Messages of God's Love: 1964

“AND TO think that at first I didn’t want him!” sighed Mrs. Mascarella, with tears in her eyes, as she looked at the lifeless form of Jiggs — a little mongrel dog she had made a friend of a few weeks before.

Jiggs was found dead beside Lucy’s bed. Lucy was the youngest of seven children who were aroused by Jiggs when the house caught fire. Jiggs first aroused Mrs. Mascarella, and then each of the seven children. They all escaped but poor Jiggs.

Yet the honest confession about the dog who saved them was one of dislike, for Jiggs was only a poor, stray, mongrel dog.

How many today dislike the lowly name of Jesus and speak of Him with scorn! Yet He is the One who died upon the Cross to save sinners from the judgment of God against their sins. Jesus is the only Saviour — the only Refuge from the coming storm — our Deliverer from the wrath to come. (1 Thess. 1: 10.)

How are you treating this blessed Saviour, dear boy or girl? “What think ye of Christ?” Is He your Saviour, or do you despise and reject Him? Like the mother in our story, who disliked Jiggs at first, how many there are who have had a change of heart, having found that Jesus died to save them from their sins long, long ago. Now they love and worship Him who died but who lives again for them in heaven.

Don’t you want to be among that number who are going to sing His praise in that bright Home above, instead of being among those who will weep and wail amid the fires of God’s eternal judgment?

“He is despised and rejected of men;... But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3, 5.

“AND AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT: SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY.” Heb. 9:27, 28.

ML-01/05/1964

He Found the Saviour

IN CHINA a man had lived for sixty-two years as a Buddhist. For thirteen years men had looked to him to cast out demons from the sick and to rescue the dying from the torments of hell. His home was in the mountains of southern Hunan.

Among this man’s acquaintances there was not a single Christian. The nearest missionary was two days’ journey off. But somehow a copy of the Gospels came into this man’s hands. It was written in his own language.

At first as he read the little book he was very much attracted by certain portions of it. But his long life as a Buddhist and a leader among them, made it hard for him to believe what he read about the living God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Sometimes when he had read a few verses he would throw the book down, only to take it up again because of the sweet story he knew was there.

One of those times, in his reading he came to the word “Saviour.” It came with all the force of a message addressed to his own heart. Now at last he saw the meaning of the gospel, the story of God’s love to men and women, boys and girls. Conscience tells us that we have sinned against God but the Bible tells us that that same God has provided a Saviour.

The Chinaman read on in his little book, perhaps coming to that wonderful and familiar verse, John 3:16: “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.” He saw that he had only to believe. Then, in proof of what he had done, he gathered up all his idols and destroyed them. The living God was his God now.

“I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11. ML-01/05/1964

Not Possible

TWO INDIANS were beside the dying embers of a fire. One was a chief, the other a warrior. After a time of silence the warrior said to the chief, “I have been thinking of some beautiful words spoken by the Man whom the white men call Jesus.”

“Let me hear them,” said the chief. “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31.

“Impossible,” returned the chief. Rising from beside the fire, he began to pace to and fro. Then he said, “There is one way, and only one, in which that rule could be kept. If the Great Spirit who made man were to give him a new heart, then it might be done.”

The chief did not know then that this is just what God has done through Christ Jesus, for all who have faith to trust Him as their Saviour. They are “born again” — born of His Spirit (John 3:3, 6); they have a new life — eternal life (John 3:16); they have a new nature, for they are made “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4); and they have a new Object—Christ Himself in glory, who is coming for them (Tit. 2:13).

ML-01/05/1964

The Little Boy's Gift

“TIHERE IS a lad here, which hath barley loaves, and two small fishes... And Jesus took the loaves;... and likewise the fishes.” John 6:9, 11.

‘Twas only a small boy’s basket,

And a small boy’s love for Him;

But the gift with the love,

Moved a power above,

And thousands were fed by Him.

“Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any.” Job 36:5.

ML-01/05/1964

180 Favorite Verses

WHERE WAS an old lady who I loved her Bible very much. Although she had memorized much of it, still she loved to look up and read her favorite verses. As she grew older her eyesight began to fail. She could no longer see to read, but she was not disheartened by this fact.

The Bible she owned was the large family style, and she stuck a pin in each of her special verses. When friends came to see her, she would open her Bible, and feeling for a pin, she would say, “Read that one.”

By and by she got so clever at knowing where the pins were, that she could tell each verse by its pin. After her death the pins were counted. They numbered 180! How many favorite verses have you?

“Search the Scriptures;... they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

ML-01/05/1964

"Is Your Name Written There?"

“REJOICE, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

There had been an explosion in a mine. Two young men risked their lives by going down into the mine to save a crippled friend.

When they brought him out, one man remarked, “God will surely mark that down in heaven.”

But “doing good deeds” is not the way to get our names written in heaven. The Bible says that “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.

It is by confessing to God that we are sinners, and receiving the Lord Jesus as our Saviour that we get our names written in heaven.

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

ML-01/05/1964

Bible Questions for January

The Children’s Class

1. “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

2. “Proving that this is very Christ.”

3. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth.”

4. “And had seen the grace of God.”

5. “Gave not God the Glory.”

6. “Whosoever among you feareth God.”

7. “The living God, which made heaven.”

ML-01/05/1964

Lessons From "I Will"

1. What I WILL tells of a heartfelt repentance? Luke.

2. What I WILL tells of believing faith? Isa. 12.

3. What I WILL tells of free salvation? Psa. 116.

4. What I WILL tells of a proper dependence on God? Micah.

5. What I WILL tells of the capabilities of our God? Psa. 57.

6. What I WILL tells of confidence in the life to come? Psa. 23.

7. What I WILL tells of everlasting praises? Psa. 52.

ML-01/05/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 10:46-52

“AND AS He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus... sat by the highway side being. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal.”

Jericho in Scripture is always a type of the world, for it was a wicked city and one that had a curse on it since the days of Joshua (Josh. 6: 26). This poor world in which we live today has a curse on it, too — the curse of sin that came through Adam’s disobedience. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12. Just as Jesus entered into (and passed through) Jericho, so He has entered and passed through this world, offering His life and taking upon Himself the curse of sin for all who will accept Him in their hearts.

One of the results of sin is the miry and hopelessness of so many who, like blind Bartimaeus, find life almost unbearable and have no hope for their future. The worst misery of all is the awareness of being overtaken by sin; and the best efforts to improve and overcome the sin problem only resulting in repeated failure and an increasing sense of guilt and distance from a holy God. But wait! Is there hope of deliverance from sin, too? Yes, indeed. But it can only be through the same One to whom Bartimaeus turned — the Saviour of sinners. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by he immediately acted on his conviction — aware that if he did not do so at once he would probably never again have the opportunity; the only One who could do him good would be soon beyond his cries and never return. Therefore from his place in the gutter he boldly cried for mercy and, though some tried to hush him, he cried all the more, “Have mercy on me.” Our gracious Saviour would not turn a deaf ear to such a cry and bids him come to Him. How gladly did the beggar leave his wretched place and garment and come for the blessing that resulted in receiving his sight!

Reader, are you burdened with the guilt of your sins and a conscience ever reminding you that you are a sinner away from God? He invites you to turn to the One who can bring you peace and happiness when you, in faith, see Him bearing your sins on Calvary’s cross. Bartimaeus did not try to improve his condition, but came “just as he was.” This, too, is the way you must come — owning your entire helplessness — putting aside the filthy garment of good works in which you have so vainly tried to cover your true condition leaving behind all that would hinder or attach you to your present lost condition — and accepting His mercy. You have perhaps joined with others in singing that familiar hymn:

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee —

Oh, Lamb of God, I come.”

May this be the true expression of your heart.

“The blind man said unto Him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Surely those newly opened eyes gazed in love and thankfulness on Him who had opened them and this too is the delight of all whose eyes are opened from spiritual darkness and brought into His marvelous light.

ML-01/05/1964

The Prisoner's Flower

NAPOLEON, the French emperor, had put in prison a young nobleman named Charney, on a charge of conspiring against the government. Until then Charney had lived among the princes of the land. He was rich, had a grand mansion, and a host of friends. To be shut up in a prison was a sad change. He had but one small room. All his furniture consisted of a chair, a table, a bed, a chest of drawers, and a small cupboard. He had no books and was not allowed to see any friends. He remained continually inside his cell except for two hours each day when he was allowed to walk about in a small yard all alone. The only person who spoke to him was the jailer.

How dull and lonesome his life was! He did not know how to pass the time. He drew pictures, he carved little ships and men, he made whistles and he wrote upon the wall. Some of the words he wrote were very sad, for he did not believe in God nor in His beloved Son Jesus. He was proud and disdainful. One day he wrote in big letters on the wall: “ALL THINGS COME BY CHANCE.”

One day, however, as he walked to and fro in his little yard, he saw a tiny plant peeping between two of the stones. Wondering how it came there he stooped down to examine it. It was something fresh and new for the poor prisoner.

Next morning he fancied it had grown a little, and he began to watch it with intense interest. He had never thought a flower could become so dear to him. Every day he was eager for his walk in the yard so that he might examine it again. And as he watched its growth, he began to wonder whether anything so lovely and perfect could come by chance. Did chance make those leaves so delicately veined? Did chance teach every branch to spring forth on the parent stem? Did chance teach it to drink in the sunlight and change into beautiful green? His mind began to hesitate and when his eye caught the sentence upon the wall, “ALL THINGS COME BY CHANCE,” he wrote beneath in very large letters, “PERHAPS.”

By-and-by the plant began to flower; its blossoms were white, pule and rose-colored with a silvery fringe. Wonderingly the prisoner watched each bud unfold, he counted each petal and he was delighted with its loveliness. “All things come by chance,” said the writing on the wall, but the flower seemed to whisper to his heart, “Nay, my beauty did not come by chance. It is God who made me so fair.”

He felt the flower was right, so he rubbed off the lying words, saying as he did so, “He who made all things is GOD.”

The flower did even more for the poor prisoner. The story of his love for it reached the ears of the empress, who was so touched by it that she persuaded the Emperor Napoleon to set him free. But when he left the prison he took the flower with him, and planted it in his greenhouse. He tended it with loving care because that little flower had taught him to believe in God.

We know it was the goodness of God who spoke in love to poor Charney’s heart to turn him from his infidel thoughts and ways to Himself, “the Creator who is blessed forever” (Rom. 1:25). The love of God shone into his poor darkened heart, dispelling the darkness, and gave him to see beauty in Jesus the One he had despised so long. Thus through grace his term in prison was turned to his blessing, and praise to God and His beloved Son. He makes all things work together for good to them that love Him (Rom. 8:28).

The Bible tells us that Jesus is God and that “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1, 3. He is also the life (v.4). “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.

Dear young reader, Is Jesus your Saviour? Do you have everlasting life in Him?

ML-01/12/1964

Praise God for the Bible

Praise God for the Bible!

Which comes like a friend

To counsel and comfort,

To guide and defend.

Praise God for the Bible!

Far better than gold,

The words of sure promise

Its pages unfold.

Praise God for the Bible!

The mirror of sin,

That shines on our wrongness

Without and within.

Praise God for the Bible!

The water of truth,

Which gladdens and cleanses

The way of our youth.

Praise God for the Bible!

His letter of love

Is calling the children—

Inviting above.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3.

“From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jus.” 2 Timothy 3:15.

ML-01/12/1964

H-A-T-H

He that heareth My Word,
And believeth on Him
That sent Me,
Hath everlasting life.

John 5:24

I love to read God’s holy Word,

And search it more and more;

I always prize that precious verse,

John five and twenty-four.

ML-01/12/1964

A Storm and a Verse

DAVID WENT with Daddy up the mountain see how their cabin was. On the way a storm came up and they had to climb the strongest tree they could find. The storm kept on, and it was cold, and dark, and hard sitting in the tree. David’s hands ached from holding on to the branches. David’s father tried to comfort him.

“We are not alone, for ‘underneath are the everlasting arms.’ God never leaves us. Even though we are lost in flood waters, He is here, and we should be resting in His everlasting arms! You know that, don’t you, David?” asked his father.

“Yes,” answered David, “I am not afraid like I was.”

“We must not fall asleep,” said the father. “Let’s say the twenty-third Psalm together.” After that he said, “Let’s play a Bible game,” as the storm continued. “See if we can think of a verse for each letter of the alphabet,” said David.

“All we like sheep have gone astray.” Isaiah 53:6.

“Blessed are the pure in heart,” said Daddy.

They got quite far into the alphabet when David said, “Will it soon be morning? This seat is so hard and slippery and I’m cold.”

“Morning will surely come,” said Daddy. Meanwhile they tried to think of more verses until they reached the letter “U.” Finally morning did come. The storm stopped also, so they made for the road. Just then a truck came by and picked them up.

“I wasn’t afraid,” David told his mother when he arrived home. “Father told me a verse that said, ‘Underneath are the everlasting arms’ of God holding us. Oh, Mother! we couldn’t think of a ‘U’ verse, and there it is: ‘Underneath are the everlasting arms.’”

“It is a grand verse, isn’t it,” said Mother, and David quickly agreed.

ML-01/12/1964

To Whom Do You Belong?

Is court room a man and a woman both claimed that a certain dog was theirs. The judge found out quickly to whom the dog bonged.

The judge placed the man on one side of the room and the woman on the other. Then the dog was let loose between them. The man called “Teddy!” while the woman called “Prince!” Immediately the dog ran to the man and leaped on him affectionately. The judge’s decision was easy to make.

There are two who call to you, dear young reader — Jesus the Saviour, and Satan the devil. Whose voice do you obey? To whom do you belong?

“To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.” Romans 6:16.

The Lord Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:14, 27, 28.

Memory Verse: “BY FAITH ABEL OFFERED UNTO GOD A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE THAN CAIN, BY WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS.” Hebrews 11:4.

ML-01/12/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 11:1-10

“AND WHEN they came nigh to Jerusalem... He sendeth forth two of His disciples and saith unto them, Go... into the village... (and) ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.... And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him.... And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David.”

This is a very interesting event in the life of Jesus. We have seen how often He had been rejected by those whom He came to help, but now what a contrast with their “Hosannas.” God’s purposes are seen in this, for it was the fulfillment of a prophecy written about 500 years earlier: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9.

In the Gospel of Luke we hear the Pharisees objecting, but the Lord answers that if the people were to withhold their praise, the stones would cry out. Thus God ordered that His Son’s true place in Israel was publicly proclaimed, in spite of all opposition. Actually this was a display of what His place will be when He later comes to be the true King to His earthly people. In our present chapter, however, it was only briefly that the people sang His praises. Soon they were to show their real hearts and shout: “Not this Man, but Barabbas.”

We don’t want to miss the lessons to ourselves in these Bible stories, do we? Did you notice that the colt had not been ridden before? Such an animal would normally be almost impossible to handle, but in the presence of its Creator it became obedient and quiet, even with so much excitement around it. Perhaps some of our young readers are like an unbroken colt — wanting each his own way and resisting efforts of mothers, fathers and others to direct them. Happy the boy or girl who learns to be obedient to the Lord Jesus, for that life will then all be ordered for his good. The Lord has a way for each of His own to serve Him and there is blessing in being submissive.

Perhaps you noticed, too (if you read this whole portion — and we hope you did so), that they found this colt “in a place where two ways met.” God speaks solemnly to us in every word of His holy Scriptures. It may be that you are now in a place in life where “two ways meet” — the way of the world and the way of God. While the way of the world often appears attractive to young and old alike, these are treacherous paths, about which it is said: “The end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25. Yielding one’s life to the pleasures of this world and its folly for a few years may seem tempting, but could mean a lost eternity. The choice is put before each of us in Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that [you] may live.”

Ah, young friend, learn early in life, with God’s help, to make that right choice and go in the Lord’s way, submitting yourself and letting Him have first place in your heart. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12.

ML-01/12/1964

Salamu

ONE DREADFUL day, many years ago, a large group of armed Arabs came riding on horseback up along the Congo River. They were fleet and fierce. They plundered and destroyed, leaving a trail of suffering and sorrow behind them. They were raiders, and took the best and healthiest from each tribe. Among these captives was a little girl by the name of Salamu.

Along the way she was seen by a Dutch trader and his wife. The sorrowful look in Salamu’s big dark eyes went straight to their hearts. Risking danger of discovery, the Dutch couple rescued the helpless little girl from her heartless captors.

Later the Dutch traders placed Salamu in the care of two missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Singleton, who were visiting in their neighborhood.

The Singletons could not stay in the village with the traders. They wanted to continue up the Congo River, to carry the good news of salvation to the isolated tribes along the great waterway. They took Salamu with them. It was a dangerous journey. In many places they were not permitted to land. The natives gathered along the bank and shot poisoned arrows at their boat, so they passed by in mid-stream.

The Singletons and Salamu had many narrow escapes. How the missionaries yearned to reach the varus tribes with the gospel. But the going was very difficult. One day their boat came to a narrow part of the river. They were so close to the shore that the people were easily seen. Salamu could even make out their tribal markings.

The tribal markings on the faces and bodies of these natives were the same as her own! Salamu was very young when the Arabs stole her away from her people. She did not know that the tribe they were passing were her own relatives, but the fact that they had the same marks thrilled her. How she longed to see them still closer!

The Singletons decided to try and land. As they drew nearer they heard the natives shouting in their own tribal tongue. “If you come on shore we will kill you!” they said. The Singletons could not understand them, but they knew by their actions that they were very angry.

As the natives shouted towards the approaching boat, Salamu was surprised to discover she could understand them. The language of her early years returned, and she was able to make herself understood by them. “These are kind people,” she shouted back. “You must not kill them!”

The natives were surprised to hear the little girl’s words. What was she doing with the white people? Her markings were the same as theirs. Did she belong to their tribe? In their curiosity they decided to let the missionaries land.

The Singletons stayed with this tribe for several weeks. While there, Salamu discovered that one of the men was her father. He had been out hunting when the Arabs raided their village. He returned later, only to learn the sad news that his wife and child had been stolen away. How glad he was to see Salamu! He would never leave her again!

Leaving Salamu’s tribe, the Singletons sailed farther up the river to visit the village of Yakusu. Salamu’s father went along, for he refused to leave his little daughter. To Salamu’s delight she found that she could understand the language of this village as well as her own. The dialect varied only a little. She became the interpreter and helped the missionaries learn the difficult language of both these villages.

Salamu, who had come to know the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, led many of her own people to trust in Him also. Because of her, the Singletons were able to build a mission stion for the preaching of the gospel.

Although this happened many years ago, some of Salamu’s relatives still live on the mission station.

Boys and girls and older people too who have never been saved, though they may not realize it, are under the power of two terrible masters — sin and Satan. Only the Lord Jesus can deliver them. Yet He came to set us free by dying on the cross. There He bore the judgment of God against sin. There He vanquished Satan’s power. And now God can say, Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

ML-01/19/1964

Not Ashamed of Christ

A YOUNG MINER named Davie was lately converted. He worked in the pit among a lot of godless young fellows. The day after his conversion he took his Bible with him to the pit. He was met with a volley of abuse by the ungodly young men as they gathered in a group to play cards. They invited him to take a “hand” as he had done before.

“I’ve changed my master,” said the young miner, “and if you are not ashamed to own your master, neither am I to own mine.” So he sat down a little way off from the group to read his Bible by the light of his lamp. When they saw that he was determined to “stick to his colors” they let him alone. In a short time a number of them gathered around Davie to hear him read the Word aloud, and God blessed it to the conversion of several of them.

Never be ashamed of Christ. The servants of the devil are not ashamed to own their master. Why should those who are the servants of Christ?

Memory Verse: “WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.” Revelation 20:15.

ML-01/19/1964

"He First Loved Us"

BOB STOPPED playing and ran to his mother. “Does Jesus really love me?” he asked.

“Yes, dear, He loves you very much,” answered Mother.

“Does He love me more than you do?”

“Yes,” replied Mother. “I have not died for you, but Jesus died to take away all your sins.”

Hiding his face in his hands, Bob cried, “Then I love Him, I really love Him.”

After that when Bob talked to his friends about the Lord Jesus he would say, “Jesus loves you, but do you love Him back again?”

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

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.

ML-01/19/1964

Pardon for the Guilty

AT THE Texas State Penitentiary, the Governor of the state was a visitor. The warden of the penitentiary had gathered most of the prisoners in the assembly hall to hear the governor’s speech that day. In concluding his speech the governor said he would be glad to speak with any of the men.

A large number of prisoners took advantage of the offer and one by one they came to him. Many of these men had been sentenced to life imprisonment but whether their sentences were long or short each one’s remarks were to the effect that he should be pardoned. One said he was a victim of a “frame-up,” another that the judge had blundered, another that he was not really guilty, and so on.

At last, in that long line of men, one of them told a different story. “Mr. Governor,” he said, “I just want to say that I am guilty. I did what they sent me here for. But, Mr. Governor, I think I have paid for my wrong. Now if you pardoned me I would do everything I could to be a good citizen and to prove myself worthy of your mercy.”

Of all those prisoners who spoke to the governor, how many of them deserved to be pardoned? Only one. The one who said frankly, “I am guilty.” And the governor did pardon that man and set him free.

So it is with God. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. But how many of us would say to God that it wasn’t our fault that we sinned, or that we were not so bad as someone else. Can God forgive such? No. The ones whom God forgives are those who confess that they are guilty sinners, that they have sinned against a holy God. If you will take that place, and then accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, you can be saved.

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

ML-01/19/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 11:11-21

“AND ON the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, He was hungry: and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find anything thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves.... And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter.... In the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried un from the roots.”

Jerusalem was called “The City of David” and the temple was the place of worship. It should have been a most sacred spot to these people, but the Lord found them entirely lacking in true reverence. The story of the fruitless fig tree is really the story of God’s earthly people, the Jews, who were making much display and show, but having no fruit to God. The pronouncement against the tree is therefore, in type, the judgment of God on the faithlessness of the Jewish nation and as a result we see that nation today in persecution, away from God’s blessing, and its people largely outcast.

“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and ban to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers,... saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” The Lord’s righteous anger is shown because this people were not only failing to bring forth good fruit, but were corrupting the very place of worship. Of course, the scribes and chief priests did not like this judgment on their behavior and sought some way to kill Him, for they actually feared Him and His effect on the common people.

It is easy for us to see and speak of judgment against Israel but We should also look into our own hearts and see how much of our profession is merely “religion” and outward display. Many who claim to be “Christians” do so only outwardly, having had no real exercise of heart, conviction of sin, or true acceptance of the Lord Jesus as personal Saviour. No good fruit or blessing can come from empty profession; and display without reality must be rejected by God. Likewise, those who in any degree use “religious connections” as a means of improving their position before friends, or even to help in business matters, will surely know God’s hand in dealing with such hypocrisy. May there be reality in the profession of each reader of this paper.

“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13.

Jesus could not remain in the atmosphere of empty profession and we read: “When the even was come He went out of the city.” Friend, the evening of this sad world has also come and night is about to fall in all of its darkness, when the invitation to come to the Saviour of sinners will no longer be offered. If you are still only a “professor” and not a true “confessor” of Christ as your personal Saviour, do give earnest heed to warnings of judgment to come. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked... turn ye, turn ye... for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11.

ML-01/19/1964

How a Boy Bought a Bible

JOHN DAVIES was but thirteen years of age when he purchased a Bible for himself with his own money.

Of course in our day many children younger than he have purchased a Bible for their own, but in his day, years ago, Bibles were much more scarce than they are now. Thus as will be seen, it needed considerable self-denial on the part of John if he would obtain the treasured Book.

John was the son of a poor widow. One bitterly cold night he arrived at the bookstore at ten o’clock, and finding that the store was closed, he went to the house and knocked. The little circle within the house had gathered for their reading of the Scriptures and prayer, and he was at first unanswered. But he continued knocking, and his perseverance was at length rewarded.

Opening the door the servant asked what he wanted.

He replied, “A Bible.”

“If you come in the morning,” said the storekeeper, who had come to the door, “you can have one.”

“I cannot, sir, as I work two miles from here, and don’t get home until late at night.”

“Come in then, and you shall have one.”

In answer to further questions he told the bookseller that he had heard Bibles could be bought very cheap at that store, and therefore had saved money to get one for himself.

Receiving the book he went off with his purchase, well satisfied.

The next morning his widowed mother came to the bookstore with the Bible in her hand. At first the bookseller feared that the money with which it had been bought had been got in some wrong way, but his doubts were soon dismissed.

“Did my little boy buy this Bible here last night?”

“He did, and told me that he saved the money for that purpose.”

“And how do you think he saved it?”

“I cannot say.”

“Well, I will tell you. Having to leave home very early every morning, I cut him two large pieces of black bread, (for I cannot afford anything better), one for his breakfast and the other for his dinner; his supper he had when he came home at night and with this I gave him a penny each day to buy some milk, and told him to divide it into two equal parts, to drink with his slices of bread.” The mother paused, for her feelings almost overcame her, but with an effort she proceeded. “The little boy ate the black bread, and drank water in order to save money to buy this Bible.”

Such is the story. What do you think of it, my reader! Have you such a love for God’s Word?

In this day many are turning from the truths of the Bible, but may God give you to value the Scriptures, to hide them in your heart, to think over them, to feed upon them, and to esteem them more than thousands of gold and silver. They tell of a Saviour’s love, who died upon the cross for sinners, they point the way to heaven through faith in His blood, and they tell of His coming again.

Is Jesus your Saviour?

ML-01/26/1964

A Dangerous Playmate

BUSTER, the pup, was excited! What could this strange thing be? He had seen it climbing down out of a tree, and thinking that it was a cat, had come bounding over to play with it.

But this creature was not a cat at all. A cat would have arched its back, fluffed its tail and hissed. To Buster’s surprise this little animal did nothing more than curl himself into a ball.

The dog barked, loudly and fiercely. He bounded around, in and out, up and down. Still the strange creature did not move.

Buster could wait no longer. With a rush he ran up to the fluffy ball, jaws wide. The jaws closed but now the excited barking changed to yelps of pain. The little fellow, though, was undisturbed. Back came Buster, his jaws closed again, and again he retreated in still more pain. Now in real fury he attacked from one side, then from the other until he could stand the pain no longer. Yelping with pain and in shameful defeat Buster ran for home. The porcupine calmly uncurled, stretched his legs and walked slowly away.

Under the porch floor at home, Buster was in misery. His nose, his tongue, his mouth, his whole head was burning and stinging with fiery needles. The whimpering of the dog attracted his master’s attention. When he called his dog, out he came. With the help of a pair of pliers the quills were soon removed. Now Buster went back to his hiding place under the porch, a sadder but wiser dog.

Would you be surprised if I told you that many folks choose a playmate far more dangerous than that porcine? They choose to play with sin. They like to do many things that are wrong, go places they should not go, listen to unclean talk. Oh, how many sharp, poisonous quills of sin enter into their hearts and minds.

How much better to choose the Lord Jesus for our Friend! He will wash away our sins, if we put our trust in Him.

“Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1, 2.

ML-01/26/1964

The Bible in Korea

TWO COLPORTEURS—men who sell Bibles — were on a trip through a part of Korea, visiting a number of villages. They stayed at night in wayside inns or farmers’ houses, wherever they could find hospitality — a meal and a place to lie down — for this gave them opportunities to preach the gospel and to distribute Bibles and Testaments.

In the village of Unmooruni, late one evening, they stopped at the house of Mr. Yi Kai Oo. They told him the story of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, but Mr. Yi did not care for it. And, although he bought four Gospels, he did not really care for their books, and neither did he have any affection for the men at his door. Darkness had fallen by now, however, so Mr. Yi invited them to spend the night in his house. They went on their way in the morning, but their host was unchanged in his attitude toward them. Little did he realize the immeasurable value of the salvation they preached.

Four years passed. During that time no other Christian preacher came to the village. And during that time the Gospels which Mr. Yi had purchased were largely unread.

Suddenly, something Mr. Yi read so stirred the man that now he had a great desire to study the Bible. The longing in his soul increased and he now wished that someone would come to his village to tell him more about salvation from sin.

When no one came that way, Mr. Yi sent his son to a town where it was said there was a man who was preaching about Jesus. The young man found the preacher, told his father’s message, and soon both were on their way back. Mr. Yi welcomed the Christian and treated him with the greatest respect.

It was not long before Mr. Yi told of the longing he had to learn the meaning of what he had read in the Gospels. He was not disappointed, for the Christian told the story of God’s love for mankind. He told of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who had come down from heaven and as Man had died on the cross of Calvary. Now Mr. Yi, and lost sinners everywhere, can be saved by simply trusting in Jesus as Saviour.

“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.

Mr. Yi did what God’s word says. He believed in Jesus and he was saved. But the story does not end here. Even before the Christian preacher came, Mr. Yi read the Gospels to his family, his friends and his neighbors. He called them all to his house to hear the story that he had already heard. As a result fifteen more souls were saved.

Neither does the story end here, for Mr. Yi was anxious to know how to pray and how to worship the ling God. He knew how the Buddhist priests worshiped in their temples and how the spirit-worshipers sacrificed to the spirits of the hills and sky. But how should a Christian worship the true and living God?

Patiently and carefully the visitor showed Mr. Yi that in the Bible God has supplied all the answers we need to live in ways that please God. Now the newly saved folks realized that God had supplied all their needs.

You can be saved from judgment by trusting in Jesus. And if God is pleased to leave you on earth for a little while, the Bible tells you how to live pleasing to God. “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain until life and godliness.”

Memory Verse: “FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.” Hebrews 10:37.

ML-01/26/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 11:22-33

THE LORD now gives the disciples divine counsel as to the manner and character of their prayers. Indeed faithful prayers are rewarded, as many a believer has proved. But in presenting our prayers to God a character fitting to His holiness must be found in our own hearts.

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.... I say unto you, What things soever ye dire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any;... But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

As we are told here, our prayers can scarcely result in blessing if we have no faith and if we fail to come to Him first with a cleansed heart. In Psalm 24:3-4 we read: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.”

It is helpful in considering these passages to also remember these words to believers: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15. These thoughts help us understand the true character of prayers acceptable to God. First, faith in what we express to Him. Second, judging our hearts and consciences and confession of wrong for our own cleansing. Third, asking “according to His will.” We may be sincere in the request and strongly feel our needs or the needs of others, and yet not be in accordance with His will in what we ask and therefore not receive the answer in the manner we expect.

“And as He was walking in the temple, there come to Him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, and say unto Him, By what authority doest Thou these things? And Jesus answered... I will also ask of you one question.... The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer Me.... And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell.” vv. 27-33.

The religious rulers of the Jews must have been amazed to see Jesus casting the merchants out of the tele, but their hypocritical hearts are again displayed in their challenge as to His authority. They did not, hover, weigh the hazard to their own position when approaching the One who could read their hearts and Who presents them, in turn, with a most searching question about John the Baptist. They did not dare answer in the presence of the people and secretly “reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; He will say, Why then did ye not believe Him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.”

So they seek to cover the situation by a pretended ignorance, which must have caused wonderment on the part of the people. Could it be possible that their religious teachers could not answer so simple a question? “Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.” He knew their evil thoughts and could find no pleasure in reminding them of His true authority, for they had long since rejected Him and had no desire to have their eyes opened.

ML-01/26/1964

Tony Overboard

A LARGE ocean liner was sailing from England to India. On board the ship were a large number of valuable foxhounds and among them was one named Tony. The dogs were all kept on their leashes on the deck; but one day Tony slipped his collar and fell overboard into the shark infested waters. The ship sped on and poor Tony was left far behind.

However, when the captain, who was a kind-hearted man, heard that Tony had been lost overboard, he at once ordered the great ship turned around, and they back-tracked until the dog was sighted. A lifeboat was lowered and soon poor Tony was hauled aboard completely exhausted. After some care he recovered and was as frisky as ever.

Tony was lost—he was dying—he was rescued—revived—and he was cared for—all within a few hours.

The Lord Jesus does all this and much more for lost, guilty sinners. He came into the world to save sinners sinking down to judgment. We can be sure poor Tony whimpered and cried for help out there alone in the ocean, and help came. Now the Lord Jesus wants to hear your cry of distress, sinner friend: “Lord, save me!” and His powerful arm will in a moment reach out and lift you out of danger and bring you aboard into the place of safety forever. Then too He will care for you all the way on the voyage across the sea of life and bring you safe into the eternal harbor of rest.

Is the Lord Jesus your Saviour, dear reader? “He is the living God,... He delivereth and rescueth.” Daniel 6:26, 27.

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

ML-02/02/1964

The Lost Finger

TWO BOYS were spending the day in the forest, cutting wood for the fireplace. Like boys everywhere, they took time to play too. But in the midst of their play a poisonous snake bit one of the fingers of the younger boy.

Killing the snake took but a moment. But there was a more serious problem. When the snake sank his fangs into that boy’s finger he injected deadly poison. Something must be done immediately to prevent its spread through his body.

The boys were many miles from a doctor and there was no way to reach one quickly. They were even too far from home to risk waiting their arrival there. Not a moment should be lost if the boy’s life was to be saved.

After a brief hesitation, and seeing no other way, the elder brother told the younger one to lay his finger on the trunk of a tree. Quickly, he raised his ax and brought it down on that finger, severing it from the boy’s hand and with it the snake’s venom. Then he bound some string around the boy’s wrist in order to stem the flow of blood.

They quickly made their way home and then to the doctor who properly bound up the wound. The boy’s life was saved.

There are some people—boys and girls as well as older folks—who think they can do something like this with regard to sin. They may say they are going to “turn over a new leaf.” That is, they know their life may not have been very good up till then, but they will try to make a better showing, hopeful that God will overlook the past. Others may try to stop some particular sinful practice like drunkenness. But they are certain to be disappointed because even though one thing may be controlled, they find to their sorrow that other sinful things come out.

The trouble is that we have sinful natures. We are born with natures that enjoy sin. The only cure for sin is the Lord Jesus Christ. He died on the cross of Calvary to put away sin —your sin, if you will but take Him as your Saviour.

“Ye must be born again,” the Lord Jesus said, for “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3,7.

“I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7.

Death is the sure result of sin, and after death there is the judgment. But the Lord Jesus paid the penalty of sin and now offers free salvation to all who will accent Him.

“WE BELIEVE THAT THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WE SHALL BE SAVED.” Acts 15:11.

ML-02/02/1964

Let Your Light Shine Now

“BUT I can’t serve Jesus until I learn more about Him,” protested a Chinese boy to Hudson Taylor, the well-known missionary to China.

Mr. Taylor asked, “Why do you light a candle? To give warmth?”

“Why, no,” the boy answered in surprise. “I light it that it may give light.”

“Does the candle become more useful after it has burned awhile?” asked the missionary.

“It’s useful as soon as it’s lit,” replied the boy.

“You also will be useful as soon as you let your light shine,” assured Mr. Taylor. “So, why don’t you let your light shine now?”

“Shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15.

ML-02/02/1964

"He Had Wasted His Goods"

“THERE was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.” Luke 16:1.

You have a precious possession. It is called TIME.

A queen who had lived much of her life for the world and pleasure, when she was dying cried, “All my wealth for a moment of time!” But time cannot be bought.

While you are still young, make sure you do not waste your time, or spend it foolishly. Use your time in such a way that you will not regret what you have done with it. Invest it for the Lord Jesus.

You have other things God has given you—health, strength, abilities. Take Christ as your Saviour; then live, work and wait for Him. Then when He comes again, or takes you to be with Himself, you may give an account of your stewardship with joy instead of sorrow.

ML-02/02/1964

A Gift for Daddy

ONE night Little Janie whispered to Auntie, “I’m going to buy Daddy a present for his birthday.”

Auntie smiled and asked, “Where will you get the money to buy it, Janie dear?”

“Oh I know Daddy will give it to me,” Janie replied.

Dear little Janie! She knew she was dependent on her father but she also knew he would appreciate her love. And that is true of God’s dear children. All that any of us have is what God, our Father, has given us, and He knows that what we, in love, give back to Him is that which came from Him at first. He thinks of the love behind the gift; just like Janie’s Daddy did.

“Of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14.

ML-02/02/1964

Bible Questions for February

The Children’s Class

1. “Hear the word of the gospel.”

2. “Show unto us the way of salvation.”

3. “Received the word with all readiness of mind.”

4. “Believed on the Lord.”

5. “Repentance toward God.”

6. “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus.”

7. “They glorified the Lord.”

The Young People’s Class: Some Divine “I WILLS”

1. What “I WILL” signified what death the Lord should die? John.

2. What “I WILL” tells of sins remembered no more? Heb. 8.

3. What “I WILL” tells that the believers become the temple of God? 2 Cor. 6.

4. What “I WILL” tells of the Lord’s coming for His own? John.

5. What “I WILL” tells of proffered help when weak and dismayed? Isa. 41.

6. What “I WILL” tells of being spared when God comes to try the whole world? Rev. 3.

7. What “I WILL” tells of vengeance toward those who have trodden underfoot the Son of God? Heb. 10.

ML-02/02/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 12:1-8

“AND HE began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged a place for the wine vat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.”

Three types of Israel run through the Scriptures: the vineyard—the olive tree—and the fig tree. In the preceding chapter we saw the fig tree withered up (a type of Israel, without fruit for God, being nationally set aside). Here it is the vineyard—Israel failing not only in its trust, but bringing no fruit to God, while totally rejecting all His grace and finally killing His only Son.

Note that in the parable a vineyard is planted (Israel established in the land); a hedge is put about it (God’s wall of separation from the world); a place is built to receive the fruit (a priesthood and provision for worship); and a tower is erected (protection from their enemies). What a picture of God’s ways with His earthly people! Then this lovely vineyard was committed to husband-men (those entrusted with the care and godly exercise of Israel). Yet when He sends a servant to receive fruit therefrom, he is beaten and sent away empty. This is repeated over and over again—every age of Israel increasingly rejecting the love and grace of God and refusing, or killing, His servants. Last of all, He sends forth His only Son saying, “They will reverence My Son.” But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took Him, and killed Him, and cast Him out of the vineyard.”

Surely this is what Stephen referred to in his stirring plea, after the Lord’s death and resurrection, when he said to the rulers: “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murders: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” Acts 7:51-53. It was for this faithfulness that Stephen became the first Christian martyr, for the Jews would still have no part of such teaching.

How amazing the grace and patience of God! But finally the despising and killing of His Son brought on that people a judgment which is not yet finished. Dreadful days are yet ahead for the nation of Israel, and individually for those who will not turn to the Lord as Saviour while the way of salvation is still open.

But now let us ask: Are we—whether Jew or Gentile—better than those of these bygone years? Has the period of nearly 2000 years since Jesus spoke this parable produced a change in our hearts toward that “only Son” whom God has sent into the world for us? No, our natural hearts, “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” are not improved one bit and we must confess, except for God’s grace preventing us, we would join in that shout: “Away with Him.” But when we hear that, “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, do we not want to accept that wonderful love and truly believe on Him, to gain that promised life eternal? What amazing and divine love is this! May our hearts truly respond and say, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

ML-02/02/1964

The Most Precious Thing

AHINDU convert came to an American missionary and asked to be baptized. Now it happens sometimes that people ask to be baptized without being truly converted at all. They merely exchange the profession of one religion for that of another. But I am glad to tell you that this dear Hindu believer had been really “born again,” and washed from his sins in the precious blood of Christ.

The Lord Jesus has said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Again, “Except a man be born of water [the Word] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5.

At his baptism our friend took the name of “Kai Das,” which means “servant of Christ,” and we shall see how well it suited him. It was his delight to serve his blessed Master and to go about his country preaching the glad tidings of the grace of God.

One evening he was riding his little pony through a dangerous part of the country when he was attacked by six highwaymen. They asked him for his money. He handed them all he had, which was scarcely five annas (about 15c), after which they stripped him of most of his clothing. Then one of them discovered his watch. What a lovely thing! They had never seen one before, and they asked Kai Das where he got it and what it was for.

After satisfying their curiosity, he quietly remarked, “The most precious thing I have you have not found yet.”

Can you guess what that was, dear young friends? The robbers couldn’t and they wondered where he kept it.

“Give it to us at once,” they demanded.

“Wait a bit first,” he replied, and to their amazement he struck up a hymn in their native language. What a sight to behold this poor captive, undisturbed in spirit, singing the Lord’s praises in the midst of these fierce men! It reminds us of Paul and Silas singing praises to God at midnight in the prison at Philippi (Acts 16). Though their sufferings were great, nevertheless they possessed that same “precious thing” which Kai Das spoke of, and that was the secret of their joy.

Well, when the hymn was finished, Kai Das went on to tell his captors of the blessed Saviour who left His Father’s home on high, and came down to this poor world to suffer and to die in the sinner’s stead. His love for them had made Him willing to undergo all that suffering that they might be saved and made fit for heaven. Would they all take their place as guilty sinners before Him? Then He would receive them, one and all. “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.

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

In a word, Kai Das declared, Jesus was his precious treasure, and he longed that Jesus might be theirs too. The hearts of those robbers were touched; they restored the stolen goods and the leader invited Kai Das to his own house. There he was able to speak more about his Saviour. We hope that the good seed thus sown brought forth fruit, and that we shall meet some of those men in heaven one day soon.

Now, dear young reader, have you responded to the loving call of the Saviour? He waits, ready to receive you. Come now, without delay, and you too will then own that priceless treasure which none can ever take from you.

ML-02/09/1964

Substitution

FANNY HAYES was a Christian. And although she was only nine years old, she told others about God’s free salvation.

One day she asked a gentleman, “Do you love Jesus?”

The gentleman smiled and said, “Yes, I do love Jesus. And now,” he continued, “may I ask you why you love Jesus?”

“Oh, because He died for me and was a substitute for my sins,” she answered.

“Substitution is a long word,” he said. “Can you tell me what it means?”

“Oh, yes, sir. It means that instead of me dying for my sins, Jesus died for them, and washed them away. Now I do not have to die, because He died instead of me.”

This is the meaning of substitution. But what about yourself? Are you still in your sins? If you are, the judgment of God awaits you. The sentence of death—eternal death—will be that judgment.

The Bible, the Word of God, tells us, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4. Those words are so solemn that God repeats them in the 20th verse of that chapter: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

There is a way out for you for God also says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you.” Exodus 12:13.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. He is your Substitute. Take Him now.

ML-02/09/1964

No More Calls

Young Martha was singing:

“Lo, a loving Friend is waiting,

He is calling thee.”

Then she came to the verse:

“Soon that voice will cease its calling;

Wilt thou still delay?”

Suddenly Martha thought, “What a dreadful thing it would be if that voice should stop calling me. I haven’t come to Him yet.”

Martha stopped singing. She got on her knees and came to the Lord Jesus right then and there. She opened her heart’s door and asked the Saviour to come in. And He did, for He has said: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.

“The Master... calleth for thee.” John 11:28.

Admit Him, for the human breast

Ne’er entertained so kind a guest;

No mortal tongue their joys can tell

With whom He condescends to dwell.

ML-02/09/1964

A Good Argument

AN INFIDEL met a boy coming home from his Sunday school class, and asked, “What is that in your hand, my boy?”

“A Bible,” he answered.

“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,” said the infidel boldly.

Astonished, the boy looked him in the eye, and he started to ask questions.

“Who then made the sun and the moon?”

“They came by mere chance,” the infidel replied.

“What! The stars and everything came by chance?”

“Yes, they all came by chance.” “And who made your hat?” asked the boy.

“The hatter, of course.”

“And who made the hatter?”

This was too much for the infidel. He could not answer and turned away in silence.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Hebrews 11:3.

God “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things,” and that same God “now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:25, 30.

ML-02/09/1964

Where Do You Look?

To be miserable — Look within

To be distracted — Look around

To be happy— Look to Christ

“When they had looked..., they saw no man any more, save Jesus only.” Mark 9:8.

“Looking unto Jesus...; at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.

MEMORY VERSE: “FOR THOUGH THOU WASH THEE WITH NITRE, AND TAKE THEE MUCH SOAP, YET THINE INIQUITY IS MARKED BEFORE ME, SAITH THE LORD.” Jeremiah 2:22.

ML-02/09/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 12:9-17

EXERCISING the consciences of the Jewish rulers, Jesus had given them the parable of the vineyard, speaking of that nation’s utter rejection of God’s grace—even to casting out and killing His only Son. He then asks the question: “What shall therefore the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.”

Nationally, Israel was cast out of the place of privilege and blessing because of all that was expressed in this parable, and the Lord further tells them that the prophecy of Psalm 118:22 was now coming to pass: “The Stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner.” He is now the Cornerstone in a new spiritual house, composed of all who through faith accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour—Jew and Gentile alike. The rulers knew that the parable spoke of them (as unfaithful husbandmen), and sought again to lay hold of Him. However, being still fearful of the people’s reaction, they leave Him and “go their way.” What a contrast their way was to those individuals of whom we have been reading in past chapters, who tasted the love and grace of that blessed Son of God—the humble Servant—and whose lives were then marked by following Him in His way. Dear reader, in which way are you walking?

“And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. And when they were come, they say.... Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” When these two groups united to oppose Jesus they made a strange companionship, for in teaching and practices they were opposed to one another. But as enemies of Jesus they come with united force to try “to catch Him in His words.” After a flattering introduction, they propose their question and the Lord replies: “Why tempt ye Me? bring Me a penny, that I may see it.” Although He was the Creator of the universe, yet this lowly Servant had not even a penny to claim His own!

“And He saith unto them, Whose is this image...? And they said unto Him, Caesar’s.”

The very question as to whose image appeared thereon must have humiliated these proud people, for Caesar’s imprint bore witness to God’s judgment against them, in putting them under the domination of Rome. “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They could not deny the wisdom of this reply and marvel at Him, as well they might.

The Spirit of God, in leaving this passage for us of a later day, must surely have known that similar questions would be raised in the minds of believers, and the simple statement of Jesus makes it plain for all of us now. In our daily lives we are faced with responsibilities to governmental power and we are obedient to God’s Word when we render proper dues to these authorities. But there is no compromising between what is Caesar’s and what is God’s, and we are at fault if we try to mix the two.

Let us, who know the Saviour, walk carefully, “providing things honest in the sight of all men” and remembering we are also told: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” Romans 13:1. But above all, never neglect that which is due God in our lives. If there is a conflict between the world’s demands and the things of God, our scriptural guidance is: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.

ML-02/09/1964

Jimmie the Gypsy Boy

A HOME missionary once told the story of how one day he visited a camp of gypsies. Passing in among the caravans and tents he bought some of the cooking utensils they were making, and then he learned that one of their number, a little boy, was very sick. When he asked permission to see him the father asked: “Did you want to talk about religion to him?”

“No,” was the reply.

“What then?” questioned the man. “I want to talk to him about Christ.”

“Oh then you may go. But if you talk religion to him, I’ll set the dog on you,” he threatened.

In the caravan he found the poor boy alone and in bed. Evidently he was in the last stages of tuberculosis. His eyes were closed and he looked as if he were already gone. Very slowly the missionary repeated in his ear the precious gospel text: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

He repeated it five times but there was no apparent response. The little sufferer did not seem to hear. He repeated it the sixth time, and then the boy’s eyes opened and he smiled. To his visitor’s delight he whispered: “And I never thanked Him! But nobody ever told me! I turn to Him my thanks. Only a poor gypsy boy! I see! I see! I thank Him kindly!” He closed his eyes and a look of intense satisfaction came over his face, and as the missionary knelt beside him he thanked God. The boy’s lips moved again and his visitor’s ears caught the words “That’s it!” There were a few more words, and then his voice could be heard no more.

The next day the missionary visited the camp again and found that his dear gypsy boy had died (it were better to say he had fallen asleep in Jesus) about eleven hours after he had left the day before. His father said the boy had been very “peaceable,” and had died a “tidy death.” There was no Bible or Testament in the camp. The missionary left one of each. The father wished him “good luck” and gave him a bundle of little things “the boy Jimmie” had made.

With unquestioning faith this dear little fellow took God at His word the first time he heard the gospel message. With his dying lips he thanked Him that He so loved the world that He gave His Son for him, “a poor gypsy boy.” God is satisfied with the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross where He died to put away sin. Jimmie was satisfied as well and his simple faith in Jesus meant instant and everlasting salvation. In just eleven short hours the little sufferer exchanged that forlorn, rickety caravan for God’s paradise above, where Jesus was waiting to welcome him home. Now Jimmie is proving that God is as good as His word.

Have you, dear reader, said “Amen” to God’s way of saving lost sinners, by simply believing the gospel and, like Jimmie the little gypsy boy, accepted His dear Son, Jesus, as your own Saviour? God grant that you may, rather than refuse Him and pass on with your sin unpardoned to the “great white throne” and its awful judgment.

May no one within your reach or mine, dear fellow believer, have to say with respect to the gospel and the eternal destiny of souls, “Nobody ever told me before.”

ML-02/16/1964

Diane's Will

DIANE PATMONT was a high school student in Oakland, California. She was 15 years old, a happy, peppy girl, active in school and at home. But Diane felt an emptiness in her life. She spoke of it with her classmates and had long conversions with them and others about the purpose of her life. At last she went to a Christian man who told her about the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I found that it isn’t religion that’s important,” she said, “but that it is knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, and trusting Him. I got down on my knees and accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart and was saved.”

Now Diane’s heart was filled with joy and she told her classmates and others about it. Outwardly she was the same peppy girl but in her heart was a newfound peace concerning her life.

Last April, when there was a school holiday, Diane’s parents planned a quick trip back to Iowa with their two daughters. Off they went, filled with thoughts of happiness and looking forward to their visit with friends. All went well as the travelers made their way over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, past Ely, Nevada some 50 miles. It was raining now, and somehow, on the rain-slick highway the car went out of control, off the highway and down an embankment.

Diane was thrown a distance from the car, mortally hurt. The parents and her sister were all seriously injured, too, but her father was able to get to where Diane lay.

“Daddy, am I dying?” she asked.

Her father told her that he thought she would not die, but even with that, Diane understood how seriously hurt she was.

“I’m not afraid,” she said. “I know where I’m going.”

Soon an ambulance arrived to carry the injured ones to the hospital. The doctors did what they could for her but three hours later Diane died.

Some days passed and then Diane’s closest chum remembered that just before she left on the trip, Diane had telephoned to tell her of a letter she had written. Now the young companion went to Diane’s room and there she found the note.

