how soon that may be—to what are you trusting to bring you in safety to the far-off heavenly shore? There is only one life buoy which can carry you safely: that is the complete, perfect work of Christ, who died for your sins upon the cross. Oh, do not trust any other; do not rest on anything you have ever done, or will ever do. All the good things you can ever do will only be like the hits of cork, and all put together will only break into pieces at the last moment. Cling to Christ, and He will bring you home safe. Nothing else ever can or will.

“Underneath are the everlasting arms.” Are you afraid of their not being able to carry you? Then why not trust them at once? You don’t know when the wave may come, and if you have not the hip buoy on, it will be too late to begin thinking of it then.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31, “Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Prov. 29:25.

ML-10/16/1960

Instead of Me

How sweet is the Gospel! it comes from above,

To speak of the wonders of heavenly love;

Deserving of wrath, here mercy I see,

For Jesus was punished—instead of me!

He saw my distress, and my soul to win,

He said He would take on Himself my sin;

And He came from His glory that He might be

Accused and punished—instead of me.

“O Saviour! all words are too weak to show

How much to Thy marvelous love I do owe;

But my full heart sends up its thanks unto Thee,

Because Thou wast punished—instead of me.

“And to Thee I would yield a life of praise,

Speak well of Thy name, and walk in Thy ways;

While I wait with desire Thy face, Lord, to see,

Who once wast punished—instead of me.”

ML-10/16/1960

The Best Blessing

COLERIDGE, the English poet, in writing to a young friend, just before his death, said “Health is a great blessing; wealth, gained by honest industry, is a great blessing; it is a great blessing in have kind, faithful friends and relatives; but the greatest and best of all blessings is to be a Christian.”

ML-10/16/1960

Bible Talks: The Psalms

IN reading through what are called the historical books of the Bible we have learned something of the history of the children of Israel from their first entrance into the land under Joshua. Then under the Judges we saw their sad conduct, how they seemed to forget all the mighty works of the Lord when He brought them out of Egypt and established them in the land of promise. After this, in the books of Samuel, the Kings and Chronicles, we saw the glorious reigns of David and Solomon, followed by the decline under the succeeding kings, the Lord sending them prophets until, as He said, “there was no remedy” (2 Chron. 36:16). It ended in their being overcome by Assyria and Babylon and exiled to a strange land. In Ezra and Nehemiah we read of those who were allowed to return to their own land and of their failure and departure in heart from the Lord. In Esther we get a glimpse of those who remained in the land of their captivity and of God’s care over them even though He could not own them publicly as in relationship with Himself.

The Psalms give us in poetical style a prophecy concerning the future of His earthly people, but all woven around the coming of their Messiah. In them we get His presentation to them, His rejection and His sufferings, yet He does not give them up but leads them through trials and tribulations so as to bring them to the acknowledgement of Himself, to the end that they might be restored in their souls and re-established in the land. The book closes with the accomplishment of all this and they become true worshippers of Him.

The book of Psalms is not properly Christian in character as it is concerned with an earthly people and the present interval of God’s grace is completely passed over. They are no exception to; what the Lord said of the Old Testament Scriptures, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Muses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24: 26, 27. See also 1 Peter 1:942.)

We see in the prayers included in the Psalms that of an earthly people with an earthly inheritance, calling for vengeance upon their enemies, which is an altogether different spirit from that of God’s people now as brought before us in the revelation of the New Testament. In the New Testament we have, brought before us the people of God with a heavenly calling and heavenly blessings, not founded on the truth as revealed in God’s law, but upon grace and truth “which came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17.

The Book of the Psalms is in the original Hebrew text divided into five books. It has been discerned that each book has a distinct subject, each giving the position of the Messiah in His being offered to the nation, and the position of the faithful consequent upon His rejection by the nation. Some of these exercises no doubt were in part gone through with the faithful of the people when the Lord was here in Person, but will have to be gone through again by those whose hearts the Lord will stir up in the time yet to come. However, the Lord’s presentation to them in Person as the meek and lowly One, His rejection and sufferings cannot be repeated again. That was done once for all. (Heb. 9:24, 25.)

ML-10/16/1960

Helen's Disobedience

“ARE you coming with us to the picnic tomorrow, Helen?” said Mary.

“No, I can’t leave home, for Mother must go out and Agnes would be alone,” answered Helen.

“It’s such a pity to spend a holiday in the house in this weather. Couldn’t someone else stay with Agnes?”

And Helen walked slowly home, thinking of the treat the other girls were to have the next day. She loved a picnic and the time of year was just right for on outing.

When her mother was preparing to leave for town the next morning, Helen mentioned the picnic and asked her mother if she might get Margaret Hill to stay with Agnes.

“No, Helen,” said her mother, “I’d rather you would stay today till I get home and besides, Margaret is busy today.”

So Helen took her work and sat down beside her sick little sister, but I’m afraid she wasn’t very pleasant company for her. She gazed out of the window at the sunshine and longed to be away in the woods with her friends.

“It seems a fine day, Helen,” Agnes said at last, “it’s too bad you can’t be out.”

“Oh, I don’t mind staying with you, Agnes, but I wish Mother had chosen some other day for going to town. This is the big picnic today, and Mary was so disappointed that I couldn’t go.”

“I’m very sorry,” sighed poor Agnes, “I spoil everyone’s pleasure, but you could still go, and I won’t want anything before you get back and I’ll try and not be frightened.”

“Oh, no, Agnes, I wouldn’t think of leaving you alone, but if Margaret Hill could sit with you awhile, I might go,” “That would be a good idea. Did you ask Mother?”

“She was afraid Margaret was busy today, but don’t you think I might run over and try? Mother often leaves you with her.”

“Yes, she’s very kind and she tells me such nice stories,” replied Agnes.

“Well, you won’t mind being alone while I go to the Hill’s house. If I can get Margaret I’ll send her here. If not I’ll come back myself.”

Helen ran off immediately and about half way there met one of Margaret’s brothers.

“Oh, Johnnie,” she said, “you can tell me what I want. Where is Margaret today?”

“At home. She’s not doing anything particular. If you’re coming to the picnic, it’s time we were off.”

“I can’t, unless Margaret stays with Agnes till Mother comes home from town,” replied Helen.

“Sure, she will. I’ll run across the fields and ask her. If you run, you’ll catch the other girls before they reach the woods.”

Presently Helen caught up with her friends, very pleased with herself for having arranged everything so nicely. Johnnie told her, when he arrived, that he had told his mother the message for Margaret. And so Helen set out to enjoy herself. But somehow she couldn’t keep her mind from straying back to little Agnes at home. She couldn’t get rid of an uncomfortable feeling deep down in her heart at having left her little sister alone.

When evening came, Helen turned her steps homeward and was just turning into her own lane when she met the doctor, coming out of the house, heart stood still with fear. Running to him she said, “Oh, sir, is Agnes worse?”

“Yes, poor child,” replied the doctor “she has had a bad fall,”

“A fall! Is she hurt much?”

“Yes, her back is seriously injured,” And the doctor hurried on.

Helen stood still, almost stunned by the terrible news, for in spite of her selfishness in the morning, she loved her little sister very much. Oh, how could she hear to go into the house, and meet her mother’s sorrowful face? Yet she longed to see poor Agnes and hear all. While standing in this way, a hand was laid on her arm and a voice said “What’s the matter? You look frightened,”

Helen started and almost screamed but turning around, she saw Margaret Hill. “Oh, tell me all about it. Is she in much pain?”

“Who?”

“Agnes, don’t you know? Haven’t you just come out of the house?” ask “I don’t know what you’re talking’ about. I’ve been at my aunt’s all day, helping her with some work. What’s wrong with Agnes?”

“Then she must have been alone, when I thought you were with her,” Helen said. “Didn’t your Mother give you the message I sent by Johnnie?”

“I got no message. I’ve been away from home since morning. Your Mother knew where I was. But what’s wrong with Agnes?”

“She’s had a bad fall. I can never go in and see any of them again. Do go in, Margaret, and find out what is going on, and come out and tell me. I’ll wait here.”

Poor Helen walked up and down, her heart full of sadness, for surely she had been the cause of all this sorrow and suffering. Then in the dark with the stars coming out one by one above her head, she knelt and told the Lord Jesus all about her disobedience and her naughty heart. She asked Him to cleanse away every spot in His own precious blood and to make her heart white and clean. She knew that “the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” And her prayer was heard and the Lord Jesus washed her heart whiter than snow.

Margaret soon returned, telling Helen that Agnes had fallen in trying to reach a glass of water, and her mother had found her lying unconscious on the floor when she returned from town. Helen went into the house and crept into her room, but not to sleep. Oh, what a sad, anxious night it was, as she lay listening to Agnes’ cries from time to time. Many, many months of weary suffering were to be Agnes’, and Helen’s feelings of sorrow and love for her little sister taught her many lessons. Whenever she was tempted to please herself, she always remembered the day of the picnic and she thought of the Lord Jesus who never pleased Himself.

‘"Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Eph. 6:1

EVEN CHRIST PLEASED NOT HIMSELF. Rom. 15:3

ML-10/23/1960

The Children's Gospel

A LITTLE girl sat still in the meeting hall listening to the preacher. She could not understand what he was saying until he quoted these words of the Lord Jesus; “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

The little girl could understand these words. She felt they had been spoken just for her, and they made her feel very happy. When she went home the threw her arms around her mother’s neck and exclaimed, “Oh, Mother, I have heard the children’s gospel today!”

ML-10/23/1960

Gentle Shepherd

“Was there ever loving shepherd

Half so gentle, half so sweet,

As the Saviour, who would have us

Come and gather round His feet?

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,

Like the wideness of the sea;

There’s a kindness in His justice

Which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows

Are more felt than up in heaven;

There is no place where earth’s failings

Have such kindly judgments given.

There is plentiful redemption

In the blood that has been shed;

There is joy for all the members

In the sorrows of the Head.

If our trust were but more simple

We would take Him at. His word,

And we’d live more in the sweetness

Of communion with the Lord,”

ML-10/23/1960

William Wilberforce

WILLIAM Wilberforce was another of the great and good men who have been a blessing and an honor to England. When he was on his deathbed, He said to a dear friend: “Come, let us talk of heaven. Do not weep for me. I am very happy. But I never knew what happiness was till I found Christ as my Saviour. Read the Bible. Let no other book take its place. Through all my trials and perplexities, it has been my comfort. And I know it comforts me, and makes me happy.”

ML-10/23/1960

Bible Talks: Psalm 1

WITH the Lord’s help we shall attempt to give a brief review of the contents of the five books showing the different positions the Messiah takes with His people, and their position in regard to the unbelieving nation on account of His rejection by them. We shall observe how the faithful cleave to Him but not always with intelligence in so doing.

BOOK 1 (Psalm 1-41)—The Messiah is rejected. He is rejected by the leaders but becomes the object of faith to some. These latter are looked at as not yet driven out of Jerusalem and Judea. We find them using the name of Jehovah and referring to covenant mercies.

BOOK 2 (Psalms 42-72)—The faithful here are seen as outside Jerusalem and the city is in possession of those who would persecute them for their growing exercises of faith. They are outside as having had to flee from the idolatry which has been set up in Jerusalem. (See Matt. 24:15.) They do not use the covenant name of Jehovah, but simply God, except as viewed in those psalms concerning the future as connected with the Messiah. They are not ready yet to see that the covenant privileges belong to the faithful remnant and not to the unbelieving nation.

