Messages of God's Love: 1963

THE steamship Central America I was on a voyage between New York City and San Francisco. When she was some distance from land a bad leak was noticed. The crew immediately set to work to stop the leak but were unable to make more than temporary repairs. In the darkness of the night they shot distress flares into the air. Any other ship seeing such flares would know what they meant: a ship was in serious trouble.

The flares were seen by another ship which immediately changed course to go to the aid of the Central America. When they were within hailing distance, the captain of the rescue vessel called out to ask the condition of the other.

“We are in bad repair, and we are going to sink. Please stay by us until morning,” was the answer.

“Let me take your passengers on board now,” said the captain.

“No, we will wait until morning. It will be easier to make the transfer in daylight.”

Once again the captain of the rescue ship called, “You had better let me take them now.”

Again the offer was refused with the call, “Wait until the morning.”

The captain of the rescue ship could do no more, so he retired to his cabin. On deck the crewmen went about their duties, looking from time to time toward the Central America whose lights shone through the darkness. But suddenly there were no lights! Without warning, without sound, the Central America sank beneath the waves. Not one person was saved.

How solemn. The passengers and crew trusted the captain. The captain knew the ship was sinking, the rescue ship was standing nearby, ready and willing to save all, but the captain foolishly thought there was a better time coming to be saved. The time to be saved was NOW.

Who are you trusting? Is someone telling you there is plenty of time to be saved from your sinful condition? Dear friend, you are in imminent danger of eternal destruction. You must have to do with God about your sins and if you leave that until after death, you will stand before God condemned to a lost eternity in hell.

God in His wondrous love has prided a way for you to be saved. He gave His Son an offering for sin. Jesus died to atone for sins and now He stands with arms open wide, inviting all to come to Him and be saved.

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

The Lord Jesus came down from heaven to be here on earth as a man. As the blessed and holy Son of Man He died on Calvary’s cross. He rose from the grave, went back to heaven and from heaven He now invites you to be saved. Salvation is by faith; simply believe in Him, put your trust in Him as the Saviour.

Soon this free salvation will be offered no more. That same Son of man, Christ Jesus, is coming back this time to take away all who have put their trust in Him. Be saved today. Tomorrow may be too late.

“Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matt. 25:13.

ML-01/06/1963

"I Really Mean It"

TWO BOYS, attending a gospel service in a dock-yard town, were hesitating whether they would remain to the prayer meeting. One said, “Come along, George, don’t stop!”

His friend replied, “No, I’m going to stop and give my heart to God.”

“Come along,” said his companion, pulling him.

“No, George, I really mean it,” and he did.

Only about three weeks after, I had a letter telling me of his death. It seems he went to spend the Saturday afternoon with a companion, and was playing at soldiers. His friend caught up his father’s rifle in play, and pulled the trigger, but, to his horror, it was loaded, and the little fellow in question fell. His mother was just in time to hear him say, “It’s all right, Mother dear, I’m trusting Jesus!”

“Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. “Prepare to meet thy God.”

“For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML-01/06/1963

Looking at Christ: Spurgeon's Conversion

“IT SNOWED so much I could not go to the place I had determined to go to, and I was obliged to stop on the road. I found rather an obscure street, and there saw a gospel service announced for that evening. I wanted to know how I might be saved, so I went to the service. No minister came, but at last a man went up to the front and opened his Bible and read, “Look unto Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth.”

“Just setting his eyes upon me, as if he knew me all by heart, he said, “Young man, you are in trouble.” Well, I was, sure enough.

“Then he said, “You will never get out of it unless you look to Christ.” And then, lifting up his hands, he cried out, “Look, look, look! It is only look.” I saw at once the way of salvation. Oh, how I did leap for joy at that moment. I was possessed with that one thought. Like as when the brazen serpent was lifted up, they only looked and were healed. I had been waiting to do fifty things, but when I heard this word, “Look,” what a charming word it seemed to me.”

“And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole; and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bien any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” Numb. 21:9. ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:14, 15.

ML-01/06/1963

Sorrows of Disobedience

“WHEN I WAS a little boy,” said Dr. Todd, “my father was very ill. One day he sent me to the druggist to get some particular kind of medicine. I did not want to go, though I didn’t realize then how really bad my father was. Before getting halfway to the druggist’s, I stopped and made up my mind to go back and tell a lie about it. So I went home and told my father that the druggist had none of that medicine left.

“My father was nearing his end then, and he said to me, ‘My dear boy, I am suffering very much for want of that medicine.’ That made me feel very badly and slipping quietly out of the door, I ran to the druggist’s and got some of the medicine. But when I came back it was too late. My father was dying. He had only time to say to me, ‘Love God, Johnnie, and always speak the truth. Now kiss me once more. Farewell!’

“In all my after life,” said Dr. Todd, “I never was able to forget that act of disobedience to my dying father, and that lie I told him. I bitterly repented of that sin, and I know God has forgiven it, and washed it all away in the blood of Jesus. But the sorrow of it has followed me all the days of my life.”

Dear children, may this be a warning against disobeying and dishonoring our parents.

ML-01/06/1963

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

1. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus.”

2. This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

3. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.”

4. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.”

5. “Doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.”

6. “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?”

7. “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

The Young People’s Class

1. Was David, who was presently in a bad state of soul, actually disappointed in the circumstances which prevented his going to battle against Israel? 1 Sam. 29.

2. When we follow our own ways, in what is our soul delighting? Isa. 66.

3. What new trial did David have, as a consequence of following his own way into the enemy’s land? 1 Sam.

4. If we persist in a wrong path, can we expect God to speak more forcefully than simply guiding our steps by his eye? Psa. 32.

5. Did the people that were with David comfort him in all these trials? 1 Sam.

6. To whom did David finally turn for encouragement? 1 Sam.

7. If we fail in any of our trials, will we always find God’s grace more abundant than our shortcomings? Rom. 5.

ML-01/06/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 24:3-28

THE LORD had just pronounced the solemn words of judgment with respect to the temple: “Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” After leaving the city He goes to the mount of Olives and His disciples come and ask Him: “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the [age]?” — that is, the end of the time during which the Lord should be absent from them.

This leads the Lord to speak of many things which should take place before His coming. There would be false Christs appearing and deceiving many, and there would be wars and rumors of wars. There would be fanes, pestilences and earthquakes in many places. But these would only be the beginning of sorrows for that guilty nation on account of their rejection of Him. They would be persecuted and killed and hated for His name’s sake. False prophets should arise and deceive many, and on account of the prevailing lawlessness many would give up their profession of faith. But those who would endure through this time of trial, would be saved. Also there would be those who through this time of trial would carry the gospel of the kingdom unto all nations, before the end would come.

It is clear that what the Lord is speaking of here does not refer to Christians, but to the Jewish disciples as they were then, and to the Jewish remnant of the future day. The Jewish remnant’s hope is for Messiah to come in His glory back to earth to reign over them, to set them free from their Gentile oppressors, when His presence should put an end to all their sorrows and bring in everlasting joy. The Christian’s hope, however, is to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, to reign forever with Him in heavenly glory and eternal happiness.

The Lord then refers to the prophecy in Daniel 9:27, 12:11; when the nation should be given over to idolatry, and an idol would be set up in the temple. This would bring about the great tribulation. Those who refused to worship this idol would have to flee into the mountains to escape. It would be the greatest tribulation that ever had taken or ever would take place. But the Lord has set a definite limit on how long that tribulation could last. “Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

The Lord warns them of false prophets and Christs, who should show great signs and wonders and who would, if it were possible, deceive the Lord’s own people. “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Bold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” For Christ’s coming would not be in secret when He returns to deliver His own. “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Every eye will see Him then, His appearing will be as sudden and rapid as the lightning.

God “hath appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man [Jesus] whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31.

Memory Verse: “HE BROUGHT ME UP ALSO OUT OF A HORRIBLE PIT, OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY, AND SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK, AND ESTABLISHED MY GOINGS.” Psa. 40:2.

ML-01/06/1963

Bob the Cabin Boy

CAPTAIN JOHNSON was a hard drinking, old “sea dog.” He swore at his men and worked them so hard that they all but hated him and his constant drunkenness disgusted them. Some even talked of throwing him overboard on a stormy night at sea.

Suddenly, however, the captain was overtaken by a serious illness. The first mate took charge of the ship while the captain was left alone in his cabin, the crew not caring how sick he might be. A whole week passed without a man looking in on their captain. One of the members of the crew was a young boy, Bob Keller. The thought of the sick man suffering alone in his cabin touched Bob’s heart and, despite the opposition of his associates, he determined to look in on Captain Johnson and speak to him. So, opening the door, he called out, “Captain, how are you?”

“What’s that to you; get out of here!” a surly voice replied.

Thus rebuffed, the boy went on deck and went about his chores. Next morning he determined to make another attempt. This time he said, “Captain, I hope you are feeling beer!”

“Oh, Bob, I’m very sick.”

The boy, encouraged by this mild answer, drew near the bunk and said, “Captain, let me wash your hands and face; it will refresh you.”

The captain nodded his approval and Bob went ahead. Then Bob offered to shave the captain’s whiskers and again he received approval. Finally Bob made some tea.

Captain Johnson had been a desperate and wicked man, more so than most and as he knew he could expect no mercy from his crew, so he was determined he would not ask them for any.

“I’ll die,” he said, “rather than ask one favor of them.”

But the unasked and undeserved kindness of the cabin boy found its way to the heart of this violent man.

In spite of all his daring, independent spirit, his heart melted and there was a tear in his eye. How many ways God has of gaining access to the hearts of His stubborn and rebellious creatures!

Captain Johnson soon felt better from the washing and the shave and the cup of hot tea. Now he permitted Bob to do other things for him. Hover, the old seaman could not rise from his bed. Rather than getting stronger he seemed weaker each day until he was convinced that he would live for only a few weeks at most.

Now thoughts of death and eternity occupied his mind and terrified him.

He had been brought up as a youth among the worst of seamen, had followed their principles and practices and had refused all protest and reproof. He had served on a navy vessel and then on a number of merchant ships. Finally he became master of one. But in all this he became hardened in heart and not only said, “There is no God,” but also acted as if he really believed that.

Conscience, however, though it was dulled, still was at work and convicted his guilty soul. The thought of death alarmed him, for he was ignorant of God and God’s way of redemption from sin. One morning as Bob opened the cabin door the captain burst into tears as Bob affectionately asked, “Well, captain, how is it with you this morning?”

“Ah, Bob, I’m very bad; my body is getting worse and worse. I should not mind that so much were it not for my soul. Oh, Bob, what shall I do? I am a great sinner; I’m afraid I shall go to hell. I deserve that. Alas, Bob, I’m a lost sinner.”

“Oh no, captain,” said the boy, “don’t be alarmed, God is merciful and I am sure He will save you.”

“No, Bob, no; I can’t see the least chance of being saved. What a sinner I have been!”

His stony heart was broken and he poured out his thoughts to the boy who tried his best to comfort hire: but in vain.

Another morning the captain said “Oh, Bob, I’ve been thinking about the Bible. I know there isn’t one here in my cabin but ask the other men if they have one.”

Bob did as his captain asked and perhaps surprisingly, found a copy of the Bible. He returned with it to the cabin and was met with tears of joy.

“Oh, Bob, that will do, that will do. Read to me and I shall soon know whether such a wicked man as I am can be saved, and how it can be done.”

“Where shall I read, master?”

“I do not know, Bob, but try to pick out some places that speak about sinners and salvation.”

“Well, master, then I’ll take the New Testament. You and I will understand it better for, as my mother used to say, there are not so many hard words there.”

For more than two hours Bob read the Bible and the captain listened to every word as well he might with death seeming to be near at hand.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” Rom. 1:18.

Sinner friend, do you, like Captain Johnson, wonder how God can save lost sinners? Listen: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML-01/13/1963

"Jesus Died for Me"

THE keen cold breath of winter

Was blowing sharply round,

And every crack and crevice

In door and shelter found.

The trees were shorn of beauty,

The edges black and bare;

And cheery little feathered friends

Found only scanty fare.

sought a collier’s cottage

On such a wintry day,

Where a poor Sunday scholar

In helpless sickness lay.

A kind and ready welcome

I met with from the boy,

And something seemed to whisper

His heart was full of joy.

Though painful were his struggles.

And hard and short his breath,

Though life seemed slowly ebbing—

He had no fear of death.

I spoke to him of heaven

And heaven’s eternal day,

And of that precious Saviour

Who wash’d my sins away.

And when I spoke of heaven,

Where soon I hope to be,

“And so do I,” he answered,

“For Jesus died for ME.”

Whene’er I spoke of Jesus

Upon the cursed tree,

He said, “He died for sinners,

But, sir, He died for me.”

Long time I sat conversing

With this dear, happy youth,

So pleased to find his spirit

Rejoicing in the truth.

He seemed so calm and happy,

His heart from fears so free—

The secret of his gladness

Was “Jesus died for me.”

And so, I sat conversing

On Jesus and His love,

To fix the boy’s affections

On happy scenes above.

A few more weeks, and Jesus

Had call’d the boy away,

To be with Him forever

‘Mid joys of endless day.

The tomb and slab of marble

Mark not his lowly grave;

Nor does a sombre yew-tree

Its solemn branches wave.

There bloom the simple daisies

Till winter winds destroy,

Which lift their eyes to heaven,

As did that happy boy.

’Tis this that makes me joyful,

And keeps my heart so free,

To know Christ died for sinners,

But that HE died for ME!

D. R.

ML-01/13/1963

A Finished Work

SOME YEARS ago a boy of fifteen wandered into his father’s library in search of something interesting to read. His attention was drawn to a basket containing some pamphlets, from which he selected a gospel tract containing an interesting story.

His mother had decided to spend this particular afternoon in prayer for her son. He had come under the influence of infidel friends and was binning to hold doubtful views about the Christian faith and the sincerity of those who professed it.

The boy sat down to read the little folder, firmly believing that if there was such a thing as salvation it was not for him.

In telling of his experience later with the tract, he wrote, “While reading it I was struck with the sentence, ‘The finished work of Christ.’ The thought passed through my mind, ‘Why does the author use this expression? Why not say the atoning work of Christ?’ Immediately the words ‘It is finished’ suggested themselves to my mind. What was finished? And I at once replied, ‘A full and perfect atonement and satisfaction for sin: the debt was paid by the Substitute; Christ died for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.’ Then came the thought, ‘If the work was finished and the whole debt paid, what is there left for me to do?’ "

With this there dawned the joyful conviction that there was nothing further to be done but to fall down on his knees, accept this Saviour and His salvation, “and praise Him forevermore.”

Joyfully, the young man whose name was Hudson Taylor did this, and later, he began a work for God in China. That work was blessed of God to the salvation of a great many natives in that land. Years after Hudson Taylor went home to be with the Saviour he had served so long.

ML-01/13/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 24:29-51

WHEN the Lord as Son of man comes in judgment it will be as the brightness and suddenness of lightning. But the Lord adds further: “For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” The “carcass” represents the lifeless, apostate part of the nation of Israel, while the eagles set forth the penetrating eyes of God and His swiftness in judgment.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darned, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.” No doubt this is symbolic language. When God interferes in that day, all authority which governs the world shall fall, and all the powers in rebellion against Him shall be overthrown forever.

The disciples had asked the Lord, “What shall be the sign of Thy coming?” v. 3. Here He tells them, “then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.” It was in heaven the sign of His coming would be seen. “And then shall all the tribes of the earth [land] mourn.” We believe it is more the land of Israel the Spirit of God has in view here. “And they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

“And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Not only in Palestine will His elect be delivered, but from the four winds of heaven (Zech. 2: 6) shall His chosen ones be gathered in. It is a sweet and comforting thought that while He will send His angels to gather back His earthly people, when He comes for the Church, His bride, He is coming Himself. “For the Lord Himself shall descend front 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. 4:16, 17.

After this the Lord gave His disciples another sign of His coming in the parable of the fig tree — a type of Israel as a nation. “When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

All that He had spoken would surely come to pass. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.”

But no one would know the day nor the hour of His coming, except the Father. The wickedness that filled the earth in the days of Noah would characterize the last days at the coming of the Son of man, who will judge with righteous discernment. “Then two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” One shall be taken away in judgment, and the other left to enjoy Christ’s blessed reign.

In the end of the chapter we get principles that would apply to a Christian now in view of all that the Lord had said. The faithful and wise servant would continue in the work the Lord had given Him to do, and would receive a blessed portion at His coming. The unfaithful servant would be judged as a hypocrite.

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

ML-01/13/1963

Story of a Flood

THROUGH the month of December one storm after another brought record rainfall to California. Temperatures higher than usual had melted much of the snow in the mountains. Lakes and reservoirs filled to overflowing and still the rains came. The rivers ran deeper and soon overflowed their banks.

Higher and higher the water crept. Highways and railroad tracks were covered and then washed away. Homes and other buildings were pushed off their foundations by the force of the water. Some farmers put their horses and cows into barns only to have the flood waters come ever higher and destroy both barn and animals. Other farmers drove their animals to hilltops where they were safe.

As the days passed and the storms continued, warnings went out in the newspapers and over the radio telling people of the peril and urging them to get out of the danger areas. Besides this, groups of men went from house to house and from one farm to another, warning people to flee.

So it was that some men stood at the door of a cabin on Bull Creek, waiting to rescue its occupant, an old man, from the rising waters of the Eel River. They told him that the river was rising so fast that he must leave immediately. But he refused their kindness, as he answered them, “I have lived in this cabin for many years. The river has never risen above that peg, and it can’t happen now!”

His rescuers, however, knew that the water was going to rise yet more and would surely reach the very ground on which they were standing. Finding that their warnings were in vain, the men went boldly into the cabin, took the man up in their arms and carried him up the slope to higher ground. Here he was not only safe from the floodwaters but also would be cared for and fed.

How kind it was of those men to go forth to sound the warning of coming destruction, and not only to sound out the warning but also to actually carry a man to safety! What was their dismay and astonishment, however, when they saw the man running back to his cabin! The rescuers speedily followed but before they could overtake the man he was back inside. Now the rescuers again were at his door. Their knocking went unheeded and likewise their urgent calling. They tried the door but found it locked. Then with shoulder to door they tried to force their way in but again they failed.

The river had continued to rise and now was almost to the cabin. As the rescuers continued their pleading they looked up and saw a large wave coming down upon them. Now concerned for their own safety they ran for their lives. From the safe, high ground they looked back and saw the raging torrent hit the cabin with such force that it was torn from its foundation and smashed to pieces.

What must have been the thoughts then of the foolish man who had locked himself inside his cabin. He had just insisted that “It can’t happen now!” — but it did happen. In his proud self-confidence he lost everything — not just the cabin, but his life as well.

Dear reader, let me warn you of a worse flood that is coming on this poor world. God’s judgment is soon to fall on all those who turn a deaf ear to the gospel of His grace and on those who neglect that free salvation which He offers in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Long ago, God said, “Behold ye... and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” Hab. 1:5. The work that God did was to provide a way by which sinners can be forgiven and made safe for heaven. The way of salvation is by faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

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

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

ML-01/20/1963

The Conductor's Mistake

THE LATE Mr. Robert Laidlaw, when on a visit to Melbourne, Australia, some years ago, offered a gospel tract to a streetcar conductor. The conductor refused it on the ground that the Bible was an obscene book and unfit to be read in the family. To this Mr. Laidlaw replied: “I have just returned from England by steamer. While on the voyage I observed that the captain had a small cabin under the bridge, in which he kept his charts. Had you been there you would have seen a chart of the voyage tacked on a board with dots in various parts. Why were these marks there?”

“They represented rocks, shoals, and islands,” was the reply.

“I suppose you know that these dots were placed on the chart that the ship might run against them?”

“They were nothing of the kind,” exclaimed the conductor rather sharply. “They were put there so that the ship captain might avoid them.”

“You are right,” said Mr. Laidlaw. “The Bible is God’s chart and throughout it there are marks showing the rocks, shoals, and quicksands on which mariners on the sea of life have been wrecked and stranded. God has recorded the sins of Noah, Lot, David and the others that we should commit them?”

“He did nothing of the kind,” said the conductor. “He tells of their misdeeds that we may steer clear of them. I see it all now,” he added. “I have an infidel staying with me who instilled these thoughts into my mind, and when I get home I’ll have it out with him.”

This was how the conductor got rid of his infidel views. It is indeed sad to see how God’s holy Word is being treated by some who call themselves “Christians” as well as by those who like to be called “agnostics” and “freethinkers.”

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

ML-01/20/1963

Bob, the Cabin Boy

(Continued from last week)

FOR MORE than two hours Bob read from the Bible and the captain listened to every word, as well he might with death seeming to be near at hand. Every word that Bob had read conveyed light to his mind and his astonished soul soon saw sin as never before. The justice of God in condemning lost sinners to hell struck the captain with amazing force. And although he heard of the Saviour God had provided, still he did not see how he could be saved.

That night the captain slept and wakened by turns. His mind was occupied with verses Bob had read and the thought of what he had heard terrified him. The next morning when Bob came in he exclaimed: “Bob, I shall never live to reach land. I’m dying and soon you will have to bury me here at sea. But this is nothing — my soul, my poor soul! Ah, Bob, dear lad, what will become of my soul? I shall be lost forever!”

“No, no, master, don’t be alarmed; I believe you will be saved yet,” Bob replied.

“Oh, Bob, pray for me; get down on your knees and cry for mercy! Kneel down and pray for your poor wicked captain.”

The boy hesitated and the captain groaned, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

“Oh, Bob, kneel down and pray for me.” Overcome by the captain’s pleas and his own sympathy, the boy fell on his knees and with heavy sobs cried out: “O Lord, have mercy on my poor dying captain. O Lord, I’m a poor, ignorant, wicked sailor boy. Lord, I don’t know what to say. Lord, the captain says I must pray for him, but I don’t know how. I am but a child. I’m glad to get him tea or do anything I can for him, but, Lord, I don’t know how to pray for him. Lord, have mercy on him. He says he will be lost; Lord, save him! He says he will go to hell; Lord, take him to heaven. He says he will be with devils; oh, that he may be with angels. Don’t let him perish, Lord. Thou knowest I love him and I’m sorry he is so sick. The men won’t come to him. I will pray while I can for him as long as he lives, but I can’t save him. Lord, pity my poor captain; see how thin and weak he is! O, comfort his troubled mind. Lord, I never prayed like this before. O, help me, Lord, to pray for my master.”

Rising from his knees, he said, “There master, I have done the best I could for you. Now cheer up; I think you’ll go to heaven.”

Captain Johnson was too much affected to speak. The simplicity and humility of the lad’s prayer had so much impressed his mind, that he lay back quietly, groaning inwardly with spiritual anguish. Bob left the captain’s cabin and went on deck for he was himself quite overcome.

In the evening Bob again read the Bible aloud and his master took in every word. When he finished reading Bob said “goodnight” and went to his own quarters.

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

ML-01/20/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 25:1-10

“THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” This characterized the early Christians at the very beginning. He who had just died for them had gone away from them into the glory of God. But before going away He left them a promise, that He would return to take them to that same glorious place where He was going Himself. “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. Cheered by this promise and filled with this hope, they went forth to meet Him. The world, which had just cast out and rejected Him whom their hearts loved, presented no attractions to them. They coveted not its glories nor its honors, and they sought not its pleasures. Thoughts of their absent Lord filled their hearts and they longed for the moment when they should see Him and be with Him. They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

“Their lamps” set forth the light of their profession. Their calling was to meet the Bridegroom and to light Him on His way. “And five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish.” Ten speaks of complete human responsibility, while five speaks of weakness. The wise have oil with them for their lamps, and they represent those who are “born again” and have the spirit of God dwelling in them. They have the Bridegroom’s interests at heart and so are prepared to carry out that for which they are called.

“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them.” They have only a formal interest in the wedding and so do not think it necessary to have oil for their lamps. They represent those who have pressed the name of Christ, but they are not really “born again” and have not the Holy Spirit, which alone can fit them to welcome the Lord or to enjoy His presence.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” The early Christians had expected the coming of the Saviour in their lifetime, and they had taken up their cross to follow Him. But the months and years rolled by, and still there was no sign of His return. No doubt their faith was being tested, but alas, their hearts grew weary of waiting. The world too grew weary of persecuting them and began to spread before their eyes its glittering attractions. Worldliness came in like a flood, and the Church began to seek her home and portion in the scene from which her Lord had been cast out. “They all slumbered and slept,” as the centuries rolled by.

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Doubtless it was the Spirit of God in grace that brought forth that cry that awakened the slumbering church. We believe this cry went forth over a century ago when the truth of the Lord’s coming, so long lost sight of, began to be preached throughout Christendom.

“Then all those virgins” — the foolish as well as the wise — “arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone [going] out.” One might be baptized, confirmed, a regular churchgoer, a Sunday school teacher and even a preacher, and yet if still unsaved, all this is but the lamp without oil which bore long will go out, and the lifeless, Christless professor will be plunged into the awful darkness of eternal night. No Christian can impart the Holy Spirit to another; one must obtain it himself from the Saviour whose only terms are “without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:1.)

ML-01/20/1963

"Yes or No"

“I WONDER, Harry, that you are 1 not afraid to die. I am terribly afraid!” were the words of an old man to a little boy, who lay on the next bed to him in a large ward of one of our city hospitals.

Harry was about eleven years old; his fevered cheek, too bright eye, and quick breathing telling plainly that his short life was fast nearing its end.

Mr. Clayton, a Christian visitor, had just been pressing the old man to accept by faith immediately pardon and eternal life, as the free gift of God’s great love in Christ Jesus.

“I know it all,” he had replied, “but I do not understand how I can get it, or how I can make it my own.”

“How did you get it, Harry?” the visitor had asked, turning to the dying child.

“Why,” said the boy, “when the Lord Jesus said to me, ‘Come unto Me... and I will give you rest’ (Matt. 11:28), ‘I just said with all my heart, ‘Yes, Lord, I come,’ and He was true to His word, and gave me rest. And when He said, ‘Come now,’ I just said, ‘Yes, Lord, now; not tomorrow.’ And when He promised to forgive me freely, to make me His own, and fit me to be with Him forever, I just said, ‘YES, LORD,’ for I knew He could not break His word. How could I say ‘No’ to Him?”

Tears filled Mr. Clayton’s eyes as he listened to these simple words of unquestioned faith.

“Yes, Thomas,” he said, “Harry has told us the truth; it is just saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to God’s own words. It must be one or the other. It is a solemn thing to know, if we are not sang ‘yes’ to His gracious invitations, and to His blessed promises we are sang, ‘No, Lord, I do not believe Thee.’

‘No, Lord, I will not come to Thee!’ "

After praying with them, Mr. Clayton left. Just as he did so, the old man himself turned to the child to know why he was not afraid to die.

“I have nothing more to tell,” said Harry, “nothing but just that I say, ‘Yes, Lord,’ to whatever Jesus says to me. If you are afraid, Mr. Browne, it must be that you are saying, ‘No.’

“You are right, Harry. I have been saying ‘No!’ all my life to His gracious words; but it is too late now. I wish I had known before that it was just that — saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Oh, that it had been ‘Yes’ that I had said!”

“But, Mr. Browne,” said the child, “it is not too late; ‘Jesus is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.’ Heb. 7:25. Uttermost will surely reach as far as you — as far as now. ‘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. That ‘whosoever’ must mean you as well as me. Will you not now say, ‘Lord, I believe Thy words, that whosoever believeth shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Yes, Lord, I believe.’ "

The sick boy was exhausted through the very earnestness with which he had told out the glad, good news. They were his last words, for when Browne awoke in the morning and turned again to speak to the dear boy his bed was empty. During the night Harry had quietly passed away to be with Christ, and his body had been silently removed.

Old Browne’s days were not much longer. But his state of mind was very different after that last conversation he had with Harry. Now he believed that the Lord’s invitation and His promise were both addressed to him personally, and often as the precious words were repeated you could hear him say, “Yes, Lord, Yes.” No longer did he in unbelief say, “No!” but he received God’s words with a grateful “Yes!” When his last moments came, when he would leave this world and depart to be with His Saviour, his words were like those of old Simeon. “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace.” Luke 2:29.

ML-01/27/1963

Bob, the Cabin Boy

Next morning when he entered the captain’s cabin, the boy was astonished with the extraordinary change in his master’s face. The gloomy horror which had so long added to the natural ferocity of his weather-beaten face, was gone. His affections had softened and on his face there was a pleasant, calm and resigned appearance. Bob had scarcely time to notice the change when the captain with great humility began to speak.

“O my dear boy, I have had such a night! After you left me I fell into a sort of doze; my mind was full of the blessed things you have been reading to me from the precious Bible. Suddenly, I could see Jesus Christ hanging, bleeding on His cross. Struck with the sight I cast myself down bore His feet in the greatest agony of soul. I cried out ‘Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.’

“At length, it was as if He looked at me, your poor wicked captain, and, oh, what a look it was! I shall never forget it. My soul thrilled as I heard Him say to me, ‘Son, be of good cheer; thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee.’ My heart burst with joy. I could not utter a word but ‘Glory, glory, glory!’

“Oh, Bob, this was no dream. Now I know that Jesus bled and died for me. I can believe the promises you have read to me out of the Bible. The blood of Jesus can cleanse even me. Now I am not afraid to die. No, Bob, my sins are pardoned through Jesus. I need nothing more! I am now ready to die. I feel I cannot be many days longer on this side of eternity. I shall soon breathe my last.”

The boy who had shed many tears now burst into a flood of sorrow and cried out, “No, my dear master, don’t leave me.”

“Bob,” said he, calmly, “comfort your mind; I am happy and I am going to be happy forever. I feel for you; my heart yearns over you as if you were my own son. I am sorry to leave you in such a wicked world and with such wicked men. Oh may you ever be kept from those sins into which I have fallen.”

“I owe everything to you. You were the Lord’s instrument for me. Surely He sent you to me. God bless you, my dear boy. Tell my crew to forgive me as I have forgiven them and pray for them.”

Bob spent as much time as he could with his captain, closing the day with the reading of the Bible. Then he retired for the night.

At daybreak on the following morning, Bob arose and hurried to the captain’s cabin. As he opened the door he saw him kneeling in prayer. The boy paused respectfully, hesitating to intrude. At length he whispered, “Master!” There was no reply. He went forward a little and again said, “Master!” All was silent.

Now he spoke aloud, “Captain!” and tenderly touched his shoulder. The captain’s body moved as Bob touched him and then the boy realized that his captain was dead. During the night he had risen from his bed, gotten down on his knees to pray and just then the Lord took his spirit to heaven. Later the crew buried Captain Johnson at sea.

ML-01/27/1963

Ruth and Orpah

IN THE BIBLE, in the book of Ruth, we read of two young widows — Ruth and Orpah. Many are like these two young ladies. A crisis had come in their lives; they had lost their husbands, and had been living up there on the mountains of Moab. Perhaps they had often visited the graves of their loved ones, and perhaps watered them with their tears.

Now Naomi, their mother-in-law, is about to return to her native land, Israel, and they think they will go with her. But now the crisis comes.

Naomi warns them of the difficulties and trials which might await them. So Orpah says, “I will go back to my people.” It is a sad parting. But Ruth cannot leave Naomi. Orpah turns back alone and I think I can see her far down the road waving a last farewell.

Naomi says to Ruth, “Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and unto her gods; return thou after thy sister-in-law.” What does Ruth say? “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go;... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Her choice was made. Poverty here or suffering and want yonder, she would share Naomi’s lot.

Orpah loved Naomi, but not enough to leave all for her. On the other hand, life was so empty and the world had become a barren place to Ruth. She loved Naomi so much that her own people, her land and its gods attracted her heart no more. O may God draw out the hearts of all who read these lines, that you may leave all and follow Him!

We never hear any more of Orpah. The curtain falls upon her life. Perhaps she died away up in the mountains of Moab, without God and without hope.

But what about Ruth. God blessed her for that decision she made. She found blessing and plenty in the land of God’s people. She became the wife of Boaz, that wonderful character, “the mighty man of wealth,” and so was brought into the royal line from whence came David, the king of Israel, and later the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

And God will bless you, dear rear, if you decide like Ruth did. Who is there that will take up the language of Ruth and say, “I will follow thee; thy God shall be my God.”

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

ML-01/27/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 25:10-30

“THEN ALL those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” As Christians we ought to have our lamps trimmed, for it is possible to possess the oil, and yet our light be very dim. May we seek grace to remove from our lives everything that hinders the light of our testimony for Christ shining forth. “Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3.

The foolish virgins, with their lamps going out, go out to buy, by their own efforts, that which alone can be had as a free gift from God on the principle of faith. But it is too late! “While they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered and said, “Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.” What a solemn time it will be for many in these favored lands who have heard the gospel and the truth of the Lord’s coming proclaimed, to find the door of mercy shut forever and themselves left outside for judgment.

In the parable of the talents which follows, the Lord illustrates the responsibility of His servants left bind to carry on His business while He is away from earth. “And unto one of them he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey... After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” The one to whom he had given five talents in the meantime had traded with the same and gained five talents more which he presented to his master. “His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ "

He who had received two talents had gained two other talents and received the same word of approval from his lord as the first.

But the servant who had received but one talent had hidden his lord’s money in the earth, which shows that I he did not have his master’s interests at heart. He went and brought the talent to his lord, saying, “Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed [scattered]: and I was afraid.” His master takes him up on his own ground and tells him he had not acted according to his own convictions. If he had such thoughts of his master, he ought to have put his money to the exchangers so that when his lord returned he should have received it with interest. He orders the unprofitable servant to be cast out into outer darkness, where “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In the first two servants we have those who appreciate the goodness of the Lord. They know He is gracious, and they understand that the gifts He has put into their hands are given in order that they might use them for the Master during His absence, whether it be in serving His own or going forth with the gospel of His grace to the world. They know their Master’s heart and desire His profit and honor. Their zeal springs from this knowledge they have of Him. Those who are faithful to the light they possess acquire still more.

On the other hand the last servant represents those who know not the heart of their Master. Man has hard thoughts of God. They have not the true knowledge of God revealed in Christ, and when His love is unknown, His authority is despised. The slothful servant’s unfaithfulness springs from the false and guilty thoughts he has formed of His Master’s character. His judgment is just.

ML-01/27/1963

Man Overboard!

IN MANY countries where the gospel is not preached and the Lord Jesus is unknown, people in general are indifferent and callous to the sufferings of others. Human life is of little value in the eyes of many. So it was in China, when Hudson Taylor, the well-known missionary went there years ago, and so it is today. How thankful we should be for the coming of the Lord Jesus into this world, and for His precious Word which in the gospel tells of His love toward us.

One day Hudson Taylor was traveling in a Chinese junk up the river from Shanghai to Ningpo. On board was a Chinese fellow-traveler who had visited Europe and other lands. In England he was known by the name of Peter. He had often heard the gospel preached, though he had never given his heart to God. Hudson Taylor did all he could to encourage him to put his trust in the Lord and become a Christian. Peter was greatly moved, even to tears, by what he heard, but apparently had made no decision.

When the junk had nearly reached the large city to which they were going, Hudson Taylor went into the cabin to get some tracts and gospel books to pass out to people in the streets. Suddenly he was startled by a splash and a loud cry. Springing on deck he saw at once that Peter had fallen overboard, while everyone else looked on helplessly and did nothing.

A strong wind was carrying the junk upstream and there were no trees or buildings on the bank to show how far behind the drowning man was. In an instant Hudson Taylor sprang to the mast, let down the sail and then leaped overboard in hopes of finding his friend. But alas, he was without success, for the water had closed over poor Peter. Looking around in an agony of suspense Huon saw a fishing boat close by with a drag net furnished with hooks. He knew at once that this would be just the thing to save the man.

“Come,” he cried, with hope rising in his heart, “Come and drag here; a man is drowning.”

“It’s not convenient,” was the callous response.

“Don’t talk of convenience,” he cried again in an agony; “a man is drowning.” “We are busy fishing,” they replied, “and cannot come.”

“Never mind your fishing; I’ll give you more money than many days fishing will bring; only come — come at once!”

“How much money will you give us?”

“Oh, don’t stop to discuss that now,” cried Hudson in exasperation. “Come at once, or it will be too late. I will give you five dollars [worth perhaps twenty dollars now].”

“We won’t do it for that,” they replied. “Give us twenty dollars and we will come.”

“I don’t possess so much, but come quickly and I will give you all I have,” said Hudson. “How much may that be,” they asked.

“I don’t know exactly, but about fourteen dollars.”

At last, but ever so slowly, the fishing boat paddled over and let down its net. In less than a minute the body of the missing man was found and brought on board. However, all efforts to revive him were without success. It was too late; he was drowned. But even while Hudson Taylor and others worked over him to try and restore breathing, these callous fishermen actually clamored for their money and became indignant at the delay.

How vast the difference between the hearts of those Chinese fishermen and that of the blessed Lord Jesus, Saviour of sinners. He alone knows the value of a soul. “None... can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: [for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever].” Psa. 49:7, 8. Not all the gold in all the world can redeem a lost soul. “Without the shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22.

No, the Son of God must come from the glory and shed His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary to reem our lost souls. And so St. Peter tells us we are not redeemed “with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18. Dear reader, have you been redeemed? Is it well with your soul?

How sad to think of that poor Peter dying perhaps unsaved, But may it be a fresh warning to any unsaved reader not to put off the salvation of your soul. Turn to the Lord now, while you have the opportunity, Tomorrow may be too late.

And may we who know the Lord not be like those Chinese fishermen—indifferent to those who are perishing all around us; but rather let us go and press on souls the urgency of being saved while it is yet the day of grace.

ML-02/03/1963

The Text That Gave Me Light

I HAD been anxious to be saved, but could not see how anyone could know for certain, unless some great change were felt, or some revelation given. My mother always had a Text Almanac on the wall, it was put up on New Year’s morning and remained there all the year. I seldom read it, but on this particular Sunday afternoon I was alone and felt unhappy. So to pass the time, I went across to the almanac, and the first word that my eye fell on was, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

That word gave me light. I knew well I was one of the “lost” — lost in sin, lost to God and heaven. That just suited me. I never saw it so clear before. From that day till now, I have rejoiced in the glorious truth that it was lost sinners whom Jesus came to save, and that I am one of them.

I am still a school boy and have many temptations, but I find the Lord Jesus is “able to save” (Heb. 7:25), every day, and from all kinds of sin and evil. So I simply trust Him, and go on my way rejoicing, seeking to follow Him and obey His Word.

ML-02/03/1963

The Dying Soldier's Request

IN ONE of the military hospitals a young soldier lay dying. Turning to his companion in the next bed, he asked him if he could tell him anything about the Bible. “I’m afraid I can’t,” was the reply. “Don’t you know anything?” asked the dying soldier. “I’m afraid I don’t,” came the same sad reply. Again he pleaded, once more. “Can’t you tell me anything?”

There was a slight pause before his friend answered, “The only one thing I know is ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me.’"

“That will do, that’s enough,” replied the dying soldier, and in a few minutes he had gone.

Yet who could doubt that it was to be for “ever with the Lord,” for has He not said, “him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out?” John 6:37.

ML-02/03/1963

"Look and Live"

How sad was my condition

Till Jesus made me whole,

There is but one Physician,

Can cure a sin-sick soul.

’Twas He that sought and found me,

And snatched me from the grave,

To tell to all around me,

His wondrous power to save.

A dying, risen Jesus,

Seen by the eye of faith,

At once from danger frees us,

And saves the soul from death.

Come, then, to this Physician,

His help He’ll freely give;

He makes no hard condition,

Tis only — look and live.

Memory Verse: “AND YE SHALL SEEK ME, AND FIND ME, WHEN YE SHALL SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART.” Jer. 29:13.

ML-02/03/1963

Bible Questions for February

The Children’s Class

1. “He shall in no wise lose his reward.”

2. “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

3. “Whosoever shall do the will of My Father.”

4. “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun.”

5. “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

6. “Nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

7. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself.”

The Young People’s Class

1. Of whom did David inquire in seeking council for the action he should take? 1 Sam. 30.

2. Are we encouraged to ask, or seek, or knock, concerning our circumstances? Matt. 7.

3. How should our requests be made known unto God? Phil. 4.

4. Did David require those that were faint to pursue the Amalekites with the rest? 1 Sam.

5. Did the Lord Jesus, while here on earth, have compassion on those that fainted? Matt. 9.

6. Was the spoil divided equally between those that went down to battle with David, and those that tarried by the stuff? 1 Sam. 30.

7. In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, did those that wrought one hour share equally with those that labored the entire day? Matt. 20.

ML-02/03/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 25:11-46

THE LORD has told us in Matthew 24:14 that the “gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” This will be after the Church has been caught up to heaven. Those who will carry this message to all the world will be the faithful servants of Christ from among the Jews. The gospel of the kingdom that they proclaim will not be the gospel of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which tells of an accomplished redemption. But it will announce to all the world that the King is coming to set up His kingdom, that He is about to crush the serpent’s head and to take His great power and reign.

We can see how contrary is the course of this world to the purposes of God with respect to His beloved Son. Satan, the Beast, and the men of this world, who want the earth for themselves, will be set to oppose any interference from God with their schemes. But “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision...” Psa. 2:4. Yet the tidings of the coming kingdom will bring upon the Lord’s messengers such fierce persecution, that those who dare to show them even the smallest ordinary kindnesses will do so at the risk of their lives.

Now in our chapter, from verse 31 to the end, we have the judgment of those living nations to whom this gospel of the kingdom has been sent.

“When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations.” Here it tells us that the holy angels will be with Christ when He sits in judgment, while elsewhere we learn that His saints shall also accompany Him when He comes from heaven (2 Thess. 1:10; 2:1). During this present interval of grace, the Lord is in heaven sitting upon the Father’s throne, but in that day He will sit upon His own throne, for all things in heaven and earth shall be put under Him.

The solemn judgment scene before us is on earth. The judgment of the wicked dead at the great white throne, one thousand years later, will be in heaven (Rev. 20:7-15). It is not a question of a general judgment, as many believe, but the living nations are judged according to how they treated the messengers of the gospel of the kingdom. It is of this only that they give an account to the judge.

There are three classes spoken of here — the sheep, those who received the messengers kindly; the goats, those who did not; and the brethren of the Judge, the messengers themselves. The sheep are set on the King’s right hand and He says to them: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” The sheep do not pretend to have shown any kindness to the King personally, but all that they had done to His messengers He takes as done to Himself. He credits them as having received Him.

The goats on the other hand, those who had rejected the messengers are set on the King’s left, and He tells them, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” They might only have shown indifference to the messengers or they might have rejected them outright, but the King takes it as having been done unto Himself. We can see from this that even now it is a solemn thing to hear the message of God’s love and grace and to turn from it.

ML-02/03/1963

"All Aboard!"

NOT MANY years ago a man and his wife, with their one little boy, left their native land in Northern Europe, and sailed away off to America. They were very poor, and settled on the prairies in one of the Western States. Here the father took up land, and toiled so hard to get a home that he soon was taken sick and died.

Left alone with her boy, the poor mother worked and worried on till she too fell sick and died of a broken heart. Then everything was sold to pay their debts, and the little Scandinavian boy was left friendless and without a penny. Oh, how sad he felt! He was too small to work and earn his board, so no one cared to take him in. Winter was coming on, too, and where to go or what to do he did not know.

He had an uncle in Chicago who would take him in but Chicago was a great way off. He could not walk that distance, and he could not travel by the railway either, as he had no money for a ticket.

One day, as he was standing by the little country railway station, the eastbound train pulled in, and stopped to let off and take on passengers.

“That’s the train for Chicago,” he heard someone say.

“Chicago,” thought he to himself; “why, that’s just where I want to go. If I only had a ticket now I would soon reach Uncle’s.” But wishing for a ticket would not bring him one, so with a heavy heart he turned to go away.

Just then, however, the conductor shouted, “All aboard!”

“Why, he’s telling everybody to get on,” said the little fellow to himself. Yet he feared to go on board without a ticket. But as he stood undecided what to do the conductor cried again, “All aboard!”

“There,” thought he, “he said it again, and I’ll just do as he says"; so on the train he jumped just as it was moving off, and took his seat among the passengers.

Now there are many children who would like to go to heaven. They know that if they do not get there they must perish. But, like our little orphan boy, they have no ticket; they are sinful, and so have no title to be there. Like him, too, they cannot earn one by their works, for they have no strength to keep the holy law of God.

But Jesus says, I am the way to heaven. He died and His precious blood was shed, and thus He became the way to God and glory. And He is the only way to escape from wrath to come.

All must trust in Him. God’s invitation in the gospel is for “whosoever.” That means all. God’s faithful servants (like conductors on the railways) cry to bankrupt, helpless sinners, “All aboard!” Just believe the message, and step out in faith on Christ. Trust Him; get aboard at once. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

When the train had started the Conductor came into the car collecting fares, and crying, “Tickets!” Soon he reached the little Scandinavian boy, and asked him for his ticket.

“Oh,” said he, “I have no ticket.” “Pay your fare in money, then,” said the conductor.

“I have no money either,” said the boy.

“What did you get on the train for, then?” asked the conductor angrily.

“Because you told me to,” he answered.

“I guess not,” said the conductor, “and you get right off at the next station, and keep off.”

Ah, how the little fellow cried with disappointment. At the next stop he got off, and with tearful eyes stood watching the passengers getting on with their tickets in their hands.

“All aboard!” suddenly cried the conductor.

“There!” said he, “he is telling everybody to get on, and he must mean me.”

“All aboard!” rang out again, and once more the lad stepped on the train as it was moving off.

The conductor soon came round again to take up tickets. He frowned as his eye fell on the trembling form of our little friend. “Where’s your ticket?” he asked sharply.

He was very angry when he saw that he had no ticket again.

“You little cheat, you! Didn’t I tell you to get off, and to stay off?”

“Yes,” sobbed the poor little fellow, “but you told me to get on again.”

“I told you to get on again? When?”

“Didn’t you say ‘All aboard’ twice, and didn’t you mean me?”

“Oh, I see,” said the conductor in a more kindly tone. “But where do you want to go, anyway?”

His sad story was soon told. The big conductor’s eyes moistened with tears as he listened.

“You shall have a free ride to Chicago,” he said, “if I have to pay your fare myself.”

And so the little Scandinavian boy reached his uncle’s safely after all.

God in His gospel says, “All aboard!” and He means it. He does not say one thing and mean another, like the railway conductor. And He never frowns on boys and girls who take Him at His word. But He does give them a free passage to heaven. Jesus paid the fare in blood. God accepts the fare; and all who trust in Jesus safely reach the Father’s house on high.

ML-02/10/1963

A Baby and the Snake

IN INDIA there was a little baby whose parents were Christians. Once they were, as thousands still are in that country, worshipers of idols, but they heard of Jesus the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners, and believing on Him, they were saved. Their little baby girl, who was not able to walk, had crept into the yard, and had been amusing herself for some time. When the mother looked out, she saw to her horror, that the child had hold of a snake. What was she to do? If she ran forward to grasp it, it would surely bite the child, and its bite would be death. She knelt down and prayed to God to keep the child from being bitten by the snake.

As she rose from prayer, a tame cat came into the yard, and the child seeing the “pussy,” threw away the snake, and began to stroke the cat.

The story of this little child has its lessons for boys and girls everywhere. Sin is like that poisonous snake, it will bite at the end.

“Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1: 15.

But when Christ is received into the heart, sin loses its power to charm. The heart has something better, pleasures that leave no sting, that do not wither, even pleasures for evermore.

If you do not know Jesus, you do not yet know what true pleasure is.

The mother at once seized the child, and hurried from the place of danger, with a thankful heart to the Lord for protecting her dear child, and delivering it from the attractive power of harm. She let go the deadly snake when a new and much happier object met her eye. The snake ceased to charm; it had lost its power.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” Eph. 3:17.

ML-02/10/1963

The Japanese Boy's Difficulty

A NATIVE JAPANESE gospel preacher tells of his experiences as a boy of only ten. This is his story: “It was when I was ten years of age that for the first time I began to realize the fact of death. I remember waking in the middle of the night and sitting up in bed. I began to think of death. I saw in imagination that I was lying dead in a coffin, and then buried. It was so dark. I could not cry, though my young mind agonized beyond all endurance.

“The thought that came to my heart was that the only one able to help must be some supernatural being, and I began to think about the gods. I counted them up one after the other; but they were almost numberless. I sought for what I thought was the highest of them all. I did not know who he was, or what I could do. But I was in dead earnest, and I wanted someone to help me, and so I cried aloud: ‘Help me, O God; I am so helpless!’

“On going to school the next day I asked my teacher who the god was that I had worshiped. He said he was one of the ancient heroes, a great man who was long since dead and buried. Oh, the disappointment when I realized that I was only praying for help to one who was himself dead and buried! I knew that I needed more than a dead man to help me. So the days went on into months and years.

“My father used to talk to us about ‘heaven,’ as he was a disciple of Confucius, so I used to go out into the garden and look up into the sky. I thought, ‘if I cried to the heavens, to the blue sky, is it possible that they will answer?’ "

I am glad to tell you that our story does not end here, for God never leaves a seeking soul in the dark. His Word tells us, “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13.

It was not long afterward that our Japanese friend heard the wonderful story of God’s love to poor sinners, and of the Lord Jesus who came down here to save everyone who comes to Him by faith. Our friend is now a preacher of the Gospel and loves to tell to others of the Saviour he has found.

Has my reader found the Saviour too?

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

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

Memory Verse: “BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTH IN THE LORD, AND WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS.” Jer. 17:7.

ML-02/10/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 26:1-17

WE NOW come to the closing scenes of our Lord’s life on earth. He had left Jerusalem and, sitting down upon the mount of Olives, He had told His disciples of the judgment of the latter days and of His coming as the Son of man. Having finished all these sayings, He now recalls their attention and their thoughts to the solemn hour that was approaching — the hour of His sufferings and His cross.

“Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” This is what the passover would mean to Him. The chief priests, the elders and scribes — the great and wise of this world — had already decided on His death, but they said, “Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.” " The people, who in vast numbers had enjoyed the effects of His power and goodness, might stir up a tumult if the authorities attempted to get rid of Jesus in a violent and unjust manner. Hover, man’s heart was thoroughly wicked for when the time for Him to die actually came, the only tumult that was raised was the cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.”

We know that it was in the counsels of God that His beloved Son should die at this time as the true Lamb of God. The priests might take precautions to avoid having the deed carried out on that day, but God dioses of their plans and uses their very plots to accomplish His purpose. How wonderful, beyond all thought! that God should use the occasion of man’s awful wickedness at the cross, where they nailed His Son, to triumph over man’s sin and Satan’s power, and to open up the way whereby the glory of His grace could shine out to a lost guilty world. For “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Rom. 5:20. The cross is the measure and the pledge of God’s love to man. “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.

We now return to Bethany where the Lord with His disciples was found in the house of Simon the leper. “There came unto Him a woman hang an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head, as He sat at meat.” We learn from John’s Gospel that this was Mary of Bethany, and that the box of ointment could have been sold for three hundred pence. How vast the difference between Mary’s estimate of Jesus and the value the chief priests and elders put upon Him when they bargained with Judas to sell Him to them for a mean thirty pieces of silver — the price of a mere slave was enough for the despised Lord of all.

The disciples recognize the cost of the ointment and even they consider it a waste to use it in such a manner. But the Lord vindicates Mary and though she might not know what was to take place, nevertheless He credits her with anointing Him for His burial. They would have the poor always with them, but they would not always have Him, and what she had done would be told out in the gospel bore the world.

Judas leaves this solemn scene and goes to the chief priests with whom he agrees to sell the Lord. He had been with His blessed Master for a long time and had witnessed His acts of power and grace, yet he was a false disciple. His heart never had been touched in any way by the Lord’s goodness. Instead it had become hardened. He is a solemn instance of how far one might be under the influence and power of the gospel, and yet become an apostate.

ML-02/10/1963

The Story of a Kerry Boy

As told by Mr. J. N. Darby

YEARS AGO I was asked to see a poor boy who was dying in a lonely district in Ireland.

After walking wearily for about an hour (for the roads in some places led over steep hills), I entered the little cabin and looked around. At first I found no sign of any inhabitant, except an old woman who sat crouching over the embers of a peat fire. She rose as I entered, and with the natural courtesy of the Irish poor, offered me the low chair or rather stool on which she had been seated.

I thanked her, and passing on to the object of my visit, discovered in one corner of the hut a heap of straw on which lay the poor sufferer.

I approached, and saw a young boy about seventeen years of age evidently in a state of extreme suffering and exhaustion, and it was to be feared in the last stage of consumption. His eyes were closed, but he opened them on my approach and stared at me with a kind of wild wonder, like a frightened animal.

I told him as quietly as possible who I was, and for what purpose I had come, and put a few of the simplest questions to him respecting his hope of salvation. He answered nothing, he appeared totally unconscious of my meaning.

On pressing him further, and speaking to him kindly and affectionately, he looked up, and I learned from the few words he uttered that he had heard something of a God and future judgment, but he had never been taught to read. The Holy Scriptures were a sealed book to him, and he was therefore altogether ignorant of the way of salvation as revealed to us in the gospel. His mind on this subject was an utter blank.

I was silent for a few moments while engaged in inward prayer and gazing with deep anxiety oh the sad object before me. It struck me that I ought to try to discover how far his intelligence in other things went, and whether there might not be some hope of his understanding me when I should begin to open to him the gospel message of salvation. I looked down upon him with an eye of pity, which I most sincerely felt, and I thought he observed that compassionate look, for he softened towards me as I said: “My poor boy, you are very ill. I fear you suffer a great deal!”

“Yes, I have a bad cold; the cough takes my breath away and hurts me greatly.”

“Have you had this cough long?” I asked.

“Oh, yes, a long time; nearly a year now.”

“And how did you catch it? A Kerry boy, I should have thought, would have been reared hardily and accustomed to this sharp air!”

“Ah,” he answered, “and so I was until that terrible night. It was about this time last year when one of the sheep went astray. My father keeps a few sheep upon the mountains and this is the way we live. When he counted them that night there was one wanting, and he sent me to look for it.”