“I found out something very important this year,” she wrote. “It was an answer to every problem I’ve ever had or will have. I found that it isn’t religion that’s important, but that it’s knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, and trusting Him.

“Before I was saved, there was an emptiness in my life, but now my life is complete — I’m saved through Christ Jesus.

“I know! For a person who doesn’t know the Lord as their Saviour, this sounds as though I don’t know what I’m talking about. But, on October 28, I got down on my knees and accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart and was saved. Since then, the Lord has changed my heart and He will do this for you if you will only let Him. Read the Bible and you will see what I am talking about. Please do what I have said and remember this, “‘And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.’” 1 John 5:11, 12 and 13.

“Please remember that He lives today and He answers prayer,” Diane’s letter continued. “Please get on your knees now and accept Him into your heart, if you never have before. You will never know peace until you do. Please do it. He’s waiting.”

And then the letter concluded with this: “Please tell everyone whom I know, about my faith in Jesus Christ. He’s real.”

Many people prepare a “last will and testament” in which they tell the way in which their riches are to be distributed after their death. The leer Diane Patmont wrote was like a will and in it she gives you the way to have the same riches that she found when she took Christ as her Saviour. That way is to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ as a lost, guilty sinner and to there take Him as your own personal Saviour. “Please do it. He’s waiting.”

“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-02/16/1964

The Word of God

Not all the words of all mankind,

However nobly said,

Could have brought Lazarus to life

When he was three days dead.

Not all the words of all mankind,

However grand and grave,

Could have restored the blind man’s sight

Or stilled the stormy wave.

Not all the words of all mankind,

However great and wise,

Can lift the sinner from the dust

To life beyond the skies.

Then let Thy Word, O Son of God,

Suffice this heart of mine:

And let me count no word as true,

If it conflicts with Thine.

“Never man spake like this Man.” John 7:46.

Memory Verse: “THERE IS A WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT UNTO A MAN: BUT THE END THEREOF ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH.” Proverbs 14:12.

ML-02/16/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 12:18-44

“THEN COME unto Him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection.” If you are reading this portion of the Bible along with our Bible Talks, you will find that the Sadducees ask an extremely ridiculous question, hoping like those before them to “catch Him in His words.” They tell the story of a woman who had had seven husbands, and then they ask, Whose wife would she be in the resurrection?

The Lord not only tells them that they do not know the Scriptures (or they wouldn’t make such an inquiry), but also points them to Moses’ writings, whom they loved to quote. He exposes their ignorance and disbelief, saying: “And as touching the dead, that they rise; Have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, sang, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”

Following the Sadducees, there comes one of the scribes, asking: “Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus answers: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: This is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Jesus expressed in these two portions of the law the whole force of the commandments applying to His earthly people. If these two are met, then the rest of the law must needs have been kept also, for all points thereof are contained therein.

The scribe replies in full agreement and the Lord comments: “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” But while this scribe was intelligent about the law, he failed to truly recognize the Person with whom he was speaking, and thus was not within the kingdom of God—even though near to it.

After these things no man ventured to ask Him any question. But now the time had come for Jesus to advance one of His own: “How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? David therefore himself calleth Him Lord: and whence is He then his son?” It was true that the scribes acknowledged Jesus as of the lineage of David, but would not acknowledge Him as David’s Lord. Since the scribes were familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures they would recognize this quotation from Psalm 110, but they would not bring themselves to acknowledge the fulfillment of prophecy in the Person of Jesus.

He then rightly warns the common people against the scribes, who “go in long clothing, and love salutations in the market places, and the chief seats in the synagogues,...” Then, seating Himself in the temple, He observes the people casting their money into the treasury—some giving much and some giving little. “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

We are reminded that the Lord measures us, not by the outward appearance, but by the heart; not by what we give, but by what we hold back. We can be sure this poor widow will be eternally rewarded for her faithfulness in giving her all to God.

ML-02/16/1964

John's Narrow Escape

JOHN was one of eight children. He lived with his family in England many years ago.

One midnight, when everyone was asleep, the house caught on fire. The neighbors hurried to the rescue. They thought everyone was out of the house, when suddenly a small boy appeared at an upstairs window. It was little John. He had been forgotten.

“Help me!” he cried. Sometimes we have heard of a mother forgetting her children, but the Lord Jesus never forgets His own. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” He tells us in Hebrews 13:5. Again, we read, “Thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.” Isaiah 44:21.

“Help me!” cried John. But there was no ladder! John’s father, who was a God-fearing man, fell on his knees and prayed. God heard and answered his prayer of faith.

From the crowd a man rushed forward and stood under a window. He called for another man to climb on his back and to stand on his shoulders. Up another man went, they reached little John and he was rescued from the burning house.

“Let us all kneel and pray,” said his father, “for now all my children are safe.” They all knelt down and the father lifted up his heart and voice in thanksgiving to God for His mercies to them that night.

John could not save himself. He needed a saviour. And so do you, dear young reader. If you are unsaved then you are in terrible danger —you are in danger of being caught in the terrible fire of God’s judgment against sin. You cannot save your sinful soul. But “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” If, like little John, you cry, “Lord, save me!” He will surely hear you and save your precious soul. He delights to be called the Saviour of sinners.

When John grew up he became a faithful preacher. He often called himself “a brand plucked from the burning.” God used him greatly and thousands were saved and blessed through his preaching.

God had a purpose in saving John Wesley, and He also has a purpose in saving YOU: He wants you to live for Him, to be to His praise down here on earth, and then He wants to take you to heaven to sing His praise up there. Won’t you come to Jesus and be saved, and start on your way to heaven right NOW?

John Wesley and his brother Charles encouraged thousands of people to sing to the Lord. Between them they wrote over a thousand hymns, a great many of which are sung and enjoyed by Christians the world over today. Here is a verse of one of the hymns John wrote: Lord Jesus, Thy great love to me No thought can reach, no tongue declare; O bend my wayward heart to Thee, And reign without a rival there. Thine, wholly Thine, alone I’d live, Myself to Thee entirely give. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.

“I will bless thee,... and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2.

“THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE SHOULD BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.” 1 John 3:23.

ML-02/23/1964

My Letter

The postman brought a letter here,

It was addressed to me;

I could not wait till everyone

My name on it could see.

I opened it, and found it was

From Cousin Bertha Mae;

She said she hoped to see me soon,

Perhaps within a day.

Another letter I received,

Which is from God above;

It is the Bible and it tells

Me all about His love.

I love it most of all because

I love its Writer best;

He is the Lord of Glory, and

Far dearer than the rest.

“I have written unto him... great things.” Hosea 8:12.

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” 1 John 2:12.

ML-02/23/1964

Forgiveness

THE GOSPEL of God’s grace has been carried to many lands including Africa. Far down the east coast of Africa where the Zulus live, the gospel had been preached and many of those natives were saved. Now they were meeting together to learn more about the Bible and to tell others about God’s grace and mercy to lost sinners.

The native preacher rose from his chair and started to speak in a language we would not understand but which was the language of his countrymen. His text was Romans 12:17: “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” He had no Bible in his hand for he was blind. But he well knew the words of that verse and he recited them from memory.

Solemnly he warned his audience against having a spirit of revenge. From his own experience he vividly depicted the havoc such a spirit had wrought in his own life.

“Many years ago,” he said, “I unintentionally injured a man. For a long time that man waited his opportunity to take revenge against me. One night he and I were alone in a hut when he suddenly threw some powder on the fire. Sparks and fumes came out of the fire and I felt an agonizing pain in my eyes. I rushed out to seek help but I could not see where I was going. The pain continued the next day and I went to a witch doctor but, of course, he could do nothing for me. I went to others but no one could help me. I was hopelessly blind.

“Soon my money was gone, and then my cattle. But there was with me a desire for revenge upon the one who had blinded me. It seemed that all my life must be used for this.

“Then I heard of a doctor who might cure me at a mission school.

Many, many weary miles I walked, finally arriving there at the point of death. The doctor was unable to restore my sight but he did help me to regain my health and strength. But more than this, he told me of One who was able and willing to bring life and peace and joy to my soul. I accepted Jesus as my Saviour.

“Friends, just last week, I again met the man who had blinded me.

But Christ has taken away the hatred and revenge that once filled my heart. The Lord Jesus Christ forgave me all my sins and when I met that man last week I forgave him. I have been with him since, trying to take care of him for he is sick. I have told him about Jesus and today he took Him as his Saviour.”

Does it not thrill your heart to hear of love like this? But, oh, how much greater is the love of Jesus for you. When He hung on Calvary’s cross men mocked Him, spat on Him and did all their wicked hearts could think of. But the Lord Jesus made no protest against all this. Indeed, in the awful agony of that cross He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. That same forgiveness is offered you today. No matter what your life has been up till now, won’t you bow before the Lord Jesus, confess Him as your Saviour, and settle once and for all the question of eternity and where you will spend it?

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” Romans 8:32.

ML-02/23/1964

Looking up

A CAPTAIN came onto the deck of his ship one day to find that his little son had climbed to the top of the mast. The captain stood there watching, fearing that at any moment the boy might become dizzy and let go his hold.

If the little fellow looked down he would surely become afraid and let go his hold. To look around at the broad sea and waves would be just as bad. So the captain shouted up to him,

“LOOK UP, KEEP LOOKING UP!”

The little boy obeyed, and fixing his eye on the sky above, he was able to gradually let himself down the mast, until he safely reached his father’s arms.

Oh what need there is for young Christians to keep LOOKING UP— “Looking unto Jesus,... at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.

“Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.” Psalms 123:1.

ML-02/23/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 13:1-37

“AND AS He went out of the temple, one of His disciples saith unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

The disciple’s admiration of the architecture and glory of the temple was used of Jesus to bring knowledge to them as to the future of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. This prophetic portion of the gospel covers a wide period of time.

First the Lord told them what they personally could expect when He would be taken from them. There would be severe opposition to their work and teaching. Persecution, imprisonment and violence would be used against them. But they were to carry on. Their very imprisonment would be the means of presenting the gospel to kings and rulers who would not otherwise listen to it. They were not to prepare beforehand, but God would give them the proper message suitable for each occasion: “For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost,” He told them.

The Lord let them look ahead to a yet future time—not merely the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. That took place in the year 70 A.D., when the temple was literally torn down without one stone remaining upon another. But He looks on through the long period when Israel would be cast away (the present “times of the Gentiles”)—and yet farther on to the great tribulation that would follow the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel—and eventually to the saving of the faithful remnant of the Jews who would endure to the end, through the tribulation period.

Those interested in the study of prophecy will find this an interesting chapter to review in detail. We will not attempt to do so here, except to remind our readers that all that was spoken on this occasion referred to God’s dealings with His earthly people, the Jews and Israel nationally. The disciples would know persecution and trial in their lifetime, but most of the events foretold looked on to a period that has not yet come—although its coming is most certain. Through all these sorrows and tribulation, God will have a faithful few and He will not forget nor neglect them. They will have a special reward for their faithfulness. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25.

Prophetic truths concerning the Church the bride of Christ—composed of both Gentile and Jewish believers—its place in future times, as well as the coming of the Lord for His own, are given elsewhere in the Scriptures, principally through Paul’s epistles and in the Revelation of John. The Christian who reads our present chapter and thinks it applies to him, will look in vain for the signs outlined by Jesus to the disciples. They provide insight for us as to God’s dealing with His earthly people, but speak strictly of Jewish experiences—some now past, and some yet to come.

“And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” With this exhortation the Lord ends His prophecy and we do well to heed these words too, for with all His people—Jew or Gentile—there will be a blessing for those found watching and waiting. May it be with lamps burning and bright testimony that we, who love Him, welcome His return!

ML-02/23/1964

A Bringer of Life

A special serum was desperately needed. There was no other way to check a terrible plague of diphtheria in Nome, Alaska. At Nenana, 650 miles away was the necessary supply, but it could only reach Nome by dog train. So it was rushed to the stricken city by relay, as fast as dog and man could carry it.

It was time for the dog team to change for the last lap of the journey. But a blizzard kept the men from meeting the dogs that were to retrieve them. Only Balto, the great Siberian husky, knew the trail. Kaon the driver gave him the lead, and trusted him to get them there. Balto never faltered. He kept the trail through blinding snow from Bluff to Nome—53 miles in 30 degrees below zero weather! The epidemic was checked. A monument to Balto stands in Central Park, New York, to celebrate his courage and faithfulness.

This makes us think of the awful plague of sin that has affected all mankind. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12.

The Lord Jesus has brought life into this scene of death. There is only one remedy for sin, and the Lord Jesus has brought it to us at the cost of His own life. He laid down His life that we might live. He shed His precious blood to put away sin. “In Him was life.” John 1:4. Now God says, Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Praise His glorious name forever!

“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-03/01/1964

Little Joe

AT the age of three years Joe was a dear little fellow, so merry and so full of life that it was sometimes hard to keep him quiet.

One day his mother said to him, “Joey, I am going to the gospel meeting in the country and I would like to take you, but I’m afraid you couldn’t sit long enough.” With a pleading look little Joe replied, “You just try me this vonce.” The next day they were both on their way to the country, and during the meetings the little boy did not forget that he must sit quietly. Afterward a kind old gentleman took him up in his arms, exclaiming, “What a good little boy you have been, Joey.” This encouraged Joe and he turned to his mother triumphantly, “There, Muvver, didn’t I tell truf (truth)?”

Before parting, they sang the well-known hymn:

Here we suffer grief and pain,

Here we meet to part again,

In heaven we part no more.

O that will be joyful,

Joyful, joyful, joyful;

O that will be joyful,

When we meet to part no more.

These words evidently made quite an impression on little Joe’s mind. The next day, while playing in the garden, he ran indoors to his mother and said, “Muvver, that man did say, ‘In heaven we part no more.’”

“Yes,” said Mother, “and if you like I will sing you the verse.” He listened very attentively to the words and then asked, ‘If I love Jesus, should I go to heaven if I were to die?”

“Yes, dear,” Mother replied, “because Jesus loves you and died for you.”

“But does Jesus love me when I’m naughty?”

“Yes, Jesus always loves you, but He does not love naughty ways. He wants us for Himself, but He must first put away our sins.”

Satisfied with this, the little fellow ran away to play, leaving his mother to ponder over his words. She was glad to think that though he was so young in years, he was aware that he had a naughty heart, but she wondered what had raised the thought of dying in his baby mind.

Only a few days later her little one became suddenly ill, and after suffering for three days, Jesus took him to be with Himself, where there is no more grief and pain.

Those who loved little Joe and wept at losing him, were greatly comforted as they recalled the words: “In heaven we part no more.” They knew their little lamb was safe in the Good Shepherd’s keeping. Did He not say on earth, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God”? Mark 10:14.

It was in order that He might have us in that bright glory with Himself that Jesus died for us. Was it not wonderful love that led Him to take the place that we deserved and suffer on the Cross?

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:7, 8.

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him.” Matthew 18:2.

ML-03/01/1964

He Came to Save Sinners

SOME people think they must be good before the Lord Jesus will have anything to do with them. But this is not so.

There was a little six-year-old girl who said the same prayer every night. It was one her mother had taught her. But one night, after she had finished her prayer, she asked if she could say one of her own. What do you think she said? “Dear Jesus, please love me when I’m naughty, too.” Wise little girl! She knew what she needed. But she didn’t know that that is just what Jesus does. He loves us when we are naughty, though He doesn’t love our sins, and He makes us feel ashamed and sorry when we’ve done wrong. He loves us freely, and forgives us. That is why we love Him in return. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

ML-03/01/1964

"I Would Have Saved You - But I Couldn't!"

A YOUNG fellow and his sister were among a group who were enjoying the afternoon out on the river in a boat. Suddenly a wind arose and the boat was upset. They were all thrown into the water. Stanley tried hard to save his sister, but he was not able. When he got safely to shore, he kept saying, “Oh, Mary, I would have saved you, but I couldn’t.”

How different it is with God. God is able and willing to save all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. No one is ever sent away and no one who has Christ as his Saviour will ever be lost. “God is able.” Romans 11:23.

“I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [one] pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

ML-03/01/1964

Bible Questions for March

The Children’s Class

1. “What shall I do, Lord?”

2. “The Lord stood by him.”

3. “Believing all things which are written.”

4. “To turn them from darkness to light.”

5. “That should rise from the dead.”

6. “For I believe God.”

7. “Persuading them concerning Jesus.”

The Young People’s Class: The Word of God

1. What verse shows the power and discernment of THE WORD OF GOD? Hebrews 3, 4, or 5.

2. What quality does THE WORD OF GOD have to enable one to be born again? 1 Pet.

3. Can anyone have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ apart from THE WORD OF GOD? Rom. 8, 9, or 10.

4. What place does THE WORD OF GOD have in the Christian’s warfare against spiritual wickedness? Eph. 4, 5, or 6.

5. If a Christian’s conduct is unbecoming, what shame is brought to bear on THE WORD OF GOD? Titus.

6. Is THE WORD OF GOD ever bound (made non-effectual)? 2 Tim.

7. How may everyone be blessed by hearing THE WORD OF GOD? Luke 11, 12, or 13.

ML-03/01/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:1-2

THIS CHAPTER is a touching record of some of the last events in the life of the Lord Jesus here on earth. Here we find, among other things, expressions of the extreme hatred of His enemies, the devotedness of a heart that loved Him deeply, and the special parting request He has made to His own.

“After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by craft, and put Him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.” (vv. 1-2.)

The scheming craftiness of these religious enemies reveals their murderous hearts. Yet, fearful’ of the people if disturbed on the passover day, they purpose to wait until afterwards to put their scheme into effect. Such was their plan, but God had decreed otherwise. Turning back to Exodus 12, note how every detail of that first passover spoke of the “Lamb of God” who would later be lifted up as a sacrifice, whose blood would be shed, and through whom deliverance from sin and from the enmity of Satan would be possible to all who in faith own Him as Saviour.

The time of fulfillment of that passover was drawing very near and in God’s counsels only one specific day would answer to what He had established in the sacrificial death of His beloved Son. This must be the same day of the year on which the first passover was celebrated. The unbelieving and hating Jews had tried many times before to kill Jesus, but God had His time when His Son should be offered up. All the schemes and craftiness of men could neither move that date one moment ahead, nor cause one moment’s delay. “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son.” Galatians 4:4.

It is extremely important for us to see that, while wicked hands nailed His Son to the cross, and both Jew and Gentile participated in that death, it was actually God who gave His Son for us. “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. “... He sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

Nor must we ever think that the Lord was taken by surprise when condemned to death in Pilate’s court. We have read before His own words: “The Son of man came... to give His life a ransom for many.” And again, “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 kill Him.” Mark 10:33, 34. Yet the true heart of man, in his rebellion against God and the Lord Jesus, expressed itself in that cruel crucifixion and both Jew and Gentile stand guilty before God for the death of His Son.

We all stand equally guilty and hopelessly lost in our sins, unless we turn in faith to Christ as our Saviour. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

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

ML-03/01/1964

Tim

IT WAS a strange little figure that presented himself at the children’s class. He had a mass of very red hair, a clean but hungry white face; ragged clothes and much worn shoes. A timid voice said, “Sir, could I come here to learn?”

“Of course you can, little man,” answered kind Mr. Dunne. “What is your name and where do you come from?”

“My name is Tim Parkin,” answered the boy. “My grandfather and me just come from the country to live in the big city.” Then very earnestly he added, “I want to learn about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Do you know about Him, Tim?” The little fellow shook his head.

“What makes you want to learn about Him?” asked Mr. Dunne.

“Well, Mother took very sick, and they sent her to the big hospital. I got to see her only twice. The first time she told me that she was going to die and she was afraid. The second time, she told me she was worse. But she was quite happy about it, because a lady had been to see her many times, and had told her about One she called the Lord Jesus Christ. I had never heard tell of Him before, but Mother said she had years ago, only she had forgotten about Him. She was sorry, but she said He had been mighty good to her and had forgiven her sins, and she was soon going to live with Him up in heaven. She says to me, ‘Tim, my boy, find out where you can learn all about the Lord Jesus. I do want you to love Him, too.’ Please, sir, could you teach me about Him?”

“To be sure we will, Tim,” answered the good man, as he sent up silent earnest prayer for the help of the Holy Spirit.

Tim came regularly to the children’s class and listened to every word that was said.

His teacher was much struck with the boy for he was so earnest and attentive. But he didn’t know at first that Tim carefully repeated each lesson to his old grandfather.

One evening, a tall gaunt white-haired old man followed small Tim into the class, and spoke to the superintendent: “Pardon me, sir, but could you tell me of any place where the likes of me could be taught? My little Tim here has brought me word of all you learned him here; and oh, sir, I feel I can’t rest, until I knows more about the Good Shepherd.”

Mr. Dunne gladly arranged to visit the old man two or three times a week. He never did forget old Eli Parkin’s earnestness. His one thought was, “Can it be true that the Good Shepherd loves and is seeking me?”

One morning Mr. Dunne heard that the old man was ill, and he went up the long staircase to where he and Tim lived to visit him. The door of the room was just ajar, and he saw old Eli on his knees by the side of an upturned soap box. He heard a low, pleading voice say, “Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, come near to me, though I am only a poor wandering old sheep. But I do want Thy seeking and finding. I have no hope but in Thee and Thy love; speak to me again as Thou didst yesterday.”

Then, with difficulty, old Eli got back into his humble bed, and his face lighted up with pleasure at the sight of Mr. Dunne. “You might have known how old Eli was longing for you,” he said. “He is just hungering to know about the Good Shepherd. Tim is getting on nicely with his reading, but I never learned to read.”

Again Mr. Dunne, after short prayer, read the story of the lost sheep and part of John 10. Then he turned to Psalm 23 and, after reading it slowly and carefully, said, “The Lord wants you to say this, Eli. He does want you to say, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’”

The old man raised himself slowly and said with real conviction, “And blessed be His name, I know it now. It’s been gettin’ lighter this week, and I have been remembering bits of things I have heard about Him in open air preachings years ago. It must be just Himself opening my blind old eyes, and His own voice that keeps telling me He goes after His poor wandering sheep until He finds them.”

“Yes, Eli, the Holy Spirit is bringing these things to you. You believe them, don’t you?”

“Why, sir, I daren’t doubt them, and they bring such comfort to my dark heart. But then, I get so downhearted, thinking what a big sinner I am.”

“Those are the times when you must keep reminding yourself what a great Saviour you have,” said Mr. Dunne.

“Aye, sir,” answered Eli, “that’s what I want to do. On Tuesday, Tim heard me sighing, and he put his hand in mine and said, ‘Grandpa, you listen here. Yesterday the teacher taught us the text, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” You learn that and see if it doesn’t help.’ And it has done, Mr. Dunne. Those words, and His being the Good Shepherd, has led me to Him.”

Old Eli had made his last trip up and down the long staircase. For four months he was a prisoner in that upstairs room; then his happy spirit took flight, and as he would have said, “The poor old sheep went into glory,” where he would always be, with the Good Shepherd, and never grieve Him more. His patience and joy in his Saviour during those months were wonderful. Both he and Tim did, indeed, daily “grow in grace.”

Tim had come to the Saviour about the same time. The Lord helped and blessed him. He got a job in a large warehouse and later became manager of it. He became a happy husband and father, and a regular teacher in the Bible class, where he loved to tell other boys and girls of that precious Saviour, “that great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20), whom to know is indeed life and peace.

ML-03/08/1964

The Little Girl Upstairs

“HOW did you hear about Jesus?” asked the teacher.

“Rosa taught me about Jesus,” answered Mary. “She sang: ‘I think when I read that sweet story of old’; and ‘There Is a Happy Land’; and then Rosa prayed in German for us “What did Rosa pray about?” asked the teacher.

“Oh, it was something about Jesus Christ and His precious blood.”

“What Sunday school did Rosa go to?”

“She never went to any,” answered Mary. “The little girl who lived upstairs to her, used to come down in the backyard and play ‘Sunday School,’ singing the hymns and talking about Jesus. That is the way she learned about Him.”

“Sing unto Him... Talk ye of all His wondrous works.” 1 Chronicles 16:9.

ML-03/08/1964

Afraid to Meet God

A MAN, WHO during part of his life had been an outspoken infidel, lay dying. Some of his friends had gathered in his room to visit with him. What their conversation was we do not know, and indeed perhaps they were silent, knowing that their friend was about to die.

As he neared his end, he gave unmistakable signs of fear of death. Noticing this, one of the friends standing by the bed spoke up.

“What! are you afraid to die?”

“No,” replied the dying man, “I am not afraid to die, but I am afraid to meet God.”

The Bible tells us that, if we are unsaved, we have good reason to be afraid. “Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.” Luke 12:5.

What a fearful thing it is to contemplate: a lost sinner, in all his sins, standing before a righteous and holy God, his Creator, and to whom he must give account!

But God is not only righteous and holy. He is a loving God. In wondrous, unfathomable love to lost sinners He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, here to earth. Here He died under the awful judgment of God against sin. When He hung on Calvary’s cross, God dealt with Him about the sin and sins of all who will simply take Him as their blessed Substitute.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.

If you will accept God’s offer of salvation through Christ Jesus, you need have no fear of death. And bond death, you need have no fear of judgment.

“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.

Memory Verse: “HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE.” John 8:36.

ML-03/08/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:3-11

“AND BEING in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on His head.” v. 3.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus were all present on this occasion. We have no information about Simon, but like to think that he truly loved Jesus. From other portions of the gospels we know of the special fondness that Jesus had for the two sisters and their brother. Martha knew the Lord loved her and she, in turn, loved Him and apparently enjoyed serving Him. Lazarus, who had died from a serious illness, was restored to life by the Lord, so we can be certain about his response to the One who had done so much for him. We read of Mary that she, “Also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word.” The Lord responded to this attachment by sang, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39, 42.

In the scene before us we see Martha getting the supper out on the table, Lazarus sitting at the table with Jesus, and Mary coming, with some premonition of Jesus’ death, bringing a rare and very costly ointment, which she pours on His head. How lovely this must have been to Him, who well knew her sorrowful and adoring heart! He recognized this in its true value and said, “She is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying.” v. 8. In addition to the deep personal response of Mary’s heart to His Person, He no doubt saw in this a token of the recognition that His people Israel should have given Him—the anointing being figurative of His right place as their King. Perhaps He was also looking forward to the millennial day when He will have that place with His people.

Although the house was filled with the fragrance of this ointment, the evil of Satan is expressed first through Judas, who in turn influences the others so that they ask: “Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.” vv. 4, 5. Judas would have liked to get his hands on that money for his own use. The others, not knowing of his treachery, yet allowed themselves to be influenced by him. Ah, Christian friend, what care we need, even in the fragrance of things pertaining to Christ, that we guard the motives of every circumstance of life. If the Lord had been as much in the thoughts of all present at that supper as He was in Mary’s heart, they would all have rejoiced to see that loving tribute to Him.

The Lord rightly rebukes those who criticized and tells them, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” v. 9. The Lord will never forget one kind thought, or one deed of love performed by His own. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12.

After this, Judas went to the chief priests and covenanted to betray Jesus to them for thirty pieces of silver. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 11:12: “So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.”

ML-03/08/1964

A Wise Man of the East

THOSE who loved him best called him Okuno. His full name was Okuno Masatusuna. He was a great Japanese gospel preacher. He traveled all over Japan preaching the gospel and singing the story of Jesus, for Okuno was a poet as well as a preacher. He printed a fine Japanese hymn book and he, himself, wrote many beautiful Christian hymns. When the children of Japan sing our children’s hymn, “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” they use the words that Okuno wrote when he turned that pretty hymn into Japanese.

What a strange life he lived! He was, first of all, a Buddhist student and then a soldier, and then a Confucian wise man. And he was a bad, wicked, evil man and then a Christian, who was ready for every good work. When he was a soldier he wanted his friend who was a traitor to become king, and was willing to die for him. The old Buddhist priest told him that in order to succeed and win the throne for his friend, he must pray and sacrifice to his gods. He did everything the priest told him to do. He fasted until he almost starved. He bathed himself in ice water every morning for months. He sat for hours on a rough coarse mat keeping watch before the idols and saying prayers. He traveled on foot to many, many temples and prayed in over a thousand shrines. He sent his servants to pray in the temples in all the villages until they had offered sacrifice for him before fifteen thousand other sacred shrines.

But there was no answer from these blocks of wood and stone. Okuno was disappointed and angry, and returning to the temples, he knocked down the idols, trampled upon the sacred images and became a bad and hateful man. Then he heard about the Lord Jesus and he resolved to learn about Him. Perhaps He would help Okuno. He was not disappointed. No one who ever came to the Lord Jesus in faith, was ever turned away, for has He not said in John 6:37, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out”? No one who ever came to Jesus was ever sent empty away. Okuno found it so.

How holy and good he found Jesus to be as compared to the sinful, wicked priests that he had to do with for so long. In the presence of Jesus, Okuno realized what a great sinner he was. But grace taught him that the Lord Jesus had died upon Calvary’s cross to put all those sins away. He learned that “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. Okuno believed, and was saved.

What a change took place in his heart and life. The dear Lord Jesus became his Friend in his loneliness, and he went on happily and bravely in the strength that He gives to all those who trust Him. In those days it meant death for anyone to teach about Jesus, but Okuno was not afraid. Drawing his finger across his neck, he said with a smile, “They may cut off my head but they cannot hurt my soul.”

Dr. Hepburn, who translated the Bible into the Japanese language, tells of how had it not been for Okuno he never could have done that great work. Okuno was eyes and hands and heart for Dr. Hepburn. He lived to be a dear old man, a scholar, a saint, and a great blessing to his people.

I wonder if you know the hymn from which this verse comes. Perhaps if you looked you would find it in Okuno’s old hymn book:

“Down in the human heart,

Crushed by the tempter,

Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;

Touched by a loving hand,

Wakened by kindness, cords that were broken

Will vibrate once more.”

ML-03/15/1964

David Livingstone's Letter

DAVID LIVINGSTONE, the pioneer missionary, once wrote a letter to his son, Robert. Here is part of it:

“I am not near to advise you what to do, but whatever line of life you choose, resolve to stick to it, and serve God therein to the last. Whatever failings you are conscious of, tell them to your Heavenly Father; strive daily to master them and confess all to Him when conscious of going astray. And may the good Lord of all, impart the strength you need.”

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

ML-03/15/1964

Laurie's Memory Verse

“YOU CAN’T play with my dolls,” Betty said one day when little Laurie came to play with her. Betty was very selfish. Laurie was sad; she said, “Let’s learn our memory verse then.”

Over and over they repeated it: “Let every one of us please his neighbor.” Romans 15:2.

Betty began to feel strange inside. “That verse is talking to me,” she whispered to herself, and away she ran. Soon she was back with her doll, doll buggy and beautiful quilt.

“You may take it home and keep it until tomorrow,” she said. Laurie’s eyes opened wide with surprise.

Help me to do the things I should,

To be to others kind and good;

In all I do, in work or play,

To be more loving every day.

ML-03/15/1964

Believing and Not Believing

“He that believeth—

• is not condemned.” John 3:18

• hath everlasting life.” John 3:36

• shall never thirst.” John 5:35

• shall never die.” John 11:26

“He that believeth not—

• is condemned.” John 3:18

• shall not see life.” John 3:36

• hath made Him a liar.” 1 John 5:10

• shall be damned.” Mark 15:16

ML-03/15/1964

God's Way of Giving

“I LIKE TO give away money and I clothing,” said a lady, “but I am careful to give only to deserving people.”

No doubt this is quite right, as far as man’s thoughts go. “But how different,” said a Christian, who overheard the lady’s remark, “how different from God’s way of giving. He gives to those who do not deserve anything.”

God has given the greatest gift that ever was given. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. And great as that gift is, it seems even more amazing that God bestows it upon men and women, and boys and girls, who have sinned against God. Indeed if God limited His gift to deserving people, who would there be to receive it? There would not be one, for the Bible tells us, “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.... There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:2, 3. And, “ALL HAVE SINNED, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

But, blessed be His name, He gives to these very ones the gift that cost Him so much, for it is only through the death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that eternal life is offered. Now you may have it, no matter how undeserving you may be, if you will simply take your place as a sinner and accept God’s gift.

Perhaps you are wondering just how you can do this. Let me tell you about two young folks who recently accepted salvation. Both of them wanted to be saved and after we talked with them a little we got down on our knees. Then each in his own way spoke a simple prayer from his heart, something like this: “Lord Jesus, I’m a sinner, but I take You as my Saviour. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Amen.” God heard those prayers and saved both of the young folks. If you go to God in a similar way, He will save you, giving you His priceless gift of eternal life.

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

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

ML-03/15/1964

My Canary

ONE day the cat got hold of my canary. I heard its cry and freed him. But his little wing was broken, and though it mended itself, it never was right. But the crippled wing did not hurt his song. In fact, after he was hurt he sang sweeter than all the other birds.

This taught me a lesson. We can sing even though our hearts are sad. It was in the upper room when the Lord Jesus was sorrowful that He sang with His disciples before He went to Gethsemane and to Calvary. It was after the children of Israel had been set free from their hard taskmasters in Egypt, after they had crossed the Red Sea that they sang the song of praise to the Lord. Paul and Silas, with their backs bleeding and their feet in the stocks, sang praises at midnight in the prison at Philippi.

“He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” Psalm 40:3.

ML-03/15/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:12-17

AND THE first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover?” v. 12.

The great feast of the Jews was at hand. The Jewish people of all kinds gathered together in Jerusalem to celebrate this occasion, just as their fathers and forefathers had done before them. Their rabbis rite to them the scriptures, telling of deliverance from the bondage of Egypt and they follow the ritual of the ordinances in killing the passover lamb and eating it in accordance with the words spoken by Moses so long ago. Perhaps a few pondered over this feast and wondered at its true meaning, but for the most part it would be merely another holiday—one more observance of an old tradition. No one was aware that in the very same city, meeting with a little company of His own, was the One of whom the passover speaks.

The Lord’s disciples well knew about this feast too, but little thought that this would be a very special night for them. Nonetheless, their desire to please Him will be rewarding. First they inquire: “Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare?” Wasn’t that a lovely attitude and a suitable question? So often today we hear the expression: “Go to the place of your choice.” But the disciples would have the Lord direct them.

So the Lord sends out two of them, saying: “Go ye into the city.” The Lord has put us on this earth in circumstances where we must rub elbows, so to speak, with this world. But it is in the midst of all this that those who love His name will endeavor to find the place of His appointment. Then there is a guide: “There shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.” v. 13. The Word of God, typified by the water, is where we are to find our instruction. The man who carries the water is a type of the Holy Spirit of whom the Lord said: “He will guide you into all truth... He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16:13-15. “And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.” v. 15. The room is furnished and prepared. It is large; there is ample capacity for all. It is furnished, no doubt quite plainly, but elaborate trimmings or fixtures are not required and indeed would take the mind off the Person with whom they were going to be. It is an upper room—a picture, we may be sure, of the fact that although the Christian must be in the world, he need not be of the world. Being with our Saviour will draw us up above our surroundings and lift our affections heavenward.

“And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And in the evening He cometh with the twelve.” vv. 16, 17. The two disciples who were sent on this assignment must have had a special pleasure in telling the others just how everything had worked out as Jesus foretold, and then in directing them to that upper room. If the Lord gives you, dear Christian reader, an opportunity to show others where He would have them meet to remember Him, it will give you a rewarding pleasure, too.

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.

Memory Verse: “BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM.” Romans 5:9.

ML-03/15/1964

Bible Bees

A MISSIONARY was once addressing a group of school boys and girls in the Bahamas. “Children,” he began. “I am going to talk with you this afternoon a little about bees —Bible bees. What do bees remind you of?”

There was no answer, so he continued: “I know you do not keep bees here in the islands as we do up north, but most of you have read something about bees at school or in books. What do bees produce?

“Honey,” said a number of voices. “That’s right—honey! What else, now, do bees do, sometimes?”

“They stings, sir,” said a bright-eyed boy.

“Yes, they sting. Now what else do they do?”

No one seemed able to answer, so he asked again, “What else do bees do besides making honey and stinging boys and girls who come too close to their hives or nests? What are they noted for?”

There was quite a long silence, and then the school-teacher’s daughter answered, “Work?” in a questioning kind of tone, as if she were not quite certain.

“That’s it,” said the missionary. “Bees are noted for their industry, or hard working. You know the lines beginning:

‘How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour

By gathering honey all the day,

From every opening flower.’

“Now I am going to speak to you of three Scripture bees—a stinging bee, a honey bee, and a working bee. The stinging bee is mentioned in Numbers 32:23. Millie Jones will read the last clause of the verse for us. Read loud and distinctly so that all can hear, please.”

A delicate looking girl stood and read from her Bible,

“And be sure your sin will find you out.”

“That is the stinging bee,” said the missionary. “The thought that all men’s sins will someday be found out and brought to light stings the conscience. It should make every boy and girl here this afternoon tremble. You have all sinned and I hope this ‘bee’ will sting you hard this afternoon, if those sins are not washed away by the blood of Jesus. And when we think of all our sins it is painful especially when we think of our secret sins. Someday, children, all will be found out. You may now hide them from your teachers and from your parents, but you cannot hide them from God.”

Then after talking a little more about this “bee” the missionary went on, “We will now hear about a honeybee of Scripture. Mary, will you read the text I gave you—Acts 16:31.” Mary rose to her feet, and read her verse: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

“We call that the honeybee,” said the missionary, “because it yields such sweetness to those who have been stung by the ‘bee’ that Millie first read about. The Philippian jailer was stung by that ‘bee’ when he fell trembling before the apostles in prison, crying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And the ‘bee’ they told him of was so sweet to his soul that he ‘rejoiced,’ it is said, ‘believing in God with all his house.’ “

Mary and some others present knew both of those “bees” as they thought of their own experience, and she thought the missionary spoke very beautifully of faith in Christ as the only means of being saved. That “be saved” was a very sweet one to her soul and she was almost sorry when he called for the third and last “bee.” It was in 1 Corinthians 15:58. A Christian girl Sandra read it: “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

“This is the working ‘bee,’” said the missionary. “We are first convicted or stung by the first ‘bee.’ Then we believe on Christ as our Saviour, who died on the cross for all our sins and put them away forever, so that God can say of all who believe, ‘Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’ We have only to believe to ‘be saved.’ But after we are saved, the Lord has a work for us to do, to serve Him, our blessed Master, the little while He leaves us here on earth, before He takes us home to heaven. Those of you who know the second ‘bee,’ do not forget the last ‘bee.’ There is a little verse that goes like this—

‘I would not work, my soul to save,

For that my Lord hath done;

But I would work like any slave,

For love to God’s dear Son.’”

There are many ways in which we can work for the Lord—as in seeking to live for Him at home, at school or at play, helping our parents, visiting sick and aged folks, carrying things to the poor, distributing gospel tracts and papers, and so on.

Dear young friends, let us not forget these three texts: “Be sure your sins will find you out.” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

ML-03/22/1964

The Company We Keep

“WE WILL be known by the company we keep.” If you keep company with Jesus, people will know about it. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” To be like Jesus we must be much in His company. Praying to Him, reading His Word, and walking in communion with Him, is the way to keep company with Him.

“They took knowledge... that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.

ML-03/22/1964

Upward - At Noon

HOW ARE the hands of your clock pointing at noon? “Up,” you say. That’s right, “Upward at noon!”

I wonder, do you ever think of lifting up your heart to God in prayer at noon? Don’t you think the upward pointing hands of the clock are a good reminder? The lifting up of hands is connected with praying in the Bible. David said, “At noon will I pray.” It is written of Daniel that “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10. Let us follow David and Daniel’s example.

God is so good that He will hear

Whenever children pray;

He always bends a listening ear

To what they have to say.

“He heareth us.” 1 John 5:14.

ML-03/22/1964

God Sees You

IN A SEAPORT town in England some years ago, there was one house where might be seen a curious object. On the fireplace mantel was an oyster shell and the shell was holding a gospel tract. The man of the house kept this as a reminder of a very strange but most important day in his life.

He had lived a wicked, dissipated life, with no fear of God before his eyes, until he was taken ill. Then his thoughts turned to consider death and the hereafter, and he promised to lead a new life. But alas, when he recovered from the illness, he went right back to his old ways.

Again sickness came upon him and once more he was solemnized about his wicked ways. But again he re turned to a life of sin.

This man was a professional diver and he spent considerable time under the sea in search of lost treasure. One day while he was on such a treasure-hunt he thought to himself, “They tell me God is everywhere. But I don’t believe He can be here at the bottom of the sea.”

No sooner had this passed through his mind than his eye was drawn to an object lying at the bottom. Ding near, he found it to be a gospel tract, held firmly by an oyster. Taking the oyster in his hand, he read upon the tract the text, “Thou God seest me.” This proved to be a messenger from God to that hardened man for he was there and then convinced that, though he was far down under the sea, God did indeed see him.

As the man went about his work now, he was miserable. He knew now that God saw him in all his sins and wretchedness. He knew that it was impossible for him to hide from God. But God in His wondrous grace showed that man something more. In the Bible we learn that that same God who sees us and knows our hearts, is the God who gave His Son up to death for sinners.

The diver learned also what God says in Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” So he turned to God instead of trying to hide from Him, and he found that God Himself is the refuge of those that trust in Him.

Friend, are you aware that the eye of God is upon you? In the hustle and bustle of a large crowd or alone in the quiet of your room, it is ever true: “Thou God seest me,” Genesis 16:13.

“He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?” Psalms 94:9.

“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21.

ML-03/22/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:18-21

THE CLOSER we study the precise details of all the events which marked the Lord’s pathway, and more particularly, the time we are now reviewing when the hour of His death was drawing near, the more we stand in awe at the amazing fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Here it is brought to us again. In Psalm 41:9 we read: “Yea, Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of My bread, hath lifted up his heel against Me.” At His closing supper with His disciples, He could now say, “Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with Me shall betray Me.” v. 18.

Because we so well know the wicked heart of Judas, we might expect the disciples would also have immediately known who the Lord’s betrayer would be, but such was not the case. “They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto Him one by one, Is it I?” v. 19. Surely this could only be because in Jesus’ walk with His disciples He had never shown by word or action any less love toward Judas than toward all the others, even though He knew all about him from the beginning. But now the time has come for this prophecy to be manifest and Jesus reveals the one who would betray Him. “And He answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with Me in the dish.” v. 20. Judas is thus identified.

After he had received the sop from Jesus he immediately went out to accomplish what was in his heart. In Hebrews 8 we are told: “It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.” Such was the case with Judas. He had been in the presence and power of the mighty works of Christ, had even been a partaker of them, but had never really accepted the Person of Christ in his own heart. His greed for money led him into this wicked deed. Perhaps he thought that Jesus would escape, as He had so often done before. God had not made Judas wicked, but allowed the evil of his unrepentant heart to accomplish the scripture: “So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prized at of them.” Zechariah 11:12-13. Is it not string that when Judas repented of his act and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the high priests, they, not knowing what to do with this, the “price of blood,” bought with it the potter’s field, to bury strangers (Gentiles) in? Scripture points out that this is the very act foretold by the prophet. (See Matthew 27:3-10.)

Notice also that Judas went out into the darkness at the end of the Jewish passover feast, but before the Lord set His special remembrance feast before His own. In other words, Judas was not a partaker of the “Lord’s supper” and could not have been, because it was given specifically to true believers.

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

ML-03/22/1964

The Old Fiddle

A LONG time ago, in a beautiful city park, an aged ex-soldier might have been seen sitting on a homemade bench. Beside him a little poodle dog sat on his haunches. He held in his mouth his master’s old, tattered hat into which the more charitable folks would toss pennies as they passed by. The old veteran’s meager pension was not enough for his bodily needs, and so to supplement his scanty income the old man had obtained an old fiddle on which he played a few tunes. It was scratchy music and the best he could offer was very poor.

On this particular day scarcely anyone took notice of the old man, and so, few pennies found their way into the old hat, held firmly by his faithful friend. The old veteran was discouraged and stroking his pet he said, affectionately, “Ah, Fido, I’m afraid there’ll be no bone for you tight!” The little dog wagged his tail, and as he looked imploringly up into his master’s face tears flowed down the aged man’s cheeks. Fido began to whine, as if to say, “Oh I’m so hungry!”

Unknown to the old man a well-dressed gentleman had been standing behind the pair, watching and listening intently. Then he stepped up close and asked the old veteran if he would lend him his violin for just a few minutes. Taking the instrument he carefully tightened the strings and adjusted them. Then, after tightening the bow, he began to play.

Such rapturous chords now began to flow from the old violin—music so sweet and so rare that passers-by were arrested, and stayed to listen. The stranger played on, and as he warmed up to his playing the sweeter the melody that filled the air. Quickly a crowd began to gather. As they listened enraptured, hearts were touched as they saw the little dog faithfully holding out the open hat. Pockets and purses were opened and soon the old, battered hat was weighted down with the money that flowed in.

But the old man heeded not the money that was dropping into his hat. The musician and his fiddle, his dear old fiddle, were a miracle to him. How could that stranger draw such exquisite strains from that old violin of his? Ah! It was a master that had gotten hold of it—a master violinist, one of the greatest— and that was the secret. Kind-hearted as he was, the stranger who had appeared as it were from nowhere, when his wish was fulfilled, after lang the old, but beloved fiddle in the aged veteran’s lap, vanished as quickly as he came.

Then another gentleman, who had witnessed the whole scene, told the large audience who the violinist was. He took the old hat and passed it around to the crowd and soon it was filled to the brim with money, including many large bills. The old veteran, with his pension, had enough to last him for the rest of his days. Hugging his fiddle, and stroking his little dog, who seemed to enter into the spirit of things, he went home to his attic room, with more than one bone for his little pet.

That old violin makes one think of how the Lord Jesus, the blessed Man from heaven, takes up poor sinners in His grace, and draws from them sweetest songs of praise that dight His ear. He comes into our lives, He cleanses us from our sins—for this He died upon the cross—He adjusts the strings of our hearts, and then by His Spirit He begins to draw forth from them those melodious songs and hymns of praise that will fill heaven by-and-by. Those whom He has redeemed go on their way to heaven singing the song: “Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen!” Revelation 1:5, 6.

Dear young reader, have you learned to sing that song? You will rejoice if you learn it, but you will never be truly happy until you do. May the Lord Himself lead you to own Him as your Saviour and then you will be able to say, “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” Psalm 40:3.

Beloved, fellow-Christians, are not our hearts like that old fiddle oftentimes? How little there is for the Lord in them, when we ought to be making melody in our hearts unto Him (Eph. 5:19). Unless the Chief Singer vibrates our hearts, there will be no songs of praise for Him. Yet He is so worthy, and longs for it, even from our poor hearts. Are we able? Yes indeed. Our hearts purified by faith, indwelt by the Holy Ghost, and He, our beloved Lord, leading the singing, we are well able to praise Him, even at midnight, as we shall through endless days.

Lord, we believe Thou hast prepared

(Unworthy though we be)

For us a blood-bought free reward

And harps of minstrelsy.

Harps strung and tuned for endless years

And formed by power divine,

To sound in God the Father’s ears,

No other name but Thine.

ML-03/29/1964

The Dragon Fly

DAVID LIVINGSTONE tells of the clever dragon fly. Before this fly develops fully it is seen in the grub state, and has a way of attracting the ants. Ants become its main diet. The grub buries its head in the sand and waves its tail in the air. The curious ants come near to examine the strange sight and are seized by the grub’s grippers, which are a part of its tail.

Evil is as treacherous as the grippers of the dragon fly grub. So bare, dear children. Be curious only about the highest things. Seek to know God and His love, and the love of the Saviour. “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:19.

He will teach you what is good. He will reveal Himself to you, and keep you from evil.

“I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” Romans 16:19.

ML-03/29/1964

Willie's Prayer

THE LADY who called at the preacher’s house was in great distress. Her husband had met with an accident, and she had no money. “What can I do? No one will help me!” she wailed.

Willie, the small son of the Christian man, was playing with his train in a corner of the room. They did not know he was listening, but he looked up and said, “I will help you.”

“What can you do?” she sobbed.

“I can pray for you,” he answered.

The lady never forgot the faith of the little boy, and the lesson he taught her when she was in trouble.

The Lord attends when children pray;

A whisper He can hear.

He knows not only what they say,

But what they wish or fear.

“Ye also helping together by prayer.” 2 Corinthians 1:11.

ML-03/29/1964

Behold!

“BEHOLD, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

“BEHOLD, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.” Acts 13:41.

“BEHOLD, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.” Revelation 1:7.

ML-03/29/1964

Once Too Often

A CHRISTIAN MAN went to see another young man who was ill and dying. The sick man had often thought he should take God’s offer of salvation but had just as often rejected it. Now his Christian visitor asked what his hope was for eternity, so soon to dawn upon him.

“I’m too bad to be saved now,” he answered, “so I will just take my chance with the rest.”

Before replying, the Christian lifted up his heart in silent prayer to God, asking that he might know what to say. Then he asked, “Whom did Jesus come to save?”

“Sinners,” was the ready response. “Are you a sinner?”

“Ah! I am a sinner of the deepest dye. But,” he added, “I know all you are going to say to me about salvation. It is of no use. Christ, by the Holy Spirit, strove with me over and over again. But I rejected Him once too often. Just once too often.

“I might have been saved,” he went on, “I might have been saved. But I don’t blame God that I’m not saved. God is a loving God and He is a just God. I might have been saved, but now, but now....”

These were the last words he spoke. He lapsed into unconsciousness and after lying in that condition for several days, he passed away.

Oh, reader, take warning. Do not trifle with God’s warnings about coming judgment. Reject Christ once more and it may be once too often! Take Christ as your Saviour now and be safe for all eternity.

“They that were ready went in with him...: 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. Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:10-13.

ML-03/29/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:22-25

AFTER JUDAS had gone out, the Lord gave the disciples the feast of remembrance of Himself that is still dear to the hearts of His faithful people today. When we think of all the circumstances surrounding this event it should be especially sweet to the believer. First of all, it was the passover night and Jesus knew that He was to be the true Passover Himself: “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7. Then too He was soon to be betrayed by one of His own company; and shortly thereafter to give His life in the cruel death of Calvary. He knew also, that He would be forsaken of God on that awful cross.

