Messages of God's Love: 1902

The answers are to be found in Philemon, Hebrews and James, and the first letter of each answer will spell the length of time before the Lord Jesus will come again.

1.Give the words following these: “Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.”

2.Give the verse following these words: “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

3.Give the verse containing these words: “This man’s religion is vain.”

4.What is it that no man can tame?

5.Give the verse following these words: “They shall not enter into My rest.”

6.Give the verse following these words: “Having an High Priest over the house of God.”

7.Give the name of one whom Paul said was his “fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus.”

8.Give the verse containing these words: “Harden not your hearts.”

9.Give the verse following these words: “Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward.”

10.Give the remaining part of this verse: “Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said,”

11.Give the verse containing these words: “Find grace to help in time of need.”

12.Give the verse following these words: “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

ML 01/05/1902

Uncared for.

THESE little folks look quite forlorn in their tattered garments, barefeet and unkempt hair. There is a sad expression on the little girl’s face, and her hand is extended as if asking for alms. They are probably little beggars, and are now, perhaps, hungry and discouraged, for their basket is empty, and the poor boy is wiping the tears from his eyes on his sister’s apron.

It is sad to see anyone in this destitute condition; and sadder still to think of the many hundreds and thousands of suffering poor, who have not food enough to keep them from hunger, and who have not sufficient clothing to protect them from the cold.

I hope that the, dear boys and girls who read this paper will ever be ready to help those who are in need. God tells us, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he shall also cry himself, but shall not be heard.” Prov. 21:13.

It would be a dreadful thing to cry to God and not have Him hear us; and if we would avoid this, we must not stop our ears at the cry of the poor. Again God tells us. “He that bath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17. Now is it not wonderful and beautiful to think that we can lend to the Lord; and to know when we help the poor that the Lord takes note of it?

Maybe some of you think you, would like to help needy ones, but you think you have nothing to give. Let me suggest a little plan to those of you who have faith in God—for without faith we cannot please Him. Heb. 11:6. It is only those who are the Lord’s who can acceptably serve Him. This is the plan: Get a little box, which you might, call “the Lord’s box,” if you like, and put it in some drawer, or safe place. When you have money given you, put part of it in this box; or if you are old enough to earn money in some way, always put aside a portion for the Lord, out of what you receive. Then ask the Lord, to guide you as to how to use what you have devoted to Him.

When need arises for the poor, or when help is needed for the work of the Lord, you will have a little fund on hand from which you can draw with a glad heart.

It is a very great privilege to be able to give to the Lord; and He grants us this privilege, and gives His rich blessing with it Try this plan dear children. You will find your hearts will be opened, your souls will be enriched. And in a special way God’s love will rest upon you.

“The liberal soul shall be made fat.”

“God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:11.

ML 01/05/1902

Jesus: Are You for Him or Against Him?

Mark 9:38-40: Matt. 12:30.

WHAT an important question! Are you for Jesus. or are you against Jesus? What a terrible thing it would be to find out in the day of judgment that we have been against Him who came to be our Saviour and our Friend. Well, we are either for Him, or we are against Him. There is no middle ground. We are either friends of Jesus or enemies of Jesus.

The disciples saw a man casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and they forbade him, because he did not follow with them. This was wrong. Jesus told them that no man who did a miracle in His name could lightly speak evil of Him. “For,” said He, “he that is not against us is on our part.” But in another place He said, “He that is not with Me is against Me.”

So you see, dear children, Jesus counts us either on His side, or against Him. How is it with you? Have you seriously considered the question?

Perhaps you are ready to ask how you can be on His side. Well it is very simple. If you take Jesus as your Saviour and give yourself up to do His will, you will be on His side. But if you refuse to do this, and go your own way, you will be against Him.

Now I want to tell you that Jesus came to be your Saviour, and He desires to be your Friend, and to save you from your sins, and from judgment to come. If you receive Him you will find He is for you. But if you refuse Him, you will find Him against you in the day of judgment. And do you know what that means? Its means that you will go from His presence into everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Oh! think of this, and turn to Jesus for salvation, before it is too late.

“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.”

ML 01/05/1902

The Grateful Robin.

SOME years ago, during a very severe winter, I went one morning to spend the day with two ladies, who were staying for a time at the pretty watering place of C. The snow was lying on the ground outside, but they were sitting by a bright fire, in a snug parlor, and had just finished breakfast. The younger lady was crumbling some bread into a saucer, and told me she was preparing a meal for a visitor who came every morning.

I wondered who it could be that was to eat such a breakfast, and when Miss J. said, “Hush! I hear him,” I looked towards the door, expecting to see their friend enter. I found, however, that they were looking towards the window; and on its being opened by Miss J. in, hopped a beautiful little robin, and began to pick up the crumbs, not only from the saucer, but from her hand.

He did not seem to have the least fear, but every now and then lifted his little jet black eye to her face, chirping merrily. When he had finished his meal, he gave one loud chirp, as if to say: “Thank you,” and flew away into a wood near the house.

There are some pretty walks in that wood, and later in the day my friends invited me to go with them there. Miss J. took some crumbs with her for her “little friend,” as she told me, and scattering them on the ground, began to call, “Dickey! Dickey!” I had hidden myself, that he might not be frightened at the sight of a stranger. As soon as his friend called, there was a rustling noise in the bushes, and down came Dickey, and began to pick the crumbs at her feet. I was astonished at this, and said, “After all he only comes for what he can get. It is the crumbs he loves and not you.”

“Well, we shall see presently which he loves best,” said Miss J. She walked on to some distance from the crumbs, and again called, “Dickey! Dickey!” at the same time holding out her hand. Instantly the faithful little bird, leaving his crumbs, first perched on a little branch just over her, looking curiously as if to see if she were alone, and then hopped down and settled on her hand, seeming quite at home and happy.

“Certainly,” I said, “he loves you better than the crumbs.”

We left the wood and walked a mile or more into the country; when I perceived, as I thought, another robin watching us from a tree. “I think all the robins in the neighborhood know you,” said I to Miss J. She looked where I pointed, and, after a moment’s hesitation, exclaimed, “Why, that’s my own little darling. Dickey! Dickey!”

The little bird directly began chirping and fluttering his wings, as if quite delighted to be noticed by his friend. We now observed him more particularly and found that wherever she went he followed, flying from bush to bush, and always keeping near her, until she reached her home; when he gave a chirp, as if to bid her “good by,” and flew to his home in the woods.

During my stay with my friends, this occurred, not once or twice, but whenever they left the house for their walks; and when they left the place at the end of the winter, they were very sorry, as you may suppose, to part with their faithful and loving Dickey; and I dare say he missed them too, though he could now find food in the woods, and did not so much need their crumbs.

And now, dear children, what can you learn from little Dickey? Think how grateful he was to his friend for only a few crumbs. Have not you a Friend who has fed you, not for one winter, but for your whole lives, and has given you also clothing, home, kind parents, and many others who love you? Have you ever thanked your Friend for all this? If not, you may learn a lesson from the robin. There is one gift, too, that is far better than anything else which God has given—I mean His Son, whom He has given, even to die for sinners. Now, you know you are all sinners, and as such are in danger of eternal death. But when we were “yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. Jesus the Son of God (John 1:34), God’s unspeakable gift, is the true gift from heaven, and those who eat of this bread, shall live forever. John 6:58.

Now if you believe what God tells you of Jesus, your Friend, and trust in His blood to wash you from your sins, you eat of this living bread. Then you will love Him who has so loved you, and will not fear Him, but will listen for his voice and try to follow Him, as the bird did his friend. That is, you will seek to know what He says to you in His Word, and to be like Him. And you will never be parted from your Friend as the robin was, but be with Him forever in heaven.

ML 01/05/1902

Too Full.

FOUR little folks have found their way down through the seat of the old wicker chair, and a fifth is sitting on the outside, looking as if ready to cry, because he is not there too. But those inside the chair do not look very happy. One is crying lustily and two of the others look much concerned. They are no doubt crowded, and they have got themselves into a prison and see no way out.

It often happens so with little folks and with big; they are not satisfied, and will not rest until they get what they want, and when they get it, they find it is to their sorrow.

These little folks would have been better off had they kept out of the old chair. And you will find dear children, there will be many things in your pathway through life that you may desire, which would be better turned away from than attained, only to bring sorrow.

There are some who will go their own way to the end of life’s path; but they will get into a prison far more dreadful than the prison into which these little folks have put themselves. It will not, like this one, be too full, for God tells us in His word that “Hell and destruction are never full.” Oh! do not go your own way or follow your own will; it will bring you sorrow upon sorrow; and if pursued to the end, will bring sorrow without end—yea, endless woe in a prison house from which there will be no escape.

ML 01/12/1902

Jacob's Return.

WE noticed in our last article how Jacob’s cunning and deceit returned upon his own head. In God’s government he was allowed to reap as he had sown. But notwithstanding his many failures he was the Lord’s, and the Lord loved him and was directing his steps.

One night God spoke to him in a dream, telling him that He was the God of Bethel. This would bring back to Jacob’s mind the place in which he saw the ladder reaching to heaven; and how God had there promised to be with him wherever he would go. After telling Jacob that He was the God of Bethel, the angel told him to arise and get out of that land and go back to the land of his kindred.

When Jacob told Rachel and Leah what God had said to him in a dream, they were quite ready to go with him to another country, for, said they, we have no portion in our father’s house; we are counted of him as strangers.

Then Jacob made his preparations and started with his wives and children and cattle and all his goods, without having said anything to his uncle Laban about his plans. This shows that there was not a happy feeling between them, and that they had not confidence in each other. It is sad to see such a state of things. It came about, no doubt, in this way: Laban took advantage of Jacob, and Jacob took advantage of Laban; thus good feeling and confidence were destroyed. Learn a lesson from this, dear children. If you will act upon the word of Jesus, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” you will be spared the sorrow that Laban and Jacob had.

When Laban heard, on the third day, that Jacob had fled, he rose up, taking others with him, and pursued after him, no doubt intending to do him hurt. On the seventh day they overtook the fleeing company. But God, who was watching over Jacob, spoke to Laban in a dream, telling him not to speak good or evil to Jacob. When Laban came up to Jacob, he asked him why he had thus stolen away with his daughters. He told him it was in his power to hurt him, but God had appeared to him in a dream and warned him not to speak evil to him.

After further conversation, they made a covenant together and Jacob set up a stone to mark the place. Then he killed some beasts and they all ate together; and they stayed all night in the mount. Early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them, and he and his company went back to their own place. And Jacob and his company journeyed on toward Canaan. When they got into the borders of the land, some angels of God met them. Was not this wonderful? It spoke afresh of God’s gracious, watchful care over Jacob. And, dear children, this same watchful care is, today, just as truly over you who believe in Jesus as it was over Jacob 4,000 years ago. You cannot with your eyes see the angels as Jacob saw them; but God has given them a charge concerning you; He has sent them forth as ministering spirits to minister to you. It is a beautiful thought, is it not, that these unseen, heavenly beings — ministers of God’s power—are keeping watch over you? But it is a thought that God gives us from His blessed word, and we should take comfort from it. When Jacob was met on the way by this heavenly host, he should have had confidence that God was watching over him and would not allow evil to befall him. But he was still afraid of his brother Esau, and was afraid to meet him.

Again, dear children, let us learn that if we do evil we shall have sorrow as a result. We must reap as we sow. Jacob had cunningly deprived Esau of the blessing, and had had to flee for his life and remain an exile from home and friends. And now, after twenty long years of absence, although God had told him to return, and had sent his angels to him on the way, to meet him, after he entered his own native land, thus assuring him of His protection and care, still Jacob’s heart was full of fear. How different it was with his grandfather Abraham, who trusted God fully, and who knew Him as his “shield” and his “exceeding great reward!”

Would you be like Abraham or like Jacob?

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Ps. 19:7.

ML 01/12/1902

The Story of a Pear.

“MIND you do not touch that pear,” said a father to his little boy, as they stood together one day in the garden looking at a large pear, the sole produce of their only pear-tree; “I want to give it to your mother when it is ripe.”

The little fellow, like most other children, was very fond of pears, and as, day by day, he saw this one ripen, the green tint giving way to the golden, he kept on thinking how nice it would taste.

At last a day came when the father said, “I think by tomorrow it will be ripe enough to pick for your mother.”

Bad thoughts arose in that little boy’s mind. “I must have that pear,” said he to himself; and soon he resolved to take it after dark. “Mother and father will think someone has jumped over the wall and stolen it; they will never think I took it.”

Accordingly, that night, he waited for some time after he had heard his father close his bedroom door, and then, jumping from his bed, he crept downstairs, and out into the garden.

Very likely he looked back at the windows as he stepped on tip-toe towards the tree, thinking, “Father might have heard a sound.” How truly do our consciences make cowards of us all, unless they have been purged by the blood of Christ.

He reached the tree, and stretched out his hand towards the pear, which, in the dim light, he could just see hanging before him. Another moment, and the stem would have been broken, when four words rang in his ears, as plainly as though someone had repeated them:

“Thou—God—seest—me.”

His hand fell to his side in an instant! He had been careful—very careful—that neither father nor mother should see, but he had never thought that God would see. Neither did you, young reader, when you were disobedient—when you spoke those cross, angry words, and lost your temper, the other day. No! you did not think of those four words, “Thou God seest me.”

Quietly he crept back to his room, and fell on his knees by his bedside. God saw him, and knew not only about that act, but about all his sins, everyone.

What reality he felt in those words, “Thou God seest me”! He could not rest till he knew his sins were all forgiven, all washed away in Jesus’ precious blood.

Dear young reader have you felt the solemn, awful reality of those words to you, a sinner, “Thou God seest me”? Yes, He sees you unforgiven, uncleansed, without a Saviour, but with your sins, going on, not to heaven, but to the eternal darkness.

Own to God you are lost and helpless, and turn to the Lord Jesus. He has died for sinners just like you; His precious blood has been shed, and God thinks it of so much value, that His word declares, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all [or every] sin.” (1 John 1:7.)

What joy, what peace, what comfort this gives the child who trusts the Lord Jesus. As for the past, his sins are gone forever as far as the east is from the west; as to the present, the sunshine of God’s infinite love, and the knowledge that He who died for him is now in glory living for him; and, as to the future, brightest glory with Jesus Himself.

Then the words, “Thou God seest me,” instead of being a terror, are a comfort, as they were to Hagar. Yes, it is then a comfort to think that God, whom he can now call Father, sees him, and will surely care for and help him day by day.

Dear child, may you trust the Saviour, and know your sins are put away, and all that you were as a guilty sinner met by the death of Christ. Thus, instead of a terror, the fact may be a joy and comfort that, “Thou God sees me.”

ML 01/12/1902

Assurance and Joy.

ONE Lord’s day afternoon recently I went in company with a Christian Indian to see a sick man, a professing Christian native, whom consumption had evidently marked as a victim.

We found him sitting up on his bed, his once strong frame every little while shaken with the wearying cough.

I enquired as to how he felt, and he fully explained the various symptoms, adding, with evident pleasure, that he had enjoyed a good meal that day which had been prepared by his wife in his favorite style, and he felt better.

I then said to him, “You have told me about the body, now how is it with your soul?”

He replied, as nearly as I can remember, “Yes, I can tell you that. I am looking only to Jesus, and my hope is in Him.”

I asked him whether, in looking only to the Lord Jesus, he had present assurance of eternal life, and the joy of that blessed hope, but he said little more than that he was trusting in Jesus, leaving himself in God’s hands as to the result, and hoping for the best.

“You people,” he went on to say, “speak of being sure of eternal life. Let me ask if anyone who has died since our Lord was down here, has come back to tell us that those who professed this assurance were not mistaken?”

“We do not need to wait for that to happen,” I said, “we have God’s own word for it that those who believe on the Lord Jesus have everlasting life, and we have His word in order that we may know it. Do we need more?”

He appeared satisfied, and I took the Bible from my pocket to read to him; he noticed it and said, “I will interrupt you a moment; that is what I wish for; I long to hear more from the great Book; I have it with me, but my sight begins to fail when I read, and often there is no one who can read to me.”

It was with deep pleasure that I read the precious word to this thirsty soul, and tried to show him more clearly God’s way of salvation, and what peace and joy it is to know, even now, the certain and enduring safety of being sheltered by the blood.

He replied, evidently thankful to hear the word, and then my companion spoke to him, very clearly and simply, and before leaving we knelt and committed him to the Lord, who fully satisfies every thirsty one who comes to Him. Sever dropped in as we talked, and so more than one heard the glad tidings of God’s grace. May the word be blessed to them.

Dear young friends, the Lord w cu d have each one of you who are saved know it and know, deep down in your hearts, the joy of being safe, perfectly safe. And you who are unsaved, don’t wait a moment longer. No work or thoughts of your own will do to lean on. Nothing but that precious blood, which alone has met God’s every claim, will shield you from the judgment which must come.

The Lord Jesus who died for you still stands able and willing to save you. Run then, dear children, into His arms, and know what it is to be safe.

ML 01/12/1902

Winter.

WHAT a wintry scene! Trees, fences, roads—everything — laden with snow; and still down come the great flakes, falling thick and fast! You have only to look at the bright, smiling faces of these boys to see what enjoyment it is to them. Nothing but a box for a sled, but they think it is fine fun; and no thought of care troubles their young minds while they are engaged in this sport.

But winter does not bring such joy to all. There are poor and needy ones who have not comfortable houses in which to live, and many who have not clothing to keep them warm; their thin, poor garments will not protect them from the cold blasts of winter. It gives sorrow to the heart to think of the sickness and suffering that are brought about by winter’s cold and storms. It is nice, in contrast, to think of the fresh, sweet springtime with its new life and beauty. And it is specially nice for the Christian to look on to the eternal springtime, which will never be followed by storms and cold and suffering.

Do you know, dear children, when and where that happy time will be?

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Rev. 21:4.

“And there shall be no more curse.” Rev. 22:3.

“And there shall be no night there.’ Rev. 22:5.

ML 01/19/1902

Why Does Not the Lord Communicate With His People the Same as in Olden Times?

This question is contained in the following letter, written by a young reader of MESSAGES OF LOVE. We give the letter, and will try to answer the question: “Dear Sir:

“I will write you a few lines, as I am answering the questions, and as I would like to find out something. It is this: Why does not the Lord communicate with His people the same as olden times? I have been trying to find that for a good while, but have not found it out yet, and I trust you can tell me why.

‘What a precious thing it is to belong to the Lord, and to trust on Him! You feel a good deal happier than when you did not believe on Him.

“From your sister in Christ,

LEONA M. L—.”

In answer to the question above, we would say, that in olden times God communicated with His people in different ways. In the garden of Eden, the Lord God spoke directly with Adam and Eve, perhaps in human form, or angelic form. So again in Gen. 6 and 7, we get the Lord God speaking with Noah, and also shutting him and his family inside the ark. Then later on we find the Lord appearing to Abram (Gen. 12:7; 18:1), and talking with him. In one of these cases, at least, the Lord appeared in the likeness of a man. Gen. 18:2. Three men are spoken of. One of them was the Lord, and the other two were the angels which took Lot out of Sodom before it was destroyed by fire. We find also other cases similar to this, but we need not refer to them.

Then later on again we get the Lord speaking face to face with Moses, and also by Urim and Thummim. He also communicated with His people by means of prophets. All these were before God fully revealed Himself in the Person of His Son, and were connected with different dispensations.

In the present dispensation these different kinds of manifestations are not necessary, because the Christian has what is far better. We now have the word of God complete, and in this word He unfolds all His mind. All His plans and purposes are revealed, and His whole will is declared. And besides this, God the Holy Spirit has come down to dwell in every one who believes in Jesus and His precious blood. And the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and shows them unto us.

This is not merely a manifestation now and then. God dwells with us and in us by the Holy Spirit. He is here all the time, and it is the Christian’s happy privilege to have fellowship with the, Father and the Son all the time.

When Jesus, the Son of God, was here, God communicated with the disciples through Him. John 15:15. But now Jesus is gone to heaven, and the Holy Ghost has come down to lead us into all truth. John 14:16, 17; 16:13, 14. Not only so, but if we keep the commandments and word of Jesus, Jesus will manifest Himself to us, and the Father and the Son will make their abode with us, not in bodily form, but in a spiritual way, which we will realize by the power of the Holy Ghost. See John 14:21-23.

Is not this much better than just an occasional visit, such as Abraham and others of old might have? Oh! how important it is that we should be obedient to the word of God all the time, so that we may enjoy the presence of the Father and the Son.

ML 01/19/1902

The Bible.

As Sir Walter Scott lay upon his death-bed, he asked his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, to read to him. “Out of which book, Sir Walter?” asked his relative. With an earnest look at his son-in-law, the dying author replied, “Lockhart, there is but one book. Read to me out of the Bible.” In the hour of death nothing but the word of God can support the soul of man. How is my young reader treating God’s book?

ML 01/19/1902

The Broken Vase.

OLIVE CLARK was a very bright, clever girl about eight years old. She was fond of being what she called “mother’s help”, but, as she liked to do things in her own way, and sometimes was disobedient, you will not be surprised to hear that she hindered quite as often as she helped her mother.

“Please, Mother, may I dust the sitting room? Sarah has gone for her holiday you know; so I am going to play at being your servant, and do all the work.”

Mrs. Clark smiled as she answered, “I shall be really glad of your help, Olive, if you are going to be steady and careful, and do as you are told. If you will take baby into the garden, and amuse him whilst I am busy in the kitchen, it would be a real comfort; he is not well today, and rather fretful and restless, poor little fellow.”

The bright look all died out of Olive’s face in a moment, she began to frown and pout till she looked a very unlovable little girl, then said with a pettish shake of her shoulders, “O, Mother, how tiresome. I do not want to play with baby now, I want to do some real work. Do let me dust, it will be such fun to put on Sarah’s large apron, and make believe I am a real servant!”

Mrs. Clark looked grieved, but she only said, “I shall not insist upon your doing as I wish, Olive, for I should not feel happy in trusting poor baby with such an unwilling nurse. You may dust the parlor, all but the side-board; you are not to touch that, it is too high for you to reach, and I am afraid of having some of the china ornaments on it broken. Be sure you do not forget, Olive,” Mrs. Clark added, as, taking up the baby, she turned to leave the room, after telling Olive where she would find an apron and some dusters.

Olive set about her self-chosen work in anything but a right spirit. If she had really wanted to help her mother, she would have been willing to give up her own wishes; but she thought only of pleasing herself. After dusting a table and two or three chairs, she began to get tired, and twisted her duster into the shape of a rabbit. The sun shone brightly into the room, and as its beams rested on a china vase that stood in the middle of the sideboard, Olive thought she had never seen it look so pretty.

“How I wish Mother would let me dust it,” she said to herself; “I know she values that vase very much, because she said it was given to her by a very dear friend, just before going ‘to India, and they have not seen each other for a long time. I am sure I should not break it. Mother forgets how tall I am getting. I will be very, very careful, and then she will see how useful I am.”

And so the naughty little girl took the things one by one off the sideboard. She found that by standing on a stool she was able to reach it quite well. Now I have dusted it, I must put them back just as they were before, Olive thought. Caps, saucers, and flower glasses were safely in their places, all but the china vase. Olive took it in both hands, as she was getting on the stool some noise made her look around, her foot slipped, and in trying to save herself from falling, she dropped the vase, breaking it into two parts. At the same moment, Olive’s white cat, Floss, frightened by the noise, ran from under the sofa and out of the room.

Olive knew quite well what she ought to do, for she had been properly taught, both at home and at school: go at once to her mother and confess her disobedience, but she stood crying and trembling, the temptation came to cover her sin, and Olive did not even try to resist it. Taking up the broken vase, she placed it on the sideboard in such a way as to hide the injury it had received, then stole very quietly out of the room. She went upstairs, and sat down in her own little bedroom. She was very unhappy, what should she do? Would her mother ever find out how naughty she had been?

She had not very long to wait and wonder. Soon she heard her mother’s step crossing the sitting-room. A few moments more and Mrs. Clark was on her way upstairs. Poor Olive, how she longed to hide herself; should she creep under the bed or into the wardrobe? How she wished she could run away! But it was too late to think of making her escape. Her mother’s hand was on her shoulder, and very sad and low her voice sounded to Olive as she said, “My china vase is broken; tell me all you know about it, Olive.”

Would Olive confess or seek to cover her sin of disobedience? Satan whispered, “You need not say you did it, perhaps your mother will never find it out.”

Olive listened to the voice of the tempter, and faltered out, “O, Mother I do not know; I saw Floss run out of the room, indeed I did.”

Mrs. Clark’s face grew very sad and grave as she said, “Olive, you are only adding to your guilt by making an attempt to deny it. If Floss had broken the vase, he could not have replaced it on the sideboard. I cannot tell, Olive, how very sorry I am to find my little girl guilty of deception. Remember you, cannot hide from the all-seeing eye of God.”

Olive burst into tears, and sobbed out, “O, Mother I broke your vase; but I did not mean to do so. Will you please forgive me? I am really very sorry.”

After a few moments silence Mrs. Clark said, “I can forgive the accident, Olive, but I should be doing wrong were I to overlook the disobedience that caused it. I shall not allow you to pay your long-looked-for visit to your cousin Lily next week, and, of course, I must write and tell Aunt Jane my reason for keeping you at home. But I want you to understand and remember that you are punished, not because you broke a vase I valued very highly, but for doing what you had been told not to do.”

Olive was very much disappointed at finding she was not to go to her cousin’s, but she knew she had brought her punishment on herself, and I am glad to be able to tell you that not very long after, she really came to Jesus, asking Him, in faith, to be her Saviour, and by the Holy Spirit to make her humble, gentle, and obedient; and though she was often tempted to wish to do things in her own way, she generally remembered the broken vase, and believed her mother knew best.

Yes, dear children, we read in the Bible that “the way of transgressors is hard,” and I am sure Olive never knew what it meant to be really happy till, instead of trying to hide her sin, she owned it before the Lord, believing that the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth from all sin.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

ML 01/19/1902

My Pussy!

BEAUTIFUL pet! Do you think you could find anything more contented, or happier looking, than this fine creature held so carefully by her gentle mistress!

Pussy looks perfectly satisfied and does not seem to have a shadow of fear, but rests quietly and lovingly on the shoulder of the one who is holding her.

And as you look at the face of this dear young girl, do you not see kindness written there? You would not think of her as having blows or harsh words for her handsome pet, would you? And you will find usually that those who are kind to animals are kind to people.

Some boys think it manly to be rude in their speech and rough in their ways; but such a thought is a great mistake. The only perfect Man that ever trod this earth was characterized by “meekness and gentleness.” See 2 Cor. 10:1. And the more like that blessed One you are, the meeker and more gentle you will be. If the spirit of God is working in you, gentleness and goodness will be part of the fruit that will be borne.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

ML 01/26/1902

Jacob Meets Esau.

NOW that Jacob was once more in the land of Canaan, he knew that he would soon have to meet his brother Esau.

Instead of being filled with confidence in God’s protecting care, as he should have been after God had sent His host of angels to meet him in the way, he was full of distrust, for he feared that Esau’s heart would still be full of enmity, and that he would be ready to kill him. So he sent messengers ahead with a very gracious message to Esau. But even this message showed out the shrewd, scheming disposition of Jacob, rather than his confidence in God; for he bids the messengers call Esau, lord, and he takes the place of being Esau’s servant; and this when he knew that by his father’s blessing Esau must take the place of servant and he should have the place of superiority.

The messengers went on their way, but ere long they returned to Jacob and told him they had met Esau and he was on his way to meet him and had four hundred men with him. This word frightened Jacob and threw him into great distress. You may see from this, dear children, how wrong conduct will give a bad conscience, and how one may suffer much in this way. Jacob did not at once turn to God, as God’s children should always do in time of trouble; but he first made his plans, and divided his company and his flocks and his herds into two bands saying, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape; then he called upon God, owning his own unworthiness and asking God to deliver him from the hand of his brother Esau.

Jacob remained in that place that night; and he made his preparations for meeting Esau. He took droves of cattle and sheep and camels and asses, and sent them on before, as a present to Esau, thinking thus to appease his brother’s anger. As drove after drove would meet Esau, those in charge were to tell him when he asked whose flocks and herds these were, that they were his servant Jacob’s. And they were to say, It is a gift sent to my lord, to Esau; and behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. So the present went on before. That night Jacob got his wives and sons and all that he had ready, and sent them over the river Jabbok; and he was left alone. Then there came an angel of God and wrestled with him. In all the times that God had spoken to Jacob, in dreams and through angels, Jacob had not learned to walk before Him and trust in Him as Abraham had done. Even now he was making his own plans, in unbelief, although he had cried to God to deliver him from his brother Esau. Jacob was one who went his own way, and did his own will, and now God was about to deal with him. He had been like a foolish child; instead of trusting God he was always trying to manage for himself. But God loves His own too well to allow them long to go their own way; sooner or later they must learn submission. Jacob did not seem ready yet to fully submit when on that night of his distress the angel of God wrestled with him. He had not yet learned what a weak and sinful man he was. But it is God with whom he has to do and he must yet learn it. At break of day the angel touched his thigh, and Jacob went halting for the rest of his earthly pilgrimage. Ah! now he feels his weakness, and his dependence upon God; he is shorn of his strength. But he will not let the angel go until he blesses him. And God gave to him victory and blessing after the needed lesson was learned.

Now that he has had all out with God he can go forward and meet Esau. Now that he has learned of God, the deliverance which he sought at God’s hand can be granted.

When day had come Jacob looked and saw Esau coming with his band of men. He arranged the wives and children, putting the handmaids, with their children, first; then Leah and her children; then Rachel and Joseph last; but he himself went on before, the Lord giving him courage, no doubt. He bowed himself seven times to the ground until he came near to Esau. But Esau ran forward and put his arms about Jacob, and kissed him; and they wept together. Thus God had graciously disposed Esau’s heart, and the meeting which Jacob so much dreaded was one that brought from him tears of joy.

After being urged of Jacob, Esau took the fine present which he had sent on before for him; and then he returned to his home in Seir. Jacob went on to Shalem and built an altar there. But God afterwards told him to arise and go to Bethel and dwell there; and to make there an altar to God who had appeared to him in that place when he was fleeing from the face of Esau his brother.

The hearts of Esau and Jacob seem to have been kindly disposed toward each other after this. Together they buried their father Isaac, who died at the age of one hundred and eighty years.

ML 01/26/1902

Jesus and Offenses.

Mark 9:43-48.

WILL you turn to your Bibles, dear children, and read these solemn verses. Three times over Jesus speaks of “hell” as “the fire that never shall be quenched; where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” And He tells us it is better to cut off a hand or a foot, or to pluck out an eye, than to go into that place. And surely this is so; for what a dreadful thing it would be to be cast into hell fire, and to have our place there forever!

But what does Jesus mean by a hand or a foot, or an eye offending us? Well, the word “offend” means to cause to stumble, or to do wrong; and anything that would cause us to do this, must be given up. Even though as dear as a hand, or a foot, or an eye, we must let it go. In fact everything must be given up for Christ. He gave Himself for us, and it is a small thing if we give up all for Him.

ML 01/26/1902

A Well Known Text.

AUNTIE brought us home a text; it was worked with her own hands, in blue letters on a white ground, and neatly mounted in a black and gold frame. There it hangs, where all who enter the room can see it; and it is a beautiful, beautiful text!

Now, dear children, it was while I was looking at the well-known words that I felt it calling upon me to be always telling you of the love of Jesus; and it spoke afresh to my heart of many wonderful things, It pictured before my eyes a scene that occurred many years ago, one of the most touching that the world has ever known—a scene artists have loved to paint, and poets have loved to write about; but far beyond all, a scene which the Spirit of God has set before us in His word, in such simple, home-like language that the heart of a little child may be moved by the very words themselves, although they tell of One now at the right hand of God, even of His Son, Christ Jesus.

Yes, this is the text: “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” You all know those beautiful words, and from whose gracious lips they fell, but do you know Him as your own Saviour? And who, of all those who love Jesus, could refrain from telling you of Himself, after He has said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me”?

Picture Him now, as His looks are bent upon those babies, remembering that He who shews such deep interest in the tiny ones, is the Son of God! But oh! those disciples, how much they have to learn of the One they are following! they are actually trying to prevent the little ones coming to Jesus. What a mistake! And all the world knows that Jesus thinks of it, for we are plainly told that “He was much displeased,” and that action of the stern men draws forth one of the most heart stirring and loving sentences that ever came from the lips of Him who spoke so much of love.

And look! those who would fain send them away have to stand by, while Jesus teaches them a wonderful lesson of tenderness and love, for He takes the dear babes in His arms, puts His hands upon them, and blesses them.

Now, many of you, dear children, know something of the love of Jesus for yourselves, and when little brothers and sisters ask you to tell them a story, or sing, or read aloud to them, remember that Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me,” and talk, sing, and read of His love.

May God teach and guide you in all such blessed service; and do not forget to look to Him yourself in prayer for all that you need.

Only a book for a child to read,

But what is the theme of its story?

Telleth it aught of a Saviour’s love,

Of the risen Man in the glory?

Only a song for a child to sing,

But what is the note of its sounding?

Is it of Him, whose wonderful love

Is ever and all-abounding?

Remember the charge, concerning that child,

That to you in His word is given:

“Suffer the children to come unto Me,

For of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

ML 01/26/1902

The Kindness of God.

“MAMMA,” said a little girl, “what is that shining up there in the sky?” “That, dear, is the moon.” “What is it up there for, Mamma?” “God put it there, darling, to give us light by night.” “Oh,” replied the little one, “how kind of Him!”

How kind is God! He made the sun,

To give us warmth and light;

He made the moon and twinkling stars

To chase the gloom of night.

How kind is God! He watches o’er

The fields of corn and wheat;

He guides the storm, He sends the dew,

That we may have to eat.

How kind is God! He well knows all

We need to use and wear;

And so unnumber’d wonders fill

The earth, the sea, the air.

How kind is God! but more than all

One thing His kindness proves:

The cross of Jesus stands alone,

To tell us how He loves.

How kind is God! yes, little one,

And aged sinner too,

His loving heart is longing now

To speak, through Christ to you.

He would not have one tender lamb

To perish far from home;

But sent His Son to die, that He

Might call in mercy, “Come.”

ML 01/26/1902

Simple Faith.

ONE Lord’s—day evening, after our Scripture lesson, the simplicity of the Gospel came so sweetly to my soul that I could not help exclaiming to my young pupils, “You have but to look, dear children, and you are saved! Behold Jesus hanging on the cross! Look and live!” As I spoke, Laura, a lively, joyous child of about seven years of age, raised her eyes, and, with much earnestness, told me that she had indeed looked with her heart upon Jesus.

Faith is the look of the soul. My little pupil looked upon God’s sacrifice, and the most eminent of saints have done no more to obtain life; for, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15.

ML 01/26/1902

Answers to Questions of December 1st.

1. This is a faithful saying, etc. 1 Tim. 1:15.

2. having a form of godliness, etc. 2 Tim. 3:5.

3.Exhort servants, etc. Titus 2:9.

4.Looking for that blessed, etc. Titus 2:13.

5.One that ruleth well, etc. 1 Tim. 3:4.

6.Rejoice evermore. 1 Thess. 5:16.

7.Despise not prophesying’s. 1 Thess. 5:20.

8.Henceforth there is laid, etc. 2 Tim. 4:8.

9.In flaming fire, etc. 2 Thess. 1:8.

10.Miletum. 2 Tim. 5:20.

11.Study to show thyself, etc. 2 Tim. 2:15.

12.Eunice. 2 Tim. 1:5.

13.Let everyone that, etc. 2 Tim. 2:19.

14.For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thess. 2:20.

“The Lord Himself.” 1 Thess. 4:16.

Bible Questions for February.

The answers are to be found in 1St and 2nd Peter, 1St, 2nd, and 3rd John and Jude, and the first letter of each answer will spell sine of the four things we are told to do, in one verse.

1. Give the verse following these words “That ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”

2. Who prophesied “The Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints”?

3.Give the verse following these words “That ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

4.Give the verse following these words “Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

5.Give the words following these “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for”

6.Give the verse containing these words ‘’The prophets have enquired and searched diligently.”

7.Give the name of one who had “good report of all men, and of the truth itself.”

ML 02/02/1902

Guilty.

HOW condemned this little girl looks as she stands before her mother, with her finger in her mouth and her head down! She has, evidently, just come in from; school with her book and slate under her arm.

What is that her mother holds in her hand? It looks like a letter, and is perhaps a note from her teacher telling her of some naughtiness on the part of the child. Now that she has read it, she looks at her little girl to see what she will have to say for herself. But the child cannot meet her mother’s gaze—her eyes have fallen. People who are guilty do not like to look into the face of one who may know of their wrongdoing, or who may suspect them. The eye, the expression of the face, will usually tell out the guilt; and the downcast look speaks of guilt also.

But sometimes people are very bold and deny their guilt and seek to hide it. They may succeed in this for a time, if they have to do with man, but they can hide nothing from God. His eye sees all; and when the guilty one stands before the judgment bar of Christ, His eye will search him through and through. And not only will all be known then, but now all is known to God, and He tells us that “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Pet. 3:12.) This is very solemn and should make us fear to do wrong.

When we have done wrong let us own it to our teachers, our parents, or whomever it may be that we have wronged, and let us confess it to God.

Now I would like to have you to learn, and think much about, this very important verse:

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

ML 02/02/1902

Joseph, the "Dreamer."

You will, perhaps, remember that Jacob had twelve sons; he had daughters also; we are not told how many. But of all his children Joseph was; the one he loved most, for he was Rachel’s son; and he was the son of his old age. Ins his love for this child he made him a coat of many colors, which was no doubt very nice. But when Joseph’s brothers saw that he was loved more than they were, they began to hate him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. This was a very sad, state of affairs and brought its own sorrow to all of them.

When Joseph was seventeen years old he helped his brothers to take care of their father’s flocks. One day he asked them to listen to a dream he had had. In his dream, he and his brothers were in a field binding sheaves, and his sheaf arose and stood upright, and their sheaves stood round about and made obeisance—that is, bowed down—to his sheaf.

His brothers thought he meant by this dream that they would someday bow down to him, and this made them very angry. They said to him, “Shalt thou indeed reign over us?” and they hated him yet the more for his dreams and because he made mention of them.

Joseph had another remarkable dream, which he told to his father and his brothers. This time he dreamed that the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to him. When his father heard it he rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” Although Jacob thus rebuked Joseph, he observed what he said; but his brothers envied him.

After this, when they were off at Shechem feeding their father’s flocks, Jacob sent Joseph out to where they were, to see how they were getting along, and to see if it was well with the flocks, and to bring him back word. When Joseph reached Shechem he found his brothers were not there. As he wandered about in search of them some man met him and told him that he had heard them say, “Let us go to Dothan.” So Joseph went to that place and found them. When they saw him coming they said, “Behold, this dreamer cometh!” Then they proposed to kill him and throw him into some pit and say that some evil beast had devoured him. They said, ‘‘We shall see what will become of his dreams!”

Was not this dreadful? They were going to murder their brother, and then tell a lie to hide it! Now the root of all this wickedness was the hatred in their hearts working against their brother. Do not, dear children, allow hatred to work in your hearts; it will be with sad consequences if you do. “Hateful, and hating one another” is a mark of the ungodly; while goodness and love should mark those who are the Lord’s.

But God was watching over Joseph, and He did not allow his life to be taken in this wicked way. He raised up a deliverer, in the person of Reuben, his oldest brother. Reuben said, “Let us not kill him; shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness.” He said this that he might deliver Joseph from their hands and give him back to his father again.

When Joseph came up to his brothers they took off his coat of many colors, and then cast him into a pit.

The poor lad was in anguish of soul, and besought his brothers; but hatred brings cruelty; and envy will harden the heart; so Joseph’s cries were of no avail; they cast him into the pit and left him.

Remorse does not seem to have troubled them, for they sat down and began to eat together. While they were eating a company of Ishmaelites, on their way to Egypt, came along. When Judah saw them he said to the others: “What “profit is there in killing our brother and concealing his blood? Let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh.” They were satisfied to have it this way, so they drew Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the merchantmen for twenty pieces of silver. And these Midianite merchantmen carried Joseph down to Egypt.

Can you tell me who it was who was betrayed and sold for thirty pieces of silver? It was One of whom Joseph was but a type.

ML 02/02/1902

Christ for Us Always.

A DEAR little boy who was quite sick, and while sitting quietly with his mother, she said to him: “My darling boy, it makes me sad to have you so sick, and I scarcely bear to think of the possibility of your being taken away from me. But if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ all your Saviour, so that I could know that you were with Him, it would relieve me greatly, and I could be glad to know that you were there.”

“Well, Ma,” he answered, “I do. and sometimes it makes me real happy, but I cannot keep the glad feeling all, the time, but I know I belong to Him.”

Then the mother’s heart was satisfied, and she said, in telling it: “I think I could let him go with confidence now, if it were the Lord’s will.”

I suppose many little ones understand this boy’s feelings about not keeping their glad thoughts all the time. Play and study and the talk of the day come in, and you seem to forget. But do you think that at any moment, when Christ is spoken of, you can say: “I know He saved me, and I belong to Him”? And does it make a difference to you, in your play and all your dealings with others, what Christ thinks of what you do? Possibly not all the time, but He always thinks of us; that is the great thing. And He knows how weak and forgetful we are, and how liable to do wrong every hour, and so He is up there in heaven before God for us. But if we do sin, He is our Advocate, and when we confess our naughtiness God, our Father, is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If you really believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you are His, and He will keep you safe.

ML 02/02/1902

Bless, and Curse Not.

A BAD, passionate man was one morning swearing at his wife when his little five-year-old child came into the room and said: “Mother, I know my text; let me make haste to school.”

“What is the text, dear?” said the poor mother, wishing to keep her child from hearing the oaths of the father.

“Bless, and curse not!” said the little girl, putting up her rosy lips to her father for a kiss as she finished the words.

The tears came into the man’s eyes as the child departed. All that day “Bless, and curse not!” rang in his ears. He became a changed man from that time, God had spoken by the mouth of a little child, and one can but exclaim with the psalmist: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” (Ps. 8:2.)

ML 02/02/1902

The Dog and His Master.

“THE whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but . . . . even we ourselves groan within ourselves,” Rom. 8:22, 23.

Look at the dog in the picture quietly at work, following his master who is kind and merciful, and acting in accordance with what God says in Proverbs 12:10, that “a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.”

Among the Indians I have seen much cruelty to dogs, and have sometimes tried to get the drivers (especially boys) exercised about it, for the dog is one of God’s creatures, and He sees all the sticks thrown at it, and hears all its cries and groans. Sticks thus used are often left on the road by cruel and careless drivers, and endanger the safety of the next traveler. Will not God have something to say to those who ill-use His creatures, when “all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ”? Thank God, the animals will not always be in bondage to cruel men and boys, for the 21St verse of Romans 8, says, the creature shall be delivered and have liberty. The Lord make you kind to His creatures!

Now, dear children, you may often have heard dogs cry out from pain, and perhaps have heard them groan. Did you ever groan or feel any pain on account of sin? Remember, if you do not know what that means in this life, you will certainly know it after leaving this world, when it will be too late to obtain any relief. The burden of sin must be known sometime. For those who are saved Jesus bore the burden of sin in His own body on the tree; but those who die unsaved will have to bear it themselves in the lake of fire. Even though you had sinned only once, that would shut you out of heaven, if you were to die without God’s forgiveness.

In the 15th of Matthew we read of a woman whose daughter was afflicted by Satan. Now this woman acted very wisely, for she went to the Lord about it. How thankful you should be, if, when you are not yet saved, or are ill, your parents go to God, and tell Him all about you! But before this woman could obtain what she wanted for her daughter, she had to take the place of having no claim to blessing. She did not belong to the Jews but to the Gentiles; and Jesus had not been sent as King of the Gentiles, but of the Jews. But the Jews said, “We will not have this Man to reign over us,” and so they put Him on the cross. Then God so loved the world, that instead of at once punishing for such a wicked act, He gave His only begotten Son to bear our sins in His own body on the tree, and pay the penalty of death for us, that whosoever—yes, no matter who, Jew or Gentile, you or I, —whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Well, the Lord Jesus told this woman that it “was not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” What did He mean? Why; a dog has no claim to sit at table along with the children, but has to take a place under or near the table; and yet by God’s wise arrangement of the law of gravitation the dog does receive some food in the shape of fallen crumbs. The poor woman understood the Lord’s words, and said something like this—Yes, Lord, I am but a poor Gentile dog. I have no claim to be among the Jews. I don’t deserve any blessing; but I own Thee as my Lord who hast every claim over me: so I am under the table like a dog waiting to pick up a crumb. Just a crumb will do, if it only falls from Thy Table. “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Now, dear children, have you come to Jesus in that very same way? There is no other way in which you can be accepted. Merely saying prayers and being religious will not save you from sin nor prevent your going to hell. When the woman of Canaan took the place of having no claim to blessing, owning Jesus as Lord, and believing on Him in her heart, she at once received what she needed for her daughter. But it was all on the principle of grace; that is, she did not deserve what she needed, and she knew and owned it; but God’s heart of love freely gave it to her. So when you own to God that you have sinned against heaven and before Him, and are not worthy of any blessing, but do believe that Jesus died for you, God will not only forgive you all your sins, but will cause you to know it; and you will have joy and peace in believing the record that God has given of His Son. But it will all be by His grace; that is, you don’t deserve it; but He can righteously give it you freely. You have nothing to pay for it, neither does He want any pay, for it was all paid for long, long ago by the precious blood of Christ when He said, “It is finished.”

ML 02/09/1902

Joseph in the Land of Egypt.

REUBEN had not sat down to eat with the others, and when Joseph was drawn out of the pit and sold to the Midianites, he was not there. When he came to the pit and did not find him, he was greatly distressed. It was the custom in the East to tear the outer garment from top to bottom when one was in great sorrow or anguish, and Reuben thus rent his clothes. He went to his brothers and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?

I don’t know what reply they made to Reuben, but they took a kid of the goats from their flock, and killed it, and dipped the coat of many colors in the blood. And they took it, thus covered with blood, to their father, telling him they had found it; and they asked him whether or not it was his son’s coat. Jacob knew the coat and said it was his son’s. He said that some evil beast had devoured him, and that Joseph was without doubt rent in pieces.

Jacob’s heart was sore troubled; he rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth and mourned long and deeply for the child he so much loved. His sons and his daughters rose up and tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said he would go down to the grave mourning for his son.

How solemn it is to think that Jacob’s tears of sorrow, and his sighs and his groans, were but the reaping from his own sowing. “As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee.” Jacob had deceived his father and now his sons were deceiving him. He was breaking his heart, and mourning as dead, the son who was yet to be the joy and stay of his old age.

When the company of merchantmen got down to Egypt, they sold Joseph to Potiphar, one of the king’s officers. He thus became a servant, and the property of another man. It was a trying position in which to be placed, but Joseph was faithful to his master; and the Lord was with him, and prospered him. His master saw this and he was greatly pleased with Joseph. He gained so much confidence in him that he made him overseer over his house, and put all he had in Joseph’s hand. From this time the Lord blessed this Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. God’s blessing was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. So entirely did he leave all in Joseph’s hand, that he knew not what he had, save the bread which he ate. This was great confidence to place in a servant, was it not? But where the Lord is working, who can stay His power?

Now however, comes another sad page in Joseph’s history. His master’s wife was a wicked woman, and she sought to lead Joseph into evil. When he refused to do what he knew to be wrong, she spoke falsely to her husband about him, and this made Potiphar very angry with his faithful servant and he threw him into prison.

Do you think the Lord had forgotten Joseph at this time? Oh! no. He loved him very much, and was continually watching over him. This time of sorrow for Joseph was only a stepping stone to a higher position and greater privileges than he had known even in Potiphar’s house. And in principle, this is true of all of God’s dear children; they are journeying on through difficulties to a higher place, and greater blessing; and although sorrows may come, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.” “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.”

ML 02/09/1902

Walter's Punishment.

THE clock had struck nine one bright summer’s morning when little Walter Ford ran quickly along the road leading to the school. He was five minutes after time, and that was the reason why he was in such haste.

The rules of the school were very strict; and if a boy was late twice during the week, or had three returned lessons, he was obliged to stay in the schoolroom all Saturday afternoon.

This was a great punishment, for on Saturday afternoons the boys used to go for long walks together; either to gather nuts and blackberries in the autumn—to get primroses, violets, and birds nests in the spring— or to skate and slide on the ponds in the winter.

This bright summer’s morning Walter felt very frightened, his heart beat quickly. and he ran along the road as fast as he could, because two weeks ago he had been kept in for imperfect lessons, and one had been returned only the day before.

This morning he had been very thoughtless and naughty, for when he ought to have been learning his lessons, he ran into the garden to see how the cherries looked, and whether any more apples had fallen; he also had forgotten the time, and when Nero, the great Newfoundland dog, came bounding up to him, Walter amused himself quite half an hour in throwing bits of stick for the dog to run after.

At last Mr. Ford caught sight of his little boy, and called him indoors, but it was then too late to study, so he had only time to brush his hair and wash his hands before he started for school.

When Walter reached the school-house all the boys were in their places, and his name was taken down with red ink in the great book as late. He crept into his seat, and tried to glance over his lessons, but his class was called up directly, and poor Walter got into disgrace, having two returned lessons.

“You will have to stay behind again on Saturday,” said the teacher, “and spend your afternoon in writing out your lessons. I am very displeased with you.”

Walter was obstinate and sullen, though very affectionate he could be led by love, but when severely punished would grow hard, and for a long while show no signs of sorrow, so he took away his books with a frown upon his brow, and though he felt very much inclined to cry, he pressed his lips together and drove away his tears.

Several of the boys of the school had agreed to spend the next holiday afternoon in the woods, and Walter Ford had been asked to join them, although, being ten years old, he was one of the youngest in the school; but the reason he was allowed to go I will now state.

There was a boy in the first class named Edward Grant, who was fourteen years of age, and he promised Walter’s mamma to look after her little boy when he entered the school, and, if possible, keep him out of trouble. Ed ward was only too glad to promise this, for he was an orphan, and Mrs. Ford had been very good to him.

After his father and mother’s death she took him into her house, and by every possible kindness made him feel at home. She smoothed his grief, and spoke to him so gently, that he turned to her as if she had been his mother; and in his boyish gratitude, felt he could have done anything for her, could have denied himself any pleasure for her sake. And now that he had left her house, and was living with a stern, strict uncle, he would still go to her in his difficulties, and pour out his sorrows into her ear, sure of finding in her one who was ready to help him, ready to listen and to guide; so that when Mrs. Ford asked him to look after Walter, he gladly promised to do so, and during the three months that the boy had been at school, had helped him with his lessons, and tried to keep him from harm.

Walter was very fond of Edward, and looked up to him as to an elder brother. When school was over, he would walk with him, and ask his advise if he got into any trouble.

ML 02/09/1902

A Happy Family.

WHAT a happy family we see in this picture! The mother cat is sitting at one side, watching her little ones eat their dinner. One pretty kitten is lapping the milk as if she might be very hungry, while another one is peeping over the edge of the dish to see what is inside of it. The old cat is probably hungry too, but she is like a great many other mothers who wait until their children are fed before they will eat their own dinners.

Two of the kittens are through eating and seem to be having a happy time at their play. One sits in the basket and peeps over the edge at the one outside, as if to say come up here and catch me.

We can learn several lessons if we study this picture closely. How happy this little family seems to be! How pleasantly these little kittens play with each other. Many brothers and sisters cannot play very long without quarreling and speaking cross words. It is very sad to see this for the Lord tells us many times in His word to love each other. His own words to us are,

“This is My commandment; That ye love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

Again He says to love even our enemies. When we think of His great love for those who nailed Him to the cross, we will surely wish to love and be kind to our own little brothers and sisters, as well as all of our playmates.

One more good thing is plainly seen as we again look at the picture. Both of the kittens at the dish seem to be hungry but they do not push or crowd about in a greedy way, as some children are apt to do when they forget to be kind and thoughtful. Here is a verse we may all learn so that we will always remember to treat everyone in a kind way. Let us not only learn to say it but also think about it each day and try to obey it.

“Be ye kind one to another.” Eph. 4:32.

ML 02/16/1902

Joseph in Prison.

YES, Joseph was cast into prison, and that most unjustly. But it is blessed to know that the Lord showed him mercy and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Whether in circumstances of trial, or in circumstances of comfort and honor; whether inside a prison’s walls, or at liberty in a palace, all is well, if only the Lord’s presence is known. And it was very blessedly known in Joseph’s case. God had prospered him in the house of Potiphar, and all that was in the house was put in his hand. God prospered him in prison, and soon the prison-keeper committed all the prisoners to his charge. Thorough faithfulness begets confidence; and thus it was with Joseph. And the Lord was with and prospered him in all he did.

While he had the entire charge of those in the prison, two notable prisoners were put under his care; these two were the chief butler and. the chief baker of the king. They had offended Pharaoh, their king, and in his anger against them he had had them cast into prison; and the captain of the guard put them in Joseph’s hand.

One night, after they had been there some time, they each had a remarkable dream. When Joseph went to them in the morning he saw they rooked sad, and he asked them the cause of their sadness. They told him they had each had a dream and there was nobody to interpret it to them. Joseph told them that interpretations belonged to God. He then asked them to tell him their dreams. The butler told his dream and Joseph interpreted it in this way; the butler was to be restored in three days to his former place in Pharaoh’s house. Joseph asked him to think of him, and make request to Pharaoh that he might be brought out of that place, for, said he, “I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation of the butler’s dream was good, he told his dream also. But, ah! it had a very different reading; the poor baker was to be taken out of prison in three days, and to be hung upon a tree; and the birds were to eat his flesh.

It came to pass just as Joseph had interpreted the dreams. Pharaoh made a feast for all his servants on the third day after the dreams, for it was his birthday; and on this day he restored the butler to his butlership, and he hanged the chief baker.

When the butler was back in his old place, he forgot all about Joseph, and his request to show him kindness and make mention of him to Pharaoh. So the years passed on and Joseph was still left in the prison. But he was not forgotten of God.

ML 02/16/1902

Walter's Punishment.

When the boys talked about the visit to the woods, Edward said, he would not go unless Walter went too. So they asked him to go; but as his master had forbidden him, he could have cried with disappointment had he not been so sullen.

The master had noticed his bad temper many a time, and as he was a friend of Mr. Ford’s, was very grieved to see that punishment only seemed to make the boy worse. So he thought much about it, and wondered whether there was any other plan he could adopt.

After school was over, Walter walked slowly towards home, and did not try to overtake Edward, who had gone out first; but Edward waited for him, and speaking kindly, said, “I was so sorry, Walter, to hear the master say you must be ‘kept in’ on Saturday, because you did not know your lessons. How did it happen?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” said Walter, sullenly, “and don’t care. I think it’s a shame to give us so much to do; I know I wish I could pay the master out.”

“He doesn’t work you very hard,” answered Edward; “if you would only give more time to your lessons! Now you’ll not be able to go with us on Saturday, and I am sorry for it.”

“I don’t care,” said Walter, choking over the words.