“No doubt,” I replied, “you felt the change from the warmth of the peat fire in this close little hut, to the cold mountain blast.”

“Oh! that I did; there was snow upon the ground, and the wind pierced me through. But I did not mind it much, as I was so anxious to find father’s sheep.”

“And did you find it?” I asked with increased interest.

“Oh, yes, I had a long weary way to go, but I never stopped until I found it.”

“And how did you get it home? You had trouble enough with that too, I expect. Was it willing to follow you back?”

“Well, I did not like to trust it, and besides, it was dead beat and tired. So I laid it on my shoulders and carried it home that way.”

“And were they not all at home rejoiced to see you when you returned with the sheep?”

“Sure enough, and that they were,” he replied. “Father and mother, and the people around that heard of our loss, all came in the next morning to ask about the sheep, for the neighbors in these matters are mighty kind to each other. Sorry they were, too, to hear that I was kept out the whole dark night. It was morning before I got home, and the end of it was I caught this cold. Mother says I will never be better now; God knows best, Anyways, I did my best to save the sheep.”

Wonderful! I thought, here is the whole gospel history. The sheep is lost, the father sends his son to seek for and recover it. The son goes willingly, suffers all without complaining, and in the end sacrifices his life to find the sheep, and when found, he carries it home on his shoulders to the flock, and rejoices with his friends and neighbors over the sheep which was lost, but is found again.

I explained to this poor dying boy the plan of salvation, making use of his own simple and affecting story. I read to him the few verses in Luke 15, where the care of the shepherd for the strayed sheep is so beautifully expressed, and he at once perceived the likeness, and followed me with deep interest while I explained to him the full meaning of the parable.

The Lord mercifully opened not only his understanding, but his heart also, to receive the things spoken. He himself was the lost sheep, Jesus Christ the good Shepherd, who was sent by the Father to seek for him, and who left all the joys of that Father’s heavenly glory to come down to earth and search for him and other lost ones like himself. Just as the poor boy had borne without murmuring the freezing snowstorm and piercing wind, so has the blessed Saviour endured the fierce contradictions of sinners against Himself, and the bitter scorn and insults heaped upon Him, without opening His mouth to utter one word of complaint, and at last laid down His precious life, that we might be rescued from destruction and brought safe to our everlasting home. Neither will He trust His beloved ones, when rescued, to tread the perilous path alone, but bears them on His shoulders rejoicing to the heavenly fold.

My poor sick lad seemed to drink it all in. He received it all; he understood it all. I never saw a clearer proof of the power of the divine Spirit to apply the word of God.

He lived only a few days after our first meeting. I had no time to read or explain to him any other portion of the Scriptures. At times we could hear nothing but stifling cough. At times he slept heavily for a little, but whenever he was able to think and listen, these verses in Luke 15 satisfied and cheered him. He accepted Christ as his Saviour, he earnestly prayed to be carried home like the lost sheep in the heavenly Shepherd’s arms. He died humbly, peacefully, almost triumphantly, with the name of Jesus, my Saviour and my Shepherd, the last upon his lips.

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

ML-02/17/1963

How God Used a Little Boy

YEARS AGO a man who lived among the pines in the forests of Michigan, became seriously ill, and went by train to town to see a doctor. On his way home, while waiting in the station for his train, he chatted with another traveler to whom he told the reason for his journey. The doctor had said he could only live a few months longer.

“How do you feel about dying?” asked his companion. “Have you thought about what is coming after death?”

“Oh,” said the sick man, “I do not fear death.”

“Why?” asked the other.

The sick man then told him how it had come about: it is a short but beautiful story of faith in the holy Word of God.

He had lived all his life among the pines. Neither he nor his wife could read; they had seldom heard a sermon, and although they knew what the Bible is, they did not own one.

Their little boy had gone to school one winter and had learned to read.

One day he met a man on the road who spoke to him and gave him a Testament. It followed that at night, when the day’s work was done, and while all sat around the fire, the boy used to read to his father and mother. One night he read from 1 Timothy 1 until he came to verse 15: “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.”

“Stop!” said the father. “Wife, listen to that! We are sinners and Christ Jesus came into the world to save us. Isn’t that good?”

“Yes,” said his wife; “that is good. Let us thank God for it.”

And in their humble cabin, on their knees before God, they thanked Him for His great gift, which in simple faith they had just accepted.

“And,” said the sick man, in telling the story, “why should I be afraid to die, when Christ Jesus has saved me?”

So the little boy was a link in the chain of blessing in that home. It was a joyful message which fell on the ears of those repentant sinners and they received it with joy. Reader, have you received this same joyful message and believed it?

ML-02/17/1963

"I Beheld the Lamb of God"

A DEAR little girl in our Sunday school was converted, while one of the teachers was giving a five minutes’ address at the close of the lesson, from the precious text, “Behold the Lamb of God.”

I saw Nellie’s face beamed with a new joy, and asked,

“Are you saved, Nellie?”

“Yes,” she said, “Six weeks ago.” “How was that?” I asked.

“I beheld the Lamb of God, dying for me upon the Cross. I believed He took my sins away by His death, and I have been peaceful and happy ever since.”

So little Nellie might be. So will you if you

“Behold the Lamb of God.” John 1:36.

ML-02/17/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 26:17-30

THE FIRST day of the feast of unleavened bread had now come and the disciples ask the Lord, “Where wilt Thou that we prepare for Thee to eat the passover?” He instructs them to go into the city to such a man and to say to him, “The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover with My disciples.” It is noticeable that the Lord acts as the One who has authority over the place. In Mark He speaks of it as His guest-chamber. He might be rejected, yet He speaks with the calm dignity of One conscious of who He was — the rightful Messiah and Lord of all.

When the evening comes, He sits down with the twelve. Now He tells them of the deep grief of His heart. “Verily I say unto you,” He says, “that one of you shall betray Me.” His sorrow draws out the grief in the hearts of the disciples and they begin to ask, “Lord is it I?” Judas hears his own doom when the Lord answers, “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish... it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” Then, afraid that he might be detected if he kept silent, Judas also asks, “Master, is it I?” and the Lord tells him, “Thou hast said.”

At the close of the passover supper, the Lord institutes that which later the apostle speaks of as the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:20).

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” The Lord well knew that Satan would enter into Judas to betray Him, that the leaders were plotting His death, that the multitudes whom He had healed and fed would turn against Him, that His own disciples would flee and leave Him alone. Yet nothing could stop the outflow of His love. His heart was filled with thoughts of infinite love for His own, and for man, of which these memorials of His death so simply speak.

How precious to us now that He should say, “this is My blood.. . which is shed for many.” It was in those purposes of love that we, who were outside Israel, sinners of the Gentiles, should come under the blessing of the new covenant, for in Him “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph. 1:7.

Then the Lord tells them, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” A Nazarite must not drink wine nor strong drink (Numb. 6:1-21). Here the Lord sets Himself apart as the true Nazarite. If He must give up the companionship of His disciples, it is that He might accomplish their redemption. Now He waits, and we wait too, to renew it in better and brighter scenes above—in His Father’s kingdom.

After the supper they sang a hymn together, and then they went out to the mount of Olives, where the Lord was wont to resort.

ML-02/17/1963

The Runaway

MY MOTHER died when I was about ten years old and about two years later, my father married again — to a lady who had been a great friend of my mother’s. I had no reason to dislike this kind lady, but for some reason, I objected to her and made myself as disagreeable as possible. My new mother did all she could by kindness and gentleness to win me to her, but I would have none of it, and at last my father decided to send me to a boarding school.

I was not long at this school before I decided to run away. I did not like the studies and I rebelled at the strict rules. Dear young friends, to run away from trouble is not the right way. If I had only gone to the Lord Jesus and confessed to Him my rebellion and naughty ways, He would have been ready to forgive and then to help me. But I didn’t think of turning to Him, but thought only of myself and my imagined wrongs.

Soon after this a circus came to town and we boys were all excited and determined to see the animals perform. Then the thought came to me; why not join the circus and work my way to Buffalo? I had a cousin there and he would find work for me. I could support myself and live as I pleased.

And so it came to pass that I began to work for the circus and traveled from place to place. About three months after I joined the circus, I heard some men discussing a boy who had run away from the very school where I had been. I knew they were talking about me, and I heard the men say my father had offered a reward to anyone who could tell him where I was to be found.

The men were all eating their supper, so I slipped out and ran off once more. Reaching a canal, I saw the lights of a slowly moving boat and hailed the man at the stern. He made no answer at first, but presently brought the boat alongside and took me aboard.

Now indeed, my troubles began. The captain was a brutal, ungodly man who was very hard on me, beating me when he thought I should have done more work than I did, or when I was not fast enough to suit him. He boxed my ears at the least offense and showed me no mercy whatsoever. Truly “the way of transgressors is hard.” Prov. 13:15. And I had to learn it to my sorrow.

I determined once more to run away, but the captain watched me closely and I was as miserable as any boy could be.

One evening I was walking by the canal when I heard the sound of singing. It brought back to me all the scenes of home and my family, and I burst into tears. At this moment a kind voice behind me said, “What’s the matter, my boy?” Turning around I met the kind eyes of the captain of one of the other boats.

I told him the whole story — how I had run away from home and how unhappy I was. I begged him to send word to my father. He promised, but before he left me, my new friend said, “You have done very wrong, but do not despair. Remember the prodigal son. Return to God and He will receive you back, as the father did the prodigal. He can hear you here by the canal, and He will, too, if you will seek Him truly.” Then he jumped aboard his boat and was gone.

The captain of our boat questioned me about what I had been telling my kind friend, but I told him only that he had given me some bread as I was so hungry. I crept away to bed as soon as I could, but not to sleep. My thoughts had been turned to God forgotten and sinned against by me. I repeated to myself the parable of the prodigal son, long since learned by heart. I confessed my sins and sought earnestly for forgiveness and a wonderful peace and quietness came into my heart. I was so glad the verse said, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from ALL sin.” John 1:7.

All the next day my head and limbs ached terribly and I could hardly sit up, but I was happier than I had been for many a day. I believed that I was going to be very sick and I thought that I should probably die. Oh! how earnestly I prayed that I might be spared to see my dear father once more, if it were only long enough to beg his forgiveness. By the time we reached Rochester I was very ill, though the captain forced me to work. I tried hard, but fell, and rolled into the water.

A man who saw me fall, instantly jumped in after me and brought me to shore. I was ill enough after that, and unconscious part of the time, so that I did not know where I was. But when I recovered my senses, I found myself in a hospital and saw a lady sitting by my bed. As I looked at her I gradually realized who she was!

“Mother,” I said, “Is that you?” It was the first time I had ever called her Mother.

She was very kind and good to me, and when my father came to see me, I remember how sad it made me to see how old and worn he looked. He freely forgave me and when I was well enough, he took me home with him. My stepmother was so good to me, that I wondered how I could have disliked her.

When I grew up, I gave my life to preaching the gospel and the first time I preached, I took for my sermon, the prodigal son.

How much sorrow I would have saved myself if I had only submitted to my parents. God’s Word says, “Children, obey your parents,” and “Honor thy father and mother... that it may be well with thee.” Surely it is best to obey God’s Word always, rather than to follow our own willful ways.

ML-02/24/1963

Reggie's and Marion's Conversion

A LITTLE BOY, eight years old, was going home one night from the gospel preaching where he had heard his father telling out the old, old story of God’s love to sinners.

“Daddy,” said the boy with warmth of feeling, “I understood every word of what you said tonight.”

“Is that so, Reggie?” returned his father. “Well, if you understand all about the gospel so well, when are you going to trust the Lord Jesus for yourself?”

His father was hardly prepared for the answer he got to his question, for Reggie, though familiar with Bible stories and especially with the sweet story of the death of Jesus, had never shown any sign that he had taken Him as his Saviour, or indeed that he had felt any need of Him. Sometimes if he heard of somebody’s death, he would look up and ask somewhat nervously, “Was he a Christian, Mother?” He would seem relieved if the answer was “Yes.” So Reggie’s parents knew that he sometimes had serious moments thinking about death, and what is far more terrible, what comes after death. We read in Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

“I have trusted Him already, Daddy,” said Reggie.

“Have you? When and how did that come about?” asked his father.

“The first Thursday after I went back to school. I thought it all over, and in bed that night I trusted Jesus,” replied Reggie.

What glad news for his father! He seemed satisfied that Reggie’s words were the result of real trust in the Lord Jesus, so he said: “Would you like to write the date on which you trusted the Saviour in your Bible?”

By this time they had reached home. Reggie was all eagerness to get his Bible and a calendar to make sure of the date. At this moment in came Reggie’s sister, Marion, who was a year older than he. “What are you writing in Reggie’s Bible, Daddy?” she asked.

“The day on which Reggie trusted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour,” he replied.

Up until that moment Marion had been a merry young girl, but those few words seemed to have a staggering effect on her. A pause followed. Then her father said: “Marion, I am afraid you have let Reggie trust the Lord before you have. Is that so?”

“Yes,” answered Marion with a sob.

“Oh, Marion, do trust Jesus tight,” urged Reggie. “Do it all alone when you are in bed, as I did.” It was deeply interesting to see his earnestness as he pleaded for the first time with his sister. Nor did he plead in vain.

Marion ate her supper in silence, looking the picture of misery. Reggie finished first and went joyfully to bed. Then his sister finished her meal and came up to her father to say good night. He kissed her saying, “Now run off to bed. That’s the best place for little, girls at this hour.”

Marion stood rooted to the spot, the look of misery deepening on her face. Then Daddy put his arm around his daughter and gently said, “Does my little girl want to trust Jesus tonight?”

“Yes,” she sobbed out and the burst of tears came. “I have been miserable for a long time.”

Then both children by their beds knelt before God, and with many tears they spoke to Him. What they said we do not know, but it was sweet to read the letters they wrote to Grandmother the next day.

Marion wrote: “I asked Jesus to wash away my sins, and He has done it, and made me ever so happy.” What a sweet confession!

Reggie wound up his letter by sang, “He has saved me.”

Memory Verse: “FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” Rom. 6:23.

ML-02/24/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 26:31-46

ON THE way to the mount of Olives the Lord warned His disciples that that night they would all forsake Him, for it is written in Zachariah 13, “I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Nevertheless, after He was risen, He would go bore them into Galilee, the place where He had labored so much among the poor of His people.

Peter had not yet learned his lesson that he could not trust his own heart, for he said to the Lord, “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.” The other disciples expressed themselves likewise. But poor Peter had to learn through bitter experience that his love for the Saviour would never keep him, but only the Saviour’s love for him. The Lord told him, “this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”

Then they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane where He left His other disciples and took with Him Peter, James and John, the same three who had been privileged to be with Him and to see His glory on the mount of transfiguration. They were now to be witnesses of His humiliation. He ban to be sorrowful and very heavy. “Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”

Going a little farther He fell on His face in His earnestness and prayed, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” The Lord underwent the awful anticipation of the cross, what it would mean for Him who knew no sin to take upon His holy soul our load of sin, and to be made sin for us. He felt the awful pressure on His soul of death as the power of Satan. He was perfect in shrinking from such a judgment, and yet He was perfect in submitting to the Father’s will, for it was His will that His beloved Son should drink that cup. Surely our hearts ought to be bowed in worship and thanksgiving before Him who underwent all this agony for us, who took our place and bore the judgment that we deserved, that He might set us free to serve Him down here and to be with Him above forever!

“And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep.” They went to sleep on the mount of transfiguration, and they go to sleep here in the garden. Such we are. Nature, the flesh, appreciates neither the glory of Christ nor His humiliation. He “saith unto Peter, What could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The Lord sets the perfect example for them. He watched, and prayed, and entered not into temptation, though tempted as none other ever was.

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O, My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” When He came back He found the disciples asleep again. He went away the third time and prayed, saying the same words, and coming to His disciples He said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” The time of their watchfulness was now over. The hour of His betrayal had come, as the traitor drew near.

ML-02/24/1963

The Conversion of a Thief

SEVERAL YEARS ago the chaplain of the prison in Kushiro, Jan, noticed that one of the prisoners had a New Testament, and although he could not read, he carried it always with him. This surprised Mr. Hara, the chaplain, and he asked the prisoner how he happened to have the book. The man replied, “I care a great deal about it. I am a sinner, but this book will keep me from sinning.”

He went on to tell how he had spent the greater part of his life in doing evil. For one thing, he was a burglar.

One day he arranged with a companion to rob the missionary school in Yokohama. They were to enter the girls’ dormitory and take all the clothes and money they could find.

On the first dark night they entered the building by a kitchen window and went upstairs. As they went, Maki this was his name — heard voices.

“What is that?” he quietly asked his companion, thinking they had been discovered.

“It is somebody praying,” he laughingly replied. “They are afraid, and are asking God to protect them.”

Soon they saw one of the girls on her knees, praying. In their boldness they grasped her coat but the young girl looked up and calmly said, “Please don’t steal my coat; my mother made it and sent it to me. Please take this book instead and read it.”

She offered them a small book but they threw it aside. Then in fear of being caught they quickly left and went their ways.

For three days Maki stayed indoors. At last he ventured out to visit his partner in his home. Arriving there he was surprised by a policeman who was waiting to arrest him. His friend was already in jail and the police were watching for Maki.

The next day he was brought bore the chief of police in the presence of some of the girls from the missionary school.

“Do you recognize this?” he was asked as they showed him the little book he had scorned the night of the robbery. “These girls heard of your arrest and they have brought the book to offer it to you again. You are guilty of burglary and must go to prison. But this book will lead you to repentance before God. These girls are Christians and they treat their enemies with kindness.”

Maki accepted the book and thanked the girls. But he knew nothing of Jesus. He did not know that He teaches us to do good to everyone, to give rather than to steal. The convicted thief went to prison, taking the New Testament with him.

When Mr. Hara had heard Maki’s story, he told him about the Saviour’s love for sinners. Maki knew he was a lost sinner and that he must stand before a holy God to be judged. But now he knew that that same God had provided a way of salvation. Maki accepted God’s offer and was saved. With Mr. Hara’s help he learned to read his Testament by himself.

“Come now, and let us reason tether, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML-03/03/1963

Jean

A DOCTOR passing through the ward of a hospital, noticed a little boy with a very sad face lying in one of the beds. He was far from his home, and could not speak a word of English, or understand what the nurses said to him, but the doctor could speak French. Delighted at hearing his own language, the boy sat up, and clasping the doctor’s hand, felt he had found a friend.

“Do you think I shall soon be well doctor?” asked little Jean — for that was his name — anxiously.

“Well, Jean, I cannot say, but I’m sure everything will be done for you here to make you well,” said the door tenderly. “But what if you do not recover, Jean, where do you think you will go after you leave this world?”

The boy shook his head, he had not evidently thought of that. So the doctor, who loved the Lord, and sought to tell others, told Jean of the love of Jesus, in coming down to earth to die, that he might be saved and go to heaven. The boy drank in the truth, and when the doctor asked, “Do you think you can trust yourself to such a Saviour, Jean?”

“Yes,” said the boy, “for He so loves me.”

Day after day the doctor sat by the little patient’s bed, and told him more of Jesus. Jean did not die, but got better, and returned to his homeland to tell his friends and companions, of the wonderful love of Jesus.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.

ML-03/03/1963

What Peter's Bible Texts Did

YOU CAN do nothing with John Klug,” said a member of a Temperance Band to his comrade. “I assure you we have done everything we could.” The comrade was only a workman, but he had a heart full of love for his Saviour, and for immortal souls. He prayed much for poor John Klug, and at last the Lord gave him a plan.

Every day he wrote a text from the Bible on a slip of paper, which he shoved under the door of John Klug’s house, as he passed in the mornings to his work.

Four months later the neighbors were telling each other that John Klug, the drunkard, was converted. He had become quite a different man, and no longer drank, and all, through some slips of paper that somebody had shoved under his door and which he had read. He had told someone that he could not get away from these Bible texts; he could never get them out of his mind, and at last they had led him direct to Christ.

His neighbors puzzled themselves about the change that had come over him; but the word of God always works wonders such as this, where it is accepted; for the Lord has promised that His word shall not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases and prosper in the thing whereto He sends it. Isaiah 55:11.

ML-03/03/1963

The Many Mansions

I WAS once spending the afternoon I with the children of a Sunday school. One of the girls had asked me to come and speak to them about Jesus. I was glad I went, and I will tell you why presently.

I gave them a simple address about the love of Jesus. A great many bright faces were turned towards me while I spoke, but I little thought that there were two present that I should never see again.

One of these was Fanny, who had asked me to come. She knew me very well, because I used to live next door to her.

I believe the good Shepherd was gently drawing her heart to Himself.

A day or two Afterward she was taken suddenly ill, but before she passed away, she was able to speak of the love of Jesus, and of being washed in His precious blood.

When she saw her father and mother crying, she begged they would not weep for her. As she drew near her end she cried, “O, how beautiful!” “Mamma, the walls are all jasper!”

Then she said, “Jesus has done it all,” and asked a friend to read John 14, about the mansions Jesus went to prepare, and soon after this, she went to be with Jesus in those very mansions.

ML-03/03/1963

Ready

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

The apostle Paul could say (2 Timothy 4:6), “I am now ready to be offered,” etc.

Can the reader say, “I am now ready"?

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

ML-03/03/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 26:47-68

THE LORD had been practically alone in the Garden of Gethsemane for even his disciples had slept while He prayed. If He had looked for someone to watch with Him, it was to feel that there was none. But He had gone through all with His Father as to His path and it was a settled thing. The time had now come that the Son of man should be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

“And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves,...” Here man and the blessed Lord are again in contrast. The Lord could have disappeared in the darkness, after having warned His disciples, but He hadn’t come for that. He must be the obedient and submissive victim, the lamb led to the slaughter (Isa. 53:7), the perfect sacrifice for sin, in order to make atonement and to lay down His life for the sheep. It was His perfect love that held Him fast. On the other hand unhappy wretched Judas comes and betrays His Master by that very act which expresses intimacy and love. “He came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master; and he kissed Him.” What a terrible thing it was to betray the Son of God and Lord of glory! Yet even in that awful hour the calmness and dignity of the blessed Lord shines above all, and His only answer to the deceit of Judas was “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”

Then they lay hands on Jesus and take Him away. And here one of those with Him draws his sword and strikes a servant of the high priest, and cuts off his ear. From the other gospels we learn that it was Peter who struck the blow and that the Lord healed the wounded man. The Lord commands His disciple to put up his sword, sang, “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”

The Lord’s words to the multitudes only showed His tenderness and compassion towards them. “Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take Me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on Me.” They were led by others, but they would not have been led thus if they themselves were not far from God. At this point the disciples forsake their Master and flee. They save themselves, leaving the Lord in the hands of His captors.

They lead Jesus away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders were assembled, awaiting His capture. All was prepared. Peter follows afar off and going in to the high priest’s palace he sits with the servants to see the end. The chief priests, the elders and all the council sought false witness against Jesus to put Him to death, but none could be found. At the last two came forward and declared that He had said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” But to all their charges the Lord was silent.

However, when the high priest turns and adjures Him to answer if He be the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God, He could not be silent. He at once answers that He was, for He must confess to the truth of His Peon. “Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” They would only see Him coming in power and glory for judgment. The Lord was condemned for the truth that He confessed. “Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him.” He was again the Victim of insult and outrage.

ML-03/03/1963

The Lonely Thanksgiving

MARY BOLT was twelve years old. She lived with her parents in a lonely part of the country called Bolt’s Hill. She had had two brothers. The older brother, David, had gone to sea before Mary was born. He had come home two or three times since she could remember, and had always brought her and her mother beautiful presents. But he had not been home for ten years. His ship had been lost, but David was not among the sailors who had been saved. Everyone but Mary believed he had been drowned, but Mary could not think so. She always prayed for him that God would keep him safely, wherever he was.

The older brother, John, had been injured by the fall of a tree he was cutting down, and after a few months, he died. But Mary could remember the talks she had had with him, as he lay on his bed in the little room opening off the kitchen. John was trusting in the Lord Jesus, and Mary knew he was safe in heaven, never to suffer any more.

One November, the winter set in early, and very cold and stormy. The day before Thanksgiving, Mrs. Bolt said to Mary, “Now, Mary, you are to be housekeeper today. Your father and I are going to Rockville and we want you to stay at home, keep up the fire, and have a good supper for us when we come home.”

“It looks like snow,” said Captain Bolt, as he came in, “but it has looked that way for three or four days. There is plenty of wood in the shed for the fire, Mary.”

The father and mother went off and Mary washed the breakfast dishes, dusted the house and then sat down to her school work. And so the day passed away. Meanwhile it had bun to snow and presently big flakes came drifting down. Then the wind began to howl about the house and rattle the windows and to pile the snow in great drifts under the windows and along the fences. By night time, Mary realized her parents would never be able to get home through the storm. It was hard for her to think she would be alone all night, with only the faithful old dog, Bose, for company. But she brought out the big family Bible and read from Psalm 107, “His mercy endureth forever.” She knew the Lord was watching over her and would keep her safe in her loneliness.

She went into the shed and brought in plenty of wood, piling it on, to make a good fire. Then she sat down to read. The clock struck the hours six — seven — eight — nine — ten and still nobody came. No sound was heard outside but the shrill howling and deep roar of the wind and click of the snow as it was blown against the windows.

“There is no use in sitting up any longer,” Mary said to herself. “I’ll go to bed I guess.” So she knelt down, asking earnestly that her dear father and mother might be kept safe. As she prayed, she felt that the Lord Jesus was very near to her. She remembered the words, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,” and “lo, I am with you always.” So she was comforted and slept well and long in the little bed.

When she woke, all was dark. She heard the clock striking and she counted up to eight, and then it stopped. What could it be? Was the clock wrong? She ran to the windows but could see nothing but snow. Upstairs it was the same, and then she realized, the house was buried in snow.

The first thing Mary did when she was dressed was to kneel down and commit herself to God’s care for the day. Then she went into the shed and brought in enough wood to last all day. As she did this, she heard a creaking sound, and looking up she saw some of the beams in the roof of the woodshed were bent with the weight of the snow. So she brought in a great supply, just to be sure. As she went again, Bose stood in the way and growled when she tried to push past him. At that moment, the roof fell in with a great crash! Mary felt how good the Lord had been to her in saving her life, and she thanked Him from the bottom of her heart. “Oh,” thought Mary, “I never knew before, how good it is to trust in God.”

The second day passed slowly. Mary read her books, sang, and knit. She ate her meals and played with the dog and cat. That night she didn’t sleep as soundly as the night before. She kept waking, calling for her mother, and crying when she remembered she was alone and her mother far away. She would gladly have slept till noon, but that was impossible.

The third day passed slowly enough, but that day Mary made a discovery. She went up into the attic to see if there were any signs of the roof of the house falling in, and she found a tiny window near the roof where the sunshine came in! That was a welcome sight to the little girl. She knew at last that the storm was over. When she came downstairs again, Bose ban barking furiously and whining and scratching at the door. Mary listened carefully when she had quieted the dog and heard a muffled sound — it must be a sound of someone digging! She flew to the attic and piled one box on another. There was a long pole in the corner and she tied her apron to the end of it for a flag. Finding she could not open the window, she broke the glass and pushed the pole through, waving it about. Oh, joyful sound! Her signal was answered by a shout. She was saved!

It wasn’t very long till her rescuers burst open the farmhouse door, and Mary was in her father’s arms. And not only that, but the long lost sailor brother stepped forward to greet his little sister. He had been picked up from the wrecked ship by some natives and had lived with them on a remote island for five years, till a passing ship picked him up and brought him to America.

Oh what rejoicing there was in that home that day when the family, again united, poured out their hearts in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness and mercy to them. So ended Mary’s lonely Thanksgiving, with much thanksgiving.

“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.” Psa. 106:1.

ML-03/10/1963

Sweeter Than Candy

BILL WAS a young fellow who sold candy on the streets of Loon. He lived a wild kind of life, and did many wicked things. One day Bill was invited to a gospel meeting, and there for the first time he heard the story of God’s love. He heard how God had sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world and that whoever believes in Him shall be saved forever.

The young man’s heart was touched when he heard of that love and he realized what a bad life he had led. Then and there he accepted Jesus as his own Saviour.

Some time later when Bill was out selling his candy, a gentleman stepped up to buy some chocolates.

“Have you anything sweeter than this?” he asked.

“Perhaps some toffee would be sweeter,” Bill replied.

“But haven’t you something sweeter than toffee?”

“I don’t think so,” answered Bill.

Once more the gentleman asked a question. “But do you know the sweetest thing on earth?”

Bill’s face lit up with joy, for now he knew what the man meant.

“Yes, sir,” he replied. “Down at the gospel hall we sing,

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear.

It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

“The name of Jesus,” Bill went on, “is the sweetest sound and He Himself is sweet to me, for He is my Saviour.”

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34:8.

Memory Verse: “FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH.” Rom. 1:16.

ML-03/10/1963

Who Taught You to Swear?

AN AGED preacher was once ring in a cab. The driver, a fine looking young man, frequently swore. For some time the minister was silent. At length he asked, in a kind voice; “Will you tell me, my friend, who taught you to swear? Was it your mother?”

A tender point was touched. “My mother? No, sir! Why, my mother is a praying woman! It would break her heart if she heard me swearing,” he replied.

In loving words, the aged Christian pleaded with the driver, to honor, not only his mother’s teachings, but also the commands of his mother’s God.

“I thank you, sir,” said the young man; and during the remainder of the journey not another oath was heard.

How many of God’s people are as faithful as this aged preacher was?

“Be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort.” 2 Tim. 4:2.

ML-03/10/1963

Fragment

TO LIFT UP and comfort a sad and troubled heart — to lead a soul with a sin-burdened conscience to the Lord Jesus Christ — is a far greater and nobler work than to conquer a kingdom.

Jesus, when He left the sky,

And for sinners came to die,

In His mercy passed not by

Little ones like me.

Mothers then the Saviour sought,

In the places where He taught,

And to Him their children brought

Little ones like me.

Did the Saviour say them nay?

No; He kindly bade them stay

Suffered none to turn away

Little ones like me.

’Twas for them His life He gave,

To redeem them from the grave;

Jesus able is to save

Little ones like me.

ML-03/10/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 26:69-27:23

PETER, who had been so bold in declaring he was ready to go to prison and death with the Lord, now shows what feeble man is even when love is sincere. Before the world the flesh has no power, and poor Peter denies His blessed Master with oaths and curses. Still his heart was true and the Lord had prayed for him that his faith might not fail. The Lord’s look, so full of grace, broke him down and he went out and wept bitterly. But unlike Judas, his was not the sorrow of despair but of repentance, and the blessed effect in his heart was that when he was restored he was able to strengthen his brethren, having learned what human strength is in the things of God.

At the early morning council the Lord was formally condemned to death, after which he was bound and sent to Pilate the Roman governor.

Then we have the sad end of Judas. No doubt he thought Jesus would escape as He had often done so before, but this only made his iniquity the worse. When he saw that the Lord was condemned, he “repented himself,” and in despair brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. What comfort is there in money to one in despair? Still less is there any to be found in Satan who had led him into his awful sin. Nor did he find any sympathy in those religious chiefs, his companions in wickedness, who ought to have led him in the right way.

If the sin of Judas was frightful on the one hand, the cruel heartlessness of the chief priests was as appalling on the other. When the poor wretched Judas confesses to them, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood,” they answer, “What is that to us? see thou to that.” They had gained their end and cared not as to how it affected him. Judas, on receiving their answer, threw down the money in the temple, and in the blackness of despair he went out and hanged himself. Then in the following act of these unscrupulous chiefs we see how that the most outward religiousness and the worst wickedness are found together. They did not scruple to buy the blood of the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver, yet to put that money into the treasury was defiling. So they purchased with it the field in which to bury strangers — Gentiles. They counted themselves, and any Jew, too holy to be profaned by being buried there, yet it was good enough for Gentiles.

Next the Lord stands before Pilate and witnesses a good confession. The governor asks Him, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” The Lord answers, “Thou sayest.” When He is accused by the chief priests and elders He answers nothing — He is still the willing Victim; “as a sheep before her shears is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” Isa. 53: 7. Pilate, struck by the moral dignity of the prisoner, marvels at His silence. He could see that it was for envy they had delivered Him up to Him and He seeks to release Him. He takes advantage of a custom whereby he would release one of their prisoners at the passover feast. They had at that time a notable prisoner, Barabbas, who had led an insurrection and was a murderer. Pate asks, which of the two he should release unto them — Barabbas or Jesus? Furthermore Pilate had received a warning from his wife to have nothing to do with that just man, for she had suffered many things in a dream because of Him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas and to destroy Jesus. It shows how entirely under the power of Satan they were to choose such a notoriously wicked man instead of the Lord of life and glory.

ML-03/10/1963

Blind Jimmy

Is one-roomed schoolhouse once, 1 boys and girls of all grades were taught together. For some weeks there had been a great deal of trouble in the class. The teacher, after seral unsuccessful attempts to keep order, finally got the children together, singled out seven of the older ones as the ringleaders, and stood them upon a table in sight of all the other children. Then he addressed the class.

“Now, children, you all know about the trouble and disturbances we have had in the school. You know also how patiently I have tried to help you to make things better. However, matters have gone so far that I am determined to put a stop to it. I have, therefore, chosen seven of the worst offenders, who are the cause of most of the trouble, and I am going to push them. I want you to say what punishment they deserve.”

For a time there was silence, but when the teacher pressed his question, a voice was heard at the far end of the room, saying, “Let ’em off!” It was the voice of a little blind Christian boy, Blind Jimmy by name.

“No, no,” said the teacher. “I am not going to ‘let ’em off’ any more; I have let them off too many times already. Now I am going to punish them, and I want you to say what punishment I ought to give them.”

No reply was forthcoming, so the teacher spoke again: “Look here, I’ll let them off on one condition, and that is, that some one child comes up here,” and he held his cane in his hand as he spoke, “and receives a beating instead of these seven bad boys and girls.”

The words were scarcely out of his mouth when a scuffle was heard at the back of the classroom. It was little Blind Jimmy. He rose from his seat and made his way to the front, feeling his way past the desks until he stood before the teacher.

“Jimmy, my boy,” said the teacher, “you did not understand what I said. I said that if anyone would come here and be punished instead of these naughty ones, I would forgive them and let them go unpunished.”

Jimmy turned his face towards the teacher and said, “Then, sir, please beat me.”

The teacher was dumbfounded for some minutes, but Jimmy was determined. Finally, the teacher, bent on doing justice on account of the others’ sins, raised his cane, and many were the strokes that fell upon poor Jimmy’s back. At length Jimmy turned his face, this time wet with tears, and said, “Please, sir, have I had enough?”

“Yes,” said the teacher, “I think you have had enough; you may go back to your seat.” Then he again addressed the seven guilty boys and girls. “Now I forgive you; I have dealt with your naughtiness by punishing innocent Jimmy. The whipping that Jimmy took ought to have been yours. He has suffered in your stead, and as far as I am concerned you are pardoned. You may sit down.”

The seven naughty boys and girls, however, did not sit down. They jumped down from the table and gathering around Blind Jimmy, they thanked him again and again for what he had done. All Jimmy could say was, “Oh, I didn’t mind how it hurt, if it would only bring you to Jesus!”

Dear Jimmy’s desire was granted, for the Spirit of God worked in the hearts of many boys and girls in that school and as a result fifteen of them were brought to Jesus. They saw in Jimmy’s punishment and sufferings a little picture of what the Saviour had borne for them upon the cross. They realized that they were great sinners but they came to know Jesus as One who is greater than all our sins. He suffered once those untold agonies on the cross for guilty sinners, and now those who put their trust in Him God pardons and justifies.

“God will not payment twice demand

First at my blessed Surety’s hand,

And then again at mine.”

We hope the reader of these lines will come to know this blessed Saviour too. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1.

ML-03/17/1963

"Checkmate!"

CHESS is a game that requires careful thinking. It is a game of real skill. A player may spend many minutes in planning a move of a pawn or knight, as some of the chessmen are called. A good player will not make a single move without weighing the consequences of it. Will it lead to victory? Or will he lose the game by carelessly letting his king be captured?

If he loses he may say, “It’s only a game,” trying not to show his disappointment.

Perhaps you have seen an oil painting which shows a chess game. But the artist was thinking of something far more serious than a game of chess for while one of the players was a young man, the other one was the Devil, Satan himself. The title of the painting is a single word — “Checkmate!” This is the triumphant word called out by a player when he makes a move that puts the other player’s king in a position from which there is no escape.

In the painting the young man is losing the game. He sees that his situation is almost hopeless but with Satan ready to claim the victory he strains to find a way out. Beads of sweat are on his forehead; he grips the arms of his chair; despair and agony are written on his face.

“Checkmate!” Satan cries. Apparently the youth is defeated.

But this is no ordinary game. This is life itself and the artist is seeking to warn everyone that there is an end to each life and Satan is there waiting to claim every soul he can get.

How is it with you? If your life comes to an end today, will Satan claim your soul? Have you been going on carelessly, forgetful of the end of your life? Have you refused the earnest pleadings of your mother and father to turn to God and to take your place as a lost sinner before Him? Perhaps you have turned away from those pleadings with a carefree “I want to have a good time now. Later on I’ll see about eternity.” Be warned again of this, that God says “the wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Eccl. 11:9.

Turning again to the artist’s painting of the chess game, we can tell you that a chess player who looked at that picture, took his own equipment and set up the board just as the artist showed it. Then he studied the situation carefully. Suddenly he sprang to his feet and with a shout exclaimed, “The painter is wrong; there is a way out!”

What that way was we do not know. We do know this, that while it is still the day of grace, God offers salvation to you. From heaven He, as it were, calls out, “Deliver him from going ‘down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33: 24.

“God hath set forth the Lord Jesus to be a propitiation through faith in His blood... for the remission of sins.” Rom. 3:25.

ML-03/17/1963

Sowing the Good Seed

A CHINESE girl, just fourteen years old, helped in the dispensary of a clinic in inland China. She, like Dr. Fish and the others who worked there, loved the Lord Jesus and wanted others to love Him too.

She sometimes gave gospels to the patients she met, and one was given to a man who had come twenty-five miles to see the doctor. Some time later Dr. Fish was called to go and see him, as he was now too ill to travel himself. When Dr. Fish reached the town he heard the sad news that the Chinaman had died, even while they were on the way to ask him to come.

But there was good news too, for he had left a message. “Please tell that young school girl who works for Dr. Fish that I read the book she gave me, and, believing the One of whom it tells, I am trusting Him for salvation, and will meet her in heaven.”

How happy they were at the dispensary to hear that, especially little Miss Fang, who thanked the Lord that another patient had found the Saviour. From that time she was very careful to see that every patient received a gospel before leaving. Let us, too, try to scatter the good seed of God’s Word.

“In the morning, sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thy hand.” Eccles. 11:6.

The day is coming when the Lord shall gather in His harvest. All those who are the fruit of His grace, that is, all those who have trusted the Saviour, will be gathered home to heaven. Will it not be wonderful to have someone say to you in that day, “I read and believed the message you gave me, and through it I was saved?”

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

ML-03/17/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 27:24-44

LED ON by their guilty leaders the Jews persevere in their enmity against Jesus and raise a tumult crying, “Let Him be crucified.” The Roman governor, though bound to protect one whom he knew to be an innocent and just man, was nevertheless a man with little conscience and one who, in the pride of careless greatness, despised all those that surrounded him there. His own position and the peace of the city were worth more to him than a poor man of no human importance, no matter how just He might be. So in cruel indifference he washes his hands of the whole matter and puts the responsibility of the death of Jesus on those who desired it.

The poor Jews answer, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” and there that curse remains. In a coming day sovereign grace will work in the hearts of a little remnant who will own the sin they committed. Grace will then change the blood of the curse into the blood of expiation. The blood they shed will be that which will cleanse them from their very sin in shedding it. We are saved through this same grace now for that blood washes whiter than snow every sinner that believes in Jesus.

Pilate released Barabbas, and hang had Jesus scourged he delivered him to be crucified. Pilate had set the example and the soldiers now subject the blessed Lord to the very worst insult and outrage. In mockery they strip Him and put on Him a scarlet robe — which signifies Jewish royalty; they put a crown of thorns on His head and a reed in His right hand, and bong before Him, hailed Him, King of the Jews. “And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.” Then they put His own clothes on Him and led Him away to crucify Him. The bulls of Bashan were there and these dogs surrounded the Saviour (Psalm 22), yet He bore it all without a murmur — He was the patient, suffering victim. On the way they compel one, Simon a Cyrenian, to bear His cross — something they would not do themselves. Finally they come to Golgotha, “a place of a skull” — symbol of man’s empty intelligence when the world’s leaders unite — both Jew and Gentile — to put to death their Creator, the blessed Son of God.

Arrived at Calvary the soldiers offer Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall, the purpose of which was to make the victim less sensitive to suffering, but the Lord refuses such relief. He would drink the cup the Father had given Him in peaceful submission and would know its whole bitterness.

They crucified the Lord at the third hour, which, we believe, would be nine o’clock in the morning. They parted His garments, casting lots for them, “And sitting down they watched Him there.” Furthermore the accusation laid against Him Pilate caused to be written over His cross, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Then to add further insult two robbers were crucified along with Him, one on each hand with Jesus in the midst.

The awful state of the unhappy priests is seen in their mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” The thieves also joined in railing on Him.

In those first three hours man did his worst to insult and degrade the Son of God. Then God, as it were, drew a veil over the whole scene.

ML-03/17/1963

The Gold Letters

ON A FINE Sunday afternoon a neglected, poorly dressed boy walked in a back street of a large city. Suddenly his eye was attracted to a printed card lying on the pavement. He picked it up and looked at it admiringly. In the middle of the card, which had a beautifully colored border, golden letters glittered in the sunlight. He wished he knew what those letters said, but alas, he could not read for he had not gone to school. Putting the card in his pocket, he said to himself, “Tonight I’ll ask old Margaret to read it to me. I’ll bet it’s something good or else they wouldn’t have made it so pretty.”

With these thoughts in mind, he went on his way and spent the day playing with other boys. When evening came on, he started toward home. Remembering the card he went up a dark stairway to an opened door where he called out, “Mother Margaret, are you at home?”

“Yes, Jack, come in,” cried the voice of the old woman.

“O, mother Margaret, I wish you could tell me what is written here in gold letters.”

“I will tell you gladly,” she answered. Then she read, slowly, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts 16: 31.”

“What does that mean?” Jack inquired.

“I’m afraid I can’t explain it to you, dear boy. I don’t understand much about it.”

“But who is the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“I have heard it said that He is the Son of God and that He lives in heaven.”

“I wish I knew what that means, ‘Thou shalt be saved.’ From what must we be saved?”

“I think I can tell you that, Jack. When I was a little girl I went to Sunday School. I have forgotten nearly everything I learned there, but I remember they often said that wicked people, after they die, would be thrown into a large fire, called hell. We must be saved from that.”

“O! I’d like to know more about the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Jack, “so that I might believe on Him. I don’t want to be thrown into a large fire.”

When Jack went to bed that night, he could not sleep. He kept thinking of the words on the card, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

The following day he again visited Margaret and asked if she knew of anyone who could tell him more of Jesus Christ. She told him of a man she knew, a Mr. Benson, and pointed out his house. It was some time bore Jack had courage to go to the door of the fine home but at last he did.

Mr. Benson asked Jack what he wanted. Taking the card from his pocket he asked if he would explain what it meant. Seeing the text that was printed there, the kind man invited Jack inside where they could sit down and talk. Then he quietly said, “My boy, God has made everything — the world, the people in it, you and me, too. God is holy and He hates sin. Every wrong thing we do is sin. You cannot hide from God the wrong things you have done and He knows even what you are thinking.

“But God is love and He sent His own Son into the world. The Son of God is called Jesus. He came from heaven, down to earth almost 2,000 years ago, to tell men that God is love. He came, too, to die for sinners, to bear the punishment that they had deserved for their sins.

“He died a very cruel death, Jack. Wicked men nailed His hands and feet to a cross, and left Him hanging there until He died. On the cross He bore the punishment that we deserved for our sins. God laid our sins on Him. After His death, He was buried in a grave. But God raised Him from among the dead and now Jesus lives again in heaven.

“Jesus is full of love in spite of what men did to Him. He is ready to receive you. He will forgive you all your sins, so that you can go to heaven. You need not be sent to hell, the lake of fire. ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ "

Jack was thrilled to hear what Mr. Benson told him and he believed what God says in the Bible. He took Jesus as His own Saviour and when he left Mr. Benson’s house his faced beamed with happiness. He had found a Friend who would never fail or forsake him.

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

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

ML-03/24/1963

My Best Text

“MOTHER,” SAID a little girl on coming home from the Sunday school, “I want to ask you something.” “Well, dear, what is it?”

“Do you know which is my best text?”

“Tell me, my dear,” replied the mother.

“Well, mother, you know that I’m just seven years old, and my little text has just seven words in it, and this is it: " ‘It is time to seek the Lord.’ "

ML-03/24/1963

The Old Woman's Question

AN infidel was once giving a lecture, telling his listeners that he did not believe in either God or the Bible.

When he had finished speaking, he invited anyone who disagreed with him to speak up and say why they thought there is a God and that the Bible is true.

An elderly woman stood up. Her back was bent and she was poorly dressed, but she walked up to the man and in a clear voice said, “Sir, I have a question for you.”

“Well, my good woman, what is it?”

“Ten years ago,” she replied, “my husband died and I was left with eight children. I had no money and no means of supporting myself and my children. I had nothing to call my own except this Bible.

“I have read my Bible during these years and by the guidance and direction I have gotten from it, and trusting in God for strength, I have been able to feed myself and my family.

“I am an old woman now and I am nearing the end of my life. But I am perfectly happy because I look forward to everlasting life with Jesus.

“That is what my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ has done for me. What has your way of thinking done for you?”

“Well, my good lady,” said the infidel, “I don’t want to disturb your comfort, but—”

“That is not the question,” she answered. “Stick to the point. What has your way of thinking done for you?”

Again he tried to get out of answering the woman’s question. The audience clapped their hands in approval and called out encouragement to the woman and challenges to the man. But the infidel would not try to answer. He walked off the platform defeated and the meeting came to an end.

The infidel speaker could tell nothing of how he had been helped by his unbelief. He had rejected God and the Bible and Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What could he say, what would he dare to say, when his only honest answer would be that he was a lost sinner on the way to eternity in hell.

May God give you, dear reader, the same simple faith that that woman had. She trusted in Him for help and strength in her great need and she was not disappointed.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 56:3.

That old woman trusted in God for her soul’s salvation. For that, too, she had His sure promise.

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

The poor infidel, alas, had nothing. Perhaps it would surprise him to know that he is mentioned in the Bible, where we read, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 53:1.

ML-03/24/1963

The Tailor's Business

A HAPPY Christian tailor was one day measuring a man for a new suit of clothes. “What kind of suit do you expect to wear in the next world?” he asked.

“Oh,” said the man, “I don’t care what kind of suit they bury me in.”

“But,” said the tailor, “I am not thinking about your burial suit. I am thinking about the white robes that the saved ones will wear in heaven. I hope you will be among those whom the Lord shall array in a white robe.”

“Mind your own business,” the man replied, “and don’t worry about me.”

“Well,” said the tailor, “this is my business. I am a Christian and it is my business to tell others about the Saviour. Tailoring is a side line with me.”

Dear reader, will you be among that white-robed throng in heaven, singing the wondrous new song? Or will you be among those in hell where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth forever?

Come to Jesus now; take Him as your Saviour. Then you will be “clothed... with the garments of salvation... covered... with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:10.

“I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God:... 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.

Memory Verse: “THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Rom. 5:1.

ML-03/24/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 27:45-66

“NOW FROM the sixth hour IN there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” It was during those three last hours that the Lord, shut in from man and all around, was alone, drinking that awful cup of the judgment of God against sin. It was then that He was “made sin"; “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” 2 Cor. 5: 21. It was then those mighty waves and billows of eternal judgment rolled over His holy soul. It was all this that forced Him to utter that cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” He was there making atonement. He was forsaken that sinners who believe might never be forsaken. There He destroyed the power of him who had the power of death, that is the devil.

Then, having cried again with a loud voice, Jesus yielded up His Spirit to the Father. All was over. Atonement was made. Redemption was accomplished. “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Like the bursting of a mighty dam, the river of God’s grace could now flow forth to a world of sinners. God could come out in all His grace to man, and man could now go into the presence of God in virtue of the perfect work of Christ.

“The earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” It was a token of the passing of the old creation and the bringing in of the new, founded on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

When the Roman centurion and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw all these things, they feared greatly and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” The heart of the poor heathen was bowed while alas, the hearts of the Jews remain unmoved.

We read of the suffering Messiah, in Isaiah 53:9, that “men appointed His grave with the wicked, but He was with the rich in His death.” J.N.D. Trans. God had a vessel prepared to fulfill that prophecy for Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, came to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Pilate gave consent and Joseph took that precious body of the Saviour, wrapped it in a clean cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb. Then he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and darted. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, however, sat by the sepulcher and watched.

The bad conscience of the Jews is seen in their coming to Pilate and asking that the sepulcher be sealed until the third day. They remembered that the Lord had said He would rise the third day and they suggest the thought that His disciples might come and steal His body away and claim that He was risen. Pilate, however, in contempt for their malice, tells them to look after the matter themselves. So the Jews seal the stone and also set a watch. But what were guards and seals against the power of God? We see how God only used the wicked thought of the Jews to accomplish His purpose for they themselves were made witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

ML-03/24/1963

The Man in the Mud

THE VILLAGE of Rom Jesus in Brazil years ago was anything but what its name might suggest. Actually it was a most unholy place, and being far from any city, it was also very lawless.

In that village there lived a young boy named Bemvindo, which means “Welcome.” Bemvindo grew to be a short though powerfully built young man, strong of arm, naturally courageous, and very ready with his weans. He had spent some time in prison for knifing an enemy, and was generally considered in those parts as a “man of respect.”

It happened that one day two Brazilian preachers visited the village hoping to preach the gospel there, but at first they could find no one willing to let them have a house or a room for a meeting. In fact twelve men, having heard of their intention, vowed that the gospel should never be preached in their village, and swore to kill any preacher and break up any meeting.

The news of their intention reached the ears of Bemvindo, and out of bravado he opened his house to the preachers. Then he invited his neighbors, including those twelve men, to come and hear the gospel. At the appointed hour they all came, and so did the twelve men. These found Bemvindo waiting to welcome them. He was on his doorstep, armed with rifle, revolvers, and knife. He invited them up with the threat that if any of them mounted the steps to the house, he would shoot them quite dead. The “twelve” held a council meeting outside, to discuss so delicate and important a matter. Their discussion took so long that the meeting inside went on and was finished, before they had come to any decision as to what course they should take under the circumstances.

Further meetings followed and at last the twelve decided that their cause was hopeless. The gospel had come to stay. Bemvindo therefore had no longer any need to stand guard, so he attended the meetings himself. His heart was opened to receive the bleed message of the gospel, how that God so loved poor sinners like himself that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die upon the cross for sin. Now whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Bemvindo believed and was soundly converted. So were many more. He became a faithful follower of Christ, married into a nice Christian family, and often did they entertain the gospel preachers who visited their village.

One evening, as they were assembled in the hall for prayer, an old dark skinned native, nearly 100 years of age, was passing by. He was a notorious old scoundrel, a spiritist who practiced “black magic.” At the moment he was passing, our friend Bemvindo was praying, and the old fellow stood outside, cursing and blaspheming at the door and open window, and disturbed the meeting. He then went on his way, and being the worse for drink, he fell into a mudhole some distance from the village. Here he got firmly stuck and could not get out. The more he struggled the deeper he sank into the mud.

Bemvindo had to pass that same way, and going home he found the old fellow a fast prisoner. By this time Bemvindo was an evangelist who sowed “besides all waters,” and what could offer a better opportunity? So he sat down beside the old man and preached the gospel to him. The prisoner in the mud could not get away from it, though it is doubtful if he appreciated the message then, or thought it as “in season” as the preacher did.

Having finished his sermon, Bemvindo got hold of the old man, and by sheer force pulled him out of the mire. Then all wet and dirty as he was, he put him on his shoulders and carried him all the way home. The old fellow was amazed for he did not expect this kind of revenge for his conduct. He thought at least he might have been left to die in the ditch. Bemvindo told him the Lord would do more for his soul, pulling him out of the mire of sin, and would carry him safely to that heavenly Home, prepared for those that love Him.

The old man came to the meeting to hear more. Finally the glorious light of the gospel flooded into his darkened soul and he was brightly saved. With Christ now as his Saviour he threw away all his magic, and his conversion caused quite a sensation in the village. The last word of him was that he never missed a meeting when he could possibly get there, and his family too were all attending. They had to enlarge the hall for many more were coming to hear the gospel.

How marvelous the triumphs of grace, over sin and the power of Satan! What wonderful stories of redeeming love will be told in heaven, when all the redeemed, from every kindred and tongue and people and nation, shall be gathered Home, up there!

Dear young reader, God is still gathering out and fitting souls for heaven. Has grace triumphed in your heart? You know you are a sinner. Have you bowed to the Saviour? Why wait any longer? Take Christ as your Saviour NOW and start for heaven, and Home, today.

“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

ML-03/31/1963

The Children's Hour

ONE WINTER evening a little family was gathered in front of the fireplace in their home. A girl of eight years and her younger brother were playing while the father and mother were reading. Having tired of their games the children sat down by their mother, asking that she read a story aloud for them.

The mother was delighted and she wisely took her Bible, opening it at the Gospel of Luke. She read from chapter 22 The story of the Lord Jesus when He was praying to God in the garden of Gethsemane. The Lord Jesus knew that on the following day men would take Him out to a hill near Jerusalem and there crucify Him. He knew, too, that He was offering Himself to God as a sacrifice for sin. But the awfulness of the thought of having all our sins laid on Him made Him sweat drops of blood.

She read through the chapter and on into the following one, telling how a band of soldiers came to take Him, how wicked men blindfolded Him and then beat Him, how people spat on Him, made a crown of thorns and put it on His head. She read about Pilate, the governor, who said he found no fault in Jesus, and yet the people cried out that He should be put to death. Then they led Jesus out to Calvary and when they got there they pounded nails through His hands and feet into the wood.

