Messages of God's Love: 1972

IN AFRICA one day a missionary was riding his bike along a jungle trail on his way to visit the natives in some nearby villages. He loved to tell them the story of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to die for sinners everywhere.

The trail had many turns and as he sped around one corner he suddenly came upon a huge poisonous snake stretched right across his path. He had no time to stop, so the only thing he could do was to run right over it. “Bump, bump!” went the two tires as he went over the snake, and then the missionary was so unnerved that he fell off his bike, twenty or thirty feet beyond the snake.

The enraged creature made a dart at him, its tongue shooting from its open fangs dreadfully. Unable to rise in time to get away, the missionary grabbed a branch from a dead tree and struck at the snake, but missed. The maddened serpent, now only three feet away caught the stick and crunched it in its jaws.

Then it coiled and raising its head three feet in the air, it began to sway back and forth in preparation to strike at the man.

It seemed to the missionary his last moments had come. All he could do was to cry to the Lord for His mercy.

And the Lord heard his cry. Has He not said, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear"? Isa. 65:24.

Helpless on his knees the missionary waited. The snake seemed to hesitate. Suddenly the man noticed its mouth seemed propped open, and he could see a piece of the dead stick lodged in its fangs. That was why it could not strike. It was powerless to bite him.

Seeing that the missionary jumped to his feet, hastily found another stouter heavier stick, and after a few good wallops Mr. Snake lay dead on the ground. Unharmed, the missionary knelt down on the jungle trail and poured out his heart to the Lord in thanksgiving and praise for saving his life that day.

The bite of that snake would have meant death to the missionary. And there is another serpent whose bite means death for people everywhere; that is that “old serpent the devil.” It was he that led Eve first to sin, then Adam, and sin has brought death upon the whole race. That bite is fatal, and only the Lord Jesus, who came to destroy the work of the devil, can save a soul from it.

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness on one occasion fiery serpents bit the people and many died. The Lord told Moses to make a brazen serpent and put it upon a pole and any one who was bitten, if he looked at the serpent on the pole, was healed. The Lord Jesus has told us the meaning of that in John 3:14,15.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” He must die upon the cross if sinners were to be saved. God treated Him as sin and poured out His righteous wrath upon Him, the holy spotless One, that we might never see death, but have everlasting life instead.

The serpent “lifted up”

Could life and healing give;

So Jesus on the cross

Once died that we might live:

For “Whosoever will believe

Shall everlasting life receive!”

ML-01/02/1972

Two Little Shepherds

SAMUEL was a little shepherd boy in Africa. He heard for the first time of Jesus, and of how He had been born a babe in Bethlehem. Samuel told this sweet story to Edward, a little friend of his, who was also a shepherd.

Edward was so surprised to hear the story of Jesus that he listened most attentively and believed every word he heard. He longed to see the babe of Bethlehem.

“Can I see Him?” he asked. “Tell me, oh tell me where He is!”

“He’s at the missionary station at Kuruman,” replied his friend. “Have you seen Him?”

“No, I never saw Him, but I know He is there, for they sing to Him and talk to Him.”

So right there and then little Edward made up his mind to go and see the Babe. Then one day he started out on foot. It was a long journey, more than 100 miles over hot plains and through dangerous jungles, but he found his way, and days later, on Saturday evening he arrived at the mission station.

A kind Christian woman took him into her hut and gave him supper. Next morning he heard a bell ring and followed her to the Sunday service.

The little shepherd lad looked about, hoping to see the glorious Babe, and as he looked he saw a fair little child, with light hair and blue eyes, such a child as he had never seen before, for all Edward’s people were black.

“It is the Babe of Bethlehem,” he thought. Then after the service was over, he told his Christian friend so.

Memory Verse: “SALVATION BELONGETH UNTO THE LORD. THY BLESSING IS UPON THY PEOPLE.” Psalm 3:8.

At first she could not understand him, and then she told him it was the missionary’s own child. Furthermore, she told him who the Babe of Bethlehem really was, that He was the Son of God; she told him what He did, that He died upon the cross for sinners; and finally she told Him where He is now — in heaven. Such is His love for sinners everywhere, and now those who trust Him as their Saviour will go to live with Him in glory one day forevermore.

In that beautiful place He has gone to prepare,

For all who are washed and forgiven,

And many dear children are gathering there,

For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

But thousands and thousands who wander and fall,

Never heard of that heavenly home;

I should like them to know there’s room for them all,

And that Jesus invites them to come.

Little Edward believed the lady’s kind words, and soon he came to love the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, though he could not see Him.

He did not wish to leave the station, but stayed there and learned to read his Bible which one gave him. He grew up to be a happy useful Christian.

ML-01/02/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 11:13-19

NEXT among the clean and unclean creatures which God instructed His people about, come the birds.

“And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle... the ossifrage... the ospray... the vulture... the kite... every raven...”

These birds feed on flesh and so were unclean. Some of them, like the eagle, while they soar high into the heavens, are fierce, ravenous plunderers, destructive of other ling creatures; then others feed greedily on carcasses of the dead. The Israelite was forbidden to eat such, and the Christian is not to have fellowship with that in this world which answers to these characteristics.

Many creatures of fallen creation have ways and characteristics abhorrent to God; but it shall not always be so. For when Christ comes to reign and we as the sons of God are manifested with Him in glory, then the creation shall be set free from the bondage of sin. God’s creatures shall not hurt nor destroy one another any more, but shall dwell in peace and bless Christ’s glorious reign.

The owl and the nighthawk were also unclean. They represent those winged fowl that shun the day, and prefer darkness of night. The Christian is of “the day,” and we are told, while passing through the night of this world, to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dares, but rather reprove them.” Eph. 5:11.

Then there were birds of very attractive beauty which were unclean, like the beautiful swan. Probably one of the water fowl which frequent the marshes is meant, but it feeds on reptiles and smaller birds and so was unclean to an Israelite. Traveling the clean side of the broad road instead of the unclean side does not change the end. Natural man, no matter how clean-living he might be, is a sinner; only new creation has any value in God’s sight.

The stork, remarkable for affection and care for its family, still was unclean to the Israelite. It speaks of natural affection, lovely in its place, yet worth nothing where there is not the fear of God. Natural man in his best estate is fallen, and unclean before Him.

Some of these birds would display lofty pride, others lust for unclean things, still another might be noisy and offensive. Yet all speak of fallen nature. The food of the Christian is Christ.

The last of the creatures mentioned here that fly in the air is the bat, or “night bird.” It does not have feathers, and is not strictly a bird. But it inhabits the caves and tombs, and shunning the light, is a creature that loves darkness. It was unclean.

All the traits found in these creatures are manifested in the world and the Christian is to have no fellowship with them. “Be ye not fellow-partakers with them. For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” Eph. 5:8-10.

ML-01/02/1972

A Tiny Indian Bride

IN THE land of India one day a I crowd of people were gathered around a tiny baby girl, as she lay in her little swinging cradle. Some were decorating her crib with beautiful flowers, others were picking her up in their arms and hugging her until she cried. Altogether they were laughing and chattering and making too much noise for little Juanita. She was only two months old and could not understand what it was all about.

Then a big man she had never seen before held her tiny hand and slipped something around her neck. It was her wedding day and not for a long time did little Juanita understand that she had been married to a man, many, many years older than she.

For the next five years we know little of Juanita’s young life, but then we find her a little beggar girl, sitting by the side of the road, holding out her hand to passers-by and sang, “I am hungry. Father, Mother, my husband are all dead. Won’t you give me something to eat.” Poor little girl! There she was, her legs and arms covered with sores, her hair matted, and her clothes ragged and dirty. Once in a while some one kinder than the rest would slip her a little food, but most shunned or passed her by. They did not hear her cries at night, nor knew the longings in a little girl’s heart for someone to love her and the comfort of knowing that she was wanted.

Ten more years went by and Juanita was a young girl of fifteen. Her circumstances had improved but little, and she had stopped at an empty shelter along the roadside. Then along came a young man and saw her there. Afraid at first, Juanita shrank back into the shadows.

“What are you doing here, a young girl like you?” he asked. “Why aren’t you at home?” He was nicely dressed, his voice seemed so kind, and Juanita felt he wished to help her.

“I have no home,” she replied. “I used to have one. I was married when just a baby. Father and Mother died ten years ago, and my husband died too.”

She told him the name of the village where she once lived, whereupon the young man asked, “Your name wouldn’t be Juanita would it? And was your father’s name Pandara?”

She was too surprised to answer at first, but then finally she exclaimed: “Yes, that’s my name. But how do you know all about me?” Then he told her she must be his lost cousin, that they had been searching for her in many places throughout the country. “But what have you been doing all these years?” he asked.

“Just going about begging for a living,” she replied.

At this point the young man sat down beside her and said very kindly: “Juanita, This is not the kind of a life for a young girl like you. You may come to harm some day.” He told her he was a Christian and that he now belonged to the Lord Jesus. “If you will trust me,” he continued, “I will take you to a mission where you will have good food to eat and nice clothes to wear, and you can go to school and learn to read and write.”

Juanita began to sob and the tears flowed freely down her brown cheeks. The young man waited quietly, and then she told him she had always wanted to belong to someone. But no one wanted a beggar girl and probably they wouldn’t want her at the mission either.

“But you do belong to someone, for you are my cousin,” he reassured her, “and you don’t need to be a beggar girl any longer. The people at the mission love the Lord Jesus just as I do; they will love you and be so glad to have you. They will teach you about Jesus and what a wonderful Saviour He is. I am sure He directed me to you here today. Won’t you let me take you there.”

He seemed so kind and sincere that Juanita felt she could trust him, and so she said, “Yes, I’ll go with you.”

And so it was that Juanita arrived at the mission and found all that the young man had told her was true. What a glad welcome she got from the kind missionaries and friends! She had nice clean clothes to wear, she learned to read and write, to sew and to cook. But best of all she learned to know and love the Lord Jesus who loves boys and girls and people everywhere, for He died to redeem them from sin and to make them His own.

Juanita grew up to be a happy useful young Christian. Then one day a very wonderful and happy event took place in her life. A fine young Christian man came along and asked her to be his bride. Juanita consented, and so they were married. They were very happy tether, for Juanita had a young husband now who really loved her and a home of her own at last.

Missionary Stories Retold.

ML-01/09/1972

Consider the Ravens

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

“If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you. O ye of little faith?

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

“For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:24-31.

ML-01/09/1972

A Hooked Loon

TWO FISHERMEN were in a boat near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when they noticed a loon acting rather strangely. Ducks and loons usually disappear when they see people, but this loon came right up to the fishermen’s boat!

The men took the loon into their boat, and they could see that it had a fishing line wrapped around its beak, neck and wings. It also had four hooks and three wire leaders entangled in its body. The men took the loon to shore where they roved the hooks with pliers. All this time the loon remained very quiet until the chore was completed.

“I firmly believe,” said one of the fishermen, “that the bird came to our boat for help. During the painful process of removing the hooks, it never let out a ‘peep.’ And we even tool: a picture of the loon bore we let it swim away!”

The loon really seemed to know that the men could help him. And boys and girls, and older folks too, have Someone they can go to for help, to be healed, not merely from bodily pain, but for relief for their sin-sick souls. That One is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Physician.

He alone can take away sin and minister peace and comfort. His blood is God’s remedy for sin, The Lord Jesus said, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31,32.

“The Great Physician now is near,

The sympathizing Jesus;

He speaks, the drooping heart to cheer,

O hear the voice of Jesus.”

Memory Verse: Jesus said, I am the bread of life. John 6:35.

ML-01/09/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 11:21-31

WE NEXT come to instructions about winged creatures that crawled. They lived in close contact with the earth, and so were unclean to the Israelites.

However, the locust they could eat. Its legs lifted it above the earth, as did its wings; it could leap and fly, its food was vegetable, and therefore it was clean. Perhaps the spiritual lesson for us here is that as Christians, while we may have to live in this world and to a certain extent mingle with it, at school or at work, yet we ought to use our spiritual “legs” to keep from getting into too close contact with this defiled scene. May we be like the grasshopper, ready to leap or fly by the Spirit’s power above earth when free. It says of the disciples in Acts 4:23, “Being let go, they went to their own company.”

Just to touch the carcass of one of these crawling creatures rendered an Israelite unclean, and he must wash his clothes and be unclean until even. If one cannot rain where he is and be faithful to God, then he must change his associations. This is typified in washing the clothes. It is applying the Word of God to what is nearest, and perhaps dearest, to us in life.

Death came in through sin and the Lord would have His people to feel its defiling effects. We are exhorted to “Touch not the unclean thing,” and be separate unto the Lord who has bought us with His precious blood. We are now in a new and near relationship to Him who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

“Every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor cheweth the cud, shall be unclean unto you.... And whatsoever goeth upon his paws among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you.” Then also among those things that creep on the earth are mentioned the weasel, the mouse, the tortoise, the ferret, the lizard, the snail and the mole. All were unclean to the Israelite. Some like the weasel, the mouse and the ferret are sly things, destructive and like the darkness. They are like men whom the Lord said, “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

Some of these were beautifully colored, and not all groveled on the earth, or like the mole, burrowed beneath it, yet all were unclean. Whoever touched them when dead should be unclean until even. Through all these Israel had to learn how that the creatures God had made were deified through man’s sin. Yet how many there are in the world around who deny this truth and walk in a vain show amidst the defilements of death. Nevertheless, may we who are God’s children here below learn from these instructions that while we are in this world that we are not of it, and cleanse ourselves from all the defilement of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1).

ML-01/09/1972

Songs in the Night

SAMSON was a little African boy, just seven years old. His father and mother had become Christians, and little Samson too had learned to love the Saviour, having first learned of Him through a friend at the mission school.

One day Samson’s mother sent him with a message to his father who was working in another village several miles away. As he traveled along the forest track strange sounds came from the dense jungle, but Samson was not afraid, though he would have been at night. He was thankful to have a Christian home, and in his own language he sang as he walked along:

Jesus loves me! this I know

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong.

Arriving at the village he delivered the message to his father, who said to him, “You’ll have nice time to get back before dark. May God take care of you, my boy.”

Samson said good-bye and was soon on his way home again, singing as he went. All went well; he was making good time, but suddenly, as he came around a bend in the trail, he stopped short. Right across his path, a little way ahead, lay a great lion, asleep!

Poor Samson! He could not go on; the lion might wake up. It was too late to turn back, for night would be coming on. So he decided to take to the jungle and try and get around the lion. Softly he crept through the bushes. Scarcely had he done so when the lion woke up and looked around. In a moment Samson climbed a tree and waited there breathless. The lion sniffed around and came to the very tree where Samson was hiding.

Samson let out a loud call for help; but there was no one to hear. Poor boy; he was afraid now. How he wished he was home in his little bed! Darkness came on, and Samson was still shouting for help.

Then thoughts of his Saviour filled his mind and the little fellow prayed asking the Lord Jesus to spare him from the lion. He knew Jesus loved him and a sense of His presence cheered his soul so that he began to sing again:

Jesus loves me! this I know

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong.

But someone else was traveling through the forest that night... It was Kabuli, a man who once had heard the gospel many times, but had gone back to his old life of stealing and sin. He heard the sound of singing and paused to listen.

“Jesus loves me! this I know,” were strange words to hear in the forests, in the darkness of the African night. Besides it was a child’s voice.

“Who’s there?” shouted Kabuli.

Samson almost fell out of the tree in his delight. The Lord had answered his prayer, and sent someone to rescue him.

“It’s Samson!” came a voice from high up in a tree. “I’m up a tree. But look out, there’s a lion.”

“I’ll get help,” shouted Kabuli, running off back along the trail.

A little later back came Kabuli with a band of men, armed with weapons, and carrying torches. They shouted as they drew near and the frightened lion fled into the jungle.

Samson was so glad to get down out of the tree and all reached home safely. How glad Samson was to have found in the Lord Jesus a Saviour and Friend. We are glad to tell you that Kabuli started coming back to the gospel services and the last word of him was that he too wanted to be saved. We are sure the Lord would not keep him waiting, for He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML-01/16/1972

Pat's Mistake

PAT, LIKE a lot of other little girls, liked to have her own way. Her father and mother were wealthy and she got pretty much what she wanted. She had lots of toys and games; altogether she was a spoiled little girl.

One day she went for a long visit to her aunt and uncle, who found her rather difficult. Then her aunt sent her to a nearby school. Pat thought she was better than the other children because she was dressed better than they were.

One day a lady came to the school and talked to the children about the Bible. She told the girls the story of Adam and Eve, and explained how that one sin shut them out of the beautiful garden. She told them that all were sinners and unfit for God’s presence.

Pat was quite upset and after the class was over, she went to the lady and said, “How can you say that I’m a sinner? At home they call me a good girl!”

The teacher did not attempt to argue with Pat but opened her Bible to Romans 3:23 and asked Pat to read it. The verse she read was

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Much to the teacher’s surprise, tears came into Pat’s eyes. She was convinced at once and knew she had made a mistake. If God said she was a sinner, it must be true, she thought, for God could look right down and into her heart and see everything there. The teacher then explained to Pat that God loves us, and now that Christ Jesus has died, He can forgive us our sins, and we can be made fit for heaven. She told Pat of God’s love in sending Jesus down into this world, and how hay she was to hear of Him and his death on the cross to save us.

The teacher then read the words of 1 John 1:7.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Pat’s tears were dried and it wasn’t long before she entered into peace through believing, for she knew her sins were all forgiven.

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

ML-01/16/1972

The Mutilated Bible

IT WAS just before the War. A colporteur offered a Bible as a gift to a family. The father accepted it but immediately tore a dozen pages out of the Bible and lit his pipe with them. The colporteur went away disappointed.

A few years later, he again came into this region and called at the same house. During the war this family had lost a son and his few belongings had just arrived. Among his possessions was also a Bible. The colporteur took it in his hand and noticed that it was the very one he once gave to the family and from which the pages had been torn out.

The fallen soldier had written in the back of the Bible the following: “Despised and scoffed at but finally believed. Through it I was saved.”

ML-01/16/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 11:32-47

TN THE next verses the Lord I shows that if the dead body of one of these creatures previously mentioned touched anything, the touch of death defiled the thing itself so that it must be cleansed by water, and be unclean until even.

It might be a vessel of wood, or a garment, a skin, or sack, or something in which work was done, if touched by a dead body it was unclean. These things would tell us of how the very means by which we earn a living, or whatever form of service we are engaged in, we are constantly brought into contact with defilement in a world where sin and death reign. The Spirit warns us against having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and of being unequally yoked with unbelievers in anything.

Even if the dead body fell on the thing, that is, it was not a voluntary act, still it was defiled, and needed to be cleansed.

Putting the vessel into water speaks of applying the Word of God in its cleansing power to any defilement, whether at work or play, at home or elsewhere. A vessel that could not be cleansed had to be broken. This tells us that no matter what faithfulness to the Lord might cost us, we should not draw back. In all things He must have the preeminence and other considerations take their proper place.

There was, however, these exceptions to this rule: a fountain, a pit or well in which there was plenty of water, would not be polluted, nor seed for sowing defiled if a dead body fell on it. Sufficient water would withstand the pollution and this finds its answer in the cleansing by the Word, while the seed for sowing speaks of the quickening power of life. Both of these are above and beyond death, found in Christ, and in Him alone. He is the Source of cleansing for His own. He washes us by His Word (Eph. 5:26), and purifies us by the hope of His coming (1 John 3:3).

Then we have a group of crawling things Israel were forbidden to eat. “Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, of whatsoever hath more (many) feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them shall ye not eat; for they are an abomination.”

Man, fallen and degraded by sin, is easily led to feed on the most loathsome things. Even the Christian still has the old fallen nature which, if not kept in the place of death, will ever seek after the base and unholy pleasures found in the world. May we seek grace to feed only on Christ, the holy and the true. Since He is holy, those who are called into association with Him must be holy too.

ML-01/16/1972

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to you!

Born again means salvation;

How many have you?

A ruler once came to Jesus by night,

To ask Him the way of salvation and light;

The Master made answer in words true and plain,

“Ye must be born again!”

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

ML-01/16/1972

The Rich Farmer

“And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: “And he thought within himself, sang, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21.

ML-01/16/1972

Scripture Enigma

Can you tell me the name of a youth for whose love

The soul of a king was distressed

(2 Sam. 1);

And the man who delivered the people of God

By the use of his hand that was left

(Judges 3);

Or the man who by strength slew a thousand of men,

And then by sore thirst thought to die

(Judges 15);

Or the prophet who spoke for Jehovah and then

From the wrath of a king sought to fly

(Jer. 26)?

For the last you must see if his name you can tell,

Who thrice understood not God’s call

(1 Sam. 3).

When the whole you have found, the first letters will spell

The name which is high above all.

ML-01/16/1972

How God Used a Cow

A TROOP of boys were on a camping trip. Already they had pitched their tents and, climbing into their sleeping bags, were preparing to settle down for the night.

Leslie, the tall patrol leader and veteran of many expeditions, was about to hit the sack when he found himself looking into an eager young face and heard a boyish voice saying, “Please, would you be good enough to do me — a — favor?”

Billy was a newcomer but already he and his leader had become staunch friends.

“Well, sonny, out with it. What is it you want?”

“Well, I’ve got to sound the reveille at 5:30 tomorrow morning, and I’m afraid I won’t wake up. Mother says I’m an awful sound sleeper, and I wondered if you would wake me.”

“And supposing I don’t wake up myself; what then?” inquired Leslie with a twinkle in his eye.

The boy’s face fell. “I never thought of that,” he said with dismay.

“Never you fear,” smiled his friend. “You leave it to me. I’ll wake you at 5:15.”

With this comforting assurance the small boy trotted off and was soon asleep.

But when Leslie turned in he began to feel a little uneasy. He was a sound sleeper himself. Suppose he did not wake in time to rouse the little bugler!

However, Leslie was a Christian and loved His Saviour. He believed that nothing was too small to pray about, and so when he kneeled down that night he spread the matter before the Lord, asking Him to undertake for him and his young friend. It is written, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him.... He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him.” Psa. 145:18,19.

Leslie lay down near the entrance of the tent and was soon fast asleep.

The next thing he knew was that he was awakened with a start and felt as though a pail of water had been dashed in his face! Thinking someone was playing a joke on him, he jumped up just in time to see a big cow disappearing outside the tent door. Then in a flash it came to him what had happened.

Someone had left a wash basin full of soapy water at the door of the tent. An inquisitive cow, strolling around in the early hours of morn, had poked its inquiring nose into it, but finding the soap not quite to her taste, had promptly snorted it into the face of the slumbering Leslie.

Recovering from his surprise he instantly remembered the promise he had made to his young friend, and on looking at his watch he saw that it was exactly 5:15. Then he understood. Rising with a prayer of thankfulness to God who had answered his request of the night before, he went across to rouse the little bugler for his duty.

When the other boys had heard the story they all had a hearty laugh and wondered why Leslie had been singled out for such attentions! But at breakfast, as Billie and his leader looked across at each other, a smile of understanding passed between them, for Leslie had not lost the opportunity of telling his young friend how that he had prayed the night before and the Lord had answered his prayer. And so it was the Lord received all the praise.

“He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6.

ML-01/23/1972

Is Your Name There?

MISS NAIRN was a Sunday school teacher and had a class of little boys and girls who loved her very much. One day she had been telling them of how the Lord Jesus died for sinners, and that those who trusted Him as their Saviour, believing He died to put their sins away, had their names written down in “The Book of Life.”

A few days after Max, a small boy in her class, came to her and said: “Miss Nairn, you know that Book Jesus has in heaven, do you think my name is on the same page as yours?”

“Well, Max,” she replied kindly and thoughtfully, “it doesn’t tell us how large the book is, but I learned to love the Lord Jesus before you were born, so my name may be somewhat earlier in the book than yours.”

“Oh, I’d love to be on your page,” said little Max, “but as long as we are in the book, that’s what matters; and my name is there.”

Dear young friends, can you say, like little Max, “I know my name is there?”

It says of the heavenly city that “there shall in no wise enter into it anything ... but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 21:27.

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

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

ML-01/23/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 12

IN CHAPTER 11 we learned I which creatures were clean and those which were unclean to an Israelite. Now in chapter 12 we learn that since the fall man himself is unclean before God. And this is true of even a tiny infant, through the fault of our first parents. We would not speak of a little babe as having sinned, nevertheless uncleanness before God is the effect of the inheritance of sin. David knew this when he prayed, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psa. 51:5.

When a little babe was born, if a son, the mother was unclean for seven days, and she was not to touch any holy thing or come into the sanctuary for 33 days. If it were a little daughter the time was doubled to 14 and 66 days.

The birth of a child would ordinarily be an occasion of great joy, yet even here it is mingled with the remembrance that sin has entered this world and has passed upon all. The mother who in this case was immediately concerned had to feel the consequence of this. She was even reminded of the part the woman played when sin first entered by having to abide unclean for a double length of time if the child were a female.

Eve was deceived in the garden by the serpent, therefore, we are told, “the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Tim. 2:14). Adam was guilty too and, in a way, more so because though not deceived himself he disobeyed God.

After the days of her purifying were ended the mother was to bring a lamb for a burnt offering, and a young turtle dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest was to take them and offer them before the Lord to make atonement for her, and then she should be clean. If she could not afford a sheep, then she could bring two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.

In the moral government of God, as a result of Eve’s transgression, the woman was to suffer in a way peculiar to herself. Nevertheless we see in these sacrifices God’s gracious concern that she should be purified from that which recalled sin and brought in uncleanness. These offerings all pointed on to Christ, in whom we now have an infinitely better sacrifice, a higher holiness and life through sovereign grace. The day is coming when by virtue of His death and atonement all the effects of the fall, and every trace of sin and uncleanness, shall have been put away from God’s sight forever.

How tender the care of God that He should accept a turtledove or pigeon if the mother was too poor to bring a sheep. Yet in the case of the sin offering both rich and poor stood on the same level. Both brought a pigeon. Thus the rich woman could not boast of offering more than the poor mother, for there is no respect of persons with God.

How wonderful the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Lord of glory, that He should deign to be born of a poor virgin mother, who could only offer two turtle doves, too poor to bring more!

In reading this chapter we are reminded that man at best in his natural state is unclean before God, that we have nothing in ourselves to boast in — there is only One who was born holy, the blessed Son of God (Luke 1:35). May we make Him all our boast.

ML-01/23/1972

Saved Under the Street Lamp

THE SPECIAL gospel service was ended and little Heidi and her father and mother had started to walk home. Heidi’s parents were happy Christians and they had just said goodnight to the evangelist who had preached a faithful message that night.

They had not gone far when little Heidi looked up and said, “I want to be saved tonight. Can I go and speak to Mr. Smith?”

“Certainly,” they replied, and the little girl ran after the evangelist. She told him her desire and asked him to please make the way of salvation plain to her.

Just where they stood, underneath the street lamp, the evangelist told her simply as possible the wonderful story of the love of God shown in the gift of “His only begotten Son.”

Taking out his little pocket Bible he asked her to read John 6:37: “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” “Jesus never breaks a promise,” said Mr. Smith, “so if you come, and Jesus does not cast you out, what will He do?”

“Take me in and receive me. Is that all?” she asked.

“Yes, that is all,” he replied.

“Then I’ll come now,” she said, “and I’ll go home and tell Daddy and Mother.” So with a “thank you, good-night,” off she ran to tell her parents the good news.

The life of the dear child after that proved that there under the street lamp that night the saving work of grace was truly wrought in her young heart.

O precious words that Jesus said:

“The soul that comes to Me,

I will in no wise cast him out,

Whoever he may be.”

ML-01/23/1972

The Alderman's Story

AN ALDERMAN, a slave to drink, was sick. An evangelist who was conducting some gospel meetings in the town was asked to call and see him. He was admitted to the home on the condition that he would not speak about religion. The home gave evidence of ample wealth and luxury, but absolute poverty in spiritual things.

On his third visit the evangelist noticed the picture of a beautiful little child hanging in the sick man’s bed room. At once he thought this would be the key to this poor rich man’s heart.

“Did God ever bless your home with a little child?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied the man, “that was my little boy. He died years ago, and I have hated God ever since. It was cruel of God to take him.”

“You would have liked God to have spared him?” queried the evangelist.

“Indeed I would,” was the reply.

“And if God had spared him he might have followed his father’s example, and at last died a slave to drink,” continued the evangelist.

“I would not have had that for ten thousand worlds,” exclaimed the sick man.

“So God, ever wise and kind, has taken him to be with Himself.”

The poor man stretched out his hand and said, “Pray for me. I am dying a drunkard. Pray for me.”

The evangelist knelt beside his bed and prayed, and then he asked if he might read the Scriptures.

“Yes,” he said, “tell me how I can be saved.”

The wonderful story of God’s love in the gift of His only begotten Son, and how He bore our sins in His own body on the tree was simply told. The hard heart was melted and the stubborn will surrendered. The man asked the evangelist to visit him every day, to read and tell him more of the Word of God. How eagerly he listened as his friend unfolded to him God’s great plan of salvation.

One night all alone, by the grace of God, he received the Lord Jesus into his heart, and entered into the blessed assurance that “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1.

Just as I am — without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come!

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

ML-01/30/1972

The Children's Happy Hour

A TENT meeting! Such a thing was unknown in our neighborhood. Some one handed a card in to our home announcing that a gospel service would be held in a large tent in a nearby field, and all were invited to be present. There would be meetings for boys and girls as well as big people.

We waited and watched for days for the arrival of the big tent. At last it came, and I shall never forget the first meeting. Before the tent was ready such a lot of people came expecting a service that the evangelist borrowed a Bible from a nearby house and gave a gospel address. He had not time to wash up and get ready, his face was black with soil, and he had no coat on. After the meeting he asked us not to come back until Saturday night.

My parents were Christians and took an active part in the work. We went every night, and at the “Hay Hour for Children” one night it was indeed a happy hour for us. My sister was ten and I twelve, but we both trusted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour that night. Ours was a happy home. Years have passed, but the blessing remains. My sister passed away while still quite young, rejoicing in Christ, and my parents too went to be with the Lord. We will be united in heaven as we were one in Christ on earth.

Many tent meetings have been held in our village since and I know a number who have been converted to Christ. Some have gone to be with the Lord. What a gathering it will be at last in His presence. He prayed, “Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am.” John 17: 24.

He knows how much I love Him,

He knows I love Him well,

But with what love He loves me

My tongue can never tell.

It is an everlasting love

In ever rich supply,

And so we love together,

My Lord and I.

ML-01/30/1972

A Father's Testimony

“MY LITTLE daughter’s conversion is very real,” a father told us one day. “The change in her life is so beautiful, there must be a reality in conversion.”

Mary is a bright, intelligent girl. The night she confessed faith in Christ as her Saviour at the mission hall she went home and told her parents. They were very angry and told her she must not give up her companions, but continue going with them to dancing lessons and to the shows.

Mary replied humbly, “If my companions want my friendship they must come with me to the mission hall, but I can’t continue dancing or going to shows.”

Since that time Mary’s parents too have professed faith in Christ. The dear girl has grown in grace and in the knowledge of the Word of God, and she is now busy in seeking to win others to the Saviour.

Let none hear you idly saying

There is nothing I can do,

While the sons of men are dying,

And the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly,

Let His work your pleasure be,

Answer quickly when He calleth,

“Here am I, send me, send me.”

ML-01/30/1972

A Little Boy

PAUL was a bright, intelligent school boy and he attended “The Happy Hours” for boys and girls.

One night at the close of a meeting, he said to the evangelist, “Am I too young to become a Christian? If not, I would like to be saved tonight.”

The evangelist took his Bible and showed him that the Lord Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” “When Jesus told His disciples that they were not to hinder or to forbid the children to come to Him, He showed by that that He wanted them to come,” his friend continued.

“What does it mean to come?” asked Paul.

“It just means to trust in the Lord Jesus who died for our sins and rose again, and when we do, salvation becomes ours.”

“Then I’ll trust Him now,” said the boy.

He never doubted his salvation. He confessed Christ at home and among his playmates.

Sometime later Paul’s father got up in a meeting and said, “I was a religious man, but not saved. It was through the simple faith and assurance of our little boy that my wife and I were persuaded that we too might know our sins forgiven. He insisted on us coming to the gospel meeting, and now, thank God, we can both say our sins which were many are all forgiven. Now we long that others should know our best Friend, our Saviour—Jesus Christ.”

I like my friends to meet each other—those for whom I care.

I feel their friendship’s worth so much, I want the rest to share;

Friendship’s like the miracle of loaves in Galilee,

Though shared by many others, there’s none the less for me.

And since I’ve thought of you, dear friend, in friendship’s closest tie,

I’ve longed to introduce you to a Friend, for He and I

Spend many hours together in a happy, solemn tryst;

How I wish that you might know Him—my best Friend—Jesus Christ.

ML-01/30/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 13:1-3

IN THESE next two chapters we I have presented leprosy, that most terrible, most hateful and loathsome of all diseases — type of sin, as a living death and an uncleanness which only God could meet. It is a disease which only ends in death. But more than that it is a disease which works in life, for those parts of the body which are affected really die, while the man lives on.

There was no cure for leprosy naturally. The poor suspected victim of the disease did not go to the doctor for a diagnosis of his case, but to the priest. It was for the priest to pronounce on, but not a word is said about a cure. Only God Himself could cure leprosy, and if one were cured by such means there were certain offerings prescribed for his cleansing.

It was not so much what the leper did that made him unclean, but what he was. Since sin came in at the fall; we all were born unclean. And so we needed to be cleansed.

How wonderful that God in His love should devise such a means of cleansing as seen in these wonderful types, all pointing on to Christ.

Leprosy, like sin, begins in a small way. There might appear in the skin of the flesh a swelling, or a scab, or a bright spot. A “rising” speaks of pride, so hateful to God. Pride may take many forms, and “Only by pride cometh contention.” (Prov. 13:10). It is the source of so many sins and evils.

A scab is a crust or covering which has formed over an old sore or wound. Sin left unjudged breaks out, it will spread and defile others. A “bright spot” speaks of sin — it looks “bright” and attractive, yet death is there regardless. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). May we beware of the “bright spots” of sin which Satan has prepared in this world to lure and trap the unwary and hasten them down the road to death. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

“He shall be brought unto Aaron the priest.” It wasn’t a question of what the man might think, or what his friends or relatives might say about his case, all depended on the word of the priest. And that pictures to us the sinner brought into the presence of the Lord, the great High Priest. He may not think his case very bad, he hopes he will get better, yet if he has sin on him at all the Priest must pronounce him “Unclean!” But the same One who pronounces the sinner “Unclean!” is the One who can cleanse him from the leprosy of sin, for He is God, and His precious blood, shed in death at Calvary, washes whiter than snow.

ML-01/30/1972

Scripture Enigma

The woman whose faith was so visibly shown (Josh. 2).

The prophet who lodged in a cave all alone (1 Kings 19).

The youth whose sweet harp could so soothe a bad king (1 Sam. 16).

The wilderness where he was hunted by him (1 Sam. 24).

The prophet who smote with a mantle the wave (2 Kings 2).

The sister whose heart the Lord’s teaching did crave (Luke 101.

The one who is used to spread the glad sound

That God, a Redeemer, a ransom has found (2 Tim. 4).

The maid who had left the drear land of her birth

And found a new home of much greater worth (Ruth 1 & 2).

Of all the names given the first letters you take,

And put them together and see what they make.

You’ll find them a title of Him who could give

A wonderful price that poor sinners might live.

ML-01/30/1972

Two Teens

AN EVANGELIST was holding some special gospel meetings in a school house, and on this particular night those under fifteen were not admitted unless accompanied by their parents.

When the evangelist arrived two boys were standing outside. One of them said, “Mr. Wilson, I’m fifteen, but Arthur here is only fourteen. Can I act as his parent and take him in with me?”

Those two dear boys had pressed faith in Christ some time before. Today, as young fellows, they are bright happy Christians, actively engaged in gospel and Sunday School work.

We want the young for Jesus,

Be this our best employ;

No mission could be nobler,

Or filled with sweeter joy.

ML-01/30/1972

The Unseen Helmsman

DAN MATTHEWS as a boy had been wild and reckless. The one thing he loved was the sea. He was daring beyond all the boys of his age, and men, hardened by the life of the sea, would not have dared to do the things he did.

He would have nothing to do with religion, however, and scoffed at the Bible. His unbelief grew as he got older. Hour after hour, as he and his mates sat about the stove on board ship, or on the dock, with forceful language and powerful argument he would “prove,” as he thought, that the Bible was an idle tale and

God was a myth.

One night the fishing fleet was far out at sea when a dreadful hurricane came up, nets were cut adrift and every boat made for the harbor. It was such a wild tempest that even Dan became alarmed. He says it was the first time in his life that he was really afraid.

He had a friend and companion, Tom Rogers, who was a Christian and who had often tried to lead him to trust in God. Tom was at the wheel with him when the great sea broke over the bows and swept the little craft from stem to stern. Tom was torn from the wheel and hurled into the water. Dan never saw him again.

There was no time to think or grieve over the loss of his friend. It was now a desperate and lonely struggle to reach the shore. It seemed like hours of terror that he clung to the wheel, driving on and on through the darkness with no sign of the harbor light. He was long strength, realizing that he could not carry on much longer. Icy winds chilled him to the bone. The spray that broke in clouds over the little ship blinded him and cut his face.

He thought he must be near the harbor, but unknown to him the light had been blown out by the gale. Beyond the gleam of the white breakers there was

nothing but intense blackness.

Through the roar of the wind he could hear waves beating against the breakwater like distant thunder, and his heart seemed to freeze with fear.

In that terrible moment he did what he never thought he would do. He prayed. Despairing, utterly helpless, and hopeless, he cried to God for help. It was only the cry of despair: “O God, help me!” But what claim had the likes of him on the God whom he had mocked and despised?

Yet God, “who is rich in mercy,” heard that cry above the howling gale, and answered.

A strange thing happened. Dan felt that a strong hand was on the wheel, turning it in spite of his own despairing grip, turning it, and swinging the vessel from its course; in a moment the fury of the wind dropped. They had steered through the harbor mouth into the quieter waters of the harbor.

What Dan Matthews felt at that moment he can never describe. At first he was terribly afraid. He knew—yes—he knew that

God had taken the wheel

from his hand and brought him into the harbor. And he was afraid of the Unseen Helmsman whom he had mocked and ridiculed. But it changed his whole life; he had the courage to tell his mates what had happened, and how God had come to his help.

As soon as he was able he came straight to the little mission hall in the town to ask for help and guidance. There were those there who were only too glad to point poor Dan to the Saviour who loved him and died for him, and he knew himself “a sinner saved by grace.” Night after night he would be seen at the mission, always alert and eager, joining heartily in the singing, and never tired of telling all who would listen the wonderful story of the Unseen Helmsman. The time came when that same strong and loving hand steered his frail bark into the haven of rest, into the heavenly harbor, to be forever with the Lord.

“They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm,... He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Psa. 107:28,30. B.H.J

Memory Verse: “IN GOD IS MY SALVATION AND MY GLORY: THE ROCK OF MY STRENGTH, AND MY REFUGE, IS IN GOD.” Psa. 62:7.

ML-02/06/1972

Acrostic

A noble queen devised a plan;

It saved her kith, but hanged a man. (Esther 5.)

A man who in his strength did pride.

Wont from his wife the secret hide. (Judges 14.)

Another to the Spirit lied,

His wife did try their sin to hide. (Acts 5.)

The last for God a place to gain,

Put forth his hand and he was slain. (2 Sam. 6.)

The answer here is plainly told,

His own possession, which he sold;

In after years he sought and wept;

A cunning man the treasure kept.

Initial letters of the above four names

spell the name of the man described in

the last four lines.

ML-02/06/1972

Just as I Was

A LITTLE boy told me that he had spoken to the Lord Jesus at a children’s meeting.

“What did you say to Him?” I asked.

“I told Him that I came to Him just as I was,” he replied.

That is the right way. The little fellow was happy now at work and happy at play. He trusted the Saviour to keep him and make him useful to others. Have you come to Him yet?

Come, just as you are.

ML-02/06/1972

A School Teacher Saved

WHILE holding some gospel meetings in a country area, an evangelist was asked to visit the school because the principal wished to see him. When he called she said: “Since my sister was converted through your preaching, I have felt she now has something I do not possess. She was always a good girl, kind and considerate of others, but now, well, I cannot describe the change. She is overflowing with joy and praising God for His great salvation.

“She is my only sister and is now so anxious that my husband and I should be saved too. We felt sure that you would be willing to come and tell us what we must do to be saved. We thought we were Christians because we had been baptized and confirmed, but my sister says these are not the means of salvation.”

The evangelist assured them it was a real joy and privilege to come and explain to them the way of salvation. Taking his Bible he explained to them how “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and that “the whole world is guilty before God.” God in justice cannot allow sin to go unpunished, but in love He has provided a Saviour. “He sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” “God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

The Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me, and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,”

Before the evangelist left the home both the school teacher and her husband were by God’s grace able to come to the Lord Jesus Christ, to receive Him as their Saviour and thus become children of God. It was a happy day for them, and others too were saved during those meetings.

The dear Lord’s best interpreters

Are humble human souls;

The gospel of a life

Is more than books or scrolls.

From scheme and creed the light goes out —

The saintly fact survives;

The blessed Master none can doubt

Revealed in holy lives.

ML-02/06/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 13:4-13

LEPROSY was not only incurable, but was also very contagious, so that one who touched a leper was almost sure to contract the disease himself. Surely this is like sin, for when it is allowed it spreads rapidly.

If there was any suspicion whatever of a man having leprosy, he was to be brought to the priest who would carefully examine the suspected plague in the man. If the hair were turned white and if the appearance of the plague was deer than the skin, it indicated leprosy. The man was to be pronounced unclean.

How solemnly this speaks of the workings of sin, not just on the surface but deeper — in the heart. The Lord tells us “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jer. l7:9); again, “we are all as an unclean thing” (Isa. 64:6).

If, however, the plague was not deeper than the skin, then the priest would shut him up seven days, after which he would examine him again. If there were no further spreading in the skin, he_ would shut the man up seven days more. Then he would look and if the plague were pale and dim and had not spread, he pronounced the man clean.

We can see from this that the priest was to be neither hasty nor indifferent about leprosy. He must be very sure the man had the disease before he could pronounce him unclean.

If the scab spread, after the man had shown himself to the priest for cleansing, he was to show himself to the priest again. When the priest saw that it was spreading, the truth must be spoken, for evil was at work; the priest was to pronounce him unclean, and it must not be hid.

What a picture this is of the sinner still in his sins. The Lord Jesus, the Priest, must pronounce him unclean. He may not realize how bad he really is, that he is defiled, ruined, and on his way to hell, yet such is his case if the Priest has not already cleansed him by His precious blood.

“And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from head to foot,... then the priest shall consider:... he shall pronounce him clean... it is all turned white: he is clean.”

Now here is a most strange and remarkable thing, impossible to understand, if we did not know something of the grace of God? Perhaps only a short time before when the man presented himself to the priest and there was only a rising or a bright spot or a scab, he was pronounced unclean and had to go outside the camp and live alone. Now, however, when the leprosy has cored him from head to foot, when he presents the saddest of appearances, the priest is instructed to announce him “clean!”

The truth is that the leprosy, instead of striking inwards, has worked itself out, and this tells us of a poor sinner truly confessing his sin. Only the effect of the defilement remains. Instead of thinking there was some good in him, now he has nothing good to say about himself. He takes his true place bore God, acknowledging that he is a guilty sinner, without even one clean spot, and he is in the place where God can bless him. When there is no hiding, but the sin is out and the sins laid bare all over, God delights in saving grace.

In the thief on the cross we have a wonderful example of this, for he said, “we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds.” Yet the man who concealed nothing of his sins went that day to be in paradise with His Saviour, the Son of God.

ML-02/06/1972

Heaven or Hell: What Will Your Answer Be?

You Will Be Lost

if you have not believed on Christ, for “he that believeth not is condemned already.”

“He that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:18,36.

You May Be Saved

at this moment and know it, for “he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into (judgment), but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

Your eternal destiny depends upon your accepting or rejecting Christ.

ML-02/06/1972

How Jack Was Made New

IT WAS the last day of the year 1 and the ship lay at anchor off the British port. A few of the men had met weekly for prayer, and lately they had prayed earnestly for one of their crew who carried his drunkenness and recklessness beyond all limits.

Just before this sailor’s watch on the last night of the year one of his comrades said to him kindly, “Jack, we meet tonight to pray the old year out, and we shall pray for you.”

Jack turned around in a rage. “Make me a subject of your prayers, if you dare, and I’ll knock your brains out,” was his answer.

All Alone He Kept Watch

Overhead shone the stars, far away gleamed the lights of the city and still the parting words of his comrade rang in his ear. “I wonder what they’ll say,” he thought at length, after his anger had died away. “Well, if they mention all my sins they’ll have enough to keep them busy!” One scene of sin after another came up before him, scenes from which many of those who had participated with him had been called away to judgment.

Rousing himself up he tried to shake off the memories, but in vain. “We’ll pray for you,” rang in his ears.

All at once a text learned at his mother’s knee from his almost forgotten Bible came up before him. Vainly he whistled and sang and tried to think of everything else.

“The soul that sinneth it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4), said memory; “the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36); and so passage after passage came up before him. He saw himself a sinner before the avenging all-seeing eye of God, and despairing, trembling, he threw himself upon his knees.

“O what a long list of sins I’ve got against me!” he groaned; “I can’t ever get them blotted out.” He saw himself undone and helpless. But as one of old appeared to Peter walking on the waves—the blessed Son of God—so it was across the wild waves of anguish and despair came the heavenly Comforter into the heart of this poor sinful sailor, sang, “Be not afraid; only believe.” All upon his knees he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ that night and was gloriously saved.

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

Jack heard the far off city bells toll out the dying of the old year, and merrily chime in the advent of the new, and a “new creature in Christ Jesus,” Jack arose from his knees and grasping the hand of his comrade who came to relieve him, said with a tearful voice, “Ed, I’m a new man in Christ Jesus.”

Jack’s conversion was indeed sincere. God’s Spirit perfected the good work begun in him; and as he contemplated the awful pit from which he had been snatched, he could not sufficiently admire the greatness and goodness of God. He was unwearied in his efforts to show his late companions of the folly of their ways; and more than one had reason to hold in grateful memory Jack’s new year.

Will you also believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be made new?

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

ML-02/13/1972

Acrostic

First name me one who was deceived in Eden’s garden fair (Gen. 3.)

And then name one who for dear Paul and Silas had a care; (Act 16.)

And then a prophet who oft spake of “Him” and “His” and “He.” (Isa. 53.)

And now a little man please name who did climb up a tree. (Luke 19.)

The fifth one is a wicked queen who “Treason! Treason!” cried; (2 Kings 11.)

The sixth the malefactor bold set free but Jesus died. (Matt. 27.)

And next a priest who brake his neck when he did backwards fall. (1 Sam. 4.)

And now tell me the name of one whom Paul his son did call; (1 Tim.)

Whose eyes were opened by the Lord so that she saw a well? (Gen. 21.)

These put together in a row, John’s mother’s name will spell.

H.H.S.

Memory Verse: “IN GOD HAVE I PUT MY TRUST: I WILL NOT BE AFRAID WHAT MAN CAN DO UNTO ME.” Psa. 56:11.

ML-02/13/1972

A Real Christian

IN A LITTLE country village an evangelist was holding some tent meetings. The meetings were well attended and some came long distances to hear the gospel message One man invited the speaker for supper and sent his little girl to show him the way.

Before starting for home she said to Mr. Marshall, “I would like to be a real Christian.” At once he took his Bible and as simply as possible he told her of the Saviour who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” When they arrived at the house she told her parents that she had trusted Jesus and was going to be now a real Christian, After supper one of her brothers, a dear boy of nine years old, said to Mr. Marshall, “I want to be a real Christian too.” With what joy the evangelist told the boy the way of salvation, and pointed him to the Lord Jesus. “Of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Only a little girl and boy. Was it real? Did they understand? Did they grow up to be true followers of the Lord Jesus? The answer is yes. The little girl became a missionary and the little boy also went as a medical missionary to India.

ML-02/13/1972

Saved to Serve

CHARLIE WILLIS was a man whom many regarded as being beyond hope. He was a drunkard and boasted that he had never given his wife or children a penny since he was married. He could spend on drink all he earned and they had to beg or borrow all they got, bond the little his wife occasionally earned.

One evening a few believers gathered together for prayer and one of them stepped out of the hall that night determined to try and win Charlie Willis for Christ. On Sunday morning he went to the house where Charlie lived with his wife and five children, and invited him down to the gospel meeting. The house consisted of two rooms.

Downstairs there was no furniture. Upstairs there was a straw mattress, a few sacks for covering, and a broken chair.

Charlie would not promise to come to the meetings, saying it was impossible for him to pass the tavern on his way home. The young Christian, wise to win souls, offered to leave work early and meet him outside town and take him home with him to supper and bring him to the meeting. The offer was accepted.

When the service began, Charlie was there. And wonder of wonders, that night he was “born of God.” What a conversion! What a change came over him. His children, who used to hide from him, soon noticed the change and would run to meet him as he returned home from work. The two-roomed house gave place to a better dwelling; the tarn to the gospel hall.

Years passed during which seral tent meetings were held and, Charlie was seldom absent. He was always willing, as far as lay in his power, to help out in the great work of winning souls for Christ. Everyone in town knows him, and every Sunday evening he can be seen giving out hymnbooks and welcoming people to the gospel hall. He often sings:

I have a Christ that satisfies

Since I have been redeemed;

To do His will my highest prize,

Since I have been redeemed.