“Oh yes, you do,” replied Edward; “and I know someone else who will care when she hears it.”

At this Walter scowled and turned away, and would speak no more, except to say as they parted, “You are not going to tell them at home, are you?”

“No,” answered Edward, and left him.

As the boy turned towards his uncle’s house, he made up his mind what to do, He would spare Mrs. Ford the knowledge of Walter’s naughtiness if he could.

The same evening he called at his master’s house, and when he was shown into the study, he said,

“Please sir, I want to ask a favor of you. I heard you say that Walter Ford had two returned lessons, and must be kept in on Saturday, and I want you to give a punishment that I think would do him more good. Please excuse me for telling you, sir, but you were saying the other day how grieved you were to see that Walter’s temper gets worse, and I want to know if you will let me take his place on Saturday afternoon?”

“Why, my boy,” said the master kindly, laying his hand on Edward’s shoulder, “what good would that do?”

“Why, sir, Walter is very fond of me, and I think that if I were kept in instead of him he would feel it more; it would make him more sorry; but if he stays behind why, I think, sir, he’ll only be sullen and cross. Please let me do it, sir,” said the boy eagerly.

The master thought a minute. “I believe you are right, Edward,” he answered. “If you have Walter’s good so much at heart, I will not refuse you—you may do as you like.”

“Thank you very much,” said Edward: “but you will order it, sir? Will you not only consent, but give it out as your wish? If not Walter will most likely be obstinate and refuse to leave.”

The master promised, and next Saturday said very quietly to him when school broke up, “You can take your holiday today Walter; Edward Grant is going to remain instead of you. He will write out the lessons you repeated so badly, and will give up his afternoon’s walk. You may go now.”

Walter could not understand it. He had heard nothing from Edward, but as the master turned away he could not say anything, only he felt very angry and much ashamed. He walked down the school-room, and as he passed Edward, said.

“What a shame this is of the master to keep you in instead of me! What has he done it for?”

“I wish to stay, Walter. I told the master so, and he has given me leave; indeed he wished it too. It’s a nice fine day, you’ll enjoy the walk, don’t think of me and I’m so glad your mamma won’t know. It would trouble her so. But look! the master is signing you to go.”

The school-room was cleared, and Walter was obliged to leave.

When he got outside he hurried home and tried hard not to think about Edward, but it would not do; and at last as he thought of his kindness and love in bearing the punishment, and in keeping the news from his mother, the tears filled his eyes. He could not go for the walk, but spent the afternoon in a restless manner at home, and at last went to his mother and told her all about it.

When he next met Edward he thanked him as well as his tears would let him, and told him how sorry he was for his naughtiness, and tried hard afterwards to learn his lessons well, so as not to grieve the one who loved him so much; and Mrs. Ford was well repaid for her kindness to Edward, by seeing a great improvement in her little boy.

The reason I have told you this little story is to remind you of One who has shown great love and kindness to you. Do not close the paper, now that the first story is ended, but read, to the end, and you will find another that ought to touch your heart, and cause you to be a true little servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the love of Jesus, you and I, and all who are in the world, must have suffered the punishment of our own sins. The master of the school could not pass over Walter’s naughtiness, it would not have been right. Punishment must be borne because of disobedience.

God is holy and righteous, and He cannot pass over sin, even the sin of a little child. Punishment must follow.

But you see Edward loved Walter, and was willing to take his place; and the master loved Walter, and agreed to it.

Jesus knew that our punishment must be to be sent away from God for ever, into misery and woe, and He pitied and loved us and came into this world to take our place. And God, who is LOVE, agreed to it; indeed it says God “sent His Son,” so if He Himself formed the plan, we ought to believe it, and accept the gift of salvation.

But many people and little children, too, who really believe Jesus died instead of them, and trust in Him, dare not say that their sins are forgiven, and that they are sure they are saved. This is very wrong, and it does not bring all the glory to God that He ought to have. If God has accepted Jesus instead of you, and poured out all His anger, and judged sin when Jesus died on the cross, He will not punish twice—He will not be angry with the one who believes in Jesus, and trusts in the work that He finished on the cross; but He calls that one His child, and like a loving Father will guard and guide it forever.

But what will become of those who do not go to Jesus and accept Him as their Saviour?

They will have to bear the punishment themselves—a punishment that will never end, and for all eternity must lament and bewail their folly in not having trusted in the Saviour.

Jesus died upon the tree,

Oh boundless love!

Died to set the sinner free,

Oh boundless love!

To the cross grace matchless drew Him,

There man’s sin and hatred slew Him—

Now we have redemption through Him,

Oh boundless love!

ML 02/16/1902

Kindness.

WHAT a happy scene we have in our picture today! This little girl has all of her kittens in her arms. Notice how carefully she holds them! One little white one is sitting up on her shoulder and she has put up one hand to take a firm hold of one little paw for fear he might fall. How contented and safe the kitten seems to be! The other three pets are in an old basket which the girl is holding carefully up with her other hand. One of the kittens is lying down in the basket. Another one is trying to reach the white kitten, while the third one cuddles close up to the arm of his little mistress as if to beg for petting.

The mother cat sits peacefully on the ground and watches the happy group. She is not anxious about her family, for she feels the love of the one who has them and knows that they will not be harmed in any way.

It is always a pretty sight to see a child with a pet, if it is as free from fear as these animals seem to be. How beautiful it would be if every boy and girl, who has a pet of any kind, would treat it as well as this girl in the picture. This cat and her kittens are well kept and fat. Probably she feeds them herself. Do you feed your pets every day and take care that they are clean and comfortable?

God made all of these animals for our use and enjoyment and it must be very pleasing to Him when He sees them well treated and happy. In the Bible we find a great deal about the animals, but we will take a verse easy to remember and think about it every day. It contains but three words “Be ye kind.” Let us try to obey it and please the One who gave it to us.

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

ML 02/23/1902

Living Water.

ALICE, a dear twelve year old girl, was lying sick, and apparently the Lord Jesus would soon take her to Himself. But death did not terrify her, for she had learned to trust her Saviour. Some time ago she had in childlike faith given her heart to Him, and the thought soon to be with Him filled her heart with deep, deep joy.

One afternoon, not long before her departure for home, a young man, with whom she was well acquainted, visited her. This man was still among those that are “without hope,” and he was entirely indifferent with regard to his precious soul. Like so many young people, he sought his satisfaction in the amusements of this poor world. As William (that was the young man’s name) entered the sick room, and had taken a seat by the bed, the mother just left the room. Alice was very weak, and as she saw her young friend, she asked him for a drink of water. William carefully handed her a glass of water, but before she drank it, she looked at him in such a way, that it went deep in his soul, and said: “Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that the Lord Jesus gives shall never in all eternity thirst. Have you drunk of that water, William?” As she had said this, she drank the water, and laid herself back on the pillow, and closed her eyes. An unpleasant feeling crept over William in her presence, and he soon found an excuse to leave—but this look and those words, he could not forget. A few days later Alice went into the heavenly rest. But for William there was no more rest. Whenever he saw a glass of water those words sounded in his ears:— “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.” Oh, how well he knew that! His soul longed deeply for a drink of living water. Still day after day he sought for new amusements, thereby to quench the burning thirst—but in vain—his misery grew worse and worse. At last the Lord in grace met this poor thirsty soul, and William drank of the “living water,” and found then full satisfaction in his Saviour’s love.

My dear reader! Have you felt this thirst in your soul? Has a longing desire, which earthly things cannot satisfy also made itself known in your soul? Oh, haste then also to Jesus! He only is able fully to satisfy the heart! Whosoever drinketh of the water the Lord Jesus gives, shall “never thirst.” (John 4:14; 6:35.) Earthly joys deceive. Sooner or later they will all prove to be vanity. After their enjoyment there is still thirst. But the water the Lord Jesus gives shall be a fountain of water unto “life everlasting” in us. And to every thirsty one this water is offered freely: “And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the wafer of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)

ML 02/23/1902

Pharaoh's Dream.

TWO full years after the butler had been restored to his place in the king’s house, Pharaoh had a dream which left a deep impression on his mind. He thought he saw seven nice looking cows come out of a river, and feed in a meadow; and while they were feeding, seven thin, miserable looking cows came out of the river and stood beside them. And the thin cows ate up the fat ones. Then Pharaoh awoke; but he slept, and dreamed a second time; this time he saw seven good ears of corn grow upon one stalk; and then seven thin, blasted ears sprang up after them; and the seven thin ears devoured the seven full ears. Again Pharaoh wakened from his dream.

In the morning his spirit was troubled for he did not know what the dream might mean. He called for the magicians and all his wise men, but none of them could tell him the meaning of the dream. The talk in the palace about the king’s dream recalled to the butler the dream he had had in prison and how he had failed to speak a word for Joseph. He went to Pharaoh and told him that he remembered his faults that day; then he recounted how he had been thrown into prison, and spoke of his dream and also of the chief baker’s dream. And he told the king how their dreams had been interpreted by a young Hebrew who was servant of the captain of the guard, and how all had come to pass just as he had said it would.

When Pharaoh heard this he sent and called Joseph, and they brought him with much haste from the dungeon. He shaved himself, and put on other clothes, and went into the king’s presence.

Pharaoh told him that he had had a dream that none could interpret, and he had heard that he could understand a dream to interpret it. Joseph answered the king, “It is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Pharaoh then told Joseph his dreams. Joseph told him the two dreams had the same meaning—it was but one dream; and God was showing him by this dream what He was about to do.

The seven good cows and the seven good ears both represented seven years. The seven thin cows and seven empty ears would be seven years of famine. There would be seven years of plenty in all the land of Egypt, and then there would be seven years of famine, and the plenty would be forgotten and the famine would consume the land. The plenty should not be known in the land by reason of the dreadful famine that should follow. Joseph also told Pharaoh that the dream was doubled because the thing was established of God; and God would shortly bring it to pass.

Joseph then advised Pharaoh to set over the land of Egypt, a man who was discreet and wise; and to appoint officers over the land to take up the fifth part of it in the seven plenteous years. These men should gather food and store it in the cities, and lay up corn; and when the famine came they would have something to eat, and would not perish because of the famine.

This suggestion pleased the king and his servants, for they thought it very wise and good. And Pharaoh said, “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” And he said to Joseph that inasmuch as God had shown him all this, there was none so discreet and wise as he. He said also to him that he should be put over his house, and that all his people should be ruled according to his word.

Was not this a wonderful place for Joseph to reach? All the people were put under his authority and great power was given him. Pharaoh took the ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and he put fine clothes on him, and put a gold chain about his neck. He gave him a place next to himself in the kingdom. Only in the throne was Pharaoh greater than Joseph. He made Joseph ride in his second chariot, and made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Joseph had been faithful in the dungeon; now he was lifted out of the dungeon, and put next to the king in power and honor.

Dear young readers, you who believe in Jesus, are in God’s house, and if you are faithful in it while in this wilderness world, you will be lifted up and seated upon the throne of Him who will wield the scepter of the universe; and you will be associated with Him in ruling the nations of the world.

ML 02/23/1902

Jesus and the Little Children.

Mark 10:13-16.

If I should ask the readers of Messages of Love, what Jesus said about little children, I am sure many would be ready to repeat that beautiful verse: “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Yes, dear children, these are the words of Jesus, who came to save little children as well as grown people.

There were some that brought young children to Jesus, in order that He might touch them. There were perhaps mothers or fathers who desired Jesus to bless their little ones. But the disciples did not like this. I suppose they thought Jesus had too much to do, to be troubled by children, and so they rebuked those who brought them. But this was not right, and Jesus “was much displeased.” Jesus was glad to have them bring their little ones to Him for blessing; and He told them that anyone who did not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child would not enter in. Jesus wants us all to be as simple as little babes, and if we come to Him this way we shall get blessing. Jesus did not refuse the little babies they brought to Him. “He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them:”

How beautiful! And Jesus has not changed. He is just the same loving Saviour still, and loves to bless the children now, just as well as then.

If fathers and mothers and those who have the care of little children bring their little ones to Jesus, He will not refuse to bless them. It will be His joy to bless them.

And, you dear children, who are old enough to come to Jesus yourselves, if you come to Him, He will receive you and He will bless you. Oh! then, come to Him, and just place yourselves in His loving arms. Come to Him just as you are, with all your sins, and He will forgive you, and save you, and make you little lambs in His flock; for He has died for you and His blood cleanses every one that comes to Him.

ML 02/23/1902

The Old, Old Story.

This gentle, holy Jesus,

Without a spot or stain,

By wicked hands was taken,

And crucified and slain.

They laugh at Him and mock Him,

And tell Him to come down,

And leave that cross of suffering,

And change it for a crown.

Why did He bear their mockings?

Was He the mighty God?

And could He have destroyed them

With one almighty word?

Yes, Jesus could have done it,

But let me tell you why

He did not use His power,

But chose to stay and die.

He had become our Surety;

And what we could not pay,

He paid instead and for us,

On that one dreadful day.

For all our sins He suffered;

For all our sins He died;

And not for ours only,

But all the world besides.

Then take this great salvation,

For Jesus loves to give;

Believe! and you receive it,

Believe! and you shall live.

In living faith accept Him,

Give up all else beside;

While grace is loudly calling—

Look to the Crucified.

ML 02/23/1902

Answers to Questions of January 5th.

1. “And again, I will be,” etc. Heb. 1:5.

2. “Looking unto Jesus,” etc. 12:2.

3.“If any man among you,”etc. Jas. 1:26.

4.“The tongue.” 3:8

5.“Take heed, brethren,” etc. Heb. 3:12.

6.“Let us draw near with,”etc. 10:22.

7.“Epaphras.” Phile. 23

8.“While it is said,” etc. Heb. 3:15.

9.“How shall we escape,” etc. 2:3.

10.“I will never leave thee,” etc. 13:5.

11.“Let us therefore come,” etc. “ 4:16.

12. “Every good gift,” etc. Jas. 1:17.

“A LITTLE WHILE.” Heb. 10:37.

Bible Questions for March.

The answers are to be found in Revelation, and the first letter of each answer will spell three words telling us that the Lord is soon coming again.

1. Give the verse before these words, “Blessed are they that do His commandments.”

2. What is it the Spirit and the bride say?

3.Give the rest of this verse, “Who shall not fear Thee,”

4.Give the name of one of the tribes of which twelve thousand were sealed.

5. Give the words following these, “Surely I come quickly. Amen.”

6.How soon did the Lord say He would come to the church in Pergamos and fight against them with the sword of His mouth?

7.Give the rest of the verse containing these words, “The prince of the kings of the earth.”

8.Give the words following these, “It is cone. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

9.Give three words grouped together four times in the first seven verses of a chapter.

10.Give the rest of this verse, “He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written,”

11.Give the words following these, “Great and marvelous are Thy works,”

12.Give the words following these, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:”

ML 03/02/1902

Joseph as Ruler Over All the Land of Egypt.

JOSEPH had been faithful in the house of Potiphar, and Potiphar made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had. He had been faithful in the dungeon, and the prison keeper had committed all the prisoners to his care; now he is placed in a higher position, and has a broader trust committed to him, for all the land of Egypt is put under his authority; and do man in all the land was to lift hand or foot without him. He does not abuse the confidence placed in him, but proves to be the same faithful Joseph still.

And what was the secret of all this prosperity? It was this; the Lord was with Joseph and prospered him.

Would my young readers like to be led of the Lord and prospered thus?

Doubtless you would; but do you think it will come about by your getting some high position and seeking to fill it well? No, not thus. Let me tell you who it is that is favored of God. “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.” Isa. 66:2.

It is those who take a low place, whom God exalts, while those who exalt themselves will be sure to be brought low. A lofty spirit is most displeasing to the Lord; and pride is something He will not endure. We have in this a lesson of the greatest importance, and I trust my young readers will ponder it well. In Jesus, the meek and lowly One, we have our perfect example.

Joseph was thirty years old when he was made ruler in Egypt. Thirteen years had passed since his brothers had cruelly cast him into a pit, and afterwards drew him out and sold him to the merchant-men journeying to Egypt. These were years in which Joseph had known suffering and hardship, but they were also years in which the Lord’s loving care had been over him in a very special way, and so all was well.

When Pharaoh exalted Joseph, he gave him a new name which meant “revealer of secrets.” He gave him also a wife.

Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt, and visited all the cities, and he found corn and food in abundance, for the seven plenteous years yielded far more than was needed. So he gathered up the food of the field and stored it in the cities; and he gathered corn until it could not longer be numbered. Thus he wisely provided during the years of plenty for the time of famine that was to follow.

Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons born to him. He called the first, Manasseh, which means forgetting; for, he said, God has made me forget all my toil, and my father’s house. And he called the second Ephraim, for he said, God has blessed me in the land of my sorrow. This shows us something of the sorrow and loneliness that Joseph had been passing through; but in these years of sorrow he had been learning about God’s care and love. He had been carried away from his father’s house into a strange country; in the Captain’s house he found no friend to stand by him; in the prison not even the chief butler, whom he so befriended, cared enough for him to speak a word in his behalf. But God was his friend, and He comforted him in his sorrow, and blessed him. He made him wiser than all the wise men of Egypt, and gave him great favor with Egypt’s king. Joseph recognized God’s love and goodness to him, and felt when his sons were given to him that he could forget his toil and sorrow and his father’s house.

ML 03/02/1902

"Great Is Our Lord, and of Great Power."

OUR picture brings before us to-day two young people with smiling faces. In the hand of one is a huge bunch of flowers; but the flowers do not speak of spring-time, for the bare and leafless branches of the trees show that summer is past; and the blowing wraps of the young couple show that the wind is busy doing its work.

But did you ever think, dear children, whether it be spring or summer, autumn or winter you can always, if you will, trace the hand of God in nature. He covers the heaven with clouds; He prepares the rain, for the earth: He makes it come down and water the earth causing it to bring forth and bud; He “maketh grass to grow upon the mountains;” He causes the grass to wither and the flowers to fall; “He giveth snow like wool;” “He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes;” “He casteth forth His ice like morsels;” “He sendeth out His word and melteth them;” “He causeth His wind to blow, and the waters flow.”

Yes; fire, hail, snow, vapors, stormy wind, all fulfill His word; all do His bidding. Truly our God is great, and of great power. May you each, dear little readers, know His great love, and rejoice in His great goodness and power!

ML 03/02/1902

Jesus and the Young Ruler.

Mark 10:17-23.

DEAR young readers, have you ever thought of the question that the young ruler asked Jesus? He said, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” I think you will agree with me, that if there is such a thing as getting eternal life, it is important that we should know how we are to get it, for if we do not get it in this world before we die we will never get it at all.

This young ruler had a wrong notion as to how he was to get it. He thought he could do something to inherit eternal life. He evidently had the idea of meriting it, or purchasing it in some way. And this was all wrong, for Scripture says the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23. It was not that this young man was not in earnest, for he was. He came to Jesus “running, and kneeled to Him.” He was not indifferent, or careless, as many people are now. He did honor to Jesus, though he did not seem to know that Jesus was the Son of God who could have given him eternal life as a free gift. He thought of Jesus only as a man, or perhaps a great and good teacher. And so he said “Good Master.” He thought Jesus was good, and evidently thought he himself was good, and capable of doing some good thing to inherit eternal life. But Jesus told him that none were good except God. And if that was the case, how could he inherit eternal life?

Jesus gave him to understand that if he was going to get it in this way, he must keep the commandments. But he thought he had kept the commandments from his youth up, and I daresay he honestly thought so. So Jesus put him to test. If he loved his neighbor as himself, would he sell all that he had and give to the poor? If he loved Jesus, who was the Lord his God, would he take up his cross and follow Him? No; when he heard this, it made him “sad,” and he “went away grieved, for he had great possessions.” He wanted eternal life, but he valued his possessions more; and could, not give them up. So he turned his back on Jesus. How sad!

Now let me give you a verse that will show you how to get eternal life.

“He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

It is not by our own good works, but by believing on Jesus the Son of God. God gives it freely to all who receive His Son.

ML 03/02/1902

"What Is Whiter Than Snow?"

WILL you take your Bibles, dear children, and read Ps. 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

What a precious word this is! May this be the desire of many of our young friends.

Let me tell you a little true story about this verse. Lilly, a dear young girl about fourteen; who had trusted in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, lived in a pretty little place called Hunter’s Hill on the banks of a large river running into Sydney Harbor, in New South Wales. One day when she got into the school playground a number of her play-mates were in a group together asking each other riddles. “Ah,” said one, “here is Lilly,” adding a remark about her being religious, “let us ask her one.” Lilly never answered until they wanted her to ask them a riddle, to which she replied, “What’s whiter than snow?”

Lilly’s new teacher heard this, and called her aside and said, “I know, Lilly; a sinner washed in the precious blood of, Jesus.” How glad Lilly was to hear that her new teacher belonged to the Lord Jesus. Meantime the girls were trying to answer the question and were guessing sugar, flour, etc., never giving a thought as to what Lilly meant, and, on “giving up,” Lilly gave them the answer to her riddle in the teacher’s words. What a bright testimony that was from one of the lambs of the Good Shepherd’s flock; and how it shows, too, how a little believer can seize opportunities for serving the Lord Jesus.

ML 03/02/1903

Happiness.

THE eyes of many little girls will, doubtless, look upon this picture, and different ones will, perhaps, have different thoughts about it. Some may think, Well, I have a nicer doll than that! But do you think you are happier than these little girls? They look well-pleased, and as if they did not think of, or wish for, anything better.

Do you know, my little readers, it is not fine possessions that bring happiness? Men who are very rich are usually full of care and are far from being happy; and people who live in very fine houses and have all the comforts and luxuries that wealth can procure often have very unhappy hearts. No! fine houses, good clothes, much money, cannot in themselves bring true or lasting happiness.

Who then is happy, or where can we find true happiness? Hearken to what God says concerning this; “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” Ps. 146:15.

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

May you then seek your joy, not in the things of this world, but in Him in whom alone true happiness is found.

“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Prov. 15:16.

“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Ps. 37:16.

ML 03/09/1902

Two Young Men Who Wanted Fun.

ONE Sunday afternoon, a few years ago, two young railway porters stood on the platform at D— station. They had an hour’s leave before the next train came in. They were making plans as to how they should spend it. “Let us go where we can have a bit of fun,” they said.

“If it’s fun you want,” said an old porter who was passing by, “just you run up the ladder and look into the signal-house. There you’ll see the signal-man reading the Bible, and he’ll give you a lot of tracts, and maybe preach you a sermon into the bargain; and it will be the best bit of fun you ever had in your life.”

Scarcely were the words spoken when the two thoughtless young men were at the top of the ladder, looking in at the open door of the signal-house. There, sure enough, sat the signal-man, enjoying the hour of leisure also allowed to him, with a Bible open before him; and, to add to the “fun,” he got up and handed a tract to each of them, desiring them to read it.

“Read it! oh, yes!” said they; and forthwith one of them began to read aloud a sentence here and there in what he supposed to be a true Methodist drawl, advancing with his companion, as he did so, into the signal-house, the more to rouse, as they both expected, the anger of the signal-man. But they were not prepared for what followed. Without saying a word, the signal-man rose up. locked the door behind them, put the key in his pocket, and sat down.

“Young men,” he then said, “it is not often I have an opportunity of speaking a word to you about your souls. I have one now, and I will make the most of it. I will read you some passages from God’s word, and will endeavour to explain them to you. Will you kindly be still whilst I do so?”

“No, indeed,” said the young men, “we didn’t bargain for that. We have but an hour’s leave, and a good bit of it’s gone already, and we don’t mean to spend the rest hearing a sermon. So you’ll unlock the door and let us out.”

“No,” said the signal-man, “I shall not let you out till I have said what I have got to say. You know how often an accident happens to those employed on the line. How can I know that it might not be so this very day? And what account could I give of myself to God if I had had this opportunity of speaking to you of Christ, and had neglected it? If one of you were killed, I should then feel that your blood was upon my head.” And, in spite of their further angry remonstrances, the signalman read one passage after another from the word of God. He spoke to them of the awful danger of the unsaved sinner, of the love of God even to those dead in sin, shown in sending His Son to die for them. He told them God had pardon and life for such as they were, on account of what His Son had done.

When he had spoken at some length, he unlocked the door and said, “I am now clear of your blood; I can do no more but pray for you.” The two young men then went down the ladder, cursing and swearing, for their hour was all but over, the up-train was close at hand, and one of them had to go on with it to L—returning by the following down-train. The signal-man’s sermon seemed to have left no impression upon either of them but that of disgust. Perhaps you think that it was unwise of the signal-man to have forced the subject upon them, and that he should have waited for a more fit season. But God, who has told us to be “instant in season,” has also told us to be “instant out of season.”

The young porter who had to go to L—tried, no doubt, to forget all that had passed in the signal-house, and to think of something more agreeable. But he was to be reminded of the signal-man’s last words in a way he little expected. His journey to L— and back occupied two or three hours, and he returned to D— as the evening closed in. He at once saw as he stepped out on the platform that something unusual had happened. There were anxious-looking people going to and fro, there were marks of blood on the platform, and a little group of men with awe-struck faces were crowding round the door of one of the offices. The young man seemed to hear again ringing in his ears the words he had tried to forget— “There might be an accident today, and one of you might be killed.”

“Something the matter? “he inquired, quite afraid to hear the answer. “Yes,” he was told; “a porter slipped off the platform just as the last train went by. It took both his legs off. They have taken him in there. He is dying.”

The young man pushed his way through the crowd. Was it his friend? No; God had not yet closed the door for him. The man who lay senseless on the table was the old porter, who had sent them up to the signal-house, and kneeling by his side, in earnest prayer, was the signalman! The poor man was still breathing, but gave no other sign of life.

In a few moments all was over, and the young porter could now begin to realize the fact that the man who but a few hours before had been scoffing at the word of God was himself gone to appear in God’s presence. It was an awful thought. Could there be any hope for him?

The young man asked one who was present when the accident happened to tell him all about it. Had the poor man been senseless all the time? “No, not at first.” “And did he speak after you took him up?” “Yes, he spoke when we brought him in.” “What did he say?” “He said, ‘Fetch the signal-man! I am dying. Fetch the signal-man! I want him to pray!’ Yes, that’s the way he went on— ‘Fetch the signal-man.’ So we went to fetch him, and he came at once, but then, poor fellow, he couldn’t speak, and we couldn’t find out if he knew what was said to him; but we could do no more.”

And we know no more. The eternal condition of that poor despiser is to us unknown, and must be until the coming of the Lord. But there was one trembling sinner who went that night to ask again to hear the words of life from the one who had spoken to him in vain three hours before. The young porter believed and was saved. His companion remained unmoved. He must have been far more hard hearted from that awful evening than he had been before.

Circumstances alone can never change the heart. It is by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost alone that under any circumstances a sinner is brought to repentance. Thus the one thief on Calvary believed and was saved— his companion, who alike saw the dying Saviour before him, perished in his sins.

I would now ask you, reader, to consider this solemn truth, that, in the case of those that scoff at the people and the word of God, it is not, alas! simply in ignorance that they do so; at least in many, if not in most cases, it is not ignorance, it is the terrible enmity of the natural heart of man against that which he knows to be of God. When the old porter saw the awful reality of death before him, the one to whom he had turned for help was the very man whom he had treated as a fool, perhaps as a hypocrite, and, as it came out, he had known in his heart that the signal-man was right, even at the time that he had mocked him.

Unsaved reader, you have heard again and again of God’s willingness to save all who will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. How will you escape if you neglect so great salvation? (John 6:37; Heb. 2:3).

ML 03/09/1902

Joseph in the Time of Famine.

WHEN the seven years of plenty had come to an end, the seven years of dearth began to come, according to Joseph’s interpretation of the dream. The dearth was not confined to Egypt, for all the lands round about had famine also, and these lands were in far worse condition than Egypt, for through Joseph’s wise provision there was bread stored up in the land of Egypt while other lands had made no such provision.

We see God’s merciful care for His own in giving knowledge of what was to come, so that they might provide against the day of trouble. He is the Preserver of all, but specially of them that believe. See 1 Tim. 4:10.

When the people of Egypt began to be famished, they cried to Pharaoh, and Pharaoh sent them to Joseph, saying, “What he saith to you, do.” And Joseph opened the store-houses and sold to the Egyptians.

And other countries began to send to Egypt to buy corn of Joseph for the famine was very sore in all lands.

Even in the land of Canaan there was no food, and Jacob and his sons, and their wives, and their little ones were suffering because of the dearth. Jacob had heard that there was food in Egypt and he said, one day, to his sons, “Why do ye look one upon another? Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt; get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live and not die.”

In obedience to their father’s command, Joseph’s ten brothers made their preparations. and went down to Egypt to buy some corn. Jacob would not allow Benjamin, his youngest son, to go with them, for fear some mischief would befall him. His heart still mourned for Joseph, and now he could not think of parting with the only son left to him, of his loved Rachel. So Benjamin stayed with his father and the rest went on their journey.

ML 03/09/1902

Four Calls of the Spirit.

The Spirit came in childhood

And pleaded, “Let me in,”

But, oh! the door was bolted

By heedlessness and sin;

“Oh! I’m too young,” the child said

“My heart is closed today.”

Sadly the Spirit listened,

Then turned and went away.

Again He came and pleaded

In youth’s bright, happy hour;

He called, but found no answer,

For, fettered by sin’s power

The youth lay idly dreaming;

“Go, Spirit; not today,

Wait till I’ve tried life’s pleasures.”

Again He went away.

Once more He came in mercy,

In manhood’s vigorous prime;

He knocked, but found no entrance;

The merchant had no time,

No time for true repentance,

No time to think, or pray;

And so, repulsed and saddened,

Again He turned away.

Yet once again He pleaded—

The man was old and ill;

He hardly heard the whisper,

His heart was sere and chill.

“Go, leave me! when I want Thee,

I’ll send for Thee,” he cried;

Then, turning on his pillow,

Without a hope he died.

ML 03/09/1902

A Mother's Care.

WHAT’S old puss doing with the little kit in her mouth? Do you think she is hurting her? Oh, no! Notice how she very carefully holds a little bit of the skin between her teeth. She does not take hold of the flesh or kitty would cry. And she never takes kitty up by the ear, or tail, or someplace where it would hurt her. Love teaches her how to carry her little one without hurting her. Look at little kitty— how meek and quiet she is! She has no thought of crying or of struggling; she is just yielding herself up to be carried and cared for by her mother.

It would be well if little boys and girls would learn a lesson from this; that is to yield quietly and cheerfully to your parents’ wishes. They love you, and are caring for you, and they know much better than you do what is for your good.

There is a still deeper lesson for all who are Christians. God loves you and

His care is over you, and you should be in His hand as clay in the hands of the potter. What can the clay do? Nothing 1 It is the potter who shapes and moulds it as he wishes. Oh! may you yield yourselves fully unto God whose wish and whose purpose is to conform you to the image of His Son. How beautiful and wonderful the outcome will be! Do not then resist. Lie passive in His hand.

ML 03/16/1902

Joseph and His Brothers.

JOSEPH was now governor of the land of Egypt, and he was like a great prince. All came to him to buy; and when his brothers came into his presence they bowed themselves before him with their faces to the earth. Now Joseph’s dream, about the other sheaves bowing down to his sheaf, was being fulfilled. Many years had passed and Joseph was no doubt much changed in appearance; and his name had been changed; and he was in a very high position, so his brothers did not know him. They thought they were bowing before some great one, little realizing that it was their own brother whom they had sold and never expected to see again.

But Joseph knew them. He did not, however, allow them to know this, for he made himself strange to them. He asked them whence they had come, and they replied, From the land of Canaan to buy food. Joseph remembered his dreams and the treatment he had received at the hand of his brothers, and he thought he would try them. He said, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. They said, Nay, my lord, but to buy food, are thy servants come. We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. Joseph said, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. They replied, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. Joseph said that was the reason he had spoken of them as spies, and he was going to have them proved; they should not go away unless their youngest brother was brought to him. He said someone should go and bring him, and the rest should be kept in prison till he came; in this way he would prove whether or not they were spies. So Joseph had them put all together in ward for three days. On the third day he said, This do, and live; for I fear God. He then said that one of them should be bound, and the rest should carry corn for the famine of their houses, but they must bring their youngest brother to him, and so their words should be verified, and they should not die.

While they were still in Joseph’s presence, they began to talk to one another about their guilt concerning their brother Joseph, and how they saw his anguish of soul when he besought them, but they would not hear; and now, they said, This distress is come upon us.

Yes, at last their dull consciences were being aroused and they began to see and feel that they were only reaping as they had sown. Again the truth, “As thou halt done, it shall be done unto thee,” comes before us.

As they talked together, Reuben reminded them that he had sought to spare the lad, but they would not hear him; and now, said he, his blood is required.

Their words show to us that they felt their sad situation very keenly. They did not know that the great ruler, before whom they stood, knew all they were saying, for he had spoken to them through an interpreter, and they would very naturally suppose that he did not understand their language. But Joseph did understand, and his heart was so touched he had to go to another room, where he could be alone, to weep; for the overburdened heart finds relief in tears. Soon, we who know the Lord will be in a scene where there will be no burdened hearts, and where no tears will ever dim our eyes.

When Joseph could control himself, he returned and spoke again to his brothers, and he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. He then gave his servants orders to fill up his brothers’ sacks with corn, and to put every man’s money in his sack, also to give them provision for the way.

When the sacks were ready they laded their asses with the corn, and departed. On the way, when one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender, he saw his money lying in it. He told his brothers of this, and they were afraid. They said, one to another, What is this God hath done to us? Mark it well, dear young reader, God will, sooner or later, bring to bear upon our conscience, our wrong doing. These men did not say, What has the ruler of Egypt done to us, but, What has God done to us? God was dealing with them.

When they got home to their father, in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened. When they opened their sacks, behold, every man’s money was in his sack’s mouth! This made them all afraid. Again Jacob’s heart was filled with sorrow. He said, “Me ye have bereaved of my children; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away. All these things are against me.”

Ah! little did Jacob realize that these things were not against him, but that all was working for good, that soon he was to see the son whom he had so long mourned as lost, and who had been so dear to him.

Often times we, too, are tempted to think that all is against us when, in reality, God is working to bring about His purposes of love, as with Jacob in this case.

ML 03/16/1902

The Dying Sailor.

A CORRESPONDENT of the W. C. Advocate relates an affecting story of a young sailor who died on board a whale-ship in the South Atlantic. James du Boice had been carefully reared, but impelled by a strong love of adventure, and an ardent desire to see the world, had gone to sea. The ship had made a prosperous voyage, and was on her way home.

Of all the men in the ship, none were more elated than James. He had been on shore at the Azores, and got a few more curiosities; he had been ashore at Rio and Cape de Verdes, and clambered up the rocky sides of one of the Falkland Islands; and he felt already his mother’s kiss, and heard the cordial welcome of friends at home, and saw their look of wonder, and heard their words of astonishment, while he showed his shells and related his adventures to them. He spent the whole of the middle watch in painting, with enthusiastic words, the anticipated meeting and the scenes which would occur at home. Poor fellow! it was only a waking dream with him. He never saw his mother again in this world!

The next day we went to work at stowing down the oil. It was a rough sea, and the ship pitched heavily, so as to make it hard and dangerous work to handle the casks of oil. The last cask was stowed and filled, and in ten minutes more the hatches would be down. Du Boice stood on the cask in the main hatchway, and was passing a few sticks of wood down amongst the water casks, when the vessel rolled deeply to the leeward, a cask of water broke from the lashings at the weather rail, and rolled into the hatchway where he stood, and in one instant both his legs above his knees were literally jammed to pieces—the bones were broken into shivers.

We took him into the steerage, and did the best we could to bind up his broken limbs, and made him comfortable; but we knew and he knew that his days were numbered—he must die. That night, as I sat by his berth and watched with him, he was constantly calling, “Mother, mother!” Oh, it was heartrending to hear him, in his piteous ravings, calling “Mother! mother!” and then he would weep like a child because she came not.

In the morning watch he grew calm, and spoke rationally again. After giving me the address of his parents and a message for them, he slept a little while. When he awoke, he bade me go to the forecastle and open his chest, and under the till I should find his Bible. I brought it to him, and he opened it at the blank leaf, and looked long and eagerly at the name there. His mother had given it to him when he left home, and on the flyleaf was written by her hand, “Presented to James du Boice, by his mother, Sarah du Boice.” “Now read to me,” said he handing me the book.

“Where shall I read?”

“Where it tells us how to get ready for heaven.”

I opened the book and my eye fell on Psalm 51, and I read to him from that Psalm till I came to the 10th verse, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!”

“Hold there! That is just what I want,” said he. “Now, how shall I get it?”

“Pray God to give it you, for Jesus’ sake,” I suggested.

“Oh, yes; Jesus is the Saviour! Shipmate, it is an awful thing to die— and I have got to go! Oh, if mother were here to tell me how to get ready!” and he trembled with earnestness.

After a short pause, during which he seemed in deep thought, he said,

“Do you know of any place where it is said that such sinners as I can be saved?” I quoted 1 Tim. 1:15:

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

“Oh, shipmate,” said he, “that is good. Can you think of anymore?”

I quoted Heb. 7:25, “He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

“That’s plain. Now, if I only knew how to come to God!”

“Come like a child to its father,” I suggested.

“How’s that?”

“As the child believes that his father can help him in danger, so you are to look to God to help you now; and, as the child trusts his father by fleeing to him, so you must trust Jesus by casting yourself upon Him!”

He lay a little time engaged in earnest pleadings with God, as was evident from the few words I overheard. Then the tears began to run down his face, his eyes opened, and a bright smile played like a sunbeam over his features; he then said, “He died for me; He forgives me, and I shall be saved! ‘He is able to save to the uttermost!’”

The day dawned; then the sun arose in regal splendor on the ocean. I held his hand in mine, and felt the death thrill; then he murmured, “He’s come! He’s come!”

“Who has come?” said I.

“Jesus,” he whispered, and he fell asleep.

ML 03/16/1902

That's Enough for Me.

A CHILD who had a dear mother asked of one who had none: “What do you do without a mother to tell all your trouble to?”

“Mother told me to whom to go, before she died,” answered the little orphan. “I go to the Lord Jesus; He was my mother’s friend and He is mine.”

“Jesus Christ is in the sky. He is away off and has a great many things to attend to in heaven. It is not likely He will stop to mind you.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” replied the little orphan. “All I know is He says He will, and that’s enough for me.”

What a beautiful answer that was! And what was enough for the child is enough for us, is it not? Heb. 4:15-16.

ML 03/16/1902

Sobriety.

HOW fond some children are of mischief and fun! Here are two who are evidently enjoying a little sport. One has got hold of some nose-glasses and placed them on his nose; looking down through them he is pretending to read a large newspaper which he is holding side-wise at a good distance from him, while his companion in sport looks laughingly on.

All this is very innocent, and I do not think any of us would be ready to blame children for such diversions, but when the days of childhood are over, childish things need to be laid aside. Sobriety is that which is specially becoming the Christian, whether it be aged men or aged women—young men or young women.

Would you not think it most unseemly for one who had just been saved from drowning to be full of jesting and hilarity? Or, if one who had narrowly, and at much risk, escaped from a burning building would break out in foolish talk, do you not think the beholders would be filled with disgust?

But oh! dear young Christian, you have been snatched from the jaws of hell whose mouth is wide open to receive all who will not turn to God; you have been saved from the endless burnings. Does it not sober you to think of it? And should you not walk in sobriety before an ungodly world that realizes not that the end is destruction!

You have been delivered from the coming wrath. May you, then, by your sober, godly ways, be a living proof to others of the reality of God’s work in your soul!

“The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Pet. 4:7.

ML 03/23/1902

Jesus Warns Against Trusting in Riches.

Mark 10:23-27.

IN our last article we saw how the young ruler valued his “great possessions” more than Christ and eternal life, and how he went away “sad” and “grieved.” From this Jesus took occasion to warn His disciples against trusting in riches. And surely that warning is needed in this day quite as much as then, if not more, for how many now in this world are making riches their god. In these days men will do anything to get money, and such are really idolaters. Jesus said to His disciples, “Children, how hard is it for, them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Yes, dear children, if you set your heart on riches, your riches will shut you out of the kingdom of God, and oh! what eternal lose that would be! Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” and this simply means that it is impossible. You could not make a great big animal, like a camel, or a horse, go through a needle’s eye. With man this is impossible. And it is just as impossible for a rich man, whose heart is set upon his possession, to enter the kingdom of God. Still God is able to save even a rich man; but when He does, He makes him give up his riches in his heart, and yield himself to Christ; and then he will hold his riches to use them for Christ. Christ must be everything—both Saviour and Lord—and His disciples must hold all they possess ready to be used as He directs.

To be saved and enter into the kingdom of God, we have to own ourselves sinners, who deserve only judgment from God, and trust in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour. If we do this, Christ, instead of our riches, will have the supreme place in our hearts, and then we will use our riches to serve Him, who has loved us and given Himself for us.

ML 03/23/1902

Joseph and Benjamin.

WHEN the corn, which Joseph’s sons had carried up from Egypt, was all gone, their father said to them, Go again, buy us a little food. His son Judah said to him that they would not go down unless he would send Benjamin with them, for the man had said to them, ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. Jacob asked why they had treated him so badly as to mention having another brother at home. They replied that the man had asked if their father was alive, and if they had another brother, and they must tell him. Then Judah said to his father, if he would send the lad with him, he would be surety for him, and they would arise, and go that they and their little ones might not die with hunger.

So Jacob prepared a nice present, and gave double money to his sons to give to the governor of Egypt, and he told them to take their brother and go again unto the man. He said to them, God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin, If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

Poor Jacob! His heart was very sore again, and it must have been with great anxiety and longing that he awaited the return of his sons.

The men took the present their father had prepared, and took double money in their hand, and took Benjamin with them and made their journey again to Egypt. Once more they stood in the presence of Joseph. When he saw that Benjamin was with them he gave orders for a dinner to be prepared, saying those men should dine with him that day. His servant did as he was bidden and took the men into Joseph’s house. This made the men afraid; they thought the governor was going to find occasion against them because of the money, and that he wanted to make bondmen of them. So they spoke to the steward of Joseph’s house, whom they met at the door, and explained all about the money to him, and how they had brought double money with them. The steward answered very kindly, “Peace be to you, fear not; your God and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks. I had your money.”

Then he brought Simeon out to them. And he took them into Joseph’s house, and he gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he fed their donkeys.

Their hearts were no doubt set at rest by this time. They heard that they were to eat bread there, so they got their present ready to give to Joseph when he would come in at noon. And when he came home they gave him the present and bowed themselves before him to the earth.

He asked of their welfare, and asked for their father; and when he looked at Benjamin he asked if that was their younger brother of whom they had spoken; and he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. He could say no more; his heart was yearning over his dear brother, and he had to hasten out of the room to find a place to weep, for he did not wish others to see him thus overcome. After a time of weeping he washed his face, and refrained himself, and went out of his chamber, and told his servants to set on bread. And they set for him by himself, and for them by themselves; and for the Egyptians that ate, by themselves; because the Egyptians might not eat with the Hebrews. And Joseph had his brothers placed before him; the first born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youths This, made the men wonder much, for how could this ruler know anything about their ages! And when the portions were served, Benjamin’s was five times as much as any of the others, and they ate and drank together, and for the time seemed to forget their sorrows.

That afternoon Joseph commanded his steward to fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they could carry, and to put every man’s money in the mouth of his sack; and to put his silver cup, as well as the money, in the sack of the youngest. The steward carried out these orders, and as soon as it was light next morning, he sent the men and their laden asses away.

They had not gone far when Joseph told his steward to hasten after them and ask them why they had rewarded evil for good—why they had taken his master’s silver cup. The steward soon overtook them and spoke thus to them. This made them feel very badly; they said they would not do such a thing as steal silver or gold out of their lord’s house; and to let the one with whom the cup was found die; and they all would be slaves to their lord. Then they speedily took down their sacks and search was made, beginning with the oldest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. And now what sorrow rent their hearts! In their great grief they tore their clothes. Then they laded their donkeys again, and turned back to the city.

ML 03/23/1902

Truth's Echo.

‘Tis said, O Echo, though I scarce receive it,

That thou canst utter truth. May I believe it?

(Echo) Believe it.

Then I, of truth dispos’d to be a winner,

Will ask thee this. Am I, indeed, a sinner?

(Echo) Indeed, a sinner.

But if, in works, I strive with best endeavor,

I should not, surely, then be lost forever?

(Echo) Lost forever.

If my salvation thus I cannot earn,

What shall I do? Should I to Jesus turn?

(Echo) To Jesus turn.

If this be truth, ‘twere wisdom to obey it.

Is it thy voice? or do the Scriptures say it?

(Echo) The Scriptures say it.

But I have been so long my will fulfilling,

Can I be sure that God to save is willing?

(Echo) God to save is willing.

But, oh! my sins o’er whelm me like a flood.

Can I from them be purg’d by Jesus’ blood?

(Echo) Purg’d by Jesus’ blood.

Then Him I trust; He saves and keeps forever.

Oh, wondrous grace! can it be fathom’d? Never!

(Echo) Be fathom’d? Never!

ML 03/23/1902

Can't God Take Care of Us?

I REMEMBER a man who enlisted in the army, and left a wife and two children, and the wife was not in good health. One cold day in November, in the first year of the war, the news came that he was shot in battle, and the mother was in great sorrow. Soon after, the landlord came round for his rent, and she told him her trouble, and said she would not be able to pay the rent so regularly as before, as she had only her needle by which she could obtain a livelihood; sewing machines were just coming in then, but as she could not buy one, she had a very poor chance. The man was a heartless wretch, and said that if she did not pay the rent regularly he would turn her out. After he went away the mother began to weep. Her little child, not quite five, came up to her and said:

“Mamma, is not God very rich?”

“Yes, my child.”

“Can’t God take care of us?”

“Yes.”

“Then what makes you cry? Mayn’t I go and ask Him?”

The mother said she might, if she liked. The little child knelt at her little bed, and said: “O Lord, you have given and have taken away my dear father, and the landlord says he will turn us out of doors, and my mamma has no money: won’t you please lend us a little house to live in?”

Then she came out to her mother and said, “Mamma don’t cry. Jesus will take care of us. I know He will, for I have asked Him.”

It is upwards of twenty years, and that mother has never paid any rent from that day to this. A beautiful cottage was provided for her and her two children, and she has lived there without paying any rent, and when the fire swept over the city of Chicago and burned up her house, a second little home was put up for her.

ML 03/23/1902

Jerome.

WHAT a quaint picture we have before us of Jerome in his study. The large hat with its cord and tassels hanging on the wall, and hung beside it the great hour glass, which was perhaps his only time keeper; the wooden settee, and the long wooden shelf, with their plain looking cushions, so different from the fancy cushions of today; the few ponderous volumes to be seen; the lioness and her cub (perhaps, only in statuary); the antique table, or writing desk; and the old monk writing with his quill pen—all speak to us of a time long ago. And so it was, for Jerome was born about three hundred years after Christ left this earth and went to heaven; and now, to count back, we find it was more than fifteen hundred years ago, that Jerome first saw the light.

After an early education at home, he was sent to Rome to finish his studies, and there he was placed under the care of some notable instructors, he made good progress in Latin, philosophy, and law. At this time he spent his Sundays visiting the catacombs, those great subterranean vaults with the dark, winding passages leading to them, which are found under the city of Rome. In these dark, dismal places, many of the martyred saints were buried, and there, amongst the dead, many of God’s dear persecuted people found a hiding place, when cruel Emperors, who sought to put them to death, were in power. Into these dark recesses, Jerome would go on Sundays and hunt the graves of martyrs, and when he found them would study out the strange inscriptions which marked them.

When his school days were over he returned home, but did not remain there long. He was now a scholar with a scholar’s tastes and cravings for knowledge.

He went to a certain city, and settled down to literary work; but it was not a great while until he and several of his companions planned a long tour in the East. They started on their journey, visiting Athens, Galatia, Pontus and other cities, familiar by name to those who read the Scriptures. When they reached Antioch they remained for some time. While there, one of the party got sick with some fever, and died; and Jerome was dangerously ill. This illness brought him face to face with death and eternity; and in this moment of his extremity, God spoke to his soul. He then resolved, that he would renounce whatever held him back from God. But there was one great temptation for him, and that was his desire to study the literature of pagan Rome. In his dreams, God reproached him with caring more to be a follower of Cicero than a follower of Christ.

He did not like the style of the Scriptures, but he prayed, “O Lord, Thou knowest that whenever I have and study Secular manuscripts, I deny Thee.” So he resolved to devote his time and talent to the study of the Holy Scripture. In order to do this more perfectly he went off into a waste place and betook himself to a hermit life along with some other monks, who in their solitary cells spent lonely lives, scorched by the sun, ill-clad and scantily fed; and in such surroundings he pondered portions of the Scriptures, or copied manuscripts for his own meditation. He also began to study Hebrew. And, while in his lonely cell, spent part of his time in writing.

About that time a controversy arose, and Jerome left his hermit life to take part in it. In this way he was brought to the notice of the leading men of his day, and when it became known that he was a fine scholar in Hebrew and Greek and Latin, it was suggested to him that he should revise the Latin Bible which was in use at that time; and to this task he henceforth devoted his great abilities. The result of his arduous labors was the Latin translation of the Scripture, which afterwards became the Vulgate, or authorized version.

Besides this great work, Jerome did much literary work; and he also indulged in many controversies.

He was certainly a man of remarkable ability and of untiring zeal. And while there was that in his life which is not commendable, he may well be an example for all, in this, that he turned away from that which was naturally pleasing to him, and which offered a fine field for his ambition, in order to devote himself to the study of the Scriptures.

Let me repeat again his prayer. “O Lord, Thou knowest that whenever I have and study secular manuscripts, I deny Thee.” Think of it, dear young reader. How many of you, if really honest with God, would be ready to say, O Lord, Thou knowest when I go here or there—or when I do this or that—I DENY THEE. Do we not many times deny Jesus in our ways and words and companionships? How solemnly His words should come home to our souls.

“If we deny Him. He also will deny us”! 2 Tim. 2:2.

May we, each one, with like self-denial to that of Jerome, turn from other things to read and ponder God’s word. If we do, we will find it a mine of wealth.

Treasures of wisdom and knowledge are there, whose value is greater than that of rubies or fine gold. Men go through hardship and peril, hazarding their lives often, for the treasures of earth which perish.

If only we will search with earnestness and prayer for the imperishable treasures stored in God’s blessed word, we will find what will be of value to us throughout eternity.

ML 03/30/1902

Jesus and Those Who Leave All to Follow Him.

MARK 10:28-31.

WHEN Peter heard what Jesus said about riches, he said to Jesus, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee.” Jesus then began to show them how much was to be gained in doing so. He said, “Verily I say unto you, there is none that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

Just think, dear children, “a hundredfold now in this time,” and in the world to come eternal life! What a wonderful gain! Is it not worthwhile, then, to follow Jesus? There may be persecution; but that will soon come to an end, and then an eternity with Jesus! But even in this life Jesus promises a hundredfold gain, along with the persecutions. If persecution comes, Jesus is with us in it, and sustains us, and fills us with “joy unspeakable and full of glory” in the midst of it. See 1 Peter 1:6 8. The unbeliever does not know anything about this. He does not understand how a Christian can suffer for Christ, and be happy in it. But the believer understands it, when he has proved the truth of it by being faithful to Christ among His enemies.

Trials may come, and will come, if we are faithful to Christ; but we need not fear. Jesus can deliver from the trial, or if He sees it best that we should suffer it, He will sustain us in it, and fill our hearts with comfort. And when all the trials here are over, He will take us where He is, where the joy and the glory exceed all that tongue can tell. Oh! we cannot measure the unspeakable blessedness we shall have with Jesus. Let us, then, dear children, own Jesus as our Saviour, and follow Him, till He takes us to be with Himself.

ML 03/30/1902

Sunshine.

“The sunny hours of childhood!”

How pleasant, fresh, and bright;

But, like the morning sunbeams,

They quickly take their flight.

O’er hearts that now are lightest

A cloud may soon arise,

And faces that are brightest

Be dimm’d by tearful eyes.

If we would glow with gladness,

The path of pleasure trace,

Then we, to banish sadness,

Must gaze on Jesus’ face.

‘Tis sunshine to be dwelling

Where all is Light and Love;

And bliss, all thought excelling,

To rest in Christ above.

He is the Sun and centre

Of heaven’s delightsome land;

And blest are they who enter,

And in His presence stand,

The Lamb adoring, praising,

Who once on earth was slain;

To God the Father raising

The ever joyous strain.

ML 03/30/1902

Not Heaven but Christ.

MR.— was a man of much intellectual vigor and many engaging qualities. He had a loving wife and several bright, beautiful children, but with all these joys he had one dreadful trial—he was blind from his birth.

An eminent French surgeon while in this country called upon him, and examining the blind man with much interest and care, said to him: “Your blindness is wholly artificial; your eyes are naturally good, if I had operated upon them twenty years ago I. think I could have given you sight. I may possibly be able to do so now, though it will cause much pain.”

“I can bear that,” was the reply; “if you can but enable me to see.”

The surgeon operated upon him, and was gradually successful; first there were faint glimmerings of light, then more distinct vision. The blind father was handed a rose; he had smelt one before, but had never seen one; then he looked upon the face of his wife, who had been so true and faithful to him; and then his children were brought, whom he had so often fondled, and whose charming prattle had so frequently fallen upon his ears.

He then exclaimed: “Oh, why I have seen all of these before inquiring for the man by whose skill I have been enabled to behold them! Show me the doctor.” And when he was pointed out to him, he embraced him, with tears of gratitude and joy.

So, when we reach heaven, and with unclouded eyes look upon its glories, we shall not be content with a view of these. No, we shall say, “WHERE IS CHRIST? He to whom I am indebted for bringing me to this glorious place and enjoying its beauties; show Him to me, that with all my soul I may adore and praise Him through endless ages.”

ML 03/30/1902

He Kept Back the Duke.

MANY years ago in England a man had a field of choice grain which was nearly ready to be harvested. It being the fall of the year, the Duke of Wellington and his attendants were out horse back on a chase for foxes. The owner of this field, knowing that by crossing it, they would destroy much grain, stationed his little boy at its entrance, and commanded him to suffer no one on any account to enter the field. Faithful to his duty the little boy remained at his post, until the swiftly riding party came up, the Duke commanding the gate to be opened.

The lad, in true reverence to a superior, lifted his hat and said, “I do not suppose that the Duke of Wellington will compel me to open this gate, which my father has commanded me to keep closed, and on no account to suffer it to be opened.” Such a reply the Duke was not able to resist, and turning his horse, he and his party rode away.

The boy feeling happy that he had fulfilled his father’s command, and that he was able to turn back such a great man, triumphantly shouted, “I have done what Napoleon could not do: I have kept back the Duke of Wellington!”

Children, let us always be faithful to do God’s will, and fulfill what He has commanded us.

ML 03/30/1902

Answers to Questions of February 2nd.

1. “For Christ also bath,” etc. 1 Peter 3:18.

2. “Enoch.” Jude 14.

3.“And account that the,” etc. 2 Peter 3:15.

4.“Receiving the end of,” etc. 1 Peter 1:9.