BOOK 3 (Psalms 73-89)—There is more in this book concerning the whole nation, that is the whole of the twelve tribes. The general interests of Israel are in view, and thus Israel’s history is entered into. They are looked at as restored to their land, but not yet in the full blessing of Jehovah.

BOOK 4 (Psalms 90-106)—This book is in connection with the bringing into the world of the Messiah, and Israel’s owning that the One who reigns is Jehovah, which fact they would not admit when the Messiah first came in lowliness into the world.

BOOK 5 (Psalms 107-150)—The people here are looked at as brought back and a general survey of God’s ways with them. We have a divine commentary on it all, ending, as all His ways surely will, in His people being led forth in praising Him in His sanctuary.

The Psalms are they in which the virtues and glories of that perfect humble Man are continually unfolding. It is not our purpose to go into them in detail. The writer feels his inability to undertake such a task and even if it were possible it would be beyond the scope of this paper. We would, however, desire to set forth, if possible, something of their scope so that our readers might be encouraged to read them in the light in which they are written, showing forth the Lord’s path of suffering before entering into His glory, that glory for which His earthly people were waiting. The present day of grace is therefore passed over without any direct prophecy concerning it.

Psalm 1 describes the perfect man. And whoever fulfilled this description but the Man Christ Jesus? He is set forth as bringing back to man the tree of life which was forfeited at the Fall. He is shown as marking out the pathway for the righteous, of the faithful, but He also shows that the pathway of the ungodly leads to destruction. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” v. 6.

ML-10/23/1960

John 3:16

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

One cold, wintry night a poor Irish boy stood in the streets of Dublin — little city Arab, homeless, houseless, friendless.

He had gotten into bad company, taken to bad courses, and become an associate of thieves, who were leading him on the broad road to destruction. That very night they had planned to commit a burglary, and appointed him to meet them in a certain street, at a set hour.

As he stood there waiting, shivering and cold, a band was suddenly laid on his shoulder. It was very dark; he could only see a tall form standing by him, and he trembled with fear; but a kindly voice said: “Boy, what are you doing here at this time of night? Such as you have no business in the streets at so lath an hour; go home, go to bed.”

“I have no home, and no bed to go to.”

“That’s very sad, poor fellow! Would you go to a home and to a bed if I provided one?”

“That would I, sharp!” replied the boy.

“Well, in such a street and at such a number [indicating the place] you will find a bed.”

Before he could add more, the lad had started off. “Stop!” said the voice; “how are you going to get in? You need a pass, no one can go in there without a pass. Here is one for you — can you read?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, remember that the pass is ‘John 3:16’; don’t forget, or they won’t let you in. “John 3:16.” There, that’s something that will do you good.”

Joyfully the lad rushed off, repeating his lesson, and soon found himself in the street, and at the number indicated, before a pair of large iron gates. Then his heart failed him; they looked so grand. How could he get in there? Timidly he rang the bell. The night porter opened, and in a gruff voice asked, “Who’s there?”

“Me, sir! please sir, I’m John THREE SIXTEEN,” in very trembling tones.

“All right, in with you, that’s the pass,” and in the boy went. He was soon in a nice, warm bed, and between sheets such as he had never seen before. As he curled himself up to go to sleep, he thought, “This is a lucky name, I’ll stick to it!” The next morning he was given a bowl of hot bread and milk before being sent out into the street, for this home was only for a night. He wandered on and on, fearful of meeting his old companions, thinking over his new name, when, heedlessly crossing a crowded thoroughfare, he was run over. A crowd collected, the unconscious boy was placed on a shutter and carried to the nearest hospital. He revived entered.

It is usual in most hospitals to put down the religion, as well as the name and address of those admitted. They asked him what he was.

“Sure, I don’t quite know, but now I’m John Three Sixteen.” This reply elicited a laugh.

After his injuries had been attend to, he was carried up into the accident ward. In a short time his suffering brought on fever and delirium. There was heard in ringing tones, and oft peated, “John 3:16! It was to do me good, and so it has!”

These persistent cries aroused other patients. Testaments were pull out to see to what he pointed. Who could he mean? and here one, and the another read the precious words, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “It was to do him good, and so it has!” the sufferer cried. When those poor sick folk read the tender words, and heard the unconscious comment— “It was to do me good, a so it has! JOHN 3:16" — their spirits were stirred, and God the Holy Ghost used that text then and there to the conversion of souls. There was joy in the presence of the angels of God over sinners that repented. The sovereign power of the Holy Spirit used this one text From the lips of a poor ignorant boy, to that hospital ward, and souls were saved

To continue our story. Consciousness returned, and the poor little fellow gazed around him. How vast it looked and how quiet it was! Where was he? Presently the voice from the next said, “John Three Sixteen, and how a you today?”

“Why, how do you know my new name?”

“Know it! You’ve never ceased with your John Three Sixteen, and I for one say, Blessed John Three Sixteen!” This sounded strange to the little lad’s ear to be called blessed! he for whom no one cared. “And don’t you know where it comes from? — it’s from the Bible.’

“The Bible! what’s that?” The poor little waif had never heard of the Bible! that blessed Book, God’s Word to man.

“Read it to me,” he said, and as the words fell on his ear, he muttered, “That’s beautiful, it’s all about love, and not a home for a night, but a home for always!" He soon learned the text, sang, “I’ve not only got a new name, but something to it.” This was indeed a joy.

Days passed on, and there were changes in the ward, but our little friend never felt lonely; he fed on his text and its precious words, little thinking how soon he would have use for them. Yet another soul in that ward was to be won to Christ by his means, and now in simple conscious faith he was to be the agent of blessing. On a cot near him lay an old man who was very ill. Early one morning a nurse came to his bedside, and said, “Patrick, how is it with you today?”

“Badly, badly,” groaned the old man. “I am marked for death. I’m not fit to die, O! what shall I do?”

“Patrick, it’s very sad to see you so,” she gently answered.

Poor Patrick groaned aloud. “God ha’ mercy,” he cried, “I’m such a sinner, I’m not fit to die. What shall I do? O! what will become o’ me?”

Our little fellow heard his miserable words. Poor old man, thought he, he wants a pass! “Patrick,” he called, “I know something that will do you good—quite sure—it has done me,”

“Tell me, tell me quickly,” cried Patrick; “if I only could find something to do me good.”

“Here it is! Now listen, John 3:16. Are you listening?”

“Yes, yes, go on.”

“John 3:16 — ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Through these words Patrick found peace in his dying hour, and entered into everlasting life — another soul brought to Christ in that hospital ward, by means of a single text, blessed by the Holy Spirit.

Our little friend recovered. For long John Three Sixteen was his one text. God blessed his simple faith: friends placed him at school, and he became an earnest, hearty worker for the Master.

“BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEP IT.” Luke 11:28.

ML-10/30/1960

"God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

“There is That Scattereth, And Yet Encreaseth.” Prov. 11:24.

Is thy cruse of comfort wasting?

Rise, and share it with another;

And through all the years of famine

It shall serve thee and thy brother.

God Himself will fill thy storehouse,

Or thy handful still renew;

Scanty fare for one will often

Make a royal feast for two.

For the heart grows rich in giving;

All its wealth is living grain:

Seeds which mildew in the garner,

Scattered, fill with gold the plain.

Is thy burden hard and heavy?

Do thy steps drag wearily?

Help to bear thy brother’s burden–

God will bear both it and thee.

Is thy heart a well left empty?

None but God its void can fill;

Nothing but a ceaseless fountain

Can this ceaseless longing still.

Is the heart a living power?

Self-entwined its strength sinks low;

It can only live in loving,

And by serving love will grow.

ML-10/30/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 2-10

PSALM 2.... announces the coming of the Messiah to reign over the earth. The ungodly resisting His coming, but “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh” at their efforts; “the Lord shall have them in derision.” The King shall reign in Zion and have the heathen (the nations) for His inheritance. So men are called upon to serve Him with fear for “His wrath is kindled but a little.”

These two psalms give the whole scope of the Book—the Messiah’s coming in lowliness and associating Himself with the meek and faithful remnant, His entering into their sorrows and trials and leading them on in the path of faith. Then we have His coming in power and His reigning in righteousness. So all the rest of the Book of the Psalms may be said to come either in these two psalms or in between them, on account of the Messiah’s rejection.

The Psalms are often arranged in groups which represent an exercise of heart in those in whom God has awakened a desire toward the Messiah, but realizing they have been far from Him in spirit.

Psalms 3-7 form a group which give the exercises of those in whose hearts faith is being aroused, but yet not hang learned that the Messiah has been rejected. So they must be brought through many trials.

Psalm 3. The faithful, in the midst of these trying circumstances breathe a confidence that Jehovah will bring deliverance.

Psalm 4. There is an appeal to Jehovah by one who could appeal to Him on the ground of righteousness, and had been sustained in the past.

Psalm 5. There is discernment of a path for the righteous and the desire to be led on in it. There is the appeal that the wicked be not allowed to continue, but to be cast out because they had rebelled against Him.

Psalm 6. There is the fear here of Jehovah’s anger, and the desire for His mercies. Then there is the realization that Jehovah has heard him, but the enemies will be brought to shame and vexation.

Psalm 7. There is deep heart-searching on his being wrongfully accused and his ways reviewed before God. He appeals to Jehovah to come in deliverance, and he has the consciousness that He will judge and deliver His people.

Psalm 8. Faith here lays hold on the fact that the Messiah, though rejected here on earth, is owned as the Son of man on high and given dominion over all the works of His hands. This Psalm is especially unfolded in Hebrews 2:6-9, showing that it is Jesus of whom it speaks. It is also referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:20-23; John 1:51, and elsewhere.

Psalms 9 and 10. These two give us the enemies of God’s people during the times of trial before their deliverance brought about by the corning of the Lord to judge the earth. In Psalm 9 we get the oppressions of the heathen nations around while in Psalm 10 it is oppression from the unbelieving within. The judgments of Jehovah will bring deliverance to the faithful, those who feel how the wicked from without and within have risen up against them.

ML-10/30/1960

"Call Upon Me"

A CHINESE farmer had become a Christian and Was much hated therefore by the other villagers. Hover, he took all their persecution in a quiet, gentle spirit.

Then came a critical time. It had not rained for some weeks. The fields became very dry and the precious harvest was in danger. In the village was a pond and this water was only used in an emergency such as this. Each fanner was allowed to pump a certain amount of water into his fields in a certain time. They fixed the time for the Christian farmer just at the time whom he was going to town on Sunday morning to worship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. His pagan neighbors said, we shall see how much he values his foreign religion. They were much surprised, however, to see him as usual, early on Lord’s day morning going to town with his Bible.

After the morning worship he asked his brethren to help him with their prayers that he might get his right amount of water for his fields. They all united in prayer for this request. When he went home in the afternoon, dark clouds began to gather. The people shouted for joy. The rain was coming. It came down in torrents. When the Christian farmer neared the village, he saw that the fields of his neighbors were overflowing with water. The rapid current had disrooted many of the precious, tender rice plants and swept them away. But his fields had just the right amount of water and no damage was done. How he thanked God!

The villagers saw the hand of God in it and from that time on the Christian farmer was allowed to live in peace. They even listened to him preach about the wonderful Saviour of the world. O how good it is to know Him personally, even as one of old could say, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psa. 46:1.