ML-02/13/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 13:14-28

IN THE previous verses we had I before us the case of a man cored from head to foot with leprosy and its extraordinary result — the priest was to pronounce him “clean!” However, it is quite different if raw flesh appears in the man. “He shall be unclean.”

Here in type is one who knows he is a sinner, even admits it, but wills rather to go on in his sins. The evil is active and deep-seated; sin reigns within him, and this is a sure sign of ruin, more so than anything that might appear on the surface. Such a one does not know that grace of God that cleanses and pardons. He does not hate his sin, nor does he desire to give it up. There is no evidence of true repentance.

On the other hand grace encourages holiness in the believer. He longs that sin shall not have dominion over him. To such the Lord Jesus gives power to walk in holiness.

Too often we find people who are ready to admit they have some sins, but they are not willing to take their true place as lost hell-deserving sinners. God will not cleanse and bless until there is a full confession of guilt.

But “if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;... then the priest shall pronounce him clean.” v. 16,17. Here there is a change for the better, so that the man is encouraged to come himself to the priest; he does not wait to be brought. When the priest sees that the sore is really turned white, he pronounces him clean. The sore instead of working within is turned white without, and the man comes himself, conscious that he is clean. This is the effect of grace, for “where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17). Through Christ Jesus God has wrought a work whereby He can deliver us, once poor slaves to our lusts and passions and under Satan’s power, and He makes it good in our souls by His Spirit. In verse 18 we get a “white ring” in the place of a “boil,” and in verse 24 a “hot burning.” The priest must examine the man very carefully to see if the evil is deeper than the skin. If it is then the evil is at work and he must be pronounced unclean. On the other hand if he finds it has a superficial appearance, that there is no sign of spreading underneath the surface, he will wait hoping that it is but a passing evil and not a persistent habit. If it has not spread but rather is fading away then he will declare the man to be clean.

Sometimes when there is an outburst of temper, hot burning words are spoken. It may be a passing thing but the bad effects often rain. How good it is when one who has failed in this way seeks grace to humble himself and go and tell the offended one he is sorry. Thus the matter ends there; it does not spread, and communion is restored. On the other hand how sad it is when, as we get in Matthew 18:15-17, one sins against his brother and refuses all attempts to win him, even when his case comes before the assembly. It is evident that in him sin is unjudged and working, and he is to be refused the fellowship of his brethren. May we learn to judge the first workings of sin in our hearts, to reckon ourselves “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).

ML-02/13/1972

A Schoolboy Story

AT A MEETING for boys and girls, a bright schoolboy with ruddy complexion said to the spear, “Will you please sing tonight the chorus—

“God’s love is like the sunshine,

It covers land and sea;

It fills my heart with gladness,

When I know that God loves me?

“It was when Mr. Goudie was here that I was saved, and my heart was filled with gladness. You sent me a New Testament, and I read it right through once and nearly a second time. The more I read it the more I see God loves me. I can say, ‘I love Him.’ As soon as I was saved I began praying for my father and mother’s salvation. Will you pray for them too?”

Since then his mother has been saved, and happy in the Saviour’s love. At the gospel hall there are quite a number of children who are giving every evidence that they have been truly “born of God.”

ML-02/13/1972

How "Happy" Became Really Happy

ONE OF my first experiences in working’ with boys was at a Sunday School in a very poor district. A lively lot the boys were, and I being a novice, they gave me the benefit of some of their best entertainment. Parched peas as hard as marbles whizzed about, and one poor teacher had a glass of water poured over his head; live mice appeared in the classrooms, and the superintendent found himself with several small ragged boys sitting on top of him singing “Yankee Doodle.” But after all, some of the worst boys turn out the best, when the Spirit of God works in their hearts and they come under the charm of the Saviour of sinners.

One of the worst boys in the Sunday School was named “Happy.” He was an orphan, and so had grown up without the tender influence of a mother’s love nor a father’s guidance and discipline which children so sorely need.

One afternoon Happy uttered a war whoop, whereupon two dozen boys jumped to their feet and marched out causing as much disturbance as possible. Some suggested that Happy should be bashed from the school, but if Christian friends shut him out, who would take him in? No, many excuses might be made for him, and true love shown with God’s blessing he might yet be “happy in the Lord.”

“We will not forbid his coming,” said the new superintendent, “but if he comes, leave him to me.”

He came and as usual he began to upset the Sunday School. Whereupon the super ordered him into a side room. He went very unwillingly, and when they got to the room, the super locked the door, shutting himself in with the little prisoner.

Happy was very unhappy then, and kicked at the door like a mad man.

“Stop that,” said his kindly companion and he made him sit down. Then the young Turk started whistling.

“Keep quiet, please,” was the cold command.

“Can’t I do nothin'?” said the lad solemnly.

“No, you will stop till school is over, and I will stop with you.”

Then he made a rush for the door. Presently the school began to sing the closing hymn.

“Can I go now?” asked Happy.

“No, not till the others are gone.”

Then came a quiet talk. “Why did you behave so? Was it not unkind to the teachers who only come here to do the children good? Was it not unfair to the boys who wanted to learn about the Lord and the sweet and precious truths of the Bible? Worst of all, how ungrateful it was to the Saviour who loved and died for you?”

Happy felt more unhappy than ever, and tears began to run down his cheeks. But he parted good friends with the superintendent who shook hands with him saying, “We shall be glad to see you next Sunday, if you behave. If not, we will spend another evening tether.”

Next Sunday Happy was the first at the school. He was no more trouble; but if there was a rumpus in another part of the room, he would go over, and raising his powerful young arm he would say, “Be quiet, will you; or I’ll wallop you.”

No one ever wished to know what he would do.

Then someone took pity on the poor boy and gave him a home. Poor young fellow! He could neither read nor write, so he was sent to school.

Sometime after one of the teachers who had been hit by one of Happy’s winkle shells was passing up the road when a smiling young fellow said, “Good morning, sir.”

He halted and found himself face to face with a very respectably dressed young man.

“You don’t know me. Don’t you remember Happy?”

Yes, it was the same boy, and yet not the same. He was now employed in a warehouse and had a good job there.

“Are you saved?” asked his old teacher.

“Yes!” Happy was truly happy for he could sing—

O happy day! happy day!

When Jesus wished my sins away:

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day.

Happy day, happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away.

Memory Verse: “WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22.

ML-02/20/1972

Acrostic

A woman who her life regained. (Acts 9.)

A man who righteousness obtained. (Gen. 15.)

This city was exceeding great. (Jonah.)

Who in a field did meditate? (Gen. 24.)

By this man, Moab’s king was slain. (Judges 3.)

She the Apostle did constrain. (Acts 16.)

Initial letters down will tell,

The name of one you know so well.

He in a time of need did pray

Unto his God three times a day.

ML-02/20/1972

She Loved Her Bible

NORMA was the little daughter of Joe Williams, a dock worker who drank heavily, and who had little or no regard for the welfare of his wife and family.

But little Norma attended the Sunday school, and one night at the close of a meeting for boys and girls she said to the evangelist, “I’ve trusted Jesus as my Saviour tonight.”

The evangelist gave her a New Testament, and marked some verses for her to read, so that she might know more fully the wonderful love of God, shown in the gift of His only begotten Son. A few nights afterward she said, “I’ve asked my father and my mother to come and hear what Jesus says but they won’t come. Will you come to our house and ask them to come?”

The evangelist promised to call the following day. The home was in a poor neighborhood and gave evidence of extreme poverty.

Joe would not promise to come to the meeting, but his wife came, and there is every reason to believe that she too put her trust in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

Two years passed by and the evangelist again was holding meetings in the little hall. Norma came to him one night, her face beaming with joy, and she showed him a pocket in her dress, especially made to hold her New Testament. She said, “I love my Bible. I carry it with me, and whenever I have time I read a few verses. It helps me to be good. I do like to read about Jesus.”

As the evangelist looked at the Testament it bore evidence of constant use. Norma is an active worker in the little Sunday School where she trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

Cling to the Bible! this jewel and treasure
Brings life eternal and saves fallen man;
Surely its value no mortal can measure;
Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can!

ML-02/20/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 13:29-44

THE NEXT case is where leprosy appeared in the head or on the beard. The presence of black hair indicated normal health, but if the hair was yellow and thin it showed the evil disease was active, and the priest must pronounce the man unclean.

If, however, the priest saw the sore to be on the surface, though no black hair was in it, there was hope. The man was shut up for seven days and then if there was no spreading and no yellow hair, the hair was shaved off and the man shut; up again. Finally if the priest on looking found no further spreading of the sore, he declared the man clean. He was therefore to wash his clothes and be clean.

Leprosy in the head is a common yet serious form of leprosy. In his thinking natural man, fallen and far from God, is all wrong. He trusts his own thoughts and intellect rather than listen to the Word of God. How many have been ruined through pride, and spiritual pride is the worst of all.

We remember perhaps the story of King Uzziah whose heart “was lifted up to his destruction.” He went into the temple to burn incense, which only the priests of the Lord were to do. We read that “the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.” And he was driven from the temple, a leper until the day of his death. (Read 2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Pride is a terrible plague. God hates pride. May each one of us seek grace from the Lord to humble ourselves and to be delivered from it.

Then in verses 38 and 39 one might have “bright spots, even white bright spots” and the priest was to look very carefully to see if it might be leprosy. However, it might prove to be only a “freckled spot"; the man was clean. Grace does not judge harshly nor lightly either. God would have us to be neither hard nor careless.

In verse 40 we have the case of a man whose hair might have fallen out and he became bald. He was not pronounced unclean. One might have an infirmity or weakness, but an infirmity is not sin. The Lord knows all about us. He knows all our weaknesses and infirmities and deals with us in grace. How precious this is! He tells us in John 10:14: “I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep.”

However, if it was a “white reddish sore,” then it was leprosy risen up in his head and he was declared “utterly unclean.” His was a hopeless case.

ML-02/20/1972

"Because He First Loved Us"

A WILLING sacrifice is one of the purest joys one can know. Truly as the Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to reive.”

There were three young sisters saved by God’s grace during some gospel meetings. They were orphan girls, and all worked at one of the plants in town. They lived together in a humble cottage home. It bame a Bethel where Jesus dwelt, and from that home there went out a quiet influence among their neigors and those with whom they worked. It was their great joy to win other girls for Christ.

One night when they returned home from work Linda told her siers that another girl she worked with, who was also an orphan, had contracted TB and was going into the sanitarium. The poor girl was broken-hearted at the thought of spending the rest of her days there.

These three Christian sisters decid that one of them would quit work and stay home and take care of the sick girl, and so try to win her for the Lord.

This they did, for three months Afterward, by the grace of God, she entered into life and peace through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. For nine months after her conveion, she lived rejoicing in His love. Although she suffered much she was a bright witness for the Saviour she loved. Her favorite text was, “He loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20. When at last the Lord took her home, the three girls took care of all the expenses.

When asked by some friends why they had done all this, their only answer was: “Because He first loved us.”

Live Thou in Me

This world needs Thy compassion and Thy love,

Thy tenderness, to raise it, Lord, above

Its sordid cares, and too the bitter strife,

Into a higher atmosphere and life:

O! Tenderness and Love divine, in me

Abide, that needy hearts may catch some glimpse of Thee.

ML-02/20/1972

Rani - The Indian Boy

IN A SMALL mountain village in India lived Rani, a little brown Indian boy, with his mother and father and two fat, chubby baby brothers.

One day Rani wandered into the village temple and looked around at the idols, thinking in his little heart how ugly they were. Rani couldn’t understand how it was that so many of his friends came to worship these hideous lumps of stone instead of the true God, of whom his parents had taught him.

While these thoughts were busy in Rani’s head a poor old man entered the temple. He was very feeble and with tottering footsteps passed from one idol to another, laying a few incense sticks before them and praying. Big tears came into Rani’s eyes as he watched.

“Here is an old man who has not long to live,” he thought to himself, “and he does not know the way to heaven.” Something inside Rani kept urging him to speak to the old man and he plucked up courage to step up to him and say, “Master, may I speak?”

“Why are you crying, little boy?” inquired the old man, seeing the tears on Rani’s cheeks.

“I am crying because I am so sorry for you!” exclaimed the boy, much to the surprise of the old man.

“Sorry for me?” he echoed. “But why?”

“Because you are very old and cannot live much longer. And you do not know the way to heaven.”

“What!” exclaimed the old man. “Do you know the way to heaven?”

“Oh yes, Master, I do, for I know that the Lord Jesus has saved me. And He will save you, too, and take you to heaven if you ask Him.” Eagerness was brimming from Rani’s eyes as he spoke.

“Who is this Jesus?” asked the old man wonderingly. Then Rani told the story of God’s love in sending His Son to die for sinners—for his sins. Over and over again Rani repeated the words: “Jesus said... I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).

“God loves you, Master,” continued Rani. “And Jesus, His Son, who died for us, lives in heaven now to save you if you will trust Him. He will take you to heaven!”

The old man’s heart was melted as he listened to the story of such love. He believed it to be true and his wrinkled face seemed to radiate inward joy.

“Boy,” he said, “come home with me, and you shall tell the old lady what you have told me.” So Rani went with his new friend and told again that beautiful story of how the Lord Jesus came to save sinners until in the hearts of the old couple there glowed a love for the One who had loved them enough to die for them.

Now they no longer worship idols in the little village temple for they know Christ, “Whom to know is life eternal.” And when the call comes to the old man and his wife they will both go to heaven, for they have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Are you, like Rani, saved? Do you know Jesus as your Saviour, as the One who has forgiven your sins? Do you know that you will be in heaven? All these blessings can be yours.

Right now the most wonderful invitation of all time is given to you. Jesus, Himself, is saying: “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).

E. G. C.

ML-02/27/1972

Dr. Meyer and the Oranges

DR. MEYER loved to preach the gospel as he traveled about. On one occasion he was crossing the Atlantic, and the captain of the ship asked him to preach in the saloon, or main cabin. He spoke on “answered prayers” and told a number of stories.

It happened that there was present a man who didn’t believe in God or anything and Afterward someone asked him, “What do you think of Dr. Meyer’s sermon?”

“Oh,” he said, “I don’t believe a word of it.”

That same afternoon Dr. Meyer was speaking to passengers in another part of the ship. The infidel picked up two oranges and putting them in his pocket he headed for the gospel meeting.

As he threaded his way in and out among the passengers, he came across an old lady with, silvery hair and white face relaxed on one of the sofas. Her eyes were closed in sleep, her head back and her hands open on her lap. For some reason he was unable to explain, he took the oranges out of his pocket and placed them in the hands of the old lady and went on to the meeting.

When he came back the old woman was munching on one of the oranges. So he said to her, "You seem to be enjoying your orange!”

“Yes,” she said, “my Father is very good.”

“Your what? Your father can’t be living?”

“Oh,” she said, “He’s very much alive.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” she replied, “I’ve been sea-sick for five days. This morning I longed for an orange. I knew there were some to be had in the main cabin, but how to get them down here I didn’t know. So as I sat here I asked the Lord to please send me an orange. I suppose I must have fallen off to sleep, and would you believe it, sir, when I opened my eyes, He had not only sent me one, but He sent me two!”

“Why,” said the man, “is that true?” “That is absolutely true,” she replied.

The bottom fell out of his infidelity on the spot. I wish we could tell you that he got saved. This we do not know, we can only hope so. But it made a very deep impression on him.

God does answer prayer, and He sometimes uses infidels to carry the answer.

ML-02/27/1972

A Schoolgirl Finds Peace

IT WAS Sunday evening and three I crowded meetings had been held in the large building at Lancefield. I was staying at a Christian’s home and was quietly resting in the living room, when the daughter of my host came into the room. Sally was a bright schoolgirl, and had been taught the things of God from her earliest days. Her mind was well stored with the Word of God but she was not happy.

She said to me, “I believe that Jesus died for me, and I know I love Him, but I have not the assurance of forgiveness.”

We read together a number of verses in the Scriptures and then came John 3:36: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” It was then the light dawned on her soul. She entered into the joy of God’s salvation, assured she was numbered with the children of God, a possessor of eternal life. She was the first one that it was my joy to win for Christ in Lancefield. It was the first fruits of a great harvest.

There is no greater joy than winning the young for the Lord Jesus, seeing them grow in grace, and being actively engaged in the service of the Master.

Hallelujah! I believe! Now no longer on my soul

All the debt of sin is lying,

One great Friend has paid the whole!

Ice-bound fields of legal labor

I have left with all their toil;

While the fruits of love are growing

From a new and genial soil.

ML-02/27/1972

A Sick Cow

A WELL-KNOWN and gifted gospel preacher used to tell the following story.

His grandfather was a gospel preacher and very poor. He had a cow which was a great help in the support of his ten children. One day the cow fell sick and died.

“What will you do now?” asked his wife.

“I cannot tell you what we shall do now,” said he, “but I know what God will do. We must have milk for the children and He will provide for us.”

The next morning there came in the mail a letter with $100.00 in it. He had never asked for help, but he had told the Lord about it. A few days before, when some missionary-minded men were distributing the funds they had on hand, there were $25.00 left over. One of them said, “There’s poor Mr. Scott down there, suppose we send it to him.” Another man said, “We’d better make it $50.00, and I’ll give an extra $25.00 besides.” Another man added still another $25.00.

They knew nothing about how grandfather’s cow had died; but God knew. So these men were used, without knowing it, to purchase a new cow for his grandfather.

Love Divine

Love strong as death, nay, stronger;

Love mightier than the grave,

Broad as the earth, and longer

Than ocean’s widest wave.

This is the love that sought us,

This is the love that bought us,

And this is the love that brought us,

To gladdest day from saddest night;

From deepest shame to glory bright;

From depths of death to light’s fair height;

From darkness to the joy of light.

ML-02/27/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 13:45-59

OF ALL diseases leprosy is the most loathsome, and it is incurable by any skill or effort of man. The poor leper was in himself utterly helpless to remove his disease. So sad was his condition that contact with him was only to partake of his defilement.

“He is unclean;... his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean... He shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.”

He was outside all the privileges of the people of God—the standing type of the sinner, unreconciled, unclean, not only before God but commanded to declare it to others as well. Nothing can be sadder or call for more pity than the state of the poor leper.

His rent garments were to declare his misery and his grief. For a time they might have covered up his leprous spots, but now rent they only reveal his defilement. How this reminds us that “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

There is no hope of the poor sinner improving himself, any more than the leper. Yet in this hopeless condition he is a candidate for the mercy of God.

The presence of the Lord Jesus as Son of God in this world is the light that lays bare the evil of our hearts. Yet He gives the soul both repentance and faith — grace to own our lost defiled condition, but faith to look to Him alone as Saviour of such as we. If I heed God’s word I will cease to deny or excuse my sins, but will frankly confess my ruin and own that I am “unclean.” The poor Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 was brought by grace to own this simple truth and was blessed beyond all her hopes. So it will be for the unsaved reader if he will but learn from the story of the leper his own true condition bore God and cast himself upon His mercy.

The rest of the chapter has to do with leprosy in a garment, or skin which served the same purpose. Leprosy might betray itself in one’s external circumstances, for garments speak of associations and surroundings. Our ways may display more than our words and one’s surroundings tell where the heart is. Our habits will reveal the taint of sin when it is there.

Like the leprous garment which had to be burned, so any position or association which is defiling and which continually robs our souls of Christ, should be given up completely, no matter what it costs us.

If after the garment had been washed, the leprous spot was changed, then the spot was to be torn out and the garment could be used again. This would show that if we apply the Word of God to what we are going on with, and being cleansed from the defilement, we may be able to continue there with God.

Some of the things in school and business life are very defiling, but a Christian does not have to do them. He can apply the Word of God to the circumstances and refuse, even if he has to suffer for it. Like the garment with a piece torn out, there is a loss, but it is far better than allowing the whole thing to become leprous and the Lord will make it up a thousand fold.

Memory Verse: “WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU.” Exodus 12:13.

ML-02/27/1972

"Wash Day" Christians

HENRY was born the son of a tavern keeper; but he was a good worker, he had a good job and a comfortable home. His wife Sarah was a fine Christian lady and they had a nice little family. However, Henry was indifferent, if not opposed, to all religion.

When the children were old enough Sarah sent them to Sunday school, but sometimes when Henry came home and found the children singing hymns he was angry and threw their hymn books into the fire.

This went on for some years, Sarah patiently and cheerfully praying for happier days. They had a kind Christian neighbor, Mrs. Kane, who went to the same gospel hall as Sarah did. One day when Sarah was taken ill and had to stay in bed, Henry was perplexed, not knowing how to look after the children and work at the same time.

On Monday there was no one to do the washing, a big job for a family of six. Mrs. Kane, seeing the difficulty, visited the home after Henry had gone to work and after speaking a few words of comfort to the sick mother, undertook to do the washing. By noon she had all the clothes, spotlessly white fluttering in the sun, and after straightening up the house she went home to dinner. Soon after she was back again and did all the rest that women in their wonderful way do to fold and prepare the “washing” for ironing.

When Henry came home after work and found what had happened he said, “It’s a funny religion that makes them do other people’s washing.”

By the end of the week Sarah had recovered and was preparing for Sunday; then a remarkable thing happened. Henry said quietly but firmly, “I’m going to that hall where they do other people’s washing.”

It was a thanksgiving service and just as they were about to begin singing who should walk in but Henry followed by his handsome wife and their little string of children. They all walked right up the aisle and sat down in the front row. The speaker knew nothing about the washing and as he spoke of God’s love and goodness in sending His beloved Son into this world to be our Saviour, Henry’s eyes were fixed on him with interest from binning to end.

At the close when the speaker said good-by to each one at the door, Henry came along, took his hand and said, “I’ve never been in a place of worship like this before, but I’m coming again.”

So he did, for the following week the family were all there again in the front seats.

The Spirit of God was working in love in Henry’s heart and it was not long after this that he confessed the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. He was faithful in attendance with his wife at all the meetings and brought the children regularly to Sunday school.

Henry was thoroughly converted to God, but as so often happens when one becomes a new man in Christ Jesus, when Satan saw that he was robbed of his prey, the enemy of souls raised up a great storm of persecution. So severe were Henry’s tribulations that it was feared he might be tempted to turn back. Many were the prayers that went up for him, however, and to the great joy of all those efforts to turn him back were in vain.

But no sooner was one storm over than another followed. Poor Henry was stricken with a long illness dung which he lost his job, and his hard-earned savings melted away. Winter was coming on. Still by the grace of God and in answer to many prayers this dear fellow “stood fast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made him free.”

By and by the tide began to turn. Henry recovered his health, took an inferior job, and throwing all his energies and skill into his new work, he rose to the top of the firm.

His spare time he devoted to the Lord’s work, became superintendent of the Sunday school and preached the gospel. His little boys and girls grew up, all were saved and joined in the work of the Lord.

Happy in the knowledge of Christ as his Saviour, with his loving wife and joyous family around him, Henry’s story is a testimony to the faithfulness of God and to the precious words of Scripture, “O Lord..., blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” Psa. 84:12.

“He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion Forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Pet. 5:10,11.

ML-03/05/1972

The Third Finger

A LITTLE GIRL was on a visit to her Christian aunt who sought to tell her about the Saviour who loved her. She asked the little one, “What are the first words of the 23rd Psalm?” Promptly the answer came, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

“Now, these words just answer to your five fingers—try it,” said her aunt. “The"—putting the finger on the thumb of the left hand; next, “Lord"—touching the first finger; “is"—touching the second; “my"—touching the third; “Shepherd"—touching the fourth.

“Now,” asked her aunt kindly, “which of these five words do you like best?” And on her little fingers she went over and over the words till at last she paused; her mind was made up—it was the one that stood for MY.

This is just what faith does. It is taking Jesus as my own Saviour, it is believing that He loved me and gave Himself for me. “He was wounded for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:5), but faith can say “for my transgressions.” Not only, “He gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6), but, “He gave Himself a ransom for me.”

Not long after the little one had gone back to her own home, she was stricken with polio which so affected her speech that she could not make herself understood.

As the end drew near for little one, her mother asked her had she really found peace through faith in the Lord Jesus. The only response was the moving of her right hand and clasping the third finger of her left; thus she passed away. The sorrowing parents could not understand, and wondered what it might mean. Sometime after they told her aunt she had passed away holding the third finger of her left hand.

“O I know what it means,” said her aunt, and she told them about the lesson on the first five words of the 23rd Psalm; then all was plain, and they were comforted in the thought that their little one was with Jesus.

Can you say, “He loved me and gave Himself for me; I have taken Him as my Saviour, and the Lord is MY Shepherd?”

ML-03/05/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 14:1-7

WE NOW come to the wonderfully interesting and instructive lesson — “the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing.”

“He shall be brought unto the priest: and the priest shall go forth out of the camp.”

Thus far the Spirit of God has been occupying us with the dread plague of leprosy, God’s type of sin with all its defilement and ruin. But now we come to the other side, that wondrous grace that can and does cleanse the leper. What a mercy this is in a world full of misery and suffering through sin! The sinner cannot cleanse himself, nor can he expect help from his fellowman; but God is love and there is power in that love. How precious then to see God Himself take up the case of the poor sinner, cleanse him from all his sin in a way worthy of Himself, and make him fit to be at peace in His presence forever.

“The leper was to be brought unto the priest.” But the leper could not come where the priest was, the priest must go out of the camp to the leper. Here, viewed typically, the priest is the mediator, the Saviour. We read, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

In the story of the cleansing of the leper (Mark 1), the man came to the Lord saying, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” He knew the Lord could heal him, but there was distrust of the heart that went out to him in his pitiful condition. And this is man everywhere. It needed the love of God to go out to him where he was in all his sin and distance, for man would never come in of himself, for he distrusts the heart of God. But the gospel is God’s answer to the unbelief of man, for “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9,10.

How wondrous the love of God! and wondrous too the journey of His Son, from the bosom of the Father to a sin-stained world! Nothing was here to draw forth His love but man’s need; and with all this, He came to the place where the sinner was!

“Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: and the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.”

This is very precious. The little clean birds tell of the cleanness, the spotlessness of God’s Lamb. The death of one of them tells of Christ’s offering Himself through the eternal Spirit, without spot to God (Heb. 9:14). And the other, soaring aloft into the heavens, tells of Jesus risen from the dead, bearing the tokens of His blood-shedding up into the heavenly sanctuary—entering in the holiest by His own blood (Heb. 9:12). All this was done by him who acted for God, in the sight of the poor leper.

What had he been doing all the while? He had been “standing still, to see the salvation of God” — gang in silence at all this wonderful ceremony being performed for him; more than this he could not do. Till the work was complete, and he sprinkled with the blood, and his eye had followed the little bird as it ascended towards the heavens, bearing on its wings the blood that had been shed and sprinkled upon him, he had but to stand still and behold! How his heart must have rejoiced to hear the priest who spoke for God declaring that he was clean, through the sevenfold sprinkled blood.

ML-03/05/1972

Acrostic

Of a “stone” and a “throne” of one color we read;

But how different the truths they unfold. (Rev. 2; 20.)

“In life or in death with my lord will I be,”

Said a Gittite to David of old. (2 Sam. 15.)

But what should our speech be seasoned with, say? (Col. 4.)

And who was called “greatly beloved?” (Dan. 9.)

A hundred true prophets he hid in a cave; (1 Kings 18.)

And a land where God Abraham’s faith proved. (Gen. 22.)

Initials they disclose a name,

In Proverbs you will find the same.

ML-03/05/1972

Manuel Learns the Way

MANUEL was a little Indian boy who lived on the banks of the great Amazon River. His father was chief of the tribe. Their home was a hut built high on stilts with a roof made of palm leaves, and they had a little farm back in the jungle.

One day Manuel sat on a big log on the bank, dreamily looking out over the broad river. Grandmother had taken the canoe and gone across the water to visit a friend. Father and Mother were at work on the farm.

Manuel was too young yet to have many worries, but one thing did make him afraid at times. He would hear his people talk about the “river spirits.” They did not know much about them, but it was commonly believed they captured people and made them their slaves.

This morning as Manuel sat and dreamed, he became aware of a rumbling and a great movement beneath him. The log began to move toward the river. It was a small landslide and before Manuel could flee to the safety of the bank he found himself carried swiftly into the great stream.

Terrified, the poor boy clung to the log and screamed and cried for help. All the while the powerful current was carrying him swiftly downstream. Fish nibbled at his toes, submerged branches struck him as he was swept along, till he was sure the “river spirits” were trying to get him. As he clung to his strange boat, many thoughts went through his mind and he asked himself where would his soul go if the “river spirits” captured him. In his terror he held on more desperately and two hours went by.

In the meantime Manuel’s father, hearing the boy’s cries, had rushed to a neighbor’s farm and borrowed his boat. Heading downstream he paddled as fast as he could, hoping to find his boy still alive. By and by he thought he could see a speck on the river far on ahead which might be his son, and he paddled on with renewed energy and hope. Several hours later he caught up with the swift moving log to which Manuel was still clinging bravely.

Oh how great was their joy as he pulled alongside and lifted Manuel into the boat, safe at last! Then they headed home.

“Tell me, Father,” said Manuel, “where would my soul have been if the “river spirits” had got me?”

“I do not know, my son,” was the only reply.

Manuel asked many people that question during the next three years, but no one could tell. Then one day some strange people came to visit their tribe. They were not dark-skinned as the Indians were, but white. Manuel’s people learned that they were missionaries, and soon they began to teach them some strange and wonderful things out of a black book they carried. They spoke about God who lived in heaven, and about His wonderful Son who came down into this world and died for all men everywhere — even Indians. Manuel wondered if that Book might have the answer to his long unanswered question — Where would he be if the “river spirits” had got him?

The missionaries invited all who would come to the Sunday school to learn from the great and wonderful Book. Manuel went and thought how marvelous it would be to possess that Book for himself. Then he was thrilled one day when the missionary offered a Bible to any one who could recite the 66 books of the Bible by heart. The missionary thought this would take the Indian children a long time but what was his surprise the very next Sunday to hear Manuel say them off perfectly. To be sure he got a copy of the Book and then he set about to learn how to read it. All the while the boy listened carefully to everything the missionaries said and searched his own Bible for himself.

Soon Manuel found that there were two places his soul would have gone had the “river spirits” taken him — to heaven or to hell. Then as he realized what a dreadful place hell is, he began to be concerned about his sins. As the months went by Manuel longed to have his sins forgiven and to be sure he would go to heaven.

He asked the missionaries, and how glad they were to tell him that the Lord Jesus had died to put his sins away upon the cross, that He had borne the punishment they deserved, and now God forgives every one that believes in Jesus. The Book said, “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.

That same night Manuel opened his Bible and read: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

In the night Manuel went to his father and woke him up. “Father,” he said, “I have found the answer to my question. I would have gone to hell if I had drowned, but Jesus died that I might go to heaven. May I take Him as my Saviour?”

Startled at so strange a request in the dead of the night, his father listened to all his boy had to say. He remembered his own fears for his son the day he was swept away down the river.

“Yes, you may, son,” was his reply.

With a heart overflowing with joy and thanksgiving Manuel opened his heart and received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour that night. A wonderful peace filled his soul.

Some time after both his father and mother, his grandmother and his sister, all were saved, and great was the rejoicing in that happy family.

Today Manuel preaches to his own people the wonderful news of a Saviour who died for sinners everywhere, who now lives in heaven and cares for His own, and who is coming soon to take them to be with Himself above.

M. J. T.—Missionary Stories

Memory Verse: “HIDE THY FACE FROM MY SINS, AND BLOT OUT ALL MINE INIQUITIES.” Psa. 51:9.

ML-03/12/1972

A Wonderful Change and What It Led to

SOME GOSPEL meetings were being held in the town of Pittsfield and night after night the place was crowded, with about two hundred standing outside. There were a large number of young fellows present every night, and many of them were truly “born again.” Some of them became devoted servants of Christ, and one went to Nigeria as a missionary.

One of these boys, nineteen years of age, was often in trouble. He was known among his work-mates as a gambling fiend, but he was saved by the grace of God. George soon became a keen helper in the work of the gospel. Right from the first he separated from his old life, and gave every evidence that he was a new creature in Christ Jesus.

A year after when gospel services were being held in the same spot, one Saturday night a well-known infidel stood up. Many thought he wanted to begin an argument with the evangelist, but his first words were, “Thank God, I’m saved.”

“Praise the Lord” was heard all over the tent.

The man continued, pointing to young George, “I work along side of George, and the change in his life led me to realize that the gospel of Christ must be a reality, and tonight I can say, ‘thank God I am saved.’ "

God called young George (a brand plucked from the burning) to a larger sphere of service, and he became a devoted servant of Christ in a far off land.

Jesus, Master, wilt Thou use

What owes Thee more than all?

As Thou wilt! I would not choose,

Only let me hear Thy call.

Jesus! let me always be

Kept in Thy service glad and free.

ML-03/12/1972

A Letter From Janet

One of our readers in Canada.

Dear —

You would never guess what happened to me on December 15, 1971. I got saved. I was thinking about John 3:16 in this way: “For God so loved ME, that He gave His only begotten Son for ME, that whosoever (me) that believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

I got thinking, if Jesus died for me, I believe it, and then I’m saved, because there are no two ways about it. I believed it and so now I’m saved. Is it ever grand to be saved! My brother often said to me, “If the Lord comes, you’ll be left behind,” but it’s not true anymore. My grandma is 80, and when I told her that I was saved, she was so happy, she cried.

Well, I guess I’ll stop now, but I just wrote to tell you that I’m saved.

Love from Janet —, aged 10

Wasn’t that a nice letter? If you are not saved, dear young reader, why not put your own name in John 3:16 like Janet did?

ML-03/12/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 14:8

THE TWO clean birds then set forth Christ dead and risen, the one slain, and the other let loose into the open field. The bird that was to die was killed in an earthen vessel over running or living water. How plainly this points to Him who through the eternal Spirit (the ling water) offered Himself without spot to God, deigning to be crucified in weakness.

And what pains has the Spirit of God taken to identify the living bird with the slain one by dipping it in the blood of the one killed over the running water! So Christ was delivered up for our offenses and raised again for our justification (Rom. 4:25).

The taking of the cedar wood, the scarlet and the hyssop and dipping them in the blood of the slain bird is full of meaning for us. The cedar and the little hyssop that springs out of the wall speak of all that man is in nature, from his lowest to his loftiness; all must come to an end in the death of Christ. “I am crucified with Christ,” (Gal. 2:20) means that all that I am as a natural man all must be dipped in the blood all must come under the sentence of death, finally and completely.

The man who was to be cleansed was sprinkled with the blood seven times, and then pronounced clean. As seven speaks of divine perfectness, so the work of Christ has cleansed us perfectly in the eyes of God, and He can pronounce us now “Clean every whit.”

“And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes.” Up to this point the leper had not done anything for himself — all had been done for him by the priest. But as soon as he had been pronounced clean, we hear of his activity. Now he can do something for himself. He must first wash his clothes and this would speak of the application of the Word of God to all his habits and associations of life.

The shedding and sprinkling of the blood is not all. There is and must be a moral cleansing of the word applied to the sinner. After the Lord Jesus died, when the soldier with a spear pierced His side there flowed forth not only blood but water also. And of this we read in 1 John 5: “This is He that came by water and blood; not by water only, but by water and blood.” As sinners in order to be blessed we need not only the blood to expiate our sins, but purifying by the Word as well.

As soon as one is really saved there is an immediate exercise as to what he is doing. There is a dire to please the Lord, and the newborn soul is willing to give up that which the Word of God condemns. How sad it is, however, to find those who have confessed Christ going on with the same old habits and associations and seemingly unwilling to “wash their clothes.” But after one has been cleansed before God through the death and resurrection of Christ, it only makes it the more necessary to cleanse oneself from every pollution of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1).

ML-03/12/1972

A Story From Burma

IT WAS A hot day in Burma and Dr. Judson the missionary was seated in a bamboo chair on the verandah by the roadside. He was tired and careworn, for he had suffered much for Christ. Taking up a tract which he himself had written in Burmese, he read it aloud, hoping that some passerby might come in to listen.

Just at that moment a stranger, tall and dignified, came up, leading by the hand a bright-eyed, sprightly little boy.

“Daddy,” exclaimed the little fellow, “look, look, there is Jesus Christ’s man!” But the father did not so much as turn his head.

Day after day the two came by, and each time the boy smiled regularly at “Jesus Christ’s man,” as if recognizing him as his friend.

One evening the missionary asked a native Christian, “Did you see that tall man with the little boy go by? What do you know about him?”

“He is a government writer,” replied the native, “a very respectable, but haughty man.... He hates Christians. Don’t you remember several years ago a young mother came for medicine? This little boy was her only child, and he was very sick. She did not dare send to ask you to come to the house, for her husband was a violent persecutor.”

“Oh I remember her now,” returned Judson. “She was in great distress, but showed such warm gratitude. So this is her child! But what became of the mother?”

“Have you forgotten how you put a Gospel of Matthew in her hand saying it contained medicine for her for she had a worse disease than her son’s fever; then you prayed? Well, they say, ‘the medicine cured her.’ "

A few days passed and who should come springing up the steps of the porch but the little boy, and behind him his grave, dignified father, who after a courteous bow took his seat on the mat. “You are the foreign priest?” he remarked by way of introduction.

“I am a missionary,” was the reply.

“And so you make people believe in Jesus Christ? My little son has heard of you, sir,” he added with an assumed careless air, but which betrayed underneath a deep anxiety; “and he is very anxious to learn something about Jesus Christ. It is a pretty story you tell of that Man — prettier than our fables.”

“Oh, you think so? But what story do you refer to?”

“Why that strange sort of a Being you call Jesus Christ, a great Prince or something of that sort, dying for us poor fellows. The thing is absurd and makes me laugh, though there is something beautiful in it too. I myself am a true and faithful worshiper of Gautama.”

“But I believe everything I preach as firmly as I believe you sit on that mat before me,” exclaimed Judson, “and it is the desire of my life to make everyone else believe it, you and your child among the rest.”

One night, very late, the wearied missionary was roused from his sleep. “Teacher! you’re wanted!” And in a few minutes he was happening to a house where cholera was raging. The next moment he was gazing on the lifeless form of the little boy.

“He’s gone up to the golden country,” murmured a voice close to his ear, “to bloom forever in paradise.” The speaker was a middle-aged woman, who fearing to speak aloud whispered softly; “He worshiped the true God, and trusted in the Lord our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.... He was weary and in pain, and the Lord who loved him took His little lamb home to be in His bosom forever.”

“Was he conscious at the end, and what did he talk about?”

“Oh yes, and he talked only of the Lord Jesus, whose face he seemed to see.”

“And what about his father?” “His father, my master? He’s going too. Come, and see.”

She led him into the next room where lay the noble figure in the last stages of the dread disease.

“Do you trust in Lord Gautama now?” inquired the missionary softly. A look of pain and disappointment crossed the man’s face.

“Lord Jesus, receive his spirit,” prayed Judson, kneeling at his side. A smile passed over the pale face, as if the sacred Name had touched a kindred chord within. With his finger he pointed upward, and a moment later, he was gone — to be with the Lord.

Once more they stood by the bedside of the little boy, now silent in death. “See,” said the lady, lifting the cloth reverently, and Judson saw on the child’s bosom a copy of Matthew’s Gospel.

“He placed it there with his own dear hand,” she went on. “I was his mother’s nurse. She got this Book from you, sir. We thought my master had burned it, but he kept it, and maybe studied it.”

“Whom did he worship at the last?”

“The Lord Jesus Christ, I am sure of that. Do you think the Lord would receive him?”

“Did you ever read about the thief who was crucified with the Saviour?”

“Oh yes! I read it to the boy this very day. He was holding his mother’s Book when the disease struck him, and he kept it in his hand until the end.”

“But where did you first become acquainted with the gospel?” asked Judson.

“My mistress taught me, sir, and she made me promise before she died to teach her baby when he was old enough, and to go to you for more instruction. But I was alone and afraid. I should not mind now,” she added, “if they did find me out and kill me. It would be wonderful to go up to paradise. I think I should even like to go tonight, if the Lord would please to take me.”

“Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down... in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom [rejectors of Christ and His Word] shall be cast into outer darkness.” Matt. 8:11,12.

“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.

Memory Verse “I HAVE PUT MY TRUST IN THE LORD GOD, THAT I MAY DECLARE ALL THY WORKS.” Psa. 73:28.

ML-03/19/1972

"Give Jesus Your Best"

PERHAPS the oldest person to confess Christ as his Saviour, in my experience, said an evangelist, was an old man over 80. He told us one night after a gospel meeting that the message which was blessed to his salvation was from 1 Timothy 1: 15: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Then turning to some young people he said, “Don’t wait. Trust Jesus when you’re young. Give Him your best!” The old man sat down, and then a little girl spoke up and said, “I got saved too during these meetings.” She was so thankful to God for saving her so that all her life could be lived for her Saviour.

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

Another called, another brought, dear Saviour, to Thy feet!

Oh where are words to tell the joy so wonderful and sweet!

Another voice to tell it out what great things Thou hast done,

Another life to live for Thee, another witness won!

ML-03/19/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 14:8,9

AFTER washing his clothes the leper was to shave off all his hair. To an Israelite, used to a beard and a fine head of hair, this would be a great reproach; in fact in the law of Moses they were told not to “make baldness upon their head,” nor were they to shave off the corner of their beard (Lev. 21:5; 19:27). But in the case of the leper that which was his natural comeliness and glory as a man all had to come off. He was not to spare anything in which any impurity might lurk.

This would be very humiliating to the man, but we need to put self, and all that springs from self under the sharp edge of the Word of God. The cleansed leper would be an object of reproach and shame, but how much better to be cleansed and to be back among the Lord’s people in spite of reproach, than to be outside the camp, defiled and all alone, crying “Unclean!”

The believer also, cleansed by the blood of Christ, is also called upon to bear reproach and shame through being identified with the despised and lowly Jesus; but oh, how much better to be saved and enjoying the fellowship of God’s dear people, even amidst the reproach of this world. May we know more of what a privilege it is to share the reproach of Christ, who bore our sin and shame on the cross.

Then in verse 9 we learn that this purifying goes on to the end of our life down here. The blood of the slain little bird was sprinkled but once, but on the seventh day the man was to shave off not only his head and beard but eyebrows too; also he was to wash his clothes again and bathe his flesh in water.

This tells us that a Christian needs that continual washing of the Word to be cleansed from the defilements of this world. How wonderful for us that we have a Father who applies the Word to our souls and to our ways in the power of the Spirit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.

If we as Christians go on with the Lord, we shall get to know Him better, we shall want to be more like Him and less like the world. Therefore we shall realize more the need of that constant cleansing of the Word, applying it continually to our walk and ways.

The leper could not go home yet, but soon we shall be at home in the glory. There will be no need of washings up in that heavenly city, for there will be no defilements up there. All will be pure and holy, in the presence of God our Father and of Him who died to bring us there.

ML-03/19/1972

Jim: "A Skillful Skier"

JIM WAS sixteen, a high school student with a good academic and sports record. In the town where he lived he was known as a skillful skier with a number of trophies to his credit. He was young and like other young fellows thought he had a long life ahead. On this account he was not too concerned about his parents’ religion.

One day he complained to his father about a pain that was bothering him and it was decided they would go together to see the doctor. Jim was given a thorough medical examination.

In the weeks that followed his parents were to relive that moment of shock, when the doctor told them the grim news: “Jim has a terminal disease — little can be done, and it would be better not to tell him.” He was not told, and continued with his school work in what appeared to be good health.

One Sunday evening Jim accompanied his family to a gospel service. Immediately upon returning home he went to his room. Later, thinking all were asleep, he crept downstairs. Of course, his mother heard the gentle footsteps. Investigating, she found her once careless boy sitting under a lamp with an open Bible and a troubled face.

“Oh Mom,” he said, “I want to be saved.” No words could have been sweeter or more welcome to her ears.

She sat beside him and read such verses as 1 Timothy 1:15: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Also Romans 10:9: “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.”

Jim believed he was a sinner, guilty and without hope for eternity, but how could a sinner know he was saved?

As he read other familiar texts the light of the gospel dawned on him and he exclaimed, “God has said it! He cannot lie; I am saved!” The peace that “passeth all understanding” was now filling his heart.

About this time the doctor estimated Jim had six weeks to live and now Jim was told the truth about his illness. Only six weeks to live! How could anyone face such a prospect?

A gospel preacher in the town at this time visited him often, and remarked, “It was an experience I can never forget — a sixteen year old boy facing the reality of death with an indescribable peace filling his heart. He had a blessed assurance and a calm that could only be from God.”

Jim continued to speak of his Saviour and His death for him on the cross and he would get off his bed and kneel down to pray. At the end of a month he said, “These four weeks have been the best weeks of my life.” While his strength was ebbing away many of his classmates visited him. From him they heard the story of his conversion and the reason for his true peace.

One day a Christian nurse asked him, “Jim, are you glad you are saved?” His answer was “Thank God, Thank God!”

Later that same day Jim’s spirit passed peacefully Home to be with His Saviour. In the language of Scripture he was “absent from the body... present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Those who loved him could say, “We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best...” Jim has joined the ransomed in heaven, to sing the praises of the Lamb of God. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,... to Him be glory and dominion Forever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5,6.

Dear reader, how would you face eternity? Ponder the question well.

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

Gospel Monthly

ML-03/26/1972

Changed Lives

IT WAS at a Home for little girls and an evangelist was invited to come and speak to them of the Saviour. A number of meetings were held and there was great blessing. Many of the girls pressed faith in the Lord Jesus, and their changed lives spoke of the reality of their conversion to Christ.

One little girl, whose face was like a sunbeam, was asked two years later if she was saved. “Oh yes,” she said at once, “I am.” “But tell me,” said her friend, “How do you know you are saved?” “Because I am so happy,” she replied. “Are you saved because you are happy?” questioned her friend again. “Oh no,” she answered, “I am so happy because Jesus saved me.”

Another little girl, named Lucy, said, “Life seems so different since I trusted Jesus as my Saviour. I used to disobey, but now I like to obey.”

“There is a great change in the Home now,” said another little girl named Grace. “We speak nicer to each other and act nicer. A bad temper is one of my problems, but there will be no tempers in heaven.”

Still another little girl, Frances, said: “I used to get upset and angry when I could not do my lessons, now I ask Jesus to help me and He does. When I have a difficulty I ask Him to help me and it passes away.”

Jesus wants me to be loving,

And kind to all I see;

Showing how pleasant and happy

His little ones can be.

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

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

ML-03/26/1972

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

ML-03/26/1972

Bible Talks: The Cleansing of the Leper

Leviticus 14:10-17

THE SEVEN days had run their course; now we come to the eighth day. And here we have something entirely new and different; it marked a new beginning for the poor leper. The events of the eighth day foreshadow the work of the Lord Jesus in the light of His resurrection, they tell of the Christian’s enjoyment of the blessings grace has brought us into, and of the rich gift of the Holy Spirit. The light of the New Testament shines upon these sacred pages of the Old and reveals these wondrous things.

The leper was to bring a trespass offering, a sin offering, a burnt offering, a meat offering, and a log of oil. These all speak of Christ and His work for the glory of God and for the blessing of the sinner; they speak too of how the believer is brought into the enjoyment of all by the Spirit. They tell of the conscience cleansed from dead works to serve the living and true God, and of access into His presence. For on the eighth day the man was brought not only inside the camp but to the house of God, and there presented to the Lord. What a blessed place His grace brings us into.

The lamb of the trespass offering along with the log of oil was waved before the Lord. God will ever have Christ presented to Him in the power of the Spirit, for what infinite delight He finds in His beloved Son.

The trespass offering was slain in the same place as the sin offering and burnt offering, and we are told, “it is most holy.” God would ever have us remember the awfulness of sin in His sight and of how great the cost to put it away. And yet He would have all know too, that even when the Lord Jesus hung there upon the cross, with our sin and shame upon Him, He was most holy to God.

After the slaying of the lamb the priest was to take some of the blood and put it upon “the right ear, the right hand,... and the right foot” of the cleansed leper. All the man was thus brought under the most holy blood, what he hears, what he does, and his walk as well. He bongs wholly to God in thought, work, and in his ways.

In this we are reminded, dear young Christian, that we are not our own; as it says, in 1 Cor. 6:20: “ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The claims of God are upon everything that we do, everything that we hear, and wherever we go.

Then follows the sprinkling of the oil before the Lord. It is put in the same place where the blood had been, and is ever the type of the Holy Spirit. This prefigures the full blessing first enjoyed when the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. It is the power that brings us into the enjoyment of what Christ and His work is to God, and of our place now in Him through that same blessed Spirit.

The oil was put upon the right ear, the right thumb, and right great toe. The Spirit is the seal of the work of Christ in our souls, for God would have us know and enjoy our relation to Him. How much we owe to the blessed Spirit sent to dwell personally in us and with us, for by Him we dwell in God and He in us, forever (1 John 4).

Memory Verse: “O THAT THEY WERE WISE, THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THIS, THAT THEY WOULD CONSIDER THEIR LATTER END.” Deut. 32:29.

ML-03/26/1972

The Little Blind Girl

IT WAS A bitterly cold evening in December, and the stores were crowded with shoppers coming and going. Shop windows were colorfully dressed and brightly lighted for the festive season. In front of one of the large stores, and holding each other’s hand, three little girls stood gazing into the window. Their poor thin little bodies shivered beneath their scanty clothing, their teeth chattered with the cold, yet they were fascinated by the brilliant display of toys inside.

Only two of the little girls could see, for the one in the center was blind. Tucked underneath each arm was a little rag doll very likely picked up in an alley — but it cost nothing to look at the toys in the window.