Through all this the Lord Jesus did not complain or say a single word against those who were so wicked. Rather, when He spoke, it was again in prayer to God, saying, “Father, forgive them.” Luke 23:34.

Suddenly the mother’s voice faltered and she started to cry. She loved the Lord Jesus and had taken Him as her Saviour. But as she read aloud to her children, whom she loved so much, she was reminded of the wonderful love of Jesus for her.

“Mother,” said her little boy, putting his arms around her, “why are you crying? Are you sorry Jesus let them treat Him so?”

“No,” she answered, “for if Jesus had not died upon that cross for us, we would each have to be punished for our own sins. But I was just thinking how hard-hearted and ungrateful I have been in living so long without thanking Him for dying for me.”

Suddenly the little girl began sobbing. “Mother, do you think Jesus will receive me now, just as I am, if I ask Him?”

“Yes, dear, I know He will for He tells us that ‘him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’ " John 6: 37.

Bowing on her knees, the girl prayed aloud to the Lord Jesus, sang she was sorry for her sins and that she wanted to be saved. She thanked Him for being punished instead of her.

In that simple way the little girl was saved. Today the same salvation is offered you, girl or boy, man or woman. Jesus will receive you just as you are, however bad you may have been. He will wash away all your sins; He will keep you safely. Then when He comes down from heaven to call away those who have put their trust in Him, He will take you to that glorious and happy home He has prepared for us in heaven. Accept Jesus now as your Saviour, and thank Him for His wonderful kindness.

“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.

ML-03/31/1963

These Will Not Do

A MISER HAD many pains at his death, and especially the great pain of a disturbed conscience. He also had his money-bags brought one by one, with his mortgages and bonds and deeds, and putting them near his heart, he sighed and said, “These will not do; these will not do; these will not do; take them away.”

Christ alone can satisfy — money can yield no lasting joy. It will not do in view of eternity.

Memory Verse: “FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.” Rom. 10:10.

ML-03/31/1963

Bible Talks

Matthew 28

IN THIS closing chapter the evangelist illustrates the glorious fact of the resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God. “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week.” This was not the morning of the resurrection day, but the evening before, for the Jewish day began after sunset. “As it was the dusk” (J.N.D. Trans.), “came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.” The disciples had gone away to their homes, but the devotion of these women shines out here. They might naturally have feared to be alone among the tombs in the gathering darkness, but the body of the One they loved was there, and they could not stay away.

What follows next is not necessarily immediately connected in time with verse 1. It does not say the women witnessed the earthquake. “And, bold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” The rolling away of the stone was in no way necessary to the resurrection of the Lord, except to witness to men that divine power had intervened, as well as for the comfort and assurance of His sorrowing disciples, and to bring to nothing the lying of His enemies. God raised Him from the dead, and He Himself arose (John 10:17,18). “And for fear of Him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.” Instead of proving themselves guards over the tomb, they only became witnesses to the truth of the resurrection. The angel has no word for them, but he speaks peace and comfort to the women who came to the scene in the early morn, saying, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” The faithful love of these women is rewarded for they are sent as messengers to His disciples. “Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.”

The risen Lord was not content to leave it to the angel to make known His mind to His disciples, for He Himself meets the women as they hastened on their way, saying, “All hail.” “And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went and told the chief priests what had happened. Unmoved and with deliberate hardness of heart, these religious leaders, who had bribed Judas for “thirty pieces of silver” to put Christ to death, now “gave large money unto the soldiers” to deny His resurrection, saying, “Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.” The soldiers accepted the bribe and this saying was commonly reported among the Jews.

The closing scene pictures to us the blessed Lord—rejected by Jerusalem, refused as the Jewish Messiah — in Galilee, in company with His eleven disciples, the poor of the flock whom He owns as His brethren — a touching picture of the little remnant of the future day who will own Him as their Messiah, just before the millennium. Conscious of the new place into which He had entered as Man, the Lord addresses them saying, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” He sends them forth in grace, beyond the limits of Israel now, saying, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

ML-03/31/1963

The Bible in the Pigpen

AMISSIONARY, WHO preached the gospel in South America, once told the story of how a man and his family down there were converted through a rather strange circumstance.

The man was a farmer who raised hogs. Someone presented him with a Bible. But he was satisfied with his religion, and had no love for the Book. In anger and contempt he threw the precious volume into the pigpen.

In the morning, when he went to feed his pigs, lo and behold, he found them all dead. In solemn dread and dismay, he took out the Bible, thinking it was the judgment of God upon him for his wickedness in thus treating the holy Book. The result was that he and his family began to read those sacred Scriptures, and a new and wonderful light began to dawn upon their darkened souls. This led to the conversion of the man and his whole family. “The people which sat in darkness saw great light.” Matt. 4:16.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

This farmer, however, and his family came to the light. They rejoiced to find that not only is God Light, but that He is also Love (¤ John 1:5; 16). That light reveals the darkness and sin of our hearts, but it also points us to the Saviour God Himself has prided, who died to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

The Scriptures tell us that every child of Adam is born in sin (Psa. 51:5); and we also read that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). St. Peter tells us that we must be “redeemed,” not with “silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. Those who are not redeemed will be taken away one day to everlasting judgment.

The reason why those pigs died rains a mystery. The missionary inquired as to what the covers of the Bible were made of, but was told that the covers remained intact. Apparently the pigs had not touched the Book. So, the poet was right when he wrote, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.”

Before his conversion the farmer had religion — cold, lifeless religion. But now he had Christ — the Saviour and Friend, who would be with him all through life and then take him safe Home to heaven. Dear reader, what do you possess — religion or Christ?

ML-04/07/1963

The Converted Prisoner: A Voice in the Dark

SOME YEARS ago, James Graham, a local preacher in Huron County, had returned home after a hard day’s work. As he prepared to retire for the night he seemed to hear an inner voice telling him to go to a certain place where there would be some work for him to do. Although it was late he decided he should not resist this usual voice and drove into the country. There he located the place he felt directed to go which proved to be only a farm house, apparently deserted.

Before returning to his home he timidly pushed open the door and shouted but there was no answer. Being a man who acknowledged God in all his ways, he stood there in the quiet darkness and spoke to God in prayer in a clear voice that anyone could hear. He thanked his Father for the blessings he enjoyed and pleaded for the salvation of sinners. Then with a contented heart and relieved mind he drove home.

Some months later when Graham was visiting the county jail, he was informed that a prisoner wished to see him. The man was brought but the preacher did not recognize him. To Graham’s surprise, the prisoner told him that he had been in the deserted farm house and had heard every word of the prayer uttered that dark night when the preacher had called out and received no answer.

The prisoner informed Graham he had repented, given himself up to police and was now serving a short sentence for an earlier offense. The Lord had spoken to the prisoner who, realizing he was a sinner, had been converted. He was now right with God and enjoying the assurance of pardon for his sin and the certainty of eternal life.

Reader, have you taken God at His word? Have you realized you are a sinner and been converted? Are you enjoying pardon, assurance, peace and the happiness that only comes as a gift to you through Jesus Christ? He paid the price of redemption for you on Calvary. It is for you to accept or reject this offer.

H.J.A. The Gospel Monthly.

ML-04/07/1963

A Hard Problem

MORT JAMISON was clever at working problems and he liked people to give him hard ones to solve. One day a visitor to his home wrote one for him.

“If one brick weighs four pounds plus half a brick, how much does a brick and a half weigh?”

He immediately set to work, biting the end of his pencil, as if that would help him. After a few minutes he said, “I have it! The answer is 12 pounds.” “Right! But that was easy. Let me give you a harder one.”

This time the visitor wrote, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Mort read the question, and looking up, said, “That’s from the Bible, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is found in Mark 8:36. But can you answer it?”

“Nobody can,” he said, “because there wouldn’t be any profit.”

He was right again. He knew that if anyone could own all the gold and all the diamonds that the world contains, he would be poor indeed if he lost his soul. Our souls are worth more than all the wealth of the world. And they will surely be lost forever, unless we flee to the Saviour for refuge. This is the only way to be saved.

Trying to be good won’t keep us from being lost for all of us have sinned. Only the blood of Christ can wash our sins away. That is what is meant by being saved.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML-04/07/1963

Converted in the Hayfield

WHEREVER YOU are you may receive Christ as your Saviour — at home, at school, at work, and even as you read this paper. Jim Madsen, a farmer’s boy, told the story of how he received Christ as his Saviour out in the field of his father’s farm.

“We were working with the hay. I had been attending meetings held by an evangelist in the town for two weeks. What the preacher said about lost sinners very much troubled me for I knew I was such a one. Three others at our farm were saved during those meetings, and they sang for joy all day long as they worked in the field. But I was miserable.

“When lunch time came we stopped our work but instead of joining the others I sat alone. I suppose the others knew what was wrong with me for one who had been my companion in sin came over to me and said, "‘Jim, you will never be happy until you are saved. You should just take Jesus as your Saviour, and be happy like the rest of us.’

"'How did you take Him?’ I asked, for that was the difficulty with me.

"'I just said, “If Jesus saves sinners, and I am a sinner, He’ll save me.” I took Him by believing He died for me, just for myself, as if there had been no other sinner.’

“I saw then what was meant by taking Jesus, and without saying anything, I took Him as my Saviour that afternoon in the hayfield, and I knew I was saved.”

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

“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-04/07/1963

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

1. “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

2. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

3. “Hear the word, and receive it.”

4. “Tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.”

5. “As many as touched Him were made whole.”

6. “He hath done all things well.”

7. “Whosoever shall lose his life for My sake.”

The Young People’s Class: SUMMARY

1. Did David express joy or sorrow when hearing of King Saul’s death? 2 Sam. 1.

2. Are those that rejoice at others’ calamities held innocent in God’s sight? Prov. 17.

3. Did David seek the Lord’s guidance in going up to be anointed King over Judah? 2 Sam.

4. Does the Lord promise to guide His people in all the circumstances of life? Isa. 58.

5. How many years later was David anointed king over Israel? 2 Sam. 5.

6. Did David remember the covenant that he had made with Jonathan years before? 2 Sam. 9.

7. Need we be concerned that the Lord will forget His promise to come again for His own? 2 Pet. 3.

ML-04/07/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 1 - Introduction

IN THE studies on Matthew we saw the Lord presented as the true Messiah-King to Israel, and at the same time His readiness to be a Saviour to those outside Israel as well.

Now, when we come to Mark’s account, we will find many of the same events again recorded but frequently with some variation, and some of the things the Holy Spirit gave Mark to write will not have come to our attention before at all. Mark presents the Lord as the true Servant and if we bear this in mind it will help immensely in seeing why there sometimes appears to be a difference between the records of the four gospel writers.

It is particularly happy to remember that while Mark was not actually an apostle, he was a devoted servant himself. There is, however, an unhappy failure in Mark’s service recorded in Acts 13 (where his other name John is used). In that case he left Paul and Barnabas before the work on a Mediterranean trip was finished, and this failure had a sad effect in the relations of Barnabas, Paul and himself. (See Acts 15:36-40.) It is apparent that Mark was later happily restored and Paul spoke of him so nicely in 2 Timothy 4:11, saying, “Mark... is profitable... for the ministry.”

In view of Mark’s experiences of his own failures, it must have delighted him to be used of the Holy Spirit to write of his Saviour as the perfect Servant. In finding the application of God’s Word to our own souls we too will be encouraged to prove His gracious ways in spite of our failures. We learn how He delights to restore those who have slipped in the pathway, whenever there is true confession and contrition. This is not to encourage carelessness, of course, which always brings dishonor to the Lord and sorrow to ourselves. But if the enemy has had a victory over us, may we who are His children immediately confess it to Him and be encouraged by David’s expression in Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faith: but God... is my portion forever.”

We noticed in Matthew the genealogy of Jesus given according to the Jewish “legal” line, proving that Jesus was truly the Son of David so important to the Jews if they were faithfully looking for their Messiah. Again in Luke’s Gospel His genealogy is traced all the way back to Adam a remarkable reminder that if the first man Adam failed and introduced death through his sin, there was now divinely brought upon the scene “the last Adam” who would never fail, and who was to bring life to all who would receive Him. (See 1 Cor. 15:22, 45.)

But when we turn to the book of Mark, no genealogy is given at all, for in this gospel the Lord is seen as the perfect Servant, humble, obedient and fully devoted to a pathway of service. A king, or one laying claim to his inheritance, would rightly have his qualifications established through his genealogy. But this would not be looked for in a humble servant and so it is omitted by Mark. How remarkably accurate and perfect is the Word of God! It should stir us much to have this reminder of its inspired character.

May every reader search his heart to see what God finds in response to His love in providing a Saviour for our sins, and may we who truly know Him as such be exercised to follow in His blessed footsteps.

Memory Verse: “I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY MAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED, AND SHALL GO IN AND OUT, AND FIND PASTURE.” John 10:9.

ML-04/07/1963

In the Gypsy's Tent

GEORGE WAS the son of a praying mother. Again and again she had pleaded with him to give his heart to the Saviour, but all in vain. His Sunday school teacher prayed with him and for him, but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears. George plunged deeper into sin.

His mother still prayed for her wandering boy, who had grown utterly reckless. Then she died with this prayer on her lips, “Lord, save George.” George received the news of her death unmoved, and rambled from place to place, drinking and gambling.

One day as he tramped across the country, without money and friends, he fell suddenly ill, and lying down under a hedge he thought he was going to die. All night he lay there in a burning fever.

Thinking he was going to die, he remembered what a bad young fellow he had been, and he tried to recall what his Sunday school teacher used to tell him. But somehow his brain was muddled and he could remember nothing right. It was, he said, as if God shook him over the fire as he lay under the hedge. All the sins of his life came before him, and he felt he was the blackest sinner out of hell.

In the early morning some gypsies came by and one of them asked him what he was doing there. He had just enough strength to murmur, “I’m dying.”

“Poor fellow! Here, give us a hand!” said one to another, and they carried George away to their tent where they treated him as if he had been a brother. One little girl, named Vic, would often sit by his side, and bathe his head. Then one day as he lay there he thought he heard his mother singing him to sleep. He opened his eyes and there was little Vic by his side, singing. When she saw him awake, she stopped.

“Go on, sing that again,” George pleaded. “I think I’ve heard that bore.”

Then she sang ever so sweetly,

“He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean,

His blood avails for me.”

“Yes, that’s just what my mother used to sing,” George exclaimed. “But now she’s safe up yonder, and I shall never see her anymore.”

“Oh yes, you may, if you will only come to Jesus,” said the gypsy girl.

“No, no, little girl; I’ve been too bad altogether. I can’t come to Him.”

“Yes, I’m sure you can, for you know the hymn says, ‘His blood can make the foulest clean,’ and that means the very worst, doesn’t it?”

“Sure it does; but it seems too good to be true, for I knew the right, but did the wrong. It cannot be; I’m lost.”

“See,” said the girl earnestly, “it says in my Testament the lady gave me that Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost; so that must be you!”

“Well, it looks like it, doesn’t it?”

“Yes; and here again, ‘I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ "

“Thank God for that. Yes, I see it all now, that my mother and my teacher used to tell me, and I will now take the Lord Jesus as my Saviour, and ask Him to take all my sins away, and to make me His.”

There was rejoicing in heaven that day, as well as in the gypsy tent, over one sinner that repented. Dear young reader, we were all prodigals once, wanderers from the Father’s face. But has there been joy in heaven over you yet? Have you repented of your sins and turned to the Lord?

George proved afterward that Christ is a present salvation, One who not only cleanses from the guilt of sin, but saves from sin’s power. One day in the tent the awful craving for drink came upon him and he cried to the Lord to save him from that thirst, lest he be drawn back into his old ways. Then the little gypsy girl read to him, “According to your faith be it unto you,” and George cried, “Lord, Thou wilt, and Thou dost save me from this awful thirst.” The desire for drink left him.

George showed by his altered life that his repentance was sincere. He was able to hold down a steady job, and it was his joy to spend his spare hours seeking to bring others to that wonderful Saviour, who is mighty to save — mighty to keep.

The little gypsy girl has since gone to be with the Saviour she loved and served here. One day, when He comes in the clouds and all His own meet Him in the air, she will meet the man in whose blessing she was so greatly used of the Lord.

“Will you be there, and I?”

“If you take the loving Saviour now,

Who for sinners once did die,

When He gathers His own in that bright Home,

Then you’ll be there and I.”

ML-04/14/1963

The Prodigal Son

AND HE arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:24.

ML-04/14/1963

The Shepherd Who Died

I DO NOT think I can be one of Jesus’ lambs,” a little boy sobbed out, as he lay in his father’s arms. “And why so?” inquired his father. “Because I do not feel I am,” the child replied.

After trying in various way to comfort the heart of his little boy, and yet being very anxious not to say one word which should lead his child to think lightly of what it is to be a sinner, the father repeated this text: “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” These words satisfied the child directly. Do you, dear young friend, know their sweetness?

ML-04/14/1963

He Died for Me

THE PLACE was a cemetery. A man was bending over a newly-made grave, planting some flowers. A stranger nearby, observing the man and seeing that he was weeping, thought to comfort him, saying, “I suppose this may be the grave of your wife?”

“No,” he replied, “I have not lost my wife.”

“Perhaps, then, this is the grave of your child?”

“No, I have lost neither wife nor child. I shed these tears for one who died for me. I was called to serve as a soldier but I have a wife and children who would have been left uncared for if I were killed on the field of battle. The law allowed a man to obtain a substitute to serve in his place, so my friend said, ‘I have neither wife nor child; I will go instead of you.’

“In one of the battles he was wounded. When I learned of this and found where he was I hurried to the hospital to see him. But I was too late. He died just before I got there. Now he is buried in this grave. He died for me and I am planting these flowers in remembrance of him.”

Afterward the man had a gravestone placed there and on it were carved these simple words,

HE DIED FOR ME.

What noble men these were! One could die for his friend, and the other could weep for him. Devotion such as this is not often heard of.

The greatest act of devotion that has ever happened was something like this but it was immeasurably, infinitely greater. Jesus, the Son of God, died for the sake of His enemies! Wicked men nailed Him to the cross of Calvary but the blessed Lord Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23: 34). Those same wicked men taunted Him, spat on Him, and did all that their hard hearts could think of. There on that cross the Lord Jesus bore the punishment due to my sins. He died for me. Now He is my Saviour. Can you say he is your Saviour, too? Accept God’s divine Substitute.

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

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly... God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6, 8.

ML-04/14/1963

Tomorrow

THOSE WHO go down to perdition from gospel lands have almost all been ruined by the word “tomorrow.” They did not intend to make their bed in hell. They intended to embrace the Saviour, and prepare for heaven. But they were never quite able to attend to this matter; they were always going to do it tomorrow, or at some not very distant day. So they deferred, till death came. A fatal tomorrow! O cruel murderer of souls! How many by thee have been robbed of heaven, and forever lost?

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

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

ML-04/14/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 1:1-12

“THE BEGINNING of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” v. 1.

In the opening of this gospel we notice that the writer is not presenting the “kingly” character of Jesus, and so under the Holy Spirit’s guidance he entirely omits the story of the virgin birth, the angels and shepherds, the wise men with their gifts, among other things. Instead, the record opens by emphasizing that every heart should be ready to receive the Lord’s ministry, because He had been so faithfully foretold by John the Baptist (not to be confused with John the Apostle).

“And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh One mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.”

We can see that John spoke with much power, because even though he was roughly dressed and lived in the plainest manner, a great number of people came to him, stricken with a sense of their sins, and accepted his baptism in confession thereof, both as individuals and as belonging to a nation that had forsaken God.

But we should not fail to notice that in verse 8 John tells them that there is going to be a definite difference between what he was doing and the work of the Lord who was to follow. “I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”

This is important because some have mistakenly thought that in Luke 3:3 and similar scriptures, where it speaks of “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” that this applies to us today and that this is the way of eternal life. But John knew that the repentance and baptism he was preaching was strictly for Israel. Up until the work of Calvary, baptism was only in connection with the promise of an earthly kingdom (to be fulfilled in the coming Millennium). After the cross the baptism of John was no longer called for, even for a devout Jew, because the Lord Jesus’ work on Calvary ushered in a new and living way.

Turning to Romans 4:20-5:2, we find that the faith of Abraham and others was accepted of God unto righteousness, but that now our faith must be in the Saviour who died for us and rose again (Rom. 4:24). Such faith brings us into peace with God and gives access to Him. Then in Romans 6 we find the true aspect of baptism in connection with Christian faith, applying to our present time.

“And... Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, sang, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The Lord accepted the baptism of John, not because He personally required any remission of sins (for He was “holy, harmless, undefiled"), but in order to indicate here His place He was taking in grace in connection with Israel. God was pleased with this gracious act of His beloved Son and the fullness of the Trinity is expressed in the testimony of Jesus, the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Father’s voice from heaven. All this spoke of how fitting it was that Jesus should identify Himself thus with Israel bore His public ministry began, and none could truthfully point a finger at Him and claim any shortcoming. (His enemies did this falsely but were always condemned by their own words.)

ML-04/14/1963

Converted Through the Man in the Moon

I WAS TRAVELING on horseback in Brazil, says a missionary, between two mountains, on the way to a meeting. I had with me a Brazilian guide, who also was an active gospel preacher. I asked him to tell me how he was converted, and he told me this interesting story.

His name was Prudenciano. He and another man had once arranged to do away with an enemy, and they had agreed on the time and place to do the dark deed. The hour was to be late at night, and Prudenciano accordingly set out alone for the meeting place in the moonlight.

It was a clear night and full moon. When one is going to do a dark deed, too much light is a great inconvenience, so thought Prudenciano, and the moon overhead troubled him. He had to pass over open ground, and heartily wished that the moon would not shine so brightly. Looking up at it from time to time, there was the “man in the moon,” as it appeared to be, watching with his two great eyes, and Prudenciano began to feel very uncomfortable. The watcher, however, kept up the stare, and showed no signs of hiding his face behind a cloud. Prudenciano began to think, and to waver. If the “man in the moon” made him feel so uncomfortable, what about God? The idea of God looking on, and taking note, had not before occurred to him.

Soon he felt he could go no further, and slowly went back home. There he got out of sight of the “man in the moon,” but the thought that God was ever watching him in all his movements began to haunt him. He thought of other misdeeds he had committed, and these began now to trouble him. He had in his house a book of prayers, and these he began to read and read, but he got no relief for his soul from these exercises. He also possessed a New Testament which he now began to study closely. He read on until he came to the verse in Mark 16:16: “He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved.” Prudenciano believed, he saw himself to be a great sinner but he also saw Jesus as a Saviour who was greater than all his sins, and this brought peace to his troubled soul.

Soon after this Prudenciano heard of gospel meetings where the Book was explained, and to these he went with great eagerness. God blessed him and he became a faithful preacher of the gospel, traveling for miles around that part of the country, taking the message of redeeming love to many who sat in darkness, like he himself once was in.

The conversion of Prudenciano shows that still God chooses “things which are not” (1 Cor. 1:28) to fulfill His blest purposes of love to lost sinners.

“Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

“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.

“One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25.

“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-04/21/1963

"Thou God Seest Me"

Genesis 16:13

THE ABOVE words were spoken by Hagar. God’s eye was upon her, for He saw her movements and spoke to her. She hearkened to His voice and retraced her steps. It is a great thing in our lives when we realize that God’s eye is upon us. We often try to run away from the speaking of God, but it is no use. It says, “God speaketh once, yea twice,... He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that He may withdraw man from his purpose.” Job 33:14-17.

I remember a young man that traveled thirteen thousand miles to try and get away from God’s speaking to him. But, at the end of the journey, he found God was there to meet him. He spoke to him then a second time and happily this young man listened to His voice. He took his true place before God as a guilty, lost sinner, and he accepted Jesus as His Saviour and Lord. He is now a living witness for the One he despised and from whom he sought to run away.

God spoke to Jonah and he tried to get away from God too, but it was no use. He paid the price of the joey like the young man of whom we have been speaking. He went on his way but God caused the wind to blow and the sea to rise, and Jonah was thrown overboard. God, however, had prepared a great fish which swallowed Jonah and caused him to listen to His voice a second time.

We cannot get away from God; but there is a danger, if we persist in going our own way and turning a deaf ear to God’s speaking, that He may leave us alone. Very solemn to be left alone of God. “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Prov. 29:1.

ML-04/21/1963

Rich Though Poor

A POOR RAILWAY laborer was dying, and told out his joy thus: “I see Him now; He is with me. He will never let me go. How could I ever doubt Him?

“He is the Saviour of sinners; He is my Saviour.

“Jesus is mine, and I am His.

“Oh, tell all to come to Him, to come now! Christ for every man! Jesus Christ for every man!”

The Christian’s joys cannot be robbed from him by death. It can only carry him where those joys will be known to the full.

“Come now, and let us reason tether, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML-04/21/1963

After Death the Judgment

APRIL 15, 1881 dawned bright and clear in Glasgow, Scotland. On that day the steamship “Alabama” set sail for New York, far across the Atlantic. Soon she was in the open ocean. The sea was calm and the weather beautiful.

After two days of quiet sailing hover, the wind began to blow and waves which at first were little whitecaps increased in size. People on the deck seemed to enjoy the difficulty of walking while the vessel rolled from side to side. She would plunge beneath a wave and then be lifted to the top of another. There the wild and raging sea could be seen in its wide expanse. It was a grand sight.

The captain of the ship was an old “Sea dog.” He had been through many a storm and he knew that his ship was strong and safe. Nevertheless an anxious look came over his face. It told of danger that he knew lay ahead.

The storm became more intense, the waves larger than ever, some even going over the ship itself. Now the passengers who had been laughing, singing and dancing were filled with fear. Away out in the middle of the Atlantic they realized that their ship might sink in the terrible storm. Perhaps for the first time they began to think seriously about where they would spend eternity.

Mr. J. T. Armet was one of the passengers on that ship. He was a Christian, and we can well suppose that he was in his cabin quietly prang that God would help the captain and crew and bring them all safely through the storm. Later on, in telling the story of that voyage, he said: “People were crying to God for help. Some said, ‘We are going down, we are going down, and we have no one to prepare us for heaven.’ Why had they so much fear? The reason was, they did not know the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour. They did not know what it was to have their sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ, or have Him as the One who bore the judgment of God which they deserved for their sins.

“They might have known that verse from the Bible, ‘As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,’ and therefore feared to die knowing they were sinners. But had they believed the next verse, ‘So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the send time without sin unto salvation,’ (Heb. 9:27-28), they would not have been afraid to die. They would have rejoiced, seeing there was no judgment for them, as Christ had borne it all when offered for sins upon the cross.”

God says, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” You may not die on the ocean, but still you must consider that death is before each one of us. The thing to do is to be ready, and the way to be ready is to believe that Jesus died for you. God also says whosoever believes in His Son, the Lord Jesus, shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16.)

After the storm was over there was rejoicing on board. Mr. Armet again prayed to God, thanking Him for keeping them safely. However, sad to say, others returned to their pleasures and quickly forgot their terror and fear of death.

Dear reader, if you had been on board the Alabama, what would your feelings have been during that storm? Would you have been afraid to die? Why not settle the matter right now? Be ready, accept Christ as your Saviour now. “Believe and be saved.” Luke 8:12.

Memory Verse: “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.” Rom. 10:9.

ML-04/21/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 1:13-20

“AND HE was there in the wilderness forty days tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts.” Here was another most important step for the Lord, the perfect Servant, to allow Himself to be tempted of Satan forty days. There was never any question, of course, that He would withstand the attack of this strong enemy, but what a satisfying proof of His triumph is found in submitting Himself thereto! “Forty” in Scripture always refers to full testing, so we can see the Lord’s perfection again wonderfully manifested.

Does it not humble us to think of that wonderful Person being out alone in the wilderness that long time, with only Satan and the wild beasts for company? “And the angels ministered unto Him.” What thoughts must have gone through the minds of these heavenly beings to find their Creator under these circumstances!

The perfection of Jesus is beautiful to contemplate, but we must remember that this alone would only show up our own sinfulness and condemn us to hell. In 1 Peter 3:18 we read: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Reader, have you truly made Him your own personal Saviour?

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

John the Baptist had been a faithful witness for God before the coming of Jesus and large numbers had accepted his preaching. But God allows the heart of man to further display itself in John’s imprisonment and soon after in his martyrdom.

It is important to note what is said in connection with the preaching of Jesus. It is not the keeping of the law that He brings, but the gospel of the kingdom of God, which ever since has been the channel of grace and love through which sinful men are brought to God. No one can enter into the kingdom of God except he who is born again (John 3:5). The Lord Jesus was bringing something far greater than John had been able to offer; so John’s ministry, faithful as it was, must end when that of Jesus began.

“Now as He walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.” The companions whom the Lord selected for His work would surely seem strange to a modern-day leader of any worldly undertaking! But He well knew what divine power could do in the simple fisher folk whom He called in our chapter. They, along with the other eight disciples not named here, were to have lessons and experiences that they could not at that moment have sensed at all.

It is nice for us all to know when the Lord calls, and to be quick to respond in faith, even though we can’t see all that lies ahead. It seems amazing that these four men would so promptly give up their means of livelihood to follow this blessed Man of Galilee, but there was a drawing power they could not resist, as also an affection they were to prove and share in their own devotions to Him. Many rewards were theirs in later days, but in heaven their rewards will be greater still. We too, if faithful, will prove God’s delight in rewarding all that is done for Him.

ML-04/21/1963

The Captain's Sword

JOHNNIE RING was a young boy who served as an orderly under a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War. Johnnie shared the captain’s tent, sleeping on a low couch just across from the officer. One of his duties was to polish the captain’s gold sheathed sword, on which was engraved the motto: “True friendship is eternal.”

On their first night together Johnnie took his little Bible out of his pocket to read in the dim light of a lantern. To his surprise the captain took one look at him and roared, “We don’t believe in the Bible around here, and neither will you after you get into the War. You can’t read the Bible in my tent. I couldn’t have anyone see you reading it here.”

Greatly surprised and pained, poor Johnnie explained that he had prosed his mother before she died that he would read his Testament regularly every night.

The captain snapped, “If you wish to read that Testament, get out of this tent and away from me. I respect your love for your mother, but I don’t believe in the Bible. It will do you no good anyhow!”

Johnnie was unable to read his Testament outside in the dimming twilight, so each day after that he tried waiting for the captain to go out and then snatching a few minutes to read. However, the captain came in unexpectedly one evening and caught him at it.

“Johnnie, didn’t I tell you not to read that Bible?” said the captain. “Now do what your superior officer commands! Stop it now, and don’t ever read that Bible in my tent again!”

Sadly the boy closed his Bible and started to leave the tent. Then with tears in his eyes he said, “Captain, I love you; but you are a very wicked man.” This was the last said about the Bible, but it left the captain strangely disturbed.

Shortly after, while the regiment was guarding a railroad in North Carolina, one dark night the Captain was inspecting some sentries. Suddenly a bullet whistled out of the dark forest and knocked him down. Miraculously enough he was scarcely wounded, for the bullet had struck and smashed the watch in his pocket.

Sometime later while the captain was in New Berne on business, the enemy captured and destroyed his encampments. As the troops retreated across the burning bridge Johnnie discovered that the captain’s sword had been left hanging in their quarters. Back he raced across the bridge and rescued it from the blazing tent. Then again dashing through the smoke and flames on the bridge he fell at the end insensible with his uniform on fire.

Brave Johnnie was badly burned. Later when he regained consciousness, he asked after his captain. Word was at once sent to the officer, but before he could come Johnnie had gone to be with Jesus his Saviour whom he loved and served faithfully. When the captain received back his sword again and re-read the motto: “True friendship is eternal!” he said, “Eternal! Will I ever see Johnnie again? Is there any eternity?” He never forgot the brave boy who had died serving his captain.

At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain sometime later, the officer who was now Lieutenant Colonel, was severely wounded and left for dead. While lying there he thought: “Oh! is there another life? If there is, I want to find Johnnie. If only I could have that boy here to pray for me! I feel an awful desire to know about eternal life — if there is such a thing.”

God was gracious to the wounded officer, and eventually he recovered. But best of all he learned that there was a God, that He was a God of love who delights in mercy. With cords of love He drew the former atheist to the feet of the Saviour. He accepted Johnnie’s Saviour as his Saviour, and from then on it was his joy to tell others of Him who had saved him and given him eternal life. He became a faithful and well-known preacher of the gospel.

Dear reader, there is an eternity. Where will you spend it? In heaven or hell?

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

“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.

ML-04/28/1963

"I Can't Understand It!"

IT WAS FOUR o’clock on a bright Sunday afternoon. A group of children were all eager to be let out of Sunday school, when one of the teachers said, “We should be glad if any boy or girl would stay with us for a short prayer meeting this afternoon.”

Among the few that remained was a bright-faced little girl of twelve. Very quietly she knelt in a corner and buried her face in her little brown hands while prayers were being offered up. Then she tried to slip away unnoticed, but her teacher laid her hand on her and said kindly, “Dorothy, why won’t you trust Jesus?” With a laugh Dorothy shook off the hand and darted into the street.

However, when alone Dorothy’s little face grew grave and she said wearily to herself, “That’s what they all say, ‘Why don’t you trust Jesus?’ and they can’t see how all the time I am longing to know Him, but I can’t understand it. I don’t know the way to be saved. I wish I did — oh, I wish I did.”

Late that night Dorothy went up to her room. All the evening she had tried to be her usual cheerful self, but there was such an aching in her heart, poor child — she was seeking the Good Shepherd, and she knew not where to look for him.

Kneeling down by the window, she laid her head upon the sill and let the tears flow. “Oh,” she thought, “I would go straight to Him, and tell Him all about it. I would tell Him I cannot understand how to be saved, and He would help me to find out the way.”

Suddenly a bright thought came "Wasn’t Jesus all the time with her in her little room? Even though she could not see Him, might she not speak with Him just the same? Why had she not thought of it before?” And there in the deepening twilight, Dorothy told Jesus all — how unhappy she was, and how she longed to be saved.

Long she knelt there — she had so much to tell the Lord Jesus — and when at last she got up from her knees the little face was radiant with happiness. The burden of her sins was gone; Jesus had taken all the trouble away. She had found the way to Him at last. In the place of that heartache and that heavy load was a deep down peace and joy known only to those who have found the Saviour, whose loving voice still speaks from heaven, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

ML-04/28/1963

A Little Boy's Word

THE SAVIOUR had just taken Home a little fellow in his tender years. A workman came into the room and asked to look at the lovely face of the child.

“You wonder that I care so much,”

he said to the sorrowing parents, “but your boy was a messenger of God to me. One day I was coming down a long ladder from a very high roof, and when I reached the ground I found your little boy close beside me. He looked up into my face with childish wonder, and asked frankly, ‘Wer’t you afraid of falling when you were up so high?’

“Before I had time to answer, he said, ‘Oh, I know why you weren’t afraid — you had prayed this morning before you began your work.’

“I had not prayed; but I have done so since, because I discovered that I was a poor guilty sinner and therore needed a Saviour. I found Christ after that.”

These few words from this dear little boy had awakened that man to a sense of his need.

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise.” Matt. 21:16.

“A little child shall lead them.”

ML-04/28/1963

Jesus Loves Me

IN THE crowded railway train,

Dimpled cheek against the pane,

Sang a baby, soft and low:

“Desus loves me, ‘is I know.”

Then unconscious, clear and strong,

“Ittle ones to Him belong,”

Rose the dear voice at our side;

“Desus loves me, He who died.”

Hushed the hum of voices near,

Hoary heads bent low to hear,

“Desus loves me, ‘is I know,

For de Bible tells me so.”

So mid silence, tearful, deep,

Baby sang herself to sleep,

“Desus loves me, He who died,

Heaven’s gate to open wide.”

But the darling never knew

How the message sweet and true,

Raised one heart from dull despair

To the “love” that lightens care.

But I think, beside the King

I shall some day hear her sing:

“Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.”

ML-04/28/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 1:21-41

“AND THEY went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught.” One of the outstanding characteristics of the Lord’s work as the Servant throughout Mark’s gospel is found in the expressions “immediately,” “forthwith,” and “straightway.” This is appropriate to that Servant who ever had His Father’s will before Him and did not delay one unnecessary moment in accomplishing it.

So, in the very first day’s ministry detailed here (verses 21 Through 34) we find Him “straightway” proceeding with what is before Him. The Lord well knew how brief His time here was to be and immediately undertook all that was in His pathway. We see, too, that He gave no thought to His own comforts or conserving of energy, but often find Him weary from His labors, yet rising from rest to further minister to the needs of others. His invitation is “Come unto Me... and rest” but He Himself had nowhere to lay His head.

Are these not all wonderful principles for us who know the Lord to follow? First to ask: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"; then to waste no time in doing it; and finally to disregard discomforts or anything that would hold us back. But we can only so act when in full dependence on God for guidance and strength.

It is vitally important to remember, too, that service for Him, no matter how impressive, will never bring us salvation. We are not saved by works and can never be the Lord’s true servants until we have heard His voice and accepted Him as our own personal Saviour.

If any reader has not yet come to his need as a sinner and found Christ as his personal Sacrifice for sins, let him not wait one precious moment longer. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

Although Jesus had labored until long after sunset, He rises up “a great while before day” the following morning, that He might have a quiet time in prayer. That blessed One was here as a Servant and would not undertake His service without full dependence on the Father. If it touches our hearts to think of Him going so early to that solitary place, then may its effect be to produce a similar quiet resorting to prayer for every plan we have bore us.

When the disciples find Him, after they arise at a later hour, He informs them of the universal character of His work and together with them, undertakes a service of love throughout all Galilee.

“And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” The leper is once more a type of man in his sins — incurable and helpless in himself. But there is a saving place both for the leper and the sinner at the feet of Jesus, where in simple, trusting faith the whole matter is expressed to Him. The same compassionate heart toward the leper is today expressed to every sinner in the world who, in awareness of his need, comes in the same simple faith and puts his trust in the saving power of that precious blood, shed for the remission of sins. Have you too proved the Lord’s gracious compassion and like the leper, rejoiced to hear His reply: “I will; be thou clean"?

Memory Verse: “WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?... BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” Acts 16:30, 31.

ML-04/28/1963

The Captain's Last Words

CAPTAIN MURDY had fought under Admiral Nelson in the great naval battle of Trafalgar. The British fleet won the day but it cost the life of Nelson.

Captain Murdy survived that battle and several other engagements. He won many medals. Each one told what engagement had been fought and the part Captain Murdy had had in them. They were a source of no little pleasure to him.

But the time came when Captain Murdy must leave behind all his medals, his earthly honors and glories. What could he speak of at that solemn hour?

His daughter told how that the last words he uttered were,

“Glory unto Jesus be,

From the curse who set me free;

All my guilt on Him was laid,

He the ransom fully paid.”

He had learned through the mercy and grace of God that his medals and honors and his high position down here would not take him to heaven. He knew that nothing but the blood of Jesus could admit him there and fit him for the very presence of God. Captain Murdy did not mention any of his achievements when he was dying. All earthly glories had to be left behind; they did not occupy his thoughts. The glory of Christ was in his mind.

He had been saved — brought to Christ — and could now rejoice in the Saviour of sinners.

Can you join in his song? Can you say, “Glory unto Jesus be” — the Lord Jesus, who made peace by the blood of His cross. (Col. 1:20.)

“Glory unto Jesus be” — He “who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 2 Pet. 1:24.

“Glory unto Jesus be” — He who saved me from judgment and brought me to God.

“Glory unto Jesus be” — He who is my rest and peace, my life, my joy, my all.

“Glory unto Jesus be"—with whom I am going to spend eternity, whom I am going to be with and like forever.

“There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

ML-05/05/1963

"What Sort of People Go to Heaven?"

ONE EVENING I met a little girl who told me she had seven brothers and sisters. I asked her, “Do you go to Sunday School?” and she answered, “Yes!”

Then I said, “Perhaps you can tell me what sort of people go to heaven.” She gave me the usual answer, “Good people.”

So I went on to say, “We read in Romans 3:10, 12, 23: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one:... There is none that doeth good, no, not one:... For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God.’ So how can people go to heaven when God says there is none righteous or good, and all are sinners.”

She shook her head, and did not appear to know. So I told her as simply as I could that because no one was good enough to go to heaven, Jesus had died, and all who believe on Him are cleansed from their sins by His precious blood, and so they are fitted to go there.

Now if you were asked this simple question, “Are you fit to go there?” what could you say? Why not go to Him at once, tell Him you are not good, that you are a sinner and not fit to go to heaven as you are? Trust in Him who has died for you and He will wash you whiter than snow.

“Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43. “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psa. 51:7.

ML-05/05/1963

"Don't Let Anything Bite Daddy"

LITTLE JOHN had listened attentively one day while his mother told him the story about Daniel. He heard of how Daniel had been thrown into the den of lions, and of how God had shut the mouths of those great fierce animals so that they did not bite him.

That evening when little John knelt by his mother’s knee to say his simple prayers, he thought of his father who was absent and he asked God to bless him. Then he added, “and don’t let anything bite Daddy.”

No doubt he thought that God who had kept Daniel from harm could take care of his daddy too. And he was quite right.

How many of our little readers let their thoughts turn to God? How many of you ask Him to keep you, and those you love, from harm and from sin? Do not forget, God hears our cries, and He helps those who trust in Him.

ML-05/05/1963

A Bright New Year

“HOW CAN I know that Jesus died for me?” exclaimed little Minnie, as she lay ill in bed.

I looked upon the little sufferer who for long months had been laid aside. Now she was awakened to the fact that she was a sinner.

“Do you know, dear,” I replied, “for whom He died?”

“He died for sinners,” she returned.

“Are you a sinner?” I asked.

“Yes, I know I am a sinner,” she said. Seeing that she was so tired, I then left her committing her to the Lord.

The same night her brother asked me to go and see her again. “She is so miserable,” he said, “and wishes to see you.”

When I entered her room she looked up eagerly, saying, “I am so miserable; I want to be saved. I may be gone tonight!”

Looking up to the Lord who alone can speak peace to a troubled soul, I read over and over again “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.

The clock chimed the midnight hour, and just then the little face beamed with joy. “Then I have nothing to do, only to trust the blood!” she exclaimed.

I assured her that the blessed Lord Jesus had done everything; that “the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. After thanking God for His unspeakable gift I left her rejoicing in Jesus. Others visited her and she was delighted to hear about Jesus and to speak of His love. But that night was to be our last meeting on earth.

The old year had passed away, and as soon after the New Year entered dear Minnie left this earth to be forever with the Lord.

ML-05/05/1963

Safe in Christ

1 SaFE in Christ, the weakest child

Stands in all God’s favor;

All in Christ are reconciled

Through that only Saviour.

Refrain:

Safe in Christ; safe in Christ!

He’s their glory ever;

None can pluck them from His hand,

They shall perish never.

2 Once their sins on every side,

Seemed to tower o’er them;

Christ has stemmed the angry tide;

Been through death before them.

3 In His death, they’ve crossed the sea,

Passed through condemnation;

Well they may triumphant be;

Saved through God’s salvation.

4 Now by faith the justified,

Know that God is for them;

To the world they’re crucified,

Glory is before them.

ML-05/05/1963

Bible Questions for May

The Children’s Class

1. This is My beloved Son.”

2. “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

3. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God.”

4. “Ye know not when the time is.”

5. “All things are possible unto Thee.”

6. “Truly this Man was the Son of God.”

7. “He is risen; He is not here.”

The Young People’s Class

1. What WHOSOEVER tells us who the servants of sin are? John 8.

2. What WHOSOEVER can make us wise? Matt. 7.

3. What WHOSOEVER shows us the way of salvation? Acts. 2.

4. What WHOSOEVER tells us that God dwells in the believers? 1 John 4.

5. What WHOSOEVER teaches us how God is pleased in offerings? Ex. 35.

6. What WHOSOEVER is written for those who desire to be great? Mark 10.

7. What WHOSOEVER warns of the lake of fire? Rev. 20.

ML-05/05/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 1:42-45

“AND AS soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy darted from him, and he was cleansed.... And [Jesus] saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man:...”

The question is often asked: “Why did the Lord so often charge those whom He healed, to tell no one of the work?” We might think that He would have been pleased to have His works publicized. It was not, hover, the Lord’s desire to acquire the fame the world would heap upon Him as a worker of miracles. He did not come to glorify Himself, but to glorify His Father, and publicity, as such (now so popular with many in this world), was abhorrent to Him.

The Lord sought, and still seeks, those who would come to Him in faith and trust — aware of their need His heart ever responding to such. The crowds did not show this character. They came because of the miracles and the loaves and fishes which He gave them.

The leper, overjoyed with his healing, disregards the Lord’s request publishing it much and blazing it abroad — so that the Lord’s ministry was sadly hindered in the place, and he departs temporarily into the desert. How careful we must be to have the Lord’s mind in what we do. There may be a great deal of zeal and energy and a real desire to serve Him, but it can only be acceptably done if in conformity to the Word of God and in the character of a true dependent servant. (Refer to 2 Timothy 2:5, 15.)

There was one thing the Lord did request the healed leper to do: “Go,... show thyself to the priest” (in accordance with Lev. 14). In sending him to the priest the Lord was emphasizing before that official that divine power was manifesting itself through His own presence in Israel.

This should have spoken to the conscience of any thinking priest who saw the results of such amazing healing. The priest, in his official capacity, would then be responsible to receive or reject the works of Jesus as the tokens of the Redeemer of the nation.

The miracles of healing were part of the outward display of the power and authority of Jesus while here, a Man amongst men. This was confirmed by Peter who, through the Holy Spirit, stated in Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you.”

We are no longer in a day of miracles — now having the written Word for our guide, and the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts, but can truly count it a miracle when the love of God transforms us from “the works of darkness” to become “children of light,” and His sons forever.

For a short period of time in the early days of the Church, after the Lord had returned to heaven, miraculous powers were given to the apostles, and a most solemn warning accompanies this information related in Hebrews 2:3, 4: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?”

There will indeed be no escape for those who neglect this great salvation.

Memory Verse: “THROUGH HIS NAME WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS.” Acts 10:43.

ML-05/05/1963

A Human Bridge

IN ONE OF the narrow streets of a city years ago a fire broke out in an apartment house. In one of the top rooms a father and his two boys were sleeping. When they awoke it was to find the staircase in flames and no apparent way of escape.

The father was determined to save his boys, however, and so making a bridge of his body he stretched himself from, the window of their room to the window across the street. Then he told his boys to crawl over and they quickly passed to safety on the other side. However, the brave father collapsed under the strain and falling to the street he died from the fall. He had saved the lives of his dear boys at the cost of his own.

Like the burning house in our story, this world which cast out and crucified God’s beloved Son, is doomed to judgment and soon will be swept by the awful fire of God’s wrath. The Lord Jesus at the cost of His own life has made a bridge from earth to heaven — from death unto life. Now, guilty sinners once doomed to death and judgment, who put their trust in Him as their Saviour pass from the place of condemnation into the place of favor and blessing. “All who trust in Jesus Christ are saved evermore!” “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.

“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 [judgment]; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

Sinner friend, flee from the wrath to come! Christ is the Way, the only Way! He has said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. “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-05/12/1963

"He Wants Me!"

A PREACHER CHOSE for his text one night that wonderful verse, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

He was a true, warm-hearted man, and as he drew near the close of his address, his heart was so full of Christ that he could not express what he felt and wanted to say.

All he could say was, " ‘Come unto Me’ — what does it mean? ‘Come unto Me'—what does it mean?” Again and again at a loss to know what else to say, he repeated it: “What does it mean? What does it mean?”

All at once a little girl, sitting on a front seat, timidly rose and childlike held up her hand.

“Well,” asked the preacher kindly, “what does it mean, dear child?”

“Please, sir, it means that He wants me,” was the touching reply.

The preacher sat down; but he and his audience felt no more need be said. Hearts became tender, eyes became wet with tears, and afterward one and another said, “The wisest and most able among us could not have given him a truer and sweeter exposition of the text — ‘Come unto Me’ means that He wants me.”

Dear reader, perhaps you might feel that no one else wants you, but the Lord Jesus does. Think of His great love! He has died for you. His lips of love invite you, His arms of love extend toward you, and His heart of love yearns over you. Will you not say in your heart, “Lord Jesus, I come.”

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

ML-05/12/1963

"In Already!"

CHARLIE was a little boy who had been listening intently to the story of Willie, another little boy who had gone to be with Jesus. His father told him that he should pray that “Jesus would write Charlie’s name in the book of life.” That night Charlie added this simple request when he said his prayers.

A few nights after when Charlie said his prayers, his father noticed that his new petition had been left out. Thinking perhaps his little boy had forgotten, his father asked him why he had not asked the Lord Jesus to write his name in the “book of life.” Looking up with such a bright smile Charlie replied, “It’s in already!” Charlie was saved.

“And there shall in nowise enter into it anything that defileth,... but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 21:27. “And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15.

ML-05/12/1963

Without Money and Without Price

IN A Northern California community, the hospital was often visited by Christian workers who handed out gospel tracts and talked with the sick folk. Among those sick folk was one to whom they could not speak, for he was a deaf-mute. However, another Christian worker had come to the city, and he knew how to “talk” with his fingers. He gladly accepted the request that he visit the sick deaf-mute.

On his first visit, after speaking to him about his physical condition, the Christian visitor told him of the Great Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. But the patient had no interest in “religion” and did not want to talk about it.

During the weeks that followed the hospital visiting continued, but each time the sick man saw his visitor coming he would turn his face to the wall and shut his eyes. Now with most of the patients, one might still quietly say a few words, trusting that they would be blessed for the eternal good of any who heard. But, with a deaf-mute, speaker and hearer must look at each other in order to carry on a conversation. When the dying man turned to the wall he could not be spoken to. There was still a resource for God’s servants, however. They prayed for the man and in due time God answered those prayers. The Christian worker told the story of what happened: “After being rebuffed week after week, one Sunday afternoon as I entered the sick-room, I was surprised to see the man sitting up and seemingly watching the door. As I entered he beckoned me to his side and immediately asked, " ‘How much do you charge?’

“Noticing my surprise, he hastened to explain. During that week he had been told that his case was hopeless and that he was dying. He immediately asked for help from a “spiritual adviser” who was visiting in the ward. To the sick man’s amazement, instead of being told how to get to heaven, he was asked, " ‘How much money do you have?’

“The poor deaf-mute shook his head. He had no money. Learning this, the spiritual adviser smiled, turned his back and walked away.

“Many thoughts now crowded in on the dying man. Dying, penniless, without Christ, without hope, eternity before him! Where would he spend it?

“Thus, when I walked into the room, he anxiously asked, ‘How much do you charge?’ I immediately told him that the salvation of God was without money and without price. Christ had paid it all.

“Not a sound was uttered as I spoke with my fingers, telling the grand old gospel story of the Saviour’s love for lost sinners. The dying deaf-mute’s eyes were fixed on my hands as he took in every word.”

How wonderful is that salvation which God offers. Saved, free of all cost, simply by taking Jesus as one’s own Saviour. It is true an awful price was paid for this salvation, but Jesus paid it all on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life a sacrifice for sin, though He had Himself done no sin. Now salvation is offered without money and without price. Not one penny can be paid for it.

Jesus “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.

The Christian worker continued his story: “A few days later, I visited the hospital again. How wonderful it was now to visit the dying deaf-mute. Instead of turning his face to the wall and closing his eyes, he was sitting up watching for me and greeted me with a happy smile.

“Two fellow-Christians went with me and although they did not know the sign language, this was no hindrance to the warm feeling among us all. The look of joy on his face, the firm handshake and a finger pointed toward heaven, all told of the settled peace in the heart and soul of the dying man. We talked about the Lord Jesus and then said goodbye, not knowing it would be for the last time.

“After a few days and before I could visit the hospital again, he was gone. Death had claimed him, but his soul was with Jesus, safe for all eternity.”

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

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

Memory Verse: “BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS, FROM WHICH YE COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES.” Acts 13:39.

ML-05/12/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 2:1-1 5

“AND AGAIN He entered into Capernaum after some days.” As noted before, the leper (undoubtedly with the best of intentions), began to publish abroad the fact that Jesus had healed him. Nevertheless he disobeyed the Lord and hindered the work in Capernaum, so that He went into the desert for a period.

In the second chapter He returns to Capernaum and continues His long work of help to the needy and faithful ministry of “the Word” to them. No doubt this was connected with Old Testament scriptures and the responsibility of the Jewish people to give heed thereto, particularly in connection with repentance and turning to God.

There is a very happy story here of the man with the palsy (we would probably call him a paralytic today), who was drawn to the Lord because of what he had heard of His healing power, but who was unable to come in his own strength. Here we have a true gospel picture of the needy soul today who is lost and helpless in sins, but unable to do anything for himself.

“And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”

Four friends seem to have had a real love for this helpless man and also faith in what Jesus could do for their companion. It is through their faithfulness that the man is brought in, regardless of extreme difficulties—and blessing results. There is a special joy in being able to serve others, through bringing them to Christ, and such faithfulness will always have its reward.

The Lord was, of course, aware of this act of faith toward Himself and the reward turns out to be much more than they had originally hoped for. For what one of them had ever thought that their friend would find his sins forgiven? Ah, this was the most important of all and the Lord properly gives it the first place — the healing of his body being of secondary importance.

The scribes say, “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” The hard heart of unbelief and resistance to the Lord Jesus, that is so often found in the scribes and Pharisees, is readily put to silence by the very proof of the Lord’s authority, when they cannot help but witness the healing of the paralytic, and hear the acclaim of all the others who glorified God, saying, “We never saw it on this fashion.” Indeed they never could see it except the power of God were present in the Son of Man, who was very God Himself.

The Lord calls Levi (or Matthew) from his work in the fourteenth verse, merely saying, “Follow Me.” Just as the four fishermen had done in the first chapter of this book, Matthew immediately responds. We have no record that he ever went back to his tax-collecting job, for he now found a Master who claimed his heart as well as his energies.