“HE THAT DWELLETH IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL. ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.” Psa. 91:1

ML-11/06/1960

The Used Postage Stamp

JOHN was a boy who “lived out.” His mother lived on a small farm among the rocky hills of New England, and John wrote to her every week. One day he picked up an old envelope from the kitchen woodbox. On the envelope he saw a postage stamp, which had been used once, but had no mark on it to show that it had been used. “The postmaster missed his aim then,” said John. “He left no mark on this stamp. It’s as good as new. I can use it myself.”

Then he moistened it by the steam from the spout of the tea-kettle, and carefully pulled the stamp off.

“Don’t do it,” said his conscience; “for that would be cheating. The stamp has been on one letter; it ought not to be used again.”

“It can be used again very well,” said John, “for there’s no mark on it, The post office won’t know.”

“But you know,” said his conscience, “and that’s enough. It’s not honest to use it the second time. It’s but a little matter to be sure; yet it’s cheating.’

“But no one will know it,” said John faintly.

“No one?” cried his conscience. “Yea, God will know it; and that is enough; and He, you know, desireth truth in the inward parts.” (Psalm 11:6).

“Yes,” cried all the better parts of John’s character, “it would be cheating to use the postage stamp the second time, and I’ll not do it.”

Then he tore the stamp in two and threw it away. Thus John won a grand victory that day. Had he used that stamp, he might have been like the grasshopper when he got his leg caught in the spider’s web. Once caught it was well-nigh impossible to get clear of it.

As we journey along life’s pathway Satan is ever setting snares for our feet, Only the Lord Jesus can lead us out of the path of the destroyer. May we learn to walk in company with Hint, that blessed Shepherd, who ever leads in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3).

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away, concerning faith, have made shipwreck.” 1 Tim. 1:19.

ML-11/06/1960

"I Like Your Jesus"

AN English lady who had spent six months in Syria wrote: “Going through the places where the Mohammedans live, you continually hear the girls singing our beautiful hymns in Arabic. The power of the love of Christ is felt even by the little ones, as we learned from one dear Moslem child. When she repeated the text, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me,’ she said, ‘I like your Jesus, because He loves little children, Our Mohammed did not love little children.’

ML-11/06/1960

A Lawyer's Testimony

ONE of the most able and learned lawyers that England ever had was John Selden. He was so famous for his learning and knowledge, that he is always spoken of as “The learned Selden.” On his death-bed he said: “I have taken much pains to try to know everything that was worth knowing among men; but with all my reading, and all my knowledge, nothing now remains with me to comfort me kit the close of life, but these precious words of Paul:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. To this I cling. In this I rest. This gives me peace and comfort, and enables me to die happy.”

ML-11/06/1960

Praise

AN elderly man was ill. His wife carried a bowl of hot soup to his bedside. As he took it, he exclaimed, out of the fullness of a grateful heart, “My praises do not keep pace with my mercies!” He was in the habit of tracing God’s hand in all the circumstances of life, and felt that he never praised Him enough for His care.

Christian reader, can we not all say the same? Do we not find that our praises lag behind? Yet the Lord even “daily loadeth us with benefits.” “In everything give thanks,” 1 Thess. 5:18.

ML-11/06/1960

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

1. What happened to the blind man when Jesus said to him, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole"?

2. If we desire to have our trespasses forgiven, should we show a forgiving spirit to those around us?

3. Who is worthy of the love of all thy heart, and all thy soul, and all thy mind, and all thy strength?

4. What is it that will not pass away even though heaven and earth shall pass away?

5. What things are needful lest we enter into temptation?

6. When Jesus was on the cross, what did He cry out at the ninth hour?

7. After Jesus was risen, did He want the gospel preached to everyone in the world?

ML-11/06/1960

The Young People's Class

1. When Goliath approached David, did David draw back or did he hasten to meet the Philistine? 1 Sam. 17.

2. Does the path of faith today give any place to those who would draw back? Heb. 10.

3. Where did the stone which David slung emits Goliath? 1 Sam.

4. Does scripture foretell that the head of Satan (is typified by Goliath) would be bruised by Christ (as typified by David)? Gen. 3.

5. Did Goliath’s might and stature prevail against David’s sling and stone? 1 Sam.

6. Will the gates of hell prevail against the Church? Matt. 16.

7. Could David, later on, look back and see many occasions when those that afflicted him were not permitted to prevail against him? Psa. 129.

ML-11/06/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 11-19

PSALMS 11-15 treat of the exercises of the faithful remnant when the power of evil has the upper hand, such as is set before us in Psalms 9 and 10. In Psalm 11 They manifest a trust that in spite of the wicked being in the place of power and seeking their destruction, Jehovah, while trying the righteous, will judge the wicked.

Psalm 12 shows that they feel the oppression very keenly, and are much cast upon the Lord. They receive the assurance that He will undertake for them.

Psalm 13. Here they are almost overcome, and seem to feel that they have been forgotten, but again confidence in Jehovah is restored and they can sing unto Him.

Psalm 14 shows the pride of the apostate people and Jehovah’s estimate of them. In their pride they are but fools. He is looking down from heavers upon it all. He is not indifferent to it, and the faithful take courage that in due time He will act on their behalf.

Psalm 15. In this psalm a question is raised as to who was to dwell in Jehovah’s tabernacle, on His holy hill. They had been taught to look for the Messiah. Eleven excellencies of this wonderful coming One are described. The Lord Jesus fulfilled all that the Scriptures prophesied concerning Him, though the faithful here are as yet not conscious of it. They have exercised hearts and are being led on to the point where they shall see beauty in Him.

Psalms 16-24. This begins a new series in which the Messiah comes into the world as Man and takes His place in dependence upon Jehovah as to His pathway. This pathway leads Him through the waters of judgment on the cross, on to resurrection and exaltation.

Psalm 16. The Messiah takes His place here among men. It gives us His exercises in this path of faith, and His delight in God’s people, the excellent of the earth. It closes with His exercises with respect to passing through death, and the answer He received that He would not be held in death. The path of life led through resurrection, on to His being seated at Jehovah’s right hand.

Psalm 17. In this psalm the Messiah associates Himself with the godly remnant, in whose hearts faith has been kindled, so that some of the exercises are on their part. But the last verse brings in His confidence of resurrection, and being glorified in the likeness of Jehovah.

Psalm 18. Here the Messiah enters into the sorrows of passing through death, though not the atoning sufferings which are found in Psalm 22. He shows how He was afflicted in all their affliction (Isa. 63:9) and rehearses their sorrows from Egypt until the Messiah takes the kingdom.

Psalm 19 brings before us the two testimonies which are in the world; creation and Jehovah’s law, or the Word. These have their voice to the godly Jew. He realizes that he cannot know all his errors or sins, but he desires to be cleansed from them. Then also he desires to be kept from presumptuous sins, those into which the nation was drifting and which would result in their receiving him who would come in his own name. (John 5:43.)

ML-11/06/1960

Little Frank

YEARS ago there lived a lady and a gentleman who had one little boy, Frank. He was a great treasure to the n, and they gave him everything that they thought would make him happy. Yet the only thing which could have made the little fellow really happy they kept entirely from him. They did not themselves love or believe in God, or in the Lord Jesus Christ, and had made up their minds that if possible they would never let him hear the name of God.

One morning, when Frank was about six years old, he was having breakfast with his parents, when he caught sight of a poor and feeble old woman coming up to the house. In a minute the servant came into the room, saying that poor woman was at the door begging.

“Oh, send her away,” said Frank’s father, “we ca not have beggars coming here.”

But Frank’s tender little heart had been touched by the sight of the poor woman, and he exclaimed, “Oh, not Father; she is hungry; let me go and give her something.”

So to please the child, his father let him take what he liked off the table and he ran out with the servant, and gave it to the old beggarwoman.

She was evidently touched with the kindness of the little boy, and said, “Thank you very much,” then, putting her hand upon the child’s head she added, “God bless you, little man.”

Frank went quietly back to his breakfast, but presently asked, “Who is God? The poor woman said, ‘God bless you.’ Who is He?’

His father and mother looked at each other saying, “How unfortunate!” They then tried to put the child off, but his attention had been arrested, and he still inquired, “But who is God; and why did she say, ‘God bless you’ like that?”

They then tried to make him think it was no one that he need trouble to know about; for the old woman it might be different. Still the little fellow was not satisfied. He often asked them questions which they found it difficult to answer, and at last they began to think it would be better for him to mix more with other children. Their great object still was to prevent his thinking any more about God, but they little knew the means which God would use to bring their child to a knowledge of Himself.

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30. Such are the words of the Lord Jesus.

Utterly unsatisfied and unblest is every one who does not know God, for He is the Source and the Foundation of every blessing. No rest can there be for the conscience or heart apart from the rest which Jesus gives; and sad was the state of Frank’s parents, not only respecting the Lord Jesus for themselves, but trying to shut out their little boy from the knowledge of the Saviour.

After making some inquiries they heard of a very select school, kept by a lady. At their request she duly called to see them, and everything seemed most satisfactory on both sides, until they told her that they did not wish him to have any religious instruction, or ever to be spoken to about God or Jesus Christ. Miss Wood was an earnest Christian, and she at once said she could not receive Frank on such terms.

His parents, however, had been so pleased with her, and with all the arrangements of her school, that they would not take her refusal, but begged her to go home and think the matter over. They told, her that it could be so easily arranged for the little boy not to go until an hour later than the other scholars, when the religious instruction would be over.

Rather reluctantly Miss Wood consented to this wish, but on reaching her home she made it a matter of earnest prayer. As she prayed there gradually came to her the conviction that she was to take Frank, trusting God to open a way for him to hear about the Lord Jesus.

Soon after this Frank became one of her scholars, and a very interesting little pupil he was. But before long found that the other children went to school much earlier than he did, and he naturally wanted to know why, “Why may I not go with the others?” he would ask persistently.

So after a time Frank’s mother and father said, “It will be better to let him go at the same time as the other children. We can let Miss Wood have some toys for him to play with, either in the garden, or in a room, should it be a wet morning.” So this arrangement was made, and Frank started off to school at the same time as the other children.

Miss Wood often prayed for her pupil Frank, but she strictly kept the promise which she had made to his parents. Still this must have been a great test to her faith, and I am sure she must have felt at times that she might have been mistaken in thinking that God would have her take him in this painful way.

One warm, sunny morning Mie4 Wood thought that the nice air would do all the children good, so she told them to run out into the garden, and play some games.

After the others had gone she saw Frank lingering behind and he asked, “May I stay with you instead?”

“Would you not like to go out and play with the others?” she asked. “It is so fine this morning.”

“No,” he answered; “I want to stay with you.”

Seeing that he really wished it, shy drew him to her, asking if he wished to tell her something.

“I want to know why I can’t come in with you when the others do,” he answered.

“Because your parents do not wish it, dear,” she replied.

“But why?” said the child; “and who is it that they sing about, and that you talk to them about, called Jesus? I have listened outside the door, and I would like to sing too, and I want to know about Jesus. Who is He? Do tell me.”

Miss Wood was much surprised, as she had no idea that he had heard anything; but she only answered, “I must not tell you, dear. I have promised your father and mother that I would not speak to you about Jesus, and I must not break my word to them. You must ask them, if you wish to know, and then if they give me permission I shall be pleased to tell you about the Lord Jesus, and to let you sing the hymns with the others.”

So when Frank went home that day he told his parents that instead of playing with his toys he had often listened outside the door of the schoolroom.