Just at that moment a well-dressed man came rushing out of the store, his arm tucked full of toys for his own happy little family. He was a well-known surgeon, and almost bumped into the three little tykes gazing wistfully into the beautiful shop window. The sight touched his heart. He could see they were very poor, and he delayed for a moment to listen to their conversation.

“Over there,” said one of the little girls, “is a beautiful dolly’s house. It has windows that open and a real door —”

“Yes,” said the little girl on the other side, “and over there is the most beautiful doll with long brown curls. I think she can walk, and she closes her eyes when you lay her down Here the doctor interrupted and asked why two explained everything to the little girl in the center. Then stooping down and looking into her upturned eyes he saw that she was blind.

Putting his packages in the back of his car he came back to the three little waifs and asked about the little girl in the middle. “She ain’t got no momma,” said one.

“Her momma is dead,” spoke up the other one, “and she lives with us.”

The doctor told them who he was and since he seemed so kind, the little ones allowed him to take them home in his car. Down into the poor district they went and stopped in front of a typical slum dwelling.

An untidy woman appeared at the door and told him she had taken the little girl in the day her mother had died, and was doing her best to care for the little orphan.

Said the doctor: “I’m an eye specialist and I’m sure that if we were to operate on the little girl’s eyes she can see again. It will not cost you anything. If the operation is not successful the little one will not be the worse off, and if it is, she will see.”

So with the woman’s consent, he took the little girl with him to the hospital. The news traveled fast through the wards, and the little girl from off the street won the hearts of all the nurses and doctors and patients as well. More than one prayed that those little blind eyes would see.

The day came for the operation; soon it was all over. The little patient with her eyes all bandaged over was put back to bed. The door sat beside her and stroked her head. “It will be a while yet,” he said, “and then one at a time we shall take off the bandages and I believe, my little darling, you will be able to see for the first time in your life.”

The nurse was busy in the corner of the room. There stood a beautiful doll’s house — exactly the same as the one in the store window. And beside it there rested a beautiful doll with lovely brown curls, and many other pretty things that would delight a little girl.

Then the moment arrived. One by one the bandages came off. The nurse’s heart almost stopped beating, and the doctor’s hand quivered.

Slowly in the dimly lighted room the last bandage came off. The little eyelids raised. A smile came over the little face and with it a little gasp of joy. She saw — as far as she was able to see then. Later when her eyes would focus properly she would see perfectly. She looked at the bright lights, then at the dolls and the doll house. She gazed with rapture at the doctor.

“Don’t you like those pretty things?” he asked.

“Oh yes,” she replied, “I am very glad, but I’m gladdest ... most of all... for you!” She loved best of all the man who had given her sight.

May it be so between us and the Lord Jesus, dear young friends. Is He not “the chiefest among ten thousand” (Song of Sol. 5:10)? He who came to earth and died for sinners, so that we might be with Him in heaven? The way for a Christian, and the only way for a sinner, to honor Him is to believe on Him; for He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

He has opened the eyes of countless sinners to see in Himself the only Saviour, the “altogether lovely” One. If He is not that to you, come to Him today and let Him reveal Himself to your soul as the Friend and Saviour you need. Then you will be able to say like one of old, “one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25.

ML-04/02/1972

"Bless the Lads"

MRS. WILSON was a godly Christian mother and she had twin boys. George used to tell of how when they were in bed and supposedly asleep at night, their dear mother would come into the room and kneel and repeat fervently the words that old Jacob spoke to Joseph and his two sons: “The God which fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads.” Gen. 48:16.

George would lie with his eyes closed, but with ears well open so that he might enjoy it to the full. It gave intense pleasure to the boy and lived in his heart and memory when he was a man. George became a faithful servant of Christ in seeking to carry the gospel to the lost and perishing all around.

Memory Verse: “NONE... CAN BY ANY MEANS REDEEM HIS BROTHER, NOR GIVE TO GOD A RANSOM FOR HIM.” Psa. 49:7.

ML-04/02/1972

Bible Talks: The Cleansing of the Leper

Leviticus 14:18-32

“AND THE remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed.” This crowns all that had been put upon the peon of the leper previously, and shows how the whole man was to be brought under the power of the Spirit of God. Our thinking, all our thoughts should be under His control, while we are brought through Him into the enjoyment of the atoning work of Christ.

This is foreshadowed in the offering of the sin offering. The work of Christ has not only put away our sins, but the very nature that produced them has been judged at the cross. Then we have the burnt offering and we can enter into thoughts of how God has been glorified in the death of His Son.

Oh how fully our need has been met in Christ, and how wondrous the place into which we have been brought! Again it is said here of the leper, “He shall be clean.” God would have us know that we are clean “every whit,” but how many of His dear people are not in the enjoyment of this!

Then we read of God’s gracious provision for the poor leper who could not afford the offerings called for in his cleansing. This goes bond the fact the leper might not have any earthly resources, and tells of spiritual poverty. But God is full of compassion to one poor in faith due to faulty teaching in divine things. Few rise up to the riches of God’s grace in its Christian fullness. But the truth must be maintained even though there might be a lack in measure of apprehension.

If the leper was unable to take two unblemished lambs and one ewe lamb, he was to take one lamb, one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil. This was required from rich and poor alike. The blood and the oil were applied by the priest to the poor man exactly as to the richest.

But two turtle doves, or pigeons, such as he could get, were sufficient, one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. We can see how that the man’s poverty must not hinder his full cleansing and acceptance before the Lord. How precious the rich mercy of God and His love for even the poorest sinner.

How often is our apprehension of Christ poor. But where there is faith to trust in His precious blood, there is pardon and cleansing. No one who ever came to God in the precious name of Jesus was ever turned away. It is God’s estimation of the worth of Christ on which all depends, not on our feeble apprehension. If we come in the value of that name we are accepted in Him.

If the reader be one who feels his unworthiness to come to God, come simply as you are in that Name which is above every name, and all will be well.

ML-04/02/1972

"He Wanted to Die in the Harness!"

IT WAS UP in the vast snowy wastes of Northern Canada and the biting winds blowing down from the Arctic piled the snow in great white drifts all around. An old missionary and a younger man sat around the cheering camp fire and gazed at the blazing logs.

“How many years have you been here?” asked Jim.

“Forty years have I carried the gospel of Christ throughout these regions,” replied Charles Thompson, “traveling by boat, horse, on foot and dog team. Summer suns, wintry blasts, storms and sunshine — I weather them each month of the year.”

“But you’re getting too old for such hard work,” suggested Jim. “Not many men would keep on as you are.”

“Perhaps so,” replied Charles say. “At my age, sixty, many men are ready to quit, but that’s why I want you to take over part of the work. But, me quit? Never!”

Jim looked at the old missionary who had labored throughout that vast northern country visiting the scattered settlers, trappers, traders, and Eskimos, bringing them the sweet story of the Saviour who died for sinners everywhere.

“Tell me, did you ever feel tempted to quit?” asked Jim.

The old man thought for a moment and then he said: “Yes, I remember once when I almost decided to quit the work. I got discouraged, doubts and fears assailed me, and my heart grew faint. I had been here about five years when I met a man who told me he knew of an opening in the city where there was a need for one to preach Christ there. He said it would be an easier life, that I would have a great many more to preach to, and I could enjoy the comforts of modern life without having to battle these northern elements.

“I must confess,” the old man went on, “that the picture he painted appealed to me, and I was almost tempted to tell him I would accept, but decided I would think it over first.

“I had planned a trip which would take me 500 miles over these snowy wastes, and I was to tell him when I got back.

“I had a wonderful dog team, five fine huskies, but the best was my lead dog, Hero. Strong, wise and courageous, Hero could follow a trail even when it was buried deep in the snow. We had gone 400 miles when Hero took sick. I could see that he lacked his usual vigor that morning, and by noon he could hardly keep going, though he showed no intention of quitting. Early that afternoon I stopped and doctored him up some, hoping he would improve through the night.

“Morning came and Hero was in his place as the lead dog. I looked into his eyes and a look of pride shone in them. I patted him on the head and spoke a word of encouragement to him. At my signal he leaped forward pulling the rest of the team into line.

“In less than an hour he stumbled and fell, too weak to travel further. He started to his feet again, but never was there such a pathetic sorrowful look in his eyes. The noble dog was near the end of his course. Still, he wanted to die on the trail.

“The brave fellow tried to stagger on without a signal from me” — the old missionary paused to wipe a tear from his eye — “then he fell, never to rise again. The end had come. Hero died in the harness.

“Many were the tears I shed that day as I knew my faithful partner of many trails was gone. I built a fire to thaw the ground and there buried him. Dear old Hero! Faithful, loyal to the end.

“All the thoughts of the ease and luxury in the new position in the city left me then and there, never to return. A dog’s loyalty to me shamed me in my loyalty to Christ. One of His faithful creatures had taught me a lesson. That night I looked up into the stars and thanked my blessed Lord for the privilege of serving Him in the gospel, and I asked Him for the grace to serve Him in this place where He put me, until I die in my tracks.”

Dear reader, that blessed Saviour and Friend, did not stop short of death to prove His love to you and me. He died for us! May the response of our heart be “Lord Jesus I take Thee as my Saviour; now, Lord, help me to live for Thee and serve Thee here until the end.”

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

ML-04/09/1972

Just One Little Girl

DR. TYNG of New York City told the story of how one night when he was to preach at a hall a dreadful snow storm was raging. No one showed up for the service but one little girl.

Dr. Tyng went earnestly through the whole gospel service as if the place was crowded. That was the beginning of days for little Joy for she was won for Christ that night.

Joy became a faithful little soul winner and Dr. Tyng said he knew of over twenty others who were brought to the Saviour through her testimony. Among them, he said, was Tommy, his own little boy.

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

“For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Matt. 18:10,11.

ML-04/09/1972

Nicodemus

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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.

Memory Verse: “I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE HEARD ME, AND DELIVERED ME FROM ALL MY FEARS.” Psa. 34:4.

ML-04/09/1972

Bible Talks: Leprosy in the House

Leviticus 14:33-57

THERE IS still one more case of leprosy and this is reserved for the end — that is, leprosy in the house. When these instructions were given Israel was still in the wilderness, dwelling in tents, but they would apply when they were “come into the land of Canaan.” For our instruction the Christian assembly is here typified, that which is formed on earth by the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Christians are seen as “living stones,” “builded together as a habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22).

But men build too and so we find in the “great house” (2 Tim. 2:20) that which defiles and corrupts as well as that which is precious and holy. Any allowance of evil is “a plague in the house.” God insists on holiness in His presence; thus we read “Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord, Forever.” Psa. 93:5.

If there seemed to be a plague in the house the priest was to command that they empty the house first of all, “that all that is in the house be not made unclean.” After that the priest would go in and inspect the house. If he found in the walls greenish or reddish hollow streaks, he would order the house to be shut up seven days. Then on the seventh day he would come again and look, and if the plague had spread in the house he would command that they take away the stones in which the plague was. One who had an interest in the house was not to be indifferent to any suspicious signs of evil, yet he himself was not to be the judge. Judgment was reserved for the priest, whose place now would be taken by faithful, godly men who are true “doorkeepers in the house of God” (Psa. 84:10) and who under the Lord’s guidance are chosen to act for Him and for His glory. The seven days allowed to run their course speak of how there was to be neither haste nor indifference, but calmness and patience all through. Perhaps things might not be as bad as it first seemed, and no action would be necessary. But if the evil had spread, then those who were affected by it were to be put outside the assembly, and the saints would prove themselves pure in the matter.

The house was then to be scraped, other stones replaced those taken away, and other mortar put in. How this tells of proper cleansing and care necessary to preserve the purity of that place which the Lord deigns to fill with His presence.

If after all this the plague broke out again in the house, the priest was to come and look, and if the plague had spread then the house was judged unclean. There was no remedy, and the house was to be torn down. How sad to think that there have been cases where evil has been unjudged and allowed to abide in a Christian assembly; it has become a leprous house, and the Lord has had to disown it.

However, it is lovely to see the provision made if the plague were checked in time, for the house could then be preserved by that which figured the death of Christ. The cedar wood (man’s greatness), the scarlet (man’s glory), the hyssop (man’s littleness), and the living bird were all to be dipped in the blood of the bird that had been killed over running water. The house was sprinkled seven times with the blood of the slain bird, speaking of the perfect cleansing by the blood of Christ. Then the living bird was let go into the open fields, atonement was complete, and the house declared clean.

Truly God’s only way of cleansing and blessing, whether for the individual or for the whole assembly, is through the death and shedding of the blood of Christ, His beloved Son.

ML-04/09/1972

The Little Blind Girl

TWO WEEKS ago we told you the story of the little blind girl, and of how an eminent surgeon performed an operation on her eyes and she was able to see for the first time in her life. This week we give you the very interesting and happy sequel to that story.

A well-known evangelist was holding gospel meetings in Baltimore, and one night he told the story of the little blind girl who was made to see. He went on to tell how the gentleman stood beside the three little girls at the shop window for some time and listened to their conversation. He said it was most interesting to hear them trying to describe the different articles to the blind child, but they found it a difficult task.

Said the evangelist: “That is just my position in trying to tell others about Christ. I may talk about Him, and yet they see no beauty in Him that they should desire Him. But if they will only come to Him, He will open their eyes and reveal Himself to them in all His loveliness and grace as a Saviour and Friend of sinners.”

There came to those meetings a man who did not believe in God and scoffed at the Bible. He believed that the stories the evangelist told were just made up. He came with the express purpose of trying to catch the evangelist in his remarks and intended to expose him in the newspapers.

After the meeting the infidel came to the evangelist and asked him where he got that story about the little blind girl. The evangelist said he had read it in the Boston paper. What was his surprise when the man told him that it had happened right there in the streets of Baltimore, and that he was the very man referred to in the story. It all made such an impression on him that he gave up all his infidel thoughts, humbled himself before God and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. He became a bright witness for Christ in the city where he lived.

How wonderful are the ways of God and how rich is His grace toward sinners who deserve nothing but judgment. He used a little blind girl in order to bring blessing to that man. The blind scoffer got his eyes opened to see in Jesus the “altogether lovely” One.

The psalmist could say, “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psa. 103:10-12.

ML-04/16/1972

Snoopy's New House

STEVE and his little brothers, next door neighbors, got a couple of big packing cases from our parking lot and built a nice new home for Snoopy, their pup. Snoopy is quite pleased to have a house he can call his own.

Most dogs in our land have a house or a barn to live in. The Lord Jesus, as Creator, provides for the little creatures He has made. But He Himself had no home of His own on earth. He could say, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” Matt. 8:20.

Yet, by His death on the cross, He has prepared a home in heaven for all those that know Him as their Saviour. One day soon He’s coming to take them there. We hope each dear reader will be among those who love Him and wait for His coming.

“I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2,3.

ML-04/16/1972

Look up

A MISSIONARY had been working among the natives in the interior of South Africa for many months. He had not been able to get out to the coast for supplies, nor had he seen a white man for a long time. His clothes were worn and tattered and his boots were almost gone.

At last the opportunity came for him to go to the coast. He had no funds but he trusted God to supply his need. Sure enough, after he got there, the Lord was good to him, and before he started back into the interior a friend presented him with a nice new pair of leather boots.

It was a long way back to his station and he had to walk all the way, accompanied by several faithful natives. It was a rainy season and the rain poured down all day long. At night they made a fire and the missionary lay down to rest. Everything was wet, but he made the best of it.

The missionary dropped off to sleep. One of his Christian baggage carriers, who loved him very dearly and wished to help him in every way he could, thought he would dry the missionary’s boots. Not knowing any better, he set them too close to the fire. Before long the leather toes were burned to a crisp.

In the morning the young native told the missionary he had dried his boots for him and seemed to feel his friend should be very proud of him. However, when he put on his boots the toes fell out. This was almost too much for the missionary. So great was his disappointment that he almost felt like giving the young fellow a thorough scolding. However, instead he thanked the poor fellow, and put on his boots, and they started on their way. The disappointment was hard to forget, but after all the boy had not intentionally done wrong. He must forgive him.

When he looked down and saw the toes out of his boots he became quite blue and discouraged, but when he looked up and got his eyes on the Lord he felt better.

As he traveled on, whenever he looked down he would become sad, but as long as he looked up he had victory.

How true this is for a Christian. If we look down or within there is so much to make us feel discouraged and unhappy, but when we look up and look on we can rise above our sorrows; “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:37).

Dear Christian, keep looking up.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.... When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Col. 3:2,4.

Memory Verse: “THE LORD IS MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS, SLOW TO ANGER, AND PLENTEOUS IN MERCY.” Psa. 103:8.

ML-04/16/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 15:1-33

WE NOW pass from leprosy to other defilements. They indicate the sad and shameful effects of sin. They might not be so serious as leprosy, nevertheless they called for cleansing.

To no other nation but Israel had God taken such pains to show where the human race is through sin. If God Himself did not teach us through His Word, we would never learn the truth as to man’s shameful fall and of the effects of sin upon all Adam’s children. Israel learned it through the law; “through the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20); however, through Christ and His cross we learn in the fullest and most perfect way what sin is in all its loathesomeness and hatefulness to God.

Man is not as God created him; he has fallen, and here we read how God instructed the Israelite of old to judge his state. It was not pure and sinless nature as it came from the hand of God, but nature ruined and unclean.

Human standards might be well enough for other nations, for the world around us, but an Israelite was to submit to the God of Israel regulating the entire life of His earthly people, both public and prate. It was impossible for the Israelite to avoid these terms, nor would the godly wish to do so, but would welcome them because they were from the Lord Himself.

These cases of physical uncleanness speak to us of a deeper evil. The Lord said to the multitude, “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man, but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Matt. 15:11. And he went on to tell His disciples, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart; and they defile the man.” v. 18.

Every case demanded purifying. The Jew was to use water, but to us cleansing is through the washing of water by the Word, the water that flowed from Christ in death, as we read in John 19 and 1 John 5.

Some of these things mentioned could not be prevented and were even necessary; still the Word of God (like the water) needs to be constantly applied to all our ways. One might have an infirmity which he cannot help or prevent, but still he needs the application of the Word and the death of Christ lest his infirmity be a means of his getting out of communion with the Lord.

Seven days, a complete term, was necessary for cleansing. The man’s clothes were to be washed and his person bathed in running water. Then on the eighth day he was to take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the Lord. Rich and poor alike were to bring the same. One little bird was offered as the sin offering, and the other as a burnt offering. One was to put away the evil and the other to impart full acceptance in all the worthiness of Christ. Thus the day of resurrection was the day of deliverance, and defilement was a thing of the past, but not without recalling to us Christ, the One great sacrifice.

In that soon coming day Israel will rejoice to sing, “Bless the Lord, O my soul,... who healeth all thy diseases” (Psa. 103:2,3); and we, His heavenly people, called on high, shall sing His praise in brighter and better scenes, where sin can never come.

ML-04/16/1972

Jose Finds the Saviour

JOSE, a little South American Indian boy, was the son of a poor traveling musician. His father would often go away on long trips and not come back for many days. Much of his earnings he spent on rum so that he was a very poor man. He never had enough money to feed and clothe his family properly. His poor wife was sad and discouraged, for she did not know the Lord Jesus who is the Saviour and Friend of all who come to Him in their need.

One day, having grown tired of her miserable lot, Jose’s mother decided to go to the big city hoping she could find work there. Just at that time the father too went off on one of his long trips. Their poor little children were left alone. How sad and lonely they were and how often they wished that Mother would come back soon. Jose was cold and hungry in the little hut they called home, and many a night he cried himself to sleep waiting and longing for Mother to come back.

Finally one day he said to his brothers and sisters, “I’ve got to find Mother or I’ll die. I’m going to the big city.”

It was many days’ journey but Jose started off on foot. He trudged along day after day in the heat, sustained by the hope that he would soon find his mother.

One day he came in sight of the great city. A few more weary miles and he was there, footsore and tired. There were crowds of people, but they took no notice of a little poor barefoot boy. He wandered down one street and up another, wondering how he would ever find his mother in such a big place. Jose did not know the Lord Jesus, but he prayed very earnestly as he searched up and down the long rows of streets.

Days went by, and at last he found her. She was living in a little bamboo hut with other poor people like herself. Oh how glad she was to see Jose and she kissed him.

“Dear Mother,” said Jose, “I have come all this way to be with you. I want to find work and then I will help you.”

That night he discovered that his mother had another husband, and Jose’s new father did not take very kindly to him. Jose got a job but his earnings were very small. Still he was a good boy and he brought all he earned home to his mother. They were very poor and barely made a living.

The new father drank heavily and was very unkind to Jose. One day he said to him, “I’m tired of having you around. You can’t stay here any longer.”

Poor little Jose! How sad he felt to be cast out into the big world all alone! He did not know what it was to call on the Lord Jesus in his need. He knew not the comfort of the Scriptures, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1; or “call upon Me in the day of trouble. I will diver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15.

Still he did pray and the Lord Jesus heard the cry of the sad and lonely little Indian boy. One day he walked into a drug store and the druggist gave him a job. He was a good little worker, willing and obedient, and got along well with his boss.

Several years went by and he met Maria, a young lady who also worked for the druggist. Jose fell in love with her and wished to marry her.

But she told him, “I am a Christian, and you are not.”

Jose was so surprised. “Am I not a Christian?” he exclaimed. “I was baptized and went to church and prayed many times!”

“But that doesn’t make you a Christian,” returned Maria faithfully. “I learned to love the Lord Jesus as my Saviour and we pray only to Him. He hears our prayers and sends all we need. We go to a little mission and there we read and are taught to understand the Bible which is God’s Word.”

“Could I go there too?” asked Jose, touched by Maria’s simple testimony.

“You would have a hearty welcome,” answered Maria, for she loved to speak of Jesus to others.

Jose began to attend the meetings and it was not long before he felt his need of the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. One day he got down on his knees and prayed, asking God to forgive his sins, and he was so happy when the Lord Jesus came and filled his heart. How changed his life was now! How he wished that his father and mother also loved Jesus. He continually prayed and asked God to save them too.

Jose and Maria were married and were very happy together now that they both loved the Lord Jesus. The druggist liked Jose and increased his wages. He studied for three years and was very happy in his home and at work. However, he and Maria had a longing to go back and tell his own people the story of Jesus’ love, to those who never heard before. One day he gave up his job and they both went to live in the jungles. They had just a poor little home, and could not afford the fine foods that we have on our tables, but they were very happy to tell their Indian people the blessed message of the gospel.

“We don’t mind if we don’t have nice things,” said Maria, “if only we can help these people to love our precious Saviour.”

“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you.... I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:15,16.

ML-04/23/1972

God Is Not Mocked

ONE Sunday afternoon when I was a boy, I was in our Sunday school class as usual, but our teacher did not show up. After the usual singing of the hymns and prayer, we all went to our own class rooms, but we boys kept very quiet so no one would notice that we were without a teacher.

However, time began to drag heavily, and Satan, who finds plenty of mischief for “idle hands” to do, soon had it all his own way.

To while away the time, one boy proposed that we should have a mock “revival” meeting. Accordingly one boy, Tom, kneeled down, and pretended to be crying to the Lord for mercy. Amid much laughter from the rest, Fred, another boy, kept telling him to look to Jesus. This dreadful mockery went on for some time.

I was not a Christian at that time, but I had godly Christian parents, and I knew enough to know that this awful scene was displeasing to God. I longed that someone would open the door and stop it: but I did not have the courage to speak up and seek to turn my fellow-classmates from carrying on.

I do not know if Tom, the ringleader of this affair, is dead or alive now, nor do I know if he ever left off to mock. But as for Fred, the other boy, I am so very pleased to tell you that not so long after this event, instead of only pretending to pray, he really did seek and obtain mercy of the Lord.

Poor Fred took sick one day and never recovered. As he died he looked up and clapped his hands saving —

O how happy we shall be,

For our Saviour we shall see

Exalted on His throne.

The Lord in grace saved the very boy who not long before had mocked Him.

Dear readers, “Be not mockers,” but rather “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isa. 55:6. He will answer He will save you.

ML-04/23/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 16:1,2

“AND THE LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died; and the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.”

As far as we can see, Aaron had had liberty to enter into the presence of God, within the veil. But now, after the failure of the priesthood, when his own sons had offered strange fire before the Lord and died in their sin — all was changed. Aaron could only come into the holy place within the veil upon a certain day, and only under certain conditions.

God would not allow Aaron now to come into His presence in his proper priestly dress, in those “robes for glory and beauty” suited to God’s glory, and which God had made for him; he must come now in a plain pure white linen dress.

Furthermore, instead of entering into God’s presence to enjoy counion with Him, he must come bringing with him the tokens of how terrible a thing sin is. His very dress now as he came in would show how great the difference there was between this time and that day when he had first put on those beautiful garments; and while to enter God’s presence without blood would now be certain death, yet even with the blood he did not now enter in order that he might remain there. He was to sprinkle the blood to make atonement in the holy place, and then he must come out again.

“He shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel.” Even the tabernacle, God’s house, was defiled. We see sin in its character of rebellion against God’s majesty in Nadab and Abihu; here it appears in all its uncleanness the vast gulf between it and the glory of God.

In Hebrews 9 and 10 we have this chapter of Leviticus put into New Testament language. Sin is revolt against God, it is also unclean; but the atoning work of Christ meets it both in its rebellion and in its uncleanness.

If we were to take every character of sin there is, we will find the atoning work of Christ has met each and all. There is nothing in the character and nature of God dishonored and violated by sin, which has not been glorified by Christ. Is man a sinner and vile? The Lord Jesus was the holy One of God. Was man selfish? Jesus Christ pleased not Himself. There is not a black spot which sin has brought in that is not blotted out by the glory of Christ. He is the One of whom we read in Hebrews in contrast with what we have in our chapter.

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Heb. 9:12.

ML-04/23/1972

The Sailor's Gospel

DR. ROBERT ANDERSON, the gifted Bible teacher, was vising with some relatives. It was Sunday afternoon, and a young university student, home on vacation stopped in also for a visit and stayed for supper. The young fellow came from a wealthy home and was quite talented.

After supper the Doctor said he was going to a gospel service at the nearby mission and invited the young man to go along. He did so and the two friends listened with some curiosity to a gospel address by a sailor whose English was far from college level. Certainly he did not handle his subject in a way that would appeal to educated men. Going home from the meeting the two friends agreed that they had not been edified nor impressed.

They joined the family at supper and about ten o’clock Dr. Anderson walked with his friend down the drive to say goodnight at the gate. It was snowing hard and very cold. To their astonishment, sitting at the gate who should they see but the sailor-preacher, his teeth chattering with the cold.

Getting down from the gate, the sailor excused himself for speaking, and as Doctor Anderson said when telling the story, “if he could not put two sentences together in the hall, he could scarcely speak at all now from the cold.”

But he said, addressing the university student, “I have been waiting to ask you, sir, if you are saved.”

The young man condescended to reply in a few words expressing his tolerance of such a question, but that was as far as it went, and the sailor went on his way.

But that was not the end of the matter for the young man said to Dr. Anderson, “Well, I never saw anything like it in my life. That poor fellow has been waiting all these hours to ask me that question. It is quite clear that he has got something that I haven’t!”

So impressed was he by that one and only thing that was clear that after some further conversation he accepted Christ as his Saviour that night. The change in his life proved that God had used a poor uneducated sailor to bring the Light of Life to a man to whom education was, till then, the only equipment for a successful career.

Memory Verse: “THIS POOR MAN CRIED, AND THE LORD HEARD HIM, AND SAVED HIM OUT OF ALL HIS TROUBLES.” Psa. 34:6.

ML-04/23/1972

Nevada Joe

NEVADA JOE was the toughest cowboy on the J-B Ranch. Just about everybody was really afraid of him. He could pull out his two guns, where he carried them on his belt, and shoot the tops off bottles at a distance, with both hands at the same time. People called him “Two-Gun Joe,” because he always carried those two guns with him wherever he went.

Timmy Edwards, who was ten years old, was spending the time while school was closed at his Uncle Ben’s summer shack near the J-B Ranch, where Joe both lived and worked.

It was a warm day in July and Timmy was walking down the road by himself. He had his Bible in his hand, because he had been reading and learning some verses from memory, to get a prize at Sunday school in Barnsboro, eighty miles away, a town where his Daddy and mother lived. Just when Timmy was walking along the road, Joe came riding by on his palomino pony. As he came near where Timmy was, he drew rein and his pony stopped. He turned in his saddle and in a heavy voice asked, “Hello, kid. What’s that book you’ve got in your hand?”

“A Bible,” Tim replied. “This is the Book that tells us all about Jesus, the One who can save us from punishment for all our sins.”

Joe didn’t say any more but giving a rough laugh, he dug his spurs into his horse and took off down the road in a cloud of dust.

The next afternoon, about five o’clock, there was a heavy knock at the door of the shack where Timmy’s uncle Ben lived. Tim went to the door and there stood a tall cowboy, dressed in blue jeans and wearing a broad brimmed hat, the biggest Timmy had ever seen.

“Are you the kid that Two-Gun Joe saw with a book in your hand yesterday?” the cowboy asked.

“Yes,” Tim replied, “I am.”

“Well, Joe has been kicked in the head by a horse, and he’s a dyin', it looks like, and he asked me if I’d come and get you to read your Book to him. He says his mother eased to read to him out of that Book when he was a kid, just like you. If you’ll come, I’ll take you on my horse and bring you back.

Tim asked his uncle if he might go, and his uncle said yes, he could. So the big cowboy lifted Timmy, with his Bible, onto his waiting horse. Then they rode slowly to the shack where Joe lay in his bunk, his head all wrapped in bandages.

“Here’s the kid with the Book, Joe,” the cowboy announced, as he lead Timmy into the room where a little oil lamp was burning low.

“Say, will you please read me something out of that book, kid?” Joe asked slowly, in a low voice.

“I sure will,” said Tim. Then he read a verse he learned to say from memory: “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.

Looking up, Tim saw tears in Joe’s eyes. “Read me some more,” he said, and Timmy read again: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3.

“Read again,” again asked Joe. And Timmy read: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Then Timmy spoke: “If you ask Jesus to come into your heart, Mr. Joe, and trust Him as your Saviour, because He died for your sins, God will save you, just like He saved me when I asked Him to come into my heart last year at Sunday school in Barnsboro".

Joe slowly closed his eyes; his lips moved in prayer. Tim could hear him say almost in a whisper: “Lord Jesus, come into my heart, and save me from my many sins.” Then a smile came over Joe’s face, and a look of peace settled down on his countenance. The Lord Jesus had answered his prayer; he had saved Joe when he trusted Him as his Saviour, just like he had saved Timmy in the Sunday school at Barnsboro.

The next morning at 9:00 o’clock, Joe passed away. One day he and Timmy Edwards, and all who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, will meet in heaven.

Have you, dear reader, ever asked the Lord Jesus to save you, like Timmy and Joe did? If you never have, why not bow your head now, close your eyes, and ask Him, who hears you, though you cannot see Him, to come into your heart and be your Saviour? Has He not 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.” Rev. 3:20.

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

Continental Press

ML-04/30/1972

Baby and the Snake

A CHRISTIAN mother once had left her little baby girl out in the yard to play. When she looked out a few minutes later she saw to her horror that the child had hold of a very poisonous snake. What could she do? She was afraid that if she ran out and took hold of the snake it would surely bite the child, and its bite would mean death. So she knelt down and earnestly prayed to God to keep her little one from being bitten by the snake.

Even as she arose from prayer, a tame cat came into the yard, and the little one still unharmed, seeing the pussy, threw the snake away, and began to stroke the cat.

The mother at once seized the child, hurried it from the place of danger, and poured out her thanks to the Lord for delivering the little one from harm.

Dear boys and girls, sin is like that poisonous snake. It looks harmless, but it is a dangerous plaything and it will bite at the end. We read in James 1:15, “Sin, when it is fished, bringeth forth death.” Hover, when we take the Lord Jesus into our hearts, sin loses its power to charm. Our hearts have something better, pleasures that leave no sting, that do not fade, even pleasures forevermore.

ML-04/30/1972

The Chinese Bandit

A CHRISTIAN farmer in China, named Tung, was attacked in his home by bandits in the dead of night. They bound him, set fire to his home, and robbed him of all his possessions. Although this Christian man suffered terribly, he bore it in a meek and Christian spirit, and made no complaint to the officials.

The next year, while in town, he met a sick man, whom he recognized as one of the leaders of the band that had robbed him. The robber recognized the farmer and quickly covered his face with his clothes, hoping he would not be recognized.

“Don’t do that,” said Mr. Tung, “I am not your enemy.”

Hearing this the robber fell on his knees, and begged for his life. Tung replied: “What has brought you to this plight? I have told you I am not your enemy. Tell me about yourself.”

The robber replied: “Last winter our band was driven out by the government troops into the wilds. We lost the road. It was bitter cold; we traveled all night. My feet were frozen when we got to the inn, and I have been here for two months. My bills are piling up, and I am without clothes, and almost ready to die.”

Tung then took out his purse and handed him 5,000 cash (a coin of very low value), and said: “Go pay your bill, and get something to eat. Tomorrow I will come and take you to the hospital for treatment.”

The robber instantly thought this was a scheme to trap him and turn him over to the officials. He went back to the inn, and spent a sleepless night thinking over the whole matter. Then he decided to run away, but alas, his feet were swollen and he could not escape!

The next day according to his promise Tung came with a cart and persuaded the bandit to go to the hospital, paying all the expenses himself. In his heart he thought: “This robber will hear the gospel there, and may be converted.”

The poor fellow was much moved and burst into tears. “I never saw such kindness; one will never find it outside the religion of Jesus Christ. Such feelings of compassion have never been shown in China before. I will not die. I will trust JESUS.”

And the repentant fellow did not die. He went out of the hospital a well man both in body and soul, for Christ had found him, he had trusted Him as his Saviour, and became one of His faithful followers.

Tung spent a good many dollars to meet his expenses, but there was one more true servant of God in China because of the kindness he had shown to the bandit.

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44.

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

ML-04/30/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 16

WE HAVE in this wonderful portion of scripture the work of the Lord Jesus set forth typically in a two-fold way: as it applies to believers now who form the Church of God, and to the elect nation of Israel by-and-by.

We learn from John 11, in the words of the high priest, that it was expedient that one should die for the people, that the whole nation perish not. He prophesied that “Jesus should die for that nation.” Then we read in Ephesians 5:25, “Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” We thus see that Christ is the Redeemer of His earthly people Israel, as well as of His heavenly people, who form “the Church, which is His body.”

The distinction between those who are to be blessed on the earth, and those who are partakers of the heavenly calling is very clearly kept up in Scripture. These two aspects of the work of Christ in redemption are remarkably set forth typically in that which took place on the great day of atonement.

Aaron not only sets forth Christ as having gone into heaven itself for us by His own blood, but also the access which we as believers now have through the veil, “that is to say, His flesh” (Heb. 10:20) because He is there, and His blood ever speaks there for us. Hebrews 9 and 10 bring this before us and should be read in connection with this chapter. Aaron could not come at all times within the veil, under penalty of death, except once a year, and then not without blood and in cense; so it is no one can approach God except by Jesus and His blood.

God’s way of blessing to sinful man can only be through the offering of a sacrifice — the laying down of a life, the shedding of the blood of another on his behalf. This is true whether in regard to Israel or the Church, and as we have seen the work of Christ’s sacrifice avails for both. However, Israel’s understanding and entrance into this infinitely precious work will be very different to what ours is. Therefore different typical offerings were needed to set forth this remarkable difference. Aaron and his house set forth Christ and the Church, therefore a bullock was called for, but where Israel is represented two kids of the goats for a sin offering were to be brought. Aaron brought the bullock for himself and his house (vv. 3,6), but the two goats for a sin offering for the people he took from the children of Israel (vv. 5-15). We are told that in the case of the latter, it was because of “the uncleanness of the children of Israel.”

Aaron’s sons were priests to God; so are we. They were priests by calling and consecration; so are we. Then they were connected with Aaron by birth; and we are in relation with Christ by new birth. Also they were only in constant association with Aaron in the daily business of the sanctuary; so we are in association with Christ our great High Priest in the sanctuary which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Memory Verse: “INCLINE YOUR EAR, AND COME UNTO ME: HEAR, AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE.” Isa. 55:3.

ML-04/30/1972

A Mother's Love

THE American bald and golden eagles of our country do not carry away small children, but in a distant land a great eagle once carried off a small baby. The mother had set the little one outdoors in the sunshine. While she was busy indoors the great bird swooped silently down, grasped the little one in its great claws, and flew away. The mother came out just in time to see the eagle heading for the mountainside with her precious child in its great claws.

Frantically she called to the men nearby for help and several of them rushed to the rescue. The eagle rose higher and higher until it reached a shelf high up on the mountainside where it had its nest, or eyrie. There it deposited the infant child.

The men raced up the slope and began to climb the steep cliffs; but in vain. One by one they dropped out of the race, afraid of the dizzy heights above, until the last man gave up.

Not so the mother of the child. When she saw the men turn back, urged on by a mother’s love to almost superhuman strength and courage, she pressed on up the dangerous heights above, nor did she stop until she finally reached the narrow shelf on which the eagle had its nest. There she found her precious babe crying, but unharmed. The great bird flew around threatening to attack, but she snatched up her child, and eventually both were safely down the mountainside. Such was the strength of a mother’s love.

We can tell you today, dear young friends, of a love which went far beyond that mother’s love for her child — a love which many waters could not quench, nor the floods drown; a love which was stronger than death (Song of Sol. 8:7). It is the love of Him who died upon the cross to redeem and rescue sinners taken captive by Satan, those about to perish in an eternal hell.

The mother risked her life for her child, but the Lord Jesus gave His for you and me. What is the answer of your heart to such love as this? Is not the Saviour worthy of your all? Well may the language of your heart be, “Lord Jesus, I take Thee as my Saviour.”

Memory Verse: “BEHOLD, GOD IS MY SALVATION; I WILL TRUST, AND NOT BE AFRAID.” Isa. 12:2.

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly;... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:6,8.

ML-05/07/1972

Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 9

MEPHIBOSHETH was the son of Jonathan, David’s dear friend, who was the son of King Saul. Saul hated David and when David fled for his life, Saul hunted him among the caves and in the mountains, seeking to kill him. But God watched over David for He was going to make him king of Israel one day.

Mephibosheth was still a little child when the sad news came that Saul and Jonathan had been slain in the battle with the Philistines. His nurse, fearing that David in revenge might slay all the house of Saul, picked up little Mephibosheth in her arms and fled. As she ran she dropped him, and he was lame on both his feet for the rest of his life.

Like Mephibosheth, we have all had a fall. In the garden of Eden man fell through sin, and we are but sons of fallen Adam — lame, stricken by sin. Fallen man, unless redeemed by Christ, cannot walk one step pleasing to God.

After David was crowned king, instead of taking vengeance on the house of Saul, he sought to show them grace and mercy. “Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him?” he asked.

He was told that Jonathan had a son, named Mephibosheth, who dwelt in far off Lodebar, a barren desert place. So King David sent his servants to bring Mephibosheth to Jerusalem. Poor Mephibosheth! How he must have trembled all along the way, wondering what King David would say, and when he came to David he fell on his face before him. But David spoke so kindly to him, and said, “Fear not; for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake.” He told him he was going to restore to him all the land of Saul his grandfather, but best of all, he said, “Thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”

Mephibosheth was overcome by such kindness. He was only a dead dog, he said, and not worthy of such grace.

But so it was, Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem and day after day he sat at David’s table and did eat as one of the king’s sons. How David must have loved to look over the table and see Mephibosheth there, for in his face he saw the likeness of his dear friend Jonathan. And God looks down in love upon His redeemed children for in each one He sees the likeness of Christ, His dear Son.

This story is one of the gems of Scripture. For in David’s desire to show kindness to his enemies we see the heart of God going out in love to sinners in a world that crucified His Son. Yet guilty man is afraid to meet God, and perhaps the reader is one who fears to meet Him. But if you will come to Him and take the low place like Mephibosheth did, you will be surprised at the loving welcome that you will get. “Fear not,” said David to Mephibosheth, and God will delight to dispel all your guilty fear for Jesus’ sake, He who died to put your sins away.

It took but the word of the king, and from the dry and cheerless desert Mephibosheth was transported into the love, the joy and the plenty of David’s presence. David provided everything, and God delights, for Christ’s sake, to lavish the riches of His grace upon redeemed sinners whom He brings into His presence. They sit at the King’s table. They eat the “bread of God,” which is Christ Himself (John 6:33); they enjoy what God enjoys, for He only gives the best.

Mephibosheth grew to love David better every day, and those who dwell in the presence of Jesus enter more deeply into His love, and they love Him more, as time goes on.

“And [Mephibosheth] was lame on both his feet.” He never forgot the fall he had, and we, as redeemed sinners, shall never forget what we once were. But it will never cause a note of sadness, for it will only draw out our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to Him whose love went out to us when we were far off, who brought us to Himself, and makes us at home in His presence — forever.

ML-05/07/1972

Delivered From a Demon

IN MARK’S GOSPEL, chapter 9, we read about a poor boy who was possessed by a devil, or demon. The terrible demon would cause the lad often to fall into the fire and get badly burnt; or he would fall into the water and nearly drown. The boy could not help himself.

His father brought him to Jesus, saying “Have compassion on us, and help us.”

Now the Lord Jesus loved that dear boy, and with words of power He rebuked the evil spirit saying, “Come out of him, and enter no more into him.”

The wicked spirit tore him for the last time, and came out of him. The Lord Jesus took the little lad by the hand, and tenderly lifted him up no longer a slave of Satan, but set free by the Son of God.

In these lands where the power of the gospel is felt, as a rule, demons do not possess people in that way, but Satan does have power over souls in other ways. He leads us away from God and into sin if he can. Only the Lord Jesus can deliver us from his power. Every boy and girl, every man and woman too, needs the Saviour. Have you asked Him to save you from your sins, and from Satan’s power? If you have come yourself, then perhaps you can, like the father in our story, bring someone else who needs Jesus too.

ML-05/07/1972

Just One God

KATY WAS just a little girl, but she went regularly to Sunday school and learned many of the precious truths of the Bible. She learned that there is only one God and that He fills heaven and earth. She also learned that there is but one Saviour, the Lord Jesus, and that He is the only way of salvation.

One day some one much older than she asked her, “Katy, is there more than one God?”

“No,” she replied, “there’s only one!”

“How do you know?” asked her friend.

“Because He fills heaven and earth. There’s only room for Him,” was her simple childlike reply.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Ex. 20:3.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:5,6.

ML-05/07/1972

Bible Talks: The Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16

AARON was first washed with water, then covered with clean linen garments. This was because he was to be a shadow of the blessed Lord in all His sinlessness and outward purity.

But the Lord Jesus was also inwardly pure. Therefore it was necessary that Aaron be purged with blood, for he was but a sinner, guilty like other men, and inwardly unclean. He needed therefore a sin offering for himself.

Then the Lord Jesus was also infinitely fragrant and acceptable to God. He was one, the only One, in whom God the Father could find all His delight. These excellencies and moral glories of the Son of God could only be set forth in Aaron by his bringing a ram for a burnt offering. The whole of the burnt offering was offered to God upon the altar, and went up to God as a sweet savor. So that through the burnt offering Aaron became a shadow of the infinite acceptance of the Person of the Lord Jesus.

Aaron therefore is presented to us in this chapter as a type of the peerless, spotless Son of God, who did not need to offer up sacrifices for His own sins, but was holy, harmless, undefiled, outwardly and inwardly pure, and in every respect He was infinitely well-pleasing to God. He alone was qualified for the work of atonement.

The unblemished bullock is now brought forth by Aaron to be killed, and this sets forth Christ as the Offering as well as the Offerer, for He was both — He “offered Himself without spot to God.” We learn from this the absolute necessity of the death of Christ; nothing less than His death was called for, and that death too under the judgment of God for sin. In spite of all that He did in His holy spotless life, had He not actually died for our sins, no sinner could be saved. And this is what our Lord clearly taught when He said, “Except [the] corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit.”

Aaron’s hand was placed upon the bullock and it was offered as a sin offering. Thus we have Christ’s death typically set forth, making propitiation for our sins, for He “died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” We can truly sing, “Our every joy on earth and heaven, we owe it to Thy blood.”

The Lord Jesus died, but, thank God, He is risen from the dead; He triumphed over death and Satan and the grave, and “He saw no corruption.” In this way, through death, He destroyed “him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil; and [delivered] them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” His resurrection is the clearest proof that all our sins were judged and put away, that He was the Son of God, and God testified publicly to the fact that He had finished the work, satisfied God’s justice for us and obtained victory for us over death, grave, and Satan. Thus the believer can now sing, “Death and judgment are behind us, grace and glory are before.” Because of this it is said “we shall not all sleep.” Instead of dying, and our bodies being laid in the grave, it is possible that we may have nothing to do with either, for if alive when Jesus comes, we shall be “changed in a moment,” “caught up... to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess.

ML-05/07/1972

Stolen by Indians

IN THE early days of our country a Christian man came with his wife and little girl in a big covered wagon and settled on what was then the fringes of civilization. He built a one-roomed log cabin with a big fireplace on the edge of the forest and began to farm the land.

Little Gwen was happy in their new forest home; she had a little stuffed cornhusk doll, besides two pet pigeons which slept in a wooden cage beside her bed and cooed her to sleep at night. However, as Gwen grew older she began to long for a playmate, but there was no other little boy or girl for many miles around.

One day their calf wandered off into the woods and Father and Mother went to search for it. They left Gwen sitting on the front step for they did not expect to be gone long.

As she sat there alone an Indian chief rode up on his horse. Little Gwen was not afraid for the Indians nearby had been quite friendly.

“Where is your father and mother?” he asked.

“They’re gone into the woods to look for our calf,” she replied.

“I have a little girl like you,” said the chief. “Same size as you, and real pretty. I’ll take you to see my little girl.”

Little Gwen’s face flushed with happiness at the thought, and without another thought she foolishly picked up her dolly and the cage with her two pet pigeons in it and went off with the stranger. He lifted her onto his pony, along with her pets, then leaping up behind her, they galloped off.

After a short ride they arrived at the Indian camp. Little Gwen was fascinated at the sight. The brightly colored wigwams were so pretty, the Indian women were busy everywhere, while the braves were making canoes and bows and arrows. But what thrilled Gwen above all was the chief’s little daughter with her dark eyes and long black hair. The two little girls fell in love with each other at once and they ran and played together in and out among the trees for the rest of the day. At sundown they both sat before the camp fire and ate corn for supper.

Gwen told the chief she must go home before dark but he lied to her saying he had sent a brave to tell her father and mother where their little girl was. He told her they said she could stay and play with his little girl for three days and then they would come and fetch her home. With this false assurance Gwen lay down with her playmate, her two pigeons alongside, and soon fell asleep.

But there was great sorrow in the cabin at home, for when Gwen’s father and mother came back and found their little girl was gone they were in great distress. They did not sleep that night, but cried and prayed to God to help them find her again. They searched the woods round about, but could find no trace of her. Had some big bear killed her, or had she been carried off by the Indians? Their only comfort was in God, and taking down the big Bible her father read some portions from its sacred pages. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” Isa. 41:10.

Heartbroken, they searched for three days more, but could find no trace of their little girl.

In the meantime Gwen was growing very homesick; she longed to go back to her dear daddy and mother. She did not enjoy playing games with the Indian children anymore; she hoped her parents would come and get her.

One day the children got some of the braves’ war paint and began to paint their bodies and faces. They painted one of their dogs and then one suggested it would be fun to paint Gwen’s two pigeons. How they laughed when they saw the two birds in their bright new colors. Then Gwen said to her pets, “You don’t have to stay in that cage,” and she set them both at liberty.

A few minutes later one of the pigeons took to its wings and the other followed suit. They both circled the Indian camp for a few moments and then rising higher in the sky they both disappeared over the tops of the trees. Which way do you think they went? Why, they flew straight home!

Next morning when Gwen’s father and mother got up, they read from the old Bible and again-prayed asking God to watch over their dear little girl and bring her back to them. As they sat at breakfast they heard a tapping on the window, and looking out saw two strangely colored birds. Even as they cooed and came closer Gwen’s father recognized their two pet pigeons. He saw the war paint and from the colors and stripes he at once identified the Indian tribe. Now he knew where Gwen was.

Immediately, Gwen’s father set out in search of the Indian camp. It was almost a week before he found them, and there sure enough was little Gwen playing games with her Indian friends. She ran to him at once and taking her up in his arms he hugged and kissed her, all the while thanking God for His mercy in helping him find her again.

The chief looked very sheepish when he met Gwen’s father, and invited him to his tepee, saying, “We will have a big feast.” But Gwen’s father courteously declined with thanks saying they must be going. Instead he told the chief, “You come to my cabin; we will make you a feast, and will read from the Book of God. We will tell you true stories about Him and His dear Son, Jesus Christ.” So they parted.

There was great rejoicing in the little cabin that night, and many were the thanks and praises that went up to God from grateful hearts for all His goodness towards them. Happy to be home with her dear daddy and mother, little Gwen went to bed that night with her little cornhusk doll, and her two pet pigeons cooed her to sleep.

So God always answers the prayer of faith — somehow, somewhere, sometime. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psa. 2:12.

ML-05/14/1972

Charlotte Elliot

AN AGED servant of Christ once spoke to a beautiful young lady about her sins and the need of coming to the Saviour. He urged her to come to Christ, the only Saviour from sin.

Miss Elliot became quite angry at the old Christian. However, she could not forget his words. Then one day she did come to the Saviour, and she wrote the beautiful gospel hymn that has been sung around the world:

“Just as I am! without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that thou bid’st me come to Thee;

Oh Lamb of God, I come!”