5.“God is love.” 1 John 4:8,

6.“Of which salvation the,” etc. 1 Peter 1:10.

7.“Demetrius 3 John 12.

“FEAR GOD.” 1 Peter 2:17.

Bible Questions for April.

The answers are to be found in the Gospel of Matthew, and the first letter of each answer will spell the name of Him of whom it was said, “He shall save His people from their sins.”

1.Who was it that said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth”?

2.In what place was Joseph when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel”?

3.What was the name of the man who was compelled to bear the cross of Jesus?

4.Who was the mother of Solomon?

5.Who is to come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him?

ML 04/06/1902

Paradise.

WHAT a charming scene we have before us! As we gaze at the old mill, half hidden among the trees: at the water dashing down over the rocks and turning the wheel which sets the machinery inside in motion; at the fine large trees which make refreshing shade; at the mountains in the distance with their peaks stretching upward toward the sky; at the ducks swimming in the smooth pool below; and at the man and woman dipping up the clear water at the foot of the moss-grown steps, we cannot but think what a very pleasing picture it is. It seems restful to look upon it and to think of such a lovely spot.

Do you think such a place would be a Paradise on earth? Oh! no, it would not. It would perhaps be away from the evils and vices of the busy haunts of men, and it would be free from the bustle and hum and dirt of the noisy city; but it would not be a spot where difficulties were not found, and where sorrows would not come, and where the trail of the serpent would not be seen. It will only be when we reach the Paradise above that we will find a scene of beauty and joy that will fully satisfy the heart, and that will have in it nothing to give sorrow or trial.

It is happy to enjoy the beautiful scenes in nature that God sets before us; but I trust my little readers will not seek their enjoyment in these things.

“Seek those things which are above. where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Col. 3:1.

ML 04/06/1902

Jesus Going up to Jerusalem.

Mark 10:32-34.

JESUS and His disciples were on the way up going up to Jerusalem, where He was to suffer the Just for the unjust, in order that guilty sinners might be pardoned and saved. There was something in the manner of Jesus that made the disciples both wonder and fear. He “went before them, and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.”

The disciples evidently felt that something extraordinary was about to happen, but although Jesus had told them before that He was going to be killed (Mark 9:31,) they did not understand it. So Jesus “took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him, saying, Behold we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they shall mock Him, and spit upon Him, and shall kill Him; and the third day He shall rise again.”

Oh! what a path of sorrow lay before Jesus, as He thus journeyed on. And He knew all about it, but did not turn back. He loved us so well, that He was ready to lay down His life for us, and to suffer shame and reproach that others might be blessed.

Luke tells us (Chap. 9:51) that “when the time was come that He should be received up, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” It was God’s will that He should go there to die; and He knew how much He must suffer, but this did not make Him hesitate, nor hang back. He “went before” His disciples, and led the way, although He knew that the buffeting, and the spitting, and the crown of thorns, and all the horrors of the cross were before Him. But He also knew that He should rise again. He could look beyond death to resurrection, assured that He would triumph for us over all the power of Satan. And so He pressed on with such energy that the disciples were amazed. Oh! what a Saviour is Jesus! Surely, dear children, we may well trust Him. Is He not worthy that we should both trust Him as our Saviour, and follow Him as our Lord and Master?

ML 04/06/1902

Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brothers.

WHEN Judah and his brothers reached Joseph’s house, they found him still there, and they fell before him on the ground. Now they were passing through keen sorrow. Perhaps Joseph was testing them to see if they really had affection for their father and for Benjamin. He said to them, What is this that you have done? Judah, who had promised to be surety for Benjamin, was the ono who spoke. He said, What shall we say unto my lord? What shall we speak? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. Joseph said, No, the man in whose hand the cup was found should be his slave, and the rest should go back to their father.

Then Judah came near to Joseph, for he was in great trouble and sorrow about Benjamin; and he said, Oh, my lord let thy servant speak a word in my lord’s ears; he then asked him not to be angry, and he recounted his promise to his father to take Benjamin safely back and that if he did not take him to him, he would bear the blame forever. He said his father’s life was bound up in the lad’s life, and if he did not take Benjamin back, his father would die. Judah then pleaded to be allowed to be the slave instead of Benjamin, and let him go back with the others. For he said how could he go to his father and not have the lad with him, and see the sorrow that should come upon his father.

Joseph’s heart was touched to the depths; he, could hide his feelings no longer. He cried to cause every man to go out from him. When he was left alone with his brothers he made himself known to them. And he wept aloud, so that those in Pharaoh’s house heard him. And he said to his brothers, I AM JOSEPH. When they heard this, instead of being full of joy, they were greatly troubled. They had been feeling their guilt towards their brother, and they felt that God was dealing with them for it, and now to learn suddenly that this great one before whom they stood was the very brother they had thought to kill, did not bring comfort to them. But oh! how tenderly and graciously Joseph spoke. He told them to come near to him; and they came near. Then he said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land; and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me, hither, but God; and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”

Was it not most beautiful, the way that Joseph spoke, dear children? Ponder it well. Think of the grace in his heart towards his brothers, after all their unkindness to him; and notice how instead of throwing blame upon them, he traces God’s hand for good in all he had been passing through. It was not they, it was God who had sent him there.

Would that we could all thus recognize the hand of God as controlling all things; and that the very things, which may seem to be against us, are but being made to work out God’s great purposes of love toward us.

When Joseph had thus spoken he made mention of his father, telling them to hasten back and bring his father down to him; they must not tarry; they were all to come with their children, and children’s children, and their flocks and their herds, and dwell near Joseph, and he would nourish them, for there were yet five years of famine to come, and poverty would overtake them if they were not cared for. And they were to tell their father that God had made his son Joseph, lord of all Egypt. And they were to tell him of all the glory he had in Egypt, and of all they had seen. Then again he bade them haste to bring his father down to him.

When he was through speaking he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck; then Joseph kissed all his brothers and wept. After that they talked with him. I suppose their hearts were assured at last.

What a lovely scene it is! And what tenderness, and grace on the part of Joseph toward his erring brothers. May our hearts ponder it well, and may we profit by it!

We have in this a picture of the true Joseph who will make Himself known in grace and tenderness to His erring brethren, when they shall look upon Him whom they have pierced. Zech. 12:10.

ML 04/06/1902

A Letter From One of Our Little Friends.

Boonah, Queensland, Aus.

Dear Mr. Hartt.

I answer the Questions in “Message of Love.” Mr. Bickerton has a Sunday-school at his house and that is where we learn of our “Shepherd,” who is ready to save. I wish you would ask our Heavenly Father to bless our Sunday-school.

Your loving friend,

J. B.

ML 04/06/1902

See Saw.

HERE are some children playing see-saw, over an old log. What a nice place they have for a play-ground. Their big brother is sitting on the log holding the baby, while mother is busily gathering twigs to build a fire.

There are three more boys watching them from a distance. They look as if they might soon come and join in the play. If we look at the picture closely we will see that one of the boys does not look as happy as the other one. What can be the trouble? Now we can see. The largest boy has taken the longest end of the board and is now resting on the ground and keeping the smaller boy high in the air. He seems to be laughing at his brother who looks a little bit frightened and holds to the board with both hands. The big brother seems to be laughing and enjoying the joke, but we cannot help wishing that he will tell his brother to let the smaller boy down from his high position and play see-saw in the right way. He would probably not enjoy being in his little brother’s place, and it would be far better if both boys were laughing instead of one.

Let us learn from this picture, never to tease any one even if we are good natured about it. We, ourselves, do not like to be teased and very often the teasing ends in tears and cross words. It is better to play kindly and happily with all of our playmates. The Bible tells us,

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matt. 7:12.

Let us try, as this verse would teach us, to put ourselves in the place of others when we are tempted to tease and may we learn to be always kind and considerate.

ML 04/13/1902

Joseph Meets His Father.

WHEN Pharaoh heard that Joseph’s brothers had come, he and his servants were much pleased, and Pharaoh showed great kindness to Joseph. He told him to tell his brothers to load up their beasts and go to the land of Canaan, and bring their father and their households and come back and live there and he would give them of the good of the land of Egypt. They were to take wagons along to bring their wives and children, and they were not to mind bringing their goods as the best of the land of Egypt was put at their disposal. Now this was exceedingly kind on the part of Pharaoh, but I think it shows how highly he prized Joseph and his work.

And does it not, dear young reader, give us a faint conception of the delights of the glorious land to which we who love Jesus are going! Chariots will be provided for us and on the wings of the wind we will ascend; what is necessary to us here will all be left behind, for the good of the land to which we are going will be opened up to our wondering eyes. Ah! the things that God bath prepared for them that love Him are beyond what eye can see, or ear has heard, or thoughts that have entered the heart of man. But God, by His spirit, gives His own, a blessed foretaste of these things.

So Joseph got wagons ready as Pharaoh had directed, and gave his brothers provision for the way, and he gave all of them presents of clothing, but to Benjamin five times as much as to the others; and he, loaded, ten donkeys with the good things of the land of Egypt for his father, and ten other donkeys with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. Then he sent them away, telling them not to quarrel on the road.

When they reached their father they told him that Joseph was yet alive, and that he was governor over all the land of Egypt. Jacob could not at first believe this wonderful news, and his heart fainted. But when they told him of Joseph’s kindness, and his loving message to him, and he saw all the wagons and fine things they had brought him, his spirit began to revive; and he said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive; I will go and see him before I die.

So Jacob, or Israel, got. his sons and his daughters and his grandchildren and their cattle and all their possessions together and took their journey toward Egypt. When they reached Beer-sheba, where Isaac had lived, Jacob stopped to offer offerings to the God of his father Isaac. In the night God spoke to him telling him that He was the God of his father. He told him also not to be afraid but go down to Egypt and He would go with him and would surely bring him back; and He would make of him a great nation. He also told Jacob that Joseph should put his hands on his eyes.

Thus assured, Jacob rose up and went on his journey, knowing that God was with him, and knowing, too, that he would see his son Joseph again. He sent Judah on before to let Joseph know that he was coming When Joseph got the joyful word, he made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father. And what a meeting it was! Joseph fell on his neck and wept a long time. And Jacob’s heart was full. He said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.”

When this touching and affectionate greeting was over, Joseph said he would go and tell Pharaoh that they had come, and he would ask for them to come to see him, and they were to tell him that their occupation was about cattle, for shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians.

And Joseph took some of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh spoke very kindly to them and asked them what their occupation was; they told him they were shepherds and took care of the flocks. He then told Joseph to put them in the best part of the land and if there were good men among them let them take care of his cattle too. So Joseph did according as Pharaoh had said. He placed his father and brothers in the best of the land, and he nourished his father and cared for all his household.

Thus Jacob was surrounded with love and plenty, and his lost one was restored to him again. I wonder if his thoughts ever turned back to the dark days when he said, All these things are against me, and if he traced God’s hand in the working of power and love at that very time!

ML 04/13/1902

Brave Bobby.

A LITTLE child was lost overboard at sea. A large, splendid St. Bernard dog was aboard the ship, and he was sent out into the deep to rescue the little one. The dog succeeded in reaching the child, and firmly seized it in its strong mouth; but just as he was about to return to the ship with his precious charge, a fierce shark appeared and was seen to pursue the dog and child that he might destroy them. A man on board the vessel quickly seized his rifle and, taking careful aim, fired. The blood that followed in the wake of the shark told that it had been killed. In a few moments, the dog and child were lifted on board, and a feeling of great relief and thankfulness filled every heart. Bobby was patted and caressed fondly for the brave and noble deed he had done. And a shout of joy went up from the crowd, as they together exclaimed: “Hurrah! Hurrah! Bobby is safe: the shark is killed.”

We, too, like the helpless infant in the great sea, are by nature lost and without strength. We needed a Mighty One to rescue and save us. The enemy of our souls would quickly destroy us, if he could. But there was One more powerful than he that went into death’s dark waters to rescue us from the devil’s power. By death the Lord Jesus destroyed the power of the devil. The great victory has been won by Him.

And now we need only to give ourselves up to Him as helpless and powerless, trusting in Him, believing His word, and He saves us.

“He hath bruised the head of our mighty foes,

For us was His victory!”

ML 04/13/1902

Are You Ready?

Matt. 25:10.

Are you ready now to enter

In with Christ, the coming One?

Of your hope is He the center,

Who so soon is sure to come?

Have you heard the solemn warning

He is sounding everywhere?

Are you waiting for the morning,

When the saints His glory share?

Do you know the world is sleeping,

And in vain they hear the cry?

Are you of the few that’re keeping

Watch for Him with anxious eye?

Those who have in Him believed,

They on earth would not abide,

For they wait to be received,

When He comes to take His bride.

These take oil while they are going,

And of Him they love to speak:

In their life they’re ever showing

That ‘tis Christ alone they seek.

See the many onward moving,

Who profess this Christ to love;

Yet their ways are daily proving

They can never dwell above.

With no oil they start to meet Him,

And their lamps would feign to shine;

But they never yet received Him,

And the world’s their native clime.

They go forth; but who are worthy

With the Lord to enter there?

Those that know Him, they are worthy,

And the Saviour’s home shall share.

All the rest are still found wanting,

For they do not know His name;

They did not receive the warning,

And they have themselves to blame.

So the ready ones shall gather

To a place that’s bright and fair,

To be with the Lord forever,

All His joy and love to share.

ML 04/13/1902

Keep Them Out.

I DON’T want to hear naughty words,” said a little boy.

“It’s no matter,” said another boy, “what Joe Smith says; it goes in at one ear and out at the other.”

“No,” rejoined the other little boy, “the worst of it is, when naughty words get in they stick. So I shall do my best to keep them out.”

It is much easier to keep naughty words out before they get in than it is to turn them out after they are once admitted. It is easier to soil a piece of paper than it is to clean it; and the Scripture says the man whom God approves and blesses is one who “stoppeth his ears from the hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.” Evil outside is bad enough, but evil within poisons the very fountain of life.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.

ML 04/13/1902

Follow Me.

WHILE speaking to some of the little girls in her class one day a teacher in a Sunday-school asked them what two words the Lord Jesus said to Philip. “Follow me,” was the prompt response. “Then,” said she, “these two words also apply to you if Jesus has called you. What is your answer?” One said, “I mean to follow Him some day.” Another, “I should like to follow Him.” But one little girl did not make any reply to the question though she was very attentive and thoughtful: and so the class separated. The next Sunday the silent little girl put a note into her teacher’s hand which read as follows:

“I came to Jesus this afternoon and now my answer to your question is, ‘I will arise and follow my own dear Saviour.’”

ML 04/13/1902

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

Dear Mr. Hartt:

I received your kind letter some time ago, also received a “Message of Love” Almanac and many thanks for it.

I am glad to hear that all my answers are correct, as I like nothing better than to search the blessed word for them.

Your prayers have been answered, as I have come to the Lord as a sinner, unworthy of His love, by believing in His finished work, washed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son which cleanseth us from all sin.

I have been thinking a great deal about Heb. 2:3. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.” But I do not fear it now as God has given us John 3:16, 17. Thank the Lord for all His goodness.

I am very sincerely,

E. N. S.

ML 04/13/1902

The Nightingale.

TODAY we see in our picture two nice looking birds perched on the branches among the sweet flowers. The larger bird has his mouth open, and is perhaps singing his beautiful song; for the nightingale, or “singer of the night,” is noted far and wide for the surpassing loveliness of his voice. And when he returns to England, and other parts of Europe, after his winter’s stay in the south, his sweet tones may be heard for weeks, at all hours of the day and night.

His plumage is not so bright and beautiful as that of some birds, but his song is surpassingly sweet.

I wonder how many of my dear young readers are like the nightingale— not clothed with that which will make an outward show but making sweet melody in their heart to the Lord; it may be not in audible tones, but in the heart, in a way that is very precious to Him who loves them. He gives “songs in the night” to His. dear ones. May our hearts be found going out to Him in sweet melody, night and day; like the lovely notes of the nightingale which so delights its hearers!

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” Ps. 51:23.

ML 04/20/1902

Joseph Presents His Father to Pharaoh.

WHEN Joseph took his father and placed him before Pharaoh, Jacob blessed the king. God tells us in Hebrews that “the less is blessed of the better;” and so it was in this case. Pharaoh was a great king, ruling over what was perhaps the greatest kingdom of the world at that time; but Jacob, poor, failing man that he had been, was the Lord’s servant, and dear in His sight, and so was better than proud Egypt’s king.

Jacob no doubt recognized the kindness that Pharaoh had shown his son Joseph and he blessed him with a full heart.

Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was. Jacob replied that the years of his pilgrimage were a hundred and thirty, and added, “Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.” One hundred and thirty years would seem to be a very long life now, would it not? But Jacob spoke of his days being few because he had not lived as long as his fathers had lived. And, too, the longest life, when it has come to an end, looks short to look back upon it. How many there are, who, at the end of a misspent life, vainly wish to recall the days that are gone, that they might live them in a different way. May you, dear children, live well the days that are given you, whether they be few or many!

But Jacob spoke also of his days having been evil. No doubt he looked back in thought, and saw many of the failures that had come into his life, and his heart was saddened through them. Sooner or later, we, too, will regret the failures that have come into our lives. Happy for us if we are living in daily communion with the Lord, learning in His presence, and thus kept from these sad things which afterwards bring remorse and sorrow to the heart. A course of deception may, at the time, seem very clever; and even a child of God may be found in such a course, as was Jacob; but there will surely be a reaping time of bitterness to follow this, or any course that is contrary to God.

Jacob did not die at once after reaching the land of Egypt and being restored to his long lost Joseph. God permitted this devoted father and son to have seventeen years together in that strange land; that was the same number of years they had had together in the land of Canaan, before Joseph was so rudely taken away. And during all these years in Egypt, Joseph nourished his dear old father and cared for him; and he cared for his brothers also.

Before the dreadful famine came to an end, the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted because of it. After the people’s money was gone, they gave up their cattle to get something to eat.

And when the cattle were gone, they gave their land to Pharaoh for bread. But at last the seven long years of dearth came to an end, and then Joseph gave seed to the people, and they were allowed to plant their land if they would give to Pharaoh the fifth part of the increase. They said to Joseph, Thou hast saved our lives; let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.

ML 04/20/1902

Jesus and the Sons of Zebedee.

Mark 10:35-40.

JAMES and John, the two sons of Zebedee, had a favor to ask of Jesus. They desired to be permitted to sit, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left hand of Jesus in His glory.

Was not this a selfish request? Why should these two disciples seek for themselves the best place? Did they think themselves more deserving than any of the other disciples? If not, why should they not wish for others equally as good a place as for themselves?

Scripture says: “Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” If we did this, we would not be trying to get the first place, but would be content to let others have better places: than ourselves; and we would be content to get just the place that Jesus will give us in His glory.

But these two disciples loved Jesus, and when He, asked them if they could drink of the cup that He drank of, and be baptized with the baptism that He was baptized with, they said, “We can.” They were willing to suffer with Jesus, so as to have a place with Him in glory. And Jesus told them that they should do so. He was rejected in this world, and was about to be put to death by those that hated Him; and they were willing to drink of the same cup, so as to be in the same glory. But Jesus did not tell them that they should sit on His right hand and on His left. This privilege He could give only to those for whom it was prepared. And if Jesus has so loved us as to lay down His life for us, do you not think we can trust Him to give us the best place He can, when He takes us to glory?

Dear young reader, do you love Jesus? Are you willing to drink of His cup? Are you willing to be an outcast in this world so as to have a place with Him in glory? Well Jesus has died for you, and if you trust Him, you will not only be saved, but Jesus will give you a place with Himself in glory.

ML 04/20/1902

Adventures in the Woods.

A PERSON with whom I am acquainted, and who was located for some time on a large island on the west coast of North America, was in the habit of paying an occasional visit to one of the extensive woods which are found in that island, with the object of shooting game, or of fishing in the lakes. On one occasion he and another person started early in the morning to spend the day together in that manner, taking with them their revolvers and fishing tackle, as well as a supply of provisions. During the freshness of the morning they walked a considerable distance, not meeting with a single human being all the way. They then sat down under some trees, and while resting themselves, partook of the refreshments which they had brought.

After this, the younger of them, wishing to reach a certain lake, in which it was reported there was abundance of fish, left his companion in order to go in search of it, though advised by him not to do so. But, as he was bent upon making the attempt, his friend, who was the more experienced, gave him strict injunctions not to lose sight of certain waymarks, which he pointed out to him. They then parted, making arrangements as to where they should meet in an hour or two. The elder one, who is my informant, did not venture far from the spot from which they separated; and he told me that when he was left by himself, the sense of loneliness and silence was so intense that he felt quite oppressed by it, though he is by no means a fearful man. It being then about midday, and the heat very great, even the animals were quiet, doubtless enjoying a tranquil repose.

The young man, being thus by himself and under no restraint, started off in high spirits, and soon forgot the warning which his friend had given; for, fancying that he could see the object of his desire at a short distance from him, he pressed on with ardor to reach it, and lost sight of the marks which were to serve as sign-posts to him. But, after all, he did not find the lake, which, like the mirage, seemed to retreat farther from him the more he strove to reach it. At length to his dismay, he awoke to the fact that he was lost in the depths of the wood, and a feeling of wretchedness then came over him. He shouted out again and again, at the top of his voice, but heard only the mocking of its echo in reply. He fired off some of the charges of his revolver, but the reports brought no return, either from friend or foe. He then climbed a lofty pine tree, in the hope that he might see from thence some trace of human habitation, or at all events discover some way out of the wood; but in vain, for all that he could see was an apparently interminable forest. The day, by this time, was fast declining, and the idea of passing the night alone in such a place, when, among other animals, the puma and the bear might be ranging abroad, was dreadful to him. He walked about hither and thither, without guide or compass, not knowing which way to turn. At length, however, after wandering about for some hours, he through the mercy of God, had the inexpressible pleasure of meeting his friend and again looking him in the face. That friend had himself felt much alarm on his account, and was delighted to see him, even though it was then late in the evening, and they still had a long way to go. The young man, who was much exhausted, was greatly refreshed by some wine and milk which his friend then gave him. It was very late when they reached home, and it was some days before he was thoroughly recovered. He used often afterwards to say that, if he had not partaken of that wine and milk, he believed that he should, have died.

If it is so dreadful to be lost in the wood, like this young man, who would take his own way, and, contrary to his friend’s advice, go in search of the object of his heart’s desire, which, as we have seen, he never reached, how much more fearful it is for one to be lost as a sinner, turning away from the only One who can save, pursuing the down ward course of self-will, pleasure-seeking and unbelief, ending in “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord!” But, on the other hand, how blessed it is for one that is lost, and who is made conscious that he cannot, by any effort of his own, find a way to escape from his terrible condition, to know that Jesus came both to seek and save that which was lost! “All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the’ iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6). Such is the language which they who have fled to Jesus for refuge, and who are “found in HIM,” through believing on His name, are now privileged to utter, in thankfulness of heart to the praise of God our Saviour, who sent His only-begotten Son into the world that we “might live through Him.”

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isa. 55:1.

ML 04/20/1902

I Belong to Him.

“SUPPOSE the Lord came tonight, would you be taken up to be forever with Him?” I asked a little girl the other day. Never shall I forget the happy expression on her face as she replied, “Oh yes!”

“What makes you so sure?” I asked further; and her simple and beautiful answer was “I belong to Him.”

It was enough. “Ye belong to Christ” we read in Mark 9:41. also “Ye, are Christ’s” in 1 Cor. 3:23. The dear child had learned this precious truth; she belonged to Christ and could not be left behind when He came for His own. As the little verse has it:

“And this I shall find,

For such is His mind,

He’ll not be in glory

And leave me behind.”

“I belong to Him.” How much is in these four little words! Happiness and security for time and for eternity.

ML 04/20/1902

"What Is Prayer?"

A LITTLE deaf and dumb girl was once asked by a lady. who wrote the question on a slate, “What is prayer?” The little girl took her pencil, and wrote the reply, “Prayer is the wish of the heart.” And so it is. All fine words and beautiful verses said to God do not make real prayer; it must be the sincere desire of the heart.

ML 04/20/1902

Rest.

WHAT a soothing, peaceful scene we have before us! The cows are quietly enjoying the cool, refreshing water, or resting on the greensward; and the laborers of the day are wending their way homeward to get their evening meal and have a night’s rest after their day of toil. This sweet picture carries one’s thoughts on to the blessed rest that awaits God’s people when the toils and sorrows of this poor world will be forever at an end. Here below we may have a night of rest, but the labors of the day must be taken up again; and for many there is an almost ceaseless round of toil. But all this will come to a happy end for those who are the Lord’s, when they are taken home to be with Him. A rest which will never be broken will then be entered upon. It will not be a scene of inactivity where rest itself would become irksome, but a scene of untiring activity filled up with unceasing, unending delights. The body will know no weariness; the spirit will know no sorrow: no discordant note will mar the harmony, the peace, the bliss of that perfect scene. The rest will be undisturbed, unbroken, and yet filled up with joy. Such is the rest that God has prepared for those that love Him.

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Heb. 4:9.

ML 04/27/1902

Joseph and His Two Sons.

At last the time drew near when Jacob must die. He called his son Joseph to him and made him solemnly promise not to bury him in the land of Egypt, but to carry his body to the land of Canaan that he might lie with his fathers. Egypt was a strange land, while Canaan was the land that God had promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob; and Jacob wanted his body to be carried back to this land of promise.

One day, after Joseph had made this promise, he got word that his father was sick, and he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and went to see him.

When Jacob heard that Joseph was coming, he strengthened himself and sat up in bed to talk with him. He told Joseph that God Almighty had appeared to him in the land of Canaan, and had blessed him and told him that He would give that land to him and to his children for an everlasting possession. “And now,” he said, “thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reu ben and Simeon they shall be mine.” In this way these two sons were to come in for their share in the inheritance of the land of Canaan, while the rest of the children that Joseph would beget, should not.

Jacob then told Joseph to bring his sons near. When they came to him be kissed them and embraced them. Then he said to Joseph that he had not thought to see his face again, but God had not only granted him this, but had also allowed him to see his children. His heart was filled with gratitude when he thought of all God’s love and goodness toward him.

Then Joseph took his two sons, placing Manasseh, the older of the two, at his father’s right hand, and Ephraim, the younger, at his left hand. Israel’s eyes were dim with age, and he could not see, but he shrewdly guided his hands; reaching the right one over, he placed it on Ephraim’s head, and his left hand he placed on Manasseh’s head. With his hands in this position, he blessed Joseph and the two lads. And he said, “Let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.”

But Joseph was displeased when he saw that his father had laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, and he held it up to change it, saying, “Not so, my father; for this is the first-born; put thy right hand upon his head.” But his father refused to do this, and said, “I know it; my son, I know it; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he.” Through Jacob’s taking these two lads as his own, they and their posterity were called the children of Israel, and they were counted as Israel’s sons.

Israel then said to Joseph, “Behold I die; but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the. land of your fathers.” How comforting it must have been to Joseph’s heart to have his dear, old father tell him that God would be with him—the God who had watched over and cared for him in all his earthly path!

Israel then called his twelve sons to him and blessed them each one, telling them, as guided of God’s spirit, what would happen to them and to their posterity. When through with this, he charged them to bury him with his fathers. After getting through with what he had to say to his sons, he lay down in bed and died.

Jacob had, in many ways proved the love and goodness of God; and when the end came, trusting in God, he could call down His blessings upon his children, and his children’s children.

ML 04/27/1902

Pray for Your Friends.

ONE evening onboard a ship in one of our southern ports, an earnest address was being given by a servant of God, who, with another, had rowed off to where the ship lay anchored, and finding the captain a Christian, had obtained his permission to speak to the crew. The meeting was nearly over, and most had listened with considerable attention to the old yet ever new, story of Jesus and His love, when the attention of the speaker was drawn to two men who were evidently there only to mock. One especially, a great big burly sailor, showed plainly that he cared for none of these things, and that apparently, all the seed had been sown in vain as far as he was concerned. Seeing this, when the meeting was closed, and the speaker asked the men to stay for one moment while he told a short anecdote, and they accordingly resumed their seats. “A friend of mine,” he began, “went some time ago a long distance by rail to see an old acquaintance. He arrived late at night, and was shown up to his room. Early next morning he was out walking in the garden, when his host met him, and hoped he felt rested. ‘Yes, thank you,’ was the reply, given in a tone, however, that showed there was something more that might be said. ‘Was your bed quite comfortable? ‘asked his friend. ‘Well, to tell the truth,’ replied the other, ‘I never tried it.’ ‘What!’ exclaimed the gentleman amazed, ‘have you not slept after your long and fatiguing journey last night, and out so early, too this morning?’

‘No,’ was the reply, ‘I never tried the bed at all, for I was up all night praying for you.’ This reply so struck his friend with a sense of the importance of the question of salvation, that it led him direct to Christ, there to find peace and joy, and life.

“And now,” said the speaker, “during my address tonight I have observed with pain some here appearing quite careless about their souls, and I ask you (turning to his friend) to spend one hour tonight in prayer to God for these men.” Then, turning to the captain, he made the same request, which was heartily granted, promising to do the same himself.

On returning home, he shut himself up for one hour, crying to God for the scoffers on that ship, and feeling assured that God would in His own way, hear and answer the prayers. The other two did the same. On the following Tuesday (three or four days after) the two friends met again. “I have something good to tell you,” began the one who had accompanied the other to the preaching. “I prayed as you asked me, and felt very happy in doing so, and this morning being near the ship, I was hailed when passing in the boat by one of the crew. I went on board, and there found one of the scoffers in an agony of soul. He had seen me passing, and called me to speak to him about Christ. I need hardly tell you how gladly I did it, and before I left the man was a rejoicing believer.” The ship has just sailed for the north, but she has on board of her at least one witness that God hears prayer.

ML 04/27/1902

Jesus Come to Minister.

Mark 10:45.

WHEN James and John asked that they might have the highest place in the kingdom with Jesus, the other ten disciples were “much displeased.” They all had wrong thoughts about greatness. Their thoughts were merely human thoughts such as men of the world possess. They did not get them from God. And so Jesus had to instruct them, and teach them the thoughts of God.

Jesus told them that among the Gentiles their great ones exercised authority over the others. This was according to the thoughts of the world; but He told them it was not to be so among the disciples. If any one of them desired to be great, he should be a servant to the others, and if anyone wanted to be chiefest, or greatest, he should be the servant of all. And Jesus gives Himself as an example. He did not seek to be great by taking a place above the others, but He was great, and showed His greatness by taking the place of a servant.

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Blessed Saviour! He did not come into this world to have people serve Him, but He came to serve them, and even to give His life. This was the service of love. Poor sinners were in terrible need, and Jesus in the greatness of His love came to meet their need. And this He has fully done, but He did this by stooping down to serve, and this is true greatness.

Someone has said: “Love is great, and serves: selfishness is little, and likes to be served;” and this is, true. Well, we do not like to see selfishness in others. The ten disciples did not like to see it in the sons of Zebedee. Would we like to have others see it in us? Is it not very much better to be like Christ, in whom there was no selfishness, but who was full of love?

First believe in Jesus for the salvation of your soul, and then imitate His greatness by serving others in love.

ML 04/27/1902

The Prince's Mistake.

PRINCE Henry of Prussia, who has just recently been visiting in this country, had the pleasure of examining the memorable sword which Frederick the Great presented to George Washington. This sword had never been drawn from its scabbard, for Washington, in his will, specially requested that it should never be removed, except in defense of the country. The Prince knew nothing of the will of George Washington as to this, and so he unwittingly violated the express desire of that great general by drawing the sword from its scabbard.

Dear children, the Lord also has a sword, and it is referred to very many times in His Word. You will find the first mention of it in Gen. 3:24, and the last in Rev. 19:15. It is the awful sword of His righteous judgment, and concerning it He has spoken as follows; “If I whet My glittering sword, and Mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.” Deut. 32:41.

But at the present time that sword is laid aside in its scabbard. It is the day of God’s grace and long-suffering to the world. It is the acceptable time when He is showing mercy to poor sinners and saving them. And just as it was Washington’s will that his sword should not be used in time of peace, nor even drawn from its scabbard, so it is really the will of God that keeps His sword from being drawn in judgment now. You will find that will expressed in 1 Tim. 2:4.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Do you know, dear reader, that God really desires that you should be saved? And knowing this are you still unwilling to have Him save you?

The Prince drew out the sword not knowing the will of General Washington: but many who know God’s will, still go on rejecting His long-suffering mercy until He shall be compelled to draw His sword and render vengeance to His enemies. Jesus said that the servant who knew his Master’s will but prepared not himself should be beaten with many stripes. Have you prepared yourself by repenting and believing the gospel?

ML 04/27/1902

A Letter From the Editor.

Our dear young Friends: —We cannot tell you how thankful we are to the Lord for allowing us to send you a reward for the answers you have sent in to the Questions that have appeared in the little paper “Messages of Love”. As we have received the answers from so many, from month to month, it has been a great cheer to our hearts to know that many have in this way been helped to study the word of God. You may not now know the blessing that such study has, and will yet be, to you but if you are spared you will find that you have cause to thank the Lord for all you have learned of the truth He has given in His holy word. He has given us His word that we may know the way we may be saved and how we should walk to please Him, and thus be kept from the evil that is in this world. It is only as we walk according to its teachings that we can know what true happiness is. You will find as you grow up, that the enemy of your souls will have many temptations which he will put before you, and that he will do all in his power to turn you away, from the path of happiness, but the more you know of, and enjoy the truth of God, the less effect his temptations will have upon you. If you can say, as the Psalmist did. “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee” you need not fear what the evil one may say or do. Our prayer is that all our dear young friends may become so acquainted with the word of God; that its sacred contents may become so endeared to each heart, and its precious teaching obeyed, that each one may become a living testimony for Him, and in eternity be among those who receive from His lips those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”, and from His pierced hand receive a reward for many an act done in His name A life spent for Him brings rich reward both now and hereafter.

We have received a number of very nice confessions of Christ from our young friends, which has given us cause to praise the Lord. Have recently heard from one who found peace with God while looking for the answers. Her attention was directed to a certain scripture that God used to speak peace to her soul. We trust others, whom we have not heard from, have also received blessing to their souls.

As we are about to begin our fourth term of Questions, it would afford us much pleasure to hear from many others whose names we have not yet had in our books, as well as from those whose names we already have.

A nice service that both old and young could render to the Lord is to encourage as many as possible to take up this study, and never until we are with the blessed Lord Himself will we know what glory such service will bring to Him. Could you not encourage your brother, or sister, or father, or mother, or some distant relative, or a friend to send in their answers each month?

We are thankful to say that the number of names in our books has increased each term, and we hope to hear from many more this coming term.

Would ask the prayers of all the Lord’s people for much blessing on this work.

Occasionally packages go astray in the mail, so if you, who have been sending in your answers, do not receive your reward by the latter part of May, please let us know and we will have it traced by the postal authorities.

ML 05/04/1902

Answers to Questions of March 2nd.

1.“I am Alpha,” etc. Rev. 22:13.

2.“Come.” 22:17.

3.“O Lord, and,” etc. 15:4.

4.“Manasses.” 7:6.

5.“Even so, come,” etc. 22:20.

6.“Quickly.” 2:16.

7.“Unto Him that,” etc. 1:5.

8.“I will give unto,” etc. 21:6.

9.“Come and see.” 6:1, 3, 5, 7.

10.“King and Kings,” etc. 19:16.

11.“Lord God,” etc. 15:3.

12.“Yea, saith the,” etc. 14:13.

“I come quickly,” 22:7 ,12 or 20.

ML 05/04/1902

Bible Questions for May.

The answers are to be found in the Gospel of Mark, and the first letter of each answer will spell something that the Lord told His disciples to take heed to do.

1. Give the rest of this verse, “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another,” etc.

2. Give the remaining part of this verse, “Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath He done?”

3.When Pilate asked Jesus, “Art Thou the king of the Jews?” what answer did He give?

4.In what place was Jesus when He said to the man who was sick of the palsy, “Thy sins be forgiven thee”?

5.Give the name of the woman who was the cause of John the Baptist being beheaded.

6.What is the rest of this verse, “But whom say ye that I am?”

7.Give the verse containing these words, “He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.”

8. What is the meaning of “Talitha cumi”?

9.What is the rest of this verse, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness”?

10.Give the verse following these words, “The Son of man is betrayed into the bands of sinners.”

11.What was the name of Simon’s brother?

12.What answer did Jesus give to the two sons of Zebedee when they asked that they might sit, one on His right hand, and the other on His left hand, in the glory?

ML 05/04/1902

"Whatsoever Thy Hand Findeth to Do, Do It With Thy Might."

HERE is a little girl watching by the cradle of sleeping baby. She is not idly sitting there, longing for the times to pass, and murmuring because she has to watch the little one. Oh! no; fingers and thoughts are both busy. How earnest and patient she looks as she occupies herself with the knitting in her hands! Instead of discontent, which so many children feel when called upon to care for baby, there is a patient, sweet expression on her face that shows her task is being happily fulfilled.

Do you not think it is better, dear children, to do what we have to dc cheerfully, than to be full of growling and discontent? In the one case we will be happy and will make others happy; in the other case we will be miserable and will cast a shadow and gloom about us.

And let us seek to use well the time that God has given us, as this dear girl seems to be doing. When her task is over, perhaps she will get out for a nice play; and what a light, happy heart she can have after having been so faithful in duty.

When we work, let us work cheerfully and well. God tells us, “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccles. 9:10. Then, when the work is all done, will come the rest and pleasures. When the workers for Jesus have finished their work, they will have a sweet rest, and an eternity of pleasures and joy.

“In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11.

ML 05/04/1902

Jesus and Blind Bartimeus.

Mark 10:46-52.

WHAT a sad affliction for anyone to be blind! I am sure if any of us have good eye-sight, we can imagine what a terrible loss it would be to have it taken away. Well when Jesus was going out of Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd of people, He passed by where there was a poor blind man begging by the wayside.

This blind beggar evidently had heard about Jesus, and how He could open people’s eyes who were blind, and as Jesus was passing by he cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” People tried to make him be still, but he only cried the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Do you wonder that he cried out in this way, if he thought Jesus could open his eyes? No, I think we would have done the same thing, if we had been in his place.

Well, Jesus stopped on the way, and told them to call him. Then they called him, and said, “Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee.” Do you think the man was slow to answer that call? No, he threw aside his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. He made all possible speed. Jesus then asked him what he wanted, and the man prayed that he might receive his sight. “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”

Now, dear children, if you have not yet received Jesus as your Saviour, you have a greater need than blind Bartimeus. You are spiritually blind, and lost too. You need to have your spiritual eyes opened, and you need to be saved. Now, do you not think Jesus is just as ready to meet your need, as He was to meet the need of the blind beggar? Yes, just as ready. He has died that you might have salvation; and if you turn to Him, as Bartimeus did, He will save you just’ as quickly as He opened the beggars eyes. And then you will rejoice in being able to see with the eye of faith, and to follow Jesus in the way.

ML 05/04/1902

The City Saved by Geese.

IT is said that at one time when the city of Rome was invaded in the night by the enemy, that it was saved by some geese.

The geese were just outside the city and when the enemy approached, the geese became frightened and cackled. This cackling aroused the sleeping inhabitants of the city, and they immediately took to arms and drove back the enemy.

In a similar way, the judgment of God is approaching, and will soon overtake this sleeping world.

Reader, have you been warned of this judgment and have you fled for refuge to Jesus, “our deliverer from the coming wrath”? (1 Thess. 1:10)

ML 05/04/1905

The Open Door.

The door of mercy’s open still,

And Jesus cries, Whoever will,

By Me may enter in:

I am the door, and I have died,

Salvation’s door to open wide

For sinners dead in sin.”

Then if the door is opened wide,

And none were ever yet denied

Who sought to enter in,

Oh! could the very weakest say,

“I’m trying hard to find the way,

But cannot get within”?

Oh! no, for through this open door

Are countless numbers seen to pour,

Of sinners great and small;

And what Christ opens none can close,

Or send away the one that goes,

Obedient to the call.

Come, saying, “Lord, I’m very weak,

And could not now Thy blessing seek,

Unless Thou soughtest me;

But drawn by that inviting word

Which I have often read and heard,

I cast myself on Thee.”

ML 05/04/1902

A May Song.

WHAT a happy group of children we see in the picture! Why are they so happy? They are happy because God has sent them beautiful things to show His love. Look closely and you will see the bright, blue sky above them. They are sitting on a carpet of green with patches of beautiful spring flowers growing near. They have gathered many flowers. One little girl has her lap full; another has put some in her hair.

They have no care. Like the birds, God has given a voice to sing out their joy and happiness to Him. So they are singing a happy song now.

Singing is a way birds have of praising the Lord. Children can speak and thus in another way, give thanks and praise to Him who has died for them.

We should all be careful and use our voices to sing songs which are pleasing to the Lord. For His word tells us to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Ps. 103:l.

ML 05/11/1902

A Sharp Medicine.

IT is said that during the sixteenth century, when Elizabeth was queen of England, Sir Walter Raleigh won her favor by spreading his cloak down before her, as she was about to step over a muddy place in her path. And for this act of humiliating service to the queen, she made him one of her courtiers, and ever afterward esteemed him most highly.

But when James I. succeeded Queen Elizabeth to the throne, Sir Walter was no longer a favorite with the ruling sovereign, for the king did not regard him at all in a friendly manner. At length, finding some accusation against him, he ordered him to be beheaded and on a set day, Sir Walter was brought before the executioner. When everything was in readiness for the execution to proceed, Raleigh paused before the block upon which his head was soon to be placed, and balancing the executioner’s ax in his hand, felt its keen edge and said, “This is a sharp medicine: but it will cure all diseases.” Yes, and that was quite true, for after the ax had done its work, nothing would remain but a lifeless body; and, therefore, every disease and malady that man is heir to would come to an end.

God tells us that His word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. And that, dear reader, is the sharp medicine that cures every spiritual disease which sin has given rise to. When that word takes effect upon us, it leaves us entirely free from sin, as having power over us. Sin is no longer our ruling master that we should obey it in fulfilling its lusts. The Bible tells us that he that is dead is freed from sin. And every Christian is dead in God’s sight, for he is looked upon as having died with Christ. The word of God gives us a rpm life, and it is in the power of that new life, through the Spirit, that we are to walk and glorify God.

But while we are left in this world, we still have the old life and nature in us, but it forms no part of us in God’s sight; and we are not for a moment to allow it to control us, as it used to before we were converted. It is just because we still have sin dwelling in us that we need God’s word as a “sharp medicine” to search our hearts, and to keep them pure before Him. When His word keeps Us and controls us, then we “mortify our members that are upon the earth,” and we do not sin. We walk as those that are “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Christ Jesus.”

Another, precious lesson we may get from this little story is that of serving Jesus. We know certainly that we can do nothing to merit God’s favor as lost ones. Christ alone could do the work by which we are brought to God, forgiven and justified from all things.

But, then, as those who BELONG to Christ, we may gain His favor by being His loyal servants. Just as Sir Walter Raleigh debased himself and stripped himself of his cloak for the sake of the queen, so we may give up all that we have for Christ, and, laying aside our own honor, devote our lives to His dear service.

ML 05/11/1902

Jesus Riding on the Colt.

Mark 11:1-10.

JESUS was on His last journey up to Jerusalem, just a short time before they put Him to death. When He came near to the city, as He was at the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples to a village near by, telling them they would find a colt tied there, that no one had ever sat on. This colt they were to untie, and bring to Him. If anyone asked them why they were taking the colt, they were to say, “The Lord hath need of him;” then they would let the colt go. So the two disciples went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said, and when the men asked them why they were loosing the colt, they said Jesus had commanded them. Then they let them go; and they brought the colt to Jesus, and spread their garments on him and Jesus sat on him. “And many spread their garments in the way, and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”

About five hundred and fifty years before this a prophet of the Lord had foretold of this event. You will find it in the ninth chapter of Zechariah, and ninth verse, where the prophet says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

So we see this event gives us Jesus entering into Jerusalem as the King of Israel. It was not indeed on a golden chariot, with great pomp and glory, but “lowly” and sitting on “a colt the foal of an ass.” And He came bringing “salvation,” if only they would receive Him. And there was indeed a multitude who cried “Hosanna,” which means, “Save, we pray.” But alas! the rulers did not receive Him, and perhaps some who cried “Hosanna,” afterwards cried “Away with Him.” But whether they received Him or not, He was the King of Israel, and He had salvation for all who received Him in truth.

But Jesus knew very well that He was rejected as the King, and He would not stay overnight in Jerusalem. He entered Jerusalem according to the prophecy of Zechariah, and entered the temple, and looked around at everything, and then He went with his twelve disciples, and stayed overnight at Bethany, a little town about two miles out of Jerusalem. It would seem there were none to receive Him in the great city, even though He was the King, so He went to Bethany where His friend Lazarus was, whom He had raised up from the dead, and where Martha and Mary were, and perhaps other friends who believed on His name.

In another article we will see what followed. In the meantime, I want to ask you, dear children, if you have received Jesus in your hearts? Have you received Him as your Saviour? Have you cried Hosanna, save, we pray? Though hated and rejected by the rulers, many of the people cried Hosanna, and hailed Him as King; and even the children cried in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings” God “perfected praise” to His blessed Son. Oh! will not you, dear children, add your note of praise also to that blessed Saviour? He is worthy that you should believe on Him, who not only came as King, but who has died on the cross to make atonement for sin, so that He might save poor sinners like you and me. Believe on Him, and send forth the note of praise, “Hosanna in the highest.”

ML 05/11/1902

The Birth of Moses.

AFTER God had brought Abraham into the land of Canaan, and promised it to him for a possession, he told him that his seed should sojourn in a strange land, and that the people of this strange land should bring them into bondage, “and entreat them evil four hundred years.”

But God did not mean to leave them in this dreadful condition, so “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant; whose feet they hurt with fetters ... ... until the time that his word came . . . . the king sent and loosed him, and let him go free.

He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance; to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.”

Now, dear young readers, we have been going over the history of Joseph, and this brief sketch from God’s word will bring it afresh before us. Joseph was sent of God to that strange land; and, through him, his father and brothers and their households all went down to the land of Egypt. It was in this way that Abraham’s seed got into this strange land. You will remember how very kind and good King Pharaoh was to Joseph after he had interpreted his dream for him. and what great power he put in Joseph’s hand.

But Joseph died, and afterward his brothers died, and all that generation passed away— good King Pharaoh along with the rest, for death comes to all; the great and the mighty are just as surely its victims as the lowly and poor.

Although Joseph and his brothers had been taken away, God still caused the children of Israel to multiply, and to grow in power until they became stronger than their enemies; for the Egyptians had now become their enemies. After good King Pharaoh, who did so much for Joseph, was dead, a new king arose who did not know Joseph. It was another Pharaoh, for all the kings of Egypt. at that time, were called Pharaoh. This king saw that the children of Israel were more in numbers, and stronger than the Egyptians were, and he told his people that they ought to deal wisely with them for if war should arise they might join their enemies and fight against them, and put them out of the land. So they put task-masters over them to afflict them. But the more they afflicted the Israelites, the more they multiplied and grew. This grieved the Egyptians and they grew harder and harder on the children of Israel until they made their lives very bitter with hard bondage. They had to work with mortar and brick, and do all manner of service in the field; and this service was made very hard for them. But notwithstanding all this, the children of Israel still multiplied. I think most of my young readers will know so well why this was that I will not need to tell them.

The cruel king next thought of a plan that was very wicked and bad. He told the nurses, who took care of little babes, that they must kill every little boy that was born among the Hebrews, but they should allow the little girls to live. The king no doubt thought he would in this way weaken and destroy the people of whom he was so much afraid. But the nurses feared God and did not do as the king had commanded them. And God blessed these women and made houses for them because they feared Him more than they feared the king of Egypt.

Pharaoh was very angry but could do no hurt to these God-fearing women He tried then another plan. He told all his people that they should cast into the river every son that was born, but every daughter they should save alive.

It was at this time that a little boy was born to a grandson of Levi, who was one of Joseph’s brothers. When the mother of the child saw that he was fair and beautiful, she kept him hid for three months, for she did not want to have him thrown into the river. She and her husband had faith in God and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

But the time came when this devoted mother could no longer hide her darling child. She then gathered some of the rushes that grew on the brink of the river Nile. If you will look on your maps you will see this river which flows through the land of Egypt.

Out of these rushes the mother made a little ark; then she put slime and pitch on the outside of it so the water could not get through.

What tender, yearning thoughts must have filled her bosom as her hands fashioned this strange cradle! When it was ready she placed her dear child in it, then took it and laid it among the flags by the river side. We can only think her heart must have been wrung with sorrow to leave this child of her love in so perilous a place. But her faith was in God and she was sustained of Him.

It is most blessed, dear children, to have faith in God. Have you such faith?

ML 05/11/1902

Weighing.

HERE we see a very interesting picture. This girl and boy have put their two little pets into their father’s old-fashioned scales. They are trying to see which one weighs the most. Fido does not find the small, round pan very comfortable so he tries to jump down. Frank must hold him down with his hand. I fear they will have trouble when they try to let the two sides balance for the animals will not keep still long enough to be properly weighed.

These children are having almost as much trouble as some people (both big and little) who try to weigh good deeds, motives and actions against bad ones. Oftentimes God’s children desire to do things not always bad in themselves but about which they do not have a happy conscience. Then they become like these children. They bring up questions and arguments to meet the uneasiness of conscience and try to cheat themselves into believing the things to be right. So the troublesome struggle goes on in much the same way as the weighing shown in our picture.

How much better it would be if all of us would give up everything, no matter how dear to us, which causes us even the slightest doubts of conscience. Sometimes, sad to say, the matter is decided in the wrong way and then the Lord has to rebuke us for doing, the wrong thing, just as He did Belshazzar, the king (Dan. 5:5) when He told him by the mysterious handwriting on the wall, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

How sad it is to think of the coming day when God will weigh the deeds of men and will have to say to many, “Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity!”

Let us remember, in our daily life, these solemn words,

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccles. 12:14.

ML 05/18/1902

Little Henry's Prayer.

OUR readers have perhaps read of Napoleon Bonaparte, who, in his day, made many wars, fought many battles, conquered many countries, caused the death of millions, and overran nearly all Europe with his armies. Among other places thus invaded, his soldiers once entered a town in Silesia, where they took up their abode for the night, being quartered upon the inhabitants, by which is meant that each family in the place was compelled to furnish food and lodging for a certain number of soldiers.

One of these unfortunate families was that of a poor weaver, who had not even enough food in the house for his own children; how then could he provide for a company of soldiers? Nevertheless, he was expected to do so. A party of soldiers entered, and demanded to be supplied with bread and meat. In vain did he assure them that he had nothing for them; his refusal was taken as a proof of enmity, and his exasperated visitors threatened not only to destroy everything in the place, but to lay violent hands on himself, unless he satisfied their demands. Remonstrance was useless, and they had already begun the work of destruction, when a little boy of six years of age, named Henry, who had crept behind the stove for fear of these violent men, suddenly came forth from his hiding-place, and kneeling down before all at the feet of his terrified father, prayed thus, “O Thou merciful Saviour! make these soldiers merciful, that they may obtain mercy of Thee.”

That little prayer was heard. The little boy had confessed the Lord before them all, and the Lord owned him. One of the astonished soldiers turned to the rest and exclaimed, “Comrades, come away! God dwells in a house where there is prayer. Weaver,” said he to the father of the child. “we did not mean to harm you. Here’s a coin for you,” and throwing down a piece of money, they left the house.

“Them that honor Me I will honor.”

ML 05/18/1902

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

Mr. E. B. Hartt:

Dear Sir:— I have a small favor to ask you this time. I have a boyfriend at Sunday-school, who at first, started answering these Questions, but gave them up and said he had no time. If you would write him a letter concerning this and ask him to start again, I am sure it would bring him to understand that he should have a little time to spare where the Lord is concerned. His name and address is ... ... I have had no help from any one or from a concordance in finding the answers of these Questions. I may also say that I have taken the Lord for my Saviour, and feel much happier.

Hoping that you will not forget my small favor,

I remain yours,

R. B.

He is a kind and gracious Lord—

Love fills His gentle breast;

“Come unto Me,” is His own word,

“And I will give you rest.”

ML 05/18/1902

In a Hurry.

HOW many dogs do you see in this picture? Probably, most of you can count them. Why are they in such a hurry? Do you think someone is chasing them? Oh! no. They are hunting dogs, and have started out with their master after game.

When they were running along and came to this high fence, did they stop? The picture answers us as we look at it. Some of the dogs went through a place where the boards were loose, but many jumped right over the fence and away they went as fast as they could go. These dogs will not stop until they have brought the game to their- master. What the game is we cannot tell, but we will hope the master of these dogs is hunting it for food, as it is very cruel to kill any of God’s creatures merely for sport.

We can learn a lesson from this picture. It is the lesson of faithfulness. The; boy or girl, who loves the Lord and starts out to follow Him, will find many things in this life to overcome. Some of these things will be much harder than it is for these dogs to jump over this high fence. Satan is always trying to lead God’s children into something that will be displeasing to Him. If we are not faithful and very determined in following Him, we will lose the joy which every Christian should hale of serving Christ here below.

How much happier we will be, if, when we are through with this life, the Lord can say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou halt been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt. 25:21.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Eph. 5:1.

Barnabas “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”

ML 05/25/1902

Jesus and the Fig Tree.

Mark 11:12-14, 20, 21.

JESUS had spent the night in Bethany, and the next day was returning to Jerusalem to complete His testimony there. Being hungry, and seeing a fig tree in the distance, He went to it to see if He might find any figs on it. It had leaves, but no figs. It was just like the Jewish nation. The nation had leaves of a fair profession, but there was no fruit for God. If the nation had been bearing fruit for God, why should it reject His Son? Why should Jesus, the King of Israel, be hungry among His own people? It only showed that the nation was like the barren fig tree. Plenty of leaves, plenty of profession, but no fruit.

When Jesus saw that the tree had leaves but no figs He pronounced a curse upon it, that it should never bear fruit again. And the next morning as they were passing, they saw that the fig tree was dried up from the roots. And this is just the condition of the old nation of Israel. It rejected the Son of God, and bore no fruit, and a curse has fallen on the nation. It will never bear fruit again until it becomes a new nation—born anew, through the mighty grace of God. When Jesus comes again, the nation will be born anew. A new nation will spring up where the old one withered up under the curse.

But is not this truth applicable to individuals, as well as the nation of Israel? Are there not many individuals, both young and old, who have the leaves of profession, but bear no fruit? Ah! dear children, if you would bear fruit for God, you must be born again. Without this you cannot bear fruit. You may make a profession, but that is only leaves. God must have fruit, not leaves only. So if you want to bear fruit, you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, that you may get life and salvation, and then. through’ grace, you may be able to bear fruit for the Master.

ML 05/25/1902

Joseph Buries His Father.

ALTHOUGH Jacob lived to be an old, old man, his son Joseph did not cease to love and reverence him. And this is according to God’s own thought. He would have us love our parents; and He tells us, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head; and honor the face of the old man.”

When Jacob died, Joseph fell upon his face, and wept over him, and kissed him.