“I would like to hear about Jesus too, Father, and to sing the hymns with the others. Do let Miss Wood tell me about Jesus. She will, if you say so.”

His father and mother were very sorry that he had heard anything, and said to each other, “We have been foolish, and made a great mistake. Keeping things secret has only made him curious, and anxious to know. The only thing now is to let him go, then he will soon get used to it, and not care about it.”

Thus God’s purpose of blessing for dear Frank was brought about, and Miss Wood had the joy of telling him about God and His wonderful love for poor sinners. Eagerly he listened to every word, and his thirsting soul drank in the precious message of grace and love. He heard for the first time that God loved him, that he was a sinful child, but God had sent His beloved Son to die upon the cross, that by the death of Jesus Christ he might be saved eternally, and all his sins be forgiven, and washed away in the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). How Frank enjoyed the hymns which he soon learned, and was able to sing with the other children! They also brought the same sweet message of a precious Saviour and of His great love for little ones. He learned too that the Lord Jesus was coming soon to take all His own to be with Himself in that bright Home He has prepared for them that love Him. He had the joy which only those can know who through simple faith in the Lord Jesus, have had all their sins forgiven.

ML-11/13/1960

Saved at Seven

A YOUNG girl, ten years old, asked me one morning whether she might help me in the gospel service that evening in the hall. “Do you want to give a short address to the children?” I asked with a smile.

“Oh! no, sir, I could not do that, but I should so like to talk to a little girl afterward, and tell her how to find Jesus.”

“But have you found Him yourself, dear child?”

“Oh, yes,” was her sweet answer; “I gave my heart to Jesus three years ago.” That was when she was only seven years old, you see, and now, at ten, she was quite an earnest little worker for the Master.

“Go and do thou likewise.” Luke 10:37.

“I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT SHALL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12.

ML-11/13/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 20-26

PSALM 20. The faithful here recognize the trials of the Messiah and they address Him as the One whom Jehovah will hear and deliver.

Psalm 21. We have here the faithful remnant rejoicing in the Messiah and addressing Jehovah in the first part, concerning all that He has passed through and how He has been delivered. In the second part there is rejoicing in His overcoming His enemies, and they praise the King accordingly, but in the last verse, in their joy, they own the King or the Messiah as Jehovah.

Psalm 22. This psalm, as well as Psalm 16, gives us wholly the exercises of the Messiah, only here He is passing through the atoning sufferings on the cross. He is forsaken of God on account of this. The first 21 verses apply to these sufferings. But in the middle of verse 21, He has the consciousness that these sufferings are over and have been accepted by God. His thoughts then turn to those He calls His brethren, and He leads them in their praises. The great congregation will be when He comes into the kingdom, and all nations will be brought in to worship.

Psalm 23. This psalm is the Messiah in resurrection leading His people on through the wilderness to the glory that awaits them on account of redemption being accomplished, He, as the Great Shepherd of Hebrews 13:20, is bringing many sons to glory according to Hebrews 2:10.

Psalm 24. We have here the earth claimed by the godly as belonging to Jehovah, and the question as to who could enter into Jehovah’s holy hill—His earthly kingdom. It was those He had been leading in the previous psalm —those who had been redeemed. Those who had followed the lying vanities of that which had been introduced by the antichrist, would have no place there. Then the question is raised, Who is this King of glory? He is then owned as Jehovah. That which had been denied Him when He was here in lowliness, is now ascribed to Him.

Psalms 25 and 26 are associated together in confession of sins and the pleading of integrity, in the midst of the increasing unbelief in the people around, Psalm 25. Here is the first time that we have the confession of sins on the part of those whose hearts God had touched, while they were surrounded by the unbelieving nation, They now realize that the secret of the Lord is with those that fear Him, and that the meek He would guide in judgment (v. 9). They feel desolate and afflicted in the midst of all those who are proving to be their enemies. They ask for forgiveness and have the confidence that Israel will be delivered.

Psalm 26. Jehovah is asked to search and to try him in his innermost thoughts and feelings. The only way to approach His altar is to walk in His truth, which was the opposite of the way of the congregation as a whole, His desire at the altar was to publish with a voice of thanksgiving all the wondrous works of Jehovah. He now feels that his feet now stand in a place where there is no slipping, where he can bless Jehovah.

Errata

BIBLE TALKS. Sept. 11-page 84, col. 1, lines 26-28. “they engaged the services of a rainmaker, but after two hours of futile attempts he was let go.” This should read, “after two years of futile attempts...”

ML-11/13/1960

Jimmy Moor

“EXCUSE me, sir, but you are not preaching the Lord Jesus Christ.” These words, coming so clearly from the balcony of a crowded hall in Lincolnshire, caused such a sensation that they ended in the expulsion of the young airman who had uttered them.

There was a bit of history belonging to that interruption. Jimmy Moor had crossed the Atlantic and had been posted in Northern Ireland. Being unable to go home on leave, he had always gone with his chum to his home in Lincolnshire, and being invited to go with the family to chapel, had come with them and been soundly converted. He was an “out and outer,” and soon had written home to his mother with a full account of his blessing, with the result that she too was happily converted to Christ. Shortly afterward he was posted to a station in Lincolnshire, still ardently serving His Master, and seeking more opportunities to be ready for service. Thus he came to be included in that great audience of 2,000 and he was greatly perturbed by the absence of real, living Christian teaching in what was said. Thus after enduring the lifeless, Christ-less preaching as long as he could, he interrupted the meeting as described, and the matter was reported in the local press. At that time, a young man, a warm lover of Christ, came to hear of this episode, which occurred in his home town, and he thought he would try and contact this airman; so writing a personal note to him, he got in touch with the officer commanding the aerodrome.

“Did you hear that one of your men was ejected from a meeting in the town recently?” he asked.

“No,” replied the C. O., “how did it happen?” So W. outlined the case as it was reported.

“Ah! I know who that would be, beyond any doubt Jimmy Moor. He is always chalking on hangars and pianos such things as, Prepare to meet thy God, and only recently he met me on the field with, Excuse me, sir, but have you heard that story, ‘There shall be two in the field; one shall be taken and the other left,’ and I had to check him.”

“That,” said W., “sounds like the man I want. Would you be good enough to see that he gets this letter?” and away home he went.

Two days later, after supper, came a ring at the door, and there was Jimmy Moor. There was no ice to melt. There never is when two lovers of Christ meet. After a chat, W. W. took Jimmy out to see a few Christians in their homes, and Jimmy had a taste of something he had been longing for for months. The consistent warmth and welcome afforded to him, the readiness in every household to speak of the Lord Jesus, won his heart.

Soon he was posted to H. M. S. Glorious, and in his movements from port to port, he came in contact with other Christians.

It was from a brother from Gibraltar that news came of an episode on board ship. One morning, Jimmy was so engrossed in his Bible that he forgot to parade. Of course, he was sought for, and found in his bunk and summoned before the Captain. He was so overcome, in neglecting his duty, that he burst into tears, The impression this made on the Captain was that he needed medical attention, so he committed him to the care of the M. O. and confined him to quarters. After a few days he was pronounced fit for duty.

Then came the news, in 1940, of the Glorious. Jimmy Moor, at the age of 23, was lost with many hundreds. Only seven survivors were picked up. There was a report that a young man was to be seen haranguing a group of men on deck as the ship foundered.

1945 came, and a sailor home fruit the far eastern waters after five years service contacted some Christians in Edinburgh. He was one of the seven survivors of the Glorious, and he said that he had something to say that would interest them. Jimmy had requested permission to preach the gospel to the crew the captain gave permission for the gunroom to be used. On that day, at that preaching, several hundred men professed faith in the Lord Jesus as Saviour.

The next day the Glorious went down. As the deck was tilting for the last awful plunge, Jimmy Moor was there holding forth the precious word of God; full and free salvation to those men who were immediately going to pass into eternity, and many at that extreme moment confessed Christ. Only eternity will show the result of such service.