“For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:22,23.

“For there is no difference...: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:12,13.

Memory Verse: “THOU HAST CAST ALL MY SINS BEHIND THY BACK.” Isa. 38:17

ML-05/14/1972

Bible Talks: The Great Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16:12-19

“AND HE [Aaron] shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: and he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat, that is upon the testimony, that he die not.”

That cloud of sweet-smelling incense speaks of the graces and moral excellencies of the Lord Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us. The cloud covering the mercy seat tells of how infinitely acceptable and precious in heaven is that blessed One who was obedient unto death, who gained the victory over it in resurrection, and ascended into heaven itself in all the fragrance of His excellence and worthiness.

But Aaron must take in blood as well as incense. That blood sprinkled once upon the mercy seat and seven times before it tells of the infinite value in God’s sight of the blood of Jesus shed in atonement, and assures our poor hearts of its eternal efficacy. Thus we are encouraged to approach God at all times in childlike confidence and assurance that cannot be questioned.

We have liberty at all times to be within the veil where Christ is. His purpose in suffering for our sins was to bring us to God, and His being there in the presence of God is our title to be there also. How wonderful is this grace of God which gave us such an acceptance and standing in Christ, as well as the liberty to enter into His holy presence at all times. What worship springs up in our hearts when we are conscious of being there!

We now come to the two goats. They had been presented before the Lord for a sin offering and Aaron had cast lots upon them. One lot was for the Lord, and the other for the scapegoat.

The goat upon which “the Lord’s lot” fell was slain and, as with the bullock, its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat once and seven times before it. The altar was also sprinkled with the blood seven times. This shows us the connection between the throne and the altar, for the cross has met the claims of the throne of God. In the very fullest way the blood of Christ shed at Calvary has satisfied every claim of God. God has His own peculiar portion in the death of Christ. It gloried Him in the very place where sin had brought in such dishonor and ruin, and glorified Him as nothing else could.

The blood of atonement was sprinkled everywhere from the cherubim of glory within the veil to the altar that stood in the court. We learn from Hebrews 9:23-28 that the tabernacle was a pattern of things in the heavens. Thus this sprinkling of the blood foreshadows the cleansing of the whole scene, heaven and earth, in the soon-coming day. The effect of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ will be felt in the remotest bounds of the universe of God. How blest our occupation when we “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); “He is the propitiation for our sins: and... also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

ML-05/14/1972

Ten Pence for a Bible

At one time, Emperor Alexander of Russia was encouraging the distribution of Bibles and the preaching of the gospel in the lands he ruled. One of those who answered the call to help in this work was an Englishman, Richard Knill, formerly a missionary to India.

While he was in Russia, Mr. Knill heard that the people of nearby Finland wanted Bibles, and so he obtained some. One day, as he was packing these Bibles, a girl came to the door with some milk. He asked her if she could read. She replied that she could read in her own language, which was Finnish.

“Do you have a Bible?” he asked. “No sir,” she answered. “I never had enough money to buy one.”

“How much money do you have now?” he asked. Finding that she had only ten pence, he said, “Give me the money and I will give you the Bible.”

She could hardly believe him, but when the book was actually in her hands, she looked at it, opened it, shut it, looked at it again, hugged it, kissed it, and burst into tears.

Finding that her neighbors, also Finnish peasants, were just as poor as she was, he told her that they might all buy Bibles at the same price. With that news, the milkmaid rushed into the market place with her Bible held high and cried, “A Bible!”

“Where did you get it?” came from many voices.

“From a foreign pastor,” she replied.

“What did it cost?”

“Ten pence.”

“Impossible!”

“No, the man told me to say that if you wanted one, you may have it at the same price.”

When they heard this, the still suspicious people took her Bible from her and gave her twice the money saying, “Get two Bibles with that money and we will give you your Bible back. If you cannot do it, we will keep this because you have deceived us.”

The poor girl returned to the missionary and, weeping, told him her story. He gladly gave her two more Bibles, and soon others were at his house wanting to buy the Word of God.

Do you, dear reader, value, as they did, the Bible which is so common today? It is the Word of God, and over the centuries millions have learned to love it. They have found that it tells of a loving God Who sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to save sinners for Himself. How wise these people were to buy the Word of God when they could; for it tells us, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” Prov. 23:23.

The Lord Jesus said, “Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

“O how I love Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psa. 119:97.

ML-05/21/1972

A Sunday School Teacher's Reward

A YOUNG Sunday School teacher in Chicago had a class of young girls whom he sought to lead to Christ. However, he was stricken with serious lung trouble and was compelled to leave the city to go back to his home in the country. Mr. Moody, then a young man, was asked to take over his place. The following week the sick teacher called on his substitute and told him he was greatly troubled because he was forced to leave his Sunday School class without having been able to lead one of them to Christ. “I really believe I have done more harm than good,” he said dejectedly.

Mr. Moody was deeply moved. After a little thought he suggested that the teacher and himself should visit each girl separately in her own home. The young teacher should inform her of his ill health and his grief at being compelled to leave Chicago without having led her to Christ. The young man liked the idea.

When he arrived at the home of one of the girls he talked earnestly to her about her soul and need of the Saviour. Soon the girl’s eyes were brimming with tears and her careless air had vanished. At the teacher’s request, Mr. Moody prayed and the dear girl broke down and right there she accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour.

The two young men went on to visit other homes and in each instance the result was the salvation of a young girl’s soul.

At the end of ten days the young teacher came to Mr. Moody, his face beaming with joy.

“Last night,” he said, “the last one of my class confessed Christ.” He was to leave Chicago the next night, and Moody called the class tether for a final prayer meeting. “At that little gathering,” said Mr. Moody Afterward, “God kindled a fire in my soul which has never gone out.”

The young teacher read John 14: “Let not your heart be troubled:... 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.” The little company tried to sing, “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” Then they all knelt down for prayer. As he came out from the meeting, Mr. Moody lifted up his heart to God and thanked Him for the blessing that he received that night.

The following evening the young teacher left for his home in New York — never to return. Moody and all the girls of the class were at the station. They tried to sing but the effort ended in tears. The last sight they had of their old Sunday School teacher was him standing on the back of the train with his finger pointing upward. The last sound of his voice was his saying he would meet them in heaven.

Memory Verse: “THOU HAST IN LOVE TO MY SOUL DELIVERED IT FROM THE PIT OF CORRUPTION.” Isa. 38:17

ML-05/21/1972

Marco

MARCO was a little boy who attended a sort of nursery school. There he heard how the Lord Jesus loves little children and came into the world to die on the cross for them.

One day in the middle of a lesson Marco suddenly said to his teacher, “I haven’t got Jesus in my heart.”

His teacher was quiet for a bit and then asked him why he needed Jesus in his heart.

“Because my heart is very dirty,” he replied.

“What do you mean, Marco? Is your heart dirty like your hands are dirty?”

“No, not that; dirty with sin like when I fight, and kick, and tell lies.”

“Then what should you do, Marco?”

“You told us that Jesus died for us so He could come into our heart. I have to ask Him, and I want to do it now.”

At this point, another child asked, “How can He come into your heart? Does He come in by the mouth?”

“Of course not,” said Marco. “It’s a miracle.”

Soon Marco was telling the other children that Jesus had come into his heart, and his teacher taught him the verse, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

Open your heart, open your heart,

Open your heart to Jesus.

He knocks today; do not delay,

But open your heart to Jesus.

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12.

ML-05/21/1972

Bible Talks: The Great Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16:20-28

WE LEARN that the tabernacle was a pattern of things in the heavens (Heb. 9:23-28). There was the court, the holy place, and the holy of holies; Scripture speaks of heaven in which the birds fly, the firmament, the heavenly places where the angels, “the principalities and powers” are, finally, far above all, the throne and dwelling place of God.

Aaron is a type of the Lord Jesus, who having died and risen, has passed through the heavens. He is gone in, with His own blood, into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

One day soon He will come forth to lead Israel into the full results of His blessed work of atonement. They are waiting for Him to come out, as it were. In the meantime all believers are associated with Him, and we have boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus. There is but one way into God’s holy presence, and that is the blood-sprinkled way, which He has consecrated through the veil, that is to say, His flesh. Along that way countless thousands, millions, have passed. His one sacrifice is sufficient for all. Dear reader, are you treading that way? There is no other way to God and eternal blessing.

Having made an end of reconciling the holy place in the tabernacle, Aaron was to lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat and to confess over him all the sins and transgressions of the children of Israel. Then the goat was to be sent away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness, unto a land not inhabited. The “fit man” points to no other than the Lord Jesus.

The congregation of Israel knew when they saw the goat led away that by the sin offering all their sins were thus removed from them. So after the Lord Jesus comes out from heaven, and is manifested in glory, and they see Him whom they pierced, then, not till then, will they know that He was their sin offering — that by His death and blood shedding on Calvary their sins had been cleansed.

“The land not inhabitated” is a land where their sins never can be found because there is no one there to look for them; “a land of forgetfulness” — where they will never be brought to remembrance again. How blessed this is, and what a comfort to God’s earthly people in that day when they enter into the truth of His own words, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psa. 103:12. “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 10:17.

Thus through the work of the Lord Jesus, we, in our heavenly places shall enjoy with Him the eternal and unbroken rest; Israel on earth, all righteous, shall enter into their millennial rest, every man sitting under his own vine and fig tree, and Messiah reigning in peace and glory. All in heaven, and those blessed on earth, shall ascribe all their blessing to the precious death and blood shedding of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

ML-05/21/1972

The Rooster's Rescue

ONE SUNDAY afternoon John Slater, a dear ardent evangelist, was walking near an unused coal pit. He saw about 200 miners gathered around the edge of the pit, all looking down with the greatest interest and concern.

Crossing the road to see what was going on, Mr. Slater saw a miner climbing up the side of the pit with great difficulty. Under his arm he carried a rooster. The man had gone down to rescue the poor birds and when he safely reached the surface a big cheer broke out from the 200 men who had watched the rescue.

A rather short man, Mr. Slater at once stepped forward and proclaimed with a voice that could be heard by everyone: “Friends, that was a kindly act, and you did well to cheer our comrade. But let me tell you I was once deep down in a horrible pit and in the miry clay of sin, and One who came to save sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ, brought me up and set my feet upon a rock. I want you all to let Him do the same for you.”

The men dispersed in silence. A year later Mr. Slater was met by a man who said, “You were the man who spoke to us that Sunday when one of our fellows rescued the rooster, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” said Slater.

“Well, I want to tell you that I was brought up out of the horrible pit of sin that afternoon by the blessed Saviour, and now I am preaching the gospel to others. I have been serving for a whole year and by His grace I mean to continue until the end.”

Dear friends, as children of fallen Adam, we were all down in that pit of sin. The Lord Jesus came from heaven to rescue us, for He “came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). He bore sin’s guilt and shame, went down into death, and rose again from the dead. Now in heaven He is the Saviour of sinners, and preserves all who trust Him for their soul’s salvation from the pit of sin and death and sets them upon the Rock of ages. For them there is no more condemnation, their sins are forever gone from God’s sight and they are on their way to heaven.

What a Saviour! Is He yours, dear friend? Are you saved from the pit and on the Rock? If not, trust Him and start on the heavenly road today!

ML-05/28/1972

Adjai

THERE was a little village called Oshogun on the banks of the Niger River in Africa and at the time in which our story begins, it was a very sad village. The Foulah — a dreaded man-stealing tribe — had made a surprise raid upon the village and had taken a number of captives. Among these were a young boy named Adjai, his sister, and some of his relatives. They were taken to the coast — Adjai and his sister to be slaves of the chief of the Foulatah and the others to be slaves of another master. Adjai was sold again and again until he was separated from his sister. He was so miserable that he wanted to die. Finally, he was put in the dark, dirty, crowded hold of a slave ship.

Poor Adjai! How awful it is to be alone, a captive with an uncertain but certainly frightening future. Such is the sinner “without God and without hope". But Adjai did not know that God loved him and that He had already prepared a way of deliverance for him. Before long a British warship captured the slave ship and Adjai was free!

Adjai was given into the care of some missionaries in Sierra Leone. They clothed and fed him and told him about the Lord Jesus Christ who died and shed His blood to save man from the slavery of sin. Adjai believed what he heard, and was truly “born again.”

As a man Adjai, now known as Samuel Adjai Crowther, returned to his people to preach the gospel.

As the light of the gospel began to be spread in that dark land, so long under the power of Satan, souls began to be drawn to Christ.

But Satan, the enemy of souls, is always ready to resist the work of the Spirit of God. Soon the believers began to suffer persecution. Their persecutors promised them wonderful things if they would turn away from Jesus; but they refused. Threats of dreadful punishment did not stop them from confessing Jesus as Lord. While in prison, one of the believers made the following reply to his persecutors: “I never refused to perform my duty; but as for turning back to heathen worship, that is out of my power. Jesus has taken charge of my heart, and padlocked it, and the key is with Him.”

Thus Adjai and his fellow believers had found that it was better to be redeemed by the precious blood of Christ than to be slaves of sin and Satan. Adjai lived through many dangers to tell others of salvation through the death and blood of God’s beloved Son, his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in Him?

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

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

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

ML-05/28/1972

Bible Talks: The Great Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16

THIS is one of the most solemn chapters in the whole Word of God, for here God was maintaining what was due to His majesty. It is a needful thing for us to learn something of the majesty of God. The two elder sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, did what is most natural for us to do. They forgot the majesty of God, and what is due to Him when He is approached. They offered strange fire before the Lord, and the result was that judgment overtook them and they died.

God never forgets what is due to Himself. He loves the poor sinner, but He hates his sin. And when He brings us as sinners to know Himself in grace, He leads us into the knowledge of His thoughts about sin and what is due to it. God had said, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” Chapter 10:3. Our hearts, so estranged from God and so accustomed to sin, have become so hardened that we forget who God is and what is due to Him. “Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself,” He says in another scripture. That is man’s thoughts. God has a right to say who shall approach Him and how they shall approach. He has found a way in which He can be approached acceptably so that judent does not overtake those who come, as it did with Aaron’s two sons. What is due to God is such a needed lesson for our day. Our blessing is in learning and bowing to that truth.

“Thus shall Aaron come.” v. 3. Here God is telling us how people should come near to Him. “With a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.” God will be approached only on the ground of sacrifice. All who attempt to approach in any other way will find sooner or later that what overtook the sons of Aaron, will overtake them because God, ever patient and forbearing, never overlooks sin. He says as it were to the poor sinner, I am telling you of My majesty. I am telling you how hateful your sin is, but I at the same time am telling you of My love. My love led Me to find a way to deal with your sin as it deserved and yet save you.

So Aaron was to come with a young bullock for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. The sin offering is Christ’s death meeting my need as a sinner. The burnt offering is Christ glorifying God in His death that has met my sin.

This was the great day of atonement. Atonement means a covering — there must be that which covers sin before God, while at the same time it cleanses the sinner. Thus atonement was made by death. That is why we get so much about the blood.

In the two goats, one lot was for the Lord, the other for the people. That is Christ’s precious death meeting the majesty of God, and at the same time the sinner’s need. The one upon which the Lord’s lot fell had to be dealt with first. God thinks first of His own glory.

Then in that live goat being led away into the wilderness, does not this remind us of Isaiah 53:6: “And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” So here we have atonement and substitution. The blessed Saviour died an offering for sin, and so glorified God in death, that all His claims against sin were perfectly met. If no one had ever believed the gospel, if no one had ever been saved, God would have been fully glorified just the same.

But I am saved by that work. Christ died not only for God’s glory, but He has met my need as a sinner, He took my place, and bore my sins. So I can say Christ died for God’s glory but He died for me a sinner, too. The one is atonement, and the other is substitution.

Memory Verse: “AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST, SO FAR HATH HE REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS FROM US.” Psa. 103:12

ML-05/28/1972

The Colonel's Donkey

COLONEL BECKWITH was a retired army officer who had made his home among the people of the Vaudois Valleys in France. His purpose in being there was to serve the Lord by helping the humble believers there and by preaching the gospel of Christ.

One day he met a poor man named Botalon who was well known in the district. Botalon made his living by delivering coal and wood on the back of his donkey, which was also well known as “Be talon’s Donkey.” This day Botalon was without his donkey and was weeping.

“What is the matter my friend?” said Beckwith.

“Ah sir,” replied the poor man, “they are going to take away my donkey, and without it my family and I must die of hunger.” Then he told how one of his creditors had seized his donkey, intending to put it in his own stable.

Beckwith was touched by the story and asked Botalon how much he owed. When told the amount he said, “Well, my friend, would you object to selling me your donkey and you pay your creditor with the money I give you for it?”

Botalon was willing and brought the donkey. After receiving the money from Beckwith, he turned away with a heavy heart, but then the Colonel said,

“Oh, you may take the donkey with you for the present and make use of it until I claim it. However, you must understand that the donkey is mine and that I can allow no one to seize it under any pretext whatsoever.”

The surprise and joy of the poor man when he heard this can be beer imagined than described. How happy he was! As for the donkey itself, this incident made it quite famous in the neighborhood. Henceforth instead of being called “Boton’s Donkey,” it went by the name of “The Colonel’s Donkey".

How much like that donkey are we? We were lost and under the power of Satan, because of sin. But Jesus has died on the cross and shed His blood to pay the debt of sin and to redeem (buy back) our souls for Himself. No one can take us away from Him: “Neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

The Bible also tells us: “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 2 Cor. 5:15,17.

Are you then known as belonging to Christ? Whose are you? To whom do others think you belong? “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 2 Tim. 2:19.

ML-06/04/1972

A Bible Lion

While the king of the beasts was roaming one day

He rushed at a lamb which he seized as his prey;

But the brave shepherd boy who was faithful and bold,

Slew the monster and brought back the lamb to the fold.

It was God who had endowed in that terrible hour,

His servant with courage, devotion and power,

To go forth single-handed, that lion to brave;

From death and destruction his loved lamb to save.

Now let each little reader this story unfold,

In words few and simple, then let it be told.

Give the name of the shepherd, the place of the fight,

And of whom is that lion a likeness of might?

Read 1 Samuel 17; 1 Peter 5.

ML-06/04/1972

Eternity Where?

Eternity! O dreadful thought

For thee, a child of Adam’s race,

If thou should’st in thy sins be brought

To stand before the awful Face,

From which the heaven and earth shall flee,

The Throned one of Eternity.

Eternity! But Jesus died—

Yes, Jesus died on Calvary:

Behold Him thorn-crowned, crucified,

The Spotless One made sin for thee.

O sinner, haste! for refuge flee—

He saves, and for Eternity.

Oh, what can equal joy divine?

And what can sweeter be,

Than knowing that the soul is safe

For all Eternity?

Safe in the Lord without a doubt,

By virtue of the blood;

For nothing can destroy the life

That’s hid with Christ in God.

ML-06/04/1972

"No Bible at Our House!"

A HOME missionary was walking down the road in the mountains of Kentucky one day when a boy came driving along and offered him a ride. He gladly accepted. The boy told him that he was hauling mail to the next village and that he got $20.00 a month for this job.

“How do you spend your money?” the missionary asked.

“Well,” he replied, “I help support my mother and sister, and the rest I’m saving up to buy a rifle.”

“A rifle? What do you want with a rifle?”

“The day I get it I’m going to shoot old man Sanders. If he dies before then I’m going to shoot his oldest son; and if he jumps the country I’ll shoot the next one.”

“What in the world do you mean, my boy?” the missionary asked in amazement.

“Just what I tell you,” was the reply. “Old man Sanders killed my dad, and the day of the funeral I swore I would fix him. I’ve got nearly enough money to get the rifle; and when I do, someone is going to drop over yonder!”

The evangelist was nearly speechless with astonishment. “My young friend,” he said kindly, “don’t you realize if you kill that man you will have to flee from your home, probably go to prison, and may be hanged? Don’t you know what an awful thing murder is? What does God’s Word say about it?”

“We ain’t got no Bible at our house,” replied the boy.

The missionary talked earnestly and tenderly with him, and spoke of forgiveness as told out in the gospel of God. The poor boy was deeply moved, and tears came into his eyes. Before they parted he promised to give up his dreadful plans. The missionary took a Bible from his bag, wrote his name in it and gave it to him. The boy read the blessed Book and some months after it was the means of his conversion to God. His mother and sister were saved through it too.

Oh how it pays to teach the Word of God to the young! That little Bible was the means of saving the young fellow’s life. It saved him from the worst of crimes and through it he found Christ and salvation, for time and eternity. Yet it only cost 50c.

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

“By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psa. 17:4.

“The holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

O Cling to the Bible, My Boy!

It’s a message for you that is sent from above;

It tells of redemption accomplished in love.

O read it, my boy; God has sent it to you;

O cling to the Bible, my boy!

Believing in the love of Him

Who died upon the tree,

We shall in His fair likeness shine.

When we His face shall see.

Memory Verse: “THOU WILT CAST ALL THEIR SINS INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA.” Micah 7:19

ML-06/04/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 17

THE GREAT day of atonement in the sixteenth chapter has a central place not only in the book of Leviticus, but in all the ways of God. It shadows forth the work of Christ on which all blessing depends, whether for Jews or Gentiles or the Church of God, in fact for earth and heaven, and for time and for eternity.

In the next six chapters the Lord gives to Aaron and his sons and to all the children of Israel rules for the purpose of guarding them from defilements to which they were exposed. How necessary to us is that watchfulness in our every day lives lest the heart should be turned away from the Lord.

The sacrifices on the great day of atonement speak to us of the majesty of God and of what He in grace has done to meet us in our need as sinners. But how easily our hearts forget these claims of God and act in ways contrary to and independent of Him.

Whenever a man killed an animal or fowl for food without the camp, he must bring it to the entrance of the tabernacle as an offering to the Lord. If he failed to do so, blood was imputed to the man, because he shed blood without thus acknowledging the Lord, and the man was to be cut off from his people. Long before, when Noah came forth from the ark, it was laid down that life belonged to God, and man must own His claim by not eating the blood. This decree God has never changed; it carries through all dispensations. If a man took the flesh of an animal for his food, he was bound to own that life belonged to God. Thus it was the duty of the Israelite to bring such to the Lord and the priest, not as a sin offering, but that which expressed communion with Him. How honoring to God and what blessing to the soul when we bow in happy obedience to that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The priest was to sprinkle the blood and burn the fat upon the altar as a sweet savor to the Lord. As priests it is our happy privilege to give to the Lord what is due to Him in everything!

This regulation was also a safeguard against idolatry, for being as they were in the midst of heathen nations all around, idolatry was a great snare to God’s people. “They shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils,” v. 7, as did the Gentiles around them. God would warn us of this same danger, for we are liable to do things because others around us do them, without first asking the Lord if they are pleasing to Him. He told His people they were not to copy the nations around, for He wanted to bless them, and He could not bless them in the path of disobedience.

Then in verses 10-16 they were again forbidden to eat blood. Even if a man went hunting and slew a beast or a fowl and used its flesh for food, the claims of God must be maintained. The blood was to be poured out and covered with earth.

Christianity does not change these prohibitions of God for after the counsel at Jerusalem in Acts 15, the decree given to the Gentile assemblies was “that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.”

God is the alone source and giver of life; life given up belongs to Him. How well it is for us to respect God’s decrees. How wonderful it is that to every believer now He gives eternal life in His Son, whom He sent into the world to die for our sins.

ML-06/04/1972

"Hang Out a Towel"

TOM HAD a dear kind mother and father, but he was a wayward boy and wanted a taste of the world. One day he ran away from home.

There was great sorrow at home when it was discovered that Tom had gone, and his parents longed earnestly for his return.

Tom headed for the city and tasted “the pleasures of sin for a season.” But the novelty of being on his own and doing as he pleased began to wear off. Thoughts of the love and comforts of the home he had left came back to him, and he was very homesick. He longed to be back with his dear father and mother again.

However, he felt he had treated them so badly that he was ashamed to go back. He began to wonder what kind of reception he would get. So he wrote a letter to his mother something like this: “Dear Mother, I want to come back home. I’ll be passing through town next Friday afternoon. If you would still like to see me, hang a towel on the clothesline. Love, Tom.”

When Tom got back to his home town, he found not just one towel, but the line was full of towels—an indication of the welcome that awaited him.

The sinner, away from God, does not realize the welcome that awaits him if he will only return to the Lord. Scripture is full of pictures by which God would tell of His love for the sinner.

The prodigal, on his way back from the far country, did not realize how great was the love pent up in the father’s heart and waiting to gush forth when the boy returned. For “when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him...” Luke 15:20.

Mephibosheth, dwelling afar off in barren Lodebar, did not know the love in the heart of David, until brought to the king who said to him, “Fear not:... thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” 2 Sam. 9:7.

Dear reader, the Spirit longs that you might know the love of God who sent the Lord Jesus from the glory above into this world to die on the cross to save your precious soul.

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

ML-06/11/1972

Through the Roof

JACK JOHNSON had lived his whole lifetime without God. He resented anyone speaking to him about the Lord or his need of salvation. Now he was a very sick man, and it seemed he was nearing his end. Mr. Thomas, a Christian man who had prayed much for Jack, went to have a talk with him, but Jack would not see him.

“Very well then,” said Mr. Thomas to Jack’s wife, “I am going to get at him through the roof.”

Jack’s wife went back and told her husband what Mr. Thomas had said and at first both were not a little puzzled as to what he meant. Jack pondered the matter for some days, and during that time he felt the Lord was speaking to him. Filly he sent for his Christian friend, who gladly came and talked to him about Jesus and his need of the Saviour.

Jack was thoroughly broken down. He confessed what a sinner he had been and asked the Lord to save him. The Lord Jesus never turned anyone away, and so Jack found Christ. Before he passed away he rejoiced to confess Jesus as his Saviour to his friends. His Christian friend had got at him at last through the roof.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:16.

ML-06/11/1972

The Difference

Two boys sat together in school one day,

And both did well at work and play;

And to judge by looks, perhaps you’d say

“There’s nothing to choose between them.”

One boy went home and enjoyed his food,

And did his homework, the best he could,

And went to bed feeling life was good,

With a conscience clear and easy.

The other returned to home and tea.

And homework and games, and seemed to be

A happy boy but he wasn’t free

From a self-accusing conscience.

The first of the boys had a heart at rest.

And a Friend who was just the very best,

Who was always ready in every test

To show him the way of victory.

The other carried a load of sin,

And didn’t experience peace within,

And although he tried his best to win,

The result was mostly failure.

So though these boys look the same, it’s true

There’s a world of difference between the two;

And one of them corresponds to YOU—

Are you the one with the Saviour?

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

ML-06/11/1972

From Earth to Sky

A CHRISTIAN college professor was standing before his stents and was just about to begin his lecture, when he took a letter from his pocket. Said he: “I received this letter from one of your number. It is a heart-rending letter. It tells of the life of sin and shame of one brought up in a Christian home and among Christian friends. He asks me, ‘Sir, can your God save such a one as I?’"

Then the professor stopped a moment. “As I came along Princess Street this morning,” he said, “I looked up and saw flying across the heavens a beautiful fleecy white cloud. ‘How came you up there?’ I asked. The cloud seemed to answer, ‘From the slime and muddy pools of your great city I came, the sun with all his power came down and lifted me and purified me, and made me what you see me now to be.’ " The professor added: “If the young man who sent me this letter is here today I want to tell him there is One who is mighty to save, who stooped down and with His pierced hands laid hold of the lives of men and women broken and bruised by sin, cleansing them by His precious blood and making them new creatures in Christ Jesus. He is able to save just such a one as you have been.”

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

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

ML-06/11/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 18

IN THIS chapter the Lord continues His solemn charge to His people Israel first reminding them that He was the Lord their God. They were not to do “after the doings of the land of Egypt,” wherein they dwelt, nor after the doings of the land of Canaan into which He was going to bring them. They had left the house of bondage bind with its idols and impurities, and they were about to enter Canaan where the Amorites dwelt. They were redeemed, outwardly at least, and sheltered from divine judgment in Egypt by the blood of the passover lamb, and they had been delivered by divine power through the Red Sea which swallowed up their enemies—type of Satan and the world. The Lord had brought them to Himself and they were His people as no other nation was. This was plain to all—to themselves and to all the nations around them. Thus in their conduct day by day they were responsible to walk in holiness before the Lord.

The Christian’s responsibility is no less real than Israel’s, only the more so because he has eternal life in Christ, he has passed from death unto life and shall not come unto judgment, for the blood of Christ has cleansed him from every sin and he is white as snow in God’s sight. As Christians, we are called to holiness, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16).

In this chapter the people were warned against secret sins, for the Lord knows all the secrets of our lives. Everything done in the dark is known to Him as though it were done in the light. The day is coming “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” Rom. 2:16. May the Lord give us that spirit of holiness, which would abhor all that He abhors.

Here God sets His face against the shameful abominations outlined in this chapter. His name from beginning to end is a solemn warrant against them all. It may be painful to read, but it is wholesome for us to learn what those nations, so civilized as Egypt and Canaan, fell into. It was for these very abominations that God visited judgment upon the Canaanites. The land, as it were, vomited out its inhabitants; so that Israel is called on to beware lest the land should vomit them out as it had the nations that dwelt there before them.

We live in a day when the very sins and iniquities told out in these chapters are fast becoming a way of life with many. Little do men and women realize the awful judgment that is soon to fall upon these favored lands of Christendom, and as we see the darkness increasing and man’s evil coming more and more into the open, we know that judgment is drawing near.

We should not forget that even as Christians we still have dwelling within us that old nature which is capable of any of these sins. May we be much upon our knees in prayer, dear young Christian, asking the Lord to keep us and not be occupied with the evils around, but to be occupied with good, with Himself, the pure and spotless One who loves us, died for us, and to whom we now belong. We ought to pray continually the prayer of the godly man in Psalm 16:1: “Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust.”

ML-06/11/1972

Carried off by Bandits

CHANG SEN was 10 years old and a school boy in the Gospel Hall school on the Beautiful Waters River. He was the only son of his widowed mother. He wasn’t very smart at his lessons, but he liked to play and was good friends with the other boys. Coming home from school one afternoon he put away his books and went out to play bore supper.

It was in the days before the Communists took over China and bands of robbers roamed through the land. Chang Sen had not gone very far when some men came and led him outside the gate of the town. Then one of them picked him up, covered his face with a cloth and carried him far away into the country. Poor little Chang knew then he had fallen into the hands of bandits who would carry off people and hold them for ransom.

Meanwhile Chang’s poor mother was in great distress when her boy did not return and she went out to seek him. It was dark and the gates were closed. She looked in the school yard, and not finding him there she went hither and thither seeking her dear boy, but she could not find him anywhere.

At last a little boy told her he had seen Chang going out of town with some men, and then the poor mother realized he had been carried off by bandits. Poor Mrs. Sen! Chang was the most precious of all her possessions. She thought of the dreadful things that could happen to one who fell into the hands of the bandits. She was only a poor heathen, but she came to the mission house and told the Chinese evangelist, Mr. Hwang, what had happened. She said: “He is one of your school boys—he believes in Jesus—will you pray for him?” Immediately Mr. Hwang called the believers together and “prayer was made earnestly of the Church to God for him.”

A letter was sent to the missionary in the city telling him what had happened, but asking him not to be too insistent, lest if the government sent soldiers after the bandits, they might kill the boy, and the mother would indeed be bereaved.

So in another place the Church was called to pray for the boy. Missionaries realize over and over again that “it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” Prayer is the Christian’s great comfort and resource.

In the meantime little Chang ban to call for his mother, for Mr. Hwang the evangelist and others whom he thought big and strong and who would be able and willing to save him. But the big fellow who was carrying him stifled his cries, and the little fellow realized that neither his mother nor his friends could hear, so he ceased to cry.

Then he remembered what he had been taught about God and about the Lord Jesus, how that they are always near and always able and willing to help those who trust in the Lord. He began to ask God to help him and save him from these men. So he prayed inwardly as they carried him along, and God answered his prayer, for the men did not treat him roughly after that. They did not put him into a pit as they did another boy on another occasion. They put him into a room, and gave him good things such as pork and sweet cakes and spoke kindly to him. He was moved to seral places, and in some ways he enjoyed it, so he told afterward.

The third evening Chang was blindfolded and carried off again. He did not shout or cry this time—he knew it was no use. At last he was put down, and still blindfolded, was told to knock at the door in front of him. He did so, the door was opened, and wonder of wonders! the next minute he was in his mother’s arms. He had been brought right to his own door and the first one he saw was his mother. The man who had brought him had disappeared. In his pocket they found a big red Chinese card on which was the name of the bandit chief, or supposed to be, and on it was written: “Though this boy was worth $600, when we found out he was a boy attending the Gospel Hall school, we felt we ought to return him without a ransom.”

And so Chang came back. He had found out that he had a Friend who was always near, and always ready and able to help. That Friend was the Lord Jesus, of whom Mr. Hwang had often told him. The Christians there were helped in this wonderful answer to prayer and encouraged to take all their troubles to God.

This then is the story of Chang Sen, who became a happy Christian, and used to tell other boys and girls how the Lord Jesus saved him from the bandits in answer to prayer.

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.

Trust in Him, ye saints, forever,

He is faithful, changing never.

Neither force nor guile can sever

Those He loves from Him.

Memory Verse: “THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; AND HE KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST IN HIM.” Nahum 1:7.

ML-06/18/1972

Will Your Anchor Hold?

ONE BEAUTIFUL day several of us were out in a small boat sailing along over the waves. Suddenly the engine stopped. The men worked hard to get it going again, but it would not start. All the while we were drifting closer to the rocks along the shore.

One of us dropped the anchor, but the bottom was sandy, the anchor would not hold, and we continued to drift nearer to the shore. Then just before we would crash onto the rocks, the anchor caught hold on the rocky bottom and we were spared. Another boat came and towed us to safety.

What anchor in your life do you have, dear reader, to keep your soul from drifting onto the rocks of eternal ruin, from drifting down to hell? Perhaps you say, “Oh, it will come out all right in the end.” Listen to what the Bible says: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

Those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, have an anchor that will never drift, and can say, “We... have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil: whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus.” Heb. 6:18-20.

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

ML-06/18/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 19:1-10

IN THIS chapter the Lord speaks I to Israel not so much of the evil and abominable things they should not do, but rather of the good things they should do because of their relation to Him. There are, however, warnings and prohibitions still brought in here and there.

“I am the Lord” is repeated 15 times, and holiness is again insisted upon: “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” Surely we ourselves cannot be reminded too often of this.

These instructions have much to do with our dealings with one another. It is good and wholesome for us to read them, as indeed all Scripture, for there is in our day a tendency to forget that consideration for one another which should be seen among the children of God.

First we have reverence for parents: “Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father.” How lovely it is to see in a child that love and respect for his parents. To this is added: “and keep my sabbaths.” As Christians we do not keep the Sabbath, but the first day of the week, for we are not under law, but under grace. Still it is the Lord’s day, and how we ought to spend that day with Him and for Him, that blessed One who has done so much for us!

Next we have “Turn ye not unto idols.” This was ever a constant snare to God’s people, even as it is now. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” is the aged Apostle John’s admonition at the close of his first epistle, saying to us, as it were, “Don’t let anything come in between yourself and Christ.”

Careful guarding of the peace offering follows. It is typical of the believer’s joy in communion and the response of his heart to God, having been so blessed through the work of Christ. He enters into thoughts of Christ’s devotedness to God, of His love, and the blessing He died to bring to His own.

The peace offering was to be eaten the same day as offered, and on the next day, but to eat it on the third day was forbidden. It was an abomination and a solemn penalty attached to profaning the Lord’s offering in this way.

The tendency of our natural hearts is ever away from Christ. We get occupied with our joy, with our blessings instead of the Blesser. Christ and His work is lost sight of and our joy runs out. Just as the Israelite’s eating the peace offering must be kept near its actual offering up to God, so we need to be constantly refreshed in the presence of Christ to be sustained in our joy.

The Lord would also have His people to be gracious to others, especially the poor, and surely He would have us to be the same. If He blessed their harvest and their village, He tells them to show kindness to the needy. He instructs them to leave a margin of their good crops and the scattered or fallen grapes, for the poor and the stranger. They themselves had once been poor and strangers in the land of Egypt. But how precious it is to see the heart of God and His own character coming out in these instructions. He would have us, His people now, to be like Himself. He loves a cheerful giver, for He Himself is preeminently so.

ML-06/18/1972

The Rescue of Moonbeam

MOONBEAM was all alone. Everyone had left him, so he sat up and howled as loud as he could.

“Say, Bill,” exclaimed Corporal Armstrong in a cheery voice, “there’s a kid around here. The natives must have left a young one behind.”

When the poor country folk had heard that foreign soldiers were approaching, they fled in every direction, and only little Moonbeam, just three years old, was left bind. His father was dead, and his mother, with another to look after, had forgotten her firstborn and fled in the panic, leaving Moonbeam fast asleep in his bamboo cage-chair bind the farmhouse. Perhaps she hoped to return later, but she was too frightened to venture out of her present hiding place in the hills.

David Armstrong was a Christian and very fond of children, and the sight of the puckered-up face of the little Chinese boy went right to his heart. He stooped to pick him up at once. “Sonny,” he said, “you better come along with me now. That’s a brave little man.” Carrying the sobbing child along he went back to his company.

His chums were greatly amused. “What are you going to do with the baby, Corporal?” they asked.

“Why keep him, of course,” replied David. “Do you think I’d leave him to be eaten by a jackal or wild cat tonight?”

Thus it was that Moonbeam became the pet of the regiment and soon showed the greatest devotion to his foster father. His officer wanted him to turn him over to some missionaries, but David plead hard to keep him and the colonel finally gave him permission. He was getting old, his health was poor, and soon he would retire from the army. He was all alone in the world and looked forward to having the boy who had so strangely come across his path.

David chose a Bible name for his little adopted boy, calling him Moses. “I didn’t find him in an ark,” he said, “unless you call a battered bamboo chair by that name. The canal was just underneath, and he was crying to beat the band. Now he’s so contented, you’d never know him.”

On the whole Moses was a good child, and gave very little trouble. When he was just five the regiment returned home and David got his discharge. He and his quaint little son had a little home and were the greatest of friends.

The years passed, and Moses grew up into a tall slender boy. He was quiet and a good student; the other boys would often make fun of him, but he was one who desired peace at any price, and his patience and good humor were simply wonderful.

The real secret, however, lay in the fact that his foster father had taught him about the Lord Jesus and he had come to know and love Him as his Saviour.

When Moses was 15 he came home one evening to find Armstrong very ill. “Moses, dear boy,” he said, “I shall not be long with you now. All that I have is yours, and there is money enough to take you back to your homeland. A missionary friend out there will be glad to train you as a school teacher. I am happy to think of the help you will be to many of your own country people.”

Poor Moses could not answer; he felt so sad to see his dear father slipping away from him. But the end came at last, and David Armstrong went peacefully home to be with his Saviour. Moses was left alone; and yet not alone, for the Lord stood by him.

A few years later there taught in a large college in the Far East a Christian professor with a Chinese face and an English name. He was alone in one way, for he had no relatives; but still he seemed very happy, for he was always anxious to tell others of the love of God as shown out in the Lord Jesus Christ. He would often tell the story of how his foster father rescued him as a helpless baby and taught him the story of the Saviour’s love and the only way of salvation.

ML-06/25/1972

A Bad Heart

“UNCLE ABE” never had more than one year at school. He was a grown man before he trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and became a true Christian. For most of his life he said he never cared for anyone, but then he found that there was One who cared for him! Since then he has learned to read and he has a New Testament which is quite worn from use.

One day Uncle Abe was talking with a man who told him he had a bad heart. “So have I,” responded Uncle Abe; “but I have something here that is good for a bad heart.”

“What is that?” asked his friend.

Dear old Uncle Abe showed him a little book with a red heart on the cover and some Bible verses inside. Then he read to him: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1.

I hope Uncle Abe’s friend came to know the Lord Jesus as his Saviour too, for it was He that spoke those kind words. Have you, my friend, trusted Him as your Saviour?

ML-06/25/1972

God Sends His Word

SAMPSON WILDER was a merchant and a missionary in France. Often he would preach the gospel and distribute literature as his business took him from place to place.

One day his business called him to return to an area which he had previously visited and found there a number of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. He had prepared a large case of Bibles, Testaments, and tracts which he set up on end at the back of his carriage.

The road went through a rough part of the country where he had previously distributed Bibles and literature. Since that time, he had found out that some men had gone around after him, collecting and burning the literature and warning the people against reading any more of it. So he had decided that on this journey he would not distribute any books in that area. However, God who loves all men and whose ways are past finding out, had decreed otherwise. "... He doeth according to His will... among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?” Dan. 4:35.

As the carriage jolted and swayed on the rough roads, the top of the Bible box broke open. One by one, the Bibles and Testaments were shaken out onto the road where they were picked up both by travelers and by others living in that area. All along the way God scattered His Word, and for several days Mr. Wilder was visited by those who had found the books. He gladly told them to keep the precious books, encouraged them to seek the Saviour, and prayed with them.

Soon Mr. Wilder was asked to hold a meeting in the area. An official who came to stop it went away with a Bible instead of interrupting it. So God prospered His work among these people, and we trust that we shall meet many of them in heaven.

God has said: “So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isa. 55:11.

The Lord Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heath 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.

Can you truly say, as these French people could have said, “I rejoice in Thy word as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162)?

“Thy words were found, and... Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jer. 15:16.

ML-06/25/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 19:11-15

AS WE read these admonitions and duties that are here urged upon God’s people, two things impress us, namely, the evil tendencies in the human heart on the one hand, and the faithful tender care of the Lord on the other. It is good for us to read these chapters, for though much of the Old Testament Scriptures are not about us, they are for us. “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4. Again, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

Perhaps the casual uninstructed reader might wonder why some of these evils are mentioned, but faith owns the perfect wisdom of God in them all. There is a most humiliating amount of wickedness in human nature; the germ of every sin is to be found in the human heart—in our hearts. The Lord knew what was in man when He wrote this wonderful Book.

In Jeremiah 17:9 we read: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart.” The Lord alone knows the depths of evil in the heart. Someone has quoted Mr. J. N. Darby as once saying that he knew the heart of God better than he knew his own heart.

Israel had been delivered from Egypt with all its idolatry and iniquitous practices, and now they were on their way to Canaan, where the “iniquities of the Amorites had come to the full.” It was not a question of Israel comparing themselves with the Egyptians or with the Canaanites. It was a question of what God is, the holy and righteous One, who had redeemed them and brought them to Himself. How easy it is to take satisfaction in thinking we are not as bad as the world around us, that we do not do some of the things they do. This may suit some, but it is no standard for the Christian.

Therefore we find God’s honor at the head of all these duties and prohibitions: “I am the Lord your God.” This was to be the ground of their conduct. And we, dear young Christian, are called to act in a way worthy of that blessed One who is become our God and Father, and made us His dear children, through the work of His dear Son. It is not that we are any better than others. Sometimes a worldly person might say to a young Christian who desires to walk apart from the world’s ways and pleasures and to please his Saviour, “I suppose you think you are better than we are.” By no means! As those saved by grace, we now have but one rule or standard of conduct: “I am the Lord your God.”

Stealing, dishonesty, and lying were forbidden. The name of the Lord was not to be profaned. One was not to rob or take advantage of his neighbor. He was not to delay for a single night to pay what was due to a poor laborer, whose hungry family might be waiting for him to return with the daily bread.

Then how touching the tender care of the Lord is for the deaf and the blind! Sometimes, if we are not watchful, we fail to exercise patience with those who cannot hear or cannot see as we can. What an opportunity there is here for patient loving service to those who are bereft of these faculties, to speak a little louder and perhaps repeat what we have said to a deaf person, to take time to read a little to one who is blind, to help and encourage such along life’s way. Surely the Lord is pleased with humble services like these.

Memory Verse: “INCLINE YOUR EAR, AND COME UNTO ME: HEAR AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE.” Isa. 55:3.

ML-06/25/1972

George's First Night Away From Home

IN AN old country house there lived two young boys with their Christian parents. Lionel, the older, was strong, lively and fond of adventure. George, on the other hand, was quiet and studious, having been delicate from babyhood. He could not run far and join in the games like the other boys, without getting tired, so he turned his attention to books, botany and nature. It was his delight to study the habits and ways of the birds and other shy little creatures of the fields and woods. Both boys were taught by their mother to reverence God and His holy Word.

The time came when Lionel went away to school, while George rained at home and followed his own quiet pursuits. However, he outgrew his delicacy and the day came when he too went away to study at the same school his brother went to.

George shared a dorm with several other boys, and at first all was noisy and strange. He grew a little homesick as he thought of his dear father and mother and the quiet old home he loved. So he sat down on his bed, took out his Bible and read his daily portion. Then as he had always done, he knelt down to pray.

For a few moments there was silence in the dorm. Then a shoe came hurtling through the air, then another, then a hairbrush, and other missiles assailed the solitary kneeling figure.

“And what did you do, dear?” asked his mother when, the first evening he was home on vacation, George related to her his early experiences of school life.

“Mother,” replied George gravy, “I just knelt on.”

Night after night he did the same, although he was intensely sensitive to the rough jests and shouts directed at him; but gradually the persecution subsided, for the other boys were not really bad-hearted and knew they were wrong; so they were shamed into leaving the new boy to be true to his colors.

Perhaps dear George’s act was not great in the eyes of men, yet we are sure it was well pleasing to his Captain and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Well it would be if all our readers had the same courage as underlined those four simple words — “I just knelt on!”

“O LORD... Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee.” “Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee.” Psa. 25:20; 84:5.

“Them that honor Me I will hor.” 1 Sam. 2:30.

ML-07/02/1972

Beth the Teenager

BETH was in her teens, attractive, frivolous and popular. Her Christian mother had often pleaded with the Lord for the salvation of her loved daughter.

Her mother’s prayers were not answered all at once, for Beth was not only not saved, but she had no desire to be. She said her prayers at night out of respect for her mother, occasionally read her Bible, went to the services, and thought she had gone far enough.

But about this time, however, God began to work in the town where Beth lived and some of her friends got saved. But she made fun of it all. Her sister was converted, and then her bosom friend found Christ; still the wayward young girl held out.

One evening she stopped at an open-air meeting and when one speaker quoted John 3:16, Beth put her fingers in her ears.

After the meeting she was persuaded to go inside the hall, and she squeezed into the far end of a seat. Again the preacher took for his text John 3:16 and every time he quoted it Beth’s fingers went into her ears. Then after the meeting was over and most of the people had gone, seeing that they were determined to talk to her personally, she hopped over the seat and was outside in a moment.

Thus far she had had it all her own way, but now the Lord was about to have His way. Beth went home to her room and made up her mind that she would not read her Bible or say her prayers that night. But after some thought she decided to say her prayers just to please her mother. While she was on her knees the thought forced itself upon her, “If I should die, what then? I must go to hell.” What a terribly solemn thought! But surely it would have been what she deserved. Had she not been making fun of God’s glorious gospel that very evening?

Beth went to bed but could not sleep. The Lord was speaking to her and she was obliged to listen. Finally she could stand it no longer, so getting up she opened her Bible and turned to the hitherto despised text, John 3:16. She thought it over word by word— “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

For some time she meditated on that verse, and then the light shone in. What a blessed change from the night before.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts.” 2 Cor. 4:6.

Instead of sending her to hell, God’s desire was to have her in heaven with and like His beloved Son. Instead of seeking to judge her for her daring rebellion, His arms were outstretched to receive her to His heart of love. And this is God’s attitude toward every soul in this world.

“Though thy sins were red like crimson,

Deep in scarlet glow,

Jesus’ precious blood can make them,

White as snow.”

Yes, dear friend, on account of that precious blood shed on Calvary God can “be just and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26.

It was now 2 o’clock in the morning. Beth waited until 5 and then went out to her sister’s home to tell her the glad news. She was saved. What a welcome she got; she found that her friends had been praying for her all through the night.

She went the same day to her mother who saw her coming, and when she heard, “I’m saved, Mother,” she took her in her arms, exclaiming, “O! can it be true?”

Now, reader, what about you?

The Saviour calls! O! can it be,

That call has no sweet charm for thee?

Wilt thou not turn and give Him heed?

Wilt thou not think while He doth plead?

Yes, “him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Will you not come?

ML-07/02/1972

God's Picture Gallery

Peeps at some heroes of faith in olden times.

IN THE great cities of the world, there is always a national gallery in which the pictures of a country’s heroes, soldiers, sailors, statesmen and great men and women are hung, that coming generations may see the “worthies” of days gone by, whose deeds are recorded in the annals of their fatherland.

Now God has His picture gallery too, and we see hung around its walls the pictures of some whom He counts great, and whose names are inscribed on the rolls of honor of heaven’s heroes of faith, in Hebrews 11.

First comes ABEL (v. 4) who came to God as a sinner, by faith offered a sacrifice on his altar, showing the need of death to atone for his sin. He stood as a confessed sinner beside the “firstling of his flock,” which he offered up to God, and for which God accounted him righteous. Abel is counted one of God’s honored ones, and so are all who acknowledge themselves the “sinner” (Luke 18:13), and trust the Lamb of God, who was “wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:5).

The second is ENOCH (v. 5) who “walked with God" (Gen. 5:22). He went to be with Him for, “God took him,” as He will do for those who will “go to heaven without dying,” when Jesus comes. You must be saved like Abel before you can walk like Enoch. Salvation by faith comes first, then walking in the truth and in communion with God next.

NOAH (v. 7) was a worker. He built an ark and entered it with his family where he was safe when the flood came. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord for he was a just man and walked with God. Noah built an ark for the safety of his house, and God shut him in in safety. Those who trust in Christ as the only Refuge will be safe in the coming judgment of the world.