These thoughts, and many others, burdened His heart as He took this time apart and provided the loving memorial, preserved in all its simplicity and value even to this day. “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” vv. 22-24.

Alas, among some of the Lord’s people today this is but lightly thought of. But when we consider that three of the gospel writers give separate accounts of it, and that later, after the Lord’s resurrection, the Apostle Paul was expressly given instructions concerning it, then we do well to consider its importance, both to God and to the Lord Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 11:26 the word is: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” Happy occupation for the believer!

This memorial is expressly for Christian believers and not for Israel. One thing assuring us of this is the expression, “Till He come.” This is the Christian’s hope, speaking of His coming for His heavenly people, and does not apply to Israel here. Then, another reassuring truth is that it is associated with the first day of the week, rather than the Sabbath. The “Lord’s day” was the day of His resurrection and speaks of a new life for the believer. The Lord Himself confirmed this change from the Sabbath to the first day, for we read in John 20:19: “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week ... where the disciples were assembled... came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” Again, in Acts 20:7 we are told that “upon the first day of the week,... the disciples came together to break bread...” It is well for us to grasp the value of the first day in the sight of God. The Lord left the first day of the week clearly defined with His apostles and God has been pleased to establish it for us in His written Word many times.

Those things that marked the early believers should now characterize us, if we are truly children of God: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42. May we who love His name and wish to please Him, not neglect to remember Him in just the way He has marked out for His own.

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

ML-03/29/1964

Little Nell

“YOU will remember my dolly, Daddy, won’t you?” called out little Nell.

“Indeed I will, little one,” replied the cattle drover.

“A big one,” repeated the child.

Mr. Hunt smiled, waved his hand, and disappeared around a bend in the road.

Nell was very excited. She had never dressed a real doll of her own, only rag dollies which her mother had made for her. She had asked her father every day when he was going to market, and she hardly slept the night previous to this eventful day.

After selling his cattle, Mr. Hunt made some purchases, and finally bought a beautiful doll with wax face and yellow curls, and eyes which would open and shut. He thought of his little girl’s delight, and smiled to himself.

By this time it was getting late, and it might have been better to stay in town over night and return the next day. But the thought of his little Nell’s anxiety to possess the doll made him determined to go home that night. Away from the city lights, on the way home, it was so dark that he could scarcely see the road. Then it began to rain and the wind blew the rain in Mr. Hunt’s face. It blew up into a terrible storm. Progress was slow, but he trudged on. Then suddenly, he stopped.

“I could have been sure there was a cry,” said he to himself.

He went on a little farther. Then he heard the cry again, and it sounded so weird in that lonely spot.

“Who is it? Who is there?” shouted Mr. Hunt.

The voice seemed like the voice of a child, but Mr. Hunt was doubtful. He had quite a sum of money with him, for many would know of his trip to the market, and it might be a trap to waylay and rob him.

For a moment he hesitated. At first, he was inclined to press on homeward as quickly as possible, but how could a child be out on such a night? However, he heard the cry again, and said aloud, “If any man’s child is out here, Anthony Hunt is not the man to leave it here to die.” He left the road and made his way across the open field.

At last, in a hollow, under some bushes he found a little dripping thing that sobbed, and he took it in his arms. Wrapping his cloak about her, he started home again.

“Don’t cry, little one,” said he; “I’ll take you safe home to your mommie.”

Soon the child cried herself to sleep.

The lights of his cottage beamed a welcome to him through the wet night, and how glad he was to see them. “My wife has it all lit up for me,” said he. “It’s to cheer me after such a bad trip.”

As soon as the cottage door was opened he saw that something was wrong. The room seemed filled with neighbors, and Mrs. Hunt stood among them, crying.

“Oh, don’t tell him,” she cried. “It will kill him.”

“What is it?” he asked, turning pale.

“What is that under your cloak?” inquired one, before the rest could speak.

“A poor lost child I found out in the field.”

The light fell on the sleeping child. It was little Nell.

She had wandered out to meet her Daddy and her dolly.

“Oh, if I had gone on and paid no attention to that cry for help, how should I feel now?” said Mr. Hunt to his wife afterward.

“Thank God you didn’t,” she replied, as she hugged her precious little girl to her heart, and the tears rolled down her face.

Is God less pitiful than man? Nay, a thousand times more so. He listens to the cries of lost sinners, and He sent His blessed Son down to this world to save. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

But none of the ransomed ever knew,

How deep were the waters crossed,

Or how dark was the night that the Lord passed through,

Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

He gave His life to save sinners, and to bring them home to the Father’s house.

Dear young reader, have you cried to the Lord Jesus to save you from perishing in your sins? If not, do it now, while the door of heaven is still open, and while the Saviour still waits to save.

ML-04/05/1964

Jesus Near

LITTLE Jimmie was lying in bed quite ill. His father and mother sat beside him, closely watching him and anxious to do anything they could that would soothe the little sufferer. But he still seemed restless and unsatisfied.

Presently Jimmie opened his blue eyes, and looking toward his father he exclaimed with a great longing in his voice, “Oh how I wish Jesus was here!”

“Jesus is here, Jimmie,” replied his father.

“Are you quite sure, Daddy, that He is in this very room?”

“Yes, my darling boy, He is always here, although we cannot see Him.”

“Then I want Him to come quite close to me.”

“Yes, Jimmie, Jesus is quite close to you.”

This was enough; Jimmie was satisfied that if Jesus were near all must be well, and laying his little head peacefully on the pillow, he soon went off to sleep.

Young though he was, Jimmie had learned that Jesus died and rose again and that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He had learned too His love and power, and that those He saves He keeps.

Jesus loves me, loves me still,

When I’m very weak and ill;

From His shining place on high,

Comes to watch me where I lie.

ML-04/05/1964

"Resist the Devil"

“Do you have trouble with your old master?” I asked. The bright young Christian answered,

“Ah, yes, and when I fail to have a text from the Word to meet him with, he makes me unhappy. Then I confess my failure to God, and He me restores me to communion with Himself. Then Satan goes away.”

Happy young believer! He knew the way to restoration as well as the way of salvation. True joy and true happiness can also be yours in that same way. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

ML-04/05/1964

The First Day of the Week

GRANDPA was sick in bed. Mother and Daddy were away. Sister Helen had other things to do. So the three little children went out to play. “Never mind if it is Sunday, let’s go sliding,” said Jack. “There’s no one here to tell us what we can’t do. We’ll just do as we please.”

But for some reason they didn’t have fun. Bobby fell and Sue wanted to fight. “We don’t like this kind of a Sunday. We want Mother,” they cried some time later. Just then Mother appeared in the doorway. “If Helen had taken care of you as she you might have should have done, ye had a happy day,” she said.

Memory Verse: “THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING.” Proverbs 9:10.

ML-04/05/1964

Bible Questions for April

The Children’s Class

1. “The power of God unto salvation.”

2. “Come short of the glory of God.”

3. “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven.”

4. “God commendeth His love toward us.”

5. “Ye have obeyed from the heart.”

6. “Dwelleth no good thing.”

7. “Delivered Him up for us all.”

The Young People’s Class: In the Midst

1. How did Pharaoh learn that the Lord is IN THE MIDST of the earth caring for His people? Ex. 8.

2. At the scene of the crucifixion, whose cross was IN THE MIDST? John.

3. After His resurrection, what did Jesus say to His disciples as He stood IN THE MIDST? John.

4. On what basis should we be gathered together for worship if we would have the Lord IN THE MIDST? Matt. 17, 18, or 19.

5. What should characterize a Christian’s behavior IN THE MIDST of a crooked and perverse world? Phil.

6. What promise is given to those who keep the wisdom of God’s Word IN THE MIDST of their hearts? Prov. 4.

7. What is IN THE MIDST of the paradise of God which “the overcomer” will partake of in the coming day? Rev. 2.

ML-04/05/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:26-34

THERE IS one further admonition that we will consider, concerning the remembrance of the Lord in His death. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28. Eating of this memorial in an unworthy manner (with unjudged sins marring the testimony, with worldly associations that are not suited to a place of such nearness to Him, or in the event an unsaved person were to be a partaker) will bring judgment upon the offender for so lightly esteeming what is most holy before God. Under whatever name it may be called, “Taking communion,” “The Lord’s supper,” “The Lord’s table,” or simply “the remembrance of the Lord,” let the believer do it with clear conscience as to his walk, with a real desire to remember the One who gave His life for him, and with a response of joy and worship that will be to the Lord’s praise.

“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” The Lord here quotes from the prophet Zechariah. We know that His disciples all were stumbled and fled the night of His betrayal, before the blow fell upon the blessed Lord in those dark hours upon the cross. Yet after all was past He took in resurrection again that place of lowly service with His disciples. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost all believers were bound together in one body, the Church, and He abides in every member of that body forever.

Peter, however, is disturbed by the Lord’s words. Others might be offended, but not he. “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” v. 29. Although acting in the utmost sincerity and with the very best intentions in his love to the Lord, yet he did not know how untrustworthy his affections would prove. The Lord in faithfulness tells him: “Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”

Still Peter insists. “He spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.”

The Lord does not pursue the matter further, but He well knew Peter would soon, experience deep bitterness in learning how unreliable his feelings and heart were. He knew too that all who joined with Peter in this boasting, would also fail.

In John’s Gospel we read the many words of encouragement and comfort that Jesus gave His disciples at this time, but Mark, occupied with thoughts of His blessed Person as the Servant, takes us immediately to the garden of Gethsemane. This was a place familiar to the disciples, for Jesus often went there with them. In the closing hours of the night He takes Peter, James and John with Him, apart from the rest (whom He exhorts to sit and wait for His return). The three are privileged to go farther along with Him until in the solitude of the night He, being “sore amazed, and... very heavy... saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” vv. 33, 34. How well this fills out the words of Jeremiah the prophet: “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith [Jehovah] hath afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger.” Lamentations 1:12.

ML-04/05/1964

Saved on a Safari

A COUPLE visiting in a home noticed that a printed text from the Bible was hanging in several rooms. The text was this: “Whither shall I go from Thy Spit? 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, and Thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10.

The couple saw the same text in several places of the house and they asked their host why this was.

“There is a long story about those verses,” he said. “It starts before I was born. My parents were Christians and before my birth they prayed that I might live pleasing to God. But as I grew up I hated anything to do with religion.

“My feelings were so strong that I deliberately tried to break my pants’ hearts. I vowed that I would someday travel so far from home that I would never hear of religion again. When I was nineteen years old I carried out my threat.

“As I left it was with some remarks that must surely have deeply wound my father and mother. I did not even bid them farewell.

“I joined the crew of a cargo ship bound for India. Away from the restraints of my parents, my life became blacker. I never heard the name of Jesus except when someone cursed.

“From India we sailed to South Africa. In port there I met two men who were planning a hunting trip into the jungles of Rhodesia, looking for elephant tusks. Hearing their conversation and plans fired me with a desire to go along with them. Despite my lack of experience they accepted me for the safari, or hunting trip.

“At first all went well, but after several months in the jungle the original number had been greatly reduced. Disease had afflicted some of the men, lions killed others and seral had deserted. Finally, the two men who led the expedition both died and with that the remaining porters left. I alone was left, and in a strange land, friendless, really helpless. Now longing for the comfort my parents had in God.

“Not knowing what to do, I wandered toward the south, to make my way back to the port where I had first landed. Suddenly I was surrounded by ten African natives, armed with spears. I had a gun but it was useless for me to fight, and one of the natives quickly disarmed me.

“Their language was strange to me but I understood what they seemed to be saying. I had heard that this was a fierce tribe and that they practiced cannibalism. When they took me to their village and put me in a straw hut I was sure they would keep me until a day when the whole tribe would gather for a feast. Then they would eat me!

“For two days I saw no one. Alone as I was, I thought to pray to God but stubbornly refused. I realized that I had bungled my life and now I would not ask God to straighten it out.

“Then some of the natives came to get me and as I walked by the huts I felt all were watching me and thinking of the feast they would soon enjoy.

“I was taken to the chief’s hut, there to be examined by him. For many minutes I stood in silence. At last, to my amazement, the chief spoke words that I well understood, “‘Do you know Jesus?’

“Never in all my life had I heard words so sweet as these, words which all but overwhelmed me. Indeed I did know about Jesus. Though I had thought to get away from God, there in the African jungle He had found me. My heart was so touched that I knelt down right there and cried to God for forgiveness. And He did forgive me and save me.

“Now you can see why I have that text on my walls. I tried to get away from God but in His great love for me, He never let me go.

“You probably wonder about that African tribe. David Livingstone had spent a whole year with them and told them the story of salvation from sin by simply trusting in Jesus. They were cannibals no longer. Now they were gospel preachers!

“I stayed with them for six months, working with them and trying to improve their living conditions. Now, too, I recalled much that my parents had taught me about the Bible and I was able to help the natives in that way.

“then I could wait no longer to return to my parents. In all the time I was away from them I had never written one letter. What joy there was when they met me at the door and I told them that I was saved.”

What marvelous grace God showed to that man, never ceasing to love him, and following him wherever he went. And that same grace waits for you to bow your heart before Him, waits to hear you say that you need a Saviour. Won’t you come to Jesus now?

“Ye must be born again.” John 3:7.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15.

But, dear reader, we may not all get the opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour, after rejecting Him for so long as this man did. “Flee from the wrath to come.” “Behold, now is the accepted time; bold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Memory Verse: “ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT GATE: FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION.” Matthew 7:13.

ML-04/12/1964

She Wanted to Be Ready

ONE MORNING while I was visiting in Mary’s home, I found this golden-haired little girl busily working in her bedroom. She was putting everything in order for the day. I said to her, “Oh, Mary, how nice and neat your room looks with everything put in order!”

“Yes,” she said, “I am putting it in order because Jesus might come today.”

Jesus is coming again,

He’s coming again for me,

Jesus is coming again,

I’ll turn to John’s Gospel and see—

The chapter is fourteen, verses two and three,

He’s coming again,

The words are so plain,

And that for me.

“They that were ready went in with Him...: and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10.

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40.

“Behold, I come quickly.” Revelation 22:7.

ML-04/12/1964

Bad Thoughts

A YOUNG Christian once said to a well-known servant of the Lord, “I am bothered with bad thoughts.”

“My boy,” returned the man of God, “if birds fly around your head you can’t help it; but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair.”

If you had a grapevine, tender and green,

Growing taller and taller each day,

And a little fox tried to spoil your vine,

You’d drive that fox away!

If you had a heart all cleansed from sin,

And you grew more like Jesus each day,

And bad thoughts tried to spoil that life,

Seek to drive those thoughts away!

But how? perhaps one might ask. Seek to be occupied with Christ, who overcame all the power of evil at the cross, who rose again, and who lives for you in the glory. Look up to Him, with the sense of your own weakness and utter helplessness filling your heart. And in the attitude of dependence of soul, go on with your eye resting on Him, who gives strength when there is faith and a felt sense of weakness.

ML-04/12/1964

True Happiness

“Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20.

“Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 144:15.

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help.” Psalm 146:5.

“If ye be reproached for the name of CHRIST, happy are ye.” 1 Peter 4:14.

Are you happy? “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.

ML-04/12/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:35-42

“AND HE went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt. And He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?” vv. 35-37. This He prayed three times.

We must confess that we enter into this scene with little depth of understanding. The record is given, hover, so that we might know of this time when the Lord, both as dependent Man, And as God’s own Son, suffered those depths of agony in contemplation of all the cross of Calvary would mean to Him. He presents bore His Father the petition that if it were possible, the cup might be taken away from Him. Yet, in full obedience, and in the loving dictates of His own heart, being fully aware of the need of lost sinners, He knew that this must be endured. Again He expresses His oneness of accord with all God’s demands. It could not, of course, be otherwise, for the Son of man was also Son of God and thus “could not deny Himself.”

We see that the death of Jesus was much more than a martyr’s death and can understand just a little of why He suffered such agony in anticipation of it. True indeed He was to know the physical suffering of a cruel crucifixion and to keenly feel the mocking, the taunts, the spitting and all the shame that Satan would put in the hearts of His tormentors. Yet His deepest sorrow was not in thinking of the physical suffering. The Lord Jesus, God’s own Son, Himself without sin or guile in all His divine perfection and holiness, was about to become the Sin-bearer, and take upon Himself that load of sins of all who trust Him by faith as Saviour. He, whose holiness abhorred the smallest trespass, was soon to accept God’s terrible strokes of judgment against Himself for the sins of others. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24. And what was of deepest pain to Him was knowing that God must turn His face from Him while He became a curse for us.

This sorrow must have included as well the thought of His rejection by His people Israel, and the sad results of this rejection on that nation. Furthermore, how it must have wounded His tender heart to think of how His disciples would desert Him in the hour of His greatest need! Who would venture to tell all that bore so heavily on the heart of the blessed Saviour in thinking of what He was about to endure? We must confess we are much like the three disciples, so privileged yet fast asleep—thinking so much of ourselves that we little enter into His thoughts. Although redemption could not be accomplished until he had given His life on the cross, yet it was in the anticipation of what that cross would mean to Him, His being made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21), that He suffered so great agony in the garden. Yet for the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2), He went on, “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The Lord returned to His disciples the third time and found them sleeping for sorrow. They loved Him deeply, but did not understand His agony and were concerned for the most part with their own weariness and confusion. Friend, have you realized that the sufferings of Christ were for you, and have you accepted Him and His atoning work for yourself personally?

ML-04/12/1964

April 19, 1964

Serving Others

CHRIST pleased not Himself. He was always serving others, and He likes to see young folks doing the same. Every day there is some opportunity of doing some little things as unto the Lord. Kindness can be shown especially to the underprivileged and handicapped.

A boy, about fourteen years old, large and strong for his age, always was the last one to come into the classroom. He was so quick in other things, that his teacher wondered about this. One day she discovered that he lingered behind to help a lame boy into his classroom before the tardy bell rang.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2.

ML-04/19/1964

Watched

“THAT is one little girl I love to watch,” said Grandma. “I wonder what makes her look so bright?”

“Why, I know that girl. That’s Susie Moore, and she doesn’t have a very easy time of it either.”

“Susie, Susie,” called Linda. “Come up here a minute. Grandma wants to know what makes you look so bright all the time?”

“Why, I have to,” said Susie. “You see, Daddy has been sick a long time, and Mommy is tired out with nursing, so I have to bring in the sunshine. Shall I sing my little song for you?”

God make my life a little light

Within the world to glow;

A little flame that burneth bright

Wherever I may go.

“God... hath shined in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 4:6.

ML-04/19/1964

On Time - A Virtue

SALLY had won a prize, and she was told that if she went to a certain place at a certain time she would receive it. Do you think she was on time? Of course, she was early. And she received a beautiful doll.

It is proper to be punctual, and most children would be in time for a prize, even though it cannot last forever. But, how many of you are tang care to be on time for what God is offering—not something you have won, but something He is giving free, something that lasts forever! Don’t miss it!

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

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

ML-04/19/1964

"Follow Thou Me"

A MISSIONARY in India tells of being awakened at three o’clock in the morning to begin a journey which led through the jungle and past an ancient, buried city. It was very dark and no path could be seen. His native guide said to him, “Keep close to me!” So on they went through the darkness, the missionary following close on the heels of his leader.

Finally, he said in his anxiety, “Where is the way?”

“I am the way,” came the reply. “There is no way to be seen, but if you follow step by step with me the end of the journey will be all right.”

“Follow thou Me.” John 21:22.

ML-04/19/1964

Faith

Faith is a very simple thing,

Though little understood;

It frees the soul from death’s dread sting,

By resting on the blood.

It looks not at the things around,

Nor on the things within;

It takes its fight to scenes above,

Beyond the sphere of sin.

Faith is not what we see or feel;

It is a simple trust.

In what the God of love has said

Of Jesus as the Just.

“All men have not faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2.

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

Memory Verse: “STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.” Matthew 7:14.

ML-04/19/1964

Bible Talks

MARK 14:43-52

JUDAS, into whose heart Satan had entered when he left the supper table, had made his contact with the chief priests, scribes and elders. Even as the Lord was in the garden with His disciples, praying, a motley throng, with Judas in the lead, was gathering, intent on taking Jesus that they might put Him to death.

“And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him and lead Him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed Him. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him.” vv. 43-46.

The betrayer’s kiss identifies Him whose life they seek. Thus assured, they lay irreverent hands on Him and secure Him. Peter, ready enough to fight though not to pray, and acting in his unguarded fleshly way, takes a sword and strikes off an ear of the high priest’s servant. It was an act that showed a spirit far roved from the calmness of the Lord, who suffers and bows to all shame. The time was not yet for the Lord to display His power and He permits the crowd’s advances without defending Himself. It was the hour when the wicked one was allowed to have power and not a time for taking the sword. Peter, not waiting for the Lord to show him the way, is again found in impulsive error and the Lord rebukes him accordingly.

We learn from another gospel that Jesus healed the ear of the wounded man, but we do not read that this act of grace had any effect on those who were committed to taking and killing the Lord.

Jesus reminds the crowd that had come to take Him that He had been daily with them in the temple, teaching. They had not laid hands on Him then, though they wished to do so, because His hour had not yet come. But now the time is come for the scriptures to be fulfilled, and the Lord submits.

“And they all forsook Him, and fled. And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.” vv. 50-52.

Perhaps the Scriptures record this unusual incident to emphasize how the Lord was entirely forsaken by all at this time. The disciples had walked a long time with the Lord but this did not hold them, and they prove their own powerlessness in the face of death. Now another follower, a young man in all the energy of youth, presents the other extreme. Fearful of death, he too turns and flees away naked. If one assays to follow the Lord in his own strength, it will only be to his shame. But now Christ has died and has taken away the sting of death. This is the only reason why believers now can face death without fear; they can even welcome and rejoice in it.

What lessons are here for all of us —young and old! Truly we can say, “In me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18. It is only when our confidence is entirely away from self, and relying on the power and grace of God, that we can say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

ML-04/19/1964

Shaggy Barry

IN SWITZERLAND stands a monument to the memory of Shaggy Barry, the great St. Bernard dog. In his ten years of heroic service Shaggy Barry saved forty lives from freezing to death in the deep Alpine snows.

One young boy whom Barry found was already in that fatal slumber that precedes death by freezing. After warming the boy with his breath, Shaggy Barry licked the boy’s hands and face until consciousness returned. Then in some way he made the lad understand that he was to climb on his back. The little boy obeyed and was carried to safety.

Many boys and girls are unconscious of their danger as sinners. They are lost, but they do not realize it. They are lulled to sleep by the enemy of their souls, Satan, the prince and the god of this world. We hope that many will yet awaken to their danger and flee to the Lord Jesus for refuge before it is too late.

Shaggy Barry came right to where the boy was sleeping, and saved him. Love brought the Lord Jesus down to where we were, and He is present to save boys and girls right now just where they are.

“The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach.”

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:8,9.

ML-04/26/1964

A Farm Boy

A COMMERCIAL traveler was walking down the road out of town a ways when he was joined by another man going in the same direction. The businessman was a Christian, and as they chatted together he was pained to find that the conversation of the stranger was so light and worthless, and almost profane at times. He wished for an opportunity to slip away from his unprofitable companion.

However, before such an opportunity came, they came to a Y in the road. Not knowing which way to take, they decided to ask a farmer boy who was sitting down near the spot with a book in his hand.

The stranger proceeded to use his profane wit on the simple farm boy and called out to him, “Hello, my boy! What book are you reading?”

“The Bible, sir,” was the reply.

“The Bible! So you read that in hopes to find out the way to heaven?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well; that road I neither know nor care anything about,” he went on. “But tell me, if you can, the road to Salisbury; and I will leave you to dream about the other at your leisure.”

“That, sir,” said the farm boy, pointing in the direction, “is the road to Salisbury. And the road to heaven, blessed be God, is so plain that ‘wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein’.” Isaiah 35:8.

“Well said, farmer boy,” thought the Christian traveler, and he raised his heart in gratitude to the “Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to babes.” Matthew 11-25.

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2.

ML-04/26/1964

Bosom Friends

ADA and Isabelle, when small girls, were “bosom friends.” They never had the least little quarrel; and yet, for all that, neither of them loved the Saviour—they lived their little lives without Him.

A Sunday school teacher thought that he might succeed in getting them to come to his Bible class. Both little girls came and soon became very much attached to their teacher, who always brought in a little word for those who had not yet come to Christ.

One evening as he walked home with some of his class, he turned to Isabelle and said, “Can you say that you are now on the narrow path?”

“Oh yes, indeed I can,” was the quick reply.

“Is it because you are a good girl?” he asked, wishing to be sure that she was not resting on any false hope.

“No, no,” she replied, almost crying at the thought. “If you only knew how miserable I have been on account of my sins!”

“Then you have found out that you are a sinner?”

“Yes,” the child answered.

“Tell me how it came about.”

“Well,” said Isabelle, “for a whole week I had been so unhappy and I kept saying to myself, ‘I wish I could say I am saved.’ But I was so afraid it would be telling a lie; and then while you were speaking to us, the Lord seemed to say to me, ‘Isabelle, you are wishing for salvation which I am offering you, and all you have to do is simply take it.’ At once I saw it all clearly and I did take it.

I do thank the Lord Jesus—and I’m so happy now!” Teacher and pupil both rejoiced together.

But you will wonder what became of Ada. That same evening while Isabelle was thinking about her little friend, a quiet voice seemed to say: “Pray for her; prayer will be answered. It was answered for you.”

Even while Isabelle was on her knees, Ada was tossing restlessly on her bed. Thoughts had come into her mind which had never been there bore. Her friend was on her way to heaven, but where was she going? The little girl wished it was morning, so that she might run and tell Isabelle that she wanted to go with her to God’s beautiful home. Her thoughts ran on, until at last she fell asleep and dreamed that Isabelle had gone to heaven and that she herself was left outside the gate!

Ada got up early and as soon as she could she ran to see her friend. Isabelle saw her coming and ran to meet her. She asked whether anything was wrong and what it was that brought her out so early.

“I cannot bear the thought of you going to heaven without me, Isabelle,” said Ada.

“So you are willing to come too, darling Ada?”

“Yes, but how can I come?”

Then Isabelle pointed her friend to the Lord Jesus, telling her He had died for Ada just as He had for her.

After a while the light from above dawned upon her soul and she found rest in the Saviour’s love. Now these two friends are both bound for heaven.

When Jesus has found you, tell others the story,

That your dear Saviour may be their Saviour too;

Then pray that your Saviour may bring them to glory,

And prayer will be answered, t’was answered for you.

ML-04/26/1964

A Contrite Heart

IT WAS a cold, dreary Sunday in March years ago. A Christian mother was earnestly speaking to her boy of God’s love, and of the necessity of his coming to a decision to receive Jesus as his Saviour so that he might have Him as his Friend through life. But her son, like many others, reasoned that the things of Christ were all very good for old people, but that young people must enjoy their youth. So to get away from his mother’s further pleading, he got up and left the room.

That dear mother had never again to speak to her boy of her Saviour, but God spoke to him with a loud voice. Just three days after, on going into her bedroom, this boy found his mother lying dead. She had been suddenly called to that Home above. Oh, then he resolved to lead a good life! But it was uphill work. For a few days he would be getting on so well, and then some temptation would come, and down he would fall again.

This state of things went on for nearly a year and he was just about to give up in despair, when one day he heard a gospel preacher speak on the words “I am the Way.” After explaining how Jesus was the only Way to the Father, he turned tard the boy, and as if especially speaking to him, said, “Young man, have you been trying to get to heaven by your own way? Oh, give it up, and take God’s way—simply trust in the merits and death of Jesus.”

Sitting there, at that moment, the boy gave himself at once to Jesus who had died to redeem him, and he was happily saved. Today, after eight years, he wishes to tell you dear boys and girls that it is the best thing he ever did in his life, and to beg you not to wait but to come and share his joy in the same precious Saviour.

ML-04/26/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:53-64

“AND THEY led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.”

The darkness of the night was not as great as the darkness of the hearts of those to whom Jesus now submits Himself. Strange hour indeed for Annas the high priest, together with the others to be assembled! How aptly had the Lord previously expressed: “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

Two days earlier these same men had met to organize this evil conspiracy and now they forsake the comfort of their beds and homes, since Judas had, through his betrayal of Jesus, brought them the opportunity they so eagerly sought. The natural wretched heart of man—careless enough about the morals and behavior of all around it—can readily enough assert itself even at this cold hour of the night, when there is occasion to indulge its hatred against the one whose holiness had disclosed their own evil ways.

Jesus is first taken to Annas (the elderly high priest)—who binds Him and sends Him to Caiaphas, his son-in-law and also a high priest. The council, even at this unusual hour, has already arranged for false witnesses to bring their testimony into the record (for the law required that at least two must agree before judgment could be pronounced). But with all their scheming, the witnesses do not agree. Caiaphas, frustrated by the failure of this mock trial, turns to Jesus Himself and receives from His lips the testimony used to condemn the One before him. “The high priest asked Him,... Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned Him to be guilty of death.” vv. 61-64.

Jesus would, of course, speak only truth. But these enemies are not willing to accept it as such and on the basis of this confession, pass judgment on Him. The One who in love and compassion had come to the Jews as their Messiah and whose very deeds and miracles had displayed the authority of His Person, is completely rejected in this dark hour. From all the religious crowd not one voice was raised in His behalf!

But they will in a future day recall both His words and their own when they see Him coming in the clouds of heaven just as He had spoken here. It will not then be in grace, but in power and judgment. As it is written: “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Revelation 1:7.

ML-04/26/1964

Every

“EVERY eye shall see Him.” Revelation 1:7.

“EVERY knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10.

“EVERY tongue should confess.” Philippians 2:11

Memory Verse: “CHRIST ALSO HATH ONCE SUFFERED FOR SINS, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, THAT HE MIGHT BRING US TO GOD.” 1 Peter 3:18.

ML-04/26/1964

65 Years Ago

ON SUNDAY, May 7, 1899 the first issue of Messages of Love was distributed to children in Sunday school in St. Louis, Missouri, and other places on this continent. In that first issue Mr. Armet wrote: “Our Dear Little Friends: If the Lord permit, we hope to have a paper like this one for you every week, telling you of God’s love to this world of sinners; so you see the title is ‘Messages of Love.’ What could be more wonderful to tell you about, than the love of God?”

Those who first published Messages of Love have gone to be with the Lord, but for 65 years the little paper has continued to carry the same sweet gospel message.

That first issue also carried John 3:16 in large bold print, and Mr. Armet also wrote: “Repeat the verse in large letters on this page every day this week and recite it next Lord’s day.” Many children today, as then, still learn the weekly memory verse and recite it in Sunday school.

The Bible Questions, prepared by Mr. E. B. Hartt, began in the November 5 issue that same year, and rewards were given to all who answered. Many of those early Answers have gone to be with the Lord they learned to know and love on earth, but we know of one aged sister who has answered the Questions faithfully for nearly 50 years, and several for over 40 years. Who can tell what blessing there has been over these many years from reading the Holy Scriptures. “More to be desired are they than gold,... and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:10, 11.

The monthly Bible Questions continue to this day. At Smiths Falls, Ontario, in the large Sunday school there, the teachers encourage the children and young people to answer the Bible Questions by inscribing the answerers’ names on a large chart set on an easel. The answers are dropped into the “post office box” in front of the chart. Stars are applied opposite names as the answers are dropped into the box. We think this is a fine effort.

With this issue we begin a new term. We hope those who answered last year will continue with us. And if any of our young readers, and older ones too, are not answering the Questions, why not begin now with the new term? Rewards are given at the end of the term, but best of all you will reap the blessing from reading the precious Word of God both now and in eternity.

It is written of Timothy that from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15), and of Apollos that he was “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). To learn the Scriures when you’re young will bring you the knowledge of God, of His Son Jesus, and the heavenly hope. It will help you to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15.

ML-05/03/1964

Little Mary

MARY’S father had died when she was just a little girl, and now her mother was dying too. What would become of little Mary? Grandfather did not love the Lord and Mother did not like to send her to him. Before she died, Mother asked her little girl to promise to read a chapter from the Bible every day. Mary gladly promised to do so. And when her mother died, Mary went to live with her unsaved Grandpa.

One day Grandpa saw Mary reading her Bible. “Why do you read that Book?” he asked.

“To learn about God,” she answered.

“There is no God,” he thundered.

Mary didn’t know what to say. She thought for a moment, then she cried, “Grandpa, you mustn’t be foolish! See what the Bible says.” Quickly she turned to the verse she had just been reading and read, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”

Grandpa tried to forget those words, but in vain. “You are a fool” kept ringing in his ears. Finally he became so unhappy that he broke down and called upon, God to save him. We do not know just exactly what his words were, but we believe they were somewhat like the prayer of the publican: “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

God was merciful to the old man and forgave him all his sins, because Jesus, His beloved Son, died for all. And God, Himself has declared, “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Little Mary and her Grandpa spent many happy hours together after that, reading the precious Word of God.

ML-05/03/1964

The Danger of Neglect

TWO years ago, a small Norwegian steamer anchored in the harbor in Jersey. Passing by in the late evening, I went aboard to speak to the men about my Saviour, but I found that everyone had gone ashore. That night, a fire broke out and the cry of “Fire! Fire!” rang through the ship. The Captain, whose cabin was near to where the fire broke out, seemed slow in heeding the warning. After a while, he looked out of his cabin and was surprised to find the fire had taken such hold of the ship. He dashed back for a few minutes to get his ship’s papers, and with difficulty hurried up the gangway, which had now become a flaming furnace. He was badly burned, and was taken at once to the hospital. I called to see him the next morning, but I was told that, “The captain died in great agony during the night.” Those few moments delay cost him his life. His chief engineer, who was also badly burned and in the hospital, told me this story, and said that he himself only escaped death by fleeing at once for salvation.

Dear reader, if you have any reward for your soul’s eternal welfare, let me entreat you at once to flee to Christ. “He came to seek and to save that which was lost.” “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3.

ML-05/03/1964

Bible Questions for May

The Children’s Class

1. “Whosoever believeth on Him.”

2. “God hath raised Him from the dead.”

3. “Be not conformed to this world.”

4. “For now is our salvation nearer.”

5. “Every knee shall bow.”

6. “Joy and peace in believing.”

7. “Made known to all nations.”

The Young People’s Class: Together

1. How does all creation react TOGETHER as a result of sin coming into the world? Rom. 8.

2. How has God’s great love brought TOGETHER those who were dead in sins? Eph.

3. How should the hearts of believers be knit TOGETHER in the enjoyment of the riches of the Christian’s opposition? Col.

4. What exhortation do we have concerning the assembling of ourselves TOGETHER? Heb. 10.

5. How should we labor TOGETHER for the furtherance of the gospel? Phil.

6. How will the dead in Christ and the ling (those who wait for the Lord) be united TOGETHER to meet the Lord? I Mess. 4.

7. What admonition do we have concerning fellowship TOGETHER with unbelievers? 2 Cor. 6.

ML-05/03/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:65, 66

IN OUR last reading we saw the Lord standing before the Jewish leaders, condemned to death, because He owned Himself to be the Son of God. What a changed scene it will be in that coming day when the One they judged unrighteously shall come forth as foretold in Acts 17:31, “He [God] hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.” The men, so bold and ruthless in the trial of Jesus, will quake and tremble in the day of their own trial.

Reader, are you prepared for the coming judgment? True, you were not present in the high priest’s palace that cold night so long ago; your voice was not raised with the others in that cry, “He is worthy of death.” Yet a time of judgment just as surely awaits everyone who rejects Christ as Saviour. Listen to these solemn words of a coming trial which none who appear with their sins on them will escape: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:12-15. The name of everyone who owns Jesus as Lord and trusts in His work on Calvary as answering for his sins before God, is written in that book of life. Is your name there—your safeguard against that impending judgment?

When the united voice of all present is raised, condemning Jesus, the passions and hatred of people of every degree express themselves. “Some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to buffet Him....and the servants did strike Him with the palms of their hands.” v. 65. Oh, most blessed Saviour, we marvel at Thy grace and compassion in such an hour as this! At Thy command a just reward of their evil deeds against Thy holy Person could have immediately smitten them, but Thou wast oppressed and afflicted. Thou wast brought as a sheep before her shears, yet opened not Thy mouth (Isa. 53:7). We look in wonder at this marvelous display of patient grace.

But where were the disciples, who had assured Him of their devotedness? And particularly, where was Peter, who had so strongly insisted: “If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise?” We can only assume that all of them, dismayed by the sudden turn of events and at the moment fearful of their own safety, fell far short of their expected boldness and dared not come to stand at His side. We read expressly of Peter that he “followed Him afar off, even unto the palace of the high priest; and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.” v. 54. Ah, Peter! Can you mile with those who have showed their hatred toward the One you love? Can you warm yourself by their fire and never have a voice for your blessed Master? Alas, it is to be far worse than this, before the morning light breaks. The world is yet asleep, but soon it will be astir and the very nearness of the dawn will bring to this disciple a humbling awareness of how low he can fall.

Memory Verse: “WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.” Revelation 22:17.

ML-05/03/1964

Lost in the Snow

THE SKY was dark and threatening when a man set out on a journey across the Alps Mountains years ago. Not long after he had started it began to snow; then it turned into a real blizzard. The snow fell so heavily that it quickly covered the path in front of him.

The traveler’s face bore an anxious look as he tried to stay on the trail, but in vain. At last he gave up in dismay and decided that he was lost. Wearied in the struggle against the wind and drifting snow he laid down to rest. The snow continued to fall fast and heavily. It was not long before the man was completely cored with a thick white blanket of snow.

In the meantime friends who had been expecting the man decided that he was lost somewhere in the mountains and they organized a search party. Accompanying them in the search was their big dog who knew the mountain trails well. For some time they searched the mountain side without success.

Then the dog, unnoticed by the rest of the party, turned off the path and wandered off a little distance by himself. Suddenly he stopped and with his nose deep in the snow he sniffed. Then he began to dig down into the snow with his paws.

Down under the drifts the man became conscious of something digging down through the snow toward him. What could it be? Perhaps some wild hungry animal, hunting for his dinner, had discovered him. He must act quickly to save himself, he thought. With difficulty he drew his pistol from its holster, and pointing it upward at the dark form above him, he pulled the trigger. There was a loud report, a plaintive yelp of pain, a dull thud as the animal fell by his side on the snow, and then all was still.

The search party had heard the shot and hastened to the spot from where the report came. There they found the noble dog lying dead on the snow. The man half-frozen under the snow heard voices. He was soon pulled to safety by his friends and lived to tell the story of his rescue.

How sorry that man must have been when he saw his brave rescuer lying dead on the snow. The noble creature was slain in the very act of rescuing him who was lost.

The dog has been often called man’s best friend. And yet man, who is a sinner, has a better Friend still. “There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24. Jesus the Saviour of sinners is the best Friend of all. He has done for us what neither man nor creature could ever do. He knew that we were hopelessly lost and perishing in our sins, and He came to seek and to save us.

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. On the cross of Calvary He bore God’s judgment against sin, and He gave His life to redeem sinners back to God and to bring them safe home to heaven. He came from the glory into this world to save sinful men, and men slew Him. Yet God turned this wicked act into the means of man’s salvation for God now offers pardon to all who will believe in Jesus as their Saviour.

The man in our story may have given up hope of being saved, and perished, but now that Jesus has died, lost sinners who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

ML-05/10/1964

Janie

Janie, with her new dress on, was ready to go to Sunday school. “Isn’t it nice?” she whispered to her mother as she kissed her good-bye.

“Yes, very nice,” said her mother, “but I would like to know for sure that my little Janie had on ‘the best robe’.”

The Sunday school lesson was about the prodigal son in Luke 15.

“The father said to his servants, ‘Bring forth the best robe and put it on him’.” vs. 22. When the teacher read that verse, Janie remembered what her mother had said about the beat robe.

What a change for the poor prodigal in all his filthy rags, to have the best robe put on him. Yet that is what God does for sinners who return to him from the far country of sin. All our supposed goodness, good deeds, nice personality, church-going and such, are no better than filthy rags to Him, if we do not have Christ as our Saviour.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” in His sight. (Isaiah 64:6.) But those who put their trust in Jesus He washes from all their sins, and they have Christ from henceforth as their robe of righteousness. He sees them in all the loveliness of Christ.

“There’s a robe for little children,

Above the bright blue sky.”

ML-05/10/1964

"Oh! Do Tell Me More!"

IT IS ALL very beautiful, but it is not for me, I am too bad, I have been too wicked. Oh, it’s too late! It’s too late!”

So cried Dorothy, a sick woman in a pretty village in Sussex, as she was told of the Saviour’s love.

“It is true the wages of sin is death,” said I, “but ‘the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord’ (Rom. 6:23). God offers you His gift — Christ — instead of the wages you have deserved; it is not yet too late. Remember the thief on the cross; he had been Satan’s servant or slave all his life, yet at the very last he turned to Jesus in simple faith, and said, ‘Lord, remember me when Thou comest in Thy kingdom’; and Jesus, in His infinite love, answered him, ‘To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.’ Luke 23:43. Will you not, Dorothy, come to Jesus as this poor thief came?”

“Oh, that I might come!” said she; “but you don’t know how bad I’ve been.”

“But Jesus knows all about it,” I answered, “and He says, ‘Come now, and let us reason together... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”

“White, as snow,” she murmured. “Oh, how precious, how sweet; white as snow.”

As it was time for me to leave her, I read the 53rd of Isaiah and then said good-bye; but as I reached the door she asked me to tell her once more of scarlet sins being white as snow.

The next day I saw her again, and the next, and the next, but still she seemed to linger, longing to be saved, yet fearing to take the truth to herself because she was so great a sinner.

One fine morning, as I sat by her side talking of Jesus, she said, “I believe I am the greatest sinner that ever lived.” “Then come to Jesus at once,” I replied, “for He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ And again, ‘God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ And again, while ‘we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.’ And again, ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.’” Romans 5:6, 8, 10.

“Oh, do tell me more!” she exclaimed, “that just meets my case; I’ve been ungodly, and an enemy, and a great sinner, but this gives me hope.

I read the 3rd chapter of John, from the 14th verse to the end of the chapter. At the end of the 16th verse she exclaimed, “Oh, how kind it was of Him; how He must have loved us!”

“Yes, indeed He did,” I replied, “and all He asks us to do in order to be saved, is to believe on Him, to trust Him fully, entirely.”

“Is that all?” asked Dorothy. “Have I nothing to do?”

“Nothing,” I replied, “Jesus has done everything. On the cross He said, ‘It is finished,’ and if you try to add anything to what is finished, in earthly things, you only mar and spoil it, so in this you can add nothing to it, it is complete.”

“I see, I see,” she exclaimed; “he that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life. Oh, do help me to praise Him; I can never thank Him enough; I do believe on Him; I do trust Him. Oh, how I long to see Him to thank Him for His love, His wonderful love in saving me. I don’t think there will be one soul in heaven who will sing so loud as old Dorothy, for I’ve been a greater sinner than any of them ever could be. Oh, how wonderful it is that Jesus should love His worst enemy so much as to die to save her from eternal death! Oh, what glory to think that very soon I shall be with Him! I can thank Him better then, when I see Him face to face.”

Scripture Verse

“THE BURDEN OF DUMAH. HE CALLETH TO ME OUT OF SEIR, WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?

“THE WATCHMAN SAID, THE MORNING COMETH, AND ALSO THE NIGHT: IF YE WILL IUIRE, INQUIRE YE: RETURN, COME.” ISAIAH 21:11, 12.

ML-05/10/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 14:67-72

PETER, who considered himself so strong, fails first before the accusing voice of a maiden. It is not a spear-bearing soldier threatening his life who approaches to question him, but a maid who said: “And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.” What an opportunity for this disciple to respond: “Yes, indeed I was with Him and will remain with Him to the end.” But no, such a reply does not come forth, but rather: “I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest.”

Perhaps ashamed of his own falsehood, he goes out on the porch and then the morning hour is broken by the first crowing of the cock. Now Peter, does not this awaken a memory of the Lord’s words so recently spoken to you? Will you not now return and correct that false statement? No, it is not to be so. Peter, so full of fear of his own safety, does not respond to the rooster’s cry. There was One inside who heard it, we may be sure. His heart must have gone out to the need of this poor failing disciple. But Peter had a much needed lesson to learn and his conscience will only be reached after further failure comes to light. Now, as he remains on the porch, another maid sees him. “This is one of them,” she says to those standing by. Peter again denies it.

He was not questioned again for about an hour’s time when, his confidence being stronger by the lapse of time, he returned to the fire and the company of the servants with whom he enters into conversation. And then one says: “Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.” v. 70. We tremble to think of the low state of this one who had been so near his Lord, now resorting to cursing and swearing as he repeats: “I know not this Man of whom ye speak.” And then the second crowing of the cock breaks through the still morning air! We read in Luke’s Goel that the Lord turned and looked upon Peter at this moment. Well indeed might Peter weep bitterly. He had proved more fully than ever bore the worthlessness of his self-confidence and how untrustworthy he was in himself. Tears flowed unrestrained as he realized his tragic failure.

Perhaps in this sad story we will be reminded that we are no better than Peter ourselves and can never perform one act of boldness or faithfulness in our own strength. May we who love the name of the Lord Jesus go in His strength, relying on His promise: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

No doubt fewer tears would be shed and less sorrow of heart experienced by the Lord’s people if the lesson of Peter’s sad experience were more deeply felt by all. The Lord loves to have us empty ourselves and lean in full dependence on Him in whose strength we can go safely along the way. Then we need not fear what man may do unto us and can rejoice in testifying to our Saviour’s name, in whatever degree He may call us to do so.

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-05/10/1964

The Artist and the Gypsy Girl

MANY years ago the artist Stenburg stood in his Dusseldorf studio. He had just promised to pride a painting of the crucifixion for a church building. It was to be a masterpiece, and he would be paid a big price for his work.

In the weeks that followed Stenburg searched out all he could of the facts of the death of Jesus. He was talented; he was famous; he was becoming wealthier every year. But Stenburg did not have peace.

The first brushful of color touched the canvas, then another, and another. One day the cross stood stark and upright on Calvary’s hill. Day after day Stenburg’s brush caressed the canvas.

Then suddenly he was tired. “I’ll forget this,” he declared. “I’ll walk out to the country and sketch.”

It was spring and the woods were green. At the edge of the forest Stenburg stopped. There a gypsy girl plaited a straw basket. Blue-black hair reached her waist; her red dress was faded and torn. Her eyes were black, large, and restless.

“What a painting!” thought Stenburg.

The girl stared up at the artist. She smiled, threw her straw down, sprang up and raised her hands high above her head. She twirled and danced gaily in front of him.

“Stand,” cried Stenburg. The girl dropped her arms. “This week you must come to my studio; I’ll paint you.”

“But, Signor,” the girl said shyly, “I’m only a poor gypsy girl.”

“Come,” he said. And she came, in her red dress, with her hair tucked back with a flower. Stenburg was ready. “Stand! Sit!” he commanded.

Pepita had never been in an artist’s studio before. Her questions amused Stenburg. But suddenly her eyes stopped at the painting of the crucifixion. It was almost completed.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“The Christ,” the artist said, carelessly.

“But what are they doing to Him?” “Crucifying Him,” he answered. “But who are those cruel people?” Stenburg threw his brush down.

“Now look here,” he said. “You stand there... still... and do not move your lips to speak.”

Pepita closed her lips. But her eyes never left the crucifixion.

Posing for the day was over. At the door, Pepita stopped. “Was He bad?” she asked.

“No, no; very good,” Stenburg said. “Remember! Be here the day after tomorrow.”

Each day that she came, she asked another question. “If He was good, why did they do it?”

Stenburg tipped his head to one side. “Listen! I will tell you once for all.” Hurriedly, he repeated the facts of Christ’s death, and as he talked he saw her black eyes fill with tears.

One day, both paintings were fished—the one of the crucifixion and the Spanish dancing girl. For the last time Pepita came to the studio. When she saw herself on the canvas, she clapped her hands with pleasure. Then she walked over to the other painting and stood silently. She turned to Stenburg. “You must love Him very much, Signor, when He has done all that for you; do you not?” Then she was gone.

Stenburg stood looking after her; but the street noises refused to drown out the sound of Pepita’s voice: “Love Him very much when He has done so much for you.”

But all week, he heard the question: “You must love Him very much, do you not?” His restlessness, his dissatisfaction grew. He could stand no more. He tried going to church, but when he left his heart was still tormented. He determined to present his masterpiece to the church at a fraction of its cost. But even such a gift as this brought him no peace. Stenburg knew God was not with him. All that was with him was the question: “You must love Him very much, do you not?”

He walked night and day up and down the streets of Dusseldorf, trying to shake off his sadness of spirit, but in vain. One night he idly watched a group of people hurrying through a low doorway. It was curious, he thought, that the people who entered looked so happy.

Then Stenburg went one day to the house. He entered and sat down with the happy people. He listened to the preacher, a man who seemed to have found what Stenburg was looking for. That night Stenburg found the answer to the restlessness in his life. No church-going, no gift was enough! Jesus Christ had died on the cross for Stenburg; and at last the artist could say, “And how much I love Him!”

The next morning, he could not keep this joy to himself. “How can I tell others?” he asked himself. “I can paint,” he said with decision.

And soon a great masterpiece was presented to the Dusseldorf gallery for every visitor to see, a sermon for all to hear.

One day he found in front of his picture a girl, weeping. She turned, and it was Pepita. “It is you, Signor,” she cried out. “Oh, Signor, if He had but loved me so!”

They both sat in front of the painting and he told her the story of that wondrous death, and the glorious resurrection. “For all men, for the gypsies, for everyone—Christ Jesus has suffered and bled on the cross. All this He did for thee, Pepita.”

The gypsy girl was quiet. Then she looked up. “I believe it,” she said, simply.

Two years later Pepita died, trusting in Jesus. Her last words were, “All this I did for thee.”

The artist grew older. Eventually, he must put his brush aside. Dusseldorf lost its artist, but the painting still hung for all to see.

Years later, a young German nobleman wandered into the gallery and stopped in front of the Stenburg masterpiece. He read the words on the frame. “All this I did for thee. What hast thou done for Me?”

Hours passed. That night the young count made a decision. That nobleman was Zinzendorf. In Dusseorf he decided to give his life to answering the question under the Stenburg painting. He died as a martyr to the cause of Christ, still answering it.