The story of Jimmy Moor should encourage every lover if Christ to be thoroughly out and out for the Lord, whose precious name is still the only name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved.

~~~

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.”

2 Cor. 5:14, 11

“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-11/20/1960

Little Frank

(Continued from last week)

THUS the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep, had now found His little lost lamb, and was saying, “Rejoice with Me for I have found My sheep which was lost,” Luke 15:6.

Some time after this Frank was taken very ill, and soon it became apparent that the Good Shepherd was going to take His little lamb home. As he lay on his little bed, his parents sat watching beside him, heartbroken to know that soon they must part with their one great treasure.

Presently the little fellow turned to his father, and in his little feeble voice said, “Father, do you love me?”

Surprised at such a question, his tether answered, “My boy, how can you ask me such a thing? you know you are the pride and joy of my heart.”

“Mother,” said the dying child, “do you love me?”

“My darling,” she said, “you know that I do, and that you are everything to me.” She then broke out into uncontrollable grief.

“If you really loved me,” said the dying child, “how was it that you never told me about God and Jesus Christ, and that you did not want me to know that Jesus died for me? I do not know how you could have really loved me and yet not wanted me to know about Jesus.”

His poor parents were quite broken down and wept bitterly. Though in great weakness, the dear child then pointed them to the blessed Saviour, who had sought and found him, and who despite their long rejection, was able and willing to save them. Soon after the Lord Jesus took him home, “And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” Matt. 21:16.

The words of their little child were used to the blessing of both the parents, and they too learned to put their simple trust in the Lord Jesus and were saved.

“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.

Does not this story of little Frank show us how God works out His own purposes of blessing, however difficult it may appear, and how He honors those who trust Him, and leave Him to open the way as He chooses?

I would say here also that if any dear child who may read this story is longing to know that his sins are forgiven, the Good Shepherd is seeking you, wanting to save you, and if you will only put your simple trust in Him, believing that He died upon the cross, bearing all the punishment for your sins there, God tells you that you are saved. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt, be saved,” Acts 16:31.

ML-11/20/1960

Jonathan

JONATHAN, the son of Saul, when he saw the mighty work which Jehovah wrought by the ruddy-faced shepherd boy, David, in overthrowing the great giant of Gath, stripped himself of everything, even to his sword and his girdle — things so dear to a warrior’s heart — because of his love to him. David had won, but Israel shared in the victory: he did it for them. He went out in the name of Israel’s God, to meet the man who had defied the armies of the living God. So Jesus, the Son of God, went into death for us and became the Victor, that we might share in His victory. He did it for us! Shouldn’t we be willing to give up things of this world, that we hold dear, for Him who did so much for us?

ML-11/20/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 27-32

PSALM 27. Fear is excluded from the soul when there is joy in the LORD as his light, salvation and strength. The psalmist had been taught to seek Jehovah’s face, and this he would now do. He asks Him not to hide His face from him, now that he is in trouble. He desires to be led in a plain path, that the enemies would not find occasion against him. He would not have had anything unless he had been led to see the goodness of Jehovah.

Psalm 28. The character of the ungodly nation is felt and they are classed as wicked; they profess to be seeking peace, but it is not real. The faithful feel that Jehovah will act in judgment on them and they desire to be separated from them. They feel that Jehovah has heard them and they rejoice and have confidence in Him that He will lift them up forever.

The Apostle refers to this in Romans 11 when he says that “God hath not cast away His people” forever, but a remnant will be saved. (vv. 1, 2, 5.)

Psalm 29. Here they have the courage to issue a call to those among the nation who take the place as mighty. They are to hear the voice of Jehovah, and give to Him what His glory and strength require as that which is due to Him. They are to worship Him in the beauty of His holiness, which is the opposite of forms and ceremonies. His voice is full of majesty and is above all the power of creation or the tumults of men. He sits as King over all the waterfloods, and He will give strength to His people and bless them.

Psalm 30. The soul here has been in dire distress. It felt that it was nigh to the grave, but now it can praise Jehovah for His deliverances. There is confidence that when it seemed that in His governmental ways there we anger, it was only for a moment, and the weeping of the night was turn into joy in the morning. There had been trust in prosperity, but now it was realized that the trust should have been in Jehovah alone. So he had to be brought low, that he might be able to sing praises unto Him forever.

Psalm 31. The faithful remnant, despised by friends and acquaintances, here feel their condition deeply. Their distress was keenly felt. The Lord passed through these sorrows, and although He used part of the expression in verse 5: “Into Thy hand I commend my spirit,” yet He could not use the latter part: “Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” Nevertheless this will be a comfort to the tried people in the day to come. They are led into the confidence that He will pride for them, that is, all they that put their trust in Him. The psalmist encourages others in the last two verses on account of his confidence in Jehovah.

Psalm 32. It is acknowledged here that the hand of the Lord had been heavy on them. It had led to the confession of their sins and the forgiveness of them had been realized. This led to the blessedness of the portion of those whose iniquities were not to be charged up against them. They were to be compassed about with songs of deliverances and could therefore rejoice. Here the psalmist is looking forward to the salvation which Peter speaks of: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:...” 1 Pet. 1:10-12.

ML-11/20/1960

The Organ Grinder

I WAS lonely and sad. Everything about me seemed dark and desolate, and my soul was cast down. I had forgotten the admonition: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55:22.

Suddenly, out of the deep silence and solitariness of that sad evening, came the sounds of sweetest melody. It was a street organ played by a young boy. I went out to give him a little money.

What an intelligent face was his, and at the same time those large eyes which he turned upon me, what a story of need and sorrow they told!

He is hungry, I said to myself, and placing some bread and meat on a plate, I added a booklet which was lying on the table. I handed it all to him without any courage to say a word. Yet he deeply interested me, and as I watched him eating from behind the window where I sat, repeatedly my heart went up to God in prayer that the booklet might be used for his salvation. After eating, which was quickly done, he took up the booklet, read its title, “How to become a Christian,” and put it carefully away in his pocket.

Several years had passed, and the terrible war had broken out with its tale of sorrows and distresses, so my little organ grinder had passed out of my mind.

Sometime after, I went to visit a hospital where the wounded were cared for. The surgeon was making his rounds. Silent and sad he stood by one of the wounded, holding his wrist and counting his pulse which was growing weaker. I stopped to look at the patient. He was a very young man; his eyes were closed and the seal of death was on his face. At the same moment the chaplain came and leaned over the dying man, anxious to know if he still breathed. All at once the young man opened his eyes and asked, “Am I going to die?” The chaplain, looking sad, made no answer.

“O, don’t be afraid to tell me. I am ready.”

“I cannot say, my young friend,” said the chaplain, “but do you know the Saviour of sinners? Do you love the Lord Jesus?”

“Yes, yes, I have just seen Him, I am not wandering. I must tell you before I go.”

“Have you a mother? Can I do anything for you?”

“Yes, sir, but she is not here. I am going to be with her soon; she is in heaven. But I have a young sister. Poor child, she will be lonely now. But I have committed her to the Lord, and He will not forsake her. I would like to send her a few things.” He made a special effort and drew from his pillow a purse, with a few gold pieces, then a Bible, a photograph, and a booklet quite worn, its cover soiled with blood.

“This booklet,” he said, “brought salvation also to my mother. Long ago, I was only a poor organ grinder, and I tried to care for my sick mother and sister. We were very poor and miserable then, when a good lady gave me this little book.

“Oh, how glad my mother was when I read it to her! No one had ever given us anything to show us the way of salvation. No one had ever talked to us about that precious Saviour who died upon the cross for our sins. The dear lady, we prayed for her every day. How I did long to see her again.”

I drew nearer to catch every word, from the lips of the dying man, for had recognized in him the organ grinder who had once cheered my depressed spirit years ago.

I could no longer restrain myself, and I sobbed aloud. It roused the dying man, and looking at me, he recognized me.

Astonished, but unable to move, he said slowly.

“I thank Thee, Lord; I know Thou hearest prayer.”

May this little story encourage you, dear reader, to find your all in Jesus, the sinner’s Friend, if you have not done so already. His hands are still uplifted waiting to bless all who will come in simple faith and trust Him as their Saviour.

And, dear Christian friends, continue to scatter the good news of salvation. Sooner or later you shall see it bearing fruit, and joy unspeakable shall he yours.

“The holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Tim. 3:15.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Pet. 1:23.

“SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOETH FORTH OUT OF MY MOUTH. IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PLEASE.” Isa. 55:11

ML-11/27/1960

Dependence

A LITTLE bird taught me a great lesson once. I was sitting at the window of my room, looking out at the wide expanse of rolling waved which was before me. The weather was very hot, and everything seemed dry and parched with heat. I could see from where I sat, the corner of the roof of the next house, and there were some little sparrows perched on it, I saw one of them hop into the waterspout which ran around the roof, and stoop and drink, then raise its head and chirp and fly away.

“Ah,” I thought, “where will that poor little bird get another drink of water? The sea is salt, and the pools are salt, and the rain water has all dried up. What will it do?”

But the bird had no care; it chirped and flew away quite gaily. It had learned somehow or other this text, “Your heavenly Father feedeth them.” And what is more, it taught it to me. “Ah,” I thought, “if we acted as winged ones we should have no care.” We should be always depending on God.

ML-11/27/1960

Just a Little Door

YOU may have seen the plant called the bladderwort in ponds or streams. At blossoming time the bladder, which is the flower of the plant, fills with air. The bladder bloom is held above the surface of the water as it hangs on the stem of the plant. It is pretty and delicate in color, and is either pink, violet, or purple. This delicate blossom of the bladder-wort really looks quite harmless.

However, each bladder has a small round door with a flap. This door is surrounded by very fine hairs, finer even than silk thread, which are called filaments. Sometimes tiny pond creatures, such as insects, go near these fine hairs to seek safety or food. In so doing they push open the flap of the door. Woe to the little creature! It has entered the death chamber. It is a prisoner, for the trap door cannot be opened from the inside. The bladderwort is a carnivorous plant—a plant that feeds on living creatures. So the insect is digested, and then the trap is set for the next victim.

Satan has his traps set everywhere also. Alas, he traps many boys and girls, and older folks too. He offers them the world, its pleasures and its sin, and causes them to forget their precious, never-dying souls. He does not tell them that the pleasures of sin are but for a season (Heb. 11:25), that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), and that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27.)

Dear young friends, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,” (Ecc. 12:1) and come to the Saviour early in life.

" ‘Twill save you from ten thousand snares

To trust Him while you’re young.”

ML-11/27/1960

While You're Young

Oh, won’t you come to Jesus

While you’re young?

Don’t think it will be better

To delay it until later,

But remember your Creator

While you’re young.

Remember, death may find you

While you’re young;

For friends are often weeping,

And the stars their watch are keeping

O’er the grassy graves where sleeping

Lie the young.

Oh, walk the path to glory

While you’re young;

And Jesus will befriend you,

And from danger will defend you,

And peace divine will send you

While you’re young.

Then won’t you come to Jesus

While you’re young?

Why from the future borrow,

When ere comes another morrow

You may weep in endless sorrow,

While you’re young?

ML-11/27/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 33-39

PSALM 33. The psalmist here speaks of the earth as being full of the goodness of the LORD, and he expresses a faith that looks on and sees it as already brought to pass. All are called on to rejoice. Jehovah’s glory in creation is celebrated. The peoples of the nations stand in awe of Him when His power is realized. There is special blessing for that nation whose God is Jehovah, the nation whom He has chosen for Himself. This blessing radiates out unto all the inhabitants of the world. So the hearts of His people, in view of all this, rejoice in Him and they call for His mercy to be upon them.

Psalm 34. The spirit of Christ in the faithful remnant calls upon them to praise Jehovah for His deliverance. The Messiah was the poor man who cried and was delivered. He tells them that the angel of the Lord encamped about all them that fear Him. The righteous in this psalm expect to pass through trial, but have confidence that Jehovah’s ears are open to their cry, and that He will deliver them. The latter part of verse 20 is quoted in John 19:36: “A bone of Him shall not be broken.” The soldiers refrained from breaking the legs of the Lord Jesus on the cross, thus showing the overruling power of God in restraining the hatred of the heart of man, so as to fulfill the Scriptures.