He had the physicians embalm his father’s body. And he mourned for his father; and the Egyptians mourned with him for seventy days. When the days of mourning were ended, Joseph made known to Pharaoh, his father’s wish to be buried in the land of Canaan, and the promise he had given to carry his body there.

Pharaoh was very kind; he told Joseph he should go, and he sent along with him his own servants, and officers and chief ones of the land of Egypt. In this way the king showed his esteem for Joseph, and also the sympathy he had with him. And Joseph’s brothers went along with, them, and his own household and his father’s house; only they left their little ones behind. They went up with chariots and horsemen; there was a great company of them. When they reached a certain place beyond the Jordan river, they stopped and mourned for seven days. When the people who lived in the land of Canaan saw them, they said this is a very sad mourning. After this the company moved on again, until they came to the field of Machpelah, and there the sons of Jacob laid their father’s body in Abraham’s grave, as he had requested them to do.

Then Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all that had gone up to Canaan with him.

But now Joseph’s brothers became uneasy again. They said now that their father was dead, perhaps Joseph would hate them and visit upon them the evil they had done to him. Ah! how little they understood the tender, loving heart of Joseph! When they sent a messenger to Joseph to say that their father, before he died, said that he should forgive his brothers for the evil they had done him, and then afterwards when they spoke to him, Joseph wept. And when they fell before him and said they would be his servants, Joseph told them not to fear. He said they had meant to do him evil, but God meant to bring good out of it for many people. He said he would feed them and their little ones. Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

What a beautiful type Joseph is of Jesus who did good to those who did Him harm; who forgave His enemies; who speaks kindly to poor sinners, telling them that God sent Him to save them, and telling them not to be afraid, only to believe in Him.

Joseph lived to be a hundred and ten years old. And he had the joy of having his great grandchildren sit upon his knee.

When he was going to die he told his brothers that God would surely visit them and take them out of that land-and bring them into the land of promise. And he took an oath from them that they would carry his bones with them when they went to the land of Canaan.

ML 05/25/1902

Delays Are Dangerous.

THE following narrative is well fitted to impress the lesson of doing today “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do.” Duty delayed may not only become duty neglected, but it may involve an eternal loss.

“Little Willie,” writes a teacher, “is a name which brings before me visions of his blue eyes and golden hair, of his rosy cheeks, where dimples loved to linger, and the ruby lips that so often used to say, ‘Tecer, are I a dood boy today?’ But best of all were the gentle words and winning smiles that made him such a sunbeam in our school. His heart seemed overflowing with love and sympathy for every one.

“One afternoon I told the class, of which he was a member, how Christ took little children in His arms, and blessed them, and I taught them the verse, ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ That afternoon, after school was dismissed, as I was locking my desk, Willie stole softly back. Climbing upon the desk, he put his arms around my neck, and kissed me, saying,—

“‘I love oo Tecer.’

“‘What is love, Willie?’ I asked.

“He thought a moment, then replied earnestly—

“‘It’s what makes us dood to folks.’ After a little pause, he added, ‘Tecer, who is Kwist that best ittle children?’

“Before I could reply, there came a knock at the door. I opened it, and a little girl handed me a note, saying timidly,—

“‘Mrs. H— supposed it, had been sent before.’ It contained an urgent invitation for me to spend the afternoon with a friend of mine. I knew that Willie was the child of irreligious parents, and that I ought to encourage this his first seeking after Divine truth; but the tempter whispered, Tomorrow will do as well, and I yielded to the voice. Tomorrow how many broken hopes, how many duties unfilled come from too firm a reliance on its deceitful promises.

“But the next day Willie’s place was vacant. I missed the bright face and ringing laugh of my little pet.

“On the first opportunity, some days after, I directed my steps to his father’s house. On my way I met his sister. Taking my hand, she said hurriedly,—

“‘O teacher, won’t you come right down to our house? Willie is so sick, and don’t know any of us.’

“In a few moments I stood by the bedside of the little sufferer. He was tossing to and fro in restless pain; and they told me that scarlet fever was drying up the fountains of that young life.

“As I entered the room, he said softly, ‘Who is Kwist that best ittle children?’ Sitting beside him, I told him then the sweet story of the cross. But reason seemed clouded; and yet, when I ceased speaking, he said, with pleading earnestness,—

“‘Pleath tell me who is Kwist that best ittle children?’

‘Will you pray for us?’ asked the father.

“It was all he could say, for his heart was full. Kneeling there, I prayed that God would spare our darling, if it was His will, and if not, that He would comfort the hearts of his parents in their great sorrow, and make me more faithful to the little ones committed to my charge.

“When we arose, a convulsion came over Willie, and the little form writhed in agony. It was but for a moment; then he lay still, with closed eyes and clasped hands. Silently we watched beside him, till the ticking of the old clock that stood in one corner seemed like a somber interlude, weaving the moments of suspense together. An hour passed on. Then there was another convulsion. It was longer and harder than the last. At its close he lay pale and exhausted. Suddenly he opened his eyes, and his lips unclosed. There was a strange agonizing earnestness in his voice, as he pleaded:—

“ ‘Pleath tell me who is Kwist that best ittle children. Oh, pleath tell me who is Kwist that best ittle children.’

“ ‘Pray for him, for him,’ sobbed the father; and I prayed then as I had never done before, that Christ would reveal Himself to that dying child.

“God heard the prayer; for as we watched him, an exultant look glanced across Willie’s face. He lifted his head, and stretched forth his little hand toward heaven. I shall never forget his last words:—

“‘There is Kwist that best ittle children. I coming; I coming.’ And the little hand was buried in the pillows, the beating heart was hushed forever.

“Two days after, when the clouds were weeping rain-tears, we laid him down in his last earthly resting-place. And as the aged pastor told us that Willie had gone to see Jesus Christ who blessed little children, there were eyes unused to tears, and hardened sunburnt faces, that were moistened with something else than the rain-drops that were falling thickly around us.

“Brief was his life, beautiful his death, yet, through God’s blessing, they were the means of leading his parents to fix their hopes for both time and eternity on that dear Saviour who blessed little children.”

ML 05/25/1902

Heavenly Treasures.

A LADY was once visiting at the house of a friend who had two sons. These two little boys were amusing themselves with some beautiful toys. The lady on seeing them said, “Well, boys, are these your treasures?”

“No, ma’am,” said the elder, “these are not our treasures— these are our playthings; our treasures are in heaven.”

ML 05/25/1902

Answers to Questions of April 6th.

1.“Jesus.” Matt. 28:l8.

2.“Egypt.” 2:19.

3.“Simon.” 27:32.

4.“Urias’ wife.” (Bathsheba.) 1:6.

5.“Son of man.” 25:31.

“JESUS.” 1:21.

Bible Questions for June.

The answers are to be found in the Gospel of Luke, and the first letter of each answer will spell something that a multitude said at the birth of Jesus.

1. What did Jesus answer the devil when he said, “If Thou, therefore, wilt worship me, all shall be Thine”?

2. What is the rest of this verse, “And why call ye me”—

3.Give the verse following these words, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”

4.What did, the shepherd say when he had found the lost sheep?

5.When the question was asked the Lord, “Art Thou then the Son of God?” what was His answer?

6.When Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom say ye that I am?” what did Peter answer?

7. What did a certain nobleman say to his ten servants to whom he delivered ten pounds?

8.What question did a certain ruler ask Jesus?

9.Give the rest of the verse containing these words, “How much more will He clothe you.”

10.When the soldiers asked John, “And what shall we do?” what answer did he give them?

ML 06/01/1902

A Treat.

HERE is the picture of some little folks who are having a very good time. It seems, from the picture, that they live in the country. What a beautiful place it is! All around are beautiful trees, green grass and blooming flowers. There is probably a house over the hill, where these happy children live.

Big sister is gaily whirling about with her little brother. See how they both seem to enjoy it.! Little ones are always very happy whenever we try to give them pleasure. From the picture we can easily see that this big sister is enjoying the fun as much as the little boy. Probably, she feels well repaid for her kindness. This is usually the case when we try to help others. Do you ever try to amuse your little sisters and brothers? If you have not done so, try it and see how cheery it will make both of you feel.

On the other side, the rest of the children are crowding together around mother. She has a dish heaped high with cherries, and is giving them to each one in turn. How loving mother looks! She seems to enjoy giving the little ones such a luscious treat. In the same way, God delights to shower His beloved children with all of His countless blessings. We can learn a lesson if we look at the children gathered around to receive the cherries. Notice carefully. Each child is standing quietly waiting his turn. There is no pushing or crowding. Indeed we cannot see the least sign of selfishness. Baby, it is true, stretches out his chubby hand, but he is yet too little to be thoughtful. The larger children stand quietly looking on and seem perfectly willing to have the little folks served first. How much prettier is a sight like this than one where each child is striving to be first! In time, each will have his share of the treat, and mother will probably give them more than she would if they were not acting unselfishly about it.

Unselfishness is one of the most beautiful lessons that God would have us learn. The Lord Jesus Christ is given to us for a most glorious pattern. In the Bible we are told,

“Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Rom 15:3.

If we study His blessed life we will see that from beginning to end it was full of words and deeds done for others. How nice it is if we can learn, while we are young to form the habit of being unselfish. In the Bible, Christ tells us “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” When the rich man came to Christ he was told to sell all that he had and give to the poor.

This, he was too selfish to do, so he lost the benefit of being with Jesus.

A very good verse for the little ones to learn and use is this one; “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Let us not only learn this but think about and obey it in our daily life.

ML 06/01/1902

Moses Drawn Out of the Water.

THE little ark, made of bulrushes, was finished; the babe of three months old was carefully placed in it, and it was left to float among the flags by the river’s brink.

And do you think that dear, helpless little babe was allowed to suffer and die? I do not believe that one of the thousands of young people who read this little paper would have such a thought. No! God was watching over him, and He cared for him in a very remarkable way.

The daughter of Pharaoh, the king, went down to bathe in the river, and she saw the ark among the flags. Some of her maidens, who were attending her, were walking along the river side, and she sent one of them to get the little ark. It was covered over, or closed, in some way—perhaps to keep out reptiles or, other dangerous creatures which abounded in that country; also to keep the water from the little inmate.

When the king’s daughter opened the ark she saw the child; and, behold, the babe wept. She exclaimed, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” The cruel command of her father that every son born among the Hebrews should be cast into the river, would be well known to her, and at once the thought seems to have come to her, some Hebrew mother, who would save her child, has placed him here. Her heart was moved with pity as she looked on his fair face, and heard his sad cries. We are not told what she said further, but she perhaps expressed her intention to care for the little stranger; at any rate, Miriam, the sister of the babe, who had stood some distance away, and watched to see what would become of the little one, had now come near, and she asked the Princess if she should go and call a nurse for the child from among the Hebrew women.

The children of Israel were called Hebrews, by the other nations, because they came from beyond the Euphrates river where the Hebrew language was spoken, and they were descendants of Heber.

When Miriam asked Pharaoh’s daughter this question, she told her to go; so Miriam, no doubt very happy in her mission, went to her own mother—the mother of the little babe also—and brought her to the king’s daughter. When she saw her she said, “Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages.” How that mother’s heart must have welled up with joy to have her dear babe given back to her thus!

It is beautiful to see the Lord’s guiding power and wisdom. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. . . . He turneth it whithersoever He will.” And so it was with the heart of the king’s daughter. The Lord directed her steps to the spot where she would find the little babe over whom He was watching; and it was at the right moment, too, that her heart was impelled to go. The little one was not discovered in its floating cradle by someone who had no power to care for it. No! the Lord sent the king’s daughter; and He moved her heart to have pity on the child! And this was not all; He so ordered matters that the child’s own mother had the care of him for a time; and through this she doubtless had access to him after he was taken from her. How perfect the arrangement! But we know, “As for God, His way is perfect.” Ps. 18:30. Who can limit His power! Who can measure His love! Who can search out His ways!

Dear young Christian, knowing that this love, this power, this wisdom are combined in God’s ways toward you, can you ever question that all is well?

Can you allow an unbelieving thought as to His ways? God is for you, just as truly as He was for that little, helpless babe in its floating cradle on the Nile. And, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Pharaoh’s daughter named the child Moses, because she said she had drawn him out of the water.

ML 06/01/1902

A Folded Lamb.

March 25, 1902.

Dear Brother Hutt:—

Last month, my two youngest children began to find the answers to the Questions. Annie, the youngest, aged nine years this month, had them all written out when she took sick, and during her sickness she would say, “I am glad I have my Questions done.” The Lord took her Home on Thursday, the 20th., after a short illness. She was a believer, and a few moments before she passed away she told her papa not to cry, for he knew where she was going. She was quite sensible to the last moment and very patient. She loved singing hymns, and the one she wanted most when she was sick was, No. 42 in the Appendix of “Hymns for the Little Flock” Hymn Book.

Just a few minutes before she passed away she said, “Oh, I loved that hymn on Saturday night!” Meaning hymn 42 which was sung for her at that time. We would have liked to keep her, but the Lord’s will be done, He doeth all things well.

Yours in the Beloved,

Mrs. C. McL.

ML 06/01/1902

"Thou Art Mine Angel."

A CITY missionary implored God to send His angel to care for two orphan children, whom he had found in a cold, fireless hovel, starving and nearly naked, beside the dead body of their mother. Instantly a voice spoke to him in his conscious, “Thou art Mine angel for this very purpose did I send thee.”

ML 06/01/1902

Boerhaave's Plan.

BOERHAAVE was a learned and celebrated physician and lecturer. He lived in Holland, and was visited at different times by three reigning princes. One was Peter the Great, who stayed in his barge all night before the house of the learned professor, that he might enjoy two hours’ conversation with him early the next day. The others were the Grand Duke of Tuscany and William the Third.

When some friends of Boerhaave once asked him how he could possibly do so much work from day to day, and pass calmly through many trying scenes, he told them that his plan was to spend the first hour of every morning in prayer and meditation on the word of God.

ML 06/01/1902

Hush! You'll Wake the Baby.

HERE we see a picture of little Milly. She is sitting on a big rug, rocking her doll’s cradle with one hand, while she holds the other one up as if to say “Be quiet! You’ll wake the baby.” In the cradle lies her little pet kitten. He is snugly covered with dolly’s blankets and with his head laid back on the pillows, seems to be very comfortable.

How motherly this little girl acts! She has probably often had mother tell her not to wake baby in just the same way she is telling us now. The kitten has been put to sleep just as she saw mamma put her baby brother to bed in his cradle. Little children always love to play that they are grown up, and you will often find them doing things in exactly the same way as their elders, especially those they love or admire.

How often we see children imitate someone so exactly that we need not ask who it is! In speech, we often hear small boys and girls use many expressions gathered from the talk of older ones in the same family. Even tones of voice and gestures used in speaking are faithfully repeated. Oftentimes not only older people are imitated but it is not at all unusual to see children copy a brother or sister or a little playmate.

When we remember this fact, how necessary it becomes that we should not allow the little ones to hear us say things, or see actions, such that we should not care to have them given back to us again. The bad is copied as well as the good and if we do not wish children to use impatient and loud tones of voice or cross words, we should never use them ourselves. Again how necessary it is for all boys and girls to keep away from those who are not pure in words and actions.

God tells us, “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” In another place in His word He says, “Abhor that which is evil.” Let us try to remember these precious words and strive faithfully to copy after the only true pattern given to us— the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML 06/08/1902

The Kings of Israel.

1 Sam. 8:15.

THE children of Israel desired a king to judge them like the other nations around them.

Samuel who had judged them forty years, had become old; and his two sons, Joel and Abiah, who were his successors, walked not with God as did their father, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes and perverted judgment.

So the elders of Israel came together to Samuel, and asked him to make them a king.

Dear children, this is not merely a bit of history, such as you learn at school, interesting as that may, be; but it is the living word of God, intended for our learning, that we might know the truth, which we can only, find in His word. History, while it may be true, is not “the truth”. The Bible alone is “the word of truth.”

We see that, in the Scripture referred to, the people had two very reasonable excuses why they should have a king. Samuel, was old, and his sons were unfit to judge Israel after, him.

What better reasons could they have had for asking a king?

There is just one reason why they should not have requested a king—they left God out, and chose for themselves. Jehovah was their king, but Him they had refused.

Do you say, dear children, that you want to go to a certain place, or that you want to have a certain thing in order to make you happy? But, tell me, are you sure, first of all, that the Lord is pleased with your desire and the excuses you make, that you may get your desire granted? The children of Israel made some good excuses why they should have a king, but God had to give them their king, as He tells us, “in His wrath” (Hos. 13:11); for they had not consulted Him as to His pleasure.

And then, too, they looked out upon the other nations and saw that they had kings, which, no doubt, increased their desire to have one also. This shows what power influence has over us. Perhaps, some little boy or girl has said something, or has done something, or has gone somewhere: and you think that you must imitate them in their words and actions. Their example influences you, and you may, by following it, be led astray from following the voice of the Great Shepherd.

These reasons for wanting a king were only apparent with Israel the hidden cause however was not to be concealed from God. They had forsaken Him and their covetous heart went out after the other nations, to do as they had done in making themselves a king. How serious a matter it is. then, to leave God’s will out of, our desires and plans, when He should in everything be our first consideration. We who are older Christians sometimes may allow the example of others to persuade us also, without first seeking the Lord. And what a shame it is to us, and what a dishonor to Him. If our example be godly and Christ-like, then we may be used of God in influencing others for His glory. You remember Paul said, “Follow me as I also follow Christ.”

What a grief it must have been to Samuel to know and also, to have it told him, that his sons were not walking in his ways. And, dear children, if you have been blessed with a faithful Christian father or mother, and are not walking in their ways, you little know what deep grief you daily are causing them.

Samuel had known the Lord from a child: had loved Him and served Him faithfully walking in His ways.

His two sons were influenced by that “root of every evil,” the love of money, and, with this love, it was very easy for them to take bribes and pervert judgment.

Oh, may God graciously preserve you, as you grow up, from the love of money, and give you to love Him with a perfect heart, who first loved you! Your parents, like Samuel, will grow old, and you will be called upon to take their place, that is, providing the Lord does not come before and take all His own to be with Him.

Do not esteem nor respect your parents less because they are growing old. And above all, do not allow such an excuse to justify you in dishonoring God.

Are you going to love the Lord and walk in His ways, as your parents have done, or will you turn your back upon the Lord by disobeying the commands of your parents and refusing all the advice and teaching, which they have, in love, sought to give you?

Should any boy or girl read this, who has parents who do not know the Lord, then He knows that they cannot direct you in His ways, but HE will direct you, who says,

“COME unto Me . . . . I will GIVE you rest.”

“LEARN of Me . . . . and ye shall FIND rest unto your souls.”

ML 06/08/1902

The Sailor Boy's Prayer

(Isa. 65:24.)

Fiercely the dark waves roared and tossed

Beneath the midnight sky;

The howling gale bare to the coast

A wild imploring cry.

Swiftly a little boat was manned,

God ruled the billows’ wrath;

Three men were rescued, and to land

She bore them without scath.

Slowly the captain’s senses woke,

For life had well-nigh sped,

And feebly then his pale lips spoke,

“Who’s saved? Who’s saved? Where’s

Ned?”

“Not here—not here!” “O! haste again

To you fast-sinking wreck!

And if for him your search be vain,

Then bring his Bible back.”

Again those dauntless hearts the night

Of winds and waves defied;

And One unseen by mortal sight

Was there the helm to guide.

The boy they found not—and the Book

Alone they bore away;

And straight it to the captain took,

Drenched with the briny spray.

Tears coursed his weather-beaten cheek,

Emotion shook his voice;

“He taught us all our God to seek,”

He said, “and would rejoice

If we would listen while he read

God’s holy words of love;

And his pure life an influence shed

His pleading words above.”

“And when this tempest lashed the deep.

And death’s dread form drew near,

His prayer, which made us sailors weep,

Still echoes in mine ear:—

‘If one of us, O Lord, must find

A watery grave this night,

Take him, dear Lord, whom Thou dost find

The ready and the right.”

“And God has heard the sailor-boy,

Above the rushing storm;

His spirit tastes now God’s own joy,

Though ocean holds his form.

We still are spared—Oh, e’er can be

Forgot this solemn night?

God grant each at His call may be

The ready and the right.”

ML 06/08/1902

"Be Ye Therefore Ready."

DEAR young readers,— are you ready—if the Lord were to call you home, or appear in the air tonight— are you ready to meet Him? Oh! if not, how terrible, how dangerous it your position! The present moment only can you call your own; and now, NOW is the appointed time, now is the day of salvation. Oh! delay not, linger not, lest your voice be among the voices of those that enter Eternity, wailing “Too late, too late.” Oh! come now. Jesus stands waiting to receive you, just as you are—full of sin, of coldness, of doubt. Oh! throw yourselves into His outstretched arms of love— those arms once nailed to the cross for you. He wants nothing more. Cast yourselves on Him, and in Him you will be ready.

And you, dear young readers, who have come to Jesus, are you like the sailor-boy in the poem’s true incident, making it your joy to tell others of the love of God to them and you? And are you so living that your life will shed an influence stronger, more abiding, than that of your most earnest pleadings with your voice?

ML 06/08/1902

Too Late!

SOME time ago I was staying in a house that faced a large public school.

From the windows we could see the children assembling twice a day, often coming early enough to have a game before the bell summoned them to come in.

One morning I saw two little boys arrive very early. Evidently, they meant to be in good time, and soon after, being joined by others, a game of marbles was started.

By-and-by the bell began ringing, and children gathered from all directions and disappeared one after another through the open door.

But the little group of boys still went on with their game, although the quick, sharp notes of the bell continued to warn them that time was going. Suddenly, as the clock struck nine, the bell ceased ringing, and at the same moment the school door was shut.

But what about those two little boys who had come so early? Ah, they had lingered so long over their game that, although within sight of the open door, they got too late to go in after all!

And now as they stand outside, the sound of children’s voices singing the opening hymn comes to them, and they wish they had gone in while the door was open, because they know that punishment awaits those who are not in their places when school begins.

This incident led me to think of another door and another call to come in, one that you have heard, my reader, many times, and now once again it comes to you through the pages of this magazine.

The Lord in His grace has brought us to the present month, and still the door of salvation stands wide open; but we know that time is quickly taking us on to the moment when it will be shut.

We read that after Noah and his house had entered the ark, the Lord shut him in. What a contrast that is to being shut out, but such must be the eternal portion of those who neglect the gospel invitation.

“Whosoever cometh must not delay;

Now the door is open, enter while you may:

Jesus is the true, the only Living Way,

‘Whosoever will may come.’”

“And they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage, and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.

ML 06/08/1902

A Playful Kitten.

WE see from this picture that it was taken many years ago. The things in this room are not at all like those we have in our homes. This chair has wheels on it, so that baby can easily be moved from place to place. Even the doll, lying on a low bench by the baby’s chair, looks very different from our dolls of today. The mother is standing near the table. She has a string in her hand and is playing with the kitten as it rolls’ about on the floor. The baby seems to be enjoying the fun, for he is leaning forward in his chair as far as he can. What a queer dress this mother wears! Our mothers do not dress this way now. But there is one thing in the picture that has not changed. It is the love this mother has for her baby.

Time changes many things about us, but our mothers of today, love us just as tenderly as this mother loves her child. A love like this is always the same. How happy the thought of our mother’s love should make us! Our playmates love us dearly one day and often turn coldly from us on the next. When we grow older we will often find the same thing to be true with our friends. But our mothers will always love us, come what will.

In the Bible we find, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Ps. 8:13.

From the unchanging love of our mothers and fathers, we can, in a small way, realize the love of Christ for those who believe in Him. His love is the greatest of any love, for the Bible tells us, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Ps. 27:10. Christ left His home above and came down to die upon the cross for us. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” John 15:13. He also tells us, in His word that He never changes.

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” Heb. 13:8.

ML 06/15/1902

The Kings of Israel.

1 Sam. 8:1-6.

WHEN the people asked for a king, Samuel was very much displeased, because the thing was evil in his eyes. And we might ask, Why did Samuel not want the people to have a king, and why was the request for one so offensive to him?

The answer is easy, dear children, when we consider that Samuel was one who walked with God, and knew, therefore, what was agreeable to Him, and he, like all faithful and godly men, could quickly understand, because he walked in the fear of the Lord.

And we see how he was able, at once, to decide for God in the case before us. Some forty years before this, it was said that “the word of the Lord was precious in those days.” 1 Sam. 3:1.

And then, no doubt, the children of Israel enjoyed listening to what Jehovah had to say to them, and were delighted to obey Him.

But now a great change has taken place. His word instead of being precious to them, had become a burden, because they wanted to do what pleased themselves. And when we please ourselves, we are hindered from pleasing the Lord.

Children, if God’s word is really precious to us, then we know that we shall find it most happy employment to search it, listen to it, and obey it. The fact that we may be young in years, is no hinderance to God in revealing His mind to us. On the contrary, it is His delight to show His mind to those who are weak and little and who love Him. You remember that while Samuel was yet young in years, that “the Lord revealed Himself to him by the word of the Lord.” 1 Sam. 3:21.

Oh, do you think when you look into the Bible, that it is in that blessed Book that the Lord not only reveals His mind to you, but also Himself?

It is Himself we want to know, Himself we want to love. But when one knows the Lord’s will and seeks to walk in it, then he finds that he has different thoughts and a different judgment from those who are walking after the counsel of their own heart. Just as Samuel’s mind was not one with the people’s in seeking a king. for, having the Lord’s mind, he found that His thoughts were not their thoughts, neither were their ways His ways. Isa. 55:8.

And so it is with us who know the Lord and fear Him. We cannot agree with those around us, who are not seeking to please the Lord, for they follow the imagination of their own hearts: but we seek to follow Jesus, “who pleased not Himself,” but “did always those things that pleased His Father.”

Now let us notice what Samuel did when they thus displeased him by asking for a king. Perhaps, you and I would have shown our displeasure by giving the people a severe scolding for asking so contrary to God’s good pleasure. But this would not have been the thing, for you see even then it would have been Samuel acting instead of God and quite independently of Him. No, “he prayed unto the Lord.” And how very lovely that was.

Are we like that, dear children? Taking everything to God in prayer even though we feel very much displeased and disappointed at the way in which people act? Samuel felt hurt because he knew that the people were sinning against the Lord and therefore, were hurting Him.

Oh, let us remember, when anyone does us an injury, or says something mean and slighting about us, to first go to the Lord and tell Him all about it and even pray for them, as our blessed Master did. And thus shall we be hid in the secret of His presence from the pride of man, and shall be kept secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Ps. 31:20.

ML 06/15/1902

Old Betty, or Submission.

“HAVE you never heard the story of old Betty?” said I to a friend who was telling me some sad history of domestic discomfort. — “No!”

Then let me tell it you. The story was told me by a young lady whom I met at the sea side; and though I believe it has appeared in print, I know no other version of it but the one she told me.

“Some years after I was converted,” said Miss F—, “it pleased the Lord to lay me aside from active occupation, and to confine me to a sick couch for full two years. This inactivity was very grievous to me, and my constant prayer was for restoration to health, and power once more to go about visiting the sick and teaching the ignorant.

“When visited by kind Christian ministers and sympathizing friends, my constant request was that they would pray for my recovery, and that I might have faith to believe that the Lord would heal me.

“Still I grew no better. About the end of the second year, I one afternoon received a visit from a minister unknown to me, who in God’s providence was then visiting the place where I lived. He read and prayed with me, he sympathized with my sufferings, and listened to my troubles. I lamented to him my weak faith, which I felt assured was the cause of my continued weakness of body.

“‘Miss F—,’ replied the minister, ‘have you never heard the story of Betty, the old match-seller?’ I had not. ‘Old Betty,’ said he, was brought to the knowledge of Jesus in her old age, and from the time of her conversion never thought she could do enough for Him who had loved her and washed her from her sins in His own blood. She went about doing good. She was ready to speak of her Lord and Master to all she met. She would nurse the sick, visit the afflicted, beg for the poor and for the heathen; she, would give to those poorer than herself portions of what the kindness of Christian friends bestowed on her. In short, she was always abounding in the work of the Lord.

“‘But in the midst of this happy course, she caught a violent cold and rheumatism, and was confined to her bed; there she lay day after day, and week after week, and I believe lay there till the Lord called her home.

“‘On her sick bed, Betty was as happy as she had been in her active duties; she was much in prayer; she repeated hymns and passages of Scripture; she meditated on the good things she had learned, and on the home to which she was hastening.

“‘One day Betty. was visited by an old friend, a minister, who had long known her. He was astonished to see his once active and useful old neighbor so happy in her bed, and he said to her, “I little expected, Betty, to see you so patient; it must be a great trial to one of your active mind to lie here so long doing nothing.”

“‘Not at all, sir, not at all,’ said old Betty; ‘when I was well I used to hear the Lord say to me day by day, ‘Betty, go here; Betty, go there: Betty, do this; Betty, do that;’ and I used to do it as well as I could; and now I hear Him say every day, ‘Betty, lie still and cough.’”

Miss F— told me this story as she heard it from her visitor, and she said it had a very strong effect on her mind. She began to think that it was self-will, rather than faith, that made her so anxious to get well and be active again; and she humbled herself before God, begging for grace to bear His will rather than seek her own. She became tranquil, happy, and contented on her sick bed, and almost immediately after it pleased the Lord to restore her to health, and continue her in it to the time when I met her.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.” “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

ML 06/15/1902

"Nothing to Rest Upon."

DYING without salvation. Slipping out of time into eternity without Christ.

Would these words describe your condition if your life were being cut short today?

One who had amassed a considerable fortune— was admired by many— respected by all.

But the sad cry that came from his lips, as he saw the tide of life ebbing fast, was, “I have nothing to rest upon; I have nothing to rest upon.”

God has laid a sure foundation upon which all may build.

Christ is that foundation. He has been given. He has died for the ungodly. The work He came to do is finished.

On it we may rely, for it can never fail.

“On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

How blessed to rest upon Him for time and for eternity!

Reader! If you die today, will you have to say, “I have nothing to rest upon; I have nothing to rest upon?”

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:28 29.

ML 06/15/1902

"Be Ye Thankful."

How many children now are stretched

Upon the bed of pain,

Where many weary, restless hours,

In sorrow they have lain.

How many children hungry are

With scarcely food to eat:

Who beg their humble, scanty store,

From those they chance to meet.

Yet here we are, in health and strength,

All satisfied with food;

How kind indeed is God to us—

How very, very good!

Oh, surely this, His goodness great

Should make us think of Him;

For we deserve not at His hands

The very least of them.

But more He gives us; greater love

The Lord to us has shown;

The greatest gift that He has given

Is His beloved Son.

And never can true thanks ascend

For aught that we receive,—

For health or daily food, unless

We in His name believe.

ML 06/15/1902

So Precious.

THE following answer was once given by a little girl in one of the London homes for the destitute. She had learned the Lord Jesus as precious to her own soul and when the question was asked why Jesus is called an “Unspeakable Gift”, with trembling voice she said, “Because He is SO precious that no one can tell ALL His preciousness.”

How nice it would be if all our young friends could say that the Lord Jesus is precious to their souls, SO precious that no one can tell ALL His preciousness.

Learning to Swim.

THE little ducks in this picture are out taking their first swim. How small they look beside the large ones! They seem almost too small to keep themselves above the water. One little duckling is more timid than the rest, for it stays close to its mother’s side where it feels very safe. Probably if the old ducks were not nearby, the little ones would be afraid to go into such deep water, but now we can see some of them swimming alone very fearlessly. This little girl has come down to the water to see how the baby ducks are getting on with their first lesson. She has put her doll down beside her and has crept close to the edge of the landing to watch them.

Children are also very fearless when mother is near. With a hand in hers, they will go happily out into the darkest night Even when mother is not with us we must remember that we have a Friend, stronger than mother or father, who is ever watching over us and ready to keep us from all harm. He loves the little ones and it is well to ask His help whenever we feel afraid.

A great many children are much afraid to go alone into a dark place, even when it is a room in their own homes. This brings to mind something which happened many years ago. Several children of a large, family were playing together in the kitchen of their home when a loud noise from the next room frightened everyone but the smallest into silence. She was not yet four years old and seemed to be busy with her play. For a while they sat and trembled, each one afraid to go and see what had happened. Before they had said a word this little girl put down her playthings and bravely went off into the darkroom. There she picked up the basket of clothes pins and put them back on a chair from which they had fallen. This baby loved the Lord Jesus and seemed to be always sure of His Presence. She was sure that He was in the dark room, and so nothing could harm her. Before she was seven years old, the Lord took her to Himself, but she taught her brothers and sisters a lesson they never forgot. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12.

ML 06/22/1902

Moses in Pharaoh's Court.

WHEN the time came for the mother of the little babe to return him to the king’s daughter, this powerful princess received him as her own son. She gave him the name of Moses because she had drawn him out of the water; and in the king’s palace he was reared as a young prince. He was adopted as grandson to the king, and perhaps heir to his throne. The Egyptians were at that time the most civilized nation of the earth; so that Moses was not only reared in the lap of luxury and splendor, but he was brought up in the midst of all wisdom and greatness and learning of this great nation. He proved a very apt scholar, and gained great power and honor. His new mother would doubtless regard with pride and pleasure the wonderful development in her adopted son, who had been given to her in such a strange way.

God draws aside the curtain, as it were, to give us a glimpse of Moses when he had come to years of manhood. Hear what He has to say; “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” Acts 7:22.

My dear young readers may think it was happy for Moses to have such a training in the midst of such surroundings. He certainly had great advantages; there was perhaps no other spot in the wide world, at that time, where he could have learned as much. And we can see God’s wisdom in placing him where his unusual natural ability and energy could be cultivated and developed, for He was going to make of Moses a great leader; and He was thus fitting him for the work that was before him.

But, in the king’s court, the pleasures of sin abounded. Its voluptuousness, its gaieties, its festivities, all would please the natural heart, and entice the one who would yield himself up to them. But Moses had doubtless learned from his own dear mother about God, and about His promise to his fore-fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And God had wrought in his soul, giving him faith to count upon Him. And so when he was “come to years” he refused to be longer called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He felt that it was better to be in suffering and affliction with God’s people, than to be in a king’s court, enjoying its sinful pleasures. All the treasures in Egypt, great and wonderful as they were, had not as much value in his eyes as “the reproach of Christ.” Through faith he could give up wealth, and honor, taking in their stead suffering, poverty and reproach, in order to act for God.

Certainly, dear young readers, this is a bright and beautiful example for us. Had Moses been walking by sight, he would have remained where fame and luxury and pleasures were his. But he looked on, by faith, and renounced that which was contrary to God, although it was at great personal cost. Let me ask you, Is your walk the walk of faith, or are you walking by sight? Do you turn away from worldly pleasures in order to be true to Christ? Which has greater power with you—the things that are seen, or the things that are not seen? I beg of you to take this question into God’s presence and answer it there.

Do you ask, What are the things that are seen; and what are the things that are not seen?

“The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18.

Do not forget that death and judgment are connected with the things which are seen; but the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” is connected with the things which are not seen. 2 Cor. 4:17.

ML 06/22/1902

"And Then?"

IT is told of Filippo Neri, a good and pious man of former dais, that whilst at one of the Italian universities, a youth, whom he had known as a boy, accosted him with a face full of delight, to tell him that what he had long been wishing above all things in the world he had at length attained,— that his parents had given him leave to study law, and that he had come to the university, attracted by its fame as a school of law, and that he meant to spare no pains or labor in mastering his studies, and thoroughly accomplishing himself as a lawyer. In this way he ran on a long time; and when at last he came to a stop. the good man, who had been listening to him with great patience and kindness, said, “Well, and when you have got through your course of studies, what do you mean to do then?”

“Then I shall take my doctor’s degree,” answered the young man.

“And then?” asked Filippo Neri again.

“And then,” continued the youth, “I shall have a number of difficult and knotty cases to manage; shall catch people’s notice by my eloquence, my zeal, my learning, my acuteness, and gain a great reputation.”

“And then?” repeated the good man.

“And then!” replied the youth; “Why, there cannot be a question I shall be promoted to some high office or other; besides, I shall make money and grow rich.”

“And then?” repeated Filippo.

“And then,” pursued the young lawyer, “then I shall live comfortably and honorably, in health and dignity, and shall be able to look forward quietly to old age.”

“And then?” asked the pious man.

“And then,” said the youth, “and then—then I shall die!”

Here Filippo Neri significantly asked, “And then?”

Whereupon the young man made no answer, but cast down his head and went sorrowfully away. This last “And then?” had pierced his soul, and almost in despair he went away. He had met the good Filippo full of dreams of future greatness, full, alas! of what he would do for himself. It was to be, dear reader, “his eloquence, his zeal, his learning,” that would give him all that his natural heart coveted or desired.

So absorbed was he by what appeared a hopeful and prosperous future, that he had neglected to take any thought for the eternal welfare of his soul. He could even go so far as to say, “And then I shall die;” but oh! when confronted with “AND THEN?” after death. Reader, have you ever thought of the solemn word, “For it is appointed unto men once to die, and after death, the judgment?”

Oh! never let your thoughts stop short on this side of eternity. Let them not stop at the grave, but cast them forward beyond; and oh, press home to your heart the searching question of Filippo Neri, “And then?” Can you, dear reader, find an answer that gives peace?

Oh! if that solemn question, when asked, finds as yet no hopeful response in your heart, turn over the leaves of your Bible, and you may read the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26.)

Dear reader, “Believest thou this?” If thou believest with all thine heart upon Jesus the Son of God, as the only Saviour, who bled and died for you, the searching question at the head of this piper, instead of troubling you in spirit, will be a source of endless joy; since the word says, “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; THEN we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to, meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” “And then” shall we taste the fulness of that wondrous grace which will be the theme of eternal praise.

ML 06/22/1902

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

Mr. E. B. Hartt,

Dear Friend: — Enclosed please find answers to Bible Questions for June in “Messages of Love.” I received no help from any person or book, except my Bible. I am twelve years old, and am trying to serve my dear Saviour who has saved me through His precious blood, and whom I love. I delight to read your papers as soon as I can, for they tell so much of Him.

Your friend, B. G.

ML 06/22/1902

Annie Mcl.'s Favorite.

Hymn 42.

Saviour lead us by Thy power

Safe into the promised rest:

Choose the path,—the way whatever

Seems to Thee, O Lord, the best:

Be our Guide in ev’ry peril,

Watch and keep us night and day,

Else our foolish hearts will wander

From the strait and narrow way.

Since in Thee is our redemption,

And salvation full and free,

Nothing need our souls dishearten

But forgetfulness of Thee.

Naught can stay our steady progress,

More than conquerors we shall be.

If our eye, whate’er the danger,

Looks to Thee, and none but Thee.

In Thy presence we are happy;

In Thy presence we’re secure;

In Thy presence all afflictions

We can easily endure;

In Thy presence we can conquer,

We can suffer, we can die;

Wand’ring from Thee, we are feeble;

Let Thy love, Lord, keep us nigh.

ML 06/22/1902

Sowing and Reaping.

“WHATSOEVER a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7 8.

As autumn comes in due time after spring, so reaping follows and is the result of sowing. The man in the picture is preparing the ground for the seed, and the woman is putting the seed in. God made the seed and enabled them to sow or plant it, and it is He alone who can cause it to grow. Therefore rain, dew, and sunshine are all given by Him, that man may eat and be enabled to work.

I hope my young friends like gardening, for it is a healthful and profitable occupation, and teaches besides many lessons for the soul. A few of these lessons I should like to point out. Suppose you plant potatoes, like the two persons in the picture are represented as doing, you will not receive carrots but potatoes in return. So whatever seeds you sow morally. you will certainly receive the natural results by-and-by. If you cultivate what is pleasing to the flesh, the works of the flesh will sooner or later be the result. But if you cultivate the example set by the Lord Jesus in His holy life down here, the fruits of the Spirit will appear in your daily life.

Are you, dear boy or girl, a child of God? Have you been born again, not by water baptism— there is no such baptism as that spoken of in the Bible by which to be born again— but by the Spirit of God implanting in your soul the living and incorruptible seed of the word of God? Read what God says about it in John 3:5; James 1:18;1 Peter 1:23; and Luke 8:11. If you are not yet born again in that way, you are still a lost sinner.

Every baby is already lost when it first comes into the world, for it has a sinful nature, and that can never go to heaven. Jesus says, when speaking of babies, that He came to save that which was lost. Now has He saved you, or are you still lost? The seeds of sin in your, sinful nature will grow, unless you are born, again; and you yourself are very likely sowing the same seeds. For instance, you are tempted to be angry, or to tell lies, or to steal, or to sing and play worldly songs and attend worldly amusements which are for man in the flesh. You gradually give way to one or more of such like things, till you get to like them, and grow up in them. That is sowing to the flesh. Be sure you will reap the results of such sowing, even a corrupt state of soul here, and (if continued in) misery hereafter. If you, sow anger, you will not reap the fruits of peace. And if you sow worldly songs and amusements, you will reap the results of living for this world.

Oh, dear children, (all who are unsaved) do wake up to the fact that you are lost, and come to Jesus to be saved by Him, and to be washed from all your sins in His precious blood that cleanseth from all sin. If you go on in a state of sin, what will the harvest be! Will you be among the wheat or tares? Beyond doubt the latter, if you die out of Christ. But if already born again, you are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Now then, cultivate the graces that shone in Him, as He walked down here from childhood to manhood. Let this mind (of humility) be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Be kindly affectioned one toward another. Yea, love your enemies, and do good to those that hate you. Such sowing will result in happiness here and hereafter.

“Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.”

ML 06/29/1902

Moses in the Desert.

MOSES had faith to count upon God, and to believe that He would fulfill his promises to the children of Israel.

When he looked upon their burdens and saw their oppressed condition, his heart was stirred within him. He knew that deliverance must come to them if ever they would get back to the promised land; and he thought that God would deliver them by his hand.

Moses was no mean man; not only was he learned in all the wisdom of Egypt, but he also had had a war-like training, and was the leader in various raids made against the Ethiopians; and being successful in his achievements he won great fame and honor. As God says of him, he was “mighty in words and deeds.” It was no small matter to think of delivering a suffering people from the hand of a despotic king, who held them in bondage; but faith that counts upon God need never be checked by difficulties in the way, even though those difficulties be as mountains, “For with God nothing is impossible.”

Moses looked upon himself as the one whom God would use to deliver his suffering brethren, and, in the vigor of manhood, and the ardor of a conqueror, he was ready to strike the blow at any time. Seeing one of his brethren suffering wrong, one day that he had gone out to visit them, he smote and killed the Egyptian who was oppressing him. In this, Moses acted in the energy of the flesh, for God’s time and way to deliver Israel had not yet come. If we would be used of the Lord we must wait for Him to lead the way.

This unwise act soon came to the ears of Pharaoh, and his anger was kindled against Moses. Then all the honor and power that he had known in the king’s court, suddenly came to an end, and he had to flee for his life.

There was no place in Egypt’s wide domains where he would be secure. On, on he took his flight, until he reached the land of Midian, and there he found a place of safety in the house of a priest. And now, how different became the surroundings of Moses from those he had just left The land of Midian was not fertile like the rich plains of Egypt it was not scented with sweet flowers; no beautiful and varied landscapes meet the eye; with the exception of here and there a patch of verdure, it was a desolate and barren land. As one writer has said— “a land dreary and desolate, yet sublime in its boldness and ruggedness— a labyrinth of wild and blasted mountains, a terrific and howling desolation.”

Instead of the pomp and show and festivities of a king’s court, his home was now in the family of a priest in this strange and desert land. Instead of exploits against the Ethiopians, and other achievements which brought him honor and fame, the path of Moses now lay in the solitudes and the fastnesses of mountain and desert; for Moses, in his new home, took charge of the flock of Jethro the priest, who had become his father-in-law, and his duties led him through the desert and on the mountain sides.

Simplicity now characterizes his life. And in the forty years that were spent in that land, he must have become familiar, as he led his flock here and there in search of pasture, with every road and sheep-track, every hill and peak, every mountain stream, and every oasis of the desert of Sinai, through which he was afterwards to lead a vast multitude of people.

And during those forty years, God was teaching him in many ways, and fitting him for the great work to which He had called him. Doubtless He communed with His servant Moses in his solitary wanderings, as he led his flock over the dreary desert, and on the rugged, barren mountain sides seeking pasturage for it. What time and opportunity Moses would have for meditation! Deep study must have been his also. It is supposed that he wrote the book of Genesis during his stay in the land of Midian. And it is surely a wonderful book, marked by simplicity, beauty, and eloquence— “an immortal work of genius, the oldest and the greatest written history of which we have record.”

Through all these things, God was preparing Moses for his great work as a deliverer.

ML 06/29/1902

Be Honest.

OUR Sunday-school is just over. An incident was told there which I thought would be interesting to the readers of “Messages of Love,” so I will tell it to you, as well as give you the lesson it was intended to teach.

“Two boys went to town one morning quite early. One of them sold melons and fruit; the other sold oysters and fish. The market hours passed on and they were both doing well. Their pockets were fast filling up with money, as their stands were getting emptied of their contents. The last melon lay on Harry’s stand, when a gentleman came, and, placing his hand on it, said, “What a fine large melon! I think I must buy it. What do you ask for it?”

“The melon is the last one I have, sir, and though it looks very fine, there is an unsound spot on the other side,” said the boy, turning it over.

“So there is,” said the man. “I think I will not take it. But is it very business like to point out the defects of your goods to customers?”

“Perhaps not, sir, but it is better than being dishonest,” said the boy.

The man then sought to encourage him to always tell the truth, and assuring him that it would always bring blessing with it, telling him at the same time that he would not forget his stand in the future.

He then turned to the other boy and asked if his oysters were fresh.

“Yes, sir,” he replied, “fresh this morning.”

The man bought them and went away.

When the man was out of sight, Ben turned to his companion and said, “How foolish you were to show the man the bad spot in your melon! You can take it home for your pains, or throw it away. He would never have looked at the melon until he got home. I sold my stale oysters at the same price as fresh ones.”

“I would not tell a lie or act one either,” said Harry, “for twice the money we have both earned to day. I know I will be better off in the end, for I have gained a customer, and you have lost one.”

And so it proved; for the next day the man bought a large supply of fruit from Harry but he did not spend another penny at Ben’s stand. And this continued all summer; and better than this, at the end of the summer he took Harry into his store, and after a while gave him an interest in the business. You will say how well he was rewarded for telling the truth.”

The lesson that was brought out from this was, that we are like the melon, we are bad. And what God wants us to do, is to tell the truth about ourselves. And what would you have to say about yourself if you told the truth? Would it not be, “I have sinned, and perverted that which is right,” (Job 33:27) and “Woe is me! for I am undone;” (Isa.6:5) and “I am a sinful man, O Lord”? (Luke 5:8) Would not the cry be wrung from your heart, “God be merciful to me a sinner”? (Luke 18:13).

Oh, dear reader, tell God all the truth about yourself. Don’t try to hide anything. Of course He knows all, and it is true, you cannot hide anything from Him, but He wants you to go to Him about it, so that He can tell you how willing He is to forgive you all, and to make you happy for time and eternity. If you have never done this, do so at once, and peace with God will be yours now, and His presence your home for ever.

ML 06/29/1902

The Shepherd's Care.

How carefully the shepherds keep

Their flocks within their sight;

So Jesus watches o’er His sheep,

And guards them day and night.

The shepherd numbers twice a day

The flocks beneath his care;

He knows if any go astray,

Or sick or dying are.

So Jesus reckons one by one,

And numbers all His sheep;

He knows if but a lamb is gone,

For He doth never sleep.

The flocks of men are bought with gold,

And grass is all their food;

The sheep and lambs of Jesus’ fold

Are purchased with His blood.

ML 06/29/1902

Two.

GOD has given you TWO little eyes, and He wants you to use them for Him by reading His word, and only such writings that are according to His word. He has given you TWO little hands, and He wants you to use them in working for Him. He has given you TWO little feet, and He wants you to walk as He teaches you to do in His word. He has given you TWO little ears, and He wants you to listen to all He has to say in His word, and to turn them away from all that is contrary to it.

God tells you in Matthew 7, that there are TWO paths, or ways. One of these ways is narrow, and there are only a few that find it. The other is broad and there are many that are found in it.

God tells us there are TWO places, one is Heaven and the other is Hell. To either one or the other of these places you are travelling. If you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, you are on the narrow road and you are going to heaven. But if you have not accepted Him you are on the broad road and travelling to that place of eternal sorrow, the Lake of Fire.

If you are in the narrow path, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour, then use those TWO little eyes to read about Him in His word. Those, TWO little hands to work for Him. Those TWO little feet to walk for Him in the narrow path, and those Two little ears to listen to all He says, until you reach the end of the path and enter heaven and be forever with the Lord.

ML 06/29/1902

Answers to Questions of May 4th.

1.“What manner of,” etc. Mark 4:41.

2.“And they cried,” etc. 15:14.

3.“Thou sagest it.” 15:2.

4.“Capernum.” 2:1.

5.“Herodias.” 6:19.

6.“And Peter answereth,” etc. “ 8:2

7.“Now when Jesus was,” etc. 16:9.

8.“Damsel, I say unto,” etc. 5:41.

9.“Prepare ye the way,” etc. 1:3.

10.“Rise up, let us go;” etc. 14:42.

11.“Andrew.” 1:16.

12.“Ye know not what ye ask.” 10:38.

Bible Questions for July.

The answers are to be found in the Gospel of John, and the first letter of each answer will spell something that Jesus said while on the cross.

1.Give the verse containing these words, “the Word was God.”

2.What verse comes after, “Jesus wept”?

3.Give the verse after these words, “I know them, and they follow Me: and,”—

4.To what pool was the blind man told to go?

5.Give the verse containing the words, “So hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself.”

6.Give the verse following these words, “Arise, let us go hence.”

7.To whom did Jesus say, “Ye must be born again”?

8.When Peter said to Jesus, “Thou shalt never wash my feet,” what did Jesus say?

9.Give the name of the place that Jesus said He must needs go through.

10.What verse contains these words, “The wrath of God abideth on him”?

11.When the disciples said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord,” what did he say?

12.Give the verse containing the words, “None of you keepeth the law.”

ML 07/06/1902

The Kings of Israel.

1 Sam. 8:7-22.

THE Lord told Samuel to do something that he had never done before. And that was, to “hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they said unto him.” His ear had been trained to listen only to Jehovah’s voice, and we are not surprised that the Lord has to tell him three times in this chapter to hearken to their voice. It is always right to listen to what others say and be obedient to them, providing God has so commanded us. We know He has commanded us to be attentive to what our parents say to us, for He has set them over us to command us and to train us up in the way that we should go.

Any boy or girl who does not obey his father and mother, upon such an one God has pronounced a terrible judgment. “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” Prov. 30:17. But the boys and girls who obey their parents, surely please the Lord, for He says, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20. So we are obeying the Lord when we obey our parents, just as Samuel obeyed Him when he hearkened to the voice of the people.

But, dear children, let us not forget that the “voice of the people” was not God’s voice, any more than it was when they cried out against Jesus, saying, “Away with Rim: let Him be crucified.”

We may inquire then, Why was Samuel told to hearken to them, if they were asking contrary to the Lord’s desire? Well, we may learn a most solemn and also profitable lesson in this course that God took with His people. When He saw that they had completely rejected Him, as they did Samuel also, and turned away from Him, He allowed them to go on and fulfill their own heart’s desire. He was about to grant them what their lust was craving for, although Samuel must solemnly protest against them, and show them what manner of king should reign over them. He would be a proud, selfish man. And the Lord sought, by thus foretelling them of their misery and unhappiness, to draw His dear people back to Himself.

But a mere wish or desire, if interfered with, easily develops into will. So the people said, “Nay, but we will have a king over us.” How these words remind us of the rejection of Another, whom the people refused as their king when they said, “We will not have this Man to reign over us.” Luke 19:14.

Ah, dear children, a willful people must have a willful king. And the description of the king in this chapter, doubtless, describes the one Israel will have at a later day– a king that will do according to his own will— the Antichrist. God’s Bing is described in Zech. 9:9. “He is just and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Now, if we compare this verse with Matt. 21:9, we shall see who that King was.

The question of having a king was now fairly raised and settled. Perhaps Samuel felt the need of being alone with God; perhaps, he knew that the people’s evil desire would only increase by their being assembled together. He sent every man to his own city (v. 22). And this again reminds us of another scene which we find in John 7:45-53 & 8:1.

The question was there settled by the Pharisees that Jesus could not be the rightful king; and so every man went unto his own house, but Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives to be alone with His Father.

It is well then, children, for us to remember that, if we persist in following a wrong course, God may give us up to pursue that course, and allow us to prove how sad and bitter is the way in which He is not acknowledged. He says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Prov. 3:6.

If we deny our own wills, and seek to do His will, then we shall truly find that His ways are ways of pleasantness and all His paths are peace. (Prov. 3:17.)

ML 07/06/1902

"Take Heed What Thou Doest."

A POOR, miserable woman, addicted to drunkenness and other vices, was wandering the streets one evening without aim or purpose, when she saw a church door open and, hardly knowing what she did, entered and sat down. The preacher at that moment was commenting on the words, “Take heed what thou doest.” The words fell upon her ear unheeded, and when the sermon was over she left as she had come. She still continued her wicked course and still found, as sinners ever find sooner or later, that “the way of transgressors is hard.”

Driven at last to desperation by accumulated miseries, she resolved to destroy herself. For this purpose she went to Blackfriars Bridge, and descended the stairs. She reached the lowest step, the deep waters lay outstretched before her, the midnight lamps glimmered on their dark surface. Despair was in her heart, a death-like silence reigned around, there was no human eye to see or pity, no human arm to save. Untying her bonnet with hurried, nervous fingers, she was about to plunge into the dark river, when suddenly, as though a voice from heaven spoke, she heard in the depths of her soul those solemn words, “TAKE HEED WHAT THOU DOEST!” Instantly the tempter’s power was broken, horror at her own intention seized upon her spirit; and rushing up the steps, shuddering as she went, she hastened home. Anguish of heart and a ruined constitution there laid her on her deathbed. Her past life rose in terrible blackness before her. ETERNITY, eternity with all its tremendous consequences, pressed upon her soul, and a long-neglected Bible did at first but deepen her convictions. At length a Christian visitor was sent to point her to the Saviour of sinners. “Is it of any use for me to hope for pardon?” asked the dying sinner. “It is,” replied the visitor, and opening the New Testament, that precious record of a Saviour’s love, read “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.” “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth from ALL sin.” “He that believeth on the Son of God HATH everlasting life.” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou SHALT be saved.” “Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” She began to hope, she called upon the Lord for power to believe, and in a little while light broke in upon her soul. Taking God at his word about His dear Son, her dread and terror vanished, and she got settled peace. Like the poor sinner in Luke 7, having had “much forgiven,” “she loved much,” and her dying hours were occupied in tearful praises to Him who had snatched her as “a brand from the burning,” and in testifying to that precious grace which would not let her perish in her sins. Dear reader, it may be that you are one of those who have never, even in thought, approached the depth of iniquity in which this poor sinner wallowed. Moral, amiable, probably religious, you shudder at the thought of such defilement; and yet, unless you are washed from your sins in the blood of Christ, through faith in Him, you will perish everlastingly, in spite of your religiousness, morality, and uprightness; while the poor harlot will shine a trophy of redeeming love for ever and ever in the light of the presence of God and the Lamb!