The gallery burned years ago, and with it the famous canvas. But the question for everyone—for you, dear reader, for me — remains the same. “All this I did for thee. What hast thou done for Me?”

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

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

ML-05/17/1964

Confession

“Why such a sorrowful face, Harry?” someone asked a little fellow who was running up the walk with tears rolling down his cheeks.

“I stole something. I am going to tell mother about it,” he sobbed.

Poor little Harry! He disobeyed, but he knew his mother too well to deceive her.

It is far better to have a broken heart over wrong doing and to confess it, than a sealed-up heart with unconfessed wrong burning within.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

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

ML-05/17/1964

No More

Sally ran to her father who was working in the field and cried, “No more, Daddy, no more!”

“No more what?” he asked.

“My sins,” she cried. “God remembers them no more!”

Can you say that about your sins — the same that Sally said about hers?

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

“Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12.

ML-05/17/1964

Happy Because Humble

No one likes to be humbled, yet it is in the “Valley of Humiliation” that many precious lessons are learned.

In his book, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan tells of a poorly clad shepherd boy who lived in this lowly Valley of Humiliation, and looked after his father’s sheep. No happier or more carefree boy was to be found. As the travelers passed through this Valley of Humiliation they heard the boy singing: “He that is down need fear no fall; He that is low, no pride; He that is humble ever shall have God to be his guide.”

“Just hear him,” said one of the travelers, “that boy is merrier and has a heart more at rest than any of those who are clad in silk and velvet.”

“He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14:11.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6.

Memory Verse: “BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEP IT.” Luke 11:28.

ML-05/17/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:1

WE SHOULD not lose sight of important principles connected with the death of the Lord Jesus.

The Jews were guilty in rejecting and condemning Him to death. As considered in the preceding chapter, it was a Jew who betrayed Him and Jews who took Him to the high priest’s palace. Jewish leaders held the first council and unjust trial and when He testified of Himself as the Son of God, said: “He is worthy of death.” But, although they could pronounce Him worthy of death, they could not themselves execute that sentence.

“And straightway in the morning [they] bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.” v. 1. The Gentiles, then, share the guilt. The Jews certainly did not like the necessity of going to Pilate. They would prefer to put Jesus to death themselves, but God was overruling all circumstances pertaining to the death of His Son, and the participation of the Gentiles, the Roman conquerors, in the trial and death of Jesus brought to light the unregenerate guilt of the whole world. As we read: “We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Romans 3:9. And again: “That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:9, 19.

The guilt charged against Jesus was never substantiated. No two false witnesses (who beforehand had schemed what to say) could agree. But the law said: “One witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.” Numbers 35:30. Therefore Jesus’ innocence was emphatically established in both the Jewish and Gentile courts. Peter, who needed no court of man to as sure Him of the perfect character of his beloved Master, could later say: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22, “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18. This perfect Servant was condemned to death, not because He was guilty of evil, but because men who themselves were evil would not have Him dwelling among them.

Although wicked hands crucified Him, it was by the council and foreknowledge of God that He was thus slain (Acts 2:23). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16. The wicked heart and action of the whole world was allowed to display itself, but if God had not loved the world and given His Son, men could not have laid hands on Him nor crucified Him.

It is also true, and most importantly so, that Jesus gave Himself. He could have called for angelic power to deliver Him, or at His own command have destroyed all His enemies, but instead “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity.” Titus 2:14.

The full unity of the Godhead Trinity was expressed in this loving sacrifice, for indeed there could be no conflict in such a glorious display of divine love. Thus it is recorded of Jesus that He “through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God.” Hebrews 9:14.

May we never grow so familiar with the story of the cross that we read it casually or carelessly. The more we ponder the amazing depth of love that took the Saviour to that cruel tree, the more our hearts should respond in love to Him and to God who so greatly loved us. “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.

ML-05/17/1964

Jesus Loves Me!

PERHAPS there is no hymn for children better known and loved by people of all ages around the world than—

Jesus loves me! this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

This sweet little hymn was written over 100 years ago by a Sunday school teacher named Anna Bartlett Warner. She used to compose hymns to well-known tunes for the members of her Sunday school class. Miss Warner was born near New York in 1820, and went to be with the Lord at the ripe old age of 95.

The tune, “Jesus Loves Me,” to which Miss Warner’s hymn is always sung, was composed by Wm. B. Bradbury, a farmer’s boy in America, who in his lifetime wrote many other beautiful hymn tunes.

There is a story about this hymn told by a missionary who labored for years in Southern India. He had translated into the Telegu language the simple words of the little hymn, and he had taught them to the Hindu children in his day school. A week later as he was riding on his pony through the town, he heard the sound of singing. It came from a side-street and he turned to listen. Around the corner a crowd of men and women and children were gathered around a boy who was singing “Jesus Loves Me” to them.

“Sonny, where did you learn that song?” one of them asked.

“Over at the missionary school,” the boy replied.

“And who is that Jesus, and what is the Bible?”

“Oh, the Bible is the Book from God, and Jesus is the name of Him who came into the world to save us from our sins. That’s what the missionaries say,” replied the young singer.

How wonderful it is to know that no matter how old we are—whether six, sixteen, or sixty—it is true that

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 though I’m bad,

And He waits to make me glad;

Waits to fold me in His arm,

Keeps me safe from every harm.

Jesus loves me, loves me still,

When I’m very weak and ill,

From His shining place on high,

Comes to watch me where I lie.

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.

Anna Warner and her sister wrote many good stories for children and young people. She also wrote the following beautiful little hymn—

Jesus bids us shine

With a clear, pure light,

Like a little candle

Burning in the night;

In this world of darkness

So we must shine,

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine

First of all for Him;

Well He sees and knows it

If our light grows dim;

He looks down from heaven

To see us shine,

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine

Next for all around;

Many kinds of darkness

In this world abound—

Sin, and want, and sorrow;

So we must shine,

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.

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

ML-05/24/1964

A Hopeless Case

MR. AND MRS. C. T. Studd were missionaries in China about 75 years ago. They lived in the central part of that land, preaching the gospel whenever they could. The Chinese people, however, did not listen to Mr. Studd, or if they did they did not believe in the story of God’s grace in saving sinners from hell. Many of those poor folks despised Mr. Studd and his wife, and even cursed them.

Five years passed. Then there was a change in some of the people there. They began to show some interest in hearing the gospel preached. On one occasion Mr. Studd held up his Bible for all to see, and said, “This book says that God is able to save the worst sinner that comes to Him through Christ Jesus. That means, my friends, that there is no hopeless case with God. He will forgive and forget all the sins you have committed if you come to Him for salvation.”

When the service was over, a Chinese man walked up to Mr. Studd, angrily shaking a finger in his face.

“You have been talking foolish words!” he said. “I have broken every law there is. I am addicted to opium. Your God cannot save me!”

“Oh, yes, He can!” the missionary replied confidently. “Come with me to my house.”

In the quiet of that home, Mr. Studd asked the Chinese man to read the Bible for himself. He was directed to certain chapters that tell in a special way of God’s wonderful love for lost sinners. Then he turned to Mr. Studd and said, “Yes, I believe your God can save even me.” The two men got down on their knees to pray. In his own way, the Chinese man spoke to God in prayer and accepted the Lord Jesus as His own Saviour. Simply by believing what God said, and by doing what God said, that man was saved forever.

God says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

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

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

The Chinese man went on his way rejoicing. A few weeks later he returned to visit Mr. Studd. The preacher did not need to ask his visitor about his salvation for he was bubbling with joy.

“What about your appetite for opium?” Mr. Studd asked.

“Oh, I don’t even think about opium anymore. The Lord took away that desire from me,” he replied. Then his face grew serious as he said, “I must return to my village and tell my people how God can set them free too.”

Having gone back, as soon as he could he began to tell of the love of God. Many people heard him and their souls were stirred. But Satan, the enemy of our souls, does not want the gospel preached. Indeed he may try to hinder you from hearing that God loves you.

In China, at that time, the leaders of the village, perhaps moved by Satan, decided to stop the Chinese Christian’s preaching. They sent officers to bring him to them. Then they cruelly beat him until blood streamed down his back.

Kind friends carried him to a hospital where he was cared for. When he had regained a measure of strength, he insisted on going back to preach even more about his wonderful Saviour. His friends protested, but he would not be stopped.

Again the village leaders decided to stop him, but seeing how frail he now was, they decided to put him in jail. Immediately, however, he preached the gospel through the bars of the window in his cell. People gathered outside to hear him.

Finally, in desperation, the officers decided to release him, for, they said, “He is having more effect in jail than when he was out.”

The Chinese Christian thanked the officers, and went right out to continue his service for the Lord Jesus. His great theme was that just as the Lord Jesus Christ had saved him, He is able and willing to save the very worst who come to Him.

That is still true today. “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.” Hebrews 7:25.

Now it may be that you are not the worst sinner, but an honest, kind and gentle sinner. If you are that kind, you still need the Saviour. God makes no distinction between good and bad sinners. He saves them all and He can save you, for “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML-05/24/1964

First Things

A young man had been attending the gospel meetings and had found the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. He made a public confession of his faith in the Lord.

His father was greatly upset and said to him, “Jim, you should first have gotten yourself established in a good trade, and had a little money saved up; and then you would have time to think about religion.”

“Father,” said the boy, “the Bible tells me very differently. It says, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you’.” Matthew 6:33.

ML-05/24/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:1-14

THE TRUTHS we have just explored are all important to intelligently understanding and evaluating the work of the cross. It is only through faith in that finished work of Calvary that anyone can be saved. Truly, simple faith in Christ’s work will suffice, but if we wish to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18), meditation on these things will enrich our understanding and deepen our affections.

We read that “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” (Heb. 9:28) and “him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). All who own themselves as needy sinners are welcome to come to this source of eternal life. The work was complete. God’s plan was brought to fulfillment by the obedience of His Son and in it God was both satisfied and glorified.

As previously remarked, it was distasteful for the Jews to go to Pilate for they knew he would oppose them and possibly reverse their own decision. But go they must and “straightway in the morning” they gain an audience with the governor in his palace. Although Mark does not go into detail concerning it, John’s Gospel tells how the Jews, with all their outward piety and religious formality, would not go into the Gentile hall of judgment, because they did not want to “defile themselves” on this Passover day. With what greater defilement could their wretched hearts become involved in than in seeking to murder the Son of God?

Pilate therefore questions Jesus apart from the Jews in the privacy of his own chambers. He is convinced of His innocence and so reports to the Jews, but they renew their angry cries against Him. Pilate then seeks to escape his distasteful duty and sends Jesus to Herod the king, who was then in Jerusalem. Herod was at first glad to see Him because he hoped to see some miracles performed. But he is not given the opportunity for Jesus, the true King of the Jews, remains silent in the presence of this usurper. Herod then sets Jesus at naught and permits his soldiers to have their way with Him, which was entirely contrary to Roman law. They are the ones who first clothe Him with a “gorgeous robe” in mock homage to His being a King.

But Pilate is disappointed if he thought Herod would relieve him of passing judgment on the prisoner who has so troubled his emotions and thoughts. Herod, taking no responsibility in the matter, sends Him back and Pilate is now compelled to take definite action. In all this the responsibility of the Gentile rulers, entirely apart from the Jews, is emphasized. Both Pilate and Herod fail to discharge the innocent One for whom they are responsible according to law.

Pilate, nonetheless, is convinced Jesus is innocent. Troubled in his own thoughts and warned by his wife also to “have nothing to do with that just Man” he pleads with the Jews to let Him go. In Acts 3:13 we learn more definitely about Pilate’s convictions, where it is reported: “Pilate... was determined to let Him go.” His own words to the Jews were: “I find no fault in this Man,” substantially repeating this three times. But finally the voice of the people and the chief priests prevailed. When they said, “If thou let this Man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend,” John 19:12, his fear for his own position as governor made him yield to the clamoring mob, and he grants their request even though he knows the One before him is not guilty.

ML-05/24/1964

Clipper

Clair had taken the baby for an outing in his carriage. Near the brow of a steep hill she stopped to rest. She thought she had set the brake and placed a stone behind the wheel. Then she walked a few feet further on to get a better view of the landscape.

However, Baby wiggled and turned, and the brake was not set properly. The carriage took off swiftly down the street. In a moment, Clipper, the dog, sped after it. He threw himself in front of the rolling carriage and stopped it. The carriage turned over and Baby rolled out unharmed. Good old Clipper! He was a resourceful dog, wasn’t he?

Boys and girls, and older folks too, many of them, are speeding on the downgrade to a lost eternity. Now the only One who can stop their downward course is the Lord Jesus Himself. Those who go down to the pit must pass Him by on the way. He stands and cries to the sons of men, “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. He is able and willing to save all who put their trust in Him. How many boys and girls He has arrested from their downward course! He has rescued them from judgment, turned them about and put them on the road to heaven. May this be true of each dear reader.

ML-05/31/1964

Pat's Mother

MR. McKEOWN had reached the small village on the Irish coast and turned in at the inn to spend the night. A little later he told the landlord that he would like to see the ruins of the old abbey by the glorious moonlight.

He was just about to leave the ancient spot when he observed a woman dressed in black praying in the cemetery.

“Do not be afraid. I shall not hurt you,” said he, as she looked up in alarm. “Why do you come here so late?”

When she saw that the stranger spoke her native Irish tongue, she talked quite freely, and told him how her son had enlisted, and how he had been sent to the war and there had perished. She said that she used to come to the old abbey to pray for him.

At this point, the stranger told her why he had come to that part of the country, and it caused her the greatest surprise.

“Eileen McCarthy,” said he, “I knew Captain Martin, in whose company your son was. I have come down to give you Pat’s last message, and a little legacy he left you.”

“Blessings upon you!” she cried. “What did Pat say? Did he think of his old mother at last?”

“Yes, indeed, and he wished you to know that he died happy, because he had found a good Friend who was able and willing to secure for him the forgiveness of all his sins.”

“That is blessed news,” exclaimed Mrs. McCarthy.

“Your son found Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and obtained forgiveness through Him alone.”

Mr. McKeown’s words were listened to because he was able to speak Irish. “Oh! tell me more tomorrow, your honor,” cried Mrs. McCarthy.

The news of the stranger’s visit and the message he had for Mrs. McCarthy traveled quickly, and when he arrived at the widow’s cottage the next day, he found a group of friends and neighbors present also, to hear more about Pat. Mrs. Marthy welcomed him at once. The company seemed a little afraid, but the first word in their own Irish brogue dispelled all doubts.

“I was telling Mrs. McCarthy that her son died happy, trusting in Jesus,” exclaimed the gentleman. “This Book taught him the blessed secret.”

“What book is that, your honor?” asked an old man.

“The very book which St. Patrick loved, and from which he instructed the Irish people. Let me read you some of it.” Then he produced a small volume from his pocket, and they listened with rapt attention as he read to them from the sacred Scriptures.

“Is there anyone here who can read Irish?” asked the stranger. “Yes sir, I can,” replied the old man. “I was a schoolmaster.”

“Should you like to read this book? Will you read it to Mrs. McCarthy if I give it to you? It is the book her son, Pat, read. Through reading it, he found rest and peace in Jesus, before he died.”

Mr. McKeown went on his way, but some months afterward he again visited the little Irish village. Mrs. McCarthy had died and was buried in the old abbey grounds. But the schoolmaster had read to her constantly, and he was given to understand that she too had found rest and peace in Jesus, through His fished work on the cross. She left this world with the bright hope of seeing her dear son again in heaven. The Bible reading still went on, and many more of those poor folks were learning to love the blessed truths that were found in that Irish Testament.

May God grant that our dear reader too might find rest and peace in believing on Jesus, if he or she has not already done so.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace...” Ephesians 2:13, 14.

“Having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:20.

Memory Verse: “JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK.” John 7:37.

ML-05/31/1964

How William Found Salvation

WILLIAM was a bright little fellow of eight, who lived in a large town on the seacoast. His great delight was to go down to the beach and dig in the sand or throw stones in the waves. Sometimes his father would take him out for a row, and oh how happy he was then!

Now, although William was quite a little fellow, he was old enough to know that he had done a great deal that was wrong. Often he would lie awake at night in fear. He was afraid that he might die, and know that only those whom God had cleansed from their sins would go to heaven. He was so anxious to have his sins forgiven that every night he would repeat over and over again very earnestly, “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.”

One evening his elder cousin asked him if he was one of God’s little lambs. But William could only hang his head and answer, “No.” That night he was more frightened than ever. He felt sure that he should die, and knew that he was not saved. The next day was Sunday and William went to Sunday school with his pants.

Suddenly, as he was coming home, there came over him such a sense of the Lord’s love for him that he felt that his sins were forgiven. He could believe that Jesus died even for him. Oh, what joy was his! With difficulty he kept from calling out, and it was only shyness that held him from telling his parents what had happened.

But as soon as home was reached, he said, “You know that happy feeling that comes over you when your sins are forgiven—well, I feel it now!”

Yes, William was saved, and when he knelt by his bed that night, he no longer asked God to wash him “whiter than snow,” as he had already praised Him for doing so. But he could ask for help in his new life, and this he did. Years have gone by since that eventful Sunday and William is no longer a little fellow, but he can never forget the joy of that day, the happiest in his life.

“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.

“Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” Luke 7:50.

“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-05/31/1964

Death Doth Hide but Not Divide

Do you know what it is like to have someone you love very much go to be with the Lord? If you are a Christian, you need not sorrow as others do Who have no hope.

E’en for the dead,

I will not bind my soul to grief:

Death cannot long divide.

For is it not as though the rose

That climbed the garden wall

Had blossomed on the other side?

Death doth hide

But not divide!

Thou are with Christ, and Christ with us—

In Him united still we are!

ML-05/31/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:15-22

“AND SO Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified.” v. 15.

The hearts of the people are well expressed when Barabbas, a murderer, is chosen in preference to their rightful and true King. Now, as though He were a condemned criminal, Jesus is scourged with a cruel lash and then turned over to the whims of not only Pilate’s private soldiers (as before), but to the whole band of common soldiers—a ruthless lot of men who often chose this employment as an outlet for their brutality. They heap numerous indignities upon His holy Person. At their hands, he is clothed temporarily in purple; a piercing crown of thorns placed on His head. They smite Him; spit upon Him; and bow their knees in mock worship. Taunts and insults are added to all this. But little did they realize the Person of the One they were thus humiliating, nor did they have any awareness that if He had not submitted willingly, He could have stricken them at any moment. They were aware that the worst they could do would be approved by the Jews and that their own Roman authorities would not interfere. Thus their evil acts were unrestrained.

Yet in all this, the Lord opened not His mouth. Not one complaint passed His lips, nor one cry for mercy. He was the willing offering for the sins of His people and spared Himself no anguish of suffering so that He might answer all God’s requirements as to full atonement through His work and death, entirely alone. How perfectly it is expressed: “Christ also suffered for us... who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not.” 1 Peter 2:21, 23.

“And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.” v. 20. The mocking, for the moment, is ended and the journey beyond the walls of Jerusalem and up to Golgotha takes place. John informs us that at the commencement of this journey the cross was laid on Jesus Himself, but somewhere on that hill it is transferred to the shoulders of Simon, a Cyrenian, who followed Jesus with it to the brow of the hill. There is reason to think that the two sons of Simon named here, Alexander and Rufus, are the ones mentioned later in the Scriptures, who became believers in Christ. So it is happy to see, even in the midst of this dreadful scene, the groundwork laid for future blessing to these individuals. Luke also tells us “there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.” Luke 23:27.

Mark, however, reviewing the life of Jesus as the true Servant, does not linger over these portions but more simply brings before us the facts accompanying the perfect obedience of this blessed Son of God. Nor will we seek here to elaborate on this scene at this time. The reader is urged, however, to read the account of Calvary in each of the four Gospels and in meditation thereon, to let his own heart be touched with the perfectness of the One who there gave His life that we might “pass from death unto life.”

ML-05/31/1964

Faithful Stief

IN WORLD WAR I, an army officer had a faithful German shepherd dog whom he called Stief. The officer fell on the field of battle. At the time Stief was tied up behind the lines. Sensing his master’s danger, Stief chewed through his leash, dashed through deadly fire to his master’s side, secured a firm grip on his clothing, and pulled him to safety. Even as he tugged and pulled, a bullet creased him from shoulder to flank. But both he and his master lived. What a brave and faithful friend Stief was!

Boys and girls, too, are wounded by sin and by Satan’s arrows on the battlefield of life. We would all have perished in our sins had it not have been for the faithful love of One who knew our danger and came to rescue us. The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, laid aside His glory, and came down into this world to save sinners. He took our place upon the cross and died in our stead.

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6. He is the wonderful Saviour of all who put their trust in Him.

What would you think if Stief’s master had said to his faithful friend, “Go away, I don’t want you. Leave me alone. I’m all right.” You couldn’t think of him saying that, could you? Yet that is just what many boys and girls, and older folks too, are saying to the Lord Jesus who came to save them. They would rather go on in their sins, unmindful of their awful danger, rather than have Jesus save them. But may it not be so with you, dear reader. It is a solemn thing to live without Christ, but far worse to die without Him, and to be lost forever in the lake of fire.

Stief dragged his master to a place of safety. The Lord Jesus puts all those who trust in Him in a place of safety, too. Even now they are under the shelter of His precious blood. The judgment of God against sin can never touch them there, and before that judgment falls on this Christ-rejecting world, the Lord Jesus is coming to take His own home to heaven.

“Rescue my soul from their destructions.” Psalm 35:17.

“Whosoever putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25.

ML-06/07/1964

Planting - Reaping

Years ago a boy left his cabin home in the mountains and went to live in the big city. Years later he went back to see the old home where he had spent his childhood. As he walked along the stream, he remembered a bag of walnuts that he had planted when he was a boy.

Sure enough! There they were—twenty-five walnut trees.

I wonder what you are planting, dear young reader? Are you sowing good seed? In Matthew 13 the Lord Jesus told of how a sower went forth to sow and he sowed good seed. He said, “The seed is the Word of God.”

What will there be many years from now, perhaps in eternity, when you look back on what you have done here? Will there be fruit to God’s eternal praise? Will someone be in heaven because of your sowing?

Or will you reap the sad results from those sins of early years? Will someone be in a lost eternity because he or she followed you when you were going astray?

God grant that yours may not be this latter case, dear young reader. Come to the Saviour now; seek to live these golden years for Him. He will reward you and make you happy, and you will have much to thank and praise Him for in the coming years.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.

Memory Verse: “I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME: AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME.” Proverbs 8:17.

ML-06/07/1964

A Cleansed Chinaman

To have our hearts cleansed from sin is the most important cleansing, and this can only be through the precious blood of Christ. But, of course, God wants us to be clean outwardly too.

A Chinaman was attending some classes at the gospel mission. He was anything but clean in his dress and in his ways. The missionary gave him this verse to learn: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

The word cleanse bothered him. The missionary explained how the Lord Jesus washes away our sins and makes us clean. The following week a fine-looking man appeared. His face shone; his clothes were clean. The missionary was surprised to discover it was their old friend, the dirty Chinaman. Smiling he said, “Jesus Christ made me clean inside and outside.”

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

“Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:20.

ML-06/07/1964

We Three Prayed

MOTHER was very sick! Only Daddy and the nurse could go into her room.

“It’s forever since I saw my mother,” sighed Freddy:

“Seems as if we can’t stand it much longer,” said Jim.

“I told the doctor yesterday that if he didn’t get Mama well, I’d have to do something.”

“I’ve tried to pray,” said Judy. “Oh, I forgot,” confessed Jim.

“I don’t pray ‘cause Mama isn’t here to help me,” sobbed Freddy.

Judy’s face grew red. She was supposed to be a little mother to them, and here they were forgetting to pray! “Let’s do it together,” she said. And so, the three knelt down and prayed, asking God to make mother better.

A few days later, Daddy came downstairs smiling, and Mama’s room was open; she was better. Then little Freddy said, “You know what, Daddy? We prayed!”

“Continue in prayer.” Colossians 4:2.

The Lord attends when children pray,

A whisper He can hear;

He knows not only what we say,

But what we wish or fear.

ML-06/07/1964

The Bengali Boy

In Bengal, in India, there lived a boy who heard about God’s love in sending our Lord Jesus to die for him, that his sins might be forgiven. As he listened his eyes filled with tears and his heart grew big with gratitude, but in the Bengali language there is no word that has the meaning of our “Thank you.”

After the morning school, the missionary took a walk through the garden. There he saw the Bengali boy on his knees with his hands clasped and his lips moving. He was repeating one by one the letters of the alphabet. He wanted to thank God for His wonderful love, so he was saying the letters over and over again and asking God to take these letters and to make a word for Himself which could express the thanks which he could not say.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4.

Praise the Saviour, ye who know Him.

Who can tell how much we owe Him?

Gladly let us render to Him

All we have and are.

ML-06/07/1964

Bible Questions for June

The Children’s Class

1. “To save them that believe.”

2. “The things which God hath prepared.”

3. “Other foundation can no man lay.”

4. “Bring to light the hidden things.”

5. “Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

6. “The fashion of this world passeth away.”

7. “By whom are all things.”

The Young People’s Class: Sacrifices

1. What SACRIFICE did Christ offer that manifests His love to us? Eph. 5.

2. What kind of SACRIFICES can be offered acceptably to God by Christians? 1 Peter.

3. How should our hearts and spirits be prepared for sacrifice? Psa. 51.

4. What living SACRIFICE should be our reasonable service? Rom. 12.

5. How can the fruit of our lips be counted as a SACRIFICE? Heb. 13.

6. Does God accept the giving of our goods as a SACRIFICE? Phil.

7. What SACRIFICE remains for those who willfully enter into sin? Heb. 10.

ML-06/07/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:23-28

“AND THEY gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not. And when they had crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the superscription of His accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” vv. 23-26.

It was the practice of the Romans to indicate on each cross the accusation of the one being crucified. But neither Jewish nor Roman court had found any true accusation against this holy One. How then could this requirement be fulfilled? Pilate, in one tardy venture of boldness, dictates the inscription: “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS,” Matthew 27:37, and orders it written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, so that all could read it. The Jews did not like this and wanted it changed to read “I am King of the Jews” which would leave room for them to discredit it. But Pilate is at this time firm in his decision. Still, we can scarcely credit Pilate with this act, for it was definitely ordered by God and thus what purported to be the “accusation against Jesus” became instead the everlasting accusation against the Jewish nation — they had crucified their own King!

Many Old Testament scriptures were fulfilled at this time. In reading Mark’s account, we turn back with interest to some of them: Psalms 69:20-21. “I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.”

Psalms 22:18. “They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.”

Isaiah 53:7. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth.”

Isaiah 53:12. “He was numbered with the transgressors.”

Psalms 22:1. “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

If all four Gospels were reviewed we would find many other prophesies brought into fulfillment as well. When we have the Bible before us we have an amazing Book to contemplate. The fulfillment of these prophecies are but a further proof of the accuracy of this divinely inspired record that is God’s Word to mankind.

Let this Word “dwell in you richly.” It may be assailed on every hand by skeptics; critics with their “higher learning”; and other enemies of the truth. But we who have proved it, delight in its infallible character and its profound display of divine purposes, guiding our thoughts and hearts into the knowledge of God and His ways and counsels. We can emphasize without question that, though heaven [the atmospheric] and earth shall pass away, His Word shall never pass away. It is the Word that liveth and abideth forever. (See Matt. 24:35 and 1 Pet. 1:23.)

Happy that one who through grace finds the voice of God now speaking to him in that Word, showing him his true condition as a lost sinner on the way to judgment, but pointing him to Christ, the Saviour of sinners and through faith in Him, deliverance from the wrath to come. Can you lay claim to acceptance of God’s Word and faith in that fished work of Calvary?

ML-06/07/1964

The Living Water

NZAMBE, a poor African who was hired to carry a trader’s pack, fell sick on the trail one day. His master was going to move on and leave him alone to die. But the other African carriers asked permission to take him to a near-by village. Here he was nursed back to health.

Best of all, a missionary in that village spoke to Nzambe of the Lord Jesus, and he gladly received him as his Saviour and Master. When he was well again he returned to his own village, hoping to tell his people the glad tidings of salvation. One evening he sat with them around the campfire. Several times he got to his feet and tried to speak, but others rudely pushed him back onto the ground. He tried several times to speak, and then the chief commanded that Nzambe be given an opportunity. Now Africans love parables, so Nzambe told them the following story.

There had been a great drought in the country. All the pools and streams had dried up. On a certain day all the animals gathered together to see if they could discover any way of obtaining water. One animal after another made suggestions. They all thought they knew how water could be found. Each suggestion was respectfully carried out. Only one little turtle was not heeded. He kept crying in his small voice, “I know where there is water.” But he only received a kick for his trouble. One time the elephant with his big foot trampled him so far into the dead moss and leaves that he almost lost his life.

The animals continued to listen to one another, and followed each false clue as soon as it was suggested. But all was of no use. When they were all so weary and depressed they gathered once again in a hopeless huddle. Once again the persistent little turtle tried to make himself heard. “But I know where there is water,” he cried.

At last the animals were willing to listen. Then the little turtle led all who were willing to follow him down to the water. Down in a valley they went; and there, from a clear sparkling spring, flowed an abundance of life-giving water. “Drink and live,” invited the turtle; and the thirsty animals were only too glad to do so.

As Nzambe spoke, the truth of the parable began to dawn on his listers. They were the soul-thirsty ones, and Nzambe knew the answer to their needs. With joy he spoke of the Saviour, who gives the living water to thirsty souls who will come to drink. Nzambe was only young in the faith, and he knew little of the wonderful things contained in that precious Book, the Bible, but he had made a wonderful discovery. He sought to lead his soul-thirsty tribesmen to that fountain of living water, Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. There was blessing in the African village as the result of the faithful testimony of Nzambe.

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37.

“He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35.

“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17.

ML-06/14/1964

Saved by a Vegetable Marrow

CAPTAIN GEORGE’S ship was torpedoed during World War I, and all hands went down except the captain and his first officer. For twenty-two hours, with lifebelts on, they held together, crying to God to save them, for the captain loved the Lord.

Their danger was not exactly drowning, but dying of thirst. Water for hundreds of miles around them, but they dared not touch it. Salt water, as perhaps my reader is aware, like the pleasures of the world, only creates thirst instead of satisfying it. They had reached a point in their intense thirst when they thought they could endure no longer. But, to their delight, salvation came to them in an unexpected way, and oh, how the captain thanked God for His goodness.

It so happened that a large vegetable marrow, or kind of squash, floated by. Without one second’s delay, they seized the marrow, broke it in two, divided it between them and sucked out its moisture. Both men were saved, and some hours later they were picked up.

Would it not have been madness for them to have allowed that marrow to pass by, thinking that perhaps another marrow might float by a little later? Yes, indeed! But this they did not do. They dared not miss the opportunity, seeing that God in His goodness had brought that marrow there for their salvation. But, my friend, serious as their position was, yours is far more serious now. At any moment, you may be called to leave this world, and all that is dear to you, and to pass into eternity. With your sins upon you, unforgiven and unsaved, you would be lost forever.

At infinite cost, God has sent you a Saviour. Under sufferings untold, Jesus died to bring that salvation to you. This salvation is now within your reach—not to be purchased, with money, not to be merited or won, but just to be accepted, as Captain George did the marrow. The Saviour Jesus is near to all that call upon Him, for: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Reader, He is near you now. Don’t miss Him; don’t neglect His great salvation. Now is your day of salvation, now is your moment of salvation. Take it at once and be happy in the Lord. Five minutes from now, your opportunity to be saved may have gone forever.

“With Me” John 17:24

“With Me—No more is told;

What more, Lord, could’st thou tell?

Thou knewest that would satisfy

The heart that knows thee well.

Copied from a tombstone (of a departed sister in the Lord) in Bournemouth Cemetery.

ML-06/14/1964

How Willie and Tom Came to Jesus

AS THE children were leaving Sunday school one afternoon, the superintendent gently placed his hand on the shoulder of one little boy, saying, “Are you trusting in the Lord, Willie?”

“No, sir,” was the reply.

“Would you like to trust Him?” asked the kind man tenderly.

“Yes,” said the little fellow, and with such deep earnestness, that the superintendent was sure Willie was really longing to come to Jesus and to be saved.

That same evening Willie was listening to a preacher reading John 20:27: “Be not faithless, but believing.” The preacher paused and then said, “Be not unbelieving, but believing.” These words were impressed on Willie’s young and tender heart.

At the close of the service Willie and his brother, Tom, stayed to speak with the preacher. Willie’s whole body quivered with emotion, as he owned how he had long wanted to be saved. And then the three knelt down together.

“O Lord, save me!” prayed Willie, and he repeated after the preacher these well-known words:

Just as I am without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee

O, Lamb of God, I come!

Outside a storm was raging and the rain was coming down in torrents, but inside poor Willie’s heart there was a storm raging too.

“What hinders you from accepting Jesus and His salvation, Willie?”

“I want somehow to know that I am saved,” he replied.

“If you had offended me, and I told you I would forgive you, would you believe my words, or would you ask me for some sign that I had forgiven you?”

“I would believe you without a sign,” the boy answered.

“Well, can you not believe God?” “Lord, may I not be faithless, but believing,” Willie replied.

“Jesus says, ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’,” a voice whispered to him.

“Lord, I came to Thee and asked Thee to save me!” was his response.

“Jesus says, ‘No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.’ Just tell God that you come in the name of His dear Son.”

“Oh God, I come to Thee in the name of the Lord Jesus, and ask Thee to save me!” said the little boy earnestly.

Above the fury of the storm was heard that simple prayer and the Lord spoke peace to Willie’s soul.

“I am saved!” he exclaimed. “Lord, I thank Thee for having saved me! Lord, I pray Thee to keep me and to save my dear brothers.”

Now Tommy began to pray aloud, too, and with childlike simplicity followed the prayer of his much loved superintendent, repeating each sentence after him, word for word.

“Jesus is so loving and tender and gracious,” said this servant of Christ to the little boy. “Cannot you trust Him?” And Tommy told the Lord he could do so, and then they all rose from their knees and stood and praised the Lord.

ML-06/14/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:29-37

NOT SATISFIED with all the jeering and taunts that marked the earlier hours, Jesus’ enemies resume their mocking as He languishes on the cross. Of course we have read with joy in Luke of one exception—the thief who, before expiring, turned to Jesus saying: “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” Luke 23:42. The Lord responds: “Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” Ah yes, the Lord in all His agony was not beyond the call of one who expressed such faith.

“And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,... My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” vv. 33-34. God now draws a curtain of darkness over that portion of Christ’s work where the sin question was dealt with in all its fullness. It was of this that the prophet could foretell: “All Thy waves and Thy billo.ws are gone over Me.” Psalm 42:7.

Jesus had come forth from the Father in the full expression of God’s grace and truth, revealing in the fashion of man what man himself could never otherwise enter into concerning God. Yet there was more than this. He came not only to seek but also to save that which was lost. A way of redemption must then be provided, and He came to make that very way open by offering Himself an atonement for sins. For almost two thousand years God had provided an atonement for the errors of His earthly people through sacrificial offerings. But we are told in Hebrews 10:1 That “the law... can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect.” But the Son, in a past eternity had said, “Lo, I come... to do Thy will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7. He alone could offer, once for all, the sacrifice that would suffice for eternity. That moment had now come. Just as, in type, the sins of the people were proclaimed in bygone years upon the head of the sacrificial animal, now the “perfect Lamb” was to take upon Himself the guilt and sins of all who through faith would accept His work.

While His Son became the Sin-bearer, God in His holiness must turn from Him. In the three hours of darkness God’s judgment against our sins was heaped upon our blessed Saviour and in faith we can now say, “We did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” but can also in faith joyfully add, “With His stripes we are healed.” (Isa. 53:4, 5.) It was in these three hours that the Lord suffered at God’s hand, bearing alone His judgment, and thus wrought atonement for all who will believe. Friend, it was for you too that He suffered thus. Will you not have Him as your own personal Saviour?

Then, God’s wrath appeased and the darkness over, this blessed One dismisses His spirit. He had said bore: “I lay down My life, that I might take it again,” John 10:17. This He now does, and the Creator of life Himself hangs in death on that cross. It is then that the soldier with a spear pierces His side, the blood and water flowing out, to testify forever of the remission of sins and the everlasting token of salvation through this perfect Sacrifice.

Memory Verse: “I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT LIKEWISE JOY SHALL BE IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTH.” Luke 15:7.

ML-06/14/1964

Birds in Their Nests

HARD-HEARTED and cruel must be the boy who robs and destroys a bird’s nest. Who does not admire the skill and diligence with which these little feathered friends construct their little houses? — the robin’s nest, made of grass and mud, with its pretty blue eggs; the beautiful hanging nest of the oriole that swings gently in the breeze on the end of a high branch; the nest of the red-winged blackbird attached to a low bush or among the rushes near the water; or that of the meadow lark hidden in the grass, over which he soars and sings his sweet song. These are familiar sights to some of us.

The robbing of a bird’s nest was made the means of awakening a schoolboy to a sense of his sin and need of a Saviour. On the way home from school one afternoon he and several other boys found a nest with its five spotted eggs. The cruel boys robbed the nest and divided the eggs between them.

Willie’s conscience spoke loudly to him for that deed. The text above his bed, “Thou God seest me,” seemed to say in tones of thunder, “God saw you steal the eggs this afternoon.” He didn’t sleep at all that night, and the next morning when his mother asked what was the matter he told the whole story.

That event was the first step in his life toward a deeper conviction of sin. The result was, he was convinced of his need of a Saviour, and he was led to Jesus. He had a very deep sense of what sin is in the sight of God, but he found in Jesus one who had died to put that sin away. By trusting Him as his Saviour, all his debt of sin was canceled, and he found peace with God.

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

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

ML-06/21/1964

The Old Tinker

SUPPER was being served to a number of hungry boys and girls, after which there was a gospel address and hymn singing.

Suddenly an old man, with a very happy face, got up and walked briskly to the platform carrying a large parcel. He was a tinker, one who would go about mending pots and pans and other things.

“May I say a word to the children about what is in this bundle?” the old man asked. Permission was given, and he began to unwrap the brown paper covering. Then appeared a queer shaped object done up in newspaper. After that, a clean cloth was carefully unwound. Amid perfect silence, the old fingers loosened yet one more piece of paper. Then upon the snowy cloth he laid—a large, rusty, dirty old kettle!

“Now, children,” said old Mr. Leslie, with a broad smile, “I will tell you the story of this rusty old thing. I am a tinker, and I was on my country rounds one day, shouting, ‘Pots to mend, bring them here; tins to solder, out they come.’ Then up runs pretty little Peggy Patten with this big tin kettle. I takes it, looks at its bent spout and crooked handle, I taps the bottom and the sides, then I says quite grave, ‘Tell your grana, Peggy, that it’s past mending altogether. It needs replacing with a new one.’”

The old man continued, “Young friends, Peggy, her grandmother, and you and me, are just like this old tin thing. We may patch and tinker up our crooked selves a bit, stop a small hole here, solder up that big crack there, quite clever and educated-like, but we’ll never, never make ourselves fit for the eyes of a holy God. Sin has eaten right into us: our only hope is in being renewed by the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus has told us ‘Ye must be born again.’ That’s gospel truth, for ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation).’ As sure as a kind friend gave Peggy’s grandmother a brand new kettle, so sure will God give you, a new heart, a new life, a new nature, and a new hope for time and eternity. All these and more are found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Take Him as your Saviour now, and you will enter upon that new life tonight.”

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath recoiled us to Himself by Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, 18.

Memory Verse: “FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” Matthew 16:26.

ML-06/21/1964

Years Ago

WHEN I was a little girl of seven I went to the annual Sunday school treat in the old schoolhouse with its thatched roof and its plain white-washed walls. I went there accompanied by my faithful dog Frisk, who waited for me and guarded me safely home in the clear moonlight. That was the night in which I was first made to wish that I was saved. A number of young men, all newly converted, came to address us that night, and they set before us the happiness of being saved in early life. These impressions never left me. For a time I tried to forget my need of a Saviour, but was never at rest until I knew that Jesus was mine.

Five years rolled on and I was still unsaved. Then New Year’s Day was on a Sunday, and there was a gospel meeting at the old schoolhouse. I sat there by my mother’s side listening to the gospel message. It was a solemn meeting. The preacher warned us against putting off the time of salvation to a more convenient season. He told of some who had trifled with God’s message, neglecting God’s salvation, and who were taken out of this world very suddenly.

I was deeply impressed. My mother, who was an earnest Christian, whispered to me: “Jeanie, it can be tonight or it may be never.” I felt that that was true. I was like one at the parting of the ways. It must be Christ or the world. I waited for the after meeting, and one who watched for souls spoke to me lovingly and earnestly, putting before me the gospel, which I had known in my head all my days. Now I knew my need of it, knew I was a perishing sinner, and that I must be saved or go to the pit forever. We sat for a long time, and many were praying for my deliverance. Isaiah 53:6 was read to me: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way,” and I fully owned that these words were true of me.

“Then let us read on,” said the man of God as he read— “And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” I saw as I had never seen before, that the death of Jesus on Calvary was for me — that by His death my sins were put away.

Oh, what a journey home we had that night. The very heavens seemed to be singing. I know I was; so was my dear mother. So well we might, for that was the night of my second birth.

“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.” John 3:3,5.

Twenty years have passed, and I am now a mother with a little girl of my own. We sat together in the old schoolhouse, and I could not help asking God that He would make the place of my conversion the place of salvation to my dear Sally for whose early conversion I longed and prayed for above all else. God gave me my heart’s desire, for on that New Year’s night Sally was saved and is now a happy follower of the Lord. Praise His name!

Dear young friends, I can testify to the blessedness of being saved in early years. Come to the Saviour now while you are young. Confess Him as your Saviour and Lord, and go happily on your way to heaven.

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

ML-06/21/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:38-41

“AND THE veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”

When Moses erected the tabernacle in the wilderness, provision was made for man to be represented before God at the mercy seat, behind a veil, in the “Holy of Holies.” But this was only once a year—on the day of atonement—and then only the high priest could go in, properly clothed and carrying the blood of sacrifice, which spoke in type of Christ’s blood. The veil separated all others and to look behind it, or venture into that “Holy of Holies” would mean instant death.

This is a most interesting subject and the reader who would like to explore it further will enjoy reading the following scriptures: Exodus 25:8-22; 26:31-35; Leviticus 16; and a summary in Hebrews 9 and part of chapter 10. These portions are recommended for your personal study.

When the Lord Jesus yielded up His life on Calvary, that veil—which was then in its proper place in the temple in Jerusalem—was rent completely open from the top (the work came from above) to the bottom. This was God’s sign that there no longer would be a barrier to men to enter into His presence. The sacrifices of old would no longer be the means of approach, for the blood of Jesus had fulfilled all they spoke of and is the token with which faith takes us to God.

Who could conceive such a detail as the rending of the veil, but God Himself? It is a most important principle for every believer to grasp. Among the many evidences of God’s pleasure and satisfaction with the work of His Son on Calvary, this was the first outward token shown to man, and the Holy Spirit has been! pleased to emphasize its importance to us. Hebrews 10:19-22 explains the new position beautifully: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith...”

In the immediate vicinity of the cross there was no voice heard pro claiming the Lord’s Person, except that of the dying thief, whose cry to Jesus was noted in our last reading. No doubt there were some in that crowd who truly loved Him and owned Him in their hearts, but were not bold enough to speak out. Yet God would have one more testimony, and this from a Gentile: “And when the centurion, which stood over against Him, saw that He so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.” v. 39. We do not know how real the conviction was to the centurion’s conscience, but his expression surely voiced the belief of many who had witnessed the Saviour in His life as well as His death.

A company of women who loved Him and had ministered to Him in His life, were also “looking on afar off.” Too timid and fearful to remain in the forefront of that rough crowd, they watched with sorrowing hearts the death of the One who had touched their hearts. Among these were three specially mentioned — Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary Magdalene; and Mary the wife of Cleophas, who at first stood near the cross, but who apparently shrank from the violence of that scene and joined the other women “afar off.” Their hearts soon express their love to the blessed One, as we shall see in following verses.

ML-06/21/1964

Blood Relationship

AN AFRICAN missionary told the interesting story of a custom some of the African people had years ago. When two young men became very friendly, sometimes they would enter into what they termed “blood relationship.” One would take a sharp little knife and cut a small vein in his hand, and the other would do the same to his hand. Then they would clasp hands, and from that time on it was understood that they had entered into blood relationship.

The missionary went on to tell of how a young Congolese, who had attended the gospel meetings at the mission, left his idols and became a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was publicly baptized before a very large crowd of neighbors and village folk, and there he bravely confessed his Saviour. Among those present was the heathen chief of that area.

“Chief,” asked the young convert, “have you not seen a very great change in me lately?”

“I have,” the chief replied.

“Can you explain it, Chief?”

“I really cannot,” answered the chief.

“I will tell you, Chief,” added the young fellow, with deepest solemnity, “I have entered into blood relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. His blood has washed my sins away, and I am under the shelter of His blood.”

How happy it would be if we could all say the same as this young African. Not by any painful act of our own, but by simple faith in Him, we become truly united to the Lord Jesus.

In John 1:12,13, we read: “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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

“Not of blood,” means those who are born into God’s family are not brought in because they were born of Christian parents. Children with Christian fathers and mothers are lost and need a Saviour just like all the rest of Adam’s fallen race.

“Nor of the will of the flesh,” means we can’t become God’s children by our own will or any doings of our own.

“Nor of the will of man,” means that no man nor any human power can make us God’s children.

But those who become sons or children of God are those that believe on the name of Jesus as their Saviour and are thus born of God. It is because of the blood of Jesus, God’s dear Son, that God can act in grace toward those who trust in Him.

“Ye are... the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26.

Memory Verse: “IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS LIFE; AND IN THE PATHWAY THEREOF THERE IS NO DEATH.” Proverbs 12:28.

ML-06/28/1964

Alphie's Birthday

THE postman’s knock brought Mary quickly to the door. It was her brother Alphie’s birthday, and she was sure there would be letters and parcels with presents that morning for Alphie. She was not disappointed, for the postman had quite a number.

One after another was opened, each one bringing gifts and good wishes, then last of all, a plain envelope in a boy’s handwriting. “Who is this from, I wonder?” said Alphie, as he opened the letter. In it was a sheet of gray note paper, folded around a pretty text card, on which were printed in beautiful letters, the following words: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” On the sheet of paper there was neatly written: “With the earnest prayer that you may believe on and receive Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour. From your old classmate, Willie Brent.”

“See this, Mary,” said Alphie, as he held up the card and the note paper to his sister.

“What a strange thing to send,” said Mary. “I wonder what he means by it.”

When school opened in September, the meaning became clear. Willie had been converted during the holidays, and he had sent the word that God had used to lead him to the Saviour to Alphie, his friend and companion, as his birthday text.

We are glad to tell you that not long after, Alphie too believed on the Lord Jesus as his “own personal Saviour,” and the boys were then companions and brothers in the Lord. In the Gospels we read: “Andrew... first findeth his own brother Simon,... and he brought him to Jesus.... Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him,... Jesus of Nazareth.” John 1:40-42,45.

“It is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15.

ML-06/28/1964

"How Long Have I to Live?"

2 Sam. 19:34

A Sunday school class was recently given a list of questions to answer. One of the questions was: “How long have I to live?” One boy’s answer impressed me very much. He wrote:

“On earth till Jesus comes;

In heaven through all eternity.”

ML-06/28/1964

Joe's Spyglass

JOE liked to look through the Coast Guard’s large telescope at the far-off shore. How wonderful he thought it was to see boys and girls playing on the beach, ships sailing on the sea, and houses on the shore, all quite close, as if he could reach out his little hand and touch them. Then as soon as the large telescope was taken away, the entrancing scene was gone, and nothing could be seen with the naked eye but the faintest outline of the distant shore.

Joe asked the good-natured coast guard all sorts of questions about his wonderful glass that brought far away things so near. When he got home he would give his mother no rest until she promised to get him a small spyglass for himself, to bring “the far-away things near.” On Sunday evening, Joe sat on his mother’s knee listening to his bedtime Bible story. He sang his favorite hymn:

There are beautiful mansions above

All shining so bright and so fair;

As they bask in the sunshine of love,

No sadness or sorrow is there.

There are beautiful children above

In their garments as white as the snow;

They were cleansed in the blood of the Lamb

While they lived in the world here below.

“I wish I could see those beautiful mansions, Mother,” said the little fellow eagerly.

“Well, Joe, we shall have a look at them through God’s telescope,” said Mother, reaching out her hand and taking down her well-worn Bible. “This is just like the coast guard’s glass, it brings the far-off things near. We cannot see them with our ordinary eyes, but by faith we can see them quite clear and can lay hold of them too, just as we read what God says about them and believe it.”

Joe was very eager that night to get a glance at the distant shore, the heavenly mansions, and the white-robed children, and as his mother read to him about them from God’s word, his bright eyes sparkled with delight.

Joe has grown up to be a schoolboy, and he delights now to read the Book of God, which he calls his “Spyglass,” to bring the far-off heavenly things near. And Joe knows that distant shore, those heavenly mansions, to be his future home, for he is saved, and knows his title to heaven to be “the blood of the Lamb.”

Does my dear young reader know this?

ML-06/28/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 15:42-47

“AND NOW when the even was come,... Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”

Do you remember the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9: He “was with the rich in His death”? Two men came forward this evening before the Sabbath day who were to fulfill that prophecy. One of them, Joseph, is mentioned here and we are told in John’s Gospel of the other, Nicodemus. These were both rich and influential men and they both loved the Lord, but secretly, for fear of the Jews. Now their timidity is overcome by an impelling desire to give His blessed Person an honorable burial. Joseph apparently went first directly to Pilate, and besought the body of Jesus. Then, after he had secured approval, he and Nicodemus went to Calvary and there together they took His body from the cross—and wrapped that holy body in fine linen. Nicodemus, at great personal expense, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes (about a hundred-pound weight) and as they wrapped the body in linen, the spices were bound in, as the manner of the Jews was to bury. (See John 19:39,40.)