Psalm 35. Here the faithful feel the treachery of their own nation, as to how they have rewarded good with evil. The psalmist asks that the Lord rescue his soul from their destructions and his darling from the lions. Then he will give thanks unto Him in the great congregation, that is, Israel restored as a nation.

Psalm 36. Something within the heart of the godly remnant shows him that there is no fear of God before the eyes of the nation. But as he looks away from all this iniquity and deceit, he sees the mercies and lovingkindness to them that know Him, which casts him upon Jehovah in prayer.

Psalm 37. In this psalm one is counseled not to be fretful of evildoers for they shall soon be cut down like the grass. Then it is shown that there is blessing in waiting upon Jehovah ill all their trying circumstances. The Lord is conscious of all that they are passing through and they are told that the time of the wicked is short. The suffering righteous ones are to inherit the land. The Lord addresses the meek in Matthew 5:5, saying, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,” only He goes further and shows that those to whom He was speaking are to be brought into the kingdom of heaven. The disciples, as the faithful remnant of that day, did obtain a heavenly portion.

Psalms 38 and 39. Though the godly remnant have learned something of forgiveness of sins, yet they also feel that they are under the government of God, for they have not yet been brought to see the full extent of what the rejection of the Messiah was in the sight of God. Grace and government are two different things in God’s ways with man. These psalms show a beautiful state of soul on the part of the godly remnant, as led by the Spirit of God. They desire to know the measure of their days and how frail they are. They realize that man at his best estate is altogether vanity.

ML-11/27/1960

Willie's Trust

ONE afternoon a teacher told her geography class that they might close their books and rest a little, while she told them a story.

The story was about William Tell, the famous hero of Switzerland. She told her scholars how that the governor, who was a wicked tyrant, placed an apple on the head of Tell’s little boy, He then ordered his father to take his bow and arrow and shoot the apple from the head of his son.

At first William Tell was unwilling, for he trembled to think how the arrow might miss and kill his son. But the brave boy stood firm, and cried out, “Shoot, Father! I am not afraid!” William Tell took steady aim and the next moment the arrow sped on its way. What feelings of relief and thankfulness must have welled up in the father’s heart as he saw the apple, struck to the core, carried away by the arrow, and his little boy come running to him, unharmed.

While the teacher was telling this story, great black clouds had filled the sky and suddenly the storm burst all around them. There was a brilliant flash of lightning and a terrific crash of thunder. Many of the children screamed and began to cry, and some of the little ones ran to the teacher for protection.

However, one boy, named Willie Hawthorne, kept his seat and went quietly on with his project. When the storm was over the teacher said, “Willie, why weren’t you scared?”

“Because, teacher,” Willie replied, “I knew the lightning was only an arrow in my heavenly Father’s hand, so why should I be afraid?”

Willie was a Christian boy, and he knew that God was his Father because he believed in His Son, the Lord Jesus. He had also learned that it was God Himself who controls the wind, the lightning, the thunder and the rain. Perhaps he had read that Scripture: “He made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder,” Job 28:26; and again, “His hands He covereth with lightning, and commandeth it where it is to strike.” Job 36:32. J.N.D. Trans.

How well it would be for each of us if, like Willie, we had learned to trust in the Lord and had confidence in His love and power to protect us. For the one who puts his trust in the Lord Jesus will ever be the special object of His care. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty;” again, “He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Ps. 91:1, 11.

“FOR HE HATH SAID, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE.” Heb. 13:5.

ML-12/04/1960

A Letter From a Mexican Brother

My Dear Boy:

YOU put me on the spot—as you say in the States—when you ask me all those questions. You see I am not too much of an observer of the habits of the people. My mission into several parts of Mexico is purely evangelical. I go to tell them of the love of God, and of the Lord Jesus and His glory.

I can tell you of the way the Holy Spirit has worked in the hearts of some lost sinners. I have seen hard men, almost wild men with fierce faces, cry like babies when told of the love of God; and of how Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us; of His sufferings on the cross of Calvary under the hands of men; and the sufferings, deep sufferings, under the wrath of a holy God—a1l for our sake, all because He loved us, all because we are sinners, and have offended God; and how the offended One died for the offenders, so that We could have everlasting life, and be exempted from all punishment. I have seen them turned to docile sheep; and oh, their faces shone with joy, joy full of glory. Now they are remembering the Lord in His death, until He comes; they are waiting for the Lord from heaven.

I notice you did not address me as “brother” nor did you sign as “brother.” Tell me, Are you saved? If not, why not, having such dear Christian parents? Noah’s sons were obedient to their father’s faith, and perhaps helped him to build the ark; they got saved too. And if you are saved, Praise the Lord! God says that it is good that a man carry the yoke in his youth (Lamentations 3:27). It is good that Christ’s yoke be taken while young.

My greetings to you, dear boy, and I hope to hear from you again.

Your friend

R.A.

ML-12/04/1960

The Cob Driver and His Prayer

“I WAS riding once in a cab,” said a Christian man, “when the driver by my side began to swear in a dreadful manner. I lifted up my heart for God’s blessing on what I said; and presently, in a quiet way, I asked him this question: ‘Driver, do you ever pray?’ He seemed displeased at first; but after a while he replied, ‘I sometimes go to church on Sunday and then I suppose I pray, don’t I?’

"‘I am afraid you never pray at all, I replied, “for no man can swear as you do, and yet be in the habit of praying to God.’

“As we rode along he seemed thoughtful, ‘Driver, I wish you would pray now;’ I said.

“‘Why, what a time to pray, Sir, when a man is driving a cab!’

"‘Yet, my friend, God will hear you,’ I said.

"‘What shall I pray?’ he asked, in a low voice. ‘Pray these words; ‘O Lord, grant me by Thy holy Spirit, that I might be converted, for Christ’s sake. Amen’.” He hesitated, but in a moment he repeated them; and then, at my request, he said them over a second, and a third time. The end of the journey was reached, and I left him.

“Some months passed away, and we met once more. ‘Ah, Sir,” said he with a smile, ‘the prayer you taught me in the cab was answered. I saw myself a lost and ruined sinner; but now I humbly believe that through the blood which cleanseth from all sin, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am a converted man.”

ML-12/04/1960

The Secret of Success

A Christian merchant, who, from being a poor boy, had risen to wealth and honor, was once asked by an intimate friend to what, under God, he owed his success in life. His immediate reply was: “To prompt and steady obedience to my parents. In the midst of many bad examples of boys of my own age, who would not mind their parents, I was always able, by God’s help, cheerfully to obey my father and mother, and I firmly believe that a blessing has, in consequence, followed me all through my life.”

ML-12/04/1960

Bible Questions for December

The Children’s Class

1. When Jesus was born in the city of David, was it foretold that He was to be the Saviour?

2. Where did the voice some from which said of Jesus, “Thou art My beloved Son?”

3. When Jesus spoke in the synagogue, did the people wonder at His gracious words?

4. As the fame of Jesus went abroad, what did the multitudes desire of Him?

5. What went out of Jesus when He healed them all?

6. Did Jesus forgive the many sins of the woman who showed Him much love?

7. Did the man out of whom the devils were departed publish the great things which Jesus had done unto him?

The Young People’s Class

1. What did David do which demonstrated to Israelite and Philistine alike that the power of the enemy was completely broken? 1 Sam. 17.

2. Does the cross of Christ show openly His complete victory over principalities and powers? Col. 2.

3. What did all the children of Israel do after returning from chasing the Philistines? 1 Sam.

4. Did Christ divide the “spoil” after His victory? Isa. 53.

5. What are the things that are ours through the Lord Jesus Christ? 1 Cor. 3.

6. Did not Saul recognize David, even though David had previously been closely associated with him? 1 Sam.

7. Are unbelievers’ minds blinded, preventing the glorious gospel of Christ to shine unto them? 2 Cor. 4.

ML-12/04/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 40-43

PSALM 40. In this psalm we learn something of the exercises of the Lord when He went down into the horrible pit for us, and of His being delivered out of it in resurrection, where He has the new song. This psalm speaks of the eternal counsels of God as to redemption, It is quoted in Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God,” He could say that He had preached righteousness in the great congregation, making known the loving kindness and truth of the Lord. The faithful remnant take courage from the exercises and deliverances of the One brought out here in this psalm.

Psalm 41. In Matthew 5:3 the Lord speaks of the blessed portion of the poor in spirit. He was the One who in the language of this psalm considered the poor. No doubt David in the time of His rejection passed through deep exercises of soul when he was fleeing from Saul, In David’s rejection he was sought out by the poor, as in 1 Samuel 22:2, when he was in the cave of Adullam. They had a blessed portion when David came into the kingdom.

Verse 9, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” The Lord referred to this in John 13:18 as being fulfilled when Judas went out that night to betray Him.

This psalm closes the first book of the Psalms with “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.”

Psalms 42-72. The faithful remnant in this series of the Psalms are not in the same position as in the first book, where they were going on with the temple worship in Jerusalem. But now they are in the position as driven out of the city. They have seen the idolatrous image set up, (See Matt. 24:15. Rev. 13:14-18.) So in having to flee they are deprived of their privileges which they formerly had. They seem to be in such a discouraged state that they have lost the covenant name of Jehovah, for they use the name. God throughout, except when looking into the future they get their eyes on, the Messiah as the coming King.

Psalm 42. They are here presented as being very desirous of their portion of their God, as the hart panting after the water brooks, They can look back to the time when they went in company with the multitude to the house of God. But now they can only remember the privilege of going there, from the distance, the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. The very violence with which they have been thrust out has cast them upon God and they receive it as from His hand, “All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me.” The Lord Jesus felt the full extent of God’s judgment for sin on the cross as the Sin-bearer.

Psalm 43. Here we have the cry to be delivered from the deceitful and the just man, the man of sin (2 Thess. 2:3, 4), who in carrying out the purposes of the Roman power, had forced them to flee for their lives in Psalm 41. But in all their distress they express the confidence that God, will come in. v. 5.

ML-12/04/1960

All for the Sake of a Ball

THE clock ill the distance struck four, Hugh Frazer, a young naval officer, closed his book hastily and rose to his feet.

“If I don’t hurry, I can see myself going without supper today; and, familiar as the sea breezes are, they still give me an appetite,” he murmured to himself. Yet he stood for another minute by the low stone wall, gazing over the calm expanse of water.

“Hardly a ripple to be seen! Ah, my friend, you’re about as changeable as some men that I know!” he mused, turning to go home.

But as he turned something happened. A small red object, rolling rapidly down the cliff, caught Hugh’s eye, and he turned back to investigate further. It was nothing but a child’s rubber ball, which soon reached the sea and lay rocking on its calm surface.

Suddenly Hugh started. The sound of a child’s voice was followed by the sight of a boy of about five or six years old, following his treasure with an idea of rescue. There was not a soul to be seen, and Hugh knew that where the ball lay the sea was deep, with jagged rocks submerged. If the child attempted to wade after the ball he would surely be drowned.

With a swift prayer for help Hugh began scrambling down the side of the cliff, and after slipping and tumbling over the chalky boulders at length came upon the little boy, who had reached a rocky ledge, from which he was attempting to lower himself into the water.

Clutching at the collar of the foolhardy youngster, Hugh attempted to drag him backwards into safety.

“My ball! my ball!” he spluttered; “it’s getting farther and farther out. Get it! get it! Get it, I say!” and his voice rose to a shriek.

“Are you mad, child?” said the young man sternly. “Thank God, I was in time to save your life, and don’t trouble about the ball.”

For a moment the boy was speechless, then he made a dart forward, but was quickly made prisoner again.

“Let me go,” he cried. “I want my ball, and I’m going to get it.”

But Hugh’s grasp did not relax, and struggling and kicking, the naughty little boy was half led, half carried up the cliff, where they encountered a distracted nurse.

“Oh, Master Roy, what have you been doing—you bad, bad boy.”

In a few words Hugh explained matters, and thanking him as well as she could, the girl ordered the child to do the same.

But Master Roy’s face still wore its dark scowl, and without a word he took up a handful of gravel and flung it with all his might at his kind deliverer. Then taking to his heels, he ran out of sight, the girl following.

“Ungrateful little rascal!” murmured the young officer; “that is all one gets for ‘seeking to save’.”