Next ABRAHAM (v. 8) heard the call of God, gave up all and became a pilgrim and stranger in the land of promise. Later he laid his son Isaac on the altar at God’s command, but God spared Abraham from slaying his son and honored him for his faith and obedience.

These are only a few of God’s worthies. To trust God, to obey His Word, to do His will, is the happy and honored life here, and will have a rich reward in heaven. There are many others of God’s worthies we read about in His Word, but these four tell us how to be saved, and then to walk, work, and live for the Lord.

ML-07/02/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 19:15-30

FURTHER warnings are given in order that an Israelite’s conduct toward his brother would be such as became the people of the Lord. One was to be righteous in judgment regardless of whether the other person involved might be poor or among the mighty.

Then there was warning against becoming a talebearer. Who can tell the mischief and sorrow caused among the children of God by tale-bearing. Even children need to be warned against this habit for it grows until one gets the reputation of being a tattletale or talebearer. Proverbs tells us “The words of a talebearer are as wounds,” and “where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” (Chap. 18:8; 26:20.)

On the other hand one is not to be indifferent to evil. If we know that someone is falling into sinful ways, we are urged to go and speak to him about it, in the spirit of love and in the sense of our own weakness. Many a person would be saved from a course of dishonor and sorrow if, instead of being a talebearer, we went to him in love and sought his restoration and blessing.

One was not to avenge another, or pay him back, as we say, for an unkindness done to him; neither was he to hold a grudge against a brother. Alas, even Christians sometimes “pay back” in most unkind ways and hold ‘a grudge for a long time against someone they claim has done them wrong. The Christian has a higher motive for his conduct than the Israelite, for the love of Christ ought to constrain us in all that we do, and we have the Spirit of God as the power within us to be and act like Him. May we seek grace to be like God against whom we had sinned and so dishonored, who forgave us freely for Christ’s sake "Who blots the record, and then forgets.”

The children of Israel were not to have mixtures in their cattle, and perhaps this would speak of our business dealings. As Christians we are not to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers.

They were not to sow their field with different kinds of seed. It was the work of Satan to sow the tares with the wheat (Matt. 13). Neither was a garment made of two different materials to come on an Israelite. These three prohibitions have a special voice to us. There must be no diverse yoking with unbelievers, no touching of that which is unclean, and no compromising the truth of God.

When they came into the land and planted trees for food, they could not eat the fruit of the first three years, but the fourth year all the fruit was holy to the Lord, and then in the fifth year they could eat the increase. God would have His people remember that earth was ruined through man’s sin, then the Lord was to have the firstfruits, and the following year they would be free to eat of the harvest. The Lord regulated everything in their lives, and while we are not under law as Israel, but under grace, the Lord wants to order everything in our lives for our fullest blessing and joy, for He loves us so.

Memory Verse: “TRUST IN THE LORD, AND DO GOOD; SO SHALT THOU DWELL IN THE LAND, AND VERILY THOU SHALT BE FED.” Psa. 37:3.

ML-07/02/1972

Lost Over the Falls

A MAN by the name of Avery and two other men, were on the Niagara River a long way above the Falls. They had been drinking and it is thought two of them were very drunk. They rowed to shore and carelessly threw a rope around a rock, but failed to tie it very well. Then they lay down in the boat and went to sleep.

While they slept the motion of the water unfastened the rope, and they floated down towards the Falls, unconscious of their danger.

Nobody knows how, but Avery got out of the boat and onto a log lodged above the Falls on a little point of rock. In the morning he was discovered sitting on that log. The other two had gone over the Falls and into eternity.

And there was poor Avery. But nobody could get to him. Who would dare go to him? The motion of the water kept the log rocking continually, and it seemed at the least change he must go over. But for 26 hours he held that perilous position.

“It is estimated that 10,000 peons lined the banks. There were boats, rafts, and friendly hands. One man said: ‘I will pay any man $1,000.00 if he will rescue Avery!’ "

Some of Avery’s friends thought he would become discouraged and drop off the log and go over; so they got a wide board and wrote on it in big letters, “WE WILL SAVE YOU!”

But that promise could not be fulfilled. At that very moment when poor Avery thought he was about to be rescued, he found himself being borne by the rapid current to the edge of the Falls. As he saw that he must die in the sight of 10,000 friendly hearts and hands, he partly raised himself in the water and gave a most heart-rending cry that reached the ears of the spectators. Then he plunged over the Falls into eternity.

Dear reader, if you are unsaved, without God and Christ, without hope in this world, see in this poor man’s condition a picture of your own. Poor Avery cried, but there was none to deliver. You still have time to cry to the One who alone can save you — Christ the Saviour of sinners. He is near, and if you have faith to trust Him those outstretched arms of love will reach out and lift you to everlasting Safety.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

Avery was well aware of his danger; he eagerly longed to be saved. Can as much be said of you?

Sad is your case if you do not want to be saved. The Lord doesn’t save anyone against his will, though He does make us willing at times.

Avery’s friends promised to save him, but it was a vain offer. No vain offer is this which the Saviour offers you, written clear and plain in God’s own Book. The Lord Jesus is as mighty as He is willing to save.

Sit no longer on the rocking log of life, as it were, in the current of time. Ahead lies death and judgment — and eternity. Today the offer of salvation holds good. Tomorrow the offer may be gone and you may be gone too!

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

ML-07/09/1972

For Good People

“What kind of people does God love?” a Sunday school teacher asked her class of boys.

Ten hands went up in schoolboy fashion, ready to answer.

“Good people!” was the reply. “Who don’t go to heaven,” was another question.

“Crooks!” came the answer.

“Will the first boy here read Romans 3:12, the last half of the verse,” asked the teacher.

The boy read, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

“Then you see, boys, God has nobody to love if only ‘good people’ are those He loves,” the teacher explained. The boys seemed thunderstruck.

“Will the next boy read Romans 5:8,” asked the teacher again, and the lad read, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “Now, whom does God love?” “Sinners,” was the quick reply. Yes, and that includes you.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 3:23,24.

ML-07/09/1972

Bible Animals and Birds: A Bible Searching

Swift “steed of the desert,” thy name must be told (Gen. 24:64).

Whose hair clothed a preacher, both faithful and bold (Mark 1:6).

Bird — type of sinner, by nature unclean,

The friend of corruption, you know what I mean (Gen. 8:7).

Majestic and powerful, the strength of thy wing

Like the way which the Lord His people did bring (Ex. 19:4).

A reptile so subtle so deadly its sting,

The horse and its rider to earth it can bring (Gen. 49:17).

Pure, gentle and harmless, thy blood must be spilt

Ere the sinner can have a remission of guilt (Lev. 14:22).

With head reared on high, and a beat of the wing,

The swiftest pursuers to scorn thou dost bring (Job 39:13-18).

So graceful thy form, so quick is thine ear,

Thou’rt off like the wind when danger is near (1 Chron. 12:8).

Now then, dear young readers, with Bible in hand,

Set down the initials, and then understand

That the name thus evolved remembered should be

In the days of thy youth, ere its precious years flee.

ML-07/09/1972

A Snake Story

AN UNUSUAL snake story was told by Mr. Haensel, a Danish missionary to the Nicobar Islanders in the Indian Ocean.

One day, while attempting to open a large clumsy lock on a door in a dark part of his workroom, Mr. Haensel suddenly felt a prick in his finger. The prick was immediately followed by a jolting sensation as though he had received a very strong electrical shock.

His first thought was that some of his boys, who were always playing in the room, had wound an electric wire around the handle. He asked them sharply what they had done to the door. However, they answered that they had not done anything to it. Rather puzzled, Mr. Haensel began to work at the lock again. Again he was pricked and jolted, and this time he noticed that his finger was bleeding.

Although he did not suspect the cause of his injury, Mr. Haensel sucked out the wound as well as he could and went off to get some medicine and bandages. He was too busy to think much about the lock again that evening, but during the night his hand began to swell and become extremely painful.

Entering the workroom the next morning, the missionary noticed a very bad odor and again asked the boys what they had been doing in his room. They again denied any knowledge of what could have happened, and so he took a light and began to inspect the door.

There, hanging out of the keyhole, was part of the long, slender, black body of a snake with a white stripe along its back. Apparently it had been trying to enter through the keyhole just when Mr. Haensel was attempting to open the lock. Unknowingly he had crushed the snake inside so that it died soon after it had bitten him. He recognized it as a very poisonous snake, called by some a “Split Snake,” and he wrote later: “considering the deadly nature of the serpent’s poison, I felt thankful to God that, though ignorant of the cause of the wound, I applied proper remedies to it, in consequence of which my life was not endangered.”

How important is a “proper remedy"! Sin, just like this snake, is often present where we least expect it, and its effect is just as deadly: “The wages of sin is death.” But, there is a remedy! “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:7,8. We all need the Remedy for sin which God has prided, and how thankful to God those can be who have taken advantage of it. Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and been cleansed by His precious blood?

ML-07/09/1972

Not Afraid

“Are you afeard to die, Phil?” asked the sorrowing wife of Philip Sharkey, the blacksmith — a brand plucked from the burning, now nearing his end.

“What could I be feard for, when I’m goin’ to be wi’ the Man that died for me?” was the sweet and comforting answer.

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

ML-07/09/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 19:31

THE CHILDREN of Israel were told in Exodus 34:14: “The Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Jealousy means “to be inflamed"; it is the strong affection that cannot bear to see a loved one enticed by another. It was with this jealous affection that God regarded His people whom He had redeemed out of Egypt, and the land which He had chosen, the place in which He had placed His name.

If such was the Lord’s feeling towards His earthly people, what must be the love in the heart of Christ for the Church, His bride, for whom He died and who is destined to share His heavenly glory with Him. It was the spirit of Christ in the Apostle that led him to write: “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:2. Surely these words of the Lord to His people of old have a voice for us Christians today.

Israel was to shun the ways of the nations around them. Eating anything with the blood was forbidden, also enchantments and observing of times by divination (v. 26). They were not to adopt the ways of the heathen in trimming their heads and beards (v. 27), cutting their flesh and tattooing (v. 28). All was seen as opposed to the Lord. They were to keep His sabbaths and reverence His sanctuary.

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” Divination, observing of times, enchantments, witchery, consulting with familiar spirits, and similar arts were sternly denounced. They were heathen enormities and God’s people were forbidden to have anything to do with them. Today these are called occult sciences but really it is the subtle power of Satan in the unseen world, by which he deludes men.

How solemn it is to see in this very country the interest in astrology, witchcraft and other magic practices growing so rapidly. Not since the days of ancient Babylon, it is said, has there been so much interest shown in these mystic arts. Today there are literally thousands practicing witchcraft here. Nor is it merely a passing fad, but the result of man turning his back on a faithful Creator, on Christ the only Saviour of sinners, and refusing the light of God’s unerring and holy Word. These favored lands of Christendom, so blessed under the gospel, are fast going back into the heathen darkness out of which they were once delivered by the grace of God.

It is of particular interest to us in our day to note that the word used for “sorcery” in Revelation 9:21 refers to drugs — “to stupify with drugs.” May we remember, dear young Christian, that these abominations against which Israel were warned, are the power of Satan. Even Christians may be, and have been, drawn into them out of mere curiosity. Let us not forget the word of the Lord: “Let no man beguile you of your reward... intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Col. 2:18.

Poor fallen man, away from God, resorts to false means in attempting to find out what the future holds, and thus he plays into the hands of Satan. But only God knows the future and unless He reveals it, it cannot be known. How wonderful to be His child through faith in His dear Son, to leave the future in His hands and be at peace, and to be able to say as the beloved Apostle: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Tim. 1:12.

ML-07/09/1972

Harvey and the Quicksand

HARVEY dashed off down the narrow path through the woods on his way to school, but even as he ran he heard his mother’s voice calling out, “Remember, son, be sure to stay on the path because the woods are very muddy today.”

Harvey liked school and most of all he loved his teacher. He wanted to do something extra special for her some day, and as he walked along and glanced around he thought, “What could I do for her?”

Just then he saw a sight that made him stare in wide-eyed wonder. There before his very eyes, near the swamp, was a patch of the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen in his whole life. There were purple violets, and trailing arbutus with their fragrant pink petals, and fully a dozen other kinds of flowers simply too beautiful to describe. “My, how pleased my teacher would be with such a gorgeous bouquet!” thought Harvey.

Forgetting his mother’s warning, he quickly dropped his books and rushed forward to pick some of those lovely flowers.

Alas! Hardly had he begun when he felt his feet begin to sink in the mud and suddenly he realized he was sinking into a pit of quicksand. The more he squirmed, the deeper he sank.

At first he went in up to his ankles, then slowly up to his knees. He began to call for help. Wasn’t there someone who would find him?

“I’ll die in this quicksand,” the poor boy thought. “Oh how I wish I had obeyed Mother! This is awful.” Louder and louder he tried to call, but his voice didn’t seem to carry well.

At last, after what seemed like hours to the despairing lad, along came Bill Phillips, a Christian boy, on his way to school. Bill heard Harvey’s cries and rushed to the rescue. With the help of a stout tree limb and his belt, through the Lord’s mercies, he pulled Harvey out of the quicksand.

The very next Sunday the preacher spoke of how sin is like the quicksand. He said: “At first we are tempted to disobey our parents, to lie and to steal. But soon sin in us gets stronger and stronger and like the quicksand it will pull us down to death and hell. But the Lord Jesus came to save us from the quicksand of sin. Call on Him and He will save you. Tor whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’" Rom. 10:13.

That afternoon Bill came to visit Harvey. “How did you like the preacher’s gospel message?” he asked.

“It sure reminded me of last Friday,” replied Harvey. “If sin is like the quicksand slowly pulling us down to Satan’s pit, I want to get out of it,” he added.

Bill then read a verse from the Bible: “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.” Psalm 40:2.

Then he added: “The Lord Jesus will take you out of the pit of sin, Harvey, if you will just cry to Him.” Harvey was only too willing.

Together the boys knelt down and Bill asked the Lord for Harvey’s salvation. Harvey also prayed, asking the Lord to save him, and before they got up off their knees he knew the Lord had answered him. He felt sure and safe. A feeling of peace came over his soul. He knew that he was out of the horrible pit of sin and condemnation and SAFE on the ROCK — the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that his sins were all forgiven, and that he had eternal life.

Will you not let the Lord Jesus do the same for you, dear reader? His promise is, “For whosoever” and that means you or me or anyone else — “shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

Ambassador Press

ML-07/16/1972

A Drunkard Saved

MR. BARNES was a Christian and faithful gospel preacher. One evening alone in his study, he was on his knees praying aloud. A burglar entered the home and was on his way into the study when he heard the earnest words of prayer. He stopped to listen.

Thoughts of his Christian mother long gone home to heaven and of his early childhood when he went to Sunday school flooded into his soul. Broken down in spirit he entered Mr. Barnes’ study, not to rob him, but to confess his sinful ways. “When I heard you pray,” he said, “it reminded me of my mother and of the Saviour she taught me about. I’m through with this business and with God’s help I want to become a Christian.” The repentant burglar was led to Christ and we believe kept his word.

“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.

“Let him that stole steal no more.” Ephesians 5:28.

ML-07/16/1972

"Who Loved Me."

A dear little girl, whose heart had early been won by the love of the Lord Jesus, who believed in Him and confessed Him as her Saviour, wrote in her Birthday Book, under her own name on the date of her birth, the precious words—

“Who loved me.” Gal. 2:20.

My soul, the order of these words approve,

“He” first, “me” last, nothing between but Love;

Lord, keep “me” always down, Thyself above.

ML-07/16/1972

An Infidel Coward

A CHRISTIAN man once lost his way in the forest. He was afraid to spend the night there and was so glad when he spied a light in the distance. It proved to be a blazing fire around which sat a group of people. The man sat down on the fringe of the crowd to listen.

To his horror he found that it was a gathering of atheists, and the speakers were bold and determined in venting their blasphemy against God. One young man got up and declared that he did not believe in the existence of God, and dared Him then and there to destroy him if He did exist.

The Christian man was meditating a reply but words failed him. The young infidel orator sat down amid the loud clapping and approval of his friends.

Then a burly woodsman, past the prime of his life, rose to his feet and asked for a hearing. He said he was not going to dwell on the topic the young orator before him had discussed, he merely wanted to tell them a fact. “Will you hear me?”

“Yes,” they shouted, for it was a free discussion.

“Well, a week ago,” he began, “I was working up the river, cutting logs. You know there is a falls down a piece, and as I was felling a tree

I heard cries and shrieks, together with prayers to God for help. I ran down to the water’s edge and saw a young man caught in the rapids. The current had him in its grasp and if some outside help did not come to him he would certainly be swept to his death over the falls. I saw that young man kneel down in the boat and pray to God, by the love of Christ and by His precious blood, to save him. He confessed he had been an infidel, but said that if he might be delivered this once, he would openly declare his belief in God.

“At once I jumped into the river. I managed to get into the boat, turn it around and bring it to shore. So I saved that young man’s life. And that young man is the same one who is here, he has just sat down after denying the existence of God and daring Him to destroy him!”

Proud infidelity is always bold in the absence of danger but cowardly in the time of catastrophe) Infidels sneer in the crowd but tremble in the dark. The heart of man is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9), and out of Christ is the plaything of the devil.

May our reader be delivered from all dishonoring thoughts of God and Christ, and if you have not fled to Him for refuge may you put your soul’s safekeeping in the hands of Him who died for unworthy sinners such as we.

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6.

ML-07/16/1972

A Bible Boy to Find

Whose sons obeyed their father’s word, and drank no fiery wine? (Jer. 35.)

Whose uncle viewed the promised land and saw its fruitful vine? (Josh. 15:16-19.)

Whose house was early turned to God, to serve His people here? (1 Sam. 3.)

Who followed a rejected king, and sought no land or gear? (2 Sam. 15.)

Whose son has told us of the Lord in character as King? (Luke 5:27-32.)

Who walked to Shiloh every year her boy a coat to bring? (1 Sam. 1.)

Initials give a Bible name, who in the days of youth

Received Jehovah’s holy Word, and owned it as the Truth. (2 Chron. 24:2-19.)

Memory Verse “THUS SAITH THE LORD..., SEEK YE ME, AND YE SHALL LIVE.” Amos 5:4.

ML-07/16/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 19:32-20:27

THE SAME authority of the Lord which forbad the practices of the heathen, called upon the Israelite to honor the hoary head and the face of the old man, and with this was coupled the fear of “thy God.”

We live in times when there is little respect for old age, and there is a special word here for us who are children of God, for everything in God’s Word is important. No matter what the occasion might be, we should never speak disrespectfully to an older person. Even if an older one does make a mistake, as everyone does at times, still we should always speak in a courteous and respectful way. This applies especially to our parents whom the Lord tells us we should honor at all times.

“The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Not only was he not to be interfered with, but to be loved as one of their own. It is very touching to see how here the remembrance of their oppression in Egypt was not to be an occasion for the Israelite to show resentment against the stranger, but rather compassion. This was indeed grace.

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment,... in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights,... shall ye have.” This would remind us that as Christians we are called to be upright and honest in all our dealings and business affairs. “I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.” His eye is upon the least things of daily life. We can seek to please and honor Him in all our circumstances.

In chapter 20 we have further warnings against the fearful evil practiced by heathen nations. Israel was soon to enter the land of the Canaanites and the Lord would warn them beforehand lest they fall into their idolatrous and wicked ways. And we as Christians need to be warned against adopting the ways of the world around us, for our hearts are no better than theirs. Sometimes boys and girls, and older people too, act as though God did not see them, but He knows all the secrets of our lives for “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13. He can see what we do in the dark as well as what we do in the light; and because He is patient and does not act in judgment at once, let us not suppose that He does not see and know (Eccl. 8:11). “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap... Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:7, 9.

It is well for us to bear in mind that holiness is according to the relationship in which one stands. Israel were a people in the flesh, but the place and condition of the Christian is altogether different. We “are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in us.” The Lord Jesus has not only died for us to put our sins away, but He has gone back to heaven and brought us into the same heavenly position as He is. He could say in John 17:19: “And for their sakes I sanctify [set apart] Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” So with us it is more than simply refraining from evil and what is contrary to God’s will here below, but our standard of Christian holiness is heavenly in character, according to that place where we now know Christ to be, the same place that He has won for us.

ML-07/16/1972

Saved in a Mine

THERE was a terrible explosion THERE the coal mine. Some of the miners escaped, but others were buried alive. Nine were missing, among them a young boy named David.

David’s mother was a widow. She had lost her husband and four other sons in a former mine explosion. David, the youngest son, was the only one left and had been the joy and rejoicing of her heart. Now she believed him to be dead also, and great was her grief.

David’s job had been to open and close the trap door at the bottom of the shaft. Much of the time he was sitting in the dark, but he would take out his little light and read his pocket Bible, which was a prize he had received for faithful attendance at Sunday school and for learning scripture verses. The falling coal prevented him from opening the trap door, and he found that every other way was blocked. When he realized he was trapped, he thought of his dear mother and began to weep.

Kneeling down upon the coal he prayed to God to spare him. Then he opened his Bible and with the help of his little light he read the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd...”

The air began to get heavy and it was harder to breathe. “Are you afraid to die?” he asked himself. “No, the Lord Jesus, the Son of God is my Saviour and Shepherd” was the answer in his heart. Just a few months before he had learned of his sinful and lost condition before God and had by faith accepted the Lord Jesus as His Saviour, He who had suffered and died in his stead on the cross, had washed his sins away by His precious blood shed on Calvary. (1 John 1:7).

As he prayed, the Lord gave quietness and comfort to his young heart. He thought of the love of Jesus and was made sure that He would be with him in the dark valley of death. “He will bring me through” were the words of assurance in his heart. With a piece of sharp coal he wrote in his Bible, “Dear Mother, Jesus is with me” then he lost consciousness.

In the meantime a rescue crew was working hard to clear the coal from the trap door of the shaft. Soon they found the unconscious boy. Carefully they brought him to the surface where his mother was waiting. Oh how great was her joy when he opened his blue eyes. The Lord had spared his life and saved him—all praise to Him.

After this experience David thought to himself, “Why has God preserved my life while others died? It must be that He wants me to be a witness for Him.” Therefore he joyfully confessed the Lord and often spoke to others of His glorious saving gospel. His testimony was also backed up by a faithful walk for the Lord.

He would say to his fellow miners, “You may think you can get along without the Lord Jesus Christ, and you may be able to for a while, but when you are face to face with death you will find out it is another matter. You will need Him then for salvation, peace and comfort. If I had not known the Lord Jesus as my Saviour and Shepherd when I was trapped in the mine, near death, I would have been full of terror and lost.”

Dear young reader, if the Lord Jesus is not yet your Saviour and Shepherd, may dear David’s testimony and experience help you to realize your need of Him too. You cannot get along without Him. Someday you too may be in great danger, someday you too will have to face death. “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

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

ML-07/23/1972

A Bible City; A Man of Prayer

It was once a city great and high,

Against which a prophet of God did cry.

Its people on hearing his solemn word,

Repented of sin and turned to the Lord.

(Jonah 3.)

A Man of Prayer

A man of prayer in olden time,

Of honorable name,

Who asked that God might bless and keep

From every evil claim;

That God would still his coast extend,

And by His hand himself defend.

Who was the man? Where did he live?

His history and his service give.

Answer found in 1 Chronicles 4.

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

How my Saviour loves me,

He rose again for me,

That I might live with Him in heaven

For all eternity.

ML-07/23/1972

The Influence of a Child

LITTLE JACK was only three years old when his father died. His mother had to give up their nice home and for a time lived with her little son in a big home where many others lived. Jack became a favorite to all there. One old man was especially fond of him and one day he invited him to sit on his knee after dinner, while the ladies washed the dishes.

The men went on chatting for a while. The old man on whose knee Jack was sitting was an infidel and said some things which would shock most. Even little four-year-old Jack was shocked and it showed in his sweet innocent face. His mother had taught him the fear of the Lord and to love His precious Word.

“Well, Jack,” said one of the guests at the table, as he noticed the pained expression on his face, “what do you think of Mr. Brown now?”

The little fellow hesitated for a moment and then replied, “I think he did not have a good mother, for if he had he would not use such naughty words.”

The old man had been raised in a Christian home, and thoughts of his godly mother rose in all their freshness to his mind. The effect upon him was overpowering, for he arose from the table without speaking, and was never Afterward known to say such evil things again.

“A word fitly spoken is like ales of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” Prov. 25:11,12.

ML-07/23/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 21

IN THIS chapter we have a word especially for “the priests the sons of Aaron.”

Our duties flow from our relationships, and so it was because the sons of Aaron were priests and entered into the sanctuary, which no ordinary Israelite could do, that these ordinances were given to them, the priestly family. We see here that special conduct was called for in one who was a priest and approached into God’s holy presence. Then it was under law, but now since Christ has died, under grace every believer is a priest. The privileges of only a few under law are the privileges of all under grace.

Every son of Aaron was a priest because he was born into that relationship. But this called for a holy and separated walk unto God. The priest must not defile himself by approaching death, except in the case of a near relation who had died. And we as Christians are taught to be careful that we be not drawn back into former associations and relationships out of which the Lord has once delivered us by His grace and power.

But there is, nevertheless, a greater responsibility put upon one who takes the place of a leader among God’s people. One called to such a place must be especially careful that his walk does not hinder or bring reproach upon the Word of the Lord. Needless to say, every believer should be exercised about these things, but especially those who are active in the Lord’s service.

Priests have the wonderful privilege of drawing near to God in prayer and praise, offering up spiritual sacrifices “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Therefore their duty is to keep clear of spiritual death, even as the Lord told one, whom He had called, to “let the dead bury their dead” (Luke 9: 60). As believers we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive unto God through Christ Jesus, our consciences purified from dead works to serve the living God. Christ is now our life who by His death and resurrection has given us the victory.

If one of the sons of Aaron had a blemish he must not approach to offer the bread of his God — “a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose,... or a man that is broken-footed, or broken-handed, or crooked-backed, or a dwarf, or hath a blemish in his eye,...” These things would hinder full enjoyment of the priest’s privileges, and this has a solemn word for us. How often do we allow ourselves to be defiled by some unholy association or failure which hinders our communion and weakens us in our service for Christ. How many of God’s dear people are deprived of their privileges by moral defilement and spiritual defects.

A blind man or one who had a blemish in his eye speaks of defective discernment in the things of God. One who had a flat nose had his sense of smell impaired, and his appreciation of the sweet savor of the sacrifices that went up to God would be limited. We read that when Mary of Bethany broke the alabaster box and anointed the feet of Jesus “the house was filled with the odor of the ointment” (John 12:3). How often because of some defilement or spiritual defect are we unable to enter into and appreciate the fragrance of Christ shed forth on occasions.

A humpback and a dwarf tell of spiritual shortcomings which render one unable to rise and enjoy his high and holy privilege as a priest. The broken foot and broken hand also speak of one unable to walk properly before the Lord or to serve Him rightly because of some failure or spiritual defect.

Some of these defects were lifelong, others only for a season. But surely through them the Lord would warn us, as believers, to be watchful and not allow ourselves to become defiled and deprive ourselves of some of those sweet and precious privileges the Lord has died to bring us into. If we have failed may we go to Him about it at once and be restored to counion again, for “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-07/23/1972

The Weather Vane

A Christian farmer fixed a weather vane on the top of his house, with the text — “GOD IS LOVE” — pointing the way of the wind.

A neighbor asked him if the text so placed indicated that the love of God was as changeable as the wind.

“No,” replied the farmer. “It means that ‘God is love’ at all times, at all seasons, no matter how the wind blows.” His love is unchanging.

“God is Light... God is Love.” 1 John 1:5; 4:8.

"Prepare to meet thy God.” Now is the accepted time to prepare.

“Ye must be born Again.” Now is the accepted time to be born again.

“Behold the Lamb of God.” Now is the accepted time to behold Him. and see

“The Precious blood of Christ,” shed instead of the guilty. You may never have another, so behold,

“NOW is the accepted time.”

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

ML-07/23/1972

Another Mine Story

I USED to live near a coal mine where many men were employed and also a few boys.

One afternoon at quitting time the men ascended the shaft, expecting the boys to follow. But, suddenly, before the boys finished work, there was a cave-in; a flood of water began pouring in and shut off the only passage by which the boys could get out.

Oh how dreadful was their case, as they watched the water rise higher and higher.

A great crowd gathered at the mouth of the pit. The miners immediately began pumping operations, but it would take days to pump out so much water, and they had little hope of reaching the boys alive.

It was Wednesday morning I was told that by the next day they expected the boys would be found. I thought what a solemn thing it was for those five boys, shut up in a mine, to be called away from time into eternity and perhaps unprepared to meet God.

Just then I heard footsteps and a boy’s voice cried out, “Mother! Mother! They’re all alive.” I went out and joined the crowd who were expressing their joy that the boys were all safe and sound.

After they were brought out and restored to their loved ones, the boys told how they felt while they were thus imprisoned. What did they do in that dark pit? “The water is rising,” said one in despair. “What shall we do now?”

“Let us go and pray,” answered some of the rest, and as well as they could they did so. “And then,” said one, “the water began to go down.”

Then they prayed that they might be delivered from the bad and poisonous air which often fills a mine at such a time. This prayer was answered too, for God caused a mass of coal and clay to fall which stopped up the passage and prevented the poisonous air from reaching the boys.

One father asked his boy what he said in his prayer. He replied: “I said, ‘Lord, Thou knowest how bad it is to go to work in the morning in health and strength and then to be carried home dead.’" And then, remembrance of what he had gone through overcame the poor boy, and he could say no more, his eyes filled up with tears.

Scripture says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12. God is sovereign in His mercy and does answer prayer. But He would have us to learn, first of all, that we can only approach Him as sinners, that we need a sacrifice for our sins, and the only sacrifice that He will accept is the Lord Jesus who died on the cross. When we come to Him in this way, owning His beloved Son as our Saviour, then God is all for us—all that He is in His love, His mercy, and His power.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31. True prayer then is coming to God in faith and telling Him all you feel and all you want in the simplest words.

The Lord Jesus has told us in His Word “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1.

ML-07/30/1972

Jesus Loves You Too

LITTLE MARTHA’S father was a soldier in active service. While he was away, Martha lived with her grandmother. We are sorry to say that Martha’s daddy was a stranger to God against whom he had sinned.

One day he received a letter from his mother. He read the letter, and then noted in a corner in a child’s large hand-writing these ten words: “I do love you, Daddy, and God loves you too.”

Brief as it was, the effect of that message upon the soldier who thought little of God or of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was tremendous. For a time he stood dumbfounded. “God loves you too,” and that in the face of the knowledge that he was a vile sinner. But it was a powerful message from God to his soul, convicting him of his sinful life.

Bursting into tears, he got down on his knees and there he met the Lord, the Saviour, who in spite of his sins, loved him. It was this that melted him. It was this—the goodness of God—that filled him with shame and sorrow when he thought of his past life.

He remembered that one little verse, “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.

When he got up from his knees he was a changed man, with the knowledge of salvation and the joy of the Lord in his heart, with new hopes and desires. His afterlife proved the reality of his conversion, and his desire was to tell others that God loved them and Jesus died for them.

“The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Rom. 2:4.

ML-07/30/1972

A Saving Word

A mount on which a king was slain? (1 Sam. 31.)

A bride brought home with camel train? (Gen. 24.)

A shepherd by his brother slain? (Gen 4.)

A brook dried up through want of rain? (1 Kings 17.)

A queen who for her people prayed, And by her means had judgment stayed? (Esther 4.)

Initials form a precious word, which those know best who trust the Lord. (Eph. 2:8.)

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

How my Saviour loves me,

No human tongue can tell,

He gave Himself on Calvary

To save my soul from hell!

ML-07/30/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 22

IN THE last chapter the Lord I through Moses speaks to the sons of Aaron, the priestly family, warning them against defilements and defects which would deprive one of his privilege as a priest. May we seek, dear young Christian, to bare of all unholy contacts and alliances, of all manner of uncleanness and defilements, to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, so that we can go on to enjoy our high and holy Christian privileges.

When we are young we need to be especially watchful that we do not get into some unequal yoke or defiling association which would hinder our usefulness for the Lord in later years. How many a young believer has through carelessness or disobedience taken some step which has made him a “lame” priest the rest of his life.

May the Lord help us to walk humbly and in dependence upon Him so that we might be kept! He can and He will keep us if the dire of our hearts is to be kept, and if we are upright before Him. His Word says, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jer. 10:23. Because of this the prayer of the dependent man in Psalm 16 is, “Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.”

In chapter 22 The Lord continues speaking to the priestly family of certain blemishes. He was jealous for His own honor and for the state of the priestly household.

Care must be taken as to who would eat of the holy things. Holiness becomes His house forever (Psa. 93:5), and if we as believers have failed we should confess our sins at once and be restored. We cannot enjoy communion with the Lord when there is unjudged sin in our lives, any more than the priests in Israel could eat of the holy things when defiled.

Nothing with a blemish was to be offered to the Lord. The sacrifices typified Christ and God would ever uphold the glory of His beloved Son. He was the holy spotless Lamb of God and everything that typified Him must be spotless too.

Perhaps there is a lesson for us here too, that is that we ought not to keep the best for ourselves and then offer the rest to the Lord. A young person who uses his best years for his own interests and then later on when his energies are well-nigh spent wants to give the Lord the rest of his life, is not giving the Lord the first and the best. Rather this is like giving the lame to the Lord. What a privilege to be saved when we are young and then spend the rest of our lives in living for and serving Him, that blessed Lord and Master who gave His all for us.

ML-07/30/1972

A Bible King

Who like a lion seeketh to devour

The sinner saved, in an unguarded hour? (1 Peter 5.)

Whose trade did an apostle daily share. Content to labor for his daily fare? (Acts 18.)

What in the temple was there rent in twain.

To show the way to God is now made plain? (Luke 23:33-47.)

To what great sin was Israel in the desert prone?

Which robbed the Lord of what was His alone? (Lev. 21; 1 John 5:21.)

Who for his noble faith and fearless stand

Was raised to honor in a heathen land? (Daniel 6.)

Initials name a king: Where did he reign?

Who was his friend, in what great battle slain? (1 Sam. 18; 31.)

Of whom is he a type? Where is it shown

His son will reign upon his father’s throne? (Luke 1:32.)

ML-07/30/1972

Sandy Macgregor

" DINNA ken ye me?” said a Scotsman to an evangelist at the close of a gospel meeting.

“I ken ye fine,” said the evangelist, “you’re Sandy. It is years since we last met, and you have not altered much. I hope you have grown in grace as you seem to be growing in usefulness. I am glad to hear you are still teaching the Sunday School.”

“Aye, man,” said Sandy, “I thank God every day for you night you slept with me. It was a memorable night.”

Years before when the evangelist was a young man he shared a room with Sandy. The first night they were together he asked Sandy if he were a Christian. Sandy replied, “Yes, I’ve been a Christian all my life.”

“Then what makes you think you’re a Christian?” said the young evangelist.

“Well,” he replied, “I’ve always attended the church and Sunday School. I’m a member now, and a teacher in the Sunday School, and if I’m not a Christian I wonder who is?”

“Well,” said the evangelist, “let us turn to the Bible and see what it has to say. It kens a lot about us.”

“All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way.” If we take Romans 3, it’s a very dark picture, and a very true one. “There is none righteous, no, not one. They are all gone out of the way. We know that whatsoever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight. For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

“Or if we listen to what the Lord Jesus said, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ That does not seem as if any of us have been Christians all our lives.”

“No, it does not,” replied Sandy.

The next evening as the evangelist entered the room Sandy was sobbing. “What’s wrong now,” his friend asked.

“O, I’m just a poor, guilty, hell-deserving sinner,” he answered.

“I’m glad to hear you say that,” said his friend, for “it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

They knelt together and the evangelist explained as fully as he could the way of salvation. Before they retired to rest that night Sandy passed out of death into life. He longer trusted in himself and his good works, but he trusted in Christ alone as his Saviour. He became a Christian indeed, and a Christian in deeds.

The following day he went home to a nearby town to tell his parents the good news of his salvation. Within a few months it was his great joy to win his father and two brothers for Christ, and to hear them openly confess Him as their Saviour and Lord. From the first day of his conversion Sandy was a happy, devoted Christian and Sunday School teacher.

“They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.”

ML-07/30/1972

Rescued

LITTLE six-year-old Anthony and his eight-year-old brother were flying kites near their home in California. It was in a field where a bridge was being built and the construction crew had just dug a hole two feet wide and 28 feet deep. The men had gone home leaving the hole uncovered.

Even as his father watched, little Anthony, unaware of danger, fell backward into the hole and disappeared. As his brother screamed, his father rushed to the spot. Alarmed he raced to the telephone and soon fire and police rescue squads were on the scene, along with a doctor.

Rescue operations were started at once. One man was lowered down the hole headfirst but had to be hauled up again. He found the poor boy with an arm and leg so stuck that it would be impossible to make further attempts to help him without causing more dirt to fall and suffocate him. By special equipment lowered down the hole the doctor was able to talk encouragingly with the little fellow, assuring him that he would soon be rescued. The boy’s frantic cries were indeed pitiful to hear, especially to his poor father.

Then a large drilling rig with a 3-foot augur arrived and began to bore down into the earth eight feet from the boy. They went down 30 feet and began to dig a tunnel to where the boy was trapped.

At last at midnight, seven hours from the time Anthony disappeared down the hole, through the mercy of God the awful ordeal ended in triumph. A mighty cheer went up from the crowd gathered at the mouth of the hole as a workman appeared with the boy in his arms. Little Anthony was laid on a stretcher and a helicopter whisked him away to a hospital. The next day he was well on his way to recovery.

Neither effort nor expense were spared in saving the boy. And no sacrifice was too great for God in His love to save poor fallen sinners, deep down in the pit of sin and despair. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

God sent His dear Son down to this world to rescue us, trapped by Satan, ruined by the fall, and the Lord Jesus did not stop short of going down into those deep dark waters of death to save and to lift us up. “He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters.” Psa. 18.16. Again, “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: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psa. 40:2,3.

But only those who have trusted in Christ can speak of this wonderful deliverance. Those who do not know Him as Saviour are still down in the pit of sin, though they may not be aware of their hopeless condition. Yet, dear reader, if this is your case, you can be saved today. “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

ML-08/06/1972

Christina

Dr. Bonar once met a little girl whose name was Christina. “Christina,” he said, “you have got Christ in your name. Have you got Christ in your heart?”

Christina never forgot that word. The time came when she asked the Lord Jesus to come into her heart and to wash her sins away. How happy she was from then on!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

Memory Verse: “THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS, AND EATETH WITH THEM.” Luke 15:2.

ML-08/06/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:1-3

WE NOW come to this wonderful chapter which sets forth “the feasts of the LORD,” and here we have a marvelous unfolding of the ways and purposes of God. James tells us in Acts 15:18, “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.”

These feasts strikingly set forth the purpose of God to establish a rest for Himself and to gather around Himself a people who would share that rest with Him. It is evident that that rest is still future, and those who are to share that rest are not yet gathered in. Israel, God’s earthly people, are scattered over the face of the earth, but we believe the day is drawing near when God will gather them all back to their long promised land, when Christ shall come whose right it is to reign, and they shall enter in and enjoy the millennial rest of their blessed God. For us as believers now, our rest is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour to come and take us there. Then God shall rest in His love and we shall rest with Him.

That rest secure from ill

No cloud of grief e’er stains;

Unfailing praise each heart doth fill

And love eternal reigns.

After having brought us into all this grace, this place of beloved children, and sons, God calls us now to know His thoughts and purposes for everything. He supposes that we are interested in what occupies Him. What occupies God first of all is not our salvation; that is a settled thing, but He calls us now to enter into all His thoughts and purposes for His own glory, for the glory of His dear Son, and for our joy and blessing. Is it not mere selfishness just to be content to know that we are saved? What about the One who has saved us? Are we not indebted to Him for our salvation? Indeed we are.

In these feasts God has made known unto us, His people in relationship, all His ways from the binning to the end. There are seven “feasts of the Lord,” and He calls them “My feasts.” He calls His people to share His feasts and His offerings, but they are His, and it is His own glory He has before Him in them.

These feasts are types of better things to come, but already the anti-type of some of them has been reached; with the rest these must be looked for as yet to come. In all they give a complete history of the ways of God. They also make known the Person and work of His beloved Son and of His redeemed associated with Him. In them we have a striking view of a whole period of time, even to that bright and glorious future, the eternal Sabbath, or rest, of our ever-gracious God.

There are seven of these feasts—eight in one way. Israel were told to keep one weekly celebration—the Sabbath. This was not part of the yearly feasts that follow, but the Lord intended that it should have its own preeminent place. It speaks of His rest after His labor. In Genesis 2, after the six days work of making creation ready for man, we read: “God rested on the seventh day from all His work.... And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” vv. 2,3. But it was not for long, for that rest was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve. The ground was cursed for man’s sake and himself turned out of Paradise. All was ruined. God has never rested since. The Lord Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto [up to this time] and I work.” John 5: 17. God has been at work to undo the ruin, not simply to undo it and restore the happiness lost, but to bring in something infinitely better, better for Himself, and better for His creature? It is a new kind of rest, a rest founded on redemption, and all the redeemed will share it with Him, some in heaven, and some on earth. The foundation of that rest is the work of God’s beloved Son upon the cross.

ML-08/06/1972

Little Tugs

ONE MORNING, a preacher who had once been a sailor was speaking to a small group of people. As he finished, he looked at the children there and said: “If you ever have the opportunity of going to New York, you will see great ships coming in from the ocean like the ones on which I used to serve. They approach the harbor but wait outside until some tugs go out to meet them. Perhaps you would ask, ‘What can a boat that looks so little do for those great liners?’ If you would watch a bit longer, you would see that cables are stretched from the large vessel to the tugs, and then the small boat draws the big ship into the harbor through a safe channel up to the mooring dock.

“Boys and girls, you can be ‘little tugs’ for Jesus. Young as you are, you can throw the cords of love to some bigger person—an aunt, an uncle, or even your parents—and seek to draw them to Christ, the harbor of eternal rest and peace.”

The boys and girls who heard that story that morning did not forget it. Some of them began to be “little tugs” — bringing others to

Sunday school and to the gospel meetings, or telling them personally about the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you can think of some who are outside the harbor of safety, who do not know the Lord Jesus and are still in their sins — maybe a father or mother, a sister or brother, a neighbor or friend. You could give them a gospel paper, and seek to lead-them to the Saviour of sinners.

“God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Cor. 1:27. If you have come to the Lord Jesus yourself, He can use you to help win others.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

ML-08/06/1972

Whoever: This Means You!

Whoever receives the Crucified One,

Whoever believes on God’s only Son,

A free and a perfect salvation shall have;

For He is abundantly able to save.

Whoever receives the forgiveness of sins,

And opens his heart for the Lord to come in

A present and perfect salvation shall have,

For Jesus is ready this moment to save.

ML-08/06/1972

"Though I Walk Through the Valley … "

THU, a South Vietnamese soldier met a friend from another company on one of the battlefronts in South Viet Nam. Thu, who had recently become a Christian, immediately started telling his friend the thrilling story of how it all happened: Several months before, as Thu was trying to escape from a hail of bullets, he ran into a seemingly deserted hut by the side of the road. To his great surprise, there on the wall in front of him hung a text with these words: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” Psalm 23:4.

Thu remembered how a friend had tried to explain the gospel to him, but he had refused to listen.

Now, in his hour of peril, he realized how foolish he was to continue in his rebellious attitude towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

He prayed: “O God, I want to know Jesus Christ, that He has saved my soul.” Just then, he heard a voice calling him, and turning, he saw an elderly woman sitting by a small table. Concerned for her safety, he urged her to take shelter from the flying bullets. Then, prosing to return to talk to her, he dashed out the door.

When the firing ceased, Thu went back to the hut. It was empty, but the text had been taken down and was lying on the table. On a piece of paper beside the text were these words: “For the soldier who read this text, I hope you will believe on Jesus Christ.”

Thu never saw the woman again. He wanted to tell her that he had believed on Jesus Christ and that he now belonged to Him.

After Thu had told his story, he quoted Scripture texts he had memorized. Since he didn’t know any hymns, his friend proceeded to teach him, “The Name of Jesus Is So Sweet.”

The next morning, his friend was delighted to hear Thu sing the hymn alone, without help. From a heart overflowing with gratitude to God, Thu said, “What a blessing our singing together has been! It has wiped away all the scars of sorrow and sadness, and has kindled the fire of heavenly love that is burning in my soul.”

Two days later, the friends were separated. Shortly after this, Thu was killed in action. His friend says, “Each evening, as I gaze up into the heavens, I seem to hear Thu’s sweet voice singing:

“The name of Jesus is so sweet, I love its music to repeat.”

I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!

He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

And thus He bound me to Him.

And round my heart still closely twine

Those ties which naught can sever,

For I am His, and He is mine,

Forever and forever!

ML-08/13/1972

After the Fair

“I’d like to be saved, but I’ll wait until after the Fair.”

So said a young fellow at the close of a gospel meeting when he was earnestly urged to accept Christ. He and his three companions had planned to spend the week at the Fair, and he was afraid if he got converted before then it would spoil his pleasure.

Alas! on Friday, during Fair week, he was drowned. He was buried “after the Fair.”

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

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

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

ML-08/13/1972

Your Best Friend

IT WAS almost Mother’s Day and Danny’s teacher wanted her students to think about their mothers for a while.

“Who is your best friend, children?” she asked. Danny raised his hand quickly. “All right, Danny,” she said, looking at him.

“It’s God,” said Danny confidently.

“Well, yes,” said his teacher, “that’s right, Danny; but who is your best friend at home? Who does everything for you and cares for you at home?”

“It’s Jesus,” replied Danny promptly.

Of course, Danny’s teacher wand him to say “My mother,” but then he did not understand what she expected.

We do not know what she said to him, but we do know that Danny was right. Perhaps he had learned to sing the little hymn:

There’s a Friend for little children,

Above the bright blue sky—

A Friend who never changes,

Whose love can never die.

Unlike our friends by nature,

Who change with changing years,

This Friend is always worthy

The precious name He bears.

Maybe you have sung this song too. Is Jesus your Friend? There is no friend like Him. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. No one can love you as much as the Lord Jesus loves you — not even your mother, or father, or sister, or brother!

How good it is to have the Lord Jesus as our Friend! Our family and our friends may misunderstand us, cease to love us, or they may even die; but, He has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

ML-08/13/1972

The Story of Africaner

AFRICANER was one of the chiefs of Namaqualand in South Africa. For hundreds of miles around his kraal, his name brought fear into hearts, and even mission stations did not escape the bloodshed and destruction for which he was known. Yet there was love in the heart of God for Africaner.

A missionary named John Campbell wrote a letter to Africaner asking him to allow some of the missionaries to return to the places from which they had been driven. Africaner consented, and soon another missionary, Robert Moffat, began the trip to the kraal of the chief himself. On the way, many of the Africans warned him of the things which might happen to him, and upon his arrival at his destination, he found himself in a hard situation. Nevertheless, he began to preach the Word of God, and to his joy, the chief himself came to hear.

Before long, Africaner was truly “born again,” and his New Testament became his constant companion. He loved to speak of Jesus and began to travel around with Mr. Moffat. On one trip, he came face to face with another chief named Berend. For years, the two chiefs had been deadly enemies. Now, they clasped hands, sang praises, and knelt together in prayer—because Berend had likewise trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. No wonder the missionary wept for joy when he saw these two former enemies united as brethren in Christ.

On another trip, soon after his conversion, Africaner went with Mr. Moffat to the coast. Looking for a place to spend the night there, they went up to a Dutch farmhouse and Mr. Moffat introduced himself. The farmer stared at him in unbelief, and stated, “Moffat was murdered by that monster Africaner months ago.”

Mr. Moffat assured the farmer that he was indeed alive and added that Africaner was a converted man.

“Oh, I cannot believe that,” exclaimed the farmer. “There are seven wonders in the world already, and that would make the eighth! If what you say is true, I should like to see the change in the man. He killed my uncle, but I should like to see the tamed tiger.”

“Mynheer,” the missionary replied, “here is Africaner standing before you.”

The Dutch farmer gazed in wonder at the smiling black chief, and asked, “Are you Africaner?”

“I am, Mynheer,” the chief replied, with a bow.

“O God,” said the Dutchman, “what a miracle of Thy power. What can not Thy grace accomplish after this!”

Africaner was a new man. The world had heard of what he had done, and he rejoiced to tell the world what Christ had done for him. “I have been long, enough engaged in the service of the devil,” he would say, “but now I am free from this bondage. Jesus has delivered me. Him will I serve; with Him will I abide.”

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.

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

ML-08/13/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:4-8

AFTER the rest of creation was broken by man’s sin, we hear no more of the Sabbath throughout the book of Genesis and not until God’s earthly people were redeemed from Egypt. Then in Exodus 16, when they were in the wilderness, God again introduced the Sabbath on the occasion of the giving of the manna. On the sixth day Israel was to gather a double portion of the manna, to lay up for the Sabbath which the Lord declared to be “the rest of the holy Sabbath” unto Himself. So instead of it being His creation and rest as at the beginning, it was now the manna, and rest. The manna we know from John 6 speaks of Christ, that blessed One who was the true Bread come down from heaven. It is through Him that we also shall enjoy that rest of God above.

We now come to the passover. “In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord’s pass-over. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.” This goes back to Exodus 12 where we read “this shall be the beginning of months to you.” This is where our history as the children of God began. When we were converted—brought to God. The ground of our relationship to God as His children is redemption, and redemption is a song that God has put into our mouths. So here the first feast then in type is the precious death of Christ.