These two prominent men thus publicly identified themselves with Jesus. We do not question that the Jews with whom they formerly associated would now turn from them in scorn. Their lives, from that day forward, would be marked by the hatred of their fellowmen. But in a coming day they will be counted among those spoken of in 2 Timothy 2:11, 12: “For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” Knowing full well the cost of their action, they did not deny their blessed Lord.

Then, after these careful preparations, the two, accompanied by sorrowing women, “laid Him in a sepulcher which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcher.” v. 46. In Matthew it is stated, “When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb.” Luke further says of this tomb: “Wherein never man before was laid”; and John’s Gospel reads: “There was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus.”

This cross-section of the four gospel records is informative because it makes clear that He “was with the rich in His death.” Was there some special purpose of God connected with this? Indeed there was. David had spoken prophetically of this very event in Psalms 16:10, saying of Jesus: “Thou wilt not leave My soul in hades [the grave]; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” If the Jews who had slain their Messiah had been compelled to bury Him, they would have been quite content to place His body in the potter’s field, in a common tomb with others. Joseph was able to provide a newly hewn tomb, uncorrupted by the death of others. Here a resting place for the body of the Saviour was found “with the rich.”

Again we are reminded that God’s Word is infallible and His ways perfect. He knew from eternity that His Holy One would indeed see no corruption and raised these servants to thus serve Him in their devotion to His Son.

ML-06/28/1964

Dying to Save

A group of merry children were having lots of fun playing along the riverbank. Suddenly there was great alarm as one little boy gave a loud scream and tumbled into the water. None of them could swim and the little fellow was being carried downstream by the current to certain death.

It so happened that a young gardener, working in a nearby orchard, heard the scream and throng off his jacket and his boots, he plunged into the cold water to the rescue. He caught hold of the boy just as he was sinking into the deepest part of the river. An oar was thrown in to which the brave rescuer clung until both were picked up by another man in a boat.

The little fellow was soon none the worse for his experience, but that act of heroism cost the life of his rescuer. The soaking he got brought on pneumonia and the brave youth died. The rescued boy’s parents had a pretty tombstone put above his grave with the inscription, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

Now the love of the Lord Jesus went far beyond this. He died not merely for His friends but for His enemies, for by nature, as guilty sons of fallen Adam, we were all enemies of God— “enemies in your mind by wicked works” (Col. 1:21). “When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.” Romans 5:10.

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

Has His love won your heart yet, dear young reader?

He loved the ones for whom He died—

Not ours to question why;

But ours to know the love of Him,

Who came to die!

“To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:19.

ML-07/05/1964

Halfers

They were orphan boys; one was a newsboy, and the other used to shine shoes on the streets. They often found it hard to earn enough to pay their humble lodging and buy enough for food and clothing. But they made it a law between them that whatever one earned the other got half of it, and they stuck loyally to their arrangement. “Halfers” was their trademark, and they never dishonored it.

God who loves and cares for all, led one of His servants to the big city one day, and he spent his time and strength in seeking out poor orphan boys. He took an interest in these two boys and through his earnest and faithful words they were both led to the Saviour. What joy filled their hearts then! By diligence and honesty they rose from the streets to have a business of their own, in which they were still “halfers.” When the profits were divided at the end of the year, before either took his share, the Lord got His portion. He had given them His all, had given Himself in love upon the cross to save their souls, and He had blessed them abundantly. Now they rightly regarded Him as the alone worthy One, who was entitled to His portion with them in their increase. This is a truly happy life.

ML-07/05/1964

Little Harry's Text

Little Harry came to our infant class when he was three years old. Before he was five, he could repeat a number of texts correctly. The first was, “The Son of God Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. That text was the means of his conversion.

Memory Verse: “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER; AND HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST.” John 6:35.

ML-07/05/1964

"Am I Too Little?"

“AM I too little?” asked a tiny girl at the close of a children’s meeting, which was being held in a small fishing village on the coast.

“Too little for what, my child?” asked the kind preacher. The little one hung her head; she was too shy to answer.

“You were not too little to come to our children’s meeting; we like to see very little girls there,” he continued.

Still the little one stood as if her question had not been answered. Then, raising her pretty blue eyes, now filled with tears, she asked, “But am I too little to be saved?”

Lifting her up in his arms, the Christian worker said, “No, dear, you are not. It was to very little ones that Jesus said, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Taking her on his knee, he told her the story of the love of Jesus, and how gladly He receives and saves all the little ones who trust Him. The dear child wiped her tears away, and running off as fast as she could to her home, she told her mother how Jesus had received her and saved her.

Nor was this all. She appeared the next day at the meeting bringing another little girl with her, and at the close she said to the speaker, “This little girl wants to be saved too.” So you see, my dear little friends, you may be saved in very early days, and then go forth to win others for the Saviour. The word is still as true as ever, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

ML-07/05/1964

A Magnet

A magnet has great drawing por. The Lord Jesus is like a magnet. His great love and provision for eternal salvation draws many to Himself. Then they in turn become magnets, drawing others to the Saviour.

The Lord Jesus drew Andrew to Himself. The first thing Andrew did was draw his own brother Peter to Jesus.

Are you a magnet for Christ? Or are you being drawn by the world’s magnet?

“I... will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32.

ML-07/05/1964

Some Facts About the Bible

The Bible contains 3,566,480 leers, 773,746 words, 31,173 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66 books. The longest verse is Esther 8.9. The shortest verse is John 11:35. The shortest book in the Old Testament is Obadiah. The shortest chapter is Esther 10. The shortest psalm is Psalm 117; the longest psalm is Psalm 119. There are 960 Old Testament passages quoted, or referred to, in the New Testament.

The first printed book in the world was the Bible in 1450.

Best of all, in the Bible, I see that I am a lost sinner, and that Jesus Christ came to be my Saviour, and trusting Him I am saved. So now I can sing:

“Holy Bible, Book divine,

Precious treasure, thou art mine.”

ML-07/05/1964

Bible Questions for July

The Children’s Class

1. “Do all to the glory of God.”

2. “This do in remembrance of Me.”

3. “Charity [love] suffereth long.”

4. “God is not the author of confusion.”

5. “Christ died for our sins.”

6. “Abounding in the work of the Lord.”

7. “Stand fast in the faith.”

The Young People’s Class: Rejoicing

1. Should all who have put their trust in the Lord find occasion to REJOICE? Psa. 5.

2. Is there a time limit for those who REJOICE in the Lord? Phil. 4.

3. What future glory is the hope of our REJOICING? Rom. 5.

4. Can words express the joy of the Christian’s REJOICING? 1 Pet.

5. What suffering did the early Christians endure with REJOICING? Acts 5.

6. Should we REJOICE if called on to suffer in the same way? 1 Pet.

7. What kind of REJOICING is evil? James.

ML-07/05/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 16:1-6

ACCORDING to our reckoning, Jesus was crucified and buried on Friday. His body remained in the grave on Saturday (the Sabbath) and He arose on Sunday, the first day of the week. Early in His ministry He had said to the disbelieving Jews: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19. They pretended not to understand Him, but after His death they went to Pilate and said: “Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.” Matthew 27:63. So they were well aware of His meaning. But it was not only His enemies who knew this saying, for He said to His disciples, “The Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death... and the third day He shall rise again.” Mark 10:33, 34.

As Joseph and Nicodemus had placed the body of Jesus in the new tomb, many believing women stood by watching and saw the huge stone rolled against the tomb’s mouth. Then some of them had returned to their homes to prepare spices, wishing also to take part in His anointing. But the Sabbath overtook them before they could return and being faithful Jews they rested that day.

Meanwhile, we learn from other scriptures, that the chief priests and rulers were not so careful to observe the Sabbath but had busied themselves sealing up the grave and setting a watch over it, so that none could enter and take Jesus away. They feared that this might be done by His disciples who would then claim the Lord had risen from the dead. The watch was indeed set and the stone sealed, but these efforts to se cure the grave were of no avail, for, early in the morning on the first day of the week an angel descended from heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb. At his presence the keepers fainted away as though they were dead.

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.” vv. 1, 2.

The women knew nothing of the events following their departure from the tomb on Friday evening, but they did remember the great stone and said among themselves, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” Is it not touching to think of these women, meeting together at the break of day and coming to the tomb, their arms laden with gifts of sweet spices and perfumes? “Oh,” you say, “they were not very practical for they should have remembered the stone before they went.” Yes, reasoning would have kept them at their homes until some strong man would accompany them, but love toward their Saviour would not permit tarrying and although they spoke about this proem to one another, they were not discouraged in their purpose.

To their amazement, “When they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away.” v. 4. Then entering into the tomb they saw an angel sitting, and they were frightened. But he saith to them, “Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him.” v. 6. Their faithfulness is thus rewarded in being among the very first to learn that their Lord was risen, just as He had foretold.

ML-07/05/1964

Charlie's Shelter: A Race for Life

SOMETIMES a disease known as rabies attacks dogs, which makes them turn mad and want to bite people. Many have died from the bite of a mad dog.

A number of boys and girls were playing in the village park one afternoon, enjoying themselves as only children can. All of a sudden a mad dog came rushing down the street barking furiously. The children fled, some to their homes, others inside houses nearby. One little fellow named Charlie was too far from his father’s house, and no one near to whom he could flee. In his alarm he ran straight forward, right into the arms of a big policeman who, seeing the child’s danger, caught him up in his arms and held him tight against his breast with his left hand. With his other hand, he took his gun and, pointing it at the big dog which was now within a few yards of him and the boy, he pulled the trigger. The dog rolled over dead. Poor dog! He was a nice quiet animal before he took sick, but after that the only thing to do was to get rid of him.

Charlie was led safely home to his mother who with many thanksgivings clasped her dear boy to her bosom. I often think that every boy and girl yet without Christ, is exposed to a far greater danger than Charlie was. Death and judgment follow hard at their heels. Where can they run to hide? To whom can they flee for shelter? There is only one hiding place. That is Jesus. He receives and defends all who flee to Him, for He has conquered death and taken away its sting for all His own.

Dear boys and girls, have you fled to Jesus? Are you safe in His mighty arms, sheltered from death and judgment? There is no other Saviour: no other refuge, but Jesus Christ our Lord.

“Flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3:7.

“A man shall be as a hiding place... as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2.

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

Memory Verse: “FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME.” Matthew 3:7.

ML-07/12/1964

Jennie's Hymn

Two little girls sat in the playroom playing with their toys. All at once the elder of the two, Jennie by name, began to sing in a sweet voice. I listened to the singer as she sang — “Two little eyes to look to God.”

I had never heard the beautiful lines before. But Jennie knew them well, and after singing them over twice, she asked her little playmate to sing too. Perhaps our little reader would like to learn them.

Two little eyes to look to God,

Two little ears to hear His Word,

Two little feet to walk His Ways,

Two hands to work for Him all my days.

One little tongue to speak His truth,

One little heart for Him now in my youth;

Take them, Lord Jesus, and let them be

Always obedient and true to Thee.

ML-07/12/1964

Anxious to Go to School!

It was getting near school time. Little Joe hurried through his breakfast. He was really too excited to eat. When Carl picked up his Bible to read he said, “It won’t be long now.”

“But we have to pray,” said Nancy.

“Oh, I mean it won’t be long till I can read too,” said little Joe. A little later Joe was running to the car. Soon he scrambled up the steps of the school with his mother.

“Today I get registered,” he said, “Today I get registered for school.”

“And why are you anxious to go to school?” asked the teacher.

“Oh, I want to learn to read the Bible,” answered little Joe.

ML-07/12/1964

The Tramps' Prayer Meeting

IT WAS a little mission room, where a crowd of poor had gathered to hear a young lady sing hymns. Her high, clear, lovely voice rang out in the well-known hymn called,

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer.”

“Listen to that, friend,” said Joe, a poor laborer, to a tramp named Chris Brown. “When you’re in want, ask God to help you.”

“In what words, Mate?” asked Chris. “I was never taught to pray. It would hardly come from me.”

Joe looked doubtful. “I have heard my children say, ‘Give us this day our daily bread’,” he said slowly; “I ‘spect that’ll suit you. It means breakfast and supper too.”

The lights were being turned off as the two strangers waited. “If you’re in search of work, Mate,” said Joe, who had a little home to go to, “I’ve heard they want men on the rail at Derby. Perhaps you could tramp there.”

It was not a cheerful lookout for Chris Brown. He had never been taught to pray. But despairing of finding a job, he joined others and took the road to Derby. They were anything but a cheerful party, as they tramped along wearily.

Walking all day, they came to an empty barn standing close to the highway.

“Let’s rest here,” suggested one, and the others agreed. “The police won’t catch us. We’ve no lights nor pipes, and we’ll have a good sleep, anyhow.”

“I wish that Jesus we heard about could help us now,” said one of the men, hopelessly. “We need a friend, surely.”

“Here you, Chris; you’ve been to the mission services; you’re the best to put up a prayer. Out with it, man.”

Chris looked around in consternation. The others waited. After a bit of thinking, he remembered the only prayer he had ever been taught.

“Give us this day our daily bread,” he said sturdily, “and that means breakfast or supper, please.” He did not dare to ask for both!

Now He to whom children pray often gives those who call upon Him more than they either ask or deserve. Even while Chris was putting up his prayer, the barn door opened and a lantern flashed into the place. The visiting policeman saw a strange sight. Five men kneeling in a circle with fast closed eyes, their hats clutched tightly in their hands. He drew back softly.

“I’ve seen many a tramp on this road,” he confessed afterward, “but never one on his knees before. It just flabbergasted me.”

Waiting till each poor traveler said “Amen” to Chris Brown’s petition, the officer came back loyally.

“You needn’t stir, men,” he said, as the five tried to apologize and shuffle off. “You can sleep in the barn all night if you clear out before daybreak. Men who say their prayers don’t do damage. And here,” he said, “is some bread and meat. It isn’t much, it was meant for one man only, but you’re welcome to it.”

The poor tramps were thunderstruck. God had sent their supper, surely, and was sending them breakfast too, for the good-hearted policeman, whose heart no doubt the Lord had touched, gave their leader a quarter. You’ll find Lockhart’s Coffee Shop open when you get to town in the morning, and you can get a cup of cocoa for a nickel,” he informed them. “Now, goodnight, men. Be off before sunrise, that’s all.”

Some months afterward, Chris Brown again found himself back at the little mission. This time he had a good pair of shoes on his feet, a good coat, and a little money in his pocket. He found a Friend in Jesus — God’s best and greatest gift 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.

“You see,” he said to the lady in charge of the mission room, “God was as good as His word. He just gave us five fellows what we asked for at once. And He has done much more for me. I have a room now in Derby, and a steady job.”

To those who hunger in their souls, unsatisfied by this world’s pleasures, to those who come to Jesus, God gives the bread of life.

“For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:33.

The Lord Jesus has also said: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35.

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

“Trust in the LORD... and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 37:3.

ML-07/12/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 16:7-11

THE WOMEN who had seen the evidence of the Lord’s resurrection, were told by the angel to go to the disciples and tell them that He was risen and would appear unto them in Galilee. What a wonderful message this was! The One for whom they had sorrowed so much and whom they thought was dead, was now alive and would soon disclose Himself to His own.

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.” v. 9. Although the women in the foregoing verses had appeared at the tomb very early, Mary Magdalene had been there first. She had gone to the grave the moment she was no longer confined to her home by the law of the Sabbath day. We are told of this in John 20:1: “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away.” Therefore, when the others arrived, Mary—unknown to them—had already come and was gone to tell Peter and John what she had discovered.

In her absence the other women came with their loving tributes and left with their message, as we have noticed. Then, after they departed, Peter, John and Mary returned to the scene. The two disciples, after entering into the sepulcher, observed that the Lord was risen and then returned to their home. But Mary—still not entering into the grand truth of all she had seen—stayed behind alone and it was then that the Lord appeared to her in our ninth verse. In John’s Gospel we have a more detailed account of this touching scene: “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith until Him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away. Jesus saith unto her Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say Master.” John 20:15, 16.

Then Mary, like the other women, is given a message for the disciples. But it is interesting to notice the difference in these messages. The women were told by the angel to tell the disciples that the Lord would meet them in Galilee. This was an earthly promise and reminds us of His encouragement to the faithful remnant of His people Israel, who will, in a coming day, again know Him as their Messiah, rejected, slain, but alive again and their true Jehovah. Mary’s message from Jesus was different: “Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” Here was a heavenly promise and the association of His own with Himself as brethren and in relationship with God the Father. Perhaps it was Mary’s deeper affection for her Lord that gave her the brightest message for His followers.

“And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.” vv. 10, 11. It is strange for us to look in on this scene and observe their disbelief. We would rather think they would leap and shout for joy, but it just seemed too much for these sorrowing disciples to grasp. They therefore remained in doubt in spite of this message and other reports, until later when the Lord manifested Himself to them.

ML-07/12/1964

Brave Freddy

FREDDY, who lived in the city, went for his three months’ vacation on his aunt and uncle’s farm. They had a fine country home, white-painted barns, and all surrounded by grain fields. A charming little stream flowed through the farm, and it was Freddy’s delight to stand on the wooden bridge and watch the speckled trout swimming in the sunshine.

But what I want especially to tell you about Freddy is that he was a Christian boy, and he was not like some boys and girls I have known, ashamed to confess Christ as his Saviour. His aunt and uncle were very kind to him, and so were his cousins. But theirs was not a Christian home; there was no daily reading of God’s Word or prayer, and Freddy was much surprised at this. At breakfast there was no thanksgiving before the meal, but Freddy bowed his head and gave thanks. There was no evening prayer, but the dear boy knelt down by his bed before going to sleep. This began to have a wonderful effect in that worldly home. I am sure it was used of God to show that worldly family that there was reality in Christianity to which they were strangers.

One day something happened that gave Freddy’s testimony for his Saviour favor in the eyes of the whole household. He was playing in the meadow with his little cousins, his aunt being only a little way off, when little five-year-old Cindy fell into the water. Freddy heard her cry and ran down to the bank of the stream. There he saw Cindy being carried down by the current. Quickly the brave boy ran to the wooden bridge, lay down flat on the planks underneath, and reaching down, he caught Cindy’s apron as she floated past. He was unable to pull her up, but his loud cry brought her mother to the scene, and in a few minutes Cindy was drawn out of the water. Freddy was kissed all around that night. When he was saying goodnight to his aunt he whispered, “Jesus helped me to save Cindy. I cried to Him to do it.”

That word was never forgotten. No doubt it was true, and it proved the reality of his simple trust in Christ. Years passed, and Freddy is no longer a little boy. In one of our big cities here in the United States he is the head of a large business, and his delight is still to speak well of Jesus who saved him in his very early days. His aunt too, and all the family are all saved and on their way to heaven, and she gladly confesses that Freddy’s clear testimony to the Lord Jesus first turned her thoughts to the Saviour.

How grand it is to be saved in our early days, and to be the means of pointing others to Christ. Dear young friends, what a privilege to be just a signpost, pointing to Him.

ML-07/19/1964

Little Tommy's Prayer

LITTLE Tommy was not taught to repeat his prayer simply by heart. No one knows where he heard it, or whether God taught it to the dear little fellow. He was dressed for bed one night, and climbing on his older sister’s knee to say “Goodnight,” he clasped his little hands and prayed, “Lord Jesus, who died to save sinners, keep Mary and me.” Next night, he came again to his sister and clasping his little hands he prayed, “Lord Jesus, save dear Day. Bring him home safely from his shop.”

These were simple requests but they came from his heart, and God heard them. At that early age, Toy was a believer, and no doubt saved. His young and tender heart was very early won by the love of Jesus, and he has been a true follower of the Saviour now for over ten years. How grand it is to be saved in childhood! Dear reader, are you?

“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-07/19/1964

Nancy's Triumph

“IF you go back to that mission home and bring any more of these tracts into this house, I will throw you outside the door. Mind, I have said it, and I mean it, so you had better make up your mind what you are going to do. Let some of these ‘Christians,’ as they call themselves, find you your bed and board, and they’ll show how far their religion has got into them.” Then stamping his foot in a rage, the angry man turned to his newspaper, and his sorrowful little daughter quietly withdrew to a neighbor’s house until his anger would subside.

Nancy’s father was a professed infidel, but really he was nothing at all, except a man of the world. He was a salmon fisherman and fairly well off, but he drank and gambled away a good part of his earnings. His wife was very delicate, and seldom able to be out. Nancy, a bright girl of twelve, was their only child.

One of her father’s employees was a godly young Christian man. He had opened a little Sunday school in a mission hall for the fishermen’s children and others in that out-of-the-way place, where no one seemed to care for the souls of the people, or teach their children the truth of God. It was in that simple gospel service that Nancy learned her need of a Saviour, and heard of Jesus and His power to save. Her young and tender heart was won for Christ, and with her lips she confessed Him as her saviour. Her invalid mother was glad to see her child taken up with what she knew was right, although she herself was a stranger to Christ and His salvation. But when the father heard of Nancy going to Sunday school, and especially when she sang hymns and read her Testament at home, he was very angry and threatened to stop her going. His angry words to Nancy showed that he was wicked enough to carry out his threat.

But there is a God in heaven above who overturns at His decree the plans of men, and causes even their wrath to praise Him. Nancy went with some other girls to the Sunday school as usual, not without some fear, however, but she remembered the Lord’s own words, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:37.

On the way home, accompanied by the young man who conducted the class, Nancy met her father on his way to look at his nets. He was not angry as she feared he would be, but spoke kindly to her, asking if she had been able to repeat her memory verse correctly. God had spoken to him and softened his heart.

A few Sunday nights after, he sat in the mission hall, listened to the gospel preached by a Christian man with whom he did business, and God in grace saved his soul. O what a triumph of God’s grace that was! What joy and happiness there was in the home from then on!

Nancy is now a devoted young Christian lady, the joy of her father’s heart, and her mother, stronger in body, is also saved and happy.

What wonders grace can work, and the first and best in you, dear reader, will be your own salvation. If you know your need, trust yourself to Jesus. He is mighty to save.

If you do not yet know yourself a sinner, lost, guilty and condemned already, let the Word of God convince you of it. There is no other way of learning it. And then, that Word says, “Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6.

ML-07/19/1964

There Is No "If"

Tommy and his sister Betty sat poring over the pages of a large picture book. There was one picture called “Noah entering the Ark,” which especially captured their interest. Beasts and birds were there, entering in before Noah, all fleeing to safety from the coming flood.

“What if the Ark had gone down and become a wreck?” said Tommy, thoughtfully, “and then everybody in the world would have been drowned.”

“No fear of that when God was in it,” answered Betty. Then putting her arm around Tommy’s neck, she added, “There is no ‘If,’ Tommy, when God says, ‘shall not perish.’ He means it, and if you come to Jesus and trust Him, you will be safe, like Noah and all the beasts were in the Ark. There’s no ‘If,’ Tommy.”

Dear boys and girls, how true this is! God says to all who trust in Jesus, they “shall be saved”; to all those who do not believe, they “shall be damned.” There is no “If” about it.

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

ML-07/19/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 16:12-16

“AFTER that He appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.” vv. 12, 13.

The two to whom the Lord appeared in this reference were en route from Jerusalem to the little village of Emmaus, about an eight-mile walk. They too were saddened by all the events of the past three days and were perplexed by the reports that they had heard that day about the Lord’s resurrection. They talked tether along the way about these things. Jesus graciously joined them, but concealed His identity until they constrained Him to accept the hospitality of their home. There He made Himself known to them, before vanishing from their sight.

It is a wonderful thing to open our homes to the Lord—to let Him have first place there. He is pleased to honor such faithfulness and will draw us closer to Himself when this is done in sincerity.

One of these, we know from Luke’s account, was Cleopas. This couple walked all the way back to Jerusalem that very night to tell the others of their wonderful experience, but as we are told, “neither believed they them.”

“Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.” v. 14.

Friend, do you believe what you have been told about Jesus? Does the account of His sufferings even unto death, His love expressed to you on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, convey belief or disbelief in your own heart? You have heard the gospel story, perhaps many times over and yet have not actually believed it as applying to your own personal need. Do give solemn though to God’s Word, which says: “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:10, 11.

We should bear in mind that in none of the gospels is an attempt made to give a full account of Jesus manifesting Himself after His resurrection. Each gospel recites some of His appearances, followed by a further account in the opening verses of the first chapter of Acts, where we learn that He showed Himself to the apostles forty days. Further knowledge of His appearances to faithful witnesses is given in the early verses of 1 Corinthians 15. There is no record that any unbelievers saw Him after His resurrection and quite likely they did not do so. The period of His service here to mankind had terminated. He had been rejected and crucified. The work now was committed to His followers.

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” vv. 15, 16. Thus started a great ministry carried on to this day into the far corners of the world.

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalm 68:11.

Memory Verse: “FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.” Romans 10:17.

ML-07/19/1964

Gypsy Sarah

GYPSY SARAH and her little tent were familiar to visitors at a well-known seaside resort. There, for over 60 summers, the old woman had plied her trade of fortune-telling, pretending to foretell the future of foolish, deluded people who went to her. God was in none of her thoughts. Her one desire was to live an easy life, and to make plenty of money. At the age of 92, Gypsy Sarah still sat near the sand dunes, telling fortunes as briskly as ever.

One sunny morning, a young evangelist, with a heart full of love to his Lord, passed near her tent. Bide it, on a low chair, sat erect old Sarah. “So old, yet godless and Christless,” the blessed Spirit seemed to whisper to him.

After closing his eyes in earnest prayer, the young Christian went quietly up to the old gypsy.

“Good morning,” said he. “I hear you have been here every summer for 60 years.”

“I have,” she answered. “For 62 years, Gypsy Sarah has held her own here. I am 92 now, sir, and I—.”

“My friend,” said the young man earnestly, and so solemnly, that with a startled look the old woman gazed up to the bright face before her. “My friend, the God who made that blue sky, and that wide sea, has sent me here with two messages for you. The first is that He has kept accounts of every lie you have told since you have sat here, for 62 years.”

Gypsy Sarah’s eyes dropped, and her proud glance quailed before the Spirit-filled words. Slowly, the young man repeated them. Then, during the silence that followed, he cried to God to save that lost soul. Stooping over the now drooping figure, he said: “God’s second message to you, Gypsy Sarah, is that He loves you. He gave His own Son to bleed and die for poor sinners like you and me. ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’.” Again he repeated the words, and strolling along the beach, he prayed earnestly that God would bless the seed sown.

Two days later, the young evangelist visited the tent again. Eager was the old woman’s welcome, “Tell me more about that Love,” she cried. “I’ve sat here over 60 years, and you’re the very first one who has ever said a word to me about God, or my soul. I see I’m a big sinner, a wicked old woman, I see it all now. But it’s two things that God sent you to tell me—tell me the last one again.”

With joy the young man read from God’s word the glad message of “the gospel of Jesus Christ,” and he repeated John the Baptist’s words, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The Lord opened her heart that she “attended unto the things which were spoken” by His young servant.

Very shortly afterward, a notice posted on the tightly closed tent read: “Gypsy Sarah will tell no more fortunes.”

She lived to testify for several years, by life and word, that she was truly “born again.” The harsh, rued face softened wonderfully, and her voice lost its harshness. One and another would seek out the old won and beg her to foretell their future. But calmly she would answer: “Gypsy Sarah don’t tell fortunes now. You tell your mother she is doing something better now—that is, learning about Jesus,” or, “Nay, sir, it’s about God I’ll tell you, and nothing else now. And let who will, come, and gladly I’ll tell them what He’s done for a poor sinner like me. I’ve told them lies before, now I speak God’s truth.”

Old Gypsy Sarah is now “with Christ,” a witness that the “gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” is indeed “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Romans 1:16.

ML-07/26/1964

A Summer Day, Long Ago

I WAS playing in the woods with other of my girl companions in the bright sunshine one summer day. Suddenly the sky became overcast, the rain came down in torrents, followed by a tremendous thunder storm, while the forked lightning flashed in terrific grandeur, lighting up the dark pine woods. We first sought the shelter of a wide-spreading tree, but it proved a poor refuge from the storm. Then we ran to a cave with an over-hanging rock. This we found to be a better shelter, and looking out we could see the fury of the storm as it raged above the valley.

One of the girls suggested that we might sing, and she led off with a familiar hymn:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From the riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save me from its guilt and power.

When the singing ceased, Mary said, “It is wonderful to be sheltered in Jesus from the wrath to come. I am glad that I fled to Him for refuge three months ago, and I know that I am safe.”

Some of the girls laughed, but I hung my head in shame. I knew that I was not saved, nor sheltered from the wrath of God. I think Mary saw that I was uneasy; at any rate, she looked at me and added solemnly, “Some of you know that you need a Saviour.” The rest of the time was spent in silence, but no doubt God spoke to our hearts during the half hour that we remained in our hiding place.

The storm passed. A beautiful rainbow spanned the valley, which was soon again lit up with the suer sunshine, and we walked along the river bank toward the village. Mary Rivers kept close by me, and spoke to me about Jesus. I was too great a coward to tell her in the presence of the other girls that I really wanted to be saved. But God made it easy for me by taking the rest of the girls away from us as we entered the village, thus leaving us together alone. Then I told Mary how I had prayed and tried to become a Christian, but it failed.

“That’s not the way at all, Marret,” said she. “Jesus has finished the work. You have nothing to do; only believe that Jesus died for you, and trust yourself to Him.”

That was something entirely new to me. I had been taught that if I was good, said my prayers night and morning, went to church, and kept from open sin, I might hope to get to heaven when I died. But to be saved now, and that without doing anything, only because of what Jesus did for me over 1900 years ago, was something I had never heard before. Yet that is the gospel, and I believed it; I was safe, and had found peace with God. Years have passed by and I have proved the power of God in my salvation ever since that summer’s day long ago.

“He maketh the storm a calm.” Psalm 107:29.

He “came and preached peace to you which were afar off.” Ephesians 2:17.

ML-07/26/1964

Your Name

YOUR name on an envelope gives you the right to open the letter. Your name in a will makes you possessor of wealth. But is your name in God’s Book? Let us see.

Who are the ones Jesus came to save?

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

For whom did Christ die? “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

What kind of people does Christ receive? “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:2. Can you truthfully say, I take the guilty sinner’s name, The guilty sinner’s Saviour claim? If you can, then your name is written in God’s Book.

ML-07/26/1964

Seven Links

Here is a chain of seven links telling us how wonderfully the Lord is for those who trust Him as their Saviour. No shepherd ever watched his flock, no mother ever cared for her children, no watchman ever kept guard as faithfully as the Lord Jesus cares for His own. Dear young Christian, look up these references in the Bible and read what it says:

His arms are underneath you.
Deuteronomy 33:27.

His eyes are over you.
1 Peter 3:12.

He goes before you.
John 10:4.

He follows behind you.
Isaiah 52:12.

He encampeth round about you.
Psalm 34:7.

He liveth in you.
Galatians 2:20.

He is coming for you.
John 14:3.

“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people.” Psalm 125:2.

ML-07/26/1964

Bible Talks

Mark 16:17-20

“AND these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

As the Lord sent forth His disciples He gave them assurances of God’s help in providing such signs and wonders. As remarked earlier in our Bible Talks these tokens were given for the period when the gospel was first preached in the world. There is nothing in what the Lord said to His disciples that indicates these signs would be for all time. They would, however, for the introduction period of the gospel, identify the disciples with heavenly power, just as we read of Jesus Himself: “A man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you.” Acts 2:22.

Again, after the Lord’s ascension into glory, we read this account: “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;... And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” Acts 5:12, 14. There were no written New Testament Scriptures for those giving the gospel as they went forth, and great opposition confronted their message. These signs and wonders were most suitable to the introduction of the testimony.

“So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” v. 19. Yes, the work He had come to do was finished. God was well pleased with His Son and received Him back into glory, where He now sits at God’s right hand.

After the little company who witnessed His ascent returned to Jerusalem, they were soon given the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2), and the work to which they had been called was commenced. Sad at no longer having their Lord with them, their hearts were comforted by His gracious words. His promise would be remembered: “Lo, I am with you al-way, even unto the end of the world [age].” Matthew 28:20. They would never forget how He opened their understanding, “that they might understand the scriptures.” Luke 24:45. They would prove the blessings of the Comforter whom the Lord prosed, to guide them and show them all truth. (John 16:7-13.) Then too there was the Lord’s assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.” John 16:23.

We but barely touch on the proses to these who were to go forth “as sheep among wolves,” but the Holy Spirit would bring all things to their remembrance concerning their walk with the Lord, and this would encourage them to the faithful walk that was later manifested. “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” v. 20.

As noticed throughout the book of Mark, the Lord has presented Himself as the true Servant—humble and ever obedient. Now, though exalted to the glory, that same Servant character is still expressed in His love to those who were to follow in His steps. May we through grace seek to be more like Him.

Memory Verse: “WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22.

ML-07/26/1964

The Bee Without a Sting

MY brother Charlie and I were playing in the garden one bright summer afternoon. Bees and butterflies were flitting among the flowers. We were having such a good time that we did not notice them, until a large bee lighted on Charlie’s neck and stung him. I ran and hid myself behind a tree as the bee, which was still humming about, might sting me also. However, my mother came out and told me that I need not fear that bee anymore; it had left its sting in Charlie, and could not harm anyone now.

I think this is a very simple illustration of what death is to the believer in Christ. “The sting of death is sin,” but that sting was borne by Jesus, when He died upon the cross, and now death has no sting for one who puts his trust in Jesus.

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

ML-08/02/1964

The Noisy Parrot

“WHAT a nuisance that parrot is,” exclaimed Mr. Proctor. “As often as I turn him out he comes back again, screeching and flapping his wings. He is a nuance!”

It was at a mission station in Africa and the missionaries’ patience had been sorely tried for some time by the noise of this bright-hued bird who insisted on sharing their home. Just now Mr. Proctor was leaning on the handle of a broom with which he had chased the parrot from place to place. The intruder had taken up his quarters in an inner room very near the cot where their little baby daughter was sleeping.

“Put up your broom and come to dinner; he doesn’t mean to budge for you,” said a fellow missionary, while Mrs. Proctor cast anxious glances at the distant cot, and expressed her fear that the creature with the terrible beak and sharp claws “might hurt the baby.”

A few days later the attention of all within earshot was attracted by unusually loud screeches.

“That’s a new specimen of his music,” said Mr. Proctor. “There’s something up, depend upon it.”

Well might the parent be alarmed, for there in the little inner room, just over the baby’s cot, hung a huge cobra snake. Its black shiny body was twisted around a beam, and its head was approaching nearer and nearer to the fair, dimpled face of little baby Ann, the darling of the mission station. The shrieks of the parrot aroused her—she flung out a chubby arm—the cobra slipped lower and lower.

Poor Mrs. Proctor was too terrified to move or speak, and could only send up a silent prayer, “Oh God, please save my baby.”

“A gun,” cried Mr. Proctor in an agony of fear.

The next moment the report of a gun rang out, and the huge snake lay dead at their feet. Mrs. Proctor clasped her darling baby, who was quite unhurt, although frightened at the noise of the gun.

“Thank God for that parrot,” said someone. Mr. Proctor could only ask himself what might have been the consequences if his plan of turning out the bird had been successful!

Just as that noisy, determined parrot, who tried the missionary so much, proved to be a blessing in that far-off mission house, so some of the trials and difficulties in our daily lives, are God’s messengers to teach us many precious lessons. We may not know or understand the why or wherefore of some things that are allowed to come into our lives, but those who are God’s children, who have trusted in Christ for their salvation, can rest in His love, knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

The Lord Jesus told His disciples in John 13:7: “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29,30.

Memory Verse: “WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A LITTLE CHILD SHALL IN NO WISE ENTER THEREIN.” Luke 18:17.

ML-08/02/1964

Margie the Miller's Child

Far away from the city in a quiet spot along the bank of a stream, Margie lived with her parents. Her father was a miller, and went to town every Friday to sell his flour. Usually he brought some little present for Margie who was an only child.

One day he brought her a pretty book, full of pictures and true gospel stories, and Margie sat night after night reading. One of these stories showed her how to be saved, and she trusted Jesus.

Margie is now a young lady, and on Sunday she has a class of girls in her father’s mill, to whom she tells the story of Jesus and His love. You will be saved too, dear young reader, as truly as Margie was, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour.

ML-08/02/1964

The Jewish Boys

IN a poor district in one of the big cities where many Jewish families lived, Isaac and Aaron lived with their parents. The boys were very industrious, and helped their parents who were very poor.

Not far from where they lived there was a room to which a number of the Jewish children went on Sunday afternoons. Here they had hot drinks and buns served them, followed by a gospel address. Now you may know that most Jews today, just like their forefathers, do not believe in Jesus Christ as the true Messiah, or the Saviour, and are much opposed to their children going anywhere to hear about Him. However, the parents of these boys were so poor that they were glad for their sons to go where they got something to eat, and it was only after Isaac and Aaron confessed the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, that the trouble began.

The Jewish neighbors round about hearing of it, came in crowds to the house, and demanded that the boys be punished. Their New Testaments were taken from them, and they were told never to go back to the Sunday school room again. But Christ was in their hearts, and they would not deny His name, so in order to escape terrible persecution, they ran away. A kind Christian man who served the Lord in looking after the poor boys and girls, found Aaron and Isaac huddled in a corner, cold and hungry.

He took them to a place where they were cared for, and there they learned to read, and after that they learned a trade. Both are now bright followers of the Lord, seeking to lead other Jewish boys to the Saviour.

Wouldn’t you like to be happy too in serving the Lord Jesus, dear reader? If you take Him as your Saviour, He will wash your sins away, and will use you in blessing others.

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

ML-08/02/1964

Lost and Found

Though I am but a little child,

Yet I am lost in sin,

But God has sent His Spirit here

My rebel heart to win.

The light of God’s most Holy Word

Shows how I am depraved;

The gospel’s clear and shining light

Tells how I may be saved.

ML-08/02/1964

Bible Questions for August

The Children’s Class

1. “Should not trust in ourselves.”

2. “The glorious gospel of Christ.”

3. “Unto Him which died for them.”

4. “Know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

5. “God loveth a cheerful giver.”

6. “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

7. “He was crucified through weakness.”

The Young People’s Class: The Blood of Jesus Christ

1. What verse tells of being redeemed to God by BLOOD? Rev. 5.

2. What verse tells of being cleansed from sin by BLOOD? 1 John.

3. What verse tells of being justified by BLOOD. Rom. 5.

4. What verse tells of having consciences purged from dead works by BLOOD? Heb.

5. What verse tells of peace being made by BLOOD? Col.

6. What verse tells of those who were far off being brought nigh to God by BLOOD? Eph. 2.

7. What verse tells of the right to enter into the holiest by BLOOD? Heb.

ML-08/02/1964

Bible Talks: Cain and Abel

Genesis 4:1,2

(As the Lord may be pleased to prosper the work, it will be our purpose to look for awhile at some of the Old Testament stories.)

“AND Adam knew Eve his wife: and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother, Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” vv. 1, 2.

Adam and Eve, the forerunners of the entire human race, present types to us of what is displayed in man throughout the ages. Man, though abundantly provided with God’s bounties and blessings, will not be satisfied with what is committed to him, but will rather follow the voice of the enemy—Satan. But then, God’s grace supplied for Adam and Eve a means of escape from their own folly —covering the revealing nakedness of their hearts with a blood-sacrifice, through which coats of skins were provided. God ever since has seen man exposed in all his wickedness and has provided the blood of Christ as an atonement for sins, so that He can now clothe with His own righteousness all who will avail themselves of His goodness in providing a Saviour.

Cain and Abel are the first offspring of Adam and Eve. According to nature there would be nothing much to distinguish between the two. The parents certainly bestowed the same favors upon each, and they enjoyed equal opportunities to undertake whatever occupation appealed to them individually as they reached manhood. The similarity in the two would readily be apparent to any who might have looked in on them and probably both were fine specimens of manhood. But there was an other similarity that might not so readily show itself outwardly, but which was equally true nonetheless. Both brothers were sinners. It could not be otherwise. A tree can only yield fruit after its own kind and all that Adam and Eve could transmit to every one of their offspring was a sinful nature. Adam had become the head of a fallen race and the sinful nature resulting from his disobedience now fell upon all who would succeed him. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12. So we see the two young men were not only both sinners, but each one had the sentence of death on him. Furthermore, each one had a conscience about his sins.

Cain and Abel were not brought into the same kind of world that their parents had found when they were created by God. That first world had been a true paradise—no fruits of sin being there. The earth yielded her bounty without weeds and thorns. All creation was in harmony and in perfect balance for man’s requirements, and more than that, man being free from sin, stood in perfect relationship with his Creator.

But what a change sin had brought in! The paradise they had enjoyed, now closed to them forever. Although still a bountiful and rich provision came to them from the soil, it could only be gained as God had told them: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Gen. 3:19. Creation was now out of balance as well. On every hand there was evidence to Adam and Eve, as well as to Cain and Abel, of the result of their disobedience to the voice of God.

ML-08/02/1964

The Lost Drummer Boy

DURING one of Napoleon’s wars, he ordered one of his officers, named McDonald, to cross a dangerous mountain path with 15,000 soldiers during a severe snowstorm. As they marched along the rugged road, an avalanche of snow rolled down the mountainside, and swept the drummer boy into the valley below. A cry burst out from the ranks, and many a brave soldier wiped a tear from his eye. As they listened, they heard a drum beat far below, and they knew the drummer boy was alive.

Marshall McDonald threw off his cloak, tied a rope around his waist, and ordered his men to let him down into the deep ravine. He found the drummer boy buried in the snow and, tearing off his sash, he bound him firmly to his own body and gave the signal to draw up. Those on the heights above at once began to pull up their commander who had left them and gone down at the risk of his life to rescue the lost drummer.

Up from the depths beneath, slowly the rescuer and the rescued one were drawn. There was a shout of gladness among the soldiers when the brave marshall and the lost drummer boy were safely landed tether.

That lost drummer boy reminds me of the lost sinner. Jesus, the Son of God, came down to seek and save the lost, and all who know Him as their Saviour are bound up in life with Him and shall reach the same glory.

Dear young reader, have you been reached and saved by the Son of God? Are you lost in the depths of sin beneath, or saved and risen with Christ above? Have you cried to the Lord to save you? He will hear your cry in heaven, and rescue you from death and judgment. Then you will be able to say with the psalmist: “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:... Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust.” Psalm 40:1-4.

ML-08/09/1964

Susie's Testament

SUSIE is a bright little girl of ten years in my Sunday school class. She is a farmer’s daughter, living a few miles out of town, but she is most regular in attendance at Sunday school. For some time I had thought that Susie was a believer in the Lord Jesus, but she was so very shy, and when I asked her, she hung her head in silence.

One afternoon at the close of Sunday school, I found a New Testament lying on one of the seats. Lifting it up, I found on the fly leaf Susie’s name, and under it, the following line written by her own hand, “Born again, the 20th of May.” How glad I was as I read that, and I wondered why Susie had not told me before.

As I stood with the book in my hand, Susie entered the room. She had missed her Testament and had come back for it. When she saw the book in my hand, she blushed. I said to her, “Come, Susie, come and tell me what happened on the 20th of May.” The dear child told me how she was converted, and added, “I didn’t like to tell you at first, teacher, for I fear it was not real, and then I was ashamed. But now I love the Lord Jesus, and I know that I am saved.”

“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-08/09/1964

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,

To shine for Him each day,

In every way try to please Him—

At home, at school, at play.

Jesus wants me to be loving,

And kind to all I see,

Showing how pleasant and happy

His little one may be.

I will ask Jesus to help me,

To keep my heart from sin;

Ever reflecting His goodness,

And always shine for Him.

I’d be a sunbeam for Jesus,

Who came for me to die;

Serving Him moment by moment,

Then live with Him on high.

ML-08/09/1964

Jimmie's New Watch

JIMMIE had been promised a watch on his twelfth birthday, and how eagerly he looked forward to that day. At last it came, and Jimmie’s father, faithful to his prose, brought out the new watch and presented it to Jimmie. He held out his hand and received it from his father, and with a kiss, a hug, and a hearty “Oh, thank you, Daddy,” he was off to show his treasure to his brothers and sisters.

Jimmie had no thought then that the incident of that memorable day would be used in after years to show him how to receive another gift, worth far more than the new silver watch. When Jimmie was thirteen, he became anxious to be saved. Many of the boys and girls in the town had been converted, but Jimmie was awakened to see himself as a sinner. However, he could not understand about receiving eternal life as the gift of God.

One night, sitting beside his father in the living room, his father said, “Jimmie, do you remember how on your twelfth birthday you received your watch?”

“Yes, Daddy,” was Jimmie’s reply.

“Well, my boy, you must receive eternal life from God in the same way as you received that watch from me. Take it and thank Him.”

Jimmie saw in a moment the way to “receive,” and he did “receive eternal life,” as a gift from God, and became a happy follower of the Lord.

Dear young reader, have you received the gift of God? You do not work for a gift. You do not have to seek for it. You have only to receive it and thank the giver. This is exactly what all who are possessors of Christ have done. They have received Him as the gift of God, and thank God for Him.

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

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

ML-08/09/1964

Four Bible Boys Who Had Godly Mothers

A king, a farmer’s son, a prophet, and a preacher of the gospel.

Write down their names, see what word the initial letters spell, and ask yourself— “Is it I?”

Memory Verse: “THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” Matthew 18:11.

ML-08/09/1964

Annie's Hymn

In a mining village where I have often told the story of Jesus and His love to a gathering of boys and girls, there was a little fair-haired girl who always sat on the front seat and sang the hymns so sweetly. Although she was only six years old, I have no doubt Annie was saved and on her way to heaven.

One hymn with a chorus was, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me.” It was new then, and was a great favorite in our meeting. Little Annie picked it up and sang it daily in the house, and such was the interest that she was glad to sing it in the streets in front of the long rows of miners’ homes. God used it, as some tell to this day. An old woman lying sick, heard Annie singing on the steps and asked her to come in. The sweet story of Jesus’ love had a wonderful effect on the heart of that hardened sinner. Her heart was melted, and she was saved.

Have you been saved, dear reader? If your heart is not won by the story of the love of Jesus, it must be very hard indeed. God grant that you may find it to be the most precious thing in life—the love of Jesus, who gave Himself upon the cross for sinners like you and me.

JESUS loves the little children,

All the children of the world:

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight;

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Jesus died for little children,

All the children of the world:

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight;

Jesus died for all the children of the world.

ML-08/09/1964

Bible Talks: Cain and Abel

Genesis 4:3-5

IT IS hard to think that Adam and Eve would have failed to give their sons an account of all that had befallen them, and to tell them too of God’s grace in providing coats for them, by the slaying of innocent animals. In their talks together the boys would surely have had explained to them about the ground now being cursed, as also their separation from nearness to God that had previously marked the Garden of Eden. But we cannot think that the parents would fail to also tell them of their need now of going to God with suitable sacrifices, that they might be accepted of Him in spite of their fallen condition.

The two sons soon grew to manhood and set out on their careers—just as young men do nowadays—the one becoming a shepherd and the other a tiller of the soil. These two are indeed types to us of the whole human race. We see that they both felt a need to put themselves right with God, and their hearts and consciences told them they could not merely present themselves, but need some substitute. In this they were entirely correct, as we read in Romans 7:18: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” Yes, friend, every one of us, from Adam and Eve on, needs a suitable substitute to go between us and God.

“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and his offering he had not respect.” vv. 3-5.

Cain brought his offering—the fruit of the ground, with which he was sot familiar—and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flocks. Abel’s offering was accepted; Cain’s was refused. Now it is most important for us to understand why this was so. And first of all we want to read very carefully’ just what is expressed in the Word. “The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect.” It was the offering that identified each offerer and it was on this that the Lord looked. Cain’s offering was perhaps very choice and selected from the very best of his crops. Why then did the Lord not accept it? Because it was from the sin-cursed earth and, beautiful though it might be, it yet would be a cursed product, marked with the sin of this world, and not suited as a substitute for one who himself was also marked by sin. Alas, Cain tells us all too plainly of many who seek to get to God by offering their good works. Dressed up ever so beautifully, it still is giving only the best of one’s self, and this is not acceptable.

But Abel’s offering is accepted because it represented a true substitution in conformity with what God had already established. When God prided coverings for Adam and Eve they must have grasped something of the fact that a life was given so that theirs could be spared. This was surely told by them to both Cain and Abel again and again. Abel then acted in accordance with God’s thoughts, as we are told in Hebrews 11:4: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” The lamb, offered from his flock in faith, was accepted by God because faith brought it, and it spoke to Him of the blood of His own blessed Lamb, which would at a later day be shed for the atonement of sins.

ML-08/09/1964

Saved From a Crocodile

“THE old crocodile was both the king and the terror of the river where he lived in the heart of Africa. He knew the spears and arrows of the native hunters could never pierce the armor of his hide. At times he would crawl up on the rocks and lie in the sun. At other times he would lie almost submerged in the rivers, with only his snout and half-closed eye showing above the water. Then it was he looked like a log floating in the stream. Yet how often those great cruel jaws closed on some unsuspecting, thirsty animal that had come down to the river’s edge to drink.

Like most of his kind the old crocodile had a lair, or pantry, where he stored his victims until he was ready for dinner. His lair was a big cave underneath the overhanging bank of the river. Deep under the bank, above the level of the water, was a dry spot, which was his storeroom.

This particular day, the old crocodile was hungry, as he patiently waited in the stream. Down to the water’s edge came a little African boy. He had often been warned of the dangers that lurked there, but this time he was a little careless. The old crocodile’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He waited until the little boy turned his back, then slowly and silently the big reptile swam closer to his victim. The little fellow was enjoying the quietness of the scene, interrupted only by the singing of the birds. Suddenly, the floating log came alive. Two massive jaws, with rows of great shiny teeth, opened and grasped him by the leg, and began dragging him under the water. Half-drowned, overcome with pain and fright, the poor little fellow lost consciousness. Dragging his victim with him, the old crocodile made for the cave under the bank and deposited his prey on the floor of his den.

A crocodile doesn’t always eat his victim at once, but often leaves it in his pantry to devour later. For some reason, the old crocodile plunged back into the water, and returned to his favorite spot in the river.

By and by, consciousness returned to our little African friend. He opened his eyes, but everything was pitch black. Where was he? His leg hurt terribly. Suddenly he remembered that splash and those awful jaws that dragged him under, and he knew now that he was in the crocodile’s lair. Perhaps at any moment his captor would come back to eat his dinner.