“Seeking to save!”

During his three mile tramp back along the cliffs, Hugh’s thoughts lingered upon the One, the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Who had shown His willingness to save men from their self-will and folly, by leaving His Father’s side in the glory to come down to earth and to be “made sin” for us. Yet, even as the child had spurned his help, so many have spurned God’s offers of mercy with basest ingratitude.

And yet—oh solemn thought!— God will hold us responsible for what we do with His only Son, Who so willingly came to seek and to save us.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?” Heb. 2:3.

ML-12/11/1960

A Birthday

IT was the birthday of a young girl in the house where I was staying.

Several of her friends had kindly given her presents and wished her a happy birthday with many happy returns. I had bought a Bible for her, and in the afternoon found an opportunity to give it to her. She was alone and I wished her every happiness, receiving her thanks.

“How long is it since you were born?” I asked.

“Sixteen years today, sir,” she answered.

“And how long is it since you were ‘born again’?” I continued.

The girl hung her head and gave no answer.

“You say it is sixteen years since you were born. Cannot you tell me how many have passed since you were ‘born again’?”

She burst into loud convulsive sobs, which were followed by a flood of tears.

Laying her head down on the table she gave full vent to her sorrow. When she had partly recovered from crying I asked why she was so deeply upset by my question. In answer she told me she was an orphan, that her father and mother had loved the Lord and were now both in heaven and that she was not. “born again,” although she had wished and had prayed to have her sins forgiven. She added that since her mother had died no one had spoken to her about her soul.

“My child,” I said, “how glad I am that God has begun a good work in you.”

“Oh, sir, don’t imagine that, for I am very wicked and seem to get worse.”

“But,” I asked, “did you not say that you longed to be born of God and to be saved from sin?”

“Yes, indeed I do,” she sobbed.

“And do you think Satan would give you that desire?”

“Oh no,” she answered, “I am sure he would not.”

“No,” I said, “neither would you yourself desire it for the natural heart is at enmity to God and delights in sin. God is graciously working in you by His Holy Spirit, convincing you of sin, and showing you your need of a Saviour. New I am sure you will be made heartily willing to accept Jesus, the Son of God, for your own Saviour. May God help you to understand His way of salvation.

“I have just given you this Bible. When I held it out to you, you understood what I meant by saying, ‘This is a little birthday present,’ and you simply took it and said, ‘Thank you, sir. It is very kind of you.’ You did not need to prepare yourself to take the gift nor do you require to work for it or to pay for it. You know that a gift means something given by one out of kindness.”

“Yes, I understood that.”

“Then,” I said, “God assures you that the salvation you desire, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the new birth and all spiritual blessings, is His gift through Jesus.

“And now, my dear child, what do you say to accepting Jesus, and eternal life as a gift from God today—now—and making this a double birthday, for as many as receive Him become the children of God?”

“I am quite willing,” she said. The young girl thanked God for salvation through Jesus’ death and blood, and accepted Him as her own Saviour.

ML-12/11/1960

The Voice of the Sluggard

“Tis the voice of the sluggard; I heard him complain—

“You have waked me too soon; I must slumber again";

As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed,

Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head.

“A little more sleep, and a little more slumber.”

Thus he wastes half his days and his hours without number;

And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands,

Or walks about saunt’ring, or trifling he stands.

I passed by his garden, and saw the wild brier,

The thorns and the thistles grow broader and higher;

The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags,

And his money still wastes ‘til he starves or he begs.

I made him a visit, still hoping to find

That he took better care for improving his mind;

He told me his dreams, talked of eating and drinking,

But he scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking.

Said I then to my heart: “Here’s a lesson for me;

That man’s but a picture of what I might be;

But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding,

Who taught me betimes to love working and reading.”

—Isaac Watts.

“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth, and thy want as an armed man.” Proverbs 6:6-11.

ML-12/11/1960

Old David's Prayer

“O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.”

THE well-known hymn echoed through the pretty country gospel hall one morning, and many faces, young and old, brightened with renewed hope as the strong words brought their everlasting message of comfort. But to the three young men sitting up in the side balcony they meant nothing. “What’s Miss Reynolds done with her coat this morning?” asked one, in a subdued whisper.

“Left it at home by mistake, I expect!”

“Or lost it on the way,” volunteered the third boy.

A suppressed snigger greeted this witty remark, and the boy who had made it looked pleased with himself.

As the people sat down at the close of the hymn, an old man hobbled slowly and painfully up to the front, leaning heavily on his stick. Old David followed the service with pathetic devotion, singing the hymns as heartily as his quavering voice would allow. Then when the preaching began, he settled himself back in his corner, straining all his power to catch some words. But in vain. His increasing deafness and heavy cold made hearing impossible, and with a sigh of regret David’s attention relaxed, and he looked round sadly.

Suddenly his eyes fell on the three young men sitting together in the balcony, and David knew that God had given him a mission. Here was something he could do. He could not listen to the message, but he could pray that these boys might be led to think of things unseen and eternal—that they might turn from their sin to the Saviour.

So throughout the rest of that service the old man’s lips moved in prayer and his face took on a new light. All that night, till he fell asleep, did David plead for the souls of these young men. And during the whole of the week that followed he continued earnestly, insistently, to bring them before his Master, till at length Lord’s day came around once more.

He was about to start for the evening service when outside the door he met Mr. Harding, the teacher of the young men’s Bible class.

“Ah, friend David, we are both going the same way,” he said cheerily, and taking the old man’s arm, he led him along, suiting his own pace to the feeble steps.

“I have been having a remarkable experience this week,” he remarked, when they had safely managed a difficult crossing, and were walking leisurely along the quiet road.

“There are three young men in my Bible class who have often distressed me by their indifference. Lately they have attended irregularly, and I have been afraid that they were getting into bad company.

“Last night, when I had nearly fished supper, the maid said that somebody wished to see me. I went into the hall, and there stood one of these lads—for they are little more. When I took him into my study I found that he was in great distress of soul. He said that he had been in that state all week, but he couldn’t account for it in any way.

“However, I talked, and read some scriptures, and prayed with him, and before long the light broke through. When he left my house he seemed to be overflowing with happiness, because he had found the Saviour and had lost his burden of sin.”

The old man, who had been straining his ears to catch every word, was about to speak, but Mr. Harding, not noticing went on: “This morning, after the meeting, a second young fellow stopped me, and said: " ‘Please, sir, do you mind if I speak to you’?

“In a moment I found that he too had been under conviction of sin all week, though he could not think why. I had a long talk with him, and now he also is rejoicing in his Saviour.

“But this is not all. When I got to the classroom this afternoon, a third fellow awaited me. He had the same strange and wonderful story to tell, and he too was led into the light.

“The three lads are friends, but they kept their feelings to themselves, possibly fearing ridicule... Why! what is it?” for David had stopped, and now stood white and trembling, leaning on his stick.

“What were their names?” he quavered. Then, as Mr. Harding gave them, he murmured, “Praise the Lord.”

David heard none of the message that night, but the sigh in his heart had given place to a glad song, for had not God used his very deafness as a means of winning three precious souls to Christ?

Perhaps, dear unsaved reader, someone is praying for you—Mother, Father, a sister, a brother, or a friend. Why day! Come to Jesus now, just as you are, and take Him as your Lord and Saviour. And then confess Him to others; you don’t know how happy you will be!

“He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man, availeth much.” Jas. 5:16.

“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.

“FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.” Rom. 10:10.

ML-12/18/1960

The Widow's Tree

SOME years ago a violent storm, with wind and thunder, swept through the valley of Yellow Creek, in Indiana County, Georgia. For more than a mile in width trees were uprooted, houses, barns, and fences were thrown down, and ruin and desolation were spread all over the land.

In the center of the region over which this hurricane swept stood a small cabin. It was occupied by an aged Christian widow, with her only son. The terrible wind struck a large tree in front of her humble dwelling, twisting and dashing it about. If the tree should fall, it would crush her home, and probably kill herself and her son. The storm howled and raged, and the big trees were falling on every hand. In the midst of all the danger the widow knelt in prayer, and asked God to spare that tree, and protect her home, and save her own life, and that of her son. Her prayer was heard. When the storm was over, the widow’s tree was spared, and, strange as it may seem, it was the only one left amidst that scene of desolation. There it stood, as if on purpose to show what power our loving Saviour has to protect from danger those who trust in Him.

ML-12/18/1960

"Lo" The Chinaman

I DON’T suppose you have ever met anyone with the strange name of “Lo.” But in faraway China, “Lo” is not considered a strange name; in fact I think they would consider “John” and “Mary” and “Bill” to be quite strange. I am so glad that all these names are well-known to the Lord Jesus, and He not only knows your name, but He looks right into your heart as you are reading this paper. Are you glad? If your heart is stained with sin, then it is a very solemn thing to remember that the Lord Jesus sees all those sins, and He cannot possibly have you with Him in heaven unless those sins are washed away.

But I must tell you about “Lo.” He was brought up a heathen, and although he was a sinner, yet he had never heard of the Lord Jesus, and the wonderful story of His precious blood that cleanses from all sin. He hoped that somehow his idols could take care of him, but still the burden of sins seemed to grow heavier and heavier. One day he heard of the Lord Jesus, and he longed to know more about Him. He started going to Sunday school and very soon he learned that the Lord Jesus lived and died for sinners. This was really good news! Gladly he bowed his knees and accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, and he knew that all his sins were gone! He was eager to learn to read, so that he might learn more about Him. His favorite verse was, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

One day as he was reading the last chapter of Matthew, he came upon a most wonderful verse. He could hardly believe his eyes — there was his own name! Over and over he read the wonderful words, “Lo, I am with you alway.” Lo believed that the Lord Jesus had spoken these words just for him. And indeed the Lord does want you and me, and Lo too, to accept it as a wonderful and true promise to every one who trusts in Him.

ML-12/18/1960

The Humble King

A FRENCH monarch was found one day by some of his attendants engaged in instructing out of the Bible a boy belonging to his cook.

They said it was beneath his dignity as the king of France to be engaged in teaching the child of his cook. His answer was a noble one. “My friends,” he said, “this boy has a soul that is as precious as mine, and it was bought with the same precious blood. If it was not beneath the dignity of my Saviour, the King of heaven, to die for him, it is not beneath my dignity as king of France to tell him what has been done for his salvation.”

Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? Have you ever found out that you are a sinner in the sight of God? That is a very sad discovery to make, but it is a very true one, for the Bible tells us, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

ML-12/18/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 51-56

PSALM 51. The occasion of the confession in this psalm was when Nathan the prophet brought home with power to David his great sin, and from the manner in which it is introduced here it is used as a figure of the nation’s sin in the rejection of the Messiah. The desire to be delivered from blood guiltiness is the realization of the nation’s guilt in the crucifying of the Messiah. The sacrifice which would be pleasing to God is that of a broken spit and a broken and a contrite heart, which He would not despise. This is acceptable to the Lord in all ages, and without it there can be no real or true service acceptable to Him.

Psalm 52. The occasion of this psalm was when Doeg the Edomite betrayed king David to king Saul, and which resulted in Doeg’s slaying all the priests at Saul’s bidding. It is a figure of the betrayal that will take place during the great tribulation in the time to come. Those who do so are in heart in the same place as the enemies of Israel, and king Saul is a type of the Antichrist who will be in power at that time. His great effort will be to stamp out faith.

Psalm 53. This psalm is quite similar to Psalm 14 only here the covenant name Jehovah is not used. Faith looks upon the ungodly nation as fools, and this also applies now to all who take the place of denying the knowledge of God. However brilliant men may be in natural things, they are in God’s sight but fools and have become filthy. This class is ready to eat up His people as bread. Faith longs for the time when salvation will come out of Zion, when all the enmity of man shall be judged and put down.