The passover is an accomplished fact; Christ has died for us. Scripture supposes the Christian knows redemption for it says: “Forasmuch as ye know ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Pet. 1:18. The passover took place in the first month when God brought judgment upon the Egyptians, and His people found shelter under the blood of the slain lamb. Nothing else secured the Israelites in Egypt from the destroying angel that night, and nothing else secures a sinner now but faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood.

All the other feasts are founded upon the passover—that is redemption. The next feast, that of “unleavened bread,” began the very next day after the passover and was directly connected with it. The two could not be separated. In Luke 22:1 They are referred to as one: “Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the pass-over.” In 1 Corinthians 5 we are told “let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” v. 8. Leaven is used as a symbol of evil throughout Scripture.

Furthermore, this feast lasted for seven days. That has been going on in the Church of God since Christ died and went to heaven. And so, the feast of unleavened bread has been going on for nearly 2000 years. But the seven days also would speak to us of how our lives should be marked by “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” We are called to put away sin out of our lives and to remember that we are “unleavened.”

ML-08/13/1972

How God Used a Dog

IN CHINA years ago thousands of soldiers were being trained in a large military barracks. Right across the street was a gospel mission. The little Christian band had tried many times to get into the barracks with the gospel, to distribute Scripture portions and tracts, to preach and to pray, but each time they had been driven out.

However, the missionaries continued in prayer, asking God to open up that training center to the gospel of Christ. Then one day God answered their prayers in a strange and wonderful way.

One of the Christians was cleaning out a cupboard in the mission kitchen and coming upon some loose papers he threw them out. Among those stray leaves were some pages torn from a Chinese Bible. He tossed them out of the window along with the rest of the papers. Just as they fell to the ground a little dog came dashing up and seized the torn pages in his mouth. While the missionary looked on in surprise the Chinese children chased the dog off the ground and he ran into the military barracks.

Apparently nothing more was thought of the incident until at the close of the Sunday gospel service a Chinese officer entered the hall, accompanied by two other uniformed men. The officer took from his pocket the torn pages of the Bible.

He told of how the dog had run into the barracks the other day with these pages in his mouth. They took them and read them and found a very interesting story. It appeared to be the campaign orders of a warrior, they said, and they wanted to know where they could get the whole book. The men wanted to know the rest of the story. So they had come thinking they might get a copy from the gospel mission.

Wonderfully surprised, the missionary read the loose pages and found they were a portion from the book of Joshua. With joy they presented the Chinese officer with a copy of the Word of God. The result was that the barracks were opened to the missionaries who went in and out among the men with the precious story of the Saviour and His redeeming love. God blessed His Word mightily and many of the men, both officers and privates, were saved and came to the gospel services at the little mission.

Some years later, when one of the missionaries visited in the snowy regions of Manchuria, as he got off the train he was greeted by a tall Chinese who asked him, “Do you remember me?” The missionary said he did not, and then the man told him, “I am one of those soldiers converted at the military barracks.” He said he had given up the army and was now preaching the gospel of Christ.

So the blessing began with God who used a little dog and a torn Bible to bring Christ to many souls in that land.

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform...

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML-08/20/1972

Sandy's Flowers

A KIND doctor, who loved little children, was head of an orphanage. Many little boys and girls who had neither father nor mother lived there. One of them was Say, a little retarded girl.

The doctor had been away on a trip, but the time was come for him to return home, and the children were all so glad. They dressed in their best clothes to welcome him back, and many of them went into the fields and gardens to gather flowers to present to their “Daddy” when he returned.

Poor little Sandy couldn’t tell the difference between weeds and flowers, however, and when she saw the other children making pretty bouquets she gathered a handful of weeds and sticks.

When the loved doctor arrived the children all wanted to be first to give him a kiss and to present him with their lovely flowers. Now “Daddy” loved them all, but especially little Sandy. When he saw her standing there with her little handful of weeds and sticks he reached out and picked her up first of all. From her he received a loving hug and kiss, along with the funny bouquet. But he appreciated it nonetheless and after setting her down he turned to greet the other children.

The Lord Jesus loves all the little children. He died for little ones upon the cross, and those who trust Him as their Saviour He washes whiter than snow in His precious blood. They shall go to be with Him in heaven one day. When He was upon earth He said,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.... And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:14,16.

ML-08/20/1972

Leaning on Jesus

JOHN PATON was a missionary on the island of Aniwa in the New Hebrides. He had been living among the Aniwans for several years and having learned their language, he had begun to tell them about the Son of God who loved them and died to take away their sins and to make them His people. Already some had learned to love the Lord Jesus.

John had also begun to translate part of the Bible into Aniwan so that the natives would be able to read God’s Word in their own language. But, now, he had a problem: The Aniwan language did not include a word which meant “faith.”

Now faith is so important because “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Heb. 11:6. So day after day John Paton questioned the natives and sought and prayed for a new word to express “faith,” but nobody seemed to understand what he wanted.

One day, as he was sitting on a common wooden chair in the mission house, an Aniwan woman came in. Seeing her John decided to try something new.

With both of his feet on the floor, he asked him, “What am I doing now?”

“Koikae and, Missi (You are sitting, Missi).”

Then he pulled his feet up onto the chair rungs and, leaning back, asked again, “What am I doing now?”

“Fakarongrongo, Missi (You are leaning completely, Missi—you have lifted yourself from every other support).”

“That’s it!” exclaimed John jubilantly. Now, “believing on Jesus” became “fakarongrongo Jesu” (leaning entirely on Jesus).” John’s prayers were answered!

Are you “leaning entirely” on Jesus for salvation? Jesus is the One whom God has provided to bring you to Him by the death of the cross, to wash away your sins by His blood, and to give you eternal life.

“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.... 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 3:16, 36.

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

ML-08/20/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:9-13

Each day of the feast of unleavened bread, which lasted seven days, there was to be an offering unto the Lord. This speaks to us of fresh daily occupation with Christ, the source of all our blessings. All we do now is to be for Him, as we seek by His grace not to live unto ourselves but unto Him who died for us and rose again (2 Cor. 5:15) —precious privilege!

The next feast — the feast of first-fruits — is very beautiful. It is harvest time. They go out and gather a sheaf of the ripened grain, called the “sheaf of firstfruits.” They do not take this home for their own use; in fact they were not to eat of the harvest at all until they had brought the sheaf of firstfruits to God. God must have His first, and He always does when His people are in a right state of soul.

They gathered the sheaf of firstfruits and brought it unto the priest and he waved it before the Lord. But not on the Sabbath day; the Christian has nothing to do with that. But it was on the morrow after the Sabbath. The waving of the sheaf of firstfruits then is the lovely picture of Christ in resurrection, presented to God in all the value of what He has done.

“And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf and a he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord.” v. 12. It is the blessed Lord presented now before God in resurrection in all the sweet savor of His having been in death for the glory of God.

And so we have first, the passover, and then sheaf of the firstfruits. Christ is the firstfruits of the harvest of redemption. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 we read: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” Also, “Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His cong.” v. 23.

The Lord Jesus said in John 12: 24: “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” He was the “corn of wheat” who died as “our passover” and rose again as the firstfruits of a new harvest. In resurrection He is accepted for us, and we as believers before God are seen in Him in resurrection — “accepted in the Beloved.”

What a striking thing it was that the very day Jesus died, the priest and the people of Israel were keeping the passover, not realizing that that was the last passover that God would recognize, for in the death of Christ the type had come to its completion. Then on the very day that He arose, doubtless the priests were waving the sheaf of firstfruits in the temple. They were doing that very thing which for 1500 years had foretold His resurrection, even though they might bribe the soldiers to make a lie of the report that He had risen from the dead.

ML-08/20/1972

The Ship That Sank

A YOUNG sailor boy during World War 2 phoned his mother from Norfolk, Virginia. “Mom,” he said, “I’m coming home for a few days.... Our ship is in the harbor for repairs. May I bring my buddy along with me?”

“Yes, son,” replied Mother, “bring him along.”

The boys were enjoying the days at home when they received word to be back at their ship in time to sail on a certain date at a certain hour. Then they went to Union Station in St. Louis to take the train back to Norfolk. There a ticket agent told them that another faster train left twelve hours later than the one they had planned to take and that it would get them to Norfolk two hours before sailing time.

“Suppose the train is late?” the boys asked.

The ticket agent assured them that the fast train was never late.

Taking the ticket agent at his word, the boys spent a few more pleasant hours at home, and then got on the train. But the fast train was late getting started and somehow seemed to lose time all along the way to Norfolk. The boys were uneasy from the start and, alas, when the train finally arrived it was two hours late.

The ship was just leaving harbor. Their sorrow was real, for the penalty for being late was two weeks in the brig on bread and water. The sailor boy wrote his mother, “Mom, I’ll never listen to anyone who tries to get me to take a chance of getting somewhere late again. We’re in this place on bread and water for two weeks.”

However, little did the boys realize at the time that God was over all and was working for their good. While they were in the brig serving their time, the ship sailed out into the ocean. About a hundred miles out it was torpedoed a second time and went down with all on board. Not one was saved.

So the two boys were spared providentially in the mercy of God. One of the boys was a Christian, and loved the Lord, who makes all things work together for good to those that love Him (Rom. 8:28). The other was given another opportunity to receive Christ as his Saviour.

“Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.” Job 33:29, 30.

God in His sovereign grace overruled in sparing these dear boys, and many of us who have been saved by the precious blood of Christ can look back and see where the Lord kept us and delivered us from many dangers. He has prosed, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

Dear reader, you too may be faced at this moment with some unknown danger. How would it be with you if you were taken suddenly away from this world? Would you die in your sins, or do you know what it is to have your sins forgiven? Christ is the only Saviour — “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:14.

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

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

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

by the late Ed. H. Rupp

ML-08/27/1972

God Is Good

MR. AND MRS. JOHNS were missionaries. They had one little daughter named Marie.

Little Marie wanted a dolly so badly — one that would close her eyes. “Daddy,” she said one day, “Can I have a dolly that will close her eyes and go to sleep?”

But Mr. Johns was a poor man whose life was spent for the most part in going about preaching the

gospel, visiting the sick and helping the poor.

“Those kind of dolls are very expensive, Marie,” he said. “I could not afford one like that.”

His little girl’s eyes filled with tears. “But, Daddy,” she said, “Do you think God doesn’t want me to have a doll?”

“Yes, I think He would,” replied Daddy. “Let’s ask Him about it.”

So they both knelt together and Daddy told the Lord about his little girl’s desire to have a doll. For several weeks little Marie also prayed and asked the Lord to send her one.

At last, one day the postman brought a large box addressed to Marie herself. It came from a dear aunt who lived far away, and sure enough, in it was a beautiful dolly, with curly hair and pink cheeks. She would even say, “Mamma,” and would close her eyes and go to sleep.

Little Marie’s joy knew no bounds. How she loved and hugged her new doll. She played with her much of the day and took her to bed at night.

“Daddy,” she said, “isn’t God good to us!”

“Yes,” returned Daddy, “God is very good to us.”

“Daddy,” little Marie went on, “God is so very, very good to us, and I thank Him with all my heart!”

Yes, God is good to us. Who wouldn’t He be good to! He gave His own dear Son to come into this world and die for sinners and He has a home prepared in heaven for all who trust Him as their Saviour. Trust Him as your own, dear young reader, and have Him as your Saviour and Friend.

“Truly God is good.” Psalm 73:1.

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

ML-08/27/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:14-16

At the beginning of the chapter God had said of these “feasts of the Lord” that “these are My feasts.” God has His joy in redemption (the Passover), and He had His own special joy too in the resurrection of Christ, as seen in the waving of the sheaf of first fruits.

What a solemn time it was for God when His beloved Son lay in death! But what a time it was when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the highest glory — a living Christ, body, soul, and spirit in heaven, a glorified Man not to be spiritualized away, for that is what spiritualizing does. It takes the whole thing away. This truth of the resurrection of Christ has been attacked so widely in these last days.

But God has had His joy in the resurrection of Christ. It is an accomplished fact. He will never lie in death again — he will never be raised from the dead again. How wonderful that God should give us the shadows of these things in the Old Testament Scriptures.

In Romans 6 it says He was raised from the dead “by the glory of the Father.” The Lord Jesus lay in death in obedience and love to God as well as in love to poor sinners. Could God allow His beloved Son to remain in death, He who has so glorified Him? God’s very character, His glory, was in question. He was a debtor to that blessed Man who lay in death, and He owned it. So it says, “raised from the dead by the glory of the Father.”

“And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto the Lord your God.” Here is something practical for us. In Scripture God is first, and there is blessing when we give Him the first fruits. How often instead of getting the first fruits from His people, He actually gets what is left. No doubt much of our poverty of soul is the result of forgetting what is due to God. So often He reminds His people in a practical way that they were His and not their own, and we who now belong to Him need to be reminded of this too.

Next came the “feast of weeks” fifty days after the waving of the sheaf of first fruits. “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days.’ This is both interesting and precious. As Christians we have nothing to do with the Sabbath — our day is the morrow after the Sabbath — not the seventh day but the eighth, and the eighth is the first day, when God begins a new work, a new creation. The first day of each week reminds us that we are part of new creation, a new work of God founded on redemption.

ML-08/27/1972

What Came of the Auction Sale?

JOHN SLATER was a thoughtless young fellow, who cared little about God and much less about the need of his own soul. He and his friend Jack were boon companions in worldly pursuits and ungodly pleasures. But John had a dear Christian mother who prayed much for her wayward boy.

John and Jack went to South Africa to seek their fortune. They did not go into the diamond mines, but set up a sort of a general store nearby. However, in spite of hard work the young traders failed to make good.

John’s appeals to his father at home brought him some cash from time to time, but at last a letter came to say that he must not expect any more money. The two friends decided after much disappointing effort that there was nothing to do but to sell out and return home.

Their store was a large hut-like structure of corrugated iron, hung on the inside with yards and yards of white cotton. Their goods were displayed on a large, heavy counter and the boys slept on the shelves underneath at night.

They had considerable stock unsold so they made arrangements to have an auction sale. The goods were tied up in bundles on the counter ready, but having a day to wait bore the sale, they decided to spend the time at the race track nearby.

Up to this time they had lived without hope and without God, their only recreation being what the world calls “pleasure.” Wandering about the race track they were greed by a stranger who asked them to accept a gospel tract. This they did with usual contempt for such things, not knowing the power of the written Word. As John glanced at his tract, he saw that it spoke of “the end of the world.” “The end of the world, indeed—,” he exclaimed with a laugh.

After a tiring day the friends returned home and retired to bed under the counter.

That night one of those fearful subtropical storms swept down upon the sleepers. The night was brilliant with lightning, not in flashes, but in a blaze that seemed as if it would consume the earth. It was as if the world was on fire. John remembered the tract, and thought that perhaps the end of the world really had come. Further sleep was out of the question and the two fellows lay trembling under the heavy counter, the only place of protection from the storm.

The wind increased to a mighty roar and soon the corrugated roof was swept away in the night. The long strips of cotton flapped and shrieked wildly in the blast. The bundles of goods were caught up by the resistless wind and scattered bond recovery all over the countryside. Filled with fear, afraid to speak, one thought alone agitated John’s mind: it was “the end of the world.”

It was not the end in the sense he dreaded, but it was in the sense of it being the end of the life he had hitherto lived. John there and then resolved to seek the Lord if happily he might find mercy and forgiveness for his sins.

Jack, however, had no such intention, and the next morning after the storm subsided, the two friends set out for home. There was no auction, for there was nothing to sell. Crestfallen and ashamed the two young fellows made their way to the coast with only just enough money to pay their passage home.

John was under deep conviction of his sins and when he got home his sister took him to a little gospel hall several times. Then one Sunday for a change she took him to a very plush church. But the service only jarred John’s spirit. There was nothing in the sermon to meet the hunger of his soul, so soon after the service began, he left the church, much to the disgust of his sister. He ran all the way to the little gospel hall, and there that evening he came to the Lord and was truly saved. He made a decision for Christ that night from which he never went back. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

John became a faithful evangelist, and in after years he often preached in the same hall where he was saved. He used to point to the pillar behind which he made his great decision to accept Christ and follow Him.

What the Lord did for dear John Slater, He would love to do for you, dear young reader, if you are still unsaved.

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

ML-09/03/1972

Three Things Worth Knowing

I WAS SITTING in a gospel meeting one time when an old sailor got up and spoke. “I’ve been forty-two years learning three things,” he began.

I pricked up my ears. I thought, well, if I could learn in about three minutes what a man had taken forty-two years to learn, I should like to do so.

The first thing that he said he had learned was that he could do nothing towards his own salvation. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6.

The second thing that he found out was that God did not require him to do anything. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24.

And the third thing was that the Lord Jesus had done it all, that the work of salvation was finished, and that all that he had to do was to TAKE IT and THANK GOD for it. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8,9.

ML-09/03/1972

Sandra's A B C

“GRANDPA,” said little Sandra one day as she climbed up on his knee, “do you know the A B C of the gospel?”

“What do you know about it?” asked Grandpa.

“Well,” replied Sandra, “I’ll tell you what I learned in Sunday school. A means ‘All have sinned,’ and that means you too, Grandpa.

B means, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ Did you ever do that?” she went on. “Then C means, ‘Come unto Me.’ Did you ever come to Jesus, Grandpa?”

Poor old Grandpa knew he hadn’t many days left to live and he felt his need of the Saviour. But it was the word of God from the lips of his little grand-daughter that went to his heart and he came to the Lord at last.

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

Memory Verse: “I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH.” LUKE 15:10.

ML-09/03/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:17-21

„1 SHALL bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven; they are the first-fruits unto the LORD.”

The “feast of weeks,” or Pentecost, during which the “two wave loaves” were presented unto the Lord, took place fifty days after the waving of the sheaf of firstfruits. It is both interesting and instructive that these two feasts, and only these two, were celebrated the first day of the week, “the morrow after the Sabbath.” In the one we have Christ in resurrection, and in the other the forming of the Church. The first day of the week is the Christian’s day not the seventh, or Sabbath day. How wonderful that we should have set forth in these Old Testament types the mind of God, namely, that the Church is inseparably connected with the first day of the week. This should silence all those who claim that the Christian ought to keep the Sabbath.

“The morrow after the seventh Sabbath... ye shall offer a new offering unto the LORD... two wave loaves.” Fifty days after the priests in the temple had waved the sheaf of the firstfruits before the Lord, on the very day when they were presenting the wave loaves, a new offering was being presented unto the Lord elsewhere. It was not now in the temple but in that upper room where the disciples were assembled. They were told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit and on that very day, the first day of the week, He descended from heaven and all were baptized into one body. This was something new in the ways of God, never known before — the Church formed on earth and united to Christ, the Head in heaven. Just think of God giving us this in type long years before! How it showed His divine interest in that which was to be formed — that which was in His mind in that past eternity Christ and the Church.

When the wave sheaf was offered there was no sin offering with it, but when the new meat offering was offered, baked with leaven, then there was a sin offering to meet it. The Church is founded on redemption, set apart by the Spirit of God, and is God’s habitation on earth; nevertheless, there is flesh there — evil — but there is also that which meets it. When it is Christ, the wave sheaf, there was no sin offering, nor did it need any preparation; it was presented to the Lord just as it came from the field.

But there was leaven baked in the loaves for there is sin in the Church; however, having been “baked” in the oven, in type the judgment which Christ Himself bore upon the cross, the evil is not seen (before God) as active. Even though beliers, we have sin in us, that is the old nature, the flesh, as long as we are in the body; but it ought not to be active in our lives. We are called to reckon ourselves “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:11. “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” v. 7.

The two loaves, we believe, speak of the Church of God composed of both Jews and Gentiles. In 1 Corinthians 10 we read, “give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.” The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost; He has been here ever since. Thus throughout that long period of time God has been occupied with forming the Church. When the Church will be complete only God Himself knows, but when it is, Christ shall come and call her home to heaven. That is where she belongs — with Himself, His heavenly Bride.

ML-09/03/1972

Princess Victoria

OUR PICTURE today is that of beloved Queen Victoria when she was a little girl only eight years of age. In the background is Windsor Castle where she lived and reigned for many years.

There is something very sweet and gentle in her appearance in those early years of her life, and as we look upon her winning face, we are constrained to think that God’s overshadowing care was round about her, as indeed it was during her long life. She became ruler over a vast empire when she was just 14. After 60 years, she celebrated her diamond jubilee as queen. She reigned another four years and then died at the ripe old age of 82.

Princess Victoria’s father died when she was only a few months old, but she was blessed with perhaps the greatest blessing anyone can know on earth, apart from hang the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour. She had a godly mother who did all she could to train her daughter’s mind in “Whatsoever things are lovely,” and “whatsoever things are of good report” (Phil. 4:8). This godly influence and instruction bore good fruit. This doted God-fearing mother taught her child in the very earliest years of her life to lisp the blessed Saviour’s name.

Victoria enjoyed the natural freedom and simplicity of a little child. Often in the summertime the family would have breakfast outdoors, and Victoria, getting up from the table, would run to play or to gather flowers nearby. Her merry laugh could be heard amid the notes of the thrush in the groves around her.

A Christian man tells how one day while visiting a little churchyard in the country, he saw a lady, dressed in black, sitting with a little girl on a tomb stone. The lady was reading a book to the little child who was looking with tearful eyes in her mother’s face. They had been looking at the grave of “The Dairyman’s Daughter,” a humble Christian girl who had passed on to be with Christ. This contrast was striking — the humbler of the two had passed from earth to the palace of the heavenly King, while the princess was destined to live and to rule over a great dominion. The writer goes on to tell of having often seen her, now the Queen, going about among her people in the most kindly manner, visiting humble cottage folks, reading the Scriptures with them, and speaking to them of Christ and His salvation. Her many acts of kindness and sympathy for the suffering and sorrowful are well known, and when she went to her eternal rest, we are certain she was ready to dart and to be with Christ which is far better.

May her life and death, dear young reader, lead you to ask yourself if you too would be ready, if you were called to leave this world. It is well with her who was once queen, we know, because she trusted the Saviour. But how would it be with you throughout all eternity?

ML-09/10/1972

How Far to Philadelphia?

TWO MEN met each other a little way out of Philadelphia. Said one to the other, “Can you tell me how far it is to Philadelphia?”

The other replied, “If you keep right on it’s about 24,000 miles, but if you turn right around about, you’ll be there in half an hour.”

The man was walking away from Philadelphia instead of towards it. Had he kept on in that direction he would have found himself at the edge of an ocean gulf which he could not span. His need was to turn right around. Only by doing so could he reach his destination.

And this is conversion in simple terms — a complete turn about; from unbelief to faith; from sin to the Saviour, from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God. There is no other way to obtain salvation, and one who thinks there is any other way is all wrong.

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3.

“Repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20.

Dear reader, in which direction are you pointed? Are you ready for eternity? “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Rom. 10:9.

ML-09/10/1972

Hard as Stone

AT Sunday School one day the teacher urged the boys and girls to receive the Lord Jesus while their hearts were young and tender.

“When the Lord Jesus knocks on the door of your heart,” said he, “let Him in for every time you say, ‘No,’ to Him, your heart gets a little harder. If you keep on saying, ‘No,’ to Him, your heart will become hard as stone. The Saviour will cease to knock and turn away; then your last hope of being saved will be gone, and you will die in your sins.”

Little Anne, just five years old, listened with rapt attention to what her teacher said. She had no fears about her own salvation, for young as she was she had already trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour and knew the peace and joy of His presence dwelling in her heart. But she was thinking all the time about her father, who never went anywhere, never prayed nor read God’s Word.

After Sunday School Anne ran home and climbed up onto her Daddy’s lap as he sat in his chair. “Daddy,” she said. “Feel your heart. Is it getting like stone?”

“Whatever are you talking about?” asked her father, surprised.

“At Sunday school today,” replied little Anne, “teacher said, ‘If you keep saying, “No,” to Jesus, your heart will get hard like stone,’ and Daddy, I hope your heart isn’t like stone, ‘cause I want you to be saved.”

Bill Adams was both shocked and angry. “What have they been telling this child?” he asked his wife who had first taken their little daughter to Sunday school.

Tears came into Mrs. Adams’ eyes as she explained how much God loved him, that the Lord Jesus had died for him and wanted to save him from his sins. “If you keep sang, ‘No,’ to Him,” she went on, “your heart will become hard as stone. Then you will die in your sins.”

The feel of his little girl’s arms around his neck and the sight of the tears in his wife’s eyes melted Bill Adams’ heart. He felt God had spoken to him of late, and now this was the hour of decision. He was silent for a while, but it was evident there was a great struggle going on in his heart. Satan was there seeking to hinder a soul from coming to Christ.

But finally he said, “I’m not going to say, ‘No,’ to Jesus any longer. I’m going to settle this thing right now!” Getting down on his knees, with his loving wife and little daughter kneeling alongside of him, he prayed, telling the Lord Jesus what a sinner he had been; he asked Him to come into his heart and wash his sins away. When he rose from his knees he was a saved and happy man.

ML-09/10/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:22-25

HOW wonderfully, and yet how simply does God bring before us in these feasts, one after another, the whole outline of His ways in this world, from the Fall of man until all is brought back again. The feast of the new meat offering has lasted a long time. Nearly 2000 years have rolled by since the Church of God was first formed at Pentecost by the coming of the Holy Spirit. How much longer it will last we do not know, but we are surely in the last days. Spiritual darkness is settling down over these favored lands long blessed by the light of the gospel; human wickedness and misery is increasing in spite of man’s boasted advancement. The light fades and shadows of the coming great apostasy fall across Christendom. May we not become discouraged by these solemn happenings, even as James tells us: “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

A long period of time comes between the feast of weeks and the next feast — between the third month and the seventh — which leaves room, no doubt, for the Church period. Then in verse 22 we have an event which does not carry any date and does not seem to be connected with the other seven yearly feasts.

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.”

Nothing apparently intervenes between the offering of the two wave loaves and this verse. But it is the time of harvest, and this tells of the blessed hope of our hearts, for the Church period will end with the redeemed of this age being gathered home to heaven. There is no date to this verse, even as we are not told the day nor the hour of the coming of the Lord.

The gleanings left for “the poor, and to the stranger,” might well speak of some from among the Jews and also the Gentiles who, after the Church is gone, will believe the gospel of the kingdom and will be martyred for their faith. They will have part in the first resurrection. They will be raised from the dead and enter into heavenly blessing (Rev. 20:4; J.N.D. Trans.)

Then comes the feast of trumpets. This will be a new testimony in the earth. It will not be to gather a people for heaven, but after the long parenthesis in time (the Church period), in the seventh month God undertakes for His earthly people again. The seventh month is in a peculiar way the Jews’ month, and so we have “a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.” When the Son of man appears in power and glory, “He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt. 24:31.

Memory Verse: “THE LIFE OF THE FLESH IS IN THE BLOOD;... IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL.” Lev. 17:11.

ML-09/10/1972

The Widow's Prayer

ALL DAY long the terrible storm had raged along the coast. Every moment the wind seemed to grow more boisterous, beating the sea into billows of foam. The great ship with its crew and many passengers aboard wallowed helplessly in the trough of the mighty waves. An aged seaman declared it was the worst storm he had ever experienced.

They were drifting near the rocks, and down below little groups of men and women huddled together and hoped for the best.

One young sailor seemed outwardly calmer than the rest. He sat a little apart, awaiting the end without fear. His thoughts wandered far away to his old home where several years ago he left his aged mother, who prayed every day for her absent wayward boy.

“It can’t last much longer,” remarked one of the passengers, “I wonder what time it is” — and looking at his watch, he cried: “It’s just eight o’clock. The storm has lasted for nearly ten hours.”

“Eight o’clock, did you say?” remarked the young sailor. — “Eight? Why, back home my dear old mother is kneeling, praying to God to guard her absent boy. Before I left home she told me every evening at eight she would be praying to God to watch over and bless me. I’ve never thought of it before; but don’t you think, if God is as good as they say, He will hear my mother’s cry? Let’s ask Him now to watch over us; I haven’t prayed for many a day, but I believe He will listen to me for her sake.”

So they all knelt down, a few passengers and some of the crew, and the poor, wayward lad, who had never offered a prayer since as a little innocent child he knelt at his mother’s knee, now cried from the depths of his heart asking that He who guards the widow and the fatherless would hear his prayer, and save the lives of the many on board. When they rose from their knees, a strange and wonderful calm had entered into the hearts of all; and death did not appear so terrible a thing as it had only a little while before. Then, wonderful to tell, there came a cheer from the upper deck. The captain announced that they had left the rocks far behind them, and that gradually a softer wind blew. As the night wore on, the sailors watched while the sea, as though tired out, “sank like a little child to sleep.” God who is good to all His creatures, and even hears the ravens’ cry, had heard the first real prayer from that boy, prodigal though he was. He had seen his aged mother bowed low on her knees, pleading with an almost bursting heart that He would guard her absent boy and bring him home once again. Once again He had laid His hand on the waters, and at His “peace be still,” the winds and seas had obeyed.

As soon as the ship reached port, the young fellow hurried home to his mother. When she once clasped her son to her breast, she sobbed: “Now, my boy, I’m ready to go whenever the Lord shall call me; for He has indeed answered my prayer, and not only saved you from a terrible death, but taught you to know that He is willing to be your God and ever waits to hear the first cry of the wanderer for mercy.”

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

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

ML-09/17/1972

Feeling the Pull

TIM LIKES to fly his kite. Sometimes when he flies it in the evening he cannot see the kite, but he knows it’s up there in the sky somewhere for he can feel its pull.

Have you ever felt the Lord Jesus drawing you to Himself? You cannot see Him but He does draw us in many ways. When He was on earth, we read, “Jesus called a little child unto Him,” and He is still calling the children — and older ones too.

I remember how He drew me to Himself. When I was away from home I used to get letters from my dear mother and she always spoke to me of the love of that precious Saviour whom she had known and loved for so many years. She told me He loved me, that He had to die on the cross for me, and as I read I felt the pulling power of His love even though I could not see Him.

However, we do not always respond to His pulling, and yet He does it again and again. I knew a boy Tom, who felt that pulling power one day. A young friend of his about his own age, took sick and died very suddenly. It made Tom think seriously and he realized he was not yet ready to die. But although he felt the Lord Jesus was calling him he did not come then.

Then later at a Sunday school treat it seemed as if the message that night was meant especially for him. He felt the pull of the Saviour’s love; would he give in? No, sad to say, again he put it off. But the Lord did not give him up, and in the meantime He won the heart of Tom’s sister.

One day in Sunday school Tom was again faced with the wonderful love of Jesus. He could hold out no longer and he surrendered! Then he realized what a fool he had been to hold out against such a Saviour as that.

Have you ever felt the pull of the Saviour unseen? Perhaps He is speaking to you at this very moment. His love led Him to die for you that you might be one of His own — loved, freed, and cared for. Yield to Him now. You will be glad forever that you did.

“Jesus Christ; whom, having not seen ye love.” 1 Peter 1:8.

Memory Verse: “THE LORD IS GOOD UNTO THEM THAT WAIT FOR HIM, TO THE SOUL THAT SEEKETH HIM.” Lam. 3:25.

ML-09/17/1972

"I Am the Way"

WE ONCE heard of a man who declared he was going to get into heaven his own way — he was going to get in on account of his own good deeds. He was very liberal, gave away a great deal of money to charities and to the poor, and he thought the more he gave the better it would be for him in the other world.

Well, one night this man dreamed that he was building a ladder to heaven, and that every good deed he did put him up one rung higher on the ladder. When he did an extra good deed it put him up a good many rungs. And in his dream he kept going up and up, until at last he got out of sight, and he went on and on doing his good deeds, and the ladder went up higher and higher. At last he saw it run right up to the very throne of God.

Then in his dream he thought he died, and that a mighty voice came rolling down from above, “He that climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” Down came his ladder at once! Then he woke from his sleep, and he thought, “Well now, if I want to get into heaven I must go the right way.”

Dear friend, it is only by way of the Lord Jesus, crucified upon the cross of Calvary, that we can hope to go to heaven. He has said, “I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

If one had to work his way into heaven, no one would ever enter those gates of pearl. No, “for by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8,9.

Let us listen to the words of the Lord Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

ML-09/17/1972

A Snake in the Grass

BARBARA and Elaine loved to cross the meadow to meet Day on his way home from work. It was harvest time and the grass was long and green. There were also flowers to gather as they went along.

One afternoon Elaine said to her father, “We saw something real pretty in the grass today,” and she took him over to a spot near the path. There they found a brightly colored snake. Daddy told the girls that it was poisonous and to keep well away from it.

How often sin and Satan appear like that “pretty thing,” yet how dangerous! Dear young friends, do not be charmed by the “pretty things” of this world. Many of them may seem harmless enough, but the bite of the serpent is there. A thing may seem harmless at first, “But at the last, it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Prov. 23:32. The world is full of such dangers, and only those who are saved and “in Christ,” are safe from them.

Saved through the blood of Jesus,

Saved from all guilt and shame,

Saved is the soul that trusts Him,

Trusts in His precious name.

Safe in the Rock of Ages

Fearlessly he may hide;

Safe from the storms of judgment,

Safe from the swelling tide.

ML-09/17/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:26-32

THE LAST three feasts — the feast of trumpets, the day of atonement, and the feast of tabernacles — have not yet had their typical fulfillment; they are still future. After the Church is called home to heaven it is remarkable how rapidly events take place! When God undertakes for His earthly people again things begin to move quickly. We read of “the first day,” then “the tenth day,” again “the fifteenth day,” all in one month.

The feast of trumpets typically foreshadows the future day of Israel’s awakening and regathering. God is going to gather them back to their homeland. Now the Jews are going back to Palestine in unbelief and will accept the antichrist! But the feast of trumpets looks on to the day when Christ their Messiah will call them back and settle them in their own land with His blessing.

“In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.” In this dispensation, the gospel of the grace of God is being preached, but in that day it will be the gospel of the kingdom. The gospel or glad tings for Israel will be when God’s time is come to bless them. His messengers will publish peace and salvation and say to Zion, “Thy God reigneth.” Isa. 52:7.

In Psalm 81 we read: “Sing aloud unto God our strength, make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob... Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.” This is very string and beautiful. Each time we see the new moon reappear, we know it has not been out of existence. Nor is Israel out of existence. That little crescent in the sky, the new moon, is the picture of the reappearing of Israel when God begins a new testimony on the earth. The reawakening of Israel will be His work, just as the work which began in our souls and brought us to Christ was His work of grace too. So it is grace from beginning to end whether it be for the believer and the Church of God now, or for Israel in the coming day. Blessing begins with God and ends with His glory and praise.

After the feast of trumpets, “on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

This feast looks on to the time when Israel shall be brought under the effects of the atoning work of Christ. It is Israel brought to repentance, to own their sins, when the atonement will be made good to them, when they are restored. It is the day of Israel’s mourning when they shall look upon Him “whom they have pierced,” and “shall mourn for Him as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him... In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem.... And the land shall mourn, every family apart.” Zech. 12:10-12. “Whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.” v. 29.

How solemn a time it shall be for Israel, and the result of it shall be they shall own, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

ML-09/17/1972

"Send for the Doctor"

JOHN SLATER became a faithful gospel preacher and was much used of the Lord.

One Sunday afternoon he was returning from his Bible class very tired. He had not been feeling very well for some days, so going to a cupboard he reached for some medicine the doctor had given him. Very foolishly and without taking proper precautions, he pulled the cork from the bottle and took a drink. But it did not taste right. He looked at the bottle and saw with horror the word “Poison.” He had drunk from the wrong bottle. In a few moments he was seized with pains and felt the poison at work within him. He threw himself down on the sofa and called his sister.

“Margie! Margie!". Margie came running in. “What is it, John?” she asked.

“Send for the doctor. I’m poisoned,” he moaned.

“What did you do it for, John?” she gasped.

“Fancy, asking a dying man what he did it for!” he exclaimed. ‘Don’t wait till I’m dead, Margie. Get the doctor.” Margie obeyed.

Soon the doctor had arrived. John told him he had taken poison and how it was working and bubbling in his inside. “Do something quick, Doctor, or it will be too late,” plead John.

“Where is the bottle?” asked the doctor.

Margie handed him the blue bottle marked “POISON.” It contained about a tablespoon full of liquid with sediment at the bottom.

“Did you shake the bottle?” inquired the doctor.

“No,” replied the groaning victim. “Well then, you have not taken enough to poison a mouse.”

John sat up and looked at the doctor to see whether he really meant what he said.

“Do you mean it?” he asked.

“Of course I do,” replied the doctor.

“Well, would you believe it,” said John, “the rumbling and working in my stomach has ceased almost as if by magic.

“Do you know what did it?” John asked when telling the story at the gospel meeting. “It was because I had confidence in the doctor and I believed what he said.”

And so it is with a sinner in distress about his sins. When he comes to Jesus, and the Lord says to him, “your sins are forgiven,” you believe Him, and you have peace, joy and life eternal.

Weary, burdened one, you believe what men may tell you, can you not believe God? Can you not trust Christ, the Saviour of sinners. Jesus is God and as such He knows how great, how awful sin is in God’s sight, but He has met all your need as a sinner upon the cross of Calvary. Now all you have to do is believe Him, trust Him, to be saved. That is all that you can do.

“Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things.” Acts 13:38,39.

ML-09/24/1972

Janet's Temptation

MOTHER placed a dish of lovely fruit on the table. There were luscious grapes, golden ripe peaches, beautiful yellow pears, plums and other tempting fruits.

“Janet,” said Mother, “don’t touch anything until supper time.” Then she left the room.

When Mother returned a little later, she found Janet standing near the table and looking very ill at ease.

“Janet,” she said accusingly, “have you been trying to take the fruit?”

“No, Mother,” answered her little girl truthfully. “I have been trying NOT to take it.”

How many of us have been like little Janet. Trying not to do things can be a real battle at times, especially if they are things we know God does not want us to do. The one in Romans 7 knew what this trial was for he said, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” v. 17.

You see, God knew we were sinners and if left to ourselves we could not keep from sinning. So in love to us He sent His beloved Son into this world to save us from sin’s guilt and power. When we put our trust in the Lord Jesus and receive Him into our hearts, He gives us power to resist temptation. We are “more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37), for “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.

ML-09/24/1972

Old George's Conversion

“DO YOU know how I served the devil for over 60 years? Ask anyone down at the market what 1 used to do and to be. I was an out and out sinner. I cared neither for God nor the devil. I used to swear and curse and drink and was known by all the men there as a terrible blasphemer against the very name of God. I was so bad, that my dear wife (God bless her!) always came to look after me about the time she thought I was sold out, because she declared that someday I should be put in jail for my vile conduct.

“One day a home missionary came to me in the market and he put his hand on my shoulder and said: ‘I say, George, God loves you, my brother. I wish you knew it; your life would be different from what it is. God loves you, George.’

“I looked at him surprised, and for a moment I felt a pang of remorse; but the next instant, just as if the devil had got down into my foot, I gave him a savage kick. I saw how it hurt him, his face turned white and blue; but he looked at me and limped away, and as he went he said, ‘God bless you, George.’

“Do you know, I believe that was the beginning of my conversion. I felt the eternal God was speaking to me. I said the next time anyone tried to speak to me about my soul, I would listen and take heed.

“Three weeks passed away and then one morning very early as I entered the market I saw the missionary talking to a group of unemployed. As soon as he saw me he came and held out his hand and spoke kindly to me. He looked ill, but he never said a word though Afterward I learned he was suffering much from the kick I gave him. Then he gave me a ticket on which was a printed invitation to a gospel meeting. He told me to bring my wife, and so it was for the first time in over 40 years, I found myself in a gospel meeting. The singing of the hymns was beautiful.

“There was a big crowd, but I got a seat right opposite the preacher. I can’t remember much about the sermon. All I know is that it was about blind Bartimaeus, who cried, ‘Jesus, Thou son of David, have mercy on me,’ and the Lord of heaven and earth stopped at the bidding of a poor blind beggar. He gave him sight for his eyes and blessing for his soul, for it says, ‘He followed Jesus in the way.’ Mark 10:52. The preacher closed his address and then he prayed. Ah, how he prayed! He prayed for me. I knew he prayed for me, just as though there was not another sinner in the hall. It was wonderful!

" ‘If there is one in this audience, who has done injury to his fellow man,’ he prayed, ‘oh grant that he may hear, and now turn to Thee, and obtain forgiveness and pardon.’ Then I thought of the missionary and the savage kick I gave him, as the preacher continued praying: ‘Oh, make them hear the words of the dying Saviour on the cross, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’

“Then the missionary’s white face and words of love and compassion after I had so hurt him, came to my remembrance: ‘God bless you, brother George,’ and so it broke me down. I cried out in the agony of my soul: ‘Lord, Lord, help me!’

“My dear wife touched me on the arm gently and said ‘Hush, George, folks will hear.’ But it was no use: those tears had been pent up on aount of sin for over 60 years, and it was no dishonor that the fountains were at last broken up, and heartfelt tears of true repentance began to flow.

“Then we sang:

‘Jesus I will trust Thee,

Trust Thee with my soul,

Guilty, lost and helpless,

Thou cant make me whole…’

“Then he asked those in the audience who felt that night for the first time the power of the gospel to rise and stand upon their feet and testify to this fact. One and another close by stood up and I longed to join them, but the devil whispered, ‘What about your wife? What will she say? And what about your companions at the market?’ Oh, it was an awful struggle, and I felt the devil down in my very feet again! But then the speaker said again once more, ‘I ask, Is there another who will rise up before we sing the send verse?’ And then, thank God, I said, ‘Wife or no wife, market or no market, here goes!’ I rose to my feet and we sang:

‘In Thy love confiding,

I will seek Thy face,

Worship and adore Thee

For Thy wondrous grace.’

“I dared not look around to see how my old lady was getting on, but just before we started the last verse I turned my head timidly towards her and there she was—oh bless the Lord!—there she was standing up close beside me. Oh, had there not been so many people about I should have kissed her, and I almost wish I had, for she never looked so beautiful to me in all her days. There we stood together, and we sang:

‘Jesus, we do trust Thee,

Trust Thee without doubt,

Whosoever cometh

Thou wilt not cast out.’

“That was the best night we had ever known. We went home and sang together, prayed together, and read together, and the Lord’s good hand has been upon us both ever since. Bless the Lord, I am so very happy.

(To be continued)

ML-09/24/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23:33-44

THE NEXT feast, the feast of atonement, tells of the bitter sorrow of Israel when their eyes are opened to the fact that their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, has already come to them and they have not received Him, but had murdered Him. Then they will receive Him and they will ask, “What are these wounds in Thine hands?” Then shall He answer, “Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends!” Zech. 13:6. Great will be their anguish in soul, but it is not their sorrow that covers their guilt; they will understand that the precious blood of the Lamb of God, the very One whom they slew themselves, covers all their wickedness, and the crowning sin of rejecting and murdering their own Messiah. “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son.... In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem,... and the land shall mourn, every family apart,...” The repentant remnant of Israel will be brought to own what they have done, but their sorrow will be turned into joy. It is the path to blessing, for in the next feast they are called to rejoice.

The feast of tabernacles comes next, on the fifteenth day of the month and like the feast of unleavened bread it lasted for seven days. What characterizes this feast is rejoicing. “And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God.” v. 40. They were to take boughs of trees and branches of palm trees and make booths, or tents, and they dwelt in these tents during those seven days.

The feast of tabernacles is a type then of the millennium when Israel will enter into and enjoy the rest of God on earth. All the promises of grace, glory and blessing made to Abraham and Israel will be completely fulfilled.

God will have His people to remember His wonderful and patient ways with them as He brought them through that waste howling wilderness. How sweet for Israel then to trace His patient ways of grace and how sweet for us, His people, now to look back and dwell upon His faithful love, and His wonderful grace that has brought us hitherto. In that coming day, when we are all gathered in our heavenly home, the wilderness behind us forever, we shall praise Him for all that is past. As one dear departed servant of Christ used to tell us, the last Book of the Psalms is the backward look of Israel and it is all praise. So it will be with us, the Church, when at home and at rest in the glory.

Taken up in resurrection

Desert ways rehearsed above,

Tell the power of God’s salvation

And His never failing love.

The feast of tabernacles then tells of a wonderful scene of joy and blessing, not only for Israel, but for the nations, the Gentiles, and indeed all creation, for all will be brought under Messiah’s gracious and beneficent reign.

After the feast of tabernacles had run its allotted seven days we read of an eighth day — something not found in any other of the feasts. It marked a new beginning, and there is no end mentioned. The eighth day speaks of eternity and new creation. God will then bring in an entirely new and final scene of blessing the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Memory Verse: “OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST; WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, THAT HE MIGHT REDEEM US FROM ALL INIQUITY.” Titus 2:13, 14.

ML-09/24/1972

Rafael

“RAFAEL,” said Pedro to his friend, “I have something to show you. See!”

He drew a small thin book in paper covers from his pocket. Rael’s love of reading was well known among his schoolmates, and his friend noticed the look of delight that came into his face as he turned the pages of the Gospel of Matthew.

“Where did you get it, Pedro?” Rafael asked after some time spent in a still further examination of the book.

“At the fair,” replied Pedro. “I won it in a raffle.”

“Will you sell it?” Rafael asked eagerly.

“I don’t care to. But what do you have to offer?” said Pedro.

Rafael drew a small silver coin from his pocket, but Pedro shook his head. A pocket-knife was next offered and refused. Rafael felt that he really wanted the book, for again and again as he turned the pages, his eyes had rested on the words “Jesus Christ,” and the little volume was, he felt sure, unlike any he had ever seen. He must make one more attempt to secure it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ML-10/01/1972

Kindness

A CHRISTIAN man had a rather quarrelsome neighbor whose cow often broke through the fence into his garden. One morning, hang driven the cow off his property back into her owner’s yard, he said to him, “Friend, I have driven your cow home once more and if I find her in my garden again —”

“S’pose you do,” exclaimed his neighbor angrily. “What will you do?”

“Why,” said the other, “I’ll drive her home to you again, friend.” The cow never again troubled the Christian neighbor.

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21.

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.” Prov. 25:21,22.

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

ML-10/01/1972

A Faithful Friend

I have a faithful doggie

Who loves me quite a lot.

When I return from anywhere,

She’s always on the spot.

She jumps and barks a welcome,

And tells me o’er and o’er

She wishes I would stay at home

And go away no more.

Now, tell me, little reader,

Would not the Lord rejoice

If you for Him were waiting

And longing for His voice?

He wants your heart, dear reader,

So filled with thoughts of Him

That nothing earth can offer

Will make your hope grow dim.

For filled with thoughts of Jesus,

You’ll long for His return;

And that sweet hope within you

Will ever brightly burn.

ML-10/01/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23

IT IS interesting to notice in the I feast of tabernacles that Israel were to take “branches of palm trees,... and willows of the brook,” to make booths or tents to dwell in seven days in remembrance of their wilderness journey. Their hearts went back to the time when the Lord led them through the desert as pilgrims and strangers, when they had no houses but only tents to dwell in. It was to be a time of gladness and rejoicing, for the sorrows and trials of the way were all behind them. And the Lord would have us never to forget our wilderness pathway, “all the way which the Lord thy God led thee ... in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart.” Deut. 8:2.

The palm branches tell of victories won down here (Rev. 7:9); the willows, we believe, speak of sorrows and failures. When the captives of Israel were carried to Babylon, they hung their harps on the willows in their sadness, for they could not sing the Lord’s song in a strange land (Psa. 137:1-4). In the coming kingdom, of which the feast of tabernacles is a blessed type, Israel will remember the sorrows and defeats along their wilderness pathway, but they will also have happy remembrances of the Lord’s faithful love and care, and of how He enabled them to triumph by His grace and power.

So it will be for us, His people now, when we get home to heaven. We will review all our wilderness pathway, our joys and our sorrows, our victories and failures, and we will adore the grace that brought us safely through. “The trials, temptations and woes” we passed through down here will never affect our peace and joy then.

Or if yet remembered above,

Remembrance no sadness shall raise,

They’ll bring but new thoughts of His love,

New themes for our wonder and praise.

May we find comfort even now in knowing that God makes all things — our joys and our sorrows — work together for good to those that love Him (Rom. 8:28).

It seems Israel did not appreciate the feast of tabernacles, for until after the captivity they did not keep it in the Lord’s appointed way. They had forgotten His long-suffering and patient ways with them. However, in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah we read: “And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.” Neh. 8: 17. This can be a great comfort and cheer to us who live in days of great weakness and failure, for the darker the day, more brightly shines the hope of our Saviour’s return for us, and of His coming in power to establish His kingdom in glory and blessing.

ML-10/01/1972

The Soldier and the Puzzle

I REMEMBER an occasion when I was going from door to door with my tracts and books, visiting the sick and finding out the anxious. At the end of a row of houses I thought I heard a wrangling, but a voice said to my knock, “Come in!” There stood a boy, face to face with his father, having an argument about which was the right way to heaven.

The boy said, “I’ll tell the gentleman what we’re talking about. My father says the Church of — is the right way to heaven; and old Mr. Finn says the Church of — is the right way to heaven; and I believe that — Church is the right way to heaven. If I’m right they are wrong; and I’m sure they are wrong, for the only reason Father goes to his church is because he’s paid for cleaning it.”

Just at this moment the door opened behind me, and in came a big soldier who had just come from a parade.

“You are just in time!” I remarked.

“For a good dinner, I hope, your honor,” replied the soldier.

“I hope you may get it,” I said. “This boy says the — Church is the way to heaven. His father contradicts him, and says the Church of is the way to heaven; and our aged friend here says that they’re both wrong, and that the Church of is the only way to heaven. Now what have you to say on the subject?’