ML 07/06/1902

"The Strength of the Hills Is His Also."

SEE this beautiful mountain stream as it rushes along; tumbling splashing, hurrying on; now over rocky ledges forming picturesque cascades, again widening out into a quiet pool, in some level spot, so clear that you can see to the bottom of it, and watch the little speckled trout as they glance here and there in its lovely waters. Look at the water seething and eddying after its rapid descent over the huge boulders that lie in its path! Is it not a grand and beautiful sight?

As you look at such a picture, or as you witness such a scene, do your thoughts go out to Him whose hand has formed it all?

“In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.”

“O come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God.” Ps. 95:4-7.

ML 07/06/1902

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

Mr. E. B. Hartt,

Dear Sir:— I am taking an interest in answering these Questions, and find they are opening the Scriptures to me. I am very glad to say that I have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

F. M.

ML 07/06/1902

The Spring.

THIS little girl and her mother have come to the spring to get some water. They are standing on the boards which extend over the edge of the water. The little girl would be afraid, if she did not feel her mother’s hand on her shoulder. Now she knows she is safe.

What a beautiful trust the child has in her mother. She remembers that mother is always doing and caring for her.

There is One whom we should trust, as this small child does her mother. It is the Lord, who is ever caring for us and asking us to put our trust in Him. He says;

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.” Prov. 3:5.

The mother has her pail on her arm. She will stoop down and get it full of clear cold water. She will not have to pay any money for it.

The Lord does not ask us to pay for the things He gives us. Without fresh air and pure water we could not live. These we cannot get from man, but from the Lord. But there is the “Water of Life,” a better gift than the water that we get from the spring, which we also get from the Lord.

He says, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17. He also says, in His word, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money, and without price.” Isa. 55:l.

ML 07/13/1902

The Rescued Lamb

(For the Lambs of Jesus’ Fold.)

FOR several successive years the writer has had occasion to spend a day in the autumn at the village of C—, and on one of his journeys thither he witnessed one of those little incidents which so often afford instruction to sober, reflective minds.

While the vehicle in which he rode was slowly passing through an open field, the driver, pulling up, called his attention to two laborers who were busily engaged in trying to get a lamb out of a pond, into which, by some means or other, it had fallen. As, in consequence of the dry season, the pond, though deep in mud, had scarcely any water in it, the men had a difficult task; and before they succeeded, it was painful to hear the bleatings of the lamb, and to witness its struggles. When at last it was brought to the pond’s mouth, it cut a very sorry figure; and, after shaking the mire from what should have been its white coat, it bounded away from the scene of disaster, as though it was determined not to have a second fall.

Its forlorn and filthy appearance seemed to alarm its companions; for they fled from it as though it were an enemy, and though, when the writer returned in the evening, its condition was somewhat improved, it was still grazing alone.

Little believers, learn from this short story to “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” From the moment that ye were delivered “from the power of darkness,” and translated into “the kingdom of God’s dear Son,” you have been the objects of Satan’s constant malice, and though he cannot pluck you out of the Father’s hand, nor deprive you of the “eternal life” which “the Good Shepherd” has given you, he leaves no stone unturned to allure you into sin; and the flesh within, and the world without, are instruments he uses to affect his diabolical purpose. Let this solemn truth make you sober and vigilant; and remember that you are only safe from “the wiles of the devil” as you dwell “in the secret place of the Most High,” and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

From henceforth may you walk softly and humbly; never forget that the word of God asserts that there is a principle within you, the tendency of which is to continual departure from the Lord. In order that you may be proof against all the dangers to which you are exposed, let your minds be pre-occupied by Christ, your hearts filled with contemplations of His grace and love, and your souls hold constant and undisturbed communion with your heavenly Father. In this way you will be kept “from fleshly lusts which war against the soul;” and while enjoying solid peace and true happiness, you will have power to manifest in all your ways and walk a more faithful exhibition of the truth, and of the Divine life.

“But gracious Lord, when we reflect

How oft we’ve turned the eye from Thee,

How treated Thee with proud neglect,

And listened to the enemy;

And yet to find Thee still the same—

’Tie this that humbles us with shame.

“Astonished at Thy feet we fall,

Thy love exceeds our highest thought;

Henceforth be Thou our all in all,

Thou who our souls with blood hast bought:

May we henceforth more faithful prove,

And ne’er forget Thy ceaseless love.”

ML 07/13/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9.

We are now told the name of the king whom the Lord pointed out to Samuel, as the one who should reign over His people Israel. It was Saul, whose name meant “asked for.” And he was the son of a mighty man of power (v. 1). God gave the kind of king they asked for, and we are told that all the desire of Israel was upon him and his father’s house, which a strong house. The Lord knew that he was just the style of man that would suit the desire of His people, for they chose to trust in the arm of flesh rather than lean upon the arm of Jehovah.

There are two ways in which every person may be looked at. One is God’s way, and that is to look upon the heart. The other is man’s way, and that is to look upon the outward appearance. In the eighth chapter, God was looking upon the heart of Saul, and He told the people what he would do with them, for He alone knew the depths of Saul’s heart, and could foretell how he would act in time to come. In the present chapter, we have what man could see about him that made him of value in their eyes. He was a choice young man and goodly; and there were none among all the children of Israel more stately than he. (v 2).

When boys and girls are growing up unto manhood and womanhood, if they are nice looking and intelligent, they are sought out, and preference is given them by the people of the world. But does not such honor as they receive make them proud, and take them further away from God? On the other hand, if a boy or girl is a little awkward in appearance, or a little dull in intellect, how such an one is apt to envy those who are naturally better gifted, and wish that they were more attractive.

Dear children, this is all to appear in the eyes of men, and I would affectionately beseech you to strive rather to appear comely and beautiful in the eyes of the Lord. Would you not rather be “great in the sight of the Lord,” as John the Baptist was (Luke 1:15), than to be the first ruler of the country?

God searches the heart of man and knows every thought and purpose in it, whether it be good or evil. And there is a day coming when He will judge, by Jesus Christ, all the secrets of every heart. He says, “My son, give Me thine heart.” (Prov. 23:26) He means that He wants your love, and the way He seeks to get it from you is by telling you that He first loved you.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Have you believed the love that God has to you?

“Believe that wonderful love

Believe that wonderful love.”

Having given your heart to Him, He then makes it His dwelling place and comes and communes with you, telling how great and deep His love for you is. Indeed, He tells you many sweet and precious things, and directs your heart to search His word, and to keep His precious commandments. And you do not love the world because you have the love of the Father in you. (1 John 2:15.) You seek to walk through the world in the footsteps of Jesus, following His example, who was meek and lowly in heart. Your treasure is up in heaven, and you set your affections on things above where Christ is sitting at God’s right hand. The honors and glories of this world appear to you as nothing, for you have your “heart upon a treasure that has dimmed for you earth’s pleasure.” You wait for Jesus to come who will take you to dwell in that bright glory, which He once left to come to this world to redeem you. And if you are waiting for that happy moment, when you shall see Him, may it now be

“Your only grief to give Him pain,

Your joy to serve and follow Him.”

ML 07/13/1902

"A Man of Sorrows."

Isaiah 53:3.

Thou wast the Man of Sorrows, Lord,

So intimate with grief;

Didst drink the fearful cup of woe,

To bring us sure relief.

Thou once the crown of thorns didst

bear,

That we the crown of life may wear.

ML 07/13/1902

Moses and the Burning Bush.

ANOTHER forty years had passed in the life of Moses— forty years in God’s school in the land of Midian—in the desert, and on the mountain sides. And doubtless many needed lessons had been learned in this time of quiet and solitude. But now the time has come when God is going to use the man whom He has been thus preparing for a stupendous work.

One day when Moses had led his flock to the far side of Sinai’s desert, and had reached Horeb, “the Mount of God,” he saw a sight that filled him with wonder. It was a bush that was burning, and yet was not consumed; and in the flame of fire that was ascending, he saw an angel of the Lord. He said to himself, “I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” As he drew near to look upon it, there came a voice that made him tremble, and fear to look longer on the bush. It was the voice of the Lord, telling Moses that He was the God of his fathers; the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. The Lord told him also not to come near; and to put the shoes off his feet, for the ground on which he stood was holy. This made Moses bide his face. But God had something more to say to him. He told Moses that He had heard the groans and cries of his people and had seen their affliction; and He knew their sorrows, and now He had come down to deliver them.

How very wonderful all this was! And here, amid the wonders of the burning bush, Moses gets his call from God; for the Lord said, “Come, I will send thee into Egypt.”

Moses was the one whom God had chosen to lead His suffering people out of the land of their bondage, and in this striking manner He communicated His mind to him.

Forty years before, one of his brethren had thrust him away, saying, “Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us.” Now God tells him He will send him to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.

And now, dear young reader, what may we learn from the burning bush, which burned and was not consumed? Was it not like God’s people Israel, who were passing through the furnace of affliction, and still were preserved; for God was with them, even as the angel of the Lord was in the midst of the bush ! How beautiful it is that He tells His people Israel they are His, and bids them “Fear not!” He says to them, “When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isa. 43:1-2. Thus He walks with His own, and they are kept—even in the midst of the furnace.

ML 07/13/1902

"Praise Ye the Lord."

The flowers that deck my pathway round

And skirt the shady wood,

Proclaim as with a thousand tongues,

That God is very good.

The ripened fields of waving grain,

For man and beast assigned;

Tell that the great Creator is,

Not only good, but kind.

The glorious sun and peerless moon,

And stars which round them wait;

Prove God to be not only good,

And kind, but very great.

But oh! the Cross where Jesus hung,

Doth yet more strongly prove,

That, though so good and kind and great,

The mighty God is LOVE.

ML 07/13/1902

Just a Peep.

AH! they have caught him, just taking a peep, while playing at blind man’s buff. But this is not fair, it is cheating they say, because he is uncovering his eyes so as to see where they are, while he pretends to have his eyes covered all the time. He is trying to deceive them. Some may think that does not matter much, because it is only at play: but acting a lie is as bad as telling a, lie, and if it is allowed in play, it will soon be thought nothing of in connection with what is not play.

Sometimes the tongue is used as well actions, for deceiving. That is, things are said in such a way as to lead others to believe something different than what is said, and yet it may not be a lie, but it is just as bad, because others are deceived.

God has spoken of that in His word as one of the things that is true of all. He has said, “With their tongues they have used deceit.” Do you think you have never done this? All must say, “Yes, I have.”

Well, God is so thoroughly just and right in everything, that He cannot allow even that sin to go unpunished; so what will we do, dear children? Must we bear the punishment ourselves? No, we need not, for the word is,

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Pet. 2:24.

And “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16.

Do you know when He gave His only begotten Son? I am sure many of you can answer— it was on the cross, in the three hours of darkness when He was forsaken of God while bearing sins. But can you say, He bore my sins there? Notice what the next part of the verse says: “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Oh, what a wonderful thing this is, and how thankful we, who believe, should be to Him who has borne the punishment from God for our sins, so that we should never have to bear it. He said on the cross, “It is finished.” Then instead of perishing, we get “everlasting life.”

If you believe in Jesus as your own Saviour, may you not only thank Him for what He has done for you, but may you seek in all your ways to please Him, and remember that even deceit is one of your sins that the Lord Jesus died for, and if the thought comes in your mind to deceive, turn away from it immediately.

ML 07/20/1902

Lonely Lottie.

“UN, deux, trois; one, two, three; quatre, cinq; four, five;” then the voice ceased and closing the French exercise book with a weary sigh, Lottie Grey looked into the small garden where a few stunted lilac bushes were beginning to look green, for the springtime with its soft air and sunshine made its presence felt, even in the crowded streets of the busy city where Lottie had lived ever since she was old enough to remember anything.

Lottie was a strange little girl; everyone who knew her said so. Only five summers had passed over the head of that lonely child but in words and ways Lottie was old and grave beyond her years. Her mother had died when Lottie (an only child) was but a few days old, and soon after her father went abroad, leaving his little daughter in the care of her grandparents.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell were not unkind to Lottie, but they were both getting old, and perhaps because it was long since their own children had been little boys and girls, they forgot that their little granddaughter needed play-time as well as study hours.

Mrs. Bell said Lottie must not play with, or even speak to any of the neighbors’ children, as by doing so, she might learn rude words or ways, and as Mrs. Bell’s will was law at the time of which I am writing, Lottie had never known the delight of a merry game of play with young companions. Lottie did not go to school, but home lessons took up several hours every day.

But we must return to Lottie, whom at the beginning of my story we left busy over her French exercises.

Lottie had been taught to read when she was not more than three years old, and books were the only companions she had ever known. The Bible had not been one of her lesson books, as Mrs. Bell, who thought so young a child as Lottie could not understand it, did not quite approve of Lottie’s reading it; still, it was not a forbidden book, and many happy hours were spent by the lonely child over its pages, and when Lottie closed her French book with the weary sigh of which I told you, her thoughts went back to the Bible words she had been reading the day before, and she repeated over and over again, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.” (Matt. 25:41.) Would the terrible words ever be said to her? Would Jesus ever send her away from Him? She had been told that God loved good children, but, Lottie was not good, and she knew it; sometimes she disobeyed her grandmamma, and more than once she had told a falsehood. What should she do? What would become of her? And covering her face with her hands, she began to cry bitterly.

Poor child, with all the Bible reading, it was very plain she did not know that it was for sinners Christ had died, nor how, as the Son of man He came to seek and to save the lost; and no loving voice had ever told her of the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. And as the first thought of every unsaved soul is a desire to hide from the eye of God, no wonder poor Lottie was afraid.

Lottie was alone, in the school-room, but one Eye saw her distress, one Heart knew how real her trouble of soul was. Yes, the Lord Jesus knew all about it; and in His own time and way His own hand would draw the trembling child to Himself, the only ark of safety.

Lottie’s tears were still falling when her grandmamma entered the room, and asked the cause of her sorrow. Lottie would rather have been silent, but when Mrs. Bell asked a question she expected an answer, and of this Lottie was quite aware. So she sobbed out, “O Grandma, which do you think I shall be, a goat or sheep?”

Mrs. Bell looked surprised, but not at all pleased by Lottie’s question; but she only said, “Why Lottie, I really do not know what you are talking about. I shall have to say I cannot allow you to read the Bible if you get such strange fancies, and talk about things children do not understand. But I am engaged now, and cannot stay to hear your French lesson, so you may walk in the garden for half an hour. And you may take Victoria.” Mrs. Bell added in a kinder tone, as her eye rested on the pale, tear-stained face of the child.

Victoria was Lottie’s favorite doll, almost as large as a real baby, and permission to play with it was only given on special occasions; so Lottie dried her tears, and in the amusement of dressing her doll forgot, for a time at least, that her question had not been answered.

Five years from the time of which I have been telling you, had passed away, and Lottie had grown taller and stronger, her lessons too, were longer. But Lottie did not make any trouble of that, for her desire was to fit herself to become a teacher of others. Still she was very fond of reading, and took great interest in Bible stories. Lottie was still ignorant of the way of salvation, but the thought of God did not fill her with terror as it had done five years before. For two short Bible verses, known and loved by Lottie, always seemed like stars shining out through a dark night. One was, “In Thee the fatherless findeth mercy.” Hosea 14:3; the other, “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

Lottie wanted very much to be a Christian girl, but she did not know God’s way of peace, so instead of taking her place before Him as a lost and sinful child, she kept on trying to be good, and finding all her trying only end in disappointment and failure. But the time of Lottie’s blessing was drawing very near— the time when the Good Shepherd would find His little straying lamb.

“I am going to ask a favor of you, Mrs. Bell. If you do not object, I should be very pleased to take your granddaughter to school with me next Sunday.”

Miss Lee had made the foregoing request somewhat timidly. Her motive for calling on Mrs. Bell had been a real desire to bring her orphan grandchild, Lottie, under the sound of the gospel; something, too, of pity for the lonely little girl, perhaps made her wait more anxiously for Mrs. Bell’s permission.

At last her consent was given, though not very willingly.

Lottie thought Sunday was a long time coming, but it came at last, and to her great delight, Miss Lee called as she had promised for her little friend.

A quarter of an hour’s walk brought them to the school-room, and Lottie was at once taken to the Bible class, though younger by several years than any of her classmates. A loving, earnest teacher, Miss Mills, won her young heart long before the afternoon’s lesson was ended, and a real desire to become a regular attendant seemed to fill her mind. From the first, Lottie was deeply interested in the simple Bible teaching Miss Mills gave her scholars, and very soon the question of her childhood, How should she escape from the wrath of God? came with deeper meaning than it had ever done.

Lottie still read her Bible and heard from the lips of her teacher much about the Lord Jesus Christ and His work upon the cross. But she did not really understand the way of salvation. Like many others, she was trying to make herself good, instead of simply taking her place before God, as a sinner for whom the Saviour died.

But the Lord Jesus, who had loved Lottie so much that He bore all her sins upon the cross, was leading her the right way.

One Sunday afternoon, the teacher who took charge of the library, placed a book in her hand, saying as she did so, “You will like this, I think.”

Lottie’s only answer was, “Thank you.”

The book did not look as if it would prove a very interesting one, for the binding was almost worn out and there were not any pictures in it.

It contained a true story of one of God’s servants, a man who, though poor in this world’s goods, was the means of making many rich, by leading them to Christ. And Lottie read with great interest of a woman, who was very anxious to know how she could be saved, when she went to see him, he told her that all that she had to do was simply to believe what God says in His word about the finished work of His Son. And then he read her a verse of a hymn:

“Believe on Him who died for thee,

And, sure as He has died,

Thy debt is paid, thy soul is free,

And thou art justified.”

And as Lottie read, other words came into her mind— precious words — “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts. 14:31. And then and there Lottie looked to Jesus and was saved, and kneeling down by the chair where she had been sitting, she thanked God for His great love in giving the Lord Jesus to be her Saviour. And so Lottie found a Friend, One who would always love and never leave her.

Dear young reader. can you say, “Lottie’s Saviour is my Saviour too”?

ML 07/20/1902

"The Word of the Lord Abideth Forever."

Great God with wonder and with praise,

On all Thy works I look!

But still Thy wisdom, power and grace,

Shines brightest in Thy Book.

The fields provide me food, and show

The goodness of the Lord;

But fruits of life and glory grow

In Thy most holy word.

‘Tis here I learn how Christ hath died,

To save my soul from hell;

Not all the books on earth beside,

Such heavenly wonders tell.

Then let me love my Bible more,

And take a fresh delight,

By day to read its wonders o’er,

And meditate by night.

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Ps. 107:21.22.

ML 07/20/1902

Hungry Calves.

WHO does not enjoy a little time in the country, during the summer holidays, where all around seems so fresh and green, the farm-yard so full of life, the birds singing in the trees and everything to speak of God’s goodness and care! As we look at the picture before us, we see the pleasant look on the woman’s face and the expression of joy by the little children as they are all occupied with the fine baby cows, so eager to get a drink of milk from the bucket. These are hungry little calves, and we are glad to see they are, and that they have such an appetite.

Don’t you think we may learn a lesson from these little creatures? I believe we may. They know who brings them milk, and as soon as the woman comes out with it, they all run to her. Yes, you say, they know what is good, but what is the lesson? Well, I will ask you a question. What is it that we should hunger and thirst after? Is it the trees, the flowers, the birds or all the rest of the good things around us? These are all very good and we should thank God for them, but there is one thing we should be as desirous of having, as those little creatures are of their milk. The Scripture says,

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6.

It is for us to seek to know God’s ways which are given to us in. His word, for His ways are ways of righteousness, peace and wisdom; and it is by going in His ways that we can be happy and satisfied. His word shows us the way of salvation, which is through Jesus Christ alone, and that eternal salvation is ours by simply believing in Jesus as the One who died for us. Then when we have found Jesus as our own Saviour, it is for us to take the word of God for our guide through our whole life, and we shall find real lasting joy and satisfaction. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer. 15:16. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119:105.

May you, dear children, take your delight in His word and you will find it a light for you through this life, guiding you in paths of righteousness and giving you true wisdom.

ML 07/27/1902

Afraid of the Consequences.

LIKE showers upon new-mown grass had the glorious gospel fallen on the little country town of B—. The Lord’s children had been revived, and many unconverted awakened to their lost condition, and led to accept God’s proffered salvation. Now the meetings were about to end, and a group of bright youthful faces, lit up with a new-found heavenly joy surrounded the tea table of an aged Christian. The evangelist, whose services had been so richly blessed, had a beaming smile and an earnest word for all present, prayerfully striving to confirm the newly born souls in the faith. Specially did he press on them the blessedness of confessing with the mouth the Lord Jesus, deprecating the action of one member of a family being converted and not making it known to the others.

“Janet, that’s like you,” impulsively said a young man who was present, to his sister; “you were converted a long time without ever speaking to me about my soul.”

“Oh, surely I did, Tom,” she answered confusedly.

“Well, maybe you did; if I were from home, you put it in a letter.”

Come, sisters, how are we acting toward our unregenerate brothers? Are we quietly enjoying the favors bestowed on us without exerting ourselves in their behalf? May not our apathy be disclosed in a similar way? At the same time we do not seek to justify the young man’s conduct in thus exposing his sister.

It was not long before Tom’s own faithfulness to the truth was put to the test. A week or two later some friends came to spend the afternoon at his father’s farmhouse. They occupied a farm some miles distant, and with one of the sons, Alick, he was an intimate associate.

Alick found Tom’s society unusually dull that afternoon. As for Tom, he was greatly dissatisfied with himself.

In the first transport of joy in the love of the Saviour he had found, he felt as though he could triumphantly proclaim His worth to all the world; now, when an opportunity occurred for telling it simply to a friend, he felt strangely lacking in courage. He, who had been so ready to accuse his sister of timidity, was now full of scruples himself. This grieved him intensely, and taught him his own weakness, while an earnest prayer arose from his heart, pleading for strength to tell his friends of the great things God had done for him. No such prayer remains unanswered.

“Come, Tom,” said Alick, “what is the matter with you today? Let us hear a song from you; have you got any new piece?”

In answer to this request Tom lifted his melodeon, and ran his fingers nimbly along the keys, accompanying the notes with a clear tenor voice. His friends listened in silence as the words fell on their ears—

“I am Thine, O Lord;

I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.”

His vocal powers were exceptionally fine, and he sang the hymn through with a pathos which thrilled his listeners. Alick broke the silence which followed the singing of it by saying, — “That is a new kind of song for you, Tom.”

“Yes,” he returned, “the Lord hath put a ‘new’ song in my mouth, and I earnestly desire that all my friends may hear it, and be led to trust in the Lord.”

Having thus boldly hoisted his colors, the young believer experienced the peculiar joy that springs from confessing Christ’s blessed name; and now he had done so, his timidity all vanished, he felt “bold as a lion,” and spoke earnestly to his companions, telling them how he had, as a lost, guilty sinner, fled for refuge, and found shelter in the blood of Christ.

“The Lord hath given a banner to them that fear Him, that it may be displayed because of the truth,” and once that banner is fully unfurled the battle is half won. Those who do not rank under the same ensign soon falls aloof from the standard-bearer, and Tom soon found his former companions at variance with him. This did not move him, — he was now a member of the “household of faith,” and in that relationship found many with whom he held sweet converse.

Eighteen months passed. It was the annual show and sale of cattle at B—, always a fete day in agricultural districts. Tom and Alick were there, each attending to his father’s interests. Since the day Tom had frankly avowed his allegiance to Christ, Alick had sedulously evaded him; but that night, on leaving the market-place, he made up to him and appeared desirous of his company. Tom quickly noticed the change in his manner, and attributed it— rightly it turned out— to concern in spiritual matters. Their ways home lay in different directions, but Tom was too earnest over his friend’s conversion to allow a few miles’ walk to deter him from speaking a word in season to him. Soon Alick acknowledged that ever since he had startled him by the singing of his “new song,” he had been a spirit-wounded, convicted sinner. He had endeavored to stifle the appeals of his conscience, but in vain. Next he tried weeping and praying, but these afforded no relief. Then he thought he would wait patiently till some wondrous change came over his heart, but all to no purpose. Theoretically, he knew the gospel well, but no amount of head-knowledge will suffice to bring comfort to a sin-burdened soul.

Simply and fully did Tom explain to him the “old, old story,” how “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself,” that

“It is not our tears of repentance and prayers, But the blood, that atones for the soul;” that the moment faith lays hold of the wondrous truth that “the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin,” in that moment does the soul pass from “death unto life.”

Still Alick hesitated.

“Tell me,” said Tom, with deep feeling in his voice, “what it is that stumbles you?”

The two young men walked on for some time in silence, then Alick said, apparently with an effort,—

“I do long for pardon; my sins keep hovering like a dark spectra round me; I know the Lord Jesus has suffered for them, and that now He is offering me the gift of eternal life, but, but—”

“But what?”

“But I am afraid, if I accept it, of the consequences.”

“Afraid of the consequences! Afraid of the consequences! You may well be afraid of the consequences of rejecting so great salvation, but afraid of the consequences of accepting it, you surely cannot be, when it will bring you ‘love and light and lasting joy.’ What do you mean by being afraid of the consequences?” rejoined Tom.

“Oh, I am not afraid of the benefits I will derive from it, quite the contrary, but I shrink from the reproach it might bring me. For instance, you today preaching in the market-place, where everybody knew you, and telling the decent farmers they were lost, and except they were born again they could not enter the kingdom of God. Most of them were laughing at you, and you have made the whole country-side ring with your name. I tried to picture myself— supposing I were getting converted— testifying as you were doing, and it quite unnerved me.”

“And no wonder,” said Tom quickly; “you were depicting yourself suffering for Christ’s sake before tasting the wondrous fruits of His sufferings for you. To me it seems a special gift ‘not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;’ but with that you have, in the meantime, nothing to do. God, in grace, is now offering to you His unspeakable gift, and it is at your peril you refuse.”

More conversation followed, which need not be related here; then Tom, who was now a long way off his own route home, retraced his steps, praying unceasingly the while that his friend might not close his eyes against the light.

Alick, left to pursue his journey alone, did so with laggard step and cloudy brow. The road led across a hill, behind which lay his home. The mental anguish through which he was passing seemed to have weakened his physical strength. He dropped on his knees on the road-side, exclaiming, “I can’t go any further till I know my sins are forgiven.” It was not now quivering’s about after-testimony that harassed him, but deep heart-yearnings after peace. And peace came. In the deepening twilight, on the lone hill-side, streamed the light of the glorious gospel of Christ on his troubled soul. He rose from his knees animated by a new life, and, with a joyous burst of song, walked quickly home. In the farm-yard he met his sister Ellen, and with a gladsome mind he communicated to her the joyful news. She listened rather dubiously, and said, “It may be true, but it is a funny thing to happen in our family.”

It was undoubtedly something new. He was the first in that household on whom God set His seal, and very marked was the change it made in him. Previously he feared he might succumb to the taunts and jeers he would encounter, but now, realizing himself to be a “chosen vessel,” it was his delight to bear the name of Jesus before all with whom he came in contact. Naturally his brothers and his sisters were his first concern. He labored fervently in prayer for them, and was careful to let no opportunity pass of “speaking the truth in love.” His work was not fruitless. Ellen was the first to be told of his conversion, and she was also the first he was instrumental in leading to the feet of Jesus. Marvelous was the difference in that household as one by one its members were turned from “darkness to light.” In the course of three years the whole seven of them were in the divine sense of the term “children of one Father.”

Blessed, glorious consequences! Oh, you who are halting between two opinions, who long to be supremely blessed, but fear to venture your soul to Jesus’ keeping, lest it might bring you a scoff from your companions, a jeer from your friends, or, you fear, might hurt your business, may you be enabled to say truly, —

“Jesus, I will trust Thee,

Trust Thee with my soul!

Guilty, lost, and helpless,

Thou canst make me whole.”

ML 07/27/1902

Answers to Questions of June 1st.

1 “Get thee behind,” etc. Luke 4:8.

“Lord, Lord, and do,” etc. 4:46.

“Ought not Christ to,” etc. 24:26.

“Rejoice with Me,” etc. 25:16.

“Ye say that I am.” 22:70

“The Christ of God.” 9:20.

“Occupy till I come.” 19:13.

“Good Master, what,” etc. 18:l8.

“O ye of little faith.” 12:28.

“Do violence to no,” etc. 3:14.

“GLORY TO GOD.” 2:14.

Bible Questions for August.

The answers are to be found in The Acts of the Apostles, and the first letter of each answer will spell one of the titles of the Lord Jesus, by which Peter spoke of Him to the Jews, and accused them of having killed.

1. Who healed the lame man at the gate of the temple?

2. Give the whole of the verse containing these words, “When the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

3.Give the rest of this verse, “For David speaketh concerning Him,”—

4.Give the remaining part of this verse, “And when Peter was come to himself, he said,”

5.Of whom was it said that he was “a devout man, and one that feared God”?

6.What was the name of the young man who fell from the third loft and was taken up dead?

7.Give the remaining part of this verse, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said,”

8.Who was it that said to Paul, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee”?

9.What were Stephen’s last words?

10.When Saul said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” what did Jesus say?

11. What did the angel say to Paul one night when he was on board a ship?

12.In what place was Paul when he asked the question, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed”?

ML 08/03/1902

The Chase.

As we look at our picture today, we see what ought to touch the heart of every one with sadness.

A poor stag has been driven out of its hiding place, and men and dogs are following hard after it the men shouting, the dogs barking, while the poor creature, wild with fright, is bounding over bush and brake seeking to elude his pursuers.

This scene is in England in some parts of which there is much hunting of the stag in the way of sport. But what a cruel sport it is! And how could a child of God ever take part in such a thing!

God tells us in His word, “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them; thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.” Deut. 22:4. And “If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” Ex. 23:5.

“He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Ps. 147:9. “Behold the fowls of the air; . . . your heavenly Father feedeth them.” Matt. 6:26. These Scriptures show that God cares for the beasts of burden; and He provides food for the wild beasts and the fowls. Surely it must displease Him much to see His creatures wantonly treated or abused in any way. You cannot, dear children, be too careful or too kind to any of the creatures with which you may have to do.

“A righteous man regarded the life of his beast.” Prov. 7:10.

ML 08/03/1902

"Thy Word Have I Hid in Mine Heart, That I Might Not Sin Against Thee."

Ps. 119:11.

WHAT a safe hiding place this is, IN THE HEART. Have you little ones ever thought that there is something you can hide in your hearts? If you hide the word of God there, Satan will never be able to take it from you.

There was a time when people were punished severely if they were found with a Bible in their houses. They were put in prison, sometimes all their goods were taken from them, they were tortured in all kinds of ways, and some were even put to death. I once read a story of a dear Christian woman who lived in those days, and who would take every opportunity she had, when no one would see her, to commit to memory some verse of Scripture, and then she would teach it to her little girl. At last she was found out, and these wicked people came and made her give up her Bible that she so much loved, and they burned it before her eyes. Then they said, “What will you do now without your Bible?” Her reply was, “You can burn the word of God out of my hands but you cannot burn it out of my heart.” The word of God was hid in her heart and no enemy of God, or God’s truth could touch it there. She read it, she believed it, she enjoyed it, and in this way it had found a place in her heart.

The readers of this little paper live in a day when we are allowed to read the Bible as much as we like. We have no man who can come and take it from us and burn it before our eyes, but we have the same foe— Satan—who will do all he can to keep us from giving it a place in our hearts. He will try and get other things there so that the truth of God will be kept out.

If we read the Bible, and believe it, and obey it, we are hiding the word of God in our HEARTS. May all our dear readers do this so that they may not sin against God.

ML 08/03/1902

His Life Lost.

WHILE two men were crossing a river together in a row boat they were engaged in a conversation somewhat as follows. One of the men, who was a passenger and well educated, addressed his fellow at the oars, an uneducated man, thus:

“Well, kind sir, what do you know about the wonders of astronomy?”

“The wonders of what?” inquired the ignorant man.

“Astronomy, astronomy. What do you know about it?” returned the instructed passenger.

“Why, I know nothing about it at all.”

“Ah, what a pity,” said the other, “then I must tell you that one fourth of your life is lost.”

“But perhaps you can tell me something about philosophy?”

“No, I know nothing about philosophy either.”

“Well, you have missed a great deal, and another fourth of your life is lost.”

“I will now ask you, if you have ever learned about the marvels of geology?”

“Geology? I do not know what you mean, sir.”

“Well, well, it now appears that three fourths of your life is lost.”

At this point the ferryman noticed that the boat, which was yet far distant from the desired shore, had suddenly sprung a leak, and in a few moments would be filled with water and sink. He dropped the oars, and began hurriedly to strip himself of his clothing, at the same time inquiring of his passenger, “Can you swim?”

Alas! it was found that the man with all his education had neglected to learn the simple art of swimming, which was now necessary for the saving of his life.

“Then,” remarked the ferryman, “the whole of your life is lost.”

Dear children, we see that the ferryman possessed the one thing needful to preserve his life, while his passenger must lose his life because he did not possess the one thing.

Now, I may ask you what is the great need of our souls, if we would live forever and never die. I judge the most of the readers would correctly reply by saying our great need is Christ. Yes, it is just CHRIST.

But do you FEEL your need of Him? Do you know that without Him you never can be truly happy?

Oh, it is wonderful to know that we may possess Christ, and the life He gives, even in this world, by faith. “He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life.” John 3:36. “He that HATH the Son HATH life.” John 5:12. Now if we put these two passages together, we see that it is by simply believing on the Son that we have both Him, and also the life that He imparts.

Could anything be more simple than this? A child will believe, when a grown person will doubt, and every child may believe just what God says about Jesus.

People all around us make everything of the present life without Christ. They are of the world, and do not know God. But while they may live here in the world prosperously, and receive blessings while they live, yet, when the frail bark that bears their precious souls across life’s waters gives way, they shall awake to find that all that is before them is a Christ less death and a Christ less eternity.

But how different it is with those who know the Lord Jesus and serve Him. They are willing, as Jesus said, to lose the present life that they may preserve it unto life eternal.

If they be poor and ignorant, then they know that they have untold wealth and wisdom in Jesus. And should they possess this world’s wealth and education, their desire is to use all these things for the glory of the Lord in His service. They can truthfully say,

“Were the vast world our own,

With all its varied store,

And, Thou, Lord Jeans wert unknown,

We still were poor.”

They who serve Jesus in this world know what true happiness is; and in eternity, when they shall dwell with Jesus, their joy will be full forever.

ML 08/03/1902

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

Mr. E. B. Hartt,

Dear Friend: — I am still finding the Bible Questions and enjoy searching the Scriptures, and hope to get more of the young to find them.

We have not very many in our Sunday-school, but as the Questions are for those outside as well who do not attend our school, I will try, by the help of the Lord, to get others to find them, that it may be a help to them spiritually, for I know in so doing, the Lord Jesus will be well pleased, for He is able to speak to them while they are searching, as He has told us in His word, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

I thank the Lord that I have accepted Him as my personal Saviour, and know too, that the Lord has forgiven my sins and put them away as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more.

It makes me anxious to see and hear of others accepting the Lord, that they too, may share of the same blessings that we are enjoying.

I remain your friend,

R. B.

ML 08/03/1902

Mischievous Children.

WHAT little meddlesome children! What will mamma say when she comes and finds her fine cake all finger marked? Little tot can hardly reach, but he must get his finger in too, to get a taste. That is lust like little children.

But you know if they thought their mamma saw them they would not do that, and you can see that the little girl, who is the oldest one, is watching to see if there is anyone looking.

Ah, they forget that there is One who is watching and knows all about them and He even knows their thoughts, so they can hide nothing from Him. The Scripture says, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chron. 16:9. And again,

“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

So, dear children, remember that you cannot hide anything from God and if ever there is anything that you are ashamed for your parents to know, be sure it will not please the Lord either, who knows all about you. If you do that which is pleasing to Him, then you can count on the Lord to show Himself strong in your favor.

ML 08/10/1902

Crazy Jack.

THE following story is about a poor simple fellow who lived in one of the Southern States, and with whom the Lord had worked in making the little truth he knew to bring blessing to his soul. It is not the wise ones of this world who are able to understand the truth about the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, as poor Jack was. You remember the words of the blessed Lord while He was here, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matt. 11:25. Poor Jack was a babe as to understanding, and you will see what God had revealed to him.

There were some meetings being held where he lived, and Jack was at one of them. He heard some telling what the Lord had done for them, so he asked if he might tell what He had done for him. The preacher said, “Well, Jack, what do you know about the love of God in in Christ?” Jack rose and said, “I don’t know much, but I do know that when I stand before God, and He opens the book where Jack’s sins were, He will find them all covered over by the precious blood of Jesus, and, He will see nothing but the blood.” He knew that his sins were washed away by the precious blood of Jesus, and that God could see them no more. And how did he know this? It was not because of anything he had done, or ever would do. He knew it because he believed what the word of God said. He knew that the word of God said, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” John 1:7. But he did not only know that this is what the word said, but he believed it. There are many people who have been blessed with good understanding who have not believed as much as Jack. They have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour but have not yet taken God at His word as to what has become of their sins. Their sins are all blotted out by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, but they have not believed it, and therefore cannot say as much as poor Jack.

When the children of Israel were ready to leave the land of Egypt they had two things, the blood of the Passover Lamb to save them from judgment, and the word of God to make them sure that they were safe. The blood saved them from the judgment that was falling on the land that night, and the word, “When see the blood I will pass over you,” made them feel quite certain as to their safety. And poor Jack had both of these as well. He had the precious blood of Christ to put away his sins, and he believed what God said about the blood having washed them away, and he was happy.

I wonder how many of the readers of “Messages of Love” can say as much as poor “Crazy Jack,” about their sins, “He will find them all covered over by the precious blood of Jesus, and He will see nothing but the blood.”

ML 08/10/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9.

WE have in this chapter an interesting little story of some asses that were lost, and how they were sought after by Saul. They belonged to Kish the father of Saul, and he told Saul to take one of the servants with him and go seek the asses. As every obedient son would have done, he immediately set out to do as his father had bidden him. For three days he looked for the asses, going many miles, but he could not find them. Finally, just as he was about to return home, the servant suggested to him that in the city nearby was a man of God, and that he, peradventure, could tell them the way that they should go. Saul, thinking that the advice was good, went into the city and at length found the Seer, Samuel, who now for the first time saw him who was to reign over the Lord’s people.

There was, however, a little difficulty with Saul about going to the Seer and consulting him, without taking a present to him in return for his benevolence in directing their way to find the asses. But the servant had the fourth part of a shekel of silver and this was considered worthy to give to Samuel.

Now, dear children, do you know what a blessed thing it to trust in the Lord to direct your way through this world, looking to Him to guide you in every step you take, so that you may not only be prospered in your way, but also be able to please the Lord in all that you do? You do not need now, as of old, to seek a Seer, or Prophet, in order to find out what God’s mind is about any particular thing. His word is with us, and His Spirit is here in the world to direct the believer and give him intelligence as to what His way is. And is it not a real comfort to know that the Lord will direct us even to find something that we may have lost, if we look in faith to Him? The more simple and trustful we are, the more we shall prove how fully He comes into every little thing in our lives and helps us wonderfully.

But before we can know what it is to have this liberty of going to Him as a Father about everything, we must surely first know that we are His children. Those of this world who do not belong to Him are afraid to go to Him for help and strength, because they have not confidence in Him, and are not His children. Their sins are between themselves and God, and they have not become reconciled to Him. Do all the readers of “Messages of Love” know what it is to “have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins”? (Col. 1:14.)

This, I judge, is the meaning we may gather from the piece of silver money, which Saul and his servant purposed giving to Samuel. It speaks of redemption. And those who have searched God’s word are agreed that, silver speaks of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The Lord surely would sneak to us from these things that occurred in the history of the Old Testament to magnify and strengthen the precious things revealed in the New Testament.

The lost asses tell us of our own lost condition before God. And every firstling of an ass had to be redeemed with a lamb, or else be killed. “And every firstling of an ass shalt thou redeem with a lamb: and, if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck.” Ex. 13:13.

If we are not redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Lamb, then we must be judged by God’s righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, at the great white throne, and perish forever in the lake of fire.

The asses of Kish were domesticated animals and useful as beasts of burden. There were also the wild asses that lived in the desert, but these were unmanageable and beyond the control of man, as Jeremiah tells us. Jer. 2:24. The disposition of the ass would remind us of the determined and unbroken will of man, which makes him an enemy of God. The book of Job tells us that man is born like a wild ass’s colt. Job 11:12. But it was the tamed asses that were redeemed, and they still retained the old nature of the wild ass. The wild nature was simply subdued and rendered docile.

And so it is with us, dear children, if we be not “partakers of the divine nature.” We may have all the refining influences of a good home, and all the advantages derived from education, and still have only the old nature which neither loves God nor is subject to Him. The Lord said to Nicodemus, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:7. It is by being born anew, that is, having a new life from God that we can in any wise love Him.

Saul could not find the lost asses, but the Lord Jesus not only sought out His lost ones, but also found them. The asses were found at the end of three days, by someone whose name is not told us (v. 20). This again speaks of Jesus being three days in the grave and rising again, having accomplished the work of redemption, whereby the lost might be sought and found and saved.

ML 08/10/1902

"Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also."

John 14:19.

I HAVE just heard a brother tell a nice story that I think the readers of this little paper will be glad to hear, so I will tell it and try to show the lesson it was intended to teach.

Some time ago, in the State of Nebraska, there was a school-teacher who noticed a storm coming, and wanted to get her children safely to the nearest house. In those parts they sometimes have very heavy blizzards that last for a long time, and it is not safe to be out in them. Many who are overtaken by one of these storms are buried alive.

The way she took to keep the children together, was, to get a rope and tie them one to another and then tie them to herself. When she had done this she told them that their life was as safe as hers.

That if they perished she would. Then they all started off for the house where they would be safe from the storm, and thus escaped it.

The verse at the head of this says, “Because I live, ye shall live also.” What comforting words these are for all who have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. We can say that we have the same life that He has. We are bound up with Him in the bundle of life, and we are bound to one another as well. When the terrible blizzard of the wrath of God breaks upon this scene it can never touch those who are so close to Christ. We will be in a place where that storm will never touch. He will have us with Himself, beyond this scene altogether in the home He has prepared for those who love Him.

Oh, that all our readers were one with Christ and safe from that awful storm that is soon to break with such fury on this scene. Those who have accepted Him by faith can say, our life is as safe as His.

ML 08/10/1902

My Birthday.

What found I in the year that’s past

To make my heart forget

That this, perhaps, may be my last?

Although in childhood yet.

For little ones, still less than I,

Their short lived course have run,

Who never, never thought to die,

When first the year begun.

Their faces rosy, just like mine,

Their voices glad and gay;

They did not show a single sign

Of fading thus away.

But I am left while they are gone;

Oh! shall we meet again,

And on the resurrection morn

Eternal joys obtain?

We shall, if in the Lamb of God—

In Jesus we are seen;

We shall, if wash’d in Jesus’ blood,

Which makes the vilest clean.

ML 08/10/1902

One.

GOD has given you one tongue, and He wants you to use it for Him in speaking the truth, and telling others what He has done for you. God has given you one heart that you might love Him in return for all He has done for you.

God has given you one book— the Bible— that you might know the way He would have you walk so as to please Him.

God has given you one life and He wants you to spend it in a way that will be pleasing to Him.

May the Lord help you to use this tongue, this heart, this Bible, this life, so that when your journey in this world is ended, you will meet Him with joy, and hear from His lips those words, “Well done.”

ML 08/10/1902

The Hippopotamus.

THIS enormous animal, sometimes called the River Horse, is now a native of various parts of Africa, and is always found either in the water or in its near vicinity.

The skin is covered with a vast number of pores from which comes a thick, oily liquid, which effectually protects him from the injurious effects of the water in which he is so constantly immersed. Thus we see God made him fit to live in water and has also prepared him with teeth which have a terrific appearance but are only intended to cut grass, which he can do as neatly as if it were mown with a scythe, and is also able to sever, as if with shears, a tolerably stout and thick stem.

If this immense animal had a little bill like a sparrow and could only pick one small grain at a time, he would never be able to fill his stomach, for it is capable of holding five or six bushels of food. So we see wisdom in the whole design—the mouth and teeth suitable for the stomach, and the stomach suitable to digest enough food to support such a large body.

Fossil remains are found of it in the London clay in England, showing us, that in some early day, this creature most likely has been in the plains of that country and wallowed in its rivers.

We cannot help but see God’s wonderful wisdom and power as a Creator, as we look at this marvelous animal. Suited as it is for the conditions around it, we are convinced that these things could not have come by chance, but an all-powerful and wise Creator’s hand has put them there.

While God and all things beyond this life are unseen, yet we can say, they, and His eternal power and God-head are understood by those things which are seen.

We have seen His power and wisdom as Creator in our brief sketch of the Hippopotamus, but I believe many of my readers can tell me that God’s love was shown to us when He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross in our stead, to deliver us from the wrath and judgment which we deserved for our many sins. So the Scripture says— “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

We may, not only praise and worship God as Creator, but praise and thank Him now for His love to us in giving His Son for us, (who were disobedient and unthankful) and too, to own Him, who is Creator of all things, as our Father.

May you, dear children, put your full trust in Him as your Saviour God and as your Father, who will care for and provide you with all you need.

ML 08/17/1902

Moses Called to Be a Deliverer.

WHEN, at the age of forty, Moses left Pharaoh’s house, he was full of earnest desire to see his people set free from their terrible bondage; and, in the prime of manhood’s strength and vigor, he felt that God would deliver them by his hand. But the time had not then come. Moses must learn that the power is of God, and that he can do nothing in his own strength. And God takes His own time and way to teach him. The adopted son of the king’s house becomes a shepherd, and for forty years lives a life of seclusion in the desert land of Midian. Thus exiled from the busy haunts of men, and with ample opportunity to commune with God, he learns in God’s school.

When at last God speaks to him from the burning bush, telling him that he is going to send him to deliver Israel, timid and shrinking, he fears to go. “Who am I,” he said, “that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

What a change has come about! Now Moses distrusts himself; he is not, as forty years before, ready to go forward in his own strength. But God graciously assured Moses that He would be with him. This should have been enough for Moses. Yes, and it should be enough for any child of God, no matter what the circumstances, to know that God will be with him. What then could he fear? “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Not only did God tell Moses that He would certainly be with him, but He also told him how he might know that He had sent him. It was in this way; that when he had brought the people out of Egypt, they should serve God upon Mount Horeb, where He then talked with him.

Moses was to tell the children of Israel that it was the same God, who had been with their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had sent him to them. And he was to gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them that the God of their fathers had appeared to him, and He was going to bring them up out of the affliction of Egypt, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And God told Moses that these elders would heed what he told them; and they and Moses were to go to the king of Egypt, and tell him that the Lord God of the Hebrews had met them, and then they were to ask him to allow them to go a three days journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord their God.

This the king would not be willing to do, God told Moses; but He said He would stretch out His hand and show His mighty power, and after that he would let them go.

In this venerable manner, Moses was called to undertake the great work that was before him; and thus assured of God’s presence and help, he should have gone forward without a question. The difficulties of the undertaking were great, but God was greater.

ML 08/17/1902

"Deliver My Soul. O Lord, From Lying Lips." Ps. 120:2.

HOW needful it is for every little boy and girl to learn this verse, and to remember it too. It is a very sad thing when a little child gets into the habit of telling what is not true. If you fall into this sin while you are young it grows on you, and it will not be long before no one will trust you, and what is worse than this you will have God’s displeasure resting upon you. We are told in Prov. 12:22, that “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord.”

If I were to take out my watch to find what time it is, it would be of little use for me to look at it unless I know that it keeps good time, would it? If I know that sometimes it stands still for an hour or two a day, and then goes on again; if it loses two or three hours a day, or gains that much, I cannot depend on it, can I? Then a watch that cannot be depended upon is of very little use. It may have a fine gold case and have many precious jewels in it, but it is of no use as a watch if it does not tell the truth as to the time. A little girl or boy who is not truthful cannot be trusted. It is the work of Satan to tempt little ones to tell lies, and if you yield to his temptation you become his servant to do his wicked work, and could there be a greater disgrace than this? You can never tell where a lie will end, or the amount of harm it will do. If you were up on a high mountain and saw a man take a large stone and roll it down the side of the mountain, you would not be able to tell when it would stop rolling, or the amount of harm it would do. And so it is with a lie, you will never be able to tell when it will stop, or how many will be injured by it. Your little sister or brother might follow your example and be injured for life through it, and become very untruthful. And how sad it would be if you were the means of leading another to do that which is so displeasing to the Lord.

I once heard of one who said that telling a lie is like letting a wild beast out of a cage. You could never tell how many people that animal would kill or hurt before it was caught again. Nor can we tell the harm one lie will do. It was through a lie that Satan succeeded in causing our first parents in Eden to lose their happy place there. It was through a lie that Ananias and Sapphira, spoken of in Acts 5 were struck dead.

Suppose I have a watch that has never told me the wrong time, one that does not lose or gain one minute in the day, I can depend on it, can’t I? And if little boys or girls are truthful they are like that watch, they can be depended on. Always tell the truth, dear children, no matter what it costs you, and you will have the joy of pleasing the Lord.

May the words at the head of this be the prayer of your hearts as long as you live.

ML 08/17/1902

The Children's Treat.

IT was a beautiful summer’s morning; the sun shone brightly, the birds sang gaily, and pretty flowers grew in the hedges, whilst a little boy toiled along the country road. His feet were covered with dust, and his face was hot and red. He did not stay to rest under the wide-spreading branches of an oak tree, that threw a delightful shade over the grass which grew by the wayside, but he still pressed on, though very tired and out of breath. His clothes were soiled and ragged, and as the sun beat down upon his uncovered head, he seemed very anxious to get to his journey’s end.

Why was he there? and why did he not stop to rest? I will tell you.

A very rich gentleman who lived about two miles away from the village where this little fellow’s home was, had sent his servant round on horseback the day before, to invite all the children of the village to spend the next day in his beautiful garden and park. They were to arrive at 10 o’clock, and no one was to enter who came after half-past 10. The children were to play under the trees, and to amuse themselves all day long as they liked best, and, before they left, the gentleman promised to give them tea.

The parents were to bring the children first of all to the gentleman’s house, where every little child was to be supplied with a new suit of clothes, so that each one might enter clean and neat.

The man on horseback went to the village as his master told him, and gave an invitation to all the little children. Now it happened that one boy had no parents living, and he was playing with some rough boys in the middle of the road when the servant came up to them and told them the good news. What do you think they did? Do you think they said, “Thank you, Sir; we will be sure and come at the right time?” No, indeed, they laughed and mocked, and said the man was only taking them in; that they were not going to be silly enough to walk all the way for nothing, and went on with their play.

The servant rode home—his duty was to give his master’s message to all the little children.

Well, when the right day came for the children to start, many little ones set out for the gentleman’s pleasant garden, but this boy, Torn, was fast asleep. He had not believed the good news, and so did not think of rising early; he was awakened at last by hearing some people talking about the beautiful treat for the children. They had passed the grounds, and seen the happy groups through the hedges.

Tom put on his clothes, and in a few minutes was to be seen toiling along the hot road, as I pictured him to you.

Before a great while he caught sight of the large gates which opened on to the park; he heard music playing; he saw flags flying in the air; and every now and then the merry laugh of a little child at play reached his ear.

Tom went close up to the gates, he pulled the bell, and in another minute the porter came to him. He could speak civilly now, so he said—

“Please, may I come in and play with those children?”

“You are too late,” said the man; “you should have been here nearly two hours ago. Did you not hear the gentleman’s kind message?”

“Yes,” said the boy, hanging down his head, and coloring up to his eyes, “but I did not know whether it was true.”

The porter looked very angry.

“Not believe my master’s word? Then I’m sure you don’t deserve to come in: when he was so kind as to send it to your very door, you had nothing to do but to believe it, and come to him.”

“Perhaps, if you ask him, he’ll let me in now,” said the boy.

“No, indeed,” answered the man. “He would have been glad to see you at the right time, but it is too late now; and look at your clothes, they are not fit. The good gentleman would have given you a suit if you had only gone to him when he invited you! But I cannot stay talking; you should have come when you were told. Be off.”

ML 08/17/1902

Kindness.

WHAT a kind little girl we see in this picture. She has probably come a long distance, through the cold, to bring some food to this poor, old, sick lady. It looks very cheerless in this tiny room. The old woman is very frail and weak. There is no fire in the room, so she has put on her shawl to keep warm. Probably she has no wood or coal to burn.

She seems to be thanking the girl for her kindness. She seems very much pleased to get the basket of food. No doubt, if we could look into the basket, we should find it full of dainty things, such as a sick person likes to eat.

How happy the Lord must feel to see boys and girls who are so thoughtful and willing to help the old and infirm. In the Bible we read: “Be ye kind one to another.” Eph. 4:32. Surely we may think of these words, especially when we see old men or women, who have lived and suffered a long time in this sad world. God tells Us, “The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow.” Ps. 90:10.

How blessed it is to see some kindly young person meet one of these feeble old men and women, aid help carry a heavy parcel. Oftentimes an old person is made very happy by someone who helps him across a busy street or up the steps, of a street car. These are very small kindnesses, but the Lord will surely reward all who do them, for He sees everything that is done. Always remember this and watch for the chance to do a kindness to both young and old. When you find an opportunity, do it willingly and very cheerfully for the Lord’s sake. In His own good time God will give you a reward.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3

ML 08/24/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9.

THE Lord had His eyes upon Saul and His purpose was to bring him into the presence of Samuel in order that he might anoint him to be king.

We may here look a little at the circumstances by which this was brought about, and let us remember that God overrules all circumstances. First, then, the asses of Kish ran away and were lost; and Saul, the son, was the one selected to seek the asses. The losing of the asses may have been, and very likely was, considered a misfortune. But the Lord knows how to bring good out of evil, and joy out of sorrow. We should never be cast down because of some trying circumstance, but should remember that the Lord is ordering all for our own good. And, perhaps, He has some glad surprise in store for us which only can be reached by passing through trial and difficulty. It was just when Saul was most discouraged that he met with a happy surprise. He entirely failed in his effort to recover the lost asses, but he was being unconsciously directed by God to go to Samuel. The Lord used the servant with Saul to provide the piece of money, so that he might not be hindered. And the maidens, who went out to draw water, helped him by telling him where Samuel might be found. (v. 11). Thus God used the persons, as well as the seeking of the asses, to carry out His purpose. And we are plainly told that He was sending Saul to Samuel. (v. 16.)

There are two ways in which the Lord may guide us. It may be through circumstances, as something that happens to us in our way; or the Lord may directly reveal His mind to the one who is walking with Him. Saul and Samuel furnish us examples of both these ways.

Samuel, no doubt, walked by faith; the same as the Christian is to walk today. And he was guided by the word of the Lord. (vs. 15, 16). The apostle Paul gave us God’s word when he said,

For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7. So the believer is not to look to circumstances for guidance, but to the Lord and His word. Although it is for our comfort to know that God is working through the circumstances that come in our path, for our own good, and to carry on His blessed purposes concerning us.