There is a nice lesson to be learned about Matthew inviting the Lord into his house to eat with him. This was not done in secret, but witnessed by many, including the enemies of Jesus. It is a happy thing when we answer the Lord’s invitation, “Come unto Me” and then really “take Him into our house,” is it not? May we each know more of having Him in every part of our lives, if we truly have taken Him into our hearts and proved His saving grace.

ML-05/12/1963

A Millionaire and a Caterpillar

LIKE MANY another man, Titus Salt, a factory boy in England, began life poor. A hard worker, with an inventive mind, he developed a process for using coarse Russian wool, and became one of the wealthiest woolen manufacturers. After he invented “alpaca,” he became a multimillionaire. A man of many interests, he built a model town, called Saltaire, for his workers. Later he was elected to Parliament and, because his improvements had benefited the whole industrial life of England, Queen Victoria made him a baron.

Was Sir Titus Salt satisfied? He was not. As wise King Solomon had said long before, “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” Ecc. 1:8. All that Sir Titus Salt had heard, seen, and possessed had not given, could not bring him satisfaction.

One Sunday Sir Titus heard a preacher tell about how, while sitting in his garden, he had watched a caterpillar climb a painted stick, which had been stuck into the ground as a decoration. The caterpillar slowly climbed to the top of the stick, then reared itself, feeling this way and that for some juicy twig on which to feed, or for some way of further progress. But the caterpillar was disappointed. Groping about, it found nothing. Slowly it returned to the ground, crawled along until it reached another painted stick, and did the same thing all over again. This happened seral times.

“There are many painted sticks in the world,” said the preacher. “There are the painted sticks of pleasure, of wealth, of power, of fame. All these call to men, and say, ‘Climb me, and you will find the desire of your heart. Climb me, and you will fulfill the purpose of your existence. Climb me and taste the fruits of success. Climb me and find satisfaction'.” “But,” continued the preacher, “they are only painted sticks.”

The very next day the preacher had a visitor. It was the wealthy Baron, who said: “Sir, I was in your congregation last night, and I heard what you said about the painted sticks. I want to tell you that I have been climbing them, and today I am a weary man. Tell me, is there rest for a weary millionaire?”

The preacher had the great joy of pointing that sin-burdened soul to Him Who said “COME UNTO ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28. And Sir Titus, who long had sought satisfaction from this world and had never found it, laid his heavy burden at the feet of the Lord Jesus, accepting Him as his personal Saviour, and was able to sing joyfully (as so many of us can).

“I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn and sad;

I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad.”

Friend, are you, too, climbing the painted sticks of this world, in the vain pursuit of pleasure, wealth, power, or fame — living your whole life away from God? The Scripture says, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Eccl. 11:9.

Are you not burdened about your sins? Turn now, like Titus Salt, to the only Saviour, and there at His feet confess that you are a sinner and that you want to be saved. In Him you will find pardon, peace, and joy forever. His precious blood cleanses from all sin (1 John 1: 7).

“He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9.

ML-05/19/1963

Eko Kano

EKO KANO was a young priest of a very strict sect of Buddhists. Despite the strict rules that were enforced upon him, when he heard about a Christian who was preaching in Kyoto, Japan, he went to hear him. He was curious to know what the Christian had to say.

Mr. Kimura, the gospel preacher, spoke that night about the prodigal son. Luke 15 tells the story of a young man who left his father’s home to go out into the world. He wanted to have a good time and to be away from the restraint of his parents. For a while things went well for him although he was living a wicked life. Soon all his money was gone and he could hardly get work to earn more.

Finally, the young prodigal remembered the fine home from which he had come and he decided to go back to see if he could work for his father. He thought that his father would surely no longer take him in as his son. But to his great surprise, when he was still some distance away the father saw him and ran to meet him and to welcome him home. Despite his bad life and his dirty and worn out clothing, the father hugged his son, kissed him, and made a big welcome party.

This story is in the Bible to help us understand how God looks for those who have rebelled against Him and tried to run away from Him. But God welcomes lost, wicked prodigals who will admit that they are sinners and deserve to go to hell for their sins. And, dear reader, His arms are open to welcome you to Himself.

Eko Kano heard that thrilling story and after the meeting he went to Mr. Kimura and said he was anxious to come to the Lord Jesus, and to know Him as his personal Saviour. How happy the preacher was to tell more about Jesus and to explain God’s way of salvation through faith in Christ. Mr. Kimura showed Eko Kano other verses that tell of God’s love for sinners. The young man believed what God says in the Bible and owned that he was a lost sinner. He took Jesus as his Saviour right there.

The following night he was again at the gospel meeting, full of joy and peace. At the close of the meeting he stood up and said, “Many years I have longed for peace, but I could not find it in the teachings of Buddha. I thank God for what I have found here. God has pardoned all my sins and accepted me as His child. What a wonderful thing this is. I cannot describe what it is to be a child of God, but you too can know it if your sins are washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ.”

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:5, 6.

Memory Verse: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24

ML-05/19/1963

Saved Three Times

A MAN SAID he had been saved on the water, in the water, and under the water. First, when on board ship, he had found Christ as his Saviour. Second, when about to drown he had been rescued. Third, as a diver, the Lord had preserved him from danger. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.

ML-05/19/1963

How Ralph Found His Messiah

RALPH WAS a young Jewish boy, reared in the traditional religion of his forefathers. He went to a Hebrew school, but what he learned did not include the Bible, and he grew up without any knowledge of God’s plan of salvation. At a very early age he began to indulge in all manner of crime and sin.

Ralph’s practice of religion consisted of going to the synagogue on holy days and celebrating the Passover once a year. He would often defy every rule of observing the holy days and defy God to punish him. But he is thankful the Lord was patient with him, for by the time he was 16 years old he was living a very wicked life.

Soon Ralph entered the army, and while at basic training camp he met a young Gentile lad who became interested in him. His purity of life gave Ralph an opportunity to scoff and mock, but he simply smiled and told him politely that he did not understand.

Their friendship grew, and Ralph wondered how the young Christian could refrain from the habits and drinking that were so much a part of his own life. His admiration and respect for the young man increased more and more.

One day Ralph decided he was going to fight one of the other soldiers, and told his Christian friend about it. He pleaded with Ralph to change his mind, but he refused. At that moment he handed Ralph a little book and asked him to promise to read it. It was a copy of the New Testament. He thanked his friend, put the book into his pocket and returned to his barracks, purposing in his heart to start a fight at the first opportunity. But he had promised to read the book, and he did.

When Ralph read the words, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abram” he was completely taken aback. What did Jesus Christ have to do with David and Abraham, he wondered. His interest was kindled and he read on. The spark of interest became a mighty flame as the truth concerning the Lord Jesus was branded upon his heart and mind.

Imagine Ralph’s shame as he considered how he had misused that lovely Name for so many years, in scathing blasphemy on the name of Christ. He realized that he had been entirely wrong all his life, and told the Lord what a sinner he had been. How happy he was when he received the Lord Jesus into his heart as his own Saviour, and now, on the street-corners of a large city, he loves to preach of the Saviour he has found. Has my reader found Him too?

ML-05/19/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 2:16-22

WHEN JESUS accepts Matthew’s invitation to eat in his house, the Pharisees and scribes angrily say: “How is it that He eateth and drinketh with the publicans and sinners?” They would never count a publican worthy of any honor or recognition. But the Lord is ever the friend of sinners—praise His name—and spells out the answer: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Alas, how many today, like the Pharisees, bring condemnation on themselves because they do not like to take the sinner’s place, but instead rely on their “good works.” God’s Word says about such: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Rom. 3:10.

“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not?” Again Satan seeks to undermine the faith of God’s people by raising questions in their minds, questions which he undoubtedly thinks are too hard for Jesus to answer.

It was true indeed that fasting was a part of the godly exercise of John’s disciples, and it was a form of religion with some of the Pharisees at least; and it actually would again be a very suitable thing for faithful Christians after the Lord ascended to Heaven. But He wisely and quickly shows the unsuitability of His disciples fasting while He is with them, for His presence was an occasion for joy and happiness — not sorrow.

The Lord further speaks to their consciences (if they would but hear His words) that His presence in their midst was an indication of changes that would do away with all the old forms and bring in a new order of things. “No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the old bottles... but new wine must be put into new bottles.” In other words, both examples — the garments and the bottles — were pictures that what was old was no longer suitable and must be done away with, being entirely replaced by the new. This obviously speaks of the end of the time or dispensation when the law reigned, and the bringing in of a new period of grace and mercy through the work the Lord Jesus was soon to accomplish on Calvary.

The Pharisees did not want to give up the old, because it flattered their pride to claim obedience to the law. But the Lord knew their hearts, just as He does ours, and it was no secret to Him that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. If poor, wretched man was ever to come to God it must be through grace and faith in the atoning work of Himself on Calvary. But even today the enemy of our souls would still try to turn us from God’s way of salvation, by getting men to try mixing the old and the new law and grace — and telling us that we need to improve ourselves before grace can act.

Well, this is just Satan’s lie and we need to be on our guard against it, because there are those who would put us back under the law again. But the Word of God says, “By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Gal. 2:16. No, my friends, it is only through taking our place as helpless sinners and claiming that Christ died for our sins, making it personal to our own need and faith, that we can be saved.

ML-05/19/1963

The Indian Interpreter

WHEN DAVID BRAINERD went to preach to the Indians, in the early days of our country, away back in 1744, he could not talk to them in their own language. He lived with them, ate their food and did his best to talk to them, but it was a long time before they could understand him. He had his own wigwam and fried his own cakes made with Indian meal. He slept on a bundle of straw and was often very lonely.

Brainerd had to speak to them through an interpreter, one of their own who knew English and who could tell his Indian friends in their own language what Brainerd was saying. The poor Indians were not a very happy folk, I’m afraid. They had learned nothing of the good and much of the bad from their white neighbors on the Delaware. Mr. Brainerd could find no Christian Indian who knew English so he had to take what he could find.

The name of the man he found was Moses Tinda Tautamy. Moses had been a drunkard but when he served as interpreter for David Brainerd he kept sober. However, he was not interested in the sermons and prayers which he translated for his own people, and took little interest in Brainerd’s efforts to make them understand the gospel.

One day, however, Mr. Brainerd was preaching to an audience of white people and Moses was present. Moses did not need to translate on this occasion so had nothing to do but to listen. And he did listen. The next day he talked about the sermon to the missionary, who spoke to him of the love of God in sending Jesus into this world to die for sinners, and also of judgment to come. Then Moses began to pray.

It took a long while for that sermon to bear fruit, but in the end the fruit ripened. Moses was not strong and one night when he was sick in his own wigwam he was afraid and could not sleep. He thought he was trying to climb a steep, steep mountain up to heaven. The way was covered with thorns and he could find no path. He tried again and again, but always slipped back. He found he could make no progress and there was none near to help. He was ready to give up when he thought he heard a voice speaking to him quite plainly. It said, “There is hope; there is hope.” Then it seemed as if Jesus came and he found the path and soon he had entered into the place of rest and peace.

That was the turning point in Moses’ life. He had found rest and peace in Jesus who had come to put away all his sins by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross of Calvary. The Saviour had won Moses’ heart. If the Lord would do that for a poor Indian, then from henceforth Moses’ desire would be to do something for Him. Moses became more than an interpreter; he became a true helper to his loved master, David Brainerd, and a missionary himself. When Mr. Brainerd spoke to the Indians, the interpreter put his own heart, his own love and his own faith into the words, and the Indians knew that Moses was a new man. “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.

That was the beginning of a wave of blessing among the poor Indians. After that, many of them came confessing their sins and turned to the Lord, who is the Saviour of all that trust in Him for salvation.

Dear young reader, have you come to Him yet? Are you “born again?” You know, our hearts, away from Christ, are no better than that of the poor Indian. Think of so many of the poor Indians already born into the kingdom of God, and you still outside in your sins!

Listen to the words of the Lord Jesus: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.... Ye must be born again.” John 3:3, 5, 7.

ML-05/26/1963

Sick Sheep

A FRIEND who was traveling in the East heard that there was a shepherd who still kept up the custom of calling his sheep by name. He went to the man, and said: “Let me put on your clothes, and take your crook, and I will call them, and see if they will come to me.” And so he did. He called one sheep, “Mina, Mina!” but the whole flock ran away.

Then he said to the shepherd, “Will none of them follow me when I call them?”

The shepherd replied, “Yes, sir, some of them will. The sick sheep will follow anybody.”

Let us learn a lesson from the healthy and sick sheep, and if we with purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord, we shall not be drawn away from following Him, the true Shepherd, by those who pretend to be shepherds but are not.

The Lord says to each of us who are His, “Follow thou Me.” “My sheep hear My voice,... and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:27, 28.

“And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:5.

ML-05/26/1963

An Honest Boy

WHEN PRESIDENT Grover Cleveland was a boy, something strange happened at his home. The neighbor’s hen came over and laid an egg under a bush in Grover’s yard every day. Each day Grover would take the egg over to the neighbor who owned the hen.

One day a friend who was visiting Grover said to him, “It’s the hen’s egg, and if she wants to leave it for you, it’s yours to keep!”

“No,” answered Grover, “the hen is the neighbor’s and so are its eggs.”

We all admire an honest boy, or an honest girl. To have a good conscience before God is a most precious possession of any soul. But of course this can only come first of all through the knowledge of sins forgiven and having the Lord Jesus as our Saviour.

Then we learn to walk in self-judgment and in communion with God.

“Let us walk honestly,” Rom. 13:13, even as the Apostle could say, “We have defrauded no man.” 2 Cor. 7:2.

ML-05/26/1963

God Sees Us Always

“NO ONE will see us, Janie,

I think we need not fear”

And Charlie opened the cupboard

And gazed at some apples there.

By his side was his little sister,

A child of six years old,

Her face like the summer sunshine,

That shone midst her locks of gold.

The children looked at each other—

The apples were fair to see;

“How nice they would be,” said Janie,

“Just look at them, one, two, three!

How rosy and fresh and juicy,

They look on this sultry day;

I’m so tired and hot with playing;

Let us take one while we may.”

“Yes, we’ll take the largest,” said Charlie,

As he gazed at its rosy hue;

“It will not be much between us;

But we’d better not take two.”

Then he laid his hand upon it,

And turned it o’er and o’er;

How easy ‘twould be to take it,

And fasten the cupboard door!

Now, just at this very moment,

The sunlight bright and fair,

Stole in at the open window,

In all its beauty rare.

It shone on the rosy apples,

It shone on the painted floor,

It shone on the tempted children,

By the open cupboard door.

Then it seemed to say to Janie,

As its lovely radiance grew,

“There is One who sees you always,

Whatever you may do.

His holy eye looks on you;

Nothing can you hide from Him,

So if no one else had seen you,

He would have known your sin.

“He sees in both light and darkness;

He knows every word you say;

He’s looking at you and Janie

By the cupboard door today.

He knows you are sorely tempted,

Yet there is no need to fall;

Run away from the rosy apple,

And tell your dear mother all.”

Then sweet little Janie trembled—

Her breath now came thick and fast,

While tears to her blue eyes started;

And she saw her sin at last.

Then she drew away her brother,

And firmly closed the door.

“Charlie,” she said, “God sees us;

We will look at them no more.

“We will go and find dear Mother,

And tell her what we’ve done;

She’ll pray with us, I know, Charlie,

When we tell her why we’ve come.

We’ll tell her how we were tempted;

So together now we’ll run,

And she’ll ask that God may pardon

For the sake of His dear Son.”

How full was the mother’s bosom,

As they knelt down by her side,

How happy were Janie and Charlie

As she told them of Him who died—

Told them of One who could wash them

Whiter than the purest snow,

And He is waiting to bless them,

Because He does love them so.

“My dears,” she said, as she kissed them

Before they started away,

“I hope you will try to remember

The lesson you’ve learned today.

We are open to temptation,

And our hearts are prone to sin.

But the Lord will keep you safely

If you only look to Him.

“And now, you may have the apples;

I intended them all for you.

Go, sit on the lawn and eat them,

And soon I will come there too;

When Father comes home this evening,

And we have our usual prayer,

We’ll read of Nathaniel’s fig tree,

And how Jesus saw him there.”

(Gen. 16:13; John 1:48)

ML-05/26/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 2:23-28

WHEN THE disciples plucked and ate corn (wheat) on the Sabbath, the Pharisees again complain to Jesus: “Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful?”

The Spirit of God is pleased to leave us the record of this conversation because it reminds us, as the Lord answered them, that “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” vs. 27-28. The time of Israel’s privilege, during which the Sabbath was part of the ordinances, was about to end. God was to put His earthly people aside for a period because of their disobedience, and Christianity would be the testimony in the world.

It is important for all to remember that the Sabbath was directly connected with the law and had its rightful place in the Old Testament order of things. When God, as Creator, brought forth a world of perfect creation in the opening of Genesis, He rested on the seventh day from His work and gave that day a special place — identifying it later as a day of rest for His earthly people. We will find this confirmed and directly connected with the work of creation in Exodus 20:8-11 when the law was given to Moses to communicate to the people and a special blessing given to this seventh day of the week (a reminder of God’s completeness in the work of creation). This, however, was all in connection with earthly ordinances.

As we have already noticed, the Lord has now set that law aside because of man’s failure to keep it (He Himself alone fulfilling every jot and tittle; Matt. 5:18). As our verses in Mark remind us, it is no longer appropriate for His heavenly people redeemed by His shed blood on Calvary — to have the Sabbath in reverence, but rather the first day of the week to which He, as the Lord of the Sabbath, has now given a special character.

We remember, of course, that Christ rose from the dead — not on the Sabbath — but on the first day of the week. His faithful followers are thereafter found observing that day. For example, in John 20:19 we read: “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst...” Again, in the opening verses of Acts 2, the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers on the day of Pentecost, and this is also the first day of the week. Another reference helpful to us is in Acts 20:7: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread...” There are many other scriptural references of this kind. The Apostle John calls the first day of the week “the Lord’s day” in Revelation 1:10, and it is nice to hear believers give it this distinction, is it not?

“The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. He is now seeking those who will come to Him in faith and thereafter walk after Him in obedience of heart and not the letter of the law.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 3:7, 8.

Memory Verse: “AND AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS, EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP; THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL, LIFE.” John 3:14, 15.

ML-05/26/1963

The Lion That Ran Away

DAVID LIVINGSTONE, the great explorer and missionary, traveled through the jungles and swamps and over lakes and rivers of Africa, long before there were any roads or trains in that vast continent. He was naturally a brave man but the real secret of his boldness and courage lay in the fact that He was a true Christian, he had Christ as his Saviour, and his strength was in God. The Bible says, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Prov. 28:1.

One day he had gone off with some of the natives to hunt for lions which had been prowling around the village killing the cattle and frightening the women and children. After a long search the lions were almost cornered, but then they broke through and finally escaped. Returning home Livingstone caught sight of one of the lions on a little hill not far away and fired at the great beast. The animal was only wounded and while Livingstone was reloading his gun for a send shot, he heard a roar and saw the fierce creature getting ready to spring. Before he could move or run the king of beasts was upon him, and knocked him over.

Livingstone thought nothing could save him. The big lion growled horribly close to his ear, and taking his shoulder in his great jaws he shook the missionary like a terrier dog does a rat. The pain, the fear and the shock made Livingstone half senseless, and he felt he was going to die. But God was watching over His servant, for He had much work yet for him to do. All at once the lion disappeared. One of the natives coming up frightened it. The lion turned to attack his’ send enemy who shot it dead.

With what gratitude must Livingstone have poured out his thanks to God for sparing him from the awful lion. But he was never able to use his left arm as before. One day, years later, as he stood before some university students in his homeland, he tried to raise his arm as he told them of how God had saved him from the lion’s mouth. He asked those young men if there were any present who would help him carry the gospel of God’s love to the men and women and little children of Africa. Livingstone knew that Africa had worse things than lions to fight, for there were sin and shame and slavery in Africa and from these he knew only Jesus could save.

Not only in Africa but in this favored land are sin and shame and slavery to Satan found. Every boy or girl, every man or woman, who is outside of Christ, who is not redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus, whether one knows it or not, is a slave to self-will, to sin and Satan. Jesus alone can break those chains of sin, can deliver from its awful guilt and power. To remain out of Christ is to be eternally lost; to come and own Him as Saviour is to be saved forever.

Dear reader, which shall it be with you?

He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the captive free;

His blood can wash the vilest clean,

His blood avails for me.

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

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

ML-06/02/1963

"Are You Saved, Alice? I Am!"

HARRY WAS a bright little fellow about eight years old. I often used to speak to him about the Lord Jesus. One day Harry said to a little girl, “Are you saved, Alice? I am. And Bill the porter is saved too” (referring to the assistant at the railway station).

Alice asked him how he knew that he was saved and the answer he gave her was: “Jesus died to put my sins away, and He says, ‘Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ And I do believe Him, for He cannot lie, and I must be saved.”

Dear young readers, are your sins put away? If you through believing in Him have been made clean by His precious blood, you ought indeed to be happy. For Jesus now lives again and is ever watching over you, and loves you so much. No one can measure His love; it is like an ocean without a shore.

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

ML-06/02/1963

Faithful Fido

FIDO WAS following two men as they walked along a country road. He was a big Alsatian dog. If you watched him amble along you would not know to which man he belonged. But when they came to the crossroad, one man turned and the other man went straight ahead. Without hesitation Fido followed the man who turned at the crossroad. Of course he followed his own master. Fido knew to whom he belonged.

The Lord Jesus is the blessed Master of boys and girls who love and trust Him. He goes before them and they follow Him. Do you belong to this same Master? Is He your Saviour? Which way do you go?

“One is your Master, even Christ.” Matt. 23:8.

ML-06/02/1963

Faithful Nancy

NANCY WAS a Christian girl and had come out brightly on the side of her Saviour. One day some of her schoolmates were planning to attend some questionable place of amusement. “Why don’t you come with us, Nancy?” they asked sneeringly. “Because it is not right for a Christian to go there,” she replied, and stayed at home.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Prov. 18:10. Those arrows Satan had sent through her school friends had not hurt Nancy. She had run into God’s strong tower for safety.

When temptations come we are told to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” v. 8.

ML-06/02/1963

Heaven

HEAVEN is a blessed place.

Free to all of every race;

Boys and girls, and grown-up too,

Will be there and so may you.

How to reach that blissful shore

Has been told you o’er and o’er;

Trust God’s Son this very hour,

He will give you grace and power.

Yes, I’ll trust God’s blessed Son,

Trust the work that He has done,

He has died on Calvary’s tree,

Risen on high to set us free.

From that happy home above

He will come for those He loves;

No more sorrow, sickness, tears,

Through the everlasting years.

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

ML-06/02/1963

Bible Questions for June, 1963

The Children’s Class

1. “To shew thee these glad tidings.”

2. “The child grew and waxed strong.”

3. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.”

4. “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

5. “And your reward shall be great.”

6. “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven.”

7. “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

The Young People’s Class “Ready”

1. Should we be concerned about those ready to be slain? Prov. 24.

2. What can we say of our God who is ready to pardon? Neh. 9.

3. What should we be ready to give to every man that asketh? 1 Pet. 3.

4. What work are we reminded to be ready to do? Titus 3.

5. Who are admonished to be ready to distribute? 1 Tim. 6.

6. When is it wiser to be more ready to hear? Eccles. 5.

7. To what hour did the Lord refer when He said, “Be ye therefore ready also"? Luke 12.

ML-06/02/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 3:1-19

IN CHAPTER 2 we have read of the complaint of the self-righteous Pharisees because the Lord’s disciples gathered and ate wheat on the Sabbath day. The Lord silenced these complaints and we have already commented on how this narrative revealed the contrast between the cold legal character of the Pharisees and the grace and divine authority of the “Son of man [who] is Lord also of the sabbath.”

Now in the third chapter a second Sabbath day introduces a man with a withered hand being present in the synagogue where Jesus was present. “And He entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse Him.” Grace and compassion express themselves in healing power, but He does riot conceal His anger against those who, though silent, would in their hearts again oppose Him. This story reminds us of Israel’s present condition away from God, for the withered hand is a symbol of the nation’s inability to do anything for itself. A future day is coming for the earthly people, when they will be a healed nation, but not before God’s anger against His enemies is shown in their destruction.

The display of the Lord’s kind act appeals to the common people, who soon follow Him and His disciples to the seaside. “Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea,...” But the hard and unrepentant religious rulers have every intent to kill Him and plot with the Herodians toward that end. However, it was not yet time for the Lord to suffer death and He leaves these hypocrites in their wicked scheming.

“And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.” We may think it strange that the Lord would not welcome the words of those possessed with demons, who rightly identify Him. But He could be pleased only when recognition of who He was came through the Holy Spirit and thus He silences that which is unholy — this testimony not being suited to His divine Person.

The twelve apostles—some of whom were brought to our attention in the first and second chapters — now are all named and ordained (or appointed) and at this time receive miraculous powers. (See verses 14-19). There was a special purpose in giving such extraordinary powers to these apostles and it is expressed in the closing verse of Mark’s gospel: "... confirming the Word with signs following.” In 1 Corinthians 1:22 it is said: “The Jews require a sign,” and it is another reminder of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the wisdom of God in sending these servants out to preach to the Jews. Their message would be confirmed by mighty signs and wonders, which would testify to the authority under which they preached the gospel of the kingdom.

But, for our day, neither a continued “ordination” nor the passing on of miraculous power is found anywhere in Scripture, because we now have both the written Word of God and the Holy Spirit to teach and instruct us, in far greater truth than the disciples had in Mark 3.

“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Psa. 119:103.

ML-06/02/1963

"Ready Now!"

ON A cold, cloudy morning, years ago, a ship captain was coming down the street on his way to his ship, when he noticed a poorly clad, hungry little boy standing in front of a fine restaurant.

The captain placed his hand gently on the boy’s shoulder and asked, “What are you doing here, my little man?” The little fellow, with a piteous look, said, “Sir, I was just standing here looking at the good things they have to eat in the restaurant.”

“Well,” said the captain, “I have but thirty minutes to spare before my ship leaves; but, my little man, if you had on good clothes, and a clean face, and your hair combed, I would take you into the restaurant and get you something to eat.”

The boy, with a look of love and gentleness, and with tears in his eyes at the captain’s kind words, brushed his hair with his hand and said, “I am ready now.” “Well, my little man,” the captain said, “God bless you; come on in with me and I’ll get you something to eat.”

As the little fellow began to eat, the captain asked, “Where is your mother, my boy?” “Mother died when I was about four years old,” replied the child. “Where is your father?” “I haven’t seen Father since Mother died.” “And who takes care of you?” inquired the captain.

With a look of calm resignation, the boy replied: “When Mamma was sick, just before she died, she told me that Jesus would take care of me; she taught me how to pray and to love Jesus.” The captain, with tears in his eyes, said, “I have just a few more minutes before my ship leaves. If you were only dressed real well and had a clean face, I would take you with me on the ship — you could wait on me.”

The little man looked up into the captain’s face and cried, “Oh Captain, I am ready now.” The captain put his arm around the boy, saying, “Come with me, my little man, and you will always be my boy.”

They both hurried to the ship, and when on board, the captain introduced the little boy to his men, saying: “He will wait on me, and his name is ‘Ready Now.’ He is always ready, and you must not call him by any other name than ‘Ready Now.’ " The little boy cleaned up after the good captain had given him a new blue suit of clothes, and he began his pleasant duty of waiting on the captain. This he did most faithfully.

The captain learned to dearly love the child. However, shortly after, the little fellow was taken sick. One day he said to the good captain. “I feel sick: I have awful pains in my chest. Oh Captain, I want to get close to you.” The kind-hearted man took the little child in his arms and pressed him to his heart. The little one fell asleep and he carried him very carefully to his berth.

A few days later the doctor said to the captain, “I have done all I can for that poor child; he is seriously ill and will die.” “Oh Doctor,” cried the captain, “save him; I can’t give him up.” But the child continued to grow worse.

One day the boy sent for the captain whom he loved so dearly, and as the captain looked him in the face, he could see that he would not last long. In a low, weak voice, the boy said: “Captain, I do love you; you have been so good to me. But say, Captain, I am going to leave you; I am going to where Jesus and Mother are. Oh Captain, I see my dear Mother, she is looking for me. Oh, she looks so sweet; and I see the angels, too. Yes, Captain, I am going to be with Jesus. Captain, won’t you give your heart to Jesus? Meet me in heaven. Jesus loves you; won’t you let Him save you and be a Christian?”

With deep emotion and trembling voice the captain replied, “I have been thinking about it, my boy.” “But when, Captain?” “I will attend to it soon.” “But when?” again asked the boy. “When will you be ready to give your heart to Jesus?” “Well,” said the captain, “I will not put it off much longer.” “Oh Captain, won’t you let Jesus save you? When will you be ready?”

With tears streaming down his cheeks, the captain fell upon his knees and cried, “I am ready now — ready NOW!” And there on his knees, with a broken and contrite heart, the captain gave his heart to God, surrendered to Jesus. About a half hour afterwards some of the crew came to the captain’s room and found him kneeling in prayer. His little friend’s arm was around his neck, but his spirit had gone to be with Jesus. Faithful to his Saviour to the last he had pleaded with the captain and won.

The captain immediately gave up his position and went out to preach the gospel of the grace of God to poor lost sinners. He loved to tell of the dear little boy, who had been the means in God’s hands of leading him to the Saviour.

Dear reader, “Are you a Christian? Do you know Jesus as your own Saviour? Are your sins all forgiven? If not, I beg of you to say as the little boy did, "‘I am ready now — ready now!’"

“Christ died for our sins...; He was buried, and... He rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

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

ML-06/09/1963

Accursed at the Lord's Coming

JOHN FLAVEL was a preacher in Dartmouth, England. One day he preached from the text, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha [accursed at His coming].” 1 Cor. 16:22.

Mr. Flavel’s sermon was most solemn. When he finished speaking he started to pray to God asking a blessing on those who were listening. He paused a moment and thought for a moment. Then he said, “How shall I bless this whole assembly, when every person in it who loves not the Lord Jesus will be accursed at His coming [Anathema Maranatha]?”

The solemnity of those words deeply affected the audience. One of those present was a young fellow named Luke Shut, about fifteen years old.

Shortly after this Luke left his home to go to America, where he took up farming. But the solemn thoughts produced by Mr. Flavel’s sermon were soon forgotten and he lived a life to please only himself. He went on in carelessness and sinful pleasure for eighty-five years!

He was now one hundred years old and God had so gifted him that even at that advanced age his mind was keen and he had such physical strength that he could still work his farm.

One day he was out in the field when his thoughts turned back to the days of his youth. His memory fixed on Flavel’s sermon and although eight-five years had passed he recalled much of what had been said. He remembered the earnestness of the preacher, the truth of what he had spoken, how it affected all who heard it. All came freshly to mind and then at last, after all those years, he realized that he did not love the Lord Jesus. Suddenly he feared the dreadful curse. He was a one hundred-year-old sinner and he would die accursed.

But Mr. Flavel had not neglected to tell of the free salvation that God offered. Now Luke Shut took his place as a lost and guilty sinner, cried to God for forgiveness, and he was saved. God in yet more goodness added sixteen years to Mr. Shut’s life and dung those years people could see that he really was a true child of God. At the age of 116, he passed away to be with the Saviour.

How old are you? How many years has God been speaking to you about the awful end of the path for lost sinners?

How wonderful the mercy of God to save Luke Shut at such an age! And yet it is a solemn thing, dear young friends, when the Saviour knocks on the heart’s door to say, “No, not now; I’ll wait till I’m older to be saved. I must have a good time first.” The Holy Spirit says, “To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 3:7, 8. Again, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

God doesn’t promise you a tomorrow. Death has taken many away while they were still young, and YOU may be the next. Most of those who found the Lord sought Him while they were young and their hearts were tender. Very few turn to the Lord in their old age, for the heart becomes hardened against Him through sin and indifference. But “those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

ML-06/09/1963

What the Bible Tells Us

THE BIBLE tells us Jesus came

From glory, bright and fair –

God’s perfect, sinless, spotless Lamb—

His mercy to declare.

The Bible tells us Jesus died

A sacrifice for sin;

The gates of heaven to open wide,

That we may enter in.

The Bible tells us Jesus rose,

And left the silent grave,

Triumphant over all His foes,

The mighty One to save.

The Bible tells us Jesus lives

Again upon the throne:

The blessed proof the Father gives

That mercy’s work is done.

The Bible tells us He will come

To take His saints away,

To dwell with Him in His blest home,

Through everlasting day.

The Bible tells us all may come,

And drink at mercy’s stream;

That Jesus soon will share this home

With all who trust in Him.

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

ML-06/09/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 3:20-35

“AND THE multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself.”

In verse 21 we correctly read “kinsmen” (rather than “friends"). They wish to stop the Lord from what to them is madness. They had not yet learned His true character (although later some of them did), and they were probably embarrassed by the acts that drew crowds to Him in such great numbers.

The natural heart can never understand, nor enter into divine actions. Even true believers, acting in the flesh, are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed of the result of God’s marvelous work among poor lost sinners, because scoffers are present or personal acquaintances think them “too religious.” May we, dear friends, have more boldness to witness for Him, in spite of the comments of those ignorant of the saving power of His work on Calvary.

As we read this portion and think on the love and faithfulness of this beloved Servant, how searching the question to our individual hearts: “What think ye of Christ?”

The scribes knew well enough that there was real power behind the works of Jesus that they were witnessing, but did not want to admit its true character. Instead, they thought they would turn the people from their attraction to Him by claiming this to be the work of Satan. “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils.” The Lord calmly, but solemnly answers these evil statements by language which closes their mouths and at the same time pronounces a judgment on these blasphemers who have attributed to Satan what was actually the work of the Holy Spirit manifest in the Person of Jesus.

At the closing verses of this chapter the Lord publicly renounces earthly ties — even of His mother and brethren—and proclaiming those who are obedient to the will of God as henceforth filling these relationships with Him. This, we know from other scriptures, did not mean that the Lord was estranged from His mother or brethren, for He loved them to the end, but did emphasize that He had a work to do which was beyond family associations.

It was manifestly the Lord’s purpose to proclaim openly the severing of any earthly and natural ties that would stand in the way of His mission of fully doing His Father’s will. At the same time He expresses that blessed oneness with all who would then (and later) follow Him in faith. Yet this too reminds us that we who love His Name are also called upon to forsake all natural ties — no matter how strong or attractive they may be, if we are to be true servants, following in His footsteps.

How rewarding to those who may prove such a cost to hear His encouraging words to Peter. See Mark 10:28-30.

“Then Peter began to say unto Him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospels, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

ML-06/09/1963

A Bible Lost at Sea

YEARS AGO off the coast of Japan a tourist on board a ship was reading his New Testament on deck. Suddenly, it seems, the wind lifted it out of his hands and it fell overboard into the water. Face down it floated on the waves far out to sea, for how long, we do not know. Perhaps the sea gulls pecked at it and the fish played around it, and no one might ever have heard of it had not God meant to use it.

The New Testament was found by a Japanese officer named Wakasa who was in command of the army at Nagaki. He turned its wet pages but he could not read it for it was not printed in his language. It was in English and he noticed that it was unlike any other book he had seen. It seemed to be broken up into chapters and little verses, each of which was numbered. Wakasa was an educated man and set about to find out what this strange book so strangely found was. He discovered that it was the Christian’s Bible.

At that time the Japanese hated the Christians and as far as Wakasa knew there were none in all Japan. Indeed there was a fearful old law which read: “So long as the sun shall warm the earth let no Christian be so bold as to come to Japan; and let us know that the king of Spain himself or the Christian’s God, or the great God of all, if he violate this command shall pay for it with his head.”

But the great God of all did come to Japan, and He came not in judgment but in grace with the blessings of the gospel of Christ.

This only made the strange Book more interesting and curious and, being a soldier, Wakasa knew no fear. He sent to Shanghai in China and got a Chinese copy of the Book he had found, and this he could understand. He read it through. He was interested and he read it through again. Again he read it and then he wanted to have some one to tell him about it.

There was only one man to whom he could go. His name was Dr. G. F. Verbeck. He had been a little Dutch boy but was then a great scholar and an American missionary at Nagasaki. Wakasa found him and asked him to explain the Book to him, which the missionary was only too glad to do. Wakasa later said he was “filled with admiration, overwhelmed with emotion and taken captive by the nature and life of Jesus Christ.” Like the rose which opens to the warm rays of the sun, his heart opened before the love of God told forth in the gospel. He believed that Jesus Christ died for his sins and he confessed Him as his Saviour. Later he was baized by Dr. Verbeck and thus was among the first converts to Christ in Japan in the last century. Two of his friends followed him and were baized. Now there are thousands of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ in “the land of the rising sun.”

Wakasa went to be with his Saviour when he died, but the work of grace goes on. It began with a Bible that had fallen into the sea. It is wonderful how great things grow out of little things. The mighty oak comes from a little acorn, the golden harvest from a few sacks of grain, and sometimes a life is changed by a little touch of kindness, or a little word of love.

May the love of the precious Saviour warm and win your heart, dear reader, if you have not yet yielded to Him.

Christian, take courage.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccles. 11:1.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters.

Thinking not ’tis thrown away;

God Himself saith, Thou shalt gather

It again some coming day.”

Memory Verse: “WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Rom. 10:13.

ML-06/16/1963

No Power

THE BOYS in our picture have made themselves an old car, and they have done a pretty good job. It looks like a convertible, complete with headlights, front bumper, grill, rear view mirror, and no doubt it has other accessories that one would find on a real car.

But there is one thing that real autos possess that this car doesn’t have — it has no engine under the hood. It has no power! When the boys want to make her go, Bill climbs “bind the wheel,” while Joe gets at the back and gives her a shove, and away they go down the sidewalk. Hover, by and by Joe gets tired of pushing and the convertible rolls to a stop.

The boys’ car makes me think of many boys and girls I know — and older folks too who want others to think they are real Christians. They are very nice and kind, and well mannered; they are honest, they go to Sunday school and church regularly, they don’t do anybody any harm, instead they try to do others good; and they hope to go to heaven someday. Sometimes they put forth great efforts in this direction and may pass through this world as real Christians; yet they have no true spiritual power. The time comes when they realize that their human efforts are all in vain; they have no peace with God in their hearts. They make the sad discovery that they are not true Christians at all, for they have never been saved from their sins. They are afraid to meet God.

Now, a true Christian is one who is “born again” by the Spirit of God and he has power from on high. He has taken his place as a sinner before God and has accepted Jesus as his Saviour. He is cleansed from his sins by the blood of Christ, and the Spirit of God now dwells forever in his heart. That blessed Spirit is the power that enables him to give up his old sinful pleasures and to walk no more in his old sinful ways. It is the power that enables him to walk as a child of God, in ways pleasing to Him.

“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.

The Apostle John tell us, “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. Also St. Peter tells us that these are “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed at the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5.

Let me ask you, dear young reader, are you a make-believe Christian, or a true one? Are you “born again,” and do you have the Spirit of God dwelling in your heart as that power from above? May God Himself “fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Rom. 15:13. He has said in 1 John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”

ML-06/16/1963

A Free Gift

AN EVANGELIST was explaining in one of his meetings how that salvation was the free gift of God. A man in the audience jumped to his feet, forgot his surroundings and cried out, “Oh it is beautiful! I always thought I had something to do, but now I have something to take!”

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

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

ML-06/16/1963

Those That Seek Me Early Shall Find Me

IT IS TOLD of Hannibal, the great Carthaginian general, that when he could have taken Rome, he would not, and when he would have taken it he could not.

Is this not the case with many with respect to salvation. When they may find Christ, they will not seek Him, and at last when they would seek Christ they cannot find Him. When they may have mercy they do not prize it. When they would have mercy, they cannot obtain it. He who in his youth reckons it too early to be converted, shall in his old age find it too late to be saved.

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

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 are the young.

Ah, walk the path to glory while you’re young;

And Jesus will befriend you,

And from danger will defend you,

And a peace divine will send you while you’re young.

ML-06/16/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 4:1-7

“AND HE began again to teach by the seaside: and there was gathered unto Him a great multitude, so that He entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And He taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in His doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow.”

In this parable of the sower, Jesus expresses His own work in scattering the Word and shows how it goes bond mere Judaism into the whole world. The seed, of course, was perfect, but it fell in a variety of places so that the results were not always the same.

“Some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.” The Lord Himself tells us this speaks of Satan, snatching away from the careless hearts of sinners the Word that could be so fruitful. Everything is on the surface in this situation and we are solemnly reminded that much of the effect of preaching the Word of God never penetrates hardened hearts that do not want to hear it and so Satan readily takes it away.

The Spirit of God is ever striving to plow up the soil of the heart to receive the good Word. How eternally tragic to reject such grace!

“And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: but when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.” The seed falling on stony ground speaks of a quick response that cannot stand the test of time or circumstances. How much this is like poor natural man, responding perhaps to some forceful presenting of the Word, or emotionally moved for the moment by a solemn preaching.

Where the Word goes no deeper than the emotions it will not endure and we will not have appropriated its life-giving property — because without exercise of conscience the ground is not sufficiently prepared to produce a lasting root. No real peace will be found where the work is no deeper than our unpredictable feelings. Personal faith in the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary and owning Him as the Saviour of sinners — one’s own personal Saviour — is the only true means of salvation and its resulting true peace.

“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.” The thorns that choke out the seed speak of the cares of everyday living and the deceitfulness of riches, with other lusts. There is nothing left in such soil to nourish the seed and it is therefore unfruitful. Perhaps this is one of the most used of Satan’s schemes to destroy the effect of God’s Word on the hearts of men, women, boys and girls, alike. How often the pressures of life — or the enticement of worldly pleasures filling all our time — chokes out the seed that would otherwise exercise the conscience. So the enemy would keep us, if he can, occupied with so many worldly things that no time remains for sober reflections on God’s message to us and the seed finds no root in heart or conscience.

The words of the Lord are quoted both in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, saying: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” May our language be that of the psalmist who prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” Psa. 51:10, so that the seed of the Word will find fertile, welcoming soil and not the hard flinty stone of rebellion against the truth.

ML-06/16/1963

The Knotted Handkerchief

JOHN ELIOT was the first missionary to the American Indians, away back in 1646. They called him “The black robed chief, the pale face.” He met the Indians in the wigwam of Waban, a great man among the Indians, and John Eliot talked to them about the gospel for three hours. Some people say that Indians never cry, but this is not true. When John Eliot had finished telling them about God’s great love for them, there were tears in the eyes of many of the Red men.

John Eliot taught hundreds of Indians to read, and to pray, and they loved him. In Massachusetts, where he worked among them, they built a town and called it Noonatoman, which means “Rejoicing” — the name which told of their joy and happiness in hearing the gospel.

Indian names are hard to pronounce, but John Eliot learned their language. Think of saying Noowamaammooonkauanunonnash when you try to tell people you love them, for that was the Indian’s word for love. And they loved John Eliot. He was kind to them and they couldn’t help loving him.

One day some white people gave to John Eliot some money. Knowing how kind and generous he was to the poor, they had tied it up in a handkerchief as tight as they could. First the opposite corners were tied in a knot, and then the other two corners. Then the ends were knotted and knotted until they were too short to knot. It looked like a homemade baseball for a small boy. On his way home the missionary visited a family that was very poor. There was nothing in the house and the children were hungry. The missionary prayed with them, but he was not satisfied to pray and leave. Out from his pocket he took his knotted handkerchief to give them a little money. First he tried to untie the knot with his fingers, then with his teeth, then with both his fingers and his teeth, but he could not undo them. Vexed and impatient because he could not untie the knots, he gave the poor woman everything, money and handkerchief, knots and all, saying to her, “The dear Lord must have meant it all for you.” No wonder people loved him, and when he died, the Indians wept at losing so good a friend.

John Eliot sought to be like his blessed Master, the Lord Jesus, Saviour of sinners, who came to this earth nearly 2,000 years ago, and who “went about doing good.” He showed to children, and to men and women everywhere, the love and kindness of God. But never did that love so shine out as when He went to Calvary’s cross and there died for our sins. John Eliot could not do that for the Indians. No man could. But Jesus, who was God, became a man and died on Calvary’s cross in order to put away sin.

Dear reader, have you trusted Him yet as your Saviour? “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

ML-06/23/1963

"A," "The," "My"

IT WAS in a little country schoolhouse. Twelve boys and girls formed the class. The school teacher’s wife taught that Sunday school and she sought to interest the boys and girls in the great matter of their present and personal salvation. One Sunday she departed from her usual lesson and used the blackboard, giving the children a plain talk on the Lord Jesus Christ — A Saviour, THE Saviour, MY Saviour.

One of the boys, a bright-eyed young fellow of twelve, was that day led to accept Jesus as his personal Saviour, and to say, “My Saviour.”

The blackboard was often used after that with good results, and the boy who was that day saved is himself now an earnest Sunday school teacher, and in his service for the Lord often uses the blackboard.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

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

ML-06/23/1963

Claire's Song

“Happy day! Happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away;

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day! Happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away.”

Claire is a little girl, only three years old, and this song is one of her favorites. One morning she lay in her crib happily singing the songs that she knows. Her mother listened carefully and this is what she heard,

“Happy day! Happy day!

When Jesus taught me how

To wash my sins away.

Happy day! Happy day!”

Claire changed the words of the old song, but they remind us of the wonderful news that the Lord Jesus brought from heaven. He came down to earth to tell lost sinners that they need not go to hell. By simply believing on Him as their Saviour, boys and girls, men and women, are saved forever.

The book of Jeremiah, in the Old Testament, was written many years before the Lord Jesus came. There it says (chapter 2:22), “Though thou wash... with... much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God.” Job was a man who lived long before Jeremiah, and although he knew God and was a wonderful man, yet he said (Job 9:30), “If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt Thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.”

Jeremiah and Job did not know about salvation through the Lord Jesus for He had not yet come to earth. But you know about Him if you just read the stories in this little paper. And the Bible tells all about Him and how He died for sinners. If your sins have not been washed away, just quietly tell the Lord Jesus that you want to be saved. Then you can put your name in a verse that is in the last book of the Bible, “Jesus Christ... loves me and washed me from my sins in His own blood.” Rev. 1:5. It will be the most wonderful day of your life, when Jesus washes your sins away.

ML-06/23/1963

A Strange Pulpit

YEARS AGO an evangelist visited a little country town to proclaim there the glad tidings of the grace of God. He took up his stand outside a store where there were some cider barrels, and he chose for his pulpit one of the empty barrels.

The man who owned the store didn’t love the Lord and he didn’t appreciate those who spoke of Him as the Saviour of sinners. So, when some of his friends told him of the novel use to which one of his cider barrels had been turned, he left his house with the intention of upsetting the barrel, and thus bringing the preaching to a sudden close.

As he drew near to the spot, hover, something in the manner of the evangelist arrested his attention and he paused to listen. Like many others, before and since, he came to scoff but remained there to pray.

There the story of Jesus and His love for poor sinners went as an arrow to his heart. The storekeeper was converted. On that very spot, later on, he built a chapel in which for many years he delighted to tell out the blessed truths of salvation.

Dear young reader, you may not be on the scoffer’s road, as this man once was, nor on the despiser’s road; but remember, if you are on the neglecter’s road, it leads to the same end hell.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” Acts 16:31 — the words which mean as much now as they did when Paul addressed them to the jailer of Philippi. But after the Lord Jesus has come and taken all those who love Him to be forever with Himself in heaven, prayers for salvation will then be all in vain.

“Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me.” Prov. 1:28.

ML-06/23/1963

The Blood

WITHOUT shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22.

It was the blood in Egypt

That sheltered Israel’s sons,

And through the sacred Scriptures

The blood still constant runs.

But when we come to Calvary,

The precious blood we see,

And every true believer

Can say, “It cleanseth me.”

The blood of Israel’s altar

Did there in type proclaim

The justice and the mercy

Of God’s most holy name.

In due time came the Victim,

On whom our sins were laid;

The Lamb of God’s appointing,

Has full atonement made.

And when in heaven we’re gathered,

Before the throne of God,

We’ll sing of Him who loves us

And washed us in His blood.

“Worthy art Thou, Lord Jesus,

For Thou for us wast slain;

The crowns of all creation

Art Thine, and Thou shalt reign.”

“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-06/23/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 4:8-22

“AND OTHER fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased, and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.”

How happy to be assured that some of the seed must fall on good ground and bring forth fruit, which it will continue to do until the day of grace is ended. Just as we see a wide difference in the response of saved souls, so the Lord pronounces a variety in the amount of fruit that comes out of the good ground. It is a privilege, dear Christian friend, to have a big return for Him, but it can only be through faithful devotedness to God’s Word and earnest prayerfulness that other influences will not choke out that good seed.

May we not forget that there must be a continual plowing in our hearts to give that seed good lodging to His glory, the blessing of others, and joy to ourselves. Perhaps there may be an opportunity right close to you to prepare the ground in the heart of some friend or acquaintance, so that the living Word will find good lodging in their lives, too.

After explaining the parable of the sower, the Lord (v. 21) probes the consciences of His hearers in respect to their testimony. The illustration of a candle speaks, of course, of light shining in darkness (the candle cannot light itself, but is lit by the Holy Spirit); and He comments on the faire of the candle to perform its proper service if it is put under a basket or placed under a bed.

Is there a lesson for us in this? Indeed there is. If we are children of God through faith in Christ, then He says of us: “Ye are the light of the world” and urges us (Matt. 5:16) to “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Now there are two outstanding hindrances to Christian testimony — both brought out in this verse: First, occupation with such things as our livelihood, business, properties, or a desire to prosper in this world illustrated by the light hidden under the basket. These things may be said to be necessary occupations of our lives, but the hazard is that we so readily let them get out of bounds and have too much hold on our time, our interests, and then our affections. What Christian will deny the need of exercise of heart that earthly occupations be kept in their proper place, so that our light will not be obscured?

The other outstanding barrier to Christian testimony is indifference lack of energy — or just plain laziness of heart, mind and body. So our beds, figuratively speaking, can cover up the light of testimony, too. Our enemy, the Devil, loves to see an indifferent believer and if he can have his way, would give us so much satisfaction with this world that we will just go pleasantly along, but without interest in spending our energies for the Lord.

What care is needed that we do not “spend money for that which is not bread,” and our “labor for that which satisfieth not,” as we are warned in Isaiah 55:2, and that we do not let indifference mark the pathway and rob God of what is due Him from our lives. True zeal will look to Him to show in just what way you can best serve Him to His pleasure and your own joy.

“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Heb. 12:28.

ML-06/23/1963

The Story of a Bad Boy

TOM JONES was a bad boy. Out 1 in the country where he grew up he caused no little sorrow to Miss Lane, the school teacher, as he sought to thwart her efforts for good among the boys and girls in the village.

Miss Lane was an earnest Christian who had a Sunday school class in the little one-roomed schoolhouse where she taught. In the wintertime, on Sunday afternoons, she would come an hour earlier to start the fire and get the room warmed up before the children arrived. Miss Lane had sought to win Tom to the Lord but he would have none of it. Instead he fired out ways to plague Miss Lane and even to break up her Sunday class.

One day he hit upon a first-rate idea (he thought!) to stop her Sunday school. He would “smoke ‘er out.”

That weekend, when no one was around, he made his way to the little schoolhouse, armed with a hammer and some nails in his pocket. The school stood in a small clearing and was surrounded for the most part with big trees, so he was sure of not being seen. Climbing up on a window sill he hammered a couple of nails into the slots of the window. Then he went to the next window and did the same. He went from one to the other until he had nailed up all the windows so he thought. This done he climbed onto the roof and stuffed an old bag down the chimney. Chuckling to himself, he went home to await the fun.

Naughty boy! What poor fun it was after all, to oppose gentle Miss Lane’s Sunday school efforts! But he did not realize then that he was really fighting against God, who would bring him into judgment for his deeds that day.

Sunday afternoon found bad Tom behind the big trees near the school where he could watch without being seen. Faithful as ever, Miss Lane arrived at the schoolhouse and immediately set about to start the fire. But for some reason there was no draft; the smoke instead of going up the chimney began to pour out into the school room. The room began to fill with smoke. Miss Lane went to open a window, but to her surprise it refused to open. She tried another, and another, and still another, but without success. Out behind the big tree, Tom grinned with satisfaction.

Poor Miss Lane! What could she do? The children would be coming at any moment. But Miss Lane had a resource. She sent up a silent prayer to Him she loved and who she knew would help her. She tried the last window, and oh joy! it flew open. Out poured the smoke like a funnel. By the time the children arrived the room was almost cleared. It wasn’t quite as warm as usual, but the happy children sat down around the old stove and the Sunday school went right on as usual.

Out under the trees naughty Tom could scarcely believe his eyes. The smoke was pouring out of the open window, and the sweet voices of the children singing gospel hymns sound a triumphant note as they floated across the schoolyard. All his bravado was gone now, and instead a dial feeling of dismay took possession of him. Utterly defeated he slunk off home in shame, like a dog with his tail between his legs.

The feeling of dismay in his heart now gave place to one of solemn dread, as he pondered what had happened, for it suddenly came home to him that God was on the side of Miss Lane. His failure to nail up that last window was but the overruling hand of God. He had been fighting against Him, and how great was his sin now! The arrow of conviction entered deep into his soul. His conscience was plowed up. For the first time in his life the sinful boy felt he was in the presence of that holy One who had seen all he had done, who knew all that was in Tom’s heart, and who now revealed to him the wickedness that was there.

The burden of his sins now became almost too great for Tom to bear. He had heard Miss Lane speak of the mercy of God, but would He forgive a boy so wicked as he? This question remained unanswered in his soul for a time, but folks began to see a great change had come over Tom, the mischief-maker.

Repentance, it is said, is taking sides with God against one’s sins, and conversion is “right about face.” Both became true of Tom. To the wonder of all one Sunday he showed up at Miss Lane’s Sunday school, not to disturb the peace, but to sit quietly and listen eagerly while the children sang and Miss Lane told afresh the story of how “Christ died for the ungodly.” For “God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

Tom confessed his sins to God who sent him a message of peace. By faith he looked away to Calvary and saw in Jesus a Saviour who was greater than all his sins, and he claimed Him as his own. In a moment of time, “all his sins so great so many, in His blood were washed away,” in that ocean of love, and peace flooded into his heart.