Poor little fellow. Oh, if he could only escape from that awful prison! He dare not dive back into the river, for the old crocodile might seize him again. What could he do?

It so happened that this little African boy had attended some of the children’s meetings at the mission station. There he had heard the missionaries tell about the true God, and about Jesus, His beloved Son, the sinner’s Saviour and Friend, who hears and answers prayer. Could the Lord help him now? Would He look down upon a poor little African boy? Could He see him down in that dark awful cave? The Lord Jesus was his only hope, and the little captive cried, “Oh, Lord Jesus, please help me, please help me!”, again and again.

Then as he lay in the dark, it seemed that a faint ray of light was shining down through the roof of his prison. Yes, there was a crack overhead. He tried to scrape away the ceiling with his fingers but it was hard as stone, and he had to give up.

Presently he heard footsteps; someone was walking overhead. The little prisoner shouted as loud as he could, and as he shouted he prayed, “Oh, Lord Jesus, save me.”

A native was walking down the path to the river and heard a voice crying from somewhere. Where did it come from? It seemed to come out of the earth. He put his ear down to the ground. Yes, it was true. He ran back to the village to get help. Other natives came running with shovels and began to dig. Soon they could see the little African boy lying down below. The hole got bigger, and then from the darkness of the cave they gently lifted the little prisoner out into the beautiful sunshine. They carried him to the missionaries who dressed his wounds. Oh, how thankful that little boy must have been to the Lord Jesus for saving him from such an awful death!

How surprised and angry that hungry old crocodile must have been when he returned to find his pantry robbed, his dinner gone, and his den broken up and spoiled for good.

That old crocodile reminds us of Satan, that old serpent, the devil, and the little boy pictures to us a poor sinner caught and imprisoned by him through sin. Such are all who are outside of Christ—all who do not have Jesus as their Saviour. But if such is your case, dear reader, the Lord Jesus will hear your cry, “Lord Jesus, save me,” and in a moment He will deliver you from sin and. Satan’s power. He will bring you out of darkness of the pit of sin into the sunshine of His love, and care for you both now and forever. Won’t you let Him?

“I waited patiently for the Lord,’ and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit,... And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord His trust.” Psalm 40:1-4.

ML-08/16/1964

Rose's Picture Book

Not a religious book or a gospel tract dare Mrs. Wilson bring into the house. Her husband Dick had sworn if he ever found one of them within the door, he “would put them and her out together.” She was a dear Christian, and loved the Word of God, but she had to keep “the Book” hid from her godless husband.

Dick was very fond of Rose, his little girl, and often gave her pennies which she kept in her piggy bank. One day a colporteur came to the door and little Rose’s pennies were invested in a pretty picture book. Her mother took care to select one in which the gospel was clearly set forth.

When Dick came home from work, little Rose ran to him in great glee, crying, “Daddy, see my new book!” Without doing more than look at the cover, her father said, “It’s a beauty, Rose.”

Now God has His own ways of reaching sinners’ hearts, and this is how he reached Dick’s—by the simple stories of grace in Rose’s book. His hardened heart began to melt, for one evening he offered to accompany his wife and little girl to a gospel meeting held in a tent. There God met Dick, who broke down, confessing what a sinner he had been, and opened his heart to the Saviour. Dick was saved that night, and left the meeting a happy man. Needless to say, Mrs. Wilson’s heart was overflowing with joy too. Now theirs is a happy home.

ML-08/16/1964

He Feared Not the Grave

(From the pen of a dear boy who fell asleep in Jesus at the early age of fifteen. The following lines composed by himself were found in his pocket after his death.)

Oh, I have been at the brink of the grave,

And stood at the edge of its deep, dark wave,

And I’ve thought in the calm, still hours of night,

Of those regions where all is forever bright.

But I feared not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I knew that the Lord was mighty to save.

And I have watched the solemn ebb and flow

Of life’s tide, which was fleeting, sure, though slow;

And I’ve stood on the shore of eternity,

And heard the deep roar of its rushing sea.

Yet I feared not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I knew that the Lord was mighty to save.

I found that my only rest could be

In the death of Him who died for me;

For my peace was made by the precious blood

Which flowed from the side of the Son of God.

So I fear not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I know that my Jesus is mighty to save.

Memory Verse: “NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED.” Acts 4:12.

ML-08/16/1964

Four Bible Boys Who Had Godly Mothers

Answer to last week’s question: Lemuel, Obed, Samuel, Timothy. The initial letters of each name spell LOST. Ask yourself, Is it I?

ML-08/16/1964

Bible Talks: Cain & Abel (Continued)

Genesis 4:6-15

WHEN Eve looked on her firstborn son she said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” v. 1. Cain means “Possession” and possibly she felt that if she and Adam had lost paradise, now at least they had a possession in whom they could be proud and who would identify them with their new surroundings. Alas, how many mothers since then have made the same mistake—looking on a newborn son or daughter and wishing them a place in the world—a great name, or some acclaim that will bring pride to the whole family. How happy it would be if more parents thought of the world to come when seeking to establish a path for their children. The words from the very lips of our Saviour were: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19, 20.

Cain was one who sought to establish himself in this world and it is evident that this was where his heart became attached, right from the binning. It was with the earth that he became associated and in that association thought to present to God his own good works as well. But God wants neither the things of this world nor the vain efforts of our natural selves, and, as we have noticed earlier, when Cain came with his sacrifice on this basis, it was rejected. Then his true character revealed itself and in hateful jealousy he—the firstborn into this world—became its first murderer as well. What sad consequences came from his love of the world! And what care every reader needs, lest he fall into worldly attractions. The warning is given very plainly in 1 John 2:15: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him! “And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And He said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground.” vv. 9, 10. God could not ignore this terrible deed and Cain’s false protest of innocence did not spare him from God’s judgment. Already subject to death, he now became subject to judgment as well, as is true of all mankind. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27.

Cain’s evil heart and deed were manifest before God and yet, confronted with the unveiling of what he had done, he tried first to conceal it through a lie. But, “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” and the immediate result of his wickedness is solemnly told him: “Now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.” vv. 11, 12. The Lord had told him of the sin-offering which would have been acceptable for his sins, but Cain would not bow to confession of his guilt. Instead he pleads that he might be protected from those who would seek vengeance for his brother. God mercifully makes such provision for him, just as He yet holds the door of mercy open to any who will accept His way of salvation.

ML-08/16/1964

A Little Prisoner

A group of happy children started off bright and early one summer day to go on a Sunday school picnic. Kind friends supplied cars and one man loaned his truck, which was gaily decorated for the occasion. They were to spend the day at an estate out in the country, and go hiking in the woods. High walls and fences and several big iron gates enclosed the picnic area.

All went well, and the children had lots of fun rambling through the woods, and playing hide and seek. Last but not least, they enjoyed sit ting on the benches, all stacked high with sandwiches and cakes and cold drinks. Then it was arranged that all should gather in front of the big mansion where lived the lady who owned the farm. They were to sing a few hymns, hear a short gospel address, and then the good lady was to present each child with a prize.

When the children and all were gathered ready to go home, it was pound that one little girl named Mary was missing. The last that had been seen of her was when she was gathering flowers in the woods. They searched far and wide for Mary but she could not be found. Sorrowfully, and very reluctantly, the group had to return home without her, while some of the men who worked on the big farm set out to search for her.

As they were coming back along the road, who should be standing inside one of the big locked iron gates, but the missing Mary. She had lost her way, and wandered in the wrong direction, always thinking she would join the other children. When she saw the gate, she thought surely she must be near them then, but alas, it was the wrong gate; it was closed so that she was a prisoner. The kindhearted men spoke a few words of comfort to Mary while one of them ran to get a key to open the gate. It wasn’t long before Mary was on her way home to her village where she was welcomed by her parents with joy.

The next day at Sunday school, when the speaker was addressing the children, he said, pointing to little Mary who sat in the front seat, “One of our Sunday school girls was lost yesterday. She was trying to find her way back, when she ran into a trap and was imprisoned between two big locked gates.” The speaker went on to say that this was very much like we all are as sinners. First we were wanderers from God, and next, in seeking to find our way back, we take many ways of our own choosing, with the result that we become more hopelessly lost than before. Little Mary was found and set free by others who went out to seek her; and so the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, has come to seek and to save that which was lost. He has opened the gates of death and judgment, which were closed between us and heaven, and now all who believe and put their trust in Him are set free, and will soon be brought home to glory.

The children listened very attentively. The incident of how little Mary was lost and found seemed to give point to the gospel, and for many a day they remembered the barred gates and the little prisoner. Mary did not forget it herself, and now she delights to tell the simple story of her early days to a class of bright little girls, whom she seeks to lead to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, the One whose saving grace and delivering power she has herself known for many years.

The Lord Jesus while on earth told His people: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath annointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19.

ML-08/23/1964

Hughie's Verse

“Safe In The Arms of Jesus”

Hughie sat on his father’s knee one Sunday afternoon when all the other children were away at Sunday school. He was only five years old. His father had been telling him a Bible story and teaching him to sing the hymn, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

“Are you in the arms of Jesus, Daddy?” asked Hughie.

“Yes, my dear boy,” said his father, “I am.”

“And is Mother?” again asked the little fellow.

“Yes, Mother is there too,” his father replied.

Hughie sat thinking for a minute, and looking up into his father’s face, he said, “Jesus must have big arms to hold so many; I will be there too.”

In after years, when Hughie was a little older, he knew better how “big” the arms of Jesus are, and how strong they are too, for he trusted himself to Jesus. Now he can sing knowing what the words mean:

Safe in the arms of Jesus;

Safe on His gentle breast.

There by His love o’er shadowed,

Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Yes, dear boys and girls, the Lord Jesus has strong arms. He carries the lambs of His flock—that is, the little ones who believe on Him—in these Nighty, everlasting arms, safe to heaven. Are you “safe in the arms of Jesus”; or do you refuse to allow Him to take you up into those arms?

“He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

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

ML-08/23/1964

Story of a Hymn

JOSEPH SCRIVEN was a little Irish boy born in County Down, Ireland, in 1820. As he grew older he went to school and finally graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. When he was 25 he went to live in Canada.

A great sorrow came into his life when the young lady who was to become his bride was drowned the evening before their wedding day. Joseph Scriven never forgot her and his great sorrow.

For 40 years he preached Christ in the area around Port Hope, Ontario, laboring to give to the poor people there what spiritual and material help he could. He was known as “the man who saws wood for poor widows and such people as are unable to pay.” In 1886 Joseph Scriven, like his fiancée years before him, was drowned, in Lake Ontario.

The beautiful hymn, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus,” had been sung around the world, but for many years no one knew who wrote it. Then one evening, during Joseph Scriven’s last illness, a neighbor, who was sitting up with him, discovered a manuscript of this well-known hymn. Reading it with great delight, he questioned Joseph about it, who admitted that “he had composed it for his mother to comfort her in a time of special sorrow, not intending that any one should see it.” His sweet hymn has been the means of bringing hope and cheer to thousands throughout the world.

Do we, dear reader, day by day take advantage of the privilege that is ours of taking “everything to God in prayer”? How many of us seem to think that God is only interested in our big problems, and so we never ask Him to share and solve our small ones. But Joseph Scriven was correct when he wrote that we should carry “everything” to God in prayer.

“But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit;

Oh, what needless pain we bear!

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged:

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour, still our refuge:

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer:

In His arm He’ll take and shield thee;

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Scripture Verse: “TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO: AND WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT.” Proverbs 22:6.

Scripture Verse: “BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT HEARETH ME, WATCHING DAILY AT MY GATES, WAITING AT THE POSTS OF MY DOORS.” Proverbs 8:34.

ML-08/23/1964

Bible Talks: Cain & Abel

Genesis 4:16-24

“AND Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.” v. 16. Having no desire to be near the Lord, indeed, wishing to get away from His presence and from all that would provoke his conscience —the son in whom the mother had such hopes, forsaking parents and all, went out to seek a place for himself and his family in a “world” of his own making. There he built a city, to which he attached the family name—a picture of man, wishing to promote himself by his own devices at any cost!

May we recognize that Cain was the forerunner of all the folly of this poor world. Men, women, boys and girls alike—all, by nature, have this stamp upon them: “Lovers of their own selves—lovers of pleasures [rather] than lovers of God.” 2 Timothy 3:2, 4; “Without Christ... aliens... having no hope, and without God in the world.” Eph. 2:12. What a tragic and sad state to be in. Such was Cain’s position by his own choice.

Cain would have been wretched indeed if he had not undertaken to deaden his conscience by becoming too busy to be reminded of his distance from God. So his program for himself and his family became very ambitious and, sad to say, such has marked mankind ever since. The name of his first son, Enoch (not to be confused with the Enoch of Genesis 5) is given the first city the world ever saw, no doubt with much pride and vanity. His grandson, Lamech (this name also should not be confused with another Lamech in the 5th chapter) took two wives to himself and started the curse of polygamy that brought still further sorrow to his descendants.

The harp and the organ had their beginning through this family, toy and while later—in the hands of plowmen—they were sometimes used instruments to accompany praise the Lord, at this point we must consider that they merely brought further departure from God and pro, vided occupation with things of men’s own invention. Do we not need prayerful care in our present day, that such instruments and all further refinements and variations that have followed them, do not become snares to our own hearts and minds, and rob, the Lord of His right place in our lives? How readily they can be soothed’ and deceived into feelings of piety by a “lovely song” or by one who can “play well on an instrument,” without the conscience being reached. These very lovely things may so overcome us that they keep us from hearing the voice of God; “for they hear Thy words, but they do them not.” (See Ezek. 33:32.)

The workers of brass and iron are also introduced through the family of Cain. From their crude furnace soon came many evil things, such as weapons of war, idols and other products to further answer to the natural senses and lift up in pride, turning thoughts more and more away from God. True, from these inventions have come things suited to man’s needs and comfort. Yet, if we remember under what circumstances the first developments of brass and iron came we must agree that man’s brilliance had then, as now, only taken him farther away from his Creator.

“GOD OUR SAVIOUR; WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

ML-08/23/1964

Forgiven: Too Poor to Pay

In a Scottish village there lived a Christian doctor noted for his skill and piety. After his death, when his books were examined, it was noticed that several accounts had written across them in red ink: “Forgiven, too poor to pay.”

His wife was of a different disposition, however, and exclaimed, “Fiddlesticks! These debts must be paid!” She therefore sued for the money.

“Is this your husband’s handwriting in red?” asked the judge.

She replied that it was.

“Then,” said the judge, “there is not a court nor tribunal in the land that can obtain the money where he has written, ‘Forgiven.’”

The Lord Jesus, the great Physician, has died to pay sin’s debt for all who claim Him as their Saviour. When He says to a repentant sinner who turns to Him in faith, “Thy sins are forgiven thee,” there is no tribunal in heaven or earth that can change or reverse that decision.

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

“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28.

What though the accuser roar

Of ills that I have done!

I know them well, and thousands more:

Jehovah findeth none.

ML-08/30/1964

Little Lue's Boat

DONALD McLEAN was a fisherman. He and his wife lived happily with their two little children, Donald Jr., and little Lue, in a cottage by the ocean. Donald and his wife both knew and loved the Lord for they were saved in early days. It was their joy to tell others of the Saviour they had found. There were not many neighbors around them, only about a dozen houses. But it was a joy to Donald to gather the children from these homes in his humble dwelling, every Sunday afternoon, to tell them the story of the Saviour’s love.

Donald’s Sunday school was well attended and eternity will doubtless show that the seed sown by the earnest fisherman was not in vain.

Donald Jr. and his sister Lue were simple, loving children, far behind the boys and girls of the busy city in many things, and happily ignorant also of many of their sinful ways. They spent most of their time playing together on the beach, or sitting in an old boat that lay on the shore, past repair. Somehow, the old boat got the name of “Lue’s Boat,” and the little girl claimed it as her own.

One Sunday afternoon in the summertime, a Christian man came to visit the McLean family, and he spoke to the children on the beach. It Was a warm day, and the meeting was held close by Lue’s boat. In the course of his remarks, the speaker said, “This old boat is past repair. It cannot be mended, and will never sail the sea again. It is just like every boy and girl here. You and I are all ruined sinners. You cannot be mended, you cannot be reformed, you must be “made new,” before you can be “launched for glory.”

That simple saying was carried home to Lue’s heart by the power of the Spirit of God. The illustration of her own boat showed her that she could never reach heaven apart from the new birth, a new creation, for the Lord has said, “Ye must be born again.” John 3:7.

The next day, little Lue asked her mother a great many questions as to how one could be “made new,” to go to heaven. Her mother gladly answered her little girl, and Lue learned that believing on Jesus, by receiving Him as her Saviour and Lord, she would be “made new,” “born again,” converted, and thus be “launched for glory.” It was several days before the dear little girl fully understood it; but then she joyfully received Jesus as her Saviour, and was truly “born again.”

It was a happy day in the fisherman’s home when little Lue was “launched on her heaven-bound voyage,” and not long after, her brother Donald followed. Often the two of them sang together,

“My bark is launched for glory,

I have left the world behind.”

Years have come and gone, but still they praise God for that day when little Lue was first “launched for glory.”

Dear young friend, and older ones too, are you lying broken, past repair, a derelict sinner, on the shore of a doomed world, unsaved? The Lord Jesus waits to save you. Turn to Him now.

Ask Him to come into your heart, receive Him as your Saviour, and you too will be bound for heaven.

“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

ML-08/30/1964

Bob's Anchorage

IT WAS the night of our annual Sunday school treat when prizes were handed out. And it was on such an evening as this that I was brought to know the Lord Jesus as my Saviour.

There were several strangers who came to speak to us that night, and some of the boys who had been converted in a neighboring school came to give their testimony. One of them was Bob the baker, who used to call at our house every morning with bread and rolls, and I wondered what he would say. Well, Bob told us how he was saved by believing in Jesus, and that John 3:16 was his anchorage.

“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.”

I did not understand what “anchorage” meant, but as I knew Bob pretty well, I asked him when he came out to explain. He stood there in the moonlight with his Bible in his hand and told me, “It was there in that grand verse, I cast my anchor and found rest.” He explained to me that God loved me and gave His Son for me; and that if I as one of the “whosoevers,” believe in Him, that is, trusted myself to Him as my only Saviour, I would not perish; but have everlasting life.

I remember I went along the road with my brothers and sisters, saying over and over to myself.

I will believe, I do believe,

That Jesus died for me;

That on the cross He shed His blood,

From sin to set me free.

I have no doubt that it was on that road in the moonlight, that I passed from death to life. But I did not tell any of the others about it until the next day, when I suppose they saw I was so happy, and they asked me why.

“Oh,” I said, “I am saved just like Bob the baker, for I have trusted myself to Jesus, and He says I shall not perish.”

Years have come and gone, and many changes have come into my life, but my anchorage in John 3:16 is as firm and sure as ever, and so is my salvation. You need not fear to rest your soul upon it, dear young friends, for it will not deceive you.

I was anxious to be saved many a time before that night, but somehow I always looked within my own heart for rest and peace. Now, that was very foolish, for you know a ship’s anchor is always cast out, to fix its hold on something outside of itself altogether. That was what Bob the baker had done, and what he showed me the way to do that night.

If you would have rest amid the storms of life, peace amid its troubles, and a home in heaven beyond it all, cast your anchor on John 3:16 and claim the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour.

ML-08/30/1964

Bible Talks: Seth and His Family

Genesis 4:25-5:23

“AND she [Eve] bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” v. 25.

While Cain had many descendants, some of whom are named in the 4th chapter and whose worldly ways we have already considered, Abel apparently had raised no family at the time of his death. He reminds us of the Lord in this respect, of whom the prophet Isaiah said: “Who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living.” Isaiah 53:8.

Nonetheless, God was still looking graciously on Adam and Eve, and another son was born to them whose name, Seth, means “substitute” or “appointed.” Seth is a type of Christ, the divine substitute for us before God and, as Abel speaks of the Lord put to death by the world, Seth speaks of Him in resurrection. In due time he too had a son whom he named Enos, meaning “mortal” or, “subject to death.” It is recorded: “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.” v. 26.

This presents a picture of God’s purposes in grace toward man, in spite of his sinful nature, these purposes to be fulfilled in His own beloved Son. First, we have Abel slain, leaving no children; then Seth speaks of resurrection, carrying on the testimony; after this we find in Seth’s family those who walked before God. There were those of this family who followed in the faith of Abel and brought forth fruit acceptable to Him.

It was during this period that some men lived to an amazing length of years. Adam himself lived to be 930; Seth 912; Jared—of the same line—962, etc. It was also in these early years of mankind that mention made of Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. Enoch is of particular interest because, although subject to the death that marked all mankind through Adam’s fall, yet he left the world without going through death, Proof of the pronouncement of death had already appeared in Abel, murdered by his brother; and in Adam, dying at an advanced age. However, although death is stamped on all Adam’s race, in Enoch in type there is for the children of God who walk in faith, the hope of being taken to heaven without dying.

Hebrews 11:5 states: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

At this present time God finds pleasure in beholding the fruits of His grace, His people, purchased with the blood of His Son, who is soon coming to call them from earth to heaven.

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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 Thessalonians 4:16,17.

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

ML-08/30/1964

Hero's Rescue

ONE afternoon as we were coming home from school, we saw a boy sitting on the riverbank with a little dog on his lap. As we came to where the boy sat, we noticed that he had a string tied around the dog’s neck and at the other end there was a big stone tied with a cord. The little fellow was crying bitterly, and every now and then he gave the little dog a hug as he clasped him to his breast. Several of the schoolboys stood still, but no one liked to ask what was the matter.

At last a man came walking along the river bank, and when he came opposite to where the boy sat with the dog, he stopped. “What are you going to do with the dog, my boy?” he inquired in a kind sympathetic voice.

Bursting afresh into tears, the boy said, “The man I work for sent me to drown him, sir. But I have never drowned a dog in my life, or killed any of God’s creatures, and I can’t do it.”

“Why does he want the dog drowned?” asked the man.

“I think it’s because he has no need for him, and nobody would buy him, sir,” replied the boy, half hoping that the man would in some way relieve him of his unwelcome job.

“Take me to your boss, and we’ll hear what he says. I need a dog, and if he will sell him to me, I will save you this sad work of drowning him,” said the kind gentleman.

The boy wiped his tears away and cut the big stone from the cord. In a moment he was on his way to his boss’ house. The man walked along by his side and we all followed to see the end.

I’m glad to tell you that the dog’s owner was very glad to sell him, so the money was paid over and Hero—for that was the name his new master gave him—was rescued from death, and passed over to his new master, who had redeemed him. He grew up to be a fine useful dog, and for many years he faithfully watched his master’s property.

I often think of this simple incident, and as I do so, the picture rises before me of a more wonderful Deliverer and of a redemption at much higher cost. We were all sinners, “for all have sinned,” Romans 3:23, condemned to die the sinner’s death, “for the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.

From that just and well-deserved doom, we could not deliver ourselves. But there was One who saw us in our terrible case, and He looked upon us with love. He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor; He came from heaven down to this earth to where we were. It was Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. He saw us in our ruin; He knew we had “nothing to pay.” Then it was that He Himself paid the price of our ransom, and that price was His own precious blood. He could say, “I have found a ransom.” Now all who believe on Him are set free, from sin and from Satan’s chains, to enter His blessed service, and to own His claims as their Lord and Master.

Surely we ought to serve Him faithfully, the One who bought us at such a price.

Dear boys and girls, are you among the rescued, or are you still under condemnation?

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

ML-09/06/1964

Happy Vacation Days

Our vacation was spent in the coon, try on a farm where there Were horses, cows, and sheep, and lots of chickens. There was a river close by which we could cross by a boat.

The long summer days went quickly past, and we were sorry when the time came to return home. There was no Sunday school near, but my Father had an afternoon meeting for young folks at his farm. A lot of children came from the farms all over the district, and they were delighted.

On Sunday some of their parents came, so there was an evening gospel meeting begun for them. These dear folks seemed to drink in the glad tidings of free full salvation, as if they had never heard it before, and we know several cases of conversion. Three girls from another farm were saved and we sent them monthly gospel magazines to read. They were all much interested in answering the Bible questions. It was the happiest and best holiday I ever had because it was then that I was born again. I found there Christ Jesus as my Saviour, and oh, I have been so happy since.

Oh, dear young folks, it is wonderful to know the Lord Jesus when you’re young, and to be able to speak of Him to others.

ML-09/06/1964

Charlie's Card

A BRIGHT little school boy received a pretty text card from his aunt who loved the Lord Jesus. On the card were the words, “By grace are ye saved.” Ephesians 2:8. Charlie had just been saved at some children’s meetings held in the village where he lived. So when he received the card he at once wrote his aunt telling her of his conversion, and of how happy he was. Then he added the following lines, which are very simple and sweetly tell on the face of one who had just come to the Saviour. What do you think of them? Can you say as much of yourself? Here are Charlie’s words:

I am not saved by ‘doing,’

My works receive no place;

But I delight in telling

That I am saved by grace.

And when in heavenly glory,

I see the Saviour’s face,

I’ll tell the same glad story,

That I was saved by grace.

Charlie hung his text card on the wall, and people who came into the house would read it. This gave Charlie a nice opportunity to tell them how God had saved him.

Not long after, his mother became anxious about her soul and she too was “saved by grace.” A Bible reading and prayer meeting was begun in that house, and for many a Thursday evening the sweet story of Jesus and His love was told out there. Charlie led the singing, making melody in his heart to the One who had saved him by His grace.

Dear young friends, how wonderful it is to be saved in early years, and to give the best of one’s days to the Lord Jesus and to His service.

ML-09/06/1964

Only a Nickel

A fair-haired little girl, Sandra, only eight years old, had a nickel given to her by her brother. She didn’t buy candy with it, but went to the Post Office for a stamp. With this she posted to Cindy, a little playmate who was sick, a picture story book which she had got at Sunday School.

Little Cindy spent many happy hours looking at the book. Then her father too read it and, learning the way of life through Jesus the Saviour who died upon the cross for sinners, he was happily saved.

ML-09/06/1964

Bible Questions for September

The Children’s Class

1. “The Son of God, who loved me.”

2. “The fruit of the Spirit is love.”

3. “Whatsoever a man soweth.”

4. “According to the riches of His grace.”

5. “It is the gift of God.”

6. “The love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.”

7. “Be ye kind one to another.”

The Young People’s Class: “Take Heed”

1. What “TAKE HEED” gives instruction concerning the things we hear? Mark.

2. What “TAKE HEED” shows it is possible to be in darkness while thinking oneself to be in light? Luke 11.

3. What “TAKE HEED” warns against covetousness? Luke 12.

4. What “TAKE HEED” tells of being deceived about the coming of Christ? Luke 21.

5. What “TAKE HEED” cautions about our Christian labors? 1 Cor.

6. What “TAKE HEED” shows the need of wisdom in our enjoyment of Christian liberties? 1 Cor.

7. What “TAKE HEED” presents a warning to those who take pride in their uprightness? 1 Cor.

ML-09/06/1964

Bible Talks: Seth and His Family

Genesis 5

IN OUR last reading we learned of Enoch taken to heaven without dying. Why was he taken in so marvelous a manner? Because of his faith —a faith that put him close to God in thought and deed. “He had this testimony, that he pleased God.” As we shall go on with this portion we will soon see that the world of his day was headed for terrible destruction because of its wickedness. Is this not precisely what we see in our present time, too? Men remain “away from the presence of the Lord” and have no time for anything that will interfere with their pleasures and ambitions. Since the death of Jesus on the cross, God has been pleading with men to turn from their folly and flee from coming judgment by accepting His offer of salvation through that atoning work of Christ, our Substitute. But men, except where grace penetrates the stony heart, will not respond and go on blindly and foolishly to perdition.

We read that “Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah.” v. 21. Then in the next verse, “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years.” We are not told about those first 65 years, but when his son was born there was a new character to his life—he then walked with God for 300 years before he was taken out of this world. Whatever it was that brought this about, the language of Scripture indicates that there was a definite change, a pronounced difference between merely “living” and “walking with God.” This change would not be popular with everyone around him, for a faithful spiritual walk will seldom have the support or approval even of “religious” friends, who so often want some of both the world and of Christ at the same time “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and Was not found, because God had translated him.” Hebrews 11:5. This would seem to indicate that a search was made for him, similar to that made for Elijah by those who, though pressing faith, were not in on his secret of walking with God. (2 Kings 2:16-18).

In the book of Jude we discover something more of this man’s intimacy with God. There we read that he had knowledge of God’s future purposes: “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds...” Jude 14, 15. God is pleased to also open His ways to His own who are faithful to Him and love His word, and He unfolds rich treasures concerning “past, present and future” counsels of eternity.

Enoch walked in the enjoyment of this close communion with God and then, before judgment came on the world, God quietly took him away from it. Such is the promise to God’s people today, as we have already seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

Scripture Verse “AS THE FATHER HATH LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE.” John 15:9.

Memory Verse: “INCLINE YOUR EAR, AND COME UNTO ME: HEAR, AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE.” Isaiah 55:3.

ML-09/06/1964

Lessons From the Sea

WHO does not love the sea, the ships, the great waves and the sandy beach? Come and let us gather some lessons from God’s own Word about the sea and its wonders. There is, first of all,

The Troubled Sea

(Isaiah 57:20)

Have you seen the sea in a storm? How the waves dash against the shore, casting up all sorts of wreck and weeds from the troubled depths bow! This is God’s own description of the sinner—restless, troubled, unsatisfied. No peace, no rest for his soul—and there will be no rest in hell for ever. I think as you look upon these “raging waves of the sea” (Jude 13), that this is what is within the sinner’s breast; or, what is within your own, if you are yet unsaved. And when the storm of death and coming judgment arise, what trouble, what restlessness must then be yours!

A Great Calm (Matthew 8:26)

You have all read or heard the story of the little boat on the Sea of Galilee, tossed in the storm, almost ready to be swamped by every rising wave. The trembling disciples cried out for fear, and their cries awoke the sleeping Saviour, who calmly arose from His pillow, in the hinder part of the boat, and rebuked the proud waves, saying, “Peace, be still.” Then we are told they were hushed to rest, and there was “a great calm.” This is how it is with the sinner who has believed on Jesus. He believes Jesus has died for his sins upon the cross; he is at peace with God; his soul is at rest. What a change from the storm, and the fear of perishing! As the hymn says,

“So have I seen a fearful storm,

O’er wakened sinner roll,

Till Jesus’ voice, and Jesus’ form,

Said, ‘Peace, thou weary soul.’ “

Sunk in the Deep Sea

(Micah 7:19)

Look at the deep blue sea. Drop a pebble over the side of the boat, and it is gone, down—down—down! You cannot see it; it is gone to the bottom to be seen no more. God says He has cast something into “the depths of the sea.” What is it? Do you know? Thank God, our sins—the sins of all of those who believe in Jesus. They’re gone forever. He will remember them no more. They are “out of sight, and out of mind”; sunk like lead in the mighty waters. How far down? “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12.

Dear young friend, are your sins still on you, or are they forever gone?

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

ML-09/13/1964

Dick's Hiding Place

DICK’S MOTHER died when he was three days old; he was left in the care of a kind Christian aunt and uncle. They lived on the farm in the country. He was a bright intelligent boy, and from his early childhood had been a joy and comfort to them.

Dick was a general favorite among his classmates, and always got good grades. A Christian farmer had a Sunday school not far from where Dick lived, and from the day that he started going there when five years old, he never missed being present, or failed to know his memory verse, or answer the Bible questions.

The story of Achan—the man who stole the gold and the garment and hid them in his tent in the days of Joshua (Joshua 7)—was the lesson one afternoon. The memory verse was, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. The earnest teacher pressed home upon his class of boys the solemn fact that sin, however well hid from the eyes of men, was ever before God. His eyes, like a flame of fire, search all hearts, and sooner or later will bring the hidden deeds of all to light. Dick felt the power of that word, and no doubt the Spirit of God carried it home to his conscience.

There was no special sin that he had been guilty of, such as Achan’s, but the light of God shining upon his conscience, reminded him of much that he had done, which he knew and felt was only sin in the sight of a holy God.

That afternoon Dick was deeply convicted, but alas, his convictions passed away, and left him less concerned about his state before God than he had been before.

Years passed by and Dick was now a boy of sixteen. He helped his uncle on the farm, and in the summer he went with them boating on the lake or driving among the hills. Then one summer a business man and his family stayed at their house and on Sunday evenings he, being an earnest Christian, preached the gospel in the school. God blessed the Word, and several were truly converted. Dick was again awakened, and one of the Christian business man’s daughters several times spoke to him personally and faithfully about his soul.

Dick became very uneasy. He saw that he must either yield to Christ and be saved, or cease going to the meetings. In fact, he came to the point where he would not go out boating with some of the business man’s family lest they should speak to him about his soul. One afternoon, he disappeared, and could not be found when the party wanted to go for a sail. He hid among the trees on the side of the lake. There he could see all their movements without being observed, and when night fell, Dick kept his hiding place. He was in great misery of soul. All his sins seemed to pass before him, and again and again the text shot like an arrow through his memory— “Be sure your sin will find you out.”

Unable to endure it longer, he left his hiding place, and crept up to the door of the house, while his uncle was reading the Bible at the supper table. Dick listened outside the door with more eagerness to the chapter read, than he had ever done before. It was the story of Zacchaeus, the rich man who, because he was small of stature, had climbed into a sycamore tree to see Jesus. The story ended with the text, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

That just met Dick’s need. He believed it, and with tears gushing down his cheeks, he bowed at the feet of Jesus, confessing himself a sinner, and opening his heart to the Saviour. Peace flooded into his soul, and a few minutes later, he entered the house and confessed to all that he was saved.

ML-09/13/1964

"My Sins Are All Put Away"

It was at the close of a summer’s tent meetings that I was saved. I had been anxious all the season but I could not get rid of my burden of sin. I thought that someday I would feel it roll off and that I would be immediately happy. But that never came.

Then a gentleman came and gave some addresses on The Tabernacle, and a model was put on the platform. One night he spoke on the scapegoat, and drew a picture of the scapegoat bearing away the people’s sins into the wilderness (Lev. 16). I saw in that a picture of Jesus bearing my sins far away from God, and from me too, into a place where they would be remembered no more. I had been looking in for relief, now I saw I was to look off unto Jesus. How I did rejoice as we sang at the close of that evening:

All my sins were laid upon Him;

Jesus bore them on the tree;

God who knew them laid them on Him,

And believing, thou art free.

I have been on the way to heaven ever since and I know that His grace will keep me until the eternal glory. It is blessed to be saved, to belong to Christ, to have such a blessed Master to serve, and His people as companions.

“I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts.” Psalm 119:63.

Memory Verse: “BEHOLD, THE LORD’S HAND IS NOT SHORTENED, THAT IT CANNOT SAVE; NEITHER HIS EAR HEAVY, THAT IT CANNOT HEAR.” Isaiah 59:1.

ML-09/13/1964

Bible Talks: Seth and His Family

Genesis 5

METHUSELAH was the next in line—the son of Enoch. His name is familiar to all, for he lived to be 969 years of age—the oldest man on record. Methuselah presents a picture of the long “day of grace” that has now been extended to the world for so great a time. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

It is interesting to note that this old, old man died the very year that the flood came. Does it not make us think of God’s patience with the world and its rebellious ways? It also reminds us that His patience will someday end and judgment will then fall.

Following Methuselah was Lamech, the father of Noah. Lamech means “overthrower,” and is thought by many to be a type of the godly remnant of Israel who, in the final coming days before God’s judgment is pronounced in full on this world, will be found faithful to Him.

Before proceeding with the story of Noah, let us summarize the 4th and 5th chapters. We have seen two men—Cain and Abel—in whose ways and behavior a course has been set for every person born into the world. Cain, the elder, sought a name for himself and when Abel’s godly walk manifested Cain’s worldly way, he murdered him. Immediately thereafter he “went out from the presence of the LORD.” Cain’s descendants ever since have been the persecutors of God’s people. They were present at the judgment hall of Pilate, demanding the blood of Jesus and they are about us today—resisting the grace of God and busying themselves with this world, although often with el outward display of “religion.”

Then we have looked back at those who followed Abel (who, though dead “yet liveth”) and we have seen the family of Seth some who we Godfearing and whose walk plea God. Those who follow the faith of Seth are about us today too—those who now delight in God’s beloved Son and who through faith have accepted Him as Saviour.

Those named (before Noah) in the 5th chapter are:

SETH: A picture of Christ, the Substitute, or Appointed One.

ENOS: A reminder that man is mortal, subject to death.

CAINAN: Meaning “possessor,” tells of those who, acting in faith’ possess eternal life.

MAHALALEEL: This name means “praise of God”—the character of the new nature given believers.

JARED: His name, meaning “descending,” reminds us of the Holy Spirit descending upon all believers.

ENOCH: A type of the Church, whose true hope is to hear the Saviour’s call to heaven—some to go without dying.

METHUSELAH: Speaking of the day of grace — prolonged so that “whosoever will” may accept salvation.

LAMECH: The “overthrower,” a type of the godly Jewish remnant. In all this we have a lovely outline of the period between the cross of Calvary and a future judgment, with an insight into the ways of God with His people.

ML-09/13/1964

The Vendetta or, "I Will Repay"

SENOR LUIGI and his servant Antonio had traveled many miles over a wild part of Corsica, and now stood before a large gloomy cave. Within, in the flickering torch light, could be seen six men around a rustic table, each with a dagger before him. They were expecting Luigi, and he sank into an empty chair. Then he arose, and in a voice tense with emotion, he said: “Sirs, relations and comrades, we are here for the purpose of adhering to our ancient custom of executing the vendetta [or revenge]; in other words, to avenge the death of my brother Enrico. Mine shall be the hand, and only mine, to slay that one who took my brother’s life.”

The ardent youth knew no sin in his mad search for revenge, for he had no knowledge of the gospel or forgiveness, but only felt he was fulfilling his duty in seeking the death of Carlos Riccardo, who in a fit of jealousy had killed his brother.

The company soon broke up, and Luigi and Antonio pressed on their way into the depths of the forest.

After some hours Antonio said, “A storm is coming, senor.”

“Yes,” replied Luigi, “let us seek the shelter of this shepherd’s hut.” The two shepherds warmly welcomed them, and shut the door against the wind and rain.

Presently the younger shepherd asked suddenly, “Did you hear a voice just then?” Scarcely had he spoken when the door of the hut opened, and there at the entrance stood Carlos Riccardo, the very man whom they sought.

For one brief moment the two men faced one another, but as Luigi seized his rifle, Carlos turned and fled, losing himself quickly in the brushwood. Luigi sought him in vain.

When morning dawned, Luigi and Antonio continued their search, questioning all whom they met, until they heard that someone like Carlos had gone to Italy. So they set out for Naples.

Here they found lodgings with Senor Loporelli whose wife was an English lady and a true Christian. For the first time Luigi learned something of the love of Christ, and His atoning work on the cross.

During their stay there Luigi became ill, and for many days he lay prostrate with a fever. Madam Loporelli nursed him carefully and took every opportunity of telling him of her Saviour, till at last something of the truth began to dawn upon his soul.

“If all you tell me is true,” he said, “I am the greatest sinner in the whole world.”

“Then it is just for you that the Saviour died,” she said. “Just believe that God is able to save to the uttermost; there is redemption for you through the blood of His Son.”

“But it is all dark, and I can’t understand.”

“Leave your debt of sin with Christ,” said his hostess, “and take Him as your Redeemer. He will receive you.”

Thus she talked with him day by day. Her sympathy finally drew out all Luigi’s story, even to the fact that he was seeking to kill Carlos. He told her he could never return home until he could say, “I have avenged my brother’s death.”

“Ah,” said Madam, her eyes brimming with tears, “The Lord has been good to hold you back from such wickedness,” and she pleaded with him to forgive his enemy. It seemed useless, but the Holy Spirit was quietly doing His work. One day after a solemn talk, great was her joy when Luigi put out his hand to her, saying, “From this moment, I dedicate my life to the blessed Saviour about whom you have told me,” and with true Italian impulse threw from him the idols he had treasured so long. The next thing was, Antonio was told that then search for Carlos would be discontinued, as he was now forgiven, and for the first time Antonio thought his master was a coward.

One morning Madam asked Luigi if he would come with her to the hospital that day, and they were soon on their way. Madam moved quietly among the patients, leaving gifts and flowers behind her, then she asked the nurse, “How is Carlos today?” Madam Loporelli was talking to a poor fellow bandaged almost beyond recognition, and one look at the bruised face was enough for Luigi — he instantly recognized Carlos Riccardo!

Madam saw it, and quietly whispered, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” but her reminder was hardly needed.

Stepping close to the bed, Luigi said softly to the frightened man, “Fear not, Carlos Riccardo, I pardon and forgive you, as God has pardoned and forgiven me.”

Carlos could hardly believe the words, but as the truth broke in upon him, the bitter tears of remorse flowed unchecked, as the sad wail burst from his lips, “God have mercy on me, too.”

Luigi assured him he had nothing to fear, and begged him to trust the One who said, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18.

The time came when Luigi must return home. “I bless the day that I entered Naples,” he exclaimed as he parted with his new friends. “The Lord help me to be faithful to what you have taught me.”

A few days later Luigi and Antonio arrived at their native village, At the very same cave where we first met him, we leave him. A white banner, with the words imprinted on it, “Vengeance is Mine,” hangs there, and there are no daggers on the table. But instead, a little group of Luigi’s friends meet there, with Bibles open before them, while he seeks to lead them to the Saviour.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5,6.

ML-09/20/1964

Saved on My Brother's Farm

I SHALL ever remember the sunny month of July as the time of my conversion. I was living at my oldest brother’s farm, and his daughter Mary, my niece, was singing:

There is a happy land, far far away,

Where saints in glory stand,

Bright, bright as day.

Oh, how they sweetly sing,

Praises to the Saviour, King,

Loud let His praises ring,

Praise, praise for aye.

I joined in the hymn which I had known since I was a little girl.
“Are you saved, Auntie Has,” asked my little niece, and the question troubled me. George, my brother, had been converted since he went to that farm, and gospel meetings were held there. I went on Sunday and heard a Christian farmer preach. It was very different from what I had been accustomed to hear. Mary’s question deepened my anxiety, and I told my brother what was troubling me.

“Thank God, Bess, you’ve found out your need of Christ,” he said, and then lovingly he pointed me to the Saviour. I saw Him hanging upon that awful cross for me, and I believed that He died for my sins there. Peace and joy flooded into my heart, and I knew I was saved. Now I can say, Jesus is mine.

ML-09/20/1964

The Swallows Are Gone

A large flock of swallows were congregating and evidently getting ready to leave us on their way south for the winter.

“What does that remind you of?” said a friend to me, as we watched the swallows fly off.

“It tells me that winter is not far off,” I replied.

“Yes,” he said, “and when the saved of earth are all caught up to meet the Lord in the air, when the redeemed of the Lord all gather in the skies and go off to their home in the glory, judgment will not be far off from the world.” How true!

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20.

ML-09/20/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 5:28-6:2

“AND LAMECH lived a hundred eighty and two years, and bat a son: And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.”

We hear nothing more of Noah for 500 years, at which time we are told of his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth (v. 32). However, we learn that “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9. This testimony should be remembered as we proceed with the story of this man of God and his family.

Noah was the last one to be named in the succession of the godly men commencing with Seth — representing a period of nearly 1500 years. There were some in this line of faith following Seth, as recorded in chapter 5, and were identified as those who called “upon the name of the Lord.” (See chapter 4:26.)

We find in chapter 6 that as mankind was multiplying upon the earth, that wickedness also multiplied. This finally filled the earth with corruption and violence. It is said that the Lord was grieved at His heart, and finally brought a flood upon the earth to destroy the ungodly.

Connected with this state of things were “the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation,” and are now “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 6. They are called “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2, even as they are also referred to as such in Job 1:6; 2:1; and elsewhere. This led to a race of giants coming upon the earth, and mighty men of renown. But God in looking down on this scene saw “that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” v. 5.

The mixture of these two groups was abhorrent to God. The Lor Jesus Himself spoke of it when H. disciples asked: “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” In His reply He stated: “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:3;36-39.

Reader, where will you meet the Lord? Shall it be as one of His own, caught up to be with Him in glory, or shall it be before the throne of judgment to hear His pronouncement of eternal doom?

Memory Verse: “FOR GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD: BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.” John 3:17.

Scripture Verse “LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH, AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART, BE ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT, O LORD, MY STRENGTH, AND MY REDEEMER.” Psalm 19:14.

Scripture Verse “COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD; TRUST ALSO IN HIM; AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS.” Psalm 37:5.

ML-09/20/1964

The Man Who Paid

I’LL NEVER forget a summer vacation I spent as a boy by the ocean. The days seemed to pass too quickly, and I was sorry when the time came for us to pack up and return to the busy city.

One evening, coming along the shore, I heard the sound of singing. As I came near to the pier, I saw a crowd of people standing near the shore. It was an open-air gospel meeting. I was curious to hear what was being said, so I stood outside of the circle until they had finished the hymn they were singing. Then a young man, evidently a visitor, stood forth in the midst of the circle and began to speak. He seemed very much in earnest. He told how he had been a very careless young fellow but that Jesus had saved him and made him very happy. Then he told how the way of salvation was made plain and simple to him by means of an incident that happened at that very spot on the pier some years before. Said he: “A medical doctor, a native of Africa, had come to the ocean for a holiday. While waiting for the morning excursion boat to dock, he got into conversation with a boy at the gate who collected the nickels from those going on board.

“ ‘What if I were a poor man’, asked the doctor, ‘and had no nickel to pay you?’

“ ‘Then I couldn’t let you pass, sir,’ was the prompt reply.

“ But suppose some rich man came along and gave you a five dollar bill, and told you to take a nickel out for every poor person who wished to pass through the gate. Then if I came up to you and told you I was a poor man, unable to pay, what would you do then?’ asked the doctor.

“ ‘I would be bound to let you pass, sir,’ answered the boy quickly.

“Then the good man told the boy how God had given His Son, and to make it possible for sinners to get to heaven, Jesus had shed His blood. Now all who take the sinner’s place, and claim the sinner’s Saviour, are allowed to pass. Yes, God is bound to let them pass, for His Word has said it.”

That simple story showed me, as I had never seen it before, God’s way of saving sinners righteously, through Christ’s atoning death.

I am glad to be able to tell you, dear young friends, that I have passed through the gate as a sinner, trusting only in the merits of the Saviour who died for me on the cross. May God grant that you might trust Him too, and pass from death unto life, and start on your way to heaven.

ML-09/27/1964

Winnie's Song

WINNIE first came to my Sunday school class when she was but four years old. Even then the chubby, fair-haired little girl sat eagerly listening to the simple, heart-winning story of Jesus and His love. Why should we doubt its power to win the young and tender heart, even at so early an age as Winnie then was? I am certain that it was at one of these first afternoon “talks” about Jesus dying on the cross for sinners, that the dear child was really saved, for the new life was manifest, and we could not help seeing it.

Winnie was very fond of the hymns, and her favorite was,

Shall we gather at His coming,

When the dead in Christ arise?

Shall we hear the Saviour’s summons

To God’s home beyond the skies?

Her clear sweet voice could be heard above all the rest when we reached the chorus:

Yes, we’ll gather at His coming,

His glorious, His glorious coming—

Gather with His saints at His coming,

If washed in the Saviour’s blood.

One afternoon I missed Winnie, and on making inquiry I learned that she was sick and in bed. I hastened to see my little girl, and found her tossing in a fever. Winnie’s home was not a palace—only a small upstairs flat, where the light of the sun scarcely shone. Her father was a dock worker, and her mother, to help support herself and Winnie, took in sewing. I am afraid her father spent most of his spare hours, and his money as well, in taverns. When he came home in the evening, and found little Winnie lying ill in bed, he was very much alarmed. No doubt he was a great deal ashamed of being so neglectful of his little girl.

When Winnie saw her father looking so dejected and miserable, she smiled and said, “Come, Daddy,” and stretched out her arms to embrace him. He kissed her, and a big tear fell on her cheek.

“Do not cry, Daddy,” whispered Winnie; “I’m going to the happy land, to Jesus’ country. Jesus is so good and kind, He will be waiting for me. Mamma’s coming, and I wish you would come too, Daddy.”

This was more than the miserable father could bear. He covered his face with his hands and sobbed aloud. His sins against God, and neglect of his wife and child, pierced him like arrows. That word from the lips of his sick and apparently dying child, was God’s message to his hardened heart. It woke the first sense of sin and shame, and the Spirit deepened it into real conviction of sin before God.

He sat by Winnie’s bedside all that night, watching while her mother got a little needed rest. Winnie opened her eyes and saw him, and seemed delighted.

“Sing to me my old hymn, Daddy, ‘Shall we gather at His coming,’” said the dear child. It seemed that the fever had broken, and she seemed greatly relieved. Twice he tried to fulfill her request, but his voice faltered. Well did he know that, as he was a sinner unsaved, he could not.

“Gather with the saints at His coming.”

I know that you will be both thankful and relieved to learn that dear little Winnie got better. The first time she was allowed out she came to Sunday school. That same evening she entered the little hall, leading her father by the hand, to hear the gospel, and God used His own Word to set the captive free. Winnie’s father received Jesus as his Saviour, and confessed Him as his Lord. Now they have a happy little home, and there and down at the docks, he lives for Christ, to whom he now belongs.

ML-09/27/1964

Sowing and Reaping

Most of our young readers have been to the country and have seen the farmer planting seed in freshly plowed and cultivated soil. A little while before, the plow and the cultivator had gone over the ground and had broken it all up to receive the seed. Now in a little while when the sun is shining upon the golden grain, you will see the farmer reaping in the same field where in the springtime the seed was sown.

There is one thing you will always find: the very same kind of crop will be reaped in harvest, as was sown in seed in the Spring. If the farmer sows wheat, he reaps wheat. If he sows barley, he reaps barley. He reaps exactly the same kind of crop as he sowed; and so do we all.