Children, the great proof that we have faith is that we look to God, and trust His word. That is exactly what faith always does. And when we are walking by faith, our circumstances may be often most trying and adverse. When our blessed Saviour was going to the cross, He was walking entirely by faith. and yet the circumstance was so trying to Him as a man, that He said, “Father gave Me from this hour.” But in the triumph of faith, He immediately added, “But, for this cause came I unto this hour.”

Let us bear in mind, then, that if everything does not go on just to please us, that God is over all, and does all things well. We may trust Him at all times.

ML 08/24/1902

The Children's Treat.

Poor, disappointed Tom! He turned once more to catch a last glimpse of the happy children—some crowding round their kind friend, some swinging in the branches of the trees, others feeding the swans upon the banks of the lake— and then he turned away, flung himself down upon the roadside, and cried bitterly, but it was TOO LATE.

After some time had passed, Tom heard the sound of a horn, and saw the children gathered together round the gentleman, whilst he talked to them for a little while. As he laid close to the hedge, they were very near him, and he could hear most of what passed.

“Children,” said the master, “I want to know whether you are enjoying yourselves today?”

“Yes, thank you, Sir,” they shouted. “What time did you get here?”

“Ten o’clock, Sir.”

“Was that the hour I invited you to come?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“If you had reached the gates at eleven, would you have been admitted?”

“No, Sir; we should then have been too late.”

“Suppose I were to give you another invitation to a far more beautiful place, and were to tell you exactly when to go, would you go?”

“Oh yes,” they eagerly cried.

“Well then, listen. There is One who lives in a bright happy land called heaven, who has given an invitation to little children, on earth to spend a long time with Him there, a time that will never end. He sees them down here, often unhappy, often naughty, caring very little for Him, and yet He loves them and wants them to be happy for ever with Him, Did I come and invite you myself, yesterday?”

“No, Sir, you sent a message by your servant.”

“Well, today the Lord Jesus sends a message to you through me. How will you treat it? Will you turn away and care no more about it? Will you go on with your games or your work and slight His kindness? or will you thank Him with all your heart, believe the good news, and look forward to the day when you will be happy with Jesus?”

Many of the little ones put up their hands to show that they did wish to hear about it, and to go to that bright world above.

The gentleman smiled kindly at them. “Many,” he said, “say they would like to go, but very few will listen and attend to what God says about the way of getting there.”

“Now I want you to listen very attentively while I put before you God’s message, and you must try and remember three or four things about it. First, the invitation is to all. God invites every little child, as well as men and women. No matter how naughty they may have been, no matter whether they are black or white, He says, WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM COME. Secondly, there is nothing to pay. Now, there was something to nay. but I will show you presently how someone has paid for you. I did not ask you to pay me for coming here today, because I knew you had not the money. God does not ask you to give Him anything. Instead of that, He wants to give everything to you. Tell me, have I made you a present today?”

“Yes, Sir, you gave us all some new clothes.”

“Would my porter have let you in if you had come in your own old clothes or dirty rags?”

“No, Sir.”

“Just so the pearly gates of heaven will open to no little child, or man, or woman, who is not white and clean; without a single spot or stain of sin left on them. But did I tell you to try and patch up your own old clothes at home before you came to me?”

“No, Sir,” cried the children, “you said we were to come just as we were, and you would give us clean clothes.”

“Very true, and so God says when He invites you, you are not to wait till you are better, you are not to try and mend your ways before you come to Jesus, you are to come to Jesus just as you are, with all your sins, with all your naughty thoughts, because if you wait till you are better you will never come at all. Directly you come to Him, owning that you are full of sin—that you deserve to be lost, but that He died on the cross for you—I say that if you come to Him so, He will not send you away, but will fold His arms round you, and take you to His happy home, clothed in a beautiful garment which He will give you; all your rags will be stripped off, that is, all the bad things you have done, and all the good you tried to do, before you came to Him.

“Do not put off coming to Jesus. I heard of a little boy today, whose name is Tom, who did not believe in my invitation yesterday. He laughed, and said it was not true. Today he has been rapping at the gate, trying to get in, but it is too late. I cannot break my word, though I am very sorry for him; and many boys and girls who hear God’s message from time to time turn away and slight it. They think about other things, they do not believe it in their hearts; and these children will one day beg for mercy, they will cry out to God to hear them, but it will be TOO LATE then—the door of love and mercy will then be closed for ever, and they must turn away to everlasting misery.

“God says, in that day ‘They shall call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me.’ Once more then, before you return to your play, I will tell you that Jesus loves you, has shed His precious blood to save you: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ I do not love you as He does. This day’s pleasure will soon be passed; but Jesus gave Himself for you; He paid the debt you could not pay, and He alone can give you an entrance to that beautiful land where pleasures will never end; but you must believe that He has done it all long, long ago; you must take Him into your heart as your Saviour.”

Little children who read this story, do not you put it off till it is too late; Jesus is waiting to receive you now, and bide you come to Him. He who died for you has risen again, and sits at God’s right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, ready to pardon any who go to Him in faith. But He will not always stay there. He is coming again, to take away those who have believed in His name to be with Him forever; and to cast into outer darkness those who have despised the good news.

ML 08/24/1902

Another Folded Lamb.

OUR little friend, Blanche Roberts, who has been answering the Questions in “Messages of Love,” passed away to be with the Lord, the first of June. She was sick for only about two weeks, and when she was at first taken down, she was not able to say, “Jesus is MY Saviour,” but shortly after, she said she had told the Lord that she believed in Him, and asked Him to help her unbelief; and then after that when suffering a great deal, her father heard her say in a low tone, “Lord Jesus.”

So this is another who put her trust in Jesus and confessed Him and has now gone to be with Him.

Dear children, are you resting on Jesus as your own Saviour? Can you say, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief”? The Lord has said, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML 08/24/1902

"Mighty to Save."

Isaiah 63:l.

Mighty to Save, Thou art, O Lord,

All who believe Thy precious word;

Thou callest all to Thee to come,

And find in Thee their God, and home.

ML 08/24/1902

The Storm.

HERE we see the picture of a very bad storm. Just look at the big waves. They seem to be as high as a house and dash about until they are white with foam. This ship looks large and strong but it cannot stand against such a tempest as this. The wind has taken away many of the sails and a large part of one end is gone. These brave men in the little life-boat have come from the shore to take the sailors away before the ship sinks. How glad the poor sea-men must be to know that all are to be saved.

As we look at this picture we think of that beautiful story which tells us how Jesus once spoke to the winds and waves, and stilled a tempest such as this one in the picture. Have you ever read it? If not, take your Bible and turn to Mark 4:35. You will find it as beautiful a story as you ever read, and the most beautiful thing about it is that every word of it is true.

We can see, in these helpless sailors, a perfect picture of the sinner. They are in great danger and cannot help themselves. Their ship was sinking and, if these men had not brought the life-boat, all would have been lost. The sinner is lost also—lost in sin and in danger of judgment. But the Lord Jesus came down in love and pity and died to save all who will believe. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

The sinner could not save himself, any more than the sailors in the picture could bring their own life-boat. Some think that if they are good and do worthy actions that this will save them. God says, “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isa. 64:6. God’s way of salvation is far more easy. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. The soul, which believes on Jesus Christ, escapes a far worse punishment than these sailors in the picture. They would lose only their natural lives, but the sinner who turns away from Jesus will suffer a punishment that is never ending.

If anyone should read this little paper who has not yet found himself to be a lost and helpless sinner, our prayer for such a one is, that God will speedily show him his true state and guide him to Jesus—the only true life-boat.

ML 08/31/1902

Moses Sets Out on His Mission.

WAS Moses ready to go when God called him? No! Like Peter who began to sink when he got his eyes on the boisterous waves about him, Moses, looking at the difficulties, found his heart sinking within him. He thought the elders would not believe what he had to tell them, and would say that the Lord had not appeared to him.

God was very patient with Moses. He gave him some wonderful signs to show the people in order that they might believe that the Lord God of their fathers had really appeared to him. He told him to cast the rod, which he held in his hand, upon the ground. Moses did so and it became a serpent, and he was afraid and ran from it; but the Lord told him to put out his hand and take it by the tail. When he did this, it turned into a rod again in his hand. What a depth of meaning there was in this sign! The serpent, you know, is a type of Satan; and God’s power over Satan would be shown in this miracle.

The Lord then told Moses to put his hand into his bosom; he put it in and took it out, and it was leprous as snow. Again God told him to put his hand into his bosom. He did so, and when he took it out, it was healed. In this sign also, a wonderful truth is given us; for the awful disease of leprosy speaks of sin in the nature, which is incurable; but it is in God’s power to forgive sins, and to heal diseases.

Thus in these two signs we see God’s power over Satan, and His power to heal and to forgive. He told Moses if the people did not believe the first sign, they would the second; or if they would not believe either of these signs, he should take water from the river and pour it on the ground and it would become blood.

God was very gracious and kind to give these signs to Moses in order to show him that He was with him. But unbelief seems now to have crept into the heart of Moses. He pleads that he is not eloquent, that he is a man of slow speech and slow tongue.

The Lord still bears with him and tells him to go, and He will be his mouth, and will teach him what to say. Instead of rejoicing in such a promise, and going forward in the work which the Lord had for him to do, Moses asks that someone else may be sent. With this the Lord was displeased, but He showed only grace toward Moses, telling him that his brother Aaron was coming to meet him; and he would be glad in his heart when he saw him; and he should be spokesman for Moses to the people. Also, God promised to be with both of them and show them what they should do; and He told Moses that the men who had sought his life were dead.

Thus every difficulty in the way of making a start in this great work, seemed to be removed.

After Moses had heard what the Lord had to say to him, he went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and asked him to let him go to his brethren in Egypt and see if they were yet alive. Jethro told him to go in peace; so he took his wife and sons and placed them on an ass, and started on his journey. He took in his hand the rod which he now called “the rod of God.” And again the Lord counselled him as to what he should say and do when he came into Pharaoh’s presence.

And Aaron his brother came out to the mount of God to meet him, and he kissed him. Then Moses told Aaron of the wonderful things the Lord had said and shown him. When they reached Egypt, they gathered the elders of Israel together and Aaron told them what the Lord had said to Moses; and he did the signs in the sight of the people.

The people believed and their hearts were filled with joy, to think that the Lord had looked upon their affliction, and that He was about to deliver them.

ML 08/31/1902

Obedience.

“Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20.

I suppose that all the readers of “Messages of Love” have not only read this verse in their Bibles, but have learned it so that they can say it without looking at their Bibles. What an important verse it is, and how necessary it is to remember and obey it. The most perfect example we have, of One who obeyed this verse, is the blessed Lord Jesus. If you will look at the second chapter of the gospel of Luke, and the fifty-first verse, you will see these words, “And He went down with them to Nazareth, AND WAS SUBJECT UNTO THEM.” Nazareth is the place where the Lord Jesus lived when He was a boy. There are a great many things the Lord Jesus said and did when He was a boy that we know nothing about, but one thing we do know and that is that He was an OBEDIENT boy. Just think of Him who made the worlds, and had power to create millions more if He wished, who was “God manifest in the flesh,” being in this world as an OBEDIENT child. He was twelve years old when this was said of Him. He had been obeying His parents for twelve years, and for eighteen years longer, He continued to do so. He obeyed them for thirty years, that was all the time He was with them. I am sorry to say there are some children who think that when they are sixteen or eighteen years old, they are no longer to obey, and have a right to do as they please. Was this the way the blessed Lord did? He is the example for all who want to please God. He obeyed His parents until He was twenty years old, and went on doing so for ten years longer. During the last three years He spent His life in raising the dead, healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, giving hearing to. the deaf, feeding the hungry, and many other things, but He spent the first thirty years of His life in teaching us the lesson of OBEDIENCE. Then how important it must be that we learn this lesson. How nice it would be if every little boy and girl would learn to obey as He obeyed. If we obey our parents we are obeying God at the same time, for it is He who says, “Children obey your parents.” And then on the other hand if you disobey your parents you disobey God.

I will tell you a story of a little girl whose name was Mary, who had learned to obey her parents, and you will see what safety it was to her. One day her mother told her she was going to call upon a neighbor and would be away for an hour or two, and told her to play in the garden and not go into the house. She was afraid the little one would get too near the stove and get burned, or in some way get hurt and for this reason told her to stay in the yard until she came back. Not long after mother had gone, a big dog came into the yard and ran into the kitchen. Mary’s dog, that she called Fido, ran in after it and it was not long before she heard him making a great noise. This big dog had bitten him. Some of the neighbors’ children came in when they heard the noise and offered to go in with Mary and try and take her little pet dog away. But she said, “Mother told me to stay here, and I can’t disobey her.” It was not long before some men came into the yard and asked the children if they had seen a big dog come in there. When these men heard that it was in the house, they went in and shot it. It was mad, and if Mary had gone in it would likely have bitten her and she would have died. Fido was dead. This mad dog had bitten him. How well it was for her that she had learned the lesson of OBEDIENCE. You will always find it the happiest path, and one that brings with it the blessings of God.

“Children OBEY your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”

ML 08/31/1902

A Wonderful Change.

The following story was told in our Sunday-school this afternoon, and I write it in hope that it will be the means of impressing a truth upon the minds of the readers of “Messages of Love.”

A man was standing beside a large stone one day, looking at it very attentively, and a passerby asked him what he could see in that stone that was of such interest to him? He replied, “I see an angel in it.” He had a man take that stone to his shop, and he set to work with his hammers and picks, etc., and in the course of a few weeks he had the figure of an angel carved in it. The stone was beautifully polished, and the figure carved in it was a specimen of fine workmanship, and the stone being of the best of marble, made it now a very costly ornament. When the stone was by the wayside it was covered with dirt, and few could see any beauty in it, but what a difference now after the sculptor had done his work upon it.

We are like the stone in which there is no beauty, covered with sin, and fit only to be cast from God’s presence forever. But when the Lord picks us up and does His work in our souls, what a change He makes in us. He makes us “meet (or fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” Col. 1:12. And in Eph. 1:12, He says, “That we, should be to the praise of His glory.” This is true of all who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, whether old or young. He, is going to have all who have put their trust in Him, with Him in the glory, to be ornaments there to adorn the place, and to be to the praise of His glory. What a wonderful change He has wrought, and who would ever have thought that He would have found in us that which He could make use of for His own glory What love and grace on His part, and how our hearts should praise Him for doing so much for us.

If the skill of the sculptor was seen in the change he made in the piece of marble, the love of the blessed Lord is seen in the change He has made in all those who have accepted Him as their Saviour. We were once dead in sins; we are now alive in Him.

We were once in darkness; we are now in the light.

We were once enemies; we are now friends.

We were once far off; we are now near.

We were once haters of God; we now love Him.

We were once on the broad road; we are now on the narrow.

We were once on our way to hell; we are now on our way to heaven.

What a wonderful change!

ML 08/31/1902

Answers to Questions of July 6th.

1. “In the beginning,” etc. John 1:l.

2. “Then said the Jews,” etc. 11:36.

3.“I give unto them,” etc. 10:28.

4.“Siloam.” 9:11.

5.“For as the Father,” etc. 5:26.

6.“I am the true vine,” etc. 15:l.

7.Nicodemus.” 3:1.

8.“If I wash thee not,” etc. 13:8.

9.“Samaria.” 4:4.

10.“He that believeth,” etc. 3:36.

11.“Except I shall see,” etc. 20:25.

12.“Did not Moses give,” etc. 7:19.

“IT IS FINISHED.” 19:30

Bible Questions for September.

The answers are to be found in the Epistle to the Romans, and the first letter of each answer will spell that which is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.

1. Give verse before these words, “As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long.”

2. Give the name of the one who was said to be “chosen in the. Lord.”

3. Give the remaining part of this verse, “Let love be without dissimulation.”

4. Give the verse before these words, “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.”

5.Give the verse following these words, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

6.Give the verse before these words, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

7.What is the rest of the verse containing these words, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers”?

8.What answer is given to the question, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound”?

9.Give the verse before these words, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord?”

10.Who was it that said, “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered”?

ML 09/07/1902

Search the Scriptures.

Little children, ‘tis a pleasure

To the Clod who dwells on high,

As He sees you search the Scriptures,

Learn of Him who came to die.

Blessed book that tells of Jesus

And of all He’s dope for thee;

Of His birth in Bethlehem’s manger,

Of His death on Calvary’s tree.

Tells of how in every action,

Every thought and word and look,

All He did to please the Father;

What a blessed, wondrous book.

As you read its sacred pages,

For the answers, may you find

Treasures there of richest beauty

For the heart, and soul, and mind.

Search its pages for the answers

To the questions, month by month;

Learn of Him, God’s priceless Treasure,

In the days of early youth.

May His blessings, rich, eternal,

Be your portion evermore,

Till you rest in, heavenly brightness,

With Himself on yonder shore.

ML 09/07/1902

Nature's Mirror.

THE little girl by the water’s edge has no difficulty in seeing how the wreath, which she has just made, looks on her head; for she sees it mirrored, or reflected, in the water. The smooth, still water gives no false representation but shows up exactly what is brought over its surface.

God’s word too, tells us,

“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” Prov. 27:19.

That is, that your heart is just as bad as the poor vile criminal. You may not have allowed all the badness to be seen. You may have thought to tell what was not true, and then you said to yourself, No, I will tell the truth. Does that not show that there is evil in the heart? I am sure you will say, It does. Could all the efforts to keep from doing the bad things that the heart suggests, ever make the heart pure and fit for God’s most holy presence? No! We need to be cleansed from our sins and therefore the Lord Jesus came into this world and died in our stead. He died for sinners and we who may not have committed as many sins as others who can be called criminals, yet we need a Saviour just as much. How thankful then we should be that God has not only told us how bad we are, but that He has sent the Lord Jesus to be a Saviour for such. Have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If you have, may you be careful now to be much before the Lord, that you may be preserved from fulfilling the evil promptings of your heart and put these evil thoughts away from you immediately.

ML 09/07/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9:18-24.

SAUL had now come to where Samuel was, but he did not know that he was the seer. Neither did he know that he was to reign over the Lord’s inheritance. But Samuel knew who Saul was and he also knew that he was to be king. He knew these things because he was a seer, or prophet. And a prophet was one that had God’s mind revealed to him, and was able, therefore, to show to man the evil that dwelt in his heart. This was the reason why Samuel was able to tell Saul all that was in his heart. (v. 19).

“The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” It is full of all manner of wicked thoughts and imaginations. And we, like Saul, do not know ourselves: but God knows every secret thing about us. He sees every evil thought we have, and hears every idle word we speak.

When Jesus was here upon earth, no one ever stood in His presence whose heart He did not know perfectly. He knew everything about the life of that woman whom He met at Sycher’s well, although she was a stranger to Him, being a woman of Samaria. And when she saw that He was able to tell her all about her past life, she immediately acknowledged Him to be a prophet. (John 4:19).

Dear children, it is really God’s love to us that He should tell us how utterly bad we are. He shows us it in His word, and, if we believe Him, then we trust in Him who is all goodness. We look upon ourselves as hopelessly lost and ruined, and we go to Him for salvation. He receives us and blesses us, because Christ suffered on the cross for all our badness, and put away all our sins.

Samuel now told Saul to go up before him to the high place where there was to be a feast. He first assured him, however, that his father’s lost asses had been found. And this set the mind of Saul at rest so that he might be free to think of what Samuel was about to do unto him. God was calling Saul to something higher than merely seeking some lost asses. And that was to rule over and care for His dear people Israel.

Dear reader, if you are saved, let me tell you that you are called to something higher than simply caring for the things of this world. God has called you unto His eternal glory by Jesus Christ. And while you are on the way to that glory, He would have you think of something more than your own interests. He would have you to think of what things are pleasing to Him. And He wants you to consider those who are dear to Him. The word is, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Phil. 2:4.)

We do not mean by this that you are to neglect your everyday duties, which you are responsible to fulfill. God looks for faithfulness in you, to be diligent in your toil, whether it be at school, or in the workshop. But, if you belong to Him, then you have something higher and nobler to think of. You are to seek the things of the Lord Jesus. This may be done in many ways. You may speak a kind word to a playmate, or invite someone to come to Jesus. You may return good to those who treat you rudely, or, it may be shamefully. You may give to those who have need, for God loves a cheerful giver. And you may also seek to encourage some little Christian, who is in sorrow or difficulty. All these things are worthy of Jesus, and are well pleasing to Him.

When Samuel had told Saul that he should go up before him to the high place, and that he should eat with him and also that upon him was the desire of Israel. then Saul manifested a very be coming Spirit. He showed the spirit of humility. And let us remember that this was the time in Saul’s life when he was little in his own sight. (1 Sam. 15:17.) And, oh, what a precious lesson we may take from this for ourselves, God says that before honor is humility, and “he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” But it is possible for children to be proud, and to think themselves better than other children.

How much better it is to seek to be like the Lord Jesus who humbled Himself, and was meek and lowly in heart.

We see how Saul was exalted, for when he and the servant went up to the feast, they occupied the chiefest place among those that were bidden. He first took the low place, but was afterward sent up to the high place.

He was then privileged to eat with Samuel; and a special portion was reserved for him. It was the shoulder. And this has a meaning in it for us. The shoulder speaks of strength, and is the place where burdens are borne. Thus to eat of it would speak to us of feeding upon Christ as our strength. And having Him as our strength, we are able, to strengthen others, and bear one another’s burdens. Christ is our life, and He is also the strength of our life. “The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid.” Ps. 27:1.

ML 09/07/1902

Two to See.

ONE day there were two little boys in a store where there were some nice pears. One of the little boys said to the other, as they were walking from the store, “Why didn’t you pocket some of those pears? There was nobody there to see you.”

“Yes there was,” said the other little boy. “There were two to see.”

His companion did not know what he meant, for he did not see any one near, so he asked, “Who were the two?”

The little boy said, “I was there to see myself, and I never want to see myself do a mean or dishonest thing; and then God was there to see me.”

This dear little fellow had learned the truth that the eye of God is resting upon him, and sees all that he does. You have sometimes seen a picture on the wall and if you keep your eye on it, no matter where you go in that room the eyes in the picture follow you. Yon should remember that this is the way God’s eyes are following you. If you do, you will be kept from many things that are evil.

Whenever you are tempted to do anything wrong, remember, there are always two to see.

ML 09/07/1902

Frogs.

MOST of my little readers, I have no doubt, have taken notice and interest in frogs and think them strange little creatures.

Many wonderful and interesting things could be written about the frog, but we will not have space sufficient in this little paper, save to draw attention to one or two things which speak to us of God’s wonderful power and wisdom as Creator.

There are many different kinds of frogs and, I have no doubt, the kind of frog spoken of in Exodus was very different than the common frog found in this country and Europe.

In Egypt they are of a bright green color and spotted and are in great numbers in the rivers and marshes. The chief interest of the frog lies in the curious changes which it undergoes before it attains its, perfect condition; from the jelly-like substance dotted with black spots, which lie in the shallows of rivers or ditches, till we get the perfect frog.

The egg or jelly-like substance changes into a little black grub-like creature, with a large head and a flattened tail. By degrees it gains strength, and at last fairly breaks its way through the egg and is then a little tadpole, sometimes called pollywog, toe-biter, or horsetail. The next change that is noticeable is a double tuft of finger-like appendages on each side of the head. When they have attained their full size they begin to diminish and the shape of the head and body, is much altered. In a short time they disappear, being, drawn into the cavity of the chest. Just behind the head two little projections appear through the skin, which soon develop, into legs.

Presently another pair of legs make their appearance in front, and the tail is gradually absorbed into the body.

The changes inside the frog are as wonderful as what are seen on the outside, but I will not occupy you longer with these changes, nor describe the changes in the lungs and other organs, for I believe sufficient has been said to give us to see the wonderful design which God alone could have given, providing, for the, little creature too in its various stages, supplying it with food all through its life and has also made it to live either on the dry ground or in water.

Well may the Psalmist say:

“Marvelous are Thy works: and that my soul knoweth right well.” Ps. 139:14.

Not only, dear children, has God wonderfully created all things and cares for them, but after He put man on this earth, he disobeyed Him, and that was sin, and thereby he lost the happy provision God had made for him and brought upon himself all the sorrow and sickness that is in this world today. But God would not leave him in that condition forever so in His love and grace He planned to take man from the world up to heaven where he would never sin any more. How was this to be done? Ah, God had an only Son and He sent Him down into this world to become like us, except in a sinful condition and He was therefore the only One who was able to deliver us out of our sinful condition by dying in our stead and there bore the punishment for us. Then He rose from the dead and went back to heaven a victorious One over sin and all its effects and the judgment deserved for it; and now all who will put their trust in Him, accept Him as the One whom God sent to deliver, He will take up to be forever with Himself.

God is a wondrous Creator and we can say His love and grace have excelled in thus giving His Son for us who are disobedient creatures, and then in taking us up to the glory where sin will never enter.

O, dear children, thank God for His love, fear Him, and praise Him for all His wondrous works.

ML 09/14/1902

Moses Before Pharaoh.

AFTER Moses and Aaron had talked with the people, and found they were ready to receive them, and were thankful for the promised deliverance, they went to Pharaoh and said, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto Me in the wilderness:” But Pharaoh defiantly said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.”

Still they pleaded with him, but all to no avail. Instead of making it a little easier for the people, the king commanded the taskmasters to lay heavier burdens upon them. Until that time. straw had been furnished them for making bricks; but now they must make as many bricks as before, and also go out and gather the straw for them, where they could. This made it hard indeed for the poor Israelites, and they began to reproach Moses and Aaron for bringing displeasure from Pharaoh upon them.

This complaint of the people led Moses to go again to the Lord, in trouble and sorrow of heart. The Lord met him in much grace, and gave him a most assuring and cheering message to carry to the children of Israel. But they were so tortured with their cruel bondage, and were in such anguish of spirit, that they would not hearken to the message which the Lord sent them through Moses.

Do we not sometimes find Christians acting very much in this way—in their time of sorrow, rebellious, and not willing to receive, or listen to the messengers of the Lord? It should not be so.

Then the Lord told Moses to go to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and ask him to let the children of Israel go out of his land. But Moses reasoned with the Lord, saying if the children would not hearken to him, how should Pharaoh hear him. The Lord, however, was going to accomplish His purposes; so He tells Moses again to go, and He said to him that Aaron his brother should be his prophet; and Aaron should speak to Pharaoh. Thus assured, and thus urged, they went in unto Pharaoh, and did as the Lord had commanded. Aaron cast his rod down before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh called for his wise men; and they came and cast down their rods, and they also became serpents; but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. This wonderful evidence of God’s power did not move Pharaoh. He still refused to let the people go.

Then the Lord told Moses to go to Pharaoh in the morning, for he would go out to the water; and Moses should stand by the river’s brink, and wait until he would come, and again he was to ask him to let the children of Israel go; and then Moses was to tell the king that he would smite the waters with his rod, and they should all turn to blood; and by this he should know that it was the Lord who had sent him. All this was done, and the water of the river, streams and pools, was turned to blood; and the fish died, and the people had to dig round about the river to get water to drink. This trying condition lasted for seven days, but there was no relenting on the part of Pharaoh; he hardened his heart and refused to let the people go.

ML 09/14/1902

Copy of a Letter Written by M. H. R.

Now with the Lord, to an absent friend to be opened when she was twenty-one years of age.

My Dear Mary: —When you open this you will be twenty-one years old. Now, dear Mary, just for one moment look back on your past life, has it been all for yourself, all for your own pleasure, or have you lived for the Blessed Lord Jesus. Now. Mary, if you have not trusted Him, do so now. Think of it, eternity will never end, and Jesus offers you free pardon now if you, as a sinner, put your full trust in Jesus. He has borne all your sins on the cross if you will only trust Him, and surely if He gave Himself and died for us, we should try to live to His glory and honor while He leaves us down here. It ought to be the first thing that we would think of when we are going to do and thing. Would this be to the glory of our blessed Lord? If not we ought not to do it. How often we follow our own will and not His. Dear Mary, you may be far from me when you open this, but it is my earnest wish and prayer that you might trust in Jesus and be saved before the day of grace is past. It will not be long till the Lord will come and take His own home and then the door will be shut. How terrible for those who are left. May you not be one of them.

Your loving friend,

M. H. R.

ML 09/14/1902

"My Very Own Saviour."

AT a deaf and dumb institution, the scholars were being examined by an inspector, who, amongst other questions wrote this one upon the blackboard, “What do you know of the Lord Jesus Christ?”

The answers written down by the children were very various. Some wrote that the Lord was born at Bethlehem, others that He was brought up at Nazareth, others that He died on the cross, with details of the Lords birth, life, and death. But as the inspector read the replies to his question, he paused at that written by a little girl, and was so struck with the difference between it and those he had previously read, that he wrote upon the black-board, these words; “Many of you have answered my question very correctly as far as historical facts go, but the reply of one little girl I should like you all to read, and I will write it upon the black-board.” It was no historical fact, but what was far better, the expression of a young heart that knew and loved the Lord Jesus. It was an answer of but six words which were these— “He is my very own Saviour.”

Happy little deaf and dumb girl to be able to write so. How many of you who read this can truthfully say, “The Lord Jesus Christ is my very own Saviour”?

Jesus is a loving Saviour,

Love it was that brought Him low;

Come, He says, in words of mercy,

Prove My loving kindness now.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

ML 09/14/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 1.

A LITTLE class in Sunday-school were talking about this verse: “Ask and it shall be given you.” Luke 11:9. During the lesson the children told of many cases where they had prayed to the Lord, asking Him for different things and how He had answered their prayers. A few of these cases are given with the hope that all of the children who read them may see how willing He is to help those who love and believe in Him. Perhaps other children may ask the Lord themselves and from experience learn of His loving kindness.

1. A little boy named Leo had an honor button of which he was very proud. It had been given to him at school for writing a good story, and he wore it very proudly on his coat. One day he lost it, and, of course, felt very sorry. He looked all about where he had been playing, but could not find it. At last as he was ready to give up the search, he asked the Lord to help him find his lost button. A few minutes later he found it in a place where he had looked many times before. He says that the next time he loses anything he will tell the Lord about it at once, and he feels sure that he will find it more quickly.

At another time Leo’s mamma sent him to the store to buy something she needed. She gave him a dime and he started off in quite a hurry, as it was almost time to go to school.

As he was running along, he dropped the money, and, before he could get it again, it had rolled down a crack in the sidewalk. The poor little boy felt very sad. He must hurry to school and could not get his money. He told the Lord all about it and asked for help. Just then a gentleman came walking along. He noticed Leo’s troubled face and asked what was the matter. As soon as he found out, he gave a quick pull at the board and lifted it from its place. Leo soon had his dime again and feels sure that the Lord sent the man along in answer to his prayer.

ML 09/14/1902

"The Bright and Morningstar."

When yon at night lay down your head

Upon your pillow for repose,

While angels watch around your bed,

And slumbers light your eyelids close—

Could you from that sweet sleep awake,

And then lift up your eyes on high,

Before the day begins to break,

And see the rich and sparkling sky—

Then I would tell you of His Name

Who, shining on us from afar,

Thus says, “I soon shall come again—

I am the Bright and Morning Star.”

May you through all your nights and days

Live in obedience to His word,

And know, and love, and bless, and praise

The name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

ML 09/14/1902

"Discerner."

Heb. 9:12.

The thoughts and intents of the, heart Are all open to Thee, O Lord!

Search, mould, fashion me as Thou wilt,

I pray, according to Thy word.

ML 09/14/1902

"You Can't Shake Me off."

THESE two little fellows, with their legs twisted in and out through the bars, look as if they were defying their playmates to shake them off the great gate, as they swing it back and forth. But it is not well to be too sure. One little fellow is down, and they may be sprawling in the same way before long.

It is well to remember that not those who are boldest are always the safest. We have but to think of Peter to find that boldness and self-confidence will not do. Where these things are found a fall is pretty sure to follow. “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased.”

If my little reader is a Christian, I beg of him to watch against self-confidence. Do not allow it to show itself, even in your plays. It is a subtle form of pride; and pride not only makes us odious to our fellow beings; but it is very displeasing to God.

There are seven things that are spoken of as abominations to God; and of these seven abominations, pride is mentioned first. What a dreadful character this gives it! And surely the knowledge of this should lead us to seek grace to overcome it.

Pride was what led to Satan’s fall from among the angels of heaven. Arid pride was what this evil one put in the heart of man, when he said to Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden, “Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

Let us then, with God’s help, watch against it!

ML 09/21/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9:25.

AFTER the feast in the high place was ended, Samuel and Saul came down into the city, and Saul went home with Samuel to be his guest that night. He took him to the top of the house which, in those warm countries was the most suitable place for entertaining. And there Samuel communed with him. They had eaten together at the feast, in the presence of about thirty persons, whom Samuel had specially invited in honor of Saul. But now they were to be alone together, and to speak face to face about things, concerning which we are not told. The fact that we are not told of what they talked about, reminds us of what the Lord Jesus said in Rev. 2:17. “I will give him a white stone and, in the stone, a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Dear children, this is not hard to understand, for, if we know what it is to have communion with Jesus, we have a precious secret in our hearts, like the new name written on the white stone, which no one can understand nor know except ourselves.

We have already noticed in an earlier writing that Samuel, as a prophet, was able to reveal to Saul all that was in his heart.

So when we come to the Lord Jesus we find that He knows all about our every thought, word and act. He searches us by His word and leads us to repentance. We believe His word as truth, and know that He loves us. We believe His love, and we come to Him without fear. These are His first workings with us as lost sinners.

But then we come to know Him as our very best Friend and loving Shepherd. We read His word as being His message to us, and we greatly desire to learn more and more of Himself and his wondrous love. We find ourselves at home in His presence, and do not shrink from being alone with Him.

Saul may have felt quite uneasy when he was alone with Samuel, for we all know, dear children, how natural it is to feel timid and afraid when we are brought into the presence of a great man. There is none so great as Jesus, for He is the “Prince of the Kings of the earth.” And is it not wonderful that we are not in the least afraid of Him? I mean, if we have known and believed His perfect love, for His word tells us that His “perfect love casteth out fear,” 1 John 4:18.

Now just as Samuel communed with Saul, so the Lord Jesus communes with His dear little ones in this world. And He calls all His people little children. The word communion has a very sweet meaning. For it means that two or more persons have common thoughts and feelings in union with one another. The Lord Jesus speaks to us and talks with us through His word, and the Spirit, which He gives to all who believe in Him. And we also speak to Him in prayer and talk with Him, through His Spirit that dwells in our hearts. This is communion.

“A little talk with Jesus,

How it smooths the rugged road,

How it seems to help me onward,

When I faint beneath my load.”

Let us remember, then, children, that we must know what it is to be ALONE with Jesus, if we are to be saved, or, if we are to have communion with Him. As lost ones we may go to Him in secret now and confess our sins and receive eternal forgiveness from Him. And when we have believed in our hearts, we may also confess Him with our lips openly before men.

But, if we neglect to go to Jesus for ourselves now that we may be saved, then we must appear before Him to be judged. And there will be many thousands, who must stand before Him to be judged, and cast into the lake of fire. “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And, oh, how terrible that will be!

ML 09/21/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 2.

ONE day little Ada had a very bad, toothache. She tried in many ways to stop the pain, but it seemed to grow worse instead of better. She was crying with the pain, when, all at once, she thought of asking the Lord to help her. She told the Lord all about it, and soon her mother found a little bottle of medicine which quickly helped her. Ada is sure that the Lord made her mamma think of trying the medicine. She has learned a little lesson from it all, and now believes that all of her prayers will be answered, no matter how small her troubles may be.

ML 09/21/1902

Thy Will Be Done.

A PRAYING, Christian mother had had the great sorrow of parting with three of her loved children, and now another, her first born, was lying very ill. It appeared as if death must claim her, too, there seeming to be no human hope.

The sorrowing mother felt that she must give this dear child up, but the thought of it almost broke her heart. In her anguish she said, “O, Lord, you are going to take Florence, but I cannot say, Thy will be done; I feel that I cannot give her up.”

For three days this dear, Christian mother knelt, many times a day, by the side of her much-loved child; and thus she prayed, “Lord, I think you are going to take Florence; give me grace to say, Thy will be done; I cannot say it.”

How her heart was rent! But still this petition went up. She wished to say, “Thy will be done,” but she felt that as yet, she could not.

At the close of the third day, while thus speaking to the Lord, a great burden seemed lifted; she rose, and with hands uplifted to heaven cried out, “Lord, thy will be done; take her if you will.”

The burden was gone; the load was lifted; light and peace filled her heart. Now her will was the will of the Lord, and she could say from the heart, “Thy will be done.”

For a few days the child continued to fail. One night she grew stiff and they thought she was dying. The father ran for the doctor who was soon on the scene. The dear mother was kept in perfect peace through this trying ordeal, while the father, who had not been able to leave all with the Lord, was nearly frantic with grief at the thought of giving up his beloved child.

The doctor rubbed the little sufferer, and worked over her for a time; before long, he quietly said, “The child will live.” From that hour she began to mend, greatly to the joy of her parents.

For the mother, there was double joy; and from that time, no matter what the sorrow or the trial that came, she was able, from her heart to say, “Thy will be done.”

May we all, younger and older, learn a precious lesson from this. May we be able ever to say, “Thy will be done”!

ML 09/21/1902

"It's Only a Little While."

THERE was once a learned judge who was in the habit of buying fruit at an apple stand, kept by a good old Christian woman, whose name was Molly. He would often stop and have a talk with Molly. One day he said, “Well, Molly, don’t you get tired sitting here these cold dismal days?” Her answer was “It’s only a little while, Sir.” The judge said, “And the hot dusty days?” “It’s only a little while,” was her answer. “And the rainy, drizzly days?” “It’s only a little while.” was Molly’s reply. Then the judge said, “And your sick rheumatic days?” She gave him the same answer, “It’s only a little while, Sir.” I suppose you know what the old woman meant by this, don’t you? When she thought of her life in the light of eternity it was only a little while. You will see a verse in the Epistle of James that says (open your Bible and read it for yourself) in chapter iv and verse 14, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away”.

It may look to be a long time for you little ones (and your larger ones too) to look forward to 10 or 20 years, but I have asked a great many old people if their life seems to have been a long one. They have told me that it seems to be only a few days. It does not look to be long when we look back. Time goes by very fast, and the older you grow the more you will find this to be so. It is very true that our life is like a vapor. Sometimes you have looked out early in the morning and you have seen a mist or vapor all around. You look out again in a few minutes and it is gone. That is just like our life. It is soon over.

The judge asked Molly another question, and I am going to ask all my readers to ask themselves the same question. It was this, “Well Molly, when the little while is over, what then?” I wonder what answer you would give to this question? Molly’s answer was, “Oh, then, Sir, I shall enter into the rest that remaineth for the people of God, and all the hardships of the way will be forgotten! It’s only a little while, Sir.” What was it that gave this old Christian such a blessed hope? Was it anything that she had ever done? What could she do that would give her the right to say that she was going to enter the rest that remained for the people of God? She was not trusting in anything she had done, but in what Christ did on the cross. She had accepted Him as her Saviour, and was happy in the thought that He bore her sins during those hours of darkness on the cross. She had good reason to be sure that she was going to be at rest with the Lord. Hadn’t she? And having this hope she was enabled to endure the trials of this world, and she had many of them. And you, my dear readers, may have the assurance which dear old Molly had if you but rest in Christ and His finished work. May it be so with you now, is my prayer.

But I haven’t told you all about old Molly yet. The judge bought a few apples, and said as he walked away, “Well, Molly, I must look into these things”. “There is only a little while for that, Sir,” said she, “and you are not quite sure of having even a little while.”

The only time that we can call our own is the present. God has set His time for all to be saved that will. Whether it is old or young, His time to save them is NOW. As His word says, “Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Now is God’s time to save, whoever you may be,

Rich or poor, old or young, now is God’s time for thee.

ML 09/21/1902

"Mighty to Save."

Isaiah 63:1.

Mighty to save, Thou art, O Lord,

All who believe Thy precious word;

Thou callest all to Thee to come,

And find in Thee their God, and home.

ML 09/21/1902

Fishing.

HERE is a picture which reminds me of the 5th chapter of Luke’s gospel, from verses 1 to 11. I will ask you, dear children, carefully to read those eleven verses, and to see if there is anything there for you.

As one looks at the picture with the fish hanging on the poles, one thinks of the father who has been busy catching them. And now the wife, having first dried the fish, is pounding them with a stone to preserve them to eat with fish oil in the winter. The dear little child is quietly waiting, and when old enough will perhaps eat some of the food thus prepared, and when grown up will likely become a fisherman.

God in His wisdom uses simple things to teach great truths, and weak things to bring about mighty ends. It was so when Jesus was walking along the shore of lake Gennesaret. There He came upon some poor men who earned their living by fishing. Simon Peter was one of these; and I suppose he knew that it was God who made the fish and gave them to him; but he never before this time seemed to have lived in the power of the truth that “God is,” that, “in Him we live and move and have our being,” and that, “Thou God seest me.” But now when Simon saw such a number of fish and the remarkable way in which they had been caught, and the boats beginning to sink, all at once he found out that he was really in the presence of the One who had made them and owned them. Divine light suddenly shone into his soul and showed him who that One was, and who he himself was, for he said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” He calls Jesus “Lord,” and calls himself a sinner. Simon owned Jesus as Lord, and felt unfit for God’s presence.

Now, dear boys and girls, you all know that it is God who makes the fish and other articles of food, and who feeds you day by day. But do you know Him personally? Have you ever really found yourself right before Him? Has His presence given you a real sense of your own sinfulness, and made you feel unfit to be there? Have you ever known yourselves as sinners? If you never find this out in this world, I am sure you will know it, as many, alas, will when at the last day they stand before God, and the books are opened, and they are judged for their sins. If you wish to escape such an awful scene as that described in Revelation 20:11-15, you must know now that you are sinners and unfit to be where God is, but that Jesus died for sinners to save them and make them fit for heaven by His own most precious blood.

May God by His Spirit and through His word open your eyes to see this and your mouth to confess it, owning Jesus as Lord!

When Peter had learned who Jesus was, and who and what he himself was, believing with his heart and confessing with his mouth, the Lord did not leave him, but told him not to fear, and that from that time he would catch men in the gospel net. On the day of Pentecost Peter caught 3,000, though not by his own skill, but by the Spirit of God. He was a successful fisherman with the gospel net. But who taught him? We don’t read in the Bible that he went either to school or college for this. Not that it is wrong to be taught right and proper things to enable one to earn a living in this world, but school and college cannot change the heart; they can only produce an effect on the outside like so much paint over a dirty wall. And if any of you, dear children, desire to become Christian workers, and think of going to college for that purpose, let me ask you to be like Simon Peter, and learn who Jesus is, and who and what you are, and that alone in His presence. God alone can give you a new nature, and fit you for His presence, and make you a successful worker in His service. Peter became a different man after this; and though later on he sadly denied his Master for a short time, he learned still more, not only that he had sin, but also that in his flesh dwelt no good thing. He learned that there was nothing in him naturally that was good enough for God. So, dear ones, you have not only to learn that you are sinners, but also that you have nothing that can be called good before Him.

Now look at the 11Th verse. Simon left all, and followed Jesus. Can you do this? Is there anything you like better than the Lord? You must give it up, or you cannot follow him. Christian boys and girls, let nothing divide your hearts with Jesus. Follow Him, bearing His reproach; that is, being scoffed and scorned something like He was. Then at His coming you will not be sorry for having given up the pleasures and sins of the world, but will meet Him with joy exceeding great and full of glory.

ML 09/28/1902

Moses and the Plagues.

IT is beautiful to see how the Lord talked with Moses concerning the work he had taken. He gave to Moses the words that he should speak to Israel; He gave to him each time the message to Pharaoh. Before he went into Pharaoh’s presence, and when he came out from it, the Lord spoke to him. Aaron was his prophet, and he was given to be his spokesman also; and it was Aaron who held the rod. But it was to. Moses that the Lord spoke; and any message that Aaron got from the Lord, was through Moses.

When Moses first went into Pharaoh’s presence, he showed him the two signs that God had given him; but this did not move Pharaoh. Then God sent plague after plague, until Pharaoh at last was glad to have the people go. First was the waters turned to blood. This was no small annoyance to the Egyptians; but Pharaoh would not let the people go. Next, God instructed’ Moses to tell Aaron to stretch his rod over the waters again, and He would bring up frogs that would come into their houses and into their bed-rooms, and their beds, and their ovens, and their kneading troughs. This was such a trial to Pharaoh that he called for Moses and begged him to take the frogs away; and he would let the people go to do sacrifice to the Lord, he said. So Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord to take away the frogs. But as soon as the frogs. were gone, Pharaoh hardened his heart again. Next, Aaron was to stretch out his rod, and smite the dust of the land with it, and the dust should turn into lice, and be upon man and beast. Think how terrible this punishment would be! The wise men tried to do the same with their rods, but they could not. Then they said, This is the finger of God. Truly, none but God can create life, or bring life out of dust; and these magicians recognized the power of God in this. But Pharaoh only hardened his heart.

Next, God sent swarms of flies, until the whole land was corrupted with them, but He made a wonderful distinction in favor of His people Israel; in the land of Goshen, that part of Egypt inhabited by the Israelites, no flies came. While the Egyptians were tortured with the flies, the Israelites, in the very heart of the land, had no trouble from them.

Pharaoh felt this pest so much, that he called for Moses and Aaron and told them to go and sacrifice to their God, in the land. “No,” Moses said, “we will go three days journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as He shall command us.” So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go if you take away the flies.” But again he hardened his heart when the flies were removed. Then the Lord sent a dreadful disease upon the cattle of Egypt, and many of them died; but none of the cattle of the children of Israel died. But this made no change in Pharaoh. Then the Lord sent boils and dreadful sores upon man and beast, among the Egyptians; the wise men as well as other men had sores upon them, and they could not stand before Moses and Aaron. Still Pharaoh was unmoved. So the next day the Lord sent rain and hail, and fire mingled with the hail, and fire ran along the ground; and all the men and beasts that were in the field were killed; but those who believed what Moses had told them about it, stayed in, and kept their cattle under cover, and they were not hurt; neither did the hail touch those who were in Goshen.

This punishment was felt so much by Pharaoh that he sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time; the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” And he asked Moses to entreat the Lord to take away the hail, and he would let them go; they should stay no longer. But when the hail and thunder ceased he refused to let them go.

Then Moses told Pharaoh that the Lord would send locusts which would fill their houses and cover the ground, if he would not let the people go. The servants of Pharaoh, hearing this, begged the king to let the people go and serve the Lord their God; they asked him if he did not see that Egypt was destroyed. So the king sent for Moses and Aaron and asked them who would go. They replied that they would go, young and old, with their sons and their daughters, their flocks and their herds, and hold a feast to the Lord. Pharaoh would not consent to this, but said, “Go ye that are men and serve the Lord;” and then he drove them from his presence. He, perhaps, knew well that they would not go and leave their children behind. So God sent the locusts and they ate up every green thing that the hail had not killed.

This affliction was so grievous that Pharaoh sent in haste for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you.” Then he asked them to entreat the Lord to take away this death only. When this was done, again he hardened his heart. Then the Lord sent darkness so thick and dense that they could not see one another for three days; and they sat still in one place. But the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Then the king called Moses and said they could go and serve the Lord and take their little ones along; only leave their flocks and herds. But Moses said they would not leave a hoof behind—they must take their cattle to sacrifice to the Lord. Then Pharaoh told Moses to go away; and said he should never see his face again. Moses said this was well said for he would see his face no more.

ML 09/28/1902

Lie Not.

PETER was a small boy just seven years old. He went to school with many other little folks and always tried to do his best. Like many other children, Peter was very fond of gum and one day this fondness brought him into trouble.

One morning he started to school with a piece of gum in his mouth. He intended to put it away at the end of his playtime, but, for some reason, he forgot all about it and passed into the school room with the others. Soon his teacher noticed that he had something in his mouth. This was against the rules, so she asked suddenly, “Peter, have you anything in your mouth?”

The little boy was surprised and very much frightened. Without a minute’s thought he answered, “No, ma’am.” Peter had often heard the teacher say that God hated lies and said in the Bible,

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 12:22.

These words had gone down deep into his heart, and as soon as he told this lie to his teacher, he thought of what he had done. His face flushed red with shame and his little heart was filled with sorrow. His teacher noticed this and wondered why he should look so ashamed if he had done no wrong. She watched him for a moment and noticed that he wished very much to say something, so she asked, “What is it?” Then this small boy did a very brave thing. He stood up tall and straight beside his desk and said clearly, “Miss —, I have something in my mouth. It is gum, and I am sorry that I told you the story.”

How his teacher rejoiced to know that he was such a brave, truthful boy. How glad the Lord must have been to see the little boy trying so hard to obey and keep His words. He says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

Learn this verse and perhaps, if you should be tempted and do what is not right, it will help you to own your fault, as Peter did.

ML 09/28/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 3.

NINA slept very soundly one morning, and did not wake up until almost time to go to school. She was very much afraid that she would be tardy, and worried a great deal about it. She remembered that the Lord is always ready to help His dear children, so she told Him all about her trouble, and asked for help in getting to school on time.

Before the bell rang she was safely in the school yard and had even had time for a little play. Here was another answer to prayer. Now, this little girl is sure that the Lord is always ready to listen to the prayers of even a little child.

ML 09/28/1902

Answers to Questions of August 3rd.

1.“Peter,” Acts 3:6.

2.“Repent ye therefore,” etc. 3:19.

3.“I foresaw the Lord,” etc. 2:25.

4.“Now I know of a surety,” etc. 12:11.

5.“Cornelius.” 10:l.

6.“Eutychus,” 20:9.

7.“Of a truth,” etc. 10:34.

8.“Felix.” 24:25.

9.“Lord, lay not this sin,” etc. 7:60.

10.“I am Jesus,” etc. 9:5.

11.“Fear not, Paul,” etc. 27:24.

12.“Ephesus.” 19:l.

“Prince of Life.” 3:15.

Bible Questions for October.

The answers are to be found in 1St Cor., and the first letter of each answer will spell the name of the One who is the head of every man.

1.What is it that suffereth long?

2.Of whom is the body of the believer the temple?

3.Give one of the things that Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us (believers).

4.Give the verse following these words, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.”

5.Give the words following these, “But one receiveth the prize.”

6.What did the Lord Jesus say when He took the cup and had supped?

ML 10/05/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 9:26.

THE morning of the second day had now arrived when Samuel had promised to let Saul go on his way. He had detained him only a day and a night, and we may safely say that Saul never spent a more profitable season than he did with Samuel during that brief, time Could there be anything more profitable than to be with a man who is able to tell us about God?

Many children have parents who are able to tell them about the Lord, for they have learned of Him in His word. They teach the little ones the way of the Lord, and seek to bring them up in His fear. Dear children, do you rightly value this teaching, and do you realize how highly favored you are that God has given you parents who fear Him, and who seek to instruct you in His will? Think of the many children who never hear the Lord’s name, except, perhaps, when it is blasphemed in their homes; and would you like to exchange places with them? I’m sure you would not.

But neither Samuel nor our parents are able to tell us all about God. There was only one person that ever lived in this world who could tell us all about God, and that one was Jesus.

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” (John 1:18). And He had a message from God’s bosom to tell the world, which the prophets never had, and that message was that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

We are told that Samuel and Saul arose early in the morning. But Samuel evidently arose first and then called Saul up. This shows us that Samuel had something before him, which preserved him from taking too much ease. The work of the Lord would not suffer him to sleep longer than to get enough rest for the body. But Saul seemed more inclined to indulge himself, and we see a lack of purpose for the Lord throughout his whole life.

In speaking of early rising, we do not want to be too severe on those who are of young and tender years. Very often young boys and girls need more sleep than they are permitted to take; and sometimes they take more sleep than they really need. But, dear children, the lesson we want to learn from this is that of DILIGENCE, as against slothfulness and idleness. God has said that the diligent soul shall be made fat, and He has repeatedly warned us in His word against being idle and lazy. We gee many people, who belong only to this world and have no hope beyond it, daily straining themselves to prosper and accumulate riches. But God says that they rise up early and sit up late only to eat the bread of sorrow. (Ps. 127:2.)

On the other hand, we who know the Lord and have hope of eternal life, (Titus 1:2), how diligent we should be in all things, since we are serving the Lord Jesus. The precious moments that are swiftly passing away should not be spent in idleness, nor should we be seeking mere self-indulgence. But we should endeavor to improve our time FOR THE LORD. We know that children need exercise and play, but even in these things we are not to forget the Lord, but seek to do everything in His name. None of us know how long the Lord may be pleased to leave us here in this world. For He calls the young ones home, as well as the old ones.

As His little servant s, we may be working for Him in His vineyard, as He has a place for each one of us. We may arise each morning with the precious thought that we are to be serving Jesus throughout the entire day. We should make each day, as it comes to us, a little life complete in itself; for when the evening comes our opportunities for serving Jesus may be at an end, for He may call us home to be with Himself. We have no promise of the morrow. and therefore, we should be careful about making plans. And if we can do anything for Jesus today, let us not put it off till tomorrow, for God says that we know not what a day may bring forth. (Prov. 27:1.)

ML 10/05/1902

Marguerite W.

As it is both interesting and helpful to us to hear about God’s dealings with others, I will tell my young readers, with pleasure, of the case of dear little Marguerite. She and her three brothers have been for years under the care and instruction of a kind, Christian governess. This dear Christian girl has taught the children French, and converses with them constantly in the French language; but her dearest desire has been to point the little ones committed to her care, to Him who is so dear to her own heart; and God has richly blessed her efforts by bringing one after another of these dear children to know salvation through the precious blood of Jesus.

This dear Christian instructress recently wrote thus to a friend: “I am happy to be able to tell you that little Marguerite has given her heart to the Lord. She had never wished me to ask the Lord to come. One day I asked her why she did not wish this. She replied, ‘Because I do not know Jesus as my Saviour.’ The other day she said to me, ‘Now, Mademoiselle, you can ask Jesus to come. He has pardoned all my sins. He loves me, and I love Him. He is my Saviour. I am no more afraid of death!’ This is a great joy to me, and I bless the Lord for it; to Him be all the glory.”

Dear young readers, is it not beautiful to see what the Lord has wrought in this dear lamb of His! Young as she is, she knew she could not meet Jesus in her sins, and she did not want Him to come; but when, by faith, she saw that Jesus had suffered for her sins and that they were all pardoned, the fear of death was taken from her. And with the love of Jesus filling her heart she could tell her dear teacher to ask Him to come.

How is it with you? Do you want Jesus to come? Are you afraid of death? Why would you be afraid to die? Why do you not wish Jesus to come? Ask yourself honestly these questions.

Can you say “Come, Lord Jesus,” and is the love of Jesus filling your heart? May you then witness brightly for Him, as dear little M. is doing.

Let me give you some extracts from a letter that she wrote to a young friend. “I am going to write you but a little letter to tell you what I am doing here in N—. Miss —. bought the ‘Messages of Love’ for me, and I like it very much. I am very happy to say that I have Jesus Christ as my dear Saviour. He died for me on the cross, and washed away all my sins. If He comes I will go with Him to heaven. My only wish is that dear Mamma and Papa would be sure that they should go to heaven with me. I would be so happy. Yesterday we had a terrible storm, lightnings, thunder, and hail about as big as small pieces of ice. But I was not afraid, because I knew God would keep me from all danger.”