Psalm 54. We are told that the occasion of this psalm was when David and his men were hiding from Saul in the wilderness of Ziph, when the Ziphites went to Saul and told him of David’s hiding place. Saul pursued David but was put to shame when David spared his life. David calls his betrayers strangers; they were as the Gentiles, not having set God before them. So it will be in the time to come; those who should have been friends in the Lord will have become aliens and strangers to those who seek to follow Him as the rejected One. Nevertheless David has his confidence in the deliverance of the Lord.

Psalm 55. The faithful here are feeling the oppression of the wicked; the terrors of death are before them. We have the betrayal of one who had been a counselor and guide, one with whom the psalmist says he had taken sweet counsel together and in whose company he had walked into the house of God. It shows how David felt when Ahithophel his friend turned to Absalom, and it also gives us something of the feelings of the Lord when betrayed by one of His own who had walked in company with Him. It also shows how the faithful remnant in that coming day will pass through the similar experience of being betrayed by those whom they thought were friends.

Psalm 56. This psalm was written when David, fearing the great danger he was in because of Saul and losing for the moment his confidence in God, flees to the Philistines. But he found they were suspicious of him and were constantly watching him, seeking to wrest his words, marking his steps and waiting for his soul. So he found no haven amid the enemies of God’s people and could not remain there. These circumstances are brought in here to show in type the dire straits of those who are faithful in the great tribulation to come.

ML-12/18/1960

Little Nellie: The Conversion of a Prisoner

SOME years ago, while conducting a series of meetings in Michigan City, I was asked to preach to the convicts in the State prison. I sat on the platform while the prisoners marched in, 700 men, young and old. They marched in lock-step every man’s hand on the shoulder of the man before him. At the word of command they sat down. Among that number there were seventy-six “lifers,” men who had been committed to prison for life for the crime of murder.

After the singing I arose to preach, but could hardly speak for weeping. Disregarding all the rules of the prison, in my earnestness to help the poor, fallen men, I left the platform and walked down the aisle among them, taking one and then another by the hand and praying for him. At the end of the row of men who were committed for murder, sat a man who, more than his fellows, seemed marked by sin’s blighting curse. His face was seamed and ridged with scars and marks of vice and sin. He looked as though he might be a demon incarnate, if once aroused to anger. I placed my hand upon his shoulder and wept and prayed with and for him.

When the service was over, the governor said to me, “Well, Kain, do you know you have broken the rules of the prison by leaving the platform?” “Yes, governor, but I never can keep any rule while preaching. And I did want to get up close to the poor, despoiling fellows, and pray for them, and tell them of the love of Jesus the Saviour. “He came to seek and to save that which was lost.” “This Man [Jesus] receiveth sinners and eateth with them’" (Luke 19:10; 15:2)

“Do you remember,” said the governor, “the man at the end of the line in the lifers’ row, whom you prayed with? Would you like to hear his history?” “Yes,” I answered, “gladly.” “Well, here it is in brief. Tom Galson was sent here about eight years ago for the crime of murder. He was, without doubt, one of the most desperate and vicious characters we had ever received, and, as was expected, gave us a great deal of trouble.

“About six years ago, duty compelled me to spend the night at the prison, instead of at home as I had anticipated. Early in the morning, while it was yet dark, I left the prison for my home, my pockets full of presents for my little girl. It was a bitter cold morning, and I buttoned my overcoat up to protect myself from the cutting wind that swept in from the lake. As I hurried along, I thought I saw somebody skulking in the shadow of the prison wall. I stopped and looked a little more closely, and then saw a little girl, wretchedly clothed in a thin dress, her bare feet thrust into a pair of shoes much the worse for wear. In her hand she held tightly clasped, a small paper parcel. Wondering who she was, and why she was out so early in the morning, and yet too weary to be interested, I hurried on. But I soon heard that I was being followed. I stopped, and turned around, and there before me stood the same wretched-looking child.

"‘What do you want?’ I asked sharply.

" ‘Are you the governor of the prison, sir?’

"‘Yes, who are you, and why are you not at home?’

"‘Please, sir, I have no home; mamma died in the poor-house two weeks ago, an’ she told me just before she died that papa, that is Tom Galson, was in prison; an’ she thought that maybe he would like to see his little girl, now that mamma is dead. Please can’t you let me see my papa? I want to give him a present.’

" ‘No,’ I replied gruffly, ‘you will have to wait until visitors’ day,’ and started on. I had not gone many steps when I felt a pull at my coat, and a pleading voice said, ‘Please, don’t go., I stopped once more, and looked into the pinched beseeching face before me. Great tears were in her eyes, while her little chin quivered with emotion.

"‘Mister,’ she said, ‘if your little girl was me, and your little girl’s mamma had died in the poor-house, an’ her papa was in the prison, an’ she had no place to go an’ no one to love her, don’t you think she would like to see her papa? If your little girl came to me, if I was governor of the prison, an’ asked me to please let her see her papa to give him a present, don’t you—don’t you think I would say, Yes?’

“By this time a great lump was in my throat, and my eyes were swimming in tears. I answered, ‘Yes, my little girl, I think you would, and you shall see your papa’; and, taking her hand, I hurried back to the prison, thinking of my own fair-haired little girl at home. Arriving in my office, I bade her come near the warm stove, while I sent a guard to bring No. 37 from his cell. As soon as he came into the office he saw the little girl. His face clouded with an angry frown, and in a gruff, savage tone he snapped out: "‘Nellie, what are you doing here? What do you want? Go back to your mother.’ Please papa,’ sobbed the little girl, ‘mamma’s dead. She died two weeks ago in the poor-house, an’ before she died she told me to take care of little Jimmie, ‘cause you loved him so; an’ told me to tell you she loved you, too—but, papa,’— and her voice broke in sobs and tears— ‘Jimmie died, too, last week, an’ now I am alone, papa, an’ —and I thought, maybe as you loved Jimmie, you would like a little present from him,’

“Here she unrolled the little bundle she held in her hand, until she came to a little package of tissue paper, from which she tool, out a little fair curl, and put it in her father’s hand, saying, as she did so: ‘I cut it from dear little Jimmie’s head, papa, just afore they buried him.’

“No. 37 by his time was sobbing like a child, and so was I. Stooping down, 37 picked of the little girl, pressed her convulsively to his breast while his great frame shook with suppressed emotion.

“The scene was too sacred for me to look upon, so I softly opened the door and left them alone. In about an hour I returned. No. 37 sat near the stove, with his little daughter on his knee. He looked at me sheepishly for a moment, and then said, ‘Governor, I haven’t any money’; then suddenly stripping off his prison jacket, he said, ‘Don’t let my little girl go out this bitter cold day with that thin dress. Let me give her this coat. I’ll work early and late; I’ll do anything. I’ll be a man. Please, governor, let me cover her with this coat.’ Tears were streaming down the face of the hardened man.

" ‘No, Galson,’ I said, ‘keep your coat; your little girl shall not suffer. I’ll take her to my home and see what my wife can do for her.’ ‘God bless you,’ sobbed Galson. I took the girl to my home. She remained with us a number of years and became a true Christian by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Book shows man’s need and God’s remedy (Rom. 3:9-24; John 3:1-16).

“Tom Galson also became a Christian, and then he gave us no more trouble” (Luke 8:35).

A year ago, when I visited the prison again, the governor said to me, “Kain, would you like to see Tom Galson, whose story I told you a few years ago?”

“Yes, I would,” I answered.

The governor took me down a quiet street, and stopping at a neat home, knocked at the door. The door was opened by a cheerful woman, who greeted the governor with the utmost cordiality.

We went in, and then the governor introduced me to Nellie and her father, who, because of his information, had received pardon, and was now living an upright Christian life with his daughter, whose little gift had broken his hard heart. “Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 4:5; 5:6). And, dear reader, He died for YOU! Will you not trust Him too?

“FOR WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY.” Rom. 5:6.

ML-12/25/1960

"Your Conversation"

“ONLY let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27. This really means your manner of life, your conduct, your behavior, your TALK and your WALK, the way you act.

A young servant, was converted at a gospel meeting and became quite changed; her face would shine, and it became quite a pleasure to see her at the meetings. One day her mistress was asked, “Do you believe your servant is a Christian?”

The answer was, “Well, she looks like a Christian, she acts like a Christian; and she says that she is a Christian; so I think we must believe that she is a Christian.”

No works and deeds of merit are necessary to have everlasting life, for the Bible tells us it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Tit. 3:5. All who come to the Lord Jesus as poor sinners and receive His gift of eternal life through His blood shed on Calvary are born again.

ML-12/25/1960

Bible Talks: Psalms 57-61

PSALM 57. David has now escaped to the cave of Adullam. It was within the land and David can speak with confidence of taking his refuge under the shadow of Jehovah’s wings, until these calamities be overpast. He is confident that God will send from heaven and save him from the reproaches of him who would swallow him up, even though he feels his soul is among lions. He can look forward with confidence that he will praise the Lord among the people and among the nations. The glory of God is to be above the heavens and above all the earth. It is wonderful to think of how the remnant in the coming day will be brought from a state of indifference, to look forward to the time when their trials will all be over; when they shall praise God even among the nations.

Psalm 58. Here the faithful look away from their own sufferings and behold the plight of the wicked in the sight of God, Faith can challenge them, even though the wicked feel themselves secure. The judgment of God is sought for in their treatment of the righteous. When this judgment comes to pass, men shall say that there is fruit for the righteous, and that there is a God that judgeth in the earth. Righteousness shall no longer suffer as at present, but at the coming of the Lord in judgment, righteousness shall reign.

Psalm 59. This psalm is earlier in David’s history than those we have just been considering, but they are taken up more in their moral rather than their historical order. David’s house was being watched by Saul who sought to capture and slay him. But Michel, David’s wife, Saul’s daughter, let him down through a window and he escaped. We have then David calling for deliverance from the workers of iniquity, those who were lying in for his soul. The Lord gave him the confidence that he should laugh at them; thus he will wait upon Him because of His strength. He will sing unto God who is his strength and defense. The Lord was looking on the tried ones of the future, that they might receive encouragement and comfort from David’s experience at this time.

Psalm 60. In reading the account David’s struggle with the Syrians in 2 Samuel 8, we do not find there the great exercises he passed through which are revealed to us here. It would seem from these exercises that the conflict was so great that they feared they were cast off. But God had not cast them off. Now they see how God had spoken in His holiness, and David can rejoice and say, “Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.” So the Lord, through the exercises of faith as revealed here, will in the tribulations to come encourage His people.

Psalm 61. This psalm is marked as a psalm of David, but the occasion of it is not given. However, judging front its context, it still has to do with his exercises when driven out by Absalom. The writer feels that he is at a distance from the place of his privileges, yet he desires to be led to the Rock that is higher than he. Now he realizes that he has been heard and given the assurance of his inheritance. The latter part of this psalm goes beyond David and properly belongs to the exercises of the Messiah.

ML-12/25/1960

Messages of God's Love: 1960

Table of Contents

Saved Through the Snow Prayer

"God Is in the Thunder"

Turning Over a New Leaf

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks: Job

Saved From a Snake

Two Salvations

The King of Kings

Bells Ringing

Bible Talks: Job 1:1-5

Little Plum-Blossom

Changed Willie

I Must Be Born Again

Bible Talks: Job 1:6-12

Greyfriars' Bobby

"Pray Without Ceasing"

James

Bible Talks: Job 1:13-2:10

The Colonel's Word Will Stand

"The Children Rejoiced"

Bible Talks: Job 2:11-3:26

The Mother Elephant

Blooming Virtue

"I'm Going to Jesus!"

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 3:8-32.

Frisky, The Missionary's Goat

God Is

Charlie and the Apples

Bible Talks: Job 6 & 7

Mulenankambi

The Whipping Boy

Two Letters

What Shall We Read

Bible Talks: Job 8

The Story of a Tiger

Love Unto Death

The Comfort of the Blood

New Testament Men: Peter

Bible Talks: Job 9

Resting Stones

The Bird's Nest

Bible Questions for March

Bible Talks: Job 9:32-10:22

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

Wise Counsel

Captain Owen's Hymn

Bible Talks: Job 11

The Light of the World

Crooked Sentences

"That Blessed Hope"

What Says the Clock?

Bible Talks: Job 12

"Milk Without Money"

Precious

The Best News

"Whatsoever Ye Do"

New Testament Men: Jude

Bible Talks: Job 13

Whosoever

Captain Baines of Pendeen

"Go, and Sin No More"

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks: Job 14:1-12

The Lord Is Thy Keeper

Better Than Gold

Joint Tenancy

Bible Talks: Job 14:13-22

Duncan Finds His Way

A Cure for Fear

The Coney

Bible Talks: Nehemiah 8:14-9:38

A Clever Puss

Your Father Knoweth

New Testament Men: Timothy

Bible Talks: Job 16-17

A Humble Servant

Barry's Confidence

Always Abounding