Our lives have a sowing and a reaping time, and God solemnly says, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7. If you sow in sin, forgetting God, neglecting salvation, you must reap the same. If, however, in the springtime of life, you receive into your heart the good seed of the Word of God, and take the Son of God as your Saviour, if you seek to live for Him in those golden years, it will bring forth the good fruit of a life spent for and with Christ. The end will be a glorious eternity— “forever with the Lord.”

What are you sowing, dear young reader?

ML-09/27/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6:3,4

FROM THE LORD’S own words in Matthew 24:37-39 we can plainly see that the story of Noah and the flood looked on to a judgment that is still future. “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

No doubt the mixing the people of God with the world in Noah’s day has its parallel in the many strange mixtures and unholy alliances about us in our day. The things of God have been tampered with so greatly and adulterated with the imagination, schemes, and promotions of men that they frequently are no longer actually identified with God at all. The great religious systems in the world for the most part bear no faithful testimony to His word of truth, but compromise, reject, or adorn it with rituals and fanciful “doctrines of men.” All of this appeals to the natal heart and often attracts great followings, so that such a company may boast of great numbers and world prominence — “giants” and “mighty” systems. But what does God say of such? “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.

The true child of God, seeking to hear His voice, will not be long found going on with such. He will soon realize that “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the... weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:2, 29.

The departure from God that marked the intermingling of the people of old could not go unnoticed by Him, and such venturing from His ways could not go unjudged. Yet a period of grace was extended for 120 years. “And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, lot that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” v. 3.

The “world system” that started then is all around us today and is headed for judgment. Let us who know the Lord as our Saviour have no part of it. James 4:4 tells us: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”

Memory Verse: “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.

SCRIPTURE VERSE

“AND A HIGHWAY SHALL BE THERE, AND A WAY, AND IT SHALL BE CALLED THE WAY OF HOLINESS; THE UNCLEAN SHALL NOT PASS OVER IT; BUT IT SHALL BE FOR THOSE: THE WAYFARING MEN, THOUGH FOOLS, SHALL NOT ERR THEREIN.

“BUT THE REDEEMED SHALL WALK THERE.

“THEY SHALL OBTAIN JOY AND GLADNESS, AND SORROW AND SIGHING SHALL FLEE AWAY.” ISAIAH 35:8-10.

ML-09/27/1964

How Pat Got Saved

PAT was a poor Irish boy who lived in Dublin years ago. His father was a streetcar driver. Some young men who had been converted and with hearts full of love in the Lord, carried on a mission in a poor section of the city. It so happened that Pat, with his ragged clothes, his matted hair and unwashed face, sat in the Mission Hall one night and heard the gospel. Although ignorant and not able to write, Pat was a most attentive listener to the gospel story. Night after night it was simply told by these earnest young men who sought to reach the poor and the needy with the good news. They had a hard time of it on that back street, for there were some roughs and toughs who sought to disturb the meetings and to hinder the boys and girls from going there.

Night after night Pat wept bitter tears as the story of the cross was told, and no doubt it was while Jesus was lifted up as the Saviour, that he looked unto Him and was saved. Oh, how happy he felt with the burden of his sins rolled away, and the love of Christ filled his heart. The moment he got out of the door of the little hall, he started off to Sackville Street to tell his father what the Lord had done for his soul. Rushing up to the streetcar stand, barefoot and without hat, he shouted loud enough to be heard by all the streetcar men, “Jesus Christ has saved me; Jesus Christ has saved me!”

For a moment the men stood speechless. They were too much taken by surprise to answer. Then his father turned ashy pale, and rough man though he was, he burst into tears. Before they had time to seize the boy—for they really thought he was mad—he was off to tell the good news to his mother, who ran for help to take charge of the “insane” boy. He was actually taken away and shut up for several days, where, no one could tell. But although everything was done to shake his faith, Pat remained unshaken.

Whether he escaped or was let go, I cannot say, but it was cause for great rejoicing when the happy boy turned up at the little mission, boldly confessing Christ as his Saviour.

For many a year, Pat followed the Lord, a bright testimony to the love that had saved him. He followed his father’s occupation as a streetcar driver, and spent his spare time seeking to win others to the Saviour, others who are as he once was.

If Pat could talk to our dear reader today, he would urge you, if you are still unsaved, to come to the Saviour without delay. To know Him and to be saved, is the most wonderful thing that can happen to a boy or girl, or a man or woman, in their whole lifetime.

Come to the Saviour, make no delay,

Here in His Word, He has shown us the way;

Here in our midst He’s standing today,

Will you, dear children, come?

ML-10/04/1964

My Pets

MY HOME was on a farm up in the hills, and I had few playmates. My only brother worked with father in the fields most of the day, so I was left very much alone. My only companions were two pairs of pretty tame rabbits, a kitten, and a fine collie dog named “Lassie.” I was very fond of my pets and they kept me company all the day.

In those days I had no thoughts about my soul, or where I would spend eternity. And one morning, Lassie came in with her legs terribly crushed, and had to be put out of her misery. My rabbits all died, and Kitty was stolen, so I was left all alone.

I was fond of my pets. I was very sad and ill-tempered too. Just then my brother was saved, and he asked me to go with him down to the village schoolhouse where gospel services were being held. There was great blessing, and many young people were saved. I went one night, but did not like it. A number of people asked me if I was saved, and I could not say “Yes,” so I was glad to get away.

All the way home Edward my brother sang hymns, and said I would be happy if I knew my sins were forgiven. I said I would not go again, but when the next night came I could not stay away. The Lord spoke to me that night, and showed me Himself dying upon the cross for my sins. The sense of His love for me melted my heart, and I received Him as my Saviour. That night I got saved, I forgot all about my pets. I still like animals, but I have got Someone infinitely better. I have Jesus, and His love fills my heart.

Time has passed by, and I am happier still.

Richer, fuller, deeper,

Jesus’ love is sweeter;

Sweeter as the years go by.

I wish every boy and girl knew Jesus, and how He loves and saves and satisfies the soul. The pleasures of this world are very uncertain, and soon pass away. Our pets and earthly treasures leave us, and we are left lonely and desolate; but to have Christ and His salvation, is to possess something that lasts and goes with us all the way.

Dear young friends, it is wonderful to have One who will never die to love and care for you. Is He yours?

ML-10/04/1964

Mary's Morning Message

Snow covered the ground that winter’s morning. Little footprints in the snow marked the way from Mary’s home to the door of an old-fashioned house back in off the street. A gentle knock brought the aged housekeeper to the door. A minute later the tiny rubbers were removed and cleaned of the snow that had gathered on them, and the little child with the golden curls seated in the warm room beside the fire.

A few minutes later, Mary’s aunt also entered, and hugging the dear little child in her arms, she imprinted a warm kiss on her cheek.

“What has brought you out on this snowy morning so early, dear?”

Briefly came the answer, “To say my verse to you, Auntie.” So, without further explanation, little Mary said, “God is love” — “Jesus died.” That was all.

ML-10/04/1964

Bible Questions for October

The Children’s Class

1. “Christ shall be magnified.”

2. “At the name of Jesus.”

3. “Made known unto God.”

4. “Walk worthy of the Lord.”

5. “Stablished in the faith.”

6. “Giving thanks to God.”

7. “Well pleasing unto the Lord.”

The Young People’s Class: Remember

1. What should we REMEMBER about the time allotted to us in this life? Psa. 89.

2. When should we REMEMBER our Creator? Eccles. 12.

3. What should we, as Gentiles, REMEMBER concerning the times past? Eph.

4. What words of the apostles are we instructed to REMEMBER? Jude.

5. Will there always be someone who REMEMBERS the Lord in every generation? Psa. 102.

6. How does the Lord REMEMBER those who fear Him and think upon His name? Mal.

7. How does the Lord want us to REMEMBER Him? Luke.

ML-10/04/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6:5-9

“AND God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” v. 5. “And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth...” v. 7. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” v. 8.

Approximately 1600 years had elapsed since Adam’s creation and the Fall. Man’s evil heart and wicked ways grew increasingly worse the whole period. And the pattern was not only displayed by Cain’s family, who deliberately sought to live without God in their thoughts, but crept increasingly into Seth’s family as well —a people who called “upon the name of the LORD.” The verses quoted above bring us to the point in history where God could no longer forbear His judgment. He saw “every imagination of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually.” The original Hebrew from which this has been translated indicates that it was not only man’s thoughts, but also his purposes and desires to follow evil ways every day.

In the midst of all this, there were faithful followers of God, the most outstanding of which were Enoch and Noah. It is recorded of them both that they “walked with God.” There were others faithful to Him too, but it is these two alone who share this wonderful testimony. We wonder at these faithful and dedicated men, compelled to live amid the riotous and lustful ways of all around them. Surely they were confronted with pleadings from many to join with them in their sport, to at least allow a little of the world’s pleasure in their lives. But these men, in their closeness to God, could see His estimate of this wickedness and found a deeper and more rewarding Pleasure in keeping separate from the evil Their testimony should stir out hearts and consciences, too, beloved Christian. Our day in history is a repetition of the period before the flood. The god of this world, Satan has never before made its attractions’ more appealing to the human mind and heart. He well knows how to gloss over much of the evil with an outward appearance of respectability and even promotes an air of “religious” activity to soothe consciences. Peter, in his first epistle, tells us of the conflict that then, as now, surrounds the believer: “For the time past of our Fie may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.” And, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:3,4,14.

Yet is was no easy matter for these men to remain constant in purpose to God and keep their families in subjection to His ways. And it is no easy matter for the child of God today to follow that pattern, either.

Yet God will richly bless devotedness to Him, and He will see us through this evil world in a happy and separated path, if we but turn to Him for strength and wisdom to walk in it.

Memory Verse: “AND THE LORD SAID UNTO NOAH COME THOU AND ALL THY HOUSE INTO THE ARK.” Genesis 7:1.

ML-10/04/1964

Saved From Being Shot

IT was a hot summer day in Fu-chow, China, years ago. Several small Chinese boys and girls were playing outside a little mission hall. Looking for a shady retreat from the sun they crept inside the mission and sat in the back row. A missionary was telling the story about a man named Peter who was in prison. Peter was to be put to death the next day but the preacher told about a God who sent His angel during the night and by a miracle Peter was let out of prison.

One of the children was a little Chinese boy. Lee knew only of the god in the idol temple, but the God the preacher told about lived up in the sky. Little Lee thought it was a good story but his impressions were not very lasting for soon after, he and his little companions slipped out and returned to their play.

Years passed by. Our little Chinese friend was now a young man and had been drafted into the army. It was a time of civil war and bands of rebels and bandits ravaged the countryside. One night Lee and some of his comrades were captured by the rebels and placed in a shed, or barn, for the night. The rebel commander was ruthless and cruel. To make himself feared and to warn the people not to fight against him he would usually shoot his prisoners. Guards were all around the shed so it was impossible to escape without being shot. Lee and his comrades believed this was their last night on earth—at dawn they would be taken out and shot by a firing squad.

Sad, miserable, without one ray of hope, Lee lay on the barn floor, unable to sleep. Memories of home and childhood began to fill his mind. For the first time perhaps in many years, he remembered that hot afternoon when as a small boy he and his little friends had crept into the mission. He recalled how the preacher had told the story of the man Peter who had been put in jail, and of how he was to be killed the next morning. The story fastened itself in his mind as he went over the details, and he remembered how God had sent His angel to help Peter escape from the prison.

Suddenly a voice seemed to whisper to him, “If God could do that for that other man, then maybe He could do it for you.” It seemed at first all too wonderful to be a possibility, but as he thought of it more a spring of hope rose in poor Lee’s breast. He had only prayed to dumb idols in his lifetime, but suddenly he found himself saying, “O God, I don’t know much about Thee, but I remember hearing at the little mission at Fuchow of how You got a man out of prison. If You will please get me out of here I’ll go straight back to that mission and learn more about Thee.”

After a while he thought he was selfish to just pray for himself, so he asked God to save his comrades also. Then, as he sat thinking about it, he reasoned, “It won’t be any use to just get out of prison; we might be captured by other soldiers and be put back into prison again. Would God somehow supply us with safe-conduct passes so we could get back home again.”

So Lee prayed again, “O God, please supply us with safe-conduct passes, or I’ll never be able to get back home to that mission and learn more about Thee.”

Daybreak came, there was a noise as the door of the shed was opened and rough soldiers marched the prisoners out into an open space in front of the shed. As the soldiers stood by with their rifles, they saw the rebel commander coming towards them. He ordered them lined up by the wall. Lee’s prayers were forgot, ten. This was the end, he thought.

Then the commander addressed them. They could hardly believe their ears. “I am not going to kill you,” said he. “You can all go home —on one condition. You must never fight against me again. Tell your people this. Let this be a warning. Now you may go.” As the poor prisoners stood by, scarcely able to believe their eyes and ears, he issued safe-conduct passes to them all.

It was all too good to be true. Surely it must be a dream! Lee wanted to pinch himself, but just at that moment a soldier pressed a safe-conduct pass into his hand. Then there flooded into his soul the realization that the wonderful God who had set Peter free from prison had done the same for him and his friends.

It was all too wonderful! Lee started to walk home, but every step he marveled that God could do such great things.

A few days later a ragged and weary young soldier presented himself at the missionary’s home in Fu-chow. He wanted to know more about the God who could bring fellows out of prison. Astonished, the missionaries listened as their visitor told the story of how when a little boy he had crept into the mission and had heard of a God who got that man Peter out of prison. And now that same God had answered his prayer and had done the same thing for him. He wanted to learn more of, Him. With joy they told him that that was but one of many wonderful things this same blessed God would do for Him if He trusted His beloved Son Jesus as his Saviour.

And Lee did trust Jesus as His Saviour. Through faith in His blood he was saved and became a happy Christian. For years it was his joy and privilege to tell his countrymen the story of redeeming love and delivering power, that power which delivers sinners from the prison house of sin, of death and judgment to come.

May our dear reader too come to know that same blessed God through His dear Son, who came into this world to save sinners.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!... For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33,36.

ML-10/11/1964

Daisy's Verse

Daisy was one of the best-behaved girls in our Sunday school. She was seven years of age when she began to come, and early in her life she trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

Oftentimes the children chose the hymn that was sung, and when Daisy was asked which one she wanted she usually chose this one:

Jesus can all our sins forgive,

And wash away its stain;

And set our souls with Him to live;

And in His kingdom reign.

Only trust Him, only trust Him,

Only trust Him now.

He will save you, He will save you,

He will save you now.

This was her favorite hymn, and the happy expression on her face told of the peace which she had through knowing that her sins were forgiven.

Do you know, dear young friend, the Lord Jesus as your Saviour yet? You are not too young to come to Him today. Many have come to Him younger than you are. Why do you not come and have the peace and joy which Daisy had? Learn to sing Daisy’s verse and trust Daisy’s Saviour. He will forgive your sins, if only you turn to Him.

Why not alter the chorus of Daisy’s hymn a little and sing:

I will trust Him, I will trust Him,

I will trust Him now.

Jesus save me, Jesus save me,

Jesus save me now.

ML-10/11/1964

Rescued From a Watery Grave

“I was rescued from a watery grave when I was fourteen years old; I was rescued from an eternal hell a year later.” These were the opening words of the testimony of a young fellow at a gospel meeting. Then he went on to tell how that he and his sister went out in a rowboat. He lost his oar, they were almost swamped by the waves; but they were saved by the lighthouse keeper when he saw their danger.

“And I was saved by the Lord Jesus, just in the same way. He came to seek and to save sinners, and I was one. So I just let Him take me out of my sins, and set me by His side.”

That was a short but bright testimony to the saving power of Christ, wasn’t it? And it shows how you may be saved too, dear young friend, right now and where you are.

“COME, YE CHILDREN, HEARKEN UNTO ME: I WILL TEACH YOU THE FEAR OF THE LORD.” Psalm 34:11.

ML-10/11/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6:11-13

“THE earth also was corrupt before God; and the earth was filled with violence.” v. 11. The wickedness which sought only selfish pleasure in the gratifying of fleshly lusts, now produced its true fruit. The earth was not only corrupt, but filled with violence as well. Let man’s “self-expression” seem ever so noble, lofty and desirable, let his achievements become ever so great and marvelous, when God’s claims are ignored or deliberately pushed aside and man is set in his own way, the end result will always be corruption and violence. Then all the display of achievement will tumble in ruin as a castle built of sand when struck by the waves. We need only look on the world about us today to be assured of the reality of this. What wickedness is now on display! What lawlessness and what rebellion to moral restraint! As a result, utter chaos is overtaking every part of the globe. These conditions go hand in hand with man’s pride and rebellion against God.

“And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me:... and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” v. 13. The distance of man from God and the corruption of his ways had reached such a state that God must pronounce His judgment. Is this not clearly a pattern of our day, too? In 2 Peter 3:6, 7 we read: “Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” We are now nearly 2000 years closer to that destruction than when these verses were written. God has said: “My spirit shall not always strive with man.”

Amidst all the evil, how God in have delighted in one who was walking close to Himself. Noah’s reward was great indeed, for he and his family would soon know God’s pre, serving care. But even with a dreadful sentence pronounced, the reluctance of God to execute it resulted in yet a period of grace to the ungodly. God said to Noah: “Make thee an ark Surely, as Noah undertook his task he became a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Pet. 2:5). We can scarcely think that he, being forewarned of God, would fail to tell his fellow citizens of what was coming and invite them to join him in accepting the means of salvation. Yet apparently not one listened seriously. Probably those who saw him at his task considered him “a fanatic” and doubtless he was an object of ridicule.

Certainly this is just what many of God’s servants experience today. If faithful, they preach of judgment near at hand; they warn men everywhere to “flee from the wrath to come.” They too tell of a way of escape. But with what result? Few heed the words of warning, being too engrossed in pleasures, too fully deceived by Satan that judgment is “merely a myth,” too busy in selfish pursuits to see the storm clouds appearing on the horizon.

Dear friend, God’s long-suffering today is your opportunity of salvation; tomorrow may be too late. “If thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity.... Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:9, 11.

ML-10/11/1964

Benjamin Badal

BENJAMIN BADAL was a colporteur — one who goes about distributing the Holy Scriptures. He spent forty years in faithful service for his Lord and Master in Persia and Iraq.

When he was two years old his father died and he was brought up by his mother and his uncles. They were all very poor and little Ben had to begin early to earn his living. He was a nimble little fellow and fond of all kinds of pranks. All day long he herded cattle, and when he brought them home at night he would jump on the back of an old bullock, stand there on his head and turn somersaults. A Christian missionary started a school in his village and for a while Benjamin attended. There he heard the gospel how that God sent His beloved Son into this world to save sinners.

When Benjamin was twenty he gave his heart to the Lord Jesus and set out to serve Him. He traveled far and besides his own tongue, Syriac, he learned several other languages. This helped him greatly when he entered the Lord’s service as a colporteur. His new life was to be a rough but happy one. Most of the people of Persia were followers of Mohammed and they hated Christians. Benjamin took his life in his hand when he went forth with the gospel, but love for his Master and the Book made him brave and fearless.

One day he came to the city of Shiraz, and there posted on one of the gates was a notice signed by the Governor forbidding any one to buy a Bible under penalty of death. This did not frighten Benjamin. He sat down right under the notice and in a loud voice he invited people to examine and to buy his holy books. The people were amazed. If he could be brave enough to sell, they would be brave enough to buy, and buy they did. Nothing serious happened. Benjamin went on his way leaving behind Gospels, like seeds planted in the hearts of the inhabitants.

Next Benjamin came to a town called Nahavend, where he entered the courtyard of one of the chief priests of the Mohammedans. The priest came out of the house and asked him what he wanted.

“I am come to sell these books,” replied Benjamin.

“What books are they?”

“The Taurat and Injil,” answered Benjamin, meaning the old and new Testaments.

The old priest became very angry. “Throw this heretic on his back,” he called to his servants, “and beat him until he is dead.” The men seized Benjamin, pulled off his boots, tied his feet to a horizontal bar and then beat the soles of his feet with whips. Three times poor Benjamin fainted under this torture and three times he heard the old priest cry, “Beat him till he dies.” But God was watching over His servant and though I do not know how it came about, he got free. That day, with his feet blistered and bleeding, he sold eight copies of the Scriptures. Writing afterwards about this experience, he said “When I think of those who will come after me and be able to sell the Holy Word of God freely in this land, I feel very glad and comforted in this suffering for Christ’s sake.” On a later visit to Nahavend he went to the old priest’s house to give him a Bible in return for the beating he had received. But the priest would not see him, making the excuse that he was ill.

Benjamin stayed two days in Nahavend, selling his “holy Books” and telling the people of the love of Jesus who died for sin that they might be saved. The Mohammedan teachers complained, and the old priest sent him a message: “Leave town or I shall beat you.” Benjamin replied, “Tomorrow is Sunday, my day of rest. I will go the day after.” He went on with his work. A crowd gathered around him making an uproar, but the Governor of the city was favorable to Benjamin, for he knew he was a good man, and he sent a message to the old priest: “Leave the Nazarene alone today. Today is his Sunday and he does not wish to travel. He will travel tomorrow.” The old priest was in a greater fury than ever, but it came about that another priest, who had read the Bible and was not so hateful of the Christians, persuaded the old man to leave him alone.

The next day Benjamin departed in peace leaving behind a large number of Bibles and Gospels that the people had purchased from him. Many had cause to thank God for Benjamin Badal who had brought them the Word of life, that which makes known to sinners the love of God and the gift of His dear Son to the world.

“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.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

ML-10/18/1964

Rosa's Message

ROSA ran across the street to a rough-looking man who sat on the curb, dejected and miserable looking. Raising her bright blue eyes, she looked into his face, and said, “Poor man, I am very sorry for you. Can I do anything to help you?”

The child’s sweet voice fell strangely on the ear of the hardened sinner, so used to only loud, harsh words, but so seldom to words like Rosa’s. He looked at the child, and said sadly, “I am without a home or a friend on earth, dear child.”

“God will be a Friend to you. He loves you,” said Rosa softly.

The drunkard held out his trembling hand toward the child, and she bent down and kissed it. It was all that she could do, dear child, to speak a kind and loving word, and to couple with it a token of her love to the friendless, homeless man. But it was enough. That act of love reached his heart, and softened it. The word of God’s grace reached his soul, God owned it, and blessed it to his conversion.

Years passed on. A silvery-headed, kindly-looking man stood addressing a group of Sunday school children one afternoon, and finished his address by telling the children not to miss an opportunity of speaking a kind word, or in doing a kind deed, for said he, “It was a word spoken to me by a dear child, when I was friendless and homeless, that God used to bring me to Himself.”

After the stranger had finished speaking, and the children had gone, a lady walked up to the aged Christian, and holding out her hand toward him, said, “Sir, do you know me?” He looked at her for a moment, and then, clasping both her hands in his while the tears flowed down his cheeks, he said, “Yes, it was that word you spoke to me when you were a child God used to bring me to Himself.”

Even a small child, saved by grace, can do something for the Saviour. A word spoken from a tender heart, filled with God’s compassion for sinners, will often reach a hardened heart. A kind act done for Jesus’ sake, might be the honored messenger of leading a soul to God. Children saved can do a great work for God in eternity. Reader, are you saved? And if so, are you seeking to bring others to the Saviour?

You cannot help others out of the mire until your own feet are on the rock. You must be saved yourself, and on your way to heaven, before you can lead others to the gates of glory.

ML-10/18/1964

The Steady Foundation

“Say, where is thy refuge, my brother?

And what is thy prospect today?

Why toil for the wealth that will perish—

The treasures that rust and decay?

Oh, think of thy soul that forever

Will live when time’s sunshine is o’er.

And build on the steady foundation

God lays on eternity’s shore.”

Memory Verse: “I CAME NOT TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS TO REPENTANCE.” Luke 5:32.

ML-10/18/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6:14-16

“MAKE thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of:...” vv. 14, 15.

Noah was not left to his own dices in building the ark. God gave specific instructions detailing design and dimensions. Left to his own planning, Noah could never have undertaken so grand a program. Is it not strange that man, left to himself, does not want to accept God’s ways, but prefers means of his own, both as to the present and the future, thinking he can thus establish a foundation that will be secure? How amazing that, although the craftsman will not attempt a project without qualified plans of an architect, though man on a sick bed will avidly follow instructions from his physician, though the dressmaker will rigidly follow the expert’s pattern and though almost all undertakings will be entered into only with assurance of guidance from some true authority, yet, when the matter of relationship with God and preparation for eternity are involved, natural man shuns God’s way and invents all kinds of devices that suit his own fancy. Nothing speaks more of this than the befuddled morass of the world’s religions which so often are “the doctrines of men,” whereas God’s way is simple and plain.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8, 9. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

The ark speaks to us of Christ God’s way of salvation. Those who refuse His Person and His work on Calvary will not escape the judgment soon to fall. Sealed “within and without with pitch” tells us of the security of the atonement Christ has made for every believer. Not one drop of water could penetrate that immense vessel, nor shall one finger of God’s judgment ever be laid against the one safely in the true Ark.

The dimensions of this great ship were entirely adequate for its purpose, just as all of God’s plans are complete. As a matter of interest, it would compare in size with some of the large merchant vessels that ply the oceans today. But no room was required for engines, fuel or baggage, and no space required for promenade decks. The full capacity of its three stories was available to Noah and his family, the creatures that accompanied them, and provender for the duration of their stay.

Other details of the ark are interesting, as well. There were no windows along its sides—just one in the top. This tells us of divine light shing down on every believer who is “safe in Christ.” Nor could Noah look outward at the sad scene around him. His gaze must be upward heavenward — and that is where every true believer in Christ will find his most pleasing occupation — not in looking on the wretched world through which he passes.

There was only one door to the ark, reminding us that the Lord Jesus said: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9. Noah might have finished the ark, stood off and admired it, but never have entered through the door at the last. Then he would have perished with the rest. But when he went in the door he was safe.

ML-10/18/1964

Alberta's Question

ONE day in a fine big mansion many years ago a wealthy man sat with his little daughter six years old. Little Alberta was her father’s joy, and he loved to listen to her childish prattle. Looking up into his face, she asked, “Daddy, do you know anything whiter than snow?”

Her father was astonished at her strange question, and replied, “No, my dear, there is nothing whiter than snow.”

“Oh, but there is, Daddy.”

“What is it then?” he asked.

“A heart washed in the blood of Jesus is whiter than snow, Daddy,” she promptly replied.

Her father was almost struck dumb with surprise. He was terribly annoyed at the strange words of his own child, for he was a man of the world, with no desire for the things of God, nor did he wish them instilled into the mind of his little daughter. “Who taught you to say that?” he asked.

Innocently, the child replied, “Nurse.”

Her father rang the bell hastily and Alberta’s nurse was ordered to come at once.

Alberta’s old nurse was a devoted Christian and a faithful servant. When questioned, she had to confess that she had sought to teach little Alberta the value of the precious blood of Jesus and its power to cleanse a sinful heart from every stain, leaving it whiter than snow.

The angry father ordered her to leave at once. Some time later, a prince paid a visit to the wealthy man’s mansion. The royal visitor was greatly attached to little Alberta, and one day toward the close of his visit he was with her father in his study when the little girl came ruing in. In her innocent childish simplicity she asked, “Prince, do you know anything whiter than snow?”

The prince smiled and said, “No, dear, I never heard of anything whiter than snow. Have you?”

“Oh yes,” said the little girl with delight; “a heart washed from sin in the blood of Jesus is whiter than snow.”

There was perfect silence; neither the prince nor the father could answer a word; but that simple testimony went like an arrow to the father’s conscience. And what was the result? As far as the prince is concerned, we cannot tell; he showed no sign of impatience or opposition to the word of the heaven-taught child, and this was such a contrast to the spirit of the wealthy father that he felt thoroughly ashamed as he remembered his anger. He was awakened and convinced of his sinful heart. This led him to search the Scriptures for himself, where he learned how true were the words spoken by his little daughter. The time came when he turned to the Lord in true repentance and came to know the value of the blood of Jesus; for “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

The old Christian nurse was sent for and reinstated in the home. In perfect liberty she could now teach little Alberta the precious things of God and to guide her feet in the way of peace.

How true and beautiful are those words, “Whiter than snow,” true of every sinner who has trusted in the atoning blood of Jesus.

ML-10/25/1964

Saved Alone

Years ago, a lady with all her children sailed from New York to England. On the voyage the ship was wrecked, and her children were lost, and the mother alone of that family was saved. When she reached England, she sent this brief cablegram to her husband: “Saved — alone.”

Oh, it seems as if that last word took nearly all of the sweetness out of the first one: “Saved — alone.”

Dear Christian parents, may that never be what we shall have to say as we enter heaven.

ML-10/25/1964

Clean Hands

Little Tim used to wash his hands many times in a day—a most commendable and praiseworthy habit. His unusually frequent trips to the sink, where he would wash his hands, led his older brother, Henry, to ask him why he washed his hands so often.

“Because I wish to be strong,” replied Tim.

“Do you think that washing your hands will make you strong?” asked Henry.

“Yes,” said Tim, “for I read it in my Bible. I will show it to you,” and he turned to Job 17 and read the last part of verse 9: “He that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.”

Henry, however, explained to him the meaning of the verse, and showed him that it was intended as a moral picture.

My dear young friend, if you are unsaved, let me urge you to come to Christ now. He will cleanse you from all your sins, and give you strength to do what is right, more and more as the days go by. The greatest strength is strength to do right that which is pleasing to the Lord.

ML-10/25/1964

A Mirage

MANY of our young readers will already have heard of the mage of the desert. Travelers have told strange stories of how when crossing the desert, thirsty and weary, suddenly they beheld something which to their surprise they had not seen before. In the distance was a large lake; around its banks were groves of palm trees, while little islands cored with green grass and foliage, added to the beauty of the picture. The water looked delightfully refreshing and inviting, in contrast to the burning desert sands all around. Eagerly they pressed forward to quench their thirst. As they advanced, to their surprise, the lake retreated. Again and again they sought to reach the cooling waters, only to find them retire in the distance. Then suddenly the phenomena had vanished, and in despair they realized that they were but chasing the mirage of the desert.

On the verandah of a pleasant mansion at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, I once spent a delightful afternoon. Below me was the wonderful highway of water, with noble ships passing to and fro, bound for distant parts of the world. Across the narrow line stretched the vast expanse of sandy desert.

Just then my kind host bade me rise and look in a particular direction. “Do you see that lake about a mile off looking so inviting?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Well,” he continued, “there is not a drop of water nor a green spot there. That is an illusion—a mirage.”

It was difficult to believe it. But sure enough, before half an hour had gone the picture that looked so real had vanished, leaving nothing in its place but a waste of barren sand.

Oh, dear young friend, you who have life before you, what is your ambition? Worldly success, popularity, fame, happiness? Perhaps at school, at work, you are exemplary. Your teachers, your employers, have no fault to find with you. You do your work well, and keep pleasure in its proper place. There is no nonsense about you. You respect yourself, and are sure to win the respect of others.

Yet for all that, you may be poor indeed. For, if you are working toward no higher aim than earthly gain, it is but a low, miserable kind of life after all. It is a life that will never satisfy. You want something that the world can’t give you, to make you rich and to make you happy. You want what you may have this very day, if you really desire it. Once you possess by faith a personal interest in Jesus, once you know the joy of being forgiven and at peace with God, you will not need to choose pleasure any more, for a new gladness will fill your soul, a spring of pure delight will be awakened within you.

Yet as long as Christ is unknown, there are visions of the future that rise before you which will be as fleeting as the mirage of the desert. But to become a true follower of the Lord Jesus, your happiness is secure, your fortune is made; and all things must work together for good, for God has said so.

“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

Do you ask me for pleasure? Then lean on His breast,

In whom the sin-laden and weary find rest.

E’en in death’s valley in triumph you’ll cry,

“If this be called dying, ‘tis pleasant to die!”

“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12.

ML-10/25/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6:17-7:6

“AND behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish My covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.” vv. 17,18.

Noah labored on his task for perhaps more than one hundred years. Faith and courage were both needed to undertake the tremendous project. Day after day of fair weather, with never a cloud in view, undoubtedly brought forth ridicule from those who were looking on. Yet he persevered, for was it not God’s own voice that had instructed him? Faith in what God said was indeed the answer, just as we are informed in Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the sang of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” There are many today who scoff at warnings of impending judgment, too. Yet their scoffing does not alter the fact one iota. “He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world.” Acts 17:31.

“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” v. 22. Noah was obedient to all of God’s instructions. He changed no dimension of the ark. He followed the divinely given pattern, which was his assurance of safety. God will never accept compromise or substitution for any of His requirements. Those who tamper with His ways will only find insecurity and trouble. Salvation is found alone in Christ, that blessed One in whom the Father finds full delight.

“And the Lord said unto Noah Come thou and all thy house into the ark.” Genesis 7:1. We do well to notice that the invitation was “Come.” He would ever draw souls to Him with His love, while yet being faithful in warning of impending judgment. His message of old was: “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3. The Saviour’s words now are: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. How sweet it is to accept that invitation.

The call to Noah assured him that God would be in that ark. A precious time lay ahead of him and his family in proving God’s preserving mercy, and Noah’s faith would again and again rejoice in the God who had invited Him in and would never forsake him.

Provision was made for animals and birds, as well. One pair of all the unclean ones were taken into the ark, and seven pairs of the clean, some of which would later be offered up as sacrifices when the passengers of the ark would step out on a purged world. Noah, in fear for his own safety, might have thought only of salvation for himself and his family, but God looked on to their future needs, as well as to the preservation of all His creatures.

Memory Verse: “GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, AND I UNTO THE WORLD.” Galatians 6:14.

ML-10/25/1964

Two Bears

The two bears in our picture lived in one of our national parks. Lots of boys and girls, among the many thousands of tourists who visit our national parks every year, are thrilled to see Buster or Mrs. Bear, and perhaps their cubs, sitting on the roadside begging. The park keepers, however, warn against getting too close to the bears, for though they may seem friendly they are not to be trusted. Those great sharp claws, hidden within their furry paws, may inflict severe wounds if the bears do not have their way.

We read about bears in the Bible, and I was thinking of the two bears that once came out of the woods and hurt or killed forty-two children that were mocking Elisha, the servant of God. They treated him with contempt, saying, “Go up, thou bald head.”

Now these children were very wicked to mock the man of God, for it was really like mocking God Himself, and God showed His displeasure. The bears came out of the woods and tore them. God is very gracious, and full of patience, but sometimes He shows His power and lets punishment fall upon those who are disobedient.

Yet God does not delight in judgment. The Bible says that He has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezek. 33:11). He delights in mercy, and rejoices to save those who in true repentance, and with faith in Christ, turn to Him.

The day is coming, however, when those who have not accepted God’s salvation will be judged and pushed for their sins. That will be the day of judgment. This is the “day of salvation,” and I hope you will not delay to accept the great and wonderful gift of salvation which God so freely offers to all through Christ Jesus, His beloved Son, and His finished work of atonement upon the cross.

“He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML-11/01/1964

Happy Nellie

Far from the crowded city in a cottage by the shore, old Nellie lived alone. Vacationers who came to the beach often called at Nellie’s cottage for a rest, and sometimes to get a drink of fresh cold water.

On her whitewashed wall there hung a text to which Nellie loved to point as the answer to many a question asked by her visitors, as to how she was provided for, and what was the secret of her constant peace and happiness.

“My God shall supply all your need.” Philippians 4:19.

“That’s it,” said the aged saint. “God does it. He has been my best Friend for over fifty years. I have known Him as my God and my Father since I was born again, and that was when a girl ten years old. Mine has been a happy life, not without its troubles and tears; but above them all, my God has been my faithful provider and I have lacked no good thing.”

What a lovely testimony to the blessedness of knowing God, and of being His child! Worldlings with all their wealth and treasures cannot say that. Only those who have Christ as their Saviour are truly satisfied.

“He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9.

ML-11/01/1964

My Conversion

WE LIVE on a farm in Manitoba, Canada, a long way from town. I found it very tiresome here at first, as it was so different from the busy city where I had lived. There were no worldly entertainments, and few companions. I was unsaved then, and the words of my faithful Sunday school teacher often came to my mind and gave me a good deal of trouble.

My cousin Winnie, who lived in the Old Country, kept sending me letters and gospel tracts, and every time she wrote she told me “not to put off my salvation till my dying hour.” All this, I see now, was being used of God to waken me to a sense of my sin and my need of the Saviour.

There was a Sunday evening gospel service in the old schoolhouse a few miles away, and my father and I went there one evening. The preacher was a farmer’s son, and he spoke just as I had so often heard it in my childhood. He told us of his conversion, and of how that it came about by his believing John 3:16. I thought that was surely very easily done, so I turned to the verse in the Bible. I had read and repeated it many a time, but I never saw before the real meaning of it.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

The young farmer pointed out that the verse had two parts—God’s part, and ours. He put it this way: loved the world gave His Son believe on Him have everlasting life.

He said that “believing” and “hang” go together; just as God’s love and God’s gift go together. That simple word was used to give me light. I believed on Jesus, and was saved in the old schoolhouse that night.

“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.

Memory Verse: “THE NEXT DAY JOHN SEETH JESUS COMING UNTO HIM, AND SAITH, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!” John 1:29.

ML-11/01/1964

A Child's Service

Lord, make my life a little light

Within the world to glow;

A little flame that burneth bright,

Wherever I may go.

Lord, make my life a little flower

That giveth joy to all;

Content to bloom in native bower,

Although the place be small.

Lord, make my life a little song

That comforteth the sad;

That helpeth others to be strong,

And makes the singer glad.

Lord, make my life a little staff

Whereon the weak may rest;

That so what health and strength I have

May serve my neighbors best.

Lord, make my life a little hymn

Of tenderness and praise;

Of faith, that never waxeth dim,

In all His wondrous ways.

ML-11/01/1964

Bible Questions for November

The Children’s Class

1. “Raised from the dead.”

2. “Received the word of God.”

3. “Shall descend from heaven.”

4. “Salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

5. “May be counted worthy.”

6. “Chosen you to salvation.”

7. “The Lord direct your hearts.”

The Young People’s Class: The Spirit of God

1. Does the natural man know anything about the Spirit of God? 1 Cor.

2. How may one be sealed with the Holy Spirit? Eph.

3. Unto what are we sanctified (or set apart) by the Spirit? 1 Pet.

4. How may we be strengthened by the Spirit to fully know the love of Christ? Eph.

5. How does the Spirit help us when we pray? Rom. 8.

6. What does the Spirit search out, in revealing the mind of God to us? 1 Cor.

7. Is it possible for one to grieve the Holy Spirit? Eph.

ML-11/01/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 7

THE ARK, being a type of Christ, the sure Refuge from God’s judgment, actually has three principal aspects, or figurative applications, that are of special interest to the believer.

The Ark as a Place of Salvation

In the early part of God’s Word we have witnessed the introduction of sin through Adam’s fall, its immediate result in putting the stamp of death on all, and the passing on of a sinful nature to everyone born into the world. We have seen that man, following his own way, comes only to a hopeless state of corrupt evil. The end result of this brings God’s condemnation and pronouncement of judgment. But, with God’s holiness demanding an accounting for sins, yet He has wondrously provided a means of escape through His Son, Jesus Christ, who has borne the sins of all who trust in Him. The sinner who acknowledges his need of a Saviour and puts his trust in Jesus, is just as sure of salvation as those who believed God in Noah’s day and went into the ark for protection from dreadful judgment.

The Ark as a Refuge in the Tribulation

There are two groups of people brought before us throughout scripture—Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were God’s earthly people, but now those who are saved from among both Jews and Gentiles form the Church and are His heavenly people. They will be taken out of this world before the fury of God’s judgment falls. Shortly thereafter great wickedness will prevail, culminating in open rebellion against God. There will at that time appear a great power in the world, known as “the beast,” who will demand that all carry his identification on them— “the mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:16,17). Jealousies rivalries, violence and opposition to God will usher in a seven-year period called “the tribulation,” when the Jewish nation will pass through great persecutions — God’s judgment on’ them for rejecting His Son as their Messiah.

In the midst of all this there will appear a remnant of Jews whose hearts will turn to God and who will refuse to submit to the beast. They will be the object of the enmity of all who hate God and will suffer greatly for the Lord’s name. But the Lord, will be to them the “Ark” to take them through the troubled period. Like Noah they will refuse to take part in the wickedness around them and will find their comfort in assurance that the Lord will be their eternal preserver. Some will actually be put to death for their faithfulness to Him, but others will be preserved, Himself the Ark of their salvation. He will carry them safely over that judgment period on into a better world, called the millennium.

But let not the unbelieving Jew to-day be deceived into thinking he may share in that earthly millennium. No, all of God’s purposes in our present day are centered in His Son as the Saviour of “whosoever will.” All Jew and Gentile alike—must come to Him today on the basis of being needy sinners, in themselves condemned and lost, but finding in Christ the way of escape, owning Him as Lord and His death on Calvary as availing personally for their sins. None who refuse the Saviour now will have a later opportunity to find an ark of safety.

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

ML-11/01/1964

"Shrimp" The Bugle Boy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Behold, I come quickly: and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”—Revelation 22:12.

ML-11/08/1964

Fanny and the Doctor

Frances, or Fanny as she was called by her school friends, lay ill at home on the farm, and the village doctor came to see her.

“Give her a spoonful of this medicine every four hours,” said the Christian doctor to her mother, “and I will call tomorrow.”

But Fanny did not like taking medicine; she wanted to feel better without it. “Can’t I get well without taking that stuff,” she asked her mother. She wanted to get well, but in her own way.

“No,” said her mother, “if you want to get better, you must take what the doctor has left for you. You need not expect to feel well before you take what he has left to cure you.”

Fanny did not like this way of doing it. She wanted to feel well without taking the medicine. However, at last she yielded, took the medicine, and was much better the next morning. When the doctor called the next day, he found his little patient much better. And her mother told him how unwilling she was to take the medicine.

“That is just like the way many treat the gospel,” said the Christian doctor. “Many would like to go to heaven, but they want to feel saved before they really are. They want to be happy and to get to heaven, but in their own way,” he said.

That was a very true saying of the doctor’s and I am afraid there are many boys and girls, as well as grownup folks too, who want to be saved and go to heaven in their own way. But we must come God’s way. God’s way of salvation is to receive the Lord Jesus as our Saviour first, then you will be saved and know it. You cannot feel what you have not got. You cannot know the assurance of salvation until you have it.

The Lord Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

“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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13.

ML-11/08/1964

Poor yet Rich

Lines written by a poor old lady in an Old Folks’ Home

“Poor! yes, I am—I glory in the thought,

But rich in Him who with His blood me bought.

Poor! yet I love my poverty to see

That I may live in Christ, and He in me.

“Poor! yes, my soul, how glorious ‘tis to know

On empty souls Christ does His love bestow.

All things are Christ’s; heaven earth—at His command,

All things are mine—for in Him I do stand!”

ML-11/08/1964

Points for Young Converts

Five things, if remembered, will help you each day;

Obeyed, they will keep you from going astray;

Though Satan may tempt you and trials betide,

You surely will conquer, and in Christ abide.

“Keep looking to Jesus,” He never can fail,

And walk in His footsteps in every detail;

The world’s vain allurements will vanish from sight

By “looking to Jesus,” your Saviour and Light.

“Read daily your Bible,” if you would be strong

To witness for Jesus and overcome wrong;

“The Author,” “the Book,” and “the doer” abide,

But they who neglect it will surely backslide.

“Pray without ceasing.” This will bring you to Him

Who cleanses and keeps you a victor o’er sin;

There’s nothing so great that our God cannot do,

And nothing so small but He’ll undertake too.

“Confess Him to others.” Speak boldly for Him

To those who are lying in darkness and sin;

What help can you better to all recommend

Than this blessed Saviour—the needy one’s Friend?

“Do something for Jesus,” He did all for you;

Your joy find in willing His sweet will to do.

So seeking to please Him through life day by day,

His presence shall gladden each step of your way.

ML-11/08/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 7

The Ark as a Type of Baptism

NOAH and the ark have presented a picture of salvation for sinners, as well as a preserver of the Jewish remnant in the coming tribulation. Now there is an additional picture—that of baptism.

Noah not only trusted God to preserve him from the flood, but also saw in the ark that which would carry him into a better world. He saw the world as God saw it — wicked and under judgment—and he had no dire to be part of the wicked scene. In faith he and his family entered the ark, separating themselves from the world.

The believer who today sees this world under judgment will, like Noah, have no desire for what it has to offer. He will long to be away from it and know the reward of his faith. Yet for a while he must remain in the midst of the world and its defilements. Is there something he can do while here to more closely identify himself with his Saviour, more definitely show that although yet in the world he is not part of it? Yes, God has made such provision for the man of faith. Peter says (speaking of the days of Noah): “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21. We are assured here and elsewhere that the ark is a figure of baptism by which we proclaim ourselves “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11.

Baptism, however, should never be looked on as a means of salvation. It cannot put away the filth of the flesh, but speaks of a good conscience tard God. The expression “doth also now save us” does not imply salvation of the soul, but saving believers from the deceitfulness and snares of a wicked world that seeks to draw them into its folly. The believer who really sees the sufficiency of Christ will want to be occupied with Him and put himself away from the world. He will be happy to display that dire by the act of baptism. Noah went into the ark before the rains ever came. So the faithful believer will not wait until taken to heaven to enjoy his place with Christ, but through baptism will own that place of separation now.

As the ark rode through the deluge all the fury of the storm fell on it, completely sheltering those inside. In Psalm 42:7 we have the prophetic utterance of the Lord: “All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me.” Now, through faith in Him, the believer will never know the waves and billows of God’s wrath against himself, but in the figure of baptism can express his desire to be associated with his Saviour’s death. “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into (or, unto) death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted tether in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” Romans 6:4,5. What a glorious association for the child of God!

Memory Verse: “I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE: AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:28.

ML-11/08/1964

Patsy's New Master

Patsy the donkey was a general favorite among the children down at the beach. Many a nickel ride we all had on Patsy, who was always so gentle and obedient. But Patsy had a hard master who cruelly treated her, and he even beat her.

In a large house near the beach there lived a Mr. Johnson whose son Philip was not very strong. Philip became very fond of Patsy. Mr. Johnson offered to buy Patsy for a good price, and Patsy changed masters. At once, the faithful little donkey was released from the slavery of a bad master, and when I saw her now in the service of her new owner, I scarcely knew her. Now she had a pretty little colt, and she looked so nice in her fine saddle and harness standing down near the beach.

I think Patsy in the service of her old master was very much like the sinner, in the slavery of sin and Satan. On the other hand Patsy released from bondage, and now in the service of her new master, is like the one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ—set free from sin and Satan’s service—who now bongs to Christ and rejoices to serve Him.

All who have not come to the Saviour, and have not been redeemed, are still in their sins. They may not realize it, but they are in the bondage of sin and Satan. Only the Lord Jesus can release from such bondage. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Those who believe the good news and put their trust in Jesus immediately pass from the slavery of sin and from Satan’s power into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Dear young friend, in whose service are you?

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

ML-11/15/1964

Footprints in the Snow

TWO small boys were so eager to go skating, now that the pond was frozen over, and they decided to play hooky from school. When they did not show up for classes, the teacher sent the other boys out to search for them, and for a while no trace of the missing boys could be found.

“I saw them going along by the river there,” said a girl, pointing to footsteps in the snow alongside the half-frozen stream.

“That’s a clew,” said the boys. “Let’s follow it up.” So off they ran, tracing the four footprints right along till they reached the pond near the mill. There the two truants were found enjoying themselves on the ice. They were astonished when the three other boys made their appearance.

“Who told you we were here. How did you think of coming to look for us here?” asked one of the boys.

“These told us,” answered the other boy, pointing to the footprints in the snow.

“I never thought of that,” said one of the boys to his companion. “I wish we had blocked them out as we went along.”

That would have been a difficult if not impossible job, but not half so difficult as it would be to blot out the footprints of sin and wandering away from God. Do you ever think, young sinner friend, that along life’s pathway, you have left footprints, which tell of your sin? You cannot blot them out. And there they will stand till that great day of judgment, if Someone does not blot them out for you. I will tell you One who can. Listen: “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25.

Think of the blessed Lord Jesus wanting to do that for you. All who trust in Him as their own Saviour have their sins all blotted out forever by His precious blood. And divine righteousness and beauty cover them perfectly.

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

ML-11/15/1964

Decision or Delay

A GOSPEL tent stood in a field on the outskirts of town. There were services held there almost every night, and once during the week there was a special meeting for children, and many came to listen.

One night the speaker spoke very earnestly to the young folks and sought to impress upon them the necessity of putting their trust in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. He urged them not to delay, but to decide at once.

To impress this upon the children he told them the true story of his own life. He had been asked by a friend to speak to some boys at school. The message he felt impelled to give them was very solemn. He told them that he had a strong conviction that before the year had passed, one of the boys before him would have passed out of this world into eternity, and the warning was given. He urged them to decide for Christ.

Some years later a lady who had been present at that meeting said to him, “Sir, do you remember giving an address at the school years ago?”

“Yes, I remember it well.”

“Do you remember that you said you believed that before a year was gone one of your hearers would have passed into eternity?”

“Yes, I well remember it,” he replied again; “and at that time my friend who had asked me to speak was not pleased at my making the remark — he considered it sensational.”

“Well, I took note of it at the time,” said the lady, “and before the year was past two boys in that company had passed away.”

That was the incident related to the children in the tent that Friday evening. The children scattered; the tent was closed. The next meeting had been announced for three o’clock on Sunday.

The preacher stood by his tent on Sunday a few minutes before meeting time. News was passing from mouth to mouth—bad news, evidently, for a look of sad surprise passed over each face as it was made known.

A boy of ten had drowned in the river. “How?” “When?” “Just now,” said one. “He was walking by the river, and fell into the deep water.” Before he could be rescued, his little spirit had fled.

The young folk soon passed the news from one to another. “Harry is drowned,” said one. “Why, he was in my class at school,” said another. “He was at the meeting in the tent on Friday.”

Sure enough, when the preacher knocked at the door where Harry’s mother lived, it was to look upon the face of one of his little hearers, now cold in death.

Harry had heard the gospel. He had been warned of the reality of death which claims even merry, healthy boys. Did he accept the Lord Jesus as his Saviour? We cannot say. All we know is that he alone of his family had attended the tent meeting, and had urged one of his classmates to come also.