“Well, your honor, you don’t have to believe in either of them, for they are all three wrong. If I had a Bible I would show you the right way, and the only way to heaven.”

At once I produced my pocket Bible and handed it to him, and he found the place and read to us: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

“That is the way to heaven, your honor, and there is no other way in the world. The Lord Jesus Himself is the Way, who shed His blood for sinners, and whoever has Christ in his heart, that man is on the right Way to the Father, and to heaven, sure enough.”

“Where did you learn that?”

“I was taught it in a Sunday school when I was a boy, and I’m going to live and die by it.”

I thanked the Christian soldier, and we four got down on our knees, and thanked the Lord for making the Way so very clear, and inclining us to see it. Come to it, believe in it, and walk in it.

“The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

“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-10/01/1972

Wasted, Not Stopped

I READ not long ago, engraved on a sundial, these words: “You can waste me, but you cannot stop me.” Time is swiftly hurrying us all to eternity. Those that have believed the gospel, who have trusted the Saviour for their soul’s salvation are soon to be gathered home to the Father’s house of many mansions, to dwell with Jesus forever.

But Satan, “the god of this world, hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel... should shine unto them.” 2 Cor. 4:4. O the awful doom of the lost—to be cast into the lake of fire forever.

O sinner! ere it be too late,

Flee thou to mercy’s open gate,

And join Christ’s waiting band.

ML-10/01/1972

Bummer

BUMMER WAS a hungry street dog in the city of San Francisco. A butcher took pity on poor Bummer and used to feed him. Bummer repaid his master’s kindness well, for he used to watch his shop and kept away many robbers.

Bummer was a faithful watchdog and did his work well, but he had a very odd habit. Every night the butcher would give him a piece of meat for his supper. But instead of eating it, he trotted off and disappeared somewhere in the back streets. It was useless to call him back. Away he went and came back without his meat.

The butcher thought this very strange and at last determined to follow him to find out where he went. But it was not such an easy matter. Bummer knew the short cuts as no one else ever dreamed of, and the butcher was inclined to give up the chase more than once.

At last they came to an old tumbledown shanty, and Bummer darted inside. When his master entered he was struck dumb with amazement. A poor sick dog lay huddled up on some shavings. Bummer had dropped in front of him the piece of meat which had been given him for his own supper.

Don’t you think Bummer was a very kind and faithful friend?

Bummer’s faithfulness reminds me of the love and faithfulness of a more wonderful Friend — Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. Bummer did what he could, but the Lord Jesus has done much more for sin-sick souls like you and me. He gave His life upon that awful cross, that we might live.

The Bible tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13. But Jesus died even for His enemies, for we were all guilty rebel sinners. We did not love God, but were “enemies in our mind by wicked works” (Col. 1:21). Yet God loved us just the same and to prove His love He sent His only Son to die to put away our sins. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

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

We believe that somehow that sick dog would make known to Bummer how much he appreciated his noble friend’s kindness. Don’t you think you should thank the Lord Jesus for all He has done for you, to put away your sins and to save you from judgment? All He asks is that you receive Him into your heart as your own precious Saviour, that you confess Him to others, and that you seek to live for Him each day. One day soon He will come and take all those who love Him up to heaven, to be with Himself in the Father’s house forever.

ML-10/08/1972

How Jimmie Lost His Fear

JIMMIE was only four years old, and so much afraid in the dark, he always wanted a light to be left in his room when he went to bed.

One night, as he was about to go to bed, his mother said, “Jimmie, you have nothing to fear, for God takes care of His little ones in the dark as well as in the light.”

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

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

“No,” was his serious reply.

“Then I would: He hears prayer.”

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

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

“Weren’t you afraid?” asked Mother.

“No,” replied Jimmie, “God didn’t let me be afraid.”

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

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

ML-10/08/1972

One Minute Too Late

I WAS standing on the dock to watch the departure of a ship. Her sailing time had come. Several hundred passengers were already aboard, and others were crowding hastily through the throng to get aboard. All was confusion. It seemed as if the ship was restless at the delay. The strong hawsers that bound her, fore and aft, ground on the posts.

Then the stern voice of the first mate was heard, “Passengers all aboard! — all others ashore!”

Just then a cab drove down to the dock and an old gentleman whose white hair spoke of many bygone years, got out and hastened toward the boat. The crowd made way for the venerable stranger, but in vain. The gangplank had been drawn up the fastenings were loosened, and the ship was on her way.

I shall never forget the expression of disappointment in the face of that old man as he turned away and ordered his baggage to be returned to the cab.

“One minute too late!”

How many thousands will be a little too late for salvation! They delay and postpone, until the ark of safety has shoved off for the last time. One minute then will be as fatal as an age of time.

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

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

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

ML-10/08/1972

Barney the Hero

A RICH nobleman had a favorite monkey—a large orangutan which you know, is the largest species of monkey, except the gorilla. Barney the monkey was very much attached to his master, and to little baby Charles who was the pet of the whole family.

One day a fire suddenly broke out in the mansion, and everybody was running here and there trying to put it out. The little boy was upstairs in his nursery, and in the excitement and confusion he was almost forgotten. When they did come to rescue him they found the staircase was all in flames. No one could go upstairs. What could they do?

Outside they were all looking up at the second story windows, wondering and frightened, when suddenly a large hairy hand and arm opened the window, and presently Barney, the monkey appeared with little Charles in his arms. Holding the little child carefully with one arm, he climbed down over the porch and brought him safely down to his mother. Oh how glad and thankful they all were! No one else could have done it, for a man cannot climb like a monkey, nor is he as strong.

You can well imagine how the faithful family pet was praised and petted after that. This is a true story, for the child who was saved was the young Marquis of Kildare.

The story of old Barney’s faithful love and bravery both stirred and warmed my heart. I think if I had been there at the fire, I should have patted and hugged him, like the rest. But there is another story, more wonderful and true, that has stirred my heart more deeply. It is the story of the Lord Jesus, the good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep. Old Barney came out of the fire safe and sound. But not so the Lord Jesus. He went into the fire of God’s judgment to save perishing sinners. He knew it meant death for Him. He knew that only through the death of a spotless victim could sin be atoned for. Yet such was His love for you and for me, that He died for us.

He died for all, so that now all who believe in Him, and claim Him as their Saviour, are saved from the judgment to come. Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Jesus died and was buried, but God raised Him from the dead, and now He lives forever in heaven, a Prince and a Saviour. Has the story of His redeeming love stirred and won your heart yet, dear young reader? God grant that it may do so, for He alone is worthy, “worthy of all homage and of praise, worthy by all to be adored".

ML-10/08/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 23

BEFORE leaving this chapter it might be helpful to mention that it was during the feast of tabernacles that the Lord Jesus went up to Jerusalem and into the temple (John 7). It was no longer a “feast of the Lord,” or one which He could call “My feast,” but it had become merely “the Jews’ feast.” He who had given that feast for Israel’s joy and rejoicing was rejected: “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. They rejected the King and the kingdom, and the Lord rejects their feast.

His own brethren had said to Him, “Go into Judea,... and show Thyself to the world.” But it was not the time for Him to show Himself to the world. The day will come when He will manifest Himself to the world, not in weakness, as the meek and humble One on earth, but in power and heavenly glory.

“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. Even so, Amen.” Rev. 1:7.

Yet the Lord did go up to the feast, not in greatness and splendor, but as a humble Teacher and faithful Witness. We read:

“In the last day, that great day of the feast (the eighth day), Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly [or innermost being] shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" John 7:37-39.

Since Jerusalem refused her King, the kingdom of which the feast of tabernacles speaks, has been deferred already for nearly 2000 years. The peace and blessing she forfeited long ago awaits the future day when He shall return and they shall say, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” In the meantime the Lord gives the living water — the Spirit of God — to thirsty souls who come to Him and drink. He gives joy, and peace, and rest to those who believe on Him, and rivers of water, streams of refreshment flow out from them to others.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Behold I freely give,

The living water—thirsty one,

Stoop down, and drink, and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him.

May we know what it is to come to the Saviour and drink of those living streams of life, for our own refreshment and for the blessing of others.

ML-10/08/1972

A Converted Farmer

A SMALL group of children were on their way to Sunday school one Sunday morning. One of them had a little packet of gospel tracts. They passed the farm of a neighbor who had long neglected going to the gospel preachings; in fact, he had gone downhill for some time.

One energetic little gospeler climbed over the fence and fastened a gospel tract to the man’s plow, and then went on to Sunday school.

Monday morning the farmer returned to his plowing, found the tract, read it, took it home and read it again and again. His heart and conscience were stirred. In repentance he sought the Lord, who graciously received him, for He has said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. The farmer found peace in the Saviour’s love. And all this through a gospel tract given out by a little child.

Memory Verse: “JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK.” John 7:37.

ML-10/08/1972

His Own Book

ROGILIO was a bright young Mexican boy, but his parents were quite poor. In that part of his native land where he spent his early childhood Bibles were very scarce. One day his father found one of the sacred volumes among his own books, and glancing over the pages he found that it contained “good moral teaching,” so he gave it to his son. Rogilio in turn showed it to the village clergyman, who assured him that it was “the best book in the world.”

After his father’s death, Rogilio studied his book with great delight. He learned to repeat verse after verse of its wonderful writings, and found comfort and pleasure in it. But one day he made a great error. He took it to the village school to show to his teacher.

“O!” the teacher exclaimed. “Where did you get that Book? It is a bad book!” and he cast the boy’s beloved Book into the fire.

As its pages curled and blackened in the flames, so Rogilio’s broken heart shriveled and changed within. After many nights of tearful loneliness and grief for his lost volume, he sought forgetfulness in the unholy company of the godless youths of the village. He lost all interest in the things of God and was content to live only for pleasure.

Some years went by and Rogilio had grown to young manhood. He had drifted to El Paso, Texas, and one night out of curiosity he and a companion entered a hall where an evangelist was preaching the gospel. As the two young men were making their way to a vacant bench the evangelist was reading aloud from a large volume. Familiar words fell on the ears of our friend Rogilio. Before his companion could restrain him he rushed forward before the whole audience exclaiming, “Sir, have the kindness to give me back my Book. That is my Book you’re reading from. They took it from me years ago, but it is mine.”

It had not occurred to Rogilio that there could be more than one copy. He stretched out his hands confidently, fully expecting to receive his own Book again.

The amazed evangelist stood speechless. Finally he said, “My dear young friend, please explain. Why do you say this precious Book is yours?”

“It is mine,” Rogilio answered more calmly, “and I can prove it.” To the astonishment of all, he recited passage after passage that he had memorized in his boyhood, proving to them that he had in some measure made the Word of God his own.

After further conversation with him, the evangelist presented to Rogilio the volume which he had been reading from. He pointed him to passages that if he received them into his heart, would bring eternal blessing to his soul.

Again the sacred Scriptures brought comfort to young Rogilio’s heart, and this time, through believing in Him of whom they speak, he became a true child of God.

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

Has our dear reader, like Rogilio, trusted the Saviour of whom the Scriptures speak? “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

ML-10/15/1972

A Mother Bird's Wisdom

ONCE WHEN I was a young fellow I was traveling by canoe down the river not far from a high waterfall. Already the water was flowing swiftly at this point, when I noticed a small young bird clinging to the branch of a tree which was floating down the stream near the shore.

A mother bird was fluttering around trying to get the young one to fly ashore, but it seemed afraid and would not move from the branch which was now rapidly approaching the falls. After trying in vain for some time, the little mother suddenly pushed the young one off the branch and it was forced to fly ashore to avoid falling into the water.

By what seemed a harsh act, the mother bird had saved the young one from going over the falls to its death.

Often the Lord works in this way too! Perhaps He has brought some sorrow into the life of one who reads these lines, and you are wondering why. The mother bird’s act seemed harsh but it was really in love and for the good of the young one. So if trial and sorrow lead you to the Lord, to find salvation and comfort in Him, it will be for your good too. How much better to suffer loss here, than to lose your soul forever. God has proved His love to us in giving His only begotten Son to die for our sins on Calvary. The Lord Jesus died there, He finished that great and blessed work of redemption, and now He waits to save all who will come to Him just as they are.

“All these things worketh God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit.” Job 33:29,30.

ML-10/15/1972

Good Old Chief

LYNN had taken the baby for an 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, Chief, 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 Chief! He was a resourceful dog, wasn’t he?

Many boys and girls, and older folks too, are speeding on the downgrade to a lost eternity. Now the only One who can stop their downward course to ruin is the Lord Jesus Christ. 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?” Ezek. 33:11. He is able and willing to save all who put their trust in Him. How many boys and girls He has rescued from sure judgment, turned them about and put them on the road to heaven. May this be true of each dear reader.

ML-10/15/1972

Old George's Conversion

“And then after I was saved I wanted to tell others this story. God prospered me, and I was able to start a little mission work and all the years we have carried it on. Now I am growing old and feeble and my labor for the Master will soon be ended, and I shall go home. We have only a simple place, but the Lord is there and bless His holy name! we find that He is enough.

‘The mind and heart to fill,

His patient life to calm the soul,

His love its fear dispel.’ "

The thought of it all bowed old George in wonder and worship and he wept like a little child. Tears of sorrow? No, tears of joy! Tears of gladness, tears of the sense of the Saviour’s love!

Oh reader, if those of you who are strangers to what all this means, if you have never known the unspeakable joy through the heart of the old man who realized the presence of his Lord who loved him, we appeal to you now to look to the Saviour, to trust Him fully as you are in all your need, and sin and guilt, and rest assured that He will receive you and abundantly pardon as He did old George.

ML-10/15/1972

Now Is the Time

Mr. Burns, a gospel preacher, was asked to go and see the dying wife of a tavern keeper. Her husband was quite embarrassed and made excuses for his business saying he was going to give it up when his lease ran out.

“There is no lease with God,” said Burns. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML-10/15/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 24

THE FEASTS of the Lord in the last chapter present to us in a wonderful way the whole scope of God’s purposes and their fulfillment, reaching on to the eternal day, the rest of God. But now, in the meantime, since Christ has been rejected, we are passing through the long dark night of this world. And in this chapter we have in a two-fold way how the light of Christ shines in the heavenly sanctuary, without interruption, till dawns the morning without clouds.

The Lord Jesus was the true Light who coming into this world’s darkness was the light of men. He sheds His light on every man. On earth He was “the light of the world,” but now that light shines above in the presence of God for us who as priests have the title to enter there.

The children of Israel had the privilege of bringing pure olive oil for the light, but it shone only in the tabernacle, and Aaron was to order it from evening to morning before the Lord. The oil which caused the light to burn speaks of the Holy Spirit given without measure.

Thus in the candlestick we have Christ as the light now shining in the heavenly places during the long dark night for Israel on earth. They rejected their Messiah, yet they are beloved of God for the fathers’ sake (Rom. 11:28). During this night of their history they are maintained in the light before God, through the priesthood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit. It will truly be the morning for them when they own their guilt in crucifying their Messiah, and then the Spirit will be poured out upon them in blessing.

The twelve loaves of fine flour on the pure table, the bread which Aaron and his sons were to eat in the holy place, speak of Christ as the heavenly food of those who as priests now have access within the veil.

The twelve loaves also speak of the fullness of Christ in His administration on earth. Israel do not see Him as such yet, anymore than they see Him as the light of heaven, but we, whom He has made priests by His grace, love to think of Him in both these characters.

The frankincense put upon the loaves was for a memorial and speaks of our acceptance in all the grace and fragrance of Christ. It speaks too of how Israel is maintained before God by Christ in all that He is to Him. How precious to think of those twelve tribes, so scattered now, yet seen in the loaves as fragrant through the sweet frankincense sprinkled upon them by the priest.

Then we read the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out and blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. God ordered that he should be stoned, and Israel carried out this judgment upon him. Along with the pledge of Israel’s future blessing, we have presented here the coming apostasy. How sad that in the face of the Lord’s goodness there should be those who blaspheme His name! The Jews in their defiance, reviled and cursed their Messiah, the very One who came to suffer upon the cross for their sins. Those who ought to have been the means of blessing to all others have been guilty of rejecting God in the Person of the Lord Jesus and have blasphemed His name. God will have a remnant from among them who will look for Him and be spared, but it says of those who despised His name wrath is come upon them to the uttermost (1 Thess. 2:16).

ML-10/15/1972

The Earthquake

IN A dreadful earthquake in Italy years ago it was estimated that more than 200,000 people lost their lives. A man who was one of ten saved out of 80 staying at a hotel told the story of how some children were saved.

Going to the dock for help, he got an English ship captain and some of his men along with some Russian sailors to go back with him into the ruined town, carrying ropes and ladders. Out on a balcony five stories up they saw two children in danger. The building seemed to rock as if about to collapse. The children were crying for help. The men shouted to them to find some string and lower it with a stone at the end. This they did, and the sailors tied a strong rope to the string which the children pulled up and made fast to the balcony.

One of the sailors immediately began to climb up the rope. It was dreadfully dangerous, but up he went to save those children at the risk of his life. Reaching the balcony at last he shouted down, “There’s a ton of them up here. I can’t manage to save them alone.”

Without any hesitation another sailor climbed up the rope. Together the two brave fellows made a slip knot at the end of the rope and lowered one dear child down to safety.

How this reminds us of the Lord Jesus who came to save sinners. But He did not say, “I can’t save them alone.” No, indeed. There was no one but He who could save us and He went into death all alone. He could say, “Of the people there was none with Me” (Isa. 63:3). “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no saviour.” Isa. 43: 11. The children had faith in the rope, faith in those strong arms, and it is just such faith or trust that we must have in the Lord Jesus, the Saviour who is mighty, if we are to be saved.

One, two, three, four children were thus lowered. How many more? Five, six, seven, eight reached the ground in safety. Breathlessly friends watched below as the ninth, and then the tenth were safely landed. Thus were the children all saved — saved from the crash of the earthquake, saved from the fire that was spreading all around. What a salvation!

But not so great as that which saves us from sin and death and everlasting woe. What a Saviour Jesus is, everlasting praise be His!

When all were down the sailors quietly slid down the ropes themselves as the onlookers cheered and thanked the men who were only too glad to have saved so many young lives. How grateful those children were! But our Saviour deserves far more from us, for He has given His life to save us. He died that we might escape. “O, what a Saviour.”

ML-10/22/1972

Bible Watches

A WATCH is for telling the time. This one I wish to speak about, however, tells about eternity also.

Bible time was different from ours. It was divided into watches, that is, periods of three hours. The Four Watches into which the night was divided, are all mentioned in one verse, Mark 13:35 — Even, Midnight, Cock-crowing, Morning. Let us see what we can learn from them.

EVENING (Exodus 12:6). From 6 till 9 p.m. — called also “the First watch.” The paschal lamb was slain in the evening. This reminds us of the Lord Jesus, who “when the fulness of the time was come” (Gal. 4:4) came forth to die. In “the end of the age He appeared to put away sin” (Heb. 9:26). The Lamb of God has died. His blood has been shed. Redemption has been accomplished. You have nothing to do; nothing to wait for. Only just to believe on Him: to claim Him as yours.

MIDNIGHT (Exodus 12:29). From 9 till 12 p.m. — The Second watch. The judgment fell at midnight, at an hour when the people least expected it. Egypt was asleep.

So will the world be when its judgment suddenly falls (1 Thess. 5:3; Luke 17:27). Sinners will be asleep in sin, enjoying themselves in forgetfulness of God, when like a thief in the night, the judgment will come. What an awakening awaits the ungodly. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Luke 3:7.

COCK-CROWING (Luke 22:60). From 12 p.m. till 3 a.m. — The Third watch. This is said to be the name given to the bugle call of the Roman soldier for arousing the camp. To us the cock-crowing call is, “Surely I come quickly.” Are you ready to meet the Lord Jesus? Only those who know Him as their Saviour now can welcome Him then.

MORNING (Isaiah 21:12). From 3 till 6 a.m. — The Fourth watch. We read — “In the Fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them” (Matt. 14:25). “The morning cometh” Isa. 21:12. The coming of the Lord Jesus for His people will bring the morning. His own word is, “I am the bright and Morning Star.” Happy are they who can say, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

ML-10/22/1972

Faith in the Life Belt

A pleasure craft was sailing down the river one day when a boy fell overboard. Someone threw him a life belt. He caught hold of it, and was drawn to safety.

The drowning boy cast himself on the life belt; he trusted himself to it, and was saved. That was faith.

Christ is the lifebelt: “in whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Eph. 1:13.

Christ is the lifebelt. “Look unto Me, and be ye saved,... for I am God and there is none else.” Isa. 45:22. “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no saviour.” Isa. 43:11.

ML-10/22/1972

Granny's Spectacles

Granny was getting old and forgetful. Many a time she would lose her glasses. She would search a long time in all corners of her little cottage looking for them, and at last she would find them on her forehead.

How like Granny some folks are when it comes to the saving of their souls. They look far and wide for salvation, when it is “nigh” all the time. (Rom. 10:8.)

“What does ‘nigh’ mean?” a gospel preacher asked his audience one night. “It means ‘right here,’" was his own reply.

“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.” Rom. 10:8.9.

Memory Verse: “I SAID, I WILL CONFESS MY TRANRESSIONS UNTO THE LORD; AND THOU FORGAVEST THE INIQUITY OF MY SIN.” Psa. 32:5.

ML-10/22/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 25:1-7

WE NOW come to a remarkable provision of God for His people and for His land. Every seventh year the land should keep “a sabbath unto the Lord.” This was never given to any other nation but Israel.

“Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.”

The Sabbath was the sign of God’s covenant with Israel, for He purposed that they should enjoy His rest. Here His people learn that even the land must keep its sabbath of rest every seventh year, for it was His land. God promised that the produce of the sixth year should be enough for three years so that there would be no scarcity even though the land would rest for a year.

Also in the sabbath year if a brother had become slave to an Israelite he was to be set free (Ex. 21; Deut. 15:12). It may have been a weakness or his own fault that brought him into bondage, and perhaps his master took advantage of his circumstances to further his own selfish interests; but we can see how the holy law of God put a check on man. At the same time it showed the Lord’s tender feelings for the poor. He would appeal to the hearts of those who had means on behalf of the poor brother who had not.

This gracious provision was not limited to the humble and needy Israelite, but it applied also to the stranger that sojourned in the land, to the cattle and even to the beasts of the field: none were forgotten, all was provided. What a testimony to the gracious goodness of God who made His mind known long before they ever entered the land (v. 1)!

But it seems that Israel heeded not the word of the Lord, that they did not observe these sabbath years. They disobeyed here as elsewhere. It is the old story of man’s failure in every duty he is called to perform.

What a favor bestowed upon God’s people that they should have every seventh year a year of rest! But alas, in their neglect and covetousness just as they used the weekly Sabbath for their own selfish ends, so did they use the sabbath years likewise. And yet how like ourselves, for how easy it is to become unsatisfied and always-wanting more. Israel were but tents in the Lord’s land, and we ought ever to remember that we are stewards for the Lord of all He has given us.

There was only one perfect and obedient Man, and how precious it is in the midst of man’s failure and wretched ways to turn to Christ, who “pleased not Himself,” but perfectly glorified God the Father and loved His neighbor as Himself. Israel lost their land through their disobedience, but the day is coming when because of the obedience of Christ all will be recovered by a poor, afflicted and repentant people under Him as their Messiah. All the pledges of the sabbath year will be fulfilled to Israel; and yet how much more, for all nations will be blessed, and we His heavenly saints will enjoy higher favors and richer blessings with Him in heaven.

ML-10/22/1972

Stories of Indians

WOLF COLLAR was an Indian chief who lived with his tribe in the Canadian northwest. Until he was fifty years of age he had also been a medicine man. Then he heard of God and Jesus the Saviour. Soon he gave up all his pagan worship and medicine craft, saying that they were only evil, and his desire was not to be a half-hearted Christian. He wished God to cleanse his heart thoroughly and to keep it clean.

All this meant a great deal to Wolf Collar since in giving up his role as a medicine man he sacrificed his wealth, for he would receive anywhere from one to six ponies for a single case, and in those days horses were an Indian’s riches.

But in coming to know the Lord Jesus as his Saviour Wolf Collar had gained infinitely more than he had given up. He had begun to learn that “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15. The Lord Jesus said: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:20,21. “The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22.

Wolf Collar had the blessing of God to such an extent that the missionary wrote later: “Nearly the whole of this dear man’s family are now followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is deeply interesting to see him working so hard learning to read. He is doing exceedingly well. Just today Chief Little Ax remarked to me, ‘Wolf Collar is one of those whom the Holy Spirit teaches, his brains work quickly. He does not walk, he runs.’ "

Wolf Collar was like David who said, “I will run the way of Thy commandments,” and again, “I made haste and delayed not to keep Thy commandments” (Psa. 119:32, 60). Are you, dear reader, quick to learn God’s Word as this dear Indian chief was?

Besides Little Ax, Wolf Collar had another with him who also sought to learn. His name was Leather, and he was about as tough as his name. He was much younger than Wolf Collar. He had been a terror, but when the Lord Jesus comes into one’s life what a change He makes! The missionary also wrote: “Less than two years ago (in a way) there was no one less welcome in the mission house than Leather. He was both impudent and surly, but now! what a change! His beaming face and gentle manner make him most welcome, and a dear earnest fellow he is. At present he is living with Wolf Collar, and the two of them are working in every way they can to make known the good news of the Saviour’s love to their friends.”

The Lord let Leather meet with an accident in which he broke his leg. For six months he had to be with the missionaries in their hospital, where he learned to read and play the autoharp. So God who makes all things work together for good to those that love Him, made this forced time of rest a rich blessing to Leather.

Wolf Collar, Little Ax and Leather all could say that the Lord Jesus was their light, and “whereas once we were blind, now we see.”

The missionaries also told of one little Indian girl who was brought up in the mission school. She would go home and teach her old grandmother the wonderful stories she had learned about Jesus and His love, of how He died for all of every race, no matter what their color might be.

These dear Indians have since gone home to heaven to be with Jesus. We hope our reader is also trusting that same precious Saviour; and if so we shall all meet up there with Him.

ML-10/29/1972

Never Stop Singing

A young lady who had been converted loved to sing about her Saviour and the heavenly home He has gone to prepare for all who love Him.

“When do you intend to stop singing that song?” exclaimed one who scorned her Redeemer and her song of salvation.

“Never!” was her answer. “I’ll sing it for all eternity.”

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

ML-10/29/1972

Ching's Cleansing

CHING the Chinaman was anything but clean in his dress and in his manners. But he started coming to the Bible classes at the gospel mission, and 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.

To have our hearts cleansed from sin is the most important cleansing, and this can only be had through the precious blood of Christ. But God wants us to be clean outwardly too.

The word cleanse bothered Ching. So the missionary explained how the Lord Jesus washes away our sins and makes us clean inside. The following week a fine-looking young Chinaman appeared. His face shone; his clothes were clean. The missionary was surprised to discover it was his old friend Ching. Smiling he announced, “Jesus Christ made me clean inside and outside.”

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

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

Memory Verse: “BUT THIS MAN, AFTER HE HAD OERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS FOREVER, SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD.” Heb. 10:12.

ML-10/29/1972

The Old Kettle

IT WAS at a children’s meeting one night and supper was being served to a number of hungry boys and girls. Afterward there was a gospel address and some hymn singing.

Among those present that night was an old Christian, Mr. Jones, who made his living going about mending pots and pans and other things.

“May I say a word to the children about what is in this bundle?” he asked. Permission being given, he went up to the platform, with a very happy smile, and 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. Jones with a smile, “I will tell you the story of this rusty old thing. One day I was on my rounds 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 a crooked handle, I taps the bottom and the sides, then I says quite grave, ‘Tell your grana, Peggy, that it is past mending altogether. She needs a new kettle.’ "

The old man continued, “Young friends, Peggy, grandmother, and you and me, are just like this old tin kettle. 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 “made new,” and in being renewed by the Holy Spirit.

“The Lord Jesus has told us ‘ye must be born again.’ That’s gospel truth: ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new 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 Cor. 5:17,18.

ML-10/29/1972

The Wrong Door

A poor man had long been troubled about his sins. He had tried many ways and means to merit God’s favor and find salvation, but he had no peace.

Then one day he learned the truth of John 10: 9, where the Lord Jesus says, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” He learned that the one door into salvation, liberty and peace is Christ.

He said to his wife when he got home, “Oh, wife, I’ve been at the wrang door a’ my days till now.”

Christ is the door. Dear reader, have you found and entered that only door?

ML-10/29/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

Return, return, ye captives!

Return unto your home!

The silver trumpet soundeth,

The jubilee has come!

Leviticus 25:8-10

AS THE SABBATH days went by, and as the sabbath years came around, each spoke to Israel of the rest that God had in view. He was ever looking on to that blessed day when “He will rest in His love” (Zeph. 3: 17), and He delights in the thought of His people sharing that rest with Him. Israel, restored, shall enter into and enjoy that rest on earth under Christ their Messiah in His millennial kingdom. As Christians, our rest is above when we shall share the glory with Christ.

Israel’s title to the land was one of absolute grace. God in His love had given them that land, but He would have His people ever to remember that the land was His. They were to hold it in relation to the Giver whose rights in grace He ever maintained.

In these chapters we have the conditions under which Israel could hold and enjoy the land. There must needs be a right attitude of heart toward so good and gracious a Giver. Otherwise, they could not appreciate the gift, nor could they rightly possess it. God has given us an inheritance in Christ, He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, and we ought to enjoy our portion in the sense of the love that gave it. God has His own joy when He sees His people enjoying what His love has given them.

It ought to have been a cause for deep thankfulness to Israel to know that the land belonged to the Lord, for this guaranteed their undisputed title to it after all. They lost the land through their unfaithfulness and for centuries it was trodden down by the Gentiles. But the day is coming when the last of the Gentile empires shall have run its course; and God will give the land of Canaan back to Israel.

We now come to the year of jubilee. It speaks of the liberty and the joy of the millennium when all that Israel lost will be restored through sovereign grace. On the great day of atonement the trumpet was to be blown, after the scapegoat had carried away the people’s sins to the land of forgetfulness. So it will be on the ground of the atoning work of Christ on the cross that God will cause the trumpet of jubilee to sound, and Israel shall return to the land of their inheritance.

“The great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.” Isa. 27:13.

Liberty was to be proclaimed throughout all the land. “And ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.” It is not a question of how a man lost his possession and got into bondage. For the day of atonement tells of Christ’s blessed work that has blotted out all the sin and failure of the past, and the exiles return to their possession to bask in the sunshine and favor of Jehovah’s love.

This year of jubilee is for Israel and the land. We as Christians have a more immediate and more blessed expectation for we wait for another trumpet to sound — “the trump of God” that will wake the sleeping saints, when we with them shall be “caught up” to be forever with the Lord.

ML-10/29/1972

Hugh Tucker's Choice

SPRING had come to the hills of Tennessee. Nine-year-old Hugh Tucker’s cheery whistle rose above the creaking of the harness as the team of horses settled to the task of spring plowing, plodding patiently across the field, guided by the boy farmer.

Hugh knew that he would be dead tired at the end of the day but he was glad to be following the plow, glad school was over for that week!

Finally Hugh turned his last furrow and started the team toward the little cabin which was home. Most of the farm chores had become the responsibility of Hugh and his brothers since their father had returned from the army, broken in health.

As he sat down to supper, the young plowboy wondered if he would be able to stay awake long enough to eat the simple meal his mother had prepared.

“Teacher was here today,” announced his mother. “He came to find out which you would rather have as your prize for giving the best recitation at the school program — a Bible or The Gazeteer. I didn’t know what to tell him, but he seemed so sure you’d rather have the book of stories, I finally told him to make the decision. I’m sorry you were too far away to call.”

Hugh’s eyes filled with tears. “Didn’t you know I would rather have a Bible of my own than any other book in the whole world, Mother?” he asked.

Realizing his son’s disappointment, Mr. Tucker suggested that Hugh get up before daylight the next day in order to meet the teacher and arrange for receiving the Bible as the prize instead of the storybook.

Hugh Tucker, the boy who preferred a Bible to a storybook, grew up to be the missionary who was used in distributing hundreds of thousands of Bibles, Testaments and Gospels in Brazil for the Bible Society. — Words of Life

ML-11/05/1972

Only Two Classes

Aboard the great ocean liners passengers can travel first, second, or third class. So it was with the Titanic, the great “unsinkable” ship, on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic.

But when she struck an iceberg and sank in mid-ocean, there were just two classes—saved and lost. Nothing between.

So there are now in this world only two classes — saved sinners, lost sinners.

Which class are YOU traveling, dear reader?

“The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18.

“For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.” 2 Cor. 2:15,16.

ML-11/05/1972

A Shut Door

A poor widow did not have money to pay her rent. When a knock came on her door, fearing it was the landlord coming to collect the rent, she barred the door. It turned out to be a friend who came with money to pay her rent. His mission was not to demand but to give.

This is a picture of the law in contrast to the gospel. The law demands, but God gives. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. Man, the sinner, has nothing to pay, but God is a giving God. “When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.” Luke 7:42.

The Lord Jesus came to pay the debt we owed for our many sins, and those who trust Him as their Saviour rejoice to find “the old account was settled long ago” on the cross of Calvary.

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

ML-11/05/1972

Little Nell's Doll

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

“Indeed I will, Nellie,” replied her daddy as he headed for town.

“A big one,” repeated the child.

Mr. Hunt smiled, waved his hand, and disappeared around the 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 smiled as he thought of his little girl’s delight.

By this time it was getting late, and it might have been better to stay in town overnight 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’m sure I heard a cry,” he said to himself.

He went on a little farther. Then he heard the cry again, and it sound 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 carried quite a sum of money with him, and many would know of his trip to the market. 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, James 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,” he thought, “and what a cheer 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? No indeed, 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 reader, have you felt yourself lost in your sins, and have you cried to the Lord Jesus to save you from perishing? If not, why wait longer? Do so now, while the door of heaven is still open, and while the Saviour still waits to save.

ML-11/05/1972

The Lord Is Good

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7.

Memory Verse: “NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORNG TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.” Titus 3:5.

ML-11/05/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

Return, return, ye captives!

Return unto your home!

The silver trumpet soundeth,

The jubilee has come!

Leviticus 25:11-24

“A JUBILEE shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap... For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.”

The trumpet of jubilee was to be sounded on the great day of atonement, after the scapegoat had carried away the people’s sins to the land of forgetfulness. What a blessed time this would be! The whole year was to be set apart and liberty proclaimed to all — a whole year of enjoyment without labor. With such blessing, poverty would disappear. Fruit would grow in abundance under the gracious hand of God without any cultivation by man. He Himself, the Source and Giver, would provide for all.

What blessing to His creatures, with the power to bring it to pass. Surely He is worthy to be worshiped as “the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Rom. 1:25). And yet we know Him in a more blessed way through His dear Son, the full expression of His heart of love.

How sad to think that Israel never enjoyed the wonderful goodness of God in this way, for it seems in this as in everything else, they failed to obey; apparently they never kept the year of jubilee.

But God will not be frustrated in His purposes; His heart will yet be gratified. Israel have sold themselves and their land to strangers but God has not given up the thoughts of His love towards them. The glad time is coming when the land will yet keep its jubilee; for “in the year of this jubilee ye shall return every man unto his possession.” v. 13.

In buying and selling, Israel were told not to oppress one another. The value of land or possessions was to be reckoned according to the number of years until the next jubilee, when all possessions returned to their former owners. Thus it would be unjust to put a high price on a possession when the jubilee was near. So it was that the Lord Himself regulated the value of things. And this would remind us, who look for the Lord’s soon coming, not to set a high value on things which we are so soon to leave behind. When the trumpet sounds for us, we will leave this world forever to go and be with and like our Saviour.

“The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.” v. 23. Israel forfeited all their possessions and sold themselves into bondage, but the Lord will vindicate His rights in that day, no matter what thoughts Israel’s enemies might have nor how powerful they might be. The Lord may allow them in His judgment to come in like a flood and overflow the land, but still it is His land, and He will appear in Person to the salvation of the remnant of His people and to the awful destruction of all their enemies.

It is very sad to think that when the Lord came to His own land, His own people did not receive Him (John 1:11). He was a Stranger here and had no place to lay His head. Such was the sorrowful state of His people. Yet He found a home in the hearts of poor repentant ones whom His grace attached to Himself. It was not the time to bring in the year of jubilee then. He must first die for His people’s sins, and for all who trust Him as their Saviour now. If we would be faithful to Him, we too would be “strangers and sojourners” with Him during the time of His rejection.

ML-11/05/1972

The Old Chief

THERE must have been hundreds of other people in the railway station when I entered the waiting room, but my attention was drawn away from them all and became fastened on an outstanding character seated on the front row of benches.

He was an old Indian chief dressed in full native costume feathered headdress, beaded buckskin coat decorated with fur and dyed porcupine quills, and deerskin moccasins on his feet. Two thick braids of black hair hung down over his shoulders and his weather-beaten face was wrinkled with age. The station attendant told me that the old chief was 106 years of age. When I saw the seat beside him was empty, I slipped over to have a chat with him. He seemed pleased that I took an interest in him and told me of many interesting stories and incidents in his long and eventful career.

However, I wondered whether the old man had any hopes for eternity and during a break in our conversation I plucked up enough courage to ask him.

“Chief,” I whispered in his ear, “Has anyone ever spoken to you about the, Lord Jesus Christ?”

Never shall I forget his answer.

“Jesus!” he exclaimed. “Jesus! why, yes, I know Him. He is the Door. Jesus said, ‘I am the Door’ and ‘No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.’ "

Then to my amazement the old Indian began to tell me of God’s wonderful plan of salvation of how a sinner must repent of his sins and he born again before he can ever enter heaven. At the mention of the words “born again” I ventured another question,

“Chief, when were YOU born again?”

His face lit up and he replied with enthusiasm, “Over fifty years, and Jesus did it!”

White men often looked upon Indians as pagans who know very little of Christianity and who looked forward to reaching their “Happy Hunting Grounds” when they died. Yet here was an old chief, on the brink of the grave, who knew more about God’s great plan of salvation than many people today who are church members and consider themselves good Christians. He knew that he was “BORN AGAIN” and could tell when and how it took place.

Dear reader, can you say the same?

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, then learn a lesson from the old chief. “Ye must be born again,” said the Lord Jesus (John 3:7); again, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” v. 5.

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

E. B. S.

ML-11/12/1972

The Story of a New Testament

WENDY was a little Christian girl. One day she surprised her parents by asking if she might have two New Testaments. They wanted to know why it must be two, and the child replied that one was for herself and the other to send to the poor in India.

They gave her the two small volumes, and in one of them she wrote: “A little girl who loves the Lord Jesus wishes with all her heart that whoever reads this should also love and believe on Him too.”

The New Testament went to India and found its way to a mission station. It was given to a poor Hindu lady. She could read, but could not write; and as she longed to be able to write, her attention was drawn to the words on the fly leaf. The large characters of the child’s handwriting attracted her so much that she tried again and again to copy them. Gradually the sense of the words made an impression upon her, and then the question rose in her mind, “May not these words have been written just for me?”

She wanted again to earnestly read the New Testament; gradually her eyes were opened and she learned to know and love the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

Years passed. Wendy had grown up and she thought no more of the New Testament. But her love for the Lord had grown with her, and it was her deepest desire to serve Him in some far-off land. The time came when she left her home behind and went to India to a rather out-of-the-way mission station.

One day she entered the house of a Hindu Christian lady. As they chatted together, the Hindu lady showed her visitor a book, a New Testament, and told her how that she, a poor Hindu idol worshiper, had through it been brought to know the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. You can imagine Wendy’s joyful surprise when she recognized in that little book the same New Testament on whose fly-leaf she had many years ago as a little girl written those words which God had used to show the poor Hindu lady the way of salvation. Together they knelt down and praised God for His wonderful ways, and thanked Him who had drawn them both to Himself.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccl. 11:1.

Lord, ’twas Thy power unseen that drew

The stray one to that place,

In solitude to learn from Thee

The secrets of Thy grace.

ML-11/12/1972

Faithful Stief

IN WORLD WAR 1, an army officer had a faithful German shepherd dog whom he called Stief. In the midst of a battle the officer fell badly wounded. At the time Stief was tied up behind the lines.

Sensing his master’s danger, Stief chewed through his leash, and dashed through deadly fire to his master’s side. He 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!

Men and women, boys and girls too, are wounded by sin and by Satan’s arrows on the battlefield of life. We would all perish in our sins had it not been for the faithful love of the One who knew our danger and came to save. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, left the glory and came into this world to save sinners. Upon the cross of Calvary He took our place and died in our stead.

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6. What a wonderful Saviour Jesus is!

Brave, fearless, and kind, Stief dragged his master to a place of safety. And the Lord Jesus puts all those who trust in Him in a place of everlasting safety too. Even now they are under the shelter of His precious blood. Satan cannot harm them, 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 them home to heaven.

“Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25.

ML-11/12/1972

The Only Refuge

Tom was a young drummer boy in the Civil War. He was known in his regiment by the name of “the young deacon” because of his Christian testimony.

In one of the battles Tom was mortally wounded. As they were carrying in the wounded, they heard a feeble voice singing—

“Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, O leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me.

Then all was quiet. In the morning light they found dear Tom — “absent from the body... present with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5:8).

ML-11/12/1972

The Anchor Holds

A ship captain had been awakened about his soul’s salvation: He was much occupied with his feelings and sought in them evidence of his soul’s salvation, but he found no peace.

“Captain,” said a friend, “do you cast your anchor into the hold of your ship, or outside and into the sea when you want safe anchorage?”

“Into the sea, of course,” said the captain.

“Let your faith lay hold on the work of Christ and the word of God, both of which are unchanging, and never mind your feelings,” said his friend. “Then you will have peace.”

Next time they met, the captain smiling said, “Yes, the anchor holds there.”

ML-11/12/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

Return, return, ye captives!

Return unto your home!

The silver trumpet soundeth,

The jubilee has come!

Leviticus 25:25

THE silver trumpet that ushered in the year of jubilee was to be sounded throughout Israel, even to the farthest borders of the land. It heralded the exile’s return, the release of the captives, the canceling of debts and the setting free of the debtors. The slave passed out of his bondage into glorious liberty, the manslayer left the city of refuge and returned to his home; and he who sold himself returned to his loved family again. Possessions once lost were returned to their original owners, poverty and misery disappeared, while joy and gladness filled the land.

The Lord Himself was the author of this mighty wave of blessing, for the land is His, and Israel are His people.

And who were those in Israel who would rejoice most to hear the sound of the trumpet proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord? Without doubt it was the poor, the wretched, the bankrupt debtors, those who from distress had been obliged to sell themselves to their brethren, whose slaves they were, or who had been obliged to part with their houses and their possessions — those who groaned, overwhelmed with toils and sorrow. Yet what happiness, what rejoicing would these joyful sounds cause in their hearts, telling them their deliverance was come and the end of their toils!

And it is the very same thing with the gospel; it is to the poor the gospel is preached. It is wretched sinners, lost and by nature children of wrath that the Lord Jesus came to seek and to save. Believers are a company gathered around Christ like those who gathered around David in the cave of Adullam: “And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them.” 1 Sam. 22:2.

O what joy, what happiness for these poor debtors was the sound of this trumpet of joy! In the morning they were debtors with nothing to pay; in the evening they owed nothing; their debt was canceled, paid by God Himself. But what was this joy and happiness in comparison with the joy and blessedness which overflows the heart of a poor sinner when by faith he listens to the sweet and gentle sound of grace, to the voice of Jesus, saying to him, “Thy sins are forgiven thee; go in peace.”

The gospel is for us the good news, the joyful proclamation of liberty, now that Christ has died. The Son having made us free, we are free indeed (John 7). We are the children of the free woman, and we are told to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Gal. 4:31; 5:1. “Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom. 6:14. Well might we exclaim, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Cor. 15:57.

Memory Verse: “NONE... CAN BY ANY MEANS REDEEM HIS BROTHER, NOR GIVE TO GOD A RANSOM FOR HIM.” Psa. 49:7.

ML-11/12/1972

Breaches in the Wall

IT WAS years ago that an Armenian merchant of Erzerum, Turkish Armenia, was sending some goods from Erzerum to another town. There were no railways in that part of the country and everything had to be transported by camel caravans. The load was very valuable, so the merchant himself went along with the caravan.

He was a God-fearing earnest Christian, having been instructed in the faith by his believing parents.

The country they traveled through was infested by Kurds — bandits who lived by robbing the caravans. A band of these highwaymen was following the caravan, intending to rob it at the first camping place on the plains. The sun went down and tired after the long day’s journey, the caravan prepared to camp for the night.

At the chosen hour, under cover of darkness, the bandits drew near. All was strangely quiet. There seemed to be no guards, no watchers; but as they pressed up closer, to their astonishment, they found high walls where walls had never stood before. Frustrated, the bandits disappeared into the darkness.

The next day they still followed, and again the next night they found the same impassable walls.

The third night they came again and still the walls stood, but this time there were breaches in them. Through these the robbers entered, but the captain, terrified by the mystery, woke up the merchant who was in charge of the expedition.

“What does it mean?” asked the robber chief. “Ever since you left Erzerum we have followed, intending to rob you. The first night and the second we found high walls around your caravan, but tonight we entered through broken places. Tell us the secret of all this, and we will not hurt you.”

The merchant himself was surprised and puzzled. “My friends,” he said, “I have done nothing to have walls raised about us. But I do trust in God and I do pray every evening, committing myself and these men with me to His faithful care. I fully trust in Him to keep me from all evil; but tonight, being very tired and sleepy, I just made a rather half-hearted prayer. Perhaps that was why God allowed you to break through.”

The robber chief and his band, already deeply solemnized by the strange happenings, were quite overcome by the Christian man’s testimony. The story goes on to tell of how that they bowed themselves before God and gave themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. From highway robbers they became God-fearing men.

How wonderful the grace of God that goes out to sinners everywhere. “For God so loved the world” Turks, Armenians, Kurds, Jews and Gentiles of every race — “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16,17.

Sinners of every race — red and yellow, black and white — will sit down in the glory of God, the Lord Jesus Himself the center of that vast throng, and sing the eternal praises of Him who loved them and redeemed them by His blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.

But the Armenian Christian merchant never forgot the breach in the wall of prayer.

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

ML-11/19/1972

Going to Hell

Lord Cecil was preaching the gospel in Canada. One day he came upon a man lying drunk on the roadside. It seemed useless to say anything to one in such a condition, but the earnest Christian man felt impressed to sound a warning in his ear.

Stooping down he shouted into his ear, “Man, you’re going to hell.” Again he shouted the words.

Some nights after the man in deep distress came to the hall where Lord Cecil was preaching, and was truly converted to God.

ML-11/19/1972

Will He Take Me as I Am?

Some gospel meetings were being held in a farming community, and a little girl from a neighboring farm called at the home of the preacher in great distress of mind. She still had her working clothes on and was unwilling to come in on this account, but the kind lady of the house assured her she was welcome, and so she came in.

Her difficulty was that she thought she was not worthy to come to the Lord Jesus.

“Jenny,” said the preacher, “you wanted to stay outside our house because you thought you were not dressed properly, but we made you welcome just as you are, and so with the Lord Jesus.”

That illustration awoke Jenny’s simple heart to the truth, and she asked, “Will He take me just as I am?”