Tom was saved — saved to live for that One who gave Himself for him on the cross — saved to help win others to that blessed Saviour.

“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-06/30/1963

Her Precious Bible

THERE WAS in France an old lady who was blind. She was a Christian, and the only book she possessed was the Bible. This was a Braille Bible; that is, instead of being printed with ink, the letters, or characters, were represented by raised dots. A blind person reads such a book by feeling the dots with the ends of his fingers.

The lady of our story was very poor and she had to work hard to support herself. Her work was such that her fingertips became calloused and hard and this made it difficult to read her Braille Bible. At first she would pare off the thick skin but, alas, it grew back even thicker. It seemed as if she must give up the great joy she had in reading God’s Word.

One day, after failing to feel the raised dots, with a sorrowing heart she took up her Bible to bid it goodbye. “I must bid you good-bye, dear Bible,” she said as she put it to her lips and kissed it fervently.

What was her amazement, however, to feel upon her lips, the very characters she could no longer read with her fingers. She could read it with her lips! Her precious Bible, as if answering her kiss, gave her some word of love, and from that time she read the Scriptures with her lips, really kissing it. She could surely say, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer. 15:16.

The Lord Jesus said, “Search the Scriptures;... they... testify of Me.” John 5:39.

ML-06/30/1963

The Creator's Footprints

“DID YOU ever see God?” It was a challenge of a great man of science to one who had prayed to God in his presence.

“No.”

“Did you ever hear God?”

“No.”

“Did you ever put out your hand, and touch God and feel Him?” “No.”

“Then you are a great fool to believe in a God you never saw, a God you never heard, a God you never put out your hand and touched.”

The Arab guide said nothing. They retired for the night, rose early the next morning, and a little before sunrise they went out from the tent. The man of science said to the guide, “There was a camel around this tent last night.”

With a peculiar look in his eye the Arab said, “Did you see the camel?” “No.”

“Did you hear the camel?”

“No.”

“Did you put out your hand and touch the camel?”

“No.”

“Well, you are a strange man of science to believe in a camel you never saw, a camel you never heard, a camel you never put out your hand and touched.”

“O, but,” said the other, “here are his footprints all around the tent.”

Just then the sun was rising in all its oriental splendor, and with a graceful wave of his hand, the guide said, “Behold the footprints of the Creator, and know that there is a God.”

“To whom then will ye liken God?... Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers.” Isa. 40:18, 21, 22.

“WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THIS WATER SHALL THIRST AGAIN: BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST.” John 4:13, 14.

ML-06/30/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 4:23-29

“IF ANY MAN have ears to hear, 1 let him hear.” This is the send time that Jesus used this expression in talking to the people. All of us, young or old, know what it is to sit under the sound of the Word, or to be reading it, but to have our thoughts afar off so that we are not taking in what is put before us. In the last book of the Bible (Rev. 2 and 3), the expression is repeated seven times “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”

In our present chapter the Lord also warns: “Take heed what ye hear.” We are reminded that there is much about us that only pretends to be true, but is actually the imagination or wickedness of false teachers. May it be our desire, like the psalmist, to say in reality: “I will hear what God the LORD will speak.” Ps. 85:8.

“With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath (v. 24-25). Spiritual blessings that result in our earnest desire to learn God’s ways, will always increase in additional blessing and growth. This, in turn, will cause the happy soul to communicate these things to others and he is then even further enriched. What a wonderful multiplication table this is! On the other hand, the believer who is indifferent and careless about the truth that he hears and is not really entertaining the Word in his heart, nor communicating it to others, will soon lose even what he seems to have. Saint of God, cherish the marvelous truth of God’s precious Word. Tell it to others and let its practical effect be shown in your own walk and ways. God will It is always tragic to see any of the Lord’s redeemed ones neglecting the truth and allowing worldly pleasures to take over their lives. If any reader may now be in such a place, heed well these solemn words of the Lord Jesus, and remember He is gracious to again enrich your life when true repentance and confession cry out: “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation.” Ps. 51:12.

“And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.” v. 26-27. In the earlier parable of this chapter, the Lord spoke of Himself as the Sower of the seed. Now in this following parable it would seem He is showing a picture of Himself returning to heaven, after sowing the seed while on earth, and yet the fruit of the sowing goes on — and men looking on can not tell how this is so. True it is that the Lord is no longer on earth, but unknown to the natural man, the Holy Spirit is here and faithful witnesses and preachers of the truth are given to this wicked world, so that the gospel continues to go out and fruit still comes forth.

But soon the harvest will be complete and then the sickle will be put forth. What is real will be brought into its eternal reward and that which is unfit for the harvest (unbelievers) cast out. These are solemn thoughts indeed. Are you ready for that harvesting? Faith in Christ, as your personal Saviour, can alone assure your eternity when that day comes.

“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 whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:12, 15.

ML-06/30/1963

Daisy's Deliverance

ONE BRIGHT MAY morning a group of happy children went to the woods to gather flowers. The countryside was beautiful, and the children scampered merrily about under the trees and across the grassy slopes.

Little Daisy, a bright child of five and the youngest of the group, was put in the care of her elder sister Elsie. All through the morning the children gathered flowers and played among the trees. At noon they all sat down to lunch on the green grass. Then one of them suggested they play a game in the next field, to which all agreed. They climbed over the gate and began their fun. Daisy was too young to join in, so she wandered by herself along the fence picking flowers and amusing herself.

The other girls, busy at play, did not notice that at the far end of the field was a herd of cattle feeding. Then a loud bellow arrested their attention, and looking up they saw a young bull with his head down making directly for them. In a moment they all stopped their game and disappeared into the woods — that is, all but little Daisy. Unaware of her danger, she was still picking flowers by the side of the field. When her sister Elsie reached the gate where she had left her, and found her gone, she was frantic. Then she caught sight of Daisy’s bright apron, and the wild animal was dashing in her direction.

What could she do to save her? Nothing; she was helpless. But Elsie had read in the Bible of God’s mighty power to save, of how he had closed the lion’s mouth to save his servant Daniel. She remembered the story of how David delivered his father’s sheep from the lion and the bear, and she cried out, “Lord, save little Daisy!” And He who watches the sparrows fall, heard that cry up in heaven. Suddenly the animal turned another way and little Daisy, still unaware of her danger, was lifted over the fence by a young ploughman, who hurried from a neighboring field when he heard the animal bellow. Oh how thankful to the Lord was Elsie when she saw her little sister safe and sound!

Daisy never forgot that deliverance herself, and when she got older and had a class of little girls in the Sunday school, they would listen eagerly as she told them the story. But she would always add, “And I know a greater deliverance than that; when as a sinner, lost and helpless, exposed to Satan’s power and in danger of perishing in sin, Jesus lifted me up, set me by His side in safety on the Rock, to which no power of the enemy can reach. I could do nothing to save myself, but ‘Jesus did it all long, long ago.’ "

Yes, there is danger to even the youngest while they remain outside of Christ, in the world and exposed to sin and Satan’s power. But in coming to the Saviour, believing in Him, saved by Him, there is safety, peace and joy.

“Only trust Him,

Only trust Him,

Only trust Him now,

He will save you,

He will save you now.”

“Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” Rom. 10:4.

ML-07/07/1963

The Shepherd and His Dog

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

A while later the dog began to bark loudly. The shepherd, seeing no possibility of sleeping with such a noise, got up and went to the shed to see what was the matter. No sooner had he opened the shed door, than the dog, possibly not recognizing his master, in fear and fury flew at him and bit his hand.

What horror in a moment filled the young man’s mind! He remembered all the terrible stories he had read in the papers of people dying from mad dog bites. The overwhelming thought came that he might die, and he was unprepared to meet God. Wholly overcome he went indoors and lay down on his bed, almost stunned at the thought that shortly he might have to meet God.

This event was the turning point in his life. He began to realize what it was to be a sinner in the sight of God and he began crying to Him to be saved. When alone with the sheep at times, he would pray until he was nearly exhausted. Sometimes he would think he was saved and at other times he was plunged into despair.

Then one day he heard that a gospel meeting was to be held in a cottage two miles away and off he went to see if he could get help for his poor soul. Sitting there he heard the speaker say: “Now, friends, if you want to be saved, and if you want to find peace, you must look away from yourselves entirely. Jesus has accomplished on the cross all that is needed that sinners might be saved. Look not inside at your feelings, but look to Jesus, and at what He has done.”

The shepherd’s eyes followed the speaker’s upraised hand, and the truth suddenly flashed into his mind, “Jesus has finished the work, and by my believing on Him God says I have eternal life.” There and then he got down on his knees and with a heart filled with joy he thanked the Lord for his full salvation.

I wish the reader could have heard him putting such stress on that word “hath” when telling his neighbors what God had done for him. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36. Again, “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.

A year passed and the young shepherd was still full of the joy of his salvation and those who too knew the Saviour’s love could but rejoice with him.

Dear reader, do you know anything of this joy — the joy of knowing Christ as your Saviour?

ML-07/07/1963

Come to the Saviour

Come to the Saviour, make no delay;

Here in His Word He’s shown us the way;

Here in our midst He’s standing today,

Tenderly saying, “Come!”

Joyful, joyful will the meeting be,

When from sin our hearts are pure and free:

And we shall gather, Saviour, with Thee

In our eternal home.

“Suffer the children!” Oh, hear His voice,

Let every heart leap forth and rejoice,

And let us freely make Him our choice;

Do not delay, but come.

ML-07/07/1963

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

1. “Whom say ye that I am?”

2. “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

3. “Knock, and it shall be opened to you.”

4. “Consider the ravens.”

5. “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

6. “Joy shall be in heaven.”

7. “God knoweth your hearts.”

The Young People’s Class: “FAITH”

1. Can we please God without faith? Hebrews.

2. Is faith a fruit of the Spirit? Gal. 5.

3. What admonition do we have concerning the faith once delivered unto us? Jude.

4. Whom did the Lord accuse of having no faith? Mark.

5. Did they ever desire the Lord to increase their faith? Luke.

6. What man was able to do great wonders and miracles because he was full of faith? Acts 6.

7. What degree of faith did Abraham have when he staggered not at God’s promise? Rom. 4.

ML-07/07/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 4:30-41

“AND HE SAID, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which... becometh greater than all herbs....”

If, as we previously noted, the world cannot understand how the Spirit of God works and brings forth eternal fruit, so too it is amazing to see how that seed, at first so very small, was destined of God to grow into a great and fruitful tree. It is now nearly two thousand years since the cross of Calvary, and the work that started with a little handful of disciples has grown until it covers most of the earth. But in the spread of Christianity, the “fowls of the air... lodge under the shadow of it” too. Counterfeit followers now sit in the branches and lodge in the benefits of Christianity, but how like the birds that have ever plagued the toiling farmer — their greatest achievement is to spoil the fruit and when there is no further benefit to their greed they fly away. The Devil has sent many birds “into the tree” and we need to ever be on guard against them, for they will rob and spoil the precious fruit if they can do so. If we will weigh all things in the light of God’s Word, the difference between the true and the false will soon be revealed, and we will wisely leave alone those who, though professing to be part of Christianity, are really imposters.

“And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” The narrative of the ships crossing the sea, the threatening storm, and the Lord’s intervention for His own, is a most touching and encouraging one for all who know Him as their personal Saviour. Are we not also “passing over unto the other side?” Yes; and the sea of life is full of many experiences — some pleasant and some rough. Happy is he who has the Lord Jesus with him through it all.

“For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Isn’t this a most encouraging promise to us when things seem to go wrong and there is opposition from those who do not have our interests at heart? Ah, who is this One that will not leave nor forsake us? It is the very same One who was in the boat with His followers and said, “Peace be still.”

“And there were also with Him other little ships.” Do you not think that the happiest people on that stormy night were those who had Jesus in their own boat? The other little ships got safely across too, for He ever watches over all His own; but the ones who were closest to Him knew a special relief from anxiety and fear when they could hear His own voice speaking. Now it is certain that the Lord is going to see all true believers safely through to that heavenly shore, but the way is ever so much harder for us when we neglect to stay close to Him.

In our narrative the sea pictures the way of life and the wind speaks of Satanic power. But the Lord is over and above each and quickly hears the cry of His own.

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.” Ps. 145:18-19.

Memory Verse: “THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER IS ENDED, AND WE ARE NOT SAVED.” Jer. 8:20.

ML-07/07/1963

Alexander Duff

A LITTLE SCOTCH BOY was lying one day in the heather bide a mountain stream. He was looking up at the white fleecy clouds that wandered like flocks of sheep over the fields of the sky. The mountain brook beside him bubbled and sang a pretty song and before he knew it he was fast asleep.

He dreamed that he saw a glorious light and a golden chariot came down from the sky. Then he heard a sweet voice saying “Come up hither, I have work for thee to do.” The little boy rose up to follow the golden chariot, but awoke to find it was only a dream.

In olden times God often spoke to people in dreams or visions, but now that we have the Holy Scriptures, He speaks to us through His word. However, He may still be pleased to speak to one in a dream. The little Scotch boy believed that God had spoken to him, and one day he went to his room, and locking the door, he kneeled down beside his bed and gave his heart to the Lord. Then he prayed: “Oh Lord, Thou knowest that silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give unto Thee. I offer myself; wilt Thou accept the gift?” God did accept the gift and Alexander Duff, the Scotch boy, became a missionary of the gospel and went to India.

The Lord Jesus is still calling children, the older folks, too, and when we hear His voice speaking to us, we ought to follow Him. He says to the sin-burdened ones: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

Alexander Duff became a good student and in college later on he won many honors. In his poverty he collected together what was his dearest possession — a library of 800 volumes.

However, on the voyage to India, the ship on which he sailed was wrecked near the Cape of Good Hope, Africa, and he lost everything — his clothes, his trunks, and what he valued most, his books. All were gone!

When they were safe on land, on a bleak and barren coast, they looked a desolate and unhappy company.

Walking along the shore the missionary hoped he might still find something from the wreck floating on the sea. And he did spy something. It was very small, however, but when it was washed upon the shore, he found it was his own Bible. He thought it very strange that of his 800 volumes only one book was saved and that was the Bible. He felt that God wanted him to know that that one Book was worth more than all the 799 books that he had lost, and that the study of the Scriptures was to be his chief object in life. He opened it there on the lonely shore and to his shipwrecked friends he read one of the beautiful psalms from the Old Testament. How sweet were those words from Psalm 107!

“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 the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble....

“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.”

Alexander Duff reached India and soon began his work for the Lord. He started a school for boys and in that school they studied the Bible. To him it was now the most precious of all books and his greatest desire was to teach it to others. His first Sunday, school was under a banyan tree, and, the first day there were just five boys, present. At the end of the first week, 300 asked to be taught, and every day, as they studied the precious Book, many learned to love it. If you had been there, you would have heard the scholars sing:

“Holy Bible! Book divine,

Precious Treasure, Thou art mine;

Mine to tell me whence I came,

Mine to tell me what I am.”

The Bible is God’s word for boys and girls, and men and women, everywhere. It tells us that we are all sinners before God, but He has provided a Saviour in His own blessed Son.

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

ML-07/14/1963

The Philosopher

A PHILOSOPHER is one who has a wide knowledge of certain things, having read much, and he tries to reason out most everything in life.

A story is told of a philosopher who, while crossing a river on a ferry boat, asked the boatman if he had ever studied astronomy.

“Astronomy?” answered the boatman. “No, sir, I never heard of it before.”

Said the learned man, “I am very sorry, for a quarter of your life has been wasted.”

A few minutes later he asked again, “Do you know anything about mathematics?”

The ferryman smiled, and said “No!”

“Well then another quarter of your life has been wasted,” was the comment.

The philosopher asked yet another question: “Have you ever studied geology?”

“Oh no,” replied the poor ferryman. “I had very little schooling when I was a boy.”

“Well, my friend,” said the intellectual man, “a third part of your life has been wasted.”

A few minutes later the boat, caught by the current, struck a rock and ban to fill with water. The ferryman pulled off his coat to swim ashore. Turning to his learned passenger, he asked, “Sir, can you swim?”

“No, I can’t,” cried the philosopher in despair.

“Well, then,” replied the boatman, “your whole life is wasted; this boat is going to the bottom.”

Men may know much about astronomy, mathematics, geology and other sciences, but if they don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they will be lost eternally.

Of what use was the philosopher’s learning to him when the boat went down, if he could not swim?

Of what use will this world’s wealth, learning, fame or glory be to one who is about to pass into eternity, if he has not Christ?

To know the Lord Jesus Christ, and what His death has accomplished for you, will give you eternal life.

ML-07/14/1963

The Sad Farewell

“GOODBYE, GRANDMA! Come again soon!”

Those of us who have grandmothers and grandfathers know how nice it is to have them come for a visit. The stories they can tell of “the old days” are so interesting and they have time to play games which a busy mother and father cannot always take time for. But soon the visiting time is over and the grandparents get ready to go back to their own home.

So it was that way at our house one time. The luggage was all packed, the car was loaded and off went Mother, Grandma and the children to the railroad station. In a few minutes the train came in with a roar and many folks scurried about, hurrying to get to the proper car.

Grandma took one suitcase and Mother took the other one, and both quickly got on the train. But before Mother could kiss Grandma good-by, the train started to move. Faster and faster it went and there was no possibility of jumping off now. The little girls standing on the platform, happily waving and throwing kisses, suddenly were left alone. Their own mother had been carried away on the train.

I don’t know what those little girls thought just then but I know I would have been heartsick and terribly frightened. What could little girls do to find their way home? And no one would be there anyway.

But the reason I tell you this true story is because little children need a Saviour, for otherwise they cannot go to heaven when Jesus comes. The Lord Jesus is coming soon to take away all who trust in Him and those who have no Saviour will be left bind.

I know that when the Lord Jesus comes again He is going to take me for my sins have been washed away in His blood. I am so glad that many years ago I knelt down by my bed and just quietly told Him that I knew I was a sinner but that I wanted to be saved. And He saved me right then. You can be saved right now, too, if you will take Jesus as your Saviour.

Probably you are wondering about those little girls that were left at the railroad station. It wasn’t long until they were reunited with their mother. The train stopped at another station about five miles away and she took a taxicab back to them from there.

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

ML-07/14/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 5:1-20

“AND WHEN HE was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains.”

Dwelling in a scene of death — himself naked and unclean — his spirit uncontrollable — what a picture of a lost sinner who, without hope and afar off from God, lives in this world of death and sin, unable to control or improve his own sinful nature.

There had been many an effort to tame this man, even with chains and fetters, but he broke them all asunder — a type, we may be sure, of the hopeless restraint of the law and commandments on our old natures. Like the man in our story, many an earnest soul, well aware of his distance from God, knows the bitterness of crying and making every effort to improve his behavior, but finds it useless and he cannot by any of these means diver himself. Such a one may not be aware that he is actually a captive of Satan, but such is the case, for we are told that if we oppose the truth of God, we are in “the snare of the devil... taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Tim. 2:26.

The indwelling demons dread to hear the judgment of the Lord and plead to be sent into a herd of swine nearby. The swine, terrified by this infestation, dash in panic into the sea and perish. But what a change now takes place in this one who before was wild and unmanageable! For we next find him sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, at the feet of the blessed Saviour who had mercifully freed him.

Have you too found this deliverance from your sins and Satan’s power? Alas, what unending efforts are often made by those aware of their lost, guilty condition, before they put faith in the Savor’s work on Calvary, who died that He might bear their sins for them. Troubled soul, seek no longer to improve yourself with chains and fetters — resolutions, efforts to keep the commandments, promises, crying, and the like. These are of no avail to our old sinful nature. The cry is “look and live” — look to that precious Saviour who alone can free you. Then you too will find that wondrous deliverance and, clothed with the robe of righteousness, will also delight to sit at His feet.

Those who witnessed the remarkable event were more concerned about the loss of their swine than the salvation of the man and they bid Jesus depart out of their country. It is equally true today that the world is much too concerned about its business and pleasures to find any delight in the salvation of precious souls. It is solemn to see that the Lord does not force Himself on them and leaves at their request.

There was a natural desire of this man, freed from his long burden, to accompany Jesus and be ever with Him. “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” When the Lord’s instructions were obeyed, great blessing resulted and we may be confident it brought great joy to the saved man’s soul to be so used of God.

Perhaps the Lord has given a similar message to you, dear Christian friend. Have you answered to it? We do not know when we will go to be with the One who saved us, but meanwhile we can serve Him in faithful testimony, to His glory and our own happiness.

ML-07/14/1963

The Cripple Boy

IN THE SLUM district of a big city years ago there lived in a little attic room a small boy about nine years old. He never left that room for he had been a cripple right from his baby days.

One day a kind Christian lady found him and from then on she visited him regularly. She read the Word of God to him and explained to him the great love of Jesus. She taught him to read and write, gave him a Bible, and so the little fellow came to trust the Lord Jesus who had died on Calvary’s cross to save sinners.

One day in summer he laid his Bible down on the bed, put his hands together, closed his eyes and said, “Please, Lord Jesus, I want to serve Thee so much. Wilt Thou show me how?”

Do you think the Lord heard that prayer? It was only a few days later he thought of a way. The lady had provided him with a pencil and a pad of writing paper. He took his Bible, opened it to John 3: 16, and then wrote out the 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.

It took him a long time, but when it was finished he carefully tore off the sheet, folded it up, and — what do you think? Well, he just dropped it out of the window, and as it floated away on the breeze he said, “Please, Lord Jesus, bless it to someone.”

Every day, when he was well enough to sit up, this little fellow wrote out texts from various parts of the Bible and dropped them out the window, each time asking God to direct them to some needy soul.

One day a wealthy man who owned a lot of property in that neighborhood, was walking along the street when a piece of paper suddenly floated down and dropped at his feet. Out of idle curiosity he picked it up, opened it and read the sprawly handwriting: “COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” MATT. 11:28.

Now this man had been taught all about the Saviour when he was a little boy and sat on his mother’s knee. But he had grown up and forsaken all thought of Him, and had gone after earthly riches. He had become very wealthy, but the more he thought of his money the less he thought about Jesus, and that is very often the way. Nevertheless, with all his wealth he was so unhappy and miserable that he had decided to go down to the docks and put an end to his life.

Now, as he read those wonderful words on the paper, he stopped still, and something happened for the first time for many years — tears began to fill his eyes. Hardly knowing what he was doing, he went straight home, shut himself up in his den, and after hours of anguish of soul, on his knees he acknowledged his sin, believed with his heart and was happily converted to Christ the Saviour. There was joy in the presence of the angels of God in heaven that day over one more sinner saved.

How many more of those texts were the means of blessing to others, we do not know. But there is One above who does, for He has said, “My word... shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.” Isa. 55:11.

The gentleman searched and found out who it was that was dropping those messages into the street and visited the little cripple boy. What a cheer it was to the lad to learn that his texts had been a blessing to someone! The kind man saw to it that the boy was well cared for from then on. Some time later the Lord took His little servant to be with Himself forever.

Most likely, dear young reader, you are a strong, healthy boy or girl. You can run, read and write, and do a host of other things. Do you have a desire to do something for that blessed Saviour who has done so much for you, by dying on the cross? Then think of the little cripple boy. But before the Lord can use you, you must first “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31), and be saved. Then wait for Him to show you what He wants you to do, for He has said, “without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psa. 2:12.

ML-07/21/1963

Freddie's Sermon

FREDDIE was a very small boy. His father was a preacher, and used to tell people about Jesus, how He came down from heaven to this sinful world to die in the sinner’s place.

Freddie had often heard his father preach, and one day he looked up earnestly at him, and said, “Fweddie wants to peach.” His father answered, “Freddie is too young to preach.” But Freddie could not rest and the whole week he kept on saying, “Fweddie wants to peach.”

When Sunday came, his father, thinking that it would quiet him, said, “You may come up onto the platform with me if you sit very still.”

But even this did not satisfy Freddie for he still said,

“Fweddie wants to peach.”

So the father stood up and told the congregation that his little boy had been worrying him all week because he wanted to preach. Then he lifted Freddie up so that he could see the people. At first Freddie felt frightened at seeing so many faces, but he said slowly, “Fweddie wants to tell you, Fweddie loves Jesus.”

That was Freddie’s sermon; only a few words, but it went home to the heart of one old man who was over seventy years of age. He was quite broken down at the thought of a little child loving Jesus when he did not. This was the means of his being brought to know Jesus as his Saviour, and to love Him.

Dear children, who read this true story, if you know and love Jesus, you too, may be little preachers. I do not mean that you may speak to large congregations from a platform, but you may tell your friends of the Saviour you love, and you may be the means of bringing them to know and love Him too.

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

ML-07/21/1963

The Bible Tests You

A TOURIST, with an open guidebook in his hand, was passing through a famous art gallery in Florence, Italy. Turning from one of the paintings to the custodian, he asked: “Are these your masterpieces? I certainly do not see much in them myself.”

“Sir,” he replied, “these paintings are not on trial; it is the visitors who are on trial!”

One fears there are many who regard the Bible in much the same way in which this ignorant tourist viewed the celebrated paintings at Florence. They have eyes, but they do not discern the beauties that lie sparkling like gems upon the sacred pages. They have ears but they do not hear the voice that calls to them in tones of sweetness in the gospel story. They have hearts but they remain strangely unmoved by the wonders of redeeming love told forth in God’s holy Book.

How do you stand with regard to these matters?

The Bible speaks of SIN. Do you say that you don’t see that it is such a terrible thing? Or do you realize something of its awfulness, its hatefulness in the sight of God?

The Bible speaks of JUDGMENT. Do you shrug your shoulders in unbelief? Or do you accept what the Word of God declares as to its absolute necessity, if God is to maintain His holiness and to show His abhorrence of sin?

The Bible speaks of YOUR NEED AND DANGER. Do you treat its warning words with indifference? Or have you acknowledged your need, the danger to which your sins have exposed you, the impossibility of freeing yourself from the position you are in, the certainty of being overtaken by death, with judgment following hard upon it?

The Bible speaks of A SAVIOUR. Do you pass Him by with cold neglect? Do you slight His loving call? Or have you discovered your need of Him, and fled to Him for refuge? Can you speak of Him as your own personal Saviour?

The Bible speaks of CHRIST’S PRECIOUS BLOOD. Do you treat the sacrifice of Christ with scornful disdain? Do you refuse to admit that it is only by the blood of Christ you can be made fit for heaven? Or have you found in that precious blood, a passport to heaven, a righteous foundation for the pardon which is offered to you in the name of Jesus?

How great the folly of those who do not see much in the Bible, or in the story of salvation that it tells!

How great the wisdom of those who take to heart the lessons that the Bible teaches, and who believe the glad tidings that it proclaims!

Memory Verse: “THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML-07/21/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 5:21-43

AT THE REQUEST of the people, Jesus leaves the coast of Decapolis and returns to Capernaum, where He is gladly received. It is nice to learn that there were many attracted to the Lord, but we learn from His own sayings and the report of the gospel writers that much of this was an outward attraction, because people loved to see the miracles and hear His words of wisdom. Belief in the heart was yet another thing, and it is not usually in the response of large crowds but in the story of individuals that we turn to find a genuine response to the Lord and His saving power.

Many years have gone by since this scripture was written, but the pattern is yet the same. It is quite common today to see large crowds turning out to hear the gospel preached — at least where the speaker is popular — but when a faithful word strikes the conscience it is only the individual here and there in the crowd who humbly accepts the words of truth, to the acknowledging of his sins and confession of Christ as his personal Saviour.

Perhaps it is timely to ask yourself: “What has attracted me to the company of those listening to the Word?” Or what has urged me to read a paper such as this—or to scan the Holy Bible?” May it be more than idle curiosity or enjoyment of the company of happy Christian people; or if it be this that has brought the truth before you, then weigh well God’s message to you, whatever your heart’s need may be!

“And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and besought Him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her that she may be healed; and she shall live.” “And a certain woman, whit had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians... came in the press behind, and touched His garment. For she said, If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.”

The individual faith of both these people is most refreshing. Happy we are to see the good results — the daughter, though dead, being restored to life; and the older woman being immediately healed. We think how extremely different these two people were: the man is bold—the woman timid. One comes openly—the other in secret. But faith motivated them both and to this the blessed Saviour fully responded. There is a delight too in thinking about Jairus — the loving parent—so concerned about his daughter. Well it would be if more parents were concerned about their daughters and sons being “dead in trespasses and sins,” and earnestly brought their needs to the Lord. Many loving parents spare no cost or effort to give their children every benefit in this world, but carelessly overlook or ignore the most serious of all needs — the child’s salvation. The story of Jairus who earnestly bought Jesus about his child and was rewarded for his faith, is a happy example that all parents would do well to follow.

The enemy saw to it that there was opposition to both these people. The crowd stood in the way of the woman and added to her timidity. The faith of Jairus might well have been shattered when he learned that his daughter had died before Jesus reached his home. There is no one who has ever sought the Lord that has not had something put in the way by Satan to discourage the act of faith, but the Lord knows our hearts and will ever answer the faith of every true seeker.

ML-07/21/1963

The Sailor's Book

SOME YEARS AGO there was a God-fearing woman who was suddenly confronted with the whole responsibility of caring for her family. She and her husband had eight children, seven of them girls. Quite suddenly the father died, leaving the mother and the children.

The widow was able to provide her family with food and clothing but she sought to feed their souls as well. She read the Bible stories to them, told them of the Saviour’s love and sought to bring them to Christ. These efforts were richly rewarded as far as the girls were concerned. While they were yet young they were saved, and as they grew up they learned more about their Saviour.

Alas, the widow’s only son rejected his mother’s tender care and went on in a way dishonoring to his parents and to God. He refused to go to school or to learn a trade. Finally he determined to go to sea. When he left home, his mother gave him a New Testament in which, on the fly-leaf, she had written both his name and hers. Earnestly and tenderly she implored him to keep the book and to read it, if only for her sake.

Years passed and the heartless son made no effort to write his mother or his sisters. Whenever they could they inquired about his ship, but it was rare to hear anything about their son and brother. On one occasion, however, a sea captain said that he knew the ship but that it had been wrecked. The grief-stricken mother returned to her little home with the sad lament, “I shall go down to the grave sorrowing over my poor son.”

Yet more years passed, and in the meantime the widow had moved to a home in one of the seaport towns. One day there was a knock at the door. A poor, bedraggled sailor stood there, and asked for food and clothing.

The widow provided what she could from her meager store and as the sailor ate she listened to his story. He had been through many dangers, he said, and had been shipwrecked more than once. In one of those shipwrecks he and another young man were the only ones saved from the whole crew. They found themselves alone on a deserted island. At last rescuers came but it was too late for the other sailor.

“He was suffering from injuries and exposure and on the seventh day he died. Poor boy! I shall never forget him.” The tears rolled down his cheeks, as he continued his story.

“Day and night he read in a little book. He said his mother had given it to him and it was the only thing he saved in the shipwreck. He often spoke of his mother and the book she had given him. Just before he died he handed it to me, saying, " ‘There, Joe; take this book; keep it and read it. And may God bless you as He has me.’

“Then he pressed my hand, and passed away in peace.”

The sailor then took out of his ragged coat a little book, very much worn and soiled. With the words, “Here is the book,” he held it out to her. The widow took it in her trembling hands and opening it to the flyleaf, she saw in her own handwriting her son’s name and her own. Suddenly the pent-up emotion could be contained no longer. The now aged mother sobbed unashamedly.

As she regained her composure she told her story of the little New Testament and of how its return to her was as a voice that seemed to say, “Behold, your son lives!” In the midst of her rejoicing she lifted her eyes to ward heaven and said, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.” Luke 2:29-30.

Who can measure the love of a mother who never ceased to care for her wayward, cold-hearted son? But, oh, what is that love compared to the love of God who gave His only Son to die for lost, guilty sinners? Who can measure the love of Christ, who gave Himself for me?

Friend, have you, like that sailor, rebelled against your parents and your God? Have you, perhaps, carried a Bible with you but let it rain a closed book to you? Stop where you are! Listen to the Bible, the Word of God.

“God... now commandeth all men every where to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man [Christ Jesus] Whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31.

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

ML-07/28/1963

Just as I Am

SOME TIME AGO a poor boy came to a city missionary with a dirty, worn out piece of paper. He said, “Please, sir, Father sent me to get a clean paper like this.” Opening it out the missionary found it was a leaflet, containing that beautiful hymn,

“Just as I am — without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come!”

The man asked the boy where he got it, and why he wanted a clean one.

The boy replied, “We found it, sir, in sister’s pocket after she died. She used to be always singing it while she was sick, and she loved it so much, that Father wanted to get a clean one, and to put it in a frame and hang it up. Won’t you give me a clean one, sir?

This sweet, simple hymn given to the little girl in a Sunday school, or perhaps by someone on the street, seems to have been by God’s blessing the means of bringing her to Christ.

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

ML-07/28/1963

"If You Please, Make Me a Christian!"

A MISSIONARY SAID, I well remember in the course of my labors, a poor Hindu youth who followed me about the garden of the school, asking me to make him a Christian.

“It is impossible, my dear boy: it is possible only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray to Him.”

How well I remember the sweet voice and face of that boy, when he soon after came to me, and said, “The Lord Jesus Christ has come, and taken up His place in my heart.” “How is that?”

“I prayed and said, ‘O, Lord Jesus Christ, if You please, make me a Christian! And He was so kind, that He came down from heaven, and has lived in my heart ever since.’ "

How simple and how touching!

Can you say that you have made a similar appeal, in such a spirit as this poor Hindoo boy? Can you say, my young friends, that Jesus Christ has come down from heaven to live in your hearts?

Do you love Jesus who died to save you, reader?

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

Memory Verse: “I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY MAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED, AND SHALL GO IN AND OUT, AND FIND PASTURE.” John 10:9.

ML-07/28/1963

"Then She Is Rich!"

THIS WAS the remark of a little Sunday school boy who, being very ill, was visited by the teacher. The teacher, on leaving him, remarked that she was going to visit a poor sick woman.

“Does she love the Saviour?” inquired the boy.

“Yes,” was the reply, “I hope she does.”

“Then she is rich,” replied the boy. And was he not right? He that loves Jesus, and has Him for his Saviour and Friend, must be rich.

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

ML-07/28/1963

An Apt Argument

AN INFIDEL MET a Sunday school boy coming home from his class, and inquired, “What is that in your hand, my boy?”

“A Bible,” answered the boy. “What do you do with it?”

“It teaches me,” said the boy. “What does it teach you?”

“It teaches me about God.”

“I do not believe there is a God.” Astonished, the boy looked him in the face and became the questioner. “Who, then,” said the boy, “made the sun and the moon?”

“They came by mere chance.” “What! and the stars and everything?”

“Yes,” responded the philosopher; “they all came by chance.”

“And who made your hat,” asked the boy.

“Why, the hatter, to be sure.” “And who made the hatter?”

This was too much for the infidel.

He was silenced.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Gen. 1:1.

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Heb. 11:3.

ML-07/28/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 5:22-43 (Continued)

“AND HE SAID unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” “He saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.”

In addition to the individual blessings with these two incidents there is an interesting typical meaning to the narrative. First, Jairus tells us, in type, of the godly remnant of Israel looking for their Messiah and when Jesus came they recognized and owned Him as such. They were well aware their nation was “sick unto death,” but they hoped the Lord would have healing for it and that they would see an earthly kingdom set up right then and there in power and authority.

But, sad to say, it was the members of that very nation who crucified the Lord and would not have Him. “He came unto His own, but His own received Him not.” John 1:11. Certainly God could not bring restoration and blessing to a wicked nation under those circumstances. In Matthew 21 verses 37 to the end of the chapter, the Lord spoke directly to the Jews of this very thing when He said: “He sent unto them His Son, saying, they will reverence My Son. But when the husbandmen saw the Son, they said among themselves... come, let us kill Him... When the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will He do unto these husbandmen?... I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”

Yet God does not forget His earthly people Israel and has great promises for the faithful remnant of a future day. But meanwhile an interval exists while the “glad tidings” are presented to all nations everywhere, including individuals among the house of Israel—but with blessing to that nation delayed.

The woman, whose story interlocks with that of Jairus and his daughter, appears then to be a type of one individually seeking (and finding) salvation, even though she is a member of the nation now suffering for their rejection of Christ. She is also a type of sinners of all nationalities— very much aware of a sad and hopeless condition, after trying every possible cure through her own resources and the most costly in the world around her, but “was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.”

This reminds us that the law and commandments (though themselves good and perfect) cannot bring us individually to God, for we cannot fulfill them; nor can an effort to improve our nature, our behaviour, or turning to this world’s “religions” free us from our incurable sins and the pronouncement of death upon us. No, none of these things is of any avail. The trouble was incurably in her blood — the vital essence of life itself. So it is with man in his natural state. The incurableness of sin is affecting the very issue of life and try though he will, he can never improve himself or change his unhappy condition, except by coming to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, owning his need and resting in faith on the work of Calvary.

You say, “But I have nothing to bring.” So it was with this poor soul. She had spent all and was penniless, but this only made her the more acceptable to the Lord. What a delight to find the very Son of God fully meeting her need and asking nothing in return except faith. Salvation is “without money and without price” and the invitation in Revelation 22:17 is: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

ML-07/28/1963

Saved Through a Dream: A True Dog Story

TINY IS A LITTLE terrier dog who lives in England. Tiny loves to chase foxes. Only recently the little dog was heard barking excitedly as he raced in hot pursuit after one of those red swift-moving creatures with the big bushy tail. Over the meadows they sped. Then the chase ended abruptly when the fox dived into a hole in a steep sand bank. In went Tiny after him — and disappeared.

Hours went by but Tiny did not come out. Poor little dog, he was trapped underground! He could be heard whimpering and whining in the darkness. For five days Tiny’s master along with two SPCA officers and other men dug deep into the sandy soil in a noble attempt to save the little dog. But when the sand threatened to bury the rescuers the search had to be called off. No sound had been heard from Tiny for three days, so he was given up as dead.

The night after the search had been called off, Mrs. Turner, wife of Tiny’s master, had a dream in which she saw vividly the spot where the little dog was and she could see him alive. The next morning she told her husband and he and some friends went back to the sand bank. Mrs. Turner went along. She said she was absolutely sure Tiny was alive. She had not been there before, but she pointed to a side hole which had been missed. The men cleared the hole. Sure enough they could hear Tiny whimpering, and a few minutes later out he came covered with sand. The fox followed close behind.

How thankful and happy the little dog must have been to be rescued from certain death in that dark hole!

Now, dear young friends, you are worse off than Tiny was, if you are not saved. You may not know it, but if you are not cleansed in the blood of Jesus, you are still trapped in the deep dark pit of sin — lost, without hope, with only death and judgment before you.

But God loves us in spite of our sin and folly. His salvation is near if one cries to Him in faith and wants to be saved.

Have you ever cried unto the Lord? He has provided a Saviour for you in His own blessed Son. And now “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

“They cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death.” Psa. 107:13,14.

ML-08/04/1963

What Shall I Give?

AWAY IN THE northwest, a Christian missionary was preaching the gospel to a company of Indians. As he spoke of the love of God, an old Indian chief arose, walked forward, and laid his tomahawk at the missionary’s feet.

“Indian chief give his tomahawk to Jesus Christ,” said he, and sat down.

Still the missionary went on speaking of the love of Him “who though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.”

Presently the old chief rose again, and walked forward once more to the front. Unwrapping his blanket from his shoulders, he laid that at the preacher’s feet, saying, “Indian chief give his blanket to Jesus Christ.”

But still the preacher went on, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

Again the old chief rose and disappeared from the meeting. By and by he came leading his pony to the tent door. He tied it to a stake and again walked up the aisle. Facing the missionary, he said, “Indian chief give his pony to Jesus Christ,” and sat down.

But now as the missionary continued to speak of the love of God, who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, tears began to stream down the dark cheeks of the old Indian. Rising for the last time, he walked forward to the front of the tent, and kneeled down before the missionary. With trembling lips, he said, “Indian chief give himself to Jesus Christ.”

Dear children, do you realize that Jesus wants you, not your works, or your things, or a part of your time, but you, yourselves. He loved you so much that He came from heaven to seek and save you when you were lost. He longs for you to come to Him, and He says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML-08/04/1963

Patty's First Night at Sea

THE CAPTAIN of a ship had promised to take his little son on a voyage to Ireland during his vacation. When the vessel left the harbor of Ayr, the weather was fine, the sea calm as a pond, and everything beautiful. Little Pat sat on deck, asking an old sailor the names of all the places as they sailed along. As they passed Ailsa Craig, darkness began to fall, and a strong breeze arose, causing the ship to pitch, which Pat did not like. The wind increased until it blew a gale, causing the sea to roar, and the waves to sweep the vessel’s deck. A terrible blast broke the ship’s mast and brought it crashing on the deck. Pat sprang from his berth, thinking the ship was wrecked, and in a few minutes he was on deck. His father seized him in his arms, hurriedly dressed him, and clasping him to his bosom, said, “Trust yourself to me, Patty, my boy; we shall live or die together.”

Then the captain bound his darling boy to himself, and, girding a life-belt around him, stood amid the howling tempest, expecting, at any moment, to be engulfed in the sea.

“Tell Jesus,” whispered the boy; and that word went to the father’s heart. Alas! he knew not how to pray, for he was a stranger to God. But little Pat was not; for though only a child, his mother’s Saviour and God was his. A sweet, short prayer was wafted from the converted child to his God, and in an hour they were safely through the storm. Pat’s father believes the prayer of his boy saved the ship. It was the means of his personal salvation, too, for he is now a Christian man, saved and on his way to glory.

Can you, do you trust in a living God? If you do not in little things, there is room for doubt whether you know Him at all, or trust Him for your own salvation. The Book of God declares, “They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee.” Psa. 9:10.

Memory Verse: “FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” Rom. 6:23.

ML-08/04/1963

"Examine Yourselves" 2 Corinthians 13:5.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOUNG CHRISTIANS SICK—In their hearts they have fretting jealousy, hatred, fear, pride, envy, dislikes, doubts and restlessness.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOUNG CHRISTIANS HEALTHY — They read their Bibles and spend some time in prayer every day. In their hearts they have love, joy, peace, quietness, gentleness, sweetness, trust, kindness, and faith.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.... Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Cor. 5:17, 20.

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.” John 17:3.

ML-08/04/1963

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

1. “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

2. “Of such is the kingdom of God.”

3. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save.”

4. “Heaven and earth shall pass away.”

5. This do in remembrance of Me.”

6. “Dost not thou fear God.”

7. “And the third day rise again.”

The Young People’s Class: Steadfast

1. In whose service should we ever be steadfast, unmovable? 1 Cor. 15.

2. What is the anchor of the soul which is both sure and steadfast? Heb.

3. Whom are we able to resist when steadfast in the faith? 1 Pet.

4. What is able to cause a Christian to fall from his steadfastness? 2 Pet.

5. Who is an example of one being steadfastly minded? Ruth.

6. What Christian hope was communicated to those who looked steadfastly toward heaven? Acts.

7. In what things did the early church continue steadfastly? Acts.

ML-08/04/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 6:1-13

“AND HE WENT out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him. And when the sabbath day was come He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this Man these things, and what wisdom is this which is given unto Him.... And they were offended at Him.”

It seems most strange that the people, being astonished at the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus, as He expounds to them in their synagogue, should take offense at His teaching. Apparently this was due to their reasoning that He was “common” and known to come from an obscure carpenter’s family. So they are not attentive to His teaching, even though they acknowledge its unusual character.

Do we not recognize that today He is still the One prophesied by Isaiah: “He is despised and rejected of men?” Isa. 53:3. Though many refuse His voice, there is a portion, happy bond description, for the true sheep of this loving Shepherd, of whom it could be said, “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me.” John 10:27.

The people refuse His message and no mighty work is done there, but the Lord was not disturbed by the remarks of those refusing His teaching, but as the obedient Servant, continues the work set before Him, glorifying God in His very behavior and doing good to all who would receive Him.

“And He called unto Him the twelve and began to send them forth by two and two: and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only....” In sending the disciples out by twos, He was providing Israel with testimony according to their law: “At the mouth of two witnesses... shall the matter be established.” Deut. 19:15.

This put a responsibility on all hearing the preaching of these men, and particularly where they would also witness the miraculous power that was given them to cast out demons and heal the sick. Bear in mind that this was not the preaching of the gospel as we know it today, but was the gospel of the kingdom, peculiar to Israel and called the nation and its individuals to repentance and acceptance of Christ.

These men were sent out in complete faith and dependence on God to provide along the way—no food, no money, no extra clothing. But they went with dignity and authority and were told to pronounce judgment on the entire city that refused their message. Neither was their gospel to be offered the second time where it was refused—the disciples being instructed to move on to the next town.

We will readily see that this was suitable for Israel in the day when it took place, but also see that it was limited to that time and should not be considered the character of the gospel preacher of our day. True it is that he should still go forth with God’s Word and in dependence on Him. But the servant of the Lord now is often called upon to persist with his message in the face of opposition; nor does he now have authority, as the disciples did, to pronounce judgment upon the city or individuals who ruse his testimony; nor does he have the miraculous powers that marked the disciples.

Today’s faithful servant warns men everywhere of a coming judgment and pleads with them to “flee from the wrath to come"— pointing them to Christ as the only refuge. Are you trusting in His finished redemption on Calvary for your safety? “God... hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness....” Acts 17:31.

ML-08/04/1963

"Come in"

A YOUNG boy went to work in the big city. It was good that he was able to live with his aunt, who looked well after him; and so he settled down, and was getting on nicely when a strange thing happened.

Early one Sunday morning while it was yet dark, he thought he heard a knock on the bedroom door; and so in a sleepy kind of voice called out, “Come in,” but no one entered. He said to himself, “Was it a knock? or was I dreaming?” After a while he heard another knock, and so called cut, “Come in.” Again there was no reply; this time he was sure it was a knock. He lay awake a long while, when he heard a knock for the third time. He sprang up to a sitting position, and called, “Come in.” But no one entered. Sleep was just impossible, he was as wide awake as could be.

At breakfast time he asked his aunt if she had knocked at his door during the night. She said, “No.”

He felt somehow or other that morning that he should go to a service somewhere. Such things were not really his habit; but he went any way. The service opened in the usual way. In due time the text was read out in a very clear voice: “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” Rev. 3:20. The young lad opened his eyes, his ears, his mouth in utter astonishment, as the thought flashed through his mind: “Was it God who was at my door?”

The preacher read on. “If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” The message that morning was of the love of God in giving His Son, who died upon the cross that sinners might be saved, and made clean through the precious blood of Christ.

“A knock,” said the preacher, “is to awaken. There are many today who are all alive to the pleasures and pursuits of the world, but they are asleep as to their sins and their hang to meet God.” “What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise! call upon thy God!” Jonah 1:6.

“If any man hear My voice.” A voice has a message; it is the means God uses to make known His love and His way of blessing, to those who are awake to their lost and helpless condition before God. The voice says, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

“And open the door.” This is the door of your heart, and the latch is on the inside. Have you opened the door of your heart to the Lord Jesus? Have you said something like this: “O Lord, I am a poor guilty sinner, and I now see that I cannot do anything to help myself; but Thou hast died for sinners, and I am willing to accept Thee as my Saviour; just take me as I am.” If in true repentance and faith you take this step, He will receive you and forgive you, He will keep and satisfy your heart. This is what is meant by the words of the preacher’s text: “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

The young boy had been awakened first by the knock on the bedroom door, and then by the Spirit of God; using the Scripture we have quoted. He opened the door of his heart and received the Lord Jesus Christ. “Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

It is love that knocks, it is love that speaks, it is love that waits outside the door; willing and delighted to enter in.

We are sure the young boy would thank God over and over again for the gracious way in which he had been awakened; for the love that could meet his need. The same loving Saviour is seeking you, dear reader. Will you respond to His loving call today?

R.J.

ML-08/11/1963

"And Then?"

A YOUNG man came to an old pressor at one of the universities in Europe, his face beaming with delight. The professor was the head of the Law School and the young man had come to tell him of his intention to register there as a student. He told how he was determined to study as hard as he could in order to get through the course of study as quickly as possible.

The old gentleman listened patiently as the youth continued his enthusiastic conversation. At last there was a pause and the professor quietly said, “Well! And when you have finished your studies, what do you plan to do then?”

“Then I shall take my examination and be admitted to the Bar as a practicing attorney,” answered the young man.

“And then?” asked his friend.

“And then,” continued the youth, “I shall have a number of difficult cases. I shall attract attention by my arguments before the judges and by my wit and my keen mind. With all this I shall win a great reputation.”

“And then?” repeated the professor.

“Why, then there cannot be any question but that I shall be appointed to some high office in the government. And I shall become rich.”

“And then?”

“And then,” the young man went on, “I shall live comfortably and honorably in wealth and respect, and look forward to a quiet and happy old age.”

“And then?”

“And then,” said the youth, “and then — and then — and then I shall die.”

Here his aged listener raised his voice and again asked with solemnity and emphasis,

“And then?”

There was no answer. The young man hung his head, not willing to face up to the last question. In silence and in deep thought he turned and walked away. The last “And then?” had pierced his conscience like a flash of lightning.

Happily for that young man he gave heed to the warning that his old friend had given. He realized that all his plans, all his hopes and great expectations were worth nothing in the light of eternity. Then he took his place as a lost sinner, turned to the Saviour of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ, and was saved.

It is good for young people to train and educate themselves for a useful occupation but do not make the dreadful mistake of leaving God out of your life. King Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived and the book of Proverbs records hundreds of his wise sayings. In Proverbs 4:7 we read, “Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

That same book also says, “The fear of the LORD is the binning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Prov. 9:10.

Passing onward, quickly passing,

Many in the downward road:

Careless of their souls immortal,

Heeding not the call of God.

Passing onward—

Yes, but whither, whither bound?

ML-08/11/1963

God Wants the Boys

God wants the boys, the merry boys,

The noisy boys,

The funny boys,

The thoughtless boys —

God wants the boys, with all their joys,

To cleanse from sin

And make them pure,

And teach them hardness to endure;

Soldiers of Christ

He’d have them be,

Standing for truth and purity.

God wants the boys.

ML-08/11/1963

If I Come to Jesus

IF I come to Jesus,

He will make me glad;

He will give me pleasure,

When my heart is sad.

If I come to Jesus,

Happy I shall be,

He is gently calling

Little ones like me.

If I come to Jesus,

He will hear my prayer,

For He loves me dearly,

And my sins did bear.

If I come to Jesus,

He will take my hand,

He will kindly lead me

To a better land.

There with happy children,

Robed in snowy white,

I shall see my Saviour

In that world so bright.

Memory Verse: “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” John 10:11.

ML-08/11/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 6:14-44

WHEN HEROD heard of Jesus and His works, he said: “It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.” Conscience was surely awakened in this weak man, part of whose history is given us in this chapter — and particularly the details of his responsibility in the beheading of John the Baptist. It is another instance of one who is impressed with the zeal and fervor of one preaching God’s word, but who never applies it to his own conscience. Herod no doubt had respect for John, for we read he “was exceeding sorry” that his carelessly given promise resulted in John’s death. Yet he was not a convicted soul from the preaching of that man whom he liked, and his true character was shown in this crucial and tragic test.

We are reminded in the case of Herod, of the seed sown in the fourth chapter of this gospel — part of which fell on stony ground, speaking of those who receive the word with gladness, but have no root in themselves and do not endure. Herod’s improper marriage to his brother’s wife brought about circumstances where he was trapped by his own weakness and foolishness into slaying John, in order to please this wicked woman. In Romans 6:16 we read: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” So the servant of Satan will sooner or later find himself involved in something he might find distasteful, but yet he cannot refuse his master.

This sad story ends with the disciples coming sorrowfully to take John’s body to burial and then turning to Jesus with their grief. At this time they tell Him too of their work on which He had sent them and no doubt many an interesting recital was give It was good for them to come to the Lord and He readily comforts the inviting them, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.”

In the course of seeking this retreat, many people come out into the desert to witness this One who could do such mighty works. His heart “was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things.” How typical of this long Servant that He devoted His day to their needs. We have no record of the disciples helping throughout the day and perhaps they secured the rest they anticipated, but not so with Jesus, who busied himself with the multitude all day long.

As the day wears away the disciples approach Him and urge that He send the people away, so they could secure food in the neighboring towns. They did not yet fully know the true character of the One they were following, who would not send the people away without first giving them a bountiful token of His goodness. Nor would He turn them back upon their own resources when they had come to seek Him out.

“He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew they say, Five, and two fishes.” Although over five thousand people were present, Jesus calmly gives thanks for the food, and through the disciples distributes to them, and “They did all eat, and were filled.” Not only were they all filled, but also when they took up what was left there were twelve baskets full — one for each of the disciples.

We are again reminded of the unlimited character of God’s Word as well as His love — that can be dispensed freely beyond measure and yet the source of that love never emptying.

ML-08/11/1963

"Coming, Sir!"

YEARS AGO a gentleman was going home one dark wet night. On the way he had to pass the toll-gate near his house. When he arrived at the gate he found it closed. So he shouted out with all his might to the man in the toll-house to open the gate, and a sleepy voice replied, “Coming, sir!”

After waiting a few minutes in the rain he called out again to the man, and he heard him say as before, “Coming, sir!” The rain was soaking him through, but the man did not come. Again and again he shouted and got the same sleepy reply, “Coming, sir!”

At last he opened the toll-house door. What was his surprise to find the old man asleep by the stove! So he gave him a good shaking, and the old man woke up, rubbed his eyes and looked so astonished.

“Why did you keep me waiting all this time in the rain? You answered me and kept saying, ‘Coming, sir!’ But you never came!”

“Did I, sir? I am very sorry, but I get so used to saying, ‘Coming’ that I must have said it in my sleep!”

How many are like the old man when it comes to the question of their soul’s salvation. The Lord Jesus calls not only once, but twice, and perhaps often. Still they sleep on. Then the Lord has to send a great shaking to wake them up to their danger of going on unsaved and meeting God in their sins.