Two days after Marguerite was made happy in knowing that her sins were pardoned, she had a dream which we may give you in another paper, if the Lord will.

ML 10/05/1902

Wheat.

HOW thankful we all ought to be for the “Rain from heaven”! I dare say you have known children who wished it might be always fine weather; but, if they had their wish, they would, be in want of food. I have read that there are parts of Australia where there has been no rain for about four years, and the land is becoming so barren that the sheep are dying. These children in our picture, live in a more favored land. They have been in the field when a shower came on, and they took refuge under the wheat-stack. Now they are looking out to see if the rain is over. Let us remember to give thanks to God for the rain, without which nothing would grow.

ML 10/05/1902

"A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath."

THESE words were brought to my mind as I heard the following story: A little boy and his sister were playing together, and for a while they got on very nicely, but by and by the little boy got angry at his sister and ran at her to strike her, but the little girl put out her arms and said, “Me ties oo.” At once the brother’s anger ceased and he said, “I am sorry I got angry at my little sister.” How nice it would be if the little ones who love the Lord Jesus would remember these words, “A SOFT ANSWER TURNETH AWAY WRATH.” HOW many quarrels it would save you from, and how many cross words you would be spared. It is said of the blessed Lord Jesus that “When He was reviled, He reviled not again.” Never did that blessed One speak a cross word, and He is the One whose example His children are to follow. Remember the words,

“A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Prov. 15:1.

ML 10/05/1902

The Coming One

Heb.10:37.

For yet a little while,

The coming One will come;

Oh! to be ready for Thy smile

When Thou, my Lord, wilt come

To take Thy children home.

ML 10/05/1902

Saved.

WHEN I was a boy I often bathed in the beautiful Kennebecasis River in New Brunswick. One day, before I had learned to swim, one of my companions encouraged me to make a shoot, through water over my depth, from the bank to a log. The bark came off the log as I clutched it, and let me slip back into the water in a state of dreadful fright. I thought I was about to be drowned, and did not know what to do. My companion, however, boldly jumped in, and, treading water beside me, helped and encouraged me to take hold of the log and clamber out. I dressed slowly, so as to be left alone when the others should go on, and knelt to thank God for sparing my life, for had I died then I feared I would go to hell. I had not then heard that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” Thank God, I ever heard that word, and have been saved from a more terrible danger. Have you?

ML 10/12/1902

The Dream.

IN a former paper, we gave you a little account of dear Marguerite’s being brought happily to the Lord, and mentioned how, two days later, God gave her a dream to impress upon her young mind, the reality of the precious truth she had been learning.

In a letter to a friend, she relates this dream. But one, on reading it, questioned how true, or real, it might be. This led to some inquiry, in answer to which Marguerite writes:

“Dear Mrs. —. I am going to write you a few lines to tell you that my dream was true and real, and it was not by imagination. I was very happy. I would be very glad if it could help someone to come to Jesus as I did. If I love Him it is because He loved me first, and has forgiven all my sins, I, who had so many.

“When I was in the train, and the train had to go on a bridge, I was a little bit frightened that the bridge would break, and we would all be lost. But now I trust in Jesus, and all my fears are taken away.”

Her teacher writes that she asked the Lord to direct her in speaking to Marguerite about her dream, and she saw, after questioning her, that all was well.

She says it was a dream, and without doubt sent of the Lord for the good of the child.

The morning after the dream, Marguerite had gone into her teacher’s room, full of joy, and told her what she had dreamed.

I will now give part of a letter from Marguerite in which she relates her dream.

“Dear Mrs. ——I am very glad to say that I have Jesus Christ as my dear Saviour. He died for me on the cross, and if He comes I would go with Him.

“I had a dream last night. I dreamed that Jesus had come and that I had gone with Him to heaven.

“Paul, my brother, was there too, and Jesus asked him if he was a sinner, and he said, ‘Yes, I am.’

“Then He asked me, and I said that all my sins were washed away in the precious blood of Jesus.

“Then He asked Paul to kiss Him, and he did.

“I wanted to kiss Him dreadfully, because He looked so pretty and good on His beautiful throne of gold. So He guessed my, wish, and took me up in His arms and kissed me.

“I forgot to say that. I asked Jesus to take Mamma and Papa to heaven, and so He did. And the dear Jesus put a beautiful crown on my head, and I waked up. I was very surprised not to find myself in heaven.

“Was not that a beautiful dream? I wish that Jesus would come tomorrow, and I would see you there, dear Mrs. May this dream, together with the happy experience of dear little Marguerite, fill my young readers with the earnest desire to know salvation through Jesus, if they do not yet know it; and with longing for the joy that fills dear Marguerite’s heart, if they have not yet this joy!

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

ML 10/12/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul.

1 Sam. 40:26.

AT the breaking of the day Samuel arose and called Saul to the top of the house, saying, “Up, that I may send thee away.” (v. 26.) The day before this he had said, “Tomorrow I will let thee go.” What are we to learn from these two expressions? We remember that Saul had come to Samuel while he was on his way seeking the lost asses, and had come to the prophet simply that he might know the way that he should take. And so Samuel spoke to him as though he regarded him as one who was seeking his own way. Saul no doubt expected to pass on, but Samuel detained him a little, telling him that on the morrow he would let him go. But after he had been with Samuel a short time, he discovered that God was about to take him up, and honor him by making him king over His people. And Samuel was the instrument that God was using to bring Saul into this exalted place. When the morrow had come, Saul realized that he was no longer following his own way seeking the lost asses, but that he was now to be subject to Samuel. He was to go in the way that God had chosen for him. We see, then, how beautiful the change of expression becomes when Samuel speaks of SENDING Saul away.

Many people come to Jesus for some personal advantage, not really feeling their need of Him as their Saviour; and, when they have gained what they desired, they continue to go right on in their old way. The Scripture speaks of multitudes in the days of Jesus who came to Him merely to be fed or healed, and then left Him and went their own way. And today are there not many who associate themselves with Christians, and profess to serve Christ, who are really only looking out for what personal advantage it may give them? They judge that it is better for their business. and social standing in the world to, at least, call themselves Christians. As for this class, dear children, they never receive any real virtue Prom Christ, although they are the multitude that throng Him.

And they are the ones that are “let go” to pursue their own way. They do not care to continue with Christ, nor would they, indeed, if pressed to do so.

But whoever came to Christ feeling that they must have Him as a Saviour and Friend, and were turned away empty? No, dear children, Christ is for poor, helpless sinners, who cannot help themselves; and when such come to Him, they are won to His blessed Person and have no desire to get out of His presence. Christ never says to such, “I will let you go,” as if they were under restraint when with Him, and wanted to go their own way. For when they come to Him, their own way is ended, and now, henceforth, if they go away at all, it must be Himself that SENDS them. And He does send them away, He being their Lord and they being His willing servants. He sends them into the world to shine as lights there for Him, and to be His witnesses.

But we must not overlook the place to which Samuel called Saul in the morning before he sent him away. It was the “house-top”; and we saw that, the night before, this was the place of communion. What, then, is the lesson that we may gather from this. If Saul was called to the place of communion before Samuel sent him away, is it not also true that, if Jesus has sent us into the world, we are to be there in communion with Him? Or, in other words, if we are to be good servants for Him in the world, does it not depend upon our being in communion with Him? Yes, dear children, it is blessedly true that when the Lord sends us away He supplies us with everything needful for us to glorify Him. He gives us His Word and His Spirit that we may walk in communion with Him, and thus “Show to all where once He trod,

Nothing but Christ, the Christ of God.”

ML 10/12/1902

Lines by a Dying Mother to Her Son.

HERE are a few lines that a dying mother wrote to her son, which I thought the readers of “Messages of Love” would like to read. We may see how satisfied this dear old saint was with Christ. She knew Him as a very dear Friend for many years, and now she is happy in the thought that she is going to see Him soon. What a comfort it must be, when a Christian comes to leave this world to have the assurance that this dying woman had.

“I write these few lines on my 69th, birthday. In all probability ere the next I will be away from this scene with the One whom not having seen I have loved so long. With that Man who sat weary and thirsty at Sycher’s well waiting for a poor lost sinner. I shall gaze into those eyes which shed tears with the sisters at Bethany. I shall be with the One who spent whole nights in prayer on Mount Olivet.

How often in thought do I see that loving One, after having fed the multitude, and sent the people away to their own houses, wending His way up the side of Olivet, there on the mount to commune with His Father. I will be with that One who agonized in the garden when He thought of that bitter cross, and what He was to endure there.

O, my son, have you ever pictured that lovely Man as He walked for the last time with His disciples to that garden where He had often taken them before, and asks them to watch with Him while He goes a little further to pray, to His Father about the bitter cup He has to drink before He could have you or me with Him in the Father’s house? May He be as precious to you as He has been to me these many years.”

ML 10/12/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 4.

ONE morning little Jane’s mamma was very sick. She could not leave her bed, and Jane felt very sad about it. She did the morning work as best she could, and, while she was busy, she prayed to the Lord to please make her mamma well again.

Before supper time her mother was able to get up and help a little with the work. Jane was very, very happy and thanked the Lord for so quickly answering her prayer. She has learned to carry all of her little troubles to her Heavenly Father and says that with His help, all of her hard problems at school become very easy.

ML 10/12/1902

A Letter from One of Our Young Friends.

Dear Mr. Hartt: —Yes, I have accepted my Saviour, and oh, what a wonderful Saviour He is! It really seems to me I could not live if it were not for Him. What helps me so much is to know that we may take all of our troubles and joys to Jesus, and to know that He knows and understands them all. Oh, how I wish that my dear friends would put their trust in Him!

I thank you very much for your kind letter.

Yours respectfully,

N. B.

ML 10/12/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 5.

HANNAH is a little girl who comes to Sunday-school every Lord’s Day and very seldom misses a single day. She said that the Lord had answered her prayer in a very wonderful way. One morning, when she reached the school house, she found that her hair ribbon was gone. It had fallen off from her braid on the way to school. She went back a little way and hunted for it but could not find it. Then she told the Lord all about it, and passed into the school house with the other children. When school was dismissed at noon, she looked carefully all of the way home, but could find no trace of the lost ribbon.

When she reached home, she found her missing bow lying just beside the door step where she had dropped it when she went to school in the morning.

At another time, this same little girl had a very hard problem to work. She tried it many times but could not get it just right. She asked the Lord’s help and soon the problem worked out very easily and correctly. It is very blessed to see little folks who make a habit of going to the Lord with all of their troubles.

ML 10/12/1903

Jesus Only.

A LITTLE boy was once being told about heaven and of the different ones who would be there, when he replied, “I only want to go there to see Jesus. I don’t want to see anyone else.” How good to hear such an expression from infant lips, and how well it would be if all who love the blessed Lord Jesus would be as satisfied with Him as this little boy was. Oh, to be able to say from our hearts, “I only want to go there to see Jesus.”

ML 10/12/1902

Let Him Alone.

HERE is a little fellow who looks as if he was in quite a rage. His sisters, with their arms extended, and their faces full of sympathy, are running toward him to help him if they can. But the manner in which he is flinging himself about, speaks of passion and would forbid sympathy. For ugliness and naughtiness are not to be met with tender words of sympathy and love.

The one who is sorry for his sins, and goes to God with confession, is the one who finds mercy and forgiveness.

And so with you, dear children; it is not when you are feeling naughty and ugly that you get forgiveness, or that you even want it. It is when your heart is softened, and you feel the wrong you have done, that you want your parents to forgive you, and ask them for it.

Do not harden yourself in your wrong ways, for great sorrow will come upon you if you do.

Ephraim hardened himself in idolatrous and wicked ways, and God had to say, “Let him alone.” That is, God gave him up to his wickedness; though the time is coming when God, in very much mercy, will soften the heart of Ephraim’s descendants, and draw them back to Himself.

Pharaoh refused to own the Lord, and over and over again hardened himself until, at last, God gave him up to hardness of heart. And the result for him was that he, and his great host of warriors, sank like lead in the mighty waters of the Red Sea; they sank not to rise again until that awful day when they shall come forth from their watery graves and stand before the great white throne, there to be judged according to what they have done.

You will see from this, dear children, what a dreadful thing it is for one to harden himself. Do not allow yourself to get into a passion or a “pet;” and do not allow your heart to be set on anything that would draw you from the Lord. Own your wrong, and turn from it. “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 10/19/1902

Little Martha.

SOME years ago I had a private school in the city of M—., and at the beginning of a new term was called upon by a gentleman who told me he wished to send his little daughter to me as a pupil, “but,” he added, “before I send Martha to you, I would like, to tell you that I do not wish her to be instructed in a religious way, as we are Jews, and I do not wish Martha to learn anything contrary to the views which we hold.” I told him it was always my custom to read the Scripture to the pupils and pray with them before commencing the duties of the day, and of course I could not prevent his daughter from listening if she were present. After further consideration he concluded that she was too young to be very seriously impressed with anything she might hear, and having promised to send her on the morrow, he left, fully understanding that Martha would not be personally addressed on the subject of religion, as he expressed it.

Dear little Martha, I think I can see her now as she used to sit at her little desk, her bright brown eyes, shining with intelligence, her black ringlets falling down over her shoulders, making a pretty contrast to the fair haired, blue eyed little ones who sat on either side of her in the class room.

Each morning before commencing the lessons for the day we sang a hymn, and I soon noticed that little Martha’s sweet bird-like tones could be heard above those of the other children, and she had become quite familiar with both words and tunes of all the hymns so dear to the hearts of the little ones. “Jesus loves me this I know” and “I am so glad that Jesus loves me,” being her particular favorites. When speaking to the children after the hymn on some passage of Scripture, John 3:16, being a text of which they never seemed to tire, I would watch those bright brown eyes fixed upon me so earnestly, and often some question concerning the love of Christ for sinners would come from the dear child which showed such a searching interest in the truth, quite astonishing in one so young. Some weeks after Martha had come to my school I was confined to my room with a severe cold and my mother went into the class-room to hear the lessons and keep them engaged during the day, and not being familiar with my method of opening school exercises, she began to hear some lesson without the usual hymn and prayer. Martha immediately said, “Mrs. W—. we have not sung our hymn.” “What would you like to sing, you may choose one if you like,” said my mother. The old familiar hymn was at once selected, and soon the refrain “Yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so,” could be heard by the teacher in her sick-room. The hymn being finished Martha said she would pray, and without waiting for an answer she knelt at her desk and her sweet childish voice was raised in prayer to the Lord, asking, as she had often hears me from day to day, that He would help them with their lessons and make them obedient to their teacher, ending with “This we ask for Jesus’ sake, Amen.”

It was very touching indeed to hear this child of Jewish parents calling upon the Lord Jesus whom they would not own, and singing praises to the One whom their nation so cruelly nailed to the cross.

One summer evening about two or three months after Martha joined my school, as I was sitting at the door, I heard a child crying very bitterly from the upstairs of one of the houses half way down the block, just where little Martha lived. Thinking it sounded like her voice and wondering what could be the matter with the little child whom I had learned to love very dearly, I walked past the house, and seeing the servant at the door with a very troubled face, I asked if anything was the matter with Martha.

She told me that the little girl had been praying aloud at her bedside to the Lord Jesus and had been overheard by her father, who was just then beating her with a piece of rope because she would not promise never again to pray in that name or to the One whom he denied. I went back to my home with the tears blinding my eyes and my heart aching for the dear little child who was not afraid to suffer shame for the Lord whom she loved.

Before the mid-summer closing I invited the parents to be present and hear the little ones recite and see them receive the rewards for their year’s work. Amongst those who came was the father of little Martha. The children sang several hymns very sweetly, and Martha’s voice was the clearest and sweetest of all. As she was singing with childish earnestness, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me,” I saw her father’s face darken and noted the impatient gesture he made to stop her, but quite unconsciously the child sang on. That night as I was retiring to rest I heard the same piteous cries issuing from Martha’s home, and learned from the servant the next day that she had been most cruelly punished for disobeying him in singing the hymns and again praying to that Jesus whom she so dearly loved. Martha did not return to school again, her father moved away from the neighborhood in a few months and I have never heard of my dear little pupil since then, but I believe that amongst those blood washed ones who will meet around the Lord and cast their crowns at His feet, I shall see dear little Martha B—for she was one of His little ones.

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

ML 10/19/1902

"Remember Now Thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth."

THERE is a dear old lady, up in Canada, who is 87 years of age.

Although so many years have passed over her head, she can still see and hear quite well, and also get about. though somewhat crippled from a fall of years ago. But her memory is almost gone, except in the things that belonged to childhood’s days.

She thinks she is living with her mother in her old Cornish home. If asked where her mother is, she will, perhaps, say, “Oh, she’s gone out for a little visit, but she will soon be back.” If asked her mother’s age, she will thoughtfully reply that she forgets, and again she will say, “Oh, she’s young and sprightly!” Sometimes she takes her daughter, with whom she is living, to be her mother, and again she will say she is her granddaughter. When shown he daughter’s picture, which was taken when she was young, and asked who it was, she replied, “That’s me!”

When spoken to of the Saviour and His love, the dear old face will brighten with a sweet smile. She will say “He died to save me;” “He died that I might live;” “No friend like Jesus!” There is One she has not forgotten. Her sons may seem to her as brothers, and her daughters as her mother; but Jesus, her Saviour, is the unchanging One. She often repeats verses of Scripture, learned in the days of her youth; and she speaks often of “the death that will never die”—the portion of the wicked, which she, through grace, has escaped.

But had this dear old lady not learned of Jesus and His love in her early years what could she understand of it now? Nothing—nothing at all—for her mind seems almost a vacancy, except as to the past.

May this be to you an object lesson, dear children, in connection with the word God is speaking to you; “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” Eccles. 12:1.

Now is the time to store your mind with precious truths from God’s word. Now is the time to give your heart to Jesus. A few years later may be too late; yes, tomorrow may be too late.

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

ML 10/19/1902

"Peace and Joy in Believing."

When langor and disease invade

This trembling house of clay,

‘Tis sweet to look beyond our cage,

And long to fly away;

Sweet to look inward, and attend

The whispers of His love;

Sweet to look upward to the place

Where Jesus lives above;

Sweet to look back and see my name

In life’s fair book set down;

Sweet to look forward, and behold

Eternal joys my own;

Sweet to reflect how grace divine

My sins on Jesus laid;

Sweet to remember that His blood

My debt of sins has paid;

Sweet on His faithfulness to rest,

Whose love can never end;

Sweet on His covenant of grace

For all things to depend;

Sweet in the confidence of faith

To trust His firm decrees;

Sweet to lie passive in His hands,

And know no will but His;

Sweet, blessed hope! and I at last

Shall see Him and adore;

Be with His likeness satisfied,

And grieve and sin no more.

ML 10/19/1902

Going Halves.

A GENTLEMAN gave a boy a gold dollar. “Now you must keep that,” he said. “Oh, no,” he replied, “I shall halve it first. Maybe I shall keep my half.”

“Your half,” said the gentleman: “why, it is all yours.”

“No,” answered the child, with a shake of the head, “it is not all mine, I always go halves with God. Half I shall keep and half I shall give to Him.”

“But,” said the man, “God owns the world; He does not want your gift, the silver and the gold and the cattle upon a thousand hills are His.”

“It seems to me that God halves with us, and oughtn’t we to give Him back His part?” said the little boy.

And, yes, dear reader, the Lord Jesus gave up ALL that He had in order to make us His own.

ML 10/19/1902

Moving to Heaven.

A MOTHER heard her little girl saying to a little friend who was visiting her “We are going to move away from here.” So the little girl said “Where?” and her answer was “Up to heaven,” The little visitor said “Oh; heaven, you are not going there yet!” To this the little child replied “When the Father calls us we will so.”

ML 10/19/1902

Not for Cats.

ONE day these two cats were asleep in the wood-shed. All at once, they heard a noise in a large basket near the table. They crept quietly up to it and saw the cover move a little bit. At this, they opened their eyes very wide as cats do when they think that they hear a strange noise. The white cat jumped up on the table where she could see better and soon some crabs began to crawl out of the basket.

Now they are getting a great deal too close to the strange visitors and will soon get into trouble unless they go away quickly. The cat on the table looks as if she were ready to spring upon the basket. One of the crabs has fallen out on the floor and the black cat is ready to play with it. What will the crab do if kitty puts out her paw to play with it? Then kitty will be in trouble for we know that the crab will pinch her with its sharp claws.

If these cats were wise they would go quickly away and let the crabs alone. But you see they are not.

These foolish kittens are a great deal like some children and even grown people who really love the Lord. In the word of God, He warns us about doing many things and tells us to keep far away from everything that is harmful. Instead of obeying His words some of His children wonder why He tells them not to do this or that, and say they see no harm in it. Satan is ever busy tempting us to do things which are displeasing to the Lord Jesus. When Satan sees a soul stopping to think and question God’s commands, he is very apt to lead that soul into doing the bad action, whatever it may be. Then the disobedient one usually falls into trouble and sorrow of many kinds, just as this kitten will do.

The wisest way is to stay far away and turn our backs upon everything which our conscience warns us against. “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Rom. 12:9.

ML 10/26/1902

That Sad, Sad Day.

IT was in the latter part of June, the most beautiful of months, when nature is clad in her loveliest garb, that the incident of, which I am about to write, occurred. It was in 1896 when we were living near the central part of Nebraska, in the fertile valley of the Loup River, and about a half mile from the stream.

Many times, at the close of a hot summer day, my parents, sister and myself would stroll down to the river to seek refreshment in its cool waters; and never had we felt the least alarm in doing so.

At the time of which I write, a dear cousin was visiting us, and she too, was very fond of the river.

Knowing there was quite a quantity of fish in the stream, we concluded, one day, to go seining. Accordingly, Cousin and I fixed the net, and after dinner, we all drove down to the river. As I had been in poor health for some time, it was thought best for me to keep out of the water. So Papa took me up—I was quite small—and carried me across some water to a sand bar, where I was placed to watch them seine.

They succeeded in catching about twenty fish but there were no cat-fish among them, and as this was what they wanted, they changed their plans. Thinking they might get some if they would go down the river a short distance and drag the net up, they started on this undertaking.

Alas! how often we walk straight into danger while seeking to carry out our own designs, and losing sight, perhaps, of the glory of God.

The little party had not gone far, when Mamma said, “It is getting deep.” Papa told them to drop the end of the net which they were holding, and go back. I heard my dear cousin cry, “We can’t, we can’t.” By this time my sister was in deep water, and Papa lifted her out on the bank. Then I saw Mamma and my cousin go under. Oh, who could imagine my feelings! None but God could know my distress. In anguish of soul, I now was wringing my hands and crying to Him for help.

Papa attempted to rescue the drowning ones; but not being able to swim, he soon went under. Through God’s mercy, he was enabled to struggle up on the bank. As soon as he recovered from the strangling effects of the water, he made another attempt, but again went under.

My sister was running along the bank, crying to God for help in our distress, and I was trying to find my way off the sand-bar. Again God was merciful and helped Papa out by means of a straw hat which fitted his head very tightly.

My sister kept her eye on the drowning ones in order to tell Papa where they were. All that could be seen of them was Mamma’s hair floating on the water, and occasionally some of their clothing. As soon as Papa was able he made a third effort; this time he ran out on an old tree, which reached over the water, and jumped off. He had run downstream a little distance to reach the tree, and by so doing was in advance of the floating bodies. With one great effort he reached out and got hold of Mamma’s hair; but when he drew her to him, dear cousin was not there. A short distance above, the channel had divided, and while Mamma’s body had been carried in the current nearest the bank, the body of my cousin had been carried away in the other.

Papa was so nearly exhausted, and Mamma’s body so heavy with water, that it was with much difficulty he got her up on the bank. He thought it was only a lifeless body now.

My sister, who was by this time running to get some help, heard Papa call to some people on the other side of the river to watch for a dead body—thinking my cousin’s body would be found over there. Sister, hearing the call, thought it was for her, and turned and ran up to Mamma, and gave her a kiss, thinking because her face was so black, that she was dead; then she ran off again to seek help.

But Papa had noticed a noise in Mamma’s throat, after he had succeeded in getting her up on dry ground. He untied her sun-bonnet which had fallen off her head and was tight about her neck. When this was done he heard again a gurgling sound.

After a little time, through his persevering efforts, Mamma was restored to consciousness. As soon as she was able to speak she asked for Cousin, but Papa had to tell her she was gone.

Meantime, I had made my way through weeds and bushes to where the horse had been tied, and now brought horse and buggy to the spot where Mamma was lying in the grateful shade of a tree; but her groans, which I heard when still some distance off, gave me much sorrow of heart.

I found a neighbor to help look after Cousin’s body; and then we got Mamma into the buggy and started home.

Oh, how different were our thoughts and feelings now, as we wended our way homeward, from what they were when we started out early in the afternoon! We had not dreamed of danger then but were as happy as our feathered friends that flit to and fro above our heads; and had as little thought of peril, as they have of an unforeseen foe pouncing down upon them. Now we had mingled, feelings of joy and sorrow. Our hearts were bleeding with sorrow in the sad loss of our dear cousin; and they were also filled with thankfulness to God for graciously sparing us to each other for a time longer.

That night was a night of suffering for Mamma; every breath was with a groan; and hot drinks had to be given and hot applications constantly applied.

She had expected to be drowned when she went under the water for she knew that Papa could not swim; but she was kept from fear, for she had the blessed assurance of salvation, and she felt that she was leaning on the “Everlasting Arms.”

And this same blessed assurance, all who believe on the name of Jesus may have.

How important, how very important is the safety of our never dying souls! Dear reader, if you are unsaved let me remind you that Christ is waiting with outstretched arms to receive you, if only you will come. He is calling, gently calling. Will you turn a deaf ear to His loving entreaties? He died for you. On the cross He bore the sins of all His people; and under the weight of their sins He was forsaken of God; for God cannot look upon sin, nor have it in His presence. Thus forsaken, in His agony He cried, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Mark 15:34.

Dear unsaved reader, do not delay the all-important matter of your salvation another hour; no, not another minute; you know not when time for you may cease. You are standing on sinking sand. Satan will say to you, Enjoy earth’s pleasures a little longer—there’s plenty of time. But, dear friend, are you going to listen to the devil’s lying words? He wants to get you in his clutches, and are you going to yield? You cannot serve God and Satan both, and you are serving one or the other.

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

I have endeavored to give this little account with truthfulness in every detail, though six years having passed, it is difficult to recall fully all that occurred.

ML 10/26/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 6.

LITTLE Mary wished very much to go to Sunday-school, but could not do so because she needed a pair of new shoes, as her old ones were too shabby to wear to the class. Being very fond of her Sunday-school, Mary said wistfully to her mother, “Can’t I have a pair of shoes tonight, Mamma, so that I can go to class tomorrow?” The mother sighed as she answered, “I wish you could have the shoes Mary dear, but I fear there are too many other things needed, and you will have to wait for a while.” Mary’s face clouded for an instant and the tears rose to her eyes, but rising quickly, she went, to her mother, saying very simply, “Never mind, Mamma, dear, I’ll tell Jesus all about it, and ask Him to give me a pair.”

With a kiss and a cheerful good-night, Mary went into the little room which she and her mother shared as a bedroom, and before retiring to rest, she knelt before her little cot and as her usual custom was prayed aloud, telling the Lord in her childish way, all her wants, and asking Him to give what He saw was good for her to have. Her mother through the partly opened door, heard her prayer uttered in simple faith to her heavenly Father without the shadow of a doubt that her request would be answered. “Lord Jesus, I want to go to Sunday-school tomorrow, and I have no shoes to wear. Mamma has no money to buy me a pair, but I know Thou canst give me the shoes and I thought I would tell Thee about it. Please, Lord, let me have them tonight. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

The hot tears gushed to the poor mother’s eyes as she listened, and from her lips came the words, “Lord, do honor her faith and grant her request.”

Having kissed Mary and tucked her snugly in her little bed, Mrs. Brown arranged some freshly ironed clothes in a basket and, placing them in a small hand cart, started for the home of one of her patrons, to deliver them, and trusting to receive the pay for her work which was so urgently needed by the family. Having arrived at her destination, a large house in a fashionable part of the city, she deposited her burden in the, kitchen, and was taking a cup of tea given her by the kind hearted cook, when a little girl, about the same age as Mary, came running into the kitchen, and seeing the laundry basket, came over to where Mrs. Brown was sitting, and in her childish fashion began asking questions: “Have you any little girls. Mrs. Brown? What is your little girl’s name? Why that is my name, too.” Then followed other questions about Sunday-school, and when the mother told how fond little Mary was of her Sunday-school, and how often she was prevented from attending through want of suitable clothing, the little girl ran quickly out of the kitchen, soon reappearing with a pair, of nice shoes in her hand, saying, breathlessly, “Mrs. Brown, will yon give these shoes to your little Mary? They are just a little too big for me and Mamma says I may give them to her.” The tears of gratitude fell quickly from Mrs. Brown’s eyes as she thought of the simple prayer of faith in which her little daughter had made known her need, and how that need had now been met by a loving Father.

On returning to her humble abode, she found Mary peacefully sleeping, and placing the shoes beside her pillow, she retired to rest, first thanking the Father of the fatherless for His loving care to her little child.

In the morning when little Mary awoke, the first thing which met her gaze was the shoes, and the listening mother heard her whisper, as she held them against her breast, “I knew that Jesus would give them to me. He always does what I ask Him. I thank Thee, Lord Jesus. Now I can go to Sunday-school this afternoon.”

“All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt 21:22.

ML 10/26/1902

Answers to Questions of September 7th.

1.“Who shall separate,” etc. Rom. 8:35.

2.“Rufus.” 16:13.

3.“Abhor that which is,” etc. 12:9.

4.“Therefore being,” etc. 5:1.

5.“He that spared not His,” etc. 8:32.

6.“O wretched man that,” etc. 7:24.

7.“For there is no power,” etc. 13:1.

8.“God forbid. How,” etc. 6:12.

9.O the depth of the,” etc. 11:33.

10.“David.” 4:6.

“WRATH OF GOD.” 1:18.

Bible Questions for November.

The answers are to be found in 2 Cor. and the first letter of each answer will spell who it was that was caught up into the third heaven.

1. Who was king when Paul was let down through a window in a basket?

2. What answer did Paul receive when he prayed that the thorn in the flesh might be removed?

3.Give the verse following these words, “Cast down, but not destroyed.”

4.Give the verse following these words “the vail shall be taken away.”

5.Give the rest of this verse, “This is the third time I am coming to you.”

6.Give the verse following these words, “And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

7.Give the verse following these words, “Mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

8.Give the rest of this verse, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and,”

9.Give the rest of this verse, “We are confident, I say, and willing,”

10.Give the verse following these words, “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.”

11.Give the name of one who preached with Paul.

12.Give the verse following these words, “Which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.”

ML 11/02/1902

God Must Have Reality.

DEAR children, I want to give you, as a warning, a solemn little incident that was told me recently.

Mrs. Q. was a woman who had made profession of Christianity from childhood, and her life was perhaps as consistent as that of most professing Christians. But there came a time when her Christianity was put to the test. She was taken ill, and partially lost her power of speech. A godly neighbor, who was interested in her welfare, called to see her, and asked her if she was trusting in the Lord. Her reply was “Yes.”

By the doctor’s advice. Mrs. O. was removed to sanitarium, but she grew worse instead of better. One evening, this same kind neighbor said to her, “Mrs. Q. are you fully trusting in the Saviour?” Again she said, “Yes,” That night, two friends and her husband stayed with her. Toward morning, she said to her husband, “Am I going to die?” He said, “I hope not.” She said, “I am going to die, and I’m lost. I told Mrs. A. a lie, for I said I was trusting in the Lord. I have belonged to the church since I was a child, but I’m lost! There’s a black, dark gulf before me!” Turning to her husband she said, “Pray for me.” Then, taking one of the ladies by the shoulders, she said, “Get down and pray for me.”

All this time in the strength of her agony, she spoke aloud, when, before, she was not able to speak above a whisper.

The friend to whom she appealed, quickly looked to the Lord for help, and then knelt and prayed for the sick woman.

Mrs. Q. then asked for one with whom, she had had a difficulty. She came and matters were talked over, and a reconciliation sought. Then Mrs. Q’s heart turned to the Lord. After continuing some time in prayer, she said, “I see it now; it’s all clear; the gulf’s removed.

I am saved through Christ; I am satisfied and her soul passed away to be with the Lord.

God, in great mercy, brought reality in the end. After taking her true place as lost, she was made to know salvation through Jesus Christ.

How much better if there is reality to begin with, and a walk with God during the years He leaves us here to be witnesses for Him!

ML 11/02/1902

Forever.

DEAR reader, try and think how long FOREVER is. Suppose you were able to count all the grains of sand that are on the sea shore, how many millions upon millions there would be. And after that, count all the leaves that are, or ever have been upon every tree in the world. Then count all the drops of water that are in all the oceans and lakes, and rivers that are in the world. And then count all the many millions of stars that are in the firmament above us. And all the millions upon millions of people who have ever lived upon the earth, and all the words that these millions have spoken, and what a total you would have. Then go to all the graveyards in the world, and count the many millions of tomb-stones that tell where the dead have been laid. After that count all the blades of grass and grain that the earth has ever produced. How many millions more this would add to the great total. This would swell the number up to millions of billions upon billions. And for each number, count one billion years. Putting all these years together it would not be as long as FOREVER. After all these years would have rolled away, FOREVER is the same. Ages upon ages of ages may pass away, but FOREVER remains.

And you and I must spend FOREVER somewhere. Consider it, and ask yourself the question, “Where will I spend FOREVER?” It must either be in happiness or in sorrow. With the redeemed, or with the lost. In the light of God’s countenance, or in outer darkness. With Jesus, or the Devil. In Heaven or in Hell.

Then let me ask you to answer this question in the presence of God, and answer it this moment, “Where will you spend FOREVER?”

ML 11/02/1902

A Treasure.

A NEWS-BOY found a bright stone and carried it in his pocket for weeks, when it was discovered to be a diamond’ worth $2,000. He was richer than he knew. He did not appreciate his treasure, because he did not know its value. Are you the possessor of a Bible? Do you know its value? It is not a flashing diamond, but an exhaustless mine of eternal riches. You do not know how rich you are, if you have the Bible.

Examine your treasure. God has been better to you than you thought. You thought you only had a stone—lo! it is a magnificent diamond. From it shines every beauty. It is “able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

ML 11/02/1902

Wilford's Deliverance.

Answers to Prayer. No. 7.

“I DON’T believe in so much of that praying business: its a poor mean way of getting out of scrapes. I believe in a fellow helping himself,” said a boy of fourteen, as they came from a children’s meeting about Peter in prison.

A little girl said gently, “I think it is nice to ask God for everything. What would you do, if you couldn’t get out of a scrape yourself?”

“I’ve never been in one, but I could get out by common sense and determination,” he said jauntily. But he could not forget the inquiry, though he tried, and whistled vigorously.

Not long after, jumping from a wall, he fell through into an old drain and sprained his ankle. He lighted several matches, tied his ankle tight, and searched about, but could not get out; then he thought of Peter, and wished for someone to pray for his deliverance, but no one knew about it. In his despair he prayed his first real prayer, “O God, help me. I can’t do anything, but Thou canst. Oh, forgive me and deliver me from this dreadful place.”

But would He hear and answer it? In a strange way He did. The very little children whom he had told that he “didn’t believe in praying,” heard his faint cry, and were the means of his getting out, when he fell fainting in his father’s arms. On recovering a little, he whispered, “I believe in prayer now. It was God who delivered me.”

ML 11/02/1902

Dolls.

I HOPE that all the girls who read this paper love dolls and that no boy who reads it, despises them. Girls who love dolls, make good mothers. In making clothes for dolly they learn to sew and make clothing for themselves and others. That is what this little girl is doing. Boys who despise dolls are apt to be—not manly, but rude and boisterous. I believe that God is pleased when He looks down and sees brothers and sisters playing kindly together. You know He is going to have children playing bye and bye in the streets of His City. Do not make an idol of your doll. Do not let any of your plays interfere with your duty. Be always ready to drop them to wait on Mother, because God has said,

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord. for this is right.” Eph. 6:1.

ML 11/02/1902

Jesus Loves Me.

In the crowded railway train,

Dimpled cheek against the pane,

Sang a baby, soft and low:

“Desus loves me, ‘is I know.”

Then unconscious, clear and strong,

“Ittle ones to Him belong,”

Rose the dear voice at our side;

“Desus loves me, He who died.”

Hushed the hum of voices near,

Hoary heads bent low to hear,

“Desus loves me, is I know,

For de Bible tells me so.”

So mid silence, tearful, deep,

Baby sang herself lo sleep,

“Desus loves me, He who died,

Heaven’s gate to open wide.”

But the darling never knew

How the message, sweet and true,

Raised one heart from dull despair

To the “love” that lightens care.

But I think, beside the King,

I shall someday, hear her sing:

“Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.”

ML 11/02/1902

The Little Fisher.

I HOPE this little girl, has some one with her in the boat, for it looks as though the big fish pulling on her line would be too much for her. Nearly everyone loves fishing, if they can catch fish quickly; but a true fisherman is a man of patience. He is content to wait, watching his “bob,” for a long time. Jesus called some of His disciples ‘from being fisherman, to be “fishers of men.” They fished with nets, though, not with lines. The young people in the other boat appear to be much interested. I hope the little girl will land her fish.

Perhaps some of my young friends would like to “catch men.” Well, let them begin now with little fish, their companions. Little fish are easier to catch than big ones. I know a boy who caught thirty-two little fish in a short time just with a crumb of bread tied to a piece of thread, without even a hook. The fish were not hurt, and he put them all back into the water. But big fish are more wary. If you would serve Jesus in this way when you grow up, begin now. Pray for your companions; be kind and true to them; and, when you have an opportunity, tell them Jesus has saved your soul.

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

ML 11/09/1902

Egypt's Night of Woe.

As we have been seeing, plague after plague had been visited upon Pharaoh because he would not let God’s people go.

Waters had been turned to blood; frogs had covered the land of Egypt; dust had been turned to lice; swarms of flies had filled their land, and their houses; horses, cattle and sheep, had died from a grievous disease; sore boils had broken out upon man and beast; hail, and fire mingled with it, had smitten the green things of the earth, and had broken every tree of the field; locusts had covered the face of the earth until the land was darkened, and they ate up every green thing that the hail had left, then came darkness—a darkness so deep and so dense that it could be “felt.” How terrible this must have been! It brings to mind, the “outer darkness” that awaits the unprofitable servant, and the “blackness of darkness” that is reserved for the lost.

The thick darkness of Egypt, which lasted three days, was such that it kept any one from rising from his place during that time. How fearful will be the awful darkness that will go on forever! Dear young readers, are any of you, in darkness of soul, resisting the true light which is shining for you? God forbid that that eternity of darkness should be yours!

All the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. This was in happy contrast with the darkness which must have been almost as a death knell to the poor Egyptians. And some of my young readers have received Christ, who is the Light and the Life, and light and true joy have come into their lives; and the blessed light and joy that will be theirs for all eternity forms again a happy contrast with the portion of those who shall weep and wail in that place where a ray of light or hope can never come.

But I have now to tell you of one dreadful plague that was left for Egypt. God told Moses that He would bring this one plague more upon Pharaoh and he would then be willing to let the people go. This last plague was to be the death of the first born—both of man and of beast. The Lord would go through the land of Egypt at midnight, and the first born from the highest to the lowest would be taken. Pharaoh, who sat upon the throne, would lose his first born, and so it would be in every house and every family, down to the poor prisoner in the dungeon. What sorrow then would fill every heart! In all that land of learning and greatness, a great cry would go forth such as never had been heard from it before, and never would be heard from it again.

But, wonderful to relate, Israel should go unharmed. When the dark hour of midnight was bringing death with all its terror and sadness into every home of the Egyptians, the children of Israel would be having a feast of joy and expectancy; for while they partook of the lamb roast with fire, with shoes on feet, staff in hand, and loins girt about, they would await the signal to march out of the land in which they had been so long in bondage.

God put a wonderful difference between the Egyptians and the children of Israel. But we will tell you more of this again, if the Lord will.

ML 11/09/1902

The Brave Drummer Boy.

TWO or three times in my life God in His mercy touched my heart, and twice before my conversion I was under deep conviction.

During the American war I was a surgeon in the United States Army, and after the battle of Gettysburg there were many hundred wounded soldiers in my hospital, amongst whom were twenty-eight who had been wounded so severely that they required my services at once, —some whose legs had to be amputated, some their arms, and others both their arm and leg. One of the latter was a boy who had been but three months in the service, and being too young for a soldier, had enlisted as a drummer. When my assistant surgeon and one of my stewards wished to administer chloroform previous to the amputation, he turned his head aside and positively refused to receive it. When the steward told him that it was the doctor’s orders, he said, “Send the doctor to me.”

When I came to his bedside I said, “Young man, why do you refuse chloroform? When I found you on the battlefield you were so far gone that I thought it hardly worthwhile to pick you up; but when you opened those large blue eyes I thought you had a mother somewhere who might, at that moment, be thinking of her boy. I did not want you to die on the field, so ordered you to be brought here; but you have now lost so much blood that you are too weak to endure an operation without chloroform, therefore you had better let me give you some.”

He laid his hand on mine, and looking me in the face, said, “Doctor, one Sunday afternoon, in the Sunday school, when I was nine and a half years old, I gave my heart to Christ. I learned to trust Him then; I have been trusting Him ever since, and I know I can trust Him now. He is my strength and my stimulant; He will support me while you amputate my arm and leg.”

I then asked him if he would allow me to give him a little brandy. Again he looked me in the face, saying, “Doctor, when I was about five years old my mother knelt by my side with her arm around my neck, and said, ‘Charlie, I am now praying to Jesus that you may never know the taste of strong drink; your papa died a drunkard and went down to a drunkard’s grave, and I promised God, if it was His will that you should grow up, that yon would warn young men against the bitter cup.’ I am now seventeen years old, but I have never tasted anything stronger than tea and coffee, and as I am in all probability, about to go into the presence of my God, would you send me there with brandy on my stomach?”

The look that boy gave me I shall never forget. At that time I hated Jesus, but I respected that boy’s loyalty to his Saviour, and when I saw how he loved and trusted Him to the last, there was something that touched my heart, and I did for that boy what I had never done for any other soldier—I asked him if he wished to see his chaplain. “Oh yes sir,” was the answer.

When Chaplain R—came he at once knew the boy from having often met him at the tent prayer-meetings, and taking his hand, said, “Well Charlie, I am sorry to see you in this sad condition.”

“Oh, I am all right, sir,” he answered. “The doctor offered me chloroform, but I declined it; then he wished to give me brandy, which I also declined; and now, if my Saviour calls me, I can go to Him in my right mind.”

“You may not die, Charlie,” said the chaplain; “but if the Lord should call you away, is there anything I can do for you after you are gone?”

“Chaplain, please put your hand under my pillow and take my little Bible; in it you will find my mother’s address; please send it to her, and write a letter and tell her that since the day I left home I have never let a day pass without reading a portion of God’s word, and daily praying that God would bless my dear mother; no matter whether on the march, on the battlefield, or in the hospital.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you, my lad?” asked the chaplain.

“Yes, please write a letter to the superintendent of the Sands Street Sunday School, Brooklyn, N. Y., and tell him that the kind words, many prayers, and good advice he gave me I have never forgotten; they have followed me through all the dangers of battle, and now, it my dying hour, I ask my dear Saviour to bless: my dear old superintendent; that is all.”

Turning towards me, he said, “Now, Doctor, I am ready; and I promise you that I will not even groan while you take off my arm and leg, if you will not offer me chloroform.” I promised, but I had not the courage to take the knife in my hand to perform the operation without first going into the next room and taking a little stimulant to nerve myself to perform my duty.

While cutting through the flesh Charlie Coulson never groaned, but when I took the saw to separate the bone, the lad took the corner of his pillow in his mouth, and all that I could hear him utter was, “O Jesus, blessed Jesus, stand by me now.” He kept his promise, and never groaned.

That night I could not sleep, for whichever way I turned I saw those soft blue eyes, and when I closed mine, the words “Blessed Jesus, stand by me now,” kept ringing in my ears. Between twelve and one o’clock I left my bed and visited the hospital, a thing I had never done before unless specially called, but such was my desire to see that boy. Upon my arrival there I was informed by the night steward that sixteen of the hopeless cases had died, and been carried down to the dead house. “How is Charlie Coulson; is he among the dead?” I asked. “No sir,” answered the steward, “he is sleeping as sweetly as a babe.” When I came up to the bed where he lay, one of the nurses informed me that, about nine o’clock, two members of the Y. M. C. A. came through the hospital to read and sing a hymn. They were accompanied by Chaplain R—, who knelt by Charlie Coulson’s bed and offered up a fervent and soul-stirring prayer, after which they sang, while still upon their knees, the sweetest of all hymns, “Jesus, Lover of my soul,” in which Charlie joined. I could not understand how that boy, who had undergone such excruciating pain, could sing.

ML 11/09/1902

Mamie's Way.

“MAMIE,” said her teacher, “do you think you are getting any stronger?”

“No, Miss Smith, I’m getting weaker all the time. Mamma is afraid I’ll not grow up to be a woman.” Her teacher thought so too, as she looked into the pale little face, and felt her thin small hands in hers, and she asked, “What do YOU think Mamie?”

“I think mamma is right.”

“And are you afraid to die, dear one?”

“No, teacher, that is not so much. Mamma says I’ll go to heaven, if I’m good.”

“And are you good, dear?”

“Not very; not as good as I ought to be.”

“Mamie, HOW good do you think you will have to be for God to say, ‘Now you are quite good enough to please Me.’?”

“Oh, very good indeed, I should think: quite good altogether.”

“Did you ever know of any one quite good altogether?”

“No, Teacher, only Jesus.”

“Then you see dear, you would have to be as good as Jesus. Shall you ever be as good, do you think?”

“Oh, no, Miss Smith, I know I never can be that good.”

“Then don’t you see, dear child, you never can be good enough to please God, and so you can never get to heaven in that way. Now listen to God’s way. He does not say, ‘Be good’—He knows we can’t: but He says, ‘Look at the cross: who died there?’”

“Jesus.”

“For His own badness? No, for yours. When you think of Jesus hanging on the cross, say to yourself, ‘That’s as if I hung there, as if I was punished for all my sins.’ So now God can say, ‘I have nothing against you, I want you to know that and be happy.’”

Dear little one, are you trying to be saved in Mamie’s way, that is, by what YOU can do? If so, stop and take God’s way, that is, what JESUS has done. “Jesus did it all,” for all who trust Him, and then we can prove we love Him by doing what He bids us.

ML 11/09/1902

I Did Not Obey My Parents.

IN a jail was a young man twenty-eight years of age. Once he could play in the fields, or rest on his mother’s knee, but now was shut up with sinful men. He felt very wretched; he was taken very ill and was afraid to die. A visitor asked him, “Why?”

“Because I’m such a sinner.”

“There is mercy and salvation for sinners. If you turn to God, trusting in Christ, He will pardon you.”

“I have no hope, there is none for me.”

The visitor asked, “Was not your mother a Christian?”

“Oh, yes sir. Many a time she warned me of this.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I can answer all in one sentence, I

DID NOT OBEY MY PARENTS.

ML 11/09/1902

He Careth for You.

HAVE you ever thought, dear children, how much God cares for you? He loved poor sinners so much that He gave His only Son to die in their place, that they need not bear their own punishment. So all who would want to escape it and be saved forever must believe in Jesus, God’s only Son, as their own Saviour. But what about His care? In Matt. 10:29-31 and Luke 12:6,7, we get a great lesson on the care of God, who overrules all things. Not a sparrow is forgotten before God and of what little value they are. Two are sold for one farthing and five for two farthings, and again He tells us that even the hairs of our head are all numbered and we are of more value than many sparrows. Trust Him, not only with the salvation of your soul but with all your little cares and trouble.

ML 11/09/1902

Watch the Copy.

HOW carefully this little boy is being instructed by his teacher, as she guides his hand, and shows him just how to make each stroke of the pen! When left to himself, what will be his guide? My little readers will doubtless say, The copy! And that is right. If he does not watch the copy, he will not know how long to make one letter, and how short another—where to make the straight lines and how to form the curves, as also many other things to which his teacher has perhaps called his attention.

Do you think his writing will be as perfect as the copy if he watches it closely? Oh! no, it will come far short at first, but if there is painstaking perseverance, his writing will grow better and better, and more and more like the copy after which he is patterning.

Now I want to ask my readers, Have you ever thought of the copy that God has given His people to pattern after? Let me tell you what the copy is, and then question whether you can ever reach up to it. It is Himself. He says, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (Original Material Illegible.)

ML 11/16/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul. 1 Sam. 9:27.

WHEN Samuel and Saul had come down to the end of the city, Samuel told Saul to bid his servant pass on, and that he should stand still, that he might show to him the word of God. Saul did not hesitate to obey the word of Samuel, and so the servant was made to depart from them, for he might not witness the anointing of Saul. If Saul had disregarded the word of Samuel and had not obeyed him, then he could not have been shown the word of God. It may not have been pleasing to Saul to thus send his servant away from him, but that did not matter so long as Samuel had commanded it, and he was going to reveal God’s word to him.

Simple and direct obedience, dear children, is what is pleasing to God. And, if we seek to do what the Lord tells us, then He will surely open up His word to us, and make it plain to us. But, if we are disobedient and contrary to Him and to our parents, whom He has set over us to command us, then we are hindering Him from revealing His word to us and blessing us. Many real children of God sometimes act quite naughtily and willfully, but how unhappy it makes them, and how they know that the Lord cannot commune with them in His word, while they are only pleasing themselves. But the Lord loves His dear ones too much to allow them to wander away and remain there. Just as the anxious shepherd and the restless, unhappy sheep, that has wandered away from the pasture of tender grass, are at rest only when the straying one is bought back; (Original Material Illegible)

We remember the Lord Jesus said that “the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth.” (John 15:15). And this may help us to understand the meaning here. A master does not reveal his mind nor his secrets to a servant, but only gives him commandments: however, to a friend or son he would be free to tell all his mind. Now the sending away of the servant may remind us of the precious truth that we are not in the place of servants. The servant could not be present when Samuel showed Saul God’s word. And so Jesus calls us His friends, and God calls us His beloved children. To us, as such we have revealed the full knowledge of His ways and counsels in His word. We not only know God as our Father, but we also learn from His word what His will is, and what is pleasing to Him. And He desires us to walk as “obedient children.” 1 Pet. 1:14.

Some people would be quite satisfied, if they could only know that they were saved; but God not only saves those who put their trust in Him, but He also teaches them and instructs them, as His children, and chastens them, if they are naughty. And He does all this in love, because all His children are very dear to Him.

But Saul was to stand still while Samuel made known to him the word of God. When the Lord led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and they came to the Red Sea, Moses told them to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. (Ex. 14:13). So whether we would understand God’s word or see His salvation, we must know what it is to “stand still,” that is, we must cease from man and from our own works. (Original Material Illegible)

We would not for a moment speak slightingly of education. Rather would we seek to encourage every dear child to pursue his or her studies at school most diligently. The mind should be exercised, developed, and well stored with useful knowledge. But this is not sufficient to understand God’s thoughts as revealed in His word. It is His Spirit alone that gives us to understand the Scriptures. “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” (1 Cor. 2:11.) And God gives His Spirit to all those that obey Him. (Acts 5:32.)

ML 11/16/1902

The Brave Drummer Boy.

Five days after I had amputated that dear boy’s arm and leg he sent for me, and it was from him on that day I heard the first gospel sermon. “Doctor,” he said, “my time has come; I do not expect to see another sun rise, but, thank God, I am ready to go, and before I die, I desire to thank you with all my heart for your kindness to me. Doctor, you are a Jew; you do not believe in Jesus; will you please stand here and see me die, trusting my Saviour to the last moment of my life?” I tried to stay, but could not, for I had not the courage to stand by and see a Christian boy die, rejoicing in the love of that Jesus whom I had been taught to hate, so I hurriedly left the room. About twenty minutes later a steward, who found me sitting in my private office covering my face with my hand, said, “Doctor, Charlie Coulson wishes to see you.”

“I have just seen him,” I answered, “and cannot see him again.”

“But, Doctor, he says he must see you once more before he dies.” I now made up my mind to see him, say an endearing word, and then let him die, but I was determined that no word of his should influence me in the least, so far as his Jesus was concerned. When I entered the hospital I saw he was sinking fast, so I sat down by his bed. Asking me to take his hand, he said, “Doctor, I love you because you are a Jew; the best Friend I have found in this world was a Jew.”

I asked him who that was. He answered, “Jesus Christ, to whom I want to introduce you before I die; and will you promise me, Doctor, that what I am about to say to you, you will never forget?”

I promised; and he said, “Five days ago while you amputated my arm and leg, I prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ to convert your soul.”

These words went deep into my heart. I could not understand how, when I was causing him the most intense pain, he could forget all about himself and think of nothing but his Saviour and my unconverted soul. All I could say to him was, “Well, my dear boy, you will soon be all right.” With these words I left him, and twelve minutes later he fell asleep, “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Hundreds of soldiers died in my hospital during the war but I only followed one to the grave, and that one was Charlie Coulson, the drummer boy, and I rode three miles to see him buried. I had him dressed in a new uniform and placed in an officer’s coffin with a United States flag over it.

That dear boy’s dying words made a deep impression upon me. I was rich at that time, so far as money is concerned, but I would have given every penny I possessed if I could have felt towards Christ as Charlie did; but that feeling cannot be bought with money. Alas! I soon forgot all about my Christian soldier’s little sermon but I could not forget the boy himself. I now know that at that time I was under deep conviction of sin, but I fought against Christ with all the hatred of an orthodox Jew for nearly ten years, until, finally, the dear boy’s prayer was answered and God converted my soul.

About eighteen months after my conversion I attended a prayer-meeting in the city of Brooklyn. It was one of those meetings where Christians testify to the loving kindness of their Saviour. After several of them had spoken, an elderly lady arose, and said, “Dear friends, this may be the last time that it is my privilege to testify for Christ. My family physician told me yesterday that my right lung is very nearly gone, and my left lung is very much affected; so at the best I have but a short time to be with you; but what is left of me belongs to Jesus. Oh! it is a great joy to know that I will meet my boy with Jesus in heaven. My son was not only a soldier for his country, but also a soldier for Christ. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and fell into the hands of a Jewish doctor, who amputated his arm and leg, but he died five days after the operation. The Chaplain of the regiment wrote me a letter, and sent me my boy’s Bible. In that letter I was informed that my Charlie in his dying hour sent for that Jewish doctor and said to him, ‘Doctor, before I die I wish to tell you that five days ago, while you amputated my arm and leg, I prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ to convert your soul.’”

When I heard this lady’s testimony I could sit still no longer. I left my seat, crossed the room, and taking her by the hand, said, “God bless you, my dear sister; your boy’s prayer has been heard and answered. I am the Jewish doctor for whom your Charlie prayed and his Saviour is now my Saviour.”