“Yes, just as you are,” was the reply, “for it was sinners that He came to save.” For “this is a faithful saying,... that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

They sang together, “Just as I am, without one plea,” and Jenny returned home rejoicing in her salvation.

~~~

Just as I am—Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because Thy gospel I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come.

ML-11/19/1972

A Farm Boy Saved

NOT FAR from the city of Montreal, Canada, lived Pierre, a young farm boy who was very sincere in his desire to live up to all the rules of his church.

It happened that one day his father asked him to take the team and help a neighbor and his family move some miles away. While traveling along and looking over his humble load of furniture, he noticed in a barrel a New Testament. Out of curiosity he took the book into his hands and read a few chapters as the team jogged along. When their destination was reached, he put the book back in the barrel saying, “I must read the rest of that story.”

Pierre was in earnest, for the next time he went to town he bought a New Testament for himself. He kept it hidden in the barn, and at convenient times, when his father wasn’t around, during the next six months, he read it. What a pleasant and wonderful surprise he received!

He saw from those holy pages that our Lord Jesus Christ had come all the way from heaven’s glory down to this scene of sin and woe and died for sinners. He learned also that there are “none good, no, not one,” regardless of what church or denomination one belongs to, or even how sincere one may be. He realized that this was sadly true of himself, but he took God at His Word, and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ whose finished work is sufficient to meet the need of every sinner. Believing on Him, Pierre was saved. The more he read, the more he learned that Christ’s work on the cross was all that God could ask for in order to put away sin, and God assures us, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Pierre’s father was very angry when he found out what had happened to his son. One day he discovered him reading his Testament, and snatching the book, he threw it away. The father had others come to talk with his son in hopes of getting him to give up his new religion. But as God’s Word says, “There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” these efforts were in vain.

Finally Pierre was excommunicated, and his father would have nothing more to do with him. He gave him a few dollars and sent him away.

But, thank God, Pierre had something better than mere religion; he had found Christ. He knew his sins were forgiven, he was happy and enjoying the peace that comes only through accepting Christ as Saviour.

And now, dear reader, I ask you what are you depending upon for salvation — religion, good deeds, doing the best you can? None of these or any other human merit will ever obtain salvation for you. God loves you, and gave His Son to die for your sins, and that is the only way whereby you can be saved. Scripture says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” If you don’t have a Bible, get one and like dear young Pierre, read for yourself and may you experience the blessedness of knowing Christ as your Saviour.

The Saviour calls, He knows thy sin;

But trust Him now, He’ll enter in;

And He thy heart will satisfy,

And every needed grace supply.

The Saviour calls, oh, come and see

What things He hath prepared for thee!

Life, love and joy from God on high,

By Christ Himself to thee brought nigh.

ML-11/19/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

Return, return, ye captives!

Return unto your home!

The silver trumpet soundeth,

The jubilee has come!

Leviticus 25:25-28

THE year of jubilee then tells of the complete restoration of Israel to their own land. That day is drawing near when their fullness will be the world’s wealth in a way far beyond what their fall has been (Rom. 11:12-15).

In this chapter failure and poverty are anticipated, but then we have the grace of God that makes provision for it.

“If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.” Lands and houses could be recovered bore the jubilee, provided the seller had a near kinsman, one who possessed the right of redemption, who could and would redeem the things sold by his brother, or if he himself could find sufficient means with which to redeem what he had sold. vv. 25-27. It was the same with the redemption of a Hebrew who had become the bondman of the stranger. vv. 47-50.

Israel, through their unfaithfulness, waxed poor and sold their possession. The Lord Jesus, the near Kinsman, mightier and wealthier than Boaz (Ruth 2) came, willing and able to redeem. But Israel, with the exception of a small remnant who accepted Him, spurned and rejected Him, and the opportunity of redemption passed. Now they must wait until the year of jubilee, when He shall come back again. Then like Ruth of old, they will cast themselves upon His grace, and will prove what a wonderful and blessed Redeemer He is.

This brings before us afresh the work of love and redemption of the Lord Jesus on our behalf. There never was a son of fallen Adam able to redeem himself; none of us could have ever found sufficient means wherewith to redeem our souls from sin and Satan. No man, no earthly relation could with his riches “redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him"; for the redemption of his soul is too costly (Psa. 49:7,8), and could never have been accomplished by man. But the Lord Jesus, although He was equal with God, became our near Kinsman, and He is the Purchaser, the Redeemer, He “who had the right of redemption.” And the manner in which He exercised His right was by shedding His blood for the ransom of His people. Thus He has perfectly fulfilled the part of our Kinsman.

He could and would redeem us out of the hand of the stranger, and restore to us infinitely beyond all that which sin had robbed Adam, our first father. He has eternally ransomed us, and that before the jubilee. Well might we praise and adore Him!

ML-11/19/1972

Back From a Living Tomb

DURING the world war a new submarine left the shipbuilding yards for her trial run. She had a full crew aboard including some naval officers.

All went well till the return trip, when she was to make her final dip. Something unexpectedly went wrong and she refused to rise again from the floor of the great deep. Half her crew in the after-part were immediately drowned; those in the fore-part succeeded in closing the water tight door which kept the onrush of water at bay. At the bottom of the sea they faced what seemed to be the certainty of lingering death, for their chances of rescue were infinitely small.

One of the naval officers volunteered to try and reach the surface. He clearly foresaw the terrible risk he was taking, but with a message from the imprisoned men strapped around his waist, he started for the surface. The brave act cost him his life, but on his body was found the message from the imprisoned men. Though dead he spoke, and the voice of him who had sacrificed his life was a means of bringing salvation to the rest.

Immediately divers were sent down into the deep, and though they realized that the hope was a forlorn one, nevertheless they toiled all through the night and the next day. By a series of tappings on the hull of the sunken craft they transmitted a message of hope to the men inside.

Another night followed day, and hope died out of the hearts of most of the prisoners. Amid hunger and thirst, farewell messages were written to mothers, wives and loved ones; wills were made, and they all settled down to face the King of terrors—death.

Then suddenly, as if by a miracle, air was forced into their prison house, then a trickle of water, followed by food in capsules. Hope surged afresh within their breasts and joy filled their hearts as they now began to realize that deliverance was near. They felt the vessel being tilted from her bed, and her bow was raised until her “nose” appeared out of the water. In the midnight hours the little company of weak, numbed men gained their freedom.

They all gathered in the nearest shelter and out of deep gratitude of heart to God they joined in the recital of Psalm 124:

"If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side,

Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

Blessed be the Lord, Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken and we are escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

And now, dear reader, please note first of all that something went wrong and they were held prisoner, with nothing before them but death. And something went wrong with man in this world in the beginning, and if you are unsaved you are a prisoner—self-willed, passions, craving for a name, fame, riches or honor have ruled your life and eluded God and His claims upon you. You are held a prisoner, led captive by Satan and his will. You are without God—“without Christ” —without hope. Before you is death, and after death the judgment.

There was no possible hope of those men on the submarine ever saving themselves. If they were to be saved salvation must come from above. Someone must go back from that living tomb. One must die; otherwise all must die. Out steps the naval officer, and volunteers to take that terrible trip up, well knowing what was before him. What must have been the feelings pent up in those prisoners’ breasts as they bade farewell to one who was going to give his life in an attempt to save them? What thankfulness! What gratitude! Would they ever forget him? No! Never!

And God saw us, sons of men, in our hopeless condition, imprisoned with nothing but death before us. There was none to help, He came to this earth in the Person of His beloved Son Jesus, whose name means the Saviour. He went down into the prison house of death to set us captives free. Terrible, beyond all comparison, were His sufferings as the waters of death rolled over His soul. Listen to His cry: “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto My soul... I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow Me.” Our sins, Satan’s power, the wrath of God, were all there arrayed against Him, but Jesus triumphed. From the Victor, as He hung up on the cross, this message was sent: “IT IS FINISHED.”

Just as it was for those men, deliverance must come from above and your only hope is in God and His gospel, which proclaims the salvation you need. Won’t you own this blessed, glorious Saviour — Jesus — as your Lord? We plead with you while in health and strength to come to Jesus. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Rom. 10:9.

Then let your soul be filled with gratitude and praise for the One who in wondrous love gave Himself — “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML-11/26/1972

A Little Blind Girl's Joy

O what a happy soul am I

Although I cannot see,

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be;

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t;

To weep and sigh because I’m blind,

I cannot and I won’t.

Written by Fanny Crosby, the hymn writer, at the age of eight.

Memory Verse: “JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK.” John 7:37.

ML-11/26/1972

How Frank Got Free

FRANK was just a little boy and had not been at school very long. One day, when the other boys had gone home, he was still in his classroom doing some problems.

After a while he looked up and found himself alone. He ran out into the hall, but he saw no one. Frightened, he ran downstairs, only to find the front door locked and himself a prisoner.

Poor little Frank burst into tears and tried to open the door. He shook it and kicked it, but in vain.

His teacher, Mr. Bennett, not realizing he was still in his classroom, had locked up the school and gone home. On the way, one of Frank’s little friends, Ernie, came running to him, saying he feared that Frank had been locked in the school.

“We’d better go back,” said his teacher, so they turned and went back to the school.

Mr. Bennett put the key in the lock, turned it and opened the door. “Now you run upstairs, Ernie,” he said, “and see if Frank is there.” Frank by this time had gone back to his classroom where he sat at his desk a picture of misery. Ernie came running into the room saying, “Come on Frank, the door is open.”

The poor little prisoner did not need to be told twice, but running downstairs and out the door he was free at once. I wish you could have seen his smile as after a weary day he climbed into his snug little bed — happy Frank.

Now notice three things about Frank. First, he realized he was a prisoner. Do all you boys and girls know your condition, that if unsaved you are prisoners of sin and Satan?

Next, he believed the word Ernie brought to him, and he acted upon it at once. Now this was faith. He could not see the open door from where he sat. Have you believed the message that is brought to you from God and His Word?

Third, he was set free through the act of another. His teacher opened the door, and let Frank out. And, dear children, you may be set free from the penalty and from the power of sin through the work of the blessed Lord Jesus at Calvary. The thing for you to do then is to trust in Him and in what He has done for you on the cross when He died for our sins. Believe in Him now and be free.

ML-11/26/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound [or, sound of the trumpet].” Psalm 89:15.

Leviticus 25:29-34

“AND IF a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold;... and if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established (alienated, or cut off) forever to him that bought it...: it shall not go out in the jubilee.” vv. 29, 30.

Here was a warning to an Israelite that there was that which he might lose forever, something which would not be restored even in the jubilee. The Jews forfeited their possession when they rejected their rightful King. They cried out, “We will not have this man to reign over us,” “we have no king but Caesar.” Thus they sold themselves to the Gentile. But grace yet lingered over the guilty nation and in the preaching of Peter and the apostles in the Acts they were given an opportunity to repent.

When Stephen looked up steadfastly into heaven, he “saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.” The Lord would still have come back to them if they would still receive Him, but in stoning Stephen, they sent a message back to Him saying, as it were, they would not have Him. This marked a definite change in God’s ways with that rebellious people. Except for a small remnant who were received into the Church and heavenly blessing, the guilty nation was delivered over to judgment and scattered among the Gentiles.

“The dwelling house” speaks of man’s building, and “the walled city” tells of the presence of the enemy’s power. That which was specially the work of man could be alienated or transferred to another. God does not redeem that which is of man’s building. However, all that is redeemed of the Lord shall abide forever, while all that is of man shall be consumed. God only secured the possession of the land.

“But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubilee.” The country dwellings, and the villages were considered part of the land, so they would be redeemed in the jubilee.

In their unfaithfulness Israel forfeited the Lord’s protection and resorted to human ways and means of defense. Therefore God gave them over into the hand of their enemies. But the day is coming when they will repent in dust and ashes, and He shall redeem from the hand of their oppressors. His vengeance will be upon all their adversaries, and every intruder will vanish from the land.

Israel has enjoyed but little of the privileges the Lord has given them, but the time is coming, when “they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken.” Micah 4:4. “A King shall reign in righteousness,... and a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isa. 32:1, 2. Israel shall dwell in a peaceful habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

In Ezekiel 38, when they are dwelling in peace and prospering in the land, we read of Israel’s last great enemy, Gog and his northern hordes, coming down “to the land of unwalled villages,” to seize the spoil and to take a prey. But Jehovah Himself will be there. He shall be a wall of defense round about His people, and their proud adversaries shall perish on the mountains of Israel.

ML-11/26/1972

Scripture Acrostic

First, find that well remembered place In which the Lord of all was born; (Luke 2).

Then name the Moabitish maid,

Who in those fields gleaned ears of corn

(Ruth 2).

A place in which there was a cave,

A fugitive once dwelt within. (1 Sam.

22).

A prophet now of fearless mien,

Who stern rebuked a monarch’s sin.

(2 Sam. 12).

A warrior brave, with mighty sword,

Who wholly followed Israel’s Lord.

(Num. 32).

A priest who in the temple found

The book of God’s most Holy Word.

(2 Chron. 34).

Initials form a name in which our Lord

we see

In Zechariah’s prophecy (Chapters 3 & 6).

ML-11/26/1972

Mother's Love

A TRUE mother’s love is a costly thing. It costs her many an aching heart. It will stretch across the wide world after a wandering boy. It will follow a willful daughter even in the haunts of shame.

Such love is of God, and in it we have a faint illustration of “His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins,” and that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

I would like to relate a sad but true story of a mother’s love. She had an only daughter named Katie, and she loved her dearly. But, alas, like so many young girls today, she wanted her liberty, freedom to have her own way and to indulge in the world’s deceitful pleasures. In vain did the poor mother remonstrate with her erring daughter, seeking to warn her of the dangers and the pit falls along “the broad way” which only “leads down to destruction.” Katie had her mind made up.

One morning at daybreak she left the home of love, determined to see the world, the world that has broken and is breaking thousands of hearts, and ruining lives eternally. As her mother rose and prepared to get breakfast, she wondered why Katie did not respond to her call. Alas, on the table was a letter written carefully and neatly folded, telling the sad story that her daughter was gone! — she had run away from home!

The heartbroken mother was overcome at first with her grief, but she carried her sorrow to Jesus. Had she not often read in His Word: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:7. She knew what it was to be “comforted of God,” “even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:4), and He gave her sweet relief.

Days, weeks, months rolled by, and day by day the mother prayed, “O God, bring my Katie home again, for Thou knowest where she has strayed.” Every night the anxious mother placed a light in the window, saying as she did so, “She might come home tonight.”

Not a night since Katie left home had the anxious praying mother failed to place that welcoming light in the window, nor had she ever locked the door. The long and weary hours marked the mother’s faithful watch, her confiding trust and unswerving hope in God and His long care.

One wintry evening a forlorn figure made her weary way along the road and turned up the walk to the widow’s cottage. It was Katie. She saw the light burning in the window, and she paused outside the door. She heard her mother’s familiar voice saying, “She might come back tonight, I must have a cheery light.”

The latch was gently lifted and the long-expected voice was heard in timid broken tones, “I have come, Mother. Mother will you ever take me in? I’m tired, tired of the life of sin I’ve been living.”

“Katie, oh my dear Katie,” exclaimed the fond mother as she open wide the door, “God has answered my prayers. Praise, oh praise His name!” And the next few moments are too sacred to describe.

Then upon that face, once so sweetly fair, the mother fixed her tearful eyes. What a change! It was now lined with sorrow, pain, and care.

“You have suffered,” said Mother, “let my dear Katie know that those cheeks will soon be bright and rosy again, now she is at home.”

But, as the days and months passed, Katie’s cheeks did not grow rosy, instead she grew weaker and weaker until her mother saw clearly that her darling was fading away.

One day Katie said, “Mother, if I come to Jesus, will He turn me away?”

“No, no, my dear,” replied Mother, “If I love you so much, Jesus loves you a hundred times more! He is waiting to receive you, if you will only go to Him with a broken will and a repentant, believing heart. Does He not say, “And him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out?” John 6:37.

The next day Katie’s face was radiant, and she whispered: “Mother, Jesus took me in last night. He showed me His wounds, and said, ‘I died for love to you.’ "

A few more weeks of resting, dung which Katie grew wonderfully in the knowledge of Jesus as her Saviour, and then the call came for her to leave her earthly cottage for the presence of her Lord in heaven. The Shepherd had carried home His straying sheep and she was received with great rejoicing.

Dear reader, has God’s wondrous love won your heart?

" Far away my steps had wandered,

Long in paths of sin and shame;

‘Till my wayward heart deceived me,

And the world my trust betrayed:

Then I cried, 'There’s none can help me,

None whose love can soothe my woe,’

When I heard a voice that whispered,

'Child. I loved thee long ago."

“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.

ML-12/03/1972

Can You Wash a Piece of Coal White?

MR. GRANT liked to talk to children. He could make the way of salvation so clear and simple that even the little ones could understand and some of his illustrations they never forgot.

In a village where he visited some of the children had been taught that if they had had a little water sprinkled on their face when they were babies, their sins were washed away, and it made them fit for heaven. Mr. Grant wanted to show them from the Bible that water cannot wash away sins, nor can any of the outward things that people are told to do make them fit for God’s presence either.

Mr. Grant offered a prize to anyone who could wash a piece of coal white. He wanted the children to know that our hearts are like the coal, black all through, and that outward things, like sprinkled water, going to church, trying to be good, giving, and making sacrifices, can never cleanse away sin. There must be the washing of the precious blood and this can only take place when the sinner comes to Jesus, and believes on Him who died for his sins.

Three children tried to win the prize. Each brought a piece of coal which they had tried to wash. One boy had tried all morning. He used cold water, and hot water, he tried different detergents and cleansers, but the coal remained as black as ever.

So Mr. Grant used this simple illustration to show that sin cannot be purged away by outward things, like washing. Just as the Scriptures say, “Though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before Me, saith the LORD God.” Jeremiah 2:22.

No, there is only one remedy for sin, and God gives it in that wonderful verse, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

That blood shed on the cross atoned for sin, and all who believe in Jesus are freely forgiven, and are clean in God’s sight.

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Oh, precious is the flow,

That makes me white as snow!

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

ML-12/03/1972

Scripture Acrostic

Begin with the name of a woman—you’ve read

She forced a tent pin through Sisera’s head (Judg. 4).

Then one who let others to Bethlehem go,

But Moab held her heart—her actions speak so. (Ruth 1).

Ethiopia’s Queen will fill in number three,

A eunuch and chariot will help you to see. (Acts 8).

Zelophehad’s daughters told Moses their case.

Choose one for the fourth—should I tell you the place? (Josh. 17).

The wife of a Priest and a true Israelite,

Who was sister to Naashon—a man of great might. (Ex. 6).

A woman who sat and heard prisoner Paul,

Was she “almost persuaded"? — I fear not at all. (Acts 25).

A Jewess, a queen, and her history will tell

How she risked her own life — for her people ’twas well. (Esther 5).

But then, ah! a Philistine, whose lap was once used

To capture a man who his vows thus abused. (Judg. 16)

The whole is a mother who loved well her son,

An ark and a princess — a nurse — the tale’s done. (Ex. 6).

ML-12/03/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound [or, sound of the trumpet].” Psalm 89:15.

Leviticus 25:35-55

AS WE READ through this chapter we are made to feel that those who are in view here had once seen better days, but now they are reduced to poverty. It is the old story of privilege and failure, of wealth and blessing once enjoyed, but of an inheritance now forfeited. Such is the history of man, and it is the history of Israel. The palmy days of King David and Solomon have long passed away; Israel, unfaithful and impoverished, have lost their land with all its privileges.

But above these scenes of shame and sadness shines the grace of God, and the year of jubilee tells of “the times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21). For though Israel has proved unfaithful, yet God has not given up His thoughts of love toward them, and love will have its way in the end. God will have the last word and Israel shall be restored and blessed in their land again. Their latter end will find them in the midst of such joys and glories as were never known before.

How touching the grace the Lord would have shown to the brother grown poor in the cases that follow. In verses 35-37 he who had fallen “into decay” was not to be taken advantage of, but rather he was to be treated kindly and cared for.

Then in verses 39-43 he who “waxed poor” and was “sold unto thee” was not to be treated as a bondservant, but as a hired servant. In the jubilee he was free to return with his children to his family and possession.

Finally in verses 47-54 we have the case of one sold unto a wealthy stranger. There was still “the right of redemption,” and he could be redeemed before the jubilee if one of his kin had the means, or if he had the means himself.

The Lord reminds His people that once they themselves were in bondage in Egypt, but He had redeemed them and set them free. Now He says of these that had been reduced to poverty and had sold themselves that they were His servants. He would have His people to be kind and considerate of them for they belonged to Him.

We also should have a tender care for one another. There are some who have grown poor spiritually and they do not enjoy many of their Christian privileges and blessings. Even though it may be their own fault, still we should have a care for them and show them kindness; for them Christ died, and they are dear to God.

ML-12/03/1972

The Sailing of the Ships

“There go the ships!” how quickly they pass by!

Life is but trips, eternity draws nigh!

The fleeting sense of time, oh, approach of the unknown!

Oh, soul what thoughts sublime!

Naught can’st thou call thy own.

People and plans appear and disappear;

Lives come and go, but whither do they steer?

Oh, traveler, “heave to,” consult your chart once more;

Where will you anchor when the journey’s o’er?

ML-12/03/1972

A Little Japanese Girl

TOSHIKO lived in far away Japan. All her family worshiped at the Shinto shrine. Six days a week Toshiko went to school and on Sunday she helped her busy mother at home. She didn’t know what it was to worship God for she had never heard of the name of Jesus.

One Sunday afternoon when her work was done she went out for a walk, and passing along a street she saw a number of children’s clogs, or shoes, outside a door. In Japan many people wear shoes in the street and take them off before going indoors, just as men and boys take their hats off here.

Toshiko wondered what was going on, so she too took off her clogs and went in.

It was a Sunday school, and a hymn was being sung. Then she heard a story about a blind man who had his eyes opened by a word from a wonderful man named Jesus. This so interested her that she wanted to hear more, so she came Sunday after Sunday. At last she learned really to believe “the true and living God,” as she said, and in the Lord Jesus Christ, though as yet she was not quite sure that He had saved her.

Now she wanted all her family to hear the good news too, and she begged her father to go and hear the gospel preached. For a long time he would not go, but Toshiko went on praying that he and all the family might become Christians. At last her father yielded and went, and then it was not long before he was saved.

Toshiko’s brother and sister also went with her to Sunday school. A missionary and a Japanese Christian lady visited the busy mother and talked to her about Jesus. At last came the glad day when father, mother, and children all publicly confessed that they belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was after this that Toshiko really became sure that the Lord Jesus had saved her, and could rejoice in Him as her own Saviour.

However, she still had one trouble. Her grandmother still remained a Shinto worshiper, and did not at all like the rest of the family giving up the religion of their ancestors. But Toshiko went on praying the more earnestly now that she knew her own sins were forgiven. Soon grandma gave in and came to Christ too. After that Toshiko began to pray for her classmates, and God answered her prayers, for some of them were saved also.

Are you as anxious as little Toshiko was to know the Lord Jesus and to bring others to Him?

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

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

ML-12/10/1972

A Lesson From the Pump

WE HAD been taking a hike along the river and the long walk made us thirsty. How glad we were when we arrived at the pump and stopped for a cooling drink. We took turns pumping the water and it gushed out. We cupped our hands and drank our fill of the cold clear stream.

Here is a lesson I learned from the pump. I was thirsty. There was an abundance of water, clear and pure. I drank. My thirst was gone. Then I went on my way refreshed.

How foolish would I have been if I refused to drink before I had made some inquiries as to who put that pump there, was it a good pump? did the well ever run dry? and so on. How foolish if I had asked a lot of other unnecessary questions before I made up my mind whether I would drink or not.

Yet many people today stumble at the simplicity of the gospel; they ask needless questions, and all the while their souls are dying of thirst.

Dear boys and girls, drink now at the wells of salvation. “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psa. 34:8. Heed the Lord’s sweet word of iitation, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 7:37) — not argue the point, but DRINK!

Come at once to Him who alone can make you happy. Put your trust in Him, and hear His sweet voice say to you, as He said to one of old: “Be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace.” (Luke 8:48.1

D Drink, while streams of grace are flowing, rich and free

R Reader, God’s abounding mercy

I Is for thee.

N Now you may, by Jesus’ loving call,

K Know the joy of sins forgiven, once for all.

ML-12/10/1972

Bible Talks: The Year of Jubilee

Return, return, ye captives!

Return unto your home!

The silver trumpet soundeth.

The jubilee has come!

Leviticus 25

IN OUR day many Jews have returned to their homeland, and Israel has become a nation. But they have returned in unbelief; they have yet to pass through the fires of the great tribulation, after the Church has been taken home to heaven. They will never really have the land for a perpetual possession until Christ, whom they once rejected, their mighty Kinsman and Redeemer, returns to reign and restores it to them again.

There is a measure of prosperity in Israel now, but that is nothing to be compared to what it will be in that day when “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” Isa. 35:1.

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the ploughman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes, him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.” Amos 9:13.

“In those days, shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely.” Jer. 33: 16. “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35:10.

The jubilee of the millenium will indeed be for Israel, when the times of refreshing have come from the presence of the Lord, but all creation shall rejoice. “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.... Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Romans 8:19, 21, 22.

Then will end that deep groan which rises from all creation suffering under the weight of the curse, the consequences of sin and death come into the world. There will be rest for the earth, restored to its state before the fall. For all the animal kingdom, restored to their first estate, there will be freedom and relief from pain.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind... For, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy... And the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” Isaiah 65:17-19.

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling tether; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9.

“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.” Zech. 14:16. And the saved of the nations shall walk in the light of the holy city (Rev. 21:24.) Then shall be sung songs of gladness and praise which shall have a glorious reality.

“The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” Psalm 97:1. Again, “let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Psa. 150:6.

“For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Rom. 11:36.

God’s house is filling fast!

Yet there is room!

Some guest will be the last

Yet there is room!

Yes, soon salvation’s day

From you will pass away,

And grace no more will say,

“Yet there is room!”

ML-12/10/1972

The Kinsman-Redeemer

Through Israel’s land the Lord of all,

A homeless wanderer passed,

Then closed His life of sorrow here,

On Calvary at last.

O Zion! when thy Saviour came

In grace and love to thee,

No beauty in thy royal Lord

Thy faithless eye could see.

Yet onward in His path of grace

The holy Sufferer went,

To feel at last that love on thee

Had all in vain been spent.

Yet not in vain—o’er Israel’s land

The glory yet will shine;

And He, thy once rejected

King, Messiah shall be thine.

His chosen Bride, ordained with Him

To reign o’er all the earth,

Shall first be framed, ere thou shalt know

Thy Saviour’s matchless worth.

Then thou, beneath the peaceful reign

Of Jesus and His Bride,

Shall sound His grace and glory forth

To all the earth beside.

The nations to thy glorious light,

O Zion, yet shall throng,

And all the listening islands wait

To catch the joyful song.

The name of Jesus yet shall ring

Through earth and heaven above;

And all His ransomed people know

The Sabbath of His love.

ML-12/10/1972

Simple Searching

In Barnabas, not Paul,

In Samuel and in Saul,

In David, not in King,

Not found in Stone, but Sling.

In Jonah, not in Whale,

In Esau who did fail,

In Persians, not in Medes,

Whole: One a sinner needs.

ML-12/10/1972

The Miser

IN A large city some years ago there lived an old man, Mr. Foscue, who had gathered up an enormous amount of wealth. He was a miser, and his great concern was to so hide his treasure that even his friends would not know of the vast fortune he possessed. With this purpose he dug a large cave in his cellar, so deep that he needed a ladder to reach the bottom. It was entered by a carefully concealed trap door fitted with a spring lock, so that when the door was let down, it would lock itself tight.

One day old Mr. Foscue was missing. His house was searched from attic to cellar, but no trace of him could be found. He had suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.

Time passed by and no more was heard of him, so his house was put up for sale and very soon a buyer was found. After the new owner had taken possession, one day he determined to make a thorough examination of his purchase, looking into every nook and cranny. When he searched the cellar he discovered the trap door; he forced it open, and descended the ladder. Then a ghastly sight met his gaze. On the floor lay the body of the poor old miser, with a candle stick beside him, and all around were the piles of money he had so jealously guarded.

In a moment the terrible truth was revealed. The miser had been starved to death. He had entered the cave, and by some accident the trap door had closed and locked him in. He had been buried alive with his treasure, and all his wealth had been unable to save him from an agonizing death.

The poor old miser, Foscue, in seeking to secure his wealth had lost his life. But there are many who risk a more terrible fate, for to obtain earthly things they risk the loss of their precious never-dying souls. Their very life declares that with them temporal things, things of time, are what they seek after.

The Lord Jesus who knows the secrets of the unseen world said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33). “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt. 16: 26. Make sure you are saved today.

ML-12/17/1972

"Doesn't It Look Comfortable?"

LITTLE ROSE and her brother Harry loved to stay with their aunt in the country. They had lovely swings in the garden, rambles in the woods, and romps here and there to their hearts’ content.

On the wall of the house was a picture of a shepherd carrying a little lamb in his bosom.

After looking very intently at the picture, Rose said, “I don’t wish to grow big.”

“Why not, my dear?” asked her kind aunt.

“Because Jesus carries the lambs in His bosom. He doesn’t carry the big sheep.” Then looking again at the picture she said, “Doesn’t it look comfortable?”

Dear boys and girls, have you learned the tenderness of the Lord Jesus?

What a happy place it is to be folded in His arms, close to His tender heart, to be carried over the rough path of life, to be guarded and shielded from harm and danger.

How happy are the tender lambs

In Jesus’ tender care!

Upon His arm, secure from harm,

They nestle safely there.”

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” You can find this beautiful verse in Isaiah 40. But the Lord Jesus also carries His sheep. We learn from the parable of the lost sheep how that when the shepherd found it, “He layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

ML-12/17/1972

Like One of These

THE SUMMER SUN was setting 1 in the western sky and filling the beautiful landscape with its golden beams. A gentleman stood near the top of one of his native hills watching a shepherd place some sheep in a fold. A great sorrow had entered into his life, having lost his devoted wife through death, and this darkened his hopes of both the present and the future. He was well educated, but his learning had failed to bring him the comfort necessary for the hour of trial. He was truly “without God and without hope.”

At his side stood his eldest daughter. A few years before she had come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and by faith she accepted Christ Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. She longed to see her father really happy.

As they stood side by side, watching the shepherd and his flock, a wayward sheep, after a good deal of coaxing and vain efforts to escape, at last walked through the door and into the fold. The scene had doubtless brought to the young lady’s mind the familiar picture of John 10:9, and the words of the Lord Jesus: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Turning around to her father, she laid her hand on his shoulder and said, “That’s all you need to do, Daddy, only enter in.”

The Spirit of God used this simple message, and there on that hillside the father saw that the work of salvation was complete in Christ Jesus. Entering in by faith he was saved (Acts 16:31).

What his learning and own efforts had failed to secure for him he received in a moment when as a lost sheep he entered through the Door, Christ Jesus. Unspeakable joy filled his once darkened soul.

Salvation is so simple now that Jesus has died so that you in the same way might know the joy of sins forgiven. “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Rom. 4:5.

Salvation is not “to do the best you can and look for mercy.” It is simply to rest upon the best which is already done, and trust the Lord Jesus Christ who accomplished it, to obey His invitation and enter into it at the open door. Enter now and be saved, and be welcomed by the Chief Shepherd, the Saviour Himself.

ML-12/17/1972

Saved Through a Song

A YOUNG Christian salesman found himself in a large hotel room one night where a merry party was in progress. It was proposed that each one present should sing a solo, and many of the world’s favorite songs were heard that night. Then it came the turn of our young friend, but he excused himself sang that he knew no songs that they would care to hear. However, they would not let him off that easy, and one guest called on him to sing one of Sankey’s sacred songs; several others cried out that they would join in the chorus.

Our young friend decided to take them at their word and chose one well-known hymn with its simple gospel teaching — and with a silent prayer that God would use it for His glory. He sang as perhaps he never sang before, and many voices were heard joining in the chorus.

But before he was finished there were moist eyes and troubled hearts. The spirit of gaiety and levity was gone; but the Spirit of God was there. Several gathered around our young friend and thanked him for his song. He retired to rest, grateful to God for the grace and courage He had given.

He had not been in his bedroom long when there came a knock at the door. It was another young traveler who asked permission to come in. He was in deep trouble. The song had brought back to his memory the strains he had heard his dear mother sing long ago before she died. He knew his life had not been right; and the inquiry had been upon his lips, “What must I do to be saved?” With joy the young Christian led him to Christ that night, and he retired with a brighter hope.

Scarcely had his inquirer left than another knock was heard on the door. This time it was an elderly traveler. The song had reminded him of peace and happiness he had once enjoyed but which he had lost. He was a backslider; and the singer had the further joy of leading another sinner back to a loving Saviour.

It was nearly two o’clock in the morning before he could get to bed. But it was with heart-felt joy and gratitude to God who had thus honored his personal testimony for Christ.

ML-12/17/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 26:1-3

IN THE first part of Leviticus the Lord spoke to Moses out of the tabernacle, and gave directions as to how He must be approached and worshiped by those whom He had redeemed unto Himself. In these last three chapters He speaks to Moses in mount Sinai, so that in chapter 26 it is more what God is in government, giving instructions as to many things that would be inconsistent in those who were worshipers of the one true God.

But first He tells them of the rich blessings He would pour upon them if they walked in obedience, for this is also part of His ways in government. Perhaps we are prone to think that God’s government is only against what is wrong, whereas He delights to bless one who seeks to walk in faithfulness to Him. We learn from Romans 2:6,7 that He “will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life. Again, there is “glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good.” v. 10.

“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap... he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6: 7,8. So we are encouraged not to be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” v. 9. Our God takes notes of every desire to please Him and delights to reward every act done for Christ.

Israel were warned against making idols, for He reminds them, “I am the LORD your God.” They were to keep His sabbaths and to reverence His sanctuary. These three things would test the state of heart of His people, and this would tell us how much God is concerned about the state of our hearts before Himself. What a loss to our souls when we allow anything to come in be tween Him and ourselves, and what dishonor to Him who loves and redeemed us at all cost to Himself.

As Christians we do not keep the Sabbath, for we are not under law, but the manner in which we spend the Lord’s day tells of what place Christ has in our hearts. “And reverence My Sanctuary.” Do we value the unspeakable privilege of being in His presence, and do we seek to give expression to the precious truth and that divine order of things that belongs with such a place?

God promised Israel that if they walked in His ways that He would give them rain and fruitful seasons; they would eat “bread to the full,” and would dwell in their land safely. He would give them peace and no one should make them afraid. They should put their enemies to flight: “five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight.” What power they would wield! Such would be the abundance over their eating that they would have to clear away the “old store” to make way for the new harvest.

But best of all He told them, “I will set My tabernacle among you: and My soul shall not abhor you.” v. 11. The Apostle quotes this in 2 Corinthians 6: 16 to encourage Christians to come out from idolatry and to be separate from this unbelieving world. God loves to dwell among His people in holiness and truth.

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

ML-12/17/1972

General Tom Thumb

THIS WAS the name given to a noted dwarf, Charles Stratton, because of his unusual size. He was only twenty-five inches tall and weighed fifteen pounds. He was a perfect little man and elegant in all his proportions. His clothes were made by the most distinguished tailors; his boots were perfect Wellingtons made of the softest kid leather.

In later years Tom grew to be forty inches and weighed seventy pounds.

Tom Thumb traveled with the well-known Barnum. In reply to a letter from a certain Dr. Sprague, Tom Thumb wrote:

“I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut... I have traveled 50,000 miles, and have been before more crowned heads than any Yankee living. I read my Bible every day, and am very fond of reading the New Testament. I love my Saviour and that makes me happy. I adore my Creator, and know that He is good to all... I shall praise His name forevermore. Truly yours, Charles S. Stratton.” (known as General Tom Thumb.)

Another little man in Luke 19 obeyed the voice and call of Jesus. Do you know his name? He too could say, I love my Saviour, and that makes me happy. Can you, dear reader, say the same?

ML-12/24/1972

Musing on the Seashore

JOHN NEWTON was the son of a sailor. He ran away from home, and after a life of sin and shame, at thirty years of age he was soundly converted to God. At fifty he wrote the hymn, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” which is sung worldwide. He lived to the good old age of 82, and continued to preach to the last.

One day when he had passed eighty years and was preaching, it was with difficulty that he could see to read his Bible and his notes. So he had taken along his servant, who stood behind him in the pulpit and with a wooden pointer traced out the lines.

On this Sunday morning Mr. Newton came to the words, “Jesus Christ is precious,” and wishing to emphasize them, he repeated, “Jesus Christ is precious.” His servant, thinking the old man was getting confused, whispered, “Go on, go on; you said that before.” Mr. Newton, looked around and replied, “John, I said that twice, and I’m going to say it again.” Then with redoubled force he sounded out the words, “JESUS CHRIST IS PRECIOUS.”

John Newton, one time wild slave dealer on the African coast, enjoyed this truth in his own heart and confirmed it in his musing on the seashore.

When he thought of himself he wrote:

“In every object here I see

Something, my heart, that points to Thee,

Hard as the rocks that bound the strand,

Unfruitful as the barren sand,

Deep and deceitful as the ocean,

And like the tides in constant motion.”

Then thinking of his precious Lord he sang:

“In every object here I see

Something, O Lord, that leads to Thee,

Firm as the rocks, Thy promise stands,

Thy mercies countless as the sands,

Thy love a sea immensely wide,

Thy grace an overflowing tide.”

Dear young friends, learn these two verses by heart, and repeat them to others. You will get a blessing, and perhaps they will too.

Memory Verse: “IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN.” Psa. 118:8.

ML-12/24/1972

"You Died to Save Me"

The great passenger ship had struck an iceberg in mid-ocean and it was going down. There were not enough life boats for all the passengers. The captain had the passengers all draw lots. Those who drew a card with a number on it were to have a place in the lifeboats; those who drew a blank card would have to go down with the ship.

A father drew a card with a number, his wife drew a blank card. But her husband exchanged with her, and kissing his little baby girl good-bye he placed her in his wife’s arms, saying as he did so, “When she gets a little older tell her about this day, and tell her that her father died to save her.”

Some years passed by, and on her birthday the little girl was told the story of her father’s death. She stood below his picture looking into his face for some minutes; then she said as she kissed him, “I love... I love you because you died to save me.”

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

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4: 19. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML-12/24/1972

A Sure Refuge

ONE DAY when Mr. Wesley was sitting by an open window a frightened little bird attracted his attention. Just then a hawk came swooping down towards the little thing. In its extreme terror, the bird flew towards the open window and with beating heart and quivering wing it found a refuge in Mr. Wesley’s bosom. He sheltered it from its adversary and saved it from a cruel death.

Just at that time Mr. Wesley was himself suffering from severe trials and was feeling the need of refuge in his own time of trouble as much as did the trembling little bird that nestled so safely in his breast. So he took up his pen and wrote that sweet hymn in which these words are found:

Jesus, Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly;

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is nigh.

~~~

Other refuge have I none —

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, O leave me not alone;

Still support and comfort me.

ML-12/24/1972

Simple Searching for Little Folks

In SPEND, not in BUY;

In WEEP, not in CRY.

In HIGH, not in LOW;

In FRIEND, not in FOE.

In SPEAK, not in TALK,

In RUN, not in WALK.

Initials, though small, it taketh hold

In Proverbs 30 we are told.

ML-12/24/1972

The Conversion of Billy Bray

“It was in November, 1823, but what date of the month I do not know. I remember this, that everything looked new to me — the people, the fields, the trees. I was like a man in a new world. I spent the greater part of my time in praising the Lord. I was a new man altogether.

“I told all that I met what the Lord had done for my soul. I’ve heard some say that they have had hard work getting away from their companions. But I sought mine out, and had hard work to tell them what the Lord had done for me. Some said I was mad, and others that they should get me back next pay day. But, praise the Lord, it is now more than forty years and they have not get me yet. They said I was a mad man, but they meant I was a glad man, and glory be to God, I have been glad ever since.”

ML-12/24/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 26:14-43

IN THE first part of this chapter we have God’s promised blessings to Israel if they walked in obedience to His Word, but the next verses pronounce the solemn consequences if they refused to obey. God would punish them for their disobedience even as they deserved it, and the more rebellious they would become as time went on the more severe His judgments.

He would appoint over them terror, the dread of a guilty conscience, and disease so that they would waste away; their enemies would eat up their harvests and put their armies to flight; they would flee when no one pursued after them. If this did not humble them before Him their punishment would be seven times more severe, to break their pride and arrogance. Heaven would become as iron and the earth as brass so that the land would not yield its increase.

Then if these measures failed to bring them to their senses sevenfold more plagues would overtake them. Wild beasts would rob them of their children and their cattle, and reduce their numbers. If this failed to recall them to Himself, then the pestilence would ravage them, and their enemies would slay them in their cities.

Israel were more guilty than the nations that knew not God and God would deal with them accordingly.

The strokes of judgment thus far were indeed heavy, but worse were yet to come as Israel hardened their necks in their stubbornness and rebellion against the Lord. Scarcity of bread and terrible famine would come upon guilty Israel. The flesh of their own children would be their food, so reduced and degraded would they become; their dead bodies would be heaped upon their idols, and so great would be the devastation that even their enemies would be astonished at it. They would be carried away into their enemies’ land, and their own land, which flowed with milk and honey, should be desolate and have rest.

We know that all this happened to Israel, just as God so faithfully foretold. Today they are scattered over the face of the earth, and though a few have returned to Palestine, yet they have gone back in unbelief, and they will not enter into the promised blessings until they own their guilt and turn to the Lord. This will be when He returns as their gracious Deliverer.

Israel’s fall ought to be a lesson to all the nations, but they will not learn this until Israel restored and forgiven, shows them the way.

It is well for us to ponder this sketch of Israel’s history, for it is but the lesson of the human heart wherever man is found. God is a God of grace, yet is He “of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” Hab. 1:13. We read in Hebrews 10:30,31: “The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

The law could not show grace; it could only condemn Israel’s every sin and failure. But “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. In seeking to gain the promised blessing through their own obedience, Israel lost all, and their future blessing will only come to them through Christ, their Kinsman-Redeemer. So now the blessing of God comes to ruined sinners only through Christ crucified and lifted up upon the cross, through Him once dead but risen and now in the glory of God.

ML-12/24/1972

Eisenhower and the Sick Boy

A FEW years ago one of our American newspapers carried an open letter telling of a six-year old boy dying of an incurable disease. In the letter the boy expressed a desire to see the President. General Eisenhower was now president, but he had been a boy himself once, and on learning of the little sick fellow’s desire he determined to grant him his request.

So one Sunday morning the presential limousine pulled up outside the boy’s humble home. The President himself stood at the door, rang the bell and asked for the boy whose name was Paul. To the boy’s amazement and joy the President was ushered into his room; the great man chatted for a few minutes, showed Paul his fine car, and then drove off.

This was a fine gesture by the President, was it not? And yet we read in the gospels that the Lord Jesus, the King of glory, when He was here on earth took the little children up in His arms and blessed them. There were those who thought He was too busy and did not wish to be bothered with little children but the Saviour showed His displeasure at this and said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14.

President Eisenhower could not do anything for the little sick boy, much as he would like to have done, but the Lord Jesus is able to heal sin-sick souls, and bodies as well. We believe when He blessed those little ones His blessing went beyond this life, for countless myriads of little children will be around His throne in heaven singing His praise, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kingdom, and tongue, and people and nation.” — Rev. 5: 9.

ML-12/31/1972

Time

The following notice appeared in a jeweler’s window:

LOST! one golden minute, set in sixty diamond seconds. There is no reward offered, for it cannot be found.

The most valuable thing in the world today is time spent for Christ. “Redeeming the time.” Eph. 5:16.

ML-12/31/1972

"And Edith With Them"

MRS. GEORGE went one Sunday evening to the gospel preaching and took her young daughter Edith with her.

The preacher read from Luke 15 and spoke particularly on the send verse: “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”

The words of the preacher had evidently made a real impression on the mind and heart of Edith, for as she and her mother were walking home together she turned to her mother and said, “Mother, the preacher mentioned my name tonight.”

“Did he, dear? What was it he said?”

“O Mother, he said: ‘this man receiveth sinners and Edith with them!’ "

If the dear child had mistaken the word, she had grasped the blessed fact that if Jesus received a sinner, she was included along with them. And Edith with them!

What a good thing it is to take the gospel home to our hearts in this simple and positive way, believing that the word has come right from the heart of God to my poor sinful heart, and that Jesus has received me!

Your name may not be Edith, but whatever your name is, the same good news is for you personally. God knows your name and all about you, yet notwithstanding all this Jesus is waiting to receive you. Those who have come to Him can say from their glad hearts:

“Just as I was, He received me,

Seeking from judgment to flee;

Now there is no condemnation,

This is the Saviour for me!”

Those whom the Lord Jesus receives come into immense privileges and joys! Would not our rear like to share in them too? The Saviour’s precious blood cleanses us from all sin. Salvation is God’s great gift and can be yours today. Don’t let the invitation reach you in vain! Tomorrow may be too late! Come just as you are!

ML-12/31/1972

Preparation

An Indian believer, in his preparation for the Lord’s day meetings, said “he made his body very clean from head to foot, and then instead of laughing and chatting idly with his friends” — to use his own words — “I sit down and think of Jesus until it is time to go.”

ML-12/31/1972

Acrostic

A disobedient prophet who paid his fare (Jonah 1),

One whose house prospered when the ark was there (2 Sam. 6).

Again, whose house was built upon the city wall (Josh. 2)?

And one who was a fellow-laborer with Paul (Philemon).

A people who ever liked to hear something new (Acts 17):

And last, a man of Carmel whom the Lord Himself slew (1 Sam. 25).

The initials the name of a river spell,

Which flows through a land God loves so well.

ML-12/31/1972

True Knowledge

A LOVELY story is told of an old local preacher who was also a shepherd of the hills. One day he was invited to a dinner by members of a scientific society and after the meal he was asked to make a speech.

He was keenly conscious of his intellectual inferiority in the midst of such learned men, but he felt it was too good an opportunity to miss witnessing for his Saviour. Rising to his feet he said: “Gentlemen, as you all see I am a plain and simple man. I don’t know much about astronomy, but 1 do know Jesus, ‘the Bright and Morning Star.’ I don’t know much about botany, but I know a little about ‘the Lily of the Valley,’ and ‘the Rose of Sharon.’ I don’t know much about geography, but I do know my way to the Cross of Calvary, and after all that is the only true knowledge that really matters in the long run.”

ML-12/31/1972

The Same

Yesterday He loved me,

Today I’ll praise His name;

Because I know tomorrow

He’ll love me just the same.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Heb. 13:8.

ML-12/31/1972

Jerome Hines: A Famous Singer's Testimony

JEROME HINES had an outstanding voice. He rose to fame and sang before presidents, premiers, and great ones throughout the world.

But wealth and fame did not bring happiness to Jerome Hines’ burdened heart. Then one day he met One who changed his life completely. That was the Lord Jesus Christ. Then it was that Jerome Hines’ heart was tuned to sing the Saviour’s praise, and his voice was heard singing the gospel among the poor in the city missions in New York and elsewhere.

In telling how he became a Christian, Jerome states that it happened in May 1953 while he was on a tour in Europe. For three years he had been working on a religious opera called “I Am The Way,” which was about the life of Christ. Fifteen pages had been completed, and as he struggled with the composition, it dawned upon him that he was writing about Someone he didn’t know personally. This brought him to his knees weeping, for he realized that he was not ready to meet God his Maker.

Jerome Hines found that his sins stood between him and God. Then, said he, “I discovered that salvation was like a guilty person entering a court where he must face the judge, but in my case the Judge had paid the penalty.” That day by faith he trusted Christ, and knowing that He had died on the cross for him, he entered into the full assurance that his sins were forgiven.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph. 1:7.

ML-12/31/1972

Bible Talks

Leviticus 26:44-46

ALL THAT GOD so faithfully warned His people Israel of in this chapter came to pass. Chastened for their iniquity they have perished among the nations where God scattered them, and yet His ways in government with them will have an end one day. We find the gracious promise of this in the end of the chapter. How God delights to look forward to that time when He can bless His people according to His own purpose and grace, not for anything that they deserve but because of His love for them, and for the gratification of His own heart in answer to those unconditional proses made to the fathers long before.

He will give to them the spirit of repentance, and they will confess their iniquity. He will remember His covenant with Jacob, with Isaac and with Abraham; Israel will abhor themselves, and own that His covenant is that alone which secures their blessing. Their only glory will be in the Lord their God, even as it is written, “Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jer. 9:24.

Israel walked contrary to God (v. 40) and He “walked contrary” with them (v. 41) so that they suffered the sorrows of defeat from their enemies, the pestilence, the famine, and finally the loss of their land. Their history has been repeated in the church down through the years, for men have walked contrary to God and now they suffer under His government. There is great spiritual famine in the professing church, the world’s power donates largely the Christian scene, the church has lost most of its cherished possessions.

If we as individuals walk contrary to God His government will be contrary to us. The more we persist in self-will, the heavier will be His hand upon us to break down our stubborn wills, but He will overcome in the end. How much better to submit at once to Him who only desires our good and blessing. How much sorrow would have been spared had souls humbled themselves and sought to follow in the path of His blessed will!

“The blessing of the Lord, it math rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it,” we read in Proverbs 10:22. How great and how rich will repentant Israel’s blessing be in that coming day when humbled and restored they shall be blessed of the Lord. Then their sorrows shall all have passed away forever and they shall be at rest under Messiah’s beneficent reign. God ever remembers the covenant made with their fathers and with the land, and those unconditional promises all fulfilled in Christ.

God ever remembers Christ, and is ready to bless His own now according to all that Christ is, wherever there is grace to walk in self-judgment and a desire to please Him. “For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Cor. 1:20.

Memory Verse: “AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS, EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP.” John 3:14.

ML-12/31/1972

Messages of God's Love: 1972

Table of Contents

A Fight With a Snake

Two Little Shepherds

Bible Talks

A Tiny Indian Bride

Consider the Ravens

A Hooked Loon

Bible Talks

Songs in the Night

Pat's Mistake

The Mutilated Bible

Bible Talks

Happy Birthday

The Rich Farmer

Scripture Enigma

How God Used a Cow

Is Your Name There?

Bible Talks

Saved Under the Street Lamp

The Alderman's Story

The Children's Happy Hour

A Father's Testimony

A Little Boy

Bible Talks

Scripture Enigma

Two Teens

The Unseen Helmsman

Acrostic

Just as I Was

A School Teacher Saved

Bible Talks

Heaven or Hell: What Will Your Answer Be?

How Jack Was Made New

Acrostic

A Real Christian

Saved to Serve

Bible Talks

A Schoolboy Story

How "Happy" Became Really Happy

Acrostic

She Loved Her Bible

Bible Talks

"Because He First Loved Us"

Rani - The Indian Boy

Dr. Meyer and the Oranges

A Schoolgirl Finds Peace

A Sick Cow

Bible Talks

"Wash Day" Christians

The Third Finger

Bible Talks

Acrostic

Manuel Learns the Way

A Wonderful Change and What It Led to

A Letter From Janet

Bible Talks

A Story From Burma

"Give Jesus Your Best"

Bible Talks

Jim: "A Skillful Skier"

Changed Lives

Jesus Blesses Little Children

Bible Talks: The Cleansing of the Leper

The Little Blind Girl

"Bless the Lads"

Bible Talks: The Cleansing of the Leper

"He Wanted to Die in the Harness!"

Just One Little Girl

Nicodemus

Bible Talks: Leprosy in the House

The Little Blind Girl

Snoopy's New House

Look up

Bible Talks

Jose Finds the Saviour

God Is Not Mocked

Bible Talks

The Sailor's Gospel

Nevada Joe