Let every dear reader come to the Saviour without a moment’s delay. It is a solemn, and ofttimes fatal, thing to put Him off even though you intend to be saved. Open the door of your heart when He knocks, for He may go away and never come back again. Then your hope of salvation will be gone forever.

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

ML-08/18/1963

Stories From Mexico: Georgina

GEORGINA was a young Mexican girl. Her godly grandmother had taken her to Sunday school and Georgina had accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. Soon after she had a deep desire to be baptized and to make a public stand for her Lord. Her unbelieving father warned her that if she took such a step he would put her out of the house.

One day Georgina attended a baptismal service. During the meeting when others were being baptized, she stepped forward and told the brother who was doing the baptizing that she too wanted to be baptized. The brother was quite surprised as he knew her father and mother were opposed to her taking this step. But Georgina said, “I know that it will please the Lord Jesus, and I want you to baize me.”

When she went home that evening she told her father what had happened. It was quite a shock at first. He asked her, “Who told you to be baptized?” “No one told me,” she replied; “but God told me.”

Quite surprisingly her father said, “I don’t approve of what you have done, but you have made a contract. Now you must keep it.” And from then on he never showed any anger toward her for what she had done, but seemed to accept it as a token of her faith and courage.

Georgina’s faith is a beautiful illustration of that verse, “Them that honor Me I will honor.” 1 Sam. 2:30.

ML-08/18/1963

The Invitation

“Now is the accepted time!”

Now is the day of grace;

Then, children, come without delay,

And seek the Saviour’s face.

“Now is the accepted time!”

The Saviour calls today;

Tomorrow it may be too late

Then why should you delay!

“Now is the accepted time!”

And Jesus bids you come;

And every promise in His word

Declares, “Yet there is room.”

ML-08/18/1963

A Word for Jesus

LITTLE ANNIE, five years old, went one day to a new Sunday school. She heard there that someday — perhaps very soon — Jesus is coming down into the clouds, and that those who love Him will be caught up to meet Him there, and will go with Him to heaven.

The next Lord’s day Annie’s little sister, Mary, four years old, went to the same school. The teacher was asking each little girl the question, “How do you think we can get to heaven?”

Some said, “By believing in Jesus.” Others, who did not yet understand the way of salvation, said, “By being good.”

When it came to little Mary’s turn, she said, “Jesus will take us.”

The teacher on inquiring learned that little Anna had gone home the Sunday before and told her younger sister, Mary, the beautiful story of Jesus’ coming. Dear little Mary remembered the good and wonderful news. And though she misunderstood the teacher’s question, she was ready with an answer most beautifully true.

I hope, dear children, you will be like little Anna, and tell to others the blessed things you learn about Jesus. “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov. 20:11.

ML-08/18/1963

"In the Beginning God Created … "

EVERYONE who reads this paper knows something, I dare say, about the sun. It gives us light and warmth. Without it farm crops would not grow.

You know too about the moon which gives us a soft and gentle light at night. Another thing it does is hard to understand — it controls the tides of all the oceans on earth.

And perhaps you have looked with wonder at the stars in the sky. Although they seem but pinpricks of light, we are told that many of those stars are larger even than the earth on which we live. Great as they are they keep their places so accurately that men guide ships and airplanes according to the stars.

The very first verse in the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” You can trust the Bible and all it says. No one has ever proved the Bible to be wrong.

The Bible tells us that once there was a time when there was no light no sun, no moon, no stars. But God began to work and He created all of these things and everything on earth. Then beauty and order reigned everywhere.

God is so great that He did not need materials in order to build the worlds, as man does when he builds something. If a boy wants to make a kite he gets paper, sticks, glue and string. With these he shapes and forms a kite. And if a man wants to make a table he must have wood and other materials and tools.

But God creates. He can form something out of nothing. God had only to speak a word and worlds came into being. We do not understand this but faith accepts and believes the simple statement of the Bible. Hebrews 11:3 tells us “the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Psalm 33:6 says, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made.” The ninth verse of that Psalm says, “He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” The first chapter of Genesis gives us an account of the creation of the sun, the moon, the stars and all that is in the world. It tells us, too, of how God created Adam and Eve and placed them here on earth.

It is well to read these Scriptures and to let God’s Word sink down in our hearts. There are many people who deny that there is a God, but even they are mentioned in the Bible in Psalm 14:1: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”

Sad to say, there are many people who say that there is no God. They have listened to Satan’s lie. They will not believe in God or in Jesus, the Son of God. They use God’s name as a curse but they will not let the thought of God enter their minds.

But when such people are face to face with death and eternity, what a change comes. Then they see the awfulness of Satan’s lie. They would give worlds then to have God as their Friend and to have Jesus as their Saviour.

What fools to have waited until it is too late. Forever too late! Dear friend, read God’s Word and believe what God says to you in it. It is there you will learn about Jesus, through whom alone is salvation from sin, now and for all eternity.

“Search the Scriptures:... they... testify of Me.” John 5:39.

“Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.... He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” John 6:45, 47.

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

Memory Verse: “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” John 10:11.

ML-08/18/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 6:45-48

“AND STRAIGHTWAY He constrained His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. And when He had sent them away, He departed into a mountain to pray.”

The day is ended — the people fed and full of wonder at their experiences — so much so that we read in John’s Gospel they were willing to make Him their king at this time. But Jesus knew this was not a real work of conviction, but only being impressed with things they saw and so He dismisses them.

We look back on this busy scene and notice how the Lord had so freely given Himself, first in comforting His disciples, then in ministering to the multitude, and finally in providing food for them. Truly this faithful Servant had no thought of His own comfort or needs, but ample supply for all who came to Him. We may wonder that He was able to do all this without fainting for very weariness (for He was a “man among men"). The secret of Jesus’ strength and power of ministry was in His absolute dependence on His Father. We know that He “came not to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him” and although He had every right and authority to do so, yet never expressed or sought His own will, for, as Mark 10:45 tells us: “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister [or serve], and to give His life a ransom for many.”

So, in this attitude of dependence, He seeks a time to be alone, that He might pray to His Father. We are not informed of the words of this prayer, but most certainly He spoke to God of His needs and His continued delight in doing the Father’s will, and He drew from that prayer strength and comfort for His pathway as the perfect Servant.

It is well for believers to know this same pattern of looking to God to every service we may be called to in the Lord’s name. This is not public prayer (proper in its place), but private communion “alone on the mountain” or in the secret of the closet, that will be such a source of confidence in God and provide rewed faith and energy for His service. God is aware of our every need when we seek to serve Him and will point the way and provide strength for that service, if we go to Him in faith and dependence.

“And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night He cometh unto them...” The Lord has never forgotten His disciples and is well aware of their rough experiences on the sea. The reader will surely have known something, too, of troubled seas in his life and perhaps has “toiled in rowing,” trying to overcome problems and circumstances. Our enemy, Satan, is typified by the strong wind that produced the contrary waves, and he is indeed ever contrary to all of the Lord’s people. It is a common experience for us to be “tossed with waves” and find that all our “rowing” does no good. How helpless we feel!

But Jesus is superior, both to the rough sea and to Satan himself, and He appears in the fourth watch of the night to the benefit of His own. Christian friend, we are indeed now historically in that “fourth watch of the night!” The One for Whom our faith has been looking will soon come and take us out of this troubled scene. May we be watching for Him! But it is a happy thing to open our eyes now, too, and know that while we are still on the rough waters, He is right near at hand.

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him.” Ps. 145:18.

ML-08/18/1963

The Old Bible

DONA was a farmer’s daughter who lived with her parents in Brazil. Her mother had brought her up very religiously to say prayers but none of that family knew the Lord Jesus, nor His love and saving power. Among her various prayers Dona would ask God to enlighten her mind, and as she grew older this became not only a prayer often repeated but a longing desire of her heart.

One day Dona went to visit a sick friend. During the visit she spied a large book sticking out of a box of rubbish under a table. She asked her friend what it was. Her friend told her it was a Bible, but as it was a bad book it had been thrown away. Dona asked if she might have it, and her friend very reluctantly gave her consent.

Dona had heard of the Bible and something within her told her that it contained the light she was seeking. She hurried home with her prize and carefully hid it in her bedroom. She feared her mother would find out she had some bad book and that this would bring on one of her fits. Night after night, by the light of a smoky little lamp, Dona read the precious Book, beginning at Genesis. She got very little sleep but at length she finished the Old Testament, and then she came to the Gospels. With deepening interest she read for herself the sweet story of the Saviour’s life and death on the cross. Her heart was stirred and she longed to understand it better.

About this time she heard that some people called “crentes” (believers), held meetings some 20 miles from her home. They were having what they called “preaching the gospel,” and studying the Bible — the very Book she was reading. Furthermore, a special speaker was to be present. A great desire to attend that meeting took hold of her, but how was she to get there? If her family heard of it they would be horrified, and her mother would have one of her fits. However, Dona was determined, and took into her confidence a friend of the family, named “Big John.” She sent a secret message to him asking him and his family to visit their home and then to invite her to go back with them for a visit. Accordingly, Big John “casually” turned up at the house and the result was that Dona’s parents, nothing doubting, allowed her to go with them.

For the first time in her life Dona attended a gospel meeting. She was the best listener there as she prayed fervently for the light to shine into her dark mind. The preacher announced as his text Genesis 1:3. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” He then went on to show how that the Lord Jesus came into this world as the true Light, to enlighten men and women, and boys and girls, as to their sinfulness and lost condition, and also as to the love of God for them.

There and then Dona received that blessed light into her soul. She believed the gospel message that night and opened her heart to receive the Saviour who died for her sins upon the cross. The next day she returned, rejoicing in her newfound light, and to shine for Jesus in her home.

Her mother was in bed and Dona feared to tell her lest she should have a fit. But she was too full up with the good news to hide it. God went before and an old aunt, staying at the house, took her part. First the old aunt was converted; then Dona’s mother was saved, and eventually the whole family was converted and came to rejoice in Christ. Her mother rose from her sick bed and had no more fits from the day of her conversion. Dona went on faithfully for her Saviour. She had to endure much opposition and reproach from her neighbors, yet she lost no opportunity of letting her light shine in the surrounding darkness. That work of grace continues until this day.

How is it with your soul, dear reader? Has that light shone into your heart? Have you believed the gospel? God grant that you may while it still goes forth.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:3, 4, 6.

“He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.

ML-08/25/1963

"I Have Christ! What Want I More?"

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift.”

In the heart of London City,

Mid the dwellings of the poor,

These bright golden words were uttered —

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

By a lonely dying woman,

Stretched upon an attic floor,

Having not one earthly comfort,

"I have Christ! what want I more?”

He who heard them, ran to fetch her

Something from the world’s great store,

It was needless — she died, saying,

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

But her words will live forever—

I repeat them o’er and o’er,

God delights to hear me saying,

"I have Christ! what want I more?”

Look away from earth’s attractions;

All earth’s joys will soon be o’er;

Rest not, ‘til each heart exclaimeth,

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

Memory Verse: “IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS.” John 8:24.

ML-08/25/1963

Not Too Young for God to See

I’m not too young for God to see;

He knows my name and nature, too;

And all day long He looks at me,

And sees my actions through and through.

He listens to the words I say,

And knows the thoughts I have within;

And whether I’m at work or play,

He’s sure to know it if I sin.

Oh, how could children tell a lie,

Or cheat in play, or steal, or fight,

If they remembered God was nigh,

And had them always in His sight?

If those we know and love are near,

It makes us careful what we do;

Then how much more we ought to fear

The God who sees us through and through!

Then when I want to do amiss,

However pleasant it may be,

I’ll always strive to think of this—

“I’m not too young for God to see.”

ML-08/25/1963

One Sin

NEXT TO me sat a young girl. The company around us were in lively conversation, and we two alone seemed out of it.

Turning to her, I said, “Can you tell me how many sins it would take to shut one out of heaven?”

She replied thoughtfully, “Could God allow one sin in heaven any more than a thousand?”

“No,” I said. “One sin in the Garden of Eden spoiled it all, and all the earth beside. All the misery all over the earth is the fruit of that one sin in Eden. If God allowed one sin in heaven it would ruin that too.”

“Why, then, did you ask me that question?” she said.

“Because, my dear, I want to ask you another — Have you ever committed one sin?”

Instantly her eyelids drooped, and she remained silent. In a moment, however, I saw a large tear running down her cheek, and softly she said, “Yes, more than one.”

“Could you,” I said, “put your finger on one that you remember?”

Another time of silence, and then, with evident pain, she said, “Yes; some time ago I denied what I knew to be true. I wanted to avoid difficulty.”

“Well then,” I said, “by your own confession you have committed at least one sin, and you said what I believe is true, that one sin would shut us out of heaven as well as a thousand. You then are shut out already. What are you going to do?”

A change of countenance here came over her like a flash. Her eyes, though still full of tears, looked straight in my face as she said with reverence, “The Lord Jesus died for me. He is my only hope.”

I could only add, “That will not fail you, dear girl, at the gate of heaven, so it may well give you peace now.”

~~~

Be of good cheer if your hearts are set on Christ: there is your stay, the anchor of your soul. If you see and feel your separation from God, because your sins interpose between you and Him, believe in Christ, and your sins will be removed from the sight of God, and then you will enjoy all the present and future glory and blessedness of those who have a part with Christ.

J. N. D.

ML-08/25/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 6:49-56

WE WILL recall from last week’s studies. Jesus coming to His disciples on the troubled sea, in the darkness of night. When they saw Him they were frightened—apparently because they had been so busy with their troubles they had forgotten to trust in Him and did not even remember the wonderful events of the past day. Are we not often the same? Perhaps at times, life’s troubles have so occupied us that we have forgotten the best place to take them, and then when we do remember the words, “Casting all your care upon Him,” we are embarrassed and scarcely know how to tell Him about it.

But hear His own words when He sees their confusion: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” Could troubled hears and minds find anything more reassuring? May we who know Him, know more of looking to Him, before toiling long and wearily in the attacks of Satan. He will ever delight to smooth the angry waves and give us peace and quietness if we but turn to Him.

The next morning they come to the shores of Gennesaret—near the city of Bethsaida. “And when they were come out of the sip, straightway they knew Him, and ran through that whole region round about ... and whithersoever He entered ... they laid the sick in the streets, and besought Him that they might touch if it were but the border of His garment.” How refreshing to learn of this instance when there was a true response to Jesus’ presence, especially compared with the early part of this same chapter where Jesus in His own country “could do there no mighty work.”

Word as to the Lord’s marvelous works of healing and loving ways had reached these people near Bethsaida so that He was looked for, and these were willing workers to spread the word far and wide and bring the needy to Him. What a cheer time such as this must have been to the Saviour’s heart and He delighted to respond with blessing to all who came.

This was not only a happy time in our Saviour’s walk here, but no doubt He found it a foreshadowing of that coming millennial day when as the true “Prince of Peace,” He will return to this scene and His people Israel will correctly recognize and own Him. At that time He will entirely put away all sickness, misery and sorrow and the fulfillment of the many Old Testament promises to His earthly people will be accomplished.

But we want to see, too, the story in application to our own day and in such find it a lovely example of the spreading of the gospel by faithful witnesses. How pleasant and suitable it is for those who love the Lord to “run through the whole region aware that the time is short and that “the king’s business requires haste.” It is a blessed privilege to bring others to Christ after we have found Him as our own Saviour and such service will be rewarded here, as well in the coming day when every work will be made manifest.

Like the sick woman earlier in the chapter, many found they only needed to “touch if it were but the border of His garment,” and were immediately made whole. It is coming to Him in faith—simple though that faith may be—that rewards the unsaved sinner with salvation and eternal life. We need ever to remember that it is only when one realizes he is “yet without strength” and “dead in trespasses and sins” that faith in Christ can save.

ML-08/25/1963

God Everywhere

A WAYWARD boy in London, England, had a good Christian mother who was very anxious about his soul’s salvation. “Mother,” he said, “I am not going to be bothered with your prayers any longer; I will go to America and be rid of them.”

“But, my boy,” she said, “God is on the sea, and in America, and He hears my prayers for you.”

Well, he came to this country and as they sailed into New York harbor some of the sailors told him that two well-known evangelists were holding meetings in that city. His conscience had been bothering him, however, and strangely enough the moment he landed he started for the place of meeting. There he surrendered to Christ and was joyfully saved. He became an earnest Christian worker and wrote his mother telling her that her prayers had been answered; that he had been saved, that he had found his mother’s God.

How foolish to think that we can get away from God, for God is everywhere! King David said, “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?... If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there:... If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me,... If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee,... the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” Psa. 139:7-12. “Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

The boy in our story thought he could get away from God, and yet how wonderful to think that God was tracking him down, not to punish and send him to hell (which he and all of us deserved), but that He might save his precious soul.

That is what God is seeking to do for you, dear young reader, if unsaved. He gave His beloved Son to die upon the cross for your sins. Are you trying to run away from God who wants to bless you?

“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.” Isa. 1:18.

Christian fathers and mothers, be encouraged to pray on for your children. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Col. 4:2. “The fervent supplication of the righteous [man] has much power.” Jas. 5:16. J.N.D. Trans.

ML-09/01/1963

What They Lost

LITTLE TEENIE was only six years old, but she loved to hear of “Jesus and His love.”

Children’s meetings were held that summer at four o’clock, and Teenie often coaxed her two older sisters to go in with her, as they passed the hall, on their way home from school.

But one day she went alone, as neither of her sisters cared to go with her. They were playing with their dolls on the doorstep when she returned.

Her little face was aglow with the joy in her heart, as she ran to them, holding up a pretty little book which had been given her at the afternoon meeting. “Look!” she cried, “see what you’ve lost by staying away from the meeting.” Then in earnest tones she went on, in her childish way, “and that’s not all you’ve lost, for you’ve lost to know that ‘the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.’ "

Now little Teenie had only spoken to her sisters on the doorstep, but her words reached the ear of her mother within, and sank into her heart. Before long she came to know the value of the precious blood that cleanses from all sin. Then her face was bright and happy, for her heart was full of joy, and now both Teenie and her mother are shining for Jesus.

ML-09/01/1963

Stories From Mexico: Maria

WORD HAD come to some natives living deep in the jungles, that a missionary had arrived in another native town. He was telling the story of how God so loved the world that He gave His beloved Son to save poor lost sinners. Maria, a young lady, was much concerned and told her mother she would like to go to the meeting — a walk of eight to twelve hours through the jungle.

Her mother was quite angry at the thought and told Maria she would whip her in an effort to keep her from going to hear the gospel. She even threatened to kill her. Poor Maria was quite disturbed, but so deep was her interest in what the missionary had to say that she told her mother, “Well, you can whip me if you want; but I’m going to hear the gospel.”

The mother went away and returned in a few minutes with a large leather whip. Hoping to make her daughter change her mind she said, “I’ll lay this whip on you if you insist on going to those meetings.” Maria’s mind was made up, however. The old lady began to whip her. Time and again the whip came down on Maria’s back. Finally when she thought her daughter could stand no more the old woman asked, “Now do you still want to go and hear the gospel?”

“Yes, Mother,” Maria replied. “I still want to go and hear the story of Jesus.”

With that she left. She walked all day long and finally arrived at the village where the missionary was holding the gospel meeting. Her patient suffering and sacrifice were well rewarded, for as she sat in the meeting she heard the wonderful story of Jesus and His love for lost sinners. She believed that she was a lost sinner but that Jesus had died to wash her sins away with His own precious blood. That night she accepted Him as her own Saviour and was gloriously saved. She went back to her village rejoicing, to tell her mother and others in her village of Him who loved her and gave Himself for her. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20. Can you say that, dear young reader?

Memory Verse: “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-09/01/1963

"Yes!"

ONE EVENING, after a children’s service, a teacher was talking to a young girl who was weeping for her sins, but could not believe that she was pardoned.

“Suppose,” he said, “that Jesus were in this room — what would you do?”

“I would go to Him at once,” she replied.

“And what would you tell Him?” “That I am a lost sinner.”

“And what would you ask Him?” “Oh, I would ask Him if He would forgive me.”

“And what would Jesus answer?”

She hesitated a moment, and then she looked up, smiling through her tears, for at once she saw it all. “Why,” she said, “He would answer, ‘Yes!’ "

And simply trusting in the Saviour’s word she went to Him then and there.

ML-09/01/1963

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

1. “To them that believe on His name.”

2. “Many believed in His name.”

3. “Hath not believed in the name.”

4. “Believeth on Him that sent Me.”

5. “We believe and are sure.”

6. “Many of the people believed on Him.”

7. “If ye believe not that I am.”

The Young People’s Class: The Christian’s Portion

1. What banner is unfurled OVER our heads? Song of Sol.

2. What sustains us from UNDERNEATH? Deut. 33.

3. Whose hand is UPON us for good? Psa. 139.

4. Who goeth BEFORE us? John’s Gospel.

5. What shall FOLLOW us all the days of this life? Psalms.

6. Who is WITH us when trials come? Isa 43.

7. Who encampeth ROUND ABOUT us, ready to bring deliverance? Psa. 34.

ML-09/01/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 7:1-23

“AND WHEN they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.”

Contact of the scribes and Pharisees with Jesus always brought out resistance to Him, finding fault with His every act, for their hearts were hardened and full of self-righteousness. Their condition was perfectly described by the prophet Isaiah, quoted by the Lord: “This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”

Note that the disciples were not actually accused of eating with dirty hands, but with “unwashed” or “coon” ones. In other words, the Pharisees were inferring: “Your disciples are no different than common men and do not follow after the traditions that have been set up according to our teaching.” They wanted to see an observance of practices of their teaching, even though these rituals were not established by the Word of God. According to their traditions, “holy men” should follow certain formalities which included washing their hands frequently, as well as displaying the washing of pots and pans, cups, etc. But these customs had originated in “the traditions of the elders” and were not to be found in God’s instructions at all. This is the very thing the Lord brings out: “Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” and “laying aside the commandment of God.” The Lord, in replying to these proud, religious men, readily shows their false position and accuses them of utter disregard for the observing of God’s true commandments to the Jewish people.

Because they were so easily influenced by the teaching of these religious leaders, the Lord appeals to all listeners saying, “Hearken unto Me every one of you, and understand. There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of hint, those are they that defile the man.” How plain this language is and we should all readily understand it is from within evil hearts and the lustful nature of our flesh that evil things come out and expose what is within. This was the very case with the Pharisees and scribes.

It is certainly most necessary for us to consider why the Spirit of God has put in the Bible so lengthy an account of this subject. Do we not readily see that there are self-appointed teachers all about us today, with many systems of men growing strong and influential in “religious” things (just as the Pharisees were in their day), imposing on all who will follow them “the traditions of men” and actually in many things “rejecting the commandments of God?” Indeed there is much that has left the simplicity of God’s Word and introduced all kinds of customs appealing to those who are impressed by outward display and religious forms. God can never add His blessing to man’s imaginations and inventions about divine things — no matter how ritualistic and beautiful they may be.

How important it is for us to view all teaching in the light of the “Book of books” and not be snared by doctrines presented to us, or encourage them in any way until we are certain the teaching meets the truth of that precious Word. Christian friend, let us guard carefully that holy and true Word of God. May it have its proper and individual effect in our hearts. The Lord’s words were: “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”

ML-09/01/1963

Meet Me in Heaven

IT WAS during the Civil War. After the terrible battle of Pittsburgh Landing, we were taking the wounded down the Tennessee River to the hospital. I said to some Christian workers who were with me: “We must not let a man die on this boat without telling him of Christ and heaven.”

We passed along from one to another giving them water, and tried to tell them of the water of life which Jesus gives to thirsty souls who come to Him in faith. I came to one fine looking young fellow and spoke to him, but he did not answer. I went to the doctor and said, “Doctor, do you think that man will recover?”

“No,” he replied. “He lost so much blood before we got him off the field that he fainted while we were amputating his leg. He will never recover.”

“I can’t find out his name, and it seems a pity to let him die without knowing who he is. Don’t you think we can bring him to?”

“You may give him a little of this cordial,” said the doctor; “that will revive him if anything will.”

I sat down beside him and gave him some every now and then. When I was waiting, I said to a man nearby, “Do you know this man?”

“Oh yes; that’s my chum.”

“Has he a father and mother ling?”

“He has a widowed mother.”

“Has he any brothers and sisters?” “Two sisters; but he is the only son.”

“What is his name?”

“William Clark.”

I said to myself that I couldn’t let him die without getting a message for that mother. Presently he opened his eyes and I said: “William, do you know where you are?”

He looked around a little dazed, and then said, “Oh yes; I am on my way home to Mother.”

“Yes, you are on your way home,” I said; “but the doctor says you won’t reach your earthly home. I thought I’d like to ask you if you had any message for your mother.”

His face lighted up with a radiance not of this world, as he said: “Oh yes; tell my mother that I died trusting in Jesus!”

It was one of the sweetest things I ever heard in my life! Presently I said: “Anything else, William?”

With a beautiful smile he said, “Tell my mother and sisters to be sure to meet me in heaven"; and he closed his eyes. In a few hours his spirit had gone to be with the Lord. D.L.M.

ML-09/08/1963

Why Little Daisy Loved Jesus

DAISY IS a little girl seven years old — such a happy, rosy-cheeked child, and she loves fun as much as any little girl I know. One afternoon as we were coming home from our Sunday school, and she was skipping along at my side, I asked her, “Does my little friend Daisy love Jesus?”

“Oh, yes,” she said. “I do!”

“But why do you love Him?” I asked.

She looked up in my face as if quite surprised I should ask such a question, and then, with a bright, happy smile on her face, and in a tone full of glad certainty, she said, “Why do I love Jesus? Because He loved me so much before I loved Him, and He died for me.”

What a sweet answer! Happy little Daisy! She knows the meaning of that beautiful text, “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4: 19. He loved us “while we were yet sinners,” Rom. 5:8, (and made us nigh by His own blood). Eph. 2:13.

ML-09/08/1963

Tom

TOM WAS a boy who came to some of our children’s gospel services at one time. One night Tom stayed behind for the after-meeting, and there he found Christ as his Saviour. When he went home he did not run into the living room and tell his dear mother, but he slipped off upstairs in the dark without any supper and went to bed.

About 11 o’clock when his father and mother went up to bed, his mother said to her husband, “I’ll just look in Tom’s room and see if he is comfortable.” So she crept in softly so as not to waken him, and he looked very happy in his sleep. But she noticed by the dim light that his lips were moving, and she heard him whisper, “I am so glad that it is settled"; then a pause like snoring— "Jesus has taken all my sins away” — another pause — “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”

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

Can you, my dear reader, say what Tom did? If not, why not get it settled now?

ML-09/08/1963

What Is Believing?

A YOUNG BOY was reading in the Gospel of John, when he came to the 15th verse of the third chapter. He read the verse and read it again. Although it contains but twelve words, he could not understand it. The verse before seemed plain enough and he returned to it.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” Again he went on with the 15th verse, “that whosoever believeth...” And again he stopped.

“I must ask Father what ‘believeth’ means. I am sure he can tell me, for I know he loves the Lord Jesus and knows a great deal about Him.”

Soon the boy’s father came home.

“Please, Father, will you tell me what ‘believeth’ means?”

Quickly the little hands turned the pages of the Bible and when the verse was found, a finger pointed to the word that so troubled Henry Moore.

“Open your Bible to the book of Numbers in the Old Testament, Henry,” his father said. “In chapter 21, verses 8 and 9, you will find the meaning of ‘believeth.’"

Henry read the two verses. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole; and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.”

“Now,” said Mr. Moore, “let me read John 3:15 again but I will change the word that you don’t understand. ‘Whosoever looketh on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.’"

“But, Father,” said Henry, “the people bitten by the serpents could look on the brazen serpent lifted up on the pole, but we cannot look upon Jesus for He is in heaven.”

“Yes, my boy, we can look upon Jesus, although He is in heaven. The first three words of Hebrews 12: 2 Say, ‘Looking unto Jesus,’ only we do not look with our eyes. Do you not remember, Henry, when I was away from home on a business trip, that you said to Mother more than once, ‘O, I just see Father'?”

“Yes, I remember very well. I had been thinking so much about you and longing to see you that sometimes it seemed you were quite close to me, and then I said I could just see you.”

“But, Henry, you did not see me with your eyes, for I was in London.”

“No, Father, but I saw you with my mind, for I could not help thinking about you, because I love you so much.”

“That’s it, my boy. If you believe on Jesus, you think upon Him, you look upon Him, just as you thought upon me with your mind. Jesus died on the cross, was lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness, for any poor sinner to look upon, and all who look shall be saved.”

Perhaps like Henry Moore you have been troubled about how to believe in Jesus. I hope that this story helps you to see how simple it really is. Remember that when the Israelites were bitten by the fiery serpent it did them no good at all to look at their wounds. But if they looked at the serpent that Moses raised up then they were healed. Now, the Lord Jesus invites all sinners to come and be saved.

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22.

Memory Verse: “NOW THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING.” Rom. 15:13.

ML-09/08/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 7:24-30

THERE ARE two statements in the seventh chapter that ably express the character of Jesus’ walk throughout His whole service on earth. First: (v. 24) “He could not be hid.” Second: (v. 37) “He hath done all things well.” How truly do these speak of the perfect Servant who indeed could not be hid, for He had come to do His Father’s will. His service was ever “well done” both in the sight of men and of His Father.

Tyre and Sidon are outstanding examples of wickedness with a pronouncement of judgment on them, and yet we find Jesus going to them. In John 3:16 we 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.” Whosoever means all.

In the verses previously considered and now before us, we are reminded that if what comes out of natural man is defiling, the things that come from Jesus are entirely opposite thereto full of mercy, grace and truth, which now draws to Him another needy soul. “For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the [demon] out of her daughter.” This woman was actually a foreigner and outside the claims of Israel, but she recognized Jesus as the provider of mercy and came to Him on behalf of her daughter.

In Matthew’s account of the same story we learn of her words: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil [or demon].” Then as the Lord tests her faith, she worships Him saying, “Lord, help me.” Here indeed was a wonder faith on the part of an outsider. But there is yet to be further proof of when the Lord says: “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it unto the dogs.” This may se to us harsh language to one who came to Jesus for help, but He made no mistake in reminding her, and those who were present, that He was still the Messiah of Israel, and that outsiders were at that time yet “Gentile dogs.” How nice to see her persistence in answering, “Yes Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.”

This is a wonderful story for every mother and father who may have un saved children (like this woman’s young daughter — with an unclean spirit). Persist in those prayers, dear parent, on behalf of the ones you love so well. Remember the promise of God’s Word: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:16. The woman’s fervent cries brought the desired answer, “Go thy way; the demon is gone out of thy daughter” and we may be sure she returned home a happy and thankful woman.

“And His disciples came and bought Him, saying, Send her away, for she crieth after us.” Matt. 15:23. How often the disciples were impatient toward poor people who sought the Lord’s help. Of course they were actually kind-hearted men, and were anxious to keep the Lord from being “bothered” with people who interfered with His other work which they felt was more important. May those who serve Him be slow to discourage any inquiring soul for we may thus miss the blessing of bringing such to Jesus. He will surely find and save them, regardless, but we will have lost the rewarding joy that would otherwise have been our experience.

ML-09/08/1963

Pious Jack

A CHRISTIAN MAN tells the story of how years ago he was sailing on a ship from the West Indies to England. A sailor on board, named Williams, became very ill. He had led a wicked life, but now that he was apparently nearing death he was in great anxiety about his soul. The captain and crew were very indifferent and paid little attention to the poor man’s great distress. But there was on board a little boy who was known among the crew as “Pious Jack.” He bore the sneers and scoffs of the seamen with meekness and patience.

When Williams was ill, nobody showed him any kindness except little Jack and a negro woman named Cleo, who ministered to his wants. Jack read to both of them from his Bible, and they listened to every word. Later the message was blessed to both of them.

“Poor Williams,” said Jack; “He says he is in agony of soul; he says he is lost, that he is a ruined sinner, that God will cast him into hell. I have told him of God’s love in sending Jesus to die for his sins, but he says he cannot believe it.”

Later, Jack and Cleo were both on their knees beside the sick man’s berth. “Oh, Lord,” prayed Jack, “Thou who desires pardon and forgiveness, wilt Thou open Thine eye of mercy.”

“Oh,” earnestly exclaimed the dying man.

“For Christ’s sake, O Lord,” continued Jack, “who died to put away sin on the cross, show thy pity to Harry Williams. He has no hope, oh Lord, but in Thy mercy!”

“I have no hope!” added the dying man, and falling back on his pillow he wept.

Every moment Jack could spare from his duties he read the Scriptures to Williams, who was growing weaker all the time.

Soon Afterward, Jack had the joy of leading poor Williams to Christ. He was happy now, and death, though near, was no more an object of fear, but something he even looked forward to. “I am a conqueror through Him that loved me,” he exclaimed. “Oh, that wonderful love!”

Two or three times that night he said to Jack, “It is calm now, Jack, all calm. Is this peace?”

“Yes,” Jack replied, “I trust it is peace — the peace of God which, the Bible says, ‘passeth all understanding.’ Christ is our peace; He has made peace for us.”

“Yes,” answered Williams, “by the blood of His cross!” That night he passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour.

Poor Jack felt greatly the loss of his friend. When Williams’ body was lowered into the sea, the boy’s grief knew no bounds. Little did he know that soon he himself would be in that happy land where Williams had gone.

Not far from Land’s End a storm came on, and the vessel struck a rock. Cleo, Jack, and a few others got into a lifeboat but it was overturned in the raging sea and was seen no more. The writer along with others who rained aboard the wreck, were rescued, but the bodies of Cleo and Jack were found the next evening. Jack’s face wore a sweet and heavenly expression, and near him lay a little leather purse which contained his Bible, his chief treasure. Engraved on its brass clasps were these words of his Sunday school teacher: “The gift of Robert Riggs to Jack Rogers.”

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13.

Now it is our hope that our dear reader might also know that peace “which passeth all understanding.” For “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.

ML-09/15/1963

But Jesus Can Save Me!

AN ENGLISH general who became famous for his bravery, was a believing Christian.

Often he would take his little son into his arms and tell him about the Lord Jesus. One day he said to the little one: “Would my little boy like to go to heaven?”

“Yes, papa.”

“But how would you get there, where the holy God is; and your little heart is full of sin?”

“But all people are sinners, papa!”

“That is true,” said the father, “still God has said, that only those that are pure in heart, shall see Him, and you have no pure heart; how shall that come about?”

The boy became very sad, the sorrow could be seen in his face, and he began to weep, and laying his little head on his father’s chest said: “But, papa, Jesus can save me!”

He had confidence in the Saviour, for he had often heard that the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. So he took refuge in the Lord Jesus and found peace.

Have you done that yet, my reader? Have you ever even acknowledged that your heart is sinful, and that you cannot enter heaven with that? Oh, allow yourself to be washed in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus; confess your sins to Him, bring them to the Saviour, tell Him all, keep back nothing, for He said: “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

As soon as He becomes your Saviour, then He is also your Good Shepherd, who will lead you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

ML-09/15/1963

I Cannot Sing Those Words

ADEAR little girl named Frances was a great pet of all her friends. She was not yet three years old but knew many hymns from memory. One day she begged to be taken to Sunday school. When the Sunday school teacher saw her come into the room, he gave out a hymn that he knew she loved:

“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.”

Little Frances stood up and sang with all her heart. When the teacher said, “Now we will sing the chorus softly,” Frances still sang as loudly as ever, and her clear childish voice could be heard all over the room: “Jesus loves even me.”

One girl in the senior class, named Beth, was an old Sunday scholar and attended regularly. But while she listened to that sweet voice, she felt it piercing her all the while like an arrow to her heart.

“I cannot sing those words, I cannot sing those words,” she kept thinking. Then she looked at the dear little child, unconsciously singing away, and burst into tears.

Finally one of the teachers closed the meeting with a few words of prayer, praying that each boy or girl might know and believe the love of God and the gift of His Son. Then the teacher went up and led Beth sobbing into a side room. He saw that an arrow had pierced her soul. No words of his could comfort her.

“I am such a sinner,” she sobbed; “I am such a sinner.” This was her only answer to all he could say to her. However, as the time went by, Beth began to see that the Lord Jesus loved her, and that He had died for all her sins. Beth believed this, and before night she was rejoicing in Christ her Saviour. That evening she joined with the rest in singing the very hymn that had touched her heart in the afternoon: “Jesus loves even me.”

Dear young friend, do you believe that the Lord Jesus came into this world to die for you? Do not rest until you know with assurance that all your sins have been washed away in His precious blood. This is the only way you can be saved. Going to Sunday school, doing good deeds, will never atone for one of your sins, nor give you peace with God.

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

“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.

Memory Verse: “HE HATH CLOTHED ME WITH THE GARMENTS OF SALVATION, HE HATH COVERED ME WITH THE ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Isa. 61:10.

ML-09/15/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 7:31-37

“HE came... through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto Him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to put His hand upon him.”

We will recall, in Mark 5, the Lord driving the legion of demons out of the possessed man — sending them into a herd of swine. When the unclean beasts drowned in the sea the people requested him to leave — and He did so. However, there was at least one believer left to tell the story of this wonderful Person (the young man who was healed). We read that he began to publish in Decapolis how great things the Lord had done unto him.

Perhaps it was in part, at least, the result of his testimony that when the Lord now returns to Decapolis, there are those who seek Him and bring with them a poor man in need of healing grace. When the man is cured the harsh thoughts that previously drove Jesus away are forgotten by the people, who proclaim: “He hath done all things well. He maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.”

In this story there is a picture of Israel’s attitude toward the Lord Jesus — first refusing and then at a later date welcoming Him. It is stated in John 1:11, “He came unto His own and His own received Him not.” Because Israel refused the One who came as their Messiah, the invitation to accept Him as Saviour was given to the Gentiles — this time extending to our present day. Then at a still future date, after the Lord comes in the clouds to take all believers to heaven with Him, there will be a restoring of Israel in the millennium, when the “ear of Israel” will be opened to hear the Redeemer’s voice and their “tongue loosed” to speak His praise. But remember that tween the time of the Lord’s cony for the Church and the millennium there will be a tribulation period severe judgment on the whole nation of Israel.

This narrative also pictures each one of us in our natural state before God. Our ears are deaf to His voice and our tongues cannot speak aright until, by divine grace, we see the Lord Jesus as our Substitute, taking our sins on Himself and bearing God’s judgment on the cross. When faith lays hold of this, the believer becomes “a new creature” and finds the divinely-given nature bringing the “ear to hear” and the tongue delighting to speak of the One who has so loved us.

Are you a true believer, trusting in the Lord as your Saviour? Then earnestly guard against listening to things improper to your position as a child of God. If wrong expressions reach the ear, how prayerful we should be that they will not affect our hearts and minds. Let the word to us be: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak.” Psa. 85:8.

Need we comment as to the tongue? Christian friend, extreme care is needed with this member of the body. James 3:8 tells us that “the tongue can no man tame” and this is surely true, as we are so painfully reminded when unguarded speech comes from our lips. Isaiah 50:4 states: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary:... He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”

Thus is the ear changed to hear right things and the tongue both tamed and instructed to speak good that others might be helped and God honored. May it be our true desire. both in hearing and speaking, to please Him at all times and show forth the new life within us.

ML-09/15/1963

They Did Not Heed the Signal

I WAS IN the north of England preaching when a fearful storm swept that part of the country. A friend used to preach the gospel to the people in a small town on the coast and many fishermen attended his meetings. It had been stormy weather and the fishermen had been detained in the harbor for a week. One day, however, the sun shone out in a clear blue sky. It seemed as if the storm had passed away, and the boats started for the fishing ground. Forty-one boats left the harbor that day.

Before they started, however, the harbor-master hoisted the storm signal, and warned them of a coming tempest. He begged the fishermen not to go; but they disregarded his warning, and away they went. They saw no sign of the coming calamity. Yet in a few hours a terrible storm swept down on that coast, and very few of those fishermen returned. There were five or six men in each boat, and nearly all were lost in that dreadful gale.

Those men were ushered into eternity because they did not give heed to the warning. Scripture warns of the awful storm of judgment that is coming on this godless world which crucified the Son of God: “Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness.” Acts 17:31.

The gospel proclaims to all the only way of escape, the harbor of eternal safety. “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.

Sinner friend, “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

ML-09/22/1963

Trudy's Birthday Party

TRUDY WAS a little girl, the daughter of wealthy parents. You would think that she had everything a little girl’s heart could desire — a loving father and mother, a beautiful home, kind friends, lots of pets, from a beautiful St. Bernard dog to a beautiful canary.

It would soon be her birthday, and she was accustomed to having a party and allowed to invite any of her friends that she wished. For some days beforehand Trudy and her mother would go shopping, cook would be busy making special cakes and cookies, and Trudy was allowed to help.

But this year Trudy was not quite the same little girl. I shall tell you why. She had discovered that the Lord Jesus loves little folks as well as grown-up people. She was so happy in finding out that He loved her, that she began to love Him in return. “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

Mother and father were very happy when Trudy put her trust in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and was truly “born again.” Everyone noticed the change in her. She began to speak more gently to the servants, and she showed no little kindness and love to the poor children in the village.

One night before going to bed her father had been reading Luke 14:12-14. There the Lord Jesus said: “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsman, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee.” As her mother tucked her in bed that night, Trudy told her what was on her heart. She asked that she might be allowed to have all the children in the little village for supper in the big kitchen, instead of her rich little friends whom she usually had. “And, mother dear,” she said hesitatingly, “I would so like it if you would let me tell them after supper, that Jesus has made me His own little girl, and that He can do the same for them.”

At first Trudy’s mother hesitated, but after talking it over with her husband, she gave Trudy permission, and with childish delight Trudy set about sending out her invitations. The afternoon of her birthday found the large old-fashioned kitchen full of happy, though rather bashful faces. As Trudy flitted about like a little fairy among the tables loaded with cakes and cookies and fruit, her delight knew no bounds.

“It’s better than all the parties in the world,” she said, with a happy little laugh. Then when the tables were cleared, the little maiden with smiles and tears in turn, told them that Jesus had given her a new heart and that “He’d like to do the same for them.”

As Trudy grew older, the desire to please her Saviour grew stronger, and she would tell all she came in contact with of Him who loved her and gave Himself for her. Wherever she went, she was known and respected as a happy Christian girl.

May Trudy’s life and testimony encourage other young girls and boys to trust the Saviour first of all, and then to seek His grace to live and witness for Him. He says, “Them that honor me, I will honor.”

An old servant of Christ, now with the Lord, used to remark: “I have never yet met a Christian who, at the close of his life, on looking back, said he regretted he ever took Christ as his Saviour.”

Memory Verse: “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.

ML-09/22/1963

My Conversion

MY FATHER was killed in World War I and my mother had her sorrows bringing up seventeen children — sixteen boys and a girl. Many a time we knew what it was to have “the wolf at the door” during the long period before the pension came through.

My mother knew the Saviour. She was not just a church-goer; and oh, how well she managed to bring up her family! At night she would read the Bible and we all had to get on our knees while she prayed. I thought she was a fool but it was her little son who was a fool. At fourteen years I had heard a man say, “there was no heaven and no hell; one generation after another comes and goes, and the world just goes on and on forever.” But this empty thinking gave me no satisfaction.

Later my mother took very ill and I’ll never forget the night she sat up in bed and sang a psalm, then passed happily into the Lord’s presence.

After the burial, the family group gathered to decide what to do with the homestead. What to do with me became a subject of discussion. At sixteen years of age no one wanted to take on such a hard-to-handle character and while they argued I just got up, put on my coat and hat, walked out and that was the last night I was in a house for three and a half years. I wandered here and there, begging, stealing, sleeping in fields and factory yards or wherever I could put up for the night.

Later, with some partners we rented an old house which we used for gambling, drinking and every worthless imagination of our wicked hearts. But one night a bill was put under the door inviting people to special meetings being held in the town. I tore it up and threw it away. Soon afterwards, as I walked along the street in my worn shoes and torn clothes, I recognized a young fellow that went to the gospel services regularly, and just for a joke I said to him, “I’m coming to the meeting.” What a surprise he got! “Well,” said he, “if you’ll come, I’ll call for you, I’ll take you, and I’ll sit beside you.” Then I was surprised! The date was planned. He came, and in my filthy clothes I went with him. (Reader, never frown on a down-and-out; he has a soul just like you have.)

I listened carefully to what the preacher had to say. He spoke about Him that sitteth on the throne, the wrath of the Lamb: “The great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Read Revelation 6:15-17.)

Something happened that night. I became very unhappy. I could not get rid of the thought of “The day of wrath!” I looked at the hills and valleys; everything around seemed to say, “Where did it all come from? There must be a God, and what about the day of wrath if you should have to meet Him this week?” I knew I was not prepared.

Then the thought came; why are you troubled? God loves you. The message was clear. No one was near but I thought about my pals and the drinking. I was at the crossroads. Trembling I looked to Christ and said, “By faith I’ll trust Thee now.” He saved me. I had not joined a church, I had received a Person. Then I enjoyed the assurance and peace my mother had.

In telling of my conversion I only want to glorify a Person, to exalt Christ, His work and His words. Specially to younger folks I would say, don’t be surprised that the way in which Christ met you differs from the way in which He met me. To illustrate what I mean; there was only one door to the ark; the lion had to leave his den down in the jungle, the eagle left his lofty perch on the mountain cliff; they both came by different ways but all entered by the door. And Christ is the door that leads to God.

Reader, have you got this eternal peace in your heart? What will you do in the “day of His wrath?” He loves you and will save you today. Put your trust in HIM.

W. Mullin, an Irish preacher.

ML-09/22/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 8:1-13

“IN those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat.”

At the close of chapter 7 we considered the man whose speech was corrected and whose deafness was cured, as a picture of Israel in the coming millennial period, when the ears of that nation will be opened to hear their Messiah’s voice and their tongues loosed to speak His praises. There is something of this same picture in chapter 8, with the Lord feeding the multitude who have come to see and hear Him. We cannot help but recall many Old Testament prophecies, including Psalm 132:15: “I will abundantly bless her (Israel’s) provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.” Although that promise is not to be entirely fulfilled until the blessings of the millennium come in, this narrative anticipates the time when God’s earthly people will be blessed with abundance provided by Him. It is a further proof of the divine Person of Him who provided their food.

The people could not feed themselves and no earthly source could relieve their hunger. Even the disciples ask, “From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread?” Of course no man could, except the Son of man, who not only could, but did do so. This is the second miracle of this kind in Mark’s Gospel. In chapter six there were five thousand fed with five loaves and two fishes; in this chapter four thousand are fed with seven loaves and a few small fishes.

Aside from the important prophetic meaning, these stories tell again of the tender, loving heart of the Lord Jesus who showed mercy to the needy and love to all who came to Him, we are reminded too that He is the true “Bread of Life” and those who corn to Him shall never hunger. In no other way can the heart be satisfied. Have you found Him the answer to your soul’s hunger?

“And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with Him, seeking of Him a sign from heaven, tempting Him.” We cannot follow the Lord’s good works without finding opposition from the Pharisees. Well may we ask, What further sign did these religious leaders want? Was not the healing of the sick and deaf and the miraculous providing of food for the thousands ample sign that Jesus was indeed come down from heaven? But they were seeking only to discredit Him and were not willing to acknowledge Him as Son of God, no matter how many signs might be given. It was because He could read their hearts that the Lord refused to present additional signs and left them, When men and women turned their backs on God in the days of Noah, He proclaimed, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Gen. 6:3. Through all the ages God has been patient with men and women, as well as boys and girls, offering His mercy, even though they do not seem to want it. But continued refusal must result in judgment on those who turn from Him and who will not own their need as lost sinners, accepting Christ as their Saviour. Just as the Lord here turns from the Pharisees, so in a soon-coming day it may be too late for any who now continue to delay accepting His love and salvation.

If you are one who has not yet confessed your sinful condition and come to the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, then heed carefully the faithful warning: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:2, 3.

ML-09/22/1963

"Come!"

AN EVANGELIST used to say he was very fond of that hymn, “Come!—Oh word of words the sweetest!” And he told the story of a man who once was persuaded against his own will to come to a gospel meeting.

When he got to the meeting, they were all singing the chorus of this hymn — “Come, come! come!” He said afterward he thought he never saw so many fools together in his life before. The idea of people standing and singing, “Come! come! come!”

When he started for home again he could not get this little word out of his head. It kept coming back all the time. He went into a tavern and ordered a drink, thinking to drown it. But he could not; it kept coming back. Farther on he entered another tavern and took another drink; but the words kept ringing in his ears "Come! come! come!” He said to himself, “What a fool I am for allowing myself to be troubled in this way!” He stopped at another tavern, had another glass; and finally got home.

He went off to bed, but could not sleep. It seemed as if the very pillow kept whispering the word, “Come! come!” He began to get angry with himself — “What a fool I was forever going to that meeting at all!” When he got up he took the little hymn book, found the hymn, and read it over. “What nonsense!” he said to himself; “the idea of a sensible man being disturbed by that hymn.” He set fire to the hymn book; but he could not burn up that little word “Come!”

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.... That He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.... Then He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33:14, 17, 18, 24.

He declared he would never go to another of the meetings; but the next night he came again. When he got there, strange to say, they were singing the same hymn. “There is that miserable old hymn again,” he said; “what a fool I am for coming!” But when the Spirit of God lays hold of a man he does a good many things he did not intend to do.

To make a long story short, some weeks later, that man rose in a meeting of young converts and told this story about himself. Pulling out a little hymn book — he had bought another copy — and opening it at this hymn, the very hymn that he had despised, he said: “I think this hymn is the sweetest and the best in the English language. God blessed it to the saving of my soul.”

“Come!”

“And the LORD said unto Noah. COME thou and all thy house into the ark.” Gen. 7:1.

“COME now, and let us reason tether, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.

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

“And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst COME. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen.

Even so, COME, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20.

ML-09/29/1963

Willie Burton

WLLIE BURTON was a little fellow about eight years old, His mother was an honest Christian lady and she had brought up Willie in the fear of the Lord. It seems that in his childhood he had trusted Christ as his Saviour and that he sought to please Him.

One day Willie was taking a short trip on the train with his aunt. She was a nice lady but she was not a Christian. As they sat in the fine parlor car waiting for the train to start, a mother with a baby in her arms and leading two other small children entered the car. She was very poorly dressed and bore a sad and weary look on her face. However, as she sat down in one of the nice easy chairs and looked around, a pleasant expression crossed her features.

A little later, the conductor came in and after looking at her ticket, he said to her in a rough voice, “This is not the car for you; you must go into the next one.” The frightened mother and her little ones hastened out to one of the second-class coaches.

There was in little Willie’s face a look of pity as he watched the poor mother and her children hurry out of the car. Then soon after they had gone, Willie said: “Auntie, I’m going to carry my basket of fruit and this box of sandwiches out to that poor woman and her little children in the next car, if you don’t mind.”

“Don’t be foolish, Willie dear,” said his aunt. “She may not be worthy of them, and you need them yourself.”

“No, I’ll not need them,” said Willie, in a low but decided voice. “I had a good breakfast before leaving home and I won’t need a lunch. That poor woman looks so hungry and tired too, and so did her children. I’ll be back in a minute or two. If mother were here, I am sure she would let me go.”

As Willie went out, his aunt wiped a tear from her eye, and said, “How like his mother the dear boy is.”

Shortly after, the train slowed down and Willie and his aunt prepared to get off at the next station. They had to pass through the car where the mother and her children were. There Willie saw a sight that made him happy. The poor family was feasting on his good sandwiches and the fruit basket was open on the seat near them. As they passed by, Willie heard the eldest child say, as he pointed to Willie, “Look, mamma, there’s the boy that gave us his lunch.” “Yes,” said the grateful mother, “Bless his dear heart.”

In the gospels we read of how the Lord Jesus “went about doing good.” Acts 10:38. It must have been a joy to Mrs. Burton’s heart when she heard that her boy had sought to be like his blessed Master.

ML-09/29/1963

Mr. Clough's Conversion

ABOUNDING GRACE is connected with my conversion. As early as twelve or thirteen years of age, God was pleased to exercise my conscience about my sins. But I loved the world and would not give it up, so in spirit said, “Go Thy way for this time,” which He did. Many other times in His grace He came to me, but always got the same answer, until He gave me up.

Coming west (from Massachusetts) I listened to infidel teachings and quite drank them in. In August, 1868, I went back to visit Mother. I had learned to value her for her faithfulness to me (a bad boy), in the many and severe whippings she had given me in my childhood, seeking to turn me from the error of my ways. Mother spoke to me about eternal things. I argued against her with my infidel views, and fairly closed her mouth.

After this she said, “William, do you read your Bible and pray every day?” “No!” I replied. She said, “If you do this, my boy, you will get light,” and she left the room wringing her hands and the tears just rolling down her cheeks.

Left thus alone in the room, the Lord made me feel how I had grieved my mother, whom I loved, and He led me to realize there was one thing I had not done — I had not read my Bible and prayed every day. And I made up my mind to try it, partly because I knew it would please Mother (though I did not tell her my purpose), and partly to test my infidel stand, that I had so strongly maintained. So I left the room and got a Testament that I had owned when a boy, and put it into my pocket.

Going to bed at night I read the first chapter of Matthew and knelt down beside the bed to pray. I had no interest in what I read and what I prayed; only I remember thinking while on my knees, “I would hate to have anyone catch me in this position.” However, I had taken up the matter as a test and would not be changed from it.

Things went on this way until about the end of the year. Then the Lord began working in my soul, making me think I was not as good as I thought I was, and I sought to make myself better. But the more I tried to make myself better the more unhappy I became, until I saw myself only fit for hell.

Then the Lord came and showed me that trying to make myself better was wrong — that faith is the only way in which peace with God is secured. So giving up doing, and resting only on God’s Word, I was brought into peace, the first Lord’s day in 1869. To Him be glory.

—W. E. CLOUGH

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

ML-09/29/1963

Bible Talks

Mark 8:14-21

“NOW the disciples had forgotten to take bread... And He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the leaven of Herod.”

The disciples no doubt were discussing their failure to provide for their journey and when the Lord speaks to them they think His warning is connected with securing more bread. But the Lord had a more serious meaning in His warning. In telling them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, He referred not only to the evil ways of that group, but to their hypocrisy, their holding the outward religious forms and the traditions and commandments of men.

Religion itself, although dressed up with all sorts of fine decorations, will always be abhorrent to God, if it is only an outward form. This was “the leaven of the Pharisees” in its worst form and there is much of the same in the world about us today. We need this warning ourselves, for the attractive and formal ceremonies of much of the religious world may ensnare us if we are not keeping our eyes on the Saviour.

In the Old Testament the priest’s garments of glorious design and formalities of worship were entirely correct — given by God Himself. They spoke, in type, of the Lord Jesus who was coming, as well as of heaven not yet fully understood by Old Testament people. In the Book of Hebrews there is much help for us in seeing the truth of this. For instance: Chapter 8:4, 5: "... there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.”

Chapter 9:6, 9: “Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God...which was a figure for the time then present...”

Chapter 9:23: “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”

Many other scriptures emphasize that the old formal ritualism (entirely correct before the Lord Jesus came into the world), is no longer suitable for today, since the One of whom they spoke has now come, has offered Himself the perfect Sacrifice for sins on Calvary, was raised from among the dead, and is now in heaven.

This truth cannot be too strongly emphasized, because it is most important that anyone seeking to come to Jesus seeking forgiveness of sins, or the saved person desiring to please Him, must understand that he cannot do so through formality or ritualism. The Lord wants our hearts through simple faith and obedience to the Word, and we must look with serious question on any religious practice that does not see the difference between Old Testament rituals and the simple faith and behavior shown us in New Testament truths, which are written for us today.

The leaven of Herod, against which the Lord also warned, was connected with worldliness, for Herod was determined to make a great name for himself and was full of selfish pride.

Not only does Satan use both these snares to keep the unsaved from coming simply to God through the work of the cross, but the Christian as well needs to be concerned about these two dangers that will take our eyes off the Lord. May it be our dire to be “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb. 12:2.

ML-09/29/1963

A Little Donkey

THERE WAS once a wild little donkey,

He had to be tied to a tree,

But Jesus was thinking about him;

He said, “Go fetch him to Me.”

And when they had brought him to Jesus

As quickly as ever they could,

That restless, that wild little donkey

Was quiet, obedient and good.

When Jesus was riding upon him,

He went just the way that he should,

A patient, submissive wee donkey,

Made so by the blest Son of God.

And Jesus is able to make you

Whatever He wants you to be,

He loves you and longs to forgive you

And make you both happy and free.

ML-10/06/1963

The Chimney Sweep

SOME YEARS ago a man was sent to prison for housebreaking. This man had a love for reading and wring, and as the Bible was the only book in his cell, he began to read it to pass the time away. The very Bible he had formerly abused, and then totally neglected, he now spent his time poring over. Soon he found God’s voice speaking to his conscience and heart through the sacred pages.

One day the cell door was opened and he was ordered to step into the corridor with the other prisoners. As he did so, a slip of paper which fell from his hand quickly caught the eye of a guard who picked it up and put it into his own pocket. His surprise was great when, on looking at it, he found it to be some poetry at which the one-time surly, brutal convict had tried his hand. The guard was a Christian man and his heart leaped for joy as he read the following lines written by this man who, before his conviction, had apparently been a chimney sweep.

A chimney sweep black on the skin,

But blacker far he was within;

This secret now the sweep doth know,

Though black as hell, he’s white as snow.

Water will wash and cleanse the skin;

But oh, ’tis blood must cleanse within;

That blood which ran on Calvary’s tree;

Though but a sweep, ’twas shed for me.

In days gone by with venom foul

I called damnation to my soul.

If ever one had cause to bless,

Sure ’tis the sweep through sovereign grace.

A chimney sweep of low degree,

Yet loved by all the Sacred Three,

Electing love what tongue can tell?

Though loved of God, deserving hell.

What the poor chimney sweep found is equally needed by all, whether rich or poor, high or low, young or old; and it is through God’s mercy equally available for whoever will take the water of life freely.

“For there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:22, 23. “For there is no difference, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.” Rom. 10:12.

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

—A. A. T.

ML-10/06/1963

Fishers of Men

MANY YEARS ago, a boy named John, saw on his way to Sunday school a number of ragged boys of his own age, playing in the street. He begged them to come to Sunday school with him. But only one agreed to do so, a boy without a hat or coat. When they arrived at the door, and the boy saw all the children inside were well dressed, he wanted to run away again, saying: “I won’t go in there, I haven’t even a coat on!”

“Here is my coat,” said John, and quickly pulling off his coat, he helped the other put it on. So both of them went in.

After pausing a little while, the teacher added: “I know that incident very well, for I was that boy who once had no coat; and Dr. John Paton, that famous missionary of the New Hebrides, of whom you surely have heard before, was the one who gave me his!”

In this way that devoted soul winner, who in later years was used to bring in so many people from heathendom with the net of the gospel of the grace of God in Christ Jesus, began even as a boy to lead souls to the Lord Jesus. He sought out such in his immediate neighborhood who knew nothing of the Lord.

The Lord Jesus said: “Come Ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17.

ML-10/06/1963

The Shepherd

A SERVANT of the Lord relates that in Russia he once met a young man, while walking on a lonely mountain path, whose outward appearance showed him to be a shepherd. His face wore a troubled anxious look.

“Whither bound so late?”

“My little lamb has gone astray, and I am looking for it.”

They walked the lonely path tether quite silently, for the young shepherd seemed constantly listening for something. Never for a moment did he seem to forget his little lamb.

Suddenly he gave a loud call, which sounded like joy, then threw himself down with his ear flat on the ground. Quickly the young shepherd jumped up, his noble face lit up with joy.

“I heard it!” he cried, and rushed forward.

Although the faint cry of the strayed lamb was too weak for the servant of the Lord to hear, yet it did not escape the ear of the shepherd. He heard the low cry of distress, and he soon found his straying lamb.

Dear children, the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, listens for your voice to call to Him. He wants to lead you out of the pit of sin, and from the path that leads astray, on the right way and carry you to His Father’s house. Upon His path is peace, and at the end of it eternal glory.

He wants to hear you own that you are a lost sinner and He will surely save you. He is the only Saviour.

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

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

Memory Verse: “THE YOUNG LIONS DO LACK, AND SUFFER HUNGER: BUT THEY THAT SEEK THE LORD SHALL NOT WANT ANY GOOD THING.” Psa. 34:10.

ML-10/06/1963

Where God Is

“I WILL GIVE you a quarter, Tommy, if you will tell me where God is,” said an infidel to a little boy, whose godly mother had taught him the truths of God’s Word. “And I will give you the quarter back,” returned Tommy, “if you will tell me where He is not.”

The infidel had no answer to give.

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

“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chron. 16:9.

“Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

ML-10/06/1963

Bible Questions for October, 1963

The Children’s Class

1. “I am the light of the world.”

2. “I am the door.”

3. “I am the Son of God.”

4. “I am the resurrection.”

5. “I am come a light into the world.”

6. “Believe that I am He.”

7. “I am the way.”

The Young People’s Class: Choosing

1. What did Moses beseech the Israelites to choose, just before entering the prosed land? Deut. 30.

2. What two choices did Joshua put before the people after they were in the land? Josh.

3. Should we have the fear of the Lord before us when making a choice? Prov.

4. How does the Lord regard those who choose not what delights Him? Isa. 66.

5. When the Lord visited Mary and Martha, what was the good part that Mary chose? Luke.

6. What had the Psalmist chosen that gave him courage to ask for the Lord’s help? Psa. 119.

7. Whose choice should we follow in determining the place to worship? Deut. 12.

ML-10/06/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 8:22-26

“AND they bring a blind man unto Him... And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon him, He asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up; and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.”

This story is especially interesting because we may be curious as to why the man did not immediately receive perfect vision.

As is common in the gospel narratives, there is a type of Israel given us. That nation — now away from God and spiritually blind will, in a coming day have sight restored first in the midst of tribulation, when they may not clearly see God’s hand in their persecution — but then filly brought into full deliverance and God’s purposes clearly seen.

But let us today think of this story’s application to ourselves. Without Christ, are we not also in moral and spiritual blindness? Surely so. What can we do to overcome this serious problem? Not one thing in our own power. We must be willing to acknowledge our absolute weakness and be led to Jesus — the only One who can bring relief. We notice first of all that the blind man is brought by friends and can be sure he came willingly. Christian friend, have you ever helped a lost sinner find the Lord? It is a wonderful privilege to do so.

Then we observe that it is the Lord’s hand that guides the man. The loving Christian can lead the lost soul to Jesus — but it is only trust in Him that will bring salvation. The Lord’s taking him out of the town would tell us that all we could cling to by nature had to be put off so we can be alone, with Him and have full trust in Him. Often religious surroundings give a false sense of security, but really keep one from going to the Lord Himself. It is important to put off all false supports that the mind and affections might hold on to and be entirely cast upon the Lord, if one is truly seeking salvation.

The spittle applied to his eyelids may not have been what the blind man expected and if pride had asserted itself he would have refused so humbling an experience, but it is happy to see his quiet acceptance of the Lord’s way of saving him. The sinner coming to the Lord must also come in the Lord’s own way — by simple faith and confessing complete helplessness.

Then, what a wonderful experience! The blind eyes, long in darkness, now see light — but vision is not yet perfect. Let this encourage the newly converted soul. When the man said, “I see men as trees, walking,” it was a good deal like a newly converted soul who turns to men in connection with his newfound light, but does not find everything clear with them. Looking on men is never a safe place for us. But the Lord does not want His own confused concerning divine truth. Closing the man’s eyes to the view of men, He again touches them and when he now looks up — his gaze surely resting on the Saviour Himself —his vision is no longer faulty. Thereafter he can see all men clearly.

In John 12:21 we read of certain men who came to Philip and said: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What a delightful desire this is! If we can say the same from our hearts, then we can indeed “see every man clearly,” whether it be men of the world, or those indoctrinated in false teaching, or those used of God to help others in the true light of His Word.

ML-10/06/1963

Stolen by a Gypsy

ONE BRIGHT sunny morning little Tommy was playing close to his home on the outskirts of a small country town. His game was suddenly interrupted by the approach of a stranger,—a tall, dark gypsy woman with keen piercing eyes, and a large shawl thrown over her shoulders. Slowly she came toward the little fellow, at the same time drawing from under her shawl some candy which she temptingly offered him.

Most boys and girls like candy and Tommy was no exception. However, he seemed to have forgotten for the moment his mother’s warnings not to accept anything from strangers. His play was soon forgotten as eagerly he reached up for the prize, which was willingly given. Fully occupied with his new pleasure, Tommy did not nice that his other hand had been gently taken by that of the woman and that he was being drawn quickly away from his home and into the country.

On and on they walked, this strange pair. The candy was now gone, Toy was getting tired and frightened and began to cry for his mother. The gypsy woman then carried him in her arms until they reached a large pile of stones, and here they sat down to rest.

In the meantime Tommy had been missed. His anxious mother questioned everyone around as to whether they had seen him. Willing helpers searched in every direction, until at last, a neighbor said the strange pair had been seen on the road leading out of town. The mother’s footsteps fairly flew along the dusty road in the direction given, and finally she overtook the two still sitting on the rock pile.

Do you think Tommy’s mother let him stay there? No, not for a moment! Snatching him up in her arms she hastened home, holding her precious little boy close to her heart all the way. How happy Tommy was to be in his mother’s arms again, yet he did not know how deep were those feelings of love and thankfulness in his mother’s heart now that he was safe again.

This is a true story but it is also a picture of what is happening every day all around us. Like the gypsy woman, Satan is going about tempting whom he can. Like her with her candy, he uses all sorts of bait to suit his purpose, carefully drawing his dupes farther and farther into the paths of sin, until he has them completely under his power, and then they find that they are lost forever.

Love in the heart of Tommy’s mother gave her no rest until she had found him and brought him safely home.

It was love that led the Lord Jesus to come from heaven and to go to Calvary’s cross, and there shed His precious blood to save sinners from the power of Satan and from judgment.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. He is able and willing to save any one who owns he is a lost and guilty sinner and trusts Him as his Saviour.

Have you come to Him yet, dear boys and girls? If not you are in great danger. Be not deceived by Satan’s subtle offer. One more step may land you in eternal woe. Come to Jesus 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-10/13/1963

The Faithful Dog

I have a faithful doggie

Who loves me just a lot.

When I return from anywhere,

She’s always on the spot.

When I am gone she watches,

Nor wanders far away,

For she loves her home and master

Too much to go astray.

She jumps and barks a welcome,

And tells me o’er and o’er

She wishes I would stay at home

And go away no more.

Now, tell me, little reader,

Would not the Lord rejoice

If you for Him were waiting

And longing for His voice?

You each may learn a lesson

From pets so fond and true;

When Jesus comes to take us,

Will He find you watching too?

He wants your heart, dear reader,

So filled with thoughts of Him

That nothing earth can offer

Will make your hope grow dim.

For filled with thoughts of Jesus,

You’ll long for His return;

And that sweet hope within you

Will ever brightly burn.

ML-10/13/1963

A Borrowed Bible!

DECEMBER 21, 1959 will always be a night of fond remembrance to me, for on that night I got peace of mind and could say truthfully that “The burden of my sins rolled away.”

I had been brought up on a farm in Manitoba. I did not read the Bible; real Christianity was of no interest to me, but I did go in for all the pleasures I could afford.

Being out of a job I went to the city of Winnipeg to collect my unemployment insurance. Here I found work and shared a room with a young fellow who soon proved different from others I had been associated with. This fellow read the Bible and he spoke to me about my soul and eternity. His life and ways were such that I almost envied him. He was always happy and rejoicing in his salvation, and this I just could not understand.

I enjoyed reading the miracles of Christ; how He could heal the sick; give sight to the blind; raise the dead and feed multitudes. Then at last He went to that place called Calvary where He suffered and died upon the cross and the third day God raised Him from the grave.

At this time I did not believe that He died for me, but later discovered that the Spirit of God was convincing me that I was a lost sinner. Then I realized “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

The Christian fellow I stayed with invited me to go to Gospel meetings with him. Here it was made plain from scriptures that I was already a condemned sinner and needed to be “born again” — a new spiritual birth. In addition to this the preachers warned that if death overtook me I would be lost forever. They expressed the reality that the Lord may come at any moment for the saved, and the unsaved would be left behind. Also, the Spirit of God, which now warns men, could pass on and thus people would miss salvation. This all left me most miserable, and although I tried hard, I was unable to find happiness.

Then one night my roommate asked me if I wanted to be saved? And, said he, “Saved above everything else in the world?” I assured him I did, and right now.

We read many scriptures together but it was when I read Romans 10:9, that I found rest in Christ. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” I clearly believed in my heart that Christ had died for me and God raised Him up for me and I was saved — all through Him. From that moment I was able to rejoice in my sins forgiven. I’m ready to meet God and happy to confess Christ with my mouth to others. The scriptures assure me that God hath made Him to be a Prince and a Saviour of sinners, and if the work of Christ is for sinners, then it is for me, and for you.

Christ paid my debt and “payment God will not twice demand, first at my bleeding Surety’s hand and then, again at mine.” The One Who saves is the One Who keeps and now I look forward to seeing Him Who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Dear reader, are you resting in the finished work of Christ for your salvation? You can enjoy this salvation and assurance of eternal life today through Him!

Trust Him and you will be able to say with me, “I’m only a sinner saved by grace.”

Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, dear young reader, read the Bible and heed it as a living Word of God.

This is the way of escape from coming judgment and it is free to all who will just accept it. Take God’s way of salvation; take Jesus as your Saviour, your way of escape from hell.

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27.

“Redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19.

One day I said to myself, I am going to read the Bible. I didn’t have one so asked my roommate if I could borrow his. He was delighted to lend me his and he suggested I start reading in the Gospels.

ML-10/13/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 8:27-33

“AND Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked... Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: But some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ.”

The Lord’s servants, in every generation, hear many expressions stating what people “think about Jesus.” Since history itself gives a record about Him, every intelligent person must admit that He was a real person and that He did wonderful things when here. But how wide and fancied are the opinions of many people rewarding just who He was! Some speak of Him as “the Master"; some say “He was a good man"; some that “He was a great martyr"; etc. But these answers do not satisfy the real truth as to His Person. For He was (and is) the Son of God and any answer that will not so acknowledge Him, is not acceptable to God.

The serious question each reader must put to himself is not only, “Who do I say that He was,” but also, “What does He mean to Me?” Your eternity is at issue in the answer to this question. May you truly be able to say, “I own Him as God’s Son and His death on Calvary as taking my place in God’s judgment against my sins.” It is this simple acceptance of Him and His work which alone will bring you true salvation.

It may surprise us that the disciples were then instructed to tell no man that Jesus was the Christ. There had been a time when it was different. For instance, John the Baptist was sent to announce Him beforehand, and tell all who would listen, of “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Then Jesus too had announced Himself as God’s Son come down from heaven. But now the religious leaders had refused Him as their Messiah and, while the Lord continued His ministry and good works, the time was come when the public announcement (as it were) was to be discontinued.

The Lord then tells them that it is as “Son of Man” that He must suffer many things — be killed — and then rise again. It was difficult for Peter to think that such a thing would happen to His beloved Lord and so he allows his sentiments to carry him away. He speaks unadvisedly, rebuking the Lord for expressing such a thought. In Matthew’s Gospel we learn exactly what Peter said at this time: “Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.” Matt. 16:22. Now the Lord could not accept such a rebuke, even though well knowing Peter meant kindly by it and in His reply shows very plainly where Peter got his unintelligent thought. The Lord’s command therefore is, “Get thee bind Me, Satan.” It was not that the Lord was calling Peter “Satan,” but was showing that evil one (and the disciples too) that He was not subject to any temptation to pity Himself, nor would He entertain one thought that He should escape the death for which He had come into the world.

Peter’s carelessness in speaking too hastily reminds us of our own need of care in our speech, especially when the things of God are before us.

“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141:3.

Memory Verse: “CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, BEING MADE A CURSE FOR US.” Gal. 3:13.

ML-10/13/1963

The Little Girl of the Hills

LITTLE AN-LIN was just four years old when she was found. She was a little Chinese girl but nobody knew anything about her. No one ever heard of her father or mother, or where her home was, and she was too young to remember herself.

It was a time of great famine in the province of Shantung, China. There was nothing to eat; no rain had fallen for months and months and there was no rice and grain. Parents were selling their little children as slaves to buy bread, and little girls from six to seven years of age were sold for two dollars each. The missionaries were very busy during those famine days and used all their money to help save the people from starving.

Dr. Nevius, an American missionary in Shantung, in a few months spent $10,000.00 sent to him by friends to help the starving people around his mission. While he gave them bread to satisfy their hunger, he also sought to give them the Bread of Life. The Lord Jesus in John’s Gospel, chapter 6:35, has said: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” I wonder if you, dear young reader, have come to Him to eat of that living bread and to drink those living streams of life? If you have not as yet, we urge you to come to the Saviour now, for He also has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Some of Dr. Nevius’s workers were coming home one night when they heard a little child’s voice crying. It came from far up among the hills. They followed the sound and at last discovered a little girl almost naked, nearly starved and all alone. Apparently her parents had left her there to die. She was carried gently home and given something to eat. She told her new friends her name and soon she loved them. She grew well and happy, and she ate and ate until Dr. Nevius thought she would die of overeating.

Everybody loved little An-lin for her gentle ways. She had a happy heart and pretty face. She believed the gospel message her friends taught her and before long An-lin trusted in Jesus as her Saviour. All who put their trust in Him find indeed that “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psa. 107:9.

At the same mission there were five or six little boys who had been saved from starvation. As the days went by they all became healthy and happy in their new home. Soon the rain fell; the dry hot days were gone; and there was grain and bread for all. One of the famine boys grew up and became very fond of An-Lin. His name was Wang-Chong-ku. He and An-Lin went to school together and later he got a literary degree in a Chinese university. He also had come to know and love the Lord Jesus. By and by he and An-Lin were married and became Christian workers among their own people. How happy they were and both were loved by all who knew them.

How wonderful it is when children come to know the Saviour when they are young and then set out to live for Him, to serve Him in whatever sphere He might call them to. We urge you too, dear young reader, to put your trust in the Saviour; He’ll take away all that load of sin, and give you peace and joy instead.

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

Come to Jesus, come today!

There is nothing more to pay.

He will wash your sins away,

He’s a glorious Saviour.

Trust in Jesus, trust today!

“It is finished!” hear Him say.

Jesus is the only way,

He’s a mighty Saviour.

ML-10/20/1963

How Often

Someone was knocking at the door so Mary answered it. It was a lady, “Do you have a Bible?” she asked.

Grandma overheard and said, “Of course, go get it, Mary. It’s upstairs in the dresser drawer. Let the lady see that we have a Bible.”

When Mary gave Grandma the Bible she opened it. “Well, well,” she cried, “here are my glasses that I have been missing so long!”

Poor Grandma—she must not have read her Bible for a long time. Are you like Grandma? How often do you read your Bible?

Read your Bible, read it every day,

Read your Bible, also watch and pray;

Read your Bible, read it through and through,

And it will surprise you what the Lord can do.

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Rev. 1:3.

ML-10/20/1963

Sandy the Fisherman

SANDY WILKINS was a fisherman. His face was weather-beaten and his muscles were hard. Sad to say, Sandy’s heart was hard too toward God. He felt he was as good as any man. He didn’t think he needed a Saviour. He wanted nothing to do with folks who talked about God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of how He died for lost sinners.

Sandy’s wife did not know that she, too, was a lost sinner. But when some gospel meetings were being held in their little town on the coast, perhaps out of curiosity she decided to go herself. That very night she heard the wonderful story of God’s love for men and women. She believed God and she accepted Jesus as her Saviour. After the meeting she hurried home to tell her husband the wonderful news. What happened then is best told in Sandy’s words: “One day my wife said to me, ‘I am going to the meeting tonight. Mother went there and she is so changed and so is my sister. I would like to see what they do.’

“I felt annoyed but only said, ‘Well, if you go you are a great fool. Go if you want to, but they will never get me to go.’ She tried to persuade me to go with her but I would not listen. Then I got very angry but I was afraid to tell her not to go.

“When my wife had gone to the meeting I became most miserable. I could not sit still in the house so went out for a walk. I even went over by the meeting house but I stayed on the back side of it. I tried to hear what was going on inside without anyone seeing me. The little I heard made me realize that those people were most serious in telling about sinners and hell and how Jesus had died for sinners.

“Soon I went home but I was most unhappy. I went to bed but I could not sleep. At about ten o’clock my wife returned. She came to the side of my bed and said, ‘O, Sandy, I must tell you I am saved.’ She fell on her knees and praised God out loud for saving her. And then she prayed for me! My whole soul was stirred but pride and the devil would not let me admit that I was miserable.

“At last, with perspiration breaking out all over me, I said, ‘What do you feel, Jean?’

" ‘Feel', she said. ‘It’s no feeling Sandy that saves a sinner. It’s just believing! I believe that God speaks the truth when He says that Christ died for my sins. The Bible says that if I believe this, He will give me eternal life. Now I do believe it and I will never come under the sinner’s judgment, for another verse says, “There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ.” Oh believe that, Sandy, and you will be saved and we will then both be so happy.

“How the devil did try to keep my mouth shut,” Sandy continued. “The devil tried to prevent my owning that the Spirit of God was convincing me that I needed a Saviour. At last I said, ‘Now, Jean, pray that I may be saved.’ She did pray and such a power of the Spirit of God came over me that I thought I saw the Saviour on the cross. I cried out, ‘Oh, Jean, I see my Saviour, and His wounds were for my sins.’

" ‘Hold to that, Sandy,’ she said. Then we prayed together that all my unbelief might be taken away. She thanked God that I was saved, and then I did, too. We slept none that night for the joy of thinking that we would never come into judgment.”

The Bible says, “Look unto Me and be ye saved.” Isa. 45:22. Sandy Wilkins looked to Jesus and by faith saw Him hanging on Calvary’s cross enduring the judgment of God that really belonged to him. True to His word, God saved Sandy’s soul. Won’t you do as Sandy did?

“This is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11.

“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.

“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.

How terrible it will be for lost sinners who have neglected salvation.

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

ML-10/20/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 8:34-38

“AND when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

In most of the campaigns of this world, when an effort is made to get followers for one cause or another, everything is done to make the work look as easy and simple as possible and every attraction put before helpers so they will join the campaign. But Jesus did not put His cause under any false colors. He plainly tells those who would follow Him that it was to be a life of self-denial and the bearing of a cross — not a program of great earthly rewards. It might even cost one’s life to be a disciple of Jesus, but “Whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

We have noticed before that in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is seen as the perfect Servant — not seeking His own pleasure or comfort. As the obedient Servant, He was always subject to the Father’s will — not questioning, nor seeking to change the pathway marked out for Him. This, then, is also to be the proper pattern of all who would follow Him. One who would be a servant in a half-hearted way, is really no servant at all and can expect no reward. More seriously still, one who is so doted to this world’s pleasures and gains that he seeks profit only here, with never a thought as to eternity, would do well to search for the answer to this most important question: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Or what shall one say who here is ashamed to come forth and own the name of Jesus as Saviour, when he finds in the coming day that the very One whom he fused will then be ashamed of to his eternal loss? Can any more solemn question be asked: “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul? In the light of eternity, the things this world, often sought after with such energy, will be absolutely valueless, and if they have been a snare keep us from accepting the Lord as Saviour, what bitter and sad regrets will be known throughout eternity!

Reader, where is your treasure being laid up? Is it in the things offered by this world — wealth — position – some crowning achievement that will win you this world’s recognition? Hear what the Word of God says about such ambitions: “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:13-14.

While we are instructed in the same Holy Scriptures to be diligent as to our employment and to provide for daily needs in an honest and faithful performance of our duties, yet the object of such is just to see us through this world and not to be carried away with it. The Lord Jesus Himself expressed it so well in Matt. 6:19-20: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”

God marks every little deed and act of faithfulness in our lives. Will it not be a delightful experience to find a treasure waiting for us in the glory?

ML-10/20/1963

The Gold Digger

IN THE Australian gold rush years ago two brothers were working their claim on the Kingower diggings, when one of them struck his pick on something hard. He knew by the sound that it was not a boulder, and after a little scraping he discovered it was gold. The men covered their treasure and toiled on with pick and shovel until they got it free. Lo and behold, it was a solid mass of gold, as much as one man could lift, and worth a fabulous sum.

They succeeded in keeping it from the eyes of others who were also working about them. When evening came they used much secrecy and precaution, and succeeded in getting it to their tent where they buried it six feet under the ground; and there it lay for months.

The brothers toiled on at their claim until they made about $2,000.00. Then they bought a cart, quietly unearthed their treasure, carted it off to Melbourne, and placed it in one of the banks. There was now no longer need of secrecy, and while they were on their way to England with their wonderful find, thousands more were rushing to the Kingower field in hope of finding more of the precious metal.

The immense nugget the brothers had found weighed 146 pounds and was sold for $60,000.00 ($100,000.00 today). They became rich overnight.

There are millions of people today in the world who are seeking after wealth. No doubt many think a sum much less than $60,000 would make them comfortable and happy. How was it with our gold finder? He became a merchant and shipowner, and doubtless thought he was of some importance in the world. But this, hover, lasted only a short time. The truth of the scripture was proved in his case: “Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Prov. 23:5. He lost everything. Without property, without riches, he was glad to find work as a laborer. For a time he worked in a lumber camp in Canada. At last he was found dead in a lonely area of the Ontario woods, his poor body eaten by animals. How sad an end! Where now are his riches? Of what value was his gain?

Dear young readers, seek after the “durable riches and righteousness” (Prov. 8:18) which God gives to those that seek Him, and which can never be taken away. Come to Christ! If you possess Him you are rich for time and for eternity. You have that which is better than gold; you will have that which will give peace, and comfort and joy, and your riches will abide.

If you are without Christ, what will the end be for you? You may not die alone in the dreary forest; plenty of friends may surround your dying bed, something of this world’s wealth may be yours. But oh, you must pass alone into the other world — without Christ, without salvation, without joy, without hope. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27.

Come now to Christ, before it is too late. He’ll wash your sins away in His precious blood now, so that you will never come into judgment. Come and be rich and be happy forever. He Himself invites you. COME!

ML-10/27/1963

Something More Than Gold

A certain man of whom we read,

Who lived in days of old,

Though he was rich, he felt his need

Of something more than gold.

Refrain:

Oh, yes, oh, yes, there’s something more,

Something more than gold:

To know your sins are all forgiven

Is something more than gold.

It happened on a certain day,

This little man was told

That Jesus soon would pass that way,

With something more than gold.

He climbed a tree above the crowd,

So that he might behold

That blessed One with power to give

Him something more than gold.

The Saviour came along the way,

And saw him in the tree;

Then calling to him, Jesus said,

“I must abide with thee.”

So he obeyed, and soon he found

The half had not been told,

The blessing Jesus brought to him

Was better far than gold.

ML-10/27/1963

A Servant

A servant’s very nice to have;

But it’s nicer one to be,

To help the other folks along

Not have them wait on me.

You never need to be ashamed,

To be a servant true;

For kindness shown to other folk

Will all come back to you.

The greatest Servant ever known

Was God’s beloved Son;

He served throughout His life until

His earthly work was done.

Then how much more should we be glad

To serve, and help, and love,

For His dear sake, who stooped so low

To come from Heaven above.

“I am among you as He that serveth.” Luke 22:27.

ML-10/27/1963

Faithful Shep

Shep followed the funeral coach of his beloved master as far as the train depot in Fort Benton. He felt that if he were ever to be united to his master, it must be here, so he proceeded to make his home under the platform of the railway station. Every time the train came whistling into the station he dashed out to meet it. The faithful dog became known country-wide.

Shep kept up his vigil, rain or shine, for five years. Then one snowy morning as he ran out to meet the train, he slipped, and before he could leap to safety, the wheels of the train had ended the collie’s life. He waited in vain for his master.

The Lord Jesus has promised to return for those who love Him. “I will come again and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.

“Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matt. 24:42.

“Surely I come quickly.” Rev. 22:20.

“Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37.

ML-10/27/1963

How to Be Saved

We are not saved by trying,

From self can come no aid;

’Tis on the blood relying,

Once for our ransom paid.

’Tis looking unto Jesus

The holy One and Just;

’Tis His great work that saves us,

It is not try but trust.

ML-10/27/1963

The Bright Side

A CHRISTIAN man went into a lawyer’s office in the city to transact some business. He was asked to take away with him some deeds and was told he could make the necessary payment later.

“No,” he said, “I won’t take them until I have paid the money. I might be with the Lord tonight.”

“Oh,” said the lawyer, “you need not look on the gloomy side of things!”

“The gloomy side!” he exclaimed. “I’m looking at the bright side. If I were to be run over and killed tight I should immediately go to be with the Lord.”

And so he would have done, for he was a truly saved man and the Bible says, of such “to die is gain,” and “to depart, and to be with Christ;... is far better.” Phil. 1:21, 23.

But the proper hope of the Christian is not death but the return of the Lord Jesus. If called upon to die the believer can say, “we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Cor. 5:1. But then those who believe may not die at all, for the Apostle Paul also wrote: “We which are alive and rain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep.... 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. 4:15-17.

ML-10/27/1963

A Bible Prayer

“O Lord my God,... I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.... Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart.” 1 Kings 3:7, 9.

Memory Verse: “GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Gal. 6:14.

ML-10/27/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 9:1-10

“AND He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured bore them.”

Not only was Jesus transfigured, with His raiment shining white as snow, but there also appeared Elias (Elijah) and Moses, talking with Him. In Luke’s account we learn that they talked of the forthcoming death of Jesus. What an awe-inspiring sight this must have been! But alas, Peter who was so slow to learn is once more out of tune with his surroundings. He “wist not what to say” but, thinking he should say something appropriate, exclaims: “Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”

Peter little understood what he witnessed. This was the very evidence of the kingdom of God come with power that the Lord had spoken of six days earlier. Those who were present on the mountain spoke plainly of the coming day when the kingdom, so long promised, would be set up. First, there was Jesus Himself, transfigured to display His kingly place, in brilliant radiance and power (no longer the humble Servant); then there were the two who had been called down from heaven — a type of the heavenly saints who will accompany the Lord when He comes to set up the kingdom; and finally, there were the three disciples who were yet residents of Palestine and spoke of the earthly remnant of faithful Jews who will enter into the millennial period. Furthermore, this transfiguration scene takes place on a high mountain which, together with every other detail, completed the display of the long-promised day when the earthly kingdom will be set up, as promised by the Old Testament prophets.

One such prophecy that should have been familiar to the disciples, is: “His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem.... And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” Zech. 14:4, 9. The disciples should have rejoiced to see this wonderful sight and if Peter had stopped to think before speaking, he would have realized that a plan to set up a permanent residence for Jesus, Moses and Elias, was entirely improper. The Jewish nation had already rejected their Messiah, and Jesus had told His own that He must soon suffer death. It was not yet a time for the kingdom to come in its fullness. Furthermore, in Peter’s proposal, he blundered in placing his Lord on an equal basis with Moses and Elias (a mistake which those two men did not make, for they spoke only of Him and not of themselves). Peter’s outburst interferes with this amazing scene and he is silenced by God’s voice: “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” May we too prove the importance of listening to that blessed One and not let our thoughts and expressions interfere with what He would say to us.

It was not a time to tell this experience to the unbelieving Jews and Jesus therefore instructs the three, as they come down from the mountain, to keep it to themselves until after He should rise from the dead.

ML-10/27/1963

The Chased Chicken

A FRIEND of mine had a pet chicken which he allowed to run freely in his garden. One day he was disturbed by a loud squawking and hastening into the garden he saw his pet fleeing up the path in terror, pursued by a strange black dog. Quickly placing himself at the end of the garden path, my friend stooped down and stretching out his hands waited for the oncoming pair.

The chicken, seeing its master, fled straight for him and took refuge in his outstretched arms. While its little frame still quivered with alarm, my friend gently placed his pet within the breast of his coat, where in safety it soon quieted down with relief. The strange black marauder was soon chased from the garden and my friend took care to shelter his pet from further attacks of its enemy.

I would like to ask you, my young friends, have you acted as wisely as this poor bird? It knew it could not save itself from its foe, so it fled for refuge to its friend and deliverer. Now we all have a common enemy—Satan, the devil, the destroyer of souls. If you are unsaved then you are exposed to the power of Satan, as well as sin and its judgment. But there is a place of refuge — Jesus the Friend and Saviour of sinners is waiting to receive and to save all who flee to Him for refuge. Have you trusted Him yet as the Saviour of your soul? If not, we urge you “to flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7.

When my friend had his pet safe in his arms, he was both pleased and thankful to have saved it. And the little chicken too was glad to have been delivered. Perhaps you remember what the Lord said in the parable of the Lost Sheep: “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6. The Shepherd’s joy is greater than that of the sheep.

When my friend placed the little bird inside his coat against his breast, it made me think of how sweetly it is said of the blessed Lord Jesus in Isaiah 40:11: “He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.”

Also my friend took care to drive the dog away and to provide for the future safety of his pet. How much more does Scripture say of one who is “begotten of God” and “safe in Christ": “that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18. So surely does the Son of God protect and preserve His own.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any one pluck them out of my hand.

“My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

ML-11/03/1963

"I Wish I Was Saved"

“ARE you saved, Willie?”

So questioned an evangelist a boy who was anxious about his soul. He looked into the speaker’s face, and then burst into tears, exclaiming, “I wish I was.”

Yes, with eternity in front of him, and with the shadow of sin resting on his soul, his words were, “I wish I was.”

How gladly the evangelist spoke to him of the love of Jesus, and how he could be saved. Both knelt together and the evangelist prayed, feeling sure Willie would be saved before very long.

A day or two passed; the Christian was greeted with a radiant smile. He knew well what that smile meant. He said, “You are saved, Willie?”

“Yes,” the boy replied, “I am.” “Tell me all about it.”

A Christian had called to see the boy in the meantime, and had found that Willie wanted to feel happy, as though salvation were a question of feelings.

Willie was shown that Jesus had done everything for him, and that all that remained for him was to rest upon the finished work.

“Is that all?” was the boy’s question, “Is that the way?”

At last he could truthfully say, “I do believe that Jesus died for me.”

He was happy, trusting, resting. All the shadows had passed away.

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

ML-11/03/1963

Wisdom Cries

“Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets."—Prov. 1:20.

“Wisdom cries,” but what is Wisdom?

Mercy, love, and truth combined—

Fear of God, and dread of evil—

Happy they who Wisdom find!

“Wisdom cries,” but where is Wisdom?

Where the love of God is known;

Where the heart, by Christ attracted,

Is the loving Saviour’s throne.

“Wisdom cries,” but who is Wisdom?

Christ Himself, and none but He;

God’s delight, and man’s Redeemer,

He whose death has set us free.

“Wisdom cries,” but what its promise?

Happiness, and peace, and love;

Here below God’s help and blessing,

And eternal joy above!

ML-11/03/1963

The Wall of Protection

Someone said, “If God is not with you, and you only had a wall to protect you: the wall is no better than a spider’s web; but if God is with you, a spider’s web is as good as a wall.”

A dear old Christian gentleman proved this statement to be true. Murderers were after him, and he hid in a cave. God was with him, and He made a spider spin a web over the opening of the cave. When the murderers came along, they passed by saying, “He is not in there; see the spider’s web. It would have been broken.” God was with His child and made a web as a wall to protect him.

“I am with Thee to deliver thee.” Jer. 1:8.

Memory Verse: “OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR OUR SINS, THAT HE MIGHT DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD.” Gal. 1:3, 4.

ML-11/03/1963

Do You Love the Saviour?

A LITTLE converted Indian girl, when asked if she loved the Saviour answered, “Yes, I do; and I desire to love Him more.” When asked why she loved Him, since she had never seen Him, she answered, “He loved me first, and died for me on the cross, that I might live.”

Another converted native when asked as to the state of her soul replied, “Happy! happy! I have Christ here,” laying her hand upon her heart, “and Christ there,” pointing up to heaven.

Ah, children, no one can be happy, unless he has the love of God shed abroad in his heart, but with Him he can be happy anywhere and everywhere.

ML-11/03/1963

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

1. “It shall be done unto you.”

2. “That your joy may be full.”

3. “And this is life eternal.”

4. “Every one that is of the truth.”

5. “It is finished.”

6. “Believe that Jesus is the Christ.”

7. “Lord, thou knowest all things.”

The Young People’s Class: Service

1. Who was able to accomplish the service of God in Old Testament times? Heb. 9.

2. In what way can every Christian perform a service which is acceptable to God today? Rom. 12.

3. Whom should we seek to please in doing service? Eph.

4. What should characterize a servant of the Lord? 2 Tim. 2.

5. Does the Lord take note of each act of service? Rev. 2.

6. To what extreme do the thoughts of some men go in doing God a service? John’s Gospel.

7. What example did the Apostle Paul leave us in serving the Lord? Acts.

ML-11/03/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 9:11-27

“AND they asked Him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And He answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things;... But I say unto you, that Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.”

The scribes, insisting that Elias must come before the Messiah, had apparently bothered the disciples who acknowledged Jesus as the true Messiah, but had not yet seen Elias come. The scribes, however, had failed to rightly apply the prophecy of Malachi (to which they undoubtedly referred), which promised Elias “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The Lord was indeed present with the disciples as the true Messiah, but this was not yet the day the prophet spoke of. In that day the Lord will come in terrible judgment, whereas He was presently here in mercy.

The disciples were privileged to see and know Him before the time of judgment and they had also seen one sent before Jesus “in the spirit and power of Elias,” namely, John the Baptist, whom the people and the nation had rejected. Jesus shows them that, while the scribes were literally correct in the prophecy of Malachi, they were at fault for failing to heed other scriptures from which they should have recognized both John and Jesus. One such scripture that should have been well known to them is: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isa. 40:3.

“And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.” The multitude had been present at a scene that must have been most unhappy for the disciples. A man with a son who possessed a dumb spirit had, in fait brought the lad to them for healing. But they had been unable to do and apparently their unsuccessful a tempts had brought challenges and questions from the scribes—no doubt to their great embarrassment.

The multitude, it seems, was aware that the disciples were not measuring up to their ability and turn quickly to Jesus when He comes to the place. The father of the boy turns to Him also, saying, “Master, I have brought unto Thee my son.” The Lord expresses sorrow at the lack of faith on the part of His followers and then asks that the son be brought to Him The young man had been possessed with this evil spirit since a mere child and was completely in its power. Does this not remind us of those who are “servants of sin,” who know not the Lord and allow Satan to govern their lives? What a wretched state to be in!

But Satan’s evil spirit cannot stand before the presence of the Lord Jesus and is driven out. The people think, however, that it has cost the life of the boy for he appears to be dead as a result of this experience. But so it is that all who, having walked in their own folly and become slaves to Satan’s ways, must own themselves “dead in trespasses and sins” before they can find freedom through Christ and His work on Calvary. The Lord readily shows that the lad is not at all dead, but now has a new life. Accepting the hand of Jesus, he is lifted up—drawn to Him—and is free from all claims of the evil one he formerly served. Has this too been your experience? Can you say, “Giving thanks unto the Father... who hath delivered us from the power of darkness...?” Col. 1:12-13.

ML-11/03/1963

Lost and Found!

IT WAS A BRIGHT summer day when a party of merry boys and girls, some of them accompanied by parents, boarded a boat that took them over to the island. When they arrived they had a picnic on the grass and then they went hiking and climbing trees among the hills.

When it was time to come back, one boy named Harry was nowhere to be found. They knew they couldn’t return without him for his parents would be terribly distressed if their little Harry were left alone all the dark night on the island. So the party divided into two groups and began their search for Harry. For several hours they climbed over rocks and walked through long grass, but no trace of the missing Harry could be found.

At last a feeble cry was heard, and one of the party shouted “Harry!” The name echoed far up the wooded valley. In a moment a shrill voice was heard calling out the word “Lost.” It was enough. Three young herdsmen, who had joined in the search, found Harry standing in a shaded spot and so hemmed in with bushes that he could go no further.

“You’ve been a long time coming,” said the little fellow who had cried himself hoarse.

“We came the minute we heard you cry, ‘Lost,’ my little friend,” said the kind-hearted herdsman, as he lifted Harry and carried him out in his strong arms back to his friends.

This little story pictures to us very simply, I believe, the condition of many dear boys and girls, and older folks too, who are lost in their sins, afar from God. It tells us too of how lost sinners are saved.

Like Harry on the hills, my friends, you have wandered far away from God. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way,” the Bible tells us in Isaiah 53:6. You cannot find your way back. You have no strength to diver yourself. Death and judgment are before you. Jesus alone can save; “for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isa. 53:6.

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He is seeking you, but He first wants to hear your cry, “I’m lost! Lord Jesus, save me!” That cry of faith will bring Him right to where you are and you will find yourself borne up in those strong arms of love. May His love find you while it is still the day of grace.

“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. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:6, 7.

ML-11/10/1963

David and the Snake

MANY years ago the missionary David Brainerd, decided to take the gospel to a fierce Indian tribe in New Jersey. He arrived in the evening and put up his tent near to their settlement. In the morning he would go into their camp. What he did not know was that the Indians had heard he was coming and were even now watching him. A party of warrior; went out to kill him.

As they came near they saw he was on his knees. They also saw a huge rattlesnake creeping up toward him It got right beside him and raised its head as if to strike. Then, all at once, it glided swiftly away. “The Great Spirit is with him,” they cried. The next morning he received a wonderful welcome when he reached the Indian village.

The Bible tells us that “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psa. 34:7. It was so with David Brainerd and it is true of any child who puts his trust in the Lord Jesus today.

Jesus loves me, He who died

Heaven’s gate to open wide.

He will wash away my sin,

Let a little child come in.

Jesus loves me, He will stay

Close beside me all the way.

If I trust Him, should I die

He will take me home on high.

ML-11/10/1963

Tasting

A CHRISTIAN FRIEND of mine told me that in one of our large cities a boy was once walking along with a pot of honey in his hand, when a man stopped him and inquired what he had in the pot. “Honey, sir,” was the reply.

“What is honey?” inquired the gentleman.

“Sweet stuff, sir.”

“How sweet is it?”

“Very, very sweet, sir.”

“What do you mean by very, very sweet?”

“Here, taste it for yourself,” said the youngster, at the same time handing him the pot of honey.

Now this is just what we want our young readers to do as to the goodness of God. “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” (Psa. 34:8.) Then you will be able to finish this verse by saying from your heart, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

ML-11/10/1963

God Says I Am Saved

IT SPOKE to a young girl about the state of her soul. “Are you quite happy?” I said. “No sir.”

“Why? Are you not saved?” “I and not sure.”

“But why are you not sure? Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?” “Yes, but I don’t feel saved.”

“Do you feel lost?” “Yes, I do"; and she now began to weep.

“How do you know you are lost?” “Because I am a sinner, and God’s Word says so.”

“Then you believe His Word, do you?” “O, yes, sir; indeed I do.”

“Well, then, His Word says, ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved.’ Isa. 45:22. Do you believe that?” “Yes.”

“But are you looking to Jesus?” “Yes, sir; but I don’t feel as I should like to.”

“Granted; but does it say, ‘Look unto Me, and feel saved’"; “No.” “What then?” “Be ye saved.” “When is that, today or tomorrow?” “When I look.”

“But are you looking?” “Yes, I am really looking to Jesus.”

“Then, you are saved?” She paused a moment, and then firmly replied:

“I don’t feel it, but God says I am saved. I see it now.” The next moment her eye lit up, and her face told the tale of a new spring of joy having been opened to her.

“Well,” I said, “if any one were to come in, and ask you now if you were saved, what would you say?” “I would say, ‘Yes.’"

“And if they asked you how you knew it and were sure of it, what would you say?” “I would say that I do believe in Jesus, and God says in His Word that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16); and though I don’t feel it, I do believe what God says.”

“Then you rest your soul on Jesus and on God’s Word?” “Yes, sir, I do.”

“You have no fears?” “None.”

“No doubts?” “No; why should I? I see it all clearly. I’m only a poor sinner—and Jesus died for me—and I believe in Him—and God says I’m saved—and so I know I am.”

I had a little more conversation, and called two days after to find her truly filled with joy and peace in believing. Her face shone with the joy the knowledge of God alone can impart.

You have nothing to do but take your true place as a lost sinner now before God. Acknowledge your sin. Justify Him—He’ll justify you. It is all summed up in the sweet confession of the girl. May you this day put your trust for salvation in the same Saviour, and be able to say with certainty, like her,

“I’m only a poor sinner—Jesus died for me—I believe in Him—God says I am saved, and so I know I am.”

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

ML-11/10/1963

"The Time Is Short"

THESE QUAINT lines are found on a clock in a village tower in England:

Time’s on the wing, how swift he speeds his way,

Hast’ning to sink in one eternal day.

Pause, passing traveler, what thy destiny,

When death unveils a vast eternity?

Live then to Christ; in Christ eternal gain;

No Christ, no hope, but everlasting pain.

They speak a word of warning to all who are unsaved.

“The time is short.” 1 Cor. 7:29.

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door,... "

ML-11/10/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 9:28-35

“AND WHEN He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

It was a real disappointment to the disciples that they had not been able to cast the dumb and deaf spirit out of the possessed man. Jesus tells them in gentle, but reproving terms, that the prayer and fasting — necessary for this case—were lacking. Had the disciples fallen into the snare of thinking that the power they had experienced when (in chapter 6) the Lord sent them out, was something that needed no further exercise on their part? Apparently so, and no doubt they learned from this sad experience that they needed full dependence, in prayer, as well as self-denial, that the power of God might display itself in them. Certain it is that we cannot ourselves go today in the strength of yesterday. Just as the Israelites needed daily manna, so do all the Lord’s people need daily spiritual food and prayer.

As they journey onward the disciples are told: “The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day.” They were unable to understand this saying, but feared to ask Him, probably because their minds and interests had been far away from where they should have been. But we do read later: “When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:22.

“And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?” Again, it is “in the house” that the Lord stirs the conscience of His own as to their wayward thoughts and behavior. Bow faithful and true—how gracious and patient is this One who ever knows our poor selfish thoughts and wants us back on safe ground. When outside the house (the world and its effect upon them) their thoughts had gone into self-esteem and self-importance, disputing as to which should be the greatest in the coming kingdom. Beloved reader, we ever need dependence on God that He will help us see our own nothingness and find everything in our blessed Lord — gladly taking the lowest place so that Be might be exalted. Hear His words: “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” We need prayerful care that this poor world will not draw us into its pattern. Faithfulness in being “in the house,” close to the Saviour and in company with His own, is safe ground and will give a proper understanding of what is really worthwhile in the light of eternity.

Lack of dependence and prayer and failing to be in the current of Jesus’ thoughts were great hindrances to the disciples. There are lessons for us to learn in reading the results of their self-occupation. We can scarcely be vessels fit “for the Master’s use” under such conditions. May we look to Him to help us keep thoughts away from self and more on our Saviour, whose footsteps every believer should follow—honoring Him, being of service to others, and thus producing joy within ourselves.

Memory Verse: “FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.” Eph. 2:8.

ML-11/10/1963

Bummer

BUMMER WAS a hungry street dog in the city of San Francisco years ago. A butcher took pity on poor Bummer and used to feed him. Bummer repaid his master’s kindness well, for he used to watch his shop and kept away many thieves and marauders.

Bummer was a faithful watchdog and did his work well, but he had a very odd habit. Every night the butcher would give him a piece of meat for his supper. But instead of eating it, he trotted off as hard as he could and disappeared somewhere in the back streets. It was useless to call him back. Away he went at once and came back without his meat. The butcher thought this very strange and at last determined to follow him to find out where he went. But it was not such an easy matter. Bummer knew the short cuts as no one else ever dreamed of, and the butcher was inclined to give up the chase more than once.

At last they came to an old tumbledown shanty, and Bummer darted inside. When his master entered he was struck dumb with amazement. A poor sick dog lay huddled up on some shavings, and Bummer had dropped in front of him the piece of meat which had been given him for his own supper. Don’t you think Bummer was a very kind and faithful friend?

Bummer’s faithfulness reminds me of the love and faithfulness of a more wonderful Friend — Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. Bummer did what he could, he gave his supper to his sick friend; but the Lord Jesus has done much more for sinsick souls like you and me. He gave His life upon that awful cross, that we might live.

The Bible tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. But Jesus died even for His enemies, for we were all guilty sinners. We did not love God, but were enemies of His — “enemies in your mind by wicked works” (Col. 1:21). Yet God loved us just the same and to prove His love He sent His only Son to die to put away our sins. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

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

We believe that somehow that sick dog would make known to Bummer how much he appreciated his noble friend’s kindness. Don’t you think you should thank the Lord Jesus for all He has done for you, to put away your sins and to save you from judgment? All He asks is that you receive Him into your heart as your own precious Saviour, that you confess Him to others, and that you seek to live for Him each day. One day soon He will come and take all those who love Him up to heaven, to be with Himself in the Father’s house forever.

ML-11/17/1963

One Minute Too Late

I WAS STANDING on the dock to watch the departure of a ship. Her sailing time had come. Several hundred passengers were already aboard, and others were crowding hastily through the throng to get aboard. All was confusion. It seemed as if the ship was restless at the delay. The strong hawsers that bound her, fore and aft, ground on the posts.

Then the stern voice of the first mate was heard, “Passengers all aboard! — all others ashore!”

Just then a cab drove down to the dock and an old gentleman whose white hair spoke of many bygone years, got out and hastened toward the boat. The crowd made way for the venerable stranger, but in vain. The gangplank had been drawn up the fastenings were loosened, and the ship was on her way.

I shall never forget the expression of disappointment in the face of that old man as he turned away and ordered his baggage to be returned to the cab.

“One minute too late!”

How many thousands will be a little too late for salvation! They delay and postpone, until the ark of safety has shoved off for the last time. One mite then will be as fatal as an age of time.

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

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

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

ML-11/17/1963

Only a Boy

A FAITHFUL old Scotch preacher was coming early one Sunday morning to the meeting place when he was met by one of the congregation.

“I came early to meet you,” said the younger man. “I have something on my conscience to say to you. Sir, there must be something radically wrong in your preaching and work; there has been only one person add in a whole year, and he is only a boy.”

The old preacher listened. His eyes moistened, and his thin hand trembled.

“I feel it all,” he said; “I feel it, but God knows that I have tried to do my best and I can trust Him for the results.”

“Yes, yes,” said the other; “but one convert, and he only a boy, seems to me rather slight evidence of true faith and zeal. I don’t want to be hard, but I have this matter on my conscience, and I have done my duty in speaking plainly.”

The faithful old servant of Christ preached that day with a very grieved and heavy heart. He closed his address with dim and tearful eyes. He wished that his work was done forever and that he was at rest among the graves under the shady trees in the old churchyard. He lingered on after the rest were gone because he wanted to be alone. The place was sacred and very dear to him. It had been his spiritual home from his youth. Here he had prayed over a bygone generation, and here had welcomed the children of a new. And here, yes, he had been told that his work was no longer owned and blessed.

All had gone home. No, one still remained—“only a boy.” He watched the trembling old man. His soul was filled with loving sympathy. He went to him and laid his hand on him. “Well, Robert,” said the old man.

“Do you think, sir, that if I were willing to work hard for an education, I could ever become a preacher?” asked Robert.

“A preacher?”

“Perhaps a missionary.”

There was a long pause. Tears filled the eyes of the old servant of Christ. At last he said, “This heals the ache of my heart, Robert. I see the divine hand now. May God bless you, my boy! Yes, I think you will become a preacher.”

Young Robert did give his heart to Christ, and the Lord blessed him and used him greatly.

Years afterward, there returned to London from Africa an aged missionary. His name was spoken with reverence. When he went into a meeting people arose; when he spoke in public there was deep silence. Princes stood and listened to him; nobles invited him to their homes. He had brought under the influence of the gospel the most savage of African chiefs; he had translated the Bible so that strange tribes both heard and read the Holy Scriptures in their own tongue. It was Robert Moffat who, as “only a boy,” had been won for Christ by the labors of that faithful old preacher.

The aged preacher has long gone to be with Christ. His body rests beneath the trees in the humble place of his labors. But men remember his work because of what he was to that one boy, and of how God used that boy.

Robert Moffat, on one of his visits to England, was telling his audience about the dark land of Africa. Among those who listened to his stories of the wonders and the needs of the gospel in that continent, was a sturdy young Scotch medical student. He had just decided to give his life to the service of Christ.

As he listened to Dr. Moffat he heard him say, “There is a vast plain to the north where I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been.”

“The smoke of a thousand villages!” That young medical student was deeply impressed with these words. Here was something worthwhile for him to do — something hard, but he longed to go where no missionary had ever been, to give himself to the service of One he knew loved him and gave Himself for him. Filled with the new vision, he went to Dr. Moffat Afterward and asked, “Would I do for Africa?”

It was the life decision of David Livingstone, one of the most devoted and well-known missionaries to Africa.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccles. 11:1.

Glory before thee,

Pilgrim, press on;

Share now the sorrow,

Share soon the crown.

Tell forth the Saviour’s fame,

Honor His holy name,

Bear now His cross and shame,

Pilgrim, press on.

ML-11/17/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 9:36-41

JESUS DEMONSTRATES the simplicity of acceptable service by taking little children in His arms and saying: “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth Me; and... Him that sent Me.” Kindness to a child is certainly a simple service—an infant being one who would not be able to return the good deed, or perhaps not even appreciate or understand what is done for it. This typifies Christlike service and removes untrue motives from the heart of the servant.

John is disturbed because a man had been seen casting out demons in the name of Jesus, although he was not one of their own company. The disciples forbade him doing so, but Jesus replied: “Forbid him not; for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part.” The Lord knew the heart of every man and thus accepted the work of this one outside His immediate followers. We will do well to recall the character of the day in which this took place, when the name of Jesus was despised by the Jews in general and it was no light thing for anyone to use that name. Anyone who did so would definitely be a true believer in Him, even though it might be on very simple grounds.

Today there are many around us who “use” the Lord’s name, but are not His true disciples at all. We must be careful about approving such work, for it may really be done under San’s power and be dishonoring to the blessed name of the Lord Jesus. The Lord spoke of these false ones when He said: “Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we net prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:21-23.

We can see by these words of the Lord Jesus, spoken on different occasions, that we need to weigh all that claims His name and not blindly accept every teaching, just because the name of the Lord is used by the teacher. But it is also important to remember that it is not our place to act in judgment on others, even though we may be sure they are untrue. The Lord Himself is the Judge of such.

Work on our part may not be anything more than a little service. But just a cup of water, the Lord tells us, given in His name, will be graciously recorded by Him who reads our hearts, just as the receiving of a little child in His name is also acceptable to Him. Is He not a wonderful Lord and Saviour?

The reader is warned, however, that if one is not truly a child of God through faith in Christ, then he has no right to use His name at all. May we be careful that whenever we express that precious name, that it is out of a true heart.

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

Memory Verse: “AND BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDER-HEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU.” Eph. 4:32.

ML-11/17/1963

Honor the Son

THERE ONCE lived a very wealthy man who had an only son. This man dearly loved his son, who in turn both loved and honored his father. But one day, to his father’s immense grief, the boy died. The fond parent never forgot his son. At last the old man himself passed away.

When they came to settle the estate no trace could be found of the old man’s will. In vain they searched, until at last the authorities ordered that the property should be sold and his estate settled according to law.

At the auction one of the articles put up for sale was a portrait of the boy who had died. The picture had little or no value in the eyes of most present, but among the bidders was an old woman who had nursed the rich man’s son when he was a child.

For a very small sum she bought the picture, glad to have this reminder of one she had loved and cared for years before.

One day, while cleaning and repairing the frame, the old lady discovered at the back of the picture a document which turned out to be the old man’s will. He had left all of his property to anybody who loved his son well enough to buy his portrait at the sale. The old lady became rich overnight.

So it is, dear reader, that God looks upon the boy or girl, the man or woman, who loves His Son. There is nothing too good, too great, too wonderful, for the one who loves and hors the Son of God. He or she can sing:

“The Father’s face of radiant grace

Now shines in love on me.”

But we can’t love and honor Him without having faith in Him. We must put our whole trust in Him and our souls must rest upon the value His blood has in the sight of God. It is His precious blood that answers to God for our great guilt as sinners. If we are under the shelter of that blood, God says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:13. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

A nice character, a good life, good deeds, can never purchase God’s forgiveness. But His heart overflows in lavish kindness to the one who appreciates and trusts His Son.

The Lord Jesus honored His Father perfectly in His life, and then went on to honor Him in His death. God will ever put honor upon the work of His Son. He will bless every soul who will put his trust in Jesus.

He is waiting to bless you, dear young reader.

“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. 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 3:35, 36.

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.” John 5:23.

ML-11/24/1963

Salvation a Gift

“GRANDMA,” said little Carrie Neil, “I want to be a Christian, and so I will try to be good and to do all the good I can.”

“And do you think that will make you a Christian, Carrie?”

“Yes; if I am able to do all the good I mean to do, surely God will be pleased with me and reward me for it, won’t He?”

“What would you have said, Carrie, if that when you offered cousin George that fifteen cents yesterday, he had said, ‘Wait till I have done all the good I can first?’"

“I should have told him he was a foolish boy, and that I was not paying him wages, but making him a present.”

“Just so, Carrie. And you are a foolish girl to refuse the gift Jesus offers you, and to think that you can work for it.”

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

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

ML-11/24/1963

Jesus Never Sleeps

1. Sing it soft and low to me,

Jesus keeps;

He is watching over me

While I sleep.

2. In His love He cares for me,

All the night;

In His arms He beareth me,

Till the light.

3. Saviour, dear, Thy little lamb

Safely keep;

Folded in Thy love I am

While I sleep.

“He that keepeth Thee will not slumber.” Psa. 121:3.

ML-11/24/1963

Betty's Religion

“HAVE YE SOME more religion like our Betty’s?” So asked a laboring man who had come to the gospel mission. His wife had been saved a few months before, and the grace of God had made such a difference in her heart, life, and home, that he wanted the same “religion” as she possessed.

When Betty had told him the good news the first night she was saved, and that she had hoped to be a better wife from then on, he grunted out, “All right; I’ll watch and see.”

Her husband kept his word and watched, and this is what he saw. First, a gradual but very marked increase in tidiness in Betty’s person, and a new expression of peace and gentleness in her face made her a much pleasanter wife to look at.

Then followed a very energetic house-cleaning which brought the brightness and orderliness into the home that made it very attractive.

They had no children and Betty, without any motherly cares, had fallen into the bad habit of gossiping. But now Tom always found her home on his return with a pleasant word of welcome, and the meals neatly set out for him. Then to top it all, one cold night he came home and found his slippers warming for him before the fire.

Tom was a man of slow speech, and thus far had said little. But the next Sunday when Betty was putting on her hat before starting out to the evening gospel service, to her great surprise Tom came to her and said, “I’m going with thee tonight, Betty.”

No more words were said, but they walked in company and Betty joined in the singing with a full heart, prang and praising.

Tom, however, was getting very restless, and she began to fear that he thought the service was long and that he would be going out before it was over. But when the last prayer had been offered up, Tom got up from his seat with a very different purpose. The preacher that night had invited any whose hearts the Lord had touched to go to the front and without a moment’s hesitation Tom started up the aisle.

The preacher was greatly startled by Tom’s first words: “I say, sir, have ye some more religion like our Betty’s?”

Now it was not mere religion that had changed Betty’s life. Betty had found out what a sinner she was, and had opened her heart to the Saviour. She experienced what it is to be “born again,” and to be washed in the precious blood of Christ. When the heart is cleansed from sin, the Lord Jesus comes to dwell there. What a holy Guest! What a wonderful Friend Jesus is. The Bible says to one who is saved, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you.” 1 Cor. 6:19.

Thank God, Betty’s Saviour was waiting to be Tom’s Saviour too.

He is waiting to be yours also. Do not you wait to change your life bore coming to Him. Come to Him at once where you are, right NOW! Tell Him you too want to be saved and cleansed from your sins, and He will not turn you away. Not only will He save your precious soul, but He will change your life too.

“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-11/24/1963

"Is That All?"

A POOR SOLDIER in one of the Washington hospitals was visited by an evangelist, who saw that life was ebbing fast. “Young man,” said he, “you are soon to die; are you saved?”

“No, sir,” was the earnest reply. “What shall I do?”

"‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’" (Acts 16:31.)

“Say that again,” demanded the soldier. His friend repeated it. Steadily and earnestly looking at his visitor, the young man said again, “Is that all?”

“Yes, that is all; I can say nothing more; there is nothing, nothing more.”

Closing his eyes for a few moments, the young soldier at length opened them again, and raising his right hand he exclaimed: “Lord Jesus, I surrender!” And right there and then he changed masters; he passed from death unto life, from the service of sin and Satan to the ranks of the redeemed, to enroll under the banner of the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners, who loved us and gave Himself for us. A little later he left this world behind, to be with Christ forever.

ML-11/24/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 9:42-50

THE LORD enlarges on those things that are necessary to be a true servant. There is, for instance, to be a lack of offense to the little ones. How this gospel rings with His love for the dear little children, and how touching to our hearts to know of the love of a Father who looks down on all children of the world and would embrace them in His affection. In them He surely sees not only helplessness and inability to provide for themselves of any need, but also the simplicity that brings real faith and confidence in another, without guile or deceit.

Then, too, the true disciple will be willing to forego the most cherished pleasures if he would truly serve the Lord. “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.”

Whether it be that which we would naturally hold onto (the hand offending us); a pathway of some pleasant pursuit (the foot offending); or an object of pleasure resulting in pride of life (the eye offending) —any, or all of these, must be taken away from the servant’s life if he would be wholly dedicated to serving his Master.

Most solemn too are these warnings to any who would allow the occupation of their hands—the walk of their feet—or the lust of their eyes to stand between them and faith in Christ; and who thus scorn salvation. Toward such the Lord’s warnings were most sobering and His word to them is to break away from such hindrances at all costs. He tells of hell as the place “where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.” Are you, perhaps, allowing anything of this world to keep you from thinking solemnly of your need of salvation from judgment to come? Friend, immediately cast aside every barrier and call on Him Who is able “to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25.

“For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

“Salting with fire” is figurative of the fire of judgment on those who reject salvation, as referred to in the preceding verses. “Salting with salt” is a figure of the preserving and seasoning quality of the new life given every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The preserving and seasoning quality of salt in the believer is indeed good, but care is needed that its savor is not lost, or it will be of no value insofar as relationship between believers is concerned in either preserving one another in our outward behavior or the seasoning of one another in the things of eternal value. Where the proper preserving and seasoning of such salting is applied one toward another, the result is a harmonious and peaceful walk among God’s people. We then enjoy together the things that are of eternal value taking the occupation of hands, feet and eyes away from the world and its deceptive attractions and employing them in ways pleasing to God.

Memory Verse: “CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS: FOR THIS IS WELL-PLEASING UNTO THE LORD.” Col. 3:20.

ML-11/24/1963

Who Weighs Most?

BABY is in one scale, and the kittens are in the other. But the baby weighs much more than the kittens. So the scale goes right down. I wonder how many kittens on top of one another would be needed to equal baby in weight?

But how many kittens is baby worth? How many kittens would mother take in exchange for baby?

Oh those are questions which no one would try to answer. All the kittens in the world could not equal baby’s worth. Baby is worth more than all the world.

The Lord Jesus asked, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36, 37.

The Lord Jesus loved us and came down from heaven. We were sinners and could not save ourselves. So He became a little babe in Bethlehem’s manger, and when He had grown up to be a man He went to a place called Calvary, and there He was crucified. There He bore our sins in His own body on the tree. There God punished Him in our stead, so that we might go free. There He died for us.

Oh! what love was His! His precious blood can cleanse away all sin. Do you know this verse?

“HE WAS WOUNDED

FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS,

HE WAS BRUISED

FOR OUR INIQUITIES:

THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR

PEACE

WAS UPON HIM;

AND WITH HIS STRIPES

WE ARE HEALED.”

Isa. 53:5.

ML-12/01/1963

Tempted - Deceived!

ONE DAY a gardener in one of the big parks saw a fine, little, pedigreed dog following a man who was shabbily dressed. Patsy, the dog, kept sniffing at the man’s pant-leg. This made the gardener suspicious. He stopped the man, and discovered that he had placed a savory piece of meat inside the cuff on his pant-leg. It had been placed there to entice the little dog away from her home. The gardener rescued Patsy just in the nick of time, and the deceived dog was returned to its owner.

Satan is a great deceiver and tempter. He uses many different baits to tempt boys and girls away from the Lord Jesus and into sin. But the Lord Jesus rescues tempted and deceived boys and girls, and will keep all who put their trust in Him.

“Be not deceived.” Gal. 6:7.

The Lord Jesus is “able to save” (Heb. 7:25), and “able to keep” (Jude 24).

Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen and keep you,

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.

ML-12/01/1963

Little Folks' Fountain

IN ONE of the busiest streets in Glasgow, Scotland, there stands a pretty fountain which bears the name of “Little Folks’ Fountain.” It received this name because it was built by the pennies of a great many boys and girls in all parts of the world who wished to provide a free drink of pure Loch Katrine water to anybody and everybody in the great city.

On a hot summer day I saw a crowd of thirsty school boys quenching their thirst at the fountain. As I stood looking upon the fountain, its crowd of thirsty school boys, its free drinks for “whosoever will,” I thought of another fountain to which God invites all who thirst. “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely"; again, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 21:6; Rev. 22:17.)

ML-12/01/1963

The Stone Dropped

TOM KEYES lived at Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, years ago. Tom was a wicked man, and was especially violent, opposing every form of religion. Once when the village was much stirred up by the earnest preaching of an evangelist, Tom declared he would stone him. But day by day passed and the stoning never took place.

One day he was told that it was the last day of the preaching, and if he intended to stone the preacher he had better hurry up. He said he would, and that evening found him at the meeting standing before the preacher’s platform with his arm full of stones, and one in his hand ready to be thrown. There was much excitement, but the preacher took no notice of the state of things and stood up to give out a hymn. He read the first verse:

“Extort the cry. ‘What must be done

To save a wretch like me?’

How shall a trembling sinner shun

That endless misery?”

At the end of the first two lines the stone which Tom had ready to throw seemed to drop out of his hand. At the end of the verse Tom fell down on his knees and cried to God for mercy.

Scripture says, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out,” John 6:37, and Tom proved that the Saviour’s blessed assurance was then as ever made good. He soon found peace in believing, and in his after life he bore a faithful testimony to God’s saving grace. If the worst man in the village could be received and forgiven by the Lord, there was no need for any repentant sinner to hesitate or doubt if the Saviour would accept them too.

Memory Verse: “IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE.” Eph. 1:7.

ML-12/01/1963

The Writing on the Sand

I read one morning on the sand,

And written by a childish hand,

A truth the billows cannot teach,

A truth past human wisdom’s reach—

GOD IS LOVE.

It seemed a very angel’s trace,

God’s footprint in that lonely place;

It brightened up the sea and sky,

And glad I was I could reply,

GOD IS LOVE.

And much I thanked my little friend,

Who thus her joyous creed had penned;

And may she know for evermore

The truth she wrote upon the shore,

GOD IS LOVE.

The tide will come again today,

And wash that lovely print away;

But death and hell cannot erase,

The title of that child of grace,

GOD IS LOVE.

“We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.

ML-12/01/1963

General Schmidt

GENERAL SCHMIDT, one of Frederick the Great’s generals was a true believer in God and the Bible.

“Now tell me,” said Frederick to him one day, “why do you always go to the Bible?”

General Schmidt gave him this beautiful answer: “Because the Bible reveals to me a Father who numbers the very hairs of my head; and because the Bible reveals to me a Saviour who by His blood has put away every one of my sins; and also because the Bible shows to me a heaven where I am to spend an everlasting and blessed life with that Saviour.”

“O how I love Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste!” “Thy testimonies are wonderful.” “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psa. 119:97, 103, 129, 130.

ML-12/01/1963

Bible Questions for December

The Children’s Class

1. “Taken up from you into heaven.”

2. “A man approved of God.”

3. “In the name of Jesus Christ.”

4. “None other name under heaven.”

5. “We ought to obey God.”

6. “The word of God increased.”

7. “Behold, I see the heavens opened.”

The Young People’s Class: Redeemed

1. Can wealth or riches obtain REDEMPTION for anyone? Psa. 49.

2. Who hath REDEEMED us? Gal.

3. Were we REDEEMED with corruptible things? 1St Peter.

4. From what have we been REDEEMED? Titus.

5. To whom have we been REDEEMED? Rev. 5.

6. What standing before God has our REMPTION secured for us? Rom. 3.

7. How long is our REDEMPTION valid? Heb.

ML-12/01/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 10:1-16

“AND HE AROSE from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont, He taught them again.”

Jesus did not stay long in one place, for He had come to present His love to all of Israel, and the time was short. We have noticed how He was received in many of the places. Some would not have Him; others would not listen to His words; others rudely challenged Him and sought to discredit His being the Son of God. Yet there were some who gladly received Him and proved the reality of His blessings. We are not today privileged to see the Saviour, yet He says: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20. Have you heard that knock at your heart’s door? and have you opened the door to Him? If not, delay no longer. He will not forever knock and perhaps your delay in answering may close your opportunity forever.

Once more those who refused Jesus sought to trap Him. “And the Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting Him.” The Lord, well aware that they were not sincere in their question, asked in turn: “What did Moses command you?” When they reply, He “suffered to write a bill of divorcement,” the Lord reminds them this was only because of the hardness of their hearts. But from the beginning it was not so, and God never intended that what He joined together should be put asunder by man. The Pharisees could not deny the truth of this and were silenced.

Next we read: “They brought young children to Him, that He should touch them; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” We can easily understand the Lord’s displeasure, for He loves every little one and we have already noticed how often He expressed His tender thoughts toward them.

The disciples—perhaps thinking the children not important enough to take up their Master’s time when there were so many older people needing attention—held the young ones back, but entirely misunderstood the character of the Saviour in doing so. He found in these little ones, not contaminated with sinful ways, an eager acceptance of His love, and taking them in His arms, blessed them. Let every Christian mother and father be encouraged by the oft-repeated examples of the love of the Lord toward little children, and bring their own little ones to Him early in life, ere their hearts become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, pride, disobedience and other evil that Satan so soon puts in their pathway.

God’s Word emphasizes the need of such faithfulness in the home (not merely attending religious services). May the love of parents toward the little ones respond to this family responsibility, so well expressed in the scripture: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:6-7.

ML-12/01/1963

God Counts

LITTLE GEORGE and his younger sister Janie were playing in the dining room. Just then Mother brought in a plate full of muffins and after putting them on the table he went out again.

“How good they look!” exclaimed George, and he reached to take one. But Janie drew back his hand. Mother doesn’t want us to touch them,” she warned.

“She didn’t count them,” said George.

“But perhaps God did,” returned Janie.

So the little fellow withdrew from the temptation, and sitting down he seemed to be in deep thought.

“You are right, Janie,” he said with a cheerful yet serious air. “God does count, for the Bible says, The very hairs of our head are all numbered.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov. 9:10.

ML-12/08/1963

Tell Me the Way Home

NOT LONG ago, Bruce’s family moved to a new home. I asked him to tell how we might find his home and we all smiled as he spoke.

“You go on Broadway and then on Park Boulevard —. No, you go on Mountain Boulevard to —.”

He had to stop for there were too many streets to go on, too many turns to watch for and there were a number of miles to cover. But Bruce’s parents knew the way and he knew he could trust them to get him home.

And just like that, you can trust the Lord Jesus to get you safe to heaven. Indeed, there is no other way to heaven but by the Lord Jesus.

In John 14, verses 2 and 6, the Lord Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

The Lord Jesus is the way, the only way, to heaven. Working will not save you, waiting won’t save you, weeping won’t save you. FAITH IN CHRIST will save you. Put your trust in Him now.

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

ML-12/08/1963

The Blind Man's Bible

A POOR blind man was sitting upon a bridge over which a great many people passed. Holding his Bible upon his knees, he would read the words aloud as he made them out, and sometimes the passers-by would stop and listen and drop a coin into his little can.

One day a finely dressed gentleman was crossing the bridge. He was very anxious about his soul’s salvation. He could not get rid of the idea that there was something he had to do in order to be saved. The Bible says distinctly that it is to him that worketh not (Rom. 4: 5) that God’s great gift of salvation was given, and that salvation is not of works (Eph. 2:8, 9). All the work that had to be done was done by the Saviour upon the cross. He said: “It is finished.” But this gentleman could not understand. How could a gift so wonderful, a blessing so immense, be granted for nothing, he thought. Surely something must be done to earn it, to deserve it.

As the gentleman walked along he heard a voice repeating the words, “None other name; none other name; none other name.” It was the blind man who, in reading Acts 4, had lost his place, and was repeating the last words he had read from verse 12, while feeling with his fingers for the remainder of the verse.

These three words came as a message from God to the gentleman’s soul. They showed him that it Was through Christ alone that salvation can be obtained, and that nothing remained for him to do.

Remember these three words: “None other Name.” I wonder if that Name is precious to you? Can you say of Him whose name it is, “He is my Saviour"?

ML-12/08/1963

Jesus for Me

A YOUNG girl wanted to have her sins forgiven. She had a Bible which she read and in which she had marked some verses. One of these was 1 Peter 1:16: “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

A gospel preacher, looking at her Bible asked why she had marked that particular verse, and she replied, “I marked it because I thought I must be holy in order to be saved. I wanted to remember that the Bible says that.”

“Well, how did you get on?” asked the preacher.

“I tried to be holy, but I couldn’t seem to make myself any better.”

The preacher turned the page of the Bible and pointed to another verse. “Read this,” he said.

“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18.

“Who is the ‘just’ one mentioned there?”

“Jesus,” the girl answered.

“And who is the ‘unjust'?”

“Me.”

“Now, then, read that verse again, but put yourself and Jesus in it.”

So she read again from her Bible: “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, JESUS for Me, that He might bring Me to God.”

Yes, that is the gospel, the story of God’s wonderful love for lost sinners. Jesus, the Son of God, died in my place, for my sins.

As she read the verse in that special way, the girl realized that salvation from sins was not to be obtained by making herself better or by anything else she might do. All was done long ago when Jesus died on Calvary’s cross. Now all she had to do was to confess that she was a guilty sinner, and to believe in simple faith that Jesus had died for her. She did that and she was saved for all eternity.

You can have salvation in that same way, right now.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5.

ML-12/08/1963

I Must Go Home

A CHINESE woman was brought to a missionary hospital in her native land. It was soon learned that she had an incurable disease. She was ignorant of her physical danger and she was equally ignorant of the peril in which she was with regard to eternity. She was a lost sinner, but she knew it not.

As she lay in her bed, the Christian nurse told her the story of Jesus and how, in His love for sinners, He died on Calvary’s cross. Now whosoever believes in Him has everlasting life.

It was new and wonderful to the Chinese woman. She at once believed the good news and accepted the salvation God freely offers. Not yet knowing the seriousness of her sickness, her first thought was to go home to tell her family and friends the same message of the Saviour’s love. To her nurse she said, “Will you ask the doctor how soon I shall be well?”

“The doctor says that we must tell you the truth and that is that you will never be well,” the nurse replied. “How long do they think I shall live?”

“Three months is all, if you remain here in the hospital.”

“And how long shall I live if I leave here to go back to my home? I must tell them the blessed message of heaven.”

“You would live possibly not more than three weeks.”

“Give me my clothes; I will start home today,” the new convert replied.

Nurse and doctor both protested, urging her to stay in the hospital, but she answered, “Do you think I count a few weeks of life as anything, when I have such wonderful news to tell my people who have never heard of the Saviour?”

This reminds us of a story in the Bible, in Mark chapter 5. There we learn about a man who was saved and the Lord Jesus said to him, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” He did what he was told and when others heard him they marveled at what Jesus had done.

The same salvation is now offered to you if you will but take it. Believe and be saved. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML-12/08/1963

The Best Book

The Bible is the best Book,

The Book we hold so dear;

A Story Book, a Picture Book,

A Book of Songs to cheer.

The Bible tells of Jesus,

Now in His Home above;

The Bible brings the message sweet,

THAT GOD IS LOVE.

“I have loved you,” saith the Lord. Where does He say it? In the Bible, of course.

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

MEMORY VERSE: “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-12/08/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 10:17-22

“AND WHEN He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life.”

There is something about the story of this young man that touches our hearts for he seemed so nice a person in every way — particularly his respectful approach in kneeling to Jesus and every evidence that he was morally upright as well. But there was sad failure in him, in spite of these outward appearances.

First of all, he had certainly heard of the marvelous works and teaching of Jesus and we assume this was what attracted him. He wanted, apparently, to learn from Him, and to have assurances concerning eternal life. What he had heard, and perhaps had seen too, should have convinced him that Jesus was the very Son of God — the true Messiah of Israel. However, he does not approach Him in this manner, but as “Good Master” or, “Good Rabbi,” which merely meant that he saw in Jesus an outstanding teacher with unusual authority and thus worthy of respect. The Lord is not deceived by this approach and asks: “Why tallest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God.” The Lord’s question did not mean that He was not good (for He was God in the Person of the Son) but pointed out to the young man that he was in error calling Him good if he only considered Him another rabbi, for among all men there is none that doeth good. If, on the other hand, he really considered Him good, then he should have owned Him as God.

Secondly, he does not ask, “What must I do to be saved?” but, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So he was really putting himself under the law — a place that could not be fully kept by anyone (except the Lord Jesus Himself) trusting, perhaps, that he was keeping enough of it to get him a safe place in eternity. It seems probable that when he questioned Jesus about it he was hoping he would learn of some particular part of the law to which he should give special attention in order to improve his standing before God.

If this self-righteous man had just come to the Lord and owned himself a sinner, we may be sure the Lord would have shown him the way of salvation, but as he had come on the ground of the law, the Lord replies to him in the same manner — bringing part of that law to his attention. “Master,” said he, “All these have I observed from my youth.” Ah yes, perhaps in his own mind this was so, but he was now in the presence of One who knew his heart better than he knew it himself, and had his conscience reached when he was told: “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (v. 21.) We then read: “He was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” (v. 22.)

When we understand the failure of this man to put himself on the proper ground and his failure to give Jesus His right place, and further see how he was attached to his riches, then we readily understand why he went away sorrowful. Let us search our hearts and be certain that similar errors are not keeping us from salvation! We are “not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.

ML-12/08/1963

"I'd Rather Have Jesus!"

A FEW YEARS ago a wealthy society girl attended a gospel meeting and hearing, perhaps for the first time, about the Lord Jesus, took Him as her Saviour. When she went home from the meeting, she immediately told her parents of her new-found joy in the knowledge that her sins were forgiven.

But instead of rejoicing with her, those parents ridiculed their daughter, jeered at her and made fun of what she had done. When they saw that none of this affected her belief in Jesus they decided to try another means of attack. The wealthy father went out and bought her a new automobile, one that was especially attractive to a young person. As he handed her the keys, he said, “Young lady, this car is yours prided you won’t carry this Bible with you, or talk about Jesus, or go to places where they preach about Jesus.”

With the keys in her hand, she heard her father’s conditions. Then without hesitation she handed them back to her father, saying, “Thank you for the car, Dad, but I’d rather have Jesus.”

How wise that girl was. An automobile would give her pleasure for a little while but God’s salvation is for all eternity. And how unspeakably awful it would be to turn one’s back on God’s offer of mercy in favor of any of earth’s pleasures.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

“Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim. 4:8.

ML-12/15/1963

A Zulu Father's Love

TRAVELING through the bush in Zululand, a missionary one day came upon a Zulu father and his family of six boys, all busy trying to catch the monkeys which swarmed among the trees. They had evidently been successful, for one of the little boys had a squealing monkey tucked under his arm, while the father held two more struggling captives. Approaching the party, the missionary asked the African if he would sell him one of the monkeys, and after some bargaining, a price was agreed upon, and the monkey handed over. The Zulu’s little sons had by this time gathered round their father, and seemed greatly interested in the white man. Pointing to one of them, the missionary asked the father, “How much will you take for your little boy?”

The big Zulu drew the little fellow closely to his side, and placing his hand affectionately on the curly head, replied, “I would not sell him for all the money in the world.”

The missionary, glad of an opportunity to speak of Jesus, began to tell the heathen family of God the Father, who had but one Son, whom He loved with a great love; yet He gave Him up in order that He might come down to this sin-blighted earth, and offer Himself up a sacrifice for the sins of His enemies.

The Zulu’s love for his little boy was great indeed, but who can fathom the depth of God’s love, which caused Him to part with His only Son in order that we, who were sinners, might be saved and cleansed from our sins.

Dear children, have you thanked God for His great love gift?

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

ML-12/15/1963

"That Was My Father!"

EARLY ONE morning a man was walking along the harbor front. It was still dark, and taking the wrong turn he slipped off into the icy water. His cry for help, ringing out in the stillness, brought several people hurrying to the rescue. It was no easy matter to save him, however. At last a man was lowered down the harbor wall and brought him to safety.

The next Sunday afternoon a gentleman was telling this story of the rescue to a group of boys and girls in Sunday school. As he spoke, a boy excitedly put up his hand and burst out: “That was my father, sir, who helped save that man!”

How proud that boy was to own that the brave rescuer was his father, and he his son! And, dear Young Christian, ought we not to be glad to own our blessed Saviour who gave His life to save us, and to confess too God as our Father? We should be ready to confess the name of Jesus, to proclaim ourselves as “on the Lord’s side” — and to be true to Him even when others speak evil of Him and take His name in vain.

ML-12/15/1963

"I May Be Dead Tomorrow!"

AN EARNEST Christian doctor one day called to see an old man that he had frequently visited before. Many a time on those visits Dr. Scranton had spoken faithfully to old John and his wife about their souls’ salvation. But the door’s talking seemed to produce no results. Old John listened attentively, and agreed to the truth set before him but he always avoided coming to the point.

He would willingly admit that he was a sinner, and that he stood in need of God’s salvation. He would even declare his intention of some day seeking the Saviour. He wished to be saved, indeed, but only to escape the punishment of hell. He intended to prepare for heaven when it was convenient for him to do so.

Old John had sent for Dr. Scranton because he had a severe chest cold. His life was not in danger but he felt very weak. The kind doctor examined the sick man and assured him that his illness was not serious. He prescribed some medicine and was about to leave when John’s wife inquired,

“When must John take the medicine, sir?”

“I will have the directions written on the label,” replied Dr. Scranton. Then with a smile he turned to John and said, “Let me see; you are not very ill. Suppose you begin to take the medicine a month from today.”

“A month from today!” cried both at once in astonishment.

“Yes. Why not? Is that too soon?” “Too soon! Why, sir, I may be dead then.”

“That is true,” said the doctor, “but you must remember that you are really not very bad yet. Still, perhaps you had better begin to take it in a week.”

“But, sir,” cried John in great perplexity, “I might not live a week!”

“Of course you may not, John, but very likely you will and the medicine will be here in the house. It will keep and if you get worse you could take some. If you feel worse tomorrow you might begin then.”

“Sir, I may be dead tomorrow! I hope you won’t be angry with me or think me ungrateful to you, as you have always been so kind to me. But you know, doctor, I don’t want to get worse, and though I know the medicine is good, it will do me no good while it’s in the bottle. It does seem to me to be going against all reason to put off taking it.”

“When would you propose to begin then, John?”

“Well, sir, I thought you’d tell me to begin today.”

“Begin today by all means,” said Dr. Scranton kindly. “I only wanted to show you how false your own reasoning is, when you delay taking the medicine which the Great Physician has provided for your sin-sick soul. Just think how long you have neglected the remedy God has provided. For years you have turned away from the Lord Jesus Christ. You have said to yourself that you would take Him next week, or next month, or when you are on your death-bed; any time rather than at the present. And yet the present is the only time that you are sure of. God’s offer is only for today. ‘Now is the accepted time; bold, now is the day of salvation.’ I need not tell you how ready the Lord Jesus is to receive you. He shed His precious blood for you. You have the medicine, so to speak, in your hands. And to use your own argument, it will do you no good unless you take it. It is foolish to put this off, even until tomorrow.”

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

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

ML-12/15/1963

David the Giantkiller

The age of giants has not passed away,

Giants exist, and must be fought today;

For this we need God’s armor shining bright,

Courage and godly fear to put to flight.

Our foes invisible, who lurk unseen,

The giants Sloth, Self-will and Self-esteem,

And many another, crafty, bold and strong

Who draw us from the right and lead us wrong.

Therefore, my boy, be strong and watchful too,

Trust thou in God and seek His will to do.

Go not with sinners, tread the narrow way,

The path of light leads to the perfect day.

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9.)

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:37.)

ML-12/15/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 10:23-31

“AND JESUS looked about, and saith unto His disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”

The disciples quite likely were favorably impressed by the bright earnest young man, whom we considered in our last reading, and disappointed in what happened. They are found questioning among themselves: “Who then can be saved?” Could it be that they had forgotten the very principle of the Lord’s service, heard from His own lips almost the first day that they became His disciples? At that time He had said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (See Mark 2:14-17). Had they remembered these words, they would have had no difficulty in seeing that the rich young man coming to Jesus in prideful self-righteousness could never be accepted on that basis. Yet the rich can be saved, as well as the poor, if they will come on the ground of their own need, and the merit of Christ’s death for sinners on Calvary. The Lord answers the question of His disappointed followers by saying: “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (v. 27).

“Then Peter began to say unto Him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee” (v 28). In Matthew’s account we find that he also said, “What shall we have therefore?” The Lord graciously draws a veil, as it were, over Peter’s statement and we cannot be certain whether it was intended as a contrast to the rich young man who would not leave all to follow Jesus—whether it was boasting, with the hope of a reward; or whether he was fearful the Lord would have forgotten that he had left fishnets and boats bind to follow Him. Whatever may have been Peter’s thoughts, the Lord gives a promise as to rewards for those who for His sake and the gospel’s leave behind them natural ties that would interfere in such service. But He faithfully reminds them too, that part of the walk was to be marked with persecutions, but in the end the reward would be great indeed.

We want to remember that in Mark’s account of the life of Jesus, we are seeing Him as the perfect Servant and as such He does not speak of Himself, or of what He had left behind in coming into this world. But the Spirit of God tells us of this many times elsewhere. For instance in 2 Cor. 8:9 it is written: “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.”

Of course we do not want to misinterpret what the Lord said in regard to forsaking family ties. He was not calling for his followers to deliberately leave wives, children, etc., except where these were a barrier to true service. We need also to remember that working just for the reward, will result in no reward at all. The attachment must be to Christ. In the final day when every man’s works shall be manifest, promised rewards and praise from His lips will come forth according to God’s appraisal of what has been done with a true heart for Him and His Son. (See 1 Cor. 4:5.)

MEMORY VERSE: “OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO DIED FOR US, THAT, WHETHER WE WAKE OR SLEEP, WE SHOULD LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM.” 1 Thess. 5:9, 10.

ML-12/15/1963

Roy

ROY WAS five years old, only a little boy, and such thin, pinched little cheeks, and black eyes — eyes that always seemed to be dancing with mischief. His mother was dead, and his father had got tired of him, and gone to Mexico, and just left him bind, to get on the best he could. He soon took sick, and was sent to a hospital for sick children — that was where I first met the little boy.

He was a little mischief, too; I can still remember the other children crying, “Oh! here comes Roy! Look out for your toys!” The nurses would say, “Roy is more trouble than any other six boys put together.” Said the teacher, “Roy is so naughty in school that none of the other children can learn anything when he is there,” and the doctor remarked, “Roy is a perfect little nuisance.” And so it came about that poor little Roy spent a good deal of his time locked in a room by himself, so as to be kept out of mischief. You will say, “What a bad boy!” But then, you see, he had no mother, or anyone to love or really care for him, like you have had, and besides, God sees your heart just as bad as naughty little Roy’s heart. He says there is “no difference,” and God knows.

One Sunday morning, when little Roy was shut out of Sunday school because he was too bad to be allowed in, I happened to find him, sad and lonely, and said: “Roy, you and Marguerite and I will have Sunday school by ourselves.” (You would have loved Marguerite. She loved the Lord Jesus, and was one of His little lambs, but was too ill to be allowed in to the regular Sunday school.) This pleased Roy very much, and soon we were all sitting in a row on a bed, and Marguerite was repeating a verse. When she had finished Roy said: “Roy can say a verse too.” I hardly could believe this, as he spent all his time usually teasing the other children when he was in Sunday school, or else he was locked up in a room, but I thought I would give him a chance, and he said proudly: “JESUS LOVES ME.”

I had not the heart to tell him these words were not in the Bible, so asked him what it meant. This was a new thought to Roy, that it meant anything, so after thinking a long time, he looked up and said: “It just means, Jesus likes Roy.”

Yes, that was just what it did mean, and it was a wonderful, new thought for naughty little Roy to find out that there was anyone who “liked” him. Even as he said it, a queer little smile came over his face as much as to say, “That sounds too good to be true.”

Perhaps you will say to yourself, “I am sure that Jesus wouldn’t like a bad little boy like Roy. He likes good boys and girls.” Ah! that is just where you make a mistake, for it was for bad boys and girls and bad men and women, that Jesus came. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” and so little Roy was one of the very ones that Jesus came for. He was bad and he knew it.

The more Roy thought about this the better it seemed, and he said, “If Jesus likes Roy, then Roy likes Jesus.” This is what he thought: “The other children don’t like me, the teachers don’t like me, the nurses don’t like me, nor the doctor; my own father doesn’t like me, and yet Jesus likes Roy. Roy does like Jesus, Roy will just do all he can to please Jesus.”

It was not very long after this that the nurse said one day, “Roy has been a very much better boy lately, that if you don’t mind, he may go to Sunday school again.” Well, you may be sure I didn’t mind that, and it was a real pleasure to have him there listening so quietly, and drinking in all he could about the only One in all the world who “liked” him.

A few months after this the children were saying their verses, and also giving the chapter and verse in the Bible where they could be found, when suddenly a little voice asked, “Where is Roy’s verse?”

I knew well what the child meant, but to see if he remembered the words I asked, “What is Roy’s verse?”

“Oh! don’t you remember? You know Roy’s verse: Jesus likes Roy.”

I hardly knew what to say, for you know there is no verse in the Bible with those words in it, and yet I could not bear to think of letting the little boy think it was not true, so I said, “Roy, your verse is in Galatians, chapter 2, verse 20.” I thought Roy would be satisfied with this, but no. The next question was: “Let Roy see.” Well, I thought, he can’t read, so I will just show him the place in the Bible. So I found the place and gave him the Bible in his own hands, and went on talking to the other children, rather glad that at last Roy was satisfied. I had forgotten all about the little child, when suddenly I was interrupted with the question: “Where’s the R? Where’s the R?”

“What R?” I asked.

“The R. Where’s the R? The R for Roy? Where’s the R?” I suddenly realized what the child meant. Someone had taught him the letter R, and told him that stood for Roy. He had been hunting for the R for Roy in Galatians 2:20. I felt stuck. What could I tell the child? At last I said: “Roy, it doesn’t say anywhere in the Bible, ‘Jesus likes Roy,’ but in Galatians 2:20, it does say, ‘The Son of God,’ and that means Jesus, ‘loved me,’ and that means ‘likes Roy.’ Suppose it did say, ‘Jesus likes Roy,’ you would never know for sure it meant you, for there are other boys called Roy, who are much better boys than you, and you would be sure to think, ‘Oh! that doesn’t mean me, it must mean someone else.’ But when it says, ‘The Son of God loved me’ then it can’t mean anyone else, but just your own self.”

Roy listened so hard, and at last said, “Oh! I see. Yes, that’s much better, it must mean me,” and then little Roy learned his verse over again, with a little more on the end, and he never wearied of hearing and telling that, “THE SON OF GOD... LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.”

To Roy this was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard, and it changed his whole life, even at five years of age.

Now, dear reader, have you ever found out yet that JESUS LIKES YOU?

We get accustomed to the sweet old hymn, “Jesus loves me,” and we all admit that; but did you ever think, the Lord Jesus likes you, just as you are? Doesn’t it make you think to yourself, “I like Jesus?” Yes, “WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.”

May we each one, old and young, learn to know more of the sweetness of Roy’s precious new verse, “The Son of God... loved me, and gave Himself for me,” and like him, may our whole life be changed by it.

ML-12/22/1963

Cling to the Bible: A Mother's Parting Counsel to Her Only Son

As you journey through life, whate’er path you’ll pursue,

There is one thing in earnest I ask you to do;

O listen and heed, while I say this to you,

Cling, cling to the Bible, my boy.

You may meet with misfortune, with sorrow and tears,

You may battle with sin and with Satan for years;

But, while doing the truth, do not have any fears,

But cling to the Bible, my boy.

Each time that you read it, you’ll find something new,

Of Jesus who brought His salvation to you;

To Him, as your Lord and your Master, be true,

And cling to the Bible, my boy.

’Tis the anchor of hope, ’tis the lamp that gives light,

’Tis the beacon that shines on your life’s darkest night;

If you follow its guidance, you’ll always be right,

So cling to the Bible, my boy.

ML-12/22/1963

Forever!

WE LEARN from a diagram recently issued that moths live three to four days; roaches, twenty-six days; common snails, two to three years; canaries, ten to fifteen years; pigeons, ten to twenty years; cuckoos, thirty-two years; lions, thirty-five years; bears, fifty years; ravens and parrots1 a hundred years; golden eagles, one hundred and four years; pike, carp and elephants, two hundred years; the swan, three hundred years.

But what do you suppose far exceeds them all, not according to the diagram, but according to God’s Word? It is the believer in Christ.

“He that eateth of this bread [Christ] shall live forever.” John 6:58.

A true believer is one who knows he is a sinner and merits only the judgment of God, but he believes Christ died for his sins and he has trusted Him as his Saviour. To such a one God gives eternal life. “Whoever believeth in Him [shall] not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:15.

If a believer dies, his body is put into the grave to await the glorious resurrection day, but his spirit goes to be with the Lord. He is “absent from the body,... present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8. For him death is but a door to eternal happiness and peace.

An unbeliever is one who knows not Christ as his personal Saviour. He is still in his sins. If such a one dies unsaved, then death for him will be a door to everlasting damnation, from which there is no return.

Oh dear reader, which will it be for you? Life or death? Heaven or hell? Where will you spend eternity?

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

“He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:17.

Scripture Quotation

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” Jas. 4:8.

ML-12/22/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 10:32-34

THIS CHAPTER marks an important division in the Gospel of Mark, for it is the time of the final presenting of Jesus to Israel as their Messiah. Note particularly the expression (v. 32): “And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them.” It is true that from the very beginning of His ministry Jesus had the cross in view, but there was much work and testimony to show in the three years of His gracious pathway. In our present chapter the pathway is nearing completion, and while He continued to show love for all and compassion on individuals on this last journey, He was actually now openly fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 50:5-7: “The LORD God hath opened Mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.... I hid not My face from shame and spitting.... Therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”

The prospect of going to Jerusalem to expose themselves to the hand of their enemies, filled the disciples with fear. They neither wanted to see their Lord in danger, nor to put themselves under such circumstances. True, they had been obedient disciples and had faced many hardships and privations with the Lord, but they still did not readily give up their hope that somehow He would still be accepted as the Messiah by the Jewish people and that they would then have a place with Him in administering that kingdom.

The Lord takes His twelve aside and tells them plainly: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles: and they shall mock Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him; and the third day He shall rise again.” vv. 33-34. In spite of this plain language, they still did not understand His words until after His death and resurrection.

In view of their fears and uncertainty as to the future, it was a real test for the disciples to go to Jerusalem, but we are happy to see them continue with Jesus. In later years the early Christians too had many severe tests — even unto cruel deaths in their testimony for their Saviour; nor is it an entirely strange thing for His people to know tribulation and martyrdom today. But this was part of what was just brought to our attention in Jesus’ own words: " ... he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time... with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

How encouraging it is to see, binning with the disciples and through all the years since then, it is recorded: “And Jesus went before them.” Christian friend, this is the marvelous way of the Lord Jesus with His own. There may be trials, testings, and even death in the pathway of Christian testimony, but in all of this we are “following His steps” and He never allows an unbearable trial, nor one in which He has not already endured. When confronted with a test of faith, it will ever be helpful to remember, “We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted [tested] like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15.

MEMORY VERSE: “NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.” Titus 3:5.

ML-12/22/1963

The Little Shepherd Boy

A LITTLE shepherd boy in Africa heard of Jesus, and of how He had been born a babe in Bethlehem’s manger. This boy told the sweet story to a little friend of his, who was also a little shepherd. The child was so surprised to hear about it, that he listened with great attention, and believed every word he heard. He longed to see the Babe of Bethlehem.

“Can I see Him?” he cried. “Tell me, oh tell me where He is!”

“At the station at Kuruman,” said his little friend.

“Have you seen Him?”

“No, I never saw Him, but I know He is there, for they sing to Him, and talk to Him.”

So the little shepherd boy made up his mind to go and see the Babe. It was a long journey, more than a hundred miles over hot plains, but he found his way, and arrived one Saturday evening. A kind Christian woman took him into her hut and gave him supper. Next morning he heard the chapel bell and followed the woman. The little shepherd boy looked around, hoping to see the glorious Babe, and as he looked, he saw a little fair child, with light hair, and blue eyes — such a child as he had never seen before, for all the people he knew were black.

It is the Babe of Bethlehem, he thought. After the service was over, he told the woman so. At first she could not understand him, and then she told him it was the missionary’s child, and she also told him who the Babe of Bethlehem really was, what He did, and where He is; of His love in dying upon the cross, that we who trust in Him, might live with Him in glory forever more.

The boy believed her words, and soon learned to love Jesus, though he could not see Him. He did not wish to leave the mission station, but stayed there, and learned to read his Bible, and he grew up to be a Christian man.

A beautiful place, He has gone to prepare,

For all who are washed and forgiven;

And many dear children are gathering there,

For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

But thousands and thousands who wander and fall,

Never heard of that heavenly home;

I should like them to know that there’s room for them all,

And that Jesus invites them to come.

ML-12/29/1963

One Month Too Late

AT A PRAYER meeting in a country town in western Washington, a young man appeared to be much convicted of sin. He was urged to accept Christ immediately. He hesitated, but finally said, “I will surrender to God when I have finished hauling logs; I have a month to work yet.”

Four weeks from that day he and a young friend went swimming in Lake Lacomas. He was using bad language in the dressing room. Plunging into the lake, he swam into the deep, cold water. Suddenly he was taken with cramps; he screamed wildly for help, then sank to the bottom — drowned.

He was one month too late!

Why unbelieving? thou canst be blessed,

Jesus will pardon, He’ll give thee rest.

Why wilt thou longer wait?

Haste to the open gate,

Come ere it be too late,

To Jesus come.

Why unbelieving? trifle no more;

Death may be near thee, e’en at thy door.

Come with a broken heart,

Come helpless as thou art,

Come choose the better part,

To Jesus come.

ML-12/29/1963

A Queen's Prayer

IT WAS early closing day and one of the salesgirls left the store thinking she would visit an aunt who lived in a cottage not far away. This aunt was one of Queen Victoria’s pensioners, and her cottage was on the Queen’s estate at Osborne.

That same afternoon who should visit the old lady but Queen Victoria herself. She stayed sometime chatting, and also had tea with them.

After tea the Queen said, “Now, I will read a few verses from John 14: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me...” and so on. When she had finished reading she looked up at the young salesgirl, and said in a kind way, “I wonder if you are a Christian, my dear?”

“Oh, yes, your Majesty,” was the prompt reply.

“How do you know you are?” asked Queen Victoria.

“Because I have been christened and confirmed,” she answered at once.

The Queen did not reply to her directly but simply said, “Now before I go we will have a few words of prayer. You kneel down, but we old ladies will just bow our heads, for our rheumatism will not allow us to kneel.” Then she prayed simply for them all, and in her prayer she said, “Lord, open the eyes of this dear girl and show her that without a change of heart she can never be a true Christian. Show her that no outward observances can save her soul. And this I ask in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Not long after that prayer of the Queen was answered. The young girl had a change of heart. She realized that she needed a Saviour and she “came to Jesus” and simply put her trust in Him. Her bright witness was effective in bringing others to the Saviour too in the same store where she worked. Afterward, when speaking of that afternoon at her aunt’s, she would say, “Well, I’ve often sung, ‘God Save the Queen,’ but I never dreamed I would ever hear the Queen pray for me.”

Dear young friends, the Queen was surely right. Where there is true conversion, there will be a change of heart. The Spirit of God shines into our hearts and shows us what great sinners we are in God’s sight, but then He also points us to a Saviour who has died — God’s remedy for sin. The Bible teaches us “repentance tard God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21.

Salvation is entirely of God’s grace and our doing doesn’t enter into it at all. It is not any works that you might do, but faith alone in a work Christ has done, that will save your precious soul.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5.

“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.”

ML-12/29/1963

"Sow Thy Seed"

IN NEW YORK, a lady placed in the hands of a merchant a copy of the well-known hymn:

“My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Saviour divine.”

He put it in his pocket, and saying good-by he left.

Riding in a car towards his home, he sank into profound thought. He had but a few hours before seen a physician, who told him that a swelling, which had been somewhat troubling him, would prove a malignant tumor, and would probably end his life before many months had gone by. The blow had almost stunned him, for though believing in the historical facts of Christianity, he had never yet believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of his soul; and now, face to face with death, he had no hope. His whole life, filled with divine goodness, seemed to pass before him, his neglect of the “so great salvation,” and his disobedience to the Gospel.

Sorrowing thus over misspent years, he remembered the leaflet, and taking it from his pocket, read and re-read its simple lines. By faith he adopted its language, and passed from death unto life, from sorrow into joy.

The physician’s warning proved correct. In a few months the merchant departed to be with Christ, hang the hymn which had proved such a blessing read over to him at the very last.

It may be that one of your little books may be used thus of God to open the eye of some blind sinner, or to give peace to an anxious soul. Sow, then, the seeds. Distribute what Goel books you have to those who probably have never heard the message. Water by prayer the seed that is sown, and in “that day,” when sower and reaper rejoice together, there may be found some to whom the books, now lying idle in your room, may have been the greatest blessing.

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

ML-12/29/1963

Bible Talks: Mark 10:35-45

THE LORD had given the twelve a special place in His confidences and revealing of what must be accomplished at Jerusalem, but they were slow of heart to understand. Proof of this is further shown in verse 35: “And James and John... come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.” Jesus replies: “What would ye that I should do for you?” Their reply (prompted by their mother, as we learn from Matthew) was: “Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory” (v. 37). This surely was not an intelligent request and entirely out of character with what they had just been told, concerning the Lord’s sufferings before ever that day of glory should come.

The Lord must tell them, “Ye know not what ye ask.” He inquires as to their ability to drink of His cup and to be baptized with His baptism (fires of His sufferings and death). They respond that they can do so again expressing how little they knew their own hearts — for when the test came shortly thereafter they were among those who “forsook Him and fled.” What a dangerous thing pride is! Truly it is recorded: “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18.

The remarkable patience and grace of the Lord is once more displayed, for He does not scold the two, but explains that it is not for Him to give positions, but that a suitable place for each faithful one will be given by the Father. The Lord continued as the true Servant — not a ruler or king — and the time was not yet come, in any event, for distributing rewards to any.

The other ten are irritated when they hear this request and express their displeasure with the two. Their own hearts were thus exposed too were they not? For the cause of dis: pleasure must only have been pride and resentment in thinking that the two had sought highest positions it the kingdom which, if granted, would place the ten in lower places. The Lord, however, uses this to give them (and us) a needful word of admonition: “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be administered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” v. 43-45.

Does it not remind us again of those lovely expressions concerning our blessed, lowly, Saviour? “Christ Jesus... made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:5-11.

May we well learn this needed lesson and seek to be more like Him serving in quietness, without pretense or vainglory, and patiently awaiting His pleasure in acknowledging that faithfulness when we are taken home to the glory.

MEMORY VERSE: “FOR THERE IS ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS; WHO GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL.” 1 Tim. 2:5, 6.

ML-12/29/1963

Messages of God's Love: 1963

Table of Contents

Too Late

"I Really Mean It"

Looking at Christ: Spurgeon's Conversion

Sorrows of Disobedience

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks

Bob the Cabin Boy

"Jesus Died for Me"

A Finished Work

Bible Talks

Story of a Flood

The Conductor's Mistake

Bob, the Cabin Boy

Bible Talks

"Yes or No"

Bob, the Cabin Boy

Ruth and Orpah

Bible Talks

Man Overboard!

The Text That Gave Me Light

The Dying Soldier's Request

"Look and Live"

Bible Questions for February

Bible Talks

"All Aboard!"

A Baby and the Snake

The Japanese Boy's Difficulty

Bible Talks

The Story of a Kerry Boy

How God Used a Little Boy

"I Beheld the Lamb of God"

Bible Talks

The Runaway

Reggie's and Marion's Conversion

Bible Talks

The Conversion of a Thief

Jean

What Peter's Bible Texts Did

The Many Mansions

Ready

Bible Talks

The Lonely Thanksgiving

Sweeter Than Candy

Who Taught You to Swear?

Fragment

Bible Talks

Blind Jimmy

"Checkmate!"

Sowing the Good Seed

Bible Talks

The Gold Letters

My Best Text

The Old Woman's Question

The Tailor's Business

Bible Talks

The Man in the Mud

The Children's Hour

These Will Not Do

Bible Talks

The Bible in the Pigpen

The Converted Prisoner: A Voice in the Dark

A Hard Problem

Converted in the Hayfield

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks: Mark 1 - Introduction

In the Gypsy's Tent

The Prodigal Son

The Shepherd Who Died

He Died for Me

Tomorrow

Bible Talks

Converted Through the Man in the Moon

"Thou God Seest Me"

Rich Though Poor

After Death the Judgment

Bible Talks

The Captain's Sword

"I Can't Understand It!"