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Dan. 12:2.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten San, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.

“And whither I go ye know and the way ye know.” John 14:4.

“For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13.

“ ‘Whosoever heareth,’ shout, shout the sound,

Send the blessed tidings all the world around;

Spread the joyful news wherever man is found,

‘Whosoever will may come.’

‘Whosoever will, whosoever will,’

Send the proclamation over vale and hill;

‘Tis the loving Father calls the wanderer home;

‘Whosoever will may come.’

Whosoever cometh need not delay;

Now the door is open, enter while you may;

Jesus is the true, the only Living Way;

‘Whosoever will may come.’

‘Whosoever will,’ the promise is secure;

‘Whosoever will,’ forever shall endure;

‘Whosoever will,’ tis life for evermore;

‘Whosoever will may come.’”

ML 11/16/1902

Because Jesus Said to.

OUR lesson was the fifth of Luke. I had explained to my little ones how fish were taken with nets, (illustrating by the fragment of a net I had picked up on the shore), and had told them that these nets were only let down at night, as in daylight the fish could see the nets and so avoid them. Going over the ground again, I asked, “What time was it when Simon was told to let down his net?”

“It was daytime.”

“Was that the best time?”

“No, Teacher,” came in chorus from the class. “Yes,” came from one voice alone, (a dear little Jewish maid.)

“Most of you said, ‘No.’ Why?” I continued.

“The fish would see the net,” was the expected answer.

“Now, Leah, you said, ‘Yes,’ tell us why you think it was the best time?”

“BECAUSE JESUS SAID TO,” was the simple and beautiful answer.

The class hour was over, the children had received their lesson, and I had got mine.

Ah! how far ahead of the keenest reasoning is the faith of a little child.

ML 11/16/1902

Be Kind.

If angry words are spoken

Return an answer kind;

Take Christ for your example,

And blessing you will find.

If brother or if sister

Cross words should speak to you,

Let words, and acts of kindness

Be seen in all you do.

Then great will be your blessing,

And rich be your reward;

Both now and in the glory

When with and like your Lord.

ML 11/16/1902

Affection.

It is ever beautiful to see affection. God has so created man and beast, that this lovely trait of character is found in them. Not only do the domestic creatures love their young, but the wild beasts of the forest also have this natural affection. And it is something that is very pleasing to see. It is sad indeed to think that in man, the highest creature of this creation, this pleasing feature should ever be wanting. But one of the marks that God gives us of the “last days” is that men shall be “without natural affection;” and there are now many instances to prove this sad truth.

May you, dear children, be preserved from this want of affection. Love and reverence your parents, and seek to love one another.

In our picture we see some little girls who look very happy and fond of their baby sister. The mother, too, looks down on the little one with an expression of fondness in her face.

Happy for us if the affection God has given, grows and strengthens as our lives go on!

ML 11/23/1902

Israel's Last Night in Egypt.

DEATH, the last plague, had come upon Egypt, and it had wrung a cry of terror from hearts all over the land. At midnight the destroyer had come upon them, and in every house a lifeless form was to be found. Pharaoh rose up in the night, and his servants rose up, and all the Egyptians, for how could they sleep when sudden death with all its sadness was there, and now hearts that had been hardened sent forth a wail of anguish. A wave of sorrow had swept over all, from the palace of the king to the dungeon of the poor captive.

And what kind of a night was it for the children of Israel who dwelt in the same land! You will remember that God put a difference between them and the Egyptians. The night was truly a momentous one for them, but in a very different way from what it was for Pharaoh and his people. The time had come when God was going to give deliverance to His suffering people, Israel. Through Moses, He gave instructions for each family to kill a lamb, and to sprinkle its blood upon the door posts and on the lintel over the door.

The lamb was to be roasted, and each family was to eat of it, but while eating they must be in readiness to go; they must eat in haste, as no delay could be allowed.

Why do you suppose the blood of the lamb must be sprinkled on the door-posts on the outside? Let me tell you. That blood spoke of death; death was already there, and when the angel of death passed through the land, those blood-sprinkled houses were passed by, and their inmates left unharmed. The blood on the outside was for God’s eye; He said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you.” There could be no trembling hearts inside those blood-sprinkled doors, for God had given this assuring word, “I will pass over you.” “The destroyer” would not bring destruction to them. No; their hearts were full of glad expectancy; they were ready to go; their long night of sorrow was about to end.

Were they troubled because they could not see the sprinkled blood? Not at all; they knew it was there, and it was not a matter of consequence that their eyes should see it; it was there for God’s eye, How precious to them His words must have been,

“When I see the blood. I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:13.

Sheltered by that blood, they were secure; they had nothing to fear.

There is a deeply important lesson for us in this narrative and in the type which God here gives us. The lamb that was slain on that solemn night speaks to us of the Lamb of God who was slain for us. Under the shelter of His blood there is deliverance from the wrath which is to come. Death visited every house in Egypt which was not under the sheltering blood; and “the death that never dies” will visit every soul of man that is not under the sheltering blood of Christ. But for those who, recognizing their lost condition, have believed on Jesus as their Saviour, there is security, there is safety.

Our security does not depend upon the value we may put upon the precious blood, my dear young reader. Its value is infinite—God alone can measure it. And it is His eye that sees that blood in all its cleansing power. “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

The children of Israel knew they were under the blood-sprinkled doors, and, believing God’s word, they knew they were safe. When we have believed that the Lamb of God has suffered for our sins. and that through His blood we are made clean, we, too, are sheltered; we too, are safe.

ML 11/23/1902

His Last Run.

WE are reminded again and again while passing through this world, which is the valley of the shadow of death, how thin, indeed, the vail is that separates between life and death, between time and eternity. The “silver cord” that holds us here is soon broken and the spirit, liberated from its earthly house of clay, returns unto God who gave it.

And, truly, “thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” (Prov. 27:1). whether joy or sorrow, health or sickness, life or death. Each day witnesses many precious souls hurried, without a moment’s warning, from time into eternity. And “man goeth to his long home.” (Eccles. 12:5-7). Yes, reader, his home—but where?

“Eternity! where? Eternity! where?

With Christ in the glory,

Or with fiends in despair?”

John K—, long employed as a railroad engineer, had been most successful in making many fast and daring runs without any serious accidents. With his hand at the throttle. he seemed perfectly fearless, and the fast express, of which he was engineer, was often known to cover many miles in fewer minutes of time than there were miles of space.

But the time came when John K —was to make his last run. He had been in the service of the company for many years, and now he expressed his wish to retire from active service by sending in his resignation to the company. This was accepted. And now the day had come when he would, as a faithful and honored employee, bid farewell to the scenes and places with which he had been so familiar.

Starting out in the early morning from A—, where he lived, he was heard to remark, “I am going out on my last run today.” His last run—he wanted to make it brilliant as a record breaker, and he thought little of danger.

The sense of toil and monotony, so often present with those who pass through the same scenes and circumstances day after day, was little felt by him, for he saw before him at the close of that day a longed-for and well-earned rest. We cannot wonder, then, that the throttle of his engine was controlled by a light and willing hand, eager to make for himself a record for speed, equaled only by those who were the most intrepid and venturesome.

The day was passing on, and it was about noon. He had been obliged to limit the speed of the train to schedule time until now, when the opportunity came, he let the engine drive to its fullest limit.

At a most beautiful, picturesque spot, where the road leads in a double curve around a mountain, following the winding river, that engine and its daring manager met a terrible fate. In almost less time than one could think, the engine left the track, crushed into an immense mass of rock, its boiler blowing up, and all went rolling down an embankment of nearly two hundred feet. And what about the engineer, who a few seconds before was so hopeful and blithe?

Poor John K—, was taken up a lifeless, mangled corpse. He had, indeed, made his last run, and was hastily summoned into the presence of God.

Was he prepared? we may wonder. According to the testimony of those who knew him, he was; for it is said that he trusted in Jesus as his Saviour. But, oh, if Jesus was, indeed a Saviour to him, we are afraid that he was not subject to Him as his Lord, that day, at least. For why did he strive to make a name for himself as a fast engineer, if he had been wholly subject to his Lord? Was that not the mere vanity and pride of man, which God cannot find pleasure in, and which He must judge in His children? It was indeed tempting the Lord, and He allowed him to be suddenly cut off.

There are many of God’s children, we have to confess, who do not walk in humble dependence upon Him, but they allow the “pride of life” to come in, causing them to act in such ways as to bring down God’s hand upon them in chastisement. It is equally true of us as saved ones, as it is of those unsaved, that,

“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18.

And in God’s government let us remember that, if we tempt Him and do wickedly, yet,

“God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7.

ML 11/23/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 8.

ERNEST is a little boy who often runs errands for his mamma. Once, she sent him to the store to buy some things for dinner, and gave him a half dollar to pay for them. As it was snowy, he took his sled and started off very cheerfully, as all little boys and girls should do when they are asked to run errands.

His mamma was not in a hurry so he told her that he would go slowly and play with his sled. She was willing that he should enjoy the snow, so Ernest had a fine time for over half of the way. Then something sad happened. In his play he forgot to hold his money tightly in his hand and it rolled out into the snow. When he turned around to look for it, his half dollar was gone. He hunted all about near where it had fallen but could find no trace of it. Then he told the Lord all about what he had done, and asked for help in finding the missing money. After that, he looked again for a long time, but was not successful in his search.

At last he went home and told his mother how he had lost his money. She was a kind: mother and when she saw how sorry he was about his loss, she gave him some change and sent him back again.

Probably most boys and girls would think that the Lord did not listen but it was not so with Ernest. He felt sure that someday his lost money would be his again, and so he looked carefully about whenever he went past the place where he lost the half dollar. At last so many days went by without his finding the coin that he forgot all about it.

Winter passed away and soon the snow and ice began to melt in the warm sunshine. One spring morning Ernest and his little brother were walking along this same roadway when, just in front of them, they saw the lost piece of money. It was a little tarnished, but it taught Ernest a very precious lesson in letting him know that, “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12.

ML 11/23/1902

What We Should Do.

Love one another. John 25:17.

Comfort one another. 1 Thess. 4:18.

Consider one another. Heb. 10:24.

Serve one another. Gal. 5:13.

Receive one another. Rom. 15:7.

Exhort one another. Heb. 3:73.

Confess to one another. James 5:76.

Submit to one another. Eph. 5:2.

Abound in love to one another. 1 Thess. 3:12.

Pray for one another. James 5:16.

Tarry for one another. 1 Cor. 11:33.

Have the same care for one another. 1 Cor. 12:25.

ML 11/23/1902

The Orphan Boy.

ONE winter, a little orphan boy begged a lady to allow him to clean the snow from her steps.

“Do you get much to do, my little boy?” she said.

“Sometimes I do,” said the boy, “but often I get very little.”

“And are you never afraid that you will not get enough to live on?”

The child looked perplexed, and said, “Don’t you think God will take care of a boy, if he trusts in Him, and does all the work he is able?”

ML 11/23/1902

"And God Saw That It Was Good."

GOD spoke the word, and in answer to it, great lights were set in the heavens, and the waters gathered together into seas, and the dry land, which was called Earth, appeared, and brought forth grass, and herbs, and trees; and innumerable living creatures teemed in the waters; and at His word the earth brought forth living creatures of many kinds. When He looked upon all He saw that it was fair, and He pronounced it good.

And as we look at the beautiful flowers and other lovely things that God has created, we see the wonderful touches of His pencil, so far surpassing any work of man. In the sweet scene before us, this lovely little lake embosomed in the Alps, we see some of the beauties of nature—what pictures God can paint for us. But while we admire, we see alas! that fair creation has been marred; everywhere the trail of the serpent is to be seen. But we look on to a scene of unmarred beauty and glory, in which we will have unbounded delight.

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4

ML 11/30/1902

Triumphant Through Grace.

DEATH has justly been called “the King of Terrors.” It is truly such to those who know there is a heaven and a hell, and an eternity to be spent in one or the other, but who know not the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

For the believer, death has no terror; its sting is gone through the death of Jesus; victory is his, and death becomes but the gateway by which he passes into the presence of his triumphant Saviour. But to the unbeliever, it is the gateway that conducts beyond the reach of mercy, and leads on to judgment and the lake of fire, where the worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Mark 9:43-44; Heb. 9:27). Unspeakably solemn, then, and dreadful, must be the thought of death to those who know these things and yet are not saved. Let me ask the reader of this little paper, how is it with you?

Are you saved? Have your sins been forgiven? Have you eternal life? Or, are you still in your sins and unsaved, with death and judgment, and the lake of fire before you?

Oh! if the latter be your condition, how can you rest for a single moment? How can you leave this question of questions unsettled? If there be such a thing as assurance, from God’s own word, of a full, present, eternal salvation, to be obtained without money and without price, and to be obtained now, how can you rest until assured that this salvation is yours? Such assurance may be obtained and obtained now, filling the soul with perfect peace. And, oh! what peace it gives, to know that our sins have been blotted out; that we have been washed and made whiter than snow in the blood of Jesus, and that we shall never come into judgment; shall never have to account for one sin in the presence of a throne of judgment.

Would you know this peace, dear reader? Would you be able to meet the king of terrors with a smile, instead of with fear and trembling? If so let me bring you to the dying bed of one who knew this peace; who knew the saving power of the name of Jesus, and whose soul, in the very presence of death, and amid deep suffering, overflowed with a joy not of earth— “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Pet. 1:8).

Dear A. H. S—, was converted at the age of thirteen, while on a sick bed, and between ten and eleven years afterwards passed triumphantly into the presence of the Lord Jesus. In this short paper it would be impossible to recount the many precious lessons he learned in the furnace of affliction, especially during the two closing years of his life, which were years of much trial and suffering. But we may sit down by his bedside and hear him tell of the peace and the joy which filled his soul and lighted up his countenance in the very presence of eternity. And, remember, as you hear his testimony, the same peace and joy may be yours, if you will receive them; “For there is no difference” (Rom. 3:22); “And whosoever will” may “take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

On one occasion Mr. N—, a servant of the Lord, who had been reading the Scriptures to him, asked, “What would you like to have me ask the Lord for you?”

“That He will manifest Himself to me,” was the reply.

Three days after, the answer to this request was given. Looking up, Ire said, “Oh! it’s all bright above. I see the Lord Jesus standing, one hand outstretched, and He is beckoning me to come.” Along with this he spoke of “a deep sense of the Lord’s presence with him.” And this never left him. After this he slept a few minutes, and on wakening he said, “I am still here; how disappointed I am! Now I can say with G. V. W., I was so happy, I wish I had died.”

At another time he said, “The sense of what the Lord has done for me is so great, it is almost overwhelming. My peace is intense.”

At one time he seemed to desire restoration to health, so as to be used in the Lord’s service; but afterward he said, “I feel now that the Lord sees He can better glorify Himself in my death than in my life; and if I could choose between being raised up to perfect health, or to go home, I should choose to go home. I am longing to go.”

On Lord’s day, the day before he fell asleep, he said, “This is the happiest day of my life.” The next day, his last day on earth, he asked the doctor, “How long will I last?” The doctor answered, “You may last till tomorrow night.” He replied, “Doctor, that is not good news to me; but that is not saying I may not go sooner.” The doctor then said, “You look bright this morning, Mr. S—but your pulse is very weak.” He answered, “Yes, I am bright, because I am going home. I did not ask you because I feared it, but because I am longing to go. Doctor, meet me where I am going; I will not see you here again.” That day he bade “Good-bye” to the loved ones saying, “I am going to be with Himself,” and after a few short, faint breaths, fell asleep in Jesus.

And now, dear unsaved reader, what would you not give, if, when the body is wasted with disease, and racked with pain, and you are about to be launched into eternity, you could say like dear Albert, “This is the happiest day of my life”?

Would you know the secret of this happiness? It a as this: He knew the Lord Jesus; he knew Him as a Saviour who loved him, and gave Himself for him, and who had washed him from his sins in His own blood; and he knew Him as One who was going to have him with Himself, an object of His love forever. “Good-bye, I am going to be with Himself,” were the words he uttered just before his happy spirit took its flight.

But you say, I am a sinner, and I am afraid to meet the Lord Jesus. I am not fit for His presence. True; but dear Albert had been a sinner, too, just like you, for Scripture says “there is no difference,” and yet his fears were all gone. For him death had lost its sting and judgment had no terror. I ask again, Would you know the secret? Listen, then, once more, to the dying testimony of that dear boy.

Two days before he fell asleep he repeated these lines:

“Since Thou hast borne sin’s heavy load,

My trembling all is o’er;

Made Thine by virtue of Thy blood,

I’m sealed forever more.”

Then he said: “Put this verse with the first verse of the eight chapter of Romans— ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus’—and you have the foundation on which I am resting, laid from all eternity, made good to us through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here, then, was the foundation on which he was resting. Jesus had borne sin’s heavy load for him, and now his trembling all was o’er. He had believed the testimony of God to the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood, and had been sealed by the Holy Ghost and was now in Christ Jesus, beyond the reach of condemnation. He had believed the gospel, and all was his. He had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and His atoning work, had cancelled all his guilt. God had accepted him according to the value of that work, and the peerless worth of His beloved Son, just because, as a lost sinner, he had believed in Him and in His precious blood. Thus he stood before God a confessed sinner, but justified by faith, and accepted in God’s beloved Son. He knew by the word of God, which he had believed, that he was pardoned and saved, and that he was destined to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus, and to be His companion in glory forever. Thus we see the ground on which he stood, and the secret of all his peace and joy. His peace was founded on the atoning work of the Lord Jesus, and his joy was sustained in communion with Him in whom he had believed, to whom he was going, and with whom he now is.

Would you know the same peace? Would you drink at the same fountain of joy? Believe, then, in Jesus; believe God’s testimony to His precious blood. “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. Believe the message. Trust not to your works, or to your righteousness. Your works cannot save you. It is “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:9. “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Rom. 4:5. “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Is. 64:6. An “unclean thing” and “filthy rags” will not do for God. But He has accepted the Person of His beloved Son on behalf of all who put their trust in Him. He has raised up Jesus from the dead, and set Him on His throne crowned with glory and honor. This is the proof that He is satisfied with His atoning work, and that there is eternal salvation for all who believe in Him. “Be it known unto you ... that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all who believe are justified from all things.” Believe this message; believe, and as surely as God is true, you are forgiven. Your sins have been borne by Another. The cup Justice had filled for you is now empty. Jesus drank it for you, and judgment is past. And now you may say:

“Since Thou halt borne sin’s heavy load,

My trembling all is o’er;

Made Thine by virtue of Thy blood,

I’m sealed forever more.”

ML 11/30/1902

A Little Girl in Trouble.

“WHEN my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Ps. 27:10.

“Do you know anything of Him who fulfills these sweet words?” I asked her.

I wish you could have seen the instant change that came over that dear child’s face. The tears were still there, but there came over it a smile, as she said, “Oh, yes, sir, I do know Jesus, for He is my Saviour.”

A little startled at such an unexpected reply, I added, “But are you quite sure of that?” “Yes, sir, I have no doubt about it.” “But,” again I said, “are you not a sinner?” “Yes, sir, I know I am a sinner, but Jesus died to put my sins away.”

ML 11/30/1902

A Little Girl's Question.

AN infidel had a little girl who was taken sick and said, “Father, I’m sure I’m dying, which would you wish me to believe, what you or mother taught me?”

The strong man was awe stricken and said, “O, Lucy, dear, believe what your mother taught you.”

She said, “Oh, yes then, Mother dear, He’s your Jesus and He’s mine,” and then, “Blessed Jesus” and she was gone.

The weeping parents got close together, and mother said, “He was HER Jesus, He is MINE, He wants to be YOURS.”

And he was led to Christ by a little child.

“Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

ML 11/30/1902

Answers to Questions of October 5th.

1.“Clarity.” 1 Cor. 13:4.

2.“Holy Ghost.” 6:19.

3. “Redemption.” 1:30.

4. “In a moment,” etc. 15:52.

5.“So run, that ye,” etc. 9:24.

“This cup is,” etc. 11:24.

“CHRIST.” 11:3.

Bible Questions for December.

The answer are to be found in the Epistle to the Galatians, and the first letter of each answer will spell the name of Him with whom the Christian is crucified.

1. What did Paul say that he wasted?

2.Name one of the works of the flesh.

3.What did Paul say he was forward to do?

4.What is the rest of this verse, “And let us not be weary?”

5. What is it that the scripture has concluded all under?

6.What was it that Christ gave Himself to deliver us from?

ML 12/07/1902

Mephibosheth.

2 Sam. 9.

HERE is a boy who cannot run about and play like other boys. Let us hope that his lameness is only temporary. I have read of a grown-up man who was lame on both his feet and never got better. Yet I think he was very happy, for he was befriended by a great and good king. Can you guess his name? It is at the head of this paper—Mephibosheth. He was the grandson of Saul, David’s enemy; but there was one who came between, named Jonathan, and for his sake David showed him kindness—the kindness of God. As a descendant of Saul, he could expect no mercy, but Jonathan had established claims on David, and pledged him to acknowledge them.

What was the manner of this kindness? Mephibosheth was penniless, a stranger in the house of Machir in Lo-debar, which means “no pasture. From there, David took him, and restored unto him all the land of Saul; but not only this, he brought him into his own house and set him at his own table “as one of the king’s sons.”

And this is a picture of the kindness of God. Yes, of His kindness to every redeemed one. Beggars we are, and helpless. For the Scripture saith

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

And “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ is our Jonathan. He has established claims, and for His sake God delights to show kindness to poor sinners. Have you an interest in Christ? Then rejoice that in the ages to come God will “show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

ML 12/07/1902

Messages From Heaven.

As I was returning from the pretty village of H—, to where I was staying for a short time some years ago, my attention was arrested by a singular looking object which was floating irregularly in the air, at the height of perhaps a hundred feet from the earth. Not knowing what it was, I was examining it attentively, when my curiosity was greatly increased by observing a number of small fluttering things falling from that strange object to the ground. What was my further astonishment on seeing sixty or seventy children, who till then had been hidden from my sight by the hedge which separated the high road from the meadow in which they were, all eagerly endeavoring to obtain possession of one or more of the little papers—for such I found they were. Presently, too, I heard loud expressions of delight from the children, showing that something of much interest to them was engaging their attention.

Probably my youthful reader has already guessed what it was which so puzzled me; but, for the sake of any who may not have found out, I will explain it. The strange object which first struck my attention was a small air-balloon; the small fluttering papers which fell from it had short Scripture texts printed upon them, and the children who were so eager to obtain the papers, belonged to a neighboring Sunday-school, and were enjoying their annual treat in the open air. Thus the mystery is solved.

As I pursued my walk, after having stayed a few minutes to enjoy the sight of the group of delighted children, I thought that what I had just witnessed was a little picture of what God, in His great love to sinners, is constantly doing. He is sending messages of love and mercy from heaven to us all—children included—every day. He Himself tells us that He “hath in these last, days spoken unto us by His Son,” “who is on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb. 1). And is not the gospel of His grace, which He is again and again presenting to us from His word, and by His Spirit, truly a message from heaven? As one of your own hymns says—

“Here’s a message of love

Come down from above,

To invite little children to heaven.

In God’s blessed Book

Poor sinners may look,

And see how all sin is forgiven.”

Now, just as there were a number of pieces of paper with a short text upon each, and they were scattered from the air balloon, so God, in His kind consideration for the littleness of our minds, breaks up His word into small pieces for us, so that even the youngest may be able to learn something of the great love which He has shown in the gift of His dear Son. Let us look at a few of these precious portions, one of which is enough to save the soul that receives it as indeed and in truth the word of God. Our first favorite passage is, “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. Another, much like it, is, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. A third is, “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18. Then there is that sweet statement that, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. Another is, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. And then there are those well-known words of encouragement, which the Lord Jesus said concerning children, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto ME: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14. We might continue quoting such precious words by hundreds, but we can only now refer to these few, as specimens of the rest.

You noticed how anxious the Sunday-school children whom I saw, were to possess one of those pieces of paper which descended to the meadow in which they were. Happy, indeed, was the boy or girl who obtained one! Oh, how blessed it would be if each child who commits to memory some of the precious words of God were found as much in earnest to hide them in his heart, that so be might know Jesus as his Saviour, and God as his heavenly Father! It seems that this is just what Timothy did, for it is written of him, “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee Rise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15. May this be your case, dear young reader, as it will if you receive in your heart God’s message of love in the gospel of His dear Son.

ML 12/07/1902

At His Side.

Close to His side at morning!

The sun is shining bright.

The whole wide world adorning

With beauteous golden light.

The path is clothed with flowers

How could my weakness see

The snares ‘mid fragrant bowers

Were He not leading me.

Close to His side at mid-day,

When tired with toil and heat

I tread my weary pathway

With sore and lagging feet.

Then should my soul grow weary,

My Guide and Strength is He;

The way grows bright and cheery

If He is leading me.

Close to His side at ev’ning,

When shadows dark and gray,

Are slowly, slowly deep’ning,

About my lonely way.

Then when the day is closing

On paths I cannot see,

Still on His love reposing

He gently leadeth me.

ML 12/07/1902

Trust.

“HE told me to wait till he came,” said Nellie. “Papa will be sure to come.” It was nearly dark when her father drove up. He had been detained longer than he expected, and had left his business unfinished in order to keep his promise and get back before dark.

“Were you afraid I wouldn’t come, Nellie?” he asked.

“No father,” was her answer, “you said you would come, and I knew I could trust you.”

Reader, Jesus is coming and will not tarry. Are you prepared to meet Him and are you waiting for Him with this perfect trust?

ML 12/07/1902

Tell Him.

“Do you ever feel thankful when God blesses you?” he asked me.

“Always.”

“Did you ever tell Him so?”

“Well, I don’t know that I have.”

“Well, try it, my young friend, try it, try it. Tell Him so; tell Him aloud; tell Him so that you are sure you will hear it yourself.”

That was a new revelation. I found that I had only been glad, not grateful. I have been telling Him with grateful feelings ever since to my soul’s help and comfort.

“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the FRUIT OF OUR LIPS, giving thanks to His name.” Heb. 13:15.

ML 12/07/1902

Mother's Love.

A POOR collier boy about twelve years of age said in a meeting. “I want to be good, to belong to the Saviour, but I can’t believe He loves such as me.” His had been a hard life, how could I convince him of God’s love?

“Is there any one you ever knew would die for you?” I asked. “I believe my mother would.” “Then see what Christ has done. He died for you, and you were His enemy.”

“Oh, if He did that for me, I can love Him back and trust Him all my life.” And so he did—will not you too?

ML 12/07/1902

Hospitality.

THE little girl in our picture is busy with her tea-set. She does not seem to have any company, but if some of her little friends should come in, she would, I daresay, be very happy to share her pleasures with them.

May we not gather from this cheerful little scene, a lesson which God, in His word, makes plain for us—that is, the exercise of hospitality? He tells us not to be forgetful to entertain strangers; and to be given to hospitality.

Long ago, a dear man of God, who was sitting in his tent door one day, and right in the heat of the day, saw three strangers before him. He did not cast a cold glance upon them and turn away, but got up and hastened toward them, and bowed himself toward the ground, for this was the respectful greeting of that day. Then he begged them to rest in the grateful shade of the tree, while water would be brought them to wash their feet, and he would get them something to eat.

Water to bathe the feet in that warm country where people usually wore sandals, was very refreshing, and guests were thus honored. After the water was furnished this man of God spoke to his wife about the strangers, and together they hastened to prepare a good meal for them.

Afterwards it proved that those visitors were angels; one of whom was the Lord; and blessing came upon those who had so kindly received them and waited upon them.

Can you tell me who these dear people were? I imagine that most of my little readers would quickly answer, It was Abraham and Sarah; and that is quite right. If you will turn to the 18th chapter of Genesis, you can read about it for yourselves.

Can we learn from this to receive strangers freely, and willingly to serve them? For God wants us to use hospitality one to another without grudging. 1 Pet. 4:9.

We may sometimes grow weary in waiting upon one another thus; but let us look to the Lord for strength and press on. All that is done for Him will receive its happy reward. In receiving His own we receive Him. This is a very happy thought, is it not?

“Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9.

ML 12/14/1902

The Kings of Israel.

SAUL. 1 Sam. 10:9.

SAUL was now about to leave Samuel but the purpose for which God had sent him to Samuel had not as yet been fulfilled. God had sent him to be anointed, by Samuel, as captain over His people, Israel. (v. 16.) Samuel, however, did not anoint Saul until the very last moment, when he was going away. And in this Samuel, no doubt, was guided by divine wisdom. The Lord had certainly told Samuel to anoint the man, whom He would send unto him, and Samuel might have performed this ceremony upon Saul the moment he first met him. But as to just the time when this might be most fittingly done, Samuel needed God’s wisdom to direct him. There may have been many reasons why Samuel thus deferred anointing Saul until he was departing; but we may safely mention one important truth which it suggests to us; and that is, the Lord as a rule does not act hastily. And especially is this true when He deals in judgment. His word tells us that He is slow to anger but plenteous in mercy. He is merciful to the unrighteousness of men, and is willing to blot out all their sins and iniquities. He waits upon men to be gracious, and is calling upon them to repent and turn to Him. He does all this in His great patience, not willing that any should perish.

And, dear children, if any of you do not know Him, then let me tell you that the Father is waiting at the threshold of His door for you to say, like the prodigal, “I will arise and go to my Father;” and then He will run to meet you, and throw His loving arms around you and make you His own forever.

But how very sad it is to see people all around us despising God’s patience. They think that because He does not at once deal with wickedness, they may still go on in rebellion against Him, and never suffer for their sins. But the word of God tells us that their damnation slumbereth not, and that the day of His judgment shall overtake them as a thief. Oh, let all who are strangers to God’s grace take warning, and flee to Jesus for refuge, before the Master rises up and shuts the door.

Now it is God’s grace, His favor toward us, that saves us. We are brought to know God as our Father, and we are His children. But this is not all. He has called us to inherit His eternal glory. And while we are in this world, we only look on to that glory, but have not yet entered into it. God will surely bring all the redeemed into that glory to enjoy it with Christ, the Redeemer. And this shows to us that the Lord does not give us to enter into our full portion the moment we are converted. He keeps us waiting here in patience in this world until He is pleased to glorify us together with Christ. We are here to be taught by Him, as step by step He leads us on. We keep ever before us His promise of eternal glory. And He tells us in His word that we have need of patience, that, after we have done His will, we might receive the promise. Not one good thing that He has spoken concerning us shall fail, although He is pleased to defer our full blessing to the end of our journey, when we shall be perfectly conformed to the image of His Son. Just think, dear children, that we who belong to Jesus are going to be made just like Him, perfect in beauty and perfect in holiness. We shall also gaze upon His lovely face and be with Him forever.

ML 12/14/1902

The Wreck of the "Underley;" or "Delays Are Dangerous."

SEVERAL years ago a ship called the Underley set sail from Liverpool for Melbourne, in Australia, having on board thirty-three passengers, beside her crew and cargo. All went well until she approached the Isle of Wight, when, getting too near the dangerous coast, she became “landlocked” as sailors call it, and a strong wind drove her at last upon the rocks near Ventor. Steam-tugs and every other means that man can employ were used to get her off, but all in vain. Firmly imbedded in the sand and rocks, no power at hand could move her. There she lay all night, the wild waves beating around her, threatening to sweep all before them into the deep dark waters. What a night of fear to those on board! What a picture of this poor sinful world, around which the waves of wrath and judgment are surging; sure, sooner or later, to sweep unbelievers into everlasting punishment! (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:15). But there is one great difference between unbelievers in Jesus and the passengers on board the Underley. What do you think that is? Why, sinful men will not believe that wrath is coming on this Christ-rejecting world, they won’t believe the waves are rising round them, although God has said it. But the passengers on board the wreck could see their danger, and because they saw it they were filled with fear and longed to escape. Deliverance was sent them. A steam-tug ran out to help them, and got as near the wrecked vessel as its captain dared to go, and then boats put off one after another to take the passengers from the Underley to the tug. Need I tell you how gladly they accepted the deliverance thus brought to them? how their hearts leaped when the boats appeared? how instantly they sprang in when they came alongside? Do you suppose any would refuse? No, indeed. Would any delay? Well, you would think not. “Delays are dangerous,” especially when life is at stake; how much more when the never dying soul may be suddenly lost forever in overwhelming judgment!

Now, we know that “the grace of God which BRINGETH SALVATION to all men hath appeared,” yet thousands refuse it. How is this? They do not see that judgment is coming either on the world or on themselves, although God has said, “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment;” and has also foretold, in His word, “the wrath to come” upon the world itself. Why do not they see it? Because they do not believe God. How solemn to think that any should refuse to believe God, and so make Him a liar! (1 John 5:10.) But there are some who do believe in coming judgment. Conscience tells them they deserve it, and they have heard again and again what God has said about it. Their eyes are so far opened that they do see that judgment is before them. Well, then, you will say, if that is the case, surely they will not refuse “the grace of God which bringeth salvation”. No, they do not actually refuse it, but they delay to accept it. How is this? you ask. Well, I will tell you what happened on board the Underley. After the passengers had all been safely carried off in the boats, the sea became so dangerous that boats could no longer be used to save the sailors, but by means of rockets, a line was thrown over to the wreck, and then a strong cable was drawn from the shore to the vessel and made fast. On this cable was a life-buoy so constructed as to be drawn to and fro on the rope, and in this way one after another of the crew was drawn safely to land. The sea was now dashing wildly over the doomed ship, threatening every moment to break her to pieces suddenly.

All could see their danger, and that there was not a moment to lose. Would any delay when such danger threatened? you will ask. Yes, there was one poor man who did so. He was the chief steward, and was returning home to his wife and family in Australia. He had saved some money, which he had placed in a belt round his waist, and he now wanted to save a canary and a parrot that belonged to him. They were in the after part of the ship, and he, instead of waiting his turn on the life-buoy, went to get them. While walking aft to save his birds a terrific wave suddenly swept the deck and carried him overboard. He was a powerful swimmer, but his struggles were all in vain. Overwhelmed by the raging sea, he lost his life in attempting to save a canary and a parrot! “Oh!” you will exclaim, “how sad, how foolish, thus to risk his life, and lose it at last for the sake of such trifles!” Yet how many are there who risk ETERNAL JUDGMENT for things of as little consequence as a canary and a parrot! We might think it was kind to try and save the birds, although most foolish to risk a life for them; but what shall we say of those who delay to accept the salvation offered them by Christ Jesus, on the most frivolous pretenses? putting off from day to day, and week to week, “repentance toward God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ,” until, it may be, death comes as suddenly as the big wave that swept the poor steward to a watery grave, and carries them into eternity! I hope you are not one of these, are you? How often have you read of “the grace of God which bringeth salvation unto all.” Have you accepted it? Have you taken God at His word, and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, you are saved, and “shall not come into judgment;” but if you are still putting it off, you are in greater danger and more foolish by far than the steward was, when, instead of taking at once the deliverance brought to him, he lost his life by DELAY. All the passengers and crew were brought safely to shore, the steward was the only one in all that company who perished in the waves. I doubt not, if his poor wife and children heard, as they probably would, the history of his death, they would sadly think, as they bewailed his loss, of the old proverb, “Delays are dangerous.”

ML 12/14/1902

Merchant's Misery.

TAKEN sick, he invited a servant of God, saying, “I will be glad, if you can help me, but I don’t want to hear about Jesus Christ.” The minister quailed at first but said, “I will talk tonight about the GREATNESS of God.” The man listened attentively as he spoke of creation and its wonders, and urged him to come again. Next night he spoke of the GOODNESS of God, His unnumbered mercies, and the merchant exclaimed, “It’s all true!” Next it was the JUSTICE of God, and the sick man trembled at it, and when the minister rose to leave, said, “You are not going to leave me in this distress, can’t you give me some comfort?” “No,” said the minister, “you have yourself forbidden me. He, whose name you will not hear, is the only One that can comfort and save you.”

The vail dropped from his eyes, and he listened eagerly, trusting Christ as his Saviour.

ML 12/14/1902

What Return Can I Make?

BABY looks very happy on mother’s knee, as she takes his chubby hand and presses it to her lips. The little one is very dear to her, and she will endure privation and toil for his sake. If sickness comes, she will not count the weary days and nights that she watches over him. Unflagging toil, unwearied care, mark a mother’s devotedness and love.

Most of my young readers have doubtless known a mother’s love and care. May I ask, What return are you making? Are you seeking to please the dear mother who has done so much for you? Or have you taken little thought about this, and cared little, whether or not you made your mother happy?

When she calls do you answer, “Yes” —then wait your own time to do her bidding? Or. if you leave your play to go, is it with a sour look on your face, and an unwilling heart that you do what has been asked of you? Can this be called obedience? I do not think that God would count it so. He would have cheerful, ready obedience, and He is well pleased where this is given.

It will be a happy return for your mother’s love and care, if you thus obey; and it will be worth more to you than you can estimate.

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20.

May this word from the Lord find its place in the life of each of my young readers!

ML 12/21/1902

The March.

WITH loins girded, with shoes on their feet and with staff in hand. Israel fed in haste on the roasted lamb on that memorable night when the Lord passed through the land of Egypt, smiting the first-born of man and beast. Pharaoh and the Egyptians were now urgent to get them out of the land for they were afraid that death would come upon all of them if they were not allowed to go; so they told them to be gone with their children and their flocks and their herds, and serve the Lord, as they had said.

Thus thrust out in haste, the children of Israel got their effects together and started. There was a very great company of them—six hundred thousand men, beside the women and children, making, it is supposed, a company of about two million people. They did not go out empty-handed, for they had silver and gold, and they had flocks and herds and much cattle; and, what was most remarkable, there was not a feeble person amongst them. Ps. 105:37.

Another thing of note we might mention. While the first-born of man and beast among the Egyptians lay dead on every hand, not a dog was allowed to move his tongue against man or beast among the children of Israel. This is the more to be noted because of the many dogs who run without owners in that land, and whose barking may be heard day and night. But in this remarkable manner, the Lord showed that He put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

In moving out of that land in which they had been strangers for so long a time, Moses did not forget to carry the bones of Joseph along with them. Thus God honored Joseph’s faith, for he believed that God would certainly visit Israel in the land in which they were strangers, and that they would carry his bones up to the land of his fathers.

This exodus, or going out, of the children of Israel, made for them a never to-be-forgotten night. It was in every way remarkable. But the most remarkable thing of all was the manner in which this immense company of people, with their numerous flocks and herds, was led. The Lord went before them, manifesting His presence to them in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night. The pillar of cloud guided them by day as they journeyed, and the pillar of fire was light to them in the darkness of the night. In this wonderful way the Lord led His people, never taking the pillar as ay from before them. Do you think they could ever question the Lord’s guidance when led in this way? Alas! the heart of man so loves to go its own way that the plainest guidance of the Lord is sometimes questioned.

We have just as sure a guide, though not visible to our eyes, as the children of Israel had. And much sorrow will be saved us if we yield ourselves implicitly to this guidance, even as sorrow would have been saved Israel if they had unmurmuringly followed the guidance of the pillar.

God did not choose to lead Israel through the land of the Philistines to the promised land. He had lessons to teach them, for now they were under His control, and He must teach them of His ways, so He led them about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea.

And now, too, there are lessons in God’s school for His people to learn. He does not take us directly home to heaven when He saves us; but He is leading us through a wilderness world, and fitting us. by the trials we are passing through, for the fuller enjoyment of that blessed, promised land to which we are going.

ML 12/21/1902

The Rich, Poor Man.

“FOR ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

The following account of the rich, poor man, though somewhat abridged, is given mainly in the words of the one who discovered him in the “Five Points Mission” more than fifty years ago.

In the fall of 1851, my attention was called to an old man who had taken a seat in the Mission room. His whole appearance bore the marks of respectability. He was evidently in declining health, but his face seemed the index of patient resignation. For several weeks he continued to come. One day I resolved to follow the old man home, unnoticed by him. He walked slowly up the street and went down a crooked stair to the basement of an old house. It was not a large room, yet four bedsteads were placed against its sides. This was a boarding house.

I found it was near dinner time; the boarders were expected home. One had arrived, taken his seat upon a bench, and was opening a Bible. It was our old friend from the Mission room.

“You read the Bible, I see,” I said, addressing the old man. “Is it a favorite book with you, sir?”

“Oh, yes, indeed,” he replied, while his eyes filled with tears. “It is all I have in this world, it is my treasure. Nothing is left me in this world but this.”

“Do you board here?” I asked.

“I lodge here when I can pay twenty-five cents a night, and that dear woman,” pointing to the hostess, “gives me nearly all I need to eat. But the Lord opens my way all the time,” said this aged saint. “I have been down the street a ways to hear the missionary preach, and I like him much; and he is so good to me. And a lady has given me some money, see here,” showing twenty-five cents, “this is all I need, and this she has done three times. The Lord reward her.”

I was glad to gather a little of the old man’s history. He said, “I have served God from my youth. I can scarcely recollect when I did not love Him, and He has never left me nor forsaken me. Poor health and a broken fortune in Ireland induced me, at the request of friends, to come to this country in search of a son who had left Ireland a number of years before, and though I failed continually in health, and though I have not succeeded in finding my son, yet God has not left me one moment. My feet were led to this neighborhood; and subsequently my ear caught the sound of singing at the Mission room, and surely God’s hand was in this direction. I am rich. I do not heed these poor wants of the body for I am always supplied. I have need of nothing.”

“Oh, the thankful creature!” interrupted the Irish woman who kept the boarding house.

“Yes, ma’am, I have need of nothing, for the Lord is with me. He is my companion by day and night. The streams of mercy and salvation are always full.”

My heart swelled with emotion; tears flowed from my eyes as I looked upon this humble, patient, expectant heir of salvation. I said as I left, “Oh, the riches of God’s grace; this is the strongest proof of living, abiding faith that I have ever witnessed.”

We visited him often, and in the missionary he found a good friend who assisted in supplying his temporal wants. He began to fail more rapidly, and it was thought advisable to remove him to a room in the “Old Brewery” where he would have more quiet, and where a person could be in attendance upon him. When the aged saint was put in his quiet room, such a strain of thanksgiving as ascended thence, was never heard before in the Old Brewery. There where a few months before, nothing met the ear but the most awful curses and blasphemies, where thieves and assassins frequented; there lay an heir of God, a joint-heir with Christ, from whom the high praises of his God were continually ascending. His gratitude was most touching.

“It is more than I deserve. I do not wish anything more. It is more than my Master had; less will answer me,” were the replies given to our desires to help him. The strong faith and confidence that had supported him through many years of privation and suffering, were eminently triumphant now. He would say, “God is good. He is sweetly near. Soon I shall dwell with Him forever.”

The Bible seemed all his own. He had been so constantly a reader of its truths, that he seemed to know every promise it contained, and rested on them most unwaveringly, and as he had been taught by the Holy Spirit to appropriate them to himself.

“I am nothing,” said he to me during the last conversation I had with him, “but Christ is my Rock—He is my all and in all.”

On Thursday preceding his death, he seemed so far spent that his friends thought he was dying, and we surrounded his bedside.

“Father Best, you are about to leave us.”

“No, I shall be here a few days longer. If I have a wish, it is that I may enter the house of my rest on Lord’s day morning, the morning of my Redeemer’s resurrection.”

That wish was gratified, a few days passed on, and in the midnight stillness which preceded the dawn, were heard from that rudely constructed room the exclamations, “Almost gone!” “Glory be to God! The promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus.” “My Redeemer, my Everlasting Portion.”

Gradually he sank, but the lamp of life continued to flicker until six o’clock proclaimed it to be the day on which the Saviour burst the bands of death; then exclaiming, while the light of heaven rested on his countenance, “I knew I should enter into rest on the Lord’s day,” his triumphant spirit passed into the presence of his Lord.

When it became evident that he was sinking and would no more meet on earth that part of his family left in Ireland, he expressed a desire that someone would write to them and tell them that the promises of God had been all verified in his experience, and that now when every earthly support was failing, the Rock on which he had built his hopes for eternity, stood firm beneath his feet.

His earthly remains were laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery till summoned by the voice of the archangel and the trump of God, to meet the Lord in the air. (1 These. 4:16.)

“Trust in Him at all times.” Ps. 62:8.

ML 12/21/1902

God Counts.

“OH, I want one of those cakes!” cried a little boy, as his mother left the room, after placing a plate of cakes on the table.

“No, no,” said his sister.

“Mother won’t know it; she didn’t count them,” he answered.

“If she didn’t, perhaps God counted,” was the little sister’s prompt reply, and the little boy’s hand was staved.

ML 12/21/1902

Learning to Walk.

THE little fellow in our picture is just learning to walk. Sister, with outstretched arm is asking him to come; and in her hand she is holding a fine apple to induce him to try. Mother stands behind him to catch him if he should fall. Sometimes little folks push away the kind hand that would support them, and then they are pretty sure to get a tumble.

But there is another kind of walk of which I wish to speak to you, and that is the walk with Jesus, for we who are born again should learn to walk with Him.

Unlike the baby, who can, after a time, learn to walk alone, we can never learn to walk without the help of Jesus; we need His help for every step of the way. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” If we try to go on without His help, we will find to our sorrow that a fall awaits us.

Peter felt strong, and quite sure that he could go all right; he would not deny Jesus—no! not even though all the others did. Ah! Peter did not know how weak he was, and what need he had of help from Jesus. He was allowed to try a few steps in his own strength; but it resulted in a dreadful fall.

It is a good thing, dear boys and girls, to realize that you need God’s help in all things, and at all times. Go to Him for help and strength and wisdom for a right walk; and you will find His strong arm supporting you, and your walk and ways will then be to His praise and glory.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Prov. 52:5.

ML 12/28/1902

The Kings of Israel.

Saul anointed. 1 Sam. 9:27, 10:1.

THE anointing of Saul had been kept a secret between the Lord and Samuel until now, at the proper moment, when Samuel showed Saul the word of God, and took a vial of oil and poured it upon his head and kissed him. And by this act of anointing, he showed Saul the word of God by obeying it. It is when we keep the word of God that we really show to others what it is, for the Lord does not give it to us simply that we may know it, but that we may walk in it and thus be His living witnesses in the world.

Is it not true, dear children, that the most of us know more of God’s will from His word than we really walk in, or that we are faithful to? But He desires that it should dwell in our hearts, and then it is sure to guide our feet in His ways and to His glory.

But how real and authoritative the action of Samuel in anointing Saul was, for it was according to the word spoken by the Lord. And Samuel was acting on the authority of that word, and in obedience to it. Saul, on the other hand, was merely receiving what God had before appointed for him. So we see that while one was acting, the other was receiving, and we may look at ourselves, also, in these two positions. If we think of the manifold blessings and privileges we have received, we know that they have all come to us through the word of God; or, if we think of ourselves as being God’s children here on earth to act in a way pleasing to Him, then surely we must have that same blessed word for our counsel and authority.

Do we enter into the deep importance of this, dear children?

God has had His secrets concerning our blessing hid from before the world existed, but has now manifested those secrets in His word through preaching. (Titus 1:3.) We know that He sends out preachers in order that people may hear His word; and that people must hear in order that they may believe, and that they must believe in order to be saved. (Rom. 10:14.)

The one question of greatest moment is, Have we believed His word? Thousands upon thousands hear it, receive it in one ear and let it slip away out of the other; but where it is really believed, it settles in the heart, takes root there and bears fruit.

It declares one great and precious secret which was not made known until Jesus came and declared it—that God is love, and that He loved the world so much that He gave His own dear Son for it. And all He asks in return from us for such a gift is that we believe Him, believe His Son, and believe His word. Then, if we do believe, we are positively assured that forgiveness of sins, peace with God, acceptance with Him as dear children, an inheritance laid up for us in heaven, and, in fact, all blessings are made ours through Christ. And the more we search His word, the more fully do we find how great and how many our blessings really are. The Lord wants us to learn the greatness of our inheritance through His word, for we may know but very little about it at the time we take Jesus as our Saviour and own Him as our Lord. It may be our life-long study, and yet we shall not learn all its blessedness for us. But while we remain here in the world, let us desire as, new-born babes, the pure milk of the word that we may grow thereby. (1 Pet. 2:2.)

But there is something more for us to consider here which is of very great importance. After we believe the truth, the gospel of our salvation, and have received Christ as God’s gift to us, He then bestows upon us another gift, which is the Holy Ghost.

Here in the scripture we are considering, we see that Saul was anointed to be captain over Israel, and the oil was poured out upon his head; but when God anoints us, He pours out His Spirit upon us and sends Him into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. “Now He which ... ..hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and GIVEN the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Cor. 1:21,22.

This is the Comforter, who comes into our hearts, and dwells with us, to lead us, strengthen us, and show us the word of God. This anointing teaches us all things and we need not that any MAN should teach us. Oh, what love, what unbounded love, for God to thus give us His blessed Son and Spirit.

But we must be subject to His word and Spirit, and be most careful not to use our own wills, for, if we do, we shall become disobedient children, and thus displease our Father. Disobedience and in subjection to God’s word and will were the cause of Saul’s ruin and rejection by God as king over His people. Let us rather seek to do as Samuel did—walk with God and have our hearts inclined to receive and obey His word. Then we shall have the Lord’s authority for whatever we do, and by obeying His word, have the sweet assurance that we are acting in union with Him, just as Samuel could say, when he took the oil and poured it upon Saul, “Is it not because the LORD HATH ANOINTED thee to be captain over His inheritance?”

‘“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word,

Just to rest upon His promise,

Just to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’”

ML 12/28/1902

"I Might Have Been Saved."

A MAN had listened to one of God’s servants preaching and was deeply affected by conviction of sin.

Some nights after this, Evangelist S— visited a dance-hall, with a desire, if possible, to see some of Satan’s pleasure votaries delivered from his kingdom and power, and brought to the feet of Jesus. Here he met this same man who had attended the preaching, and said to him, “Is there not some opportunity for God to work here?”

With a look of almost fiendish hate, and with a voice of almost hellish aversion, he got the reply, “What business have you here! you get out of this place at once!” Accordingly, the evangelist, complying with this abrupt and ill-mannered rebuke, retired and went his way.

The next morning at the hotel where the preacher was staying came a message from none other than the one who, less than twelve hours before, had so reviled him, written thus, “S—, I treated you very rudely last night. I am sorry. I want you to forgive me. I go to Chester today to transact some business, and this evening at five o’clock I shall meet you. I want this question of salvation settled.”

That evening at a little before five o’clock, a man lay prostrate in the streets of Chester, bearing on his troubled brow the stamp of approaching death. A physician was hastily summoned, to whom the dying man said, “Doctor, is my condition anything serious? I have an appointment to soon meet a man in P—, which I must keep.”

“Man,” replied the physician, “you are dying, and, if you have anything to say, say it now.”

Gathering up his remaining strength, he took a pencil and wrote the evangelist the following line: —

“The night I heard you-preach I was deeply moved and troubled. I could not rest, so I took a drink to get relief. I took another and another to drown that terrible voice that harassed me. When I spoke to you at the hall that night I felt as though I were possessed by the devil. And now the question remains unsettled, and it’s too late.”

Having finished this, he raised high his hands and loudly cried, “Oh God, that night I might have been saved, but now I must be damned,” and fell over dead,

Reader, be advised and consider. Stop and reflect. An eternity of endless woe or eternal joy is straight before you. God in mercy and love calls your attention earnestly to it, and addresses Himself to your heart and conscience that you may repent and be converted. The morning with its joy and rapture cometh: also the night with its sorrow and misery. Oh, flee just now for refuge to Jesus ere you wait too long and say, “The harvest is past: the summer is ended and I am not saved.”

ML 12/28/1902

Answers to Prayer.

No. 9.

A NUMBER of years ago, some Sunday-school children with their parents were spending a few hours together out in the woods.

While running and playing about, one of the boys, whose name was Fred, lost his watch. As soon as he discovered the loss, different ones began to look for the missing watch. They looked carefully through the grass where they had been playing, but no watch was to be seen.

One girl asked the Lord to direct her to the right spot and then went away a little distance from the others to a part in which they had not played. Fred, however, had once run around this way and it was the very place where he had dropped the watch.

So the girl who asked God to help her, soon saw the watch lying in the grass, and with a glad heart, thanking the Lord for answering her prayer, returned it to Fred.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalm 1:15.

“They cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Ps. 107:6.

ML 12/28/1902

Satisfied.

The following lines were written by and found under the pillow of a dear girl after she had departed to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, who was very precious to her.

“I SHALL BE SATISFIED.”

I shall be satisfied,

But not while here below,

Where every cup of bliss

Is wisely mixed with woe.

When this frail form shall be

Forever laid aside,

And in His likeness I awake,

I shall be satisfied.

“HE SHALL BE SATISFIED.”

He shall be satisfied,

When all He died to win,

By loving-kindness gently drawn,

Are safely gathered in.

When in the glory bright

He views His glorious bride,

Sees of the travail of His soul,

He shall be satisfied.

ML 12/28/1902

Messages of God's Love: 1902

Table of Contents

Answers to Questions of Nov. 3rd.

Uncared for.

Jesus: Are You for Him or Against Him?

The Grateful Robin.

Too Full.

Jacob's Return.

The Story of a Pear.

Assurance and Joy.

Winter.

Why Does Not the Lord Communicate With His People the Same as in Olden Times?

The Bible.

The Broken Vase.

My Pussy!

Jacob Meets Esau.

Jesus and Offenses.

A Well Known Text.

The Kindness of God.

Simple Faith.

Answers to Questions of December 1st.

Guilty.

Joseph, the "Dreamer."

Christ for Us Always.

Bless, and Curse Not.

The Dog and His Master.

Joseph in the Land of Egypt.

Walter's Punishment.

A Happy Family.

Joseph in Prison.

Walter's Punishment.

Kindness.

Living Water.

Pharaoh's Dream.

Jesus and the Little Children.

The Old, Old Story.

Answers to Questions of January 5th.

Joseph as Ruler Over All the Land of Egypt.

"Great Is Our Lord, and of Great Power."

Jesus and the Young Ruler.

"What Is Whiter Than Snow?"

Happiness.

Two Young Men Who Wanted Fun.

Joseph in the Time of Famine.

Four Calls of the Spirit.

A Mother's Care.

Joseph and His Brothers.

The Dying Sailor.

That's Enough for Me.

Sobriety.

Jesus Warns Against Trusting in Riches.

Joseph and Benjamin.

Truth's Echo.

Can't God Take Care of Us?

Jerome.

Jesus and Those Who Leave All to Follow Him.

Sunshine.

Not Heaven but Christ.

He Kept Back the Duke.

Answers to Questions of February 2nd.

Paradise.

Jesus Going up to Jerusalem.

Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brothers.

A Letter From One of Our Little Friends.

See Saw.

Joseph Meets His Father.

Brave Bobby.

Are You Ready?

Keep Them Out.

Follow Me.

A Letter From One of Our Young Friends.

The Nightingale.

Joseph Presents His Father to Pharaoh.

Jesus and the Sons of Zebedee.

Adventures in the Woods.

I Belong to Him.

"What Is Prayer?"

Rest.

Joseph and His Two Sons.

Pray for Your Friends.