But there was another boy who came to that meeting, and his name was Scotty.

“Welcome, Scotty,” said the preacher to a boy ten years old, “and are you saved?”

“Yes sir,” he brightly answered. “I trusted the Lord the Friday night you spoke in the tent, when you told us to decide for Jesus and not to delay.”

Wise boy. He chose to decide for Christ at once. He did not wait for death to come. Dear Scotty! May he long be spared to witness for his Saviour.

Which boy are you like?

ML-11/15/1964

You May Come

His door is ever open.

He is never away from home.

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

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

Memory Verse: “THE BREAD OF GOD IS HE WHICH COMETH DOWN FROM HEAVEN, AND GIVETH LIFE UNTO THE WORLD.” John 6:33.

ML-11/15/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 7:7-8:2

“AND NOAH went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.... In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life.... were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” vv. 7, 11, 12.

Only a little more than 1600 years had passed since God created man. In that short period those whom He had created in His own image had willfully departed from Him and made such havoc of their lives that He could no longer forbear judgment on them. Yet even as he pronounced the dire consequence of their wicked ways, He also provided a means of escape in the ark. But when the time came to enter it there were only eight souls who responded — Noah, the faithful man of God, and his immediate family. Then the deluge broke in all its fury; not only the devastating downpour from above, but all the fountains of the great deep were broken up as well. Hopeless indeed became the plight of those who had scorned Noah’s preaching, or who had delayed accepting it. God had shut the ark’s door and none could open it. Alas, what remorse must have filled the hearts of those who had gone blindly in folly and deliberate estrangement from God. There was no refuge for them in the strongest building made by their hands, nor upon the highest mountain peak.

Sinner friend, there is another day of judgment coming soon. Have you prepared for it? Have you entered the ark through Christ, the living Door? Are you safe and secure in Him?

The great overflowing of these swells of water proceeded undiminished for forty days and nights figure of the fullness of God’s wrath against sin and those who refuse His Son. Upward and yet upward rose the destroying tide, catching up all living things, until the highest peaks were no longer to be seen. No spot of ground remained as refuge to those who had rejected God’s grace. “And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle. and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.” v. 23. What a dreadful scene! Yet Noah, safe within the ark, was completely away from it all. Nor did he look on the tragedy from which his faith had delivered him, for his only view was upwards, toward the God who was seeing him safely through the storm.

“And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark... The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained.” How lovely to read that “God remembered Noah.” But there was never any question that He would do so, for He had secured him and his family in that ark which spoke of His own beloved Son. He saw them thus united to Himself and dear to Him. For the believer in Christ this is equally true. Faith in Him keeps us secure from all that would harm us.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39.

ML-11/15/1964

Saved From Cannibals

SAMMY was a little African boy. Some of the tribes nearby were very fierce; they were head-hunters, and often ate some of their victims. At nights little Sammy would shiver in his hut as he heard stories of their evil deeds.

It was a custom among these headhunters that when a boy grew to young manhood and wished to be married, he was first expected to kill and eat a man. So whenever a young man was about to be married, the people of Sammy’s village would tremble for fear of being killed.

The missionaries had a station nearby and Sammy eagerly attended the mission school. There he learned that Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of all things, loved him and that He had once come to this earth and died on the cross for sinners such as he. Sammy loved to learn and to sing about Jesus, the Friend of little children.

One day Sammy had to go to market. As he walked along the forest path with his little bundle over his back, he overtook an old man who was glad of Sammy’s company. They walked on and on and Sammy was beginning to get tired. Night came on and Sammy began to feel afraid. The old man was afraid too.

Suddenly they looked back and saw three men with spears coming up behind them. “Run for your life,” cried the old man to little Sammy, “and shout to Mohammed to help you.”

“No, I’m going to ask Jesus to help me,” said Sammy.

“Your Jesus can’t help you,” cried the old man again. “Ask Mohammed to help you, and run, little boy.” Poor Sammy ran, but it was too late. One of the men hurled a spear which pierced his little back and he fell unconscious on the ground.

Both Sammy and the old man were lying wounded on the ground. The cannibals came up laughing, and thought of how they could prepare their feast that night. They picked up Sammy and carrying him into the mountains they dropped him still unconscious into a crevice in the rocks. They put a big stone on top of him, and left him for dead.

But the Lord Jesus was looking down on poor Sammy and He had heard his cry. By-and-by the little fellow woke up and remembered what had happened. He knew the men would come back to take him and eat him. So he prayed again, “Please, Jesus, help me to get away from these wicked men!” Then he thought he must try and get out from under that big rock. He wiggled, and he struggled—oh how his back hurt!—but the Lord Jesus helped him and little by little he squeezed his little body out from under that big rock. Then oh joy! he was free. Down the hill he ran and disappeared into the forest. On he ran until weak from loss of blood he came to a river. He tried to wade across but the current was strong and almost swept him away. All the time he thought, “Oh, if those head-hunters catch up with me again.” Sure enough they had come back and were following the bloodstained trail.

Sammy prayed again, “Oh, Lord Jesus, please save me.” The river swept him away, but just then a native on the other side of the bank plunged into the water and pulled him to safety. Kind friends took Sammy to the missionary who washed his wounds and bandaged him up. Soon little Sammy was well again, and went on to learn more and more of the wonderful love and power of the Lord Jesus who saves and keeps all who put their trust in Him. He loved to speak of him to other children and to tell them the story of his escape from cannibals.

Not long after, the cannibal headhunters were captured, and one of those evil men confessed that Sammy would have been his seventh victim, if he had eaten him. Sammy asked what happened to, the old man who had told him to cry to Mohammed but they told him he had been killed and eaten. Mohammed didn’t hear his cry. Mohammed himself was dead and how could a dead man help any: one who prayed to him. But the Lord Jesus both died and rose again, and He lives in heaven a Prince and Saviour—a living Saviour who loves and takes care of all who trust in Him.

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

“O Lord..., blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” Psalm 84:12.

ML-11/22/1964

On the Banks of the Y

Is fine old house near the banks of a river, we had for a number of years spent our summer and autumn vacations. Our aged grandparents lived there, and there Mother spent her early years. So the place has many memories and associations. Playing in the green fields, wandering by the riverside, gathering apples and peaches in the old orchard, the long summer and autumn days went quickly past. It was while living there that an incident occurred which left an impression on my mind which rains until this day. I believe it was chiefly used in bringing my sister and me to the Saviour.

A young friend of ours, a companion of our vacation days, was playing with us on a Saturday afternoon in the woods. Suddenly she was struck down by an illness that proved fatal. The following Saturday she was buried in the little cemetery near Grandfather’s home.

Oh, how that sudden call to eternity made things that I had heard since my childhood so near and so real! I saw how uncertain were all things here in this world, and how needful to be ready to die, whenever that call might come.

My sister and I were deeply anxious to be saved, but we were ashamed to let anyone know it. Finally it became unbearable, and we told our aged grandfather our trouble. How lovingly he told us the way of salvation, and read to us out of God’s book the passages through which he had trusted the Saviour fifty years before. We both came to Jesus then. He washed our sins away and made us glad; never have we regretted our choice.

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.

Years have passed. We still live in the old house on the banks of the river. Playmates and companions have gone, some to distant shores and many to eternity, but my sister and I praise the Lord that He saved us, in our girlhood days, and that He has been with us all along the way ever since.

ML-11/22/1964

Don't Judge by Appearances

“Is Annie a Christian?” I asked one of her young friends who had been telling me about her.

“Oh yes, I think so,” was the answer; “she is such a nice girl. Everybody likes her at school. She never gets mad, and she is always ready to do a good turn to others.”

Then Annie must be “a nice girl,” as her young friends said, thought I.

But it was a mistake to suppose that she was of course a Christian simply because she was kind-hearted and liked by all. Her friend who told me about her was judging by appearances.

An amiable disposition, a nice character, doesn’t make one a Christian. You find an amiable disposition in pets—a gentle kitten, a good dog, a nice horse.

Take, for instance, mother tiger and her family of tiger cubs. They play together and perhaps they do not fight. But oh, just let a man come near, and see the difference. Mother tiger is no friend to man, as even her babies will snarl and growl if he draws near.

How often do we find boys and girls pleasant and likable, but when we speak to them of Christ, and ask them if they know what it is to have their sins forgiven, we find resentment, and perhaps outright opposition and hatred. Deep down in their heart they do not love God, and they do not want Jesus as their Saviour.

I hope Annie was a Christian, but, if so, it was not her kind nature and good temper that made her so. A Christian is one who has discovered his or her sinfulness and has fled to the Lord Jesus for pardon and salvation. Such a one receives power from Him to live for Him day by day.

Are you a Christian, in this true sense of the word?

ML-11/22/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 8:3-12

THE DELUGE was over, but its effect remained and it was not until 150 days had passed that the water abated. Seventeen days later the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat. Does this not make us think of the place that will be enjoyed by those trusting in the blood of Jesus, who will be safely with Him a long time before God’s judgments on the wicked are over? Although not yet visible to Noah, the tops of the mountains soon began to appear.

Forty days after the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, Noah opened the window and made an exploration of things by sending forth two birds —a raven and a dove. This reminds us of the Jewish aspect of the ark, for the Jews will indeed be looking for signs in their tribulation days—portents that will tell them the end of their trial is drawing near and encouragement to remain faithful yet a little longer. The raven—an unclean bird—found itself well satisfied for the waters were not yet fully withdrawn and there remained much rottenness and decay, suited to its unclean nature. This is a picture of the unsaved man, comfortable and right at home in the corruption of a ruined world.

But with the dove it was an entirely different matter. Clean by nature she “found no rest for the sole of her foot” in the judged scene all around, and so she returned to the ark. The dove is a type of that new nature which indwells every true believer in Christ. That new nature finds no satisfaction nor attraction in a world defiled and under judgment, but will ever return to Christ, the true Ark. In Him our souls will ever find sweetest rest and peace. May we who confess His name as our Saviour keep close to Him and avoid contamination in a polluted world.

Seven more days and the dove, sent forth again, returned with an olive leave in her mouth. Noah knew then that the waters were abated. What joy must have been Noah’s, knowing that God had already undertaken the restoration of life to a cleansed world. The olive leaf spoke prophetically of renewed life coming to Israel and looked forth to the restoration of God’s earthly people in the thousand years of peace that will follow the great tribulation.

The future happiness and testimony of Israel, of course, will not be restored until after a full accounting has been given to God by that nation and His judgment of their waywardness. The tribulation period to which we have previously referred, answers to the flood as it applies in type to Israel. Out of that tribulation will emerge a remnant, faithfully devoted to God and owning the Christ whom their people once rejected.

“And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Jeremiah 31:28 and 33.

Memory Verse: “ALL THAT THE FATHER GIVETH ME SHALL COME TO ME: AND HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT.” John 6:37.

ML-11/22/1964

A Noble Confession

ONE of the emperors of Rome once engaged a Greek architect to build him a splendid amphitheater. It was to surpass in size and grandeur any of those that already existed. The Emperor promised the architect fame and honor if his work should he well done.

The genius of the Greek produced the Colosseum. Today it stands in ruins; still majestic, though its magnificence is a thing of the past. Centuries have rolled by since the men and women of Rome thronged there to see the Roman gladiators fight to the death, or to witness the heroic death of Christian martyrs. Its male benches have long since been torn up, and its wall has crumbled be neath the decaying hands of time.

Let me tell you about the opening celebration of this marvelous building.

Preparations had been made for a great display, and when the day arrived the Colosseum was crowded with spectators. The Emperor himself was there, and near him sat the architect.

A murmur of applause ran through the vast assembly as a door in the arena opened, and there entered a little band of Christians who were ready to die rather than deny their Saviour. At their appearance the Emperor arose and said: “The Colosseum is finished: we have come here today to commemorate the event, and to do honor to the architect who has constructed this wonderful building. We will celebrate the triumph of his genius by the slaying of these Christians by the lions.”

As the applause died away the Greek architect leaped to his feet and, with a voice that rang through the building, he proclaimed: “I ALSO AM A CHRISTIAN.”

It was a heroic testimony, but his confession of Christ had touched a spring that opened the floodgates of fiercest passion and deadly hatred. For a moment all were speechless with astonishment. Then the approval of the admiring crowd became suddenly a torrent of hatred uncontrolled. The architect was seized and flung into the arena below where the noble band of Christians were awaiting death. Then the gratings slid back, and the half-starved, raging lions were let loose.

Thus the noble Greek architect chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He looked forward to the heavenly recompense; “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures” of this Egypt world; “of whom the world was not worthy.” (See Hebrews 11:24-40.)

Dear reader, can you say, “I also am a Christian”? Perhaps you have hesitated to place yourself under the banner of Christ because you thought of the hardships His soldiers must endure. It is true that all Christians, if faithful to their rejected Lord, will suffer on earth, some even to death, but they can look forward to an ETERNITY of perfect happiness with Christ in glory.

ML-11/29/1964

Mercy

Thou didst once a wretch behold,

In rebellion blindly bold,

Scorn Thy grace, Thy power defy:

That poor rebel, Lord was I.

Once a sinner near despair

Sought Thy mercy-seat by prayer;

Mercy heard and set him free:

Lord, that mercy came to me!

ML-11/29/1964

A Tragic Ending

A bright July sun shone down on a group of happy boys and girls’ all dressed in summer togs, as they boarded a bus one morning. The little ones carried spades, pails, and little sailboats—all off to spend Saturday by the seashore—all lighthearted and free, full of bright hopes for the day’s fun, wading, and paddling, and swimming in the calm blue ocean.

All went well until some of the older boys suggested renting a boat and going for a row—a thing they had been specially warned against, as there were hidden rocks and shoals along the coast, where more than one had perished that summer. But “boys will be boys,” and while the Sunday school teachers and older folks were busy looking at the little ones, five older boys hired a boat and were out on the deep sea before they were noticed. As two of them were changing places in the boat, the boat capsized, throwing them all into the deep water. Their cries of distress turned all eyes in the direction of the upturned boat, and three of them could be seen clinging to the keel: but two had sunk to rise no more till the sea gives up its dead.

A coast guard boat hastened to the rescue and the three boys were brought back to shore half dead. That tragedy cast its gloom over the whole company. Twos and threes quietly withdrew, and took early buses home, some in tears, and all in gloom and sadness for the loss of the lives of those two boys.

It was a solemn lesson for those three boys (and for all) that day. That sin of disobedience had claimed the lives of their two companions and had nearly cost them their own. “Children, obey your parents,” Ephesians 6:1. “Hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep My ways.” Proverbs 8:32.

“In the midst of life we are in death,” dear boys and girls, and it is safest and best to be ready, so that should the call to depart come at morning, noon, or night, at school or work or play, all will be well. And the only way for this to be so is to have the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour. Then you will have a life over which death has no power eternal life.

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

“Jesus said... I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25.

ML-11/29/1964

Little Hal

A SHIP bound for South Africa had on board a little fellow named Hal, just ten years of age. Little Hal’s parents had gone out to Africa some years before, and now he was going out to join them. He had no one to travel with him, but the kind captain had taken charge of him and would see him safely in his parent’s arms.

Little Hal right from the beginning of the voyage had such a simple trust in his friend the captain, believing that he would take him safely to his father and mother, that he never seemed to have a doubt about reaching them. He would sit on the deck counting the days, and often would say, “I’ll soon see Daddy and Mother now.”

For days all they saw was the blue ocean waves, and a few sea birds. But then one morning those on board could see the dim outline of the distant shores of South Africa. With glee little Hal clapped his hands for he knew that a warm welcome awaited him there. The last glimpse I had of him was when he was safe at home in his father’s arms.

Happy little fellow. Just like a child who is trusting Jesus, I thought, trusting Him to take him safely Home, where a warm welcome awaits him in the Father’s house in heaven. But we must not suppose that every boy and girl goes there, though God does desire that every one might be saved. Only those who are the children of God can truthfully speak of heaven as their “Father’s house.” And only those who have been “born again” (John 3:3, 5), and who have received the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, can go there. How many boys and girls are taught to say. “Our Father which art in heaven,” but who know nothing of this new birth. We are made children of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we cannot rightly address Him as our “Father,” until we enter His family by being born again.

Dear young friend, can you call God your Father, and look forward with joy to that bright home in heaven? If not, you may.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:2, 3.

ML-11/29/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 8:13-22

ND IT came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth.” v. 13. The judgment that had poured forth on a sinful world was passed; God’s holiness was vindicated, and now He was about to introduce Noah to a cleansed world. It is interesting to note that both the commencement and the end of the flood are recorded as to year, month and day. God never does anything haphazardly. He “hath appointed a day” for judgment and knows precisely when it will be. He has also established the precise moment when He will call His own into glory.

“And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark,... Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee... that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him.” vv. 15-18. The ark had fulfilled its purpose. In its safety Noah and his company had been unaffected by the waters of judgment, indeed had risen up triumphant on those very waters. Secured within it, they had been taken out of the world and its wickedness and were to emerge on a better scene.

This answers to the three aspects of the ark previously before us. First, as a type of Christ, the true Ark of salvation in the present dispensation. Second, as the Ark of refuge for the Jewish remnant who will be brought safely through the terrible tribulation of the last days. And, third, as a type of baptism, the believer owning himself to be “dead to the world”; “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11); come forth “in newness of life” — expressed typically when coming up out of the water of baptism. All in God’s sight is seen in Christ, the true Sanctuary from the world and its judgment. He is the transport of all His own in every age, safely conveying them through each dispensation, bringing them out to “a better world” prepared by God for them. Noah was in the ark just a few days over one year. We know not how long we, in faith, will abide therein while going through this world, but go in the promise that “He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37. What a glorious prospect! Reader, do you share it too?

The earth, following the flood, was to be repopulated, both with man and all living creatures — a particularly clear type of the blessing to come on the earth in the millennial period. It is God’s expressed purpose that they be fruitful, multiply and replenish the whole earth.

“And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and..., offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savor; and the Lord said in His heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake;... neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” vv. 20-22.

Memory Verse: “GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” John 15:13.

ML-11/29/1964

Faithful Oscar

Oscar, the farmer’s dog, was a favorite with the children. They rode on his back, they threw their caps in the air for him to catch, and tossed sticks into the river so that they could watch him plunge in and bring them back to land.

But besides all this, Oscar was a most useful dog. He would take leers to the post office, he would carry a basket out to the field, he would walk with the children to and from school, and see that no boy or girl molested them.

There was one thing in particular that caused Oscar to stand high in the estimation of the farmer and his wife, and that was his faithful watch over Ernie, their little boy. One day, Ernie wandered far from home, and lost his way in the town. Ernie had been forbidden to go further than the end of the lane leading up to the farm, to meet his brother and sister coming from the school. But Ernie, like some other little boys and girls I know, took his own way one day, and set off along the main road to town. Then he wandered off the road and lost himself.

Oscar missed his little charge, and set off after him. For several hours neither Ernie nor the dog were missed at the farm, but when the children returned from school without Ernie and the dog, the parents became alarmed. Three parties set out in search for Ernie, one to the fields, one other to the woods, and a third to town. After a full hour of searching, Ernie was found lying asleep near the gate of a big farm, with Oscar lying close to him, guarding the child like a sentinel. The sleeping child was carried home and for many a day Oscar was loved for his faithful care of him.

I know of One who left His home in the glory bright, to seek and to save that which was lost. His name is Jesus. Is it possible that the service of a faithful dog can be remembered, and yet the love of Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour, who went into death for sinners, be forgotten? How are you treating this Saviour, dear boys and girls?

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

ML-12/06/1964

Peace Is Made

In the last battle fought in the American Civil War a confederate soldier took to the woods. He hid there for nearly a week, almost starved. In the meantime, peace had been made and proclaimed throughout the states.

A man riding along in the outskirts of the woods was alarmed to see a gaunt and haggard looking man in Confederate uniform rush out, and gripping his horse’s bridle, cry out, “Oh, for mercy’s sake, sir, will you give me something to eat?”

“Why, what’s the matter?” said the horseman.

“Oh, sir, I was on the losing side in that last fight, and if I’m caught I’m sure to be shot or strung to the nearest tree.”

“My good fellow,” said the other man, “don’t you know that the war is over and peace has been proclaimed? The armies have been disbanded, and the men have gone off home?”

The man was staggered for a moment, but finally he took it in. He believed the word and walked right out into the open.

There was nothing to fear, no more need for hiding. He walked into town and with the money given to him he had a good dinner at the inn.

Sinner friend, do you not believe the good news that Christ has made peace “by the blood of His cross?” Let there be no more hiding from God. Come right out into the open, meet God as a Saviour God, be at peace with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

ML-12/06/1964

Singing Lily

Lily was a little girl who lived with her mother and older brother in a little country village. She was in the habit of singing to herself all the time her brother was away at school. Dung the day she had no companions or playmates, and I wondered how she could spend day after day singing as she did.

I got her alone one day and asked her what made her sing.

“Because I’m happy,” was her simple reply.

This is exactly why the Christian sings. God has saved him. Now the burden of his sins is gone, and he is happy. He has Jesus as his Saviour now, and he is on his way home to heaven. That should make anyone happy, shouldn’t it?

Dear young friend, are you happy? Has Jesus saved you? Can you sing with truth:

“Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away”?

Memory Verse: “JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD, THAT YE BELIEVE ON HIM WHOM HE HATH SENT.” John 6:29.

ML-12/06/1964

Oil in the Lamp

Matthew 25:1-13

Ten virgins, clothed in white,

The Bridegroom went to meet;

Their lamps were burning bright

To guide His welcome feet.

Five of the band were wise—

Their lamps with oil filled high;

The rest this care despise,

And take their vessels dry.

Long time the Lord abode—

Down came the shades of night—

The weary virgins nod,

And then they sleep outright.

At midnight came the cry

Upon their startled ear:

“Behold the Bridegroom nigh,

To light His steps appear!”

They trim their lamps; in vain

The foolish virgins toil—

“Our lamps are out, O deign

To give us of your oil!”

“Not so,” the wise ones cry;

“No oil have we to spare:

But swiftly run and buy,

That you the joy may share.”

They go to buy, when, lo!

The Bridegroom comes in state;

Within those ready go,

And shut to is the gate.

The foolish virgins now

Before the gateway crowd;

With terror on their brow

They knock and cry aloud:

“Lord, open to our call

Hast thou our names forgot?”

Sadly the accents fall,

“Depart, I know you not.”

Learn here, my child, how vain

This world, with all its lies;

Those who the kingdom gain

Alone are truly wise.

May every parent prove the value of earnest prayer about the eternal welfare of each child and bring such to Jesus early in life, before the power of Satan binds him strongly in his evil ways.

ML-12/06/1964

The Children's Class

1. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

2. “We trust in the living God.”

3. “Lay hold on eternal life.”

4. “Before the world began.”

5. “Call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

6. “Able to make thee wise unto salvation.”

7. “Unto all them also that love His appearing.”

ML-12/06/1964

The Young People's Class: Joy

1. What were the good tidings that brought great JOY many years ago? Luke.

2. Should we expect to find JOY in those who profess to be Christians today? Gal. 5.

3. To whom may we turn if we would be filled with all JOY? Rom. 15.

4. What causes us to rejoice with JOY unspeakable? 1 Pet.

5. Can any man take away our JOY which is in the Lord Jesus Christ? John 16.

6. What will be the reason for having exceeding JOY in a coming day? 1 Pet.

7. Where shall we find fullness of JOY? Psa. 16.

ML-12/06/1964

Noah and the Flood

Genesis 9:1-4

AFTER coming out of the ark, Noah first erected an altar and worshiped the Lord. Conscious of his great deliverance, he faithfully responded and offered sacrifices to the One in whom his faith had safely rested. This is the first mention in Scripture of an altar. Connected with a purged and cleansed earth, it is primarily a type of the millennial day when God’s earthly people will bring their worship to Him. The lovely character of the burnt offerings brought by Noah, speak in type of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary, as seen by God. A sweet savor goes up to Him. What a contrast to the offensive odor of the wicked world and the results of judgment on it!

“And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.” vv. 1,2. When God first created man, he said: “Be fruitful, and multiply,... and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28. Was it not gracious of God to renew man’s place above all other earthly living creation, in spite of the failure in the meantime? Yet we see a difference in the divine utterances, too. In Genesis 1 man was to “have dominion over” all these creatures. In Chapter 9 it is, “the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast,” etc. In the beginning, before man had fallen, there was full harmony in all creation, man having “dominion” over other creatures, but all lived in innocent peace and quietness. But sin marred that picture. God still placed man over all other living things, but “fear and dread” rep, resented the establishment of that place.

Then God tells Noah and his company of further provisions for their need and the need of all who would follow them. Again we see a change from the position of man in the Gar den of Eden. There his food was “herbs” (or vegetables); seeds and the fruit of many trees. Flesh was not included in his diet, for without sin there could be no death. Noah, however, is told “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you even as the green herb have I given you all things.”

It was not until man was banished from the Garden of Eden that the slaying of animals for food added to his fare. Perhaps, as this provision was extended to them, they thought on the amazing fact that whenever they ate the flesh of any creature they were literally receiving life through death. We, at least, can see this plainly and know that it is figurative of the life that, through faith, comes to those who accept the atoning death of God’s Lamb on the cross.

Nonetheless, solemn warnings accompany these provisions. “But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.” (v. 4). God was ever looking on to the perfect sacrifice of His Son, whose precious blood would be shed. There was therefore to be no meddling with blood, or carelessness about it, for Noah’s generation, or any to follow.

ML-12/06/1964

Saved by a Football

It was on a calm evening years ago when the ship Stella left Southampton with one hundred and thirty-nine passengers. Among them was a mother and her small boy, Arnold. About four o’clock in the morning in a thick fog, a loud grating sound was heard and the Stella quivered from stem to stern. The passengers were aroused by a loud call from Captain Weeks, ordering the crew to “stand by: lower the boats.” The ship had run upon the rocks and was fast sinking.

What a scene followed! Women and children were crowded into the boats; parents clasped their little ones; husbands bade their wives farewell, perhaps never to meet again.

The fond mother and her little son, Arnold, stood upon the crowded deck. It so happened that Arnold had brought along a football, like many a boy would do now, intending to have a game when they reached port. Suddenly the poor mother seized the football and tied it firmly around Arnold’s neck. “It may be useful, darling,” she said.

A few minutes later the Stella gave a lurch, heeled over and sank beneath the waves. Arnold, with the ball around his neck, was thrown into the sea. The football kept him afloat. Some time later, he was picked up by a lifeboat and saved.

Had Arnold refused to have the ball tied around his neck, he could not have survived in those great waters; he would have perished. So do all who reject Christ. A football would be a strange means of escape. So to many a proud heart is the sight of One dying on a cross for sinners, a foolish way of salvation. But that is God’s way. It is the only way— “for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

Jesus is the highest name in heaven, and the sweetest name on earth. Is He your Saviour, dear reader?

ML-12/13/1964

"Is That in the Bible?"

A FRIEND of mine was speaking to a businessman the other day and telling him something that was in the Bible. The businessman seemed quite surprised, and said, “Is that in the Bible?” He did not know it, and had not taken the trouble to look.

What would you think of a man who set out to cross a mountain, carrying a guidebook and maps with him, but entirely neglected consulting them? If he wandered off the trail and perished falling over a precipice, he would only have himself to blame, when he might have taken the right way and been saved.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25. This is not the only time we find this statement in the wonderful book of Scripture—the Proverbs. It is a marvelous guidebook for young and old. It is a book that is full of the TWO WAYS.

What excuse will you be able to make to God in the great day of reckoning if you have neglected His Word? You will be condemned then. You will perish. And yet the way to heaven is so plain that scripture tells us: “the wayfaring men, though fools shall not err therein.” Isaiah 35:8.

Awake, my friend, to the importance of the moment. Repent and believe the gospel!

ML-12/13/1964

All the World

“CAN any of you boys and girls who are at school tell me what this globe represents?”

“The world,” says one little fellow. “Yes, the world, and these men of different colors, and different dresses, represent the various peoples of the world. Can any of you tell me how many persons there are supposed to be living in the world today?” Silence. “About three billion. What an enormous multitude.”

“Now I am going to ask you to give me two texts from the New Testament that both speak on the world. The first is about the gift that was sent to the world long ago, and the second is about the gospel, or good news that God wants to be sent all over the world now. Will someone repeat for me a well-known verse about the love gift?”

“I will,” said a little girl, and up she gets and repeats: “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.

“Yes, that’s right. Now let us see if we understand what this means. Whom did God love? The world. Yes, but what does that mean?”

“All the people that live on the earth,” says another little girl.

“Yes, all people—black people, yellow people, white people, and red people. All kinds of people. What a big world, and how great the heart of God must be to take them all in His love.

Well now, can anyone tell me what sort of people the people of the world are? Are they good, or bad?”

“Bad,” says a boy.

“All bad?” No answer. “What do you say there, little boy sitting in the front row? Can you give me a verse to tell us?” Silence.

“All the world... guilty before God.” (Rom. 3:19). Oh yes, these are solemn words. All the world—French, British, Chinese, Americans, Indians, Russians — all guilty, none good, “no not one.” Romans 3. A world of guilty sinners yet all loved by God. How wonderful this is! He loves you; He loves me. How many of you can say, “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.” 1 John 4:16.

But there is another very solemn word about “all the world.” It is this — “Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” Revelation 12:9. Think of that. Satan, the adversary, the enemy of God and man, going forth into all the world, its god and prince, blinding the minds of men, and children too, telling them that God does not love them, but He hates them. But Satan is a liar. Do you believe his lies? But would you not rather believe God? Believe that He loves you and that Christ died for you, and you will be saved.

There is another verse, the last of the four, about the world and the good news. Can you repeat it? “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. That’s it. To all the world—China, Japan, India, South America, Newfoundland. To every creature—black, white, red, copper-colored: even cannibal, religious, all must hear the good news. It is the word of the Lord Jesus, but who is to carry it? Angels? No! Men and women, boys and girls, those who have believed the wonderful message and are saved; they are the ones the Lord uses to tell the wondrous story.

Dear young Christian, begin at home. “All the world” includes the boys and girls who live in your street, who go to the same school as you do.

ML-12/13/1964

Come, Make Thy Choice!

Come, make thy choice!—for life or death eternal;

CHRIST OR THE WORLD—the broad or narrow way;

The Father’s Home, or judgment dark, eternal,

Unending joy or sorrow—choose today!

Come, make thy choice! Behold how time is flying—

Speeding the fateful hour for grave and gay!

Behold, I come! the Lord from heaven is crying:

Eternal interests urge thee—choose today!

Come, make thy choice! It may be now or never,

‘Tis worse than madness longer to delay;

Now is the hinge of all that vast “forever”;

Tomorrow never cometh — choose today!

Come, make thy choice! Hark! ‘tis the lamentation

Of late repentance, where Hope sheds no ray—

“Oh! for one hour on earth to take salvation;

But ‘tis too late forever”—choose today!

Come, make thy choice! God waits for thy decision;

Oh! wilt thou not, as conscience bids thee say:

“I will, I DO despise the world’s false vision,

And THOU, THYSELF, Lord Jesus, choose today!”

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

“TODAY if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 3:15.

ML-12/13/1964

Bible Talks: Noah and the Flood

Genesis 9:5-29

“AND surely your blood of your lives will I require:... at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man.” vv. 5,6.

Man from the very beginning has always been responsible before God for his fellow-man and through Noah he is again charged with this responsibility. Man’s life is not to be treated lightly. He is made “in the image of God” and has an everlasting soul. Each life is in God’s hands and whoever willfully takes the life of another is to pay with his own. There is much tampering with this ordinance today, but it remains as God’s solemn word and men will be held responsible to Him for it.

“And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;... And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it.” vv. 8,9; 12-16.

When we now see a lovely rainbow as a storm nears its end, may we remember that God made the beautiful display to remind us of His promise that never again shall a flood overflow the earth, and that “while the earth remaineth, seedtime an harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22.

We need not dwell on the failure that has increasingly marked the world since those days. God’s covenant of blessings to His creatures has not changed, but man has forgotten or ignored his part and has increasingly sought wicked and selfish ways. The result is seen in a world once more filled with violence and corruption. Judgment must therefore again fall on this scene_ not a flood of water, but a terrible burning with fire, so that even the very elements will melt away. (2 Pet, 3:10-13).

“And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:... And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.” vv. 20,28,29.

Thus ends the story of this remarkable man, but his faithful testimony remains. In Chapter 10 much detail is given of the descendants of his three sons. In the genealogies of his sons we learn that those who followed them were as follows: From Shem, the Shemitic races—the Persians, the Israelites, etc; from Ham, some of the Asians, Nimrod, the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the African and Negroid races; from Japheth, the Caucasians and northern Gentile races. Thus it was literally as the Word stated: “Of them was the whole earth overspread.”

Memory Verse: “HEREBY PERCEIVE WE THE LOVE OF GOD, BECAUSE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US.” 1 John 3:16.

ML-12/13/1964

"It's Got No Sting"

A CROWD had gathered on the shore, and, as is usual, others were attracted. As we drew near we made our way through the outer edge, and were able to look over the heads of a number of boys and girls who were intently watching a great serpent which the showman had in his hands. The terrible-looking creature was curled around his arms and neck.

It was a venomous snake, one whose bite was of the deadliest. But the man seemed to have charmed it, for though it shot out its forked tongue and touched him, it seemed quite harmless; the man suffered no evil effects. Most of the onlookers were amazed and puzzled; some were frightened, and many and various were the remarks made.

At last, one clever little fellow cried out, “Oh! I know why it can’t hurt. It’s got no sting!” That was the answer. The sting, or venom, had been removed, and the reptile was rendered quite harmless.

“The sting of death is sin,” we learn from 1 Corinthians 15:56. If man could only extract the sting, death would no longer be a terrible fear. But who can extract the deadly poison? We cannot.

The Lord Jesus Christ has removed it already for all who are His. In Him, “we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” He has borne sin’s curse: “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24. And so death shall be swallowed up in victory.

“Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.

If death comes to one who believes in Christ, its terrors are gone; it is only falling asleep in Jesus. It has no sting. The Bible tells us of Satan, that old serpent, the devil, and that he wields the power of death. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. He overcame him in His death and resurrection, and now Satan is a defeated foe to those who put their trust in Jesus. Oh, that your trust might be in Him too, dear young reader.

ML-12/20/1964

"Whosoever Will"

IN a small Sunday school room, in a crowded area of one of our big cities, a few earnest Christian workers gathered together a number of poor and needy boys and girls. Every Sunday afternoon they served them sandwiches, cake and drinks, and then the children listened to a gospel message. In this way many heard the gospel who would not have heard it otherwise.

There was one poor boy, named Will, who heard the children singing, and stood listening at the door. The last line of the chorus, after every verse, was “Whosoever will may come.” This arrested Will’s attention. He was sure the “Will” applied to him, but what the “Whosoever” meant, he didn’t know. Then a kindly looking man came down the sidewalk as Will stood listening, and summoning courage, Will asked, “Please, sir, could you tell me what ‘whosoever’ means?”

The man smiled, and replied, “Yes, my boy, ‘whosoever’ means anybody; you, if you like.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Will, returning to the Mission room door as fast as he could. The door stood half open, and taking off his hat, Will walked right in and received a warm welcome.

Will got in on the eats, and listened to a short gospel address. He heard how that “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.

Will went back to that humble room for many times. There it was he learned that God loved him, Christ died for him. Will believed, and was saved. He is now a happy follower of the Saviour, an earnest soul-winner, and they call him “Whosoever Will.”

Have you learned that “whosoever will” means anybody—you, if you like? Have you taken your place and claimed God’s gift, as Will claimed the invitation to “whosoever will,” at the Sunday school that day? God says still to you, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17. But this sweet invitation will not go out forever. A day will come when God’s door will be closed, and all who have refused to accept His invitation will be shut out for eternity. Then another “whosoever” will sadly be made known: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.

Oh, blessed gospel sound,

Yet there is room!

It tells to all around,

Yet there is room.

The guilty may draw near,

Though vile you need not fear,

With joy you now may hear,

Yet there is room!

ML-12/20/1964

How a Chief Got Saved

HE WAS an African. Everybody feared him. He had murdered his white employer and his wife and had fled back among the savage people from whence he had come. He was a chief by birth and became a chief in reality. The white men, called the Boers, had been unkind to him and he went back among his own people to take vengeance on them.

And he did. He shot and killed anybody that crossed his path. He was a wild, cruel savage and none tried to capture him or kill him. So feared was he that the government of South Africa had offered five hundred dollars to anyone who would capture this outlaw chief, dead or alive.

And someone did try and someone did succeed in capturing him. His captor was Robert Moffatt. He had been a Scotch lad who had gone as the first missionary to South Africa. Robert Moffatt was a brave Christian and when he said he was going to Africaner’s village the women wept and the men begged him not to go. They said he would never return. But Robert Moffatt had a love for souls; he went, and he captured Africaner. How did he catch him? He caught him by love. He went without any soldiers, or guns or swords. He went to Africaner’s home and told him about God’s love. Africaner learned to love Robert Moffat and built him a grass hut near his own, and the savage chief became like a little child, gentle and trustful. Africaner had known about the gospel before and had been baptized, but he had turned from it all back into savage life.

Those who come to Christ and find Him as their Saviour, want to be like Him. He gives them a new life and a new nature that delights in pleasing Him. Robert Moffatt won Africaner to Christ and he never disappointed his friend. During the missionary’s sickness, when he was alone, it was Africaner who nursed him, furnished him with food and found him the best of milk. When Moffatt found it necessary to move to another part of the country, Africaner followed him there and built his house.

One day Robert Moffatt told the chief he was going to Capetown and asked him to go with him. Africaner was surprised and alarmed. He had been a thief, a murderer, an outlaw; a price was upon his head, and if he appeared among white men they would kill him. But he went. The story of their journey reads like a fairy tale. People had given Robert Moffatt up as dead, and one man said that Africaner had murdered him. But here was Moffatt himself alive and well, and wonder of wonders, Africaner, now a Christian, with him! One man whose uncle had been killed by this same savage chief, looked him closely in the face and said: “Yes, it is he. Oh, God, what cannot Thy grace do! What a miracle!”

When he reached the city of Cape-town, Africaner created a sensation. Everybody wanted to see him. The governor sent for him and the money that had been offered for his capture was spent in buying him gifts and presents. He was now a new man in Christ Jesus and everybody marveled at what they saw of the grace of God in him.

The last thing Africaner did was to help Dr. Moffatt move to his new home, and he, himself, prepared to settle beside his dear friend and teacher. However, before he could move God called him, and in his own old kraal he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.

ML-12/20/1964

Every

“EVERY eye shall see Him.” Revelation 1:7.

“EVERY knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10.

“EVERY tongue should confess.” Philippians 2:11.

ML-12/20/1964

Bible Talks: Abraham, the Man of Faith

Genesis 11:1-9

TO CONSIDER the story of Abram a brief review of the events leading up to this time will be helpful. When Noah and his family emerged from the ark a new world was before them, with promises of great blessing if they would walk in God’s ways. A relatively short time had passed since the flood at the beginning of Chapter 11.

“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.” vv. 1,2. The descendants of Noah became restless and dissatisfied with the vineyards and surroundings which he and his sons had established, and soon divided into separate groups. Eber, a great grandson of Noah (born only 67 years after the flood), seemed to sense this restlessness among the people and named his first son Peleg, which means “division.” It was from this family that Abram was later born. No doubt the naming of Peleg was ordered of God, for it again marked an important milestone in the history of the human race, as we shall see.

The eastward drifting of this people took them through the lands later known as Mesopotamia, Arabia and Persia, and, of course, eventually throughout the whole earth. In our present chapter we find them in the early stages of that movement, following the course of the Euphrates River, where they came to an attractive plain in Shinar. There for a while they were content to settle.

“And they said, Go to, let us build us a city, and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” v. 4.

Alas, these people, whose fore-parents a short time before had recited the marvelous story of the great flood, now seemed to forget God. We read no word of their looking to Him for counsel, or of thanking Him for their blessings. Instead, like Cain before them, they set about to build a city and make a name for themselves. How it must have grieved God to look down on their pride and self-will! Had they rather erected an altar, confessed their sins and need and brought suitable offerings to God, as Noah did in faith, He would have delighted in blessing and prospering them. But when in pride and willfulness they sought to reach His dwelling place through the display of their own abilities, He must bring it to failure.

“And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let Us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” vv. 6-9.

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

ML-12/20/1964

Lost Lucy

Lucy was lost. She was only three and one-half years old, and had wandered away from her home that Saturday afternoon—where, no one knew. She had been seen by someone running in the direction of a tavern where her father was in the habit of going on his way home from work. There was a deep pond close by, and they were afraid she might have fallen into it. But no one could tell, and her mother was in great alarm over her missing child.

When hope had almost gone, there was a low knock at the cottage door, and Lucy’s mother was almost afraid to answer. But when she did, there stood the village policeman holding Lucy in his arms, all safe and sound.

Evidently she was enjoying the attention which was paid her by the villagers as they passed along. The dear little child had gone to keep her father from entering the tavern and she had posted herself at the door to watch. He was longer coming than usual, and Lucy could not go away without him. As one after another entered sober and came out drunk, she seemed frightened, but kept her post until the kind-hearted policeman came along. He had heard of her mother’s anxiety, and lifted little Lucy up and carried her home.

Years have passed since that event in Lucy’s little life, but she has not forgotten it. Neither has her father, for it was the last time he ever entered the tavern door. Not that he was merely reformed, or gave up spending his money for strong drink; he was soundly converted to God, who not only saved his soul but took away all desire for drink that was ruining his life. He became a happy follower of Christ.

Lucy, who has grown up to be a beautiful young girl, is also saved and on her way to heaven. So was the old policeman who found her that day. They are all in the old village, new creatures in Christ, saved and on their way to glory. Are you, dear young reader?

O 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.

O 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.

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God... And He took them up in His arms... and blessed them.” Mark 10:14,16.

ML-12/27/1964

Saying "Amen" To God

Two small girls, from the same Sunday school class, were walking along together with their dolls, trying to repeat the memory verse for the week. It happened to be on the subject of “Faith.”

“What is faith, Mary?” asked the younger girl. “I don’t know what it means.”

Mary, a bright, happy girl, knew the Lord as her Saviour. She was one year older than Sharon, her companion.

“Why, it’s just the same as believing, Sharon.” “Don’t you remember that Miss Sands told us the other week that faith was just saying ‘Amen’ to God’s Word?”

Sharon seemed quite satisfied with this explanation. I think that dear Mary’s definition of faith is very true. It is just saying “Amen” to God, letting God be true, believing without question what God says. He tells you that you are a sinner, lost and ruined. Do you say “Amen” to that? He says that Jesus died for sinners on the cross, and that all who believe on Him “have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Do you say “Amen” to that?

There is no need for waiting. Feelings do not make the Word of God one bit surer. The Word of the eternal God, who cannot lie, is worthy of being believed, and faith accepts Him, saying “Amen” to all that God has spoken. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but what God has said remains forever.

ML-12/27/1964

A Hammer

What is a hammer like that for? For pounding things and breaking stones. Yes, and God asks the question in Jeremiah 23:29: “Is not My word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” As the hammer breaks hard rocks, so God’s Word breaks hard hearts.

I wonder if the Word of God has broken your heart? I can well remember when that Word came home to me with awful power and broke my heart. It was the text, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” that broke me down. Hebrews 9:27.

ML-12/27/1964

A Fire to Melt

Some are melted by the tale of redeeming love. The Word of God reveals the sufferings of Christ, the love that led Him down to death, and when that love is believed and received, it melts the heart and bows that one at the feet of Jesus.

Have you seen the cold bars of metal thrown into the great smelting furnace to come out glowing red? That is how the heart is melted: it goes into the love of Christ, as it were: “Believe in My love”—and comes out with that love in it, “Ye in Me, I in you.”

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

A flax thread in oceans of fire,

How soon swallowed up would it be?

Yet sooner in oceans of mercy,

The sinner that cometh to Me.

ML-12/27/1964

A Mirror

The Word of God is like a mirror. It shows us what we are; it gives a true account of us, not as we would like, but as God sees us. An African queen once looked into a mirror for the first time. She became angry and smashed the mirror because it did not make her look pretty. Better believe God’s mirror, no matter how ugly it makes you. Sin makes us black in the eyes of God, but when we come to Jesus, His precious blood cleanses us from all sin, washes us whiter than snow, and we are pure and holy in God’s sight.

My heart was black with sin,

Until the Savior came in.

His precious blood, I know,

Has washed me white as snow.

In His word, I see

He gave Himself for me.

Oh wonderful, wonderful love

I’ll dwell with Him above.

ML-12/27/1964

The Sword

The Word is also a sword to smite. It wounds, but only to heal. It wounds by telling of judgment, to ad to the healing of grace. Have you allowed it to lay your sins bare, to open up your heart to God’s light? If you have, dear young reader, then I am sure you will be glad to hear is testimony to God’s grace.

ML-12/27/1964

I'll Take My Chance for Eternity"

“Come along, Uncle George, and hear the gospel tonight. There’s a young solder back from the war who will speak tonight, and you’ll hear something to do you good for time and eternity.”

The speaker was a fine stalwart young fellow, who had just been converted to God, and like all who have found Christ as their Savior, he wanted to see his friends and relatives saved and happy too.

But Uncle George had no desire to hear of things eternal. A long life of sin, and several narrow escapes from an ocean grave had hardened the old fisherman against God and His gospel.

Strong drink had mastered him badly, and most of his earnings and evenings were spent in the tavern.

Looking up at his nephew, the old man said in a determined tone, “I’ll go to no such place, Johnny, my boy, and I’ll take my chance for eternity.” Johnny tried to remonstrate with him further, but it only drew forth angry words, so the young fellow had to go, heartsore at his uncle’s indifference to the things of God.

Three nights after that, the old fisherman dropped down dead in the tavern. Suddenly, and without God, he was ushered into that eternity he had spoken of so lightly.

Reader, do not trifle with God or mock His word. There is no “chance” at the close of a Christless life. So surely as God has said, “The wicked shall be turned into hell,” (Psa. 9:17), He will do it. Equally sure is the salvation of the sinner who comes to God, trusting in the merits of the atoning death of the Lord Jesus as his only plea for salvation. As the damnation of the unpardoned, unbelieving sinner is sure (John 3:18), so are the present salvation and the eternal glory of the sinner who believes in Christ (John 3:16, 36). On which side do you stand? Are you a Christ-accepter or a Christ-rejector? There is no middle class.

ML-12/27/1964

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 take my hand;

He will kindly lead me

To the better land.

ML-12/27/1964

Abraham, the Man of Faith

Genesis 11:9-29

THOSE who thought through their own schemes to avoid scattering are now scattered farther than they had ever imagined. Their hope of uniting with one another in both worldly and spiritual things, is dashed to the ground, as they now speak strangely to one another. All that is left of their tower is a monument to their own failure and distance from God.

Babel means “confusion” and well defines the sad ending to the foolish tower-building enterprise. Does it not also define the state of the world in which we find ourselves today? Over the ages man has tried in a wide variety of ways to bring harmony and understanding among all peoples. But in it all he fails to give God His right place and every attempt toward the desired goal therefore ends in disaster. Then too, man’s conscience tells him that he must answer to God concerning his sins, and as a result all kinds of “systems” professing to “reach unto heaven” have sprung up. Many of these are but the poor imaginations of man and can no more be accepted of God than could this pitiful tower of Babel. We read in 1 Corinthians 14:10,11: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” Further, in the same chapter: “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue... For God is not the author of confusion.” vv. 19,33.

God has made the way to heaven clear and simple in His Word, and tells us this is only through His beloved Son. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. The world about us is a tragic modern-day “Babel” with many strange and confusing voices. God give each reader a desire to turn to the simplicity of His truth, finding from His Word the way which He has lovingly opened for all who will come to Him. Then, having accepted Christ as Saviour, may each further find that same Word making a clear path for him through a godless world.

“Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran: and Haran begat Lot. And Haran died before his father in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.” vv. 27,28.

Abram, or Abraham, is now introduced along with other members of this family. We do not know exactly when they came to Ur, which is approximately 200 miles south of Babel, but at the time of Abram’s birth Terah had been there at least 70 years. He appears to have become comfortably settled there.

We know further, from Joshua 24:2, that this family, just ten generations from Noah, had fallen into idolatry. They had gotten far from God in their thoughts and ways.

Memory Verse “IT IS NOT THE WILL OF YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, THAT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES SHOULD PERISH.” Matthew 18:14.

ML-12/27/1964

Messages of God's Love: 1964

Table of Contents

She Didn't Want Him - At First!

He Found the Saviour

Not Possible

The Little Boy's Gift

180 Favorite Verses

"Is Your Name Written There?"

Bible Questions for January

Lessons From "I Will"

Bible Talks

The Prisoner's Flower

Praise God for the Bible

H-A-T-H

A Storm and a Verse

To Whom Do You Belong?

Bible Talks

Salamu

Not Ashamed of Christ

"He First Loved Us"

Pardon for the Guilty

Bible Talks

How a Boy Bought a Bible

A Dangerous Playmate

The Bible in Korea

Bible Talks

Tony Overboard

The Lost Finger

Let Your Light Shine Now

"He Had Wasted His Goods"

A Gift for Daddy

Bible Questions for February

Bible Talks

The Most Precious Thing

Substitution

No More Calls

A Good Argument

Where Do You Look?

Bible Talks

Jimmie the Gypsy Boy

Diane's Will

The Word of God

Bible Talks

John's Narrow Escape

My Letter

Forgiveness

Looking up

Bible Talks

A Bringer of Life

Little Joe

He Came to Save Sinners

"I Would Have Saved You - But I Couldn't!"

Bible Questions for March

Bible Talks

Tim

The Little Girl Upstairs

Afraid to Meet God

Bible Talks

A Wise Man of the East

David Livingstone's Letter

Laurie's Memory Verse

Believing and Not Believing

God's Way of Giving

My Canary

Bible Talks

Bible Bees

The Company We Keep

Upward - At Noon

God Sees You

Bible Talks

The Old Fiddle

The Dragon Fly

Willie's Prayer

Behold!

Once Too Often

Bible Talks

Little Nell

Jesus Near

"Resist the Devil"

The First Day